Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-11-2022

Service, manufacturing sectors thrive with massive investments

— President Ali highlights; says massive legislative, regulatory changes coming to further strengthen the economy

APNU+AFC intensifies ‘disruptive campaign’ to block community development

THE APNU+AFC appears to be ramping up efforts to disrupt development for communities across Guyana, as the party representatives have blocked another effort by the government to bring much-needed assistance to residents.

Following President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s visit to Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD)

to improve the community, contractors began works on the rehabilitation of the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground, but their efforts were disrupted on Tuesday by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) chairman, Kenton Hilliman, who locked the gate to the centre. (See full

GNNL tables annual reports at AGM

Locally grown roses go on sale at NAREI

FRESH roses have been har vested from President Dr. Ir faan Ali’s One Guyana Rose Project, designed to create employment and generate

income for single parents. To this end, according to information from the Ministry of Agriculture, sale of the fresh roses commenced on Tuesday.

“These roses are grown right here in Guyana and are now ready for the market. We have managed to have the roses ready for the Christmas

— as President Ali’s ‘One Guyana Rose Project’ takes shape

season,” the Agriculture Min istry said.

Interested florists or in

dividuals could make direct contact with Ms. Melissa Ferreira on telephone 220-

5730 (NAREI Compound) for purchase.

The Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 presented its annual reports for 2018 and 2019 at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). This activity, which was previously re-scheduled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was held at Herdmanston Lodge, Peter Rose St, Georgetown. From left to right: Chartered accountant Chateram Ramdihal; GNNL’s General Manager, Moshamie Ramotar; GNNL’s Board Chairman, Nicole Williams along with directors Harry Gill, Andrea Seelochan, and Raul Aaron display their copies of the annual reports. (Adrian Narine photo)

Service, manufacturing sectors thrive with massive investments

— President Ali highlights; says massive legislative, regulatory changes coming to further strengthen the economy

By Shamar Meusa

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday evening celebrated the billions of dollars of investments being made by stake holders in the service and manufacturing sec tors, even as he high lighted that more work needs to be done to further strengthen the econ omy.

The Head of State made those remarks during his feature address at the Guyana Manufac turing Services Associ ation (GMSA)’s annual award ceremony and din ner, which was held at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The President, while stating that the country is in a race against time to build a sustainable and competitive economy, the significant investments being made by local and foreign companies must be celebrated.

Listing some of the significant investments by companies and represen tatives that were present, Dr. Ali said that the $8 billion investment in the last two years with more planned by the Banks DIH company is something that should be celebrated.

Further investments include the US$30 million expansion by Sterling, US$50 million planned expansion and product di versification for Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), among others.

Addressing the tele communications sector, Dr. Ali highlighted the $60 million investment by

GTT in two years, along with the targetted $100 million investment by 2025.

This, he said, could be linked to the liberalisation of the sector, which drives competitiveness, and mo tivates stakeholders to innovate in order to attract more customers.

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Pres ident Ali said, has advised him that their investment over the last two years totalled some $612 mil lion, while their planned investment going on to 2025-2027 is set at some $615 million.

Some others he high lighted were the Barama Company Limited with their investments of more than US$5 million, GYS BI with US$270 million and NRG with US$300 million, among other com panies that are a part of the

service and manufacturing sector.

“This is the type of investment taking place by investors; local investors right here in this room,” President Ali said.

The Head of State went on to say that Guyana is in a race to beat time, since the country is not moving fast enough because of various constraints.

He said: “We are in a race to beat time in Guy ana, but we are also in a race to beat time, on time.”

RACING AGAINST TIME

Dr. Ali said that while the country is in a race to beat the time, it must be done in a sustainable way that allows Guyana to get ahead of the response time in a safe way.

He indicated that while some businesses are cap

italising on the opportu nities that are here today, these will not exist in 2030 and beyond in a new econ omy.

Against this backdrop, the President said that an economy that is functional for 2030 and beyond must be designed and built. With that, he further noted that that is what the next eight years is about.

He said: “Laying the foundation; laying the framework for an econ omy that is functional, competitive and leading 2030 and beyond, and I assure you, this country, this economy will be one such in the world.”

Speaking directly to the private sector, Dr. Ali said that what is needed now in the country is find ing the right match, and this requires businesses to think outside of the box.

He added that the busi

ness and governance mod els must be improved to facilitate the growth of businesses and the econo my at large.

To this end, Dr. Ali said that the government is spending a lot of time and effort on transforming the way governance is deliv ered through institutions and laws.

He further said that with this in mind, there are massive changes coming in the legislative and reg ulatory systems.

Dr. Ali related: “I am not prepared, as President, to go forward in 2023 without having a single window construction, per mit and licence system removing the barriers.”

With that, he noted that this move is not only about reshaping and remodelling the private sector, but that it’s also being done by Central Government to

foster growth and trans form Guyana’s economy.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had said in a previous re port that the government strongly, unshakably, un flinchingly and unapolo getically believes in the role of the private sector in the future of Guyana, and is committed to ensuring a rapidly growing and a highly competitive, worldclass, diversified economy in Guyana.

Minister Singh had said that the government sees the private sector as a highly valued and cher ished partner in national development, and with re newed and increased inter est in the local economy, Guyana has an opportuni ty to assess its systems and create processes which are business-friendly and encouraging for not just international investors, but locals as well.

The government has already committed to building a “modern” Guy ana with world-class in frastructure that improves connectivity and unlocks the vast potential of the economy.

Its intention is to cre ate an enabling envi ronment for business development through a seven-point plan, which includes preserving the Rule of Law and de mocracy; improving the ease of doing business; enhancing national com petitiveness; facilitating trade and investment; and supporting small businesses.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging stakeholders at the GMSA’s annual award ceremony and dinner, which was held at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Tuesday (Elvin Carl Croker photo)

French trade mission to visit Guyana early next year

A TRADE mission of com panies from France is gear ing up to visit Guyana in early 2023, as companies from around the world continue to seek out business opportunities here.

This was according to Senior Minister with re sponsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during a recep tion to welcome a Canadian Trade Mission on Monday.

The minister said that news of the impending del egation was related by the newly appointed Non-Resi dent Ambassador of France to Guyana, Nicolas de La coste.

“The French Ambassa dor has announced an antici pated trade mission compris ing French companies early in 2023,” Dr. Singh said. .

De Lacoste had present ed his Letters of Credence to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday, during a simple ceremony at the Office of the President on Shiv Chander paul Drive.

The French Trade Mis sion would add to a num ber of trade missions from

developed counties that would’ve come to Guyana over the past few months.

The French anticipated

delegation’s visit is preceded by visits from trade delega tions from the US, the UK, Qatar, and Canada.

In fact, Dr. Singh, on be half of the government, wel comed the trade delegation from Canada’s Energy NL.

Founded in 1977, En ergy NL is the largest en ergy industry association in Canada with more than

460 members. Energy NL members provide products and services for the ener gy sector, and associate members include petroleum companies, trade associa tions, educational institu tions and government bodies and agencies at the munici pal, provincial and federal levels.

According to Dr. Singh, Guyana’s emergent oil and gas sector still needs a healthy dose of imported capability from companies around the world with estab lished track records, given that Guyana is still learning about the oil and gas in dustry.

“The story of com panies from around the world seeking out business opportunities in Guyana is a story that is replicated many times over in recent times. We are currently undergoing a transforma tion in the Guyanese econ omy that has scarcely been seen at any time in history and anywhere else in the world,” Dr. Singh said.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Guyana’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, with Non-Resident Ambassador of France to Guyana, Nicolas de Lacoste (OP Photo)

Mainstreaming trade into the affairs of CARICOM ‘absolutely necessary’ — COTED Chair says

MAINSTREAMING trade into the affairs of the Caribbean Commu nity (CARICOM) is “ab solutely necessary”, says Chair of the Council for Trade and Economic De velopment (COTED), Minister of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia, Alva Baptiste.

Speaking at the open ing of the 55th Meeting of the COTED on Mon day morning at the CAR ICOM Secretariat, here in Georgetown, Guyana, Minister Baptiste high lighted the “serious issues” occupying the attention of the Region’s Trade Min isters.

“We are not navigating in ordinary weather and in ordinary times; we have to navigate the turbulent air pockets of the change from the old Bretton Woods era to the new neoliberal environment, and, indeed, that airspace is turbulent,” Minister Baptiste told his colleague trade ministers.

Confident, however, in the Region’s ability to rise above the challenges within the constraints of limited resources, Minis ter Baptiste said: “Main streaming trade in our af fairs is not only of critical importance, but absolutely

necessary for our survival. And so, that environment that contains the seeds of our Region’s continued marginalisation must be dealt with in a manner that is positive progressive.”

And, as the Region fac es large macro-econom ic challenges, he feels it is necessary to respond, frontally, within in the framework of an integrated world.

Ministers, representa tives of regional institu tions and other delegates are meeting, virtually and in-person, at the CAR ICOM Secretariat, and among matters on their agenda over two days are the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market

and Economy (CSME), including the facilitation of additional categories of skilled Community nation als, agricultural workers, domestic workers and pri vate security workers.

Under the CSME um brella, ministers will also focus on mergers and ac quisitions, the implemen tation of the CARICOM Marketplace and Suspen sion Procedure (CIMSu Pro), and the public pro curement regime for the Community.

Trade in goods; exter nal economic and trade matters, including the out comes of the 12th World Trade Organisation Minis terial Conference in June this year; and matters re

lated to future trade agree ments will be subjects of discussion.

The Ministers will also consider a number of Stan dards for approval.

Senior Officials met on 8-9 November to prepare for the Ministerial session. Minster Baptiste highly commended them for their preparatory work. (CARICOM To day)

Employment Opportunities

GUYANA has overcome the period of ramblings from the former AP NU+AFC administration that job creation was not a part of their role. For context, it should be re called that tens of thou sands of Guyanese jobs were lost under the David Granger APNU+AFC ad ministration, a national disaster that the PPP/C government is still work ing to fix.

Through the Central Recruitment and Manpow er Agency of the Labour Ministry alone, more than 6,000 Guyanese have ben efitted from the agency’s work since the PPP/C gov ernment was elected to office two years ago.

Regrettably, the PPP/ C’s progress, as recorded in history, in this regard will be measured not only on the genuine measures

employed now to create economic prosperity among Guyanese but also on the point of how progress will be first made against how the government party’s measures filled a signifi cant depression created by the APNU+AFC.

The coalition’s unre alistic plans resulted in remarkably bad economic management through fail ing to consider the real im pact of their lofty ideas for the population, especially young people.

