Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-07-2023

Stronger ‘China-Guyana community’ with shared future imminent

- nations’ Presidents commit to sharing opportunities, tackling challenges, seeking co-operation, promoting development together

Region Five residents outline challenges, engaged on developmental plans

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, hosted a series of community engagements with residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), on Friday. He was accompanied by Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud and Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag. (Office of the Vice-President photos)

- High Court throws out GPSU challenge to PSC nominee; orders $1.5M costs

Stronger ‘China-Guyana community’ with shared future imminent

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday vowed to continue working on strengthening relations between Guyana and China to not only benefit their peoples, but also their economies.

President Ali, who is on a one-week visit to China, exchanged similar sentiments with President Xi, and reflected on how Guyana’s international counterpart, China, has played a major role in the country’s socio-economic development.

“China has played an enormous role in the development of our region and the development of Guyana,” the Head of State said, adding that Guyana firmly adheres to the One-China policy.

In a video streamed by China Global Television Network (CGTN), President Ali told President Xi and other foreign dignitaries that Guyana and China have maintained a sound relationship with strong political and mutual trust.

He added that Guyana regards China as a highly reliable partner, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Guyana.

China has played an important role in the economic and social development of Guyana and the Caribbean region, in terms of not only sharing its experiences, but also providing valuable assistance to Guyana and regional countries in areas of infrastructure, connectivity, medicine and health.

Voicing his support for a series of major initiatives put forward by President Xi, President Ali said his country hopes to work closer with China to better address global challenges such as energy, climate change, and food security.

According to a report from CGTN, during the meeting, President Xi hailed the enduring bilateral friendship shared by the two countries, stressing that China and Guyana should remain good friends who trust and rely on each other.

He also called on the two sides to share opportunities, tackle challenges, seek cooperation, and promote development together, so as to build a closer China-Guyana community with a shared future.

As two developing countries, China and

Guyana should work in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples, strengthen communications and cooperation, and firmly support each other to achieve the steady and sustained development of the bilateral ties, President Xi said.

He added that the Chinese side is willing to promote the indepth docking of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Guyana's Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, and welcomes Guyana's participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

China encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Guyana, and Xi said the two sides should expand mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of energy, mining, finance, agriculture and fisheries, infrastructure construction, and cultivate new growth areas such as new energy and ‘green’ development.

The Chinese pres -

ident urged efforts to improve cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, so as to consolidate the foundation of friendship between the two countries.

Noting that China and Guyana share broad common interests and similar positions in international and regional affairs, Xi said China supports Guyana in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

China is willing to work with Guyana in practicing genuine multilateralism, safeguarding the common interests of the developing countries, and jointly addressing the challenges of climate change, food security, energy security and other issues, Xi said.

The Chinese President also recalled his visit to the Caribbean region in 2013, saying that China has consistently supported Ca -

ribbean countries in their unity, self-reliance, development and prosperity, and is willing to work with the Caribbean side to build a closer China-Caribbean community with a shared future.

Xi hoped that the Guyanese side will continue to play an active role in the development of relations between China and the Caribbean countries.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and China’s President Xi Jinping (Office of the President photo)

- nations’ presidents commit to sharing opportunities, tackling challenges, seeking co-operation, promoting development together

First phase of ‘Respect the Road’ campaign being rolled out

- billboards, road signs being erected

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF), in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council, and Impressions Inc., has started the rollout of the first phase of "Respect the Road," a road safety campaign which aims to lower the number of fatalities caused by traffic accidents.

On Wednesday, the first billboard for the national “Respect the Road” campaign was erected around the Kitty Sea Wall Roundabout. Another billboard was also erected at Turkeyen Public Road in the vicinity of MovieTowne.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, attended an activity on Thursday, along with members of the force and representatives of Impressions, to hand out key rings and paste stickers on passing vehicles, in efforts to help remind drivers to use the roads safely.

The minister, during a short address, said that part of the problem which causes

fatal road accidents is impaired driving and speeding.

“Perhaps due to impairment due to drugs or alcohol and it also could be simply stress, disdain and lack of respect on the road amongst commuters, drivers and others,” he related.

Minister Benn said that they need to pay attention on the roads in order to save lives.

“We cannot continue like this,” he affirmed

Traffic Chief, Dennis Stephen, said that they want to protect Guyanese drivers, as well as educate them at the same time about using the roads safely.

“Your life is important and one life is too many, and if we don’t find a way to reduce or to address accidents, we are going to continue to lose lives,” he said, as he pleaded for drivers to practise safe driving.

Benn said that, as of now, they have chosen to focus on Regions Three and Four, and

pilot campaign activities there because these regions record most of the accidents in the country.

“That is why we used the ‘A’ Division as a pilot for this phase and tomorrow (today, July 29, 2023) we are going to be at Leonora, engaging with the public and handing out flyers and more,” he said.

Reanna Nickram, a representative of Impressions Inc., said that they will continue to put up more billboards and signs, as well as develop their social media presence which will promote safety and responsible driving on the roads.

During the launch of the road safety campaign, Nickram said that, together, the collaborating entities had crafted a comprehensive and impactful campaign, for which the core elements comprise a multipronged approach designed to engage citizens of all ages and backgrounds.

“Our branded road safety materials…we believe that a powerful visual presence can reinforce the message of road safety through billboards, signs, bumper stickers and other media… we will saturate our streets with reminders

to be vigilant, cautious and respectful on the roads,” she said.

Nickram related that the hope is for the visuals to serve as constant reminders of the dangers of using the roadways, urging drivers, pedestrians and passengers to prioritise safety at all times.

Another part of it is their social media campaign, a potent tool for spreading awareness and influencing positive behaviour change.

“Our social media campaign will engage citizens through informative content, eye-catching graphics and inspiring stories, encouraging everyone to be active partici-

pants in promoting road safety [and] by sharing experiences, tips and best practices, we can build a united front in the fight against road accidents,” Nickram related.

There is also a road safety school campaign which aims to instill road safety habits from an early age.

“We have designed a designated mascot, Cautious Chris, who will interact with students making learning about road safety fun and memorable. This mascot will visit schools across the country, teaching our young generation to be responsible users and ambassadors of safety,” she said.

Another aspect of the cam-

paign is a road safety event, bringing communities together and conducting outreaches and workshops to foster a deeper understanding of road safety principles.

“Our workshops will be tailored for various demographics, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and passengers. By promoting dialogue and interaction, we can create a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for road safety,” she said.

Nickram related that, through this collaborative effort, they are seeking to ignite a profound and long lasting change in road safety behaviour.

The first billboard for the national ‘Respect the Road’ campaign erected on Wednesday (Impressions Inc. photo)

frivolous and vexatious’

- High Court throws out GPSU challenge to PSC nominee; orders $1.5M costs

ACTING Chief Justice Roxane George, on Friday, dismissed the Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSU)’s challenge against the nomination of Mohandatt Goolsarran for appointment to the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The Chief Justice ruled in favour of the National Assembly's decision to consider nominations from the Public Service Senior Staff Association (PSSSA), representing a significant victory for the PSSSA and the Attorney General.

The legal proceedings were initiated on June 28, 2023, with the GPSU contesting the legitimacy of the PSSSA's nomination of Goolsarran.

Goolsarran, currently Chairman of the National Accreditation Council, was formerly Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). He was one of two nominees that the National Assembly had settled on for the PSC, having been nominated by the PSSSA.

The GPSU argued that the PSSSA was not a cer-

tified trade union under the Trade Union Recognition Act, and therefore, its nomination for the PSC appointment contravened Article 200(1) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana.

During the court proceedings, Mandisa Breddy represented the GPSU, while Ralph Ramkarran SC and Kamal Ramkarran appeared for the Speaker of the National Assembly, the first named respondent.

On behalf of the second named respondent, Attorney General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., along with Nigel Hawke, Deborah Kumar, Shoshanna V. Lall, Loretta Noel, Ocelisa Marks, and Pierre Squires made compelling arguments supporting the National Assembly's decision.

The Attorney General's counsel contended that the GPSU had failed to present any evidence of a violation of the Constitution, legal principles, or statutes.

