Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 26-08-2023.pdf

Numerous young people nationwide have received certification from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). The quality of life of workers and their families has been improving as a consequence of the government’s efforts to create jobs and offer higher compensation and salaries.

Diamond eco-lodges fully booked for Cricket Carnival

–– concept could be replicated in Leguan, President Ali says

PRESIDENT , Dr Irfaan

Ali has said that the landscape of Great Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) is undergoing a massive transformation, as the construction of 30 eco-lodges reaches its final stages.

As the Guyana leg of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket Carnival approaches , these lodges are poised to offer luxurious accommodation for the influx of visitors

The project is set to be opened in the first week of September, marking a new era in Guyana’s commitment to both eco - consciousness and tourism excellence

President Ali, on Friday, inspected the ongoing works and shared the optimistic sentiment surrounding the project’s progress

He said this , the pilot project, will redefine Carib-

to recover around 80 per cent of wood that typically goes

facility will have a gym, spa and restaurant

Strategically located a mere four minutes from the stadium, the eco-lodges are poised to fortify tourism in the region.

“It makes a lot of sense to rent the facility here,” President Ali said, highlighting the convenience these lodges offer for CPL attendees

The development’s influence goes beyond the lodges themselves President Ali shared exciting prospects about the new regional hospital set to be positioned on the opposite side of the facility, creating a holistic ecosystem.

“ Already , the owner of the land next door is going to do a facility to complement what we’re doing here,” he said, outlining a vision for a harmonious network of complementary offerings

President Ali remarked , as he pointed out the broader infrastructure transformation in progress

With the lodges on stream for the first week of September, its significance extends beyond the immediate impact

“Imagine what this could do for us,” President Ali said, radiating optimism about the potential ripple effects of such eco-friendly endeavours across the region

The President was blown away by the development that had taken place from his last visit when he was greeted by swamplands.

high-end projects,” the Head of State said

Given the successes so far, the President also shared his enthusiasm for expanding the eco-lodge concept to Leguan , located in Region Three ( Essequibo Islands / West Demerara).

“Already, there is a proposal to do a similar facility like this , from the private development in Leguan So, imagine in all these islands, we can have these small eco-lodges Imagine the potential , imagine what this could do for us,” President Ali said

bean hospitality showcasing an exotic blend of natural landscaping and modern architecture

“ We are very pleased with the progress so We are hoping that the opening will be on the week of the seventh (September 7),” Dr Ali related.

Against the backdrop of meticulously landscaped grounds adorned with newly planted coconut trees , President Ali envisioned the lodges’ potential to immerse guests in an authentic eco-resort experience

“ When you walk in on the seventh, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a true eco-resort,” he remarked with enthusiasm

Designed with meticulous attention by DuraVilla Homes, the lodges are poised to seamlessly blend luxury with sustainability

DuraVilla Homes and the driving force behind this ambitious project, said that all lodges will be ready for installation on - site in the upcoming week , following its completion in the factory

The President said that the lodges have already been fully booked for the first nine days, aligning perfectly with the CPL event

SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACT

“The project has almost tripled the net worth already So, this is what this project does ,” President Ali said , underscoring the significant economic impact that such initiatives could produce

A standout feature of the project is its dedicated focus on responsible wood usage Khan unveiled plans to incorporate live - edge tables made from the outer bark of trees, an initiative that aims

to waste

This project is set to shine a spotlight on both ecological responsibility and innovative craftsmanship , and is 100 per cent Guyana-made. The

This initiative also speaks volumes about Guyana ’ s capacity to execute highend, state-of-the-art projects efficiently.

“By next weekend, we’ll open a new roundabout one of the most beautiful roundabouts in the entire region , once completed ,”

“It is amazing that when we visited the last time over there used to be swamp lands This is where we are today It shows also how we ’ re developing as a people and as a country and the type of capacity that we are building, and developing so that we can deliver state - of - the - art

President Ali expressed his anticipation for the positive impact that the project could have on the island ’ s economy and community

He said that the success of the Diamond eco-lodges has shown that sustainable tourism isn’t just a buzzword it ’ s a pathway to prosperity.

Rafeek Khan, Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (DPI photos)

Works ongoing on one of the eco-lodges

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali inspecting one of the eco-lodges while being updated by CEO of DuraVilla Homes, Rafeek Khan

Construction of the walkway which will be accessed by golf carts

Commonwealth women’s affairs ministers endorse roadmap to fast-track gender equality

WOMEN ’ s affairs ministers from Commonwealth countries committed to a roadmap on Thursday designed to scale up efforts to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls, especially in climate action

The roadmap was the result of three days of deliberations among ministers at their triennial Commonwealth meeting in The Bahamas this week It was also shaped by input from a range of stakeholders including domestic violence survivors, civil society representatives, and women with disabilities

As part of this roadmap, women ’ s affairs ministers pledged to enhance efforts to address inequality in several Commonwealth priority areas over the coming years

Specific provisions in -

clude an enhanced role of women in climate finance , increased support for women with disabilities , more economic opportunities for women , better representation in decision-making and greater protection from gender-based violence

The roadmap encapsulates the outcome statement issued by ministers , representing 2.5 billion Commonwealth people , at the conclusion of their meeting on August 23, 2023

Next year, this roadmap will be considered by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa

Speaking after the meeting, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC , said the roadmap was “incredibly

important” because millions of women and girls “ are disproportionately impacted by injustice, climate change, violence and discrimination”.

She continued: “The outcomes of the meeting send a clear message that the Commonwealth is determined to lead by example towards ensuring women and girls are not left behind in our efforts to achieve sustainable development and climate justice What we achieved here will enable us all to deliver today and it will help to shape a better tomorrow for the benefit of the 2.5 billion people living in our Commonwealth.”

To support the roadmap’s implementation , ministers endorsed a framework for reporting on Commonwealth priorities for gender equality

The Commonwealth

Secretariat will use this framework to regularly assess progress based on set indicators and coordinate necessary measures through a ministerial action group , aimed at tackling challenges disrupting the positive momentum

Acknowledging that climate change disproportionately affects women and girls , ministers shared good practices that supported women and girls in overcoming the impacts in their respective countries.

Ministers and senior officials also called on the Commonwealth to advocate for an inclusive ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ that supports the needs of women and girls equitably

The meeting was chaired by Hon Obediah Wilch -

combe , Minister of Social Services and Urban Development of The Bahamas

Reflecting on the meeting in a press conference, Minster Wilchcombe expressed his appreciation for the substantive outcomes

He said: “We have a roadmap coming out of this meeting which we [The Bahamas] and other countries will follow Because it would not make too much sense three years from now to return saying the same old thing What we want to do is to make a real difference. We are pleased that this meeting sets us up on a higher plane and at a faster pace to follow this roadmap.”

Recognising the significance of engaging men and boys in preventing and combating gender-based vi-

olence, ministers welcomed the launch of Secretary-General Patricia Scotland’s for the ‘ Women in my Life ’ campaign.

To be rolled out across the Commonwealth, the campaign will take a culturally sensitive approach towards involving men and boys in addressing violence against women and girls as active allies

In their statement, ministers also highlighted the need for collecting and analysing sex - disaggregated data in order to develop evidence - based solutions and target them more accurately

The Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting was hosted by the Government of The Bahamas from 21 to 23 August 2023 in the capital, Nassau.

Gladstone family vows to help develop Guyana

apologises for ancestors’ involvement in slavery; plans to establish financial fund to assist with various projects

participates in launch of University of Guyana (UG) Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies

By Trina Williams

ACKNOWLEDGING the grave and devious acts that were committed by their ancestors, relatives of John Gladstone, the former owner of enslaved Africans , on Friday, expressed their heartfelt apology to Guyana and said they intend to show, through their actions, that they want development and togetherness.

These sentiments were expressed by Charles Gladstone at the launch of the University of Guyana (UG) Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies Gladstone said that his family and he are grateful for the opportunity to make amends with the people of Guyana

While making his apology at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, Gladstone said that it was a privilege to be a part of the launch and his family intends to work closely with the University and Guyana Reparations Committee for the betterment of Guyana

“ It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestor’s involvement in this crime [slavery] and with heartfelt sincerity that we apologise to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana,” he said

Noting that they cannot change history , the family said that they believe that they can make an impact in today’s world for a brighter future

Gladstone said that his family will be creating a financial fund to assist various projects in Guyana.

Meanwhile , Eric Phillips, the Chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee and a representative of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Reparations Council labelled the launch as a “historic” day

He said : “ Reparations are a moral, legal, political, cultural, diplomatic, health, financial [and] international development issue of our time ,” adding that within the past year, there has been improvements in the discussions surrounding reparations for the Caribbean, especially Guyana

Addressing how they plan to honour the freedom fight-

ers of the 1823 Revolt, Phillips announced that the Guyana Reparations Committee is collaborating with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Archives, the National Trust and the Museum of African Heritage to launch an 1823 Bicentennial Exhibition at

Castellani House today

He said that artificial intelligence will be used to bring forth a realistic enactment of the “ Freedom Revolt.”