Today, the govern ment’s recruitment agency has seen a surplus in ap plications through a mod ernised website application process which is no doubt a spill-off of the modernisa tion demands created from the COVID-19 pandemic. The attendance at the gov ernment’s National Job Fair on Monday at the Arthur

Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, was noteworthy; Young people are interested and eager.

Job fairs hosted by pri vate companies have sim ilarly seen large turn-outs. There are some who may not have been connecting the dots, but a few things must be put into context. Firstly, the government’s plan is to ensure more Guy anese are gainfully em ployed, and, secondly, the government, through the Ministry of Labour, has accepted its responsibility to facilitate the connection between recruiters and job seekers, and also to ensure reasonable working con ditions.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has been leading the way. The Head of State and his Cabinet of Ministers con tinue to visit communities across Guyana, including

low-income communities with long histories of job lessness and interpersonal violence, to plan with them for a more prosperous fu ture. In all of those engage ments, the President has addressed the skilled labour gap that exists.

With government in vesting more than $96 bil lion in infrastructure to sup port economic growth and community development for 2022, coupled with the demands of the aggressive housing programme, there is a need for skilled labour that must be filled.

President Ali has used the opportunity of com munity engagements to invite young people to be part of government-sup ported trainings so that the requisite skills could be developed where lacking, and eventually those young people could position them

selves squarely to benefit from that massive infra structure budget.

The reality is that op portunities are abound for Guyanese at home, and the government recognises its role as the link between the people and these opportuni ties. None of this is by-theway. Those opportunities are direct results of the PPP/C government’s fo cused economic planning, investor partnerships, pub lic investment, and overall improved business environ ment of Guyana after 2020. Those paying attention may also have seen a number of new major entries to Guy ana’s business landscape with a few more expected to come onboard in coming years.

Additionally, increased trade facilitation through improved relations with major trade partners, in

cluding the United States, Canada, China, the United Kingdom, the European Union etc…, will, in the long run, create further opportunities for foreign investors who are interested in Guyana. In short, more jobs.

At Monday’s job fair, exhibitors represented both the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy—a reflection of President Ali’s thrust to ensure that all sectors of the economy are built and operating at full capacity, so that there is no heavy reliance on the sure economic ben efit which comes from oil, a national resource, which will eventually run out. Guyanese undoubt edly stand to gain from these intentional govern ment-facilitated inter ventions, but they have to lean in.

Whither the ‘evidence’, Professor?

Dear Editor,

THE Stabroek News, in its 29/11/22 edition published a letter bearing the bold caption, “Most citizens would expect that a re sponsible Attorney-Gener al would take the evidence presented seriously.”

This letter is authored by Andre Brandli, PhD, Pro fessor, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich, Ger many, and is a response to a letter of mine published in SN 25/11/22.

The esteemed Profes sor first ascribes to me a responsibility with which I am not imbued: “The in vestigation” of “the irregu larities that occurred in the

wake of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, March 2, 2022”.

The laws of Guyana prescribe identified agen cies with this responsibility; the Attorney-General is not one. Neither have I been as signed, nor have I assumed such responsibility.

The goodly Professor embarks upon another ha rangue about the level of voter turnout at the March 2, 2020 General and Re gional Elections. In so do ing, he, again, eschews the statistics published by the Guyana Elections Com mission (GECOM), upon which I relied to debunk his hypothesis in my previ ous letter: (list of electors

-660,998; total votes cast – 468,184 = 70.8 per cent voter turnout).

Not fazed, the Professor perseveres in this second letter. The gravamen of his contention is, herein, captured: “To cut a long story short, the adult voting population in Guyana was estimated to range between 470,000 and 508,742. This amounts to a more realis tic voter turnout ranging between 91.3 per cent and 98.8 per cent.”

It is obvious that the foregoing is the “evidence” that the Professor insists that I take seriously. I am not aware of the area of the Professor’s training, but in mine, “evidence” is a term

of art, and not any material conjured-up or statistical data guesstimated qualifies to be characterised as “ev idence”, moreover to be taken seriously.

The Professor offers absolutely no basis upon which he arrives at Guy ana’s “adult voting popula tion” in 2020 to range be tween 470,000 and 508,742. But that aside, it is these guesstimated figures that the Professor then uses to calculate a voter turnout of 91.3 per cent to 98.8 per cent.

What, apparently, eludes the Professor is the sim ple fact that only regis tered electors can vote, and 468,184 of them voted on

March 2, 2020. It is only those valid votes that are reckoned, and their aggre gate is declared as the re sults of the elections. When that is checked against the total list of electors, it sup ports a voter turnout of 70.8 per cent.

It appears that the Pro fessor divided the total number of votes cast at the 2020 elections (468,184) by his guesstimate of the “adult voting population” in Guyana (470,000 and 508,784) to arrive at a voter turnout of 98.8 per cent and 91.3 per cent, respectively. Perhaps the fault is mine, but at no level does this make sense!

Interestingly, even the

fiercest of protagonists ped dling their discredited narra tive of voter impersonation at the 2020 elections would recognise the excruciating flaw in the Professor’s rea soning, as they themselves have never advanced a con tention even remotely close to that which the Professor postulates.

In conclusion, I am, regrettably, to inform that there is no “evidence pre sented” capable of being taken seriously.

truly, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Yours

Wild claims in the press must be subjected to checks

Dear Editor

IN 2006, I had a sub stantive discussion with former President Janet Jagan on the state of Guyana’s politics.

The most crucial point made by Mrs. Jagan was that the letters section of the newspapers in Guy ana poses the greatest threat not only to the PPP, but also to democracy and political stability of this country.

I think Janet Jagan had it right then, and that her concerns are as relevant today as they were back then. Allow me to sub stantiate my observations.

Firstly, I refer to a let ter by Nigel Hinds (Sta broek News 29/11/22), who, clearly and with out ambiguity, calls for a “race-based” political mobilisation against the democratically-elected Government of Guyana. Here is Nigel Hinds, in his own words: “It seems to me that we have to mobilise as a race within a multiracial environment to favourably change the disadvantaged state of most of the descendants of our ancestors.” (SN, Ibid)

To underline his point, Hinds further states: “No other group is going to initiate this, and certainly their contribution will in variably only come when forceful demands are made from them to share

the power and wealth.” (SN Ibid)

Editor, Hinds’ letter in the Stabroek News under consideration here is nothing short of nu merous violations, both domestic and internation al norms. Since when is it acceptable to openly call for a “race-based” mobil isation to pursue political objectives?

To boot, Nigel Hinds adds vinegar to the wound by twisting the context of National Security Adviser (NSA) Gerry Gouveia who sounded an alarm about calls for disrup tion of the political and economic condition in Guyana.

The words attribut ed to the NSA, namely: “Disrupt the economy, destabilise the country, and destroy public build ings and public infra structure” are, in fact, the words of people who share Nigel Hind’s call for “race-based” mobili sation.

Secondly, the near treasonous assault on the public imagination in Guyana also surfaced in Kaieteur News’ daily “Blunt” page. The page invoked Thomas Sankara, who carried out a coup in Burkina Faso.

The totality of the Sankara allusion amounts to a threat to President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice-Pres ident Bharrat Jagdeo, and an invitation to Op

position Leader Aubrey Norton to become “in terested” in a Sankarian adventure.

The Kaieteur News appears to be unaware that, in fact, Mr. Aubrey Norton and the PNC al ready had a run at things, but one that resembled more the disastrous gov ernance of President Camporé.

Thirdly, the Kaieteur News also published a letter under the title, “Guyanese replaced slave masters with...” The piece is nothing short of a cata logue of unsubstantiated claims, and the call for the letter writer and all public service workers to be paid more than $6 million. This claim is at once comical and irre sponsible. Editor, I also ask, why are these kinds of claims published with out the minimum vetting for accuracy.

Guyanese enjoy more than a free press, yet, that freedom should be accompanied by a mea sure of responsibility. Failing that, the promo tion of political violence will only escalate. Only days ago, a well-known personality stated that he cannot renounce violence in pursuit of his political objectives. These kinds of things are usually published only in fringe newspapers, or in the dark corners of cyberspace.

Janet Jagan’s warn

ing about the racialised sensationalism in the letters sections of our newspapers could not be more relevant today. I urge those who have

institutional authority in the publishing world to exercise their profes sional responsibilities. Constructive debate should not be allowed

to the empowerment of those who want “racebased” mobilisation.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

Pursue more projects that increase productive capacity of Guyanese

— President Ali advises Food for the Poor Inc., commends organisation for its humanitarian efforts

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, met with an executive team from Food for the Poor Inc, including its inter national President/CEO Ed Raine at the Office of the President.

According to a post on his official Facebook page, President Ali lauded the not-for-profit organi zation, and said that the government is open to working with the organ isation.

He also underscored the need for projects to increase the productive capacity of people, giving them a head-start at gen

erating their own income.

President Ali refer enced the ongoing shadehouse programme under the Agriculture and Inno vation Entrepreneurship Programme and the One Guyana Rose Project in highlighting the objective.

The ideas, the Presi dent posited, were posi tively received by Raine, who said that the organi sation is currently in the process of broadening its scope.

Food for the Poor (Guyana) is proactive in building homes and school feeding and live lihood enhancement pro

grammes among other initiatives.

Raine was accompa nied by the EVP and Chief Strategy and Impact Of ficer Nicolás Argüello; Gifts-in-Kind Executive Roberto Jerez; CEO of Food for the Poor (Guy ana) Kent Vincent; Senior Projects Manager, Food for the Poor (Guyana) Andrea Benjamin; and Senior Manager Gifts-inKind, Food for the Poor (Guyana) Jimeel Davis.

Director of Projects at the Office of the President Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma was also part of the meeting.

Labour Ministry to develop student internship programme with UG

COGNISANT of the importance of experi ence in securing a job, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) has reached out to the University of Guyana (UG) to discuss the setting up of an in ternship programme that will cater to all of the university students in the final year of their studies.

This was announced, on Monday, by Minister of Labour, Joseph Ham ilton, as he spoke with reporters on the sideline of an event at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“The problem you have for many people who have graduated with distinction and all the other things is that they cannot get a job. Employ ers continue to make this point, while you have the

qualification you don’t have the experience. The best way to ensure this is that in their final year they are engaged, utilis ing their skills for the job that they will seek futuris tically,” the minister said.

Hamilton related that the government is not un aware of the many young Guyanese who often speak about being well qualified but still find it difficult to secure a job.

He believes that an initiative that ensures that students are able to ac quire experience while attaining their qualifica tions could remedy the situation.