It was argued that the Constitution intended to adopt the broadest possible interpretation by using the term “such bodies as may appear,” which would include any association,

non-governmental organisation, or trade union representing public officers or classes of public officers.

Furthermore, the Attorney General highlighted the significance of parliamentary privilege, stating that as long as the National Assembly acted within the bounds of the Constitution, the court should refrain from intervening in its internal affairs.

Ramkarran supported these arguments and clarified that the Trade Union Recognition Act had no relevance in the current case, as it is applicable only to disputes among unions regarding employee representation.

Since there was no such dispute in this matter, both the GPSU and the PSSSA were recognised as representatives of public officers.

According to a statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers after hearing oral arguments from the attorneys-at-law for all the parties, the Chief Justice found that the applicant’s case contained not a “scintilla of evidence, was unmeritorious, frivolous

and vexatious.”

In light of this, the Chief Justice ordered the dismissal of the GPSU's challenge and awarded costs of $750,000 each to the Attorney General of Guyana and the Speaker of the National Assembly.

With this ruling, Goolsarran’s appointment to the Public Service Commission has been upheld, marking a significant victory for the PSSSA and affirming the National Assembly's authority in selecting bodies for consultation as per Article 200(1) (b) of Guyana’s Constitution.

On July 13, Goolsarran, Manniram Prashad, Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar, Melcita Agatha Bovell, Chandrawati Leila Ramson, Mohandatt Gool-

sarran, and Janice Isabella Bowen were sworn in by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The Public Service Commission, with a threeyear term, has the crucial responsibility of overseeing the Public Service in Guyana. Its powers include making appointments to public offices and exercising disciplinary control over individuals in such positions.

The absence of a functioning Public Service Commission since August 2021 has had significant implications for other constitutional bodies, such as the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.

However, the JSC commissioners which also consists of the Chairman of the Public Service Com -

mission were sworn in earlier this month also.

This means that all these commissions are now fully constituted.

Nandlall, during a recent airing on his online programme, “Issues In the News” had called out the GPSU for what he perceived as an attempt to sabotage the government's work by filing a legal challenge.

“After 20 years, the GPSU suddenly awakes from a slumber and begins now to challenge, legally, the qualification of this body to send a nominee … this is a disguised attempt to sabotage constitutional democracy and to sabotage the work of the government,” the Attorney General said.

Mohandatt Goolsarran

Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

‘Unmeritorious,

A Digital Future Beckons

IN a promising development, technology giant, Huawei, has expressed keen interest in establishing a Research and Development Centre, or ICT college, in Guyana. This announcement was made during the recent visit of President Dr. Irfaan Ali to Huawei's Shanghai Research Centre. The President, accompanied by a delegation of businessmen, is currently on a one-week visit to China, exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment.

President Ali emphasized the importance of Guyana keeping pace with global ICT development and urged Huawei to harness the potential of Artifi-

cial Intelligence (AI) to further this progress. With the establishment of a Huawei Research and Development Centre in Guyana, the entire Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region can benefit from its transformative capabilities.

One particularly compelling application of AI in Guyana lies in hurricane prediction and modelling. Given the region's vulnerability to hurricanes, an AI centre in Guyana could contribute to enhancing predictability, impact analysis, and flood management for the entire CARICOM region.

President Ali is committed to positioning Guyana as a hub for technological advancement. He expressed

a willingness to rebrand the Institute of Applied Science and Technology as the "Huawei Research and Development Centre," aiming to attract students from across South America, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Huawei has pledged support to Guyana's private sector and expressed its long-term commitment to investing in the country's ICT market while fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities to local communities. The company's collaboration with Guyana aligns with the nation's ICT Master Plan 2030, initiated by President Ali in the preceding year, which outlines a strategic vision for digital

transformation.

Beyond ICT development, Guyana is positioning itself as a manufacturing hub, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs). President Ali made a strong case for Guyana becoming an important manufacturing centre for EVs, targeting the entire Latin America and Caribbean region. He offered to invest in the necessary infrastructure and invited Shanghai-based companies to establish a footprint in Guyana, allowing them to have subregional headquarters in the country.

Moreover, President Ali proposed hosting the first-ever Shanghai-Guyana exposition in Guyana within a year, aiming to show -

case products, services, and investment opportunities. This ambitious initiative could catalyze significant economic growth and international partnerships.

The meeting with Gong Zheng, the Mayor of Shanghai, yielded positive results, as the Mayor readily accepted the proposal to establish an investment desk in Shanghai, facilitating targeted collaboration in areas such as agriculture, energy, and urban infrastructure.

Guyana's President is confident that these strategic partnerships and investments will lead to positive change and propel the nation into a prosperous future. As he prepares to meet with Chi-

nese President Xi Jinping, we can anticipate even more opportunities for Guyana to flourish on the global stage.

With a forward-looking vision and concerted efforts from both public and private sectors, Guyana is on the cusp of embracing transformative technological advancements that will shape its destiny. The proposed Huawei Research and Development Centre and potential EV manufacturing hub could be the stepping stones toward a brighter and technologically advanced future for Guyana and its people.

Reconstitution of JSC is a commendable step

Dear Editor, THE appointment of the members of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the JSC’s consequent reconstitution is a commendable step in the right direction, even though it is one that is long overdue.

A functional JSC is an important component of the judicial arm of the government to execute justice and hold lawbreakers accountable.

Swift and transparent justice is essential to realising a safe society where children, women, and other vulnerable segments of our society can be free from

harm and violence and develop their potential in safety.

We believe that the JSC must and will fulfill its functions to ensure that the requisite complement of magistrates and judges are in place to significantly increase the efficiency of the trial process and relieve the strain on the current complement of judges and magistrates.

Specifically, we hope to see increased efficiency in the prosecution of sex offenders in the Sexual Offences Court. The current backlog of cases has resulted in many accused offenders currently freely traversing the streets and triggering

trauma in many victims who have to pass their perpetrators in the streets.

Children are frustrated with the slothful progression of their cases before the Courts. More citizens need to recognise the connection between the roles of these commissions on the well-being of all citizens, particularly, the most vulnerable and add their voices to the need for the effective functioning of the Commissions.

Commissions such as the JSC are a safeguard that holds offenders accountable and gives victims some measure of confidence and assurance in the judicial process to report abuse. In

recognising this, all citizens should let their voices be heard in support of the swift reconstitution of the JSC when its tenure is up.

The reconstitution of the JSC is very timely, as it comes at a time when we there are increased reports of child sexual abuse cases to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). From 2019 to 2021, there were more than 3,000 reports of child sexual abuse to the CPA and more than 470 of those reports were made by boys.

It is evident that children, including boys, are reporting with more frequency. Consequently, systems must be in place to ensure

that reports are translated into swift and decisive actions by the entire children protection system – of which the judiciary is a key stakeholder – that will hopefully send a clear message to perpetrators that our children are not to be harmed and that offenders will be held accountable.

We congratulate the newly appointed members, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Beasraj Singh Roy, Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Carl Singh and Chairman of the Public Service Com-

mission, Manniram Prashad, and at the same time challenge you to ensure that the mandate of the commission is implemented impartially and in a timely manner. We remind you of the importance of your role to the vulnerable among you. We have every confidence that you will fulfill your mandate with dedication, enthusiasm, and fairness.

Respectfully,

CRA Members

-

Orchid Foundation

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United Bricklayers

- Youth with Purpose

- ChildLinK

Should the US be the model for Guyana?

Dear Editor, THE Guyanese fascination with the United States is limitless. America is a dreamland of limitless possibilities. And yes, there are grounds for looking up to the United States. There are too many good things to enumerate here. At the same time, the US is a deeply troubled country, and those who want the new Guyana to become like America, better beware.

It is best to begin with some simple facts on income, health, and education. Real median household income in the US in 2021 was US$70,784, among the highest in the world. Yet, 37 per cent of Americans (in 2023) do not have enough cash if they had an unexpected expense of $400, and 18 per cent do not have even $100 in cash for an emergency expense.

In 2022, 44 per cent of Americans spent more than they earned, and 65 per cent reported not having enough retirement savings (Will Daniel, 5/23/2023). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2022 and April 2023, real average wages dropped.

