Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-02-2022

TUESDAY 1st FEBRUARY, 2022

No. 106622

Budget debate: Gov’t talking the talk and walking the talk, says MP Narine

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CGX finds oil in commercial quantities SEE PAGE

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- discovery made at Kawa-1 well; company assessing strategic opportunities to fund drilling programme - plans to spud second well in Corentyne Block during second half of 2022

Export earnings could top US$7B this year SEE PAGE

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Top UG graduates presented with Presidential awards SEE PAGE

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Johanna Elenora 3 Fernald celebrates 100th birthday in adopted homeland

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Map showing Guyana’s blocks (Photo courtesy of CNW Group/Frontera Energy Corporation)

Local Gov’t Elections to be held according to GECOM’s advice

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

CGX finds oil in commercial quantities at Kawa-1 well

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

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- company assessing strategic opportunities to fund drilling programme - plans to spud second well in Corentyne Block during second half of 2022

LESS than two months after encountering hydrocarbons at the Kawa1 well in the Corentyne Block, offshore Guyana, CGX Energy Inc. has announced that its drilling campaign has produced greater results.

The company, in a press statement on Monday, announced that the Kawa-1 well encountered approximately 177 feet (54 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs within Maastrichtian, Campanian and Santonian horizons based on initial evaluation of Logging While Drilling (LWD) data.

Those intervals are similar in age and could be correlated using regional seismic data to recent successes in Block 58 in Suriname and the lucrative Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

Speaking about the discovery, Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of CGX’s main shareholder, Frontera, said: “Initial results from the

Kawa-1 well are positive and reinforce CGX and Frontera’s belief in the potentially transformational opportunity our investments and interests in Guyana present for our companies and the country.

“Kawa-1 results add to the growing success story unfolding in offshore Guyana as the country emerges as a global oil and gas exploration hotspot. On behalf of the joint venture, I’d like to thank the Government of Guyana for its long-standing support as we worked together to deliver this successful outcome.”

In addition to this significant discovery, the company also encountered hydrocarbon-bearing sands in deeper strata, which would be further analysed and could even become a target for future appraisal opportunities.

The Kawa-1 well was drilled to a depth of 21,578 feet (6,578 metres) and targeted the easternmost

Campanian and Santonian channel/lobe complex on the northern section of the Corentyne block.

According to CGX, the Kawa-1 results support the joint venture’s geological and geophysical models and have helped de-risk equivalent targets in other parts of the Corentyne licence area.

The “end-of-well” forecast is currently projected to be the end of February 2022. Information on final well cost estimates and additional results will be announced upon completion of end-of-well activities.

STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES In light of its discoveries, the company is assessing several strategic opportunities to obtain additional financing to meet the costs of its drilling programme.

The company, in November 2021, managed to accumulate US$59 million to further develop and expand its operations both offshore and onshore Guyana.

At that time, the company had said that it intended to use the funds raised for the exploration and development of the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks offshore Guyana, and the Berbice Blocks onshore Guyana, and for the development of the Berbice Deep-Water Port in Guyana.

Executive Co-Chairman of CGX’s Board of Directors, Professor Suresh Narine, was quoted as saying: “Results from the Kawa-1 well represent a positive milestone in the CGX journey as a pioneer oil and gas explorer in the Guyana Basin. Together with our partner Frontera, CGX looks forward to continuing our socially and environmentally conscious approach to development of Guyana’s oil and gas industry and port infrastructure. We are proud of our long partnership with the Government and People of Guyana and of our reputation as Guyana’s Indig-

enous Oil Company.”

His comments were followed by remarks from Chief Executive Office of Frontera, Orlando Cabrales, who said: “We are very pleased to have successfully drilled the Kawa-1 well with our partner CGX. I commend the significant efforts of all the talented employees and contractors involved and their dedication to helping this partnership achieve this important milestone. We now have the ability to focus our efforts on potentially transformational opportunities and to continue our positive relationship with the Government and People of Guyana.”

SECOND WELL Building on its recent find at the Kawa-1 exploration well, CGX anticipates spudding its second commitment well, called Wei-1, in the north-western part of the Corentyne Block, in the second half of 2022.

The company has exer-

cised its option to use the Maersk Discoverer semisubmersible mobile drilling rig for the Wei-1 well.

“This is an important step from a health and safety, efficiency, and operational perspective and will maintain both continuity in the exploration programme during a period of high demand in the region and consistency in working with a team familiar with the rig,” CGX related.

The Wei-1 exploration well will target Campanian and Santonian aged stacked channels in the western fan complex in the northern section of the Corentyne block.

T h e We i - 1 w e l l i s named after one of the tallest peaks in the Pakaraima mountain range, which has commanding visibility over the surrounding terrain. Wei Tepu was historically used as a sentinel post by the Patamona people to guard against attacks.

Johanna Elenora Fernald celebrates 100th birth anniversary in adopted homeland

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

AT 16 years old, following the death of her mother, Johanna Elenora Fernald left the Dutch-speaking country of Suriname with several ‘excursioners’ on a boat trip to Guyana, to stay with her younger siblings in Georgetown.

Earlier, her maternal grandmother, Celes Austin, had brought to these shores, the three youngest of eight siblings, Percy, Olga and Shanae, after their mother’s death. The children settled in Georgetown.

Fernald was the third child born on January 29, 1922 to Dutch nationals, Mary Goodchild and Constant Fernald. Her formative years were spent in Paramaribo, where she acquired her primary and secondary school education.

But in a quest to be reunited with her younger siblings, the then teenager used an excuse to join a boat excursion (a trip/tour) to Guyana. After her arrival, she stayed with her grandmother and siblings.

When she was 19, she visited New Amsterdam to attend a ball at the New Amsterdam Town Hall and there she was introduced to Claude Linden Mc Kenzie, known as “Fearless Claude” and within months, the couple were married by Rev Halloway at Mission Chapel Congregational Church, which was the first church to open its doors to slaves in 1819.

Claude Mc Kenzie was an amateur boxer and captained boats including the Motor Vessel Torani, along the Berbice River. Due to the period of time spent on the waterways, the couple decided to

Johanna Elenora Fernald move to Kwakwani, where Additionally, she develthe young Johanna practised oped the craft of sewing, her entrepreneurial skills. and the art of baking, to supShe opened a shop and plement the income of her sold all essential items to husband, so as to supply the residents of the riverain com- needs of their six children. munity.

She was so proficient at

her job that she designed and sewed her daughters’ wedding gowns and also baked their wedding cakes.

Following her husband’s retirement, the couple moved to Georgetown where her husband worked at the La Penitence Wharf. It was during this period he died due to unnatural conditions.

Despite the tragedy, life had to go on. So, “Cousin Yopy” as she was fondly called, went to the United States of America, to spend time with one of her daughters there.

Whilst there, she was diagnosed and received treatment for diabetes. At the age of 83, the condition took a toll on her health. But she was determined to conquer the ailment and on her return to Guyana, she made some adjustment to her medication.

Months later, diabetes was no

longer a threat to her life.

In recent years, she has adapted to eat whatever is provided as she has no preferences.

“I love to eat well,” she giggled, adding: “I love a savoury chicken, pork, ice cream and black cake, along with other niceties.”

She believes that eating well during one’s youthful age is the secret to long life.

And when asked about her life expectancy, she replied: “I gon live long. One hundred and ten or so.”

Johanna Elenora Fernald McKenzie currently lives with her daughter Joy at Tucber Park, New Amsterdam. She is blessed with her children, countless grandchildren, numberless great grandchildren, and scores of great, great, grandchildren.

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Intoxicated ferry Captain faces suspension

Captain Jermaine Blackman

CAPTAIN Jermaine Blackman, 38, who failed a breathalyser test, while on duty on the ferry, MV Malali, is facing suspension.

