Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 30-12-2023.pdf

SATURDAY 30th December, 2023

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VAT INCLUSIVE

British offshore patrol vessel arrives in Guyana Guyana’’s waters No.107309

‘Our Region 03 must remain a zone of peace’ PAGE

COMMANDER Tim D Langford presented a token to Chief-of-Staff Colonel Omar Khan to mark their arrival. The purpose of HMS Trent’s deployment to the Caribbean is primarily to hunt down drug smugglers in the region. The Royal Navy warship usually operates in the Mediterranean and off Africa’s west coast as part of a long-term security mission. However, the ship was re-tasked to the Caribbean to clamp down on drug runners. Due to shallow port conditions, the ship will not be docking in Port Georgetown. (Photo courtesy of Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud)

–– President Ali says as incoming Chair of CARICOM; emphasises regional security is an increasingly critical matter

GNNL honours staff –– Trina Williams secures Employee of the Year award

See story on centre page

Reporter, Trina Williams (left) copped the Employee of the Year award, while Colin Josiah was one of the recipients of the General Manager’s award (Delano Williams photos)

Claims, objections 14 02 exercise begins soon

Cuba to send 200 nurses early next Evaluation completed for year to help mitigate shortage Corentyne River Bridge w –– local training being ramped up to cater for long-term needs, says Minister Anthony 15 PAGE

–– mobilisation works on Wismar bridge to begin next year

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Evaluation completed for Corentyne River Bridge 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

–– mobilisation works on Wismar bridge to begin next year

MOBILISATION works for the much-anticipated four-lane bridge across the Demerara River in Wismar, Linden, Region Ten, is expected to begin in 2024, according to Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill.

This was the update given to media operatives during a year-end press conference on Friday, as the minister outlined the progress made this year on a number of transformational infrastructural projects.

“Monies have been provided, contractor identified, and we are ready to go,” he said.

The bridge will connect Wismar to Mackenzie, and is set to sig-

nificantly reduce traffic congestion, as the current bridge only has a one-vehicle lane.

The contract has been awarded to China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co. Ltd, and works are expected to be completed in 24 months.

Meanwhile, the public works minister said that the evaluation of bids for the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge has been completed.

A joint executive decision on modality and financing is being examined by the governments of Guyana and Suriname, which include the respective foreign affairs, finance, and public works ministers.

“Once that evaluation

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, alongside Permanent Secretary of the Public Works ministry Vladim Persaud during the yearend press conference on Friday report would have been agreed, and the way forward declared by that

joint team, the two presidents would then announce the start of the

work on the Corentyne River Bridge,” Minister Edghill related.

The Corentyne River Bridge will facilitate the movement of goods to Suriname, allowing farmers to transport their produce with ease.

The proposed bridge will stretch 1100 metres, with 22 spans each measuring 50 metres in length.

It will be constructed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, and according to the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain model (DBFOM). Under this model, the successful contractor or joint venture will be responsible for the final design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the bridge.

$12.5M in narcotics, alcohol seized by CANU/GRA THE Customs and Law Enforcement Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) have seized several parcels of narcotics in the Crabwood Creek area, in Corentyne, Berbice.

According to a press release, on Friday, CANU/ GRA in a joint operation, carried out a search at a loca-

tion in the Crabwood Creek area, Corentyne, Berbice and during the search, several parcels of suspected cannabis and several cases of uncustomed alcohol were discovered.

These joint operations are conducted throughout the country to prevent the trafficking of narcotics, and the smuggling of contraband goods.

“The suspected narcotic and the uncustomed alcohol were taken to the GRA location for processing. The narcotic tested positive for imported cannabis (creepy weed) with a total weight of 22 kg (48.5 lbs.) and a street value of G$12.5 million due to its higher THC content,” the release read.

Investigations are ongoing.

Narcotics and uncustomed goods

‘Our Region must remain a zone of peace’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

–– President Ali says as incoming Chair of CARICOM; emphasises regional security is an increasingly critical matter

The following is the full text of President Ali’s statement:

“AS the in-coming Chairman of CARICOM, I extend warm New Year’s greetings to all citizens across our beloved Caribbean Community. May 2024 be, for all of us, a year of good remembrance.

The last six months of 2023 saw CARICOM under the Chairmanship of the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica. My first words must be of thanks on behalf of CARICOM, for his outstanding leadership during that time – qualities that will remain with us as I invite his continued participation as a Member of the Bureau – and of course, his active involvement as a Member of Conference as CARICOM implements critical initiatives to the benefit of all our people.

2024 will bring renewed possibilities to continue targeted programmes to advance CARICOM’s strategic priorities, with the objective of pursuing the Region’s development goals, and striving for peace and prosperity across our Caribbean Community.

Regional security is an increasingly critical matter. We live in a world

where peace is challenged from one corner of the universe to the next. We will end 2023, however, with CARICOM’s robust role in assuring the rule of international peace and security in our corner on the world and ensuring that Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole remained a Zone of Peace.

We shall continue, in 2024 with this respect for international law.

We all remain committed to peacefully and by legal means resolving border controversies. We are resolved to effectively address crime and violence in our Region, including combatting the illegal weapons trade through our “War on Guns” campaign. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to return our Member State, Haiti, to peace and stability. Our Region must remain a Zone of Peace.

[We must ensure] our Region’s food and nutrition security continues to be at the forefront of our endeavours. Despite adverse challenges, including climate change, CARICOM Member States have made steady progress towards achieving our ’25 per cent by 2025’ target to reduce the Region’s food import bill.

EARLY on Friday, a fire erupted at Puruni Landing, resulting in severe damage to buildings and other structures.

According to a press release from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), immediate response measures were implemented, with both Police and Fire Prevention Officers to contain and manage the situation.

Based on initial re-

ports, the fire originated in a generator room adjacent to a Chinese supermarket and subsequently spread to nearby structures.

Up to press time, the Ministry of Home Affairs was diligently overseeing the incident, collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the area and those affected.

President Dr Irfaan Ali We will build on these achievements, including advancing our regional agenda for energy services that are available, reliable, affordable and sustainable - to support expected innovations in the agricultural sector. Crucial to this initiative is the need to improve regional transportation and this will remain as one of our top priorities.

We will continue our advocacy for early and fair operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, agreed at COP28, and we shall continue our insist-

ence on fulfilment of the commitments made by major emitters to be converted to actions to reduce emissions that lead to climate change with its deleterious impact on vulnerable Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Low-lying Coastal Developing States, such as CARICOM Member States. We all know that SIDS do not contribute in any meaningful way to climate change, but we carry the heaviest burden of the impact: from more and stronger tropical cyclones

to increasingly scarce and saline ground water, to disappearing coastal lands, to degrading marine ecosystems, to stress on agriculture and other sectors.

This is why our call for fair access to affordable financing to address the impact of climate change must and will continue.

2023 was a period of reflection as we marked the 50th Anniversary of our integration movement. We will continue to advance these ideals with the requisite undertakings which will allow CARICOM nationals to exercise their right to free movement within the Community and to bring the regional capital market into being. We will also work on ensuring greater participation of all sectors of our Community, including the private sector, labour organisations and civil society, in building our CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

We will identify new avenues for targeted partnerships, especially with our young people, to encourage innovative approaches and renewed energy for sustained economic development and convergence.

