Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 28-07-2022

THURSDAY 28th JULY, 2022

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No. 106797

US$2B unlocked for local development - historic agreement signed between Guyana, US EXIM Bank

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President, Dr Irfaan Ali and President and Chair of the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, Reta Jo Lewis, following the signing of the monumental US$2 billion agreement in Washington DC (Office of the President photo)

Over $75M in ‘agri’ equipment, Compensation materials to aid food security drive for Amelia’s Ward squatters approved; payout soon SEE PAGE

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Guyana could earn US$157B from oil by 2040, analysis shows 13 SEE PAGE

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VP Jagdeo tests positive for COVID-19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

US$2B available to fund local development - with milestone signing of agreement between Guyana, US EXIM Bank

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the US$2 billion agreement between Guyana and the US EXIM Bank is a clear indication of the North American nation’s commitment not only to Guyana, but also to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Head of State made those remarks following the signing of the historic agreement between the Government of Guyana and the ExportImport (EXIM) Bank of the United States in Washington, on Wednesday.

The agreement represents an important milestone in US-Guyana relations since it lays the foundation for Guyana to access EXIM financing and facilities for the first time, and provides for interventions on a scale that is likely to have a lasting developmental impact.

Under the agreement, the parties agreed to explore options for utilising EXIM’s standard instruments, which include direct loans and medium and long-term guarantees, to finance US exports to Guyana for government

projects, totalling US$2 billion.

“In this development phase of our country, we want to see greater US participation not only from the government, but [also] from the private sector. One of the inhibitive factors has always been the ease of access to financing and the barriers to financing.

“This, today, is the single most important signature not only for Guyana, but for the region [as well], the United States, through one of its agencies. EXIM Bank is serious about its commitment to the CARICOM region,” President Ali said.

The agreement, he added, should also signal an open invitation to the private sector and the leadership of both countries to now move aggressively forward on a platform that is supported by the Government of Guyana and EXIM Bank.

The Head of State was optimistic that full use will be made of this opportunity and that there is a deeper understanding on both sides of the level of seriousness that is at-

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd receives the signed agreement from US EXIM Bank President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis as President Irfaan Ali and another official look on (Office of the President photo)

tached to the relationship.

This commitment, the President added: “Has now been cemented in the MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] that not only outlines areas, but sets an initial figure of US$2 billion to be allocated to the development projects and work in Guyana.

“I think we can applaud ourselves and EXIM Bank for this dynamic, futuristic, and bold move in advancing this relationship and this cause,

and the areas we have identified shows [sic] the broad and multifaceted nature of the leadership of EXIM Bank.”

The MoU also identifies a number of indicative sectors in which projects may be identified.

These include, but are not limited to: infrastructure (including roads and bridges); energy (including renewable energy and emission reduction); telecommunications (including wireless technologies); water treatment and

sanitation (including technologies and infrastructure); and agriculture.

“This is what we’re talking about, not a simple MoU, but an MoU that has the potential of unlocking all of this. The focus on energy, renewable energy, that allows us to advance on the path of goals and targets we set at COP26 and beyond. It shows our commitment on cleaner energy, advancing sustainable and resilient development,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head of State committed to working “aggressively” and “proactively” in pursuit of the full realisation of the MoU, while ensuring that all parties emerge as “winners.”

Dr Ali also invited the bank’s hierarchy, including its President and Chair, Reta Jo Lewis, to visit Guyana with the US private sector to meet with the government and the local private sector in Guyana to solidify the projects.

President Ali, VP Harris engage on food & energy security, development financing PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali and US Vice P re s i d e n t , K a m a l a Harris, on Wednesday, reaffirmed the working relationship between the two countries via a telephone call, according to a White House statement.

President Ali is in the US capital city leading a high level delegation including Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Minister Hugh Todd.

During the phone conversation, the two

senior government officials spoke on food security, energy security, and access to development financing.

This discussion comes on the heels of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with Caribbean nations, and to underscore the continued importance the United States places on the USGuyana relationship, the White House statement on the phone call said.

In April, VP Harris convened a virtual meet-

ing with Caribbean leaders, which was followed by a June meeting at the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles which included US President, Joe Biden. Several CARICOM leaders were present for that in-person meeting.

The White House said VP Harris and President Ali reviewed the progress made since these engagements, including the work of three shortterm joint U.S.-Caribbean committees launched at the Americas Summit.

Those committees fo-

cused on concrete, nearterm solutions for food security, energy security, and access to development financing.

“The Vice President welcomed progress made on these three areas, and reiterated the interest of the United States in addressing the unique vulnerabilities and urgent economic challenges facing Caribbean nations,” the release said.

President Ali was praised for his leadership in agricultural development in the Caribbean.

The Vice President and President Ali also discussed the recent commitment of the United States to provide $28 million for food security assistance to Caribbean nations and other ways the United States can support the Caribbean in this area.

The Vice President and President Ali discussed the importance of a sustainable energy future.

As part of that, the release continued, they discussed the implementation of the US-Caribbean

Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030), which VP Harris launched in June to facilitate clean energy infrastructure development and strengthen climate resiliency in the Caribbean.

The two leaders also spoke on furthering PACC 2030’s energy infrastructure development timeline by incorporating these lines of effort into the work of the US-Caribbean shortterm energy and finance committees, the White TUNR TO PAGE 15

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

WHO says more than 18,000 cases of monkeypox globally, most in Europe

(REUTERS) - THERE have been more than 18,000 cases of monkeypox reported globally from 78 countries, with the majority in Europe, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.

The WHO declared the outbreak a global health emergency on Saturday.

So far, 98 per cent of cases outside the countries in Africa where the virus is endemic have been reported in men who have sex with men, the WHO said.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

urged that group to consider reducing the numbers of new sexual partners and swapping contact details with any new partners.

“This is an outbreak that can be stopped... The best way to do that is to reduce the risk of exposure,” Tedros told a news conference from Geneva. “That means making safe choices for yourself and others.”

Monkeypox is in the process of being renamed, to avoid the name being “weaponised” or used in a racist way, WHO emergencies director Mike Ryan said.

A woman holds a mock-up vial labelled “Monkeypox vaccine” and medical syringe in this illustration taken, May 25, 2022.

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

The U.N. agency is recommending vaccination for highrisk groups, including healthcare

workers, and men who have sex with men with multiple sexual partners.

It cautioned that it takes several weeks after getting the second dose of vaccine to be fully protected, so people should take other precautions until that point.

Around 10 per cent of patients have been hospitalised in the current outbreak and five have died, all of them in Africa, the WHO said.

Monkeypox has been a globally neglected public health problem in parts of Africa for decades, but cases began to be reported, outside countries where it is endemic, in May. It generally causes mild to

moderate symptoms, including fever, fatigue and painful skin lesions that resolve within a few weeks.

Tedros said there were about 16 million doses of approved vaccine available, but only in bulk, so it would take several months to get them into vials.

The WHO is urging countries with stockpiles to share vaccine while supply is constrained, he added. It estimates that between five million and 10 million doses of vaccine will be needed to protect all highrisk groups.

George Floyd’s death: Last two ex-officers sentenced to prison

Tou Thao (left) and J. Alexander Kueng (right) assisted in the fatal arrest of George Floyd in May 2020 (Photo credit: REUTERS)

(BBC) - TWO former Minneapolis police officers who assisted in the fatal arrest of George Floyd have been sentenced on federal civil rights charges.

J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were convicted in February of violating the unarmed black man’s civil rights by failing to provide care or intervene.

Kueng will spend three years behind bars, while Thao was sentenced to 42 months.

Mr Floyd’s death, filmed by a bystander, led to global protests.

For nine minutes, while lead officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Mr Floyd’s neck, Kueng held his feet while Thao held back bystanders.

Chauvin was convicted last June of murder and is currently serving time in state prison. In December, he pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating Mr Floyd’s civil rights, averting a second trial.

Thao, 36, and Kueng, 28, and a third officer, Thomas K Lane, 39, all of whom were present during the murder, were charged with showing “deliberate indifference to [Mr Floyd’s] serious medical needs”.

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Lane was sentenced last week to two-and-a-half years in prison.

First at the scene with Chauvin, he held Mr Floyd’s legs as he gasped for air.

Footage from the incident shows him asking Chauvin twice if Mr Floyd should be rolled onto his side so he could breathe. Chauvin was a field training officer to both Lane and Kueng.

Neither Lane nor Kueng spoke at their sentencing hearings, but in a statement to the court on Wednesday, Thao insisted he had been “born again” after he was jailed over Mr Floyd’s murder.

“When I walked into that jail cell, I grabbed a Bible, and I searched for it, I searched for an answer to all this wickedness, and I couldn’t find it,” he said.

In victim impact statements to both men ahead of their sentencing, Mr Floyd’s girlfriend Courteney Ross described him as “the love of my life”.

“He wasn’t trying to resist that day, he was just so scared,” she said. “When you get scared in that small prison cell, remember how Floyd felt.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Cybersecurity experts warn again of SIM swaps, social media scams

(JAMAICA OBSERVER) Two cybersecurity experts and a local police officer have reiterated that people need to be more vigilant in order to not fall victim to financial-based cybercrimes, including SIM swapping and social media scams now plaguing banks and customers.

Head of the Area 3 Criminal Investigation Branch, Deputy Superintendent Christopher Brown; Dane Nicholson, manager for special investigations at the National Commercial Bank’s Fraud Unit; and Inspector Berthlyn Lloyd, sub officer at the Manchester Community, Safety and Security Branch (CSSB), all said the prevalence of financial-based cybercrimes are becoming more sophisticated.

“Criminals are advancing in their technologies and they are utilising technology to benefit,” Brown told an audience of businesspeople and members of the Ridgemount United Church on Saturday.