According to a recent study by Dr. Amy Glasmeier and colleagues of MIT, a living wage in the US should be $45 an hour.

The Federal Minimum Wage, however, is $7.25 an hour. Many states and counties have mandated a $15.00 minimum wage, but there are numerous modifications that prevent universal enforcement.

Note also that a large illegal or otherwise vulner-

able labour force, translates into wages even below the Federal Minimum of $7.25. Most of the vulnerable workers have zero benefits, and no protection under labour laws.

If you take other key indicators of well-being (human development), things do not look so good for Americans. Let us start with health. No less than 28 million Americans have no healthcare insurance of any kind.

Medicare and Medicaid are not automatic. Those with insurance pay through their teeth. “If you are buying an ACA (Obama Care) plan as non-subsidised health insurance for a family of four, you can expect to pay about $25,000 for the year in premiums and deductibles.

That breaks down to an average of $17,244 in annual premium cost for health insurance for families of four and $7,767 in deductible expenses” (Davalon, October 28, 2022). This does not include prescriptions.

Note that medications in the US are among the highest priced in the world. Research by Rand Corporation found that Americans pay more than 150 per cent higher prices for medication than in 32 countries.

“US patients are even paying triple the price for Rx drugs as Koreans, Portuguese and Australians and 3.5 times as much as Slovakians, Greeks and residents of some of the Baltic countries.” (K. Buchholz, 8/9/2022).

Some 650,000 people in the US go bankrupt every year due to medical bills.

You should note that this is not restricted to “surprise billing,” which is a particularly pernicious form of extortion in the world of medical billing.

The No Surprises Act (NSA) effective from January 2022 has helped but has not prevented medical billing. What Guyanese should know is that even though Americans pay huge premiums for health insurance, they must still cough up something called “co-pay.” This is an additional fee you pay every time you have an appointment.

Shall we turn to education please! Students in the United States owe more than US$1 trillion in debt. The average college student who took out a loan owes US$20,000 20 years after they graduate.

The tuition for most topnotch universities in the US is more than $55,000. Many have reached $75,000 per annum. Note that this is not for professional training in medicine, law, engineering, or business, this is just for the Bachelor’s degree!

Two further points here. Firstly, the figures above do not include living expenses – housing, food, books, transportation, and everyday living. Secondly, while scholarships are widely available only a small percentage of students get a “full ride.”

The scholarships, while impressive in dollar amounts, usually cover only about a third of tuition and nothing towards housing, books, and other fees. You should also note that there is extraordinarily little funding for the Master’s degree. Cur-

rently, 43 million students have outstanding loans. The average debt to the Federal Government is $37,000, while private debts stand at US$54,921 (M. Hansen).

There are also huge racial disparities in student debt. “Four years after graduating, nearly half of Black graduates owe more on their loans than their initial balance, compared with just 17 per cent of White graduates” (E. Schirmer, New Yorker, 7/27/2022). Many older Americans are still paying-off student loans. Some 2.8 million people who are in their 60s are still clearing their student debt.

The education system is rife with inequalities. A great deal depends on race, class, and zip codes. Since these variables are highly intersected, the K-12 education system is one of the

staggering inequalities.

A good indicator of these inequalities can be garnered from the data on “Free or Reduced Lunch” (F&R) programmes. These programmes provide free lunch or low priced to students based on family income. Right now 53 million American kids are on F&R (https://educationdata.org/ average-student-loan-debt).

When that figure is disaggregated by county, and then by zip code, the picture of structural inequality becomes even more stark.

Maryland is one of the richest states in the US but even here, the Baltimore City Public School district has an F&R rate of 88.24 per cent. This means that 88.24 per cent of families in this school district do not earn enough to purchase or make lunch for their chil -

dren. There are millions of families that suffer from the same poverty.

CLR James once stated that the United States is a great and interesting country. I agree. What makes it interesting, however, might give pause to the narrative of a land of milk and honey. Guyanese who have not lives in the US cannot know the hardships, sacrifices, and multiple challenges that Americans are faced with daily. And do note, we have not even touched mass shootings, xenophobia, racism, or political divisiveness that can and have troubled the democratic tradition of that great nation. All things considered, therefore, should the US be a role model for Guyana?

Yours respectfully, Dr. Randolph Persaud

$1.6B for community road works in Region 10

PERSONS residing at Coomacka, Amelia’s Ward, Wismar and Mackenzie in Region 10, will soon benefit from several roadworks in their communities as some $1.6 billion was set aside in budget 2023 for community roads in the region.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill conducted an outreach to the region on Thursday, where he met with residents and

inspected a number of roads identified for repair.

“This is part of our continuing work to engage with communities, ensuring that once we make interventions in communities, it is meeting the needs of people,” Minister Edghill said while meeting with residents at Amelia’s Ward.

Residents of Coomacka Mines will be receiving an asphaltic road for the first time, while similar

works are set to be done in the community of Nottingham.

The term ‘The Mines’ is commonly associated with adjoining communities like Three Friends, Siberia, and Old England. Minister Edghill assured that these communities will not be left out of the infrastructural development agenda.

The community consultations form part of the government’s rigorous people-centred approach to development,

which sees government officials engaging with citizens directly, making interventions where possible to positively impact their lives.

Meanwhile, Regional Councillor and Chairman of the Coomacka Community Development Council, Dexter Harding lauded the efforts of the gov-

ernment in enhancing the lives of citizens. He noted that despite the array of global challenges, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering to the people.

Harding expressed:

“As it relates to the manifesto…they said

there would be equitable distribution of goods and services, and what is happening today is a testament to what the government is doing. It is not only happening in the centre of the town, but they are also coming to far-flung communities.” (DPI)

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, meeting with residents in the Coomacka Mines, Region 10

Trotman and Ramjattan… What is truth?

HERE are the words of Raphael Trotman in his recently published book, From Destiny to Prosperity: “After the (2015) elections, for reasons never fully explained to me, my name was not submitted for a ministerial position under the terms of the Cummingsburg Accord arrangements.”

Here are the words in a press statement by the Alliance For Change penned by Khemraj Ramjattan on March 11, 2017.

“The Alliance For Change joins APNU in refuting the assertion made by columnist, Freddie Kissoon, in the March 4, 2017 edition of the Kaieteur News with regards to ministerial appointments. Mr. Ramjattan consulted with the leadership of the AFC on all of the party’s ministerial appointments.”

If ever there were two statements that cannot be reconciled then they are what Trotman just published

in 2023 and what Ramjattan wrote in 2017. Which one should we believe? That is an impossible task when you consider the politics of these two failed politicians, but because of who they were and what they did, the analysis is worth pursuing. But first, the background.

In December 2016, the AFC held its congress at Vreed-en-Hoop. Trotman challenged then leader, Ramjattan, for the leader position and won. In his first press conference as head of the AFC in February 2017 at the AFC’s head office on Railway Street, Kitty, Trotman told the media that after the 2015 election, three founders of the AFC were not selected as ministers – he, Dominic Gaskin, and Noel Holder.

In praise of the quality of President Granger’s leadership, Trotman said at the press conference that President Granger showed generosity by appointing him as Minister of Natural Resources, Gaskin as Business

Minister and Holder was given the agriculture portfolio.

It was an explosive, nerve-shattering revelation that only two persons, I repeat, two persons in the media investigated – me and Leonard Gildarie. I wrote a column on Trotman’s disclosure and Gildarie interviewed Joe Harmon. It was in relation to my column that Ramjattan issued his March 2017 press statement. Please be informed, I have a recording of the Trotman press conference of February 2017 and at the time I announced I had it in 2017, trade unionist, Norris Witter requested a copy and I facilitated him.

As I wrote above, the positions of Trotman and Ramjattan cannot be reconciled. One is saying that he was surprised that he was left out for a ministerial position. The other is saying that as leader, he consulted the top brass of the AFC when ministerial positions were being chosen. Trotman at the time – May 2025 – was

deputy leader. So now that Trotman’s book is out, who do you believe?