While Phillips accepted the apology put forth by the Gladstone Family, he did not fail to speak about the longstanding effects that slavery has caused on the world , especially the economic constraints

“I’ve come to accept the honesty and integrity of the Gladstone family and the Guyana Reparations Committee unconditionally welcomes them to Guyana, knowing the soul searching they have been through...,” Phillips remarked

HEALING

Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, who chaired the event , said amidst such

discussions, the new centre at UG is “well placed” and will touch on the different aspects of society

“This moment is one of the steps in a long journey that has started a long time ago, and we will continue to unpack and reckon for and to free ourselves in a sense from the worse institution inflicted upon a single people in our modern history and I speak of slavery,” she said She also related that the Reparations committee has put forth a 10-point plan that will help Guyanese move forward in a comprehensive manner

The Professor remarked: “ This is a bittersweet moment for many, and we will not know right now what to think, how to feel and maybe how to respond, but it is a once in a lifetime moment.”

Rosalinda Rasul, Head of the Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co - operation , during her remarks , said that the government recognises the importance of diaspora engagements and what it means for the people of Guyana

She also said that the government understands that the discussions are important in achieving social and economic engagement

With people moving for various reasons such as political unrest, natural disasters , etc …, Rasul said this is why more universities are establishing diaspora units and offering programmes , stressing that it helps to better understand the situation in order to create a better future for all

And given that Guyana

is on an aggressive track to economical greatness , she said that it is important that citizens understand the movement of people and what roles social, cultural or political factors play in it

Moreover, Professor John Edward Greene, the Chancellor of the University, said that the launch signifies a step in right direction and more so, it is pivotal in remembering legacies and molding future civilisation

“

At this juncture , the spotlight is about the essence of overcoming the legacy of slavery and indenture and charting a future that contributes to cohesion around the development imperatives of Guyana , in the context of the Caribbean community and a viable Caribbean region,” he remarked.

Charles Gladstone giving his apology (Shaniece Bamfield Photo)

The Gladstone Family (Trina Williams Photo)

An Extension with Consequences

THE recent revelations surrounding the extension of ExxonMobil ’ s oil prospecting licenses have brought to light a complex web of decisions that have reverberated through Guyana’s political and economic landscape

The one-year extension granted by former President David Granger in July 2020 has ignited a debate over its timing, consequences, and implications for the country’s burgeoning oil sector

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s disclosure that the extension was sanctioned by Granger, rather than the current People ’ s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) government, has shifted the focus of criticism The move was executed amid the country’ s political turmoil, shortly before the transition to President Dr Irfaan Ali’s administration The pressing question remains: Why did Granger choose this particular moment to extend ExxonMobil ’ s prospecting licenses?

Dr Jagdeo’s assertion that this extension had profound consequences is not without merit It becomes clear that this extension effectively shifted the timeline for ExxonMobil’s relinquishment of 20% of the oil-rich Stabroek Block from 2023 to 2024 While the coalition administration’s decision had seemingly immediate implications due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions, the eventual fallout has ramifications for years to come

The timeline change assumes significance against the backdrop of the ongoing auction of offshore oil blocks by the PPP/C Government The intricacies of relinquishment clauses within contracts underscore the importance of managing these blocks effectively to ensure fair competition and maximum benefit for Guyana’s development

While the APNU+AFC Opposition parties have decried the extension and sought to shift the blame, their stance has been challenged by the government

The Ministry of Natural Resources pointedly emphasises that the PPP / C administration refrained from endorsing force majeure extensions for other blocks, showing a consistent approach to managing the oil sector’s challenges.

It’s crucial to recognise the broader context in which these decisions were made The COVID - 19 pandemic upended economies worldwide, requiring nimble responses from governments Within this framework, oil operations were deemed essential, prompting discussions between the Co-Ventures and the APNU+AFC government

The debate over the extension underscores the complexities of managing an emerging oil industry, especially within a developing nation The sector’s development is tied not only to economic prosperity but also to political stability and the protection of democratic institutions. As the country grapples with these intricacies, it becomes clear that

scrutinising the past decisions can guide better ones in the future

In light of these revelations, it is essential to focus on lessons learned and a collective commitment to responsible governance. Transparent communication and informed decision-making should be the cornerstone of Guyana’s approach to its oil sector The responsible handling of resources, both in terms of environmental stewardship and equitable distribution of benefits, is paramount to secure a sustainable future for all Guyanese

As the dust settles on this revelation, it serves as a reminder that a nation’s path to development is paved not only with moments of triumph but also with challenging choices

By learning from the past and building a consensus-driven future, Guyana can navigate the complexities of its oil sector and emerge as a model for responsible resource management on the global stage

Ministry of Education should consider issuing annual school report cards

Dear Editor,

This week, the CXC results was released for 2023

These student results would determine the direction of our children’s future whether they get good jobs or can continue to do post-secondary education.

But while these results will tell us about student performance, they will also tell us about the effectiveness of our schools, and how well the schools are doing a good job at providing a rich education for our students

There are instances of some schools having a high percentage of graduate teachers, they are provided with all kinds of resource materials by the ministry, yet there is a high percentage of student failures Why? We need to do some root cause analysis, as part of ratcheting up our ongoing school accountability system and education reform

As our Ministry of Education continues its quest for “Excellence Through Equity,” we

need to implement some measures similar to those done by the USA in the landmark “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) initiative which has dramatically transformed American education

In Guyana, there seemed to have been a misunderstanding of what the concept of NCLB was all about NCLB was never about social promotion of children who failed It was the most rigorous, dramatic, earth-shaking federal accountability system ever implemented in US education

NCLB required all states in America to disaggregate their student achievement data by subgroups - Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, Students living with Disabilities, Students with Limited English Proficiency ( See Glatthorn and Jailall , The Principal as Curriculum Leader: Shaping What is Taught and Tested, 2008).

The disaggregation of data was meant to track whether all students are making progress, and whether schools are improving their performance every year

In the old days, no one batted an eyelid whether students in a school were passing or failing, but NCLB changed all of that No longer could any staff be sitting on the payroll waiting for retirement Everyone was now accountable for results

As Guyana emerges to be an economy transformed by its oil riches, as enormous shortages of skilled labour loom large, as we seek to avoid the “Dutch Disease” and maintain a diversified and strong non-oil economy, the education system needs major realignment and revamping It cannot be business as usual

We have to shed all those outdated, colonial-era practices that are irrelevant as we build a new, modern 21st century education infrastructure

What NCLB did in the USA was to make school boards, school principals, teachers, and parents accountable for results No longer could you blame the students and their parents for student failures at national exams

NCLB placed much focus on the quality and effectiveness of school administration , faithful implementation of the school curriculum infused with technology, improvements in teaching and learning, and the use of data-driven interventions

In Guyana , the colonial “ methuselah ” practice of teachers with the most years of experience being made principals is an outdated notion

In the USA, for instance, states require a Principal or Assistant Principal to have special licensure in school administration , usually requiring a Master’s Degree Maybe a name change from “head teacher” to “Principal” might be a nice upgrade of terminology

I hope the Ministry of Education publishes the CXC results from all high schools so we may start this conversation about annual school report cards and school accountability.

Yours sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

Editor Navendra Seoraj

President Ali, PM Phillips have transformed Guyana into a global leader

Dear Editor,

ON the third anniversary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora should be proud of the leadership of President , Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.

The transition from being a Minister and a member of the opposition for five years between 2015 and 2020 to the Presidency by His Excellency , Dr Ali has been remarkable Also , of great importance has been the transferal of Brigadier Mark Phillips from the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force to Prime Minister is amazing

It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Mark

Phillips , who spent more than half of his adult life in the military has, in three short years, become one of the country’s most consummate politicians

Many are of the opinion that he is intelligent and smart, and some believe that he has the skills and wherewithal to do an excellent job Although both the President and the Prime Minister have different backgrounds and experiences, they are ideal in their respective positions

Therefore , it is easy to conclude that their ascension to office was not a coincidence as some would assume, they were destined to lead the nation with its huge oil reserves to prosperity

After three terrific and exciting years in office as President and Prime Minis-

ter, they must be applauded by all for improving the lives and well-being of the people, especially the poor and the downtrodden and for the rapid development that Guyana is experiencing in the areas of infrastructure , housing , education, healthcare, social services, and human development, to name a few These types of development along with the soaring GDP growth rate , which is assessed to be among the highest in the world , have never been experienced before in the country Furthermore , no one could have predicted that a country with less than one million inhabitants would have such a high economic output and would become so successful in such a short time span.