Our objective is to improve the lives of our citizens, through purposeful

and sustained cooperation, by delivering high-quality health services, a more relevant system of education for young people, secure and amenable living environments, new jobs and a financial climate that is conducive to investments.

I am heartened by the tangible evidence of what our collective action and determination have already achieved. I remain confident that the ongoing and new initiatives being implemented will help to ensure that CARICOM is truly “A Community for All”.

Guyana is honoured to Chair the Conference of Heads of Government for the period January 1 to June 30. I look forward to welcoming all CARICOM Heads of State and Government to Georgetown in February 2024, where we will host the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference and continue our Community’s activities to mark CARICOM’s 50 th Anniversary.

Let us approach 2024 with optimism, and a strengthened desire to pursue our shared objectives of unity and prosperity.

I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous 2024!

May God bless you all.”

Fire causes major damage at Puruni Landing

Early on Friday, a fire erupted at Puruni Landing, resulting in severe damage to buildings and other structures

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Jan. 31 deadline given for completion of Cemetery Road, Conversation Tree works

By Cindy Parkinson

PUBLIC Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has made it clear that contractors have until the end of January 2024 to complete all works on Cemetery Road and Conversation Tree.

During his end-of-year press conference, Minister Edghill said that the deadline for expanding Cemetery Road from two lanes to four lanes has passed, and the construction should have been completed this year.

He added that this project and the Conversation Tree works are of great concern to him and his ministry.

“Cemetery Road and Conversation Tree road are two that are of the greatest interest to us; what should have been completed for 2023 is significantly behind time, and that is of concern to us,” he related.

He further stated that the

contractors have received a revised deadline of January 2024 to complete those roads. “If January month ends and these projects are not completed, then the contractor will be removed from the projects, and we will get a proper and dedicated contractor to complete them, or the Special Projects Unit.

Cemetery Road is too much of an important road for us to have this going like that; and it is not one of our proudest moments of 2023 at all,” Minister Edghill said.

While expressing his dissatisfaction with the pace of works on the thoroughfares, Minister Edghill added that Lot One of the Conversation Tree road is progressing satisfactorily.

However, he said that significant delays are being experienced at Lot Two, and the contractor who is executing those works has also been given a revised deadline.

According to the public works minister, “if Lot Two is not completed as well, the contractor will be removed from the project and we will complete it.”

Further, Minister Edghill pointed out that they had done 5.48 kilometres of asphalt roads in Canals One and Two, and in Black Bush Polder they would have completed an additional 3.047 kilometres of asphalt roads.

Meanwhile, he stated that

several miscellaneous roads were built throughout Guyana, so that the people could live with their families in a better environment.

“In terms of our miscellaneous and urban roads, we have done 349.3 kilometres; 798 were rigid pavement, and 483 were flexible pavement.

In terms of urban roads, we have done 9.9 kilometres; 58 of those were rigid pavement and eight were flexible pavement.

A total of 359.2 kilometres; 854 rigid pavement, and 491 flexible pavement roads.”

SPECIAL PROJECTS UNIT Additionally, Minister Edghill said that the Special Projects Unit has performed “exceptionally well” in 2023, and according to him, the money that they are seeking will ensure that they can have several

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teams that are operating simultaneously, which would allow for more work to be done in 2024.

“The Special Projects Unit would have done a total of 108 roads, and they have done work in Queenstown, Alberttown, Campbeville, Foulis, Enterprise, Melanie South, Non Pariel, and Coldingen,” he noted.

Finally, Edghill added that he is pleased to say that because of the rigorous approach and the volume of work that they have been doing, there were no major breaches in 2023.

Minister Edghill said: “In terms of new flood protection structures, 5.5 kilometres of work was done.

With rehabilitation and maintenance, we have built 65 kilometres of sea defence. We commend the sea and river defences and their department for the great work that they are doing.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Storm in a teacup!

Editor

DEPLOYMENT of a small British warship to Guyana waters has, expectedly, been over-reported and wrongly assessed by those who naturally seek to stir up storms in teacups.

The last such headline was six decades ago in 1953, when the UK dispatched warships to colonial British Guiana to try to keep the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) out of office.

Sixty years later, the headlines are about a UK naval ship on its way to Guyana, as the preachers of doom and gloom work overtime to make it appear that a UK armada was coming to help Guyana invade Venezuela.

Naturally, those interested more in war than peace are fanning flames of discord and dissent over President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s engagement with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and the resultant December 14, 2023 Argyle Accord.

Likewise, those across the border who don’t let any opportunity pass to wave false

Navendra Seoraj

flags have also been ringing loud false-alarm bells.

As President Ali and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo have repeatedly said of the latest claims by those who major in minor matters, nothing this government does in Guyana’s defence is ever a threat to any other nation, including any that’s threatened Guyana, one way or another.

In a clear case of ‘pot calling kettle black’, Venezuela is accusing Guyana of violating accords, but not admitting its December 3 Referendum was a clearer violation, and selective rejection of the jurisprudence of the United Nations (UN) and its agencies over member-states, including Venezuela.

The St. Vincent summit was a progressive step to ensure the latest controversies arising from Venezuela’s groundless claims were not allowed to continue snowballing.

It’s even been suggested that the Executive President of the Republic didn’t have a mandate to talk to President Maduro, far less to shake hands with him.

As 2023 is coming to an end, with no war in sight, the warmongers and those who prefer fighting over talking are going headover-heels to impute and imply, claim and allege, with false arguments and conclusions not supported by facts, to make it appear that the latest exchanges in the Guyana-Venezuela controversy haven’t been handled correctly, or even well enough, by this PPP/ Civic administration.

However, every Guyana government since Independence has had a duty to ensure the nation is well protected at all times.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was established with government allocations that included Defence Bonds collected from the wages of every working Guyanese back then, irrespective of race, religion or party; and every government since 1966 has ensured its longevity as a permanent non-fighting force always ready for battle.

Different governments have used different yardsticks to measure resource allocations for the GDF, but this administration

invested in upgrading its air and sea defence capabilities long before the latest spat with Venezuela over Guyana’s Essequibo.

For example, President Ali and a related advisory team visited aircraft manufacturers during his State visit to India earlier this year; and, never since 2020 has the GDF had to complain about lack of access to adequate financing.

So, there’s actually no reason for anyone to continue trying to fry an egg in a bath pan of oil, just to show it can be done.

Talk is free and cheap, but in matters of national security and defence, talks also bring results and lead to actions ranging from declarations of war to negotiations for peace.

To suggest, therefore, that President Ali should not have even talked to President Maduro about ways to reduce inflated tensions over Essequibo is nothing less than opposition to peacemaking by those who keep spitting in the sky and calling it rain.

PNC’s dictatorship has been replaced with democracy since 1992

Dear Editor,

In a letter to KN dated 12/27/23 veteran Trade Unionist Mr. Lincoln Lewis accuses the PPPC government of “pushing [Guyana] to a full-fledged dictatorship.” Only recently (July 2020), Mr. Lewis had given prominence to a self-imputed virtue of dictatorship by asserting that ex-President David Granger had the power to cancel the 2020 elections.

“Lincoln Lewis has publicly called on David Granger to cancel the General and Regional Elections held on March 2, 2020.”