I don’t believe either of them, and have no interest in knowing which one is telling the truth. I consider Trotman and Ramjattan, two of the worst politicians I had the painful experience of knowing. I believe what I am about to write in the next line.

Here it is – Forbes Burnham was a billion times a more straightforward human that these two men. The only reason why I am doing this column is because it is my job to analyse things in my country in the hope it would achieve two goals – to contribute to Guyana’s historiography and to provide useful knowledge to Guyanese wherever they are.

Here now are my reasons for advising Guyanese not to pursue the curiosity in knowing which one is not truthful. I cannot see Trotman being the biggest name in the AFC even more than Ramjattan in 2015, and was the AFC’s campaign manager, and remained quiet when he was not made a minister.

This is the same Trotman that rose to his feet several times at countless meetings of the central executive of the PNC and confronted opposition leader, Desmond Hoyte.

Mr. Trotman was one of the most vocal, aggressive, argumentative voices in the PNC’s leadership and at one meeting requested Mr. Hoyte to resign as PNC leader. When Aubrey Norton writes his memoir, Guyana will

learn much more of who Raphael Trotman was. Is this the gentleman we must believe that just quietly sat down and allowed the AFC to bypass him for a Cabinet portfolio?

As for Ramjattan, this nation should demand that Ramjattan leave this county and seek exile in Timbuktu. There is a tape available on the internet in which in July 2020, Ramjattan is bidding farewell to his staff at the Ministry of Home Affairs and conceded that APNU+AFC lost the March 2020 elections. His words were clear, pellucid and unambiguous. Yet up to this day, Ramjattan is denying that he said so even though the seven billion people in the world can listen to it.

G20’s failure to reach consensus on fossil fuel production has ‘major impacts’ on developing world

Dr Jagdeo says

THE Group of 20 (G20) major economies meeting has failed to reach a consensus on phasing down fossil fuel production as well as deploying $100 billion per annum for developing countries.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo says this will have a major impact on Guyana and other developing countries as the global community seeks to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

Speaking during a press engagement at Freedom House on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo pointed out that the fail-

ure to reach an agreement on phasing down fossil fuel production will not help in achieving net zero emissions.

He also reminded that the commitment to deploy financial support to the developing world was made at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen held in December 2009.

“Those are very important … particularly because the G20 Group of Nations produce about 75 per cent of global output and also over 75 per cent of global emissions come from these countries.

“So, the decision made would be crucial to achieving

net zero, and if they fail to agree on phasing down production of fossil fuels, then it must have a major impact on this global aspiration to net zero,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Dr Jagdeo also shut down claims that the Government

of Guyana has abandoned its support to the target of achieving net zero.

The government, the general secretary reminded, has always sounded its commitment to supporting the target of net zero, which was made long before Guyana began producing oil and gas.

Additionally, the country is playing a major role in the fight against climate change by preserving its forest which

is a huge carbon sink resulting in Guyana being a carbon-negative country.

Speaking on the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP) Summit, the general secretary said the Government of Guyana will be pushing to ensure that there are solutions to having phased down fossil fuel production and increasing the output of renewables.

“We are trying, and the President’s speech will reflect this at the next COP, we are trying to say that there are several things that have to be done simultaneously … we don’t need to phase down fossil fuel production but simultaneously we need to incentivise the production of renewables… we have to move faster to a carbon price globally, secondly, we cannot discard technology and future technology as part of the solution … There is a role

for technology in the future,” he stated.

Additionally, he said the developing world will not allow the advanced economies to back-peddle on their promise of deploying the $100 billion per annum to these countries.

“I raised this with the Secretary of State Blinken at State House … it’s not just the funding but addressing the institutions that intermediate the funds because a lot of them are not fit purpose and the sloth between the availability of funds and their delivery is unbelievable.”

Meanwhile, he expressed that it is unreasonable to expect Guyana to limit its petroleum production, while the developed world continues to ramp up its output of fossil fuels, even though they have used up their carbon allowance.

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

New Petroleum activities law, model PSAs to be tabled in August - Dr Jagdeo announces

By Trina Williams

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday, said that the much-anticipated Petroleum Activities Bill, along with the new model Production-Sharing Agreements (PSAs), will be tabled at the next sitting of the National Assembly in August.

According to Dr Jagdeo: “…So, we'll have a finalised PSA and also the new petroleum activities law, which were the two preconditions that we set ourselves before we conclude the bid round [auction of oil blocks].”

The parliamentary recess begins in August, but the new Bill should be tabled in the National Assembly at the August 3 sitting.

The PPP General Secretary also said that this provides adequate time for potential bidders to submit their bids.

“So, both would be ready and that will give enough time to the potential bidders to submit their bids and that's why I think it's the 10th of September we discuss,” Dr Jagdeo related.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, through a press release, announced the extension of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round’s bid submission deadline to Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

“The government’s continuous efforts to streamline and improve the petroleum regulatory framework and the resultant comprehensive feedback received from our stakeholders have led to this necessary extension,” the Natural Resources Ministry said in the press statement.

Whilst recognising the new era of oil and gas development and investors’ confidence in the local economy, the government is working to ensure that this competitive licensing bids and

future rounds are governed by a modern regulatory framework with improved technical and institutional capacities.

Against this backdrop, the government will soon supplement the model PSAs with a new Petroleum Activities Bill 2023, which will not only enhance the management of the sector but also provide improved economic measures for all licencees in the bidding round, as well as future development and production operations in Guyana’s petroleum sector.

The round, officially launched on December 9, 2022, continues to receive strong global interest. The government has benefitted from insightful feedback during the consultation periods of the Indicative Terms and Guidelines, the draft model PSAs, and the draft Petroleum Activities Bill.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, and, by extension, the Government of Guyana, remains committed to the successful execution of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round and the

Charity Market

OWING to the disastrous fire which destroyed dozens of stalls inside the Charity Market, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the government is committed to creating a state-of-the-art

scheme within the area, they are exploring the option of obtaining land adjacent to the new development for commercial uses.

This option is being inspected since, in the end, the housing development might need a high-end market, shop-

strengthening of the nation’s fiscal and legal petroleum management frameworks.

The government, in June, released the draft Petroleum Activities Bill, and made it available for public consultations.

The Petroleum Activities Bill seeks to replace the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 1986, and is part of efforts by the government to modernise the legal and regulatory framework related to the petroleum sector.

“We had a global firm that worked on this with enormous experience in this sector. We looked at similar framework legislation glob-

ally and a lot of the issues addressed in those modern pieces of legislation where we were deficient in our laws have been addressed.

“A lot of the issues will be dealt [with] subsequently, after the passage of the bill, through regulations,” Dr Jagdeo said.

It was last Decem -

ber that the government launched the first auction for the development of 14 new oil blocks, which includes 11 in shallow water, and the other three in deep water. The blocks being put up for auction range in acreage from 1,000 sq. km to 3,000 sq. km.

market facility to restore and improve the livelihoods of vendors.

Dr Jagdeo said that they are trying to acquire about 15 acres of land in Charity in order to create a more mordernised and spacious market. The government invested $30 million to rehabilitate the Charity Market in 2021.

He said that because they are building a new housing

ping malls and other facilities of that sort.

Although the vendors requested that the government rebuild a shed, Dr Jagdeo said that the part of Charity Market that was burnt is a narrow strip of land and, therefore, would not facilitate the growth of a modern market.

“So, whilst there may be a commitment to rebuild a shed there, I spoke with the people,

some of the vendors, and I said we should do something major now, let's shift to a market of the future with maybe modern facilities, parking and everything else for the area,” he said.

Millions of dollars went up in flames earlier this month after a fire erupted at the Charity Market in Region Two.

Shortly after the fire started, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) issued a press statement.

It was explained that two fire tenders were battling to bring the blaze, which started at approximately 19:20 hrs., under control.

“At this time, we also have to report that one of our officers received a mild electrical shock during firefighting activities. He was taken to the hospital and treated. Additionally, another rank was also injured at the scene and required medical attention,” the Fire Service disclosed.

Meanwhile, vendors were in tears as they watched the fire destroy their livelihood. Some desperately tried to save what they could but were unable to do so since the fire ripped through the market within minutes.