The ferry, at the time, was en route to Leguan.

The River Navigation Regulation of the Laws of Guyana Chapter 35 (b) states –“The officer may suspend for such time as he may think fit, or cancel the certificate of competency of any Captain of a vessel or steersman or bowman of a boat who – (b) is guilty of drunkenness or neglect when engaged in

the performance of his duties.”

According to Police Headquarters, the Transport and Harbours Department made a request for the police to conduct a breathalyser test on the Captain.

Divisional Commander, Senior Sup e r i n t e n d e n t E r ro l Watts, noted that the police complied with the request and two tests were done on the Captain of the vessel.

The readings were 146 and 141 respectively in his blood alcohol level, which is above the legal limit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Police seizes firearm under pillow, couple arrested

The firearm that was seized A 21-year-old man, on Monday morning, was arrested at Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD) with an unlicensed firearm and matching ammunition under a pillow in his girlfriend’s bedroom, police have confirmed.

According to Police Headquarters, law enforcement ranks from the Golden Grove/Diamond Police Station visited Hammerhead, Kaneville, EBD and several persons who were gathered immediately began dispersing.

Police at the scene were able to identify the 21-year-old man of Albouystown, Georgetown, who ran into his girlfriend’s Third Field

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Kaneville, EBD house.

The ranks gave chase and made contact with his girlfriend at the door and requested to carry out a search in the house and such was granted.

She then led the ranks to her bedroom where the 21-year-old was seen lying on the bed. A search of the bedroom, in their presence, unearthed one .32 pistol and two live rounds of ammunition under the pillow on the bed.

They were both told of the allegation, cautioned, arrested and escorted to the Grove Police Station, where the suspected firearm and ammunition were lodged.

They are in custody pending charges.

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‘They promise and we execute’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

By Jared Liddell IN defending the $552.9 billion National Budget, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, said that, unlike the APNU+AFC, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has always been proactive and focused on meeting the needs of citizens and achieving sustainable economic growth.

Minister Walrond, who was at the time contributing to the 2022 budget debate, emphasised that the party is not one that fails to keep the promises it makes to the citizens.

Speaking directly to the needs of citizens, she noted that the opposition-led APNU+AFC government “made promises” while the PPPC government is actively working to execute projects and initiatives to improve the

lives of every Guyanese.

She pointed out that one major undertaking by the APNU+AFC Coalition government that was redesigned to cater to the people of Guyana is the COVID-19 relief programme. She noted that the APNU+AFC administration’s programme was selective as many did not benefit from the initiative.

“In typical fashion, our friends on the other side opted for a cumbersome programme which it appears not even they could implement. It is therefore not surprising that the Auditor General reports that out of the 11,000 plus persons found eligible for this grant, barely 1,000 benefitted.”

She said that that “lack of proper execution” suggested that the opposition, when in government, displayed gross negligence with regards to its responsibility to the people

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of Guyana. This, she said reflected that the APNU+AFC government “just didn’t care”.

“They really don’t care about the poor, the struggling, the most vulnerable amongst us, for if they did, when they had the power to make a difference, they would have done something about it,” Minister Walrond contended.

BECAUSE WE CARE She told the National Assembly that the ‘Because we care’ cash grant has now become one of the most notable initiatives government has implemented. She reminded that this was a PPP/C initiative that was “snuffed out” by the APNU+AFC during its stint in office.

She noted that the government reinstated the initiative and has worked strategically to improve it to benefit the children of Guyana, after its return to office in August 2020.

Gov’t talking the talk and walking the talk - MP Narine

BUDGET 2022 contains a number of innovative measures, which will meaningfully advance the life of all Guyanese, said government Member of Parliament, Seepaul Narine.

The veteran trade unionist was at the time defending the $552.9 billion budget in the National Assembly on Monday.

“Budget 2022, I believe, has not missed any area of national life. Every man, woman and child will gain from Budget 2022. This is the nature of the PPP/C, which ensures that development is all-round and no one is left out,” he emphasised.

He said the wide-ranging budget is another manifestation of the PPP/C Government’s unyielding commitment to unlock the nation’s potential and improve the wellbeing of citizens.

“The hike in the income tax threshold to $75,000 monthly, represents a 15 per cent jump. This improvement, Mr. Speaker, means that no worker at the public sector minimum wage will be required to pay taxes… this initiative alone puts $1.3 billion in the pockets of our workers.

“I can say Mr. Speaker, without hesitation, that our people have much to look forward to. Indeed, there are challenges, there will always be Mr. Speaker, but Budget 2022 tackles these challenges frontally, bringing relief to our people in many forms,” Narine underscored.

Member of Parliament, Seepaul Narine, during the Budget debate in the National Assembly on Monday He said the fiscal package contains measures to mitigate the burdens placed on the Guyanese populace during the former APNU+AFC Government’s era.

“I am heartened to see sustained efforts being made to eliminate the legacy of burdens bequeathed by the Coalition when in office. This is a nature of a caring government, one which has the interest of the people foremost,” he added.

The trade unionist commended government’s move to further reduce excise tax on fuel which will bring additional reliefs to citizens.

“The restoration and now improvement in the school child uniform grant and allowance is yet another win for the Guyanese people… through Budget 2022 the aggregate sum jumps nearly 60 per cent this year,” he continued.

Further, Narine chided the opposition for putting more than 7,000 sugar workers out of jobs.

He also applauded the

notable feature of Budget 2022, which speaks directly to the establishment of farmers’ markets. (DPI)

- Minister Walrond says as she defends Budget 2022

Under the 2022 budget, the government increased the cash grant from $15,000 to $25,000 for each school child, whether in public or private school. Parents will also receive an extra $1,000 on the $4,000 school uniform voucher which is distributed annually.

The two sets of increases will place an additional $2.2 billion in disposable income into the pockets of parents.

Minister Walrond noted that the record of the APNU+AFC government to stifle proactive and people-centered programmes is reflective that any policy direction taken by the government to improve the lives of the people will be met with criticism, opposition, and no possible suggestions for improvement. “ O u r h o n o r a b l e c o lleagues on the opposite benches cannot run on their record, they have to run from their record, because that record is one of destruction, reeked on the Guyanese people. Mr., Speaker their only record is one that is long on promises but short on delivery,” said Minister Walrond.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT Wi t h r e g a r d s t o h e r ministry, Minister Walrond highlighted that in the 2022 budget some $300 million will be injected into the Small Business Development Fund.

The fund, provides cash grants to local entrepreneurs and is instrumental in building capacity in the local business community. It also serves to enhance the capacity of small business owners to effectively develop and manage their businesses Minister Walrond disclosed that the Small Business Bureau (SBB) in 2021 distributed 746 small business

Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

development grants to the tune of $329 million. She noted that since this fund was set up, it was used to provide aid to the most vulnerable members of society.

“Last year an organisation which represents persons living with disabilities requested the ministry to assist them with becoming job creators since it was a great challenge to get jobs otherwise. We then created a special training programme for the more than 50 applicants, several of whom have already received their grant disbursements and are now gainfully employed,” said Minister Walrond.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Beautifying Guyana

GUYANA is known for its natural beauty, which can be found in all regions of the country, but more manifestly in our interior locations. Our majestic Kaieteur Falls is unsurpassed in its natural beauty not to mention the several other places of attraction including our mountain ranges, our vast tropical forests interspersed with rolling savannahs and mighty rivers.

For too long, the coastland regions were taken for granted without much being done to enhance its natural beauty. In fact, there was a fair measure of environmental degradation and abuse with reckless dumping of garbage and other forms of discarded materials all along the coast. Georgetown, our capital city was no exception.

