Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-01-2023

(DPI photo)

(Delano Williams photo)

Guyana-born British actress, Letitia Michelle Wright, who played leading roles in the ‘Black Panther’ movie and its sequel, ‘Wakanda Forever,’ landed on home soil last evening. On arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she was greeted by First Lady Arya Ali; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and relatives. The award-winning actress migrated to England with her mother two

100 ICT hubs to be operationalised to benefit 200 hinterland communities – PM Phillips

RISING to make his contribution to the 2023 National Budget debate, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday revealed that some 100 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs are on track to being operationalised in the hinterland regions.

The Prime Minister was at the time responding to remarks made by the former Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, in relation to the Hinterland Poor and Remote Communities Project.

He noted that while Hughes spoke glowingly about the project, when he

assumed responsibility for the sector, barely any progress had been made. This project he noted was conceptualised by a previous People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government.

According to the Prime Minister, he summoned the project manager and asked for a status update and was told that the equipment was in the country but stored in containers in the parking lot of a hotel.

At that time, he noted that he had asked to see the equipment which was later hurriedly moved to a rental bond at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

“Nothing was done. You signed the document, the money was made available, the equipment was bought and placed in the bond after

being stored in containers,” PM Phillips said.

From then to now, he mentioned that some 100 ICT hubs are on track to be operationalised and equipped with laptops, printers, scanners, televisions, surge protectors and cubicles, among other necessary items.

As part of this project, Phillips said 70 ICT hub managers will be trained in areas of computer literacy, report writing, internet and email, PV basics and effective communication. Further, some 25 photovoltaic technicians will be trained in areas of solar installation.

According to him, this project will see over 98,000 residents in 200 hinterland poor and remote communities benefitting.

“This is a benefit that

the people should have had before 2020. This is a benefit we’re committed to ensuring that the people will start enjoying in this year 2023,” he told the National Assembly,

Further, the Prime Minister said that since assuming office, the government has upgraded and continually maintained internet connections in several hinterland communities.

Additional upgrades are in the works, he said, adding that this will provide improved access to education for students in these areas, especially those benefitting from the GOAL scholarship programme.

These are some of the corrective measures that government has to take to improve the lives of the people of Guyana, he said.

Security guard found with loaded gun in crotch

A 26- year-old Albouystown man was arrested on Thursday night, after ranks, reportedly, found an unlicensed .32 firearm and six matching rounds of ammunition in his possession.

At the time, the ranks were conducting an intel-led operation at an apartment building in Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park.

According to a police report, the ranks, led by an

Assistant Superintendent, went to the mentioned location at about 21:00 hours, where they made contact

with a security guard who was at the front gate of the premises.

The officer, after identifying himself and team explained that they were there to conduct a search for arms and ammunition as a result of “certain information” received.

The 26-year-old man, who also identified himself as a security guard was searched by one of the ranks, who found the weapon and matching rounds in his pants crotch.

When asked if he was licensed to carry the firearm, he said no.

According to the police, the man, under caution, said he had the firearm for his protection.

The suspect, along with the firearm and ammunition, was taken to the Kitty Police Station.

He remains in custody pending charges.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

Agricultural development, infrastructural upgrades and housing for Region 10

–– President Ali announces during impromptu visit to Linden

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan

Ali, has assured residents of Region 10 that his government intends to enhance the productive capacity of the region, especially in the areas of agriculture and food production.

The Head of State, who held a community outreach to Christianburg, Linden, on Friday, noted that the region would play its part in the agricultural development and that government officials would work out an “Agricultural Development Plan,” the Press and Publicity Unit said

in a release.

Additionally, President Ali told residents that the aim is to ensure that Linden is the hub for mechanical services and engineering services, primarily due to its strategic location to Lethem.

Numerous infrastructural works have also been earmarked, and they will be done through consultation.

President Ali explained that in the short term, the government will repair priority roads and footpaths, such as those that lead to public places. The works, he said,

will be done by residents of the region.

Measures will also be put in place to upgrade the highway and build a new bridge at Wismar.

“This is an important part of the transformation. We can’ t be building the road going on to Lethem, and then the crossing is a one-way crossing,” President Ali said.

The residents will also benefit from numerous jobs when the government constructs 1,000 houses in the region.

The President reminded residents that the government is people-centred and will continue to travel to all communities within the country.

He said that for too long political agendas have worked against development and have looked to divide rather than unite.

“We have a country and communities to build. What I can say to you is you can rely on us to be with you…We don’t profess only to love the people; we work to show we love you. We labour to show we love you, and that won’t change,” he said.

During discussions with the residents, the President announced that the government would ensure that sporting facilities and playgrounds

in schools in the region are repaired and renovated, the release added.

Further, he noted that the government is also examining a number of other sporting facilities that will be upgraded and the building of “a new stadium.”

It was also announced that an assessment will be done to determine where smart televisions can be set up in classrooms to enhance education delivery.

Meanwhile, in addition to the infrastructure, agriculture and other major projects that will be done in the region, the President noted that creating a mindset that is positive, families and communities

‘Bogus Analyses’

–– Dr Singh slams APNU+AFC MPs for attempting to ‘hoodwink’ Guyana

By Clestine Juan

FROM conveniently omitting information to misrepresenting the facts, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh has called out the APNU+AFC’s Members of Parliament (MPs ) for attempting to mislead Guyanese with their “bogus analysis” of the $ 781.9 billion 2023 budget.

In a stinging rebuttal to the opposition MPs’ contributions to the 2023 budget

debate over the past five days, the finance minister delivered a chastising presentation as he closed off the debate on Friday evening

“The nation continues to be regaled by this pathetic display of incompetence, ineptitude and incoherence for the whole of five days,” Dr Singh said as he poured cold water on the Opposition MPs’ presentations.

He rebutted the comments made by Opposition Shadow Public Works and

Energy Minister David Patterson on Thursday that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant (AFHP) was “stillborn” and that it “died from malnutrition.”

Dr Singh reminded the house that it was because of the opposition putting its foot on the neck of the project that international investors were chased away.

The initiative was launched in 2009 , but in 2013, it was voted down by APNU+AFC in the National

Assembly, forcing its major investor, Sithe Global Incorporated to withdraw.

In 2014, Norway, under its climate partnership with Guyana, transferred some US$80 million to the Inter -American Development Bank (IDB) to fund the project.

When the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) returned to office in August 2020, it expressed its recommitment to the project and went on to propose an

energy mix aimed at utilising both natural gas, heavy fuel oil, and renewables such as hydro, wind and solar.

Dr Singh said that even though the project was supported by the PPP/C-- since it could bring enormous benefits to the manufacturing sector, including affordable and reliable energy-- it was not supported unanimously by all three political parties, a necessary prerequisite to the project receiving international development funds

that are strong and communities and people that are respectful to each other are also equally important.

“When we understand that all of us must be a collective whole in presenting the solution to our problems, then is when we will achieve fullness of development and fullness of happiness.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; National Security Adviser, Captain Gerry Gouveia and other government officials were also at the meeting.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

required to complete.

“But apparently that entire history is conveniently forgotten by Mr Patterson, who now comes sir, conveniently forgetting the views expressed by his party… but the records are

Norway finds ‘substantial’ mineral resources on its seabed

(Reuters) - A Norwegian study has found a “substantial” amount of metals and minerals ranging from copper to rare earth metals on the seabed of its extended continental shelf, authorities said on Friday in their first official estimates.

The Nordic country, a major oil and gas exporter, is considering whether to open its offshore areas to deep-sea mining, a process that requires parliament’s

approval and has sparked environmental concerns.

“Of the metals found on the seabed in the study area, magnesium, niobium, cobalt and rare earth minerals are found on the European Commission’s list of critical minerals,” the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), which conducted the study, said in a statement.

The resources estimate, covering remote areas in the Norwegian Sea and Greenland Sea,

showed there were 38 million tonnes of copper, almost twice the volume mined globally each

year, and 45 million tonnes of zinc accumulated in polymetallic sulphides.

The sulphides, or “black smokers”, are found along the mid-ocean ridge, where magma from the Earth’s mantle reaches the sea floor, at depths of around 3,000 metres (9,842 feet).

About 24 million tonnes of magnesium and 3.1 million tonnes of cobalt are estimated to be in manganese crusts grown on bedrock over millions of years, as well as 1.7 million tonnes of cerium, a rare earth metal used in alloys.

The manganese crusts are also estimated to contain other rare earth metals, such as neodymium, yttrium and dysprosium.

“Costly, rare minerals such as neodymium and dysprosium are extremely important for magnets in wind turbines and the engines in electric vehicles”,

the NPD said.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Environmental groups have called on Norway to postpone its seabed mineral exploration until more studies are conducted to understand the organisms living on the seabed and the impact of mining on them.

There is “a great lack of knowledge” of deep oceans, where new and undiscovered species are potentially to be found, Norway’s Institute of Marine Research said in a consultation letter.

The NPD said its estimates showed resources “in place”, and further studies were needed to establish how much of those could be recovered with acceptable environmental impact.

A fishing vessel sails in the ice fjord near Ilulissat, Greenland on September 12, 2017 (REUTERS/Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen/File Photo

Jamaica to benefit from Venezuela gas deal

ENERGY Minister Daryl Vaz is now engaged in a frantic scramble to get information about an energy deal involving gas from Trinidad and Tobago, which he admits he was not aware of before it came to light in the media.

The information was contained in a Reuters article, titled ‘Exclusive: US issues licence to Trinidad and Tobago to develop Venezuela off shore gas field’, published on Tuesday.

A section of the article attributed to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley stated, “The licence will allow PDVSA, Shell and Trinidad to jointly plan and develop a gas-exporting project after agreeing to pending details in coming days. A portion of the resulting gas must be exported to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, according to the two-year licence’s terms.”