The Charity Market on fire

Gov’t seeking to acquire 15 acres of land to expand, modernise

Patterson released on $70,000 bail for indecently exposing himself

ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) member and former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, was, on Friday, released on $70,000 bail for indecently exposing himself, using obscene language, and provoking a resident in Kitty.

Appearing before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court, Patterson

pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

The first charge alleges that, on July 16, at Lot 87 Seaforth Street, Section K, Campbellville, Georgetown, he exposed his genitals to Ramroop Odit.

Additionally, it is claimed that, on the same date and location, Patterson used obscene language towards Odit and provoked him, causing

distress.

The state prosecutor did not object to bail, and as a result, Patterson was released on $50,000 bail for the indecent exposure charge, and $10,000 for each of the latter charges related to obscene language and provocation.

He has been ordered to return to court on September 11, 2023, for further proceedings.

In a video widely cir-

culated on social media, someone who appears to be Patterson is seen exposing himself at a location along Railway Embankment Road, Kitty, in the vicinity of the Alliance For Change (AFC) office, on July 16, 2023.

He is also alleged to have used expletives when confronted by the proprietor of the place where the incident occurred.

In the video seen by this publication, Patterson appears to be heavily intoxicated as he urinated on the property.

He went away, only to return later and urinate in close proximity to several drums that were on the parapet and a short distance from the spot where he had previously committed the act.

On this occasion, however, Patterson had what appeared to be a cigarette in his mouth, and seemed to be arguing with someone, whom he later waved his middle finger at.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the

before the court along with former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) Corporation, Rawlston Adams, jointly charged of conspiracy to defraud.

The charge stemmed from the controversial contract awarded for the feasibility study and design of a new Demerara River Crossing in 2016.

The duo had denied the charge which alleged that, between November

$162,635,015; this money belongs to the Asphalt Plant, which falls under the purview of the DHBC.

The particulars of the charge indicated that the funding of the feasibility study and design for a new Demerara Harbour Bridge, was not a function of the DHBC, hence the monies from the Asphalt Plant account could not have been used to fund the project.

matter was reported to the police, and officers visited the location, where they were able to obtain CCTV footage of the incident.

Patterson is currently

18, 2016, and February 1, 2018, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other and with other persons unknown, to defraud the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) of

The charge was brought by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU); both Patterson and Adams were released on $200,000 bail each.

David Patterson at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

A screen grab of the CCTV footage in question

ExxonMobil’s profits top US$7.9B for second quarter of 2023

AMERICAN multinational, ExxonMobil Corporation, announced Friday that it made US$7.9 billion or US$1.94 per share during the 2023 second quarter. This represents a US$3.7 billion decline in profits compared to its US$11.6 billion earnings for the first quarter.

When compared to the second quarter performance of 2022, it shows an even steeper decline in profits as the company had generated an additional US$10 billion, bringing total earnings then to US$17.9 billion.

Exxon said during its second-quarter earnings call that the dip in profits was due to lower natural gas realisations and industry refining margins. Be that as it may,

the oil giant still raked in a whopping US$19.5 billion for the first half of 2023.

In terms of cash flow from operations, Exxon said this totalled US$9.4 billion. With respect to capital and exploration expenditures, Exxon said that was US$6.2 billion in the second quarter and US$12.5 billion for the first half of 2023, in line with the company’s full-year guidance of US$23 billion to US$25 billion.

It noted that second-quarter shareholder distributions of US$8 billion included US$4.3 billion of share repurchases and US$3.7 billion of dividends.

The corporation also declared a third-quarter dividend of US$0.91 per share, payable on September 11,

2023, to shareholders of Common Stock at the close of business on August 16, 2023.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren Woods, was pleased with this quarter’s performance as he noted it to be two times higher than what was earned in the second quarter of 2018, under comparable industry commodity prices.

Woods said, “That doubling of earnings reflects our work in the intervening years to reshape our portfolio of businesses, invest in advantaged projects, and drive a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness in everything we do.”

The CEO said these achievements this quarter also demonstrate the progress

Region Three Private Sector lauds stakeholders for timely Harbour Bridge repairs

FOLLOWING the successful installation of the newly-built Span Nine, the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), on Thursday, reopened before a three-day timeline for repair works expired. Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) Head, Halim Khan, has praised the work of all stakeholders involved, especially ranks of the Guyana Police Force that maintained law and order.

An 18-ton weight restriction will remain in place for laden vehicles, following this reopening.

Khan, in an interview with this publication, commended all the agencies, contractors and staff that were involved, pointing out that executing the arduous task in such a short time was team work.

He explained that it took planning, partnership, and the support and co-operation of a lot of people. The new $1.2 billion span was built by Industrial Fabrications Inc (InFab), a local company which assisted the DHB team with its installation, starting from the wee hours of Tuesday, immediately upon the closure of the bridge.

On Wednesday afternoon, Khan noted that the new retractor was already in place and the plates (decks) were installed, while a cable wheel to hold the hydraulic lines as well as the electrical cabin to control the hydraulics and the two towers were positioned as well.

At that time, the two arms to lift the rack when the bridge retracts were yet to be completed before testing of the bridge followed. On Thursday, final cleaning wrapped up at about 14:00h.

The Bridge Management had also utilised the closure to facilitate other maintenance works on Spans 10 to 29, Spans 30 to 38 and Spans 39 to 61, which would have required closure at a later time.

During this three-day

the company is making in solving the “and” equation: meeting the world’s needs for energy and essential products and reducing emissions.

Woods said, “We’re pleased with the quarter, the progress it represents, and the improved earnings power of the company. We’re confident that we have the right strategy with the right leadership and the best people to effectively execute it – delivering sustained growth in shareholder value.” (OilNOW)

closure, the R3PSi Head said the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) facilitated the 24hour operation of water taxis to transport people.

In addition to the regular Stabroek to Vreed-en-Hoop crossing, he noted that two other temporary terminals were set up from Grove, East Bank Demerara to Wales, West Bank Demerara, and at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Reportedly, 78 passenger boats were dispatched to support this massive effort at the two secondary locations.

However, with the early reopening of the Bridge to vehicular and passenger service, MARAD, on Thursday, announced that the water taxi service at the DHB would terminate at 18:00h.

Meanwhile, the water taxi services between Grove and Wales continued until 20:00h, while services between Stabroek and Vreed-en-Hoop remained uninterrupted throughout the night, with the water taxis at this location positioned to resume regular operations of 05:30h to 20:00h from Friday.

R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan

Scotiabank partners with ‘Girl Guides’ to create fruitful avenues for girls

- donates $4.6M to support efforts

SCOTIBANK has partnered with Guyana Girl Guides Association (GGGA) to create avenues for girls to realise their full potential.

According to a press release, some 70 girls and young women, ages 16 – 25 years from regions that required more resources will be equipped with skills needed to support their transition from high school to tertiary education and the world of work.

This initiative pro -

vides them with socio-emotional, life and living skills necessary for navigating higher education and employment.

Key activities of the programme include empowerment, debunking gender biases, developing confidence and self-esteem, providing access to jobs and institutions, and pairing girls with mentors.

This collaboration aligns with ScotiaRISE, the bank’s global community investment initiative designed to pro-

mote economic resilience among vulnerable groups.

“Through associations such as this one with GGGA, we’re helping these girls improve their education and employment prospects, adapt to changing circumstances and enhance their life opportunities and full participation in the economy,” Country Manager Scotiabank Guyana, Nafeeza Gaffoor stated.

“We commend GGGA on its dedication to helping disadvantaged girls in Guyana thrive and succeed in today’s world and we’re pleased to work with them as we create better opportunities for

our girls who are on the cusp of adulthood,” Gaffoor said.

Schemel Patrick, Chief Commissioner of GGGA, expressed the organisation’s delight to be working with Scotiabank.

“The GGGA is extremely elated to be partnering with Scotiabank on this project. Research and reality have shown that there are many values and structures in the physical and human environment that inhibit girls and young women from transitioning successfully from high school to tertiary or vocational studies.

“With this project, we intend to provide a

catalyst for progression. Girls and young women must feel empowered to control their future; they need role models, training, and resources so that their education translates to good jobs and better decisions.