The once garden city was reduced to a ‘garbage’ city.

This sad state of affairs did not go unnoticed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his

wife, First Lady Arya Ali, both of whom have joined forces to restore the true image not only to the city of Georgetown but the entire coastal regions. The City of Georgetown was recently given a significant facelift thanks to the personal intervention of President Ali and First Lady Arya Ali, which was ably supported by other governmental agencies and the private sector. Enhancement works are currently underway at the Georgetown Seawall and at the Lamaha corridor stretching between Main and Camp Streets. The area will be developed into a safe space where Guyanese can enjoy family time. The area will also see the establishment of an Art Gallery and a Food Court.

That clean-up initiative of the President is now being replicated in several other regions and is currently underway in Region Six where two family-friendly recreational

parks with enhanced safety zones for children and the elderly are being constructed, equipped with seating areas and green spaces. The President also participated in several cleanup activities which saw the participation of three Cabinet ministers, officials from the Regional Democratic Council, members of the Joint Services, private sector representatives and concerned citizens. Among the several cleanup activities were cutting of shrubs and grass, clearing of road shoulders and the clearing of clogged drainage systems.

According to President Ali, the exercise is necessary in the context of a renewed focus on the environment and the need to create a new environmental consciousness among the Guyanese people.

Few can deny that the existing culture of seemingly environmental indifference and abuse is in dire need of

change and the President has indeed connected with a significant mass of Guyanese who are not only appreciative of the efforts but have shown a willingness to come on board.

The President could not have said it better when he remarked: “This is a type of effort that really ignites the type of change you want to see... we want to enhance the beauty of our country and that beauty must come from the way we think, the way we act and the way we behave -- the way we treat our environment.”

Over 50 trees were planted along the road on the eastern end of the Berbice Bridge which will enhance the entire landscape of that stretch of road leading to the Corentyne highway. The stretch will also benefit from lights which will illuminate that stretch of road. As noted

by President Ali, “by tonight people will see an immedi-

ate impact and change in the general look of the area, the sense of safety and security and also the bridge will be helping in the maintenance of that investment”. These are all enrichment projects which will have a positive impact on the recreational and cultural life of the Guyanese people.

This is the kind of change and transformation that the Guyanese people have been looking forward to see, one that positively impact on their lives and well-being.

In this regard, the President has been leading from the front and making that difference with the force and power of example. Guyanese can hardly expect more from a president who has demonstrated that the best and most effective way to lead is from the front. This is manifested in his handling of the flood situation, the COVID-19 pandemic, his hands-on approach in

dealing with important matters of governance and the current national enhancement efforts.

These developments, apart from their aesthetics value, will also give a boost to the tourism sector which is now emerging as a significant player in the country’s transformative agenda. The sector earned a record $24 billion with 106, 428 visitors as of September last year, a 23 per cent overall increase compared to the previous year. And all of this despite the COVID-19 pandemic which has had a negative impact on the tourism sector not only in Guyana but in the wider Caribbean.

It is important that we project the best image of our country. One sure way of doing so is to keep our environment clean and tidy. President Ali has led the way in this regard and it is for all Guyanese to now play their part.

Stabroek News’ article on India-funded Ogle to Eccles road project contained erroneous information

Dear Editor, THE Ministry of Public Works wishes to clarify the blazing article carried in Stabroek News on Sunday, January 30, 2022, titled, “Highest Bidder secures contract for India-Funded Ogle to Eccles four-lane Highway.”

The information provided is very erroneous.

The ministry wishes to state the following: The bidding process for selection of the Civil Works Contractor commenced on

June 3, 2021 and was extended by three weeks and closed on August 24, 2021.

However, no bids were received.

The Government of Guyana and the India EXIM Bank then negotiated and came to agreement that the Ministry of Transport in India would undertake the prequalification of Indian contractors with the intent to draw a broader pool, and the Government of Guyana would launch the financial bids concurrently.

The following contractors were prequalified by the EXIM Bank of India: * AFCONS Infrastructure Limited * Ashoka Buildcon Limited * Dineshchandra R. Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Limited (DRAIPL) * JMC Projects (India) Limited The tenders for prequalified contractors were opened on December 10, 2021, at 09:00hrs and their respective bids were read out as

follows: No. BIDDER ORIGINAL BID PRICE DISCOUNT OFFERED CORRECTED DISCOUNTED BID PRICE RANKING 1 AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd. 108,055,358.25 NIL No Discount 108,055,358.25 3 2

Ashoka Buildcon Ltd. 111,976,190.28 5% 106,383,954.52 1 3 DRAIPL 106,775,275.00 NIL No Discount 106,775,236.5 2 The winning bid for the Ogle to Eccles four-lane highway, Ashoka Buildcon Limited, had offered a five per cent discount within

its bid to the value of US$ 106,383,954.52, and this therefore made it the lowest bidder for the project and not the highest, as reported in 2022/01/30 Sunday Stabroek.

Therefore, contrary to the Stabroek News article, the contract was awarded to the lowest responsive bidder, tenderer #2 - Ashoka Buildcon Limited to the value of US$ 106,383,954.52.

Yours sincerely, Ministry of Public Works

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

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Amerindians will experience development in every area – MP Pearson-Fredericks tells National Assembly

- says land titling issues resolved for several communities, more opportunities available for academic growth

PPP/C Member of Parliament, Yvonne Pearson-Fredericks IN just under 20 minutes, government Member of Parliament, Yvonne Pearson Fredericks, gave insights on the positive impact that Budget 2022 stands to have on the lives of Guyana’s First Peoples, especially those residing in the hinterland.

As Day One of the highly anticipated debates got underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Monday, Pearson-Fredericks said that many of the programmes contained in the massive $552.9 plan will bring direct benefits to Amerindians all across Guyana.

A person of Indigenous heritage herself, the Member of Parliament was quick to respond to her colleagues in the Opposition who were calling for economic development for Amerindian communities, even though the former David Grangerled government spared no hesitation in firing hundreds of Community Support Officers (CSOs) who were, as the title suggests, lending support for the development of their communities.

“Suddenly Mr. Holder knows all about the CSOs and the Amerindian villages,” Pearson-Fredericks jabbed.

She said that the firings by the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government took a toll on not only the young Amerindians who lost their jobs, but also the villages that benefitted from that particular source of disposable income.

“It was taken away, so how are they going to cry now and say it is not enough? $30,000 means a lot when you’re in the village,” Pearson-Fredericks related.

REHIRED She said that even amid the cynicism and negativity being peddled by the APNU+AFC Opposition, Amerindians from all corners of Guyana stand to benefit from every sector of the country, not just the rehiring of the severed CSOs. “All the talk about the Amerindians and poverty and the 2022 Budget; we will benefit from every sector; my people – the villagers, the locals, the ordinary people will benefit,” the PPP/C member insisted.

She argued that unlike the Opposition, the PPP/C will not be making empty promises. Pearson-Fredericks said that Budget 2022 contains realistic and achievable targets, such as commitments to address issues of Amerindian land titling, which were long promised by the APNU+AFC, but are yet to be remedied.

Pearson-Fredericks reminded that prior to assuming office, the APNU+AFC had outlined that it will not only be addressing matters relating to Amerindian land titling, but that it will be doing so in keeping with international standards and best practices. “But it seems that by the time they got there (into office), they forgot what are international standards,” the parliamentarian said with disappointment.

She noted that even before the 2022 Budget, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic administration had resolved outstanding land titling issues in at least five Amerindian villages. “We are committed to do these things, and it will be done, because we have already started,” Pearson-Fredericks noted.

She also touched on the fact that Amerindians have

not been left behind or disenfranchised when it comes to furthering their education and accessing reputable programmes.