“What I did is put before the university a thought that I think can be very useful. I hope that they can understand how useful the thought is so that we don’t have all this

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, met with an executive team from Food for the Poor Inc, including its international President/CEO Ed Raine, at the Office of the President (Office of the President photo)

Consultations begin on proposed Family Violence Bill, CEDAW report

By Cindy Parkinson

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Secu rity, on Tuesday, held a one-day consultation on the report submitted by Guyana’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimina tion against Women (CE DAW) and the proposed Family Violence Bill.

The forum, which saw dozens of stakeholders in attendance, was one of the activities planned for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, and was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The CEDAW is a body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the convention which was adopted by the UN Gener al Assembly in 1979. The committee is mandated to eliminate all forms of dis crimination against women in all areas of life, and to ensure women’s full development and advancement so that they can exercise and enjoy their human rights and fundamen tal freedoms in the same way as men.

In presenting the CE DAW report, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Per saud said that since taking

office in 2020, government has implemented a number of policies, initiatives, and programmes that deals with abuse against women.

She emphasised that the government has remained steadfast in its commitment towards an equitable society where women enjoy freedom, and all other aspects of hu man rights.

She assured her audience that positive actions are being taken to remove the barriers and prevent reversals that can hinder the full realisation of those rights.

The minister also noted that the mid-term report has given a “more recent picture” of where Guyana is presently as a country.

Minister Persaud said that through her office, there has been a series of developments that are geared at empower ing women, particularly in the areas of innovation and investment.

She said the women’s innovation investment net work would not have been able to serve women in all the regions of Guyana, if it wasn’t for the inclusion of the government policies.

It was explained that the women are exposed to a highgrade model of training that is done both in person and virtually.

Minister Persaud, in her remarks, encouraged the women across Guyana to make use of the “multiple

areas” of training that will be made available in 2023.

She said women from the migrant population, spe cifically Venezuelans, will be given an opportunity to participate in the training programmes.

INTENSIFY TRAINING

According to the minis

ter, the government plans to intensify the training in the coming year to accommodate more women.

Additionally, she stat ed that the government is “heavily focused” on justice for women and juveniles.

A Guyana Legal Aid Clinic pilot project, which is being funded by the IDB as part

of its support for Guyana’s criminal justice system, is currently ongoing. The proj ect was one of the commit tee’s recommendations in the concluding observations.

Minister Persaud ex pressed the belief that sexual offences courts are now fully operational and capable of

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

Part of the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Guyana looks to enhance trade, travel with Canada

— engages North American nation on removal of visa requirements

GUYANA has engaged Canada on the possibility of visa-free trav el, according to the Canadian High Com missioner to Guyana, Mark Berman.

The High Com missioner said that the stakeholders recognise that there needs to be more direct flights be tween Canada and Guy ana, so this is something they are working on.

Berman, in an invited comment on Monday, related that authorities have been engaging var ious carrier services in Canada to explore the possibilities, but nothing has been finalised as yet.

“We’ve been in touch with a number of them, including Air Canada

and West Jet; they’re looking for the opportu nity, but there is nothing that has been finalised yet,” the Canadian High Commissioner said.

Berman related that there is a lot of traffic, as a result of increased business and tourism at both ends.

“There are more Canadian businessmen coming to Guyana, and Guyanese going back and forward. We look at tourism increasing…,” Berman said.

He related that while he is not in the airline industry, they have been trying to give as much information as possible to help businesses make their decisions. Berman related that those are pri

vate companies and they have to make a business decision.

“They are not part of the Government of Can ada; they need to make a decision based on a cost benefit of analysis. So, we try and ensure they have the information that they need to make the decision at the end of

the day; it’s a business decision,” Berman said.

He related that the issue of visa-free travel has been raised in Ot tawa, Canada, and that their visa policy is dif ferent from that of the United Kingdom (UK).

The UK recently removed the visa re quirement for Guyanese

going there for business and leisure for no more than six months.

British Airways, the official flag carrier of the United Kingdom, is scheduled to commence scheduled flights to Guyana in March 2023.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his remarks during the announce ment of the removal of the visa requirement, said that the visa-free travel arrangement for Guyanese came through a lot of hard work on both sides.

“The High Commis sioner herself has been pushing this agenda; it was one of our priority areas in our meeting with [former UK] Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

We raised it on several other occasions; we also raised it in the meeting with King Charles. The team, both in the UK and in Guyana, pursued the objective. And to day, I am very pleased that Guyanese can travel with greater ease to the UK,” the President said.

The President called on Guyanese to be responsible in how they utilise this new priv ilege and not abuse it. According to the President, Guyana will be working very closely with the UK on strengthening neces sary systems to ensure proper monitoring, and to guard against abuse of the system.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman

Captain Gouveia recalls ‘fraudulent’

actions to rig 2020 elections

— says APNU+AFC, GECOM agents were not on the side of democracy

THE twist and turns in the revelations of the at tempted heist of the March 2020 Regional and General Elections by APNU+AFC agents, with assistance from corrupt GECOM staff en tered another chapter, as Captain Gerald Gouveia testified yesterday before the Presidential Commis sion of Inquiry (COI).

Gouveia who at the time was Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), was one of many persons who, through various letters and press releases, sought to ensure that the result of the elections was a true represen tation of the people.

He recalled being very active throughout the entire election process. Gouveia testified that he was very pleased, on E-Day, to see that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was able to pull off smooth pro ceedings. However, his sat isfaction was short-lived as he soon learned about the “fraudulent” actions taken by GECOM senior staffers in the district four tabulation

process.

Gouveia told commis sioners that it soon became clear that the efforts of GECOM, the Guyana Po lice Force and agents of the APNU+AFC were not on the side of democracy.

He said that the PSC stayed the course and played its part in trying to secure election results in keeping with the will of the people.

Gouveia said that the PSC wrote several letters to numerous local and inter

national bodies including the Organization of Amer ican States (OAS), the Eu ropean Union (EU) and the Commonwealth. The PSC also wrote several letters to GECOM and made efforts to communicate with the Guyana Police Force. All of those letters were offered to the COI and admitted into evidence.

Also admitted into ev idence was a press release written by the PSC that re flected its total dissatisfaction

Labour Ministry to develop student internship programme...

From page 8

despondency that I see on social media, where young people saying that they have double degrees and double di plomas and they can’t get a job. The reason why in most instances they are unable to get the job is because of the lack of experience,” Hamilton posited.

According to min ister, his ministry has already begun prelim inary conversations with the leadership of the University, and the two sides will work towards establishing a joint committee to pay attention to the issue of apprenticeship or

internship for UG stu dents.

“I believe that all students regardless of what discipline they’re studying or graduating in should be exposed in their final year through apprenticeship or in ternship,” Hamilton said.

The negotiations for the initiative will be handled by the minis try’s Board of Industri al Training (BIT) and the Central Recruit ment and Manpower Agency (CRMA).

“Ms. Grant, the Head of CRMA and Mr. Richard Maughn, Head of BIT, they were tasked with talking

with the university to see how we can devel op the programmes to ensure that this hap pens. Importantly what must be noted is that the authority to engage and for companies to do apprenticeship pro grammes is with the Board of Industrial Training,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton also voiced his hopes that private sector businesses will also consider, in some instances, lowering the number of years of experience that they call for, for some po sitions.

with the actions of the police force.

That statement noted that the police force seemed to have been acting under “di rect political direction.”

It stated that members of the PSC and its observers “witnessed the deliberate and forceful intervention of heavily armed police in pre venting the oversight of SOPs at GECOM by physically removing accredited political party representatives, ac credited observers, including private sector observers, and the members of the media.”

Gouveia recalled that members of the PSC made numerous attempts to tele phone the then Commissioner of Police about the concern

ing matters identified, but those efforts were futile.

Further, Gouveia told the COI about several letters he wrote to GECOM. One of the letters highlighted addressed the “fraud that was perpet uated by the senior staff of GECOM during the Region Four tabulation process, which resulted in a protracted legal process leading to the delay of the official results.”

Gouveia was asked whether there was any re sponse from GECOM deny ing the alleged fraud. He told the commission that GECOM responded to his letters, but he could not say definitively whether there was a response from GECOM denying the allegations.

Gouveia’s attention was drawn to a PSC press re lease that stated, “It is clear to all that the Chairman of GECOM is allowing, without objection, the attempts to per petuate election fraud under her watch.”

Gouveia told the commis sion that neither GECOM nor the Chairperson, Claudette Singh ever refuted that alle gation.

That very press release also stated that the tabula tion process certainly raised doubts about the integri ty of the GECOM Chair, Chief Elections Officer and some of their staff. Again, Gouveia said that there was no disputation to that statement.

Captain Gerald Gouveia

APNU+AFC intensifies ‘disruptive campaign’ to block community development

— contractor locked out of Den Amstel ground

THE APNU+AFC ap pears to be ramping up efforts to disrupt devel opment for communities across Guyana, as the party representatives have blocked another effort by the government to bring much-needed assistance to residents.

Following President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s visit to Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD) to im prove the community,

contractors began works on the rehabilitation of the Den Amstel Community Centre Ground, but their efforts were disrupted on Tuesday by the Neigh bourhood Democratic Council (NDC) chair man, Kenton Hilliman, who locked the gate to the centre.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, visited the site where he posted a

video on his Facebook page and explained that the APNU+AFC NDC Chairman together with other councillors, report edly went to the contrac tor, hurled remarks at him and chased him out of the ground, thereafter placing two padlocks on the gate in an attempt to stop the works.

“The contractors at the Den Amstel Community Centre were doing their

work. This is following the visit by the President of Guyana to this com munity. I accompanied the President with a num ber of others. The whole country saw the promises made by the President to rehabilitate this ground, put lights in, a basketball court, fix up the roads in the community and so forth,” Minister Indar said.

The minister said that the contract was awarded by the regional adminis tration of Region Three and that it is paying the contractors.

He further related that the people of the com munity asked for help, and for the chairman to intervene in a negative way, it does not do any good for the community or Guyana.

“He should be embar rassed and he should be ashamed of himself… this is for the development of our youths, not for our old washed-up politicians. It is a shameful thing to say but we will deal with it,” Indar said.

He added in a state ment on Facebook that he has since instructed that the locks be removed immediately, and that works re-commence, as the people of Den Amstel, especially the youths, re quested this development.

This incident fol lows a similar situation in Belladrum, Region Five, where APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, Vinceroy Jordan, phys ically blocked Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, from entering the community development council building.