Lloyd, meanwhile, said young people are the most vulnerable to fraudulent activities linked to social media.

“Most of the time they are the ones who are always using social media for goods and services… Most times things are being advertised for sale, if you are in doubt check it out. Sometimes it looks too good to be true,” she said.

“Most of the time expensive cellular phones are being advertised at menial prices and, from the information received, most of our college students are the ones who are being found vulnerable in this fraud,” she added.

At the same time, Nicholson has urged people to be mindful of SIM-swap scams, whereby fraudsters obtain people’s cell number using fraudulent identification. “... Fraudsters would get to your cell number, make a counterfeit driver’s licence, voter’s ID, passport, or whatever identification that you [have] that the telecommunications provider

would tell them is on file for you and they would make a counterfeit ID,” he said.

“It would have your demographic information, but the photograph would be that of the fraudster and they say that the SIM card is either lost or stolen and they need a replacement card,” he added.

He explained that fraudsters practise SIM swapping to get around specific security arrangements which banks use to protect their customers.

“Most banks around the world today use two-factor authentication and, that is, they will send text to you and a code in order for you to gain access to certain sensitive information,” he said. “The next thing that they [fraudsters] want to do is to take over your e-mail address,” he added.

Nicholson has urged people to desist from using their cellular phone number as the recovery method for their e-mail address.

“Use another e-mail as the recovery password and not your cellphone [number] because, what that does, it puts you as [an] easy target for a person to take over your e-mail and do a SIM swap,” he said.

He added that the fraudsters, after gaining access to the cellular phone number, then target the victim’s e-mail.

“The first thing they are going to do is to take over your e-mail address. All they do is click forget password.

Your e-mail provider will send a text message to the cellphone number that they [fraudster] just took over and then they would reset the password,” he explained.

“That same e-mail is [what] you’re going to provide to the bank and that you use to sign up for Internet banking, and all they are going to do now is to click forget password on the Internet banking and [it] is going to send a password to that same e-mail that they just took over,” he added.

He also pointed to ‘phishing’ and ‘smishing’ in which fraudsters send webbased links to unsuspecting victims, claiming that there

From left: Simone Spence-Johnson, Inspector Berthlyn Lloyd, and Deputy Superintendent Christopher Brown at the cybersecurity and financial fraud town hall meeting (Photo credit: JAMAICA OBSERVER)

is “some sense of urgency to click on the link to take certain action, such as restoring their account”.

“This is one of the most popular ways now that fraudsters are targeting financial customers because what has happened is that the financial institutions have embedded either a token or they are using two-factor authentication as it relates to texting or e-mailing customers, so it is not as easy again for fraudsters to take over person’s account, but if they send you a link and you voluntarily [input] the username and the password, there is absolutely nothing that we can do to stop that,” Nicholson said.

“It is like you setting up your house with burglar bars and when the burglar comes you open the grilles or just say open the grille and come in, so you would have defeated the purpose of putting in the grilles,” he added.

He also reiterated Inspector Lloyd’s suggestion that people should be wary of social media scams.

“It is now becoming a real problem. If you are on Instagram you can just type ‘loader page’ and you will realise the amount of loader page that fraudsters set up to defraud people,” he said.

He pointed to a recent case in which a fraudster set up a Facebook account “purporting to be selling motor vehicles” and people fell victim to the fraud. But he said victims are also at fault.

“Their motive was also to defraud the bank, because if I don’t work for the bank and I tell you that I have a link in the bank that can do certain things then your intention would have been bad…” he explained.

“What they are doing is to set up these sites on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, all over, to say that they have a link in the bank and they can give you a loan and the link

can erase the audit trail and you don’t have to pay back the loan.

“I want to tell you that they have no link inside the bank, and if they have any link in there I would be the first one to ensure that we root them out,” he added.

“All they are doing is collecting your username, password, tax registration number, and those sensitive information, go and take out a loan, and then tell you to come to the bank to report that your card is either lost or stolen, your phone was lost with your username and password and you don’t know anything about the information,” Nicholson said.

He said hundreds of customers have lost funds to fictitious social media pages. “… It has happened to the young, the old, the middle-aged, everybody.

What you have to do is be cautious: call, verify, and

validate,” he said.

He said credit/debit cardholders should be vigilant.

“Ensure that you observe where your cards are utilised, if you notice anybody looking too closely on the card and flipping it front to back,” he said before explaining a case in which a cashier stole card information to do transactions online.

“When she was arrested she had a list with about 16 credit card numbers at a prominent establishment. When the customers go there to do their transactions, while she is cashing the persons, what she is doing as well is taking a quick peep at the full 16 digits and the expiry date and flick back recording the information and then proceed to do the transaction online,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

An Inclusive Agenda

WITH inclusion as its watchword, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been implementing strategies and policies that promote and support the development of each Guyanese, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, creed, political persuasion or any other personal features or preferences.

The intention of the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration, as observed over the past two years, has been to address the immediate and long-term needs of every citizen through the development of an inclusive system and agenda, all under the banner of “One-Guyana.”

Unlike the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration’s abortive attempt to foster social cohesion in the local society, the PPP/C’s efforts have extended beyond rhetoric and are evidenced by its investment in initiatives such as the education cash grant, the GOAL scholarship programme and the creation of part-time jobs, among many other things that target the entire Guyanese pop-

ulation, and not just one section of society.

It is clear that the government’s actions are aligned with the United Nation’s definition of social inclusion, which is: “The process by which efforts are made to ensure equal opportunities – that everyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their full potential in life. Such efforts include policies and actions that promote equal access to (public) services as well as enable citizens’ participation in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

In fact, President Ali has said that the overarching goal of the “One-Guyana” initiative is to make society more equal, ensure that everyone has a chance to live fulfilling lives, and lessen disparities in access to justice, employment, health care and education.

“One-Guyana vision, in this regard, aims to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence and with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law,” the Head of State had said.

The development unfolding

before our eyes and the government’s plans are evidently far different from the image that some sections of society are trying to paint and the misinformation they are propagating, as part of their efforts to destabilise the country and cultivate divisiveness among Guyanese.

Those divisive attempts were noted by political analyst, Freddie Kissoon, who said that based on his analysis, it is not the public policies and initiatives that are causing instability in Guyana’s society, but rather there are anti-government “forces” in civil society who are looking to derail progress.

“The people who stayed silent on the no-confidence [motion- 2018] and attempted rigging of elections [2020] have been harassing an elected government,” Kissoon said during the first stream of the Gildarie-Kissoon programme on the Guyanese Critic’s Facebook page.

The analyst, who has been critical of the PPP/C on several occasions, acknowledged that the government is working within the confines of a demo-

cratically elected administration.

In so doing, the government has so far restored the Because We Care cash grant and increased it to $25,000; increased the uniform voucher and old-age pension; disbursed billions of dollars in the form of various grants to cushion the economic conditions influenced

by COVID-19 and other factors, and removed VAT on water, electricity and data, among other things.

Further, through its Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), some 6,000 Guyanese, in 2021, undertook distance learning in 187 programmes offered through eight universities. And, this year, over 9,000 persons have applied to be part of the programme that is open to all Guyanese.

There is also a three-month course that, once completed, would afford persons entry into either a tertiary-level programme or a specialised technical programme.

Should those and other initiatives not address the direct needs of citizens, the government has gone the extra mile to

conduct outreaches in various communities and meet Guyanese directly in order ascertain what issues exist and how they could be addressed effectively. The government has so far visited every region and engaged persons in communities such as Buxton and Linden that are known strongholds of the APNU+AFC. President Ali has repeatedly said that the approach of his administration to decision-making is one of stakeholder engagement, which could pave the way for the realisation of the One-Guyana vision.

“Together, we are going to embark on the journey of prosperity with all of you; the achievement of peace and prosperity; this is a golden opportunity to attain that objective. We will succeed and make proud all those whose struggles were important in achieving our independence.

“The future belongs to us.

The naysayers wish to break our stride, but the evidence is overwhelmingly clear that Guyana is surely… on a fast track to peace and prosperity. Let us keep it that way under the umbrella of

One-Guyana,” President Ali had said during his address to the nation on Independence Day. Guyana’s approach to development has been acknowledged by many of its diplomatic partners, with the latest being the United States of America.

During a visit to the US at the invitation of the North American nation’s government, President Ali and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, along with a high-level team, met with senior officials, including US Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves and US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to discuss a range of issues.

The President also had a telephone discussion with Vice President of the US, Kamala Harris, who, according to a release from the White House, said that she is looking forward to continuing her collaboration with President Ali in promoting inclusive democracy, economic development, and security for all Guyanese, and underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening U.S. partnerships with the Caribbean.

PNC should free itself of adversarial politics and support lifting of Guyana to greater heights

Dear Editor,

GUYANA is on the path of democratic renewal. Despite attempts by the political opposition to derail the democratic process, there can be no doubt that the country has made, over the decades, substantial progress in terms of representative governance and the rule of law.

The above notwithstanding, the search for ways to deepen our democracy to reflect our diversity must continue. In this regard, the measures taken by the current administration to reactivate the process of constitutional reforms must be applauded. It is now for the political opposition to come on board with a view to

iron out a governance construct that will address the ethnic dilemma that has been a drag on our developmental aspirations ever since the split of the PPP in 1955. Sadly, the scars of that political schism still remain in the body-politic, even though there are indications of higher levels of political inclusivity and multiculturalism. It is an established historical fact that the split in the PPP was engineered

by Forbes Burnham following his unsuccessful bid to take over the leadership of the PPP. As a gesture of good faith, the PNC which still remains the largest opposition party in the country, should recognise the legitimacy of the PPP/C administration and desist from

labelling the government as an ‘installed’ regime when the entire world knows otherwise. This is only doing further damage to the image and credibility of the PNC as a political party and would further alienate those who may be politically sympathetic to the party.