We must congratulate the President and the Prime Minister for such outstanding achievements and encourage them to continue with their strategy and developmental plans to further boost the economy and uplift the people.

Since taking office in 2020, there was no shortage of challenges and obstacles, but President Dr , Ali , and Prime Minister Phillips were blessed with the ability and political acumen to confront and overcome them

First , they had to deal with the remnants of the COVID-19 global pandemic that at the time had engulfed and crippled the economic and social operations throughout the world This was followed by the flood, which affected farmers and

The AFC owes Guyana an official apology

Dear Editor, WHEN the AFC entered Guyana ’ s politics it was seen as a breath of fresh air.

The preamble to its constitution is full of all the “good stuff” one would expect of any political party that declares itself on the side equality, justice, and the rule of law

Point three of the preamble of their constitution reads as follows – “The AFC recognises that the development of a just society is founded on the supremacy of the rule of law.”

Wonderful indeed Nothing less is expected Point four is even more elaborate

It states: “In accordance with these democratic values the AFC subscribes to the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of persons under the rule of law and commits itself to the protection of these essential values and to advocating for their constant adoption to the changing needs of modern Guyanese society.” Bravo!

These are lofty ideals and had the AFC lived up to what it promised, Guyana would have been much further along the path of socio-economic development and cultural advancement History can be a cruel though , and the record of the AFC is ample

proof that we trust but also verify Rather than advancing democracy, the rule of law, and good governance , the AFC became the poster child of betrayal Three historic betrayals need amplification

The AFC had promised that it would never join-up with the authoritarian PNC Yet, it did the exact opposite when the opportunity arose Its behaviour in parliament during President Donald Ramotar’s tenure can only be described as unconscionable

Four specific things come to mind The AFC voted against the anti-money laundering bill , something that placed enormous pressure on Guyana from the international community Financial institutions were pushed into unimaginable difficulties , and citizens ultimately paid a heavy price They also sided with the PNC to kill the Amalia Falls project, and only acceded at the very last minute because an AFC big one was a possible beneficiary Then they sided with the PNC against sugar workers, something that would be repeated when they took full control of the government under the Granger presidency And not least, the AFC betrayed the Amerindian communities of Guyana by voting down the line items in the capital budget aimed at infrastructure and devel-

opment projects in those communities

In 2015 , the AFC betrayed not only the Guyanese people, but its own supporters by going into an alliance with the PNC-led APNU

The second great betrayal concerns the oil contract signed in 2016 It was an AFC man, Raphael Trotman, who spearheaded the attack Now, even though we accept a contract is a contract, the same AFC is calling for a renegotiated instrument

They have sided with Glen Lall and a motley crew of characters , whose daily calls for a renegotiated contract, have become part of the political landscape Some of their supporters , such as Mike Persaud, spend all their time jabbing in the dark corners of obscurity and irrelevance

The oil contract is their only means of existential maintenance

The final betrayal was mammoth by any standard, in any nation The same AFC that had promised to live by the rule of law , joined the APNU in a brazen effort to disenfranchise the entire nation during five months of electoral mayhem

During these five long agonizing months in 2020, the AFC prostrated itself beneath the APNU, allowing itself to be caressed into ignominy

cattle and dairy owners, then came the Mahdia fire and the alleged allegation of the raping of a 16-year-old Amerindian girl by a senior government official, among others

These problems did not take root in the country as they were quickly solved by the President and his cabinet

We should appreciate and admire the high level of development that the President, the Prime Minister, and the cabinet have brought to Guyana in three years, even though it seems much longer than three years

Their tireless efforts have made Guyana a regional and world leader Unlike the past when Guyana was a relatively unknown barely recognised country , today , it is widely admired and well - recognised among its CARICOM and Latin American neighbours , its Asian

and African, European and North American counterparts and hence the international community

Under the outstanding leadership by President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, at home and abroad, Guyana has emerged as a world leader on several global issues which have been articulated globally by President Ali on several occasions

Guyana ’ s projected future is bright, and it will provide enormous opportunities for the upliftment of the citizens and for its prosperity

All Guyanese should be thrilled and ecstatic of President , Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister , Brigadier ( Ret ’ d ) Mark Phillips for their grand achievements

Yours sincerely, Asquith Rose

A leaked video showed that Mr Ramjattan knew the APNU+AFC had lost, but he and the AFC persisted with their abusive lies, their daily distortions, and their grand betrayal

Guyana is a land of resilient people Then president in waiting, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and General Secretary of the PPP / C , Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, had asked supporters to protest if they want, but to do so within the ambit of the nation’s laws

How remarkable it is that in the face of shameless electoral banditry , Ali and Jagdeo, and the entire PPP/C leadership, could and did find the courage, the guts, and the decency, to abide by the rule of law This is something the AFC had long abandoned

The AFC ended up with more seats in parliament than it could have possibly won I suppose loyalty, no matter how immoral, can still yield some benefits The question is though – how could the AFC live with itself? It must be very difficult But Guyanese are also a forgiving people

On this score, it is not too late for the AFC to offer a sincere apology for the great betrayals it has committed.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Randolph Persaud

Guyana’s democratic system is no different from others

HERE are some things to ponder on

The leader of the largest party in the federal parliament of India, Mr Rahul Gandhi , from the Indian Congress Party , was expelled from the House (later reinstated by the courts).

There was no supermajority in parliament that voted for his removal It is doubtful any competent political theorist would deny that India is a special democratic polity in the world

With dozens of cultures and languages, the social cohesion of India is stronger than perhaps the other nations in the world

President Macron of France put a Bill before parliament to increase the pension age Sensing he would lose the vote , by

way of presidential degree he legislated the Bill into law There is no supermajority in the French parliament to overturn what Macron did

In the United States , legislation can be passed by one vote if there is a 50- 50 composition in opposing parties in the Senate. The Vice President breaks the tie, meaning that just one vote allows for the passage of Bills There is no supermajority needed in the US Senate to appoint a Supreme Court justice

The Prime Minister of the UK became the head of government through the following processes . When Prime Minister, Boris Johnson resigned , the ruling Conservative Party defined the avenue by which a contestant can

become PM.

Each candidate has to secure 100 endorsements from the sitting Members of Parliament for the ruling party Those who secure more than that 100 nominations square off in a vote among Conservative MPs

Mr Sunak was the only candidate to reach the 100 points and thus was declared the PM In natural law, contestants should be allowed to freely and openly fight to become head of the party either by the votes of party members or the executive committee of the party (what we in Guyana call the central committee) or through votes among his/her colleagues in parliament Mr Sunak faced no voting system There was no supermajority vote to make Mr Sunak the PM

The only supermajority in the UK system is the current majority of 80 seats that the Conservative Party holds in the House With that simply 80 seat majority, the UK Government has passed legislation to send refugees going to the UK from the Third World to Rwanda The UK government did not need a supermajority to legislate for refugees to be flown to Rwanda

In the US of 50 States, each State sends two senators to the Senate Rhode Island has 1 million people California has 39 million Texas has 30 million Two senators from Rhode Island have the same voting power as the two from California

There is no supermajority clause in the American constitution that would

weaken the voting rights of Rhode Island senators as against those from California and Texas

So there is the suggestion that Guyana’s parliament should ensure that , on major legislations, there should be a supermajority

If Guyana adopts that then it will be a first in the world because no other country has a parliamentary system based on supermajority voting, not even India which is federal system consisting of 29 union states

In India, the US, Germany , Canada , and UK the top four known federal systems , at the federal , parliamentary level has no supermajority To go to war, the federal parliament has to authorise the executive ( Prime Minister or President) to declare war

against another country

If the UK parliament agrees to go to war, a simple majority will do it even if all the parliamentary representatives from Scotland vote against it. There was no supermajority when the National Assembly in Britain authorised the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair to invade Iraq

In Guyana , there is a plethora of suggestions about how Guyana can strengthen its democracy but the advocacies are more based on political and ethnic impulses rather than democratic instincts Just one infamous example should suffice

When the Ali presidency came into existence in August 2020 , shortly after, the Stabroek News rejected the end of the tenure of Dr. Vincent Adams as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency At the time, Dr Adams sat in the leadership of an opposition party , the Alliance For Change

There was no precedent in the world where an incoming administration retained the CEO of a very sensitive , important state institution who at the time was in the leadership of the opposition

The same newspaper argued months after that it was not acceptable for the Private Sector Commission to sit on the board of the Natural Resource Fund because that NGO is pro-PPP This is what I mean by anti-government impulses

NISA building renamed in honour of late Dr. Roger Luncheon

OWING to the indelible mark he left in the area of intelligence gathering, and his crucial abilities to analyse and decipher information, the most fitting honour for Dr . Roger Luncheon was the renaming of the National Intelligence Security Agency (NISA) to the Doctor Roger Forbes Luncheon Building, President,

combination is what made him exceptional and different Because here ’ s a man that understood everything from national security level had to be integrated with National Development,” President Ali related

The Head of State said that intelligence is not about spying, but it is about gathering timely, relevant informa-

he related

President Ali said that not only is the building dedicated to Dr Luncheon, but also every day, the men and women in uniform who come out and stand up to protect the country, are fulfilling the legacy of late longstanding public servant.

