Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-12-2023

FRIDAY 29th December, 2023

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107308

Guyana’s international partnerships pose no threat to any nation SEE PAGE

3

- President Ali emphasises; affirms Guyana is committed to peaceful relations with its neighbours

New Demerara River Bridge 33 per cent complete

SEE PAGE

5

President, Dr Irfaan Ali inspects ongoing works on the new Demerara River Bridge at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara (Latchman Singh photos)

‘No plan to take offensive Guyana makes major GPHC records action against Venezuela’ progress in 2023 major decline in

- Dr. Jagdeo affirms; says upcoming visit by British ship is routine, part of building Guyana’s SEE defence capabilities PAGE 2 - St Vincent PM reaffirms Guyana’s non-aggressive intentions, commitment to peace

- Dr. Jagdeo says country has ‘better managed’ oil and gas industry SEE - reiterates efforts to tackle PAGE 4 cost-of-living issues

maternal deaths

- saves lives of over 300 critically ill pregnant women this year 10

SEE PAGE

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

‘No plan to take offensive action against Venezuela’ - Dr. Jagdeo affirms; says upcoming visit by British ship is routine, part of building Guyana’s defence capabilities - St Vincent PM reaffirms Guyana’s non-aggressive intentions, commitment to peace

By Clestine Juan IN the midst of comments from Venezuela over the British offshore patrol vessel, HMS Trent, set to dock in Guyana's waters, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has sought to reassure the international community that Guyana has no

intentions of taking “offensive action” against the Bolivarian Republic.

During a press conference, on Thursday, Jagdeo highlighted the defensive nature of Guyana's measures, highlighting their routine and planned nature.

He underscored that the primary objective of the visit was to bolster Guyana’s security appara-

PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

tus in a defensive capacity, clarifying that there are no intentions to launch attacks on any nation, including Venezuela.

The General Secretary referenced recent discussions between Presidents Dr. Irfaan Ali and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro at the Argyle

International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where there was a commitment to peace.

The meeting was facilitated by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, and was observed

by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary-General.

“The President [Dr. Irfaan Ali] has been in touch with Prime Minister Gonsalves on this matter.

He's made it clear that we support the Argyle declaration in letter and spirit that nothing that we did in the past or will do in the future is to harm or will affect Venezuela and the territory of Venezuela,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

The Argyle Declaration, issued by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on December 14, 2023, emphasised the commitment to a zone of peace, rejecting aggression or the threat of force against any member state.

Jagdeo explained that joint military engagement between Guyana and the United Kingdom (UK) aimed to promote capacity building is routine and has long been planned.

“These measures, a lot of these measures were long planned and they’re routine and they’re part of our building a defensive capability. Nothing that we do or have done has threatened Venezuela.

We don't plan on invading Venezuela, President Maduro knows this, and he needs not to have any worry about that,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

He also related that assurances were provided to President Maduro during discussions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Guyana remains committed to diplomatic solutions and the rule of law.

“Now, we don't have any plan to take ‘offensive action’ against Venezuela.

Whatever we do here has been routine and has been long planned. And it's part

President has not asked the British vessel to move away from what was a planned activity and we see as routine which has no offensive intent against Venezuela.”

Vincentian Prime Minister Gonsalves, serving as an interlocutor between Guyana and Venezuela, during a recent radio programme, shared insights into the situation.

HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, will take part in exercises off the coast of Guyana

of our building a defensive capability in Guyana, not necessarily to fight wars but to police better our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Dr. Jagdeo affirmed.

Jagdeo's statements came in response to comments by Venezuela over the British offshore patrol vessel, HMS Trent. The Bolivarian Republic said that it views the vessel’s presence as provocative, raising questions about potential threats to its sovereignty, despite the fact that it is customary for nations to deploy resources to partner nations to conduct similar capacity building exercises.

However, to address Venezuela’s comments, Jagdeo clarified: “No, the

ROUTINE Gonsalves clarified the vessel's purpose, stating: “This is a vessel which comes into the region and comes here sometimes too [to] deal with helping to interdict drugs, deal with trafficking in persons, search and rescue.

It has very limited, as I understand it, very limited military capacity.”

Gonsalves, while acknowledging Venezuela's concerns, maintained a diplomatic stance, stating: “The statement was firm, but the statement was not particularly belligerent. I think we will have things like this over the period, as you would expect as an interlocutor.”

He revealed his engagement with both the TURN TO PAGE 3

Guyana’s international partnerships pose no threat to any nation

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

- President Ali emphasises; affirms Guyana is committed to peaceful relations with its neighbours

IN response to recent comments from Venezuela regarding an upcoming visit by British offshore patrol vessel, HMS Trent, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed Guyana's unwavering commitment to peaceful relations with its neighbours and countries within the region.

“Neither Venezuela nor any other state has anything to fear from activities within Guyana’s sovereign territory or waters.

I have iterated before that we harbour no ambitions or intentions to covet what does not belong to us. We are fully committed to peaceful relations with our neighbours and all countries in our region,” President Ali said in a statement on his official Facebook page on Thursday.

The Head of State highlighted Guyana's steadfast dedication to promoting and advancing peace while simultaneously pursuing national development. He emphasised the nation's long-standing partnerships with both regional and international states aimed at enhancing internal security.

“These partnerships pose a threat to no one and are in no way intended to be aggressive or constitute an offensive act against

any state,” President Ali affirmed.

He reassured neighbouring countries and the international community that Guyana's collaborations were rooted in the pursuit of mutual benefits and shared security interests.

President Ali concluded by renewing his best wishes to the people of Venezuela, stressing the importance of maintaining positive and cooperative relations with neighbouring nations.

The purpose of HMS Trent's deployment to the Caribbean is primarily to hunt down drug smugglers in the region. The Royal Navy warship usually operates in the Mediterranean and off Africa's west coast as part of a long-term security mission. However, the ship was re-tasked to the Caribbean to clamp down on drug runners.

Additionally, the United Kingdom’s (UK)'s decision to send HMS Trent to Guyana is part of a growing UK effort to show international diplomatic support for the country.

The ship is expected to visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana, conduct joint activities, and provide support in various areas such as tackling piracy, smug-

gling, protecting fisheries, counterterrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and search-and-rescue operations.

Illegal fishing and piracy have been significant issues in Guyana's waters. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities are responsible for the loss of 11-26 million tonnes of fish each year, which is estimated to have an economic value of US$10 – US$23 billion.

In the year 2021, there were 19,000 vessel-days when foreign-flagged fishing boats were recorded within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In recent years, there have been convictions for piracy in Guyana, with some cases resulting in death sentences. However, the country's efforts to combat illegal fishing and piracy are ongoing, and further resources and support may be needed to effectively address these challenges.

It is expected that the military exercise with the UK will help Guyana bolster these efforts to tackle such issues.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

‘No plan to take offensive action against...

FROM PAGE 2

Guyanese and Venezuelan leaders, saying: “I was in touch with the President of Guyana... I was in touch with the President of the Venezuelan Government with assurances given on both sides of commitment to peace and continued dialogue and the like.’

Gonsalves urged maturity from both sides, stating: “I don't want to express an opinion on it,

except to say that, [ with respect to] the matter concerning the Southern US Southern Command, they have done training exercises in St. Vincent and in other countries too, with limited kinds of exercises. But Venezuela will naturally be concerned.

But Guyana transmitted through me, to them, to indicate that these are not threatening exercises.”

Guyana loses over $100 million per year in

illegal fishing in its EEZ and the government made commitments to enhance radar capability and other areas as well. Guyana, while remaining committed to peace, also has a responsibility to protect its exclusive economic zone and sovereignty from any potential harm.

The UK initiative is, therefore, another effort geared at enhancing Guyana’s defence capacity.

The BBC had quot-

ed the UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson as saying: “HMS Trent will visit regional ally and Commonwealth partner Guyana later this month as part of a series of engagements in the region during her Atlantic Patrol Task deployment.”

“HMS Trent has a crew of 65, a top speed of 24 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. It is armed with 30mm cannon and a contingent of Royal Ma-

rines. It can also deploy Merlin helicopters and unmanned aircraft,” the BBC reported.

The vessel, according to the BBC report, is expected to anchor off the capital of Guyana, Georgetown, and conduct visits, joint activities and training with the country’s navy and other allies.

Further, it was reported that the vessel is mainly used for tackling piracy and smuggling, protecting

fisheries, counter-terrorism, providing humanitarian aid, and search and rescue operations, but the Royal Navy says it is also designed for border patrols and defence diplomacy.

According to the BBC, the decision to send HMS Trent to Guyana is part of a growing UK effort to show international diplomatic support for Guyana.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Guyana makes major progress in 2023 - Dr. Jagdeo says country has ‘better managed’ oil and gas industry - reiterates efforts to tackle cost-of-living issues

By Naomi Parris IN 2023, Guyana has recorded major progress in almost every sector following massive investments to enhance the country’s economy, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Dr. Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference on Thursdays, told reporters that outside of the 2023 performance, the government was able to deliver 70 per cent of its manifesto promises with just one budget.