Secondly, the PNC needs to publicly acknowledge some of the excesses of the past, including the rigging of national elections from 1968 all the way to 1985. This admittedly is a tough call, but it is a historical fact that the PNC perpetuated its life in office for 24 years through a combination of force and electoral fraud. It does not require a truth and reconciliation commission as in the case of

South Africa to establish the fact that a serious injustice was done to the PPP and its supporters who were kept out of political office for nearly three decades through fraudulent elections.

The Guyanese people as a whole were made to suffer from acts of political victimisation and incompetent rule. Indeed, the country during that period was reduced to one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere and Guyana was regarded as a ‘pariah’ state by the international community. The PNC cannot escape responsibility for that sad state of affairs in which the country found itself.

Be that as it may, the PNC still remains the largest political opposition in the country and

therefore has a role to play both at the constitutional and political levels to lift this country to greater heights. The image of Guyana is already changing as an important player on the international stage, as recently manifested in high-level exchanges between President Irfaan Ali and high-ranking officials of the United States government, including Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. The country is doing well economically and is now ranked as among the fastest- growing economies in the world, thanks to the impact of oil and gas. However, such developments must be buttressed by the fostering of a politically stable and harmonious society based on full adherence to democratic

norms and the rule of law.

The PNC as a major political party has to come on board and join in the quest for the creation of a new Guyana based on the ‘One Guyana’ vision as articulated by President Ali. In a few days time, Guyanese will celebrate Emancipation Day, but unless we free ourselves from the shackles of adversarial politics, the dreams and aspirations of our ancestors and their offspring for a strong, united and prosperous Guyana would not be fully realised.

Yours sincerely, Hydar Ally

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

A President cannot be summoned by another country

Dear Editor, I HAVE received several phone calls about the trip to Washington by President Ali, the VP, and their entourage. I was asked whether it is true that the President was “summoned to Washington” for a tongue lashing by the representatives of the US Government. I am not in the know of policymaking of Guyana or US or any other government.

The President, VP, and others involved in policymaking don’t share information with me.

Friends in high places in several countries usually pass on to me snippets of information about relations or about what is happening in their countries. They do so because of the respect they have for my integrity as a writer and they know that I would never compromise their identities or share information that threatens national security and that I would use the information wisely. For example, in India, friends had passed on to me what they thought was the narrowed list of candidates who were being considered for the

presidency and now the Vice Presidency (to be elected next year). I have not shared the information, not even with my spouse. I do consider myself as some kind of specialist on diplomacy and international relations, having obtained an accredited doctorate in the field.

The answer to the query about the Washington trip is no. The President and VP were/are not summoned to Washington.

“Being summoned” is a diplomatic term; it is an established practice in diplomacy. Those of us who studied foreign policy, international relations, and political science would understand its usage, meaning, and implications. It is a diplomatic tool a host country uses when it wants to make its anger felt to another country about a policy. It is done through a formal, polite, trite, diplomatic note sent to the relevant country’s embassy asking for the Ambassador to come to the Foreign Ministry to meet the Foreign Minister or a designate. It is a formal way for the host state to communicate its views on matters

of importance in no uncertain terms and for the sending state to address them or face dire consequences. At the meeting, there is usually a dressing down (expression of serious displeasure) by the host country of a sending government about its policy or action or even some innocuous matter to which the sending government may have no control. Serious concerns and political positions and expectations are conveyed by the host country to the sending country’s diplomat.

The host country may use strong language such as “outrage …” or condemn a certain policy or action or object to or protest or make demands. This is done without using diplomatic pleasantries. The diplomat gets the message depending on the tone and language used.

The leader of a government is never summoned to another country. It is usually the Ambassador (or a designate so appointed by the mission of a government in another country called the sending country), who is summoned to receiving country’s Foreign Ministry or designated place for a lecture on some

important matter. It does not have to be a lecture or dress down. The Ambassador could be summoned to be informed of a new policy of the receiving government that would have consequences for the sending government. Professionals from the diplomatic mission know the purpose of the summons and would convey the message to headquarters.

Being summoned is a call to be present for a specified action. It is not an order but a formal diplomatic request that has the effects of an order.

There would be consequences if the ambassador does not accept the request or doesn’t show up. The ambassador or designate usually shows up at an agreed time and place. It is rarely known in diplomacy of a diplomat not attending a summoning. If you don’t respond, you could be sent packing or have aid to your country reduced. The US rarely summons diplomats of non-threatening countries.

Only in extreme cases are diplomats summoned.

Russian diplomats get summoned all the time.

And there was usually tit for tat in Moscow and

Washington. Guyana rarely if even summoned any diplomats in Georgetown.

If the US wishes to express its displeasure to the Guyana Government about some matter, it would do so through its Ambassador in Georgetown or the Guyana Ambassador in Washington. Reports about ambassadors being “summoned” often appear in the news and this happens amid rising tensions between nations. The US or some other government would not send for President Ali; that is not how diplomacy is conducted.

Having said so, it does not preclude Secretary Blinken from conveying a message to the visiting Guyana President and VP and delegation on America’s concerns on various issues – China’s growing presence would be top of the agenda. There are others which I would convey to friends.

A summoning is a serious concern. The receiving country means business. One would not want to mess with Washington or Ottawa or London.

Those countries saved democracy and facilitated change in government in

Guyana in 1953, 1964, 1992, 2015, and 2020.

They have the tools to change government that is not of their liking and they should if one were to consider that more Guyanese live in the three than in Guyana.

In brief, the President of a country does not get summoned to the capital of another country but its Ambassador or designate does. Guyana’s Ambassador was summoned during the coalition tenure. My recollection is it was about the attempted electoral fraud. But ambassadors could also have gotten summoned to the State department and lectured on corruption, relations with China, and the presence of Islamic radicals who had posed a threat to US. President Ali was not summoned to Washington. It was a trip long overdue given Guyana’s new geo-political relevance and importance as a source of energy. The trip would have been requested by both sides and formalized for this time of the year to discuss areas of concerns for bilateral relations.

By Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Evaluation of President Ali’s Washington trip

Dear Editor,

AT the invitation of the US Government, President Irfaan Ali and a delegation have been in Washington DC since Monday morning to meet officials and private influential figures in business and policy organisations to discuss a range of issues to further deepen bilateral relations between Guyana and the United States. Guyana is of strategic importance to the US, because of its geo-political location and its status as a rising hydrocarbon-producing nation.

The Head of State and his delegation, including Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud,are in Washington for a series of high-level engagements with US government officials and to engage the press and very powerful organisations that influence policymakers. At the engagements were the US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah Lynch and Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Sam Hinds.

Ali demonstrated very good communicative style. He did not stumble. His pronouncements of words were perfect. He was cool. It was an impressive per-

formance on display by the head of state, the like of which was not seen before by him or his immediate predecessor. His engagements (the tone of delivery of remarks) were pleasant, calm, and persuasive. He came across as someone with good knowledge and grasp of issues.

His diction, elocution, verbal and gestural styles were all good, demonstrating that he is someone in command. He spoke with confidence. He spoke fluently and extemporaneously. He used key concepts and terms that would resonate with Washington: such as the US becoming a strong partner, leadership in food security and climate change, as well as energy security and defending territorial integrity.

In the public’s glare, President Irfaan Ali and entourage were accorded a warm welcome at all of his engagements. No sign (from body language and use of spoken language) of friction or tension appeared between US officials and the visiting delegation. Blinken was warm and praised Irfaan.

He was friendly and attentive as Irfaan spoke. And the President himself appeared to be at ease in engagements. He did not show signs of nervousness or

tension. He spoke fluently. He didn’t read from prepared notes when addressing the Secretary of State or at other functions.

He spoke extemporaneously in the exchange and elsewhere.

The public is not privy to what was discussed behind the scenes away from the camera.

President Ali was given very laudatory introductions at all of his meetings. He and Secretary Antony Blinken expressed pleasantries and spoke of the importance of the relationship between the US and Guyana.

The engagement in Washington, Blinken pointed out, is a continuation of the dialogue that began in Los Angeles at the Summit of the Americas with CARICOM. Blinken praised Guyana for providing leadership in CARICOM and for protecting the environment, while noting that Guyana is the seat of CARICOM. Ali expressed gratitude for the meeting with the Secretary of State, who is number three in line of succession to the presidency. Ali’s remarks were crisp, direct, powerful, and diplomatic.

He spoke with confidence. He told the Secretary that he is pleased to engage with him and the US Administration in the US capital, as it is an important time in the development of Guyana

and the world. He noted the critical issues facing CARICOM as a whole, as well as developing nations -- financing for climate change, food security, and energy security. And he focused on development issues. President Ali said he is willing to work closely and jointly on issues of financing development, and the debt crisis facing CARICOM. He said his government wishes to strengthen relations with the US and wants Guyana to be a strategic partner with America.

The delegation and US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves held fruitful discussions.

Graves committed support to the Government of Guyana in the areas of banking, finance, and tourism, as well as US private sector investment into Guyana.

The President has committed to working closely with the Department of Commerce and other US agencies to facilitate US private sector investment in Guyana.

All of the engagements went exceedingly well. Ali performed brilliantly at the Atlantic Council and the Woodrow Wilson Center. At the Atlantic Council engagement, he was asked several questions and provided appropriate answers.