“He has left an indelible footprint on our nation’s secu-

years , he acted in coordinating efforts to protect our homeland from internal and external threats His dedication to the well-being of our citizens and his tireless work in maintaining law and order is a public record,” President Ali said

He added that in addition to the renaming, as a person enters the building, there will be different aspects of Dr Luncheon’s work on display and at an appropriate time, a bust of Dr Luncheon will also be placed in the lobby of the building

“This building stands as a testament to the fact that our commitment to security is unyielding , and that we will continue to invest in the resources , knowledge and skills necessary to protect our nation,” President Ali said

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, said that at the core of the national security sector exists

the sacred realm of state intelligence , for which Dr Luncheon was pivotal in shaping its evolution

“The dedication of the NISA, therefore, is a just move fitting for the giant of a man he was Dr Luncheon did not only shape lives, he shaped progress, important progress for Na-

tional Development and Security; this is a concept he held dearly , and was able to address through the application of an improved intelligence structure, and it was the support to this field of intelligence that Dr Luncheon brought stability to national development,” he said.

Dr Irfaan Ali has said The building was renamed during a simple ceremony on Friday

During the ceremony , President Ali said that given Dr Luncheon ’ s input into the country’s national development, it is fitting that the building be renamed after him.

“Luncheon’s role and his input in national development with a strong understanding of national security, that

tion to ensure the safety and security of the country and its people

The President said that one of the most important things about intelligence is one ’ s ability to understand what constitutes a threat

“It is the ability to decipher and that was Dr Luncheon’s strength, his ability to go through stacks of information and then put on his desk what the relevant issues are that must be dealt with,”

rity architecture Therefore, it’s fitting that the NISA building should be named in his honour

In so doing , we ’ re not only paying homage to a man of exceptional caliber, but also associating his legacy with the important work of protecting our motherland,” he said

Dr Luncheon has played a central role in shaping the country ’ s national security policies and plans.

“As the Secretary of the Defense Board for many

Empowering SMEs: ISO 50001 Energy Management Workshop concludes today

A TRANSFORMATIVE workshop focused on ISO 50001 Energy Management for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will conclude today at the Pegasus Hotel , Kingston , Georgetown.

The workshop is being hosted by the Guyana Office for Investment, along with the Caribbean Export Development Agency and generously sponsored by Republic Bank and concludes today

The aim of the initiative was to equip SMEs with the tools and knowledge to create energy - efficient strategies , thereby aligning with ISO 50001 compliance standards

Attendees include representatives from a diverse range of sectors, such as the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber ( GOGEC ), Private Sector Commission ( PSC ), Guyana Manufacturing and Ser-

vices Association ( GMSA ), and Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GGCI), among others

Leading the workshop is Mr Kit Oung, an Energy Expert from the British Standards Institution in London

Oung is expected to provide invaluable insights into energy transition processes , emphasising the tangible benefits that these transitions can offer to SMEs

The opening ceremony featured distinguished speakers, including Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Agency Head of the Guyana Office for Investment; Mr Venus Trim Frith, General Manager - Credit at Republic Bank Guyana ; and Dr Damie Sinanan, Manager of Competitiveness and Export Promotion at the Caribbean Export Development Agency in Barbados Dr Ramsaroop under -

scored the importance of the workshop , particularly as Guyana delves deeper into oil production

He emphasised that SMEs should concentrate on maximising profits while minimising energy costs, leveraging techniques that will be explored during the workshop

The broader objective of integrating ISO 50001 into the strategic management of SMEs is to enhance their competitiveness on a global scale This is especially crucial in a business landscape increasingly influenced by Environmental , Social , and Governance (ESG) factors

As the Caribbean region navigates complex energy transition processes , the workshop serves as a timely intervention , aiming to strike a balance between decarbonisation , security , and affordability

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Small, large businesses were severely drained under APNU+AFC

GENERAL Secretary of the People ’ s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the former APNU + AFC government “sucked the life” out of Guyanese businesses and caused the economy to plummet during its tenure.

Dr Jagdeo , during a press conference on Thursday, responded to members of the APNU+AFC who attempted to mislead Guyanese and spread false information that the PPP government is making it difficult for citizens to establish their own businesses

While explaining that it

–– Dr. Jagdeo says

is indeed difficult for newcomers to start a business considering their lack of experience, he said that under the APNU + AFC government , it would have been harder because they burdened Guyanese with over 200 taxes

“If it’s difficult now, it was near impossible under the APNU government because they sucked the life out of not just the large businesses across Guyana but they also made it very, very difficult for small businesses to operate by increasing registration fees , licensing permits, putting taxes on a number of things that small businesses have to utilise in advancing their business venture,” Dr Jagdeo said

Talking about main areas such as water and electricity that were being heavily taxed , the PPP General Secretary said because of this immense pressure that was placed on the backs of the ordinary Guyanese, the government had to relieve Guyanese from the burden He related: “It was very

difficult for small businesses

Money in circulation just dried up If you talk to people, taxi drivers, almost everyone, it was very difficult.”

In December 2022, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said that the Guyanese people saved some $31.4 billion following his government’s decision to slash more than 200 taxes since taking office in August 2020

The Head of State related that when his government took office, several drastic measures were implemented to help reboot and revitalise the economy One of those measures included the removal of the more than 200 burdensome tax measures

“We saw this as a critical policy measure in boosting disposable income at the household level,” President Ali said

Before the tax cuts, President Ali said that the average growth rate of tax from 2016 to 2019 as a result of those over 200 taxes , was just around 14 per cent

Dr Ali added that if this 14 per cent is applied to the

2019 tax figures and that amount is compared to what was collected, it is evident that removing these tax measures meant that Guyanese could save billions of dollars

President Ali further said:

“ Removing the 200 plus burdensome tax measures has saved the people around $31.4 billion in taxes… at the household level, this meant that roughly $ 180,000 per family was saved with the removal of these taxes.”

It was also reported in 2022 that returns from VAT and excise taxes declined by 10.2 per cent following tax reforms being instituted to cushion the rising cost of living

This was according to a report from the Bank of Guyana, which said that the receipts from VAT and excise taxes were only about $22.7 billion.

The tax reforms form part of the government ’ s wider agenda to improve the quality of life in Guyana and address immediate economic challenges that affect Guyanese.

Infrastructure works moving apace at new Silica City

MINISTER of Housing and Water , Collin Croal has stated that infrastructure works on Phase One of the new Silica City along the Soesdyke – Linden Highway is rapidly progressing.

This encompasses the construction of 100 residential houses , along with the establishment of malls, condominiums , apartment buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other amenities

“ The establishment of Silica City is moving apace we welcome expressions of interest and investors for this mega project,” Minister Croal said at the launch of the International Building Exposition Thursday evening

Earlier this year, the ministry awarded four contracts totalling $ 2.11 billion to commence infrastructural works on the initial 109 acres of the 3,000-acre land designated for Silica City

The development of Guyana’s first smart urban centre ‘Silica City’, is the brainchild of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who proposed the city ’ s establishment while serving as housing minister in 2013.

The idea was rooted in

Guyana ’ s necessity for an urban centre that would complement the existing capital city of Georgetown, which is susceptible to flooding

Since taking office in August 2020 , the government has been diligently revitalising and relaunching the housing sector to offer affordable housing opportunities to citizens

Minister Croal underscored that the initial commitment to allocate 10,000 house lots annually over five years has evolved to include the distribution of complete houses This is in addition to the regularisation of informal settlements

In 2023 alone, a total of 4,682 residential house lots

and 115 commercial lots were allocated, while 224 informal lots were regularised Another 2,000 house lots will be allocated over the next two days at the International Building Expo.