The minister and a team ventured into the community to deliver on promises made by Presi dent Ali during a visit to the area. Among the op portunities for residents, as outlined by the Presi dent, are skills training,

The two locks placed on the gate to disrupt the work of the contractors

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar ensuring the locks were removed for re-commencement of works at the community ground

Guyana gets US$200,000 grant from China to boost health sector

IN an effort to enhance the medical facilities and services in Guyana, China handed over a cash grant to the tune of US$200,000 to the Ministry of Health to pro cure medical supplies.

The grant was handed over to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony by China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan on Tuesday at the ministry’s head office on Brickdam.

Dr. Anthony expressed his appreciation to the Chi nese Government for its con tinued support to Guyana.

Guyana and China have a long relationship, especially in the area of health.

The Health Minister said that over the years, Guy ana has benefitted from the Chinese brigade that would visit Guyana to work at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Linden Hospital.

He pointed out that over 1,000 Guyanese have also benefitted from surgeries and other care the Chinese contingent has provided over the years.

Dr. Anthony explained that many Guyanese have benefitted from the

COVID-19 Sinopharm vac cine, one of Guyana’s first vaccines.

“I think it has assisted in preventing people from get ting sick and also, possibly dying from COVID. During that period, when we were struggling to be able to get diagnostics, we benefitted from equipment…so that we can do the diagnostics for COVID.

“This grant falls within that realm and certainly, we will use it to increase our preparedness for COVID-19. We are extremely grateful to…the embassy, and of course, the government of China,” the Health Minister

underscored.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Haiyan highlighted that for the Caribbean countries that have diplomatic relations with China, the Chinese state counsellor and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi announced that China will donate medical supplies to countries including Guyana.

In addition, she noted that the embassy will donate medical supplies worth about US$20,000 to Guyana.

“Those countries that attach great importance to people’s health. We regard it as an important part in peo ple-centered development. Our president [Xi Jinping]

APNU+AFC intensifies ‘disruptive campaign’ to block...

From page 12

scholarships, and jobs.

Just after Minister Parag’s follow-up visit, reports surfaced in the media, which noted that Jordan and a team of APNU+AFC activists obstructed the minister from entering the build ing to advance work in the community.

The People’s Pro gressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), in response to the incident, said in ear ly November that AP NU+AFC has demon strated, time and time again, that it is incapa ble of offering meaning ful leadership to their constituents or anyone, and is, therefore, in its familiar “obstruction ist mode,” with racism

being its tool of choice.

“While in office, they took multimil lion-dollar scholarships for themselves and their relatives, and denied or dinary Guyanese these very opportunities.

“Their attempt to ob struct the PPP/C gov ernment’s housing drive at Amelia’s Ward in Linden, Region 10 and at Mocha Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara are just a few examples of how they wanted de velopment to bypass certain communities, so that they can continue to peddle false claims of discrimination,” the governing party said.

It went on to state: “The blame for this worrying development should be laid squarely

at the feet of PNC and Opposition Leader Mr. Aubrey Norton, who has been unabatingly setting a tone of racism and aggression towards the legitimately elect ed government and its officials. Norton has also started pivoting his poisonous rhetoric and confrontational tone towards members of the media, as was recent ly witnessed during a community rally in the East Bank Demerara community of Mocha Arcadia.”

The PPP/C un equivocally condemned Jordan’s “cowardly behaviour” and “bullying tactics” towards Minister Parag.

emphasised that people’s health is an important indica tor of a prosperous country,” Ambassador Haiyan said.

The ambassador said Chi na remains committed to working with Guyana to im prove the healthcare sector.

“Healthcare development is a common pursuit of your country. So, China is trying and when we are striving to

improve our healthcare, we are trying within our capac ity to support Guyana,” she related.

Ambassador Haiyan add ed that China will continue to strengthen the cooperation in healthcare and a framework of global development ini tiatives and Guyana-China’s health communities.

“Next year will mark the

30th anniversary of China’s medical teams’ service in Guyana. We look forward to taking this opportunity to jointly make plans, to imple ment them, and to strengthen our cooperation in this field,” the ambassador said.

This year, Guyana and China celebrated 50 years of bilateral relations. (DPI)

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan

Demerara River facilitates its largest ever dredger

— as Vreed-en-Hoop shorebase project prepares for land development process

The largest dredger to ever arrive in the Demer ara River, under the aus pices of NRG Holdings, will commence adding material for the creation of an artificial island on which the construction of the new oil and gas terminal will be situated.

NRG Holdings Inc. is a consortium of local

entrepreneur’s looking to develop the Vreed-enHoop Port Project to sup port the emerging oil and gas sector. The consortium includes ZRN Investment Inc., Hadi’s World In corporated and National Hardware Ltd.

The dredger, the M.V Galileo Galilei, owned and operated by the Jan De

Nul Group, NRG Hold ings’ joint venture partner, docked in Port George town and has been de ployed to the project site.

According to the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VESHI), in a press release on Tuesday, the vessel’s arrival marks the beginning of the sand key reclamation phase of the project.

During this phase, VESHI noted that the dredger would clear the existing area and begin adding reclaimed mate rial to create an artificial island on which the con struction of the new termi nal will be situated.

In the first phase, this project will add more than 44 acres to Guyana’s coastline.

“The project started the first step in June, which entailed the dredging of the access channels in the Demerara River including the deepening/widening of the existing nautical chan nel, berth pockets, and turning basin,” VESHI stated.

The project managers have hailed this phase a success, and the upgraded channel will be handed over to the maritime ad

ministration department in the near future.

The M.V Galileo Gal ilei is one of the largest trailing suction hopper dredges in Guyana’s wa ters. It has worked on proj ects such as Brazil’s recent beach expansion project and other port projects.

A unique feature of this vessel is that it has two separate hoppers on board. This allows the dredged material to be spread evenly over both hoppers, thus optimally controlling the load and the draught.

Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VESHI) forms part of the Port of Vreeden-Hoop. Phase one of the project is meant to be the special purpose vehicle to serve as a SURF (Sub sea Umbilicals, Flowlines and Riser) Shorebase for Esso Exploration and Pro

duction Guyana Limited (EEPGL) projects.

VESHI is currently the largest Guyanese private sector investment in the oil and gas sector and is expected to cost over US$300 Million.

According to the proj ect directors, the support and encouragement given by the Government of Guyana have been reas suring and augurs well for additional investment and the future of Guyana. The project is expected to be come operational in 2023.

Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc. is a joint venture between NRG Holdings Inc. - a 100 per cent Guyanese-owned consortium that is the majority sharehold er –and Jan De Nul, a Belgium international maritime infrastructure company.

The dredger, the M.V Galileo Galilei, docked in Port Georgetown, has been deployed to the project site

Keith George accredited new High Commissioner of Guyana to Canada

AMBASSADOR Keith George, on November 23, pre sented his Letters of Credence to Her Excellency the Right Honorable Mary J. May Si mon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Canada, during a ceremony at her residence at the Citadelle of Québec, Quebéc City.

High Commissioner

George has an extensive for eign service career spanning 29 years, including his recent 10year tenure as the Ambassador of Guyana to Suriname.

The High Commissioner is also the recipient of Guyana’s third highest National Award, the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (C.C.H).

At the conclusion of the formal ceremony, High Com

missioner George met with the Canadian Governor General for a tête-à-tête, during which the cordial relations between Guy ana and Canada and shared val ues of democracy were noted.

High Commissioner George and the Governor General also discussed issues relating to combating climate change and building climate change re silience, indigenous peoples

welfare, food security and the importance of agriculture and general economic and social matters of mutual bilateral interest.

High Commissioner George was accompanied to the ceremony by his spouse, Ms. Anita Kapildeo and Ms. Cindy Sauers, Counsellor, Guyana High Commission in Ottawa, Canada.

Consultations begin on proposed Family Violence Bill, CEDAW...

From page 9

assisting people in oth er parts of the country, including rural commu nities.

In response to ques tions raised during one of the discussions, she said that the government, the Ministry of Education and her ministry are all work ing together to have coun sellors placed in schools across Guyana.

According to her, they are also addressing issues such as bullying and low self-esteem at the school level. These are part of the efforts being made to ed ucate young people about gender-based violence and abuse.

In its quest to achieve a cultural and behavioural shift in people, the min istry recently launched a parenting training manual and workbooks for par ents.

The minister said that persons will soon be going into communities to have dialogue with men on a range of topics.

In Guyana’s effort to address gender inequality, gender-based violence and family violence, the government received a “boost” when they signed on to Spotlight in October 2020.

The minister noted that Guyana had made “significant improvements in all aspects of all pro grammes as it relates to gender-based violence.”

Meanwhile, Queen’s Counsel Darshan Ram dhani later explained that there is a change from “domestic violence” to “family violence” in the proposed Bill.

The legislation seeks to address shortcomings in the current domestic violence laws, and im plement measures which are deemed necessary to tackle and eventually end gender-based violence in Guyana.

Gender Affairs Bu reau Director Hymwattie Lagan, and the UN Res ident Coordinator Yesim Oruc also addressed the gathering.

Guyana’s new High Commissioner to Canada, Keith George with Her Excellency the Right Honorable Mary J. May Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Canada

A categorical breakthrough

HOW do you name or cat egorise life-saving goo? Is it a food? Is it a medicine? It can come in the form of a dense, energy- and nu trient-rich paste or a more solid bar. It is meant for children aged between six and 59 months suffering from severe acute malnu trition (SAM).

Just one carton of these vital products, administered by a community health pro fessional - together with the right health care - can trans form a malnourished child into a healthy one in just four-six weeks. The name Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) already hints at the difficulty of categoris ing it.

Why categorise it at all you may ask? Well, it is a needed step in ensuring the product is made safely and contains the vital nutrients. But also, you can’t use what you can’t define.

That’s why, following a request by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the adoption

by the Codex Alimentar ius Commission of a new guideline on RUTFs is an important breakthrough. While at first sight it might seem technical or obscure, the move by Codex Alimen tarius, the joint FAO - World Health Organization (WHO) food standards programme, is a vital first step in paving the way for national gov ernments to integrate RUTF into their health systems.

The product is currently manufactured in around 20 countries. But one obstacle to expanding production more widely has been that it doesn’t fit easily into ex isting categories, so it hasn’t had specific standards set.

“The new Codex guide line provides an official ref erence for national govern ments to use in their policies for nutritional treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children,” says Maria Xipsi ti, FAO Nutrition Officer.

“This is not a medicine and it’s not a bag of beans or bag of wheat but rather a medical food. It was not

clear to national govern ments how they would reg ulate this product because it didn’t really fit within their food or medicine portfolios,” says UNICEF Nutrition Spe cialist, Alison Fleet.

