Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27-04-2023

CoI Chairman Retired Justice of Appeal, Stanley John, handing the official report to President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Restorative Justice Centre launched

–– to address underlying causes of criminal behaviour

By Clestine Juan

THE Government of Guyana has taken a significant step towards promoting healing , accountability , and rehabilitation within its communities with the pilot launch of a Restorative Justice Centre.

The centre , officially launched on Wednesday , aims to repair the harm caused by criminal behaviour , particularly among juveniles, by bringing together the victim , offender, and community to find a way forward that promotes healing, accountability, and understanding

The centre is part of a broader range of criminal justice reforms from the Criminal Justice System

(SCJS) Programme, which the Inter-American Development Bank supports

Speaking at the launch of the centre, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General , Anil Nandlall emphasised the importance

of community involvement in promoting a more restorative approach to justice that addresses the underlying causes of criminal behaviour

“ We believe that justice can be served in a way

that promotes healing and accountability while also reducing recidivism and keeping individuals out of prison who may not need to be there,” said Nandlall He added that restorative justice is an approach

that emphasises the importance of dialogue, understanding, and community involvement by bringing together victims , offenders, and their communities to work towards a more just and peaceful society

“ Why I insist on this type of launch is not because we want it done publicly, but because the success of the concept depends largely on societal participation bringing greater consciousness and public awareness to the concept across the country,” the AG said Retired Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, will serve as the Director of the centre , which is staffed by trained professionals who will work with victims , offenders , and their communities to develop individualised plans that focus on repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour and preventing further

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(From right) Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Peace and Development Specialist, Janet Murdock (Adrian Narine photo)

President Ali commits to acting on COI recommendations

PRESIDENT , Dr Irfaan Ali has committed to acting on the recommendations made by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which found that there was an attempt to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections by electoral officers and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party.

The CoI report was presented to President Ali by retired Justice of Appeal, Stanley John, the commission’s chairman, on Wednesday at the Office of the President in Georgetown.

The report revealed that former Guyana Elections Commission ( GECOM ) Chief Elections Officer , Keith Lowenfield , his deputy, Roxanne Myers, and the District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, were involved in efforts to derail and corrupt the elections

In his brief remarks, Justice John stressed the importance of adhering to rules and regulations for public officials, regardless of their political views

“The report of the Commission of Inquiry would make a strong point that people who hold public office must realise that public office is a sacred office and not a personal office And whatever the political view in the performance of their public duty, they must adhere to rules and regulations,” he said

On this point , the President said that those who “sidetrack” these rules had done not only their country harm but also the region

“We must always contemplate our actions in public office, as those actions in public office are a reflection not only of ourselves but of our country and the people we serve,” the Head of State said

The President expressed his intention to act on the recommendations made by the COI, which include reforming the structure of GECOM, allowing all eligible voters to exercise their franchise, implementing laws against campaign financing, and prohibiting police officers from showing partisanship in elections

The commission began hearings on November 3, 2022, and concluded its sittings on February 10, 2023 Some 39 witnesses were summoned or otherwise approached by the commission to provide testimony The report was completed within two months, even though it had a seven months’ deadline

According to the Terms of Reference, the commissioners will make recommendations as deemed fit and necessary to permit GECOM to discharge its statutory functions as prescribed by the Representation of the People Act

After casting their votes on March 2, 2020, Guyanese had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges

During this time , the electorate ’ s patience was tested, as electors observed what were described as attempts by the then

APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by Caribbean leaders and international observers

It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened, and the figures showed that the PPP/C had received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC coalition got 217,920 votes

During the 2020 Elections , Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Retired Justice Claudette Singh made six attempts to obtain the elections report from Lowenfield Still, he refused, and this led to a slew of legal challenges

Based on those revelations, Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo had their employment terminated by the commission

Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers have also been charged with electoral fraud and are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

It is alleged that they inflated or facilitated the inflation of results for Region Four, the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the polls when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had won by 15,000 votes

Former People ’ s National Congress / Reform Chairperson , Volda Lawrence ; PNC/R activist, Carol Smith-Joseph, and GECOM employees Sherfern February , Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and

Michelle Miller are also before the court for allegedly defrauding the electors of Guyana

They have all refused to testify before the COI, which was provided with details of how some GECOM employees participated in the suspected plot to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding the electoral system

'Shockingly brazen'

By Clestine Juan

IT has been revealed by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) investigating the 2020 General and Regional Elections that senior officials at GECOM conspired and collaborated to divert votes to the APNU+AFC coalition instead of upholding the integrity of the electoral system.

Chairman Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith, on Wednesday, handed over these findings and their report to President Dr. Irfaan Ali based on evidence from the many witnesses who testified along with the reports of the international observers.

“…our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Offi-

cer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and that they did so – to put it in unvarnished language of the ordinary man – for the purpose of stealing the election,” the commissioners stated in their report.

The report found that Lowenfield blatantly made decisions and employed procedures in direct contradiction to the law and the will of the people. The findings also revealed that GECOM staffers ignored specific instructions from the court, used illegal and manipulated materials, and sided with APNU+AFC agents to berate observers whenever objections were raised.

After careful scrutiny, the

CoI commissioners concluded that there was a conscious and deliberate – even brazen –effort to violate the provisions of section 84(1) of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA)

In so doing, certain “senior GECOM officials” abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality, and demonstrated a bias for the APNU+AFC and, in the course of events over those days, showed an “open connection” with that party, and by their efforts sought a desired result for the coalition.

As such, the commissioners said that after consideration and analysis of the evidence, Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers “were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4.”

Against this backdrop, the CoI found that the trio undoubtedly made a prema-

ture and unlawful declaration of falsified results which showed the APNU+AFC was the winner of electoral district No. 4.

“This, we believe, was the ultimate goal of the CEO, the DCEO and the RO,” the Commissioners said in their report.

The report also found that the structure of GECOM is, at its core, politicised, making it difficult for it to operate with any efficiency or effectiveness.

As such, the commissioners found that consideration should be given to amending this to allow for more balanced participation from other organisations or

professionals with technical expertise, thereby reducing the politicisation of the electoral process.

It said that the Carter Center noted in its report on the 2001 elections, “As part of electoral reform efforts, Guyana should give careful consideration to alternative models, possibly reducing or eliminating political party representation and increasing the role of independent members of civil society and professional experts.”

The CoI also found that ranks of the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) of the Guy-

ana Police Force (GPF) were also implicated in wrongdoings.

On March 5, 2020, ranks and officers from at least three sections of the Guyana Police Force converged at Ashmin’s building in the midst of a bomb scare. Several of those ranks were accused of aiding attempts to clear the building, even after concern was expressed about the safety of Statements of Poll (SoPs).

During the evidence submitted to the CoI, it was found that the Police Force seemed to have been acting under “direct political direction.” Members of

President Dr Irfaan Ali (Adrian Narine Photo)

Restorative Justice Centre ...

offences

Teachers, community members, and religious leaders also benefitted from this training

The Restorative Justice Centre will be rolled out first along the East Coast of Demerara and is expected to significantly impact how criminal behaviour is addressed in Guyana

The Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn , emphasised the importance of community involvement in the re-

storative justice process

The Minister of Human Services and Social Security , Dr Vindhya Persaud , also spoke at the launch, emphasising the importance of rehabilitation and support for those who have been impacted by criminal behaviour.

“It has an impact because it focuses not only on the perpetrator of the crime but the person who would have experienced that crime,” she noted Restorative justice

is a growing movement worldwide , with an increasing number of countries adopting its principles and practices

The approach is based on the belief that justice can be served in a way that promotes healing and accountability while addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and reducing recidivism

The restorative justice process involves bringing together the victim, offender, and community

to find a way forward that promotes understanding , healing , and rehabilitation

It emphasises the importance of dialogue , empathy , and accountability , with the aim of repairing the harm caused by the crime and preventing further offences

The Restorative Justice Centre in Guyana is set to make a significant impact by providing an alternative to incarceration for those accused

of minor , non - violent offences

The centre aims to reduce recidivism and keep individuals out of prison who may not need to be there . By emphasising the importance of community involvement and dialogue, the centre seeks to promote a more restorative approach to justice that addresses the underlying causes of criminal behaviour, rather than just punishing offenders.

Director of the Restorative Justice Centre Seelall Persaud (Adrian Narine photo)

GTT Inc. partners with WANSat to offer

‘Connectivity Anywhere’ in Guyana

By Shamar Meusa

GTT Inc. officially launched its “Connectivity Anywhere” programme on Wednesday, which collaborates with Guyanese-owned internet service provider WANSat Networks Inc ., to provide satellite broadband connectivity to rural and hinterland areas in the country

During the project ’ s launch at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTT, Damian Blackburn said that this partnership marks a significant step for the company in finding the way forward to provide customers connectivity everywhere in Guyana.