“By investing in their education and fostering their self-belief, we are sowing the seeds of future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Together with Scotiabank, we are committed to providing them with the guidance, resources, and support they need to navigate this crucial transition and thrive in their chosen paths,” Patrick said.

Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana, discusses the Scotiabank funded programme with Patricia Gray, President of the Guyana Girl Guides Association, and Shonetta Lowe - District Commissioner, East Coast

GPHC introduces electronic medical records system

By Shamar Meusa

CHAIRMAN of the Board of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Dr. Leslie Ramsammy on Friday said that he is confident that they will meet the president’s commitment of implementing an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system throughout the country.

Dr. Ramsammy made those remarks during his address at the GPHC’s launch of an EMR in its medical clinic, aimed at running a more efficient health system for more reliable record keeping.

The Chairman said: “It is a very special occasion, and one that we should remember as momentous, because, having an electronic health record in place

is a significant development.”

He said that the introduction of this type of system has been over two decades in the making.

Dr. Ramsammy also revealed that in 2003 an EMR system was introduced in the Hospital’s HIV clinic but it did not work out because staff did not embrace the shift.

“But today, I believe the new generation of doctors and nurses are quite adept at utilising technology, and I have absolutely no doubt that we will not have yet another start but that this start will take us to greater heights.

So, I'm confident that we will meet the president’s declaration that Guyana will have EMR in place this year,” Dr Ramsammy said.

During the launch, it was

revealed that in March 2021, the Pan American Health Organisation committed to the development of EMR at the hospital and the application was piloted at the internal medicine clinic. It was further revealed that the first

set of patients were added to the system in July 2023.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of GPHC Robbie Rambarran also said that this was another step towards modernising healthcare in Guyana.

He added that they were given the ambitious task by President, Dr Irfaan Ali to create a healthcare system that is world-class.

Rambarran said: “I think at GPHC, with the support from the Ministry of Health, I think we are on the right trajectory in accomplishing that mandate.”

The CEO revealed that technical support was received from PAHO along with the opensource software “Bahmni” from India.

He indicated that while the software was open, the GPHC has enlisted a local firm, Techlify, that worked on the back end to tailor the software to meet GPHC’s specific needs.

He further noted that this is a step in the right direction as the

hospital is in talks to replicate this type of EMR system in other departments like the Maternity unit and the Emergency Unit with an aim to further have the same all across the hospital.

Late last year, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said that with the government looking to create a modern healthcare system for Guyana, the ministry was working on legislation for electronic records.

At that time, he said that the government was working to ensure the digital collection and storage of all medical records over the next three to four years. This, he said, would require nurses and other medical staff to be trained in operating the system.

Government commits to complying with IACHR precautionary measures on Chinese Landing

– all parties urged to co-operate during the process

The following is the full statement from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance:

THE Government of Guyana hereby wishes to present the public with the facts regarding the ongoing petition by the Village Council of Chinese Landing, the Amerindian People’s Association and the UK Forest Peoples Programme (the applicants/beneficiaries) to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

Firstly, Guyana is a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), and while like many other countries in the OAS, Guyana is not a signatory of the American Convention on Human Rights, the state party is still held to the principles of the convention, as all member states are expected to uphold the rights contained therein.

The Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is one of the two organs of the Convention with due competence to act in matters relating to the fulfillment of the commitments made by the States Parties of the OAS.

The functions of the IACHR include accepting petitions and other communications and making recommendations to the governments of the member states when it considers such action advisable.

On March 8, 2023, the applicants submitted a request for precautionary measures to be granted by the IACHR which would require the State Party, Guyana, to adopt measures to protect the rights to health, personal integrity and life of the beneficiaries.

The IACHR then requested information from the State on March 23, 2023. A response was sent by the State on April 17, 2023, which was provided to the applicants who then made an additional submission to the IACHR on May 22, 2023.

The government was not asked by IACHR to respond to new allegations. The IACHR Resolution No 41- 23 granting precautionary measures followed approximately two

months after on July 21, 2023.

The premise of the application is based on reports which suggest that the residents of Chinese Landing are at risk in the context of an alleged unconsented mining encroachment by Mr. Wayne Vieira on the titled lands of Chinese Landing.

The applicants also argue that there has been a history a violence, threats, and harassment made by Vieira’s operatives. The petition also notes negative environmental impacts of the ongoing mining, which is the primary economic activity in Chinese Landing among both villagers and outside miners.

The medium scale mining concession in question was granted to Vieira in 1995 in an area of the land known as Tassawini. This granting of the concession in 1995 predated the Amerindian Act of 2006 which is now the principal legal authority requiring consent of the village council and the miner to carry out mining activities and for the village council to receive royalties directly from the miner.

Noteworthy is that Mr. Vieira and the Chinese Landing Village Council entered into an Agreement on July 19th, 1998. This agreement was not renewed by the Village Council after the passage of the Amerindian Act.

On July 27, 2011, the Village Council formally wrote to the GGMC that it had decided not to renew the agreement with Mr. Vieira.

The Government of Guyana wishes to place of record that there were numerous correspondences among the Village Council, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) between 2004 and 2006 regarding the continuance of Veira’s permit.

In 2007, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs indicated to the GGMC that a renewal of Vieira’s permit was a breach of good faith and was in contravention of the Amerindian Act of 2006.

Subsequently, in 2010 after receiving further complaints from the village council about the discrepancies and resulting

issues between the village and Vieira, GGMC issued a Cease Work Order (CWO) on Mr. Vieira on the basis that he had no formal agreement with the village council of Chinese Landing to mine, and as such was in violation of the Amerindian Act of 2006.

Vieira then moved to the courts, bringing a claim against the validity of the CWO issued by GGMC which he won in 2012. The GGMC did not renew Mr. Vieira’s licence. This resulted in two other cases which were brought in 2013.

This case made its way through the domestic judicial system, and in December 2017, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s apex court, ruled in favour of Vieira, thereby rendering the CWO void. In keeping with the principles of respecting the rule of law, Mr. Vieira’s mining permits were renewed on April 17, 2018.

In 2021, the applicants before the IACHR then brought a new case against Vieira and the GGMC.

This case was dismissed but is now being appealed. As such, the appeal will be heard in Guyana’s domestic courts, and can also be taken to the CCJ if the applicants are dissatisfied with the outcome.

Thus, a case regarding Chinese Landing is before the Guyanese courts once again. After the request for precautionary measures were submitted to the IACHR, the Government of Guyana undertook a series of processes to ensure that an unbiased and comprehensive response informed by facts, evidence and records could be submitted to the IACHR.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, as the Ministry responsible for Guyana’s human rights treaty reporting obligations, immediately coordinated a team of technical experts to conduct a visit to Chinese Landing to assess the situation, gather more information, and commence interventions to address the claims made by the applicants.

Heads of agencies includ-

ing the GGMC, Guyana Police Force and Environmental Protection Agency were consulted in the preparation of the State’s response to the claims.

Recognising the sub judicial nature of the claims against Vieira, the Government of Guyana was focused on addressing the most critical rights issues in the claims, especially those regarding threats, harassment, and violence against the Amerindian people of Chinese Landing, as the law is clear on the consequences of such actions.

Regrettably, investigations revealed that many of the allegations made to the IACHR were not reported to the relevant local authorities, and as such, there were no records to inform legal proceedings against alleged perpetrators.

Notwithstanding, efforts were made to get in contact with the alleged victims – some refused to give statements, some denied such events, while others could not be found or no longer resided in Chinese Landing.

Information about the deployment of Joint Patrol teams to Chinese Landing and neighbouring communities, findings from several meetings with the village council and residents, and information about the complete absence of formal reports were also provided to the IACHR, along with critical information about the consistent scientific investigations and advancements which showed improved water quality through turbidity testing.

All these facts and more were presented to the IACHR in the State’s April 17, 2023 submission. However, the Government of Guyana acknowledges the decision of the IACHR in Resolution No. 41/23 to issue precautionary measures and takes very seriously the recommendations contained therein.