All this has meant that even if donors such as Unit ed States Agency for In ternational Development (USAID) are ready with in creased support, there’s only been enough supply to allow humanitarian agencies to

reach about a quarter of the children affected by SAM.

Meanwhile, the multiple shocks of inflation, climate change, drought and flood ing have seen the numbers of wasted children in some countries increase by 40 per cent since 2016. Putting the remaining piece of the jigsaw in place by creating conditions for wider produc tion of RUTF is a key reason behind UNICEF’s request for Codex intervention.

The Codex guideline covers everything from nu tritional composition, addi tives and labelling require ments, with proper provi sions for safety on such issues as potential bacterial contamination.

But what it does not do is stipulate that the food be made from a particular ingredient such as peanuts. It can be made of cereals, seeds, legumes or anything available locally and to suit countries’ particular local in gredients or taste, as long as it meets the nutritional safety and scientific guidelines.

With this in place, UNICEF and WHO plan to submit the product for coun tries to use as part of a model essential medicine list.

Jaden Bendabenda, WHO Technical Officer, explains: “WHO is happy to see that Codex has now developed the guideline on RUTF, which provides clear standards for such therapeu tic foods, as this will facil itate ongoing discussions on including RUTF in the

essential medicine list. This could improve access of RUTF for the treatment of SAM at the country level.”

The production of RUTF for UNICEF is currently 67 per cent sourced locally from the countries where RUTFs are used. The standard setting process was driv en by South Africa, which is already a supplier, with support from Uganda and Senegal. UNICEF provided technical guidance during the standard development process. A number of other developing countries have expressed interest in po tentially producing RUTF following the adoption of the guideline.

As global food insecu rity worsens, with regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel especially badly hit, the hope is that an increase in production will be able to contribute to narrowing the gap between supply and demand to help some of the most vulnera ble children on our planet.

(FAO)

GDF kick-starts Soldiers’ Day activities

EARLY Christmas cheer reached ranks serving at Base Camp Jaguar, New River ( East Ber bice-Corentyne), as the Guyana Defence Force kick-starts celebrations for the most wonderful season of the year.

These soldiers are the first batch to have enjoyed traditional SOLDIERS’ DAY’ activities. After being awoken to the traditional ‘brew’, the ranks, who will be serving at the border location throughout the holidays, were, on Tuesday, treated to lunch with Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess, his team of Officers, and residents of the surrounding community.

Children of the community were also treated to Christmas presents.

— new Codex Alimentarius guideline means ready-to-use therapeutic foods can be manufactured and incorporated into more countries’ health plans

The guideline, adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, will enable countries to integrate RUTF into their policies to treat severe acute malnutrition in children (UNICEF photo)

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, serves meals to soldiers at Base Camp Jaguar, New River (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Police engaging youths through sports

A QUANTITY of football and cricket gear was re cently distributed to 19 sports teams from Agrico la to Soesdyke, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), as part of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) con tinued efforts to bridge the divide between com munities across the coun try and to engage youths through sports.

Deputy Commissioner ‘ Operations ‘(ag.), Ravin dradat Budhram spear headed the initiative with collaboration and support from the Grove/Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council and corporate sec tor members.

The gear, which includ ed footballs, cricket balls and bats, were handed over to the teams in front of a packed audience of resi dents who supported the initiative at the Golden Grove Housing Scheme.

In brief remarks at the handing over, Deputy Commissioner Budhram

highlighted that while the initiative aims to bring the communities closer to the police, it will also centre on keeping the youths active and healthy.

“The aim behind the project as well is to ensure we have a healthy lifestyle and we keep fit”, the Dep uty Commissioner noted.

Also present at the handing-over were Com mander of Regional Divi sion 4’B’, Senior Superin tendent Mahendra Singh; Chairperson of the Grove/ Diamond NDC, Indrani Ramnarine and Council of the Grove/Diamond NDC, Clemsdord Belgrave, as well as members of the Corporate Sector.

Meanwhile, when con tacted by this publication, Deputy Commissioner Budhram said the role po lice play in society places them in an unenviable po sition.

“Law and order, he not ed, is a central tenet of civi lized society, and Sports has

the ability to bring people together and allow them to look past their differ ences. Many sports-based initiatives are allowing cit izens and law enforcement to work together to forge stronger bonds and commu nities,” Budhram said.

He noted that the GPF is

‘Rickey Scrawley’ confesses to killing Skull City resident

HEMRAJ Bramdeo called ‘Rickey Scrawley’, on Monday, confessed to the 2016 fatal stabbing of Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara resident, Dellon Bradford called ‘Chicken.’

Bramdeo, formerly of Back Street Patentia, WBD, was on trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court.

Last week, Bramdeo had denied murdering Bradford on March 23, 2016.

However, on Monday, Bramdeo opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. The judge directed the jury to return a guilty verdict for man slaughter.

December 12, 2022 has been set for the presenta

tion of Bramdeo’s proba tion report and sentencing.

He was represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas, while the state was represented by attor ney-at-law Muntaz Ali.

According to the case facts, on the evening in question, Bramdeo and Bradford were consuming alcohol at different homes in the same street at Pat

entia.

Bradford left where he was drinking at about 18:00 hours; he was later seen arguing with Bramdeo’s daughter on a dam in the village. This led to a phys ical altercation and Bram deo intervened and stabbed Bradford three times.

After being chased for some distance, Brad ford eventually fell to the ground and uttered to wit nesses nearby “is scrawly juk me”. He was then taken to Best Hospital and later transferred to the GPHC where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to the post-mortem report, Bradford died from “perforation of spleen and kidney as a result of stab wounds.”

proud to be able to partner with stakeholders to im prove the power of sports to heal communities.

“We believe that ath letes have a central role to play to make our society better”, he added.

Additionally, Deputy Commissioner (ag) Budh

— 19 sports teams from Agricola to Soesdyke benefit

ram explained that it is essential to build relation ships of trust and provide guidance in helping young people get onto the right path in life, and sports is one of the many ways this can be achieved.

“Moreover, it is great for the GPF to build

bonds with the young peo ple. The participating po lice ranks also benefit by learning more about the home lives and challenges these kids face, resulting in a more compassionate and nuanced approach to them as a group,” Budh ram underscored.

13 charges, $150k bail for alleged cop beater

A 30-year-old minibus driver, was, on Tuesday, released on $150,000 bail for allegedly as saulting two traffic of ficers and committing several other offences.

Okemi Omali Har ry, 30, of Middle Street, Ann’s Grove, appeared before Magistrate Ro chelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court on a total of 13 charges.

Harry was charged with two counts of failing to wear a seat belt, fail ure to carry a conductor, failure to behave in a civil and orderly manner, indecent language, dis orderly behaviour, dam age to property, careless driving, and having pro hibited tinted glass on his motor vehicle.

He was also charged with assaulting Lance Corporal Singh and Con stable Dorris, as well as

resisting arrest and fail ing to comply with police direction.

The incident occurred on November 26, 2022, at Montrose Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

The police prosecutor objected to bail, but the Magistrate released Har ry on $150,000 bail.

The matters were ad journed to December 19,

2022, for statements.

According to a police release, on the day in question at about, 17:00 hours, Lance Corpo ral Singh and Woman Constable Doris were conducting traffic du ties on the Montrose Public Road when they stopped minibus, BAC 2287, driven by Harry, for speeding.

He was told of the offence committed and asked to produce his driv er’s licence. While Lance Corporal Singh was writ ing the driver a ticket, the driver attempted to take away his licence from Lance Corporal Singh, who refused. The driver then allegedly assaulted the police ranks.

According to the po lice, two days prior to the incident, Harry was stopped for not wearing a seatbelt, but he drove off.

Deputy Commissioner ‘ Operations ‘(ag.), Ravindradat Budhram (extreme left) with youths from Diamond, East Bank Demerara who benefitted from the GPF engagement within their community

Hemraj Bramdeo called ‘Rickey Scrawley’

Okemi Omali Harry

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday November 30, 2022)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 1979-80 (2) Brisbane, 1979-80

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first WI to make a Test debut century versus Australia?

(2) Who is the first AUST batsman to fashion a debut century against the West Indies?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips

Haydock

09:05 hrs One For You

09:35 hrs No But I Will

10:07 hrs Beaufort

10:37 hrs Nemean Lion

10=1:07 hrs Fortified Bay

11:37 hrs Djeio

Kempton

12:15 hrs Largo Bay

12:45 hrs Cariad Anger

13:15 hrs Sweet Bertie

13:50 hrs Hopeman Harbour 14:20 hrs Slipofthepen

14:50 hrs Scintillante

15:20 hrs Siskany

16:20 hrs Sashenka

Ludlow

08:45 hrs Lusaka

09:15 hrs Supervisor

09:45 hrs Mullenbeg

10:15 hrs Sam Barton

10:45 hrs Prime Pretender 11:15 hrs Loup De Maulde 11:45 hrs Rochette

Irish Racing Tips

Dundalk

10:00 hrs Aussie Girl

10:30 hrs Linus Larrabee 11:00 hrs Leclerc

11:30 hrs Not Too Real Bad

12:00 hrs Senor Carrots

12:30 hrs Roman Song 13:00 hrs Dancing Tango 13:30 hrs Turf Range

American Racing Tips

Tampa Bay Downs

Race 1 Depoli

Race 2 Ginettes On Fire

Race 3 Stratford

Race 4 Marqet Malice

Race 5 Mr Cash

Race 6 Joe Phillips

Race 7 Candy Arcade

Race 8 Awesome Strike

South Africa Racing Tips

Greyville

08:20 hrs Majestic Warrior

08:55 hrs Caesura

09:30 hrs Captain Casey

10:05 hrs Muulazana

10:40 hrs Johndunbar

District 10 ‘cops’ National Schools’ Cycling title

…Three records tumble in field events

IT was a close battle be tween a dominant District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) and District 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni) for the Cycling title at this year’s National Schools’ Championships but it was the former who took it home to enhance their overall title prospects.

District 10 amassed 245 points to win ahead of Dis trict 7 on 228 points and District Six (Corentyne) on 204 points.

They were the only dis tricts to accumulate more than 200 points from the Road Race on Sunday around the outer circuit of the National Park and the Finals on Monday on the inner circuit.

The standout performer for District 10 was national rider Clivecia Spencer, who was unbeaten in all her events.

Meanwhile, Track and Field action commenced, and three records fell in the field.

Ranetta Liverpool of District 15 (New Am sterdam) had a throw of 34.43m in the Girls U-18 Javelin to erase the re cord of 27.00m set by Pru dence Codrington of South Georgetown in 2017.