Blackburn stated that the partnership with WANSat presents a huge opportunity for current and potential customers

“This partnership is a significant step towards achieving our goal of providing connectivity to every corner of Guyana By expanding our network and leveraging WANSat’s expertise in satellite technology, we can now provide reliable telecommunications services to customers in areas that were previously unreachable ,” Blackburn said.

Against this backdrop, while delivering feature remarks at the launch, Min-

ister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge

Walrond stated that the government’s vision is to support and encourage initiatives such as these, which aid in improving the lives of citizens of the country.

“That is always the objective, that is always the heart of this government, that our citizen ’ s lives have to be improved, and we recognise that we can’t do it alone,” she said, while adding that there is a need for a motivated private sector

She noted that the partnership between the two businesses is also part of what President Dr Irfaan Ali has been championing Walrond pointed out that the Head of State undersocred

that there is strength in numbers and significant investments in various sectors can be made

Meanwhile, CEO WANSat, Andre Jones , stated that the new service initiative has the potential to transform the telecommunications landscape of the country and has the potential to position GTT and WANSat as leaders in connectivity across Guyana’s entire territory

Jones told the gathering that with the launch of a new ViaSat-3 satellite, which is expected soon, that satellite will offer a capacity of well over one terabit per second, which in turn means it provides over six times the capacity that was previously provided

He said this satellite was expected to be launched on

Leadership is about character and commitment - Outgoing COS says ––

Brigadier Bess reflects on 33-year military career

Tuesday evening but was pushed to later today due to weather conditions

The ViaSat-3 (Americas) satellite is expected to cover North and South American areas when launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, United States of America

The service is expected to be available starting in July 2023 However , customers will be allowed to pre-order service on a priority basis beginning in May Jones stated that the companies are also committed to creating employment opportunities for citizens in remote communities by engaging them to play a role in the operation and maintenance of the satellite broadband hardware.

THE auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna was packed to capacity on Wednesday as officers, other ranks and civilian employees bid farewell to outgoing Chief-of-Staff (COS) Brigadier Godfrey Bess.

In his address, Brigadier Bess reflected on his 33 years of service and the many lessons he learned during his career He said he witnessed many changes as the Force adapted and evolved to meet the threats and challenges of the 21st century

Brigadier Bess expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve with and lead this large body of men and women

“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned during my career is leadership As an officer, I had the privilege of leading soldiers and civilians from all walks of life I learned that leadership is not about rank or authority but about character and commitment It is

F rom

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the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and its observers “witnessed the deliberate and forceful intervention of heavily armed police in preventing the oversight of SoPs at GECOM by physically removing accredited political party representatives, accredited observers, including private sector observers, and the members of the media.”

Additionally, another witness, former Police Division 4 ‘A’ Commander, Edgar Thomas, in his evidence, said that a number of security decisions were made without his knowledge during the 2020 elections fiasco and that he was later punished for refusing to carry out instructions.

Thomas was reassigned and was reportedly told that retired Police Commissioner Leslie James was not pleased with his per -

formance and, as a result, was not answering his cell phone while on the ground. Thomas had testified that the reassignment was not for his rank and noted that he was provided with no accommodations to work.

Meanwhile, James had testified that his ranks might have “violated” his orders and went rogue.

Based on the witnesses' evidence, the commissioners' report said that it became evident that there is a pressing need to implement a prohibition on police officers openly displaying their political affiliations during elections.

“The role of the police is to preserve law and order and detect crime. There should be some prohibition against police officers openly showing partisanship in elections, and more importantly so, they should play no part in the election process

on polling day save for such functions that are delegated to them by the commissioner of police,” the commissioners said in their report.

CAMPAIGN FINANCING

The CoI also found that except for the provisions set out in RoPA, there is no legislation applicable to campaign financing in Guyana.

“Accordingly, there is a lack of transparency and accountability regarding political parties and campaign financing. Political parties have historically raised funds without any limitations regarding the source or amount of donation and with very little obligation to disclose election expenses.

“There is a strong need for such legislation as there is a perception that persons and/or corporations who

give large donations stand to gain political favours,” the report said.

The Commissioners hope that this report will help to bring closure to a “sad and shameful” chapter in the electoral history of Guyana in which the integrity of, and trust in, the electoral system of Guyana was undermined and temporarily overthrown by the shenanigans of election officials at the highest level of the system.

about setting an example, inspiring others, and empowering them to reach their full potential Leadership is also about taking care of your subordinates and putting their needs above your own It means being willing to make tough decisions and accepting responsibility for the consequences And above all, it is about never losing sight of the fact that your subordinates are not just employees, but human beings with families, dreams, and aspirations,” he posited

The outgoing Chief-of-Staff said he is grateful for the memories and invaluable skills provided to him throughout his military career, adding that service to his country afforded him the opportunity of being part of something greater than himself

“I look forward to the next chapter of my life and am excited about spending more time with my family, pursuing new challenges and hobbies, and exploring new opportunities. I am proud to have served alongside the brave men and women of the Guyana Defence Force,” he said

Brigadier Bess received several tokens of appreciation along with well wishes for his future endeavours He will officially hand over command of the Force on Friday and proceed on retirement leave.

Outgoing

From left: Stephen Spengler, Board member of WANSat Networks Inc.; William Mosely, WANSat COO; Andre Jones, CEO of WANSat; Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce; Damian Blackburn, GTT CEO, and Orson Ferguson, COO GTT Business Solutions (Adrian Narine photo)

Guyana Is Open For Business

GUYANA is open for business was the clear message emphasised during the recent exchanges with the high-level Indian business officials visiting with their Foreign Affairs Minister, during which both sides agreed that the enormous commonalities between them can be leveraged for greater mutual benefits.

Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, told the team (which included Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Chairman, Jaidev Shroff and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa) that Guyana’s doors, shut tightly by the previous administration, are now again wide open for business, as especially with friendly partners.

Both sides see bilateral relationships and private sector connections enhancing Guyana’s fast-paced development, based on the abundance of trust, friendship and partnership between the two nations and people, linked historically, culturally and politically -- and in their common economic development thrusts at home and abroad.

As developing nations, the two gov-

ernments also share common values and visions, employing new approaches to old problems, without ditching old methods that still work in these new times.

Dr Singh welcomed the timeliness of their visit and assured the visiting investors that doing business in Guyana has numerous advantages for Indian companies looking to establish a presence here or in this hemisphere.

But he also made it clear that if the two nations are “to harvest the advantages associated with early movers,” they must start now.

Guyana and India have travelled very long ways along the development path since independence, as they negotiate the curves that come with new and unexpected changes in international trade and development cooperation.

Both have a common responsibility to navigate the seas, oceans and channels of international business and trade, in ways that do not isolate them from each other, or from the rest of the world -- and both also seek new partnerships with North and

South.

The respective governments can read the global tea leaves and respond accordingly with appropriate timely policy adjustments and interventions.

International financial and economic crises continue to bedevil the planet and cause developing nations (such as Guyana and India) to pursue social development goals that can be sustained in these new times.

The country’s government has re-established its reputation as a serious trading partner and Doing Business in Guyana is, again, more of a pleasure than a humbug.

The ease of doing business here has improved considerably, with the private sector now very-much more willing to embrace government initiatives, given this administration’s record of delivering on its promises.

Guyana and India are doing brisk business again, thanks to the careful and expert handling of the nation’s finances that have come with Dr Singh’s vast experience, backed by a President and Vice-President who sealed several bilateral trade, invest-

ment and business deals during separate visits to India earlier this year,

Besides, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo is also a former Finance Minister (across several PPP/C administrations) and state planner with delivery credentials visible across Guyana.

And then there’s the valuable support of a public finance policy analyst who daily explains the vast differences between what was inherited by this administration and what’s being done – and the results.

India continues to grow at home and abroad and continues to play a more active role on the world stage, while Guyana continues to expand its ties with North, South, East and West, to ensure that its development is pursued with pride and purpose.

Together and apart, the two nations definitely pursue practical development of mutually-agreeable business policies that will augment their respective prospects for surviving and sustaining national development and South-South business ties.

And the continuing flow and flurry of arrivals bears testimony.

Opposition’s attack on Afro-Guyanese who support the PPP is disappointing

Greetings Editor,

I am a young Guyanese who takes an interest in politics.