Ali highlighted significant points on economic develop-

ment that is people centred, and he stressed the importance of addressing climate change, food security, territorial integrity, and energy security. These policies are converging towards a One Guyana concept, which he was asked to explain. He noted that it is a one-value system to unite a divided nation, bring people together, eradicate poverty, combat crime, etc. He told the Atlantic Council that Guyana wishes to have a balance in its hydrocarbon development, natural resources and the environment.

The government will pursue sustainable development to protect the environment. Ali told the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C. that while Guyana is an emerging hydrocarbon market, our economy will not be hydrocarbon-based.

At the Atlantic Council and in exchanges with business leaders and at the Wilson Center, Ali said Guyana plans to use its newly-found oil-and-gas wealth to fund investments in other sectors that will reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. The government plans to pump funds into mining, tourism, agriculture and other sectors. The funds will be used to build roads and infrastructure to open up other areas of the economy, including

its gold, diamond, bauxite and copper mines.

Ali was pressed on accountability and transparency, especially over the use of oil revenues. He noted that the oil revenues will provide funding to diversify the economy. He highlighted what the government has done with the NRF fund and oversight policy. He said there is an Advisory Board overseeing how the money is used. He also noted that there are sanctions for violations of laws. Oil funds can only be spent when approved by Parliament.

It was by far the best public display of diplomacy and deliverance of messages

by Ali since he assumed power on August 2, 2020. He has risen to the international stage at the right time when Guyana is trying to assert itself in a leadership role in food security and climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Because of his presentations in and reception accorded in the US capital, policy analysts and think tank groups will have a better appreciation of the work and policies of the PPP/C Government of Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram (PhD Pol Sci)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Ensuring First People Are Not Last Citizens Part 4: Institutionalised Guyana Mechanisms Attracting Regional Attention

ONE of my first conclusions from the book ‘Views of the Interior of Guyana’

by Robert H. Schomburgk was that Guyana’s First People have for too long been seen and treated as lesser people, being ‘eyepassed’ (as Guyanese would say today) for all of the over 182 years that followed author’s two expeditions to British Guiana’s interior, the first from 1835 to 1839 and the second from 1841 to 1844.

Schomburgk’s expeditions came just as Slavery started to end and Emancipation began the process that eventually led to Indentureship, but from before and since then, up to the end of the second decade in the 21st Century, the republic’s original inhabitants continue to be referred to by stilltoo-many fellow citizens (though not all with intent) in disrespectful ways that characterise them as being lesser mortals than the rest of the society only they originally inhabited.

Laws and regulations have been passed over time to ensure they constantly get more attention and less discrimination and the most recent moves by the current PPP/C administration during five days of meetings (July 11-16) with Toshaos and other Amerindian representatives, have been welcomed by those they were meant for.

Care for Guyana’s Indigenous people has graduated over centuries and decades, from being treated as the last and least of the nation’s ‘Five People’, to being ‘recognised’ by colonial and post-colonial administrations, having their rights ‘recognised’ by law and creation of special spaces in government.

The National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference is required by Guyana’s Amerindian Act to be held annually and brings together Amerindian leaders from over 212 hinterland communities.

It’s a platform for the representatives of Amerindian communities everywhere to engage Guyana government officials and other stakeholders on issues relating to development of their communities.

The objective, from inception, has been about governments annually and

directly listening to the Amerindian people, to better understand their perspectives, together generate ideas and develop common plans and platforms.

Apart from the President, the 2022 NTC conference was also attended by the entire PPP/C administration’ Cabinet of Ministers, with ministers also holding special meetings with individual delegations to discuss concerns in each respective area.

The President explained the presence of the entire Cabinet at the 2022 NTC conference was not a matter of his government “taking-over” the conference, but “as a means of ensuring good governance”, saying his government “is working along with the Toshaos to achieve desired development.”

President Ali told the Indigenous people’s representatives: “We are answerable to you. You can take the government ministers to task, ask them questions in the presence of everyone.”

He explained it was “an open approach to governance and accountability…” in which “the whole government is making itself available to you.”

The President said his administration is also committed to working with the Amerindian communities and was therefore “visiting and listening to what has to be told by each village.”

He reported his Cabinet has visited 97 per cent of Amerindian communities and hadn’t it been for COVID-related travel restrictions, “we would’ve visited every single community -and more than once…”

The President also spoke on projects undertaken by his government in Amerindian communities since taking office in 2020; and he promised too that “funds from Guyana’s oil-and-gas sector would be funneled down to Indigenous communities through the development of areas such as agriculture and infrastructure.”

Following are some other brief quotes from President Ali’s presentation at the 2022 NTC conference, held under the theme “Good Governance and Fast-tracking Amerindian Development”: “We are here not to tell you what to do, but to listen to you, your ideas, needs

and perspectives and to craft together a plan of action to improve the life of every single Amerindian community in this country…

“Let me be very clear: your rights must and will always be respected, protected and advanced under this government…

“You have equity in this country. We fought hard so that you can have equity, so that you can be part of the process of development…

“Amerindians are no different from the rest of the population and must be treated equally … and those are the fundamental principles that we support…

“We will preserve what is rightfully yours and that is what this government has done from Day One — work to preserve everything that can give you a better life and better communities…

“Your future must be no different from the future of anyone else in this country…

“What you can be assured of is a government that will work with you, every single day, to preserve the cultural identity and the environment in which you live...

“Our plan is a very simple one that seeks to involve you in determining what is best for you and charting a course with your involvement that is best and would deliver the best quality of life for you…”

Like other First People everywhere, Guyana’s Nine Nations were/are unfortunately still regarded as ‘other’ parts of the society needing to be integrated, but history has shown that integration for Indigenous people is, first and foremost, among and between themselves by defining their own development according to tradition and the rate of colonial or neo-colonial cultural assimilation.

But from all the above, even without comparing which of the two major parties does more for Indigenous people’s development, it’s clear the current administration has thrust the entire government (Cabinet) in the forefront of its efforts to continue to do and report more at every CTC conference, at least until 2025.

Guyana’s institutionalised efforts to promote Indigenous people’s development has now attracted

the interest of the government of Belize, the two continental CARICOM member-states agreeing to co-operate in common

pursuit of similar interests and goals for their respective First People, thereby setting a stage for possible greater and wider regional

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co-operation in pursuit of the many like opportunities that come with each challenge.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Guyana economy continues to shine as IMF projects gloomy outlook for the world

(OilNOW) - THE International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest World Economic Outlook published on Tuesday, painted a gloomy picture of global development with much uncertainty ahead.

According to the IMF, global output contracted in the second quarter of this year, owing to downturns in China and Russia, while consumer spending in the United States undershot expectations.

Already weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic, several other shocks hit the world’s economy: higher than expected inflation worldwide – especially in the United States and major European economies – that triggered tighter financial conditions;

A section of Guyana’s capital, Georgetown (Photo credit: OilNOW)

a worse-than-anticipated slowdown in China, reflecting COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns; and further negative spill overs from

the war in Ukraine.

The IMF baseline projection is for the world’s economic growth to slow to 3.2 per cent this year – 0.4

per cent lower than what was projected in April.

“Global inflation has been revised up due to food and energy prices as well as lingering supply-demand imbalances, and it is anticipated to reach 6.6 per cent in advanced economies and 9.5 per cent in emerging market and developing

economies this year—upward revisions of 0.9 per cent and 0.8 per cent point, respectively,” the IMF report noted.

And in 2023, the IMF noted further that disinflationary monetary policy is expected to bite, with global output growing by merely 2.9 per cent.

But Guyana is expected to stand out above the rest, owing to its booming oil and gas sector.

Last month, the World Bank in its Global Economic Prospects report outlined that Guyana is leading the pack with the highest forecast for Gross Domestic Project (GDP) growth for Latin America and the Caribbean Region with 47.9 per cent.

And that figure is followed by 34.3 per cent GDP growth in 2023 – still representing the highest growth forecast for the Region.

Even further, Guyana’s

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh reported a revised 2022 growth projection for the country: 57.8 per cent in 2022 up from the 47.5 per cent projection made earlier this year.

Government also expects the non-oil economy to grow 7.7 per cent.

Guyana currently has two floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels operating at the Liza Phases One and Two projects in the Stabroek Block which spans 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Two other oil projects are set to come on stream by 2025.

ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is the operator of the oil-rich block with a 45 per cent working interest.

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

VP Jagdeo tests positive for COVID-19 — President Ali, other delegation members negative

VICE PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who is currently in Washington D.C. as part of a high-level team led

by President Irfaan Ali, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

A statement from the VP office confirmed this, noting also that President Ali and the other members of the high-level delegation of senior government officials all tested negative.

According to the statement, the Vice President showed no symptoms of the virus prior to his departure from Guyana.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud are also part of the delegation.

The press statement

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo in Washington DC before testing positive for COVID-19 (Photo credit: Office of the President)

said President Ali and his team will continue with their agenda while in the United States’ capital city.

“The delegation has already completed a number of successful engagements over the past two days which included meetings with the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of Com-

merce, Don Greaves, and other Business leaders and government officials.

They have also participated in engagements with the Atlantic Council and in discussions with other ambassadors,” the statement said.

The statement further said the Vice President remains asymptomatic.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Nine Monkeypox cases across GAWU should reconsider - GOGEC Caribbean states, CARPHA confirms MoU with OWTU President

Head of Health Information, Communicable Diseases, and Emergency Response at CARPHA, Angela Hinds

By Shamar Meusa WITH many countries around the world on high alert for the monkeypox virus which has sparked a global health emergency, nine cases have been confirmed thus far in Caribbean countries.

This was revealed on Wednesday by Angela Hinds, the Head of Health Information, Communicable Diseases, and Emergency Response at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) during a virtual media briefing.

“In our Caribbean countries, we have confirmed, to date, nine cases… [in the] Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Martinique.