More so, Santos Osafo dos of District 15 set a new record in the male Teach ers Shot Put U-41 with a throw of 16.42m to erase the record of 12.57m set by Roy Haney of District 3 in 2017.

Saliq McClmont of District 10 had a best of 23.89m to win the female U-21 Discus and also reset the record of 19.23m held by Marika Tyrell of District 7 in 2017.

Track and Field action continues today until Fri day at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

High Jump – Boys U-14

1. Shariq Allicock –District 10 (Upper Demer ara/Kwakwani)

2. Courtney Haynes –District 6 (Corentyne)

3. Javan Francis – Dis trict 9 – (Rupununi)

High Jump – Girls U-14

1. Jadala Cruz – District 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni)

2. Jada Lamaizon – Dis

trict 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani)

3atisha Best – District 15 (New Amsterdam)

Discus – Girls U-12

1. Athalia Simmons – District 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni) - 16.67m

2. Sheleza Boston – District 2 (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) – 16.13m

3. Rayana Duncan –District 4 (East Coast De merara) – 15.33m

Discus – Boys U-12

1. Josiah George – Dis trict 4 (East Coast Demer ara) – 21.12m

2. Michael Mohamed –District 3 (West Demerara) – 19.38m

3. Hamilton Fraser – District 2 (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) – 18.56m

Javelin – Boys U-20

1. Sean Hunte – District 15 (New Amsterdam)46.31m

2. Quincy Sampson – District 2 ( Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) – 44.27m

3. Brue Vincent – Dis trict 1 (North West) –41.41m

Javelin – Girls U-20

1. Ester Marks – Dis trict 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) – 39.96m

2. Shenia Joseph –District 1 (North West) – 22.99m

3. Priya Yap – District 6 (Corentyne) – 19.22m

Long Jump – Girls U-20

1. Keliza Smith – Dis trict 3 (West Demerara) – 5.60m

2. Amrist Hector – Dis trict 15 (New Amsterdam) – 5.09m

3. Kayla Bamfield –District 11 (North George town) – 4.49m

Long jump – U-20

1. Wesley Tyndall –District 11 (North George town) – 6.93m

2. Daniel Adolph – Dis trict 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) – 6.34m

3. Darius Collins – Dis trict 5 (West Coast Berbi ce) – 6.22m

Discus – Boys Un der-14

1. Kaymali Stoute –District 12 (East George town) – 29.19m

2. Samuel Griffith –District 6 (Corentyne) –25.82m

3. Jeremiah Andries –

District 3 (West Demerara) – 25.65

Javelin – Girls U-18

1. Ranetta Liverpool –District 15 (New Amster dam) – 32.43m (record)

– Prudence Codgrington (South Georgetown) 27.00 - 2017

2. Tia Isaacs – District 5 (West Coast Berbice) –24-29m

3. Deena Fredericks

District 1 (North West) –24.02m

Javelin – Boys U-18

1. Sanjay Algoo – Dis trict 15 (New Amsterdam) – 56.13m

2. Julian Gordon – Dis trict 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) – 45.01

3. Rohit Pedro – Dis trict 1 (North West) – 41.93

High Jump – Boys U-10

1 Tacoordeen Menyelex – District 9 (Rupununi)

2. Kurt Welcome – Dis trict 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni)

3. Kenan Benn – Dis trict 2 (Essequibo Coast/ Pomeroon)

Teachers – Discus –Female U-21

1. Shaliq McClmont –District 10 (Upper Demer ara/Kwakwani) – 23.89m (record) Marika Tyrell 19.23m (Disrict 7) - 2017

2. Overna Burnette – District 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni) – 23.24m

3. Stacy Ferdinand –District 6 (Corentyne) –20.94m

Teacher- Shot Put –Male - U-41

1. Santos OsafodosDistrict 15 (New Amster dam) – 16.42m (record) Roy Haney – District 3 – 12.57m - 2017

2. Mark Sampson –District 13 (South George town) – 11.39m

3. Samuel Thompson – District 12 (East George town) – 10.22m

At Qatar World Cup, Middle East tensions spill into stadiums

By Maya Gebeily and Charlotte Bruneau

DOHA (Reuters) - The first World Cup in the Middle East has become a show case for the political ten sions crisscrossing one of the

world's most volatile regions and the ambiguous role often played by host nation Qatar in its crises.

Iran's matches have been the most politically charged as fans voice support for pro testers who have been boldly

challenging the clerical lead ership at home. They have also proved diplomatically sensitive for Qatar which has good ties to Tehran.

Pro-Palestinian sympathies among fans have also spilt into stadiums as four Arab

teams compete. Qatari players have worn pro-Palestinian arm-bands, even as Qatar has allowed Israeli fans to fly in directly for the first time.

Even the Qatari Emir has engaged in politically signif icant acts, donning a Saudi flag during its historic defeat of Argentina - notable support for a country with which he has been mending ties strained by regional tensions.

Such gestures have added to the political dimensions of a tournament mired in con troversy even before kickoff, over the treatment of migrant workers and LGBT+ rights in the conservative host country, where homosexuality is illegal.

The stakes are high for Qatar, which hopes a smooth tournament will cement its role on the global stage and in the Middle East, where it has sur vived as an independent state since 1971 despite numerous regional upheavals.

The first Middle Eastern nation to host the World Cup, Qatar has often seemed a re gional maverick: it hosts the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas but has also previously had some trade relations with Israel.

It has given a platform to Islamist dissidents deemed a threat by Saudi Arabia and its allies, while befriending Riyadh's foe Iran - and hosting the largest U.S. military base in the region.

AN INNER CONFLICT

"We wanted to come to the World Cup to support the people of Iran because we know it's a great opportunity to speak for them," said Shayan Khosravani, a 30-year-old Iranian-American fan who had been intending to visit fami ly in Iran after attending the games but cancelled that plan due to the protests.

But some say stadium se curity has stopped them from showing their backing for the protests. At Iran's Novem ber 25 match against Wales, security denied entry to fans carrying Iran's pre-Revolu tion flag and T-shirts with the protest slogan ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ and ‘Mahsa Amini’.

After the game, there was tension outside the ground be tween opponents and support ers of the Iranian government.

Two fans who argued with stadium security on separate occasions over the confisca tions told Reuters they be lieved that policy stemmed

from Qatar's ties with Iran.

A Qatari official told Re uters that "additional security measures have been put in place during matches involving Iran following the recent polit ical tensions in the country."

When asked about con fiscated material or detained fans, a spokesperson for the organising supreme committee referred Reuters to FIFA and Qatar's list of prohibited items. They ban items with "political, offensive, or discriminatory messages".

Controversy has also swirled around the Iranian team, which was widely seen to show support for the protests in its first game by refraining from singing the national an them, only to sing it - if quietly - ahead of its second match.

Quemars Ahmed, a 30-year-old lawyer from Los Angeles, told Reuters that Ira nian fans were struggling with an ‘inner conflict’: "Do you root for Iran? Are you rooting for the regime and the way protests have been silenced?"

Ahead of a decisive U.S.Iran match yesterday, the U.S. Soccer Federation temporarily displayed Iran's national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Repub lic, in solidarity with protesters in Iran.

The match only added to the tournament's significance for Iran, where the clerical leadership has long declared Washington the ‘The Great Satan’ and accuses it of fo menting current unrest.

A 'PROUD' STATEMENT

Palestinian flags, mean while, are regularly seen at stadiums and fan zones and have sold out at shops – even though the national team didn't qualify

Tunisian supporters at their November. 26 match against Australia unfurled

a massive ‘Free Palestine’ banner, a move that did not appear to elicit action from organisers. Arab fans have shunned Israeli journalists reporting from Qatar.

Omar Barakat, a soccer coach for the Palestinian na tional team who was in Doha for the World Cup, said he had carried his flag into matches without being stopped. "It is a political statement and we're proud of it," he said.

While tensions have sur faced at some games, the tournament has also provided a stage for some apparent reconciliatory actions, such as when Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani wrapped the Saudi flag around his neck at the November 22 Argentina match.

Qatar's ties with Sau di Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt were put on ice for years over Doha's regional policies, including supporting Islamist groups during the Arab Spring uprisings from 2011.

In another act of reconcil iation between states whose ties were shaken by the Arab Spring, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan shook hands with Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the opening ceremony in Doha on Nov.ember 20.

Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a political scientist at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States said the lead-up to the tournament had been "complicated by the decade of geopolitical rival ries that followed the Arab Spring".

Qatari authorities have had to "tread a fine balance" over Iran and Palestine but, in the end, the tournament "once again puts Qatar at the centre of regional diplo macy," he said.

Man wears the Palestinian flag during the FIFA World Cup soc cer competition in Doha, Qatar November 23, 2022 (REUTERS/ Charlotte Bruneau)

Senior National Squash Championships underway at Georgetown Club

THE opening night of the Guyana Squash Associa tion’s (GCA) Senior Na tional Championships got off to a less than auspicious start at Georgetown Club on Camp Street on Monday evening.

The final tournament for the year saw three walk-overs

with only three of six sched uled encounters contested.

Watched by a handful of people on a cold and windy night, Samuel Ince-Carval hal beat Regan Pollard 11-7, 11-6, 11-9 in the most com petitive match of the evening.

In the other completed

matches; Steven Xavier de feated Jason Van Dijk 115, 11-5, 11-2 while Louis Da Silva whipped Jonathan Antczak 11-5, 11-7, 11-0.

Daniel Ince got a walkover from Michael Alphon so, Senior CASA Women’s Singles Champion, Ashley

Khalil, got a walkover from Tian Edwards and CASA Singles finalist Taylor Fer nandes had a walkover from Teija Edwards.

The competition was scheduled to continue last night, tonight and to con clude on Friday night.

GCA successfully completes Primary Schools coaching programme

A SKILLS Day event was held at Queen’s College (QC) earlier this month with 14 students (7 boys and 7 girls) being select ed from each of the eight Primary Schools that par ticipated in eight weeks of cricket coaching pro gramme, organised by the Georgetown Cricket Asso ciation (GCA)

A total of 25 boys and 25 girls from each school (400 boys and girls from grades three to six) were exposed to cricket for the first time.

The Skills Day event commenced with a wel come address at QC by HM Candace Cave-Stephens, followed by a tour of the schools which was guided by QC Prefects.

The excited students then participated in the Skills Day where they were assessed by GCA technical person nel Mark Harper, Roderick Lovell and Neil Barry to see how much they learnt during the coaching sessions.

Lunch, which was pre

pared by the Home Econom ics students of QC, was taken by the participants.