As such I followed the news and the utterances of various political parties, etc... It is to note many statements are disbelieving and leave me confused

I have never voted before and hold no affiliation However, I cannot possibly think of reasons to support the main political opposition As an Afro-Guyanese, it is disbelieving and disappointing to know that should I sup-

port the government I will be labeled in the most disrespectful manner I’m disappointed that the opposition claims to represent the interest of Afro-Guyanese but engages in this sort of behaviour

Local Government elections are here, and the campaigns have begun but what I’m seeing so far from the opposition is worrisome Editor, I would like to believe elected officials can act sensibly and responsibly To me, the statements and utterances of the opposition have been uninspiring and offensive and as such I cannot see myself supporting

their candidate for my area in Georgetown

The attacks on Afro Guyanese and some of their own former members do not inspire my confidence in them I also saw reports of persons being threatened to withdraw their support for the PPP and the allegations of fraud and I ask myself, how can one claim to respect people’s constitutional rights to support a party of their liking, but also bash those same persons when they do exactly that?

The independent candidates contesting bring more decency to the local government landscape than the opposition When the time comes, as a Guyanese, I would like the

freedom to exercise my right without fear of intimidation

I would like to experience the electoral process More so, I would really like to see changes in Georgetown The city is a fearsome place, with many problems that affect us all that live and work here

I am hoping to use my vote to institute a change in keeping with how I would like to see my capital managed.

Yours respectfully, Rebeca Constance

Threats and intimidation will not change the numbers

Dear Editor,

I have observed that the main political opposition continues to exhibit its ferocious racial and divisive tendencies This political faction has no strategy for the upcoming Local Government Elections We do not hear of any plans but only some of the saddest stories

The leadership is uninspiring and tribalist.

In my opinion, the People’s Progressive

Party / Civic is the only logical choice for the upcoming Local Government Elections

The City of Georgetown and many of the opposition - controlled NDCs are grossly mismanaged and in need of a change of representatives

The PNC-led APNU is cognisant that they will perform poorly in Local Government Elections in June 2023 This is because the people of Guyana have already rejected them

at the poll in the Elections of 2020

In the Local Government Elections of 2018, the PPP/C beat the combined coalition APNU+AFC whilst they were in government

In those elections, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic got a whopping 61 per cent of the votes cast

The members of the opposition have urged the Guyanese people not to believe the numbers Editor, numbers don’t lie All across

the country, the numbers are showing poorly for the opposition To make up for this they have resorted to threats and intimidation as a means of getting backers of lists and candidates for the PPP/C to withdraw

This is unfortunate and ought to be addressed by the relevant authorities

Sincerely, Ryan Newton

Editor Navendra Seoraj

More oil! –– ExxonMobil Guyana makes discovery at Lancetfish-1 well

EXXONMOBIL Guyana has recorded its second discovery of 2023, at the Lancetfish - 1 well in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

We must protect our democracy from PNC intimidation, bullyism and threats

Dear editor,

Our democracy is once again under threat of being trampled upon by a despairing PNC cabal which is using brutish methods of intimidation and bullyism against persons participating in the democratic process for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

The PNC is cognisant that their campaign of racial incitement for close to three years has been roundly rejected, further isolating the party from voters, including its own supporters, many of whom are gravitating to the PPP/C in droves, choosing to embrace a multi-ethnic party with a platform of inclusion for all Guyanese

It is for this reason that the PPP will face no contest from the PNC-led APNU in about 283 of the 610 constituencies across the country.

Faced with the grim reality of a heavy defeat, the PNC has deployed henchmen across towns and villages to intimidate persons who have consented to be backers for PPP/C candidates at LGE

Several reports have been made by persons who have been harassed by the PNC’s thuggish surrogates whose only agenda is to derail the holding of the 2023 LGE

The PNC’s tactics of intimidation include false accusations of fraud against persons freely participating in the election process by defaming them These persons are made to feel unsafe

We must stand firm by protecting the right of citizens to vote free from fear and intimidation

While we ’ re working hard to safeguard our democracy from the PNC, which has a history of rigged elections and voter suppression, we encourage voters to maintain confidence in our elections process by resisting the fear to openly support the candidate of their choice.

Yours respectfully,

According to a press release from ExxonMobil , the Lancetfish - 1 well encountered approximately 92 feet ( 28 meters ) of oil-bearing sandstone The well was drilled in 5,843 feet (1,780 meters) of water and is located southeast of the Fangtooth-1 discovery

“ Initial results from the Lancetfish - 1 well are encouraging and demonstrate the Stabroek Block’s continued exploration potential,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana , Alistair Routledge , said , noting : “ We continue to increase our understanding of Guyana ’ s offshore resources with each new discovery.”

Lancetfish-1 was drilled by the Noble Don Taylor , one of six drill ships supporting ExxonMobil Guyana ’ s exploration and appraisal activities offshore Guyana It is the second discovery this year, joining the Fangtooth-SE-1 discovery that was announced in late January

Separately , progress continues on infrastructure for future field development The Prosperity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel arrived in Guyana’s waters on April 11 and is set for production start - up later this year.

It will join the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs, which together produced 375,000 barrels a day in the first quarter of 2023

These new projects continue to drive investment in Guyana’s growing economy More than 5,000 Guyanese are now employed in supporting activities in the country ExxonMobil Guyana and its key contractors are also utilising the services of nearly 1,000 unique local Guyanese suppliers

Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, reaffirmed the government ’ s commitment to ensure that the hydrocarbons sector is sustainably and judiciously managed

The revenue earned from this sector , he reminded , will be prudently invested to transform the nation’s social and economic landscape

“The Guyana government is devoted to ensuring that the benefits of Guyana ’ s petroleum resources benefit all Guyanese, paving the way for a thriving future With the nation’s third and largest floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel – Prosperity – joining the current fleet, our pledge to guarantee that this sector is managed against industry standards remains unmoved,” Minister Bharrat affirmed

“The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure that all exploration and production activities in the Stabroek Block are conducted in an environmentally safe and economically viable man -

ner,” the Natural Resources Minister said The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres ( 26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guy-

ana Limited, is operator and holds 45 per cent interest Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

with responsibility for Public Affairs

Kwame McCoy Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister

The Ministry of Natural Resources has said that ExxonMobil’s latest discovery adds to Guyana’s growing legacy as an oil-producing and exporting nation

In a statement on Wednesday , Minister of

Drillship Noble Don Taylor (Photo Credit: NOBLE)

BOSAI investigation report handed over to Labour Minister

THE BOSAI investigation report from the fatal accident involving miner Neptrid Hercules, was, on Wednesday , handed over to the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton.

The Labour Minister thanked the investigation team , which managed to complete the investigation before the appointed six weeks

Minister Hamilton hoped the report would bring some form of closure to the family, friends and co-workers

Hercules went missing in the early morning of March 11, 2023, along with a CAT D9T dozer , which he was operating at the time.

This resulted from a failure experienced by the overburden dump in the East Montgomery Mine, causing Hercules to be covered by the overburden material

The body of Hercules was found several days later after an extensive and painful

search Minister Hamilton launched a formal investigation on March 27, 2023, in keeping with Section 72

(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:06 Laws of Guyana

“The Act gives the minister the power to direct formal investigations into any accident arising out of, and in the course of , the employment of any worker where he considers it expedient to so do,” the Ministry of Labour stated

The persons appointed are referred to as “the court” and “shall hold the investigation in open court in such a manner and under such conditions as the court may think most effectual for ascertaining the causes and circumstances of the accident.”

According to the ministry, competent persons were appointed to serve on the investigating team , whose main purpose was to determine the cause(s) of the accident and make recommen-

dations for the prevention of accidents generally and, more in particular, the recurrence of similar accidents

The persons appointed to serve on the formal investigation team were Charles Ceres, the Chairman; Emilia Maslen; Victor Fernandes, National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health ( NACOSH ); Jimmy Reece, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); Michael A Howard, GGMC; Krishna Ramdas, GGMC; Neza King and Darwin Bourne, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

Department of the Ministry of Labour; Alyea Williams,

Attorney-at-Law/Legal Officer attached to the Labour Department of the Ministry of Labour, and Colis Primo, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“The minister is deeply concerned about this matter He holds the view that this accident should never have happened and he owes it to the family, co-workers and the community to ensure that that there are no recurrences

Hence the appointment of this formal investigation to provide answers to the numerous questions that abound and recommendations for implementation,” the Ministry of Labor said.

Joinery programme at Timehri prison enhances primary school furniture

THE Timehri Primary School on Tuesday received a number of desks and benches which could assist in improving students’ comfort and performance.