This, he said, is a re-

flection of the government’s robust planning and strategic investments despite the hardships the PPP/C faced after taking over from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) in 2020.

“We had to overcome a period when $419.5 billion dollars was spent by APNU without any parliamentary approval from the budget of 2018 to when we (the PPP/C) produced the budget in 2020 September.

“In the middle of a shutdown in this country, because we were fighting an existential crisis threat,

COVID, in four weeks, we produced a budget,” the General Secretary said, adding: “In the first budget four weeks after we got into office, in the middle of COVID, we fulfilled almost 70 per cent of our manifesto promises.”

‘BETTER MANAGED’ Speaking further on the country’s development, Dr. Jagdeo noted that Guyana has emerged as a nation that is well-known for the management of its oil resources.

And despite being dealt a bad hand by APNU in its first major oil agreement, the country has implemented several policies to ensure Guyanese benefit from the country’s resources.

“On the oil and gas side …if you look at ev-

ery assessment from the international community including the IMF [International Monetary Fund] reports, you will see that it’s one of the better managed industries anywhere in the world and that the pace in which we have changed the framework has been unprecedented for many countries in the world,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He referenced the birth of the country’s gas to energy project, which aims to cut down electricity costs, and the enactment of the local content law to ensure that Guyanese could tap into the lucrative sector.

Dr. Jagdeo said: “We have done all that we said we will do in this sector in terms of the framework agreement. We went for

PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

the gas to energy project as a way of getting more from the contract.”

COST OF LIVING Aside from the major investments, the government also rolled out a number of initiatives to tackle the effects of rising global costs.

While other parts of the world would have seen increases in the cost of food, fuel and other necessities, Guyana, Dr. Jagdeo said, was able to implement several measures to assist citizens; these included the removal of tax on fuel, electricity and data.

“There was a 50 per cent excise tax on fuel, we

brought it down to zero …fuel feeds into transport, it feeds into cost of production and many other areas of life. We had removed the vat on electricity, water, and data, etc…. we started subsidising electricity and water.

When the prices went up for fuel, the cost to GPL and GWI also skyrocketed but instead of getting a higher price for electricity or water we kept the price constant,” he said.

He also reminded of the cash grants that were made available, providing more disposal income to Guyanese.

5

New Demerara River Bridge 33 per cent complete

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

- 24-hour work schedule activated; surface work set to commence in March/April 2024

By Shamar Meusa CONSTRUCTION work on the new Demerara River Bridge is moving apace and according to the latest report from the engineer, 33 per cent has been completed.

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who accompanied President, Dr Irfaan Ali on a visit to the construction site on Thursday afternoon.

Indar indicated that the temporary bridge which will be used as part of the construction of the main structure is 100 per cent complete and as such, the contractors are already pouring the main substructure concrete piling and are working on a 24-hour basis.

“We have about 378 persons on this site at the bridge, so we are working around the clock to try to ensure that we meet the deadline to finish this bridge,” he said.

Further to this, Indar noted that the government is thus far pleased with the speed of the construction and is also happy with the work being done by the supervisory consulting firm.

Based on reports from the Ministry of Public Works’ engineers on the ground, Indar noted that there are not currently any impediments to the ongoing work, noting that

Scenes from Thursday’s visit to the new Demerara River Bridge which is under construction (Office of the President photos) Added to this, Thomp“We are looking for- Construction International before there were some issues with shipping items son indicated that there ward to that, that would Limited, while the project from China to complete the will come a stage when all be sometime like March is being supervised by an temporary bridge that was of the subsurface works or April of 2024,” he said. Italian firm, Politecnica.

The construction of the The US$260 million needed to start the actual will be completed and thereafter, the public will new Demerara Harbour contract for the construcconstruction.

“So that delay is now start to see rapid work Bridge is being undertak- tion of the bridge was en by the China Railway signed in May 2022 and built into the overall proj- above ground. ect timeline… we have to catch up some of that lost time and that was explained to His Excellency today and I think, all in all, the project is moving apace and we want to see this kind of speed in the construction continued because they are working 24 hours, seven days a week,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Transport Officer with the Ministry of Public Works, Patrick Thompson, stated that the project is currently going through a tedious phase.

He indicated that there are no shortcuts that can be taken concerning installing the cage and drilling the piles.

was hailed as the largest public infrastructural project undertaken in Guyana.

The new bridge is expected to be some 2.65 kilometres with the width of the driving surface being around 23.6 metres with two carriageways and four lanes.

It is expected to be a hybrid design with the high span or navigation span having a cable-stay design.

The vertical height of the fixed bridge is expected to be constructed at some 50 metres from the mean highest watermark.

The bridge has been designed with a lifespan of 100 years and will also have cycling lanes among other features.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Easier Living

FAR too often, persons who are living with a disability/disabilities are shunned, ignored or forgotten by society. Navigating everyday life can be unnecessarily difficult and many are forced to depend on the kindness of strangers or the support of willing family members to execute simple tasks.

For many of them, staying within the confines of their homes is the best option, as to do otherwise is stressful, unsafe and time-consuming.

Because of various factors, many of them are unable to work. This puts them

in a financially awkward position and in most cases, their pensions, public assistance and the cash or kind given by government, corporations and members of civil society are all they have to sustain themselves.

Things can take a turn for the worst in the blink of an eye if their condition requires urgent medical intervention or regular follow-up treatment.

Taking these issues and many others into consideration, the government of the day has put provisions in place to make life easier and more enjoyable for persons who fall into this category.

From cash grants and bonuses to expedited access to public services to specially tailored skills programmes, life has been better for persons living with disabilities.

In the absence of statistical data, one can reasonably assume that in keeping with the list of registrants at the National Commission on Disability and other organisations catering to such needs, that most of the country’s PWDs are adults.

While provisions are made for the care and education of children, adults have to fend for themselves; something that is extremely difficult without money and

support.

Since taking up her role as Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali has been playing her part. On several occasions she has personally lobbied private companies and pursued meaningful initiatives on behalf of these persons. Employment was her aim.

Recently, President Dr. Irfaan Ali disclosed that during next year, the country’s first innovative job-development programme for persons living with disabilities will commence operation.

He went further to stress the government’s commit-

ment to ensuring that all Guyanese have access to opportunities and that technology is used to create that accessibility.

This is all part of the government’s comprehensive plan to give every Guyanese an equal opportunity to earn and to contribute to the growth of the economy, their own welfare and their families.

The President’s position is a reminder that no one will be left behind as Guyana’s forges ahead in the quest to cement its place in the world.

Over the last three years, persons living with disabil-

ities have been presented with opportunities to enhance their lifestyles. They have been able to cushion the rising cost of living and access improved health care and government services.

While we must adopt an attitude that reflects kindness and empathy, there are strong indications that better things are in store for them in the years ahead. The comments and actions of President Ali have provided certainty that by the end of 2024, persons living with disabilities will be living a more comfortable life.

Pay attention on the road!

Dear Editor, Where it all began, Christmas was cancelled this year in Bethlehem, the biblical birth place of Jesus, the bubbling place where traditionally, the world would visit at this time of the year.

Earlier, The Washington Post reported, “The atmosphere in Bethlehem on the eve of Christmas this year is somber, dark, sad — and political.”

The article stated: “This year there will be no tree.

No parades, bands or music.

No lights. No markets, no feasts, no carols. No Santas handing out candy to the children. And no pilgrims.

No tourists.”

Rami Asakrieh, a Franciscan friar, is pastor of St. Catherine’s Church, where midnight Mass is usually celebrated. He said: “It’s impossible to celebrate when so many — on both sides

— have lost so much. We canceled the festivities as a sign of solidarity with the victims of the war.”

The message of peace and goodwill unto mankind for Christmas meant nothing as the number of casualties continue to escalate in war-torn areas, namely, Russia/Ukraine and Israel/ Gaza. For Christians, Israel (the Promised Land) is the “Holy Land,” because it is the place where Jesus' life and death unfolded.

And, for Muslims, Jerusalem is the place where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Guyana also came close to the brink of cancelling Christmas this year as fear gripped the nation from a threatening annexation of Essequibo from Venezuela. Guyanese are lucky to have escaped the perils of a potential war from their neighbour.

Guyanese are thankful to President Dr. Irfaan Ali for the peace talk earlier this month in SVG with the Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro.

The dialogue initiated

by Brazil’s President and the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, provided the framework and the forum (Argyle Agreement) to prevent any military aggression from both countries, thus avoiding the probability of possible casualties. This “truce” allowed the Latin America/ South America/Caribbean to remain a peace zone for Christmas and going forward, hopefully.

The BBC reported at least 20,915 people have been killed and 54,918 wounded in Israeli attacks since October 7. The revised death toll from Hamas’ attack on Israel

stands at 1,139, 695 Israeli civilians (including 36 children), 71 foreign nationals, and 373 security forces.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry and Government Media Office reported that “more than 8,000 children and 6,200 women had been killed. It also said that 310 medical personnel, 35 civil defense personnel and 97 journalists had been killed - all of them civilians.”