As a result, the Government of Guyana has already completed an initial planning meeting to address the precautionary measures among senior government officials including the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the Minister of Natural Resources and the

Minister of Home Affairs, along with the Commissioner of Police (ag), heads of the GGMC, Legal Advisors of the Attorney General’s Chambers and technical staff of the respective ministries and agencies. In this meeting, a plan of action was agreed upon, and steps are now being taken to ensure that the following actions are implemented:

1. A new multi-sectoral fact-finding team is being assembled of government officials to be deployed into Chinese Landing to further assess the social and environmental issues which need to be addressed based on the IACHR summary of its decision and guided by the terms of reference for the team. This team will report directly to the high-level committee coordinated by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance.

2. In keeping with the requirements for permission to be sought from the Toshao and Village Council before entering their lands, a letter of request based on the IACHR Resolution has been sent to Toshao Orin Fernandes to indicate the government’s interest in sending in the fact-finding team. Regrettably, up to the time of the dissemination of this release, the request for permission to enter remains pending.

3. Upon the completion of the fact-finding mission, the high-level committee will invite representatives of the Chinese Landing Village Council, the mining company and miners operating in the area as well as relevant agencies to engage in discussions about mutually beneficial and amicable measures which can be adopted in the interest of protecting fundamental human rights of all concerned. This is in keeping with the precautionary measures issued which stipulate that the state must consult and adopt measures.

4. Submit a formal response to the IACHR, informed by the results of the fact-finding mission, consultations and further investigations.

5. Work with the community of Chinese Landing to develop a permanent monitoring mech-

anism, established within the community, which will have a clearly defined responsibility to monitor and report on all issues which pose threats. This mechanism will allow for reports to be recorded, dispatched to the relevant authorities and acted upon in a timely manner. Any reports of infringements on human rights in contradiction of the Constitution and legislation of Guyana will be investigated and acted upon accordingly.

6. The relevant authorities will conduct further scientific studies to ascertain impacts of environmental factors. The types of studies to be conducted will be informed by consultations with the community and relevant experts.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to ensuring that the rights of all persons in Guyana are protected, especially the most vulnerable. This commitment is evident in all the efforts that the government has made to improve the lives of Amerindian peoples across the country and to realise culturally appropriate development in Amerindian villages through annual presidential grants, relief grants, Amerindian Development Fund grants and other additional grants from carbon credits, scholarships, and expansion of health and education services.

These efforts to address the issues in Chinese Landing date as far back as the interventions implemented by Government since 2006. However, these interventions were nullified repeatedly by the several rulings of the court.

Notwithstanding, all goodfaith efforts will be made to ensure that the State is in compliance with the precautionary measures issued by the IACHR.

The Government of Guyana also takes this opportunity to urge all parties involved to co-operate during this process and have good sense prevail to ensure that all possibilities for adequate resolution can be explored and implemented in the best interest of the Amerindian Peoples of Chinese Landing and the wider society.

GPHC Chairman Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

GPHC CEO Robbie Rambarran (Japheth Savory photos)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday July 29, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Birmingham, 1975

(2) Clive Lloyd & Srinivas Venkataraghavan

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What is the highest ODI score made by a WI batsman against IND to date?

(2) What is the highest ODI score made by an IND batsman against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING

LeClerc to start on pole after Verstappen Penalty

(BBC) - Max Verstappen

set the fastest time in Belgian Grand Prix qualifying but a grid penalty means Ferrari's Charles Leclerc will start from pole position.

The Red Bull driver beat Leclerc by 0.820 seconds on a drying track but has a fiveplace grid drop for using too many gearbox components this season.

Leclerc edged the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez by 0.057secs with Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes fourth fastest.

Carlos Sainz was fifth from McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

It was a day defined by the weather, but the rain that some felt might threaten qualifying because of re -

duced visibility from spray in wet conditions stopped in the hour before qualifying and the track progressively dried through the session.

Verstappen is expected to win the race from sixth on the grid, regardless of the

weather, so superior has his and Red Bull's performance been so far this season.

But a second pole of 2023 for Leclerc is a major boost for the Monaco-born driver, who was Verstappen's closest title rival last year

Juventus kicked out of Europa conference

(BBC) - Juventus have been kicked out of this season's Europa Conference League by Uefa and fined for breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

European football's governing body has also fined Chelsea for breaching FFP rules as a result of "submitting incomplete financial information".

Uefa says the matter relates to transactions which took place between 2012 and 2019.

Juventus have been fined £17.14m, while Chelsea have been fined £8.57m.

The Italian club will only have to pay half of their fine if their financial records for the next three years comply with regulations, while Chelsea have already agreed to pay the settlement figure.

The Blues have spent around £600m on 19 new players since new owner Todd Boehly took charge of the club in May 2022, but their fine relates to a seven-year period while Roman Abramovich had control of the club.

Uefa said: "Following

the club's sale in May 2022, the new ownership identified, and proactively reported to Uefa, instances of potentially incomplete financial reporting under the club's previous ownership."

In a response, Chelsea said they "fully co-operated and assisted Uefa" in their investigations and "entered into a settlement agreement" with the governing body.

"In accordance with the club's ownership group's core principles of full compliance and transparency with its regulators, we are grateful that this case has been concluded by proactive disclosure of information to Uefa and a settlement that fully resolves the reported matters," said the Premier League club.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) must now notify Uefa of which club will replace Juve in the third-tier European competition. It is likely to be Fiorentina, who were beaten by West Ham in last year's final, after they finished eighth in Serie A.

The case against Juventus follows a 718,000 euro

but has cut a dispirited figure for much of this season because of Ferrari's failure to live up to their own expectations.

It will be all the sweeter for Leclerc, who struggled in exactly similar damp conditions in the races in Spain, Canada and Austria before realising he had a problem and needed to address it.

"Not a bad qualifying for us especially in those conditions," Leclerc said. "It's always difficult to put everything together. I put a lot of work into those conditions as I wasn't comfortable a few races ago."

Leclerc was the first driver to set a lap on the final runs, meaning he missed the best of the circuit, but he acknowledged that Verstappen was out of reach.

"We went a bit early [for the final run]," he said. "Having said that, pole was definitely not on for us but we could have been closer. Let's see how it goes."

Verstappen came close to being eliminated in the second knockout session, and argued with his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over the radio afterwards about the run plan they had chosen.

Leclerc was faster than

the double champion on the first runs in the final session by about 0.1secs but Verstappen said he found the confidence to push harder on his final set of tyres.

"To be on pole again, I know I have to drop back with the penalty but it was the best I could do today."

Outside the top battle for pole, Piastri impressed in the McLaren, the Australian out-pacing teammate Norris throughout after the Briton ran wide at the second Stavelot corner in the first part of qualifying.

(£620,000) fine as part of a settlement agreement with Italian football authorities over a case concerning payment of player salaries.

Juventus had also been docked 10 Serie A points last season following a hearing into the club's past transfer dealings.

They were initially handed a 15-point penalty in January but Italy's highest sporting court overturned that decision in April and ordered the case to be re-examined.

They would have finished fourth and qualified for next season's Champions League had they not been sanctioned.

In response to the charge, Juventus said they accept Uefa's decision and will not be lodging an appeal.

Club president Gianluca Ferrero said: "We regret the decision of the Uefa. We do not share the interpretation that has been given of our defence, and we remain firmly convinced of the legitimacy of our actions and the validity of our arguments.

Max Verstappen’s penalty means Charles Leclerc will start from pole position in F1 for the 20th time

RHTYSC receives support for Summer Activities; Basil Butcher Trust Fund

- Kings Jewellery World, Star Party Rentals and P/P Insurance among sponsors

The cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, during the current summer holidays, will be hosting several activities for youths in the ancient county.

On Wednesday, the club received major support from several of its major supporters for the two graduation ceremonies when the top students and cricketers will receive over eight hundred thousand dollars’ worth of prizes.

Prizes include a motor bike, gold medallion, cycles, food hampers, cosmetics packages, designer watches, cricket gear, clothing and household utensils.

Each youth will receive a school bag, along with educational materials.

Mr Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers; former cricketer Lennox Cush of Star Party Rental; Noreen Gaskin of Senitel Security Ltd; former Berbice senior player Ishwar Singh, Allister Collins, Rion Peters and Safraz Sheriffudeen of VNet Communications all contributed financially.

