Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-03-2023

Guyana,

The launch of the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BRITCHAM Guyana) will facilitate and promote trade and investments between Guyana and the United Kingdom

— President Ali says; highlights progress made by the PPP/C to rejuvenate, advance the country

PNC’s poor policies, planning ‘bled’ Guyana dry

By Clestine Juan

THE People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) from its initial years in office and later under the guise of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, acted like “vampires,” sucking the life out of the people of Guyana and bleeding the country’s economic sectors dry due to the party’s poor planning and policies.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali urged Guyanese not to be misled by “doomsayers” and “hypocrites” who are ignoring the facts related to the PNC’s performance and now spreading “lies” about the work being done by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) led government.

The Head of State made this appeal on Sunday during a speech to a large gathering

at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne, where he paid tribute to the founding leaders of the PPP/C.

Examining the period 2015-2020, he said that due to the coalition’s lack of foresight and poor decision-making, essential ser-

vices such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure deteriorated during those five years.

The result was an in -

creasingly impoverished population that struggled to access basic necessities,

Dr Ali said, adding that the PNC’s corrupt practices and favouritism towards certain individuals and groups only exacerbated the situation.

He related that under the PPP/C, minimum wage in this country increased by 1,577 per cent, which is in keeping with the legacy of Dr Jagan.

“I saw between 1993 and 1995, minimum wages increased by 100 per cent, when I looked into that mirror between 1991 and 2014, I saw external debt reduced by 50 per cent. When I looked in that mirror between 1991 and 2014, I saw a debt-to-GDP ratio moving from 677 per cent to 34 per cent, that is the legacy that we celebrate, that is the legacy,” the President said as he reflected on the works of the PPP/C.

Under the PPP/C, the Head of State said that infant mortality for every 1,000 babies that were born between 1991 and 2014 was reduced by 47 per cent, along with the number of doctors for every 10,000 persons moving up to 600 per cent. The education sector’s share in the national budget was moved from two per cent to 15 per cent during that period

“Why the doomsayers don’t write about this? Why do they avoid these facts? Because they only have one intention, and that is political power by any cause,” Dr. Ali said.

He went on to say: “I want to tell you what I see as the year progressed, I saw 2015 and 2019 appearing before me, the years that the PPP/C was out of government. The mirror was

Continued on page 4

President, Dr Irfaan Ali addressing thousands at Dr Cheddi Jagan’s memorial service on Sunday (Adrian Narine photo)

— PM Phillips says launch of BRITCHAM represents closer economic ties between Great Britain and Guyana

Guyana, UK record over £1B in trade in 2022

By Casandra Khan

GUYANA and the United Kingdom (UK), on Tuesday, advanced efforts to solidify their economic partnership with the launch of the British Chamber of Commerce Guyana (BritCham Guyana) to facilitate and promote trade and investments between the two countries.

Chairman of BritCham, Faizal Khan, at the launch, said that in 2022, for the first time in history, Guyana and the UK surpassed £1 billion and he is confident that this number will continue to grow.

“We are very confident those figures will only continue to grow and BritCham will do everything we can to try and continue to facilitate that,” he said.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his address, said that the establishment of BritCham represents another important development in fostering stronger and closer economic ties between Great Britain and Guyana.

“These economic bonds build on the strong ties of history and shared interests between Britain and Guyana,” he said.

The Prime Minister added: “From our perspective, it is also a recognition of the growing interest in our country’s burgeoning economy and the growing trade and invest-

ment between Great Britain and Guyana. We now have a Chamber of Commerce that would allow for… opportunities for the expansion of trade and tourism.”

While Guyana is also expanding its economic relations with various countries and regions of the world, he said it is only natural that such expanding relations include the country’s traditional economic partners, such as Britain.

“Our economic relations, however, revolve around more than air transport and oil and gas. Guyana aims to become a major regional hub for food security, energy security, and the provision of environmental services,” the Prime Minister said.

He added: “We would like

to see increased cooperation between Guyana and Great Britain in these areas, and it is my wish that your visit here will lead to a qualitative shift in our economic relations.”

He also took the opportunity to reiterate Guyana’s appreciation for Britain’s definitive and unambiguous support for free and fair elections in Guyana as well as its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Guyana’s Republic.

United Kingdom Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, David Rutley, said that the relationship between Guyana and the UK is a strong one.

“What is really clear is there are many more opportunities ahead of us… this is a really strong relationship and

the other thing that I love is it builds on some momentum that’s being seen here,” he said.

Rutley added: “Of course, there are growth opportunities but our relationship is built on shared values. It’s built on shared history often and on people to people, relationships… so together we can do a huge amount of other things.”

He related that the partnership agreement is phenomenal and said that they are going to build to make it an even more meaningful one.

Meanwhile, Khan said that as a dual British-Guyanese citizen, the moment highlights a new era in the relationship between Guyana and the UK.

“It offers the prospect of an incredible future in partnership between the two countries which have a deep shared history. It’s a win for Guyana and a win for the diaspora. That’s exactly what we see BritCham as, being a win for Guyana and a win for Great Britain,” he said.

Khan related that BritCham is present to provide a forum for persons looking to invest in Guyana from the UK and vice versa.

He added that they will create an active network and forum, through which companies and individuals can speak openly and freely to share experiences and ideas.

Lewis never produced documents establishing claim to land in Kingelly

MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Tuesday, challenged trade unionist Lincoln Lewis to produce documents related to land claims in Kingelly village, West Coast Berbice.

He made those remarks via a video statement, during which he added that the village has been under occupation for over 100 years. For all intents and purposes, he added it has been public lands. For the past 100 years, Nandlall said that people have gone on to own lands through legal methods and obtain titles for the portions of land that they occupy in the village.

“Lincoln Lewis for several years now has been making an allegation that his ancestors owned this village. He has never been able to

produce a document of title establishing his claim,” Nandlall revealed.

The Attorney General said he had received information that Lewis recently and reportedly trespassed on persons’ properties, and broke down fences while also trying to erect concrete structures where persons are currently residing.

Noteworthy, according to Nandlall, is that private lands in Guyana can be owned through two methods: by means of transport or by a Certificate of Title.

Lewis, however, has been unable to produce either of these documents in his name or in anyone else’s name.

Nandlall added: “Yet he keeps making this fanciful, vacuous allegation and periodically he goes into the village and he creates mayhem.”

— AG Nandlall says

The police were informed even as the Attorney General said that hopefully, the authorities will act in accordance with the law and in the most condign manner possible.

He further added that some years ago, residents of the village approached him while he was in private practice and he was able to file for prescriptive titles for those 25 or more persons at the time.

These applications, the Attorney General said, were required to be advertised or published in the official gazette and in daily newspapers.

This is done so as to allow anyone with a claim to those lands to file a notice of opposition and to contest same. At that time, Nandlall said that Lewis never opposed any of those applications.

“It is no secret that when you enter into a new territory, experience helps you navigate…so, what we here at BritCham are looking forward to do on the ground here in Guyana is helping the British business community that are coming in navigate and vice versa,” Khan said.

He related that they also have members in the UK for Guyanese businesses looking to venture into the UK markets.

Additionally, the British

High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller said that this is a “huge time” for the UK, given that British Airways recently made their first flight to Guyana.

“I think it is going to be important for trade and for tourism, but tonight is an important leap forward in our relationship, not just British Airways, but particularly the launch of the British Chamber of Commerce,” she said.

(From left) Member of Parliament, Sanjeev Datadin; UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, David Rutley; Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller and Chairman of BritCham, Faizal Khan (Adrian Narine photo)

From

page

speaking to me, and the mirror said, between 2015 and 2019, I saw sugar production declining by $21 billion.

“These guys [APNU] closed the sugar estates, and today, they have the audacity to sit in a hotel and to write banners saying, “give more to the sugar workers” when they completely destroyed the sugar estate in less than five years. The mirror said to me, “Where is the conscience of these hypocrites?” And then I said to the mirror, they are hypocrites; they don’t have a conscience.”

President Ali said that under the APNU+AFC government, the forestry sector declined by $31 billion, bauxite declined by $9 billion, and the country lost $283 million in foreign cur-

rency earnings in those five years. But this was not the only damage inflicted on the Guyanese people by the coalition.

PLACED PEOPLE ON THE BREADLINE

The Head of State said there were great acts of discrimination by the APNU+AFC government during their tenure, especially when it fired over 7,000 sugar workers, and some 2,000 Amerindian Community Suppor Officers (CSOs), placing them on the breadline.

Additionally, the coalition introduced more than 200 new taxes, but are now calling for the removal of value added tax (VAT). According to the President, VAT revenue over that period, increased by 43 per cent

and private consumption was “hunted” down.

“Private consumption in those five years was reduced by $77 billion, what that means is that people did not have money to spend. That is why shops were closing, markets were closing, [and] $77 billion that was available was no longer available in these five years to be spent because like vampires, they were sucking the sap out of the people of our country. This is the truth, this is their unavoidable truth that they don’t want to speak about.

“But in celebrating Dr Cheddi Jagan, we have to celebrate the progress and development of the PPP and what it has brought on the people of our country, and in understanding how important the contribution

is, we have to understand the infliction on the people of Guyana when the People’s Progressive Party was out of office,” Dr. Ali said.

Now back in government after the 2020 elections, the President said that the party will not divorce the PPP from Dr. Jagan; this is reflective of the core values and principles dating back to their 1992 manifesto.

The manifesto spoke about food security, universal education, health, public infrastructure, and investment in human capital, which is still alive today in the PPP/C government.

President Ali emphasised that the party will always stay true to its founding principles and values, even as it reinvents itself to meet the demands of a changing world, but not straying away

from Dr Jagan’s philosophy and principles.

In addition to these remarks, the President also spoke about the importance of investing in education, and creating job opportunities for the country’s youth.

He cited specific examples of successful initiatives that have been launched in recent years, and expressed a commitment to continue this work in the future.

One of those initiatives is the cash grant to parents of children attending school, which was introduced by the PPP/C to offset expenses associated with children attending school. However, this initiative was discontinued by the former APNU regime, and was recommenced when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020.

Under the 2023 budget,

parents and guardians of 214,000 schoolchildren will now receive $40,000, which amounts to $8.6 billion.

According to the Head of State, the education grant, the income-tax threshold adjustment, the salary adjustment, and the expansion of the part-time job programme are part of the billions of dollars being put back into the pockets of people, as the government seeks to increase disposable income.

The PPP/C government also removed the 200 plus taxes and distributed $150,000 one-off fisherfolk cash grants and many more measures.