(GSA:7/292020). GECOM Commissioner Mr. Sase Gunraj noted: “Lewis is attempting to mislead and confuse the public by advocating positions that have no basis in law and by arrogating power unto Granger which he does not have (7/29/2020).”

To express concern about a “full-fledged movement” of the PPP/C government now towards dictatorship is duplicitous and opportunistic.

Here is Mr. Lewis’ statement in July 2020: “I call on President David Granger not to allow history to record him as it did Nero. You have the power vested in your office to correct this public hijacking of Guyana’s elections, this confounded brazen highway robbery, this piracy, this buccaneering politics unleashed on Guyana. … … If GECOM cannot declare election on credible votes or declarations never challenged or deemed invalid in a court of law, then Mr. President, it behooves you to cancel these elections. You have the power,

you have the right to so do… Mr. President, for the good of Guyana, her laws, and people, cancel these elections.” (July 28, 2020).

Imputing ex-President Granger with absolute power and to urge him to cancel a legally conducted election (thus negating the sovereignty of the people), is an unconditional embrace of dictatorship. Notwithstanding, let us assume that Mr. Lewis has made a U-turn on the exercise of Presidential power, has he been able to produce any credible evidence to support his claim of a fledging dictatorship under the existing PPP/C governance?

Absolutely no. He could have been guided

by Guyana’s history to make constructive comparisons but instead chose another path.

There has been a flourishing period of dictatorship during the PNC rule between 1968 and 1992. Several books have attested to this dictatorship. Here are some of the features of dictatorship that expressed themselves during the PNC rule covering the period 1968-1992.

There was a maximum leader, Mr. LFS Burnham, who proclaimed party paramountcy which allowed the PNC to rise above all state agencies. There were restrictions on newsprint, freedom of press, and denial of individuals’ rights. Jobs were only for people who had PNC party cards.

The distribution of basic food items was controlled by the PNC party’s KSI (Knowledge Sharing Institute). Importation of goods was controlled by the External Trade Bureau (ETB), and the scarcity of food items led to the imposition of price controls and uncontrollable smuggling.

A command-and-control economy was set in motion in which the PNC party controlled 80% of the economy and functioned in police/ military state. These measures have forced thousands of Guyanese, including the highly skilled and talented, to flee the country. The lack of freedom was pervasive: Everyone had to watch over their shoulders. Dr Cheddi Jagan noted in 1992: “People could now breathe freely and don’t have to watch over their shoulders anymore.”

None of these austere and autocratic measures exist under the current PPP/C governance. Mr. Lewis skillfully avoids reporting these unique features of the PNC and cites instead some disparate matters that fall under the government’s day-to-day management.

He accuses the PPP/C General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, of an association with death squads and labeled Guyana a narco-state under the previous PPP/C term in office. The merits and demerits of these allegations have been successfully addressed several times before, so there is no need to reproduce them here.

Mr. Lewis must be reminded of the nefarious activities of the PNC aligned ‘House of Israel’ thug group which terrorized citizens and political parties opposed to PNC. What about the link between PNC operatives and the X13 plan and the ensuing mayhem?

And must we forget that the unprecedented reign of terror in 1964 that was halted only when a PNC activist, Immanuel Fairbairn was captured by the police on August 9, 1964 with a huge cache of ammunition in a Georgetown

hotel? What about the assassination of eminent scholar Dr Walter Rodney, Jesuit Priest Father Darke, politician Vincent Teekah and others during the PNC dictatorship?

How would Mr. Lewis describe the Opposition PNCR party’s draping the coffin of a notorious criminal with the Guyana flag? Was that an act of defiance? Or was the deceased deemed a freedom fighter? If so, what is their perception of freedom? Is it the capturing of state power by either insurrection or revolution? Is history on their side with respect to the conduct of elections?

Mr. Lewis and associates want Guyana to be governed by an alternative non-elected and self-appointed system drawn from civil society groups? Why do they not want the Guyanese people to choose their government at regular, free and fair elections? They have historically supported insurrection to change a government and inclined to discard the ballot boxes.

Now, opposition elements argue vociferously for executive power sharing. Have they determined that APNU could not win any forthcoming election, despite no ethnic group having a demographic advantage anymore since 1980? Raising fears and invoking racism would not solve any problem. These would exacerbate them.

Guyana is fast becoming a marketplace of free ideas, and those with superior ones will triumph.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

China works for an end OP-ED to war and world peace

By Donald Ramotar, former President of Guyana

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THE year 2023 was, by all accounts, a very eventful one.

While we see great prospects for the future advancement of humankind, at the same time the challenges and dangers have been great, often threatening our own destruction.

It is unfortunate that many important countries in the world, mainly in the West, are adapting positions that create conditions for conflicts and more conflicts.

The very few proposals and efforts are being pushed by other countries, especially the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

It is in an atmosphere of real danger to humankind that President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China made some groundbreaking proposals. When taken together, these proposals can lead the international community on a road of stability and peace.

They are the “Global Development Initiative” (GDI), the “Global Security Initiative” (GSI) and the “Global Civilization Initiative” (GCI).

The initiatives have captured the imagination of the world generally and more particularly they took into consideration the specific circumstances of each country. This

is brought out strongly in the GCI. President Xi was able to show the interconnections between world peace, socio-economic development, and national security.

During this year as well, the PRC was heavily involved in making efforts at the diplomatic level to resolve many of the very serious and knotty problems in our time.

Recall that early in the year President Xi proposed a twelve-point measure to resolve the conflict in which Russia and Ukraine have been caught.

President Putin welcomed the proposals as a good basis for dialogue with Ukraine and the West. Those measures captured some very important aspects of the conflict and principles that could be applied generally in their resolution.

These included territorial integrity; mutual security in which no country should seek greater security at the expense of another; no use of nuclear weapons, indeed President Xi insisted on the principle that nuclear weapons should never be used, and a nuclear war never fought. Unfortunately, the US and its NATO allies have not yet taken up this sound proposal. However, as the war in Ukraine drags on, we are beginning to witness some realism on the part of the Western powers. President

Xi’s proposal is a good basis to begin talks.

The most burning issue in the international arena at present is the devastation of Gaza and the slaughter of the people there, including a large amount of children and babies.

Here too the Chinese government has made very sound proposals to end the attacks of the Israeli regime against the people of Palestine.

At the Security Council of the United Nations, the PRC called for an immediate cease fire as the indispensable step towards resolving the tragic killings in Gaza. As a permanent settlement of the conflict, the proposal of a two-state solution was emphasized. A viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

Unfortunately, the United States used its veto powers at the Security Council and General Assembly of the UN to allow Israel to continue its carpet bombing of the Gaza.

In addition, they have supplied Israel with the most sophisticated weapons to use against the Palestinians.

In recent times we have observed that more and more states have been adopting the call for a cease fire and a two-state solution.

Millions on the streets are calling for this, thus we are optimistic that a permanent solution in line with China’s proposal is emerging.

The Chinese government has been work-

ing tirelessly to ease the tension in the Middle East. This area is one of the most dangerous in our world.

Its endeavours have met with much success. The most notable was its mediation which led Iran and Saudia Arabia to resume diplomatic relations. Already the two countries have assigned ambassadors to the capitals of each other countries.

This would bring great benefits to the people of those two countries and to the region as a whole. The role of the PRC has been welcomed and lauded.