Pearson-Fredericks was keen on making specific reference to government’s 20,000 online scholarships programme, which has seen scores of Amerindians being enrolled into internationally-recognised universities to further their studies.

The initiative, which is being administered via the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), features programmes ranging from certificates all the way to PhDs. “We (the PPP/C) are committed to ensuring that all of the country’s best education and training opportunities reach hinterland and Amerindian villages,” Pearson-Fredericks said.

GEARING UP She noted that with the support of strategic government programmes and policies, Amerindian communities are gearing up to make significant economic contributions to the country.

“We will not be left behind,” the parliamentarian noted.

She explained that while Amerindians will be contributing significantly to all of Guyana’s sectors, agriculture and food security would be given particular importance. “We have lands,” MP PearsonFredericks reminded.

She said that with support from the government, Amerindian villages are now being positioned to contribute significantly in several agriculture industries, including livestock rearing and aquaculture.

Added to that, the First Peoples will also have an important role to play as Guyana works towards the development of a massive, commercial-scale corn and soya bean farm. “We are not going to stay behind, we are going to progress,” pointing to the fact that dozens of hinterland communities have already benefitted from the supply of critical equipment such as brand new tractors and other implements as well as materials such as plants and fertilisers. “These are exciting times,” the hopeful Member of Parliament shared.

Also rising to vehemently defend the government’s proposed budget

Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs for the fiscal year 2022 was Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs.

He reminded that within the coming weeks, the PPP/C government will be launching a media and communications academy, in an effort to further professionalise the country’s State media and public communi-

cations apparatus.

During his zealous contribution to the National Assembly on Monday afternoon, Minister McCoy said that the project will be undertaken in partnership with well-established online learning platform, Coursera.

To inform the curriculum and needs of the State media, Minister McCoy said that a comprehensive capac-

ity and competency review was already completed and that efforts are underway to retool and upskill the local communications and State media personnel.

Also throwing his full support behind the 2022 Budget was PPP/C Member of Parliament, Faizal Jaffarally, who brought the curtain down on Monday’s session.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Turning Hobbies and Passions into Paychecks!

By Earl Bousquet

THREE news items grabbed my attention last weekend.

First was a Guyana Chronicle article on Friday, January 29, headlined: 12 Homeless In Guyana After Fire Caused

By Lighted Candle According to the report, 12 persons, including children, are now homeless after a fire destroyed their Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust home on Thursday evening.

A statement from the fire department said the structure was a two-storey wooden apartment building. The bottom storey consisted of two apartments occupied by eight persons.

“The purported cause of the fire is said to be a lighted candle left unattended, which fell and ignited nearby combustible materials,” the fire department said.

The department is calling for home and property owners to be cautious when using lamps, candles, mosquito coils, lighters and matches.

“Ensure these items are placed a safe distance away from combustible materials and out of the reach of children at all times,” the statement said.

The fire department also renewed its call for fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.

The second item was

from Legit.ng News (in Nigeria) with the following long but interesting headline: No Need for Gas and Kerosene: 67-Year-Old Nigerian Man Invents Stove that Uses only Water to Cook.

That story, datelined Monday, January 31,

by Victor Duru, stated: A 67-year-old Nigerian man, Hadi Usman, based in Jekadafari area of Gombe State, has invented a water-cooking stove that doesn’t require gas or kerosene to make fire. The special stove combines water and air pressure to produce fire.

Amid rising worry in the increasing price of cooking gas, Hadi says he invented the water stove out of his desire to subsidise

the cost of using gas and kerosene. He had in the past assembled a radio transmitter and also operated a community radio station and now wants relevant institutions to help him get his innovation patented. He also wants collaborative efforts to ensure it is mass produced.

Legit.ng had also previously reported that a 26-year-old Nigerian man, Max Chinnah, had ‘made history’ as he has invented a smokeless stove that he patented with his partner, Attigah.

According to the Daily Times: This younger Nigerian inventor hopes his piece will help save lives around the world.

His company called Terraoak is going into producing the smokeless stove on a very large scale, adding that it is a move to ensure a greener environment and reduce the threat of global warming.

The smokeless stove also has another added feature, whereby it can convert heat into electricity and gives out through a USB port to allow for phone-charging.

The Nigerian inventor said that though he has wanted to be an entrepreneur, helping people is closer to his heart.

The company is also looking at marketing the product to campers for outdoor recreational activities and working on an arrangement to distribute 1,000 stoves to rural farmers. Chinnah said that they want their story to inspire people around the world and challenge their entrepreneurial spirit.

The third item was again from the Guyana Chronicle, this time a good-news item headlined, Guyana To Construct 1000 Affordable Houses Using Local Wood It reported the PPP/C Government will be constructing 1,000 houses

utilising 100 per cent local wood as part of its efforts to provide affordable homes to Guyanese.

This was announced

by President Irfaan Ali on Sunday, via his Facebook page, saying it forms part of the value-added component to government’s housing programme.

Since taking office in August 2020, the report says, the administration has accelerated its national housing programme through the allocation of lands and construction of low, moderate and young professional homes for citizens.

As part of that initiative, government is constructing the thousand homes in Cummings Lodge and Sophia in Georgetown; Prospect and Providence, East Bank Demerara; Williamsburg in Region Six; Amelia’a Ward in Linden; and Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara.

The report continued: these homes target lowincome and vulnerable families who are only required to make a contribution of $100,000 towards the homes.

Last year, a total of 10,063 house lots were allocated to Guyanese, while some 1,266 land titles and transports were distributed. This is in keeping with government’s commitment to deliver 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by 2025.

The small-islander in me (from a tiny 238-square-mile Caribbean island) paused to take in the numbers and figures: 1,000 homes under construction and 50,000 house lots by 2025.

The three articles sent my mind into overtime and overdrive, pondering the interconnection between them: a fire in Guyana caused by a lighted candle leaving 12 persons homeless; and two Nigerian inventors of water and smokeless stoves -- one begging for

help to mass produce, the other contributing 1,000 to rural farmers.

If I didn’t better understand how the world turns, I would probably have said ‘It’s just a matter of connecting the dots’ – Guyana contacting the innovators to introduce the water and smokeless stoves to help citizens save energy costs, to have more confidence in novel, home-based solutions – and transition to cleaner, healthier and safer energy means.

The Nigerian examples reaffirm too that innovation knows no age and has no bounds -- and my long-held belief in the capacity of Guyanese, Saint Lucian and Caribbean youth to innovate with country in mind, with government and institutional private and public support for start-ups with end-games that’ll serve the many and not the one, or just a few.

This also (personally) justifies my long-held support for the new trend of nations seeking to build The Youth Economy by encouraging youth and students to Think Big, with assurances their respective governments will ensure that they can turn their hobbies and passions into paychecks.

This innovative concept is already being given life in Saint Lucia, where new Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s official designation is Minister for Finance, Economic Development and The Youth Economy.

Youth and innovation married to reliable support and inspiration can produce positive and progressive change in any nation.

All that’s needed are the real chances to turn challenges into opportunities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Transformative energy projects to commence in 2022

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- Prime Minister

PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips has said that several transformative energy projects will commence this year.

Speaking during a recent NCN programme titled, “Budget in Focus”, the Prime Minister said among the major projects to get started are the Amaila Falls Hydro project and the gas-to-energy project.

“Amaila Falls is likely

to start definitely within the second half of this year… by our projections, by 2027, that project should be completed, and we as a people will be getting 165 megawatts of electrical power,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the gas-to-energy project is expected to be completed by 2024.

He said that it will help to reduce electricity costs by approximately 50 per cent.

“While it is using gas,

it is clean energy, cheaper energy, and it’s a transition project for us,” he said.