PDVSA or Petrolea de Venezuela SA is Venezuela’s State-owned oil producer.

“I read it too, but I don’t get nothing at all on it,” Vaz said on Wednesday when contacted by the Jamaica Observer for further details.

“We have no formal com-

munication. I have checked with Petrojam and they are not aware. Right now, we are trying to follow it to see what we can [learn about the matter] out of Trinidad,” the minister continued.

“It’s kind of difficult to see Jamaica mentioned in something like this and the Government is totally unaware. I am checking with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and checking with Petrojam and I am asking them to get in touch and get some clarification on the matter because it is of keen interest to Jamaica,” he added.

“If it is that this will be another source for Jamaica, then obviously that will be welcoming.”

On Thursday, the minister informed Caribbean Business Report that he will provide an update by latest Monday.

But Rowley, speaking at a news conference in Port of Spain, said Trinidad expects to gain access to 350 million cubic feet of gas per day from the Dragon field, which holds 4.2 trillion cubic feet of reserves on the Venezuelan side of the maritime border with Trinidad.

The project would have Trinidad import the gas and

Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Daryl Vaz, will confirm by latest Monday how Jamaica stands to benefit from a licence that will allow PVSA, Shell and Trinidad and Tobago to drill for gas in Venezuelan waters. (Photo: Joseph Wellington) convert it into exportable liquefied natural gas (LNG). The issuance of the licence marks a further easing of some sanctions on Venezuela.

Trinidad and Tobago had applied for the licence in mid-2022 and won approval after discussing it with top US officials, including US President Joe Biden, while

keeping open a channel of communication with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

However, it appears that one of the United States’ key aims for approving the licence is a response to countries in the region calling for help to deal with high energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last February.

With Venezuela now under US sanctions, it would be difficult for Trinidad and Tobago to pay for the gas, an issue that was highlighted by Vaz.

“When you read what Reuters says, the sanctions remain. They have a licence to drill, but Venezuela can’t benefit from no payments or nothing,” Vaz told Caribbean Business Report.

However, a subsequent

article said that the twin-island republic would pay Venezuela for the gas with humanitarian supplies like food and medicine. Trinidad previously supplied Venezuela with about US$50 million in humanitarian goods, he said.

“We have done that before. So, we buy the gas and we pay for it in a variety of ways,” Rowley told journalists late on Tuesday.

Venezuela has resorted to swaps to make its economy work amid stiff US sanctions prohibiting financial transactions or the use of dollars to pay Venezuela or the country’s State companies.

Maduro has been pressing Washington and other governments to free more than US$3 billion frozen in foreign bank accounts — money which could be used to import food, medicine, and other goods.

The United Nations has been called to administrate a fund that would be financed with those resources, but there has been no agreement between Maduro, the United States and the country’s political Opposition on how to implement it. The Opposition controls most of the country’s foreign assets.

Under US sanctions, companies and governments must obtain authorisation from the US Treasury Department to do business with PDVSA.

The Biden Administration has granted only a few such licences since taking office in January 2021, mostly on a heavily restricted basis.

Trinidad is one of the largest exporters of LNG in Latin America and the Caribbean, with installed capacity to process 4.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) into LNG, petrochemicals and power. But its gas production is just under three billion cubic feet per day.

Even with the US granting Trinidad’s request, it could take years of investment and effort to bring Venezuelan gas to Trinidad and boost LNG exports, experts say. (Jamaica Observer)

Housing the nation

THE Ministry of Housing and Water has allocated over 20,500 house lots, established 44 new housing areas, upgraded and installed infrastructure in 43 existing housing areas, built 827 low, moderate, and young professional houses, and another 527 were in various stages of construction by the end of 2022.

The investment cost for these houses is estimated to be more than $7 billion.

This was complimented by the enactment of the Condominium Act of 2022, which was assented to by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and the regulations gazetted , which now give legal protection to the owners of the duplexes built under the Coalition so that they can now receive titles for their homes, use it as collateral for loans, and be able to insure their properties.

This Condominium Act, which received only partial support from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), which built the duplexes and left the owners in limbo, will also give investors more opportunities to introduce more modern methods of housing.

It is long overdue and has brought tremendous relief to the forty-odd owners of

the duplexes and their families.

Further, the Housing Ministry regularised six areas and reduced squatter settlements from nineteen to thirteen while 4256 certificates of titles and transports were processed.

The government had also injected more than fifty billion dollars into the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). It commissioned and completed a study on regularizing squatter settlements while legislation was tabled in the National Assembly for the establishment of the Single Window System for Development Permits.

This legislation will now pave the way for a more cohesive, less bureaucratic, and more efficient system for submitting, processing, and approving all planning and development applications

The coming on stream of the Single Window is testimony to the vision of transformation that government is promoting. Government will use technology to implement processes that can deliver outcomes that are both people-focussed and cost-effective.

Additionally, the Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration has not wa-

vered from its commitment, and they have acknowledged, understood, and appreciate citizens’ aspirations to be homeowners.

However, the government is equally aware of the disparities in their earning power. Added to this is the cost of land and construction. The burden of buying or building a house is not a new phenomenon The demand for housing is not new. It has increased exponentially, and today it is at an all-time high.

And though times have changed, the government continues to subsidise housing by allocating house lots at significantly reduced prices while regularizing old squatter settlements and resolving the issue of squatters who occupy government reserves.

It was the PPP/C government, upon their return to government in 2020, that allocated $8 billion for housing development and new infrastructure. In 2021, $15 billion; in 2022, $25 billion; in 2023 $50 billion.

Government has already introduced the cement and steel subsidy, which is available to any new home builder for their foundation to commence their home.

The demand for housing is so high to begin building houses that government com-

menced a robust programme. As houses are under construction in various categories, $50 billion will be being expended for new and existing areas.

In the water sector, the administration has recorded a 97 per cent increase in access to water while over 28,000 pensioners are receiving free water subsidies for $523 million, and transmission and distribution networks and mains are being extended.

By 2025, Guyana will have a modern four-lane bridge across the Demerara River, an onshore gas pipeline and natural gas plant; new and more developed road and water networks; the skyline will be transformed with an influx of modern architecture and the people of Guyana will benefit from better and more immediate access to social and health services; the Manifesto promise of fifty thousand house lot allocation will be kept, and above all else, the people of our country will enjoy a more comfortable life.

These actions reveal that the government is building, fortifying and consolidating the confidence that the electorate has placed in the PPP/C administration, and the evidence of its competence will guide the nation.

It is One Guyana, Mr Jeffrey, One Guyana

Dear editor,

READING Henry Jeffrey’s latest incursion into the bizarre, I came to the conclusion that even the best thinkers can make mistakes, and no, I’m not referring to Jeffrey as one of those.

I’m referring to Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s mistake of thinking that Jeffrey could have been a person who could be relied on to make an objective assessment of a political situation.

It took former President Jagdeo to psyche him out and found out that he was more talk and less action, in fact an armchair “intellectual,” which became clearly evident with the discredited positions he took during the discussions surrounding the European withdrawal of the sugar subsidies.

The article I refer to is titled “Mocha madness” in his Future Notes and printed in Village Voice.

Jeffrey’s contentions were obviously following in the closest way possible the footsteps of his handlers in the PNC.

His positions are so much more shocking when it is remembered that he was once the Minister of Housing and should have understood the illegality of squatting, and the undesirable effects it can have on the health and welfare of the squatters.

In the case of the Mocha squatters, their occupation was also, indisputably, in the way of one the major, massive infrastructural projects

of the PPP government. It was also proven that way back, under a PNC government, this was brought to the squatters’ attention.

Jeffrey, like those of his ‘kith and kin,” attempted to inject the race factor, which is once again, becoming the clarion call of the PNC, when there is clearly, overwhelmingly and manifestly no evidence of such.

I strongly believe he did not exert any mental consideration to the painstaking efforts, over a considerably long time, to convince the squatters of the need for them to be relocated to places where they would become the legal owners of living and farming spaces.

Jeffrey should say what “available democratic means” were not “exhausted’ before the few politically influenced squatters had to be removed, as a last resort, in the true meaning of those words.

Jeffrey posits that “some” say that what happened at Mocha is the PNC “beating the ethnic drum,” but isn’t he doing exactly the same? He should give irrefutable evidence of the PPP “over the last 60 years playing the ethnic card,” not just spout words for the sake of “passing air.”

After agreeing with another racist characterization of Guyana by Vincent Alexander (and who really believes Alexander after the period March to July, 2020?) Jeffrey went on to further the racial nonsense concerning the delayed appointments of the two top judicial positions in the country. He claims that the

“Opponents of the PPP have outwitted it in a fashion that allows the entire population to see it for the ethnic political arrangement it is.”

Whew! Now who gives Jeffrey the authority to speak for the “entire population?” I would ask Jeffrey if the “entire population,” not only of Guyana, but the entire Caribbean and even in other parts worldwide, did not learn a new lesson regarding “de new, modern mathematics” regarding the majority of 65 and I daresay other rulings, by some of the esteemed holders of judicial positions in Guyana?

I am sure that some spokesperson from the PPP can and would adequately respond to his unfounded and wicked conclusions that ethnic considerations are involved in these appointments “that can possibly remove it from office.”

Again, does he remember the litigation involving the No Confidence Motion passed in 2018 and which rulings helped the Coalition remain in office far beyond the constitutional requirements.

He then goes on to quote another apologist for the PNC, GHIJK somebody, the Wall Street know-it-all, and SN in another attempt to inject racism in the Guyana scene, using the recent budget and the awarding of contracts as his well-worn, rusty and useless tools.