The coaches who con ducted the sessions were Rawle Merell, Kervin Ross, Ranole Bourne, Akaze Thompson, Abena Parker, Pernell Christie, Kenroy Jo seph and Dorian Best

The programme was fully

sponsored by Guyana Bever age Inc, under the ‘Koolkids’ Brand

According to the presi dent of the GCA and former Guyana First-Class batter Neil Barry, the eight-week programme was successful ly run by his hardworking association, adding that the young boys and girls leant

the basics of cricket and had fun doing so.

“The coaches did a great job with the ‘kids’ and hopefully the schools in the GCA area would produce players for Guy ana U-13 teams,” said Bar ry, whose 71 is his highest score in nine first-class matches.

Pat Cummins: There are no cowards in the Australian team

… No distractions despite the recent comments by Justin Langer

TEST captain Pat Cum mins has fired back at former coach Justin Langer's claim that he was undermined by leaks, saying there are "no cowards" in the Australian team.

The first Test between Australia and West In dies starting today has been overshadowed by Langer's recent candid interview on the Back Chat podcast, where he attacked anonymous "cowards" who he said leaked against him and (he) believed some play ers were not transparent about their feedback.

Addressing the issue publicly for the first time, which has magnified with the Australian Test sum mer launching in Langer's home of Perth, Cummins strongly defended his dressing room. "There's no cowards in an Aus tralian cricket team, not ever," he told reporters yesterday.

"I'd probably never disclose private conver sations. I think it's disap pointing sometimes the focus gets drawn to offfield issues but it hasn't really affected our team."

In perhaps a sign of detente, Langer has some what attempted to clarify his comments since and said that the players were "like my younger broth ers".

"I think there's no ill will to what he was trying to do and he clarified af terwards," Cummins said at Optus Stadium with the 'Justin Langer Stand' in the backdrop.

"I think he had a think about it and clarified it, so thank him for that. But we're really proud of the last 12 months, how we've fronted up, the way we've played, the way we've conducted ourselves. Players can certainly hold their heads high.”

Cummins said he was "looking forward" to see ing Langer, who will be

part of host broadcaster Seven's commentary team this summer, and wasn't expecting a frosty recep tion from parochial locals.

"He'll be in and around here commen tating so it'll be good," Cummins said. "We love playing here at the sta dium. My idol mentor, DK Lillee as well, it's his home state.

"We haven't felt that at all," he added when asked if the Australia team was out of favour in Western Australia. "I know there's been some conjecture but I think it camouflages over a lot of the good stuff that's been going on and support we've been receiving."

There were no sur prises as Cummins an nounced an expected Aus tralia line-up to face West Indies with quick Scott Boland and opener Mar cus Harris left out.

As part of an un changed batting order from their last Test in Sri Lanka mid-year, all-rounder Cameron Green will make his hometown debut in the first Test match played in Perth since December 2019.

"To be honest it is the most stable team I have played in ever," Cummins said. "You could probably have picked the side 12 months ago, I feel like we are in a good spot." (Cricinfo)

Steven Xavier (foreground) beat Jason Van Dijk on Monday night (Sean Devers photos)

Louis DaSilva (right) defeated Jonathan Antczak in Monday night’s action

The outstanding pupils from the Skills Day programme

Australia Test captain Pat Cummin

Gakpo nets again as Dutch beat Qatar to top Group

IN-FORM Cody Gakpo scored again as the Nether lands finished top of Group A, ending Qatar's miser able involvement at their home World Cup, with a third consecutive defeat.

Qatar's dismal showing means they became the first host nation to exit the tourna ment with three group-stage losses, finishing bottom with no points.

The Dutch, who failed to qualify four years ago, prog ress to the last 16 with an unbeaten record and face the team that will finish second in Group B - those games kick-off at 19:00hrs GMT.

African champions Sen egal beat Ecuador to clinch second place and face the team to finish top of Group B in the knockout stage.

PSV Eindhoven winger

Gakpo has now scored the opening goal in all three of the Netherlands' group games, driving forward and rasping a finish into the bot tom corner on this occasion.

Qatar looked to hit back immediately but Ismaeel Mohammad's shot on the stretch from outside the area was straight at Andries Nop pert.

But Louis van Gaal's men scored at the start of the second half to quash any Qa tari hopes of a comeback as Frenkie de Jong poked into a open net after Memphis Depay's shot was saved.

The Dutch could have won by more, as Steven Berghuis had a goal ruled out and also hit the crossbar.

GOING PLACES

Three-time finalists, the Netherlands, watched on from home four years ago but are making up for lost time by reminding people of their qualities.

The spine running through their side is a formi dable one, marshalled at the back by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk - their cap tain - pass master De Jong in the centre of the park and cool finisher Gakpo up top.

And the 23-year-old PSV player's stock continues to rise after finishing off a team move from Davy Klaassen's lay-off to become the first Dutch player to net in his first three World Cup games.

Gakpo has been heavily linked with a move to Man chester United and his price tag will be sure to increase with each impressive perfor

mance on the global stage.

For club and country, he continues a remarkable season and has now been involved in 35 goals in 29 games - netting on 17 oc casions and providing 18 assists.

With a group of boister ous Qatar fans behind the goal looking to rouse their

team in the second half, De Jong - who himself could have moved to Old Trafford last summer - shattered any expectations by poking in his first World Cup goal on 49 minutes.

It could have been worse for the hosts but Berghuis had a goal disallowed for handball by Gakpo in the

build-up and the substitute's curling effort struck the bar on a very comfortable eve ning for the Dutch.

Qatar had actually start ed the brighter, as captain Hassan Al-Haydos' longrange strike was gathered by Noppert, while Pedro Miguel volleyed over from a corner.

As well as three consec utive defeats in their first World Cup, Qatar also con ceded seven goals, the most by a host nation in the group stages.

With the number of teams increasing from 32 to 48 for the next finals in 2026, Qatar can put this wretched campaign behind them and look forward to trying to qualify in their own right in four years' time. (BBC Sport)

Koulibaly sends Senegal into World Cup last 16

KALIDOU Koulibaly's nerveless volley sent Sen egal into the World Cup's knockout stages for only the second time in their history as they eliminated Ecuador at a rowdy Khal ifa International Stadium.

All three goals came from players based in En gland as Ecuador's Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo cancelled out a penalty by Watford's Ismaila Sarr before Chelsea defender Koulibaly's side-footer won it.

Ecuador needed just a point to progress but paid the price for a passive display as Senegal were spurred on by an almost non-stop cacoph ony of drumming from their supporters in Al Rayyan.

Watford winger Sarr coolly stroked home from the spot, after being clum sily upended by Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie, to put the African champions deservedly ahead.

Ecuador levelled with their first real chance as Caicedo swept home Felix Torres' flick-on but Kouli baly's composed finish im mediately regained the lead

for Senegal, who knew only victory would be enough to go through barring an un likely Qatar upset against the Netherlands.

They held out amid a nervy six minutes of stop page time to finish as run ners-up in Group A behind the Dutch, who clinched top spot by handing the tourna ment hosts a third defeat in three games with a comfort able 2-0 win in Al Khor.

They will, however, be without influential midfielder

Gueye, who will miss the second round - and what would have been his 100th cap - after he picked up a second yellow card of the tournament.

Senegal became the first African team to beat a South American side at the World Cup since Cameroon against Colombia in 1990, ending a 21-game winless run in such meetings, and are only the third African nation to reach the knockout stages on two or more occasions, emulating

ENTERTAINING ECUADOR SUFFER STAGE FRIGHT

Many Ecuador players lay prostrate on the pitch at the final whistle, some in tears, devastated at letting slip their chance of progres sion - like Senegal they had only once previously negoti ated the group stages - and a face-down, clearly distraught Caicedo had to be physically hauled from the turf by team-

mates.

Ecuador had rightly earned plaudits for their opening two games, hav ing brushed aside Qatar and arguably been the better side in their 1-1 draw with the Dutch - but they failed to reproduce that level of per formance under the pressure of a virtual winner-take-all environment.

Boss Gustavo Alfaro risked joint leading World Cup scorer Enner Valencia despite the three-goal for ward being taken off on a stretcher late on against the Netherlands, and he failed to make any impact.

The four points they had accrued prior to the game meant Ecuador could play for a draw but they did not look like a side that had kept seven successive clean sheets earlier in 2022 and Senegal took full advantage

Aliou Cisse's side are potential last-16 opponents for England given the Lions of Teranga will next face the winners of Group B - a berth Gareth Southgate's team could seal late yesterday.

Much has been made of

the absence of Senegal tal isman Sadio Mane from this tournament through injury but they have found goals from elsewhere, their five thus far in Qatar all coming from different players.

They found swathes of space in and around the Ecuador area early on as the South Americans began nervily but Everton's Idrissa Gueye and Boulaye Dia both dragged excellent opportuni ties wide.

But Sarr, who had missed his two previous penalties for his club, showed composure from the spot to slot his side in front and their heads did not drop even when Caicedo levelled from a corner.

Victory secured a first last-16 appearance since 2002, when they shocked France in the opening game on their way to the quarter-finals and, before the game, Senegal dedicat ed their efforts to former Fulham and Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop - scorer of the famous winner against the Frenchwho died in 2020. aged 42. (BBC Sport)

GAKPO

Nigeria and Ghana.

Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands celebrates his goal (Photo: Skysports)

Kalidou Koulibaly's winner was his first goal for Senegal in his 67th international cap for his country

Windies bracing for ‘10 days of hard cricket’: Brathwaite

PERTH, Australia (CMC) –

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite yesterday emphasised the im portance of a disciplined allround performance from West Indies, as they geared up for the first Test against favourites Australia at the WACA bowling off here today.

He said the Caribbean side needed to be prepared for “10 days of hard Test cricket” if they were to find success in the twoTest series, which concludes with a day/night affair in Adelaide starting December 12.

“From the start, we have 10 days of hard Test cricket to play. We know Australia are a very, very good team especially at home, so the main thing for us is to focus on our disciplines and doing it right,” Brathwaite told a media conference.

“So when we’re batting we want to bat obviously a hundred overs plus, and when we’re bowl ing we looking to get 20 wickets so that obviously is to help a team win a game.

“So we’re obviously focusing on that. And we know Australia

are a superior team so we’ve got to play 10 days of hard cricket, that’s the main focus.”

He continued: “We’re really putting our energies on doing our (respective) jobs correctly. So, if we’re bowling, we want to bowl to the fields, stay disciplined throughout the day or however long we have to bowl.

