Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-11-2023

ICJ to rule Friday on Guyana’s request for provisional measures

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‘We practise no acts of discrimination’

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- Prime Minister Phillips affirms; outlines Guyana’s inclusive development agenda, vision to IACHR

Work ongoing to add additional power to the grid

These Ministry of Public Works photos depict ongoing civil works that will support the 17 generator sets which were procured by the PPP/C Government to add 28.9MW to GPL’s grid

‘The Rule of Law and justice will prevail’ SEE PAGE

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- AG says ahead of ICJ’s Friday ruling on Guyana’s request for provisional measures

Guyana remains open for business - Dr. Singh tells British Trade Mission, says previous missions have recorded great success

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US Army, Guyana Defence Force strengthen military partnership SEE PAGE

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Essequibo belongs to Guyana! This is part of a series of information on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and forms part of the national education campaign on this topic: In 2014, Guyana approached the United Nations Secretary-General indicating that the good offices process was yielding no result and requested that he choose another means of settlement under the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Having agreed to give the good offices process in 2017, one final year and if no satisfactory solution could be reached, he would refer the matter to the International Court of Justice, the Secretary General in January 2018, informed the Parties that he had determined that the matter should be settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Guyana then filed the matter in the Court on March 29, 2018, asking that it determine that the 1899 Arbitrary Award is valid and binding on both Parties.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

‘We practise no acts of discrimination’

- Prime Minister Phillips affirms; outlines Guyana’s inclusive development agenda, vision to IACHR

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, met with a visiting delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), at the Office of the Prime Minister on Camp Street, on Wednesday (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, met with a visiting delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), at his Camp Street office, on Wednesday.

The IACHR representatives were led by President, Commissioner Margarette May Macaulay and included Second Vice-President Commissioner Roberta Clarke; Senior Advisor, Caribbean Affairs, Paul Spencer; Specialist (Technical Cooperation and Public Policies), Wendy Singh, and Press and Communications Official, Ana Paula Suarez.

In briefing the Acting Head of State on their visit, Commissioner Macaulay outlined that the visit represents a vital element of the IACHR’s regional engagement approach initiated in January 2023.

Since then, the commission has pursued technical cooperation trips focused on best practices and evaluating human rights challenges from governmental and civil society lenses. The objectives are to establish cooperation agreements, prioritise ratifying rights instruments and deliver training on the Inter-American framework.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Phillips underscored Guyana’s consti-

tutional commitments to safeguarding the rights of all citizens equally. He stated: “I can assure you that we have a constitution – the Guyana Constitution – and enshrined in our constitution is the respect for rights of all majorities and minorities in the Guyanese society.

“As a Government, we practise no acts of discrimination".

The Prime Minister outlined the administration’s comprehensive policies and strategies pertaining to the foundational pillars of inclusiveness and non-discrimination across all rights.

This encompasses Indigenous peoples’ rights, protections for the elderly and persons living with disabilities among other minority and majority groups.

“So, we have respect for human rights, respect for the rule of law, both international law and laws indigenous to Guyana. Inclusivity is very important.

“We have a country of six different ethnic groups, so, the whole issue of being inclusive is important to us. Our government, in our manifesto, we made it clear that once we win this election, we don't care who you voted for, we are bringing development to everyone, every community,” the Prime Minister said.

Emphasis was also placed on the govern-

ment’s prioritisation of three key policy areas – climate security, energy security and food security.

On climate security, he stressed Guyana’s acute vulnerability to intensifying climate-change impacts and the resultant need to boost resilience and preparedness capabilities. Accessing climate adaptation funding was also raised as essential for infrastructure hardening and community readiness systems.

Regarding energy security, the Prime Minister noted balanced policy goals aligned with both energy security and climate security interests.

This includes working towards 60% renewable energy integration by 2030, alongside the utilisation of natural gas as a transitional fuel source.

On food security, he said Guyanese strive to become the leader in food security in the region with its increase in production and productivity for sustainability. He also noted the regional challenges related to food security and CARICOM's effort to decrease food imports by 25% by 2025. Domestically, a hunger-free population was listed as a key human rights aim underpinning the country’s central food security policy ambitions.

He also discussed the policies and efforts to bridge the divide of Information and Commu-

nication Technology with education and e-health.

The Acting President stated that the IACHR's visit will galvanise accelerated progress across the outlying areas to bring

Guyana’s institutions and policies up to date with the latest human rights standards and best practices.

The broader IACHR delegation engagements in Guyana will run from

November 28 to December 1. Additionally, Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan will soon become the first Guyanese member appointed to the IACHR in January 2024.

In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching ICJ seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

Venezuela, taking a defiant stance, initially claimed that the ICJ lacked jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the World Court in a crucial ruling in December 2020. The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the merits of the substantive case.

Recent developments have heightened the geopolitical situation, as Venezuela, through its National Electoral Council, unveiled plans for a “Consultative Referendum” on Decem-

ber 3.

Guyana is contending that this move is a thinly veiled attempt by Venezuela to gather support for abandoning the ongoing ICJ proceedings, and unilaterally assert control over the Essequibo region.

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, has expressed her nation’s complete disregard for the ICJ’s authority in addressing the border controversy. The substantive case which highlights the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the World Court.

ICJ to rule Friday on Guyana’s request for provisional measures

THE International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver its ruling this Friday, December 1, 2023, on Guyana’s request for provisional measures to prevent Venezuela from proceeding with its planned referendum in its current form, which contains questions that threaten Guyana’s territorial integrity.

The court, situated at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, issued notices on Tuesday morning indicating that Justice Joan E. Donoghue, President of the ICJ, will announce the orders during a public hearing.

The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between the then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite the historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela repeatedly challenging the validity of the award.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

‘The Rule of Law and justice will prevail’ - AG says ahead of ICJ’s Friday ruling on Guyana’s request for provisional measures

By Clestine Juan WITH the International Court of Justice (ICJ) scheduled to hand down its ruling on Friday regarding Guyana's request for provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that would result in the annexation of Guyana’s territory, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C., has expressed confidence that “justice will prevail”.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, Nandlall said that the decision to approach the ICJ for interim measures was not taken lightly, but was the result of careful consideration and legal advice from a distinguished team of international lawyers.

He pointed out that the legal guidance received indicated “a compelling case” for securing the sought-after orders.

“The Government of

Guyana remains optimistic that the Rule of Law and justice will prevail. We are confident that appropriate orders will be made that will not only protect our territorial sovereignty, but will also protect the integrity of the legal proceedings, which will continue to remain pending in the court even after this ruling Friday,” Nandlall told this newspaper.

The Attorney-General highlighted that the ICJ has a duty to safeguard the integrity and sanctity of proceedings pending before it.

He expressed confidence that the court would not allow actions that could undermine its own process, especially concerning a party involved in an ongoing litigation.

“It is inconceivable that the court will stand idly by and allow a party to litigation which is pending before the court to take steps that will not only affect the

pending litigation, but will undermine the court's own process,” Nandlall said.

The Attorney-General, who is currently in Aruba attending the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force conference, appealed to citizens to remain optimistic, calm, and not to panic.

He reaffirmed the importance of avoiding irresponsible actions that could be detrimental to national interests, regardless of the ruling.

“Whatever the ruling may be, it will not bring [to an end] the controversy, and therefore the government will continue to resolutely do all things possible to ensure our territorial integrity is guarded, and our people are safe.

“This remains of our government's unwavering commitment until this matter is put to rest,” Nandlall assured the nation.

The ICJ, situated at the Peace Palace in The Hague, in The Netherlands, issued notices on Tuesday morning indicating that Justice Joan E. Donoghue, the President of the ICJ, will announce the orders during a public hearing.

The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between the then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite the historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela repeatedly challenging the validity of the award.

In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

Venezuela, taking a defiant stance, initially claimed that the ICJ lacked jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the World Court in a crucial ruling in December 2020. The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the substantive case’s merits.

Recent developments have heightened the geopolitical situation, as Venezuela, through its National Electoral Council, unveiled plans for a “Consultative Referendum” on December 3.

Guyana contends that this move is a thinly veiled

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

attempt by Venezuela to gather support for abandoning the ongoing ICJ proceedings, and unilaterally assert control over the Essequibo region.

Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez has expressed her nation’s com-

plete disregard for the ICJ’s authority in addressing the border controversy.

The substantive case, which highlights the historical context and the 1899 Arbitral Award, remains before the World Court.

All local ‘rights commissions’ affirm Guyana’s ownership of the Essequibo The following is the full text of a statement from the Ethnic Relations Commission: “THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and all rights commissions, in unison, endorse the national message that “Essequibo Belongs to Guyana.”

All Guyanese, across the diverse demographics of our country, maintain one position in unity and reject Venezuela’s claim to Guyana's territory, Essequibo.

We join with all other national, regional, and international partners to reject Venezuela’s attempts to disregard the judicial process before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which will resolve Venezuela’s question of the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

The sister Commissions are of the firm conviction that the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award is valid and further maintains that the award was a 'full, perfect and final settlement.'

Our Commissions, support Guyana's national position, which is commensurate with adherence to International Rule of Law and the ongoing judicial process at the ICJ. This is the only means of resolution that will ensure peace, harmony, and good relations.

F u r t h e r m o re , o u r Commissions reiterate the sentiment of our regional neighbours to maintain the status quo of a peaceful and secure hemisphere. We are a united Guyana, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Guyana remains open for business

- Dr. Singh tells British Trade Mission; says previous missions have recorded great success SENIOR Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Wednesday, welcomed and assured another visiting British Trade Mission currently in Guyana seeking investment and business opportunities, that Guyana remains open for business with its rapidly growing economy.