My questions to Jeffrey are for him to say if the situation he quoted existed also during the 2015 to 2020 period, and has he checked if

those same figures haven’t changed in favour of Afro Guyanese contractors and entrepreneurs, especially after August 2020?

I challenge him, if only as a political scientist, to be honest in this regard. Or would such honesty serve to alter your deliberate narrative?

In his closing salvo, in an obvious attempt, he “swung” at Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and now President Irfaan Ali, with his flawed assertion that the “PPP rule has been focused on political/ethnic domination……and has continued to stultify progress in Guyana”.

First of all, Jeffrey must be a one man show, not recognising progress in Guyana, during the PPP’s terms in office.

Secondly, I seem to remember Jeffrey being a minister from 1992 for more than a decade (I think up to at least around 2008, when I resigned as a minister).

He held a few portfolios, and my memory fails to recall him making these accusations, either in private or in public when he “bused” out the opposition to the PPP government and showered praises on the PPP.

Was he singing for his supper during those years?

One Guyana, Henry, One Guyana! Encourage it, embrace it, enhance it. Eradicate racism….

Yours Sincerely, Harry Nawbatt

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Oil Dorado Beckons in 2023!

By Earl Bousquet

GUYANA is ending the first month of 2023 just as it closed 2022 -- on a better footing, pacing quickly towards a brighter future already being seen by all and felt by many, in the world’s fastest-growing economy.

The largest member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) also started the new year as the fifth- fastest-growing non-oil economy globally, with every indication the emerging Oil Dorado, fuelled by its healthy new earnings, will spend another year successfully investing its petro dollars to earn more positive returns for the wider national good.

On December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2023, Al Jazeera, the Qatar- based and globally popular international news agency, featured a wide-ranging interview with Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali on its popular Talk to Al Jazeera programme.

During the programme, Dr Ali outlined some of his PPP/C administration’s plans, to assure it intends to use the nation’s growing oil revenues wisely.

The year 2023 also opened with the World Bank’s latest report confirming Guyana’s economy grew by 62.3 per cent in 2022, with double-digit growth also projected to continue into 2024; and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) saying its “nonoil sectors” are performing better than expected.

The emerging New Guyana is evident to any visitor heading to the capital, Georgetown, after landing at the new-look and feel-good Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Eye-raising and jaw-dropping new infrastructural projects include highways built with concrete (not asphalt), countless new housing units, more new businesses of all sizes -- and a busier-than-usual commercial sector, all greased and fuelled by oil revenues.

The government has allocated over 20,500 new house lots and established 44 new housing areas since being elected to office in August 2020; the Demerara River was recently dredged for US$300

million to facilitate an offshore base; and China has lent Guyana US$172 million to help build an entirely new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The manufacturing sector is geared for exponential growth, tourism continues expanding (with a massive increase in arrivals recorded in 2022), rice exports topped over US$ 100 million last year, the coconut industry got an additional boost – and the nation moved much closer to cutting its $350 million import bill for eggs.

Guyana earned US $1.2 billion in oil revenues last year, with projections for production of one million barrels per day by 2027.

There’s growing global interest in investing in Guyana by new and old energy companies in Africa, Canada, China, India, Europe, the Middle East and the USA; and existing investors (Exxon/Mobil, Hess, CNOOC and CGX among the leaders) are increasingly expanding investments, while widening and deepening exploration and extraction.

Hess has also signalled Guyana’s seventh oil platform, to lift output above 1.2 million barrels -- and recently made its first payment to the government for forest protection; and now the company and Exxon have both discovered more oil this month.

President Ali visited India earlier this month and welcomed high interest in Guyana’s oil sector; private Guyana companies can now recruit Indian nationals for highly-specialized roles in the oil & gas industry; and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo will lead a follow-up technical team to India.

As Georgetown prepares to host the second edition of the Guyana International Energy Conference and Expo (February 14-17), the Guyana and Suriname Energy Chambers have signed a MoU for better business; and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it’s ready and willing to finance energy-related projects in Guyana.

The administration also started 2023 inviting local farmers and agro-processors to form consortia to supply the growing energy sector, as explorations yield more oceans

Chronicles of a Chronic Guyana Chronicler

By Earl Bousquet

of Guyana’s oil and gas.

The government has also again offered guarantees that household incomes will continue to increase consistently.

The year has already seen passage of a massive $789 billion 2023 budget aimed at advancing the nation’ s transformation, featuring: $84 billion for Health, $58 billion for security, $54 billion for housing, $43 billion for a gas- to-energy project – and $50 billion more for “citizens’ pockets” through increased pensions and other social expenditures.

Also on the cards for 2023 are the first 100 homes at the new IT-friendly Silica City the administration plans to build in the vicinity of the CJIA, plus significant infrastructural upgrading along the long Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Guyana also started the year with a continuation of registration for upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs) set for March 13.

The LGEs will take place exactly three years since the controversial 2020 national elections that the PPP/C won, but was prevented from taking office until five months later, as the defeated APNU+AFC alliance was unwilling to leave office -- until it could no longer hold out.

The AFC closed 2022 pulling out of the alliance with APNU, but the LGEs will also coincide with the administration’s mid-term -- and the results a sure indication of how voters view its tenure, to date.

Guyana opened 2023 with high hopes country-wide for better management of increasing flood risks, government having recently acquired amphibious excavators to help drain the vast areas of

Georgetown and the coastal communities that submerge when the age-old Dutch irrigation system fails, largely due to historical neglect.

Most Guyanese will admit they started this year with more of the renewed hope and confidence garnered in 2021 and 2022 – not without the expected criticisms by political opponents and Doubting Thomases, but all within the context of a long-awaited (yet

largely-unexpected) recovery from the economic doldrums that mainly characterized the past six decades.

The transition from the fabled El Dorado to today’s modern Oil Dorado has taken five centuries, but it’s one that Guyanese, at home and abroad, are simply glad about, in a Latin American and Caribbean region where 131 million people cannot access healthy diets.

Having endured decades with their homeland’s dustbin reputation of having a currency without value and classification as a “resource- rich but dirt-poor failed state,” Guyanese who’ve long sought refuge abroad are also proudly looking forward to visiting and/or returning home –and not only in mind and spirit, as Oil Dorado beckons.

Attorney-General: Budget 2023 creates framework to advance legislative agenda

BUDGET 2023 creates the framework for the advancement of Guyana’s legislative agenda, which aims to foster transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and efficiency.

This was expressed by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir

Anil Nandlall, SC, as he defended the $781.9 billion budget in the National Assembly on Friday.

“Budget 2023 was not crafted in abstract. We have a plan, and we are delivering in accordance with our manifesto,” the AG told the House.

Boasting the govern -

ment’s track record from 2020 to the present day; the Attorney-General reminded of the previous administration’s intended plans for the establishment of a law school that never materialised, owing to the absence of accreditation from the Council of Legal Education (CLE).

“They did an artist’s image of the law school and gave it a name. And, a public statement was put out by the Council of Legal Education, that they never gave permission for the establishment of a law school in Guyana.”

The attorney-general said the CLE, in 2022, granted its legitimate approval for establishing a regional law school in Guyana, a feat not achieved under the APNU+AFC government.

The AG also informed the National Assembly of developments to come. He reminded them that the passage of the Constitutional Reform Commission Act would establish a 20-member commission appointed by the president early this year, as the process of reforming Guyana’s constitution advances.

Meanwhile, last year saw the induction of a batch of special prosecutors, comprised of LLB students, from the Prosecutorial Programme, who will be trained in innovative ways to equip them with the necessary skillset to work alongside the police prosecutors in the magistrate’s court. Some 35 special prosecutors graduated, and are stationed at magistrate’s courts in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten.

The AG disclosed that another batch of 35 will be-

gin training in a month and be assigned to other courts to ensure the reach of justice is extended.

Meanwhile, he said that to bring to fruition the tenets of the Restorative Justice Act, which was passed in 2022, the restorative justice centre will soon be established.

“The focus is on the exploration of other forms of punishment, bringing the victim and the perpetrator of the crime together, to try to repair and restore the relationship. Significantly, it goes into the society itself, trying to find the root cause of the criminal conduct and working to address it,” the attorney general explained.

In addition, further infrastructural development on the judicial front will see the construction of a massive building at Suddie, Region Two, for officers of the Director of Public Prosecution’s office.

Two buildings, one at Lusignan, East Coast of Demerara and the other at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo will also be constructed to accommodate the Hope and Justice centres.

“These institutions will provide legal, medical and probationary services to the victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, etc. Accommodation will be provided for the victims

so as to remove them from the source of the violence, if necessary,” the AG told the National Assembly.

The year 2023 will see the completion of several magistrate courts countrywide and the advancement of the Lusignan prison centre and mental health division.

A bill to abolish the need for preliminary inquiries in the court system will also be drafted this year.

AG Nandlall noted, “Every day we read the complaint about the delay in the criminal justice system and the length of time that accused persons are languishing in prison.”

He said one of the reasons for the backlog, and extensive wait time, is that the law requires a preliminary inquiry to establish a prima facie case before going to a judge or jury. The elimination of this preliminary process will save time and eliminate the backlog.

“Right across the Caribbean and even in the Commonwealth, this first tier of the criminal process has been abolished. We are moving in that direction-removing that tier and accelerating that trial,” the AG said.

Today marks the final day of budget debates. The consideration of the estimates in the Committee of Supply in the new week will follow this. (DPI)

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, during his presentation in the National Assembly

Shuman calls out APNU+AFC MPs for unbecoming parliamentary behaviour

-says indigenous community was neglected by coalition

DEPUTY Speaker and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party, Lenox Shuman, on Friday, chastised the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) for their constant and gross misconduct in the National Assembly.

Shuman, who was the first person to present on the final day of the national budget debate, said that parliamentarians must be held accountable for their misdemeanors.