Ogunseye defends widely condemned comments as ‘appropriate language for street corner’ — WPA says it has no apology for racist, incendiary remarks

EXECUTIVE members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) on Tuesday reiterated that notwithstanding massive backlash, the party has no apology to make over racially divisive and inciting comments made by its members at a public meeting a few weeks ago.

Executive member, Tacuma Ogunseye, who is one of two members facing reprimand over their remarks, has also defended his choice of language.

“I will argue that the words were appropriate in the political terms to achieve its objective,” Ogunseye said during a WPA press conference on Tuesday.

He is on record at the March 9 public meeting calling for the Disciplined Services “to turn their guns on the State.”

“I’m convinced and in the WPA we are convinced that our language were appropriate for the street corner. The test is not whether the government agree; is whether it had the desired effect on our constituents in the first place and across the country,” Ogunseye said, despite the fact that persons would gather for public meetings only to listen to serious concerns and issues, especially with Local Government Elections (LGEs) upon us.

It is public knowledge that public meetings and rallies facilitate serious discussions and messages, which extend way beyond a “street corner” discussion.

Over the past few weeks, numerous civil society organisations, as well as individual members of the Opposition, have publicly noted their condemnation and consternation over Ongunseye’s incendiary remarks.

Aside from Ogunseye making inciting remarks, fellow WPA member Rhonda Layne, also made racially discriminatory remarks about Indo-Guyanese, claiming that Indo-Guyanese came from the “slums of India”, living in “pipes” and “deplorable places” making them lesser entitled to land in Guyana.

This is being done at a time when President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, members of his Cabinet and other right-thinking Guyanese are trying to unite a traditionally polarized country by creating a society where there is equity and equality.

Notwithstanding, however, the WPA reinforced its defence of its members.

“WPA reiterates its position that we have nothing to apologise for or retreat from. We stand by our members and our message,” WPA member Deon Adams noted as he read from a prepared party statement.

Under questioning, Adams also noted: “We are convinced from the public meeting that those people have endorsed our message.”

This was further support-

ed by Dr. David Hinds, who, in adding his voice to the situation, said: “I hear this thing about mounting criticism… What is our response to it? They are doing their job and we are doing our job. We have nothing to apologise to them for.”

Several reputable organisations, including the Private Sector Commission (PSC) as well as members from the religious community including

the Guyana Pandit’s Council, Guyana Central Arya Samaj, Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana and the Guyana Inter Religious Organization (IRO), and civil rights groups Article 13, and Association for Democracy and Human Rights among others, have issued official statements condemning what has been described as hateful and racist remarks made by Ogunseye.

A number of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) have also condemned the remarks.

Former PNCR General Secretary, Geeta Chandan-Edmond issued a statement publicly disassociating herself from the inflammatory statements, and called for responsible action and commentaries from politicians, civil society and activists

alike.

Also from the PNCR, Members of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram and Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine issued a joint statement calling remarks made by Ogunseye and Layne derogatory and distasteful.

In response to the reprimand of the Opposition members, Dr. Hinds, during a separate forum, had labeled Chandan-Edmond as a “slave catcher” and insinuated that the other PNCR members supported perceptions that they were traitors.

WPA Executive, Tacuma Ogunseye WPA Executive, Dr. David Hinds

Remembering A Visionary Leader

FORMER President Mrs Janet Jagan passed away 12 years ago on March 28, 2009. To say that Mrs Jagan made her contribution to the struggle for a free, democratic and prosperous Guyana would be a gross understatement. In fact, her contribution to Guyana is phenomenal and comparable only to her husband, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Both Cheddi and Janet rose to the highest executive position in the country, that of Executive President.

The journey however, was not an easy one. Having left the relative comfort of her Chicago home, she and her husband plunged into the turbulent

political waters of the early 1940s when the country was still under British colonial rule.

They immediately inserted themselves in the working-class struggle and through their political and industrial activism were instrumental in raising the political and class consciousness of the downtrodden masses.

Along with Ashton Chase and HJM Hubbard, they co-founded the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) in 1946, which could be regarded as the forerunner of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

One year later, Dr Jagan won a seat in the Legislative Council which hitherto was dominated

by representatives of the propertied class. Dr Jagan, however, soon came to the realisation that only through the capture of state power could the workers’ struggles be advanced to higher levels, and a mere four years later the PPP was birthed on January 1, 1950.

The formation of the PPP proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the colonial body politic and several attempts were made to intimidate and harass the leadership of the PPP.

Both Dr Jagan and his wife were sentenced to six months in jail on trumped-up charges, but far from breaking their spirits, it encouraged them to move to even higher

levels of political activism

and militancy.

In the case of Mrs Jagan, she could have easily been spared the indignity of prison life had she agreed to pay the required fine imposed, but in keeping with the then party policy of passive resistance, she opted to serve her prison term.

During her long and illustrious career, Mrs Jagan scored several firsts, among which were the first female President of Guyana; the first female Prime Minister; the first Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the first female Councillor of the Georgetown Town Council, among others. She was named by the TIME

Magazine as one of the “most rebellious women in world history.”

Mrs Jagan was also known as a writer and a strong advocate of the creative arts. It was Mrs. Jagan who was instrumental in the establishment of an art gallery at Castellani House.

She wrote several children’s stories depicting and seeking to inculcate in children the values of ethics and morality, something which had become part of her personal attributes. Both she and her husband lived simple and unassuming lives and there were many who would have been personally touched by their kindness and generosity.

Several attempts were made by the PNC to “vilify” her during the early period into her presidency, but she took them all in stride, fully confident that a new and better day is on the horizon. She did not harbour any ill-will or malice. Because of failing health she was unable to last out her full tenure as President, but she ensured that the country’s leadership was in strong and capable hands.

All Guyanese owe a deep debt of gratitude to her for her sterling contribution to a free, progressive and prosperous Guyana. May her soul rest in peace!

Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed is the right man for the job

Dear Editor,

Anyone who knows Mr. Nazar Mohamed of Mohamed’s Enterprises would know that he is first and foremost an astute and successful businessman, a philanthropist at heart, but not a politician or someone who would want to dabble in politics at age 70.

As a philanthropist, Mr. Mohamed has donated financial resources to many charitable and non-profit organizations that cater to the needs of children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and the poor, and has sponsored many sporting

events in the country under the name “Team Mohamed’s.”

Team Mohamed’s Enterprise is committed to developing motorsport and other professional sports in Guyana and has been a major sponsor of motor racing in the country.

Throughout most of his adult life, Mr. Mohamed has always had a love for people, religion, the country and although he has a profound love for politics, he has never indicated to anyone that he would like to enter politics and be a candidate in the Local Government Elections

(LGE) scheduled for June 12.

Therefore, his sudden announcement last week that he will be a PPP/C candidate in the upcoming LGE for his home borough of Eccles/Ramsburg has not only surprised many of his friends and business associates, but it has also stunned the nation.

The question many are asking is why this successful and well respected and successful businessman wants to immerse himself or plunge into the political arena and not focus on his business for more success.

The answer lies in the character and temperament of the man. Nazar “Shell” Mohamed has a cool, calm, and unruffled

personality and his understanding of politics at the local and national levels is second to none.

Mr. Mohamed’s depth of knowledge of his community and the country, coupled with his integrity and love for people could enrich and uplift his municipality and make it a model for others to follow.

He is very conscientious of the dishonor that the public has placed on politicians, but he has decided to become a candidate in the LGE for his village because he wants the best for the residents of his community and for the country.

If elected, Mr. Nazar Mohamed would bring

many positives to the Eccles/Ramsburg Village Council. One, he is reliable, honest, and trustworthy and can be relied upon by the people to improve the Village Council. Two, he is politically smart with a wealth of business knowledge, which could improve the efficiency of the Council and make it more effective.

Three, he is wealthy which means that it would be difficult for anyone to attempt to bribe him. Four, Mr. Mohamed is a people’s person and because he is well known in the community, it would make it easier for the residents to communicate with him.

Finally, Nazar Mo -

hamed is a pioneer and an innovator with a vision to elevate municipal politics and develop the district to levels never seen or experienced before in the country. His goal is to make the Eccles/Ramsburg NDC a model council for others to emulate. There is no doubt that as a counselor, Mr. Nazar Mohamed could bring about changes and produce tangible results for the taxpayers. He would make the residents of the village and the PPP/C proud because he is the right man for the job.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

Is UG positioned to promote ‘inclusivity, diversity, and fairness?’

Dear Editor,

GIVEN the pre-occupation of a segment of the population with allegations of racism and discrimination, the University of Guyana, as the leading educational institution in the country, thought it appropriate to launch, on November 3, 2021, the “Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity Policy “Unit (IDEP), to provide leadership in this area.

In theory, educational institutions at all levels are well positioned to play a key role in mitigating harsh racial attitudes, promoting tolerance, and understanding.

Civil discourses, views, and evidence of racism and discrimination must be ventilated, and in cases where injury has been inflicted and established, appropriate remedies must be instituted. We must move beyond words on to deeds.

It is noted that the formation of any organisation or unit to enhance inclusivity, diversity, and equality of access to opportunity must be set on the right platform.

This has not necessarily been the case with the launch of the University of Guyana’s IDEP Unit. Social commentator, Ms Fatimah Mohammed believes that it was not well grounded, as the unit itself lacks inclusivity and diversity.

Ms Fatimah said: “The unit is composed of 10 people and only one is an Indo-Guyanese. The unit’s executive comprises mainly ethnic Africans, with only one token Indo-Guyanese. There was a total disregard, by the University of Guyana and the unit, for the diversity of the Guyanese society, which is proportioned 40 per cent East Indians; 30 per cent Africans; 20 per cent Mixed; and 10 per cent Amerindian descent.”

(Pride: 12/1/2021). To show

how the composition of the unit reflects a broader pattern, she says that 80 per cent of the staff at UG are Afro-Guyanese.

While I have been unable to verify this proportion, a content analysis conducted by a colleague shows that 70 per cent of the statutory and academic support staff are Afro-Guyanese. For the teaching and support staff (in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medical, Education and Humanities), Afro-Guyanese account for 57.3 per cent. There is some evidence of gender diversity at UG, as females occupy 56.2 per cent of the staff positions in the four faculties.

The main point that Ms Fatimah is making, however, is that while there have been frequent allegations of racism and discrimination in other sectors of the economy, such as in the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of

Housing and Water in the award of large contracts, little attention has been given to the practice of fairness and diversity at the country’s premier educational institution, where one ethnic group that occupies statutory, administrative, and teaching positions does not reflect the inclusivity and diversity that the university purports to embrace.