The donation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Timehri Prison training programme in the field of joinery

Receiving the donation on behalf of the school was Headmaster Ian Cush, who said that the donation would go a long way in making pupils more comfortable and relaxed when participating in classroom activities

The headmaster said that he looks forward to continued collaboration with the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to improve the lives of learners

and teachers

Additionally , the officer-in-charge of the location, Superintendent of Prisons (ag) Amias Benjamin, said that the donation is part of the organisation’s continuing effort to support the education system

Benjamin also noted that furniture- making is part of the continuous investment in the rehabilitation programme aimed at creating an opportunity for inmates to make a smooth reintegration into society upon release

Meanwhile , Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said the ability to participate in the numerous activities and programmes offered by the Guyana Prison Service is essential to demonstrating suc-

cessful rehabilitation, which is needed upon reintegration into society

Elliot also noted that with the increasing importance placed on education by the current administration , investing in this sector has become more critical than ever before

The Director of Prisons added that the Prison Service is pleased to be a part of the investment since investing in the education sector is an investment in the future of a nation

“Education is a fundamental aspect of human development and has been identified as one of the key drivers of economic growth,” the Prison Head said.

Prison officers and pupils of Timehri Primary School with the desks and benches made by inmates

Chairman Charles Ceres (right) hands over the BOSAI investigation report to the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

Minister Teixeira

The following is the full statement from Minister of Parliamentary Affairs

“THE objectionable narrative from Stabroek News, via its editorial headlined, “Regional anticorruption conference” on April 23, 2023, serves the single purpose of feeding into the narrative of naysayers in Guyana – the usual suspects whose agenda remains unchanged and visible, conveniently enough, only when the PPP/C administration is in Office

The assertion by Stabroek News that: “All that Minister Teixeira likely succeeded in doing at the conference, was persuade the other regional participants that the government here was not fully committed to addressing corruption,” is imprudent

The facts of the matter of corruption are as follows:

FACT 1 : At no time was an insinuation made that corruption is not a problem; rather the objection is that non-empirical, non-scientific data cannot be the standard by which such a serious issue is measured by Transparency International and the World Justice Project

For example, the World Justice Project explains that its methodology employs the use of a survey “that highlights perceptions and experiences ” and features “ perception-based questions” and “experience-based questions” in its questionnaire.

Transparency International’s approach is the same, since it “aggregates data from a number of different sources that provide perceptions among business people and country experts” in a country Minister Teixeira questioned if this unknown minute number of persons was sufficient to castigate an entire country

Stabroek News’ defence of the work of Transparency International cannot detract from the fact that by its own admission, TI and International Financial Institutions accept that the CPI is based on non-empirical and non-scientific data This cannot be an acceptable basis to paint countries in the Global South in a negative light

This fact is neither new nor unheard of; according to a Centre for Global Development 2013 blog post , “the CPI embeds a powerful and misleading elite bias in popular perceptions of corruption, potentially contributing to a vicious cycle and at the same time incentivising inappropriate policy responses

The index corrupts perceptions to the extent that it’s hard to see a justification for its continuing publication.”

Stabroek News does not seem to find it highly coincidental that the Global South made up mainly of developing countries is also made up of people of colour

Consequently, the opinion expressed in the Editorial, “…was she really trying to suggest that in terms of corruption Guyana, for example, equated to mature Scandinavian democracies” can only be described as obtuse

In fact, the Minister re-affirmed the government’s commitment to prevent, detect, investigate and enforce the constitutional and statutory framework against corruption and to

says

Narratives that ignore facts do a disservice to Guyana, Guyanese People ––

and Governance, Gail Teixeira:

Further, Guyana is the only country with a constitutionally appointed Public Procurement Commission which is in place and functioning

Unfortunately , none of these international reporting obligations or national programmes, policies or legislative advances are reflected in perception-based reporting It is in this context that Stabroek News’ ramblings about the PPP/C Government not being able to move to a “more objective approach,” ring hollow

FACT 3: The reference to the Caribbean region is relevant if developing nations are to effectively counter a narrative that harms our region The narrative in the developed world is that countries in the Global South are not only underdeveloped, but are rife with corruption

Only recently, Barbadian Prime Minister, Mia Motley, in an interview with a reporter from SVT (Sweden) questioned why “every time we talk about countries from the South, the first allegation is corruption?”

build resilient institutions

FACT 2 : Efforts are being made to strengthen Guyana’s anti-corruption framework – a fact that the perceptions - based reporting ignore

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, last year, published a guided 26page document, titled “Co-operative Republic of Guyana: Anti-Corruption Framework – Fact Sheet and Detailed Framework 2022,” which might prove instructive for some who are intent on conveying the impression that nothing is being done to address the corruption challenge

At an international level , Guyana ’ s reporting is done under two major conventions Firstly, the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (IACAC) under the Organisation of American States (OAS) was the first multilateral anti-corruption treaty instrument negotiated in the world

The Committee of Experts of the follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) of the OAS is the follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the IACAC

Secondly , the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on October 31, 2003

The UNCAC entered into force on December 14, 2005 Guyana ratified both conventions on December 11, 2000, and April 16, 2008, respectively

Guyana has reported to both bodies in keeping with their treaty obligations; Guyana is now in its sixth cycle review of the IACAC and the second assessment at the UNCAC

At the national level, a National Co-ordinating Committee (NCC) on Anti-Corruption with regard to Guyana’s treaty obligations, which involves a cross-section of government agencies, was established

This committee works on not only ensuring that Guyana is compliant with its

reporting obligations, but also on capacity building and maximising the synergies that exist among agencies

The NCC meets on a bi-monthly basis and 16 agencies are currently represented on the Committee

At the community level, the “eyes and ears” concept is an important component in building out the anti-corruption framework, since it encourages members of society to act as vigilant “citizen observers” and report any suspicious or acts of corrupt activities they may observe including quality of work being executed with taxpayers’ money

The Stabroek News may need to be reminded that in 2008 , the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board launched its website with the minutes of the opening of the bids, awards of the tenders, and advertisement for contracts and standard bidding documents

It is the only country where the media is invited to the opening of the tenders and in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, this continued through livestreaming of the process for the media and competing contractors

This was the first country to do so and remains so today However, during the 20152020 period, this website became defunct; and when forced to partially restore in 2019 due to the on-site visit of the MESICIC for the fifth cycle of review, the website was a conundrum of confusion for anyone trying to ascertain who received an award of a contract

In 2013, the Minister of Home Affairs launched the online “I Paid A Bribe” initiative, to support efforts aimed at cracking down on bribery in government agencies and departments and the Guyana Police Force

Under the last administration, this initiative and its online platforms were morphed into promotion platforms for personalities in the PNCR-led Coalition, before the initiative died

The Barbadian leader was clear in saying: “Why is it that every time we talk about countries from the south, the first allegation is corruption? The USA, UK & Europe are riddled with corruption, but nobody says that they’re not capable of achieving their objectives (…).”

Prime Minister Motley clearly articulated that this is a challenge that developing countries face and her comments on the matter are instructive

Therefore , Stabroek News ’ claim that references to the Caribbean region was “a case of the PPP/C government applying its own distorted norms to the region as a whole” is without basis

There can be no apology for Guyana’s and other nations’ rejection of the use of non-empirical, nonscientific data, to minimise “good faith efforts” by our country and other developing nations to fight corruption

FACT 4: Partnerships are needed to respond to all forms of corruption Contrary to perception, corruption is not a concept that is restricted to government’s fiscal prudence in managing the provision of goods and services to people – but extends to guarding against the corrupting of our electoral process, and the consequent undermining of the will of Guyanese, as well as good stewardship of our national patrimony, and transparency and accountability in the business and civil society

The Ninth Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti - Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) was held under the theme, ‘“Resetting the Anti-Corruption Agenda: Assessing Achievements and Challenges in the Commonwealth Caribbean.”

It is one of several anti - corruption platforms where experiences on national polices, programmes and legislation, et al, can be shared to strengthen the national and regional efforts in the fight against corruption.

It is unfortunate that the Stabroek News Editorial of April 23, 2023 appeared to have been uninterested in having an a “more objective approach” to the minister’s speech and of Guyana’s genuine “good-faith efforts” to fight corruption

American chain ‘Cinnabon’ to open at Giftland Mall

CINNABON, an American chain of baked goods stores and kiosks , will open its first outlet in Guyana at the Giftland Mall, Turkeyen , East Coast Demerara ( ECD ), and the company has already started to hire staff at the location.

According to Cinnabon’s website , they first opened on December 4 , 1985 , in the SeaTac Mall in Seattle, Washington, United States, where a father and son transformed their hard - earned dream into a reality

They are located in over

50 countries to date

Just recently, Starbucks opened its flagship location at the Amazonia Mall, Providence, East Bank Demerara. Starbucks is known worldwide for its coffee houses, which offer a wide array of coffee beverages , snacks, and pastries, as well as its dedication to sustainability and customer-focused business approach President Dr Irfaan Ali said the introduction of the global coffee franchise has once again demonstrated the country’s potential as a

booming market of opportunities

Starbucks is not the only global brand that has recently taken an interest in the country, with several food, energy, and other companies bringing their services to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world

“The recognition from a global brand shows that not being part of this market is not being part of the action; not being part of the forward trajectory that various investors are following And that is a very important message.