“When there is Parliament, some of them don’t even bother to log in; they don’t bother to show up. I think taxpayers need to tie performance and attendance to the pay of parliamentarians,” he said.

Shuman emphasised that MPs should be cognisant of their constitutional obligations when taking the oath of office.

He stated that the Guyana Elections Commission

(GECOM) should take note of all those who engage in race-baiting during sittings of the National Assembly.

“When you come to this House, you have an obligation to tell the truth to the people and that truth means that sometimes we have to swallow the bitter pills of our under achievements,” he added.

Shuman used most of his allotted time to harshly criticize the opposition as, according to him, it did nothing for the indigenous community while in government.

“Amerindian land titling moved absolutely nowhere, and I can say that with authority because I sat on that board. I sat on that board when party affiliates from the APNU+AFC sat in that room and said we are not giving out any more land titles,” he said, before adding,

“The APNU+AFC admin-

istration established a commission of inquiry into lands and completely excluded the National Toshaos Council.”

He noted that the opposition has become “primary chaos” agents in Guyana, discrediting themselves as capable leaders who can represent the country and its people.

“You cannot lead if you

cannot get your house in order…So you cannot speak about taking your knees off the necks of indigenous peoples when your party tore up our agenda,” he said.

The government has allocated $4.7 billion towards development of indigenous communities with millions more set aside to advance the health, education, infrastructure and social services sectors.

In the 2023 budget, $500 million has been allocated towards advancing land titling in Amerindian communities.

This will ensure that those communities have absolute ownership of their lands.

An additional $500 million will go towards the construction and equipping of ICT hubs in a number of Amerindian communities.

Additionally, $205 million has been allocated for women, culture and preservation of Amerindian languages.

To support Amerindian leaders, a sum of $147 million has been earmarked for the completion and furnishing of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Secretariat.

“There seems to be some level of discomfort that when a political party or legitimate political party and representative of the people comes to the house and ask for an endorsement to spend from the public purse, it creates a discomfort,” Shuman said.

In endorsing the national budget, Shuman said: “Budget 2023 is the sharp end of [a] chisel that is meant to carve the beauty that Guyana will be and I say that this budget has my 110 per cent support.”

Deputy Speaker and Leader of the Liberty and Justice Party, Lenox Shuman (DPI photo)

$500M ‘Friendship Port Facility’ under construction

A BUSINESSMAN is investing $500 million to develop the first waterfront port facility in Friendship, East Bank Demerara, that will create over 50 jobs

when completed under the name “Friendship Port Facility.”

The company, which owns a cargo vessel, will utilise the port facility to

Ongoing works in the initial stage of construction at the Friendship Port Facility sels and marine activities to serve the Wales Gas to Shore project and other services in the oil and gas sector.

import cement and aggregate to assist in developing Guyana’s construction and infrastructure works.

The facility will also accommodate other ves -

According to the developer, the land was a swamp covered in thick vegetation, and tremendous work is being undertaken with the employment of 20 persons currently.

When completed, he

said, the facility will work to achieve and operate under the International Ship Security System Certification (ISPS) and International Organization Standardization (ISO) certifications.

The intended development will fill the gap for oil and gas support services to meet the rapidly expanding offshore operations while providing a range of services

geared toward economic development onshore. These will be carried out with the local economy benefitting from employment, duties and taxes, ancillary goods and services, and capacity-building.

The facility is also expected to equip and bring value to the management and operations of the overall industry.

‘Men on Mission’ holds another job fair

THE Men on Mission project, on Friday, held a job fair at the National Cultural Centre tarmac.

The event saw persons being able to access various job skills services including registration for possible vacancies, information

on how to write resumes and be prepared for interviews as well as general information dissemination. Participating agencies included: Queensway Security, Amalgamated Security, Excel Guyana, Rotary Club of Demerara,

Infab Inc., SIAG Security, Atlantic Edge Insurance Brokerage Inc ., Silvie’s Industrial Solutions, Global People’s Services, WR Recruitment Agency, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana

Prison Service. Last week, a similar event held in Linden attracted hundreds of residents (Troy Gaskin photos)

General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Wayne Watson

THE Management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) has offered its sincerest apology to citizens and visitors, who were on Thursday night forced to endure vulgarity during a “calculated attack on the corporation, and, by extension, the Government of Guyana.”

In an urgent public notice issued on Friday, General Manager Wayne Watson assured the members of the public that a full investigation has been launched into this incident.

A bridge user took a video of the message which read “F$%k Guyana”, as it made its way across the screen and posted it on Facebook.

Watson said that the message was a misrepresentation of the corporation and its hardworking staff.

“We wish to assure everyone that the profane message broadcast via the digital messaging board at the bridge was perpetrated with ill intent by a yet unknown person or persons, to cast a shadow of doubt over the corporation and its hardworking staff. This will not be taken lightly. Not only do we view it as an attack, but also a total misrepresentation of who we are as a team executing our mandate of ensuring safe, and timely crossing of everyone using the Demerara Harbour Bridge,” he said.

He added that the management of the DHBC also commits to ensuring that better systems, and monitoring mechanisms are in place to ensure that this type of incident does not recur to cause confusion or to distract drivers whose focus must re-

Harbour Bridge probing ‘profane message’ on digital board

main unhindered at all times.

“We appreciate your inquiries and messages of

concern from the time this attack transpired. We also thank you sincerely for the

swiftness in which you contacted us about this matter, and encourage you to con-

tinue to be our partners in development, as we work to ensure only the most

excellent service is given to you from the corporation,” he said.

MoE condemns attacks on its officers by opposition MPs

–– urges Speaker to ‘protect’ the reputations of public servants

THE Ministry of Education has strongly rejected statements made by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Catherine Hughes that were directed at a senior officer within the Ministry, Anieshaw Mohamed, who is Head of the Guyana Learning Channel (GLC).

In a press release issued on Friday, the ministry said that these statements were made earlier in the day during Hughes’ budget 2023 presentation in the National Assembly.

According to the ministry, Hughes tried to tarnish the reputation of Mohamed by stating that she was employed to head the Learning Channel because she is related to the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

“This could not have been further from the truth. Ms. Mohamed and Minister Manickchand are not related in any way. This untruth told by the Opposition Member of Parliament should be rejected fully. It was a cowardly act to attack a professional public servant, a woman who is making significant changes in the education sector,” the ministry said.

It was explained that since assuming the leadership of the Learning Channel in 2020, the GLC has been transformed in every as-

pect and is now able to better serve children, teachers and the general public.

“The GLC which was struggling from 2015 to August 2020 with one channel now has six channels dedicated to broadcasting educational content being used by learners and teachers. Approximately 85 per cent of

All these interventions including shows aimed at making learning fun and entertaining were critical especially in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning was necessary due to school closures.

The GLC has never been in a better position to push the distance learning agenda for the Ministry of Education,” the ministry emphasised in the press release.

The ministry said that it also rejects the attack on its Chief Planning Officer, Nicola Warrina-Johnson by another Opposition MP, Natasha Singh- Lewis in a television programme run by said MP.

It was noted that Warrina-Johnson is amongst the most qualified planners in the Caribbean and her services are coveted internationally.

hinterland communities have access to the GLC with the installation of televisions and solar systems within those communities. By the end of the first quarter in 2023, there will be 100 per cent access.

“Guyana is lucky to have her. She has dedicated her life in service to the Guyanese people and has declined many lucrative offers because she believes in building her country. She is responsible for planning in a dynamic sector for many years now. She is current with education trends internationally and plans for needs as they arise and as they are predicted. Mrs Warrina-Johnson collaborates

closely, on the Honourable Minister’s behalf, with international development partners and other agencies to implement the ministry’s programme,” the press release said.

It added that the opposition is cautioned not to involve officers in their political attacks.

“Surely that can be managed by those we have entrusted with the nation’s law-making,” the ministry said before urging the Speaker of the National Assembly to intervene.

“The Speaker of the National Assembly is strongly urged to protect the reputation of persons who are outside of the House with absolute vigour when Members of Parliament abuse their privilege and try to [tarnish] the reputation of committed, hard-working and patriotic public servants.

The ministry reiterates that the statements made by Ms. Hughes and Mrs. Natasha Singh-Lewis should be rejected by all and that we continue to support our officers in the execution of their duties to improve the education sector which will only lead to the improved lives of all Guyanese,” the release said.

27 Indigenous youths graduate from police recruitment course

TWENTY-SEVEN new constables from Region

Nine were welcomed into the ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday at the Officers ’ Training Centre Headquarters, Eve Leary.

The ranks are the successful graduates of Recruit Course 387 and will be placed in departments such as Immigration , Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and General Duties, the force said on its Facebook page

The Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, in his feature address congratulated all of the ranks and applauded them for overcoming the physical and mental fatigue while becoming policemen in the noble organisation

He told them they must now take on challenges as policemen and policewomen and urged them to remain committed to the “ Service and Protection” motto of the force “ So , you are integrated

into the Guyana Police Force and you are the catalyst-forchange group It is expected that you act and operate as ambassadors of the Guyana Police Force, irrespective of the region [where] you are placed you understand the culture, you understand the dialect and you understand the way things are being conducted in that area You are now policewomen and women,” Hicken was quoted as saying

He noted that the months the recruits spent in training helped them to understand each other ’ s culture , while

sharing values

“You are leaving to return to your areas of responsibility with a new sense of value and increased knowledge , but more importantly, focusing on a safer community for your family and friends and generally the population of Region Nine You are the faces of the force, you are the broader side of the pyramid,” the “Top Cop” told them, as he related how pleased he was when it came to their academic performances

Along that line, he noted that the GPF intends to further build a force that is

representative of the citizens of Guyana

“Your duty is not to escalate any situation but rather de - escalate that issue You should create an atmosphere where you are well respected in your communities , you are to create an atmosphere where you assume leadership,” Commissioner Hicken stated With this , he said that the new contemporary police force must be evidence-based if it is to transition from a Guyana Police Force to a Guyana Police Service

He also charged them to

“ make the Guyana Police Force proud, make the Guyana Police Force contemporary; lift the standards in the way you interact with the general public, and maintain that level of professionalism in and out of uniform.”