Critics are quick to point out perceptions of inequality and bias in a few areas such as contract awards, but they also overlook the diversity

and fairness that exists in the housing, education, and other sectors.

Both the Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and the Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues, for example, have stated that 50 per cent of the 20,800 house lots allocated have gone to Afro-Guyanese.

Furthermore, upholding gender diversity as a top policy priority, Minister Susan reports that 8,000 of those house lots were allocated to

single women. With respect to the first 6,000 GOAL scholarships, Aaron Pires’ analysis shows that 39 per cent were awarded to Afro-Guyanese students and 41 per cent to Indo-Guyanese, while Mixed and Amerindians accounted for 20 per cent.

Obviously there has been no discrimination against Afro-Guyanese in house lot allocations and scholarship awards. Their grants and awards were higher than their

Continued on page 8

Is UG positioned...

From page 7

proportion in the general population which is 29 per cent (based on 2012 census).

How would UG’s IDEP Unit achieve inclusivity, diversity and fairness is a massive challenge. To be credible, they should consider overhauling the staff composition of the IDEP Unit to reflect the diversity of the country. I know that they fully understand that images could be even more powerful than messages. As the country’s foremost educational institution UG must send out the right signals.

While I believe in di-

versity, inclusivity, and fairness, I also recognise how the Guyanese society has evolved and no one can easily dismiss the social stratification that conditioned occupational gravitation in specific pathways.

Not to unsettle and to respect this historical pattern of occupational stratification, it is reasonable to posit that for now and the future, inclusivity, fairness, and equality of access to opportunity must be accorded priority for all Guyanese.

Yours respectfully, Dr Tara Singh

IPCC sixth report emphasises vital role of forests in global climate change impact

By Cindy Parkinson

THE Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth assessment report on Monday, March 20, 2023. This report consists of more than 10,000 pages of work and is the first synthesis report published since the end of 2014.

According to the report summary, climate change will have a significant short-term impact on forests, particularly tropical forests. As a result, certain tropical forests are among the ecosystems that have already reached beyond their adaptive limitations. Carbon removal is essential to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C.

However, more than deep decarbonization across all systems while enhancing resilience will be required to accomplish the global climate goals. The IPCC finds that all pathways that restrict warming to 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) with no or limited overshoot rely on some quantity of carbon removal. These methods include organic ones, like storing carbon in the earth and trees, and more recent ones, like technologies that directly take carbon dioxide out of the air.

To conserve and remove forest carbon, Guyana’s forest, which is approximately 18 million hectares, stores about 19.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and removes approximately 154 million tons of CO2 annually.

Further, biodiversity and human civilizations must be considered holistically in climate change adaptation. To adjust to these changes in a sustainable and fair way for everyone, we need to consider how climate change will affect all living things and communities.

Guyana has already

advanced in a number of those areas. According to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, it is visionary in including a broader ecosystem approach to development, specifically low carbon development, from a national standpoint. It also emphasises the importance of biodiversity, freshwater management, and the blue economy in developing Guyana’s natural resources.

Additionally, the protection and restoration of ecosystems and responsible forest management present significant difficulties that must be overcome. In addition to finding methods to repair the ecosystems that have been harmed by human activity, we need to figure out how to manage forests sustainably and without harming the environment.

The success of forest adaptation in many areas depends on collaboration, inclusive decision-making, and acknowledgement of the inherent rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.

Despite the challenges, Guyana is taking action now so the country can still achieve the 1.5°C warming goals by 2100.

In addition to finding methods to adapt to the effects of climate change in a manner that is sustainable and fair for everyone, the countries must act immediately to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in carbon sequestration technologies, and take other steps to help with the effects of climate change.

THE REPORT

The IPCC reports are based on scientific facts from the analysis of over 500,000 scientific publications worldwide. This latest report synthesises the essential data and information contained in

the writings of the three working groups of the 6th Assessment Report: Working Group, I (WG I): the physical science basis of climate change, released on August 9, 2021, Working Group II (WG II): impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability, released

on February 28, 2022, Working Group III (WG III): mitigation of climate change [feasible solutions, i.e., policy options and measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, socio-economic costs of these options] released on April 4, 2022.

This synthesis report includes a summary for policymakers of about ten pages and a complete report of about fifty pages. The text of the synthesis report is written in accessible and non-technical language, intended primarily for policymakers (within national governments), administrations,

policy advisers, and other experts, NGOs, and journalists. It is important to note that IPCC experts carry out this analysis work voluntarily.

As the IPCC report emphasises the role of the forest in fighting global climate change, Guyana continues to play an integral role in ensuring that the country and its people contribute towards having a safer and greener economy in the wider world. (This is part of a weekly series on LCDS.) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@ gmail.com

WPA prepared to use ‘civil disobedience’ as political weapon

— Ogunseye says he is willing to plead guilty to treason

AT a time when the government is pushing an agenda of “oneness” to unite Guyana and ensure there are equal opportunities for all citizens, Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliances (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye has said that his party is willing to utilise “civil disobedience” as a political weapon ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

In following up on his previous call for an African uprising and resistance, which is being condemned widely by Guyanese from all walks of life, Ogunseye said: “We announced civil disobedience and we are prepared to use civil disobedience as an effective political weapon.”

The WPA Executive Member, during a press briefing on Tuesday, said: “We believe that since the government in its own wisdom summons the nation to a Local Government Elections, which by its very nature the government is asking the country and the populace to engage in intense political activity, we felt the appropriate response to the government entrapment is to turn the June 12 into a day of Guyanese resistance and African uprising.”

It is, however, public knowledge that Local Government Elections are constitutionally due, and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is working on creating systems to ensure that the process is transparent and effective; this includes the claims and objections period.

And although two LGEs were held under the APNU+AFC government of which the WPA was a member, Ogunseye called on Afro-Guyanese to take to the streets for the elections and “make a profound political statement.”

“It is important that the African Guyanese find a way of making a profound political statement. And profound statements are made either through the ballot box or in the streets. And we believe that the 12 June, where we will be disposing a lot of resources in a mobilisation for the elections should turn into something meaningful.

“We want Africans to come into the streets, not to the polling stations and demonstrate to the country and the world that Africans have real concerns and we are addressing these concerns collectively so there can be no misunderstanding of

where our community stands. And we want this activity primarily in African communities,” the WPA Executive Member declared.

According to Ogunseye, he was not talking about violence; however, he remained cryptic about what exactly the operationalised resistance and “taking to the streets” will entail.

“Once we succeed in doing that it will change the political dynamics of the country and create a meeting of minds. No uncertainty with where the African community stands. That is what we expect,” he said, although not providing evidence of any one group of Guyanese being marginalised or excluded from the advancement of the country.

Ogunseye is also willing to go the extra of mile by pleading guilty to treason.

He said: “When we look at the lineup of charges they have been uttering, treason seems to be the most severe of the threats. WPA publicly resolved once they come with treason charges we will not treat it as a legal matter, we will see it as a political matter and I would go in the court and plead guilty with explanation. That is our attitude to charges.”

Ogunseye’s remarks comes after he was on record calling for the Disciplined Services “to turn their guns on the State”, as he made an address at a public meeting in Buxton on March 9. He is one of two WPA members who faced reprimand over remarks made at the meeting.

Aside from Ogunseye’s making violently inciting remarks, fellow WPA member Rhonda Layne, made racially discriminatory remarks about Indo-Guyanese, claiming that Indo-Guyanese came from the “slums of India”, living in “pipes” and “deplorable places” making them lesser entitled to land in Guyana.

WPA Executive, Tacuma Ogunseye

Businessman aims to employ 1,500 Guyanese at US-based home-care agency by year-end — plans to open branch here

ALTHOUGH it can be difficult for immigrants—in this case, Guyanese—to find employment in the United States of America, Navin Shivpal, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cottage Home Care Services, wants to give them the opportunity to make a decent livelihood without being exploited.

The Guyanese-owned company currently employs over 700 Guyanese and hopes to have 1,500 on staff by the end of the year.

Shivpal decided to launch his own company in 2020 after becoming disturbed by the adverse conditions in which he witnessed immigrants working.

While things were not always “peaches and rainbows,” the businessman eventually succeeded in turning a failing business into a multimillion-dollar company.

In addition to Cottage Home Care Services, the businessman serves as the head of Brooklyn Institute, a school for vocational training that enrols 90 students per month, the majority of whom are Guyanese.

The vocational training centre quickly gained recognition as multiple videos surfaced of immigrants, specifically Guyanese, receiving their certificates while voicing myriad challenges they faced in the US.

Shivpal and his wife are on a mission to “empower women,” claiming that they have established an environment where anyone who is ready to work can find employment.

His staff is also multilingual due to the diversity among them; they meet the needs of immigrants from the Caribbean, as well as a significant portion of the South Asian

community.

Shivpal declared that he remains dedicated to not only offering the best services, but also the best conditions for his workers and students.

Noting that “success is hard work,” he emphasised that in contrast to some businesses that struggle to pay their employees, he prioritises their welfare because he is aware that these people depend on it in order to live.

When asked how he is able to manage two businesses, he noted that he gets the strength through “love, care, and passion.”

Shivpal also noted that he has an open-door policy and that both his students and staff are welcome to contact him at any time. They even have access to his direct phone number.

The businessman added that despite the large number of students they receive each month, he always introduces himself in order to create a welcoming environment.

Regardless of his students’ background, “I treat them with the same respect and dignity that they deserve,” he said.

The businessman also stated that he cares about his students and wants to give them the necessary

resources they need to achieve successful careers.

Shivpal explained that he intends to open an office in Guyana. This idea stemmed from the fact that Guyana is a multicultural society and the market for senior citizen care is not very big, but is in demand. The businessman also noted that there is much more in the works, as he loves to give back.

Businessman and humanitarian Navin Shivpal

CAD $2.5M project launched to reduce maternal, child mortality in rural areas

THE Canadian High Commission in Guyana, on Tuesday, launched a CAD $2.5 million Maternal, Newborn and Child Health project, which specifically targets care in the hinterland regions and focuses on reducing maternal and child mortalities in those areas.

The project, which is being funded by Global Affairs Canada, was launched at the Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown, where it was noted that it is expected to be implemented over five years. The project’s partners include McMaster University and the Giving Health to Kids organisation.

According to the High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mark Berman, the programme is a great example of partnership and the strengthening of the partnership between Canada and Guyana.