Starbucks doesn’t just pick itself up and go to just any market They follow the development of countries They follow the requirements of the market And I’m sure that they would understand that the nature of the consumer coming into Guyana is also changing rapidly.”

He noted that the Starbucks location at the Amazonia Mall is in a prime location to benefit from the economic activities in the area

The café is located near the Guyana National Stadium

and massive housing areas where several expatriates reside and people working in the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector President Ali said the area also represents the infrastructure network that the government is building to create a more efficient connection system to bring communities and people closer “ Vision and action are not guesswork It is not work by accident It is work structured and targeted to the

achievement of particular results And I am sure that as Guyana becomes a stronger and stronger economy, many more global brands will be here And I’m sure that many North American brands will be here, but the brands that are coming must be able to incorporate our local private sector, and be able to engage our local private sector That is what is going to make the brand resilient, successful and sustainable,” Dr Ali expressed.

Guatemala to open embassy in Guyana

FOREIGN Secretary Robert Persaud has met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Ambassador María Luisa Ramírez, to discuss areas of co-operation between the two countries as Guatemala gets ready to establish an embassy in Georgetown

In the meeting, the Foreign Secretary referenced recent discussions between President Irfaan Ali and President of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, on priority areas of

co-operation between the two countries and restated Guyana’s commitment to such

These areas include technical support for the sugar industry and collaboration on oil and gas, tourism, food security and climate change

The Vice Minister reaffirmed Guatemala’s commitment to closer co-operation between Guyana and Guatemala, including widening and deepening trade She also emphasized the importance of strong relations with the CARICOM region, given that Guyana is the seat of the CARICOM Headquarters

Vice Minister Ramírez is visiting Guyana to engage in bilateral discussions and conduct preliminary work on establishing a Diplomatic Mission in Guyana, the first of such in CARICOM, which is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2023 Guyana and Guatemala enjoy 31 years of diplomatic relations.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Ambassador María Luisa Ramírez

THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce , in collaboration with the United Nations’ Development Programme ( UNDP ), on Thursday , hosted a “Digital in Motion ” programme , targeting small business owners.

The training was held at the office of the Region

Three Regional Democratic Council, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara

According to the minis-

try’s Special Projects Officer Joel Parris, the “Digital in Motion” programme is specifically geared at helping small businesses adapt to the changing needs of the business environment through the adaptation and use of digital technology tools, which will serve to help them grow their businesses

He noted that while the programme is targeted at small business owners, they have also included

–– to help small businesses

prospective small business owners

The programme was developed during the onset of the COVID - 19 pandemic when it was noticed that several businesses had to be closed because they would mainly have to depend on in - person interactions to progress with their various business operations

Additionally, he said that with the way the economy is, people would have to adapt

in terms of utilising more technology and new business solutions and not solely depend on the traditional modes of operations , such as face-to-face interactions or more conventional forms of media for advertising and marketing ( radio , newspapers, and television).

The Digital in Motion programme provides a general step-by-step guide to assist businesses in re-tooling and discovering new ways to reach their cus -

thrive

Tourism Ministry, UNDP partner for ‘Digital in Motion’ programme

tomers , available on the Ministry’s website

The training session consisted of eight guides Guide

One focused on customer and market expansion; Guide

Two handled orders and deliveries efficiently ; Guide

Three, organising business finances; Guide Four, ensuring business safety and security; Guide Five , implementing various payment methods ; Guide Six, generating appealing products and promotions for clients ; Guide Seven ,

good environmental practices in business; and Guide Eight, contribute to gender equality in industry

Each guide has a maximum of seven to 10 tools, which will further help business owners enhance their businesses

The programme began in 2022, and so far, they have done training in Regions Two, Seven, Six, and 10, with this year’s targets being regions Three, Four, and Five.

Mings Products, Services introduces MST Rebars to Guyana

THE C & F Harbour

Bridge Mall , located on the East Bank Demerara (EBD), is one of the first local businesses in Guyana to use MST Fibre - Glass Rebars to construct a three-story building to service the country’s booming oil and gas sector.

Recently, the company cast the foundation of the 156 feet by 25 feet structure using only MST rebars

C&F Mall’s proprietor, Peter Fraser, said “the building is 156 feet by 25 feet wide , and I am targeting the oil sector in the first instance ,” while adding that he chose MST-Rebars because his engineer had recommended it as a very durable product to him

Buildings servicing the oil sector require a high construction standard , which could be why Fraser’s engineer decided to use MST-Rebars

MST-Rebars is distributed by Mings Products and Services (MPS). It was

first introduced to the local market in July last year at the Guyana International Building Expo , where it sparked a lot of interest among contractors and the public

According to John Chin, the Operation Manager of MPS, “Mr Fraser (owner of C&F Mall) is one of the first two businesses that went ahead and ordered the product”.

Chin explained that not only will C&F Mall benefit from the economical pricing of the MST - Rebars , but its tensile strength is three times stronger than that of the traditional rebars Additionally, unlike traditional steel rebars, this product is made of glass fiber strands and coated with resin, making it highly resistant to corrosion, with just a quarter the weight of steel

“It also gives you the opportunity and confidence that moisture will not corrode your reinforcement because it is totally non-reactive to water, and mois-

ture, even if the water has some amount of salt in it, is perfectly safe, so Mr Fraser has no worries about corrosion of his foundation ,” Chin said as he pointed out that the traditional steel bars tend to corrode after some years causing the concrete to crack Using MST - Rebars

also reduces the amount of concrete used to construct buildings “ You can also reduce the concrete required with steel, you would need about two inches of cover between the steel and the surface of the concrete, mainly to minimise moisture intrusion and to affect the steel rebar you

can reduce that cover by 3 1/4 of an inch.” Chin added

Other benefits of MST-Rebars are that there is no added expense for coated bars, handling costs are reduced significantly , less labour is required to set up, and there is no wastage of materials

“Whatever is needed is

cut to length in the factory and then shipped to Guyana and delivered to Mr Fraser, and that is what he installs here, so if you look around, there are no pieces of the green around the site as wastage”, noted Chin

Apart from their strength and resistance to corrosion , MST bars are used in countries like Canada and the United States because of their post - construction benefits , such as non - interference concerning communication signals ( critical in hospital operating rooms), reduction of stray currents in central electric installations and automatic grounding from lightening (crucial when building swimming pools and the base of racks for solar installations).

Contact can be made with any MPS representative to purchase MST rebars for your building projects . The company has an engineering team prepared to advise customers on the designs of MST-Rebars

A section of the gathering at the Digital in Motion training (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce , Special Projects Officer, Joel Parris

Operations Manager of Mings Products and Services (MPS) John Chin with C&F Mall’s proprietor, Peter Fraser inspecting the MST Fibre-Glass Rebars tied to the steel beams being used on The C&F Harbour Bridge Mall

–– with ongoing economic development, Dr. Singh says

Guyana well-positioned to accelerate implementation of Agenda 2030

–– reiterates call for international community to recommit itself to agreed undertakings during ECLAC forum

DURING the Sixth Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, currently underway in Santiago, Chile, Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, said Guyana reaffirms its commitment to Agenda 2030, both in terms of the country ’ s national policy agenda and ‘our call to action by the international community’.

He outlined several achievements, over the last three years, that allowed the country to become one of the fastest growing economies

Such included the rebuilding and strengthening of key institutions of the State, bringing itself back from the brink of bankruptcy, regaining fiscal solvency and sustainability , rebuilding and steadily improving public infrastructure and social services , and restoring its credibility as a destination for private investment

Dr Singh highlighted ,

further, that, within three decades, Guyana has resumed and consolidated its place among democratic nations The Minister then called on the international community to recommit itself to those undertakings already agreed if ‘we are to stand an even remote chance of achieving the lofty objectives of Agenda 2030. ‘Nothing less is required’, Dr Singh underscored

The Senior Finance Minister was part of the panel that addressed ‘ Strategies to Advance Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean’. He took the opportunity at the forum to highlight two particular strategies to advance the national and sub-regional agenda in a manner fully consistent with Agenda 2030

“These most recent economic developments have placed Guyana in a position to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2030 , to which we are firmly com

mitted Indeed , even the most cursory examination of our successive national budgets in recent years will indicate very close alignment between national policy priorities and Agenda 2030 ,” the Minister posited

Guyana is currently spearheading CARICOM’s Food Security Agenda ‘25 by 2025 ’, which seeks to reduce CARICOM ’ s food import Bill by 25 per cent by 2025 The country has also outlined its second-generation Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as a successor to the first LCDS

In November 2022, Guyana issued the world’s first jurisdiction - scale , sovereign carbon credits as the next phase in Guyana’s creation of a global model for forest climate services This was followed shortly afterwards by the world’s first sale of such credits in global carbon markets, for a minimum payment of US$750 million between 2022 and 2032 The LCDS reinforces Guyana’s

very strong climate credentials , including that , even as an oil and gas producer, Guyana remains and is expected to remain a net carbon sink well into the future

During his presentation , Dr Singh , however , lamented that “as a committed member of CARICOM, which comprises some of the smallest and most vulnerable member states of the United Nations, we wish to associate ourselves with the often - expressed view that the international system has failed the most vulnerable countries of the world.”