The Minister was at the time meeting with the group of British entrepreneurs led

by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

The Mission is a collaborative effort between the British High Commission, the Caribbean Council, the British Chamber of Commerce and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), with the aim of increasing trade and investment between the United Kingdom and Guyana.

“This level of interest by international companies in Guyana is not new and it is not surprising. It reflects the recognition across the world and across companies worldwide of the opportunities that exist in Guyana in a rapidly growing economy.

“We in Guyana, remain open for business, we welcome companies from around the world investing in Guyana and doing business in Guyana, and with Guyanese companies, and in this regard, it is my privilege to welcome the companies that are represented here to share with them a little about recent economic developments and economic prospects ahead in Guyana,” Dr. Singh told the Mission.

The Senior Finance Minister, while also addressing the media, updated the visiting Mission about some of the sectors in the country currently ripe for investment

and business opportunities, adding that previous Missions had already recorded an extremely strong success rate with the British High Commissioner.

Some 50 per cent of the companies in previous British Trade Missions have already concluded at least one transaction in Guyana and are doing business in the country.

“That is a phenomenal success rate,” Dr. Singh posited, adding: “Here again, that does not come as a surprise to me. It reflects the phenomenal level of business opportunities here in Guyana….and we look forward to productive engagements with them over the next couple of days.

“I will say too that an important part of their visit to Guyana will be beyond the conversations with government representatives like myself, direct engagements with the private sector-what we call the business-to-business segment because ultimately the real business is going to be done when they speak with their counterparts and potential counterparts in Guyana.”

Guyana and the United Kingdom have a longstanding relationship grounded in diplomatic and political ties as well as economic ties through investment and trade, people and culture. Under President Ali’s One Guyana vision, the government is also committed to leveraging the skills and investment potential of the Guyana Diaspora in the United Kingdom as it continues to implement its aggressive development agenda.

Guyana has already collaborated with the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund with the latter providing US$66 million towards the US$190 million Linden to Mabura road project.

The two-lane highway

Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Wednesday, welcomed and assured another visiting British Trade Mission currently in Guyana seeking investment and business opportunities, that Guyana remains open for business with its rapidly growing economy

between Linden and Mabura Hill forms part of the arterial link between Linden and the Lethem Highway and links Georgetown to the Brazilian border. Additionally, through the UK Export Finance (UKEF) the Government of Guyana is constructing a pediatric and maternal hospital.

The building and equipping of the state-of-the-art hospital will cost 149 million pounds.

Meanwhile, co-operation

programmes/projects between Guyana and the UK also include the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, the Lethem hospital, the Leonora Cottage Hospital, the Mabaruma Hospital and the Paramakatoi Hospital.

As of November 9, 2022, through collaboration between the two countries, Guyanese have been able to visit the UK visa-free.

President, Dr. Irfaan

Ali had stressed as well during announcement of this waiver on visas that the two governments aim to further expand bilateral relations with the hope of furthering investments, including expansion of

Guyana’s tourism market. British Airways also commenced flights twice weekly to and from Guyana in March this year as part of the increased collaboration.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Guyana’s leadership

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has left for Dubai, United Arab Emirates to participate in the Conference of Parties (COP).

This is the 28th such conference of leaders hosted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Guyana is expected to push climate financing, forest incentives and its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LDCS). It will also cochair the group of forested countries in the Commonwealth in providing guidance on the environment. The President will

be joined by other senior government officials including Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

According to Dr. Jagdeo, Guyana, as an emerging oil-producing country, has to its advantage good and strong credentials, and has already solicited the support of the international community to address issues it will be advancing.

Guyana, as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) shares the concerns of vulnerability due to changing weather patterns resulting in rising sea levels. This is indeed

a serious issue which has had devastating consequences for the region.

Guyana, not so long ago, suffered from some of the worst floods in its recent history and all measures to reduce carbon emissions will be fully advocated and embraced. The call for adaptation funding and compensation for loss and damage is high on the CARICOM agenda.

But, as noted by Dr. Jagdeo, while Guyana is supportive of the CARICOM agenda, it will also push for the richer countries to make good on their promises for increased climate-relat-

ed funding. The push is for the world to deliver on the right incentives globally to allow for a targeted reduction in carbon emission levels to the desired level.

Guyana has already benefitted from the sale of carbon credits which in turn is utilised to support the country's developmental efforts, with particular emphasis on the development of indigenous communities.

Guyana, it will be recalled, has already received the first tranche from the sale of 30 per cent of forest carbon at a minimum cost of $750 million of which $22.5

million was given to 242 communities. The remainder of the money remains in the government's coffers to be used for adaptation funding.

According to Dr. Jagdeo: “We intend to pursue our views vigorously and we have a good example; we are one of the few countries that has an LCDS and the biggest forest deal in the world;we have a robust and good quality carbon. We have the only international jurisdictional certification for forests...so we go to COP with great credibility. We go to COP as an emerging oil producer

but one that still supports reduction in fossil fuel subsidies; we go to COP with a call for early disbursements. We believe in new technology that should reduce the carbon footprint of activities in the oil and gas sector.”

The contributions of Guyana and the strong advocacy role on climate mitigation measures by President Ali and Vice-President Jagdeo at the COP are indeed commendable.

Guyana and the entire world stands to benefit enormously from their inputs.

Dr. Henry Jeffrey has it wrong again

Dear Editor,

IT is regrettable that Dr. Henry Jeffrey has published yet another letter to the editor that is full of elementary errors and racialised exhortations.

This is quite regrettable in a time when there is a foreign enemy masquerading at our front gate.

Instead of authoring a piece conducive to national unity, the former PPP Minister opted to dig up old bones and reassemble them in ways that give

succor to his racialised incantations.

Dr. Jeffrey’s first error is that he thinks that the Guyana-Venezuela matter before the ICJ is a bilateral matter. Nothing could be further from the truth.

An MA thesis done at CUNY by Aaron Homer (2018) correctly characterises Venezuela’s “predilection for bilateral negotiations” versus Guyana’s insistence for a “judicial solution” through the ICJ. The ICJ is the quintessential multilateral institution

in the modern state system, and certainly in the current world order.

Jeffrey’s next jeopardy concerns the PPP’s supposed ethnic ideology. It is more than an error. It is more like plunge in a black hole where truth, as is the case with matter, has no possibility of survival.

The case of ethnic ideology is built bizarrely on an ancient letter written by Cheddi Jagan in 1951. In that letter to the Czechoslovak Communist Party, Dr. Jagan belted out some

political positions popular in anti-colonial struggles.

There is no mention of race. None. Yet, Jeffrey massages the document into a racial text despite the complete absence of anything resembling race.

Those who study linguistics, semiotics, and grammatology (the latter in the sense used by Derrida) know that signs are constituted by linking a signifier with a signified, and that the sign, therefore, is arbitrary. Signs are invented.

They take on further meaning through communicative investments, that is, by someone loading up the sign with their own representations.

Instead of responding to Robin Singh’s characterisation of LFS Burnham based on the history of that era, he chose to convert Jagan’s anti-imperialism into anti-African racism.

This is nothing short of an intellectual swindle and it should be condemned.

This racially tinged bullyism has no place in Guy-

ana today.

Finally, let me say that to try and blame Burnham or Jagan for what Maduro is doing is ridiculous.

It is time to treat the historical record with some intellectual decency. To label the critique of Burnham’s authoritarianism as racist, is the equivalent to those who equate the critique of Netanyahu as anti-Semitic!

Sincerely, Dr. Randy Persaud

Guyana’s road to COP28 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

— how is this trailblazer in forest conservation providing leadership at a global climate conference?

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

By Naomi Parris GUYANA’S vast forest cover and its increasing efforts to preserve this natural patrimony have attracted the attention of world leaders, who are now looking to this South American nation to provide a blueprint for action against climate change.

Boasting over 87 per cent of standing forest, Guyana is one of the most heavily forested countries in South America, and most recently, the country has been standing on the forefront of efforts to confront the global phenomenon, with many leaders looking to adopt the country’s methods and craft solutions of their own, based on established principles.

This week, the country’s leaders, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo will lead a delegation of experts who will demonstrate the country’s environmental stewardship at this year’s 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai.

“Our leadership will be on show at COP28, as Guyana will be given a pavilion in which many of the leaders across the world and from important international and regional organisations, will be taking part in academic, theoretical, and practical discourse on issues of climate change, the environment and forest,” President Ali told reporters at a recent press conference.

WHAT IS COP28 AND GUYANA’S ROLE IN THIS MAJOR CONFER-

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in conversation at the University of Guyana's Turkeyen campus (Delano Williams photo)

change poses to the country and its resources.

Threats such as extreme dry weather, the rise in sea levels, as well as flooding are among the threats posed to countries, and more financing will be needed to implement combative and sustainable measures.

ENCE? For those who may not know, COP28 is the meeting of the group of 198 countries that have signed the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place in the United Arab Emirates from today to December 12, 2023.

With climate change being ranked among the top 10 threats in the world, the conference will see leaders vigorously examining strategies to tackle climate change and managing the impacts of a warming planet.

This year, Guyana will be among the most vibrant voices at the conference, presenting its strategies in balancing its environmental stewardship and its oil and gas resources, through its Low Carbon Development Strategy and the monetisation of its standing forest through the sale of carbon

credits.

“What we are doing and how we are presenting this leadership has allowed us to capture the attention of various stakeholder across the world,” Dr. Ali said.