According to the minister, a total of 15 new housing developments were established along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara over the past year Additionally, some 258 home improvement subsidies were distributed, while 927 allottees benefitted from steel and cement vouchers Further , the ministry completed the construction of 955 houses in two years and allocated 188 core homes to low-income families. (DPI)

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the PPP (Adrian Narine photo)

MoU signed for construction of 200 houses at Leonora

SOME 200 three-bedroom flat homes will soon be constructed at Leonora , Region Three , following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) between the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and South Atlantic Logistics and General Services Inc., on Friday. The agreement was signed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves and New Century International Founder and CEO, Alex De La Cruz

Each home will measure 862 square feet, which is 62 more square feet than the other three-bedroom homes being constructed under the national housing programme The homes will , however , remain the same cost of $9 million

Further, each unit will be constructed on approximately 5,000 square feet of land, using interlocking columns and blocks and without the use of mortar The columns will also form a part of the foundation of the homes Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Min-

ister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues ; US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; Senior Commercial Officer at the US Embassy’s Department of Commerce, Daniel Gaines; New Century International Vice President, David Bishop and Director, Jose Aguilella; Representative from Blokon, a subsidiary of New Century International , Alphonso De Armas; CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; CH&PA Deputy Director of Projects, Intakab Indarjeet and other senior officials.

164 youths successfully complete music literacy programme

SOME 164 youths were successful participants of the 11th Republic Bank Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme , held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

This annual workshop, which recommenced after a three-year hiatus, seeks to awaken in Guyana ’ s youth the power to learn and succeed in the steel-pan art form while providing the opportunity to develop self-discipline and the spirit of team work

The camps were conducted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven and 10, where participants benefitted from both theoretical and practical training in the steel pan art form

The programme ran from July 24 –August 11, 2023 and the focus was on strengthening the skills of players from selected school bands

Having completed the programme, participants are now able to read simple pieces from a single staff, play beginner-level pieces, play scales with key signature of up to one sharp or flat, and place chords to simple melodies

Graduation ceremonies were held on the last day of the programme, Friday, August 11, 2023, at each camp where participants received their certificates and provided entertainment A closing ceremony for Regions Three and Four participants was held at Umana Yana, Georgetown

The Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme was first introduced to Guyana in 2010 as part of the Bank’s “Power to Make a Difference” Social Investment initiative. Republic Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that positively impact and shape the minds of our youth

Some 200 three-bedroom flat houses will soon be constructed at Leonora, Region Three, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and South Atlantic Logistics and General Services Inc., on Friday

1,200 ‘Dream Realised’ house lots allocated at Building Expo

SOME 1,200 house lots were, on Friday, allocated during the ‘Dream Realised ’ exercise organised by the Ministry of Housing and Water - Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

The event is taking place at the International Building Expo at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara

Persons will be allocated lands at Two Friends, Lusignan and Good Hope,

East Bank Demerara (Region Four).

Christina Hikel , a young allottee, expressed her gratitude to the government for the house lot She described it as an accomplishment resulting from her hard work and related her eagerness for the next step of building her home

“It’s a good feeling, it’s an accomplishment It’s a good opportunity for young people to go on their own, achieve what they have been working towards and

be independent,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Another beneficiary , Oscar Gravesande , who is an engineer attached to Guyana Power and Light (GPL), shared his excitement, as he is now on his way to achieving homeownership

“The process was very smooth, it was well organised, everything was well planned out I must give the ministry thumbs up for that,” he said.

Christine Khan expressed her enthusiasm as a young individual to achieve homeownership She commended the government for its efforts in providing young people like her with the chance to excel and achieve their goals in life Minister of Housing and Water , Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, as well as Chief Executive Officer of the CHPA were on the ground overseeing the allocation process.

Minister Croal clarified that Lusignan and Good Hope have already undergone allocations, prompting the decision to expand further inland Two Friends is a new area where allocations have just started.

He further stated that the focus is being placed on allocations on the East Coast, given that the East Bank is saturated “What will eventually

happen on the East Coast of Demerara, will be mirroring the East Bank

“As we go inwards, you know a lot of person say oh, that’s the back, but in time to come, the plan is to have another connecting road that will connect you from Georgetown,” the minister added

On Saturday, another set of persons will be allocated house lots in Region Three. (DPI)

Stewartville man busted with cannabis in bedroom

A 40-year-old pork knocker of Stewartville Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, is currently in police custody after a quantity of cannabis was found during a search at his home on Thursday.

According to a police release, ranks acting on a “tip off”, went to the home of Ralph Thomas and conducted a search for arms, ammunition and narcotics

“The suspect was searched, but nothing of evidential value was found A further search was conducted in the room occupied by the suspect, and police found a bulky black plastic bag hanging on a nail, which contained 54 transparent zip lock plastic bags, all of which had leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis,” the release stated

Thomas was told of the offence, cautioned, arrested and escorted to the Leonora Police Station along with the suspected cannabis.

The suspected cannabis was weighed in the suspect’s presence and amounted to 135 grammes. He is currently in custody pending charges.

A citizen selects a house lot from Minister Colin Croal at the ongoing Building Expo ( Ministry of Housing and Water photo)

Building Expo offers exposure, a platform for opportunities

100 per cent growth in participation recorded

By Cassandra Khan

IN comparison to last year’s International Building Expo, there has been a hundred per cent increase in the number of businesses and companies participating , further providing a variety of opportunities for further growth and devel-

on Thursday

“We are thrilled to report a 100 per cent growth in the number of businesses and companies joining us this year this platform offers opportunities for Guyanese of all walks of lives to network and explore all available opportunities and possibilities in the housing

said that they hope to gain exposure, and second time participants of the expo even shared how last year’s expo benefited their companies

According to JSB Investments Inc . – Group of Companies’ Marketing and PR Manager, Amelia Ali, this is their first time participating in the expo, and it has been a great

See page 14

opment

This was according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves, during his address to the gathering at the opening of the expo at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence,

and construction sector ,” Greaves said

He related that as the four - day expo continues , businesses should explore , learn and collaborate , all in the pursuit of a stronger, more vibrant future for Guyana

Many of the participants

Marketing and PR Manager, Amelia Ali (right) and another representative of JSB Investments Inc. –Group of Companies

CEO of Tropic Construction Solutions, Sonya Oodit

Building Expo offers exposure, a platform ...

From page 13

experience so far.

“We have a great opportunity to meet potential clients, to meet other businesses that could benefit us or either we could benefit them I would like to commend the Ministry of Housing because they did a splendid job we are hoping to get exposure,

we are hoping to get more clients,” she said JSB is a parent company which has many other businesses that deal with construction, sand supplying and more CEO of Tropic Construction Solutions, Sonya Oodit, related that her company gained much exposure after participating in the

2022’s expo

“We are distributors of Geotextiles fabric, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) gear in Guyana. [We hope to] gain more exposure, we gained a lot of exposure last year, but we hope to grow more this year,” she said

The company ’ s Technical Assistant , Norman Jaipargas related that their

business has increased by 40 per cent from last year’s expo and they hope to continue to grow , while remaining a reliable company, supplying the fabrics for the roads, hospitals, hotels and sea defence and the PPEs

Additionally , the Guyana Chronicle spoke with the Operations Manager of Rong An Inc., Kevindra

Tularam, who said that they are at the expo to showcase to Guyanese the products and services that they offer

“

We are a producer , exporter and buyer of Guyana Tropical timber species and it ranges from 25 to 30 commercial species and of course apart from logging, we also engage in road construction, bridge repairs throughout Guyana , especially the hinterland region ,” he said.

A representative of Flexotech Inc., Farzad Rahaman, said that they are a polymer producing company which manufactures packaging materials for all industries such as bread bags, construction plastic, and more

While they have only been in existence for about

four years , Rahaman believes that the expo will give them the highlight they need to further develop their business and become larger suppliers

“

The company is new , so a lot of persons probably don ’ t know about us , so coming to a forum as this it gives the country a fair idea of what we are, so they can come on board with us,” he said

Additionally, a representative of W1 Houston Inc said that the expo was a success again, as it was last year. “…looking at the number of booths, looking at the number of people coming in here, the quality of the presentations , the quality of the environment and everything like that,” he said.

Representative of Flexotech Inc Farzad Rahaman

Citizens now better positioned to own assets

–– Dr. Singh says, as ‘Marics’ adds new vehicle to line up

By Shamar Meusa

WITH the unprecedented economic growth that Guyana has experienced over the last three years , more Guyanese now have the capacity to save, invest and purchase essential items like vehicles

This was according to the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance , Dr Ashni Singh, during his address at Marics and Company’s launch of a new vehicle to its lineup here

The minister said that the government is com-

Meanwhile, the General Manager at Marics, Anand Kalladeen, highlighted that the company has been in the Guyana market for over 55 years

and has been committed to helping communities develop

As the authorised dealer of Honda products in Guyana , the compa -

“

ny added the new 2023 Honda HR-V, a compact crossover vehicle, which is expected to go on sale soon

Kalladeen said :

Over the next few months , there will be significant expansion by our organisation to enhance the delivery of quality customer care.”

mitted to building a Guyana , where citizens can enjoy the same quality of services that they would enjoy anywhere in the world like the major metropolises

“ This is the Guyana that we want ; the Guyana that we want is a Guyana where every family including young families can own their own home , can own their own means of transportation , can save and live a quality of life comparable to their peers anywhere else in the world,” he said

Dr Singh further related that the government has been working and putting building blocks

in place to achieve these goals , like adjustments made to make vehicle ownership more affordable, among other things

The minister referenced the government’s recent reduction of taxes on new vehicles below 1500 cc , which he said directly impacted the affordability of vehicles within that engine capacity

He added that the government does recognise the quality of life considerations and these types of adjustments are in place to ensure that more Guyanese families see their long-term prospects and are able to live comfortable and fulfilling lives.