“And as a batting unit, we

want to be batting a hundred overs plus and we really want to put our energies on doing that and I think once we do that, we’ll do well in this series.”

West Indies have not beaten Australia in a Test series in 30 years and have won only a single match in 21 Tests over the last 19 years.

However, the touring side are unbeaten this year in five Tests, shocking England 1-0 in a three-match series in the Carib bean before trouncing the touring Bangladeshis 2-0.

The Test series is being played in the shadow of West In dies’ disappointing showing at the T20 World Cup but Brathwaite said he did not expect his side to be impacted negatively.

“We’ve been doing well this year, not losing any games for the year. I think it’s a good accom plishment and we’re obviously not focussing on what has gone,” he noted.

“The World Cup (campaign) was tough for us as a region but we know what we have to do and it’s starting tomorrow. We’ve got

to start well and take that into the rest of the series.”

The Aussies have named a strong XI for the opening Test with the fast-bowling trio of cap tain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood headlining the attack and the likes of Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, David Warner and Marnus Labuscha gne underpinning their batting. While reiterating the quality in the hosts’ lineup, Brathwaite said West Indies would be ready for the challenge presented.

“We’re prepared. We knew for a little while what we’re com ing up against,” he explained.

“Of the bowlers, we have footage and a few guys we would’ve played against already so a lot of information was shared so we’re up for it.

“As I said, we know Australia (are strong) at home but we know what we have to do and the guys are really looking forward to the challenge.”

The match gets underway at 10:20hrs (22:20hrs Tuesday, Eastern Caribbean time).

Rashford sees England top Group as Wales exit World Cup

MARCUS Rashford inspired England to the victory re quired to top Group B and ensure it was despair for Wales as they went out of the tournament after a bitterly disappointing World Cup campaign.

Wales needed to either beat England and hope Iran and USA ended in a draw or pursue the more unlikely outcome of run ning up a four-goal victory mar gin at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

England, who now face Senegal in the last 16 on Sun day (19:00hrs GMT), ensured neither scenario was ever a serious consideration as they dominated throughout and took full control after an uneventful first 45 minutes.

Wales manager Rob Page took the bold decision to sub stitute Gareth Bale at halftime, although the great talisman had only had seven touches in an anonymous display, but any hope the shock tactic would work was wiped out as England scored twice within six minutes of the restart.

Marcus Rashford fired a free-kick past Danny Ward following Ethan Ampadu's foul on Phil Foden after 50 minutes, with the Manchester City mid fielder then marking his return to England's team moments later by turning in Harry Kane's cross at the far post.

Wales were demoralised and outclassed as they knew they were on the way home from Qatar and Rashford added his second in the 68th min ute, with a large slice of help from Wales keeper Ward who allowed a fierce shot to slip through his legs.

ENGLAND MAKE SMOOTH PROGRESS

It took England time and a desperately dull first half before they clicked into top gear but once they did they were then able to overrun Wales, who ended this World Cup in timid fashion.

And Rashford continued to make a big impact at this World Cup, with his double here com ing after scoring with virtually his first touch in the 6-2 romp against Iran in England's open ing game.

He missed a good chance in the first half when he was played though by Kane but his free-kick was emphatic and the second a reward for his will ingness to drive into the Wales defence at pace. He almost had a hat-trick only for Ward to block his shot at the near post.

Rashford must now be un der serious consideration for a starting place when England face the tough test of Senegal as the knockout phase gets under way.

Manager Gareth Southgate made four changes to his team

that performed so poorly against USA, Rashford, Foden, Jordan Henderson and fit-again Kyle Walker coming in for Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Kieran Trippier.

It not only helped England run out easy winners but gave squad members valuable game time, especially Walker, who is such an important part of Southgate's plans but missed the end of the Premier League to undergo groin surgery.

England and Southgate have achieved their first prior ity of qualifying for the last 16 while topping their group, two strong wins against Iran and Wales coming either side of that dismal USA showing.

It represents a job satisfac torily done by England - now they must take the next step against the dangerous African champions.

WALES SLIP QUIETLY

OUT OF QATAR

Wales arrived in Qatar with real pride after qualifying for their first World Cup since 1958 but they must reflect on

a poor campaign after England confirmed the formality of their elimination.

Page's side have always relied heavily on the inspiration provided by Bale and Aaron Ramsey but the two great fig ures of this fine era for Welsh football found this World Cup a step too far, with those around them simply not of the quality to make up for that deficit.

Bale's only meaningful contribution was the penal ty that earned a draw against USA in their opening game but he contributed nothing in the damaging loss to Iran and was subsequently taken off here after only seven touches in 45 minutes.

It is a decision by Page that is sure to inspire debate but Bale was little more than a passenger so it was an under standable move.

Ramsey was no better and while the duo's magnificent contribution to Wales can never be under-estimated the brutal truth is that their lack of match sharpness left them unable to exert their usual influence on games.

Now the question is wheth er they will carry on with their international careers - or wheth er their country moves on with out them.

It had the feel of the end of an era for Wales here yes terday. It is an era that has brought much joy, and was appreciated by their outstand ing support after the final whistle, but this was a desper ate anti-climax after reaching their first World Cup for 64 years. (BBC Sport)

Pulisic winner sends USA through as Iran go out

THE United States won their World Cup grudge match against Iran as Christian Pulis ic scored the winner to set up a last-16 tie with the Netherlands.

The Chelsea forward turned AC Milan defender Sergino Dest's header over the line seven min utes before halftime.

But he collided with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand in the process and needed several minutes of treatment - before be ing replaced at the break.

It was a match with lots at stake as both teams had a chance to seal a place in the knockout stages.

But Iran, who would have gone through with a draw, mus tered just one shot on target as they were knocked out.

In the second half, they came close - Brentford's Saman Ghod dos came off the bench to strike inches over the bar when he was unmarked in the box, before Saeid Ezatolahi also curled over.

Perhaps their best chance came deep in stoppage time, when Morteza Pouraliganji met a free-kick with a diving header that went just wide.

And there was still time for controversy as Mehdi Taremi appealed for a penalty as he went down with Cameron Carter-Vick ers trying to stop him, but their penalty appeals were rejected.

In the end, Iran exited the World Cup with a sense of disap pointment as the USA made the knockout stages for the third time in four tournaments.

This was a meeting between two nations with a difficult rela tionship.

They cut diplomatic relations in 1980, and their World Cup encounter was played amid a backdrop of widespread anti-gov ernment protests in Iran.

Iran has accused the US and other foreign adversaries of insti gating the protests. The US gov ernment, meanwhile, has imposed sanctions on Iranian officials over a crackdown that has followed.

Those protests were sparked by the death in custody in Sep tember of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police for allegedly breaking the strict rules around head coverings.

Earlier this week, USA man ager Gregg Berhalter apologised after a modified version of Iran's flag was used in social media posts by the US national team.

The US said they decided not

to use Iran's official flag in the so cial media posts to show "support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights".

USA hold out to clinch last16 spot

Despite it being an all-ornothing match at the Al Thumama Stadium, neither team came out of the blocks oozing intensity.

Iran put a little bit of pres sure on the USA defence in the opening minutes but rarely caused much trouble.

Dest was energetic and direct for the USA, while Pulisic's pace and Antonee Robinson's deliver ies teased a goal for much of the first half.

When the USA finally opened up the Iran defenceWeston McKennie spraying an inch-perfect pass to Dest to nod down for Pulisic - it only settled them more and they saw out the first half with ease.

Celebrations from a smaller contingent of USA fans behind the goal at the far end were slight ly muted as Pulisic received treat ment after clattering into the goal keeper and he later hobbled off.

Iran had nothing to lose after the break and began to throw caution to the wind, creating a few chances but still not really testing USA goalkeeper Matt Turner until very late on.

Ghoddos, Ezatolahi and Ali Karimi gave Iran fans a brief mo ment of excitement with their ef forts, while Timothy Weah - who had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half - remained an outlet for the USA.

As the clock ticked on, the USA broke up play and disrupted rhythm but Iran had one more op portunity to cause a major upset in stoppage time when Pouraliganji headed a free-kick agonisingly wide of the post.

He fell to his knees in frus tration, as did several of his teammates, as Iran knew their chance of taking the USA's place in the last 16 may have just been and gone.

There was desperation with seconds to go as Iran appealed frantically for a penalty but the referee was not interested and there was nothing to suggest any foul play.

As the final whistle went, the USA players and substi tutes sprinted over to one end of the pitch to celebrate while the Iran squad fell to the floor. (BBC Sport)

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite speaking at yester day’s media conference

Marcus Rashford scored twice and Phil Foden once as Wales’ World Cup hopes came to an end (PA Wire/PA Images)

Christian Pulisic scored the lone goal of the game (Photo: Skysports)

District 10 ‘cops’ National Schools’ Cycling title

…Three records tumble in field events

IBA, WBA sign collaboration agreement to enhance amateur boxing

PRESIDENTS of two boxing organisations, Umar Kremlev from the IBA side and Gilberto Jesús Mendoza from the WBA side, have agreed on future cooperation between the organisations and the de velopment of a roadmap of mutual work across com plete interests during their meeting in Mexico City.

The agreement includes cooperation in the devel opment of amateur athletes and their integration into professional boxing through specific programmes.

The parties aim to create single regulations for amateur and professional boxing, including boxers’ medical safety and wellbeing management, coaches’ development, and accordance with technical and com petition rules.

“Within IBA, we are building a Global home of boxing. The cooperation between IBA and WBA can provide the future of boxing as a sport, our goal is to build the bridge between the two organisations and give more opportunities to all boxers worldwide,” IBA president Kremlev said.

“This agreement with IBA is something that will bring many benefits to boxing. I have always had the slogan that ‘Boxing is One’ and being able to bring the most important entity of professional boxing closer to the most outstanding of amateur boxing is a huge step towards achieving our goals and integrating this great sport,” Gilberto Jesús Mendoza said during the meeting.

The agreement also foresees the development of a joint Academy and the integration of WBA/IBA boxers into respective tournaments.

Both sides agreed to work on possible new compe tition concepts and joint events.

Moreover, the strategy will be studied to imple ment the World Boxing Tour programme, in which the WBA will provide support to the IBA and which will consist of a series of events that will award points to the fighters for the IBA world ranking.

(IBA)

The 13-member team from St Michael’s Private School in Mongrippa Hill in Bartica (Photo: News Room/Avenash Ramzan/November 28, 2022)

Shariq Allicock won the Boys U-14

IBA president Umar Kremlev (left) and Gilberto Jesús Mendoza of the WBA after the signing of the agreement (Photo: IBA)