Guyana's participation in COP28 extends beyond representation. President Ali highlighted that the LCDS will be presented as a development tool at various engagements with other leaders.

This, he further said, is aimed at encouraging the adoption of sustainable development models that prioritise environmental protection.

MORE FINANCING FOR FORESTS Aside from the country’s low carbon strategy, its recent sales of carbon credits will also take centre stage, Vice-President Jagdeo said.

In December 2022, the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) issued the world’s first TREES credits to Guyana.

This marked a milestone, as it was the first time a country was issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliance carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation — a process known as jurisdictional REDD+.

Following the completion of an independent validation and verification process and approval by the ART Board of Directors, ART issued 33.47 million TREES credits to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020.

This paved the way for a historic agreement between Hess Corporation and the Government of Guyana, whereby the oil giants opted

to purchase about one-third of all Guyana’s credits (issued and anticipated) up to 2030.

In simpler terms, Guyana was able to earn money from its standing forest which stores 19.6 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide.

The massive agreement will see the country earning a minimum of US$750 million over the coming decade.

“We go to COP as an emerging oil producer, but one that still supports reduction in fossil fuel subsidies; we go to COP with a call for early disbursements. We believe in new technology that should reduce the carbon footprint of activities in the oil and gas sector,” the Vice-President said.

However, the county will be lobbying for more financing. But it’s not just about more money, it’s about the increasing threat climate

I N T E R N AT I O N A L SUPPORT The leaders of Guyana are not the only ones who believe climate financing should be increased.

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair, during a recent visit to Guyana had shared that it is his hope that COP28 will see global leaders advancing a framework that provides the necessary funding to players such as Guyana in the climate-change fight.

“I hope that this COP comes out with a significant and improved framework whereby the developed world realises its job is to help that process of financing the energy transition in the energy world,” Blair said in an engagement with President Ali back in August, when the two discussed Guyana’s role in the global climate front.

He said: “I hope that this COP comes out with a significant and improved framework, whereby the developed world realises its job is to help that process of financing the energy transition in the energy world.”

According to Blair, as development continues particularly in America, Europe and in Southeast Asia, combined emissions could be roughly 20 per cent by 2030.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Mr. Ralph Ramkarran’s incredible, unbelievable revelation

I CANNOT believe what Mr. Ralph Ramkarran wrote last week in his blog titled Conversation Tree. If it is true, then I believe every person in the world, not only in Guyana would frown on that reality.

As a lawyer and a home-owner, Mr. Ramkarran would be aware of what he writes. You feel you do not want to believe him. But he may be right.

He noted that since 1980, he has been paying the same rates and taxes to the City Council and that is at the same level that his father paid. That means that rates and taxes have not been increased over 60 years. Is that true? And if it is true then the reality is surreal.

Every conceivable thing; and I mean everything from a mango, banana, tooth brush, vehicle, stove, fridge, plot of land, bicycle, car insurance, medical and legal services, tuition fees, cinema ticket, clothes, house rent, etc…, the past 60 years have gone up. I repeat, everything in life, in the entire world, has gone up over the past 60 years.

Water in your home was

free; it isn’t anymore. I was a fee-paying freshman at UG in 1974, the cost for education since my time has been elevated by thousands of percent. My daughter was born with teeth out of line. You would not believe how much we paid to fix it.

I went to do cataract surgery at a private hospital. After the detection of cataract, the date was fixed for the operation, then as I was about to come out of the ophthalmologist’s chair, he said he detected something in the eye that would need laser application before I do the surgery. He did it there and then. It lasted three minutes.

Maybe you don’t believe the time frame. It was three minutes and I paid $72,000. Now if three minutes cost me $72,000, do you want to know how much the actual cataract surgery cost? I won’t reveal the figure because you are going to describe me a wealthy person when in fact I am a church mouse. How could any country allow home owners to pay the same rates and taxes as they did in 1970?

It is just impossible for that situation to still exist. I am a

home-owner and I would not like for an increase in rates and taxes to be a burden on me, but fundamental decency in the human, the possession of a conscience in a human would not allow me to oppose an increase in rates and taxes for Georgetown. No decent person who goes through life with moral standards should oppose such an increase.

What the City Council, the Local Government Commission and the Guyana Government should do is to implement a means-test when an increase is decided on so lower income folks and pensioners are not burdened. But an increase should find acceptance from every citizen in Guyana.

Mr. Ramkarran noted that both the City Council and the government do not want to antagonise ‘Georgetowners’ by raising rates and taxes. This does not make sense to me. All the people who reside in Georgetown have seen fantastic rise in the prices of things they have used over the past 65 years, so why would they be antagonised if rates and taxes are included?

‘Georgetowners’ pay far more for goods and services in every conceivable realm the past 40 years. Why would hiking rates and taxes get them angry?

There should be a meeting of the mind between City Council and the Guyana Government to eradicate this abominable aberration. The key route is to take consultation as wide as possible. The list should include

the three arms of business administration— Private Sector Commission, Guyana Manufacturing Association, Chamber of Commerce— the opposition parties not only the major PNC, the trade union movement, real estate groups, and civil society organisations.

Could there be a situation where a stakeholder would say that they do not accept an in-

crease in rates and taxes which, according to Mr. Ramkarran has been at the same level since the 1970s. Can one justify denying an increase in rates and taxes? I can see one instance- rate-payers saying that City Council will go on a spending spree.

The City Council has a terrible track record. The site and sight on Merriman Mall at Bourda where Church Street meets Vlissengen Road is testimony to the massive failure of the City Council. However, no berating of City Council could justify a rejection of increase of rates and taxes. I end with reference to my column of Sunday, January 31, 2021 in which the mayor and deputy told me that over 50 per cent of property owners do not pay rates and taxes.

‘We wil not invade a country we share a border with’

- Venezuelan MP says; announces there is no intention to go to war with Guyana VENEZUELAN Member of Parliament Jacobo Torres has said that his country will not go to war with Guyana, although there has been heightened aggression from the Bolivarian Republic as the border controversy continues.

One of Venezuela’s latest moves is the announcement of a proposed referendum on Guyana’s Essequibo set for December 3.

However, Guyana has sought provisional measures from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent the referendum, citing concerns about questions that could threaten its territorial integrity. The ICJ is scheduled to hand down its ruling on Friday, December 1 at 10:00 hrs (local time).

During a panel discussion at Trinidad’s Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies on Monday, Torres shared his perspectives on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, noting: “We will not go to war! We will not invade a country, especially one we share a border with.”

Torres said that the Caribbean and Latin American region must remain a “zone of peace”, and must express resistance from external influences and other “forces”.

“We will not go to war; we will not fall into provocation! We are a people of dialogue; we are a peaceful people! We will not invade a country, especially one we share a border with,” Torres affirmed.

Recently, Venezuela’s opposition candidate for the 2024 presidential elections María Corina Machado has

Venezuelan politician Jacobo Torres

called for the suspension of the referendum.

In a statement released on her official ‘X’ (Twitter) page, Machado asserted, “Sovereignty is exercised; not consulted,” expressing her opposition to the scheduled move.

“The referendum on Essequibo must be suspended,” Machado said as she characterised the mechanism as a “distraction” amid the challenging Venezuelan political, economic, and social climate leading up to the 2024 presidential elections.

She maintained: “It is an error that not only does not contribute to the defence of our territory, but can also harm us in our defence in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”

The international community and regional stakeholders have called for respect of the judicial process, and they have supported Guyana’s stance in the matter.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has remained steadfast in its support of Guyana amidst the border controversy with Venezuela, and has made it clear that the region must remain “a zone of peace”.

Recently, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Dr. Keith Rowley, and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that CARICOM has always been in support of Guyana’s territorial integrity.

Gonsalves said the ongoing controversy between Venezuela and Guyana is an old one, and that Guyana bases its position on the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Gonsalves said: “CARICOM has always defended the territorial inviolability of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that CARICOM has issued a very strong statement in support of Guyana.

She said that while she stated some weeks back that in spite of the controversy, Venezuela is a friend of the region as well, she would wish to see the region remain one of peace.

Mottley related that this statement has incited condemnation; however, she added: “I have come to public life to promote peace; not division.”

She went on to add that Guyana’s position has been strong and unwavering, and this position has been one that is backed by the region.

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Border controversy: Gov’t will not allow any unlawful act in Essequibo or any part of Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

— says Minister Benn

By Cindy Parkinson AS tensions between Georgetown and Caracas rise, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn has made it explicitly clear that the Government of Guyana will not tolerate any unlawful act in any part of Guyana, including the Essequibo region which is being claimed by Venezuela.

The current state of affairs between the two nations was recently discussed by the minister in a radio interview with the Antigua and Barbuda media.

While expressing the seriousness of the situation, Minister Benn shared the government’s concerns regarding the nature of the December 3 referendum.

On October 23, 2023, the Government of Venezuela, through its National Electoral Council, published a list of five questions that it plans to put before the Venezuelan people in a ‘Consultative Referendum’ on December 3.

These questions are: Do you agree to reject, by all means, in accordance with the law the line fraudulently imposed by the Paris Arbitration Award of 1899 that seeks to deprive us of our Guayana Esequiba?

Do you support the 1966 Geneva Agreement as the only valid legal instrument to reach a practical and satisfactory solution for Venezuela and Guyana regarding the controversy over the territory of Guayana Esequiba?

Do you agree with Venezuela’s historical position of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy over Guayana Esequiba?

Do you agree to oppose by all means in accordance with the law Guyana’s claim to unilaterally dispose of a sea pending delimitation illegally and in violation of international law?