Further , he said : “ You decide your journey in the organisation as an individual So, whatever you do you will be judged We prepared you adequately with the tools you need to use to get the job done It is now your responsibility to identify the tools needed to perform your specific roles.”

Meanwhile, Calvin Brutus , Deputy Commissioner ‘ Administration ’ ( ag ), reminded the newly appointed constables that conduct will follow them throughout their careers. He also noted that they should avoid being on the wrong side of the law

“…now you will be viewing the community and society through the eyes of law enforcement with keen eyes to maintain and build partnerships already estab -

lished by the police force

So, strive to ensure that you maintain law and order to meet the mandate of the organisation and your communities as well,” he posited

“ Persons will be looking at you for advice , for guidance relating to lawenforcement issues Your five months at the training facility is just a starting point to which you are going to use to continue building as you go along,” he added

According to the Facebook post, Brutus further encouraged the new policemen and women to build their confidence with members of the public which would aid in bridging the gap between the force and the Guyanese populace

“

A better - trained staff would make a better organisation

You are front-line members of this noble profession

The job is a rewarding one, so pay attention to the developmental programmes that will be available to you,” he stated.

Opposition MPs lack intellectual skills to critically examine 2023 Budget

–– Teixeira says

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, on Friday said the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Members of Parliament are unable to critically analyze the 2023 national budget owing to their lack of knowledge about economic systems.

During her presentation on the final day of the budget debate, Teixeira highlighted the failure of the former government to meet the needs that Guyana has been developing at a rapid rate since 2020 following the return of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to office.

“Everywhere you go there’s change. Architecture

is changing the landscape of each village, each area. Each part of this country is changing rapidly,” Teixeira told the National Assembly. New housing schemes, massive infrastructural projects are among the initiatives slated in budgetary allocations this year.

“Those on the opposite [side] cannot imagine a Guyana that is on the move, that is transformed to be a model modern nation with a low-carbon diversified economy with transportation links, a new city, deep-water harbour, a new suspension bridge across the Demerara river, a new bridge across the Corentyne River, where our people can live in new housing schemes,” she said.

Further Teixeira cited the audit reports of 2016, 2017 and 2018 where cases of breaches of the Procurement Act and financial regulations during the APNU+AFC’s tenure were recorded.

She reminded the house that the PPP/C removed numerous burdensome taxes and implemented several programmes and policies that resulted in Guyana improving its international rankings.

“In the five years you took hundreds of thousands of dollars from each family with all those taxations that you brought on our people…. yet you come here sanctimoniously and pretend that you did a good,” she said adding:

“We are getting billions of dollars in people’s pocket. You took money out of people’s pockets. We are putting money back in and

we’ve done it in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and for the next 20 years when we stay in government.”

Citing another report, the minister said that tenders to over 20 foreign companies were denied, while contracts were awarded to persons who did not participate in the bidding process.

Labelling this misconduct as, “executive lawlessness,” she said the opposition has failed to critically examine the 2023 National Budget, reiterating that Guyanese will benefit from better budgetary initiatives.

“People are saturated. They don’t want to hear it anymore. They want to go on with their lives to have a house with some land or car.. for their kids to be able to get a good education and access jobs or create small busi -

nesses or farms and fish they want some gainful economic activity,” she added.

She noted that Guyanese are becoming weary of the narrative being peddled by the opposition.

“The people know you better than you know yourself because they have experienced you.

“The level of race and racial innuendos was sickening in this case, deliberately putting one ethnic group against each other represents the empty barrels dropping around comments about discrimination.”

She emphasised that the

PPP/C is determined to make people’s lives better.

“You come to the house with tainted glasses… because street lights are going up where there weren’t any, roads are going up where there weren’t any, bridges, houses are going up…We have a long way to go; we are a small developing country but we are making progress, and this is under the PPP/C because you took us back in the five years, you took hundreds of thousands from each family with all those taxations you brought to the people.”

‘Bogus Analyses’

From page 3

there,” he said.

DISSERVICE TO THE NATION

According to the finance minister, the opposition did a disservice, since the multibillion-dollar international company Sithe Global Incorporated had pulled out from the project thanks to the lack of support in Parliament

“They [APNU+AFC] decided among themselves that these people didn’t know what they were doing and they were going to block and obstruct this project Amaila Falls did not happen because of direct obstruction by the APNU+AFC.

“But Mr Patterson has now come, to try to rewrite history. This is in the parliamentary record, it’s in the media. To come to say that APNU+AFC played no role in this at all. Mr. Patterson tried to hoodwink the people of Guyana,” he added Citing another lopsid -

ed presentation, Dr Singh called out another Opposition MP for playing “fast and loose” with the statistics presented to the house.

“She claimed that a low-income family could not afford a mortgage and she cited a hypothetical mortgage. What the honourable member did not disclose to this house, was that the numbers she used related in fact, not to a 30year mortgage.

“She perhaps accidentally, perhaps deliberately chose a 10-year mortgage to use for the purposes of calculating the amount of the repayment. I do not know anybody who goes to the bank and takes a 10-year mortgage. Can you imagine them deliberately coming here… and regaling this house with [their] bogus analysis…to mislead the people of Guyana,” the minister said.

He highlighted that for the past five days, he sat and watched as the Opposition MPs cited statistics

or references which were “blatantly either distorted or opportunistically selected” and twisted for their own narrative.

He also blasted APNU+AFC MPs for “trotting out” one after the other over the five days to misrepresent the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report.

“They trotted out one after the other… They bandied the fact that the FAO said that 43 per cent of Guyana cannot afford a healthy diet. They kept repeating this thing, you know, for shock value. And of course, none of them actually went to the report. If one is to be intellectually honest with oneself …I know they are incapable of that,” the minister said.

He explained that the Opposition MPs “conveniently omitted” that the FAO also reported that even though the Guyana average is 43 per cent, it is doing better than the Caribbean, which is averaging 16 per cent

“They conveniently

chose to ignore the year to which the data related, the source of the data and the methodology that was used [and] the comparison with the rest of the Caribbean, but they rather conveniently also chose to ignore the rest of the report.

“...They choose to ignore the fact that in many of these other indicators, which are important indicators of food security, Guyana, in fact, outperforms many countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.

They were either too lazy to refer to the primary source of the report or [were] deliberately selective in what they wanted to highlight” he underscored.

INSTIGATORS

He also criticised the Opposition for being a “bull in a China shop” for destroying the industries in Guyana.

He pointed out that Opposition MP Volda Lawrence claimed that the PPP/C caused the decline of

the bauxite industry.

“They were actively complicit. If not, the instigators who chased an international investor from the Berbice River RUSAL (Executives of Russian Aluminium) thereby putting more than 1,000 persons out of work.

“You can’t claim to love the bauxite workers and insight harassment of an investor who is employing 1,000 people. So, they were charging around like bulls in a China shop. Breaking up everything,” he said

Against this backdrop, the minister urged the MPs in the House to know their respective competence and to seek out sound advice when needed. He said that this advice is much needed in the opposition, since their presentations lacked consistency

He said that in one breath, the opposition MPs are talking about the size of the deficit, and expansionary policy and its impact on inflation, and in the next

breath, they roll out a long list of policies that involve cutting taxes and spending more and in particular, spending more on government consumption.

“The two don’t go with each other. They don’t go with each other… A lot of them jumped up with no internal consistency in what they were saying,” he said.

Dr Singh lambasted the opposition MPs for using economic terms such as ‘Dutch disease’ in their presentations with no clear understanding of what the disease even involves, or how they can counteract it and minimise risks.

He warned that it could be detrimental, especially to persons watching the live debates who might get an improper understanding of the matter at hand. However, Dr Singh said that Guyanese were reminded of why they decided to place the responsibility of navigating Guyana in the hands of the PPP/C.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

Norton provides no reasonable alternatives to Budget 2023 measures

–– says an APNU gov’t could reduce VAT, create ‘high-paying’ jobs

A STRING of unsustainable welfare measures funded by reduced taxes and a list of plans and programmes already implemented by the government was all the Leader of the Opposition (LOO), Aubrey Norton had to offer as his alternatives to the government’s plans outlined in Budget 2023.

The penultimate speaker of this year’s budget debate, and the last Opposition member to make a contribution, he used his allotted time to address human resource development, poverty alleviation and reduction, the public service, infrastructure, oil and gas, and foreign policy.

However, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh would later call out Norton’s “bloviation.”

“When he started out, I thought maybe he wanted to amuse us. I thought it was comedy. What we were treated to by Mr Norton was a timely reminder of why the people of Guyana decided that the APNU belongs in the opposition,” Dr Singh, who was the final speaker in the debate, commented.

According to Dr Singh, Norton invoked all manner of outdated concepts that were encountered during the 1970s and 1980s, when his party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) was in govern-

ment.

“[There was all] manner of lofty sounding words to impress people, but there was no substance beneath that,” Dr Singh said.

Speaking on poverty alleviation and reduction, Norton listed some 22 measures, including several that are currently being executed by government to target the elimination of early childhood illiteracy, job creation, the promotion of micro and small businesses, and increases in technical and vocational education training for the poor and vulnerable and public assistance.

Among these measures, was the promise of reduced Value Added Tax (VAT). He vowed to reduce the tax from 14 per cent to 12 per cent.