Canada, he said, is committed to supporting Guyana in fulfilling its goals, one of which is improved health care.

“We are pleased to launch an initiative that supports Canada’s commitment to empowering women and girls, and reflects our government’s feminist international policy… the project is also well aligned to the priority of the Government of Guyana which continues to heavily invest in initiatives targeted in MNCH in Guyana,” Berman said.

He referenced the recent sod-turning activity by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, for a new specialised peadiatric maternal hospital. The construction of this hospital is happening simultaneously with efforts to enhance facilities to create a conducive healthcare environment for mothers and babies.

However, while this work has been done, Berman said that there are substantial pockets of the population that have been unable to access

quality maternal and child health services, and as a result, the project was designed to target the most vulnerable populations in Guyana.

Through this project, the focus will be placed on increasing access to the quality of critical care and support services women and girls in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine receive.

Meanwhile, delivering remarks at the launch, Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, said that the grant is completely aligned with the goals and objectives of the Government of Guyana.

He added that one thing that the government has articulated is that life expectancy at birth is the overarching measure of the kind of health care delivered to the people of the country.

Further, he said that they have set a target of 75 by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and are confident that this target will be achieved.

“But we will not be able to unless our indicators for maternal mortality and child mortality are dramatically improved from what it is today,” Dr Ramsammy said.

He related that no strategy or plan that the government puts together to bring Guyana’s life expectancy to the same as what exists in CARICOM will succeed, unless a robust programme is in place to ensure that mothers can deliver their babies safely and are able to keep the babies alive.

The project is also expected to provide training to healthcare staff to promote an equitable standard of healthcare across urban and rural areas. During its rollout over the five-year period, it will also provide targeted family health planning and training to reduce adolescent pregnancy in hinterland communities.

Dr. Narendra Singh, Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University (left) and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman (right) shake hands after signing the agreement on Monday (Delano Williams photo)

‘Washing’ Stabroek Market cannot compensate for broken promises — Dr. Ramsaroop calls out Mayor Narine on ‘poor performance’

Georgetown had ample time since 2018 to perform basic duties, but failed to do so.

He called on Mayor Narine and the Mayor of Linden to explain to the public what they have done for their respective constituencies, since central government is now taking on extra responsibilities such as clearing drains, even though it is not their duty to do so.

Dr Ramsaroop used the opportunity to encourage citizens to query where the

money from their rates and taxes is going.

He used a section of his programme to reflect on the previous administration’s time in office. “All of the sectors were stagnated,” he emphasised.

Ramsaroop called on Guyanese to remember the many hardships they experienced under the last administration, adding that in addition to the “absurd” VAT increase, there was also the 2017 closure of the Wales,

Skeldon, Rose Hall, and Enmore sugar estates, which resulted in over 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs.

“We [citizens] are not a push over,” he emphasised while outlining the government’s commitment to developing Guyana in keeping with what is outlined in its 2020-2025 manifesto.

Numerous opportunities are currently knocking on Guyana’s door, particularly now that British Airways has commenced scheduled flights

to Guyana.

Dr Ramsaroop added that Guyana’s economic successes have put the country “on the map.”

He said that as a result of the government’s progress, it is safe to assume that Guyana is no longer an impoverished country.

He also told his listeners that the administration will keep working to make Guyana better and to stay true to their promises.

WITH Local Government Elections around the corner, the Guyanese public ought to look at the track record of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and those responsible for the management of their community.

This is according to Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who on Monday during his weekly television programme, “In retrospect with host, Dr Peter Ramsaroop,” highlighted the poor work that is being done

by the Mayor of Georgetown.

He also denounced all naysayers—in this instance, the Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine—for breaking promises made to the Guyanese people.

Dr Ramsaroop mentioned Mayor Narine’s act of “washing Stabroek Market,” which took place after the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, visited the market. He claimed that the Mayor and City Council of

Dr Peter Ramsaroop

Guyana, China discuss co-operation in rice, fisheries sector

By Cindy Parkinson

GUYANA and China are continuing their efforts to develop the agricultural sector with discussions on potential areas of co-operation in the rice and fisheries sectors.

On Monday, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, held a meeting with

the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, and other officials from the ministry and the Guyana Rice Development Board to discuss potential areas of co-operation.

This meeting follows previous talks between the two countries aimed at increasing bilateral co-operation in agriculture and fishing.

China has been providing technical assistance to Guyana for the development of the Cage Culture Project, which aims to boost the country’s inland fishing operations.

Minister Mustapha said that they have discussed the rice sector in terms of improving and introducing new varieties, including the salt variety that China has mas -

tered, which could be grown on Guyana’s swamped land.

He also mentioned that there is continuous discussion in the fisheries sector, where China will provide training and cages for the development of the Cage Culture Project.

One of the main objectives of the agricultural sector is to work with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to

reduce the food import bill by 25 percent.

Minister Mustapha stated that Guyana aims to be, by 2025, self-sufficient in corn and soya, which currently amount to approximately 60 million US dollars in imports annually.

The government is also looking to develop the cattle industry and has begun the embryonic transplant process of over 300 cattle.

Minister Mustapha is optimistic that these developments will help young farmers and young people to get involved in the agriculture sector.

He hopes to introduce the Cage Culture Project to indigenous communities in six

months so they can provide an income for themselves. Additionally, the ministry has ramped up its artificial insemination programme in the aquaculture sector, which will be a big boost for Guyana since the experimental stage has begun.

Minister Mustapha also said that “the black water shrimp is a success story, and we were able to move production from 10,000 kilograms a year ago to last month where it is at 90,000 kilograms. We are hoping to achieve 120,000 kilograms monthly so that we can increase production by 1.2 million kilograms annually.”

Man gets five years, fined $5.4M for trafficking ‘poppy’

A 30-year-old construction worker was, on Tuesday, sentenced to five years in prison and fined $5.4 million for trafficking 12 pounds of “poppy”, a type of foreign marijuana.

Andy Jainandan of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Jainandan admitted to having 12 lbs (5.36 kgs) of cannabis in his possession on March 25, at Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara.

According to reports, on the day in question, Jainandan was intercepted by ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) while on the public road. At the time he was carrying a haversack.

A subsequent search of the said haversack, in the presence of the individual, revealed five brick-like parcels suspected to be cannabis.

He was escorted to CANU Headquarters along

with the suspected narcotic. The narcotic was tested and weighed, and it was discovered to be imported cannabis known as “poppy” which carries a street value of approximately GYD $1.8 million.

Magistrate Bess, after considering the nature and prevalence of the crime, sentenced Jainandan to five years in prison together with a fine of $5.4 million.

If he fails to pay the fine, he will have to serve an additional three years.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, at the meeting held in the minister’s office on Monday

Andy Jainandan

Man remanded for allegedly killing grandmother

YANNIC Gilpin was remanded to prison on Tuesday for the gruesome murder of his 89-year-old grandmother, whose partly decomposed body was found in a pile of garbage near her Russel Street, Charlestown, Georgetown home.

Gilpin, a 27-year-old handyman who lived with the victim, appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

He was not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that, between March 18 and March 19, 2023, at Russel Street, he murdered Patricia Bovell.

Gilpin was remanded to prison until April 11.

According to reports, the elderly woman was last seen alive on March 18. The next day, her niece visited the home and did not see her. Gilpin reportedly

told the woman that he took Bovell to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) because she was feeling unwell. Bovell’s niece later made checks at GPHC, but came up empty-handed.

As a result, she made a missing person report at Ruimveldt Police Station which resulted in Gilpin being arrested by investigators.

Gilpin was interviewed and repeated the story he had told the victim’s niece. However, this was proven to be a lie since investigators were able to confirm that the woman was never taken to the GPHC.

The police returned to Russel Street and canvassed the area for evidence. There, they received information from neighbours that they heard screams of “murder” coming from the elderly woman’s residence on March 19.

Outstanding Guyanese mining engineer

returns home after training in

Cuba

Neighbours said the cries went on for about 5 to 10 minutes, and then there was silence.

The police put this information to Gilpin but he maintained his story.

However, on March 22, police received reports of a stench coming from the alleyway near Bovell’s home. Ranks visited the location and found Bovell’s lifeless body in a partially de-

composed state, wrapped in a blue and white sheet, in a pile of garbage. The body was naked.

Gilpin, under caution, reportedly admitted that, on March 18, his grandmother was naked and was sitting on the floor, and as he was about to pass her, his left foot accidentally collided with her head. He claimed that she fell on a rug and hit her head.

KERON Niles, who recently completed a rigorous and intense five-year training in mining engineering at the University of Moa, Cuba, returned to Guyana last month.

According to his Professors, he was a remarkable student who did not allow any challenge at the University to impede his studies.

In his Class of 2023, he secured third place (in a foreign language) out of 228 graduates, comprising both Cuban and international students.

His hard work and dedication to his studies paid off handsomely. He was awarded the accolade of Best Graduating Foreign Student of the University; at the same time, he also topped his faculty in Mining Engineering.

Mr. Niles, who hails from West Coast Demerara, Region Three, arrived in Havana in 2017 to pursue studies in Engineering and started preparatory work from 2017-2018 at the Agrarian University of Havana.

He later proceeded to the University of Moa, where he continued his studies in Mining Engineering.

Yannic Gilpin

Patricia Bovell

(From left) Quincy Younge, Foreign Service Officer, Guyana Embassy; Keron Niles displaying his academic certificate; Ms. Mayte Perdomo, Confidential Secretary to the Guyana Ambassador; and Ms. Arlenys Ponce, Administrative Officer (Trade)

GTT partners with Bartica Committee for Regatta 2023

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) has signed on as a partner for Bartica Regatta 2023.

The event, which

commenced last Saturday with a sashing ceremony for the Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant, will conclude on April 10 with grass-track races and the pageant finals.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) of GTT Mobile, Randall Hewitt, received a courtesy call from the Regatta Committee at the company’s corporate office in the new Pegasus Suites last Thursday.

He presented the team, led by Regional Chairman of Region Seven, Kenneth Williams, with a cheque for more than G$1.4 million in sponsorship.

The COO reiterated the company’s commitment to customers and all Guyana. He said that GTT will continue to keep its promise to reliably connect customers, strengthen communities, and innovate for all in the country.

“Regatta has become one of the events that Guyanese from all across the country look forward to celebrating every year; it is a big event for the town. Many opportunities emerge across sports, tourism, pageantry, entertainment, entrepreneurship and so much more; it is an activity that we are proud to support, and want to see grow. This is a part of how we are strengthening communities, and that’s a promise we will keep,” Hewitt said.