Three 33-megawatt solar panel farms will be constructed in Berbice, Linden and Essequibo, respectively.

In addition to these, several micro-grid projects will commence in different parts of the country, while several small renewable energy undertakings will begin in Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo. Among

these are the Kumu Falls Hydro Project, which is likely to produce 1.5 megawatts of electricity, and a one-megawatt solar farm that is under construction in Lethem.

GARDEN OF EDEN POWER PLANT During the interview, Prime Minister Phillips also stated that the 46.5 megawatts Garden of Eden power generation plant is expected to resume operations within two weeks.

‘Shape up or face consequences’ - Minister Anand Persaud tells LDOs

MINISTER within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, has put all Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) on notice that there needs to be more accountability to ensure that there is value for money.

He was at the time announcing an increased $714 million subvention for the 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and 10 municipalities, during his contribution to the budget debate.

The minister placed particular emphasis on management of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (MCC).

“This year we are sending a strong message to all underperforming NDCs and municipalities. They must be accountable for every dollar spent ,thereby improving services to our people. You either shape up or face stringent consequences. They can no longer afford to play with our people’s livelihoods at the community level,” Minister Persaud said.

The $714 million sub-

vention represents a 29.3 per cent increase over the amount allocated in 2021.

As the capital city, Georgetown will be given the biggest portion of the allocated sum.

Minister Persaud called on the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, to exercise better accountability over his municipality and provide answers to the public on what is happening with the $2 billion that the city receives annually in taxes.

“I am calling on the mayor to end his playing of politics at the council in Georgetown. They are asking for more money but not showing ability to manage the funds they get from residents in Georgetown,” Minister Persaud noted.

He added: “The city rakes in more than $2 billion annually. Where is the money going? …we are assisting the city with maintenance of roads, bridges, as well as drainage and irrigation. They are squandering the residents’ money. The mayor should be focused on the council.

Stop procrastinating and get the job done.”

The $714 million is part of the $71 billion that has been allocated to the ministry in the 2022 national budget.

Aside from the sum for LDOs, $400 million has also been allocated for the City Hall restoration project under the Georgetown Enhancement Programme, and $701 million has been allocated for the Solid Waste Disposal Programme.

A whopping $6.3 billion has been allocated under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project for the completion of enhancement and rehabilitation works at the Mon Repos and Parika Markets and other works.

Another $400 million is also expected to be injected into the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Programme.

“As seen in budget 2022, we understood the assignment given by the Guyanese public. Guyana is on the move once again,” Minister Persaud said with regard to the measures that are outlined in the budget.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips “They’re in the process of bringing back online those generators, so just in maybe another week or two weeks, all those generators will be back online.”

Earlier this month, the senior government official had announced that operations at the facility would be temporarily halted as officials attempt to diagnose technical challenges with the generators.

He had immediately convened an emergency meeting with the management of Wartsilla. At that point, the company, still under warranty, agreed to dispatch a team of engineers to Guyana to correct the challenges.

Some 20 engineers have since been working round-the-clock to rectify the problem. (Office of the Prime Minister)

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Local Gov’t Elections to be held according to GECOM’s advice

Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud GUYANA’S Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is properly constituted and informs the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development that it is ready to hold the elections.

This is according to subject minister, Anand Persaud, who was, at the time, responding to comments made by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Amanza WaltonDesir, during her contribution to the budget debate on Monday.

“When the elections commission is properly constituted and they inform us, elections will be held,” Persaud said as he began his presentation.

The government has repeatedly indicated that it is ready to hold the elections but is awaiting the guidance of the GECOM. Notwithstanding this, the opposition continues to press the issue.

Though the ministry is responsible for announcing the date for the LGE, this can only be done after consultations with GECOM, which decides its readiness and also has the respon-

sibility for holding the elections.

The elections were due in 2021, and some $1.1 billion had been allocated in the 2021 national budget for it. However, there were questions surrounding the credibility of several employees, who were implicated in the rigging of the 2020 elections.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, were eventually charged with electoral fraud and fired in August 2021. Several other persons were also charged with similar offences.

The CEO is required by law to manage the conduct of elections in Guyana.

After months without a CEO, former employee, Vishnu Persaud, was hired to fill the post in December 2021. However, by then it was too late for the elections to be held.

The Commission had also informed Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, about the situation in December 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Top UG graduates presented with Presidential awards

President Dr Irfaan Ali with Davendra Kissoon and Tomeshwor Mohabir from the Turkeyen and Tain campuses respectively. They both finished with GPAs of 4.0 (Office of the President photo) PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday, presented the President’s Medal to the University of Guyana’s 2020/2021 valedictorian, Devindra Kissoon.

Kissoon, 27, finished as the valedictorian after successfully completing a Bachelor of Science Degree (Civil with Environmental Engineering) at the Turkeyen Campus with a GPA of 4.0.

Meanwhile, Tomeshwor Mohabir from the Tain campus was also presented with an award from the President for being the best graduating student of the UG Berbice Campus. Mohabir, 30, finished as the best graduating student

from Tain after completing his Bachelor of Education Degree (Mathematics Concentration Programme) with a GPA of 4.0.

The President said he was pleased to honour each of the graduates in recognition of their superlative performance in their respective programmes.

He also charged them to reflect on the sacrifices their families would have made along their journey and encouraged them to use their lives as an opportunity to influence others.

With regards to their chosen areas of study, President Ali noted that their aspirations are in keeping with the

development trajectory of the country.

The presentation was conducted in the presence of the recipients’ family members at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

Kissoon was joined by his mother Basmattie Sukhdeo, brother Sanjeev Kissoon and his girlfriend Tesheena Dindyal while Mohabir was accompanied by his wife Nueza and his son Zidan.

Also present at the simple ceremony was UG’s Director of Events, Conferences and Communication, Jainarine Deonauth and UG’s Public Relations Officer, Krest Cummings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

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What is the Year of the Tiger?

Photo:VCG, Global Times

(CGTN) Chinese New Year starts on Tuesday February 1 and will mark the beginning of the Year of the Tiger.

The Chinese zodiac calendar is called Sheng Xiao and is based on a 12-year

lunar cycle. Each year is represented by an animal.

The Spring Festival begins at the start of the New Year and the holiday lasts around a week. Many Chinese people travel great distances across the country

to see family for the festivities. It’s the largest national celebration in China’s year.

Every animal represented on Sheng Xiao carries certain characteristics, which are said to be found in people born in that year.

China’s GDP expands 8.1 per cent in 2021

BEIJING, (Xinhua) -- China’s economy posted stable growth in 2021 despite challenges including sporadic epidemic resurgences and a complicated external environment, official data showed on Jan 17.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 8.1 per cent year-on-year to 114.37 trillion yuan (about $18 trillion) last year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.

The pace was well above the government target of “above six per cent,” and put the two-year average growth at 5.1 per cent, the data showed.

In the fourth quarter, the country’s GDP expanded 4 per cent year-on-year.

China’s economy has continued stable recovery in 2021, leading the world in both economic development and epidemic control, the NBS said, while warning of the triple pressure of demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations amid an increasingly complicated external environment.

Final consumption contributed 65.4 per cent to the GDP expansion, while net exports contributed 20.9 per cent, said NBS head Ning Jizhe at a press conference.

“China’s growth was among the fastest in major economies in the world last year,” said Ning, adding that the country’s GDP is expected to account for more than 18 percent of the global total.

In breakdown, retail sales saw a notable recovery, jumping 12.5 per cent year-onyear. Fixed-asset investment posted stable growth of 4.9 per cent, while value-added industrial output expanded 9.6 per cent from a year earlier.

The country’s job market remained generally stable, with the surveyed urban unemployment rate standing at 5.1 per cent, 0.5 percentage points lower than the same period in the previous year and meeting the government target of “below 5.5 per cent.”