Finally, the Chinese administration has displayed remarkable restraint in the face of provocation by the United States in relation to its internal affairs, on the “Taiwan” issue.

China continues to work for the re-unification of Taiwan with the mainland in a peaceful manner. It encourages dialogue and has long ago made one of the most creative proposals that is “One Country, Two Systems”. That has proven to be a viable path.

The world is a much safer place because of the work that President Xi Jinping and the Government of China have been pursuing over the years and particularly in 2023.

We are certain that 2024 would bring greater successes.

TODAY is my birthday and never in my wildest imagination would I believe my birthday in 2023 would be yet another sad occasion.

I tend to lose loved ones that are part of my emotional edifice around the Christmas season. My father and mother died around this time.

Then last year, our pet cat, “Dusty” died around this time. Few humans will ever experience how much a pet animal can be loved. A loved pet simply evolves into an integral member of the family. Dusty was a rare cat. She acted differently from all other animals. It was if she was the embodiment of the essential me. I saw me in her and her in me.

This year’s birthday was terrible. I didn’t think for one moment we would have a Venezuelan invasion. So I was never worried. It was the loss of five top army officers in the cause of duty that riveted my soul. I am a believer in Marxist economics. I don’t see an antithesis between a capitalist economy and forms of Marxist economics as practised by the state. In Scandinavia, they combine the working out of capitalist economics and Marxist state deliveries in ways that are phenomenal.

What has this got to do with the five army officers? I believe in countless coun-

tries, they are phenomenal patriots who serve their countries and will never live in mansions and never be billionaires. These are our heroes.

These are the people that keep countries alive. It is in this context the death of these men has tortured my soul.

I had a very brief encounter with Colonel Michael Shahoud at the Fort Groyne seawall. I was with my dog and he came up to me as he recognised me and wanted to say hello. He was all decked out in army fatigues.

There are some personalities you meet at random and they leave a lasting impression on you. The colonel had an imposing personality that makes you remember him.

When I read his name was among the five who had died, I remember that this was the charismatic soldier I once met on the seawall.

I am Guyanese and the tragedies that befall Guyana are my top priorities. They tend to preoccupy your thoughts, but I would be lying in the most degenerate ways if I say that the Gaza genocide did not rivet my soul in ways that were just as impactful as the tragedies of my own country.

I kept thinking over and over why I was so shaken by the Gaza genocide. What about it that so tormented my mind? The

realisation came to me over the Christmas period. It had to do with my studies of the Nazi period in history.

I taught philosophy to social science students at UG for 26 years and it was the realisation that what the Nazis did to other humans before I was born, I am seeing the repetition of that before my very eyes and a huge, important part of the world is supporting in 2023 what the Nazis did 90 years ago. I will go into details in another column when I review the world in 2023 shortly.

So what I am doing for my birthday.

I have shared the totality of my birthday since I was 24 with one woman – my wife, Janet Mohamed Kissoon. So I will be doing that on this day. She normally cooks a special meal each year. Today, it will be pizza.

I will take my dog, Princess, on the ocean shore at Eve Leary today as I do each afternoon. Today will be no exception. Our other dog, Sammy, panics when

he is in the car and may break the windows so he is banned from entering the car. Princess, on the other hand, was in the car since she was a puppy and enjoys the ride. She is so accustomed to being driven that she is restless if she does not get her daily drive.

On each birthday as I get older, I look back and the regrets drench me like tidal waves. This year’s birthday is no different.

I still cherish my idealism and my Don Quixote journey but if I had to live my life all over, I would shape it differently.

I will make loud noises for the poor and powerless but there are pathways I would definitely avoid that I didn’t. Within the bosom of youthful idealism are the seeds of self-destruction. I leave you with one of my favourite poems from ancient Sanskrit literature that symbolises my evolution.

Hands in clasped hands And side pressed close to side Stand silently some children of the poor And shyly, hungry eyes half turned aside Observe the eater through the open door

Today is my fourth saddest birth anniversary

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Guyana’s low-carbon future prioritises forests

CURRENTLY, there are over 500 projects underway in indigenous villages across Guyana, funded by the US$37.5 million REDD+ carbon credits scheme.

Forests remain essential to Guyana’s low-carbon strategy and execution, as evidenced by the country’s ’s national carbon credit programme.

In a briefing of Guyana’s Carbon Credit Programme and Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Vice President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, shared Guyana’s progress on the implementation of the LCDS and the rollout of the carbon credits programme.

Vice President Jagdeo stated, at the briefing, that the 2009 Norway-Guyana Partnership had given the country important information.

“We proposed developing a model to demonstrate that all the concerns brought up by the developed world, in particular the incorporation of forests, can be incorporated into a mechanism based on market forces and that there are a number of areas that require additional development at the UNFCCC level,” he underscored. It is expected that progress on that matter will be made during successive UNFCCC Conferences of Parties.

According to the Vice President, the national carbon credit plan is already being swiftly implemented at the village level.

He mentioned that the first distribution from the sale of carbon credits was made to Native American tribes in February 2023, and the funds were deposited into special village bank accounts. Following this, the villages developed their own village plans and determined which areas should receive priority investments.

“We’re seeing the implementation of over 500 projects this year in Indigenous communities using a model where community involvement is central... In fact, we’re building capacity in these villages to ensure this,” the Vice President underscored.

Dr. Jagdeo further emphasised that, by supporting leaders with the tools they need to ensure sustainability and efficient project management, as well as by resourcing them in their efforts to enhance their communities, capacity is being established to manage projects efficiently.

According to the Vice President, “it is a very important task for us now and in the future, as more and more funds go into these villages, not only through the LCDS 2030 but directly through the central government... Capacity-building to manage projects and to account for finances is more important, and I have seen the growth of that in these villages.”

The National Toshaos Council (NTC) Chairman, Derrick John, along with Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Natural Resources; Pauline Sukhai, Minister of

Amerindian Affairs; Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture; and Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President overseeing Finance, were present at the briefing.

At a previous press conference in September 2023, Dr. Jagdeo told the audience that Guyana has been receiving a sizable income from the sale of its carbon credits. These grants are intended for significant projects pertaining to development and adaptation in Guyana’s hinterland area.

“All the resources are channelled through a designated account that follows all required legislative processes.”

Additionally, he detailed the allocation of revenues, stating that 15 percent would benefit Amerindian Villages directly and that the remaining 85 percent would mostly support efforts to adapt to climate change. “So, the 15 percent that goes to the indigenous people, they

will have management responsibility for that. And of the 85 percent for 2023 that remains, we said we want to use it mainly for adaptation in this current period,” he noted.

Dr. Jagdeo also added that Guyana’s devotion to combating climate change and advancing sustainable development in the area is exemplified by Guyana’s accelerated implementation of the LCDS 2030.

The Vice President continued by providing details on the specific projects that will receive the eighty-five percent allocation.

These projects encompass the enhancement of canal systems, revitalisation of koker networks, and strengthening of water management capabilities in different regions.

(This is part of a weekly series on LCDS) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@gmail.com

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Seed of Prosperity: Hope Coconut Industry gears up for increased production in 2024 –– Second shipment of 13,000 coconut seeds received at HCIL

By Cindy Parkinson WITHIN the framework of the National Coconut Decentralisation Programme initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Hope Coconut Industry Limited (HCIL) has recently received its second shipment of Green Dwarf (AV Brj) coconut seeds, known for their high yield and early bearing, sourced from Brazil.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, elucidated that although the government of Guyana has allocated funding for this endeavor, the intended quantity of coconuts was initially set at 13,000.