In addition to GTT’s sponsorship of Regatta 2023, patrons could also expect a presence from the company at the event, and opportunities to win exciting prizes.

The highly-anticipat-

ed Regatta calendar is predicted to attract approximately 15,000 persons to the town for the highlight of the annual celebrations, which is the Regatta weekend.

The weekend will include a day tour package to five tourist attractions on Saturday April 9; exciting boat races on the Golden Beach Boulevard on Sunday April 10; grass-track racing and the Regatta pageant on Easter Monday, and two mega concerts.

Williams said that Bartica is evolving from a community that is based only on an economy around the extractive industries, and is focusing a lot on tourism, especially at the regional level.

He thanked GTT for coming onboard, and said that the partnership with the company for Regatta 2023 is building on a good foundation and relationship between the company and the community.

“We have always had a good relationship with GTT, and this sets the tone for the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Bartica, when corporate sponsors come on board and they support the Regatta, it helps the small man; the boaters, the hotel owners, the pop-up stores; all are involved and the foot traffic increases regional tourism,” Williams related.

He was accompanied by the Region Seven Tourism Committee President, Magavia Gonsalves; Secretary, Collette Ault; and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Shondel Giles.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) has signed on as a partner for Bartica Regatta 2023

Queens men convicted for killing Guyanese in Richmond Hill shooting

TWO men have been convicted of killing Guyanese Rocky Kalisaran and other charges for the shooting of his brother, during a Richmond Hill robbery in January 2017, according to Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz.

Shakim Allen, 29, of Merrick Avenue, and Dreshaun Smith, 29, of 160th Street, in Jamaica, Queens, were found guilty by a jury in Queens Supreme Court of murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and tampering with physical evidence. Allen was additionally convicted of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, while Smith was additionally convicted of arson in the third degree.

The shooting took place on January 2, 2017, near the corner of 124th Street and Liberty Avenue. Allen got out of a two-door Mercedes-Benz driven by Smith and pointed a gun at 24-year-old Sonny Kalisaran, who attempted to run away. Rocky Kalisaran, the victim’s brother who was visiting from Guyana, saw the confrontation and ran to his brother’s aid. Allen then pursued both men as they fled.

Allen caught up to the brothers and wrestled with Rocky Kalisaran over his gun, which discharged. The younger victim yelled for help as he used a keychain pen knife to stab and slash Allen several times in the face. At that time, defendant Smith drove up to them and got out of the car with a raised gun and fired multiple times

at the two victims.

He struck the younger Kalisaran brother in the arm and back as he ran and the older victim in the chest, lower torso, and leg. At some point, Allen picked up the younger victim’s cell phone and wallet from the ground, then both defendants got back into the car and drove off.

Cell site evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants fled the crime scene and drove to Cohen Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park. Video surveillance showed Allen discarding Sonny Kalisaran’s phone and wallet in a sewer prior to entering the hospital, where Allen was treated for his stab and slash wounds.

Later that day, the fire department responded to a vehicle fire in a rear parking lot on 186th Street and 104th Avenue in Jamaica. When police arrived, they identified the burnt vehicle to be a Mercedes-Benz coupe registered to Smith’s girlfriend. Video surveillance footage showed Smith purchasing gasoline and setting the car on fire shortly before it was discovered.

After the robbery, both victims were taken to a nearby hospital. Rocky Kalisaran died later that day of his gunshot injuries.

The defendants face possible sentences of more than 50 years to life in prison by Queens Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis on April 25. The District Attorney would like to thank the FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team as well as the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance with this case.

District Attorney Katz said: “One of the victims, who was visiting from Guyana, lost

his life trying to protect his younger brother. This family has experienced tremendous grief and I hope this conviction provides them a measure of closure. The defendants face long sentences for their callous actions.”

The Mercedes-Benz coupe that was used by the perpetrator of the crime

Trade shop to be established in Holding Bay at Lusignan Prison

— following transfer of 689 inmates to three modern facilities

SOME 689 prisoners have been relocated from the Holding Bay to three spanking new state-of-the-art correctional facilities at the Lusignan Prison and they will soon benefit from a trade shop which will be established in the area where they

were previously housed. In an effort to provide a more congenial environment for human habitation, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has decided to build six structures in the prison compound. Three have been completed, while the remaining three are presently

being constructed.

The GPS is not only providing inmates with more sustainable housing, but also vocational training in order to adequately rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders back into society.

The three facilities are just

the beginning of what is to come, according to Director of Prisons (ag), Nicklon Elliot.

He said that the government continues to prioritise the welfare and accommodation of the prisoners.

Elliot explained that following the fire that gutted the

Camp Street Prison in 2017, hundreds of inmates were transferred to the Lusignan facility. This resulted in overcrowding which forced the authorities to house many of them in the Holding Bay under unfavourable conditions.

According to the Director of Prisons, the new correctional facilities together with the ones under construction will address the overcrowding situation.

He added that the Holding Bay facility will be transformed into a trade shop and that works will start this week.

Prisoners will be exposed to programmes such as auto mechanics, joinery, tailoring, and carpentry.

In terms of security, extra precautions will be taken at these new facilities to prevent incidents such as the 2017 Camp Street Prison fire. These

new structures have a fire-suppression system and smoke detectors, among other features.

Earlier this year, a sum of $5.5 billion was approved for the GPS to improve facilities and training for inmates to ensure that their proper reintegration into society as productive people while curbing recidivism.

Some of the capital expenses for the GPS this year include the ongoing upgrades to the Mazaruni, New Amsterdam and Lusignan prisons which amount to $2.1 billion. Additionally, $175 million has been set aside for the provision of furniture, tools and equipment.

Also, a Prison Headquarters will be housed in the new prison complex at Lusignan where a “prison school” is being built to facilitate the inmates’ training and education.

Prisoners in the Holding Bay at the Lusignan Prison are now being housed in three modern buildings which were recently constructed

One of the areas where the prisoners were previously housed

(Global Times, Mar 28, 2023) The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) said in a report on Tuesday that Asia's economy is expected to grow 4.5 per cent in 2023, thanks to an accelerating pace of growth, which will be a "bright spot" in an otherwise bleak global economic landscape.

The BFA officially started its annual conference in Boao, South China's Hainan Province on Tuesday in the traditional in-person format for the first time since 2020. In a pair of annual reports, the BFA painted a rosy economic outlook for Asia and highlighted the "Asian moment" in global economic governance, while also warning of "massive challenges" for regional growth.

In its annual report on Asia's economic outlook and integration, the BFA said the weighted real GDP growth rate of Asia in 2023 is likely to reach 4.5 per cent, up from 4.2 per cent in 2022, making the region a standout performer amid a global economic slowdown.

"In 2023, in the context of a global slowdown and the risk of increasing fragmentation of globalization, Asia is expected to accelerate its pace of economic growth, continue to advance regional production, trade, investment and financial integration and cohesion, and seize the 'Asian moment' for global economic governance," the report said.

Sang Baichuan, dean of the Institute of International Economy at the University of International Business and Economics, who participated in the formulation of the report, said that the 4.5 per cent growth forecast for Asia is much higher than international institutions' estimates for global growth of between 1.7 and 2.9 per cent this year.

"That shows the role of Asia's economy as a locomotive for the global economy," Sang told the Global Times on the sideline of a press conference

for the launch of the report in Boao.

The report showed that against the backdrop of significant changes and heightened turbulence in the world, "Asian countries tackle challenges head-on and have become a reliable growth engine for the world and an important supporting force for multilateralism," Li Baodong, secretary-general of the BFA, said at the press conference.

A separate BFA report on sustainable development on Tuesday warned of "massive development challenges", such as elevated inflation, natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, food and energy shortages and climate change, calling for multilateral cooperation and blended financing measures to tackle the challenges and fill development funding gaps across Asia.

"As for the forum, it is our consistent position to promote true multilateralism and open regionalism," Li said, adding the annual forum is aimed at finding certainty in an uncertain world and promoting solidarity and cooperation among countries to better deal with challenges.

The BFA Annual Conference 2023 will last from March 28 to 31 in Boao, where more than 2,000 delegates from 50 countries and regions will attend. As part of the conference, dozens of panel discussions will be held to focus on topics from economic development and geopolitical issues to regional integration and climate change.

One highlight of the BFA meeting is China's rapid economic recovery and the country's continuous opening-up policies and efforts for promoting regional and global cooperation.

"The BFA has sent a clear signal to the world that China is ready to embrace the world with open arms in the post-pandemic era," Wang Huiyao, founder and president of Center for China and Globalization, a

Chinese think tank, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Wang, who is attending the forum, said he believes

as China’s rapid rebound

offers boost

Boao forum: Asia to be ‘bright spot’ despite bleak global economy —

that the BFA can play a role in easing the current geopolitical tensions and show Asia's efforts to unite

and revitalize the economy at a time when some countries want to "decouple" the world economy.

Continued on page 20

The BFA annual meeting, which started just a day after the conclusion of the China Development Forum

Boao forum: Asia to be ‘bright spot’ despite ...

From page 19

(CDF) in Beijing on Monday, is the latest in a series of back-to-back bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activities in China since the two sessions in mid-March.

At the CDF, senior Chi-

nese officials made clear China's commitment to a higher level of market opening, an improved business climate and multilateral cooperation, while global business leaders expressed confidence and commitment

in China's economy.

At the BFA meeting, Chinese officials are also widely expected to further highlight China's firm commitment and efforts to actively advance reform and opening-up and ex -

pand cooperation in Asia and around the world, participants at the meeting said.

"China is actively seeking to expand cooperation with members of the Regional Com -

prehensive Economic Partnership as well as other countries in the region," Sang said, noting that attempts to undermine China's development and Asia's economic integration

through "non-economic means" will not succeed. "Though facing external shocks and rising uncertainty… cooperation among Asian economies should not be disrupted."

Economic Watch: Key takeaways from the China Development Forum 2023

(Xinhua) -- At the China Development Forum 2023, which concluded on Monday, senior Chinese officials, leaders of multinationals, and representatives from international organizations have offered insights on China's economic development and potential.

Here are some key takeaways from their speeches and remarks during the three-day conference.

BOOST FOR GLOBAL GROWTH

The Chinese economy will buoy steady and sustained development, adding certainty to global growth clouded by upheavals, said Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs.