The Chinese people are becoming increasingly affluent in 2021, with per capita disposable income standing at 35,128 yuan, up 9.1 percent year-on-year in nominal terms.

The tiger represents strength, bravery and confidence and people born in years of the tiger are said to be independent, self-assured and optimistic.

Previous Years of the Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950,

1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010.

Famous “tigers” include: Marilyn Monroe (1926), Queen Elizabeth (1926), Narendra Modi (1950) and Leonardo DiCaprio (1974).

Economic Watch: China’s economic outlook: What to watch in 2022 Visitors view electric cars during China (Tianjin) Auto Show 2021 in north China’s Tianjin, Sept. 29, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Ran) BEIJING, (Xinhua) -- For China, the year 2021 has been a milestone and a fresh start. Upon complet-

ing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, the world’s TURN TO PAGE 16

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Export earnings could top US$7B this year

EARNINGS from the exportation of locally produced commodities could reach US$7 billion this year, as Guyana looks to further overcome the pervasive challenges presented by COVID-19 and institute appropriate mechanisms and measures to guard against any eventualities that might arise as time progresses.

Using current basic prices as a benchmark, authorities determined that Guyana could earn roughly US$7,792,800,000 by the end of this year; this represents an increase of about 55 per cent, when compared with revenues totalling US$4,352,000,000 earned last year.

Guyana’s earnings in 2021 were fuelled mainly by returns from oil exports, which grew by 179.6 per cent to US$2,975.5 million [US$2.9 billion], owing to increases in both volume and price.

The petroleum sector is projected to make yet another significant contribution to total earnings this year, as statistics outlined in Budget 2022 show crude oil exports increasing by 107.7 per cent to US$6.1 billion.

This growth will be stimulated by the operations of ExxonMobil’s Liza Unity FPSO, which will be servicing the company’s Liza Phase Two development project.

The vessel will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day, and will be supported by a total of six drill centres and approximately 30 wells. This includes 15 production wells, nine water- injection wells, and six gas-injection wells. The Liza Phase Two start-up is expected in early 2022 and will develop approximately 600 million barrels of oil.

Positive performances are also expected in the non-oil economy, which is projected to grow 7.7 per cent by the end of this year.

Providing that output reaches the projected levels, export earnings would increase across all economic sectors.

According to a breakdown of the available statistics, rice is projected to rake in US$288.6 million; sugar, US$20.3 million; gold, US$962.5 million; bauxite, US$92.6 million; timber, US$28.9 million; “other,” US$177.3 million and unaltered imported items, US$42 million.

Although the prospects are positive, the country needs to be mindful that prices are expected to taper for most of the country’s exported commodities. For instance, the price of rice is expected to decline further by 12.7 per cent to US$400 per tonne, while the world price of sugar is expected to contract by five per cent to US$0.37 per kilogramme.

Further, while the price of gold is also projected to fall in 2022 by 2.8 per cent to US$1,750 per troy ounce, the prices of aluminium and logs are expected to rise to US$2,700 per tonne and US$280 per cubic metre, respectively.

Like aluminium, the average price of crude oil is expected to increase this year by five per cent to an average of US$74 per barrel in 2022.

STIMULATING GROWTH Even with the projected volatility in prices, based on Budget 2022, the government intends to maintain and even enhance its approach to stimulating growth in various economic sectors.

Agriculture and its sub-sectors forestry and fishing, are expected to expand by 8.9 per cent this year, after contracting by 9.1 per cent in 2021.

In the extractive industries, mining and quarrying are projected to grow by 86 per cent, driven by expansion across all subsectors, namely petroleum, gold, other mining and quarrying, and bauxite.

Aside from oil and gas, the gold-mining sub-sector is projected to grow by 12.2 per cent in 2022, on account of higher expected declarations from one large operator, and the

Gold is projected to earn US$962.5 million this year

The petroleum sector is projected to make yet another significant contribution to total export earnings this year small and medium- scale miners.

Bauxite, like many other productive sub-sectors, which faced tremendous interruptions in 2021, is anticipated to recover in 2022 and grow by 25.4 per cent, with greater output expected from both large operators.

Additionally, the other mining and quarrying sub-sector – which includes sand, stone, and diamonds – is also projected to grow by 8.4 per cent.

Also in line for positive results this year is the construction sector, which will see heavy government investment in projects across all sectors, coupled with major projects coming from private-sector investment initiatives.

“As a result, we project 10.5 per cent growth in the construction sector in 2022, on top of the growth observed in the sector last year,” Dr Singh related.

The service sector, after facing significant challenges in 2020, began its recovery in 2021, on account of the phased reopening of Guyana’s economy and other measures put in place by the government to boost economic activity.

In 2022, all of the service industries are projected to expand by 3.8 per cent. Notably, significant increases are expected for wholesale and retail trade and repairs, transport and storage, financial and insurance activities, administrative and support services, and real estate activities, which could grow by 6.5 per cent, 7.8 per cent, 3.9 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.3 per cent, respectively.

To achieve those outcomes, there are plans in place to inject some $552.9 billion into the economy through various initiatives that would rapidly transform and modernise

the nation.

“Even as we confront, head on, the formidable challenges before us, our government continues to work in earnest to advance the aggressive agenda for transformation that we had previously outlined. At this moment of unprecedented opportunity for our country, we seek now to convert the bright prospects before us into realised national and individual well-being for all Guyanese,” Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said during his presentation of Budget 2022 to the National Assembly, last Wednesday.

Supported by the robust institutional architecture that the government has established, Budget 2022 ensures that two complementary and critically important objectives are met: firstly, that the urgent development needs of the country are met in the shortest possible time, and that the longterm economic well-being of the country is protected and safeguarded at all times.

In his view, this fiscal plan, which follows the theme: “Steadfast against all challenges, resolute in building our one Guyana,” sets Guyana on the path to realising the “bright future” which the country has long awaited.

It launches some of the most transformative projects which are critical to resolving the bugbears and bottlenecks the nation has long faced, whether they be adequate and affordable electricity, a transport network that is responsive to both productive opportunities and changing patterns of urbanisation or improved medical services for Guyanese.

More support for small businesses in Budget 2022 GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

TO further provide opportunities for Guyanese to grow their small businesses, government has announced that $300 million will be injected into the Small Business Development Fund.

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) in 2021 distributed 746 small business development grants to the tune of $329 million, of which 61 were COVID-19 relief grants valued at $13.4 million.

Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced the allocation during his presentation of the Budget 2022 to the National Assembly, on Wednesday.

He noted that the fund was instrumental in building capacity in the local business community and serves to enhance the ca-

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An exhibitor shows off one of her items at the Women in Business Expo, Pegasus Hotel, in November, 2020 (Delano Williams photo) pacity of small business owners to effectively develop and manage their businesses.

He said that, in addition

to the fund, government intends to provide training for small business owners in areas such as business management, record keeping

and business plan writing.

The plan, according to Dr. Singh, is to establish, through the SBB, an ecommerce marketplace for

small businesses to market goods and services which will, no doubt, support their resilience and help to maintain and increase revenue.

Further, he noted that government intends to bolster its small business support, through six small business ‘one stop shops,’ across Regions One, Five, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine, which are expected to target 500 persons.

“We will also continue our efforts to improve the ease of doing business through the digitisation of the licensing process, in addition to development of an online platform for communication with the public and the provision of training to businesses in leveraging technology,” Dr. Singh added.

Meanwhile, he noted that government intends to provide small business

owners with easier access to the requisite knowledge on how to maximise business opportunities. In this regard, government, in 2022, will move to design an electronic single window for trade.