Do you agree with the creation of the Guayana Esequiba state and the development of an accelerated plan for the comprehensive care of the current and future population of that territory that

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn

includes, among others, the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory?

Minister Benn in his comments explained that it appears as though the desire of Venezuelans to cast ballots is igniting personal feelings about the matter. He clarified that there has never been a move to excite people on an individual level, despite the fact that Venezuela has shown on their map that since the 1960s, Essequibo belonged to them.

“What the Maduro regime seems to be doing now is reaching out to people by way of a vote. We think that this excites visceral, emotional passions on the matter and puts the overall issue of the controversy in a different light. Secondly, they are saying that if they vote, they agree that after December 3, they are prepared to issue Venezuelan nationality by way of ID cards and other documents to the Guyanese living in Essequibo, making them Venezuelans overnight,” Minister Benn related.

According to Minister Benn, this development is cause for concern as it undermines the process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is supported by the United Nations (UN).

“If they may or perhaps will vote on accepting the five questions, it would mean that aside from already ignoring the ICJ process, if

they take action by issuing new Venezuelan ID cards to Essequibians, our Guyanese people, that will create problems,” he added.

CLEAR POSITION With respect to the ICJ bringing the controversy to a peaceful conclusion, Minister Benn said that the Government of Guyana’s position is noticeably clear, that is, it will not allow any unlawful act to be done in Essequibo or in Guyana as a whole.

Minister Benn expressed hope that when Guyana’s request for provisional measures regarding the referendum comes up in a few days, the ICJ will hand down a favourable ruling.

He said: “The larger ICJ process may perhaps take from 18 months to two years to come to a resolution of the controversy. We speak of a controversy and not a dispute because we insist that the 1899 Arbitral Award finally settled the borders between what was then British Guiana, now Guyana, and Venezuelan territories. Those countries then accepted and participated in a joint demarcation exercise of the boundaries that stand to this day.”

CARICOM SUPPORT When asked whether he believes that Guyana has the support of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Minister Benn in his response said that he is confident that that support is there.

“Certainly, we know that we have the support of the CARICOM countries. The

CARICOM secretariat issued a statement on October 25 in respect of the matter, and recently, a week ago, in St.

Lucia, I was given the full opportunity… to speak at sessions that we had with the United Kingdom (UN), the United States (US), the European Union, and the CARICOM leaders in respect of this matter. We do have the full and unwavering support of the CARICOM and CARICOM state,” he emphasised.

He added that the US has also taken a stand with Guyana.

“The United States has a position on this matter, and that resides in the original award, which is the 1899 Arbitral Award.

We have had very good relations with the United States, and their firms have expressed their interests in Guyana, particularly

ExxonMobil with the discovery of oil recently. They are very much aware of the geopolitical disruption that will result if there is a change in the boundaries or any attempts, military or otherwise, by Venezuela which will disrupt the overall architecture, sovereignty, and territorial integrity throughout South America and Central America. So yes, the United States is with us on this issue, as are the other countries. We are confident of the support that we have, and the more support we expect to get from countries both in South America, in Europe, in North America, and of course in the Caribbean,” the minister said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Skeldon Market fire was electrical – GFS

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS)’s preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire that destroyed a section of the Skeldon Market originated from an electric fan that was left plugged-in in one of the stalls.

In a statement, the GFS said that the fan became overheated and subsequently ignited nearby flammable materials.

“A fire, electrical in nature, erupted on the east southern side of the Skeldon Municipal Market in Corriverton, Berbice on November 27, 2023, at approximately 06:45hrs, causing significant damage,” the GFS said, adding: “Upon receiving the distress call, Fire Tender No.101 from Corriverton, and Fire Tender 110 from Rose Hall, led by Station Officer Minty and four other ranks, swiftly responded to the scene. Their

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud; Regional Chairman David Armogan; Regional Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussein; Regional Executive Officer Narendra Persaud; and Mayor of Corriverton Imran Amin at the fire scene on Monday night

prompt action ensured that the fire was contained and extinguished.”

“The Guyana Fire Service successfully managed to quell the flames, but the

aftermath indicates the destruction of two stalls and damage to several others.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are diligently working to determine

the full extent of the incident and take necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” the statement added.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud; Regional Chairman David Armogan; Regional Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussein; and Regional Executive Officer (REO) Narendra Persaud visited the grocery and clothing section to access the damage and listen to concerns of the affected vendors.

Minister Singh related that upon the completion of the fire investigation, a technical team will be deployed to the area, and subsequently works will be undertaken to ensure that the affected area becomes functional at the earliest opportunity.

“Our instruction is once the fire service has completed their investigations, and once they confirm that the area is safe for civilian entry, we will have a technical team assess what is needed as an immediate intervention to restore the structure’s integrity and, in particular, to fix the roof and do other core and essential repairs to make sure that section can be brought into use once again. We want to make sure that people can return to their stalls, to resume doing business as quickly as possible. We know that it’s the Christmas season and we know how important it is

to start back business. Their livelihood depends on accessing their stalls and being able to transact business here and of course Skeldon Market is very important market critical to the economic and commercial life of the area,” he said.

He also commended the fire officials for their prompt and effective response, which prevented the blaze from destroying the entire market.

“First of all, we have to be very grateful [for] no loss of life and no injury because the safety of our people is of the foremost priority. There

business, we would need to ensure the structural integrity of that section of the market is restored and it is once again safe to do business,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor of Corriverton Imran Amin on Tuesday revealed that as of today, business at the market will resume except for the area that was affected by the fire.

He urged persons to be careful when traversing the area and to not breach the cordoned area as doing this could result in mishaps.

Amin further disclosed

A section of the area that was destroyed

were no causalities and no injuries. I believe the fire service has to be commended for the swiftness of their response... Our first priority was to keep people safe, of course we need to ensure that people continue to be kept safe and so before people are able to return to that section of that market to do

that vendors were allowed to access their stalls on Tuesday.

The fire left several vendors counting millions of dollars in losses. As the fire raged, many vendors tried to salvage their goods and in so doing, a large portion received water damage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

US Army, Guyana Defence Force strengthen military partnership

T H E l e a d e r s h i p f ro m the United States Army First Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) met November 2728, as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military to military partnership.

According to a press release from the US embassy, the US and Guyana defence forces discussed upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries' military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.

The SFAB is a specialised unit of the US Army established to advise and assist partner nations. Since 2022, the SFAB has conducted sev-

eral joint training exercises with the GDF to strengthen their capacity and capability at the tactical and operational

levels.

The SFAB Advisers stated: “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the

GUYANA is currently at an advanced stage of discussion with its Surinamese counterparts in relation to the building of the Corentyne River Bridge which will link Guyana and Suriname.

This is according to Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, during an event in the region over the weekend.

Reminding of the numerous infrastructural developments taking place nationwide, which continue to transform the architectural landscape of the country, the minister apprised residents of the developments underway in Region Six and the exciting opportunities that they are slated to create.

“We are at an advanced stage of discussions with our Surinamese counterparts. We have already done a public international tender and we have received bids. The bids are currently under an evaluation process in partnership with Suriname,” Minister

Singh stated.

In October, 2023, two companies, the Dutch engineering company, Ballast Nedam and Chinese-owned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) submitted proposals to build the bridge over the Corentyne River to link Guyana and Suriname.

Meanwhile, highlighting the importance of the bridge, the minister said that not only will the project open new transportation avenues, but will also build on the bilateral and trading relationship between Guyana and Suriname.

“With the construction of the Corentyne Bridge, irrespective of what you produce, your market immediately extends now into Suriname, and you have the potential now to deliver your goods and services into the country,” the senior government official said.

The building of the Corentyne River Bridge, is being undertaken by the governments of Guyana and Suriname and will be con-

structed using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) model.

The project will be facilitated through a public-private partnership arrangement, which means that the successful contractor or joint venture will be responsible for its final design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance.

This bridge is also expected to spiral Guyana’s tourism sector, as new interconnected roads will be built to provide easier access to the country.

The project holds immense potential for fostering economic growth, strengthening regional integration, and improving transportation links between the two neighbouring nations.

When completed, the bridge will span the Corentyne River from South Drain in Suriname to Moleson Creek in Guyana, and is slated to have a life span of 100 years.

FLASHBACK: Caribbean and US military participate in the Tradewinds 2023 exercise at Air Station London, Timehri (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana Defence Force as our partners and friends. We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks

and months to come.”

GDF Staff Officer One General Three - Operations and Training - Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey said: “The last iteration of US military training here in Guyana has been of tremendous benefit to the Medical Corps and the four Engineers Battalion. The transfer of knowledge and expertise from our US counterparts under the auspices of the SFAB has equipped our members with invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the dynamic nature of our modern security environment.

“As we witness the positive outcomes of this training, we are confident that the benefits will be enduring, impacting not only our force's operational capabilities but

also the professional growth of individual members. The SFAB programme, with its focus on enhancing the capabilities of partner forces, is a testament to the collaborative efforts between our nations.

We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the US SFAB training on our force.”

The US and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF that is focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defence and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime.

Guyana, Suriname advance talks on construction of Corentyne River Bridge

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Tropical Shipping supports Rotary Club’s youth development, literacy initiatives

AIMING to promote youth development and literacy, the Tropical Shipping company made a sizeable donation to the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central.

In commemoration of its 40th anniversary since receiving the Charter, the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central has embarked on a series of innovative projects. This is all in keeping with the mandate of Rotary International.

According to a press release, in order to facilitate these initiatives, the club recently received a sizeable contribution from Tropical Shipping to be utilised primarily in support of projects related to youth development and literacy.