“These cases have been persons who have had a history of travel and, of course, to date there have been no deaths,” Hinds said.

CARPHA began testing for monkeypox in late June. It was noted that CARPHA’s Medical Microbiology Laboratory has the capacity to do

confirmatory testing for monkeypox.

As such, the current quota for tests stands at 100 tests per CARPHA member state per week with a turnaround time of 48 to 72 hours.

The sample currently required to be tested is a swab of fluid from lesions of potential patients.

Hinds noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern as the disease is not endemic to many of the countries in which it is spreading.

This declaration, she said, proves that to tackle the virus, a co-ordinated international response is needed which will facilitate the rapid mobilization of resources, streamline funding, and accelerate and advance the development of vaccines and other treatment regimens that are needed.

As it relates to the transmission of monkeypox, Hinds noted that what has been seen as the main method of transmission is prolonged

physical contact with someone who has symptoms. These symptoms include rashes or skin lesions and bodily fluids.

She noted that there are many ways that the disease can be contracted even as it was revealed that the routes of transmission are the face, skin, and mouth.

In relation to treatment for monkeypox, Hinds revealed that there is data to show that the smallpox vaccine is at least 85 per cent effective in preventing monkeypox.

However, as it relates to the procurement of specific monkeypox vaccines, health services are stretched in this regard. It was noted there are cost implications as the vaccines are costly and in limited supply worldwide.

Hinds said the WHO’s risk assessment considers the risk to be moderate at the global level. In all six regions, it is considered to be moderate with the exception of Europe where that region has been elevated to high risk since there is a larger amount of cases there.

To this end, while noting that communities should be on alert, Hinds said people should learn more about how monkeypox is affecting their communities and how the disease can be contracted so as to be able to make informed decisions.

“We want persons to be alert and aware of the virus and its possible circulation not to be in fear,” she added.

G U YA N A O i l a n d Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) President Manniram Prashad has noted with concern a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Guyana Agricultural and Gene r a l Wo r k e r s U n i o n (GAWU) and the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU).

GOGEC in a release said it has always advocated for Guyanese workers doing the same jobs as expatriates be paid similar wages.

“We respect good industrial relations and are in the forefront to ensure that we have a healthy industrial climate. It is unfortunate that GAWU feels that for-

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad

eign intervention is needed to represent oil- and-gas workers who they are attempting to get unionised,” the release said.

GOGEC is of the view that Guyana has good industrial relations practices in the oil-and-gas sector, in which the Ministry of

Labour has been monitoring closely and quite effectively It noted that in Trinidad and Tobago, Petrotrin experienced a series of strikes, protest actions and marches and was forced to close in 2018.

“The OWTU lost a significant amount of its membership We have a relative [sic] stable industrial climate in the oiland-gas sector in Guyana and we want it to remain that way. GOGEC is urging GAWU to reconsider its decision to bring in a foreign union and to seek help from other trade unions and experienced trade unionists in Guyana in which there is an abundance,” the release said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Over $75M in agri equipment, materials to aid food-security drive

By Naomi Parris

F U RT H E R I N G i t s agenda in advancing the agricultural sector and ensuring food security, government, through the Ministry of Finance’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, on Wednesday handed over approximately $75 million worth of agricultural tools and equipment to several farmers from several areas across Guyana.

Of these equipment, a total of 32,700 coconut and cash-crop seedlings were also delivered to the farmers.

During a brief handing-over ceremony held at the Agriculture Ministry’s main office in Georgetown, Senior Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said the items presented are significant contributions to a much larger initiative which aids the advancement of agricultural development and food security in Guyana and the Caribbean region. “…Apart from the discussions and the work that we are doing to discuss food security at a macro level, at the regional and international level, agriculture and food production goes to the core of the well-being of our communities,” Dr. Singh said.

The senior government official further noted that while Guyana has a vast variety of resources, agriculture has historically been and still is one of Guyana’s main economic activities.

“Agriculture has historically been the mainstay of our economy.

There are vast regions in Guyana for which agriculture is the main economic activity.

“Tens of thousands of families derive their lives from agriculture, and the adequate production of food for the domestic market is absolutely critical to the well-being of the Guyanese people,” the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, said.

Cognizant of the role agriculture plays in the daily lives of citizens, Dr Singh said that the government is making significant strides to advance the sector.

“It would be recalled that upon President Ali’s assumption of office in August 2020, Guyana very shortly thereafter resumed our role as holding the agriculture portfolio in the CARICOM /Quasi Cabinet arrangement… “… meaning that we are now the lead country on agriculture and food security matters, and President Ali has been advancing this Caribbean agenda for food security in a very aggressive way… to the extent in fact that coming out of the recent Summit of the Americas, where a special committee was established,” Dr Singh explained.

“We want a large, growing and competitive agriculture sector; so these are some very significant inputs,” he added Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, along with Senior Minister for finance, Dr Ashni Singh during the brief handing-over ceremony on Wednesday (Ministry of Finance photos)

Mustapha reiterated that the inputs are a part of the government’s commitment to the people.

“This here is testimony to the government’s commitment… these equipment and materials will help us to ensure that we roll out these programmes,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Agriculture Minister said Guyana is currently leading the Caribbean’s food-security mission.

“The Caribbean is looking forward to Guyana to lead this process and I think we have been leading and we are already seeing results.

“The CARICOM [Caribbean Community] heads of government would have reiterated that they want to reduce the food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, and for CARICOM to achieve that Guyana has to play that leading role,”

Mustapha continued.

Furthermore, with many investors’ eyes set on Guyana, Mustapha is optimistic that the country and its farmers will get the assistance needed to achieve its agricultural agenda.

“A number of investors are coming in to partner with Guyanese farmers and also to invest in the country… [which] will help us tremendously to roll out our programme, especially in the rural areas,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mustak Mohammed, a beneficiary of the BNTF, said that he is particularly happy for the assistance, especially during the current rainy season.

Mohammed, who hails from Hope Village on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), is the owner of a cash-crop farm.

Sameene Samd, an-

other cash-crop farmer, told the Guyana Chronicle that the equipment contributes to her selfefficiency and savings which will mean more profit.

Samd explained that she is not the owner of many farming equipment and would often have to source outside help in maintaining her farm.

With the assistance she has received now, the farmer said she can work on her own.

“For us, some of these e q u i p m e n t w e d o n ’t have… we either borrow it from somebody, [or] go to someone who has it and pay them to do the work for us.

“So, by having all of this stuff, we will be able to save and also get our job done in a timely manner,” Samd said.

The BNTF is a special fund established within the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) focus-

ing on vulnerable communities and the wellbeing of people. The BNTF also does work in a number of other areas, including education, health, community infrastructure, skills training and water supply.

For approximately 27 years, the BNTF IA, a project under the Ministry of Finance, has been implementing projects across the length and breadth of Guyana.

The main objective was, and still is, to contribute to poverty reduction in targeted communities by implementing infrastructural and human-capacity development projects.

From its inception to date, BNTF Guyana has implemented 612 sub-projects. An estimated 52,283 persons directly benefitted from the projects delivered, including 22,355 men and 31,079 women.

The BNTF in Guyana in recent times has made significant contributions to the agricultural sector with investments in excess of $380 million. Some of its projects include: * The Guyana School of Agriculture’s Agro-processing and Training Facility in Region Two, which when operationalised will expose students to the requirements of commercial food-processing operations and the techniques required for the development of new products and demonstrating to students, food processing as a viable business. * Construction and equipping of a modern agro-processing and packaging facility at NAREI. The facility will be equipped with a pulp-processing and tea line, to support value-added agricultural production. Training was also provided to 100 farmers and 20 extension officers in good agricultural practices and post-harvesting techniques. * A small-scale poultry facility within the Matarkai sub-region.

The facility will not only help to meet the local poultry demand, but Some of the equipment handed over to farmers

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Compensation for Amelia’s Ward squatters approved; payout soon

PRIME MINISTER Mark Phillips, on Wednesday, met with several squatters from Amelia’s WardPhase Four, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) at his Georgetown office.

During the engagement, the citizens, whose structures were demolished due to illegal occupation of lands earmarked for infrastructural development, raised a number of issues, including monetary compensation for loss and damages incurred during the demolition exercise conducted earlier this year by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

The Prime Minister assured residents that the government is committed to compensating those who have been affected, and to resolve the issues.

He also informed the residents of the status of the financial warrant, which serves as a framework for the disbursement of money to those affected.

“The situation is that the

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Prime Minister Mark Phillips and the Region 10 residents following the engagement at his office

financial warrant to pay the compensation was approved today. However, it has to go before the Board (CHPA), which would be done between tomorrow (today)

and Friday; next week, we would be able to pay out the money,” the Prime Minister told the group.

The senior government official was keen to point

out that squatting is illegal in Guyana, but the administration, being people-centred and caring, saw it fit to facilitate the residents’ request to be remunerated

for loss sustained.

Further, in an invited comment, Prime Minister Phillips stated, “as promised, compensation would be ready to

pay next week. I assured the residents that as Prime Minister I will be in contact with them until this matter is concluded.”

Guyana could earn US$157B from oil by 2040, analysis shows

(OilNOW) - THE recent spate of prolific discoveries in the Stabroek Block and the steady pace of Final Investment Decisions (FID) are positioning Guyana to reap the rewards of these finds with cumulative revenues totalling US$157 billion by 2040.

This is according to independent research consultancy group, Rystad Energy.

In its latest analysis of one of the world’s fastest growing economies, Rystad Energy said its review of the revenue stream to come for Guyana is simply astounding.

Schreiner Parker, Rystad Energy’s Senior Vice President and Head of Latin America and the Caribbean, commented that Guyana is just starting to extract and monetise its vast resource wealth, adding that the coming years will be a financial windfall for the government.