The contribution of China's economy to world economic growth has exceeded 30 per cent on average in the past decade. This year, the figure will surpass that of 2022, providing market demand and a strong impetus to the global recovery, he said.

His views are echoed by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who said China's economy is "seeing a strong rebound."

She said that China is set to account for around one-third of global growth in 2023, giving a welcome lift to the world economy. IMF analysis shows that a 1-per centage-point increase in China's GDP growth leads to a 0.3-per centage-point increase in growth in other Asian economies.

The Chinese economy's huge potential and sound development will provide broad cooperation space and development opportunities for domestic

and foreign investors, said Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

"Investing in China is investing in the future," Zheng said.

MOVES IN THE PIPELINE

Chinese authorities have pledged a series of measures to bolster economic recovery and high-quality development.

The country will expand domestic demand, pursue innovation-driven development, comprehensively deepen reform and opening-up, coordinate urban-rural development, and ensure both development and security, Zheng said at the forum.

On the fiscal front, China will enhance fiscal spending intensity, emphasize the role of local government special-purpose bonds in driving investment, and channel more financial resources toward lower levels of government, said Finance Minister Liu Kun.

To boost the effectiveness of the fiscal policy, efforts will be made to improve preferential tax and fee policies, optimize the fiscal spending structure, and strengthen fiscal policy's coordination with monetary, industrial, technological, and social policies, Liu said.

According to its government work report, China aims to expand its economy by around 5 per cent in 2023.

"The current development momentum bodes a promising prospect for the full-year growth target," said Han.

FURTHER OPENING-UP

Speakers at the forum have repeatedly highlighted China's commitment to continued opening-up,

building on its undeniable presence and involvement in the global economy.

"China has already been deeply embedded in the international value chain and become a global manufacturing hub and a 'world factory,' due to over 40 years of reform and opening-up," said Yi

Xiaozhun, former WTO deputy director-general.

Han said China will persistently deepen global economic and cooperation to maintain the integrity, stability, and security of global industrial and supply chains.

The country welcomes companies worldwide to

invest and expand their businesses in China as part of their long-term strategies, said Han, noting that China's utilized foreign investment rose from 144.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2020 to 189.1 billion dollars in 2022.

Zheng said that China will make great-

er efforts to build a high-standard market system, appropriately shorten the negative list for foreign investment, grant foreign-funded enterprises national treatment, and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Commentary: Honduras made the right decision on ties with Beijing

(Xinhua) Honduras

signed on Sunday a joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Shortly before that, the country announced that it is severing so-called "diplomatic ties" with China's Taiwan region.

This brings the total number of countries that have forged diplomatic relations with the PRC to 182. The previous country to restore ties with Beijing was Nicaragua in December 2021.

By recognizing the one-China principle, Honduras has followed some

other Central American countries in choosing to stand on the right side of history.

"The government of the Republic of Honduras recognizes the existence of only one China in the world, and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory," Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said in a press release.

And on multiple occasions, Honduran President Xiomara Castro has voiced her willingness to establish

diplomatic ties with the PRC.

Central America means a lot to politicians in Taiwan. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority has used its socalled "diplomatic ties" with certain regional countries as a bargaining chip to woo the United States for political gains. Such a deceptive gambit once again proved in vain.

In 2007, Costa Rica became the first country in the region to forge diplomatic ties with the PRC this century. In the following years, other regional countries either established or restored diplomatic rela-

tions with Beijing, including Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

In marking the fifth anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Panama in 2022, then Panamanian Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes noted that facts have proven that establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries was the right decision.

Honduras' choice of establishing diplomatic relations with China serves its people's interests.

In the new era, China and Latin American and Caribbean countries have

continuously deepened mutually beneficial cooperation and brought significant benefits to their people.

Data from China's General Administration of Customs show that the total trade volume between China and Latin America and the Caribbean reached a record high of 485.79 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.

Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, Nicaragua has joined the Belt and Road Initiative, and both countries initiated negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement.

Reports said that the

United States has exerted pressure on Honduras to prevent the country from establishing diplomatic ties with China.

However, facts have proven that no force can stop the trend of history. So far, 182 countries have established diplomatic ties with the PRC based on the one-China principle, demonstrating its universal appeal. With the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Honduras will undoubtedly usher in a brighter future for bilateral and regional cooperation.

SIX OF THE BEST

Unlike de Kock or Rossouw, Hendricks finds his runs with finesse over fury, and he has found a lot of them that way. He brought up his sixth T20I half century in his last eight innings with a six. Hendricks pulled a Shepherd slower ball over deep mid-wicket, showing off his strong use of the wrists and the power he finds through placement, and then decided it was time to show off his big-hitting. He threw his bat at the next ball and sent it swirling to deep extra cover, where it slipped through Brandon King’s hands. South Africa needed 92 off 46 balls at that stage. Hendricks’ lifeline emboldened him and he went aerial in the next over too, but the ball fell short of mid-wicket and Hendricks survived again. He went on to a career best 83 and was at the crease until the penultimate over. South Africa needed 35 runs off 12 balls and Hendricks tried to muscle them there by going

over long-on but hit Joseph to Powell on the fence

JOSEPH GETS

ANOTHER FIVE-FOR

He removed de Kock in his first over, and Miller in his third but Joseph ’s biggest task came in his final six balls, with South Africa’s big-hitters at the ready to get big runs. Hendricks was out off his first ball and then Klaasen walked across his stumps and hit him for six. Joseph could have been overawed but he wasn’t. He pulled back the pace and presented Klaasen with a full slower ball that he sliced skyward. Cottrell took a good running catch to send South Africa’s last recognised batter back. Then Joseph got the gas back and sent a full, fast ball to Wayne Parnell, who swung and missed, to record his first T20I five-for. (Cricinfo)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday March 29, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS

ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 GARNETT STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE, GEORGETOWN (TEL: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) WI 2; SA 1

(2) Johnson Charles (WI)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many games were scheduled for the inaugural IPL season (2008)?

(2) Which two teams contested the first IPL game in 2008?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

11:10 hrs Misscarlett

11:44 hrs Artic Row

10:00

10:35

Bancroft locks in county stint, eyes Ashes berth

CAMERON Bancroft joins the Australian influx to England’s county cricket this winter, penning a deal to ply his trade with Somerset as he eyes a spot in Australia’s squad this winter.

Bancroft has piled up more than 2000 Shield runs across the past three Australian summers, capped by his 945 at 59 this summer in Western Australia’s Shield title win.

So far 20 Australian men have been confirmed to play with counties this winter across their first-class, one-day or T20 competitions, with the possibility of more to come.

For example, Todd Murphy, the Victorian off-spinner who burst onto the international scene on Australia’s Test tour of India that wound up earlier this month, is yet to be confirmed to be joining Durham, despite reports linking him with the club.

And Ashton Turner, fresh from a century in WA’s Shield win and leading the Perth Scorchers to the BBL|12 title, is yet to confirm a return to Durham where he played in last year’s T20 Blast campaign.

Bancroft is one of five Australians expected to figure in selectors’ thinking when they pick the squad for the World Test Championship final against India and the five-Test Qantas Ashes tour that follows.

Over the past three Sheffield Shield seasons Bancroft has hit 2,125 runs at 47.22 for Western Australia, with nine centuries.

He last played Test cricket for Australia on the 2019 Ashes tour, and a strong start to the county season at Somerset will only enhance his claim.

Queensland pair Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser are locked in for returns to Glamorgan,

Haiti, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras qualify for CONCACAF Gold Cup

Haiti, Canada, Costa Rica and Honduras all qualified for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup following the results of their matches on Saturday last in the 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League.

Haiti defeated Montserrat 4-0 to claim the top spot in Group B of League B to clinch their Gold Cup place.

after rallying late from a 1-0 deficit to claim a 2-1 win in Martinique in Group B of League A.

Haiti, Canada, Costa Rica and Honduras join the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama and Jamaica as teams that have punched their ticket to this summer’s tournament.

while Steve Smith will tune up with a four-game stint at Sussex in May.

Labuschagne has played with Glamorgan for every northern summer since 2019 when a breakout season saw him famously step into that year’s Lord’s Ashes Test as Smith’s concussion replacement.

Labuschagne signed a two-year deal in 2022 that will see him play all formats either side of the World Test Championship final and Ashes series.

Such is the influx of Aussies into the UK this winter, selectors may not need to pick an extended touring squad, knowing replacements will be readily available in country should they be required.

Victorian batters Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb will be plying their trade at Gloucestershire and Leicestershire respectively.

Handscomb, who previously captained Middlesex, will be hoping for a switch of fortunes with a switch of counties.

In the past two seasons with

Middlesex, where he was club captain, Handscomb scored 447 runs at 22.35.

Having also played in England in the 2015, 2017 and 2019 season, Handscomb’s career average in England rises to 301.4, but has just one century in his 30 matches there.

Harris returns for a second season with Gloucestershire, having scored 726 at 42.70 with three hundreds there last season in Division 1.

He also performed well with Leicestershire in 2021 when he scored 655 at 54.58, with another three hundreds.

Will Sutherland makes his first trip to the UK for a stint with Essex to fulfil a long-held ambition to play in the County Championship.

He would likely have been part of the Australia A squad playing in New Zealand this weekend if not for the county deal, and after a stint as Victoria’s skipper where the side charged into the final, and starring in a losing cause in that final against

WA, Sutherland is a star on the rise.

Australians in the County cricket

Essex: Daniel Sams (T20s only), Will Sutherland (until July 28)

Glamorgan: Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser

Gloucestershire: Marcus Harris

Hampshire: Nathan Ellis, Ben McDermott (both T20s only)

Kent: Kane Richardson (T20s)

Leicestershire: Peter Handscomb (April and May)

Northamptonshire: Chris Lynn (T20s), Sam Whiteman (until August), Andrew Tye (T20s)

Somerset: Peter Siddle (until July), Cameron Bancroft (until May 7)

Surrey: Sean Abbott (until July), Dan Worrall (UK passport)

Sussex: Nathan McAndrew (until July), Steve Smith (May 4-21)

Warwickshire: Glenn Maxwell (T20s)

Yorkshire: Mickey Edwards (UK passport

Canada topped Curacao 2-0 to secure at least a second-place finish in Group C of League A, thus qualifying them for the Gold Cup. Even though they were not in action, the Canada win also assured Honduras a berth in this summer’s Gold Cup as well.