“For this year, only 13,000 seed nuts were supposed to be imported. However, the MOA backed the proposal to import an extra 13,000 seed nuts to meet

the demands of farmers due to the significant demand for this high-producing type among coconut growers nationwide. The first 2000 seed nuts of this high-yielding type were imported in November 2022 with assistance from the EU and the IDB. The quantity of imported seed nuts as well as the number of farmers who have profited have grown dramatically between November 2022 and the present,” Minister Mustapha explained.

Minister Mustapha also added that, as of right now, 216 farmers have directly benefitted from the National Coconut Decentralisation Programme, which is being carried out by HCIL and NAREI. With the arrival of these extra seed nuts, this number will undoubtedly rise. The programme is expected to last until 2024, at which point the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) will investigate the

possibilities of importing more types from other nations to help Guyana’s coconut germplasm become more diverse and hence increase coconut production.

He related, “Currently, under the National Coconut Decentralisation Programme, which is being implemented

by HCIL and NAREI, 216 farmers have directly benefited from the programme.

This number will certainly increase with the arrival of these additional seed nuts.

The programme is slated to continue in 2024, and the MOA will look at the possibility of importing other varieties from other countries to aid in the diversification of Guyana’s coconut germplasm, directly increasing coconut production.”

The agriculture minister further stated that introducing improved, early-bearing, high-yielding coconut varieties of this type was long

Manager of Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand, (second right), with representatives of the agriculture institutes, received the batch of Brazilian green dwarf coconuts at Hope Coconut Industry Limited (HCIL) on Thursday

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha overdue because Guyana’s traditional coconut varieties were more than 40 years old. According to him, this introduction of new genetic material into the country’s coconut sector would not only auger well for improving its current genetic base for research, but it would also help increase production for farmers, especially small producers, who are directly involved in this milestone intervention.

“Given that Guyana’s conventional coconut types are more than 40 years old, the introduction of enhanced, early-bearing, high-yielding

coconut varieties of this sort was long overdue. In addition to strengthening the nation’s current genetic base for research, the introduction of new genetic material into the coconut industry would benefit farmers—especially small producers—who are directly involved in this historic initiative by helping to boost productivity,” he added.

Meanwhile, the manager of Hope Estate, Ricky Roopchand, explained that he was pleased with all that the government, specifically Minister Mustapha, was doing to ensure that farmers are given the necessary help

in the agricultural sector.

According to him, “Minister Mustapha, along with the other representatives from the agricultural institutes, are working around the clock to make sure that our farmers are taken care of. Whether it is in coconut production or cash crops, this sector continues to grow massively, and we are prepared to grow with it.

“I must also say that the farmers are happy about where they are in the sector right now, and they are also excited to go forward for the New Year and what it has to offer.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Fire Service hosts exercise to test new firefighting equipment

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) held a practical exercise to demonstrate the use of newly procured firefighting equipment that was purchased by the government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023.

The demonstration took place on Water Street in Georgetown on Friday, and showcased the GFS’s ability to tackle fires in high-rise buildings and other relat-

ed incidents with Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Chief Fire Officer (Ag), Gregory Wickham, and senior ranks of the agency observing.

During the exercise, firefighters used a fireboat, an aerial hydraulic platform that can reach up to 130 feet in the air, and water tenders stationed on the ground. The fire chief explained that the demonstration was a practical

operational display of what the firefighters would do in the event of a fire.

“It may be firefighting that maybe tall distances away from the river but our boat will lend support through the hosts that we lay on the terrain and then to have extended firefighting capability with water by the use of the other pieces of equipment,” the fire chief highlighted.

Wickham also expressed

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) held a practical exercise to demonstrate the use of newly procured firefighting equipment that was purchased by the government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023 satisfaction with the ranks’ ability to respond efficiently to a fire.

Minister Benn emphasised the importance of elevating the agency’s role in firefighting by increasing its capacity, readiness and awareness. He commended the coordination between the fireboat, the skylift and their road assets, highlighting the

commendable efforts made by the Fire Service.

“I am fairly well satisfied but … this is a continuous experience awareness type of activity. So, that has to continue and it has to always be reinforced,” Minister Benn expressed.

The government plans to purchase more firefighting equipment for the Fire

Service in 2024 as part of its focus on fire prevention and safety. These include the acquisition of a new fireboat, a new sky lift and three or four more road units.

In budget 2023, an allocation of $489 million was made to further augment the equipment stock of the fire service, an increase from $400 million in 2022.

‘We are beyond our Manifesto promises’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

–– Health Minister says

THE PPP/C Government has fulfilled all of the promises made for the country’s health sector in its 2020 party manifesto, according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony.

Dr Anthony made this declaration, on Friday, during the ministry’s endof-year press conference.

He said: “When we came to government, we were guided by the manifesto and in the manifesto we had about seven things that the PPP had promised that we would complete in five years in office. I can say to you that I went back and I looked at those seven things that were promised and we have already achieved all of

those things.”

One of the first things that the PPP/C was interested in was increasing the amount of pharmaceuticals in the system.

Against this backdrop, Minister Anthony said that when they entered office, the levels of pharmaceutical stock stood at about 35 per cent and there was a lot of expired drugs.

This has been fixed, the minister said before indicating that the stock level has risen to 92 per cent countrywide.

Additionally, there was major progress in the increase of remuneration for health sector workers.

As of 2022, that has been done for all cate-

gories of staff ranging from nurses and doctors to community healthcare workers.

Further to this, they have also improved performance monitoring and as such have introduced service level contracts for all regions.

Added to this, he said that the government promised to provide incentives to the private sector to enable them to upgrade their facilities. According to the minister, a number of private sector entities and hospitals have made additions to their equipment stock.

Further to this, a promise was made to upgrade medical facilities and a lot of work has been done in

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has confirmed that the deadly Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden fire which claimed the lives of a woman and her two nieces was maliciously set.

The Fire Service wrapped up its investigation into the death of 30-year-old Zella Lawrence, 16-year-old Angelique Lawrence, and eight-year-old Ronika Lawrence.

“Fire Prevention officials were able to determine that the fire was maliciously set by unknown person(s),” the Fire Service said.

The fire occurred around 02:05 hrs on December 25 at Lot 2692,

Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

Firefighters from the Linden Fire Station responded quickly, containing the fire to the building’s bottom floor, where a single sofa set was destroyed and four meters of ceiling, along with a large

amount of clothing, sustained significant damage.

However, by the time the fire was extinguished, it was discovered that all the occupants of the two-storey building had died.

“The Fire Service would like to once again

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony (centre) and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh (right) (Ministry of Health photo) this area.

Another promise that government has delivered was giving doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, the option of being on the pensionable establishment or on con-

Fire Service confirms arson in deadly Linden fire

extend sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased and to encourage anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this heinous crime to contact the police,” GFS said.

tract. This, he said was a major issue and this was promptly looked at when government took office in 2020.

“So when we look at our accomplishments against what we prom-

ised in our manifesto, we have accomplished all the things that we have had in the manifesto.

So, a lot of what we are doing is really beyond what we promised in our manifesto,” he added.