When the APNU+AFC reduced VAT from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, they insidiously added VAT to a number of commodities, including essentials such as water and electricity.

In outlining a raft of measures to mitigate the high cost of living, being caused by global factors, the Opposition Leader regurgitated many of the measures already identified by his colleagues during their contributions to the debate.

However, like his predecessors, Norton failed to show or explain how these measures would be

financed or sustained, outside of depending on the oil revenue.

Norton told the house that the budget did not address cost-of-living issues.

” This budget is found wanting when it comes to measures aimed at addressing the high cost of living,” he said.

However, Dr Singh rubbished this claim and called out Norton for not proposing alternative measures.

“Instead of proposing alternative policies, programmes and initiatives, the APNU+AFC during this budget debate regurgitated the standard, overworked and tired diatribe which has been

subjected to multiple rounds of scrutiny by Guyanese and which the Guyanese people rejected since March 2020 [when elections were held],” he said.

HIGH-PAYING JOBS

Norton suggested yet another 12 measures, including the removal of taxes on agro-processing and other manufacturing sectors.

He also called for more oil and gas training, while simultaneously judging the yet-to-be constructed Port Mourant Oil and Gas Training Institute, which he called deficient.

Norton related that a

Security officer extinguishes fire at Linden Hospital

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received a call at 13:45hrs alerting it to a fire at the Linden Hospital Complex located at Riverside Drive, Watooka.

The fire which occurred in the X-ray Division was

caused by a faulty fluorescent lamp that overheated , exploded, and ignited nearby combustible materials.

“With the use of a 10 kg and a 33 lb CO2 fire extinguisher , Chief Security Officer Joel Holder managed

to put out the fire before the arrival of the fire service, minimising the damage to one electrical fluorescent lamp, which was destroyed,” a GFS release said.

According to the GFS, this incident highlights the

government under his party, would create high-paying jobs by using university graduates to undertake an analysis of the country’s problems and craft solutions that will result in data-driven development.

Norton provided no details or clarity as to exactly how many sustainable highpaying jobs this would create, nor did he state how he came to the conclusion that government’s current development plans are not data driven.

Regarding foreign policy, Norton identified policies and measures that mirror existing programmes being executed by the current government.

Norton spoke of the need to create international relations that are conducive to Guyana’s development and would create an environment that will allow Guyana to progress. He said that this should be done while simultaneously pursuing a foreign policy strategy that gives us the environmental space to focus on oil and gas and sustainable development.

Despite never acknowledging the leadership shown by the government in marketing Guyana’s first REDD+ jurisdictional carbon credits in a deal that saw Guyana receiving at least US$750 million, Norton called for Guyana’s forest to not only be used in transactional

terms, but also as a bargaining tool to allow us to develop our environmental space.

Norton also called for cheaper electricity, though he gave no specifics as to how this cheaper electricity would be arrived at. Again, this was another confusing position, given that the opposition is against the Wales gas-to-energy project which will bring natural gas to shore and slash electricity costs by more than half in the coming years.

Norton also called for duty-free concessions to be extended to a larger section of public servants, and for a $50,000 stipend to be given to UG students and those studying TVET to assist with transportation.

For the past two years the government has been making education at a number of institutions, particularly GOAL and the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), available online to alleviate the need for students to travel.

Additionally, Norton called for improved auditing capacity, which is something that the government is already addressing.

“Our auditing capacity of both the GRA and Auditor General’s Office should be expanded until it is the envy of the oil-producing world,” Norton said.

importance of having fire extinguishers in homes and businesses

The GFS encouraged citizens to make use of fire suppressants and commended Holder for a job well done.

damaged

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

The

section of the X-ray Division (Guyana Fire Service photo)

Ake helps City past Arsenal

(BBC) - Manchester City won the FA Cup battle with Premier League title rivals, Arsenal, as Nathan Ake's goal gave them a narrow fourth-round victory at Etihad Stadium

The Gunners have established an impressive lead in the league but it was City who shaded a tight contest thanks to Ake's precise 64th-minute finish after good work from Jack Grealish.

Arsenal had chances of their own, especially in the first half when City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, deputising for Ederson, saved well from Takehiro Tomiyasu and new signing, Leandro Trossard.

There was little to choose between the sides and their Premier League battle will come into focus once more when they meet at Emirates Stadium on 15 February.

City have the edge

City will view this as a psychological blow aimed in the direction of Arsenal, whose manager Pep Guardiola has publicly recognised as the biggest threat to their hopes of retaining their title.

City were again short of their fluid best but have a squad so rich in quality and versatility that there is invariably a match-winning moment, on this occasion provided by Grealish's weaving run into the area and a clever finish from Ake.

Nathan Ake of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on January 27, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/ Getty Images) aged

Erling Haaland was quiet but the fact that City got over the line against opponents who have become so formidable, and who have lost only one league game this season, will delight Guardiola.

It was victory that came at a cost, however, with defender John Stones -- so outstanding for his club this season and for England at the World Cup - forced off on the stroke of half-time after pulling up clutching his hamstring.

Stones has been an influential presence for City and Guardiola will hope the medical bulletin does not present a long-term problem.

Arsenal can be encour-

For Arsenal, this was a rare taste of defeat this season - but there was enough for manager Mikel Arteta to

be encouraged by as they turn attentions back to the league.

The Gunners put the shackles on goal machine Haaland, and in the first half - with recent £21m arrival Trossard prominent - they were a real threat going forward, with Ortega the busier goalkeeper.

It was all achieved with key men, Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale held back from the starting line-up. Arsenal pushed to the end and it required real bravery from Ortega to keep them at bay in tight goalmouth situations. Arteta will be hurt by the defeat but there was plenty in Arsenal's performance to not regard this as too much of a setback.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday January 28, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) What was Clive Lloyd’s highest score in Tests?

(2) How many Test centuries he made?

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was Clive Lloyd’s highest score in Tests?

(2) How many Test centuries he made?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ………………………………………………………………

Tabert

10:46 hrs Parmenion

11:21 hrs Malton Groove

11:56 hrs Waittillitellyou

American Racing Tips

Gulfstream Park

Race 2 Dark Vector

Race 3 Cooke Creek

Race 4 Café Society

Race 5 Journeyman

Race 6 Adventuring

Race 7 California Frolic

Race 8 Maryquitecontrary

Race 9 Channel Maher

Race 10 Hoist The Gold

Race 11Dalika

Race 12 Speaking Scout

Nortje, Magala engineer England’s demise

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Just when the ODI format was back to being maligned for its lack of entertainment, South Africa and England showed there was plenty of life in 50-over cricket with a belter in Bloemfontein. An undulating encounter was eventually taken by the Proteas, who rallied in the second half of the first of this three-match series to triumph by 27 runs.

Having posted 298 for 7 batting first, they found themselves almost out of the game when England's openers put on 146 for the first wicket in 19.2 overs. Jason Roy's 113 looked to have cancelled out Rassie van der Dussen's 111 earlier in the piece. But Sisanda Magala's 3 for 46 reeled the visitors back before speed demon Anrich Nortje's 4 for 62 knocked them down to claim a famous victory.

Nortje could have had a maiden five-wicket haul had he not overstepped when Adil

Rashid flapped a short ball to first slip. Nevertheless, victory puts South Africa that little bit closer to this year's 50-over World Cup, with one out of five must-wins to confirm their place in the competition sealed in emphatic fashion.

Roy's hundred in pursuit of a target of 299 had nourishing qualities beyond what looked to be a certain result in his team's favour. The Surrey opener's form had been waning, across a lean spell in both limited-overs codes, which led to an axing on the eve of England's successful T20 World Cup campaign.

Coming into this series and his 111th ODI, the previous 14 white-ball innings for his country had produced an average of 16.9. Mixed in with averages of 8.50 for Oval Invincibles and 12.50 for Paarl Royals in The Hundred and SA20 respectively, the conversation had shifted from poor form to wondering if the 32-year-old was a spent force.

Therefore you could understand the outpouring of emotion - part relief, part fury - when he swivel-pulled Nortje for four to move to three figures, becoming only the fourth to register 11 one-day hundreds. The 14 boundaries up to then - three of them sixes - reflected a return to the form that made him such a key part of England's white-ball revolution leading into the 2019 World Cup success.

Alas, it was from Roy's demise that things began to turn back the way of the Proteas. England required 104 from 20.5 overs, with skipper Jos Buttler set at the crease. But when he fell to a sharp leg cutter for 36 and David Willey was caught off a top edge - both to Nortje - the game had flipped. Sam Curran was nicked off by Kagiso Rabada before Nortje returned to remove Jofra Archer for his final wicket.

It was left to Tabraiz Shamsi to complete the victo-

ry with a caught-and-bowled two deliveries into his sixth over. That in itself typified the turnaround - the left-arm wrist spinner had been destroyed for 55 in his first five.

South Africa's 298 for 7 looked a par score at the time, and just about proved as much. A second century against England for van der Dussen, supplemented by 53 from David Miller seemed to have them well set at the halfway stage. Yet the innings had a whiff of failing to launch at points.

An opening stand of 61

between Quinton de Kock and skipper Temba Bavuma, who had won the toss, contributed to a Powerplay of 75 for 1higher than England's 56 in the first 10 overs of their chase. They were then 171 for 3 in the 31st over with Heinrich Klassen looking to make hay, only to fall leg-before to Adil Rashid.

Even with the twin spin threats of Rashid and Moeen Ali applying the brakes with pace off the ball, van der Dussen and Miller found themselves with license to swing

in the final throes. However, after Archer's ninth over, the 47th overall, was carted for 20, only 18 were managed from as many deliveries to the end, thanks to some exemplary death bowling from Curran who accounted for both established batters.