Costa Rica will also play in the Gold Cup again

The winners and second-place finishers from the League A groups and the winners of each group in League B group will directly for the Gold Cup. The second-place teams from the League B groups and the thirdplace teams from League A will join the winners of each League C group in the Gold Cup Prelims. (Sportsmax)

Joshua: Fury can redeem himself from Usyk

‘letdown’ by facing me

down after it had appeared the two would agree to fight later this year, as negotiations between Fury and Joshua had done prior to that.

However, ahead of his clash with American Jermaine Franklin on Saturday, Joshua offered Fury the opportunity to renegotiate as he believes the Gypsy King “needs” him.

this circus. This letdown,” Joshua said.

“He needs me so there’s no better time than for him to call my name out and I’m someone that will take on any challenge.”

on the line.

through Talks between Fury and Usyk recently broke

“There’s no better time to get Fury in the ring than now because he needs me to redeem himself from

Two-time heavyweight champion Joshua lost back -to-back fights to Usyk and is looking to get back on track with a win against Franklin at London’s O2 Arena, which will be his first fight since 2015 that has not been contested with a world title

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently said: “If the Usyk fight doesn’t get made, our message to team Fury is that we’ll make the fight now, for straight after the Franklin fight,” though AJ did concede he believes Fury and Usyk will eventually come to an agreement.

“It’s not my position to slate or slag anyone off. I’m pretty sure [Fury v Usyk] will happen because I feel like there could potentially be a method to

the madness,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“If, number one, I was in that position [and] didn’t take that fight, how would people treat me?

“And number two, if I didn’t take that fight what would Fury have to say about me? So I’m not going to stoop to that level.

“ I respect everyone that steps into the ring. But I just sometimes think some people should watch their mouths a bit.”(Sportsmax)

ANTHONY Joshua has challenged Tyson Fury to face him in order to redeem himself from the “letdown” of his heavy-

weight unification bout against Oleksandr Usyk falling

Cameron Bancroft was the leading run-scorer in this year’s Sheffield Shield in Australia.

Part of the action in the CONCACAF Nations League on Saturday Last.

Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua

IOC recommends Russian and Belarusian individual athletes compete as neutrals

THE International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete under a neutral flag - but has yet to make a decision on Paris 2024.

This recommendation only extends to individual athletes, not teams.

The IOC’s executive board has also told international federations and event organisers that athletes and support personnel who actively support the war in Ukraine, or who are contracted to the military, should not be permitted to compete.

Regarding next year’s Olympics in Paris and the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026, the IOC said it would take a decision “at the appropriate time”.

It added it would “closely monitor the full implementation” of its

recommendations, with compliance being an “important factor” in its future decision on the upcoming summer and winter Games.

“Participation of athletes with Russian and Belarusian passports in international competitions works,” said IOC president Thomas Bach.

“We see this almost every day in a number of sports, most prominently in tennis but also in cycling, in some table tennis competitions.

“We see it in ice hockey, handball, we see it in football and in other leagues in the United States but also in Europe and we also see it in other continents.

“In none of these competition security incidents have been happening.”

On Tuesday the IOC noted that

in its deliberations the “70 other ongoing armed conflicts and wars” globally were considered, adding that the national Olympic committees in those affected areas were not requesting any exclusion of athletes.

On Friday, Ukraine’s sports minister Vadym Guttsait accused the IOC of “double standards” over its suggestion that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete at Paris 2024.

The IOC’s sanctions on Russia and its ally Belarus - implemented following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 - “remain firmly in place”.

As part of these sanctions, no international sporting events can be organised in either of the nations, while their flags, national anthems or any other national symbol must

WDCA Odyssey Tours 50 Overs

Zeeburg to face Meten-Meer- Zorg Warriors in final

not be used.

The IOC reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s invasion, and has tripled its solidarity fund for Ukraine’s national Olympic committee to £6.1m.

However, it has also reiterated its “firm rejection of any political interference in the autonomous authority of sports organisations to decide on participation in their competitions”.

This month, it said the UK government should “respect the autonomy of sport” after it asked sponsors to support a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes at Paris 2024.

UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer wrote a letter to UK chief executives of the IOC’s 13 worldwide partners saying the regimes “must not be allowed to use sport for their propaganda purposes”.

“Sports organisations must have the sole responsibility to decide which athletes can take part in international competitions based on their sporting merits and not on political grounds or because of their passports,” said the IOC on Tuesday.

Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Games if a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes is not upheld.

Several nations - including Great Britain - boycotted this month’s Women’s World Boxing Championships after Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to compete under their countries’ flags, while on Tuesday more than 300 international fencers signed an open letter calling for the ban to be upheld and for the “notion of neutrality” to be rejected. (BBC Sport).

Terrific Scotland stun Spain in seismic victory

SENSATIONAL Scotland took a seismic leap in their bid to reach consecutive European Championships by stunning Spain in a heroic triumph.

Scott McTominay crashed in a deflected opener after just seven minutes, triggering an explosion of noise inside a charged Hampden Park.

Steve Clarke’s team rode their luck to stay ahead at the break, only for McTominay to repeat his earlier feat just after the restart to cause chaos in the stands as well as in the bamboozled Spanish defence.

Scotland, in their first competitive victory over Spain for 39 years, now top Group A - three points above the humbled Spaniards and five in front of a stuttering Norway.

This one was for the lovers. It was also for the the long suffering.

His cut back was perfect for McTominay, whose low rifled shot whizzed off the sprawling Inigo Martinez and into the net.If that was met with hysteria, you could have heard a pin drop when Scotland’s new hero struck again on the 51st minute. This time it was Kieran Tierney’s cross after a marauding run that the Spaniards didn’t deal with. Fifty thousand held their collective breath as the leather of McTominay’s boot struck on the half volley.

Bedlam ensured in the stands, while Clarke allowed himself a modest fist pump in a fleeting glimpse of emotion.

In truth, it was a killer blow that caused Spain - who made eight changes from the side which overcame Norway 3-0 on Saturday - to capitulate. Passes all over the place, 50/50s lost.

ZEEBURG and Meten-

Meer-Zorg Warriors have qualified for the final of the West Demerara Cricket Association Odyssey Tours 50-over cricket tournament with semi-final wins over the weekend.

Batting first, Zeeburg was all out for 128 in 22-overs as Kevon Boodie scored an attractive 85 with seven sixes and eight fours.

Bowling for Windsor Forest, Demerara Inter County reserve, left-arm spinner, Kishun Tracy, was

excellent with 4-21 supported by Raylex Payne (3-39).

Windsor Forest, in reply, were bowled out for 128 with Killon Tracy scoring 57 in a losing cause

Essequibo Inter- County

off-spinner Malcolm Hubbard (5-39) and Mark Jeffers (5-32) destroyed the visitors. Zeeburg won the match in the super-over.

At Meten-Meer-Zorg

West ground, the home team defeated West Demerara Police by eight wickets batting first. Police were all

out for 113 In 29.4 overs. Kelvon Anderson top scored with 28. The national batter was supported by Captain Boasnarine LallBachan who made 22.

Meten-Meer-Zorg Warriors, in reply, reached 114-2 in 13.4 overs. Damuka Junior top scored with 43 with three sixes and three fours and Adrian Hinds scored 28 not out.

The final of the tournament is set for April 2nd at the Meten-Meer-Zorg West ground. (Sean Devers)

Scotland’s support are among the most passionate. Even in defeat in Kazakhstan; in incessant matches with Israel; in a 1-0 humbling by Costa Rica; in a last-gasp Harry Kane equaliser; and also in getting to a major championships for the first time in a generation only to have your goalie lobbed from the half-way line.

A top-10 side in Croatia were undone here 10 years ago, but surely not since World Cup finalists France were heroically beaten in 2006 and 2007 has that loyalty been vindicated as it was at a national stadium dripping with drama as much as the damp Glaswegian weather.

Clarke steered Scotland to Euro 2020, but in terms of landmark nights, this one is up there with dumping Denmark and shootouts in Serbia. And then some.

From the seventh minute, Scotland were on the march. Pedro Porro, Spurs’ beleaguered full-back, slipped, leaving the door open for Andy Robertson to pounce.

They were a shadow of the team that had the Scots clinging to a half-time lead. Their second defeat in 39 European Championship qualifiers was in the post.

While Ryan Christie’s meanders run and toe poke whistled past for what would have been a quick second, Espanyol’s Joseulu soon caused chaos. He had a free header straight at Angus Gunn saved, before then thundering another off a rattled crossbar.

There was then a moment of madness from Robertson, who was lucky to escape a shoulder to Porro’s jaw. It was a bombardment at that point.

But Scotland should have added to their lot, too. Lyndon Dykes steered over when one-on-one just before the break, while John McGinn whacked the bar straight from a free-kick.

In the end it did not matter. The game came to a close with a chorus of “no Scotland, no party”. It may be going for some time.

Damaka Junior Kevon Boodie Malcolm Hubbard

TDSB lifts suspension on use of school grounds by OMSCC

…Club president describes 2022 as challenging but rewarding

THE Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has lifted the suspension which was placed on the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) for use of its school grounds in 2022, following allegations of unsavory conducts by players.

This statement was greeted with some amount of relief, following the announcement by OMSCC President, Orin O’Neil, at last Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Malvern Community Centre, Ontario, Canada.

The Guyana-born O’Neil, however, cautioned members to exercise civility in their dealings with both the TDSB and City officials moving forward, since any recurrences can lead to further suspensions.

O’Neil described 2022 as a challenging but rewarding year, while

congratulating the various winners – Toronto Blizzards in the Over-50 Division, Rebel Masters in the Masters Over-40 (A Division) and Car-Tec Masters in the Masters Over-40 (B Division).

The president also lauded the efforts of the umpires and pointed out that he felt there was improvement in the standard in 2022 while extending warm welcome to the Past President, Azeem Khan, former executive members, current board members and the general membership.

The meeting saw a significant amendment to the Constitution. Article 6.12 formerly stated that “no elected official from another cricket organization in Ontario shall be nominated for an Executive and or Committee position of the League.” Following a unanimous vote on Sunday, the article was removed, paving the way for elected

officials from other organisations to be elected to the OMSCC board.

It was also unanimously agreed that the post of Player Management/ Statistician be changed to League Administrator and that presidents

or captains of teams shall release or transfer players via the OMSCC website. These releases should be completed one day before the cut off day (Wednesday) when the player is being transferred to another team and

GAPLF releases 18-member shortlist of athletes eligible for Int’l duty

THE Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation

(GAPLF) has announced its national shortlist of athletes for 2023 that will be eligible to represent Guyana at international competitions.