According to Dr. Singh, the initiative will result in the development and deployment of a single-entry point to fulfil all import, export and transit-related regulatory requirements aimed at modernising and improving the efficiency of trade operations in Guyana, in support of increasing business activity.

Alongside this, he said that there will be a comprehensive review of the business processes for all trade-related agencies, as well as the acquisition of the necessary IT equipment to facilitate the roll out of the single window.

Budget 2022: Creating a more enabling environment for business, trade * Extending reduction of import duties, excise * Lowering excise tax rate on gasoline and taxes, and value added tax (VAT) charged on diesel from 20 per cent to 10 per cent imported items to December 31, 2022

* Removing 10 per cent excise tax and 14 per cent VAT charged on the importation of motor trucks, less than four years old, of any tonnage for the transport of goods

* Removing 14 per cent VAT on cranes, safety equipment, and oil spill response equipment * Removing 14 per cent VAT on importation of new haulers or similar vehicles for pulling containers and removing 10 per cent excise tax for new double cab pickups below 2,000 cc

* Hosting monthly farmers’ markets at locations to be specified in East Berbice, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, and West Coast Demerara

* Reducing excise tax from 110 per cent to 75 per cent for new double cab pickups between 2,000 and 3,000 cc

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

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Appeal Court reduces murder Prosecution closes case in convict’s 88-year sentence ‘Spin and Kill’ murder trial

JERMAINE Maynard, who in 2016 was sentenced to serve 88 years imprisonment for the gruesome murder of his ex-girlfriend, on Monday had his sentence reduced to 46 years by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

In 2016, Maynard was found guilty of the capital offence, which read that between December 31, 2013, and January 1, 2014, at Croal Street, Georgetown, he murdered Carlisa Matthews.

Trial judge, Navindra Singh, subsequently sentenced Maynard to 88 years in prison.

Dissatisfied, Maynard through his attorney Nigel Hughes, moved to the appeal court seeking to have the conviction and sentence overturned or set aside. He claimed that Justice Singh erred on several pertinent issues leading up to the verdict in the High Court.

As it relates to the severity of the sentence, Maynard claimed that the trial judge erred in law by failing to apply case law principles that promote fairness in sentencing.

The appeal was heard

by Chancellor (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

The state was represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dionne McCammon.

Justice Cummings-Edwards, while delivering the

Jermaine Maynard ruling, noted that the court a few months prior to the allowed the appeal in relation murder. to the sentence, but not his On December 31, 2013, conviction. around 21:00hrs, Matthews, The court found that the along with her mother and previously imposed sentence stepfather, were standing was manifestly excessive, outside the KFC restaurant taking into consideration the in the Stabroek Market area. life expectancy as outlined Maynard then apby the United Nations’ sen- proached her, drew a gun, tencing guidelines, and its and shot her to the head, previous rulings. causing her to fall to the As such, the court re- ground. Matthews was duced Maynard’s sentence rushed to the Georgetown to 46 years.

Public Hospital (GPH), The Guyana Chronicle where she succumbed had reported that Matthews to her injuries around and Maynard had shared a 02:15hrs on January 1, relationship, which ended 2014.

THE decision in the case filed by four men, who are seeking to overturn their 81-year sentence and conviction for the gruesome murder of 72-yearold, Clementine FiedtkouParris, is expected to be handed down today by the Court of Appeal.

Convicted for the murder are Orwin Hinds of Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Kevin October of Agricola EBD; Cleon Hinds; and Roy Jacobs of Evans Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

In November 2015, Justice Navindra Singh, at the Demerara High Court, sentenced the quartet after a 12-member jury found them guilty of the offence.

Though their attorneys,

the men moved to the Appeal Court claiming that the trial was unfair, the judge erred in law and that the sentence was unduly severe.

The men are also arguing that the trial judge admitted evidence that was prejudicial to a fair trial.

The appeal is being heard

by Chancellor (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

Orwin Hinds is being represented by attorney George Thomas, while attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson is on record for October and Cleon Hinds.

Dexter Todd is representing Jacobs.

It was reported that the four men murdered Fiedtk-

STATE prosecutor Lisa Cave on Monday closed her case as the trial of murder accused Travis Archer, called ‘Spin and Kill,’ continued before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court.

This was done after the final witness, government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, had testified. The matter was then adjourned until Tuesday, February 1, 2022.

Archer, who is being represented by attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, pleaded

Appeal Court ruling for ‘granny’ killers set for today

ou-Parris pursuant to an arrangement whereby money was to be passed from one person to another.

On the evening of June 30, 2011, two men went to the pensioner’s Robb Street, Georgetown house and asked for ‘Auntie’; a title by which she was called.

They were directed up a sidestep and, as the woman emerged from her bedroom, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot her several times to the upper part of her body.

The men then escaped in a waiting car, while the injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Travis Archer, called ‘Spin and Kill’

not guilty to the indictment, which read that on November 3 or 4, 2017, at ‘Blackand-White Bridge’, in ‘C’ Field, Sophia, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Jamal Munroe.

According to reports, Munroe, 24, reportedly died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) for injuries consistent with the gunshot wounds he sustained during an argument with Archer over a 32-year-old female shopkeeper of ‘D’ Field, Sophia.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Labour Ministry to launch virtual job bank

THE Ministry of Labour (MoL) is currently in the process of finalising a virtual “National Job Bank”, which is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2022, to connect job seekers and employers.

The platform, which will be available online, will be a place where job-seekers can post their credentials and employers can post vacancies.

This platform will allow potential employees and employers to interact.

This was disclosed by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, during his contribution to the 2022 budget debate, which began on Monday in the National Assembly.

The job bank will be catered for under the ministry’s $1.1 billion budgetary alloca-

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton tion for 2022 and will fall under the ministry’s Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA).

“The initiative is a great one. We’re about completing the platform and just have

some other things to add. We’re seeking to have it collaborate with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). Hopefully, by the next two weeks it should be launched. We have looked at it already and reviewed it, and we are just adding a few aspects before it is presented out there,” Hamilton told the Guyana Chronicle following his presentation.

He said: “It will be an online platform since the idea is to move away from this paperbased system. One of the most important things about it is to give access to persons in every region. Right now, because of how the system is, you have to come to present your credentials to the ministry.”

It is the mandate of the CRMA to match suitably qualified persons to existing vacan-

cies, canvass for job vacancies to place job-seekers, maintain vacancy records, provide advice, career guidance and counselling, as well as capacitybuilding for jobseekers.

After registering 1,171 per-

sons with the agency in 2021, 4, 000 is the target for registration in 2022 and placement of at least 3,000 in jobs.

Of the persons who sought jobs last year, 731 were submitted for possible employment

placement, while 186 were successfully placed in jobs. The others are awaiting interviews.

A total of 1,554 visits were also conducted by the CRMA to solicit vacancies for persons seeking employment.

Economic Watch: China’s economic outlook...

FROM PAGE 11 second-largest economy embarked on a new journey to build itself into a modern socialist country.

It has also been a bumpy ride. Faced with unexpected challenges and uncertainties, the country secured a stable recovery and progressed in high-quality development.

Now with the new year dawning, will China sustain its post-pandemic rebound into 2022? What are the economic priorities this year?

How will China navigate its journey toward socialist modernisation? Here are some key trends to watch.

PRIORITISING STABILITY Stability will be a priority for the Chinese economy in 2022. At the tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference last month, Chinese leaders stressed that economic work in 2022 should prioritise stability, while pursuing progress.

While cautioning that China’s economic development is facing pressure from demand contraction, supply shocks and weakening expectations, the meeting also highlighted the country’s strong economic resilience and unchanged fundamentals underpinning long-term growth.