GNNL hono

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

-Trina Williams secures E

THE Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), on Friday, held its annual award ceremony to honour the invaluable contributions of its employees within the various departments.

General Manager Moshamie Ramotar, during her address,

spoke on the successful year that the company had. “Today is a special occasion as we gather to recognise each and every member of our team,” she said.

The General Manager then underscored that this ceremony serves as a testimony to the hard work and dedication of

the employees. “We are here to pay tribute to the exceptional efforts and contributions made by our employees…,” Ramotar remarked.

“Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed,” she stressed, stating that 2024 will be bigger and better for the company.

Digital Content Creator/Senior Journalist Clestine Juan receiving her Editor-in-Chief Award (Delano Williams photos)

She also called for the spirit of teamwork, togetherness and dedication to continue being the driving force of the company.

Additionally, Director Harry Gill, during his remarks, said that despite previous subpar management, the company is still raising its

head above the waters.

At this year’s award ceremony, reporter Trina Williams copped the Worker of the Year Award, while Trinette Forde was the first runner-up and O’Neil Rodney was the second.

Rakel Joseph and Colin Josiah both received the Gener-

al Manager’s Award, while Digital Content Creator/Senior Journalist Clestine Juan and Layout Artist Sebastian Bisnauth got the Editor-in-Chief Award.

Other employees were given certificates of appreciation.

Layout Artist Sebastian Bisnauth receiving his Editor-in-Chief Award

ours staff GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Employee of the Year award

Some of the employees honoured for their hard work

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Claims, objections exercise begins soon

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will commence a claims and objections exercise on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, regarding entries on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE), to produce an Official List of Electors.

In this regard, the PLE has been posted at prominent locations in all the Registration Divisions/ Sub-Divisions, at all the GECOM Permanent Registration Offices countrywide and on the Commission’s website at https://gecom. org.gy/public/home/lists.

During this exercise, any person who has attained the age of 18 years and older by the 31st December, 2023,

and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalisation or registration, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, can make a Claim to entry on the Official List of Electors (OLE) on or before January 15, 2024 providing that he/she is not listed in the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

Persons desirous of making a claim to be included in the OLE are required to visit the GECOM Registration Office responsible for their area of residence with the required source document(s) such as original birth certificate, valid passport, adoption certificate, Form F or naturalisation certificate/

certificate of registration, to be registered for inclusion.

Existing registrants are also advised to check the PLE posted at prominent locations in their respective Registration Divisions/Sub-Divisions, at the Registration Offices, or on GECOM’s website at https://gecom.org.gy/ public/home/resource_hub/ cno2024-1 to verify the existence/accuracy of their registration information in the PLE. Persons who need to update their registration records e.g. change or correction to their names and occupation, or to apply for a transfer if they have changed their addresses

since they were registered, are advised that they can apply for such transactions during this exercise.

The relevant source documents such as an original marriage certificate, deed poll with birth certificate, or a new birth certificate reflecting the changes must be presented in the case of an application for a change or correction.

Objections against the inclusion of names in the PLE can be tendered to the Registration Officer responsible for the respective area from January 2, 2024 to January 22, 2024. Objections can be made by an Elector who is listed in the same list in which the person being

objected to is listed.

Objections can also be made by accredited Scrutineers of Political Parties provided that any such Scrutineer has monitoring responsibility for the registration area in which the person being objected to is listed.

The relevant original document(s) such as an original Death Certificate must be presented at the time of the hearing of objections to support the basis upon which the objection is made.

The Commission is urging all eligible electors to use this opportunity to get registered for inclusion in the OLE and for existing

registrants to check the PLE to ensure that their particulars as stated in the PLE is accurate.

Persons are also encouraged to object to the inclusion of the name of any person who they believe do not meet the eligibility criteria to be in the list.

Registration transactions will be facilitated Monday – Friday from 08:00hrs–18:00hrs and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00hrs–14:00hrs.

For more information and for details on the location of the respective offices, persons can visit GECOM’s website at www.gecom.org.gy or call 225-0277-9/223-9653.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

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Cuba to send 200 nurses early next year to help mitigate shortage –– local training being ramped up to cater for long-term needs, says Minister Anthony

By Shamar Meusa

MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that the government is working to mitigate the shortage of nurses that exists across the country’s healthcare system.

He made this disclo-

that,” Dr Anthony said.

According to the minister, some 1,100 persons are currently enrolled in the hybrid nurses training programme which started last year.

He indicated that the first batch will complete their studies in three years.

“This is the plan. We

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony (Ministry of Health photo) sure on Friday during an end-of-year press conference which was held at the ministry’s Brickdam head office. His comments came a day after it was stated that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is in need of some 600 nurses.

The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Robbie Rambarran, had said during a press conference that a request had been made for nurses to be brought in from Cuba to address the deficit that currently exists at the health institution.

Minister Anthony, in his remarks, emphasised that efforts are being made to increase the number of nurses in the system.

“So, as I said, we do have a shortage and we have to work to mitigate that shortage. We can’t get a nurse overnight, so, we have to train people and we have embarked on

want to train at least a thousand every year for the next four years. Once we are able to do that then we will have enough nurses for the system that we are designing and we will continue training,” Minister Anthony said.

Additionally, he indicated that there is no way out of the shortage, except for increasing training and bringing persons into the system.

While there is also the registered nursing programme which he added lasts for three years, there is also the nursing assistant programme which takes a year.

The nursing assistant programme, he said will see some 1,000 persons entering the health system by the end of 2024. This type of increased training he explained will continue to fit whatever need there is in the current system.

“So that’s one set of

measures we have and we can’t shortcut that because we can’t compromise how we train people and what they need to know,” he emphasised.

However, in the short term, to add to the system and boost the current stock of nurses, the government is looking to recruit nurses and bring them into the system.

Against this backdrop, he said that mainly doctors were brought into the country through the programme that Guyana has had with Cuba.

However, he said, they have now asked the Cuban Government for nurses to aid with the shortage currently being faced in Guyana.

As such, he revealed that early next year, at least 200 more nurses are expected in Guyana as part of the request made.

Meanwhile, the minister further noted that they have conducted an audit on what nurses are required to do as part of their duties.

Giving an example, he said that a lot of nurses at the GPHC do a lot of non-nursing duties and as such, as part of that audit he would’ve said that they should separate clinical and non-clinical functions and hire ordinary persons to carry out the non-clinical duties.

“When you separate that out… get the nurses to focus on clinical functions and the non-clinical ones we will hire regular persons who can fulfil those jobs in the non-clinical sense,” he said.

By early next year, he said the execution of this type of separation will be seen and according to him, it will mitigate some of the immediate needs that exist.

Dr Anthony added that, according to a manpower audit, about 4, 000 more nurses are needed for the new health structure that is being built.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

Miller: Lack of gov’t support led to loss of Tallawahs franchise

CMC – Former Jamaica Tallawahs chief executive officer Jeff Miller said a lack of support from the government was the reason behind the decision of ownership to repatriate the franchise to the Caribbean Premier League.

Guyana-born businessman Kris Persaud recently sold back the Tallawahs to the Twenty20 league after six years, and is now one of the driving forces behind the return of a yet-to-be-named franchise to Antigua.