According to the United Nation's child agency, UNICEF: “Gaza is now the most dangerous place in the world to be a child.”

Almost all of Palestine’s 2.3 million population have been displaced and a large part of Gaza has been devastated.

According to the Israel media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says “war will not stop,” and he is ready

to encourage Palestinians in Gaza to leave the enclave.

Hamas has condemned the statement.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified a total of 9,614 civilian deaths during Russia's invasion of Ukraine as of September, 2023. Furthermore, 17,535 people were reported to have been injured. Foreigners account for almost 100. According to International News Safety Institute (INSI), 17 journalists died in the line of duty. Even the United Nations was not spared with 136 staff members killed.

Evelyn Farkas, a former top Pentagon official for Ukraine who is now the executive director of the McCain Institute said: “These are people. Ukraine is a democracy, so the loss

of lives could have greater political impact. But even in an autocracy, Vladimir Putin knows that public sentiment can make a difference.”

Back in our jolly land of Guyana where mirth and merriment merged to manifest a happy Christmas for most of us, the moment was mired by mayhem on our roads and in the homes.

Many families were denied the season’s pleasantries as their dear ones were taken away from them.

It wasn’t an attack on democracy or the old Parliament Building, but the building did suffer a blow when a truck rammed into the fence last Thursday.

Did this provide a sign as to what was to follow? The famous attorney, Mr. Rex McKay passed away. The very day, there was a head TURN TO PAGE 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

The creative interpretation, contradictory dilemma of a popular chartered accountant

By Joel Bhagwandin, Financial Analyst

THE terminology “foregone” means to “give up,” but the government is not necessarily “giving up” revenue owing to the lack of ring-fencing. Rather, owing to the lack of ring-fencing, as this author argued in previous articles, the government made a deliberate and intentional decision to ramp up production rapidly. Consequently, what proponents are referring to as “foregone” revenue, is in fact a “tradeoff.”

The tradeoff is simply trading “short-term” gains to leverage maximised gains achievable in the medium term. In so doing, the gains derivable in the long run will far outstrip the short-term gains.

As regards the tradeoff on account of the lack of ring-fencing that chartered accountant Mr. Ram refers to as “foregone” revenue, which he contextually mischaracterised as equity―to lend credence to his notion that the government is a de facto investor, is a false premise.

To this end, it is not only the classification of the “tradeoff” or “foregone” revenue that one has to consider; one has to also consider the source of funding and “who” raised the finances. In this case, within the framework of the Petroleum Agreement (2016) and the Petroleum law, it is the oil companies’ (the contractor) that raised the initial capital in the form of both equity and debt financing. Within this framework, it is the contractor that assumes 100 per cent of the financial risks, not the government.

Considering the foregoing, from a pragmatic legal

and technical standpoint, the government is neither a de facto investor nor a direct investor in the Petroleum Exploration Activities.

For the sake of drawing a relatable analogy that chartered accountant, Mr. Lalbachan Ram may better appreciate as an auditor; in the same manner that when private sector companies employ “creative accounting” or “window-dressing” techniques in the preparation of their financial statements, designed to deprive the state of tax revenues, the government is not referred to as a “de facto” investor in these instances. Similarly, the government cannot be regarded as a de facto investor in the petroleum exploration activities, which is not provided for in the Petroleum Agreement (2016).

With respect to the investment of the NRF, the NRF Act prescribes the fund’s investment mandate.

In this regard, the NRF Act establishes that “the fund shall be invested according to the principle of passive investment management…” and this is the responsible way to manage the fund at this time.

Altogether, the government is involved in the decision-making process, albeit at the policy level and not at the day-to-day operational level. Therefore, to say that the government is not included in the decision-making process is totally inaccurate and a false premise. More so, the notion that the government is a de facto investor in petroleum-exploration activities is at best a distorted, deceptively premised interpretation.

INTRODUCTION In his column of December 15, 2023, chartered

accountant, Mr. Lalbachan Chris Ram theorised that: “Guyana’s foregoing of profit oil necessarily adds to the windfall of the oil companies, allowing them the use of what is properly Guyana’s funds to finance petroleum activities. In other words, the government is putting up 50 per cent of exploration investment―equal to the combined investment of Exxon, Hess, and CNOOC―in exploration, but has no seat at the table, and no say in the decision making. And guess what? The government cannot extract a single change in the concessions available to the oil companies.”

Then, in his column of December 22, 2023, he contradicted his own absurdly “superficial theorisation” referenced above, by asserting that: (1) referring to the IMF and IDB reports… “it is not in the DNA of the PPP/C to prefer management to spending and one fears this is likely to happen in the final year and months of an election cycle”; (2) he finds it disturbing that the entire portfolio of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) is held in cash and cash equivalents; and (3) he raises concerns about the impossibility to determine the NRF Investment Committee’s decisions made on an “appropriate portfolio that can maximize investment income while securing the investment.”

In a subsequent invited commentary by Kaieteur News (carried in their December 25, 2023, edition), Mr. Lalbachan Ram reaffirmed his position that the government is a de facto investor in the petroleum-exploration activities with ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC. He further opined, in an apparent attempt to debunk

The President also made history at Leonora when he cut the ribbon for the opening of the first bank in his home village. Demerara Bank opened its door for customers.

On Saturday, fire ravaged a building in Sophia, leaving seven people homeless, damaging three vehicles, injuring two and

scorching two other buildings.

The Eve of Christmas, Sunday, provided much soured excitement. In North Rupununi, a pedestrian was struck by a car in an accident.

Another pedestrian was not so lucky, as he was killed by a truck reversing at Windsor Forest,

a statement by the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, where he (the Vice President) said that the government has no borrowings in relation to the petroleum exploration and development activities in Guyana, therefore, not an investor.

Ram then sought to counter this view by stating that there are two principal methods in raising financing, referring to shareholders’ equity and retained earnings… (which is incorrect… the two principal methods are in fact via debt-financing instruments and equity financing instruments. Retained earnings, as Ram alluded to as one of the principal forms, is actually a form of equity financing, i.e., an internal source of financing).

This article seeks to demonstrate how the above varying positions from the chartered accountant are contradictory in nature, hence, his contradictory dilemma.

Moreover, this article seeks to provide readers with an alternative perspective grounded in an empirical discussion and analysis in relation to the aforesaid issues.

DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The notion that the government is putting up 50 per cent of the exploration investment but has no seat at the table and no say in decision making is an egregiously distorted and false narrative. The proponents of this view are premising this belief on the supposed “foregone” revenue attributed to the lack of ring-fencing, 50 per cent of which should have been profits for the government at the outset.

The chartered accountant Mr. Ram contended that this supposed “foregone” revenue is equivalent to “re-

tained earnings” or equity.

This concocted conception, however, is a matter of creative interpretation, albeit flawed; as opposed to an analysis grounded in facts considering the policies and decisions of the government; the framework of the Petroleum Agreement (2016); and the tradeoffs among other factors.

In strict terms, the terminology “foregone” means to “give up. But the government is not necessarily “giving up” revenue owing to the lack of ring-fencing.

Rather, owing to the lack of ring-fencing, as this author argued in previous articles, the government made a deliberate and intentional decision to ramp up production rapidly. Consequently, what proponents are referring to as “foregone” revenue, is in fact a “tradeoff.”

The tradeoff is simply trading “short-term” gains to leverage maximised gains achievable in the medium-term. In so doing, the gains derivable in the long run will far outstrip the shortterm gains.

In that regard, this author demonstrated in several articles (recently) that all things being equal, the exploration/ prospecting licence pursuant to the Petroleum Agreement (2016) expires in 2027. Thus, with ExxonMobil Guyana aiming to bring online 10 Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSOs) vessels by 2030, which will enable increased production to upwards of 1.3 million barrels per day, coupled with a short payback period of three-five years attributable to the 75% cost-recovery ceiling, the total exploration and development costs may be fully recovered by 2035.

This means that, all other

things being equal, the government’s take by 2030 could reach an estimated US$4.7 billion annually (larger than the pre-oil GDP), and peak at around US$8 billion annually by 2035 and thereafter (all other things being equal). By then, the government’s take will increase from 14.5% (during recovery period) to between 25%-30% (post-recovery period by the year 2035) from the Stabroek Block, under the 2016 Petroleum Agreement.

It is worth noting that the size of the Stabroek Block is an estimated 26,806 km2, and to date, based on the size of the project-development area (PDA) for all of the discoveries (46 discoveries), less than 2% of the Stabroek Block has been explored (after 24 years of exploration activities).

Therefore, by 2027, when the 2016 Petroleum Prospecting Licence expires, not more than 3%five per cent of the Stabroek Block will have been explored, thereby effectively placing the government in a position to re-possess at least 95% of the Stabroek Block, following which the new fiscal terms, inter alia, the new model Petroleum Agreement (s) shall be applied to any new exploration and production licences. Moreover, the tradeoff on account of the lack of ring-fencing that the chartered accountant Ram refers to as “foregone” revenue, which he contextually mischaracterised as equity―to lend credence to his notion that the government is a de facto investor, is another false premise. [See part two of this Op-Ed in the Saturday, December 28, 2023 edition of the Guyana Chronicle.]