Additionally, the cricket

teams also received special gifts for the awardees from a wide range of supporters.

Overseas-based former Rose Hall Town resident Dr Lenny Kudrath has donated two hundred school bags in memory of his late cousin, Farouk Kudrath, a former RHTYSC Assistant Secretary.

CEO of Beacon Cafe, Ramdeo Kumar, also donated a large amount of school bags.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, also chipped in with a contribution of educational materials.

Other donors include Canadian Surplus, Namilco, HA Snacks Co Ltd, The Gift Center, John Lewis Styles, Ministers Joseph Hamilton and Collin Croal, Ricks and Sari Agro Inc, DeSinco Trading, Roger Harper , Sheik Mohamed, Food for the Poor, PPDI, Skeldon Energy Inc, Dr Phillip DaSilva, Delmur Shipping Ltd, Ansa McAl, Bank DIH Ltd. Ryan Persaud of King’s Jewellery World has donated a West Indies Cricket medallion for the Cricketer of the Academy.

Several overseas friends of the RHTYSC also contributed with cycles and other prizes. They include Bruce Butcher, Zaeer Ali, Romel Ayasammy, Yogimdra Narine, Devindra Narine, Andy Lamphins, Papie Asfrali, Francoise Culley and Lavern Lawerence.

RHTYSC Secretary Hilbert Foster expressed thanks to the numerous donors for their support and expressed confidence that all the planned activities will be properly organised and

successful.

The cricket teams of the RHTYSC are Poonai Pharmacy’s under- 11 and 13; Farfan and Mendes under-15; Bakewell under-17 and second division; Pepsi under-19 and intermediate, Metro females and NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour under-21 and first division.

The club hosts a record seven activities under a wide range of sub headings including sports, culture, coaching, charity, youth development, community development,

publications, anti-drugs, religion, anti-suicide, anti-alcohol and awards.

The club is currently hosting the fifteen edition of its Republic Bank Summer Camp and the thirty fourth edition of its annual cricket academy.

The academy is sponsored by Bakewell and the Guyana Beverage Company.

Both events have attracted a large turnout of students and cricketers.

The summer camp is being held at the Rose Hall

Town Primary School and its main objective is to assist grade six students to make a successful transition from the primary school to the secondary level.

The cricket academy, which has attracted close to eighty youths, has been the foundation of the club’s success over the last thirty years and has produced over one hundred players at all levels for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

Who will win the Kares One Guyana T10 Blast?

The battle will commence today as 32 teams vie for top honours in the Kares One Guyana T10 Blast.

The tournament is set for seven venues in Georgetown.

One of the grounds will be the Police Sports Club, where Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, will do a ceremonial bowl-off at 08:40hrs.

The other grounds are the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda; Transport Sports

Club, Everest Cricket Club, which will host the finals, YMCA and Queen’s College.

The team captains all expressed confidence in doing well, noting they had been long in preparation for the event.

This year, the tournament has 32 teams, coming from all regions except Region Nine.

More so, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the tournament’s patron, recently recommitted his support for the tournament, noting that it is an

event that will bring many people together from varying communities under the ‘One Guyana’ banner.

The President also unveiled the specially made hand-crafted winner’s trophy.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips was also present, and he, too, pledged his support towards the tournament.

Several active and former national players will feature for their teams over the twoday extravaganza.

To progress to the cham-

pionship match, a team must win three matches on day one and their semi-final on day two.

They will then qualify to compete for the first prize of $1M cash and the specially crafted One Guyana Trophy.

Sponsors of the tournament are Star Rentals, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., ENet, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, Premier Insurance, Cricket Zone USA, Beacon Café, Continental Transport, Min-

istry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop, First Change Builder Inc. Impressions Inc. and Sicko Mode, 94.1 BOOM FM, Assuria Insurance, Montra Restaurant & Longue, Gafoors and Hard Rock Café.

The first-ever champions will pocket $1M, while the losing finalist will collect $300,000.

The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with

$100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.

The Most Valuable Player of the series will get a motorcycle valued at over $250,000, compliments of Assuria Insurance.

Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship match where the winning side will be rewarded $200,000, which will be donated to a charity of their choice.

Businessman Ishwar Singh hands over his support

P and P Insurance Brokers’ Kesha Ramsammy Howard hands over donation to RHTYSC Secretary, Hilbert Foster

Similar track expected today at Kensington

‘Poor batting caused Windies demise’ says Curator

By Sean Devers

On Thursday at the Kensington Oval, West Indies stumbled to their ninth consecutive defeat against India after being dismantled for 114 in 23 overs which is the lowest total and least overs faced by the home team in 50 ODIs they have played here.

At the end of the match West Indies Captain Shai Hope was not pleased with the preparation of pitch which St Lucian Curator Alton Crafton was in charge of.

Yesterday when the Guyana Chronicle visited the historic venue, the same pitch that was used for the first ODI was being repaired for today’s ‘must win’ game for the host.

West Indies has not beaten India in a ODI series in 17 years.

According to curators -- former Barbados leftarm spinner Winton Reid and Nigel Newton -- the pitch should play similar to the first ODl.

There was a bit more

grass cover and Newton predicted that the first 45 minutes should favour the seamers but after that, and although the track will produce turn, it should be good to bat on.

“If the weather is good, a team that bats properly could score 260280 on this pitch but with the early start…with the preparation moisture… the team that wins the toss should bowl first,” opined Newton.

The sweltering heat over the three days should provide a fast outfield for today’s ODI which could aid the batters.

Reid, who informed that Crafton had left yesterday, said this pitch was not the traditional hard, fast and bouncy Kensington Oval pitch.

“Bad shot selections and the inability to play the conditions and balls that turned were the main reasons for West Indies struggling to score on Thursday”

“While the Indian spinners (Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav) were very good, the poor

batting by the West Indies made them (spinners) look unplayable,” said Reid, who took 205 wickets from 58 First-Class games between 1996-1999.

He further explained that Yadav is a left-arm spinner and three of his four wickets were tail enders not equipped to deal with that type of bowling.

Most of the batters were dismissed due to poor shot selection.

Even Hope, who was playing very well in his 43, played an ill-advised reverse sweep and was LBW to end the home team’s resistance.

With the changing of the pitch out of their control, if West Indies hopes to keep the series alive, they will have to make some changes in the team.

Yesterday, at their ‘net’ session, it was confirmed that all of the players are fit and ready for today.

West Indies could replace Romario Shepherd with the genuinely quick Alzarri Joseph to provide extra ‘bite’ to the pace attack while giving Kevin

Sinclair, who was surprisingly left out of the first ODI, a run today.

Hope could open the batting today and allow the others to bat around him while Hetymer could be asked to bat higher.

In the first ODI, India,

Digicel Schools Football 2023…

chasing a small target, allowed their young guns to spend some time in the middle and chase down the target as quickly as possible.

Today, a much larger crowd is anticipated and most of them would

West Indies had a net session yesterday

love to see Virat Kholi bat while Rohit Sharma could open.

This would be ideal preparations for the Asia Cup and the World Cup in India in October.

Round of thirty-two begins today

All roads will lead to Carifesta Avenue today when the Digicel Schools Football tournament commences the National championships with round of thirty-two action.

Following the com-

petition of the regional finals, the Ministry of Education ground and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) ground will play host to this weekend’s action.

In the first game at the NIS ground, Dol -

phin Secondary will play Brickdam Secondary from 12:00hrs with Friendship Secondary and West Ruimveldt battling at 14:00hrs.

Marian Academy and Charity Secondary will lock horns at

16:00hrs

Over at the Ministry of Education ground, Tucville Secondary will come up against Bartica Secondary from noon with Vryman's Erven Secondary playing Waramuri from

14:00hrs.

President`s College will come up against St. Ignatius Secondary from 16:00hrs with Kato Secondary and Carmel Secondary playing at 18:00.

On Thursday, Bar-

tica beat D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary 4-0 for the region 7 title thanks to goals from Reon Hall (4th), Ian Gomes (17th and 50th) and Reizer Reid (71st).