The new Honda HR-V

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

General Manager of Marics and Company, Anand Kalladeen

Salem farmers reap benefits of Agriculture Minister’s farmer-centric approach

By Cindy Parkinson

TO ensure all farmers have equal opportunity to contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector, Minister of Agriculture , Zulfikar Mustapha, met with farmers and residents of Salem and surrounding communities on the West Bank of Essequibo, on Wednesday, to discuss their concerns.

While speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Mustapha explained that the primary aim of his visit to the

can hear and see what the issues in these communities are and decide on the way forward Like President Ali and our Vice President, Dr Jagdeo, have said all along, we are taking the government to the people, and we are listening and solving their issues, one community at a time They have several drainage and irrigation issues, and I wanted them to know that it will be fixed I will be doing all the internal drainage for the farmers and

a wharf that they have there so that their produce can be stored out of the heat.”

Additionally , Minister Mustapha said that he has instructed the engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to get the estimate done so that it can be presented before the tender board

Upon approval, the minister said that work is expected to commence in a “week or two from today.”

He also stated that the

he wants the farmers from Salem to also know that he will be making some proposals in next year’s budget to have some ‘major’ works for the area, such as the ‘all weather roads’ from the farm to market, along with some other infrastructural developments such as bridges He added, “I have promised them that I will have regular contact with them , and I will also ensure that the extension officer visits them on a regular basis as well so that he can give assistance

to the livestock, cash crops, and other farmers in the community. I am hoping that we can maintain these types of relationships not only in the Salem community but in all the communities across the country.”

Finally, Minister Mustapha said that the farmers of Salem and all the farmers in their respective fields across Guyana are making a “valuable contribution ” in the agriculture sector.

According to the minister, the farmers are respon-

sible for Guyana becoming, once again, the breadbasket of the Caribbean , and as such, he explained that the government is committed to working with them to make their lives and work easier Mustapha stated that “throughout the Caribbean , we are leading in the agriculture sector , and , with President Ali’s leadership, our farmers are going to reap the benefits of their labour ; we are investing tremendously in them and the sector, and it shows.”

Salem community was to listen to the concerns and issues that farmers and residents were facing

He also noted that people from the neighbouring communities were also given the opportunity to raise their concerns about matters that were affecting them

According to the agriculture minister, “these visits are important to us; the farmers requested that they wanted to speak with me, and I went This is the only way that we

desilting the main canals so that they can have proper drainage.”

The Minister further related that the farmers also requested assistance in getting the dams fixed so that they could have easier access to their farms

“ I would have the machines grade and shape the dams so that the farmers can get to and from their farms in a quicker and safer manner I have also committed to building a shed for them on

Salem area is producing a lot of ground provision and other cash crops that are contributing “tremendously” to the livelihood of people in Guyana. “Over the years, the farmers in this community have been complaining and asking for better facilities, and I am pleased to say that our government is fulfilling their requests ,” explained Mustapha

Furthermore , Minister Mustapha said they are closing off this year’s budget, and

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, meets with farmers and residents of Salem and neighbouring communities

Jackson clocks second fastest 200m time

(CMC) - Shericka Jackson clocked the second fastest time in history and underlined her status when she retained the women’s 200 metres title in commanding fashion at the World Athletics Championships on Friday in Hungary.

The 29 - year - old Jamaican delivered a performance for the ages when she ran 21.41 seconds to win from the American pair of Gabby Thomas and newly minted world 100 metres champion , Sha ’ Carri Richardson , whose bid for a sprint double

but I think I did pretty good (in this race) – 21.41 is a time I cannot complain about.”

Thomas chased Jackson to the finish with a time of 21.81 for silver, and Richardson was 0.11 slower to take the bronze in a personal best time

Jackson, the silver medallist in the women ’ s 100 , got a good start from lane six and was quickly up on the shoulder of Julien Alfred of St Lucia before driving past Thomas and Richardson on the outside to take a two-metre lead and leave her rivals

Richardson are set for another showdown on the track after Jamaica and the United States qualified earlier on Friday for the women’s 4×100 relay final on Saturday

In the men’s event, Jackson ’ s compatriot , Andrew Hudson had to settle for eighth out of nine runners in a time of 20.40, and American Noah Lyles clocked 19.52 and claimed his third successive world 200 title.

When added to his 100 crown a few days earlier, the win in the half lap confirmed his status as the undisputed

fizzled

“One of my main goals this season was to win both 100 and 200,” she said. “It didn’t happen I said, ‘It’s not supposed to happen’.

“I’m pretty proud, especially for my community I know my mum was getting on bad.”

Jackson was ahead around the bend and ran away from the rest of the field in the home straight to break the meet record of 21.45 secs she established 12 months ago in the American city of Eugene, Oregon

It was the second fastest time in history behind the mark of 21.34 set by late American sprint queen Florence Grifiith - Joyner at the 1988 Olympic Games in the South Korean capital of Seoul

“I feel like I am a living testimony that you can create something if you really want it and never give up,” Jackson said after the race

“(On Thursday), I ran the curve a little bit conservative,

in a different “postal code”.

She crossed the line with an emotionless expression on her face that seemed to suggest her disappoint about not breaking the world record

“ Even if I was pretty close to the world record, it was not the thing on my mind when I ran,” Jackson added “I will continue to work, and I hope I can maintain at least this level, and we will see if the world record will come

“ I wrote a time on my bib, and it was a fast time – 21.2 - something Then , I wrote beside it 21.40 for (this race), and I got close to that As for the world record, I’m close, I’m close, I’m getting there.”

Of the other Caribbean finalists : Alfred , the 2023 NCAA double sprint champion in the United States , crowned a memorable year with a commendable fourth in 22.05 following her fifth in the 100, and Anthonique Strachan of The Bahamas was sixth in 22.29

Jackson , Thomas , and

current king of the sprinting domain right now.

Fellow American Erriyon Knighton used a powerful finish to snatch second in 19.75 , with Botswana ’ s Letsile Tebogo winning his second medal of the week –bronze in 19.81

Three Caribbean women secured top 10 finishes in the women’s triple jump won for the fourth time by Yulimar Rojas of Venzuela with a distance of 15.08 metres.

Maryna Bekh - Romanchuk of Ukraine claimed silver with a distance of 15m flat, and Leyanis Perez Hernandez of Cuba took bronze with 14.96m

Shanieka Ricketts of Jamaica finished fourth with a season’s best effort, only three centimetres behind , the same distance between her and fifth-placed Thea La Fond of Dominica , whose 14.90 was a national record

Kimberly Williams, another Jamaica , grabbed seventh with a season’s best attempt of 14.38.

Shericka Jackson of Team Jamaica wins the Women’s 200m Final during day seven of the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 at National Athletics Centre on August 25, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary (Photo by Stephen Pond/ Getty Images for World Athletics)

West Indies U-19 crash to three-wicket loss against Sri Lankan XI

CMC – A half-century and a tidy all-round stand from co-captain, Nathan Sealy, was topped by an unbeaten 84 from Sapun Wadage that paved the way for a three-wicket win for hosts Sri Lanka Cricket Under-19s Select XI against West Indies Under-19s in a one-day warm-up match on Friday

Sealy, batting at nine, struck two fours and two sixes in the top score of 54 from 71 balls before the Caribbean side were bowled out for 227 in 48.2 overs in the 50 overs-a-side contest at the Colts Cricket Club

The Barbadian returned to bowl a miserly spell of 100-31-0 with his left-arm spin, and Deshawn James took two for 32 from six overs to lead the West Indies bowling, but Wadage cracked nine fours and one six from 105 balls to lead a successful run chase for the hosts

The match will be the only contest the visitors will have before starting a series of three Youth One-day Internationals on August 27 , 30 , and September 1 , before they play two four-day Youth Tests starting on September 5 and 12

West Indies ran into early trouble after they were put in to bat, and they slumped to 42 for four in the 12th over before the first signs of resistance emerged from Joshua Dorne and Steve Wedderburn in a fifth wicket stand of 55

The visitors endured a mid-innings crisis when they wobbled from 97 for three to 116 for six in the span of 28 balls before Sealy led a rearguard action to get them to a respectable total, and he was the last wicket to fall West Indies had the home team rocking on 56 for three inside the PowerPlay, but Waduge was the glue that held the innings together, and he guided the Sri Lankan side to the finish line with resolute batting and a series of tidy partnerships.