When handing over the cheque to Service Projects Director, Past President Judy Semple-Joseph, Country Manager, Glenis Hodge, said: “Tropical Shipping is proud to support initiatives that help youth to thrive. We are committed to Guyana, that is a commitment not only to our customers and their supply chain, but it is also about strengthening the communities in which we serve.

“It is, therefore, our pleasure to make this donation in support of the work of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central and their youth development initiatives, which we believe will ultimately benefit Guyana.”

While expressing appreciation for the donation, President Peter Pompey highlighted that since receiving its Charter on November 1, 1983, the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central has adopted Rotary International’s philosophy comprising a combination of rules, principles and moral codes, including its Motto of “Service Above Self.” “… With the support of partners and the public at large, the club over the years has been able to make a significant impact by undertaking and executing projects under Rotary International’s Areas of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Community Economic Development, Maternal & Child Health, Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution and Support for the Environment,” he said.

Tropical Shipping, based in Florida, is a logistics and shipping company, which this year celebrated 60 years of serving the industry, specialising in ocean transportation and has been serving Guyana for more than 28 years, with a weekly service amongst Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Suriname.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

‘We need to debunk Venezuela’s lies’ — Minister Walrond affirms; says no part of Guyana will be relinquished

In a firm and resolute message, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to resolving the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela through peaceful means, and through diplomatic and judicial channels

IN a firm and resolute message, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to resolving the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela through peaceful means, and through diplomatic and judicial channels.

Addressing her staff at a national engagement and sensitisation exercise held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Monday, Minister Walrond underscored the importance of national unity in navigating this sensitive issue.

She emphasised that the government and the opposition stand united in upholding the finality of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundaries between Guyana and Venezuela.

“In regards to our border, there is no partisan politics. We are one with this issue, with every member of every opposition party. This is one issue on which we are united and we have a united voice,” the minister posited.

She delivered a charge to Guyanese to become knowledgeable on all the facts relating to the controversy and not to be misled by misinformation being circulated online.

“As citizens we have to be armed with the

knowledge so we can counter that rhetoric. Every single day you can find about 23 tweets from the Venezuelan people.

“They are mobilised, they are one on this issue and as Guyanese we need to be too. We need to debunk the lies when we see them on social media and otherwise, and we have to be armed with the correct information in order to debunk those lies,” the minster highlighted.

In addressing the treatment of Venezuelans in Guyana, minister Walrond proffered that compassion and respect must be shown towards the migrants who are seeking better economic conditions.

“We embrace all, especially people who are facing hardship … We have done a lot as a government to integrate the migrants who have come with barely just a sack of clothes and no food.

“We integrated their children who were in school, bring them into schools here … and there is no invasion, there can be no invasion of people who are fleeing for better economic conditions,” she added.

The minister asserted that Guyana’s allies stand firm in defending Guyana’s territorial integrity and reaffirmed that Essequibo belongs to Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

STARR Computer delivers on a decadeold commitment with $39K laptop Their new online shopping platform, coupled with ongoing points redemption on new purchases, positions STARR for sustained success as they prepare to guide clients into the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial general intelligence (AGI),” he explained.

With recent structural expansions and the addition of new vendors to their

President of STARR Computer, Michael Mohan

IN a triumphant reflection on a journey that began over a decade ago, President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan, proudly announced the release of a powerful Lenovo laptop, a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to affordable computing solutions for all.

Rewinding to August 3rd, 2010, marked a pivotal moment in STARR Computer's history. Just months after recovering from a life-threatening surgery, Michael Mohan and his team set an audacious goal -- to roll out a $40,000 computer by the end of 2011.

This ambitious vision was shared with this publication in a statement that resonates with determination.

Mohan reflected that when his company made its initial investment in Guyana in 1990, it was considered by many to be an unwise business initiative.

“At that time we had major power problems in Guyana and it was felt that affordability would be an issue on the local market.

However, I saw the need for the technology. When I first saw the price at $800,000 I set myself the goal of bringing computer prices down. I knew it was possible. Within a year I saw computer prices drop by 25 per cent.”

Despite challenges, including the economic landscape and the complexities of the tech industry, STARR Computer, after two decades of operations in Guyana, successfully reduced computer prices from over $800,000 to a ground-breaking $69,000 each.

The driving force behind this mission was clear -- a commitment to finding an affordable computer solution for the low-income citizens of Guyana.

Mr. Mohan emphasised the purpose that propelled the team forward, a purpose that remained steadfast through-

out the journey.

Though the initial promise to roll out a $40,000 computer by the end of 2011 wasn't fully realised, Mr. Mohan said that STARR Computer persisted in its.

“Today, 13 years later, the company proudly introduces a more powerful Lenovo laptop priced at an astonishing $39,000. This milestone not only showcases the company's resilience but also underscores its dedication to making computing accessible for all.”

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION The new Lenovo laptop, he explained, comes complete with a one-year manufacturer's warranty, runs on a licensed Windows 10 Pro. “It introduces a versatile feature, allowing users to add a second plug-and-play monitor, facilitating video conferencing on one screen, while using other applications on the second screen. With free WiFi available in schools and government Wi-Fi hotspots across Guyana, this portable computer provides easy access to information anytime, anywhere.”

In an era where the oil and gas economy is booming, and educational demands are at an all-time high, Mohan said STARR Computer recognises the importance of every child having access to a computer for skill development.

Acknowledging that they cannot solve all problems, STARR Computer is determined to make computers affordable for all, contributing to the development of local human capital.

“STARR Computer's commitment does not end with affordable computing solutions. The company now offers a range of solutions to help businesses transition across various sectors, from Financial and Banking to Healthcare and Hospitality.

portfolio, STARR Computer invites everyone to experience a new international standard in computing solutions. The journey from a $40,000 dream to a $39,000 reality reflects not just a business milestone, but also a commitment to empowering individuals and industries in the digital age.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Venezuela’s actions threaten diplomacy, neighbourly relations – Minister Parag says

MINISTER of the Public Service, Sonia Parag, has firmly denounced Venezuela’s persistent and baseless territorial claims, emphasising the potential for these claims to undermine the foundations of democracy, diplomacy, and harmonious relations within the region.

Addressing a public awareness conference on

the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday, Minister Parag delivered remarks on behalf of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. She asserted that Venezuela’s pursuit of these claims poses a grave threat to the sanctity of international law and regional stability.

“An act like that puts

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag Students listen attentively during the public awareness conference on the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Tuesday

the entire world in limbo.

It puts the entire world in a state of confusion, or it has the potential to do that. Because, any country in any part of the world can decide that they are going to wake up tomorrow and decide, on their own, that they want to come and take a territory irrespective of the rule of law, and irrespective [of] a legal decision made by an institutional body. Where does that leave us in the world? It means that no country is safe,” she told the gathering.

Despite the definitive resolution of the border controversy nearly a century ago, Venezuela remains fixated on its unfounded claims to Guyana’s Essequibo region.

This persistent refusal to accept the finality of the 1899 Arbitral Award, as reiterated by the minister, exemplifies Venezuela’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and its contempt for international principles.

Delving into the historical context of the dispute, the minister highlighted Guyana’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful and legally binding resolution from the outset. “ We h a v e n e v e r shied away from taking a course of peace and

diplomacy, because we are that kind of country, and we will, at all times, preserve and maintain our peace for us and for the rest of the region, because we want our country to be an example to the rest of the world.

“Every single step of that Arbitral Award and process was documented. That is why we can, today, refer to all of what transpired then, because of the well-documented records,” Minister Parag added.

The conference was organised by the National Security and Intelligence Studies students of the University of the Southern Caribbean. It saw the attendance of students from various schools in Georgetown, such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI), the Bishops’ High School, Queen’s College and St. Joseph High School, as well as students from the University of Guyana, and other stakeholders.

It accompanies a host of other activities organised by both public and private sector organisations to affirm Guyana’s position on the matter, and to enhance public awareness of the historical significance of the controversy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

China firm supporter of climate cooperation; to fulfil promises at steadfast pace

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for joint efforts to break the deadly cycle of global warming on Monday local time, just days before global leaders gather in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the COP28 climate conference which will run from November 30 to December 12.

"The COP28, which will open at the end of this month, will see the first-ever global stocktake since the Paris Agreement came into effect. It will be of milestone significance," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Tuesday's routine press briefing.

China highly commends the UAE's leading role as the host of COP28 in advancing green and low-carbon development and galvanise global joint response to climate change, Wang said.

President Xi Jinping's Special Representative, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang will be in the UAE for the COP28 conference upon invitation, according to Wang.

China will work with all parties to support the UAE's presidency and use the global stock take as an opportunity to step up implementation, strengthen supporting measures and jointly

build a fair, reasonable and winwin global climate governance system, said the spokesperson.

Facing the challenge to balance development and decarbonisation, China has always shown a positive response and firm support for the global cause of tackling climate change, including fulfilling its own carbon-cut promises and participating in international cooperation, analysts said.

They called on the international community, developed countries in particular, to take up their duties and act in favour of cooperation rather than politicising the climate issue and disturbing the green-energy supply chain.

ANSWERING THE CALL Guterres, when briefing reporters on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York, emphasised the urgent need to interrupt the perilous progression of global warming before a "critical tipping point" is encountered, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The UN chief cited the "profoundly shocking" speed at which ice is melting in Antarctica - three times faster than the rate in the early 1990s.

At the COP28, global leaders must break the vicious cycle - accelerated heating as ice diminishes and more extreme

weather, the UN chief stressed.