“The country has played the long game after several

Crew onboard the Liza Destiny FPSO offshore Guyana prepare for an approaching oil tanker (Photo credit: OilNOW)

decades of elusive exploration. But the country’s offshore production is finally ready to take off,” says Parker.

While Guyana is poised to enter the proverbial big

league this year, Rystad still cautioned that the administration must not lose sight of the fact that managing these overwhelming resources may not be all plain sailing.

The Norwegian group

said strong institutional governance, transparency and regulatory practices will be vital to unlocking the full potential of Guyana’s resource wealth for its society.

“Although the govern-

ment has taken steps to improve governance, including establishing a sovereign wealth fund and improving fiscal policy transparency, there are still improvements to be made,” expressed the

group.

As an example, Rystad Energy noted that the Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which champions strong resource management and governance practices, recently found several weaknesses in Guyana’s company reporting and tax processes.

However, their EITI score of 52 points will likely grow in the coming years as recent improvements take effect, the business intelligence group stated.

The EITI Board has since determined that Guyana will have until the next validation process commencing on April 1, 2024, to carry out 32 corrective actions to improve its score.

On Tuesday, ExxonMobil announced two more discoveries offshore Guyana, bringing the total oil strikes made since 2015 to 33, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

President Ali, VP Harris engage...

FROM PAGE 3

House noted.

“The Vice President noted that she looked forward to continuing her collaboration with President Ali in promoting inclusive democracy, economic development, and security for all Guyanese, and underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening US partnerships with the Caribbean,” the release added.

Meanwhile President Ali, during an interview with the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) which was aired through multiple social media accounts, said that while Guyana is already providing leadership in many aspects, his aim is to strengthen shared values with other key gov-

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and US Vice President, Kamala Harris share a moment at the IX Summit of the Americas held in June in Los Angeles, California

ernment stakeholders as well as the private sector.

In strengthening these said values, the President

said robust conversations are required.

“The first thing we have to do to advance any relationship is to have conversation to understand each other to share our perspective on things; it may be different, but unless we share it, we cannot understand the commonality,” President Ali said.

He disclosed that the conversation with VP Harris was beneficial to the United States, Guyana and the CARICOM region at large.

On Tuesday, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Guyana has been a very strong partner for the United States and is, in many ways, a global leader.

The two countries, he added, will continue to advance discussions and collaboration in areas of co-operation.

“We’re working together in our region and beyond to try to find solutions to urgent challenges, to include climate, to include food security, energy security.

“We’re working on issues together, and I think coming out of the Summit of the Americas in particular, there is a lot more energy in those efforts, including some things that we’re working on very actively right now that I know we’ll be sharing in the weeks ahead,” Blinken added.

The United States, he emphasised, is “very eager to continue to deepen and strengthen the partnership,” which will also redound to the benefit of the region given the fact that Georgetown, the country’s capital, is also the seat of CARICOM.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Breached Mabura trail gets emergency repairs THE breached section of the Mabura trail which leads to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has received emergency repair works after it broke away Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Public Works said.

The ministry, through its official Facebook page, on Wednesday confirmed that “a contractor has been mobilised to address the breached section of the Mabura trail near Surama.” “ T h e c o n t r a c t o r ’s engineer on the ground says repair works have commenced and traffic should be flowing by this afternoon,” the ministry disclosed, referencing that the work was expected to be completed by Wednesday afternoon.

It said sections of the

road which broke away are “routinely maintained” by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Government has major plans for development of the road which links Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) to Lethem, Region Nine.

The public works ministry has already signed a contract to the tune of $3.19 billion to upgrade 32 bridges between Kurupukari and Lethem. This will see the timber bridges along the stretch replaced by concrete bridges.

Additionally, there is a contract worth US$190 million for construction of the road from Linden to the Mabura Hill road in asphaltic concrete. It is the first phase of the road that will eventually lead to Lethem. (DPI)

The breached section of the road (DPI photo)

Trucks mobilised on Wednesday to repair the breach (DPI photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Suspect reportedly dies during alleged La Grange home invasion

ANIL Singh, a 34-year-old businessman of Unity Street La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD), on Wednesday, reportedly shot and killed Learone Forde who allegedly

tried to rob him at his home.

According to a police statement, the businessman and his wife, Christina Singh, were asleep when, around 01:15 hrs, they were awakened by the

sound of a window of their apartment being forcefully opened.

The statement said the businessman armed himself with his licensed .32 Taurus Pistol and stood behind the door of

his bedroom while his wife and child remained on the bed.

Police said there were two suspects in the reported home invasion, one armed with a cutlass and another with acrowbar. One

of the two men then reportedly rushed into the bedroom and was reportedly shot in the leg

by Singh.

The first suspect fell to the floor while the other escaped in an unknown direction.

Police said in the report that the suspect who was shot reportedly pleaded with the businessman. This newspaper, however, will not ‘carry’ that section of the police report.

The statement noted, however, there was a scuffle between the suspect and the businessman which later resulted in several rounds of ammunition being discharged, causing injuries to both men.

Police said that, upon their arrival at the scene, the suspect was discovered in a pool of blood with several gunshot wounds about the head and body.

The businessman, on the other

hand, had gunshot wounds about his body.

The statement from law enforcement said a search was done for nearby surveillance cameras. After processing the scene, five spent shells of .32 ammunition, four live rounds, and two metal fragments suspected to be war heads were discovered at the scene.

The businessman, Anil Singh, was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen by a doctor and admitted as a patient for injuries received, while the suspect was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral home, police said.

According to police, the gun was lodged and Singh’s wife is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

No information was provided on the wellbeing of the child.

Woman accused of romance scam ‘walks free’ after repaying money AFTER being remanded to prison on Wednesday for alleged involvement in a conspiracy to defraud, 25-yearold Susan Richards of North East La Penitence, Georgetown, was released and her charge dismissed, after she opted to repay the money to the victim.

Richards, according to a police statement on Wednesday, was charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) with Conspiracy to Defraud in relation to a “romance scam”.

The police said that, at the time of her charge, Richards was not represented by a lawyer.

However, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that the woman was later represented by attorney Eusi Anderson.

According to Richards’ attorney, after the matter was called back, once she had secured legal representation, the prosecutor did not object to bail.

After the bail application was made, the woman was refused bail, the attorney told the Guyana Chronicle.

The matter came up before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The woman’s lawyer said the prosecutor also agreed that a repayment of the $85,000 was an option. He said the money was repaid, and the matter was dismissed by the Chief Magistrate.

According to the police press release, based on reports received by SOCU, Richards is a sales representative who was the recipient of GYD$85,000 sent by the victim with the understanding that she will receive a package containing

RELEASED: Susan Richards

expensive gift items from her ‘Facebook boyfriend’.

Richards was alleged to have acted as a third party for a person who befriended the victim via social media platform, Facebook.

Richards had pleaded not guilty to the crime.

The now-freed woman is one of four recipients whom the victim sent monies to.

Recently, police said, SOCU charged a man, John Patrick Lewis, with the said offence. He is one of the four persons the victim sent monies to.

The victim’s ‘Facebook boyfriend’ provided her with all of Richards’ personal information, prompting her to send money using the information through Western Union.

No package was delivered, according to the police and the reported ‘Facebook boyfriend’ disappeared.

SOCU Head, Assistant Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, in the police report, reminded the public to be on the lookout for these types of scams, and to report them immediately.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday July 28, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) IND won by 2 wickets (2) Axar Patel (IND) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who the first WI to hit a century in his one hundredth ODI game?

(2) Who are the three others to have done so?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS English Racing Tips

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Goodwood

Salisbury

12:05 hrs Heia

08:50 hrs Whitefeathersfall

13:15 hrs Famous Footsteps

12:40 hrs Observing

09:25 hrs Royal Scotsman

13:45 hrs Batal Dubai

13:10 hrs Moonovereloon

10:00 hrs Hoo Ya Mal

14:15 hrs Amaretti Virginia

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15:15 hrs Songo

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15:45 hrs Arcadian Friend

11:45 hrs Get Ahead

South Africa Racing Tips

Race 2 Snowy Evening

12:20 hrs Daydream Dancer

Turffontein

Race 3 Boldish

08:40 hrs Captain Of Grit

Race 4 Ocean’s Reserve

09:15 hrs Dark Travel

Race 5 Fearless

09:50 hrs Leopold

Race 6 Public Service

10:25 hrs Benguela Cove

Race 7 Boston Tea Party

Epsom 12:55 hrs Youarenotforgiven 13:30 hrs Heat And Dust

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14:00 hrs Almutawakel 14:30 hrs Baileys Liberty

Irish Racing Tips

15:00 hrs Maysong

Galway 09:10 hrs Fakiera 09:45 hrs Sole Pretender 10:20 hrs Big Baby Bull 10:55 hrs Affogato

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Inventing

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Northern Ruby Race 2 Danger Race 3 Blue Sky Sunrise Race 4 Malibu Uproar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

India whitewash West Indies in ODI series WHITEWASHED!

(ESPNCRICINFO) The first two matches of the series were tight contests where both teams remained in contention until the final ball was bowled.

But India had it much easier during the third ODI in Port of Spain, as the visitors completed a 3-0 sweep of West Indies following contributions from Shubman Gill, who hit a career-best 98*, Shikhar Dhawan, 58, and Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a quick-fire 44.

All their bowlers chipped in too, as West Indies fell away quickly during the chase.

The hosts were asked to chase a DLS-revised target of 257 in 35 overs after India posted 225 in 36, their innings ending prematurely after a two-and-a-halfhour rain delay had already trimmed it down to 40 overs.