GOODWOOD

08:30 hrs Ruling

Sovereign

09:05 hrs Forever Blue

09:40 hrs Charyn

10:15 hrs Star Of Orion

10:50 hrs Lucky Fifteen

11:25 hrs Faustus

11:55 hrs Nathanael

Greene

NEWMARKET

08:40 hrs Jonny Concrete

09:10 hrs Kamanika

09:45 hrs King Eagle

10:20 hrs Geologist

10:55 hrs Diligent Harry

11:32 hrs Kiaraad

12:03 hrs Straits Of Moyle

YORK 08:50 hrs Nostrum

09:25 hrs Middle Earth

10:00 hrs Mutasaabeq

10:35 hrs Jackfinbar

11:10 hrs Mr Wagyu

11:45 hrs Baheer

12:20 hrs Loyal Touch

IRISH RACING TIPS

Curragh

11:40 hrs Ocean

Conquest

11:40 hrs Brilliant

12:10 hrs Mountain Bear

12:40 hrs American Sonja

13:10 hrs Clever And Cool

13:40 hrs Livingston Range

14:10 hrs Carnegie Hall

14:40 hrs The Very Man

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

Saratoga Race 1 Walstib Race 2 City Mischief Race 3 Money Supply Race 4 Scocciatore Race 5 Dyna Drive Race 6 Antenna Race 7 Gunite Race 8 Money Never

CANADIAN RACING TIPS

Woodbine Race 1 Unified Front Race 2 Trebuchet Race 3 Kavala Race 4 Know How Race 5 Rat Portage Race 6 Talking Wonders Race 7 Weehawken

Motie Bowls Guyana Amazon Warriors to Victory

THE Guyana Amazon Warriors got their first win of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a comfortable 65 run victory against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots

The Patriots won the toss and opted to field first but the decision backfired as the Amazon Warriors made light of regular wickets falling to post an exceptional 197/7

In reply , the Patriots struggled to get close to the Warriors total Evin Lewis played a quickfire captain’s knock but once he fell no one else in the Patriots order was able to have a similar effect on the game

The Amazon Warriors innings suffered an early blow when Sheldon Cottrell removed Chandrapaul Hemraj in the first over for a duck

Although the Warriors were to lose two further wickets in the PowerPlay -- Saim Ayub falling to Dominic Drakes and Azam Khan to Oshane Thomas -- they kept the

run rate brisk, reaching 59/3 at the end of the initial six overs.

Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer were to build on that momentum taking the score to 101/3 at the halfway stage of the innings and Hope leading the way racing to his half century from 26 balls

However, the partnership was eventually broken by Izharulhaq Naveed – the wrist spinner bowling the destructive Hope for 54.

That wicket was quickly followed up by the dismissal of Hetmyer for 26; the lefthander holing out to the deep point boundary

Those wickets briefly took the momentum out of the innings but Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd added quick runs at the back end to help the Warriors post an imposing total of 197/7.

The Patriots were never really in the game in their reply as scoreboard pressure told

Andre Fletcher and Joshua Da Silva fell inside the

PowerPlay to leave the Patriots 37/2 at the end of six overs

Patriots captain Evin Lewis played a fine counter attacking innings of 48 from 24 balls to bring the required run rate down to a more manageable total but that scenario did not last long

Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford fell six balls apart to leave the Patriots 88/4 at the halfway stage Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals with Gudakesh Motie being the star, turning the ball as he finished with career best figures in a spell that included the wicket of Ambati Rayudu

The left-arm spinner took 4/28 to leave the Amazon Warriors on the cusp of victory and the final rites were indeed read when Naveed was caught on the boundary by Hetmyer.

The Patriots will look to bounce back when they host the Barbados Royals on Saturday

Curran; David amongst TKR replacements

Australian batter Tim David is amongst the replacement overseas players signed by the Trinbago Knight Riders for their 2023 Republic Bank Ca -

ribbean Premier League campaign.

David replaces Rilee Rossouw who is no longer available for the 2023 season

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday August 26, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83

Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) GAW won by 65 runs

(2) Gudakesh Motie (GAW)

Today’s Quiz

(1) Who scored most runs in CPL 2013?

(2) Who took most wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

David has CPL experience having previous represented the Saint Lucia Kings at the tournament

He is , however , not available for the first six league games of the tournament , and will have a temporary replacement in the form of Irish international, Lorcan Tucker, the wicket-keeper batter who has played more than 100 times for Ireland and has made more than 1500 runs in T20 cricket.

Also joining the Knight Riders is England international, Tom Curran He will be a temporary replacement for Noor Ahmad, who is no longer available for the 2023 season

The Knight Riders have also confirmed that their final overseas spot will go to USA international, Ali Khan, who has been part of the franchise ’ s set up since 2017

Impressive showing for Guyana at ongoing Youth CAC chess event

10-year-old Kataleya Sam is currently poised to medal at the CAC games for chess in TT.

After six rounds, she has shown grit and determination to stay within striking distance of tournament leader in the female under 10 division

The next three rounds could create the impetus for the future of chess in Guyana

During a recent clash against her Trinidadian adversary , Kira Nanan , Sam ’ s strategic prowess took centre stage Her gameplay showcased a tenacious blend of aggression, tactical precision, and adept piece co-ordination, resulting in a compelling assault on her opponent’s king

The meticulously orchestrated sequence of sacrifices and checks culminated in a

resounding checkmate, underscoring Sam’s exceptional mastery of the game Guyana ’ s chess representation extends beyond Sam’s impressive showing. National Under - 14 Champion , Kyle Couchman, has emerged as a formidable contender in the Caribbean chess arena. Currently positioned 9th in the Under-14 division, Couchman’s upcoming match against Jamaican contender , Corbin Harvey , carries considerable significance, potentially solidifying his prowess on the regional stage Alexander Zhang, the Under-16 Champion, has also garnered attention with his strategic finesse A victory against Trinidad and Tobago ’ s Michael Roberts in round three, coupled with draws against

formidable opponents from the Twin Island Republic and St Lucia in rounds 4 and 5, has thrust Zhang into the spotlight as an ascending star in Caribbean chess

Additional standout performances from the Guyanese contingent are notable Ronan Lee’s round-5 triumph over the higher-rated Trinidadian player, Keagan Ragoobar, and Matthew Singh’s impressive round-3 victory against Trinidadian challenger Kalel Scoon further underscore the depth of talent within Team Guyana

The pivotal Rounds 7 and 8, scheduled for today at the Cascadia Hotel in Port-of-Spain, promise riveting encounters. Team Guyana will square off against seasoned adversaries hailing from Trinidad, Haiti, Jamaica, and Su-

Space Gym 2.0 and Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop lifts with GAPLF for Raw Nationals

WITH a number of Guyana ’ s leading strongmen and women already penciled in to compete at the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF)

Raw Nationals, tomorrow at the National Gymnasium , two more corporate entities have added their support for the event.

Space Gym 2.0 and Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop have both contributed to the competition which will lift off at 09:00hrs following the weigh-in of the athletes.

Supervisor at Space Gym 2.0 , Roann Pierre handed over their contribution to the GAPLF President , Franklin Wilson . Pierre said that they were pleased to be supporting the sport once again , as they have done in the past.

“ We were on board for your Intermediate competition a few months ago and we are happy to be of assistance once again

The sport has been steadily growing in popularity here and we have been observing that the athletes are being afforded the opportunity to represent Guyana

abroad , which is gratifying We wish you continued success and assure you that we will continue to support the athletes and the sport.”

Manager of Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop , located at Mon Repos Public Road , East Coast Demerara , Brandon Badal , a former lifter , expressed delight at being approached to support the sport “As a former lifter myself, I am more than happy to be able to give back to the sport It has come a long way and I

am seeing good things happening for our athletes We applaud this new executive of the GAPLF and will be working along with you as best we can, to further advance our athletes and the sport.”

President Wilson expressed, on behalf of his executive, the Federation ’ s appreciation to both Space Gym 2.0 and Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop for partnering with the entity for tomorrow’s event “It is never an easy task to attract sponsorship, especial-

ly when you have so many things going on , all at the same time So, we are very thankful to Space Gym 2.0 and Sunny & Sweetie Roti Shop for answering our call for support We anticipate a very exciting competition as a number of our top athletes will be competing Fans can look forward to good entertainment as the lifters seek to outdo each other by exhibiting their strength in the squat, bench press, and deadlift , both female and male athletes.”