The global inventory, a key agenda of the conference, could be a departing point for the international community to focus on action and cooperation and create more favourable conditions for the global response to climate change, analysts said.

Xia Yingxian, director of the Department of Climate Change under China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, said the inventory should include a comprehensive summary of the experiences and positive effects of global cooperation in addressing climate change, including the development of new energy, Shanghai-based news portal website The Paper reported on Monday.

It should also evaluate the progress, shortcomings, and gaps in implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2020 and summarise the lessons learned from the gaps in support provided by developed countries in terms of funding, technology, and capacity building, Xia said.

Despite the ongoing rivalry between the US and China, the two countries are cooperating on the climate front. According to Xia, China and the US will hold a "methane and non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas summit" with the UAE chair at the COP28.

Ma Jun, director of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, told the Global Times on Tuesday that China has been implementing its carbon goals in a steadfast and planned manner, with the hope of reaching carbon peak ahead of 2030.

China is set to double its capacity and produce 1,200 gigawatts of energy through wind and solar power by 2025, reaching its 2030 goal five years ahead of time, according to a report by Global Energy Monitor, a San Francisco-based NGO. According to official data, non-fossil energy accounted for 17.5 percent of energy consumption in China. By the end of June 2023, the number of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) in the country reached 16.2 million, accounting for more than half of the world's NEVs. China's actions to address climate change have not only promoted the country's green and low-carbon development, but also made important contributions to addressing global climate change, analysts said.

China is the major provider of solar capacity to other countries, producing 75 percent of the world's photovoltaic capacity. Its export of photovoltaic products crossed $51 billion in 2022, up 80 percent year-on-year.

The country has also been

working to boost the green development of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with global partners.

"The Al Dhafra PV2 Solar Power Plant is the world's largest single PV project and an important project of Belt and Road cooperation in the area of green energy," and "China is a doer in advancing global climate governance. We have not only built the world's largest clean power generation network, but also provided support and assistance in this regard to other developing countries to the best of our capability," Wang Wenbin said at the press conference on Tuesday.

CHINA PACE Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that as China has made significant progress on green transition, a more vigorous clean-energy goal could be proposed at the COP28.

However, analysts stressed that the goal will have to be raised according to China's reality and capability, and reconcile the needs to develop and to cut carbon emission.

"China fulfilling responsibility of a major country should not be a handle for others to coerce us," Lin said.

X i a Yi n g x i a n , t h e above-quoted official, also said the COP28 should promote effective coordination between the needs of addressing climate change and poverty eradication, energy security, job creation and economic development, and pragmatically promote a just global transition to a green, low-carbon and climate-resilient society.

China has a complete new-energy industry chain and can provide affordable products for global markets, and some Western countries should not weaponise climate issue to contain China's fair play in the green energy industry, Lin said, citing discriminatory laws and technological blockage.

This will greatly push up the cost of global emission reduction and hollow out the foundation of an effective global response to climate change, analysts said.

Lin also refuted West's criticism on China's development of coal energy. As China is the world's second-largest economy, its option at present is not "clean or fossil" energy, but "greener energy or shortage," he elaborated.

China, through optimized use of fossil fuels and vigorous development of clean energy, believes in action rather than empty talk, Lin said.

Chinese Premier calls for deepening int'l cooperation on industrial, supply chains (Xinhua) Chinese Premier Li Qiang, on Tuesday, called for enhanced global cooperation on industrial and supply chains.

Li made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the first China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) and the Global Supply Chain Innovation and Development Forum.

Li said the CISCE is the world's first national-level supply chain expo, and that maintaining the resilience and stability of global industrial and supply chains is an important guarantee for the promotion of global economic development.

The expo is being held in order to create an international platform for all parties to strengthen communication, deepen cooperation and seek common development,

said Li. He noted that both history and reality have proven that the whole world will benefit when cooperation on global industrial and supply chains remains stable and continues to deepen, otherwise the globe will generally bear losses when cooperation on the chains is hindered and stagnates.

China is willing to work with all parties to make the global industrial and supply chains more resilient, efficient and dynamic, and make greater contributions to promoting global economic recovery, development and prosperity, he said.

Li also put forward four proposals to deepen international cooperation on industrial and supply chains.

First, he called for building safe and stable industrial

and supply chains, enhancing the resource coordination of key industrial chains on a global scale, and avoiding interfering with market behaviours at will.

China will continue to provide the world with high-quality made-in-China products and stable supply from China, according to Li. Second, he advocated for the building of smooth and efficient industrial and supply chains, strengthening global connectivity and making the circulation of factors of production more convenient and effective.

China will continue to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and step up innovation cooperation in smart manufacturing, digital economy and other fields, he said.

Third, he proposed the

building of open and inclusive industrial and supply chains, highlighting a clearcut stand against protectionism and various forms of "decoupling and supply chain disruption," and efforts to promote the green and low-carbon transforma-

tion of industrial and supply chains.

China will further integrate into the global system of industrial and supply chains, and will actively participate in international green development cooperation, the premier said.

Fourth, he urged the building of industrial and supply chains that are reciprocal and win-win. It is necessary to promote the construction of a global system of industrial and supply chains with extensive participation, complementary advantages and shared dividends, said Li. China will actively promote industrial and production capacity cooperation with other countries, and help developing countries participate more deeply in global value chains, Li noted.

It is hoped that entrepreneurs from all over the world will play an active role in promoting the steady operation of the global industrial and supply chains, Li said, adding that China will provide more convenience and better guarantees for enterprises to invest in the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Traffic ranks undergo intensive 'Crash Investigation' training Course being done in partnership with Public Works Ministry, UK specialist

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Ravindradat Budhram and Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh and a traffic sergeant, during remarks at the training programme

TRAFFIC ranks from the Police Force's Traffic Department are currently immersed in a comprehensive ‘Crash Investigation' course, a joint initiative facilitated by the Ministry of Public Works and distinguished UK-based specialist, Chris Goddard.

In a strategic collaboration, the Ministry of Public Works has joined forces with Mr. Goddard to conduct this vital capacity-building programme at the Duke Lodge.

Tailored to address the escalating demands for enhanced performance in accident investigation, the workshop comes at a pivotal time for Guyana, marked by extensive expansion across all sectors.

The training programme

is meticulously designed to equip officers with the principles and techniques essential for effective road crash investigations.

Against the backdrop of completed and ongoing new road networks, the goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of on-scene investigations and reporting.

This approach positions the course as a practical guideline for real-life scenarios, ensuring officers are well-prepared for the challenges posed by the evolving infrastructure.

The five-day training, set to conclude on Friday, December 1, marks a critical investment in the professional development of the Traffic Department.

Deputy Commissioner 'Operations,' Mr. Ravindradat

Budhram, and Traffic Officer, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, were in attendance, underscoring the importance of the initiative. The presence of Mr. Kester Hinds and other representatives from the Ministry further highlights the collaborative effort to strengthen accident investigation capabilities within the Police Force.

This workshop signifies a commitment to excellence and safety on Guyana's roads, as law enforcement officers actively engage in advancing their skills to meet the evolving challenges of a rapidly expanding infrastructure.

In an interview with this publication, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Ravindradat Budhram said the training programme is a

A section of the gathering at the ‘Crash Investigation' course

vital step forward in ensuring that ranks and officers are well-prepared to handle the challenges posed by the extensive expansion in Guyana's road networks.

“I commend the participants for their dedication to enhancing their skills, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this training on our department's performance.”

As a law enforcement officer, the Deputy Commissioner noted the critical role that training plays in ensuring the effectiveness and professionalism of the Guyana Police Force.

“The 'Crash Investigation' course is not just an opportunity for professional development; it is a crucial investment in enhancing our

ability to serve and protect the community,” he underscored.

Budhram said that traffic incidents require a meticulous approach, considering the potential impact on public safety, legal proceedings, and overall community well-being.

Further, the Deputy Commissioner added that the principles and practices learned during this course are not just theoretical; they are practical guidelines that will empower ranks and officers to handle real-life scenarios with precision and efficiency.

Moreover, the partnership between the Ministry of Public Works and specialist Chris Goddard demonstrates and enriches the training experience and reflects a unified

effort to address the complexities of accident investigation in the context of expanding road networks.

“In the field of law enforcement, continuous learning is not just a professional obligation; it is a responsibility we owe to the communities we serve.

The 'Crash Investigation' course serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to ensuring the highest standards of safety on our roads. I am proud to be part of a force that invests in its officers, ensuring we are well-prepared to face the challenges of the ever-changing landscape of law enforcement,” Budhram explained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Guyana, US continue discussions on enhancement of bilateral partnership

Guyana's Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud met with US Deputy Secretary of State (ag), Victoria Nuland

G U YA N A a n d t h e United States of America have held another round of discussions on strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of security, multilateral relations, food and energy and climate change.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, on Monday, met with both senior officials of the White House and the State Department.

Also, on Monday a Guyana Delegation led

by Foreign Secretary engaged in a policy dialogue with the United States of America on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) matters at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The policy dialogue sought to build on the technical consultation held in Georgetown earlier this month, with a view to gaining a better understanding of each other’s priorities.

The two sides exchanged views on several thematic and regional agenda items on the Security Council. Guyana’s priorities identi-

fied for its tenure on the Council were also discussed, including food and climate security, Haiti and Colombia.

Both sides agreed to coordinate on areas of common interests, with the objective of promoting the mandate of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security.

The Foreign Secretary was accompanied by officials from the Permanent Mission of Guyana including Guyana’s Permanent Representative Carolyn Rodrigues to the United Nations in New York and the Guyana Embassy in Washington including Ambassador, Samuel Hinds.