Pay attention on the...

FROM PAGE 6

on collision in Essequibo which resulted in a fatality. In Port Kaituma, a 13-year-old girl allegedly drowned after falling off a boat.

Friday brought some smiles as it was the last working day for most people before the holidays.

West Coast Demerara. A man was shot dead during an attempted robbery in Campbellville. A husband was killed in a shooting incident by his reputed wife’s lover at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Christmas Day was spoiled with the death of two friends involved in a speeding car accident at

Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo and with another injured. The devastating fire at Linden killed three family members.

Boxing Day saw one person injured during a robbery at a Chinese supermarket in Herstelling.

As the wars continue abroad with no sign of coming to an end in

sight, many more will not see the beginning of the new year. Can Guyanese prevent the occurrence of the Christmas tragedies for the New Year’s holiday? Here’s wishing you and your family a harmless, healthy and happy New Year.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Dialectical stagnation and class struggle in post 1964 Guyana

THIS is the third installment in an ongoing analysis of social classes in Guyana. In case you missed the other two columns, they are in the November 22 and 23 editions of the Guyana Chronicle.

In part two, I made the following observation: “There have been four periods that saw profound changes in Guyana’s class structure: 1- Burnhamite state hegemony; 2- Hoytean capitalist restoration; 3- Jaganite elevation of the peasantry; and 4- petro-dollar economy.”

Let’s look at the first period which is the immediate post-colonial period that morphed into state paramountcy under Forbes Burnham. After independence, there were more political upheavals rather than class changes. Post 1966, Guyana was more about political fierceness and not class struggle.

The coalition of a dyed-in-the-wool capitalist, pro-Western party-- the United Force (UF) -- in coalition with the PNC whose constituencies were essentially the urban proletariat and the pro-Western,

Mulatto/Creole middle class, produced an extreme rarity in class struggle referred to by Karl Marx as dialectical stagnation.

The employment of dialectical stagnation by Marx is one of his innovative contributions to Georg Hegel’s adumbration of the dialectic.

Marx argued in the “Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte,” a book about the 1848 revolution in France that led to the seizure of power by Napoleon, that there was a period of dialectical stagnation.

To acknowledge that there could be a moment in class struggle when there is a dialectical standstill appears to be a contradiction of the very nature of the dialectic, but Marx acknowledged that there could be a moment when class struggle can experience a dialectical moment of no movement backward or forward.

Dialectical stoppage in the evolution of the antagonistic relations among social classes is very rare in the history of the world, but I would argue that for a brief moment between

1964 and 1967 in Guyana, there was a dialectic halt in class antagonism.

I will argue it in this way. Given the class support the UF had from the petit bourgeoisie and the embrace the PNC received from the middle class and urban proletariat, the missing link were the rural proletariat, the peasantry and the Kulak class.

These classes supported the PPP, but though these sections of Guyana’s sociological layout would have resented what happened to Dr. Jagan, the post 1964 coalition government did not target the classes supporting Dr. Jagan because of pragmatism and a dose of class sympathy.

The UF would not have allowed the PNC to move against the large rural land owners and the Kulak class because the UF had some class sympathy for them. Sections of the Kulak class, prosperous from rice production, supported the UF. It must not be forgotten that the UF had some wealthy Indians among its ranks. My wife’s uncle, Amjad Ali who was chairman of the

Rice Producers’ Association supported the UF in those days.

Dialectical stagnation occurred for two reasons: after the fall of Dr. Jagan, he did not incite the rural proletariat to confront the PNC/UF coalition regime because Dr. Jagan was an astute Leninist who internalised the famous strategy of Lenin – “one step backward to take two steps forward.”

The PPP had just been ousted from power by a Western conspiracy and there had to be a period of strategising. Also, Jagan had devoted some space for himself after 1964 to complete his autobiography.

Secondly, the rural proletariat was pivotal to the survival of the sugar industry and by extension, the country’s economy,

and it would have been an economic disaster for the new government to target sugar workers so soon after coming into power.

But I doubt this was a choice of the UF whose class mentality would have prevented any sympathy for the rural proletariat for religious, political and cultural reasons. The sugar workers after 1964 would have seen more sympathy for them from the PNC than the UF. After independence, around early 1967, the period of dialectical stagnation ended and class confrontation resumed in Guyana. Two factors could be cited for this.

One was the PPP’s open rejection of the development strategies of the coalition government, which Dr. Jagan described as neocolonial. For more

on this see the fine article by Dr. Jagan, titled, “Alternative Models of Caribbean Economic Development and Industrialization” in DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE, Volume Three, Number One, Spring 1982.

The second factor was the creeping confrontation over policy direction between the UF and the PNC. The relations between the parties were riddled with ideological and class differences, with the UF’s open embrace of unharnessed capitalism versus the PNC’s more quasi-socialist direction. For more on this, see chapter three of Tyrone Ferguson’s informative book, “To Survive Sensibly or to Court Heroic Death.”

Part four is forthcoming.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Opposition not interested in fighting racism where it exists - Dr. Jagdeo says

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has once again highlighted the potent tactic utilised by the PNC-led APNU + AFC opposition in using racism to cause division among Guyanese.

Speaking during his

the opposition, there is no such report before the ERC, even though the body is constitutionally empowered to investigate complaints of racial discrimination in Guyana and make recommendations.

He lamented that the opposition has not demonstrated any inter-

tifying and eradicating these instances of individualised racial discrimination to foster greater equality countrywide.

“The People’s Progressive Party has ensured that we work to make sure that all of our institutions serve all of our people. But there could be cases of indi-

PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo said: “This Party cannot move away from its history of using race to divide our people, and that is another defining characteristic of the People’s National Congress,” adding that there are mechanisms in place to address any instances of discrimination in Guyana.

One such mechanism is the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which was sworn in earlier this year with a mandate to promote ethnic harmony and security in Guyana.

The GS said that despite the multitude of accusations of racial discrimination hurled by

est in eliminating racism where it exists.

“If there was such a big set of discrimination in this country, you can use the two mechanisms that are there to address this, the ERC or our courts, and I would urge them to do that, but they are not interested in finding real cases of discrimination where they exist,” the GS pointed out.

While recognising that there may be cases of individualised racism in certain sections of Guyanese society, the general secretary stressed that this is not institutionalised, as the opposition insists.

According to Dr Jagdeo, collective focus must be placed on iden-

vidual acts of discrimination. I’m not saying they don’t exist. We should all be interested in finding those cases and making sure they don’t survive.

But APNU is not interested in that; they are interested in propaganda,” he said.

C o n t r a s t i n g l y, h e maintained that the PPP has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and equality in crafting its programmes and policies.

He reminded that since the PPP/C assumed office, there have been more opportunities available for all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity or any other cultural or social distinctions. These include opportunities for employment, education,

and housing.

“All of our people have seen a growth in disposable income, including afro-Guyanese.

All of our people have seen improvement in social and economic infrastructure, including Afro-Guyanese. Our children, all of them are treated better, they got back the cash grant…our pensioners, people living with disabilities…those are the facts,” he said.

Dr. Jagdeo added that even in APNU strongholds, such as Linden, Region 10, this commitment to development is demonstrated by the PPP/C. “You didn’t see the government start firing people in Linden, compared to what they did in the sugar belt. In fact, 1,550 persons are working on a part-time programme in Linden, who didn’t have full time nor

part time jobs when the PPP got into office in August of 2020.

“You will have 1,400 people in Linden who will have access to a piece of land and a house under this government, because that is what we are doing there, when you didn’t have a single new housing scheme being built in Linden under APNU,” Dr Jagdeo noted. (DPI)

GPHC records major decline in maternal deaths

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

- saves lives of over 300 critically ill pregnant women this year

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded low levels of maternal deaths while saving the lives of 303 critically-ill women this year, as the government continues to make significant efforts in curbing the maternity deaths and improving the health sector.

Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the GPHC, Dr. Rafi Rozan during a press conference Thursday said this year the number of recorded maternal deaths is 10 when compared to 17 in 2021, and 16 in 2022.

“In 2023, we would have had 10 maternal deaths as compared from the two previous years.

There would have been a decline, seven of which are direct deaths and two of which are indirect and one yet to be classified…

Direct obstetric deaths are basically caused due to a complication of pregnancy or a complication in child birth, termination or complication arising from its management…whereas an indirect death is basically caused by the pregnancy interfering or worsening an existing condition,” he stated.

He added: “We would have had 4,860 deliveries this year, of which 1,569 were caesarian section and 3,291 were spontaneous vaginal delivery. With regards to still birth, do note, that the World Health Organisation defines still birth as a baby who dies after 28 weeks of pregnancy but before or during birth.”

Dr Rozan said that globally there are an estimated two million still births every year, one in every 16 seconds. However, in Guyana, there

GPHC CEO Robbie Rambarran and heads of the various clinical departments

have been 54 this year, recording 11 for every 1,000 births.