“To put it most starkly, the commitment to mobilise and deliver 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income ( GNI ) in Official Development Assistance is now more than five decades old It remains prominent in its non-achievement by all but a tiny handful of countries, despite reaffirming it in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda The same can be said about the 2009 commitment

to mobilise and deliver $100 billion worth of climate financing by 2020 , another objective that remains prominent in its non - achievement,” he said

The Minister added, “In much the same manner, and specifically in connection with vulnerability, the work on developing a multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI) on the basis of which eligibility for development finance would be determined has been ongoing for over three decades, with no conclusion in clear sight”.

Dr Singh pointed out , however, that despite Guyana’s challenges, it will continue to work towards meeting its objectives

“… we in Guyana are under no illusion of the magnitude of the task before us if Agenda 2030 is to be successfully implemented Indeed, notwithstanding our relatively strong fiscal position, successful implementation of Agenda 2030 will require a level of investment

that exceeds the still limited fiscal resources available The challenge of financing sustainable development is further compounded when our inherent vulnerability especially to climate change and other external shocks is taken into account,” the Senior Finance Minister explained The meeting commenced on April 25 and will continue until April 28.

Technical Standards Review Committee appointed

–– to improve electrical safety, infrastructure and provide guidance

THE government has taken a significant step towards improving the country’s infrastructure and safety standards, with the appointment of nine members to the Technical Standards Review Committee on Wednesday.

The committee will serve as a consultative and advisory body to the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on electrical safety codes and regulations

Navin Deonarayan, Kevon Grimmond , Dr Anna Perreira, John Cush, Kevin Vickerie , Davindra Ramnarine , and Sheldon Sauns are the appointed committee members

Dr . Perreira will Chair the committee while Mr Grimmond will vice - chair The other two persons, who were unavoidably absent will receive their appointment letters at another time

They are expected to

on

national energy policy

context of Guyana ’ s thrust for modernisation and the speed in which we are modernising.

As the minister responsible, I want to say welcome and thank you and I hope that you will be able to serve effectively for the improvement of all in Guyana,” the public works minister stated.

He also emphasised the need to develop new codes and standards that are safe and not burdensome

Bishop Juan Edghill along with the newly appointed members of the Technical Standards Review Committee

bring their expertise and guide the government on the necessary variations to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) or the National Electrical Code (NEC) that may be necessary or advisable in Guyana

The committee will also be responsible for resolving

disputes between the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) and any person, providing guidance on technical matters related to the formulation and implementation of the national energy policy , inspecting and testing suppliers ’ work , investigating incidents , and addressing

any other technical matters concerning the supply of electricity

During the appointment ceremony, Minister Edghill said the committee is a critical move considering the significant development taking place in the country

As more people improve

their homes and construct new ones, there is a growing need to ensure that electrical wiring and appliances are installed correctly to prevent electrical hazards such as fires

“We have to give guidance as it relates to standards I welcome this board in the

The minister said the government had instructed the GEI to inspect all government buildings further to ensure the safety of the country’s citizens.

The committee members’ collective approach to developing new standards and educating the public about them will undoubtedly play a vital role in achieving the country’s safety and infrastructure goals.

Minister of Public Works,

Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh

Linden residents receive cement, steel subsidies to build new homes

THE first batch of 55 residents of Linden, Region 10, will now be able to fast-track their journey to construct their new homes after receiving cementand-steel subsidies from the government.

The beneficiaries were handed their vouchers, each valued at $225,000 during a simple ceremony held at the Watooka Guest House on Wednesday.

The initiative was welcomed by the recipients, including Kenisha Dey-Venture, who received a voucher for two slings of cement.

She expressed her appreciation for the support, as it will now enable her to access the necessary materials to begin building her home.

“It is a great push for us because we know the cost for building materials have gone up and so this is a real help,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Esther Roberts also expressed her gratitude for the initiative and mentioned that she had been waiting for a long time to start building her home.

“I want to say thanks

be unto God and thanks to President Irfaan Ali for this support. I am grateful,” she said.

During brief remarks, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, explained that 50 persons received vouchers for two slings of cement, while five received vouchers for cement and steel for their foundation.

He noted that the initiative alone will see over

$8 million going back into Linden’s economy.

“We expect that immediately upon receiving your vouchers, that you reach out to one of the suppliers to get your materials to commence the process of constructing your homes,” Minister Croal told the beneficiaries.

A total of 93 individuals in Region 10 applied for the programme. However, only 55 qualified after

the application process was completed.

The minister explained that the remaining applicants did not meet the criteria due to issues related to their house plans.

The vouchers, which are redeemable at three suppliers in the mining town, are valid for six months.

Minister Croal also took the opportunity to address the issue of supplier selec-

Jungle exchange

tion for the programme, explaining that a tendering process was conducted, and three suppliers were selected within the region.

The suppliers signed an agreement stating that they would supply the materials at the same price.

“That is not the closeoff. If there is anyone else, once you go through the necessary process because we will have to send it to the board [CH&PA], we can add suppliers as times go by,” he said.

The minister urged more persons to take advantage of the programme, noting that applications are extended to persons residing in other parts of the region, including Kwakwani and Ituni.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, provided an overview of the programme, stating that it aims to expedite the homeconstruction process for the recipients, making it easier and more affordable for them to build their dream homes.

Greaves reported that to date, just over 500 persons

have been issued vouchers across Regions, Two, Three, Four and Nine.

The initiative was announced by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in July last year.

This year, the government allocated some $800 million to implement the programme, which targets close to 3,000 prospective homeowners in the initial phase.

A section of the gathering at Watooka House, Linden Esther Roberts

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) dispatched the second group of soldiers to commence jungle exchange in French Guiana The ranks recently commenced the activity known as “Fer de lance exercise.” One Officer and the 21 members of the team are drawn from the 31 Special Forces Squadron The exchange is expected to last for 13 days

Literacy, robotics programme launched in Region Four

aimed at

THE Ministry of Education ’ s Literacy and Robotics programme was launched on Wednesday at the Enterprise Primary School on the East Coast of Demerara by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

The Enterprise Primary School is the first school in Region Four to benefit from the programme and the fifth in the country

The programme, a collaborative effort between the National Department of Literacy and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), aims to improve learners’ literacy levels

It is in keeping with the ministry’s mandate to ensure that every child is a fluent reader by Grade Four while advancing the use of technology Minister Manickchand said that the children will be engaged in a strict sixweek literacy programme on Monday

The Education Minister

improving the literacy levels at Enterprise Primary School

District Education Officer Region Four , Pravina Singh , in brief remarks , reiterated that the Ministry of Education was committed to ensuring each child is a reader She also called on parents to take full advantage of the opportunity for their children.

Meanwhile , NCERD Head of Curriculum , Ms Omawattie Ramdin, echoed similar sentiments. She told parents that the Literacy and Robotics Programme was an investment in their children

Ms Ramdin further emphasised that while the programme is being conducted at school, support must be given at home for it to be successful

noted that it is important that the programme is conducted effectively and further urged parents to play their role in supporting their children She advised parents that, for the programme to work, their children must attend school consistently

Giving an overview, Assistant Chief Education Officer responsible for Literacy, Ms Samantha Williams, stated that the Literacy and Robotics programme launch will help children unlock their reading potential

Ms Williams noted that,

following an assessment , it was found that a significant number of pupils at Enterprise Primary School were not reading at their grade level She noted that the programme has a threetiered approach and provides an intensive , fast -

paced remedial intervention to fast-track learners’ literacy skills

It will begin at the basic level, move on to the intermediate level and culminate at the advanced level Assessment will also be done to track the pupils’ progress

To date, the Literacy and Robotics Programme has been launched at the Dem Amstel Primary School , Kawall Primary School , La Retraite Primary School and the Blankenburg Primary School in Region Three.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, assists an Enterprise Primary School pupil with cutting the ceremonial ribbon to launch the Literacy and Robotics programme

FAO partners with local stakeholders to develop OSH strategy

Supports safe, healthy work practices along seabob value chain

UNDER the FISH4ACP programme, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is partnering with the Fisheries Department, the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors ( GATOSP), the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organisation ( GNFO ) and other key stakeholders to develop and implement an OSH strategy for the Seabob value chain.