Any jeopardy as far as the result was concerned had almost halved by the time Malan skied a delivery off seamer Magala, playing just his fourth ODI and first since January 2022. England's openers had already picked off 146 in the 20th over, with 153 remaining from 30.3 when No. 3 Ben Duckett arrived to the crease in his first appearance in the format since November 2016.

Tension ramped up once Duckett was caught behind for 3 - Nortje's first - and Harry Brook bagged a duck on ODI debut for Magala's second. All in, the top-order collapse was 3 for 6 across 12 balls.

New Zealand put in mammoth effort to beat India

(ESPNCRICINFO) - New Zealand were put in on a pitch that turned, and were then expected to bowl in the dew, but they managed to score what turned out to be enough off India's fast bowlers. Half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway and an early burst from Finn Allen took New Zealand to 176 after which they went to spin straightaway unlike India who didn't have the headstart of knowing it was turning.

While New Zealand got only 56 off the 10 overs bowled by the spinners, they managed 119 off the 10 overs of pace. The sharply cut grass perhaps did the trick for New Zealand as the ball didn't quite become a bar of soap and kept gripping for their spinners.

Captain Mitchell Santner displayed his guile and skill, taking a wicket first ball, bowling a maiden in the powerplay and then coming back to take Deepak Hooda in the 16th over to seal the game. The one big difference in two sides was that pacer Jacob Duffy bowled his first two overs for 10 and a wicket, and once the asking rate started creeping up, this pitch just proved too difficult for Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.

Finn Allen blazes away

Coming off successive ducks in an ordinary ODI series, Allen enjoyed the freedom this format affords batters. He started off with a mis-hit, but then began smacking the ball around with only two fielders out. In 4.1 overs, New Zealand were 43 for 0 thanks to his 35 off 22.

Washington Sundar ap-

at the start of the next, he ended up dragging the next slog-sweep to deep midwicket, which was placed squarer than usual.

In the same over, Washington played around with Mark Chapman before taking a spectacular one-handed return-catch diving full length to his right. India quickly went to more spin, bringing on Deepak Hooda

ing to need a big score because of the dew expected. Conway, who hardly got any strike during the Allen fireworks, was just the man. He got going with the reintroduction of pace, taking 16 off the eighth over, bowled by Umran Malik.

Conway's strong wrists and a whole array of sweeps helped him find placement against the spinners. Even as Glenn Phillips, and later Mitchell, struggled to go at a run a ball, Conway kept scoring the runs in the middle overs. In the end, he and Mitchell chose to play out Kuldeep Yadav and Washington to set themselves up for the death overs.

Two good overs, two ordinary ones That description above will remain the definition no matter which side's point of view you take. Mitchell took a decent 17th over from Pandya for 16 by hitting the first and the last balls for sixes for down the ground.

plies the brakes

Among those four overs was one bowled by Washington Sundar. The ball gripped for him, and he refused to give the batters anything full. Only three came off that over, and even though Allen managed to slog-sweep him for a six

even if it meant bowling inside the powerplay. It now became 54 for 2 in seven overs.

Devon Conway carries on

Somebody needed to bat well for New Zealand during the middle overs because they were still go-

Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi made excellent comebacks in overs 18 and 19, conceding just ten runs for the wickets of Conway, Michael Bracewell and Santner.

In the 20th, though, Arshdeep missed his yorker and even overstepped once. Mitchell took full toll: 23

runs off the first three legal balls. Arshdeep came back with three yorkers, but still New Zealand had got to a good total provided the dew didn't prove to be a big handicap. Mitchell, 17 off 16 at one stage, ended with 59 off just 30.

India lose early wickets

Bowling in the second innings, the plan was clear: get spinners on early before it becomes difficult with the dew. Bracewell bowled Ishan Kishan with a beauty with the new ball, but Duffy proved to be the bonus. He was difficult to get away, and also took out Rahul Tripathi.

When Santner brought himself on, India were 15 for 2 in three overs. India possibly recognised this wasn't quite a match they could take deep and then rein in the asking rate and finish it off. Shubman Gill didn't give himself a sighter of Santner. He saw the first ball pitch short of a length, set himself up for the pull, but was defeated by massive turn which resulted in an easy catch off the top edge.

Santner's control of his craft, aided by the gripping pitch, was on full display when he bowled a maiden inside the powerplay to Suryakumar. India, 33 for 3 after six.

Mitchell Santner swings middle-overs tussle NZ's way

An array of sweeps from Suryakumar, and Pandya's hits down the ground, kept India in the hunt. They even took 41 off the nest four overs, but they still needed 103 from the back ten. Santner once again pulled India back with a one-run over. He had conceded just five off 12 to Suryakumar.

That over meant risks needed to be taken against Ish Sodhi in the next over. One came off, but then Suryakumar just timed a chip shot too well, sending it too straight for a catch to long-on. With 89 required off the last eight, Pandya tried a big hit off Bracewell, but the ball didn't turn, took the edge, and India were left needing a miracle.

The towel started making more frequent appearances, Hooda and Washington managed to score just enough to keep India alive in the game. With 67 required off the last five, though, Santner played around with Hooda with changes of pace and trajectory before getting him stumped.

Washington was defiant in his 50 off 28, but he had too little support left and too much to do.

Anrich Nortje claimed four wickets • AFP/ Getty Images

Mitchell Santner shakes hands with Washington Sundar•Jan 26, 2023•BCCI

Six CONCACAF Teams to play in Copa America next year

(CMC) - Six CONCACAF teams will compete in next year’s Copa America as part of a new strategic agreement between the continental governing body and CONMEBOL.

CONCACAF announced the move on Friday, saying the collaboration would “strengthen and develop football in both regions”.

CONMEBOL is the governing body for football in South America, and along with CONCACAF, makes up the six confederations of football’s world governing body, FIFA.

The Copa America, South America’s confed -

eration championship, will be played in the United States next summer and include 10 CONMEBOL nations and the six best from CONCACAF, coming out of the Nations League tournament.

CONCACAF said this would ensure “high-quality competition for its men’s national teams over the next two years, including the conclusion of the 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League, the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League.”

“This is a partnership to support the ongoing growth of men’s and women’s football in Concacaf

and CONMEBOL, and will truly be of mutual benefit to both Confederations,” said CONCACAF president, Victor Montagliani.

“Working hand in hand with CONMEBOL, we will deliver elite competitions that will provide more opportunities for our federations, and that we know passionate fans want to see.

“We look forward to working together to ensure that football in both regions continues to thrive.”

CONCACAF has also invited the top four South American women’s national teams to do battle in next year’s inaugural Women’s CONCACAF Gold Cup,

CONCACAF president, Victor Montagliani. which sees 12 teams participating. The tour teams will

pays tribute to Irving Shillingford

Cricket West Indies paid tribute to Irving Shillingford, the former Dominica, Combined Islands and West Indies batsman who passed away on Thursday. He was 78.

Shillingford was a stylish and determined middle-order batsman who made his international debut at age 32 against Pakistan in March, 1977, where he played alongside Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Gordon

Greenidge and Sir Andy Roberts. In his second Test he made a huge impact with a memorable topscore of 120 at the Bourda Ground in Guyana. Overall, he played four Test matches and two One-Day Internationals.

After his career ended, Shillingford held several roles in regional cricket including manager and coach of the West Indies

Under-19 team, selector and coach of the Windward

Islands team, and made a major contribution to the development of the game at all levels in his native Dominica. A stand at the Windsor Park Stadium is named in his honor.

Ricky Skerritt, President of CWI paid tribute to Shillingford. “On behalf of CWI I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Irving Shillingford. He was someone who played in the true spirt of the

game and pioneered the way for others to follow. He was also one of cricket’s finest gentlemen, and an astute thinker with a wealth of knowledge.

Irving was dedicated to the game over six decades as a player and administrator. He worked patiently and tirelessly to make sure Dominica and the Windward Islands featured prominently in the cricket map of the Caribbean.”

be Women’s Copa America champions Brazil, runner-ups Colombia, along with Argentina and Paraguay.

Further, the two CONCACAF sides who will line up in the next year’s Summer Olympics will also gain direct entry to the Women’s Gold Cup, with the six remaining nations set to be determined through this year’s qualifiers dubbed the 2023 Road to Concacaf W Gold Cup.

CONMEBOL, meanwhile, said the collaboration would “support its men’s national teams in their preparation for the upcoming World Cup”, being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“CONMEBOL and Concacaf are united by

historical and affective ties. But above all, we are united by the passion, characteristic of all the Americas, for football and sports,” said Alejandro Domínguez, president of CONMEBOL.

“We are determined to renew and expand our joint initiatives and projects. We want this passion to translate into more and better competitions and for football and its values to grow and strengthen throughout the hemisphere.

“Without a doubt, both confederations believe in big, and we will work with this orientation.”

The two confederations also plan to organise a club competition between the top sides from the respective regions next

Team Mohamed’s to bankroll prize money, trophies for Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic

Behind its principal, Azruddin Mohamed, Team Mohamed’s will be one of the biggest sponsors of this year’s Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic, set for March 18 – 19 at the Burnham Basketball Court.

Mohamed met with organiser Rawle Toney and tournament coordinator Jermaine Slater, where he presented the first-place prize of $400,000 as well as the second-place purse of $200,000.

Mohamed also sponsored all the accompanying trophies for the tournament, bringing his contribution to $675,000.

“This is huge,” Toney exclaimed. “I’m beyond grateful for Team Mohamed’s contribution to the tournament this year. Last year

they were instrumental in ensuring that a lot of areas were covered and this year, I think it’s safe to say that they’ve taken Lion’s share of the prizes.”