“Over the years, we have failed to get any backing or support from the Jamaican government,” Miller told SportsMax. “We have submitted proposals over the years requesting government support, and we have failed to reach some kind of agreement to say that the government is supporting the franchise,” Miller said, adding: “The business plan of CPL entails that the governments play a major role in financial support

of the franchises, and that’s what the other franchises are receiving from their respective countries, and Jamaica has failed to participate.”

The Tallawahs were a successful outfit on the field, being one of the two teams, Trinbago Knight Riders being the other, to have won the CPL title three times, but this and the allure of the biggest attraction on the Caribbean sporting landscape failed to spur the Jamaican authorities.

“Unfortunately, the franchise cannot be sustained in Jamaica,” Miller said, adding: “We cannot have a franchise where we don’t have home games.

“When you don’t have home games, you’re losing ticket sales, you’re losing merchandising, you’re losing concession, you’re losing sponsors.

“So, it’s not only the government support, you’re losing others as well, because what business would want to support a franchise, and they can’t get

any benefits from the franchise playing within the country?

“For, what we see, there were no games scheduled for 2024 either! It’s unsustainable.”

Miller said current Jamaica sports minister Olivia Grange was always supportive of the franchise, but there was a reluctance of the government to pay the CPL hosting fee to guarantee matches in the island.

“I’m not at privilege to those conversations,” he said. “Those conversations would’ve been between them and CPL. I’m not sure what transpired, but from the Tallawahs standpoint, we know that the minister was very graceful in her discussions with us.

“When it came to funding, that’s when things would go off track. We were promised on numerous occasions that there would be something in the budget, nothing substantial, but even a small gesture, we were not able to receive those funds.”

Miller said the focus now was to work on getting the franchise in Antigua up and running, and this included a public campaign to name the team to drum up support.

“We have commitments from the Antiguan government,” he said. “We can’t disclose any information, per se, but it’s substantially more than what we were getting from Jamaica.

“We can’t tell the players

Jamaica’s not supporting us, so we can’t pay your salary. All those things must be taken care of, so we’re looking forward to greener pastures, and Antigua seems to be in a better position to support, and seems to want to have a CPL team back in Antigua.

“We think it’s a good fit for the franchise. I’m engaging the fans in Antigua to participate in the naming of the franchise.

That deadline should be around January 20th or so. Then we will announce the name, as well as the colours and logo.”

Previously, CPL operated the Antigua Hawksbill franchise over the first two years of the tournament, but the team won only three of 16 matches they played before they were eventually replaced by the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

Trinidad’s Imran Khan mulling retirement Joseph delighted with rise

(CMC) - Veteran leg-spinner Imran Khan says he is mulling over calling time on his regional career, but has not yet set a firm date for his departure.

The Trinidadian, who turns 40 next July, said while he still has the capacity to perform at regional level, he’s aware there are younger players on the horizon.

“I have always put Trinidad and Tobago cricket first, so I am looking forward to the four-day, and possibly another Super50 tournament; maybe my last. And, of course, maintaining my fitness and ensuring that I continue to pass each fitness test will be key,” Khan was quoted by the Trinidad Express newspaper as saying.

“I haven’t set a time frame to step away; I’m still fit and wanting to play. I’ve always put Trinidad and Tobago cricket first for many decades,” he said, adding: “However, I know the time will come soon for me to step down to make way for younger players, but I’ll still like to be around to share my experience and knowledge.”

Khan has claimed 450 wickets from 113 first class matches, and picked up 71 scalps from 53 List A encounters.

Also considered an all-rounder, the right-hander has struck a first class hundred and 15 fifties in gathering 3,

to international ranks

Imran Khan 622 runs.

Khan, who made his firstA former Trinidad and class debut 18 years ago, and Tobago captain, he did not was good enough to represent feature in last month’s Su- West Indies-A, lamented the per50 Cup after playing four fact he had never gotten the of his country’s five first- class opportunity to express his games earlier in the year, scor- talents at international level.

“I guess the dream of playing 130 runs and taking 13 wickets. ing for West Indies is over, “I wasn’t selected in the safe to say … but [I’d] like to playing XI for the first four- be around to share my knowlday game, but I used that to edge,” he noted. get mentally stronger, which “Now [I’d] like to explore showed in my performance more franchise cricket. Clearwith the bat and ball,” said ly, I have what it takes to Khan. perform.”

“Of course, not being seHe continued: “I have lected for the squad for 50 achieved being one of the overs was disappointing, but best all-rounders regionally I’m happy the team won.

– I have several accolades to “However, not being se- prove that. lected for that tournament, oth“But it always will hurt er doors opened. I had a great that I never got the opportuLegends League tournament, nity to play for West Indies. finishing with the most wickets I did everything required and the title. I’ll say 2023 has of me, but God has a better been good to me.” plan.”

(CMC) - WEST INDIES’ latest fast bowling recruit, Shamar Joseph, said he was delighted with his rapid rise to the international ranks but was not entirely surprised by his selection.

The 24-year-old was earlier this month chosen in a 15-man squad to tour Australia next month, after playing only five first class matches.

“It didn’t come to me as a surprise but at the same time I was emotional and happy because playing for West Indies was my dream. It was always my dream, so when I received the message I was very very happy,” the Guyanese, who only made his first class debut last February, told Starcom Network’s Mason and Guest cricket show.

“When I was in Trinidad [for the Super50], Mr Desmond Haynes (chief selector) he talked to me and he said ‘all you have to do is just do well.’

“So that definitely encouraged me that I had to go and do what I had to do, picking up 12 wickets in two matches [for West Indies-A in South Africa].

“Consistency was something I worked on over there so it (selection) didn’t come to me as a surprise but at the same time I was extremely happy knowing I had started my career earlier this year [with] first class cricket for Guyana, then into the CPL, into Super50, into West Indies-A team and now into the senior team.

“So after putting in all this work, it [came] out good for me.”

Joseph, along with off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, topped the West Indies bowling charts on the South Africa-A tour, the right-armer averaging 21 runs apiece.

He was especially impressive in the second fourday “Test” at Bloemfontein where he finished with an eight-wicket haul, including taking all five wickets to fall in the hosts’ second innings.

Facing what is expected to be a difficult trip Down U n d e r, J o s e p h s a i d h e planned to place emphasis on the same discipline which had brought him success in South Africa.

“It all depends on disci-

pline. I want to maintain discipline which is important,” he explained.

“The basics in cricket is just to stick to the areas [and] things will happen. I’m not saying that all the balls will hit one spot but the more consistent you [are], the more things will happen for you.

“That’s all I did in South Africa. I just stuck to the basics and things happened for me.

“And what I heard based on the wickets [in Australia], it’s just a bit different with bounce and pace and these things so I think that I would do very well over there. I have that confidence I will go there and do good.”

He added: “I am excited.

It’s really exciting. Not only that but after putting in a lot of work, I have been looking forward to opportunities like these and I’m really excited.

I’m really happy.

“I’ll be going to Australia where you know fast bowling is very important so I’m very excited.”

West Indies play two Tests from January 17-29.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

‘One Guyana’ Linden Kings and Queens Sand Football Men’s Quarterfinals, women’s qualifiers set for tonight…

THE ‘One Guyana’ Kings and Queens Sand Football tournament men’s quarterfinals and a women’s qualifier link up are set for tonight The event will have matches outside the People’s Progressive Party / Civic Linden office compound in Mackenzie.