This initiative is timely as Guyana celebrates the month of Occupational Safety and Health ( OSH ) under the theme, “A Safe and Healthy Working Environment is a Fundamental Principle and Right at Work.”

Underscoring that the fishing industry is one of the most hazardous occupations globally, the FAO noted that casualties could arise from occupational hazards on the vessels ; risk of capsizing , and operation of gear, nets, engines , ropes , and other equipment on board vessels

Fisherfolk can also be exposed to viruses and bacterial contamination, harsh weather exposures, the risk of drowning , and psychological stressors such as insomnia , fatigue , stress , anxiety, and depression, to name a few

Guyana is the world ’ s largest producer of Atlantic Seabob, a commercially valued shrimp harvested by trawlers and artisanal fishers

An OSH strategy will improve the well - being of workers, improve operational safety and health standards, and build long-term sustainability and resilience in the seabob sector

This industry-led strategy will also strengthen risk assessment and management practices along the seabob value chain while upgrading current policies and procedures to protect this fishery Additionally , it will help export firms maintain compliance with national and international labour standards as required by the Ministries of Labour and Health in Guyana and comply with the labour requirements introduced by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in 2022

Maintaining MSC certification is essential for export market access The new European Union regulations increasingly require exporting firms to demonstrate how they are meeting internationally recognised standards for labour practices

“ We the members of GATOSP welcome

this initiative of the FAO FISH4ACP Project , as it will assist with the development of the OSH strategy for the seabob sector This will ensure that the revised policy meets not only the MSC certification process but also help them to meet the Ministries of Health and Labour OSH requirements,’’

GATOSP President Reuben Charles said

The strategy development process commenced with an initial awareness and assessment of the current OSH conditions, policies, and regulations across the value chain Following this , there will be a series of consultations among stakeholders for their input into a risk assessment and risk management manual

Trawler captains and crews, dock/transport workers, and seafood processing workers and managers will then be trained on the safety and health measures of the value chain operations Artisanal (Chinese Seine) seabob fishers will also receive training through the fisherfolk co-operatives on OSH and risk assessment to improve the lives of fishers at sea and on land

The entire consultation, development, training, finalising, testing, and endorsement for implementation is expected to be completed within 18 months and handed over fully to the industry

“

The GNFO is in full support of the development of an Occupational Health and Safety strategy for the Seabob sector This strategy will help the industry to meet national and international standards and also benefit the fishers who ply their trade in tough conditions by providing them with better awareness on health and safety at work and at the landing sites,” GNFO Chairman Pamashwar Jainarine said

FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) aimed at making fisheries and aquaculture value chains more sustainable It contributes to food and nutrition security, economic prosperity and job creation by ensuring fisheries and aquaculture’s economic, social and environmental sustainability in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific FAO implements FISH4ACP with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ).

Fisherfolk selling seabob at the Mon Repos Market

Varun and Suyash wreck RCB’s chase again

(ESPNCRICINFO) - It took Kolkata Knight Riders eight games to finally produce a cohesive team performance. They excelled with bat and ball, and were the better team in the field too, as they achieved only their third win of the season. It was the perfect way for them to start the second half of the league stage, beating Royal Challengers Bangalore for the second time in the season.

KKR's win was set up by their new opener, Jason Roy, who laid the base for their total of 200 by smacking 56 off 29 balls. Nitish Rana pumped 48 off 21 to keep the momentum going through the middle overs, and Rinku Singh (18 off 10) and David Wiese (12 off 3) put on the finishing touches.

RCB's chase, though, was on while Virat Kohli was out there. He scored 54 off 37 to keep them on course. However, regular wickets from Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell kept pegging them back, and RCB eventually ran out of gas and fell 21 short.

Suyash, Varun pull it back for KKR

Kohli and Faf du Plessis hammered 30 runs in two overs from Vaibhav Arora and Umesh Yadav to start the chase, forcing Rana to bring on spin in the third over. He chose to go to his least experienced spinnerSuyash Sharma - ahead of

Sunil Narine and Varun, and was rewarded with du Plessis holing out to long on second ball.

While Kohli kept finding the boundary, he failed to find support in the powerplay with Shahbaz Ahmed falling lbw to Suyash, while Glenn Maxwell holed out off Varun. With RCB three down in the powerplay, Kohli and Mahipal Lomror stabilised the chase by running hard and taking on Sunil Narine.

Rana then went back to Varun, who had Lomror caught in the deep, and when Kohli was superbly caught on 54 by Venkatesh Iyer, diving to his left at deep midwicket in the 13th over, KKR were decidedly ahead in the contest. The dismissals of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dinesh Karthik in the space of four balls ensured

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RCB had no way back and Kohli, who was standing in as captain for du Plessis once again, said they had "gifted" the victory to KKR.

Rana makes RCB pay

Kohli's scathing postgame comments were largely because of RCB's fielding. They put down a tough caught-and-bowled chance off Roy, but it was the two

reprieves that Rana received that really cost RCB. According to ESPNcricinfo's Luck Index, the two drops, by Mohammed Siraj in the 13th over and Harshal Patel in the 15th, cost RCB a total of 29 runs.

Roy fined for breaching Code of Conduct

KKR opening batter Jason Roy has been fined 10 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. It appeared that he hit the bails with his bat after he was dismissed by Vijaykumar Vyshak. He admitted to the Level 1 offence, where the Match Referee's decision is final.

The first chance came when Rana was on 5 off 5 deliveries and then second when he was on 19 off 12. He ended up scoring 48 off 21 balls. Rana's innings in-

cluded three fours and four sixes and it allowed KKR to wrest the momentum after sluggish innings from N Jagadeesan and Venkatesh.

Roy sets Knight Riders up

It was Roy's innings, however, that set the tone for KKR's night. After struggling for runs from their opening partnership all season, KKR finally had a strong start and it was all Roy. He smashed four sixes in the fifth over from leftarm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed to power them to 66 for 0 in the powerplay.

So even though Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed N Jagadeesan and Roy in the same over, KKR had a platform to build on, and this time Rana and the rest ensured that it was not wasted.

Jason Roy gave KKR a fabulous start (Associated Press)

Liverpool come from behind to beat West Ham

(BBC) - Liverpool came from a goal down to win at West Ham and boost their hopes of securing European football next season.

The Hammers took a 12th-minute lead when Lucas Paqueta, after playing a one-two with Michail Antonio, fired from 20 yards out past Liverpool goalkeeper, Alisson.

But the advantage lasted less than six minutes before Cody Gakpo equalised with his own shot from outside the penalty area.

West Ham thought they had gone back in front with Jarrod Bowen's angled strike but the England forward was ruled offside by the video assistant referee to keep it at 1-1.

An unmarked Joel Matip scored what proved to be the winner in the 67th minute with a powerful header from Andy Robertson's corner from the left.

There was a late scare for Liverpool when Thiago handled in the penalty area, with

Hammers boss David Moyes furious that a decision was not awarded by either onfield referee Chris Kavanagh or Neil Swarbrick on video

assistant referee duty.

At the final whistle, Moyes confronted Kavanagh, still angry at the decision that cost his side an opportunity to

earn a point.

Liverpool still hoping to salvage something from difficult campaign It has been a tough sea-

son for Liverpool, who came second in 2021-22, losing out to Manchester City by one point as the title race went to the final day of the season.

They went out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, competitions they won last season, at the fourth-round phase and were hammered 6-2 on aggregate by Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Therefore, to miss out on European football altogether would be a massive setback for Jurgen Klopp's side.

They may have to settle for the Europa League at best and will need to finish fifth or sixth to qualify for the second-tier European competition, while seventh would leave them in the playoffs for the third-tier Europa Conference League.

This win takes them sixth and above Tottenham on goal difference, although Champions League football looks beyond the Reds as they are six points behind third-placed Newcastle and Manchester United in fourth, with both sides having at least one game in hand.

Sport View Sport Administrators should stop ‘sporting with Sports’

By Neil Kumar

SOME National sports associations (NSAs) administrators must stop sporting with the derivable benefits of National sports programmes.

It is a generally accepted principle that the Global Sporting bodies' Policies limit the government's role in the administrative management of NSAs. This principle allows exclusionary freedom from intervention to elected administrators whose performances are sometimes sub-optimal.