These athletes have all satisfied the criteria, which includes achieving the required totals based on the Federation’s minimum Standards published in November, 2022.

The athletes are as follows:

Males Open (classic)

Dominic Tyrrell - 74kg

Kheon Evans - 83kg

Carlos Petterson-Griffith - 93kg

Wazim Mohamed - 93kg

Leroy Trotman - 93kg

Bjorn Williams - 105Kg

Male Equipped (Open)

Timothy Bagla - 74kg

Carlos Petterson-Griffith - 93kg

Fazim Abdool - 120kg

Masters (Classic)

Franklyn Brisport-Luke - 66kg

Richard Fredericks - 74kg

Marlon Wilson - 93kg

Roger Rogers -120kg

Masters (Equipped)

Franklyn Brisport-Luke - 66kg

Edwin Gordon Spen-

cer - 93kg

Farouk Abdool -120+kg

Female Open (Classic)

Sarah Sanmoogan - 66kg

Keisha Abrigo - 76kg

Female Masters (Classic)

Nadina Taharally - 76kg

Lalita Bridgemohan - 76kg

Male Junior (Classic)

Dominic Tyrrell - 74kg

Romeo Hunter - 83kg

Shoib Kayume - 83kg

In addition to the eighteen (18) short -listed athletes, there are eleven (11)

athletes who have not made the required minimum totals and will have up to the last local competition prior to any proposed international engagement to make the minimum total to qualify. Those athletes are

Males Open (classic)

Dwayne Welch - 59kg

Classic Open

Kadeem Bowen - 66kg

Classic Open

Matthew Maycock83kg Classic Open

Joseph Stoll - 93kg

Classic Open, M2

Paul Meusa - 105kg

Classic Open

John Edwards - 120kg

Classic Open

Yogaishawar Seecharan - 120+kg Classic Open, Junior

Male Open (equipped)

Navindra Tamasar 66kg

participating in the next scheduled games. All team rosters are locked at 9.00 pm on the Wednesday prior to the next scheduled games.

Apart from O’Neil and Treasurer Kim Sue, whose positions were secured for another year, based on the Constitution, all the other executives’ posts were up for grabs. Amit Bacchus, who was elected Secretary in 2022 and was recently relieved of his position after accepting the Vice-president post in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), was returned as Secretary following the removal of Article 6.1, as previously stated.

Hardatt Ramcharran, who was appointed Vice-president in 2022, got the nod to serve in the same post for another term; former OSCL president Azeem Khan returns to the fold as the Over-50 Co-ordinator while Frederick Halley, who was previously appointed

Secretary and served for one year in 2021, is the new Umpires Co-ordinator. Following the meeting, the executives decided to appoint Terry Mathura as the League Administrator.

The incumbent, Indira Singh, who did not seek re-election, received plaudits for her role as the Player Management/Statistician. The new Disciplinary Committee members – Mohan Singh, Indira Singh and Troy Gobin – were elected on Sunday, joining Bobby Ramlagan, Patrick Shivrattan and Rabindra Diaram who still have another year remaining in their posts.

A new team, Tropical Rebels, will make their debut in the Over-50 Division when the new season bowls off in the last weekend of May.

Meanwhile, the post of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer remains vacant since no one accepted nominations. (Frederick Halley).

Equipped Open

Females Open (Classic)

Junica Pluck - 69kg

Classic Open

Ashlie Abraham - 76kg Classic Open

Sherene Williams - 84kg Classic Open

Only athletes who have satisfied the criteria will be considered for national selection.

Freeman’s brace spurs St Kitts and Nevis to 2-0 win over Aruba at Warner Park

ST KITTS and Nevis blanked visiting Aruba 2-0 to extend their lead in Group B of the Concacaf Nations Cup C League at Warner Park on Monday night.

Keithroy Freeman scored in each half for the home side that had Lois Maynard sent off late in the hard-fought encounter.

The win means St Kitts and Nevis’ Sugar Boyz sit atop the group with 10 points from four

matches, six points clear of Aruba and St Martin who have four and two points, respectively.

The first real chance of the match came in the 21st minute for the hosts when Omari Sterling-James’ left-footed effort hit the post. His effort was one of 12 shots in the opening period but Aruba.

The Sugar Boyz were eventually rewarded in first-half stoppage

time when Keithroy Freeman chipped Aruba goalkeeper and captain Eric Abdul in the 46th minute after chasing down a ball over the top.

Abdul was in fantastic form all night, his finest moment coming in the 74th minute when he parried a thunderbolt from Freeman over the bar.

And though his heroics kept Aruba in the game, his team was

forced to open up as they chased an equalizer. This opened them up to a counterattack in the 80th minute that led to Freeman’s second goal.

The Sugar Boyz will return to League B for the next Nations League Cycle and will now play in the Gold Cup preliminary round as they try to qualify for their first ever appearance in the main draw of the competition. (Sportsmax).

OMSCC executives: Back row (from left) are Secretary Amit Bacchus, Vice-president Hardatt Ramcharran and Umpires Co-ordinator Frederick Halley. Front row (sitting) are Treasurer Kim Sue, club president Orin O’Neil and Over-50 Coordinator Azeem Khan.

Kheon Evans

Number 16, Keithroy Freeman’s brace led the Sugar Boyz to a hard-fought win over Aruba at Warner Park on Monday night.

ROMARIO Shepherd’s unbeaten 44 off 22 balls, and his ninth-wicket partnership of 59 off 26 balls with Alzarri Joseph, who went on to take his first T20I five-for, secured a series win for West Indies to end an entertaining series.

Shepherd and Joseph gave West Indies the third-highest score at the Wanderers and the highest total without an individual fifty since Australia’s 221 for 5 against England in 2007. They were able to defend it in challenging conditions, with plenty of dew greasing up the ball, and against a determined South African line-up

Scores: West Indies 220 for 8 (Shepherd 44*, Nortje 2-36) beat South Africa 213 for 6 (Hendricks 83, Joseph 5-40) by seven runs

Holder are the only members of the current squad who played in that series.

Ngidi’s nightmare start

After last playing a T20I when South Africa lost to Netherlands at the World Cup in November, Ngidi may have thought things could only get better but they didn’t for him. He bowled a decent delivery first up but then erred down the leg-side to the powerful Brandon King who helped the ball on its way over long leg. Ngidi adjusted to outside off stump with his next ball but King launched it onto the roof over deep mid-wicket and forced Ngidi to think of something else. He tried pace off with this fourth ball but King spotted it and sent it over mid-wicket for four. In frustration, Ngidi overstepped for his next ball and had to bowl it again. His extra delivery was a low full-toss

from SuperSport Park, Johnson Charles, down to earth with a first-ball duck. Charles didn’t move his feet to a ball that nipped back into him and inside-edged onto his stumps as South Africa roared back. Anrich Nortje returned in the ninth over and saw Mayers walk across his stumps so pitched it on leg stump and took it out. Aiden Markram joined in the fun when Rovman Powell opened his stance and missed a slog and he became the fourth West Indian to be bowled. West Indies were 108 for 4 at the halfway stage, after which Ngidi redeemed himself when he had Nicholas Pooran caught behind.

Shepherding the tail

West Indies needed a strong finish after they lost 3 for 21 between the 13th and 16th over with not much batting to come. Shepherd and Joseph put on the highest ninth-wicket

six over long on, a pull through mid-wicket for four and an aerial drive over Rabada’s head in an over that cost 26 runs. Shepherd finished unbeaten on 44 off 22 balls. All square in the Powerplay

South Africa started in fairly circumspect style, with only seven runs off the first two overs of their reply, before Quinton de Kock picked up the pace. He steered Cottrell past third man to open his boundary count and then took three fours off Roston Chase’s second over to signal South Africa’s intent. De Kock was profiting off the slower bowling but misread when Joseph put the brakes on and cut to Chase at third. As he left the field, de Kock told Rossouw the ball was sticking in the pitch a bit but that seemed to mean nothing to the No.3. He hit the first ball he faced over extra cover for four, and then sent Joseph over point for six and through the covers for another four. Rossouw scored 19

Shepherd fireworks, Joseph five-for seal T20I series for West Indies

--South Africa falls short by seven runs in 221-run chase at the Wanderers

Reeza Hendricks notched up a career-best 83 and put on 80 with Rilee Rossouw for the second wicket but the required run-rate ballooned on South Africa and their batting line-up appeared a little light

The result means West Indies have now won a second successive T20I series in South Africa, eight years after

that Kyle Mayers hit over extra cover for four to complete a 22-run over.

But the rest of the bowlers do the early work Kagiso Rabada was given the ball immediately after Ngidi and made amends. He bowled Mayers with a full, fast delivery that knocked the West Indian opener off his

partnership at the Wanderers, and took 52 runs off the last three overs to ensure West Indies topped 200. Shepherd survived two chances in that time - he edged Wayne Parnell but Quinton de Kock could not hold on and then he skied a chance off Rabada but Heinrich Klaasen lost it in the lights at fine leg. Shepherd finished the innings with a massive

runs off the first six balls he faced and South Africa finished the Powerplay on exactly the same score as West Indies: 61, but had lost one fewer wicket.

Savory gains more support from V-Net Communications

V-Net Communications has continued its support of budding cricketers and their latest act of benevolence was to reward a standout cricketer from Essequibo, Kemol Savory.

In a release to the media, it was explained thatthe company, which specializes in data and voice communication, has its origins in the island of Wakenaam, and has over the years supported Savory and other youngsters, and coaches from the Essequibo region.

According to Chief Executive Officer, Safraz Sheriffudeen, “Kemol has been a hard worker over the years,

who was patient for his opportunity on the big stage. It has come and he has excelled thus far and we saw it fit to support him on this journey.”

Savory, a talented wicketkeeper/ batsman, was voted the senior male cricketer at the Essequibo Cricket Board awards last year and recently made his first-class debut for the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

In just his third match , he notched his maiden ton and has thus far scored 199 runs this season from four matches.

“We are proud to see him play for Guyana at the senior level in both

formats, and the journey has now begun for him, as such, we as a company who are committed to playing a part in the development of youth, knew it is important we keep supporting this talented cricketer,” Sheriffudeen added.

The 26-year-old Savory expressed gratitude to V-Net for gifting the new willow and promised to reward them with “lots of runs” as he envisions a long and fruitful career for Guyana, and ultimately West Indies in the future.

In keeping with their commitment to youth, West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul is still their long-standing Brand Ambassador.

Chief Executive Officer Safraz Sheriffudeen (right) hands over the new bat to Kemol Savory.