“This year we’re going to see a wider pool of participation from teams in the Caribbean, and that has always been the goal since I started the tournament in 2019. I’m happy that Team Mohamed’s understands the vision for the 3x3 Classic and is helping in a major way to ensure that it is realised,” Toney said.

Meanwhile, Azruddin Mohamed said he’s happy to once again be part of the tournament, and pledged Team Mohamed’s continued support. He added that Team Mohamed’s is also

ready to help create a Regional 3x3 tournament, pointing out that it will drive a great interest in the 3x3 format in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Looking ahead, Toney said they’re still other critical areas that corporate Guyana can contribute to help the tournament be successful.

“So far, the response from the corporate community has been tremendous, but the plan is to build a partnership because of what we intend to do with the tournament in the coming years. This year we have four teams from the Caribbean, and we will see these numbers growing as the tournament continues to develop,” Toney said.

The 16-team tournament will be a club competition, with teams coming from Linden, Bartica, Berbice and Georgetown.

Toney added that several teams from the Caribbean signalled their interest in participating, which he said will help to boost the competitiveness of the tournament.

Last year, the team comprising Harold Adams, Stanton Rose and Shelroy Thomas took home the championship trophy, championship ring and other prizes. Thomas was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Additionally, Adams, Rose and Thomas represented Guyana at the Islamic Games in Istanbul, Turkey and the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in Miami, Florida.

Academy

The International Karate Organization’s (IKO) Academy of Guyana has indicated its considerable appreciation with the $4.3 billion dollars that has been plugged into the development of sport for this year by the Government of Guyana when the $781.9 billion National Budget was presented on Monday last.

Chairman and Chief Instructor of IKO Academy of Guyana 7th Dan Shihan Jeffrey Wong said that he wanted to hail the visionary leadership of the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport,

for their unparalleled and dependable investment in the development of sports and the young people of this country.

He stated that, “Investment in this area is an investment for the future of all of the people of this country, but more particularly for our youth who can be depended on to realize the President’s vision for a “One Guyana.” Wong opined that Culture, Youth and Sport are critical vehicles to foster social cohesion and asked that the youths of Guyana seize every opportunity that this expenditure will present to them in terms of improved facilities and better training capabilities.

It is the view if the very experienced Karateka and Instructor that this very significant and direct injection of much needed financial and other resources shall see the continued development of sports in Guyana, and vast improvement of the athletes, coaches, and the sports fraternity in general Shihan Wong stated that his organization has as part of their short and long term plans to spread the martial art of Karate-do throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, and getting their very skillful and experienced karate champions into maintaining their elite status and

positions and to performing even better on the world stage as they represent their country this year.

He said that the IKO Karate Academy of Guyana which provides the highest quality martial arts instruction in Guyana at a very affordable rate, with an emphasis on developing leadership qualities in the students through the teachings of Shotokan Karate, is committed to doing its part in the actualization of the Guyana dreams and aspirations for sports development and to the development of our country into a regional and international sports hub.

Five West Indies Academy members make regional sides

Five members of the West Indies Academy have earned places in franchise teams for the first and second rounds of the upcoming West Indies Championship four-day firstclass tournament, starting on 31 January.

The West Indies Academy players that have been selected are Kirk McKenzie, left-handed batter for Jamaica Scorpions; Kevin Wickham, right-handed batter for Barbados Pride; Ashmead Nedd, left-arm spinner for Guyana Harpy Eagles; and Teddy Bishop, right-handed batter for Windward Islands Volcanoes. Kelvin Pitman the right-arm fast bowler has been listed in the 13-member provisional squad named by the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Graeme West, CWI’s High-Performance Manager who has overseen the West Indies Academy programme since its inception in 2022, anticipates good performances from the players when the tournament bowls off next week in Grenada and Antigua.

West said: “It is really good to see players being selected to participate in the West Indies Championship. It shows the investment made by CWI in the development of these young players is bearing fruit. The West Indies Academy played in the CG United Super50 last November, some players also got picked in the CPL earlier in the year, and this was great exposure in the white ball formats. Now, with the first

two rounds of the West Indies Championship in front of us, we have players being selected for the red ball format and we hope to see more graduate later in the tournament as well.”

West added: “In addition to playing in the four-day tournament, we also have the chance to play in the Headley Weekes Tri-Series in April and May, another major investment in player development by CWI. This is an amazing opportunity for these young players to match skills against some of the region’s best and we view this as the right kind of platform at this stage in their development. They equipped themselves very well in the 50-over format last year in the CG United Super50 Cup and we anticipate more growth and eye-catching performances when they match up in the red ball format as well.”

The tournament will open with Windward Islands Volcanoes hosting Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at the Grenada National Stadium (GNS). This match will start on 31 January and will continue on 1 to 3 February.

In Antigua, defending champions Barbados Pride will start their bid for at hattrick of titles when they face Guyana Harpy Eagles in the feature match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) on 1 to 4 February. The third contest will see Leeward Islands Hurricanes hosting Jamaica Scorpions at the Coolidge

Cricket Ground (CCG) from 1 to 4 February.

The second round will be played from 8 to 11 February when Barbados Pride will meet the Jamaica Scorpions at CCG; Trinidad & Tobago Red Force travel to face Leeward Islands Red Force at SVRS, and Guyana take on Windward Islands Volcanoes at GNS.

Following the West Indies Championship, the new Headley Weekes Series will follow the West Indies Championship and will feature three matches and three teams. Team Headley and Team Weekes will select from the best performers in the 2023 West Indies Championship and players outside the starting West Indies Test XI. The new West Indies Academy will provide the third team in the new Series.

Team Headley and Team Weekes are named in honour of West Indies pioneers and legendary batting greats George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes, whose names are also honoured on the Trophy for the winners of the West Indies Championship. All three matches will be played from 18 April to 6 May at CCG in Antigua.

Every West Indies Championship match will be streamed live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel. Fans can follow each and every game from their mobile devices, computers or connected TVs, including access to live ball-by-ball scoring on the windiescricket.com live match centre.

2023 WEST INDIES CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH SCHEDULE

All matches start at 10am Eastern Caribbean time (9am Jamaica time)

GNS – Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

SVRS – Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua

CCG – Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua

ROUND 1:

31 January to 3 February - Grenada

Windward Islands Volcanoes v Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at GNS

1 to 4 February - Antigua

Barbados Pride v Guyana Harpy Eagles at SVRS

Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Jamaica Scorpions at CCG

ROUND 2:

8 to 11 February – Grenada and Antigua

Windward Islands Volcanoes v Guyana Harpy Eagles at GNS

Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at SVRS

Jamaica Scorpions v Barbados Pride at CCG

ROUND 3:

15 to 18 March in Trinidad

– Venues to be confirmed

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force v Guyana Harpy Eagles

Jamaica Scorpions v Windward Islands Volcanoes

Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Barbados Pride

ROUND 4:

22 to 25 March in Trinidad

- Venues to be confirmed

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Barbados Pride

Guyana Harpy Eagles v Jamaica Scorpions

Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Windward Islands Volcanoes

ROUND 5:

29 March to 1 April in Trinidad - Venues to be confirmed

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Jamaica Scorpions

Guyana Harpy Eagles v Leeward Islands Hurricanes

Barbados Pride v Windward Islands Volcanoes

Headley Weekes Tri-Series

All matches to be played at CCG, Antigua

Match 1: 19 to 22 April: Team Headley v West Indies Academy

Match 2: 26 to 29 April: Team Weekes v West Indies Academy

Match 3: 3 to 6 May: Team Weekes v Team Headley

SQUADS (Rounds 1 and 2)

Barbados Pride: Shane Dowrich (Captain) Camarie

Boyce, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Drakes, Keon Harding, Chaim Holder, Akeem Jordan, Nicholas Kirton, Jair McAllister, Shayne Moseley, Zachary McCaskie, Shamar Springer, Kevin Wickham; Vasbert Drakes (Head Coach)

Guyana Harpy Eagles: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice Captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Matthew Nandu, Kemol Savory, Tevin Imlach, Anthony Bramble, Kevin Sinclair, Nial

Smith, Ronsford Beaton, Akshaya Persaud, Ashmead Nedd, Shamar Joseph; Ryan Hercules (Head Coach)

Jamaica Scorpions: Paul Palmer jr (Captain), Jamie Merchant, Alwyn Williams, Aldaine Thomas, Leroy Lugg, Kirk McKenzie, Romaine Morris, Abhijau Mansingh, Patrick Harty, Akim Fraser, Marquino Mindley, Gordon Bryan, Ojay Shields; Andrew Richardson (Head Coach)

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force: Darren Bravo (Captain), Amir Jangoo, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, Terrance Hinds, Jyd Goolie, Jeremy Solozano, Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Vikash Mohan, Uthman Muhammad, Tion Webster, Khary Pierre; David Furlonge (Head Coach)

Windward Islands Volcanoes: Alick Athanaze (Captain), Jerlani Robinson, Kavem Hodge, Keron Cottoy, Sunil Ambris, Justin Greaves, Tevyn Walcott, Kenneth Dember, Preston McSween, Teddy Bishop, Daurius Martin, Kimani Melius, Ryan John; Shirley Clarke (Head Coach)

Leeward Islands Hurricanes (provisional squad): Jahmar Hamilton (Captain), Mikyle Louis, Kieran Powell, Colin Archibald, Terance Warde, Jeremiah Louis, Keacy Carty, Ross Powell, Kofi James, Damion Williams, Kelvin Pitman, Hayden Walsh jr., Rahkeem Cornwall; Stuart Williams (Head Coach)

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jnr (left) and sensei Jeffrey Wong

IKO’s

of Guyana exhilarated at the ‘considerable investment’ being made in sport by the government

Azruddin Mohamed (centre) along with organiser Rawle Toney and tournament coordinator Jermaine Slater.