The Every New Born Action Plan (ENAP) is a global initiative advocating for every country to have less than 20 still births by 2030; Guyana is within that goal.

“In 2023, there could have been 303 patients that could have died but they survived. These are considered near miss… where pregnant mothers experience a severe complication during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days after delivery,

but survive,” Dr Rozan said.

Meanwhile, he related that the department has seen massive improvement with how the patient’s case and care are managed.

According to Dr Rozan, caesarian sections are now being done in a timelier manner taking approximately 10-15 minutes to get an emergency C-section case from the labour room to the operating theatre.

“With regards to these 10 maternal deaths in 2023, do note that 70 per cent of these deaths were referred to Georgetown public hospital. And of these referrals, six of those referrals were deemed critical and critical is being defined as the need for intensive care unit admission. So, six of the seven were very critical and one was deemed non- critical.

The six that were critical, came to the hospital intubated from the other hospitals that were referring, and do note, that referrals are not just from

public hospitals but from private institutions as well,” he explained.

The decline in the number of admissions and other improvements, Dr Rozan attributed to multiple strategies that were implemented in the department.

Staffing was increased at the outpatient clinic to facilitate the growing number of highrisk patients and there is increased fetal monitoring.

Further, from admission to discharge, a patient is seen by a specialist at all times.

The department will also soon add a specialist in urogynecology, and a new unit for maternal fetal medicine, to give special care to the severe maternal morbidity and life-threatening cases.

Additionally, he noted that there have been significant improvements in the treatment and care of patients in this department which makes up 35-40 per cent of the patient load at the Hospital. (DPI)

Some 600 nurses needed at GPHC - CEO

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has made a request for nurses to be brought in from Cuba to address the deficit that currently exists at the health institution.

This is according to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran, who told members of the media at the GPHC’s end-ofyear press conference that there is currently a nurse deficit of approximately 55 per cent.

He explained that because of the existing situation, approximately 600 nurses are needed in order to meet industry standards. This means that in units such as the Intensive Care Unit, one nurse to a patient and one nurse to two patients in other departments is what is required. In other instances, the nurse-topatient ratio increases to 1:6.

“So based on the industry standards, when we compute that with the number of beds we have, we are about 600 nurses short,” Rambarran said.

Against this back-

GPHC CEO Robbie Rambarran (GPHC photos)

drop, he noted that a request was made to the Ministry of Health for additional nurses from Cuba to assist in the short term.

He indicated that there are about 33 Cuban nurses already in the system.

Added to this, he stated that there were some 146 resignations this year as compared to 107 last year. During 2023, the hospital was able to recruit more nurses compared to 2022 and as such, there was a net loss of about 50 nurses.

Meanwhile, Director of Nursing Services, Sister Leslyn Holder stated that 2023 began with a total of 896 nurs-

ing staff of which 116 were on loan from the health ministry.

“Staffing at the end of November, and there is no change to current date, we have a total of 881 staff of which 148 are on loan from the Ministry of Health.

Throughout the year, we had 86 new hires and two rehires. We had 146 resignations,” she said.

With the resignations, Holder indicated that there are gaps in areas such as patient care, which has increased the need for additional support.

Earlier this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said that Guyana like many other

Director of Nursing Services Sister Leslyn Holder

Caribbean nations is faced with a shortage

of nurses and as such, the country would be

looking to Cuba for short-term support.

At that time, he noted that he had met with nurses from the GPHC who had reported that they were doubling up on shifts as a result of the shortages.

Dr Ali indicated that nurses are needed in the short term and as such, they would look to Cuba, a long-time partner for assistance. It was said that the increased capacity in training is more of a medium to long-term solution.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Guyana’s economy continues to - every report shows, Dr. Jagdeo says grow at record pace

GUYANA’S massive economic growth has been the focal point of international and regional reports, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

“Every single report has shown that not only has the economy been growing at record pace, but all the things we manage in spite of that growth to avoid the overheating of the economy,” he said.

During a press conference at Freedom House, on Thursday, he turned his attention to the policies being implemented by the government to ensure that Guyana has a balanced and sustainable future.

Guyana’s economic outlook remains bright, as the country’s economy is expected to record dou-

ble-digit growth yet again, reaching nearly 40 per cent by the end of this year, according to the Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2023 report published by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

“In Guyana, the GDP growth rate is expected to be in double digits in 2023, close to 40 per cent in real terms, as a result of the start-up of offshore oil production,” ECLAC said.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2023 Article IV Consultation report published recently, commended the Government of Guyana for its economic management, including the implementation of policies and initiatives geared at transforming Guyana’s economy.

The findings were published following an official IMF mission visit to Guyana in September. The IMF, in its findings, highlighted that Guyana’s real GDP is expected to continue to grow rapidly, adding that Guyana achieved the highest real GDP growth in the world in 2022 – 62.3 per cent.

The Guyanese economy has tripled in size since the start of oil extraction (end-2019), from one of the lowest GDPs per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean in the early 90s.

Oil production is growing, with a third oil field – Payara – on stream, and growth in the non-oil sector is supported by the

implementation of a fastpaced public investment programme, focused on providing transportation, housing, and flood-management infrastructure, and raising human capital.

Moreover, spinoffs from oil and construction are supporting growth in the services and supplies sectors.

Meanwhile, in relation to inflationary pressures, the IMF noted that the government introduced a suite of measures in 2022 and 2023, which has contributed to a decline in the inflation rate in 2023.

Guyana is poised for continued rapid expansion, with on-average growth of 20 per cent per year during 2024-28.

The IMF projects that non-oil GDP growth will be sustained at 5.5 per cent, as the government continues its plans to address the country’s developmental needs.

The IMF reported that the government’s current expansionary fiscal policy stance is appropriate, given the country’s development needs and is appropriately balanced by monetary policy.

Designs for mega drainage canals to be completed by February 2024

THE designs for major drainage canals in Regions Five and Six are expected to be completed by February 2024 so that infrastructural works can begin on the Hope Canal-like structures.

The government is pumping a lot of funds into massive projects to enhance the drainage systems in the two regions.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha made the disclosure during a recent farmers’ meeting.

The National Assembly recently approved the sum of $5.3 billion to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority

(NDIA) for the provision of additional resources to facilitate critical drainage and irrigation works.

Of that sum, the government has allocated $6.4 million to complete the designs for the canals.

“These will be massive structures. These will be canals that will help us when we have excessive rainfall and excessive water in the system to drain the system without putting pressure on our drainage we now have,” Minister Mustapha stated.

He added that the consultants working on the plans have promised to build the canals so that water can be conserved for use in irrigation, par-

ticularly during extended dry periods.

A few weeks ago, Minister Mustapha also noted that the president was

briefed on the latest aspects of these structures.

The agriculture minister emphasised, “We will start the Hope-like Canal

in various regions like Regions Five and Six. We are now working to design those canals…Parts of those canals, especially

times like these, will act a as a reservoir for us too…

So that we can have it to use as some form of irrigation.”

During the recent Sitting of the National Assembly, Minister Mustapha had also highlighted that there are several canals throughout the country that need rehabilitative works to improve D&I throughout the country including Friendship, Den Amstel, Craig, Plaisance, Profit, Belladrum, New Amsterdam, Manchester, Black Bush Polder, Bonasika, and Mahaicony Creek, among others. These works will be competed at a cost of $2.5 billion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Work starts on $11B Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam highway

CONSTRUCTION has officially begun on the $11 billion Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam (Craig), East Bank Demerara four-lane extension project.

The initiative, which includes the construction of 4.6 kilometres of asphaltic concrete roads, serves as a continuation of the East Bank Demerara highway stretching from Mandela Avenue to Diamond.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the $11 billion allocated for the project encompasses two contracts for major revetment works at Buzz Bee Dam.

These revetment works play a crucial role in facilitating the smooth progress of the road con-

struction.

The first phase of highway was the $2.6 billion Mandela Avenue to

Eccles Road, which was commissioned in April 2022.

The second phase of

the road (Heroes Highway) was extended from the Eccles Dumpsite Road to Diamond to the tune of

13

$13.3 billion. This stretch was commissioned earlier this month and renamed in honour of the five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks who died in the horrific helicopter crash.

Additionally, Minister Croal stated that the Eccles Industrial Road, which is connected to the roundabout, will extend from the Windsor Estate junction all the way to the East Bank Public Road.

The Eccles Industrial Road is one of the main connectivity points for the Ogle, East Coast Demerara to East Bank Demerara roads which are being executed through the Ministry of Public Works.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Guyanese songstress Timeka Marshall joins ‘Wally Kyat’ in new music video

Timeka Marshall

WALLY Kyat, a Virgin Islands native, has collaborated with Guyanese singer, Timeka Marshall, for his first music video off the 2021 ‘Where we from’ album.

This comes on the heels of Timeka’s release of three spec-

tacular Soca songs which include ‘Irving Street’ and ‘Mashramani’ from ‘The Mash Project’ which was released on January 23, 2023.