The situation realizes a thin line for interventions by government ministries that perennially have fiduciary accountability responsibilities for promoting national policy benefits from induced budgetary contributions to support these NSAs programmes.

So naturally, government administrators will exercise caution and balance when association's officials do not comply with the basic accountability mechanisms or when these officials prove in-

competent or are less than sufficiently diligent or prudent.

Repeated embarrassing events, such as the recent disastrous and catastrophic fiasco concerning the historic 50th Carifta Games, often drive the need for interventions. Similar occurrences must never be allowed to repeat as we must all ensure that sports administrators must be men and women with integrity who will also be held accountable.

Interviews on social media and other public reports confirm the shocking admission by the President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) that his oversight of Affairs is below the required par level. He established [that] the organisation was sufficiently funded with provided financial support amounting to millions of dollars, perhaps far more than what was needed to take the National team to the Junior Carifta Games. Therefore, the explanations provided cannot justify why our precious ath-

letes were humiliated with their preparation and participation at the Games.

The sports calendar is known to all the sports Administrators. The date, time, venues, and requirements are crystal clear to the relevant sports associations. However, it is public knowledge that many sports Administrators are only sporting in their roles with sports.

Regarding the funding of sports programmes to which administrators should report, they often treat this as a state secret to which only the very privilege[d] few would have access. Long before any national or International 'GAMES,' National Associations must develop a checklist with all the details concerning what has to streamline the team's preparation and compliance by all stakeholders.

Critically, responsible administrators must ensure that the best arrangements are in place for the team to succeed. Association officials have

used arms-length excuses for too long while abusing the system about who should be their actual beneficiaries. The problem points to associations holding governments at bay with the notion that they are "independent and only answerable to The international body. Yet, simultaneously, they expect the governments to provide all the facilities and much funding.

Sports associations often reach out to the Business communities to access funds but are very slow in accounting within the legal timeframe. As a result, most National associations fail annually to satisfy the three essential requirements of the government to get approval, and government support tends to target the Corporate Citizen's support.

It is important to note that The National Sports Commission Act 23 of 1993 is instructive for obligatory compliance that all National associations must: (1) hold annual Elections, (2) produce annual audited financial statements and

(3) provide the NSC with their programme of activities for the respective calendar year. Unfortunately, however, very few National associations are accountable and transparent in their activities.

What seems evident in the Public for compliance by the administration's official is that the officials, passports, visas, and all travel documents are always available on one side. But on the other, the Preparation of the Athletes and teams is always done haphazardly. Further, in-fighting for selecting the officials to travel with the team is always more critical to some associations

According to reports, the AAG president has mentioned that for this Carifta games, the GOA contributed three million dollars; the government contributed three million dollars, and the business/ sponsors three million dollars. So, then we must have a good report on all aspects of the team that attended the 50th CARIFTA games.

So, the government is consistently leading in exposing our very young to sports. Our students are allowed to play sports at an early age in the communities and schools.

So, the very young are given that vital exposure to sports disciplines where they create a positive altitude and then develop genuine interest in specific sports.

We must ask the questions where are the quality coaches, trainers, and the National associations developmental programme? Unfortunately, most associations only hang on to the best youths available and then exploit the youth's abilities for their benefit. Since we have several world-class sports facilities and massive government spending on developing sports facilities nationwide, National associations must get better and more responsible members to administer the associations.

The time is most suitable for sport administrators to stop sporting with sports.

Joel Matip’s goal was his first in the Premier League this season

Trophy Stall sponsors GRFU 7s tourney this weekend

POPULAR businessman, Ramesh Sunich, has once again collaborated with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) to host a much-anticipated tournament at the weekend.

Sunich, through the household name of his company, Trophy Stall, has donated the trophies and medals for the GRFU/ Trophy Stall 7's tournament, set for this Saturday, at the National Park.

During a brief meeting yesterday, Sunich handed over the prizes to Public Relations Officer of the GRFU, Godfrey Broomes.

The businessman, who is a long-standing sponsor of Guyana Rugby and other sport associations, took time out to encourage other business owners to take seriously their corporate social responsibility.

He noted that his continued contribution to sport in Guyana is a key

factor in his success and recognition of his business.

The one-day rugby tournament will be contested by GDF, GPF Falcons and Panthers.

GDF will be gunning

to remain unbeaten after winning the previous Sevens tournament last month. Meanwhile, Falcons won the Sevens tourney in February with Panthers being the runner-up in both.

In an invited com -

DDL/Savannah Milk sponsors 1st National Junior Golf Championship

Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) and the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) announced yesterday that the first ever Guyana National Junior Golf Championship, scheduled for this May 20-21 at the Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-Hoop, will be sponsored under the Savannah Milk brand.

ment, Broomes noted that the GRFU is cognisant of the current weather patterns and if the ground becomes inundated, the tournament will be pushed to the following weekend.

NBS launches 9th GCA’s 2nd Division 40-over tourney… GCC

Present at the DDL headquarters for the official announcement were several CSEC students from the Friendship Secondary School, along with GGA’s president Aleem Hussain and Schemel Patrick, DDL’s Brand Communications Manager.

has won

5 of

the 8 previous competitions

By Sean Devers

YESTERDAY morning

at the New Building Society (NBS) Head Office at North Road and Avenue of the Republic, the Bank launched the ninth edition of the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) NBS Second Division 40-over cricket tournament.

Chairman of NBS, Nanda Gopaul, said the bank, which has four branches in Berbice, one in Henrietta on the Essequibo Coast and one in Linden, supports sports across Guyana.

“While we are delighted to support sports, we (NBS) have developed a special relationship with the GCA since we began the sponsorship for the second division 40-over tournament in the city” Gopaul stated.

Gopaul disclosed that NBS sponsors a similar tournament in Berbice and Essequibo and it is hoped that the two winners from each County could, sometime in the near future, play in a National knock-out T20 tournament to decide the National Champions.

“NBS is very satisfied with the way the GCA has managed this tournament in a transparent, efficient and well organised manner. We are also proud that our sponsorship has helped to produce players who have gone on to play at the highest level” Gopaul asserted.

GCA’s Vice-President, former West Indies off-spinner Roger Harper, speaking on behalf of GCA’s president, Azad Ibrahim, who was out of the jurisdiction on official duties, said the GCA is

pleased to be partners with NBS for over a decade.

“Guyana’s latest Test batter, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, played in this NBS tournament while several other players, some of whom are from outside of Georgetown, have gone on to represent Guyana at all levels,” Harper declared proudly.

The presentation of the cheque was done by NBS’s CEO, Anil Kishun to Harper in the presence of GCA and NBS officials.

The NBS tournament was inaugurated in 2012 (missed 2 years due to the COVID-19 Pandemic) and GCC, under the captaincy of Devon Lord, has won five of previous eight tournaments while the left-arm spinner led the ‘Bourda boys’ to the first three titles; beating DCC, MYO and Transport SC.

Defending Champions GCC, Guyana’s oldest Cricket Club, beat Everest under-lights at DCC in the seventh edition and defeated host, DCC, under lights in last final and have qualified for six of the eight finals, losing to DCC, (who has two titles) in the final of the fourth edition.

DCC and GCC have faced each other four times in finals with results being 2-2 while TSC has the won the other title when they beat DCC in the final of the fifth edition.

Ryan Hemraj will attempt to give GCC their sixth title in the ninth edition which has already commenced with five matches being played.

The competition was halted by the adverse weather and will resume once the weather improves.

Patrick noted that, “We wish to acknowledge the exceptional work being done by the Ministry of Education Unit of Allied Arts, Aleem Hussain and the Guyana Golf Association with the development of Golf in the country. We're proud to be associated with this event, as a key focus for us at DDL / Savannah Milk is the advancement of youth through education and sport. We look forward to being a part of this programme that has attracted many women and children players.”

The tournament will be opened to all players ages 10-18 and the team that will represent Guyana at the Caribbean Junior tourney later this year will be drawn from the participants. This event will have three age categories (10-13; 14-16 and 17-18) with 1st-5th place prizes for both male and female players.

Registration closes May 15th and can be done by contacting the GGA via email guyanagolfassociation@gmail.com or calling 645-0944.

GRFU’s PRO, Godfrey Broomes and Ramesh Sunich (right) of Trophy Stall yesterday.

NBS's CEO, Anil Kishun, presents the sponsorship to GCA's vice-president, Roger Harper, at yesterday's launch of the 9th Edition of the NBS 2nd Division tournament (Sean Devers photo)

Phillip Haynes of the GGA receives the sponsorship cheque from DDL's Schemel Patrick