The US team comprising experts of the Department of State was led by Ambassador Michele Sisson, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of International Organisation Affairs.

Guyana will assume the non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the third time in January 2024.

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 29, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Roy Fredericks-105 (The Oval, 1973) (2) Graham Gooch-129 (Port-of-Spain, 1986) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI player has scored most ODI runs against England to date?

(2) Which English player has aggregated most ODI runs against the WI to date?

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

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33

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Shubman Gill appointed captain of Gujarat Titans

...The batter takes over from Hardik Pandya, who was traded to Mumbai Indians SHUBMAN Gill has been appointed captain of Gujarat Titans, a day after the franchise traded Hardik Pandya to Mumbai Indians.

Hardik had led the Titans in 2022 and 2023, and the 2024 season will be Gill's first leadership assignment in the IPL. "I am delighted and proud to assume the captaincy of Gujarat Titans and thank the franchise for their trust in me to lead such a fine team," Gill said in a statement. "We have had two exceptional seasons and I keenly look forward to leading the team with our

exciting brand of cricket."

Gill, 24, had started his IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018 and was released ahead of the auction in 2022. As a new franchise in the IPL, the Titans were allowed to sign up to three players ahead of the 2022 auction and they brought Gill on board for INR 7 crore, along with Hardik and Rashid Khan for INR 15 crore each.

Gill scored 483 runs in 16 matches in IPL 2022, top-scoring with an unbeaten 45 in the final against Rajasthan Royals as Titans won

Shubman Gill will lead Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024

the title in their inaugural season. He was their highest run-getter in IPL 2023 with 890 runs in 17 innings, which included three centuries, in a

campaign where Titans finished runners-up to Chennai Super Kings in the final.

Gill is currently fifth on the list of top run-scorers in

the IPL in the last six years behind KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis.

He will lead a strong Titans line-up which includes several experienced players like Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade and Wriddhiman Saha. He also has some captaincy experience, having previously led Indian domestic sides in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy.

Vikram Solanki, the Titans director of cricket, said: "Shubman Gill has shown growth in stature and stand-

ing over the last two years at the highest level of the game.

We've seen him mature not only as a batter but also as a leader in cricket. His contribution on the field has helped Gujarat Titans emerge as a formidable force, guiding the team through a successful campaign in 2022 and a strong run in 2023.

"His maturity and skill is evident in his on-field performance and we are extremely excited to embark on a new journey with a young leader like Shubman at the helm."

difference in this kind of tournament."

The side reached the Super 12 stage as first-time qualifiers in the UAE in 2021, but then suffered a first round group-stage exit in Australia last year.

Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe remain in contention to secure second spot in the table and join Namibia at the T20 World Cup next year, with Uganda facing East African rivals Kenya on Wednesday.

Namibia, who will cohost the Cricket World Cup in 2027 alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe, finish their group campaign against Nigeria on Thursday.

"It is exciting times for Namibia," Van Vuuren added.

"We have a strong pipeline developing. We look forward to the T20 World Cup and then, building on that, the Under-19 World Cup in 2026 and obviously the 50-over World Cup in 2027."

Namibia qualify for 2024 Men's T20 World Cup

NAMIBIA have booked their spot at the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup after guaranteeing a top-two finish in qualifying with a game to spare.

The Eagles secured a 58run win over Tanzania in Windhoek and sit top of the table with five wins from five, after previous victories against Zimbabwe, Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.

Next year's 20-team tournament in the United States and the West Indies will be

Namibia beat the Netherlands and Ireland to reach the Super 12 stage of the 2021 Men's T20 World Cup

Namibia's third consecutive

appearance at the T20 World

Cup. "We're very proud of the boys, of Pierre de Bruyn and his coaching team and also Gerhard Erasmus, the captain of the team," Rudie van Vuuren, president of Cricket Namibia, told BBC Sport Africa.

"The boys played professional cricket throughout, really a high standard of cricket.

"And you can see the fact that we have a professional set-up eventually makes the

Football’s current state of torpor is unpardonable

Dear Editor,

THE question as to whether Guyana’s football will progress or remain in its current state of torpor will be answered in eleven days when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) stages its Electoral Congress, at its National Training Centre, Providence.

Incumbent Wayne Forde will have as his challenger Franklin Wilson for the top post in the sport here in Guyana, and many observers believe that while the country’s national teams have performed outstandingly in regional competitions, the sport locally has suffered a

sharp decline in visibility and grassroots development.

They view the Congress and its outcome as extremely important to the future advancement of the sport, having witnessed its fall off the top tier of the sports list.

Forde, who has been in office for the past eight years, is attempting a flurry of activities lately, perhaps to persuade the electorate to grant him another term, at the expense of the sport’s development.

He has had an unimpeded opportunity over the past eight years to maintain the momentum provided by the Clinton Urling-led Interim Management Committee set

up by the World Governing Body FIFA, but instead, he has effectively managed to slip the sport into retrogression.

This happened despite him benefitting from the huge financial generosity given by FIFA to its member associations, so because of this unpardonable act, there should be no forgiveness come election day.

As well-defined in the world of sports, no official is bigger than the sport, and after nearly a decade of being in charge of the game’s destiny, it is clear to see that he does not possess the administrative insight to address the present situation on

the local landscape.

Forde is solely responsible for the situation in local football, he has failed to inspire member associations to perform at their optimum and this is largely due to his sole focus on the retention of power.

This was evident in his actions to install handpicked cronies which ultimately resulted in square pegs in round holes, so the associated result of his deed was failure all round.

He is now reaping the rewards of his act and the electorate must never allow such efforts to go unpaid.

The result, as we are witnessing, will always prove

disastrous to the sport.

There can be no repudiation of this analysis since the current condition of the sport locally easily supports this scrutiny.

Private promoters have had to perform rescue acts to salvage the wreck time and again with barely any input of note from the governing body.

All the boast of its achievements can be effortlessly dispatched just by having conversations with associate members, national players, and even those within the current administration.

They all moan about the lack of inclusion by the President, citing his solo interac-

tion with Member Association’s executives, during his appeal to them for another term as evidence of his doubt about their abilities.

The square pegs in round holes policy have never worked be it in the national political sphere or sports entities, the result has always been chaos or the lack of achieving strategic goals.

It therefore means that those vested with the power to avoid the replication of such mischief must be acquainted with the past and present conduct of the current administration.

Yours Sincerely, Football Fan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

New Zealand spinners dent Bangladesh on day one NEW Zealand's plan of beating Bangladesh at their own game -- and home -has started off well, even as Bangladesh got to 310 runs on day one in Sylhet.

Glenn Phillips turned up to be the hero for the visitors as he picked four wickets, while Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel accounted for three more, as Bangladesh lost nine wickets on the opening day.

Bangladesh ended up on the right side of the toss and expectedly decided to pile on the runs. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan even saw off 10 overs of fast bowling before the latter became the first of the seven casualties to spin bowling.

Ajaz Patel slipped a quicker one through that beat Zakir's attempt to cut and hit the off-

Glen Phillips the star of New Zealand’s bowlers with a four-fer

stump.

Najmul Hossain Shanto arrived with the intention of throwing New Zealand's spinners off their rhythm as he took on Ajaz. However, Bangladesh's woes began right at the end of the opening

Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo asks referee to overturn penalty he won

Al Nassr lead Group E in the AFC Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his goalscoring exploits but on Monday night the Al-Nassr forward convinced the referee not to award him a penalty.

The 38-year-old went down in the second minute after a challenge in his side's Asian Champions League 0-0 draw with Iranian side Persepolis.

But when Chinese referee Ma Ning awarded a penalty, Ronaldo argued the case for the decision to be overturned.

Ning was sent to the pitchside monitor and ultimately changed his call.

A combination of the video assistant referee and Ronaldo's honesty came to Persepolis' rescue. The match went on to finish goalless, with Al Nassr's Ali Lajami sent off in the 17th minute.

Al-Nassr had already qualified for the knockout stages before the match in Riyadh. The Saudi Pro League side are top of Group E with 13 points after five matches and five points ahead of Persepolis in second.

session when Shanto miscued an innocuous full-toss from Phillips while giving him the charge, and hit to Kane Williamson at mid-on.

Mahmudul and Mominul Haque led Bangladesh's re-

covery, even as they survived a couple of nicks that flew between the New Zealand slip cordon. The pair batted out majority of the second session, establishing a solid base for Bangladesh to construct a big innings on, with a stand worth 88 runs but once again, Phillips put a spanner in the works with the wicket of Mominul.

He too, like Shanto against Ajaz, went for a cut on a ball that wasn't there for that shot and ended up nicking it to Tom Blundell behind the stumps. Soon after, Ish Sodhi got the well-set Mahmudul to nick one behind towards Daryl Mitchell at slip, who did extremely well to get his hands under the ball while diving to his right.

Bangladesh went to Tea at

184 for 4, and then spiralled even further in the post-Tea session as the ball started to turn a lot more as the day went on.

To their credit, all of the lower-order batters for Bangladesh got starts but none could carry on till stumps to give Bangladesh the early upper hand in the fixture.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Shahadat Hossain dragged Bangladesh past the 200-run mark but once again Phillips broke through with the former's wicket. Mushfiqur gave Phillips the charge and went big, but mistimed it to Williamson at mid-on.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz looked solid for his 20 until a bout of indecision led to him edging one from Kyle Jamieson to Daryl Mitchell

at slips. Bangladesh then lost wickets for every 20-odd runs they added as they went from 233 for 6 to 290 for 9.