Another song released by the singer was ‘Long Ride’ on the ‘Car love riddim’ on May 27, 2023.

Album cover (Wally Kyat photo)

Wally Kyat’s song, ‘Poison Love’ is a dancehall/ pop fused track that was directed by Emmy-nominated Film Director, Dwight Winston and written by Omari George. It was shot in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

It is sponsored by

the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts and The NEA & Culture Rok Media Group with behind the scenes support/ grant funds application management by Jamaal Miller, Brittany Brin Robinson, Jorell Fredericks, Antonette Boynes, and

Akela Frett.

The ‘Where we from’ album was released on November 18, 2021, and has a total of 11 songs, inclusive of ‘Poison Love’.

To stream this album and other Wally Kyat music, persons can visit Apple Mu-

sic, YouTube, Shazam or Spotify.

Additionally, persons can keep up with local star Timeka Marshall on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, and listen to music by Timeka on YouTube.

15

‘The Color Purple’ exceeds box office expectations

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

THE 2023 musical adaptation of the 1985 critically acclaimed drama film, “The Color Purple,” has exceeded US box office predictions, earning $18.1 million since its December 25 release in over 3,000 theatres worldwide.

This, according to BET, makes the film the second-best showing for a film premiering on Christmas Day, since the 2009 debut of Sherlock Holmes.

The film is a replica of a novel written by Alice Walker in 1982. Brittannica summarizes the novel as one that documents the traumas and eventual triumph of Celie, an African American teen raised in rural isolation in Georgia.

She becomes resistant to the paralysing self-concept forced on her by those around her, and she narrates her life through her honest letters to God.

In 1983, the novel won a Pulitzer Prize and in 1985, American renowned director, Steven Spielberg, directed an acclaimed film adaptation of the book, starring Whoopi Goldberg as Celie and Danny Hlover as Albert.

On December 25, 2023, the film was released as a musical adaptation starring popular names in entertainment such as American singer and songwriter Fantasia, Ariel (2023) star, Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson and Ciara. It was produced by Oprah Winfrey (who starred in the 1985 adaptation as Sofia), Steven Spielberg (the original film director), Quincy Jones, among others.

The 2023 adaptation has a critic’s score of 88 and a 95 per cent audience score Rotten Tomatoes, top film critic on its website says, “The Color Purple is still

A BRONZE statue of Colombian singer Shakira has been unveiled in her hometown of Barranquilla.

The 6.5m-tall (21.3ft) bronze shows her swivelling her hips in the dance move which featured heavily in her popular Hips Don't Lie video.

The artiste shared photos of her parents in front of the statue on her Instagram account.

Shakira was among the names most searched on Google, according to figures released by the company.

Before the unveiling of the new statue, Shakira hit the news several times this year - most notably when she released a song about her former partner, ex-footballer Gerard Piqué, which broke YouTube records in Latin America.

And again when she settled a tax fraud case brought against her in Spain by paying a €7.5m (£6.5m) fine.

The unveiling of the statue on Tuesday was attended

by Shakira's parents, William Mebarak and Nidia Ripoll, as well as the mayor of Barranquilla.

A plaque at the foot of the statue praises the artiste for her "hips that do not lie, a unique talent, a voice that moves masses".

It also refers to her charity work through a foundation she created called "Pies descalzos", Spanish for "bare feet", which promotes early childhood development.

Shakira thanked the sculptor, Yino Márquez, and his students for the "enormous artistic talent" they had demonstrated by creating the bronze.

The year 2023 was a successful one for the singer, who swept up three Latin Grammy awards, one of them with fellow Colombian artiste Karol G. (BBC)

entertaining and deeply heartfelt (I had a face full of tears by the end), with some awards-worthy acting and singing (and yes, dancing).”

Meanwhile, poet and playwright, Marcus Gardley, noted that, “This film is a universal story that depicts the resilience of all of humans, all over the world," He said: "What Alice Walker's story is really about when she talks about The Color Purple, it's not only that purple is beautiful, but purple is rare and it's also the color of bruises.

It's the pain and the perseverance, hand in hand, that she's asking us to both embrace and learn from."

The 2023 film is rated PG- 13 and was directed

by Blitz Bazawule. It is approximately two hours and 20 minutes long, and should be in theatres in Guyana soon.

The musical adaptation of the 1985 award-winning film was released in theatres on Christmas Day (Warner Bros photo)

Huge Shakira statue unveiled in her hometown of Barranquilla

The statue was unveiled in Shakira's hometown, Barranquilla (AFP photo)

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Skip Marley upbeat as ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ earns platinum certification in Germany

AMERICAN pop singer, Katy Perry, happened to walk into the studio while producer Max Martin was playing the track ‘Lions’

by Skip Marley.

Perry asked who the artiste was, and when Martin told her, Perry said she wanted Skip to be featured on her next single, ‘Chained to the Rhythm.’

The track became a mas-

sive hit worldwide after it was released in February 2017.

Perry and Skip performed the track at the 59th annual Grammy Awards that year, as well as the Brit Awards in the United Kingdom and the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

A few weeks ago ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ was certified platinum in

Germany for exceeding 400,000 units in sales and streaming equivalent. The certification was issued by Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI), which means Federal Music Industry Association in English.

The Jamaica Observer caught up with Skip Marley recently and he was quite upbeat about the latest certification.

"Well, you know, everything in its time. The song was high up on the charts in several European countries when it [was] first released, so it's a blessing to see it continuing to reach audiences around the world. The success of ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ definitely opened doors internationally for my solo projects like my EP Higher Place," said Skip

Skip Marley

Marley.

‘Higher Place’ (EP) charted at #2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart in September 2020, while its lead single Slow Down, featuring American singer H.E.R. topped the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart — the first for a Jamaican.

Asked if he thought that ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ would have become the worldwide hit that it was, Skip Marley said: "I knew it was a very good song, and we had an all-star team collaborating on it. The vibes between myself, Katy, the MXM production crew — even Sia had a hand in some of the writing — it all just felt right. People can hear that chemistry in the music.

‘Chained to the Rhythm’ was produced by Max Martin and Ali Payami. It was released by Capitol Records as the first single from Perry's fifth studio album, Witness.

"Katy showed up as I was finishing my verse in the studio. We got to meet and talk that day, which set the stage for us to perform at the Grammys, the Brit Awards, and the iHeartRadio Music Awards. It was all

such an incredible experience and I'm grateful that we were able to take the message to so many people," said Skip Marley.

Commenting on the performance at the Grammy Awards, he said: "I am ever proud to represent Jamaica on the world stage and help bring a spotlight to our island that is bursting with talent."

‘Chained to the Rhythm’ was a top 10 hit in countries including Venezuela, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, Romania, Paraguay, Portugal, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Brazil, Italy, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Argentina.

The single was previously certified 3x platinum in Canada and Australia; 2x platinum in Italy, Norway and the United States; platinum in Denmark, France, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom; and diamond in Brazil.

In Belgium and New Zealand, ‘Chained to the Rhythm’ has been certified gold. (Jamaica Observer)

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Ariana Grande announces new album arriving in 2024 — her first since 2020’s ‘Positions’ Grande responds, “I’m so tired,” and laughs. “But so happy and grateful. I also feel like I weigh 3,000 tons.”

On her Instagram story, she shared a screenshot captured from FaceTime with the text, “The two moods of the album.”

She also shared posts from fans who received pack-

Ariana Grande attends the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event on December 6, 2018, in New York. On December 27, 2023, Grande announced that she will release a new album in 2024, her seventh studio album and first since 2020’s “Positions.” (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

ON Wednesday, Ariana Grande announced that she will release a new album in 2024.

The two-time Grammy award winner teased the fu-

ture full-length album on her Instagram page. It will be her seventh studio album and first since 2020’s “Positions.”

“See you next year,” she wrote in the caption of the

Instagram post, which included images in a studio and in front of a mixing board, and a video where someone off screen tells her it is “almost the last day of this album.”

ages from her in the mail containing red lipstick from her R.E.M. beauty line and a note that also read, “See you next year.”

The announcement arrives a few weeks after news broke that Ariana Grande signed to Good World Management firm, following her split with long-term manager,

Scooter Braun.

The new album will also be her first since her marriage and subsequent separation from real estate agent, Dalton Gomez.

A representative for Republic Records did not immediately return AP’s request for confirmation.

(AP)

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

UDFA year-end Futsal Club Championship semifinals set for tonight

TONIGHT is semifinals night in the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) year-ending Futsal Club Championship which has $1M for the top club.

Botafago, Capital FC, Haynes & Lewis Winners Connection and Milerock will all be in action following their respective quarterfinal wins on Wednesday night at the Retrieve Hard Court.

The first semifinal clash will see Botafago versus Capital FC and the other bringing together Milerock and Winners Connection; those games will follow three

supporting matches which begins at 19.00hrs.

In the first quarterfinal game played on Wednesday, the inform Capital FC looked most impressive among the eventual semifinalists when they flattened Coomacka 16-3 after leading 3-1 at the half.