Mohammed Siraj sent West Indies on the back foot in the second over of the chase,

when he cleaned up Kyle Mayers with a good length delivery before trapping Shamarh Brooks in front with one that angled in. West Indies were 0 for 2 at that stage, with nine deliveries gone.

Brandon King and Shai Hope briefly brought them back on track with a 47run stand before Yuzvendra Chahal had Hope stumped for 22. King was then joined by Nicholas Pooran in another partnership that gave West Indies hope, before Axar Patel’s arm ball in the 14th over bowled King for 42.

But immediately after, Pooran fired a six and four off Deepak Hooda, keeping his side afloat, as the required rate hovered around eight an over.

However, Keacy Carty’s struggle to get going at the other end seemed to put pressure back on Pooran.

When Carty finally decided to try something different, he skipped down to Shardul Thakur in the 19th over only to bottom-edge onto his stumps for 5 off 17 balls.

By then, West Indies needed nearly 10 an over, and although Pooran hit two more fours off Axar, he fell for 42 in the 22nd over to all but end the game, which was set up by India’s opening batters Gill and Dhawan.

In their third successful partnership in a row - they followed unions of 119 and 48 with 113 on the day the right-left pair started sedately in what was an innings of two segments from India. The first 24 overs produced 115 runs; the next 12 fetched 110.

Gill missed out on what would have been his maiden ODI hundred, as a second rain interruption meant India’s innings was announced closed with a

scheduled four overs left at that stage.

When play resumed after the first rain delay, India had 16 overs remaining, as Gill and Iyer switched gears to accelerate the innings.

Both batters threw everything at the bowling after having to adjust for the loss of overs: they came down the pitch to spinners, tried the reverse sweep, played aerial shots whether pulling or driving, and kept lofting over the in-field.

Gill and Iyer added 86 for the second wicket in less than ten overs, making up for the sedate beginning after Dhawan opted to bat on winning the toss.

Dhawan was quiet to start the innings, his 58 coming off 74 balls on a slow pitch where he did try attacking, but often failed to time and place the ball.

Dhawan hit seven fours, while Gill also hit as many,

along with two sixes. The first two overs after the rain break saw 31 runs being plundered - including four fours and two sixes - as Gill and Iyer pulled, cut and drove for fun. Their partnership had only just started before rain broke through.

But Hayden Walsh Jr’s second ball after the break was swung for six over deep square leg by Iyer, signalling India’s intent early, as quick runs were needed. The next ball was bisected for four between point and short third, before Gill skipped down off the final delivery and swung over the bowler’s head for six.

West Indies brought some pace from the other end, only for Iyer to hit one four off Jayden Seales, and Gill to slam consecutive fours - the first of which was supreme timing to place the ball past mid-off - as India

raced along.

Both batters continued finding the boundary when the hosts switched to Jason Holder and Akeal Hosein, before Iyer swatted the latter to long-on for 44 off 34 balls. But Gill kept ticking the scoreboard at the other end, as Suryakumar Yadav joined him in pursuit of rapid runs.

Suryakumar fell for 8 after carving one four behind point just two overs before play came to a halt, with Gill having skipped from 51 off 65 balls at one stage, to an unbeaten, run-a-ball 98.

He might rue missing out on a century, as he got only 13 off his last 14 balls perhaps just one more ball would have been enough to get to triple figures. In the end, though, it didn’t make too much difference to India’s fortunes.

Goldmedal announces sponsorship of West Indies, India T20 series

GOLDMEDAL Electricals, one of India’s leading electrical manufacturing companies, today announced that it will be the title sponsor of the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series between India and West Indies.

The series will be branded as the Goldmedal T20 Cup with the first match scheduled to be played tomorrow.

Trinidad and St. Kitts will host the first three T20I matches of the series while the last two will be

played in Florida, USA. As the title sponsor, the Goldmedal brand will have a prominent presence – its logo will be part of the integrated logo unit (ILU) of the series; it will also be seen on the pitch mat, the perimeter boards, the presentation boards and on the winners’ trophy.

Speaking about the association, Mr Kishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal, said: “T20 cricket is achieving new heights with every passing year and Goldmedal is glad to be associated with a series where

we are going to see the best version of the game.

Both India and West Indies are champion sides who believe in giving their best – something that resonates with brand Goldmedal.

“We believe in creating amazing experiences through our products and this T20 series will do the same for cricket-lovers across the globe. We look forward to a long and fruitful association with Indian cricket.”

Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies, said: “Goldmedal’s new title

sponsorship of the Goldmedal T20 Series is very welcome, especially as a new partner for cricket.

The West Indies vs India Series is going to see two of the most exciting teams in the world go head-tohead in the Caribbean and Florida, watched by a global audience.”

This will be Goldmedal’s first title sponsorship of a major cricket series.

Goldmedal was also the official ‘Powered By Sponsor’ of the current CG United Series ODI series between the two

teams, which India are leading 2-0 after two thrilling games. They were also the official ‘Power Partner’ of the India-Ireland T20 series held in June.

The matches will begin at 10:30hrs local time/09:30hrs Jamaica/20:00hrs IST and will be telecast live on Fancode and DD Sports in India and ESPN Caribbean in the West Indies.

F U L L M AT C H SCHEDULE - Goldmedal T20 Cup T20Is start at

10:30hrs (09:30hrs Jamaica/20:00hrs India) F r i d a y, J u l y 2 9 : 1st T20I – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad Monday, August: 1: 2nd T20I – Warner Park, St Kitts Tuesday, August 2: 3rd T20I – Warner Park S a t u r d a y, A u g u s t 6: 4th T20I – Broward County Stadium, Florida Sunday, August 7: 5th T20I – Broward County Stadium

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

ExxonMobil U14 tournament Foster returns postponed to next weekend as BCB head

… Milo semi-finals now billed for Sunday THE unpredictable weather patterns recently have left many sporting administrators scratching their heads regarding playing dates for many disciplines.

This has not skipped the Petra Orgaisation, whose ExxonMobil U14 Schools Football tournament was scheduled to start this weekend but had to be postponed to facilitate the completion of the Milo U18 Schools football tournament.

However, a release from the organisers, the Petra Organisation, stated that “after visiting the MoE ground today to assess the field’s playing condition, it was observed that water is still on the field with many very soft areas.”

In light of the above, a decision was made to prepare

Petra’s representative Mark Alleyne (centre) accepts the sponsorship from Brand Manager Larry Wills in the presence of co-Director of Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca

the ground to accommodate the two semi-finals in the Milo U18 programme scheduled for Sunday, July 31 at 15:00hrs and 17:00hrs and to shift the commencement of ExxonMobil U14 tournament to Saturday, August 6 2022.”

The ExxonMobil tour-

nament, however, received a boost from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) through their Pepsi brand coming on board.

At a simple ceremony on Tuesday at the company’s Diamond head office Brand Manager Larry Wills said,

“The last time we would have sponsored this tournament was, I believe, in 2019. the pandemic … that everything would’ve been on a halt, but I’m really glad that we’re able to resume and continue to support the development of kids and sports throughout Guyana.”

The tournament will take on a round-robin knockout format for both boys’ and girls’ segments.

The 24 male teams will be split into groups of six for the first set of matches before the teams are trimmed to 16.

Those 16 teams will then play for positions 1-16.

The females will undertake a similar format but this time, the eight teams will be split into two groups.

GFF urges stronger club governance during WDFA outreach GUYANA Football Federation (GFF) president, Wayne Forde, urged clubs in the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) region to implement stronger governance structures to support the development of the game, as he delivered football equipment under the auspices of the GFF’s Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP).

President Forde was participating in an outreach with the WDFA General Council on Friday, the GFF’s first official engagement with one of its regional associations since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GFF members outreach programme is designed to build bridges across the football community, and to explore challenges and opportunities at the regional level.

“We had an extremely valuable and positive interac-

GFF and WDFA executives pose for a photo after collecting gear

tion on the future of football development in this crucial region,” Forde said. “Our discussions focused on governance, administration, and compliance, which are vital pillars for the sustainable growth of the game.”

“In particular, we need to see more clubs in the WDFA region appointing executive committees to improve the management and oversight

of club football and to reduce the day-to-day burden on coaches, who should be fully focused on working with players to raise standards on the pitch and develop talent,” Forde added.

All clubs in Guyana will need to apply for and hold a CONCACAF club licence by the end of 2023, which includes the requirement to establish a youth football

department, appoint licensed coaching staff, implement a CSR programme and a child safe-guarding policy, and ensure that at least one women’s team is active in GFF competitions.

“The GFF stands ready to provide any technical or logistical support necessary for this CONCACAF’s club-licensing programme to help make this a reality with all of our clubs by the end of next year as we seek to improve the governance of the game across Guyana,” Forde said.

Further outreaches with the remaining eight regional associations are scheduled for the coming weeks.

In West Demerara, Forde was joined by GFF General Secretary Ian Alves and GFF Members Services Officer Franklin Wilson alongside WDFA president Trevor Williams and representatives from eight WDFA clubs were present for the meeting.

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last Sunday hosted its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) for the third quarter at the Port Mourant Cricket ground with Hilbert Foster returning for another term as president.

The meeting was attended by all members, apart from Young Warriors CC and Mt Sinai CC, and was conducted in a calm and cordial atmosphere, which has become the norm at all BCB meetings.

Delegates approved minutes of the last OGM and expressed satisfaction that all plans unveiled and promised were fulfilled including the visits by several legendary West Indies former players, distribution of gear across the county and an expansion of the board developmental programme.

Delegates unanimously rejected a resignation letter from their president. Hilbert Foster. which was to go into effect on the July 31.