Meanwhile, Wilson also shared that the Federation is in a very busy period, “We have two of our best sub-junior and junior athletes ( Romeo Hunter and Dominic Tyrell ) at the moment in Romania getting ready to compete at the World Classic & Equipped Sub - Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships, next Wednesday and Thursday, respectively We are also well into plans for the 10th Annual FESUPO Regional Powerlifting Championships slated for 6th to 10th September 2023 in Lima, Peru.

riname. The outcome of these match-ups hold the potential to redefine the trajectory of Guyana’s presence in regional chess.

The ninth and final round will be played today.

Points so far:

Ciel Clement (U-14) Female - 3

Kaija Clement (U-14) Female - 2

Kyle Couchman (U-14) Open - 4

Aniyah Couchman (U-18) Female - 1

Ronan Lee (U-18) Open - 2.5

Dominic Sam (U-14) Open - 2

Kataleya Sam (U-10) Female - 4

Matthew Singh (U-18) Open - 2

Nicholas Zhang (U-12) Open - 3.5

Alexander Zhang (U-16) Open - 3

Republic Bank Ltd. Nationwide under-23 Inter-Club Super50 tournament… East Bank, North Essequibo to play in tomorrow’s final

TOMORROW , the Essequibo zone final of the Republic Bank Ltd. (RBL) Nationwide under-23 Inter-Club Super50 tournament is set to be an exciting clash when the East Bank Zone plays against North Essequibo at the Golden Fleece cricket ground

In the first semifinal, East Bank Essequibo beat Bartica by three wickets

Batting first, Bartica made 118 all out in 24 overs with I Baccus (22) and H Lamb (33) providing the runs

National player Aryan Persaud ended with 4-32 in 7.2 overs, including two maidens -- one a wicket maiden and the other a double-wicket maiden.

Wazim Mohammed also had a stellar game, grabbing 3-38 in 5 overs , featuring one double-wicket maiden

East Bank then battled on their way to 119-7 in 14.2 overs

Mohammed returned to hit 21 off 15 while Ronaldo Scouten finished on 36 off 21 balls Bartica’s bowling toiled as H Lamb (2-22) and S Sutton (2-34), gave their best efforts

Action continues today with matches in Georgetown as Lusignan face Better Hope while Upper Demerara takes on West Demerara at the QC ground

Tomorrow, MYO plays DCC at GCC ground, Transport Cricket Club comes up against Ogle at QC ground while Golden Grove will test their skills against Queen’s College.

Space Gym Supervisor , Roann Pierre , hands over sponsorship to GAPLF head, Frankie Wilson yesterday

GCA T20 Cup Semi-finals set for Everest today

Everest face MYO & DCC battle GCC for place in final

By Sean Devers

TODAY from 9: 30 AM, all roads will lead to the excellently manicured Everest ground for the much-anticipated Georgetown Cricket Association ’ s ( GCA ) T20 Cup division 1 semi-finals.

In the morning game, the host will face off with ‘new kids on the bock ’ Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), while arch rivals DCC and GCC clash in what is anticipated to be a riveting contest from 1:30 PM

Everest is the only unbeaten side in the semis

The Camp Road side , who topped zone ‘ B ’ with 80 points including a win against DCC, who finished second with 52 points, will be led by their captain, Akshaya Persaud

Persaud is only behind DCC’s Tevin Imlach in the runs tally with 173 runs and a highest score of 88.

Apart from the consistent Persaud, Everest will look for runs from former West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika, Ushardeva Balgobin, Richie Looknauth, Troy Gonsalves, Clinton Pestano and Joseph Perry

At their home ground , Everest will bank on National

pacer Pestano but on a track expected to favour the spinners, off-spinner Looknauth, leg - spinner Gonsalves and Persaud, who has the most wickets (10) including one of only two five-wicket hauls with his left-arm spin, will spearhead the attack

Generally , the shorter the game the smaller is the gap between the teams and Everest could be tested by the improving MYO who ended second in Zone ‘A’ with 62 points

The Woolford Avenue team beat GCC on their road to the semi - final and will depend on Skipper Omesh Dhanram (Captain), Marlon Boele, Seon Hetmyer, Bahen-

dra Singh, Safraz Esau, and Ricardo Adams Dhanram , along with pacers Leon Swammy and Keon Morris, the latter having seven scalps with the other five-wicket haul, could be among the bowlers in a team without big names but depends on team cricket

The 1:30pm game will see DCC , boasting the GT zone ’ s leading scorer , Imlach, who has 217 runs from three games with an unbeaten 162 being the highest score in the City Zone

GDF ’ s Leon Andrews with 148 is the only other centurion

Kemol Savory will want support from Skipper Jamal Hickson, Brandon Jaikarran,

Sachin Singh, Jaden Campbell, Dexter George, Daniel Mootoo, and Nkosi Beaton

The absence of the experienced Chris Barnwell leaves a big hole in the DCC batting line-up while DCC’s bowling could be in the hands of Carlton Jacques, Wavell Allen and Kareem Whitney

Joshua Wade is GCC ’ s leading run scorer with 143 runs The big hitting Wade scored 78 and 47 in this tournament and will hope that Ronaldo Ali - Mohammed, Zakary Jodah, Khemraj Jaikarran, Martin Pestano-Belle, Bernard Bailey and Deonarine Seegobin contribute with the bat today while Ali-Mohammed, his brother Rivaldo Phillips, Bailey and

young Josh Charles could provide pace bowling

Skipper and GCC’s leading wicket-taker (7wickets), left-arm spinner Devon Lord, Krsna Singh, Stephon Wilson and Jodah could provide the spin Teams:

MYO will come from : Omesh Dhanram (Captain), Marlon Boele, Seon Hetmyer , Bahendra Singh , Leon Swamy , Safraz Esau , Damion Vantull, Sameer Housain, Farhan Housain, Zeynul Ramsammy , Keon Morris , Vishwanauth Ramlakhan , Alex Rodrigues , Yakine Favorite , Rajpaul Basdeo , Sheldon Alexander, Linden Austin, Suresh Dhani, Ricardo Adams

Everest will come from: Rajendra Chandrika , Ushardeva Balgobin , Akshaya Persaud ( Captain ), Richie Looknauth, Troy Gonsalves, Clinton Pestano, Joseph Perry , Shamar Joseph , David Williams, Floyd Joseph, Anthony Ifill, Denish Mangal, Chris Harry, Keshaun Tracy, Shahid Singh, Javed Rasheed

GCC will come from : Devon Lord (Captain), Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed, Joshua Wade , Khemraj Jaikarran , Martin Pestano - Belle , Bernard Bailey , Deonarine Seegobin, Stephon Wilson, Zakary Jodah, Franchot Duncan-Clarke, Rivaldo Phillips, Navindra Persaud , Krsna Singh, Josh Charles, Tyree Glasgow

DCC will come from : Jamal Hickson ( Captain ), Brandon Jaikarran , Sachin Singh, Dexter George, Daniel Mootoo , Nkosi Beaton , Inderjit Nanan, Orlando Giddens, Carlton Jacques, Wavell Allen , Jaden Campbell , Kareem Whitney , Ricardo Percival, Kishan Silas

Live commentary on the matches could be viewed on FL Sports on YouTube and done by International Cricket Commentators Inderjeet Persaud and Sean Devers

Clubs receive prize money for KFC-GFF Elite League season 5

THE Guyana Defence Force ( GDF ) Football Club, Champions of the Guyana Football Federation KFC Elite League Season Five, received their two million dollars ($2M) cash prize during a handing-over ceremony at the KFC Guyana , Vlissengen Road Office in Georgetown, yesterday.

The August 25th ceremony was attended by KFC Guyana Marketing

Manager, Pamella Manasseh, and GFF Director of Competitions, Troy Peters, as well as players and coaches Cash prizes were also awarded to the football clubs that secured the second , third and fourth places in the prestigious national competition: Western Tigers ($1.2M), Guyana Police Force ($800,000) and Santos ($500,000). Guyana Defence Force FC captain,

Kenard Simon, said the victory was not surprising because the team and coaching staff, “Go about doing things different,” from the other clubs

“It wasn’t surprising for us because we know that we are the number one team, we know that we could’ve come out victorious just because of the level of training, the level of respect that we have in the country.”

Simon added that the players are looking forward to Season Six of the Elite League and that supporters will see “a lot more” from the defending champions

The winning club recorded eight wins and one draw to finish on 25 points , while Western Tigers and Guyana Police Force scored 22 and 21 points respectively at the end of season five

MYO Captain Omesh Dhanram

GCC captain, Devon Lord

DCC Captain Jamal Hinkson

Everest captain, Akshaya Persaud

Gudakesh Motie (2L) and Keemo Paul (L) of the Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate the dismissal of Evin Lewis of Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots during the Men’s 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (match 8) between Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots and Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Warner Park Sporting Complex on August 24, 2023 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images) KFC’s Pamella Manasseh hands over GDF’s winner’s $2M cheque