Leading the charge for Capital FC was Andre Mayers who lit up the score-sheet with a quadruple of goals.

Hat-tricks were registered by Emanuel Atkins and Mortimer Giddings (Jr.), while Tyric McAllister and Orlando Thorman each netted

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday, December 29, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 6 Tests Win 1; Loss 3; Draw 2 Today’s Quiz: How many ODIs did the WI play in 2023?

How many did they win?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS ENGLISH RACING TIPS DONCASTER 08:30 hrs Therapist 09:05 hrs Chanceux 09:40 hrs Zambelka 10:15 hrs Bhaloo 10:45 hrs Twinjets 11:20 hrs Tintintin SOUTHWELL 12:00 hrs Revoquable 12:30 hrs Camcho Star 13:00 hrs Catrake Star 13:30 hrs Polly The Rocket 14:00 hrs Galactic Jack 14:30 hrs Hiya Maite 15:00 hrs Dark Side Thunder 15:30 hrs Rusheen Boy IRISH RACING TIPS LEOPARDSTOWN 08:00 hrs Paidi's Passion 08:35 hrs Ballyburn 09:10 hrs Risk Belle

09:45 hrs Corbetts Cross 10:20 hrs State Man 10:55 hrs Sequestered 11:25 hrs Jalin D'oudairies AMERICAN RACING TIPS AQUEDUCT RACE 1 Fluff The Pillow Race 2 Dr Ardisto Race 3 Gold Fire Race 4 Gut Feeling Race 5 Allied Attack Race 6 Bourbon's Hope SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS FAIRVIEW 08:15 hrs Cliff Top 08:50 hrs Grue Of Ice 09:25 hrs Gallic Tribe 10:00 hrs Aerial View 10:35 hrs Charlie Malone

twice, as Felix Inniss (Jr.) and Duquan Wilson each had single strikes.

Ronaldo Williams, Damian Williams and Jamal Whyte were the scorers for the losing Coomacka side.

H & L Winners Connection recovered from a, 1-2, half time deficit to out-score Topp XX 5-4 for their spot with tge main architect being Nicholas Gentle who scored all five goals.

Rudolph McCalmont with a brace, and single strikes for Jamal Bentick and Travis Waterton accounted for Topp XX in that losing cause.

Milerock then turned back the challenge of Silver Shattas 8-4, after taking a, 3-1, lead at the break.

Colwyn Drakes was in fine form getting a hat-trick of goals with Marcus Tudor adding a double, as veter-

an Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens, Michael Jeffers and an own goal, were responsible for the other three.

Omar Williams led the scoring for Shattas with a brace as Deshawn Thomas and Damian Williams got the other two goals for the losers.

Botafago then knocked out Aroiama, 7-4, after both teams were locked up, 3-3, at the half Amaniki Bunbtin and

Jamal Haynes led the way for Botafago with two goals apiece with the others coming off the boots of Jashawn Moore, Omar Brewley and Antwoine Gill.

For the Aroiama side Linton Osborne had the brace as David Belgrave and Sherlock Phillips netted the other goals. (Joe Chapman)

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

‘Artificial surface desperately needed for hockey in Guyana’ — says GHB President Phillip Fernandes

By Sean Devers

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) Philip Fernandes says that besides an artificial grass surface if Guyana is to compete with the bigger countries, Hockey in Guyana also needs a home.

“This year was a real struggle for hockey, as the weather was bad during the first half of the year, while the Sports Hall was out of commission for the entire year,” Fernandes said, adding, “although there was an extended sunny period in the second half of the year, cricket naturally used its priority status to compensate for lost days, since hockey is played on cricket grounds in Guyana.”

Speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport, Fernandes said: “The biggest challenges this year are the same that we will have next year, and those we [have] had for several years, and not having a home for hockey that includes an artificial grass surface on which the international games are played. This hinders us in many ways.

“The weather conditions on our grass fields, governed by cricket, disrupts training, including junior training, where consistency is so important.

Without an artificial grass field, our exposure to international competition is severely curtailed; teams cannot visit us for practice matches. We are reduced to only being able to expose our players to high-level competition whenever sufficient funds are raised to travel overseas. International competition is critical for the development of high-performance athletes.”

Speaking to the impact various surfaces can have on the game, he said: “Training on grass or any other surface is quite different from artificial grass, and so one can never replicate the game conditions training here at home.”

According to Fernandes, regionally, Guyana is not in a position to seriously challenge the teams who each have thousands of players and multiple artificial grass facilities on which to train.

He however feels that the team is competitive and can even challenge for a top spot in the Caribbean, based on their performances.

This he drew from one of Guyana’s three international engagements in 2023.

“CAC games for men was held in the Dominican Republic and Guyana finished seventh out of eight teams. Guyana's results were somewhat disappointing in this tournament but further high-

lighted the difficulty of being the only team in the tournament without an artificial grass surface,” he said.

This has been the single biggest hurdle in keeping our players competitive at the international level,” Fernandes sadly said, adding:

HOME FOR HOCKEY VITAL “I would like to see a home for hockey become a reality; that way, our athletes can have no barriers that are beyond their control to improve themselves, and be the best they can be. The growth of the game would be significant it this were to happen.

“We have had several encouraging conversations with the Minister of Sport, but, so far, no definite plans have materialised. We are still engaging the government, and are cautiously optimistic.”

As to the synergy between the GHB and the National Sports Commission, Fernandes said: “The Hockey Board has always had a good relationship with the NSC; they have been supportive in making available whatever resources they have to support our game. These are mostly in the form of use of facilities, transportation for travelling teams, as well as financial support for international competition.

“For the very first time, we see sponsorship as a positive area. With the new oil & and gas activities, there seems to be heightened interest for companies to engage in CSR activities, and to contribute to the development of the young people of Guyana. While there is still work to be done to secure funding, there seems to be a few more doors now available on which we can knock.”

Jaramrj Assanah (left) demonstrates excellent ball control as he presses forward

The third was the Pan American games.

Abosaide Cadogan (2nd right) about to score a goal at National Gymnasium

LOCAL TOURNAMENT SUCCESSES The Bounty/Antonio's Grill one-day tournament for men and women, the Oceaneering under-14 league, the Farfan & Mendes men's first division league, the Woodpecker Trophies & Sports women's league, the Hikers Mixed 7-a-side Hockey Festival and the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival were the six tournaments held during the year.

These tournaments, he noted, achieved their desired success while stating that the latter is the only one to include international teams.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L TOURNAMENTS Guyana participated in three international tournaments this

year.

According to Fernandes, the first of those was the Junior Pan Am Championships for boys U-21 in Barbados where the boys found it difficult to overcome the top Pan Am nations but produced good results against the second tier which comprised of teams having numbers closer to Guyana’s.

This team's fifth place finish was Guyana's best ever and was considered a good success.

The Junior Pan Am Championships for girls U-21 was held simultaneously with the boys and while the girls struggled to be competitive with the top nations, they secured an easy victory over the lone other Caribbean team, Barbados.

“I think the performance of our junior teams was very encouraging. Unfortunately, a lot of the smaller nations, which would have still had better resources than we do, withdrew from the tournament, leaving most of our duels to be against the big 5; Argentina, USA, Canada, Chile and Uruguay.

We believe that if the less prominent South American teams, the Caribbean teams and the Central American teams had attended, we would have won significantly more” opined Fernandes.

President of the GHB Phillip Fernandes

More local clubs being sought Guyana has four active clubs each fielding men's and women's teams. Two additional clubs are not currently active but efforts are being made for their revival, Fernandes said.

Unfortunately, while there still are hockey players outside of Georgetown, there aren't any hockey teams at the moment.

“Hockey once boasted strong teams from Linden, Uitvlugt and New Amsterdam. The high cost of transportation to play matches in the city where most teams exist proves difficult to sustain. We are currently trying to find a solution for this as we intend to revive these hockey communities,” Fernanades continued.

“Despite the major setbacks of not having facilities to train regularly and not having any facility that has the surface required for international competition, Guyana has remained remarkably competitive in the region.

Club teams traveling out of Guyana to Trinidad and Barbados often enjoy success which demonstrates that the quality

is there.

In August of this year three Guyanese [club] teams participated in the Barbados hockey festival and the GCC men's team won the open men's division” Fernandes explained.

Standout individual performances According to Fernandes, “On the men's side, Jaramrj Assanah probably remains the standout player but Andrew Stewart and Kareem McKenzie are also right up there with him.

Among the junior ranks, we have exciting emerging players like midfielders Shakeem Faucette and Shaquan Favorite along with striker Warren Williams.”

“On the female side, the experience of Marzana Fiedtkou and the Xavier siblings (Gabriella and Alysa) still shines through but there is a batch of girls who carry the load of the junior national team and can match any in the Caribbean. Among these are strikers Abosaide Cadogan and Clayza Bobb, midfielders Sarah Kalutky and Madison Fernandes and defenders Makeda Harding and Kirsten Gomes,” he added.

Funding still plaguing the sport “Funding for overseas trips has been a big struggle for many years. Hockey does not enjoy the status of some other disciplines which are considered more popular. As a result, funding is always in short supply.