Foster told the packed hall that he was willing to step aside as he did not want Berbice cricket to suffer because of his presence when he seems to be a target of the national board.

All of the delegates informed the BCB president that they have full confidence in his vision, honesty, passion and commitment and they had no plan to change their mind that he had to stay.

They recall that when Foster and his team took over cricket in the county it was at the lowest level and today it was the envy of every board in the region with a remarkable set of achievements and activities.

Under Foster’s leadership, over 20 players at all levels have either played for the West Indies or called to training camps.

A series of ambitious developmental programmes have also unearthed numerous cricketing talent in the region.

Delegates also told non-Berbician to stop their targeting of the board and warned that they would never forgive or forget those who seek to destroy the progress that not only benefits the county but also Guyana and the West Indies.

Foster, treasurer Rovin Bahadue and secretary Angela Haniff provided comprehensive reports to the OGM and they were all accepted and approved unanimously.

The BCB president also unveiled several major programmes that would be hosted shortly.

BCB president Hilbert Foster

He informed the attentive audience of the hosting of a countywide coaching programme for secondary schools, the setting-up of a kiddies’ Academy of Excellence, overseas scholarships for Berbice cricketers, gear for schools and the hosting of four mini academies during the summer holidays.

The first academy was held last weekend in West Berbice and was hailed as a huge success with close to 50 youths in attendance.

Foster announced that every secondary school in the county would shortly receive a donation of gear, uniforms and cricket balls from the BCB with assistance from overseas-based Lochan Samkarran.

The BCB would also publish more copies of its historic coaching manual and youth information booklet for free distribution to every youth player in the county.

The BCB also announced that the countywide 40 overs round-robin tournament would start shortly after final blessings from the sponsor for a $1.7M deal.

The tournament would be contested by over 90 teams, divided into five zones - West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentne, Berbice River and Upper Corentyne.

The BCB president also announced that former National Under-19 player, Orvin Mangru, would be sponsoring a countywide Under-19 tournament.

The sponsorship would also cover the cost of balls and transportation.

Present at the meeting were representatives of Berbice River Cricket Association, West Berbice Cricket Association, Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, Bermine, Rose Hall Canje, Mental CC, Chesney, Whim, RHTYSC, Kildonan, Port Mourant, Blairmont and Albion.

Absent were Mt Sinai and Young Warriors CC.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

Squash players, boxers banking on experience at Commonwealth Games

By Rawle Toney, in Birmingham

WITH hopes of a spot on the podium, Guyana’s squash players and boxers will be heading into action at the 2022 Commonwealth Games tomorrow.

While the country had never won a squash medal at the Commonwealth Games, the last time Guyana won a boxing medal at the former British Empire Games was at the 1990 event in Auckland, New Zealand, when Wesley Christmas claimed bronze in the bantamweight division.

In fact, of the 16 medals won by Guyana since the 1930 Commonwealth Games, 11 are split between track and field and boxing.

The country’s other medals at the games came from Rowing (bronze - 1930), Swimming (bronze - 1938) and Weightlifting (bronze - 1954, 1962 and silver 1966).

BOXING Youth Commonwealth

Games silver medallist and Olympian Keevin Allicock, along with Colin Lewis and Desmond Amsterdam, will represent Guyana in the discipline of boxing.

While both Allicock and Lewis are making a return to the Games for the second time, Amsterdam will be making his debut.

Much is expected of Amsterdam at the Games, given the fact that recently he capped his participation at this year’s American Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championships with a bronze medal.

Amsterdam’s achievement was the first time a Guyanese boxer had claimed a medal at an Elite AMBC Championships.

Coach Terrence Poole, speaking on the sidelines of Guyana’s training session yesterday at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, said he’s expecting Amsterdam to replicate his AMBC Championships performance.

“I expect great things

from him. I expect a podium finish because he has shown a lot of improvement. He has shown hunger and fight, so I expect a podium finish from him,” Poole said.

At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Allicock and Lewis were on the wrong side of some questionable decisions.

Nonetheless, Poole, who, along with Sebert Blake, will be overlooking the team, believes that the two boxers’ experience will help see them through the rounds in Birmingham.

“Keevin would have gone to the highest level, which is the Olympics, and I think he should have learnt a lot. So coming against these boxers now, with that kind of exposure, he should, or both of them should be doing well,” the Medal of Service awardee stated.

SQUASH With a blend of youth and experience, Guyana’s squash team at the Commonwealth Games, will be eyeing more

Tough draw for Guyana in table tennis Team event at Commonwealth Games

Thuraia Thomas about to serve to Chelsea Edghill during the team’s training session in Birmingham

IN what is described as a “tough draw” for Guyana by coach Idi Lewis, the country’s male and female teams will come up against some of the world’s top countries within the Commonwealth, tomorrow, in the Team event at the National Exhibition Centre table tennis facility.

The team of Shemar Britton, Joel Alleyne, Christopher Franklin and Jonathan Van

Lange, seeded 10th in Group One, will face England (#1 seed), Fiji and Bangladesh.

The females, Chelsea Edghill, Priscilla Greaves, Thuraia Thomas and Natalie Cummings are down to face Fiji, India and South Africa in Group Two. “It’s a tough draw, but I like our chances,” coach Lewis said in an invited comment. “Those are teams we can beat and

compete against, both male and female, so I like our chances to at least make it to the quarter-finals.

In 2018 when the games were hosted in Australia, the Guyanese women fell short of a medal in the Team tournament, when they were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Singapore. The Men’s team exited in the Round-of-16, losing to Canada.

than just an improved performance.

Former National Champion, Ashley Khalil, and reigning Junior Caribbean Champion, Shomari Wiltshire, are optimistic of a successful campaign in Birmingham.

Joined by Jason-Ray Khalil and Mary Fung-AFat, the Guyanese team represents arguably the best squash players, not just from Guyana, but the Caribbean. Buoyed by his recent success at this year’s Junior Caribbean Championship where he eased to another title, Wiltshire aims to take it one game at a time in England.

Wiltshire said he intends to soak-up as much experience as possible from his first Commonwealth Games, which he hopes will translate to long-term success as he transitions to the senior competitions.

“I’m not really expected to do that much,” the usually humble Witshire said, adding, “There are some top

players at this tournament, so I just want to see how I can do against them and give my best.” “I want to win my first round match and hopefully I can win one of my doubles matches because that would be good for morale,” Wiltshire said.

Understanding that all eyes from around the Region will be on him when he takes to the courts at the University of Birmingham squash facility tomorrow, Witshire pointed out: “I just want to improve my game. There are a lot of things I can work on. So I want to do very well at the games and the Senior Caribbean Championship coming up.”

Meanwhile, the 22nd hosting of the event will be Ashley Khalil’s second time at the Commonwealth Games, dating back to her showing at the 2010 games in India. At the games in Delhi, Khalil was the country’s lone representative in squash. Though still a junior and just 17, she managed to reach the round-of-32 in the

singles event.

“This is such a high-level Games. My main goal is obviously to better my last time in 2010. I was a junior in 2010 so it has been quite a few years; but for me, it’s just to come out and play some good squash and make Guyana proud,” Khalil said.

Looking ahead to the competition, Khalil said the team are bracing themselves for a battle individually, but will be relying on their collective talent in the Team competition.

“For us (Team Guyana), singles is going to be tough because most of the players here are ranked in the top 50, but I think our best chance would probably be in the doubles or mixed doubles events, so that’s where we expect to do well,” Khalil noted.

Guyana have never won a medal in squash at the Commonwealth Games, but Khalil said the team intend to leave it all on the court.

‘Hyped’ opening ceremony to mark start of 2022 Commonwealth Games

THE City of Birmingham is pulling all the stops in an effort to deliver an unforgettable 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening ceremony on July 28, at the Alexander Stadium from 14:00hrs (Guyana Time).

Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, according to reports, will not be in attendance at any of the events at the Commonwealth Games this year; Prince Charles will be representing The Queen at the opening ceremony.

Prince Charles will give a speech during the opening ceremony and he will also read The Queen’s message for the Commonwealth Games.

Steven Knight, the creator of the famous Netflix series, Peaky Blinders, is producing the event, and has promised “it is going to be mind-blowing.”

The hosts of the previous Commonwealth Games, Australia, will enter first in the Parade of Nations, followed by other countries of the Oceania region Commonwealth Games Association (CGA). The rest of the countries will then enter in alphabetical order.

Guyana will be represented by 32 athletes, competing in Badminton, Track and Field, Squash, Cycling, Boxing and Table Tennis.

Olympians, ALiyah Abrams (Track and Field) and Keevin Allicock (Boxing), will be Guyana’s Flag-Bearers at the opening ceremony.

For Allicock, the 2022 event will mark his second appearance at the Commonwealth Games following his participation at the 2018 games in Australia.

The 23-year-old Allicock, in 2017, won silver at the Youth Commonwealth Games in The Bahamas.

For Abrams, one of the country’s most consistent track athletes, particularly over the distance of 400 metres, this will be her first outing at the Commonwealth Games.

The 25-year-old Abrams is heading to the Commonwealth Games after her performance at the World Athletics Championships in the Women’s 400m where she had reached the semi-finals.

At the World Indoor Championships this year, Abrams finished 5th in the 400m.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 28, 2022

India whitewash West Indies in ODI series WHITEWASHED!

Story Page 21

Shai Hope was stumped for 22 (AFP/Getty Images)

Squash players, boxers banking on experience at Commonwealth Games Story Page 23

Guyana’s boxing team during their training session at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England

(L-R) Shomari Wiltshire, Ashley Khalil, Jason-Ray Khalil and coach Garfield Wiltshire. Missing is Mary Fung-A-Fat who will join the team before the start of the tournament

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| THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022