The women’s match kicks off the night’s proceedings with Hururu facing Rockstone at 19.00hrs.

Meanwhile, on the male end, Pro Ballers will take on DC Ballers at 19.30hrs to be followed by Gorillas matching skills with YMCA. LA Ballers challenge Presidential from 21.10hrs

and the last quarterfinal brings together High Flyers and Platinum from 22.00hrs.

In recent women’s tournament results Dynamo blanked Hururu 5-0 with Jalade Trim hitting a hat-trick and single strikes by Akeelah Vancooten and Sandra Johnson.

Aroiama then whipped

Rockstone 3-0 with Alicia Fredericks, Shalana Fredericks and Ashanna Williams all scoring for the winners.

Dynamo returned to edge Speightland 1-0 on a goal from Akeelah Vancooten, and Aroiama then defeated Hururu 2-0 with the scorers being Williams and Ariel Hartman.

In the men’s division DC Ballers were 4-2 winners over UDR Victors as Zidane Ramdehol’s brace was sup-

ported by Nicholas Gentle and Kendolph Lewis. Jamal Whyte and Junior Hunte were the goal getters for UDR Victors.

Meanwhile Bakewell joined the list of sponsors who have backed the tournament in support of the One Guyana initiative of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfan Alli, which seeks to promote sports among Guyanese.

They join main sponsors Mohamed’s Enterprise among others, to ensure this tournament which has free administration, is a success.

The semifinals of both the Kings and Queens Sand Football are set for next Wednesday and the finals will be held on Saturday, January 6 at the tournament venue. (Joe Chapman)

Golf continues hectic programme as 2023 winds down GOLF continues to make great strides as 2023 draws to a close, with the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts Priority Programme and Nexgen Golf Academy pushing to advance in Regions Three, Six, Seven, and 10.

Master Coach Aleem Hussain was in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Thursday to train coaches, and several senior members of the Education Department took advantage of his presence to learn the game.

What has been a fantastic year for golf in Guyana became even better when, in October, the programme was rolled out in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), (Demerara-Mahaica), and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Georgetown, thereby giving thousands of students access to golf on a weekly basis during scheduled PE classes.

According to Mr. Saeed Zameen, who heads the Priority Programme, “The response emanating from all schools and districts in which

we implemented golf has surprised me, in a pleasant way! We are on track to have golf as a sport offered in over 70 schools by the end of next term, thanks to the incredible efforts and support from Mr. Aleem and the Nexgen Golf Academy team.”

Golf has also caught the attention of the Regional Education District Officers, Head Teachers and faculty all around the country, and challenges have been issued by various regions to determine the top schools in 2024.

Afghanistan beat UAE by 72 Runs

(ESPNCRICINFO) RAHMANULLAH Gurbaz cracked his maiden T20I century, helping Afghanistan to 203 and eventually a 72-run win in the first T20I against UAE in Sharjah. The hosts were never quite in the chase after being reduced to 56 for 4 in the first ten overs.

Gurbaz's knock of 100 came off just 52 deliveries, with seven fours and as many sixes. He dominated a second-wicket stand of 137 off 77 balls with Ibrahim Zadran, who was appointed the stand-in captain for the series.

The boundaries kept flowing regularly from the bat of Gurbaz, who got to his fifty off 24 balls with a six off Ali Naseer in the ninth over. He went 4, 6, 4 against Basil Hameed in the 16th, reaching his hundred off 50 balls - also with a six - in the following over.

Afghanistan scored 62 in the last five overs, with the finishing touches provided

Mr. Hussain, who is also President of the Guyana Golf Association, and designer/ builder of the Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-Hoop, which will be opened to the public fully in January, said, “Golf is no longer the unknown sport; inaccessible to the average Guyanese. We've changed that! Our mission is that every person will have access to play the game without worrying about equipment or membership fees.”

With hundreds of students set to take golf as a PE

elective at CSEC in 2024, Guyana continues to lead the region in several key categories, and Hussain hopes that this will translate into success at junior international tournaments in 2024.

The Nexgen Golf Academy on Woolford Avenue is the nation's only golf-driving range, and is certified as an LPGA/USGA Girls Site, which allows young women to access training, cash grants, and scholarships to top universities worldwide.

REDO Region Six, Satesh Oditt

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday December 30, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 18 ODIs (2) Win 10; Loss 7; Tie 1 Today’s Quiz: (1) How many T20 Internationals the WI contested in 2023?

(2) In how many were they victorious?

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

Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored his maiden T20I ton against UAE • Emirates Cricket Board

by Azmatullah Omarzai's unbeaten cameo of 19 from eight deliveries.

Chasing a challenging score, UAE lost Khalid Shah in the first over.

Fazalhaq Farooqi, back in Afghanistan's squad along with Naveen-ul-Haq after being sanctioned by the ACB earlier this week for expressing a desire to be left out of the central contracts list for 2024, got Khalid and also Samal Udawaththa in the fifth over.

In between, Naveen removed Muhammad Waseem, before Qais Ahmad got the fourth wicket to leave UAE needing another 148 in the last ten overs. Vriitya Aravind fought back with 70 not out but his effort only helped reduce the margin of defeat for the home team.

The big win gave Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the second match also taking place in Sharjah on Sunday.

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Joseph delighted with rise to international ranks

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 30, 2023

SEE PAGE

22

West Indies’ latest fast bowling recruit, Shamar Joseph

Hetmyer slams record 277 in Berbice U-15 cricket - Leads Rose Hall Arborsmart to whopping 471-run victory

ADRIAN Hetmyer is the new record holder in Berbice U-15 limited-overs cricket after slamming his second double-century this month for club team, Rose Hall Canje Arborsmart.

In the latest round of the Dr. Dukhi U-15 tournament, the 14-yearold exploded with the willow as he stamped his authority on Tucber B. He scored 277 runs, surpassing the 265 made by current National U-19 batsman Rampertab Ramnauth in 2020.

This is also the first time that Rose Hall Canje has scored over 500 runs in a 50-over game.

The Arborsmart decimated the Tucber B team’s bowling attack, with Heymyer, the nephew of West Indies cricketer Shimron Het-

myer and the son of former Guyana U-19 cricketer Seon Hetmyer, leading the charge when they competed in Canje yesterday.

He scored a whopping 41 fours and four sixes, after opening the batting with Richard Ramdeholl, who supported with an impressive 127 (10x4s and 1x6).

After a commanding opening-wicket partnership, the Berbice Educational Institute student looked set to reach 300, but he attempted a cover drive, and was caught at point.

In an invited comment, the youngster said that he was focused on “spending long at the crease, and putting the ball away”.

Prior to his record-breaking innings,

Adrian Hetmyer struck 41 fours and four sixes in his innings

Hetmyer had scored 168 against Tucber A, and 260 against Betsy Ground.

In the latest game, his team raced to 530-

2 after Lakeram Singh (4x6s, 6x1) and Michael Newland (4x2s, 6x3s) supported with 51 and 34 runs, respectively.

In reply, Tucber B

Richard Ramdeholl had a solid all-round game for the winners

were outdone by the offspin bowling of Ramdeholl and Newland.

Ramdeholl picked up 4-11, and Newland 3-5.

Support came from me-

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dium pacer Ahil Hemraj, who took 2-18.

Tucber B’s top score was Zempton Felix with five.

| SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2023