To compete over the years, our teams would have to supplement any government or Olympic Association support with fund-raising activities which the athletes pull off themselves. This can be disruptive to training but remains part of the landscape for teams travelling out of Guyana” Fernandes said.

Schoo’s Hockey not where GHB would like While the board has enjoyed success in some areas, it has fallen just short in others explained the GHB Boss.

“There is hockey in schools, although not at the level that we would like. This is an area in which we can improve. We have our gold standard in St Stanislaus College, which has now produced so many players among its alumni that they formed their own club.

Hockey is also played at Richard Ishmael, North Ruimveldt Multilateral, St Joseph's High School, Marian Academy, Queens College and Cummings Lodge Secondary to name a few” Fernandes concluded.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Warner plans to skip West Indies tour

CMC – Australia opener David Warner plans to skip the home One-day and Twenty20 International series against West Indies in February next year.

Media reports indicate that Warner, who plans to retire from Tests at the end of the current home series against Pakistan, will instead be playing for the Dubai Capitals in the second edition of the International League T20 tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

Chief executive officer of the Australian Cricketers’ Association Todd Greenberg said Warner was likely to start maximising his T20 league

availability following Test retirement in Sydney next week.

“I think the short answer to that is probably yes,” Greenberg said. “I know he’s pretty committed to the BBL (Big Bash League in Australia).

“There’s no doubt in the next phase of Dave’s life, he’s going to be looking to ply his trade where he gets the best return on his investment. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, in fact I’m encouraging him to do that.

“There will be times where he’ll be looking to miss certain games and tours. That’s the sort of flexibility we’ve got to get our heads around.

Some people won’t like that,

Australia opener David Warner

but that’s the modern world of which we’re living in and we have to embrace it.”

Reports indicate that Australia are likely to rest top players for the ODIs and T20Is against West Indies – but a full-strength team is likely to be picked for the subsequent T20I series against New Zealand, bearing in mind the T20I World Cup to be staged in June in the Caribbean and United States.

West Indies will also play two Tests on the Tour of Australia and have named a 15-member squad, but the line-ups for the ODIs and T20Is have yet to be announced.

GFF Elite League promotional play-off…

‘Semis’ set for today

THE top four clubs in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League promotional play-off will be in action today in the semi-final showdown at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

Slingerz FC of West Demerara will square-off with Winners Connections FC of Upper Demerara in the curtain raiser at 18:00 hours, while the second game will bring together Beacon of Georgetown against Monedderlust of Berbice at 20:00 hours.

Monedderlust FC secured the maximum six points in Group A, with

Beacon FC and Slingerz, Groups B and C winners also claiming the maximum six points.

Winners Connection was the best second- placed team, edging out Tabatinga of Rupununi with a better goal average after both teams finished on three points.

Former national striker Anthony “Awo” Abrams propelled Beacon to the top with six of the team’s eight goals in the playoffs.

Abrams, who is Beacon’s captain, scored four goals in his team’s 5-3 win over Tabatinga FC. He also scored a double against Herstelling Raiders of East Bank De-

merara. Tabatinga’s Deivision DaSilva finished the competition with four goals.

Slingerz’ path to the semi-finals was secured with victories over Dominators FC of Essequibo 6-0, and Winners Connection 1-0, while Monedderlust FC won against Beacon FC of Bartica 4-1 and 3-0 over Buxton Stars of East Coast Demerara.

Winners Connection FC claimed a walkover from Dartmouth to secure three points and three goals from the fixture.

Some of the players expected to be on show are Shawn Adonis, Deon Alfred,

Sheldon Holder, and Jermey Garnett (Slingerz), Albert De Souza, Charles Archer, Andre Philips and Nicholas Gentle (Winners Connection), Teron Delph, Paul McDonald, Dawit Watts, Alpha Stephney (Monedderlust) and Abrams, Wendell St. Hill, Keon Douglas, Jecuan Cole and Simon Emanuel (Beacon).

The final will be played on January 6, 2024.

The winning club will be promoted to the Elite League’s Season 6 next season, while the runner-up side will also be given a second chance to play in the Elite League when they

oppose Victoria Kings, the bottom-placed team from Season 5, for a spot next year.

The GFF Elite League promotional play-off commenced on December 17 with nine victorious teams from the Member Associations' Leagues fervently competing for a coveted spot in the prestigious Elite League Season Six, scheduled for 2024.

Participating clubs are: Beacons (Bartica Football Association), Beacons (Georgetown Football Association), Buxton Stars (East Coast Demerara Football Association), Dartmouth

(Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association), Herstelling Raiders (East Bank Demerara Football Association), Monnederlust (Berbice Football Association), Slingerz (West Demerara Football Association), Tabatinga (Rupununi Football Association), and Winners Connection (Upper Demerara Football Association).

The Elite League represents GFF President Wayne Forde's vision for advancing club football, acting as a crucial avenue for players aiming to transition into the national programme.

CMC – West Indies leftarm spin-bowling duo of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie benefitted from strong performances in the deciding fifth Twenty20 International against England last Thursday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

The Caribbean side

claimed the T20I series, 3-2, with a four-wicket win in the final match, largely on the back of their bowling, keeping England to 132 before completing a chase in the final over.

Hosein, playing on home soil, took two for 20 from his allotted four overs in the match, and he moved two spots up to an

all-time high of fourth in the ICC Player Rankings for T20Is, overtaking the Sri Lankan pair of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

Motie jumped 75 spots after claiming three for 24 in his four overs to earn Player-of-the-Match in the same contest, and he entered the top 100 for the

first time at 91st.

Pacer Alzarri Joseph, who did not play in the last two matches of the series, is ranked at 19th, and fellow pacer Jason Holder is ranked at 26th, but no other West Indies bowler that featured in the series appeared in the top 100 with the out-of-favour trio of Obed McCoy, Sheldon

Cottrell, and Odean Smith at 51st, 77th, and 85th, respectively.

Former West Indies white-ball captain Nicholas Pooran, and opener Brandon King, who gained an all-time high sixth during the series, are the highest ranked batsmen at 12th and 13th, respectively.

West Indies Captain Rovman Powell, who achieved a career-best 23rd ranking during the series, is ranked 30th, left-handed opener Kyle Mayers is 36th, fellow opener Johnson Charles is 51st, Sherfane Rutherford is 71st, Shai Hope is 89th, and Shimron Hetmyer is 98th.

Motie, Hosein leap in ICC T20 rankings

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 29, 2023

Showdown on New Year's Day at Rising Sun

Horse Racing action in 2024 is expected to be intense

THE biggest social event on the sporting calendar in the country on New Year's Day, the SINOTRUK Classic will be at Rising Sun Turf Club (RSTC) racecourse, Rising Sun, Berbice.

Two phenomenal revenge bouts are the card.

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) the country's leading horse racing promoter, will get proceedings underway with an ultra-competitive eightrace card.

This card is a preview of bigger things to come next

year according to JJTRC's Head of Racing, Nasrudeen Mohamed jnr.

The feature event on the card is billed as a battle of the sexes rematch between Sunday's winner Spankhurst (gelding) and runner-up Bossalina (mare), and Derby winners Red Ruby and Firecracker.

The Guyana-bred twoyear-olds will be competing on the card that is written to recognise and promote the Guyana-bred horses, who continue to keep the sport alive.

Speaking to this newspaper about the surge in the horse racing population, and the day's activities, Junior as he is affectionately called, related, "This year was a tremendous season for the sport. It generated a renewed confidence in the sport. This was underlined by the record number of horses imported into the country. " He explained, "It was the first-time horses were imported from Brazil to compete in the country. Over 60 horses were imported from Trinidad, and the USA to im-

Motie, Hosein leap in ICC T20 rankings PAGE 23

prove the racing, and breeding stock. This demonstrates that horsemen are looking at the future by purchasing horses in utero (in foal). I wish to thank those horsemen for their foresight, and confidence in the sport’s future."

Junior then switched lane.

When asked how the sport would handle the increasing racing population, he said: "I have been reliably informed that the Government has recognised it also. They are working feverishly to uplift the sport to where it should be in Guyana, and the Carib-

bean. The horse racing fraternity thanks Government for recognising the contribution, and employment the sport is providing for the country."

Touching on the Guyana Cup, the second biggest sporting event behind cricket in the country, Junior disclosed, "The people of Guyana literally bring the country to a halt on Guyana Cup day. We are improving this product every year. Next year it is no secret any more.

The purse in the Guyana Cup will be much bigger than last year's. It could be the richest

or rival any racing country in the Caribbean. The other races on the Guyana Cup Day card will benefit financially also. My pledge to horsemen - we will not disappoint. Rain or sun we recognise, and respect your investment to build the industry."

Junior closed, "I will like to wish everyone a very prosperous and peaceful 2024. Be safe, and come out to racetrack for a day of relaxation, and entertainment.

Gudakesh Motie celebrates the wicket of Harry Brook•Dec 21, 2023•Getty Images

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

| FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023