New Zealand's hopes of wrapping up the innings on Day 1 didn't come through though as Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam batted out 3.1 overs and hit four boundaries in them to take the team past 300. Bad light then intervened, bringing a slightly early end to the day's proceedings with 85 overs bowled.

New Zealand will head back with the joy of having spun a web around Bangladesh's batting order, but with the surface getting better for spinners, their real progress in the fixture will depend on how well they bat. (Cricbuzz)

Windies-A hit back after Petersen, van Tonder 50s

EAST LONDON, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies-A made key late strikes to haul themselves back in contention after 50s by Keegan Petersen and Raynard van Tonder helped South Africa-A dominate most of the opening day of the second four-day “Test.”

With the hosts cruising at 208 for three in the final session at Buffalo Park here Tuesday, fast bowlers Shamar Joseph (2-39) and Jair McAllister (2-64), along with off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (2-53), combined to send three wickets tumbling for 30 runs as West Indies-A hit back strongly.

In the end, South Africa-A finished on 266 for six with Ruan de Swardt leading the recovery with an unbeaten 25, in a 28-run, unbroken seventh-wicket stand with Mihlali Mpongwana (12 not out).

Petersen top-scored with 67 while van Tonder got exactly 50; Tony de Zorzi punched 44 and Khaya Zondo chipped in with 35, but both were unable to convert.

Their enterprise ensured South Africa-A got the better of the early exchanges to be 118 for two at tea, after bad light limited the opening ses-

Fast bowler Jair McAllister grabbed two wickets

sion to 44 deliveries.

Resuming on 18 without loss following the protracted break, captain Neil Brand fell to the very first delivery when he was lbw to a Joseph yorker for four.

Van Tonder arrived to join de Zorzi and the pair posted 65 for the second wicket, to begin the rebuild for their side.

The 25-year-old van Tonder faced 86 balls in just under 2-½ hours and struck nine fours, while the 26-year-old de Zorzi, already with two Tests under his

belt, struck four fours off 93 deliveries.

Sinclair broke the stand when left-hander de Zorzi was brilliantly caught at forward short leg playing defensively and van Tonder put on a further 39 for the third wicket with Petersen before following to the fifth ball after tea, tamely scooping a short delivery back to McAllister.

On 122 for three, South Africa-A rebounded through another solid half-century stand as Petersen and Zondo added 86 for the fourth

wicket.

The 30-year-old Petersen, who has played 11 Tests, faced 124 balls in just over 2-½ hours and counted eight fours while Zondo punched five fours and a six in a 91ball knock.

Both fell in the late cluster of wickets. Petersen slapped Joseph to cover point, Zondo holed out to short backward square 19 balls later off Sinclair before wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin (12) guided a short one from McAllister to deep point.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

SCA working to ensure youth, women …establishes Hall programmes return in 2024 of Fame

SCA President Shiv Persaud presents the winners Elite League trophy to Victoria Park skipper Sailesh Patel in the presence of other teammates

By Frederick Halley THE Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) will continue to work diligently to ensure youth and women programmes are back in 2024 and beyond.

This assurance was given by President Shiv Persaud during remarks before a packed audience comprising of players and invitees at last Saturday night’s presentation and gala, held at the Grand Cinnamon Banquet Hall, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.

The Guyana-born Persaud lamented the loss of youth and women cricket, which, he said, was due to impacts of the pandemic, and which also resulted in the SCA staging its first indoor presentation in four years, marking the 43rd anniversary of the entity.

Taking a look at the journey over the past two years, Persaud disclosed that the SCA had the addition of Divisions in T20, T30 and an increase in teams participating in the Over-50 Division.

P e r s a u d , h o w e v e r,

stressed that “the focus of our evening will be on recognising individuals who have truly stood out in their performances, and teams which have excelled throughout the season.”

“Where do we go from tonight? This is the first year that we open our Hall of Fame with four inductees tonight. We have moved towards a more visible logo, and soon you will be experiencing a new SCA App and revamped website engaging players and team administrators.”

Three of the four Hall of Fame awardees were inducted posthumously: Richard Ramlall, a former president who was regarded as the Godfather of the SCA; Jainauth “Vish” Jadunauth, who passed away last year while serving as Chief Financial Officer; and Budh-Dave Anandjit, a former executive member. The other was Deonarine Samaroo, a past president who was on hand to receive his award.

The widows of Jadunauth and Anandjit, Sandra and Elizabeth, respectively, collected on behalf of their late husbands, both ac-

knowledging the SCA for honouring them in such a tangible way.

The SCA President took the opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all of the distinguished guests, members, sponsors and everyone who has played a significant role in shaping the past two years. “In our presence, we have MP Salma Zahid of Scarborough Centre; Steven D'Souza of CBC; Praim Persaud, President of Cricket Ontario and Brampton Etobicoke District Cricket League (BEDCL); Ranjit Chaudhri, Vice-President of Cricket Ontario and a Director for Cricket Canada; Bedessee Sporting Goods represented by Melvin John; Norman Sue Bakery, represented by Kim Sue; Azeem Khan of Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League (OTSCL); Deo Samaroo, past president; Sandra Jadunauth, Liz Anandjit, Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) represented

by Azad Khan and Malik Ghaswala.

“Tonight, we come together not just as col-

Deo Samaroo (left) receives his Hall of Fame award from SCA President Shiv Persaud while other executive members look on

Sandra Jadunauth is presented with her late husband Jainauth “Vish” Jadunauth’s award by President Shiv Persaud. Also in picture is Jadunauth’s niece, Nadia

leagues, but as a community united by our passion for the sport of cricket.”

Persaud also acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and commitment of his fellow Board of Executive members for their selfless service to the Association.

BEDCL President Praim Persaud commended the SCA executives for their great efforts in taking the association to where it is and also referenced Shiv’s role in the Cricket Council of Ontario (CCO) and the difference he has made since joining. According to Persaud, his

namesake reminded him of a younger version of himself - all filled with the passion for the sport and the commitment and dedication to nurture its growth and development.

Touching on the BEDCL’s success, Persaud said it took 35-plus years to achieve it, and “what we accomplished was to take cricket from under the table to the top of the table when it comes to recreation planning for infrastructure, development and growth of the sport.”

Persaud pointed out that “every city in Canada

needs to do the same as cricket is undoubtedly the fastest growing sport in not only Ontario but Canada.”. He congratulated Shiv and the executives “for an amazing job at growing and promoting the sport of cricket within their jurisdiction.”

MP Zahid, who spoke briefly, promised to do all within her power to assist the SCA in getting much-needed facilities, while Cricket Canada Director Chaudri also showered praises on the SCA executives for doing an amazing job.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Impressive performances in field events as ‘Nationals’ begins to heat up TRACK-and-Field is well and truly out of the blocks at the ongoing 61st National Schools’ Cycling and Track-and-Field Championships, which saw some records tumble in the field events on Tuesday.

Unofficially, the Boys’ Under-14 High Jump was raised to 1.66m by Romarion Wolfe of District 4 (East Coast Demerara), a record that was previously held by Isai Thorne of District 15 (New Amsterdam/Canje) at 1.63m.

Likewise, the Boys Under-12 Discuss potentially has a new record holder, with Michael Mohamed of District 3 (West Demerara) producing a best of 24.04m.

The previous record of 22.23m was set by Jamie Fraser of District 5 (West Coast Berbice).

Another standout was District 3’s Akeela Webster, who landed at the 21.14m mark to take gold in the

Girls' Discuss.

Word is that Anna Headley set the previous Under-14 record of 20.47m.

The organisers will officially confirm these records in the coming days.

More so, District 2 (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon)’s Azizi Christiani won the male teachers’ discuss Under-21 in his first ever ‘Nationals’ with a throw of 29.22m.

For the track events, the 400m heats were contested, and several of the notable athletes such as Tianna Springer and Javon Roberts breezed into the final set for Friday.

Today, the 100m heats and the final will be contested.

Additionally, the organisers have confirmed that District 11 (North Georgetown) and District 9 (Rupununi), in their first year, won swimming and cycling, respectively.

Romarion Wolfe of District 4 (East Coast Demerara) won the Boys Under-14 High Jump

Tiger Woods: 15-time major champion will play until he can ‘no longer win’

TIGER Woods has said he will continue to play for as long as he thinks he can still win as he prepares to return to professional golf.

Woods will play in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, having not played since injury forced him to withdraw from the Masters in April.

The 15-time major winner then had fusion surgery on a bone in his ankle.

"There will come a

time when I can no longer win. When that time comes, I will walk away," Woods said, adding: "I love to compete; I love the camaraderie, being around the guys."

The 47-year-old American said earlier this month he had "zero issues" with his surgically-repaired right ankle, which was done to address post-traumatic arthritis following the 2021 car crash that sidelined him for nearly 14 months. However, he in-

Tiger Woods says ankle now pain-free after surgery as he returns to golf

dicated that other injury problems remain.

"The only way to fix that was to replace it or

have it fused," Woods said of his ankle. "The next part is the hard part; the six months of doing nothing. The first couple months were really rough; I'm here on the good side now."

The five-time Masters champion has struggled to walk 18 holes since, but, after he was seen caddying for his son, Charlie, at the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship earlier this month, he has decided the time is right

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to return to action.

"I was hitting golf balls a lot, trying to get Charlie ready for the event. Then, post-event, I thought, 'I can probably do this,'" Woods said, assing: "I've played a lot of holes; I haven't used a pencil and a scorecard.

"My game feels rusty; I haven't played in a while. I'm excited to compete and play.

I'm just as curious as all of you are to see what happens.”

| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023