Han Wenxiu, a senior official with the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, said despite increasing difficulties, China has ample favorable conditions for its economic growth, with strong resilience, a complete industrial chain, rich human resources, convenient infrastructure and a huge domestic market.

The macro policies in 2022 will be sound and effective, which means maintaining their continuity, stability and sustainability while improving their precision and operability, said Han. According to the World Bank’s prediction, China’s real GDP growth will reach 8 percent in 2021 and moderate mildly to a still-solid 5.1 per cent in 2022, and that its “momentum is expected to pick up, aided by a more supportive fiscal stance.”

MARKET VITALITY “If comparing social and economic development to a towering tree, then support-

ing market entities is to improve the soil underneath,” said Gao Peiyong, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In 2022, while paying closer attention to market entities’ performance and needs, Chinese market regulators have pledged to improve policy accuracy and effectiveness to help market entities cope with pressure and better support their sound development.

Han Dongcheng, a young entrepreneur in east China’s Anhui Province, said his company saved millions of yuan in rent last year thanks to local government policies to alleviate the corporate burden.

“Besides lower rent, we’ve also enjoyed tax reduction for high-tech companies, therefore we can put more funds into research and development,” said Han, who started a company on aerial imaging technology with his schoolmate in 2016.

The newly added tax and fee cuts were expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan (about 156.88 billion U.S. dollars) last year, official data showed. The tax and fee cut measures that expired by 2021 will be extended this year to support small businesses.

The country will also step up efforts to create a fair, transparent and stable institutional environment for all market entities, Zhang Gong, head of the State Administration for Market Regulation, told Xinhua.

DECARBONISATION PUSH The year 2021 is regarded as “Year One” for China to move toward carbon neutrality, which witnessed the release of a top-level design document for peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality and an action plan for peaking carbon emissions before 2030.

Under the guidance, new institutional innovations and policy tools to support the decarbonisation push, including a national carbon market that started trading last July, are expected to play a more prominent role in 2022.

A research report by Morgan Stanley last year said that it expected stronger policy support for green

investments in China from 2022 -- such as renewables, smart grid, power storage equipment and manufacturing equipment upgrades.

The green push is expected to inject new impetus into the Chinese economy. The investment bank forecast a recovery in infrastructure driven by green investment, saying it expects infrastructure investment growth to rebound to four per cent in 2022.

The wider use of carbon pricing, along with power sector reforms and the development of a wider set of green financing instruments, would help accelerate China’s low carbon transition while encouraging green innovation, thereby boosting medium-term growth prospects, the World Bank has pointed out.

STEADFAST IN OPENING-UP On the first day of 2022, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, the world’s largest free-trade deal to date, came into force.

The landmark event has not only sent a firm signal to support free trade and uphold the multilateral trading system but also marked a strong start for China in the new year in pursuing wider opening-up.

To further open up the economy, in late December, China shortened two negative lists for foreign investment for the fifth straight year to ease their market access.

China has also vowed to expand high-quality and institutional opening-up, grant foreign-funded enterprises national treatment, attract more investment from multinational companies and facilitate the early implementation of major foreign-invested projects in 2022, according to the Central Economic Work Conference.

Bucking a sharp drop in global cross-border investment, foreign direct investment into the Chinese mainland, in actual use, surged 15.9 per cent year on year to 157.2 billion US dollars in the first 11 months of last year, outnumbering the amount for the whole year of 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday, February 1, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 1, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 1, 2022

Pollard ‘up-talks’ dressing room unity after England series win (ESPNCRICINFO) - Kieron Pollard lent forward and sang the opening lines of Sizzla's Solid As A Rock at the post-match presentation, celebrating a series win that West Indies desperately needed.

It felt like the start of a recovery.

Only two weeks ago, West Indies' limited-overs side were at a low ebb.

With their disastrous defence of the T20 World Cup they had regained in 2016 fresh in the memory, Pollard stood in front of the cameras after a 2-1 defeat at home to an Ireland side, depleted by COVID-19, looking like a man at the end of his tether. "It's a sad day for us and sad day for West Indies cricket," he said.

On Sunday night, the contrast was stark. West Indies came together to celebrate a dramatic win in the T20I series decider against England with Pollard leading a lap of honour around the Kensington Oval. Jason Holder, who had iced the win with four wickets in four balls, 24 hours after conceding four consecutive sixes, chatted to Sir Garfield Sobers on the outfield while Pollard addressed those who have criticised him and his team.

"Every single one in that dressing room there, we rallied together throughout everything," he said, pointing towards the stands with a stump as though speaking at a political rally. "Every time we won a game there was something negative against us but we came out together and we really, really rallied. So, well done to every single one inside of there and every one of the supporters who supported us."

Pollard's falling-out with former CWI regimes - and his desirability on the franchise circuit -- meant that he was only a sporadic member of the West Indies set-up for many years, and has been a magnet for criticism from certain parts of the regional media since he became full-time limited-overs captain in 2019.

He was furious this week when claims emerged that Odean Smith had been dropped for the third T20I due to a falling-out with the captain -- claims which ignored the fact that Rovman Powell, who replaced him, had scored a spectacular hundred -- and shot them down after Sunday's win, saying simply: "Empty vessels make the most noise."

Pollard's captaincy has been an easy target but Sunday's decider was a reminder that you do not play 577 matches across a T20 career without learning a thing or two. He went against the grain by choosing to bat when chasing is in vogue, reasoning that runs on the board would put pressure on England's inexperienced line-up in a must-win situation, and backed himself to overcome an uncharacteristically slow start and provide West Indies with a defendable total.

In the chase, Pollard held back his two left-arm spinners to starve Moeen Ali of his favourite matchup and instead tied him down with hard lengths and his own canny cutters.

Then, he saw "the opportunity to pounce" as he put it, and the string of righthanders in England's middle and lower order failed to hit Akeal Hosein and Fabian Allen off their lengths. His gamble on Smith in the 18th

over backfired, but Holder held his nerve at the death.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of this series from Pollard's perspective was the wide range of contributions made by different players. West Indies had a different top-scorer in each of the five games, and their bowlers kept attacking whenever England tried to put them to the sword: across the series, West Indies took 43 wickets to England's 23.

Players who came in from the sidelines took their chances, encapsulated by Powell's hundred and Kyle Mayers' swashbuckling top-order cameos, while those who were disappointed to have missed out on the initial squad for last year's World Cup -- Hosein and Holder -- proved their respective points.

There was evidence, too, of West Indies' evolution with the bat, away from the boom-or-bust approach which was found wanting in the UAE. Across the five games they scored more sixes than England (51 to 45), and much as they struggled against spin -- and Adil Rashid in particular -- through the mid-

dle overs, they were better than England at rotating the strike, facing significantly fewer dot balls (220 to 251). As Pollard and Phil Simmons, the head coach, had desired, they improved upon their biggest weakness without detracting from their great strength.

"The guys have worked tirelessly," Pollard said.

"After coming from Jamaica, our heads were down but we had conversations in the dressing room about how we want to play cricket, and guys bounced back pretty well. The guys are putting their heads down, they're understanding what we want to do, what we want to achieve as a team and you saw the results tonight."

This win should be kept in perspective. West Indies won home series against Sri Lanka and Australia last year before bombing at the World Cup, and England's squad was at halfstrength in the absence of their multi-format players.

Their tour to India next month will be a tough challenge. At October's World Cup in Australia, where bouncy pitches and bigger boundaries are unlikely to

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suit them, they will need to avoid a slip-up in their first-round group in Hobart just to qualify for the Super 12s.

But if the last World Cup felt like the nadir for West Indies' T20I set-up, this series felt like the start of their comeback - and served as a reminder of the depth of short-form talent in the Caribbean.

Their side felt unbalanced at times but their surplus of all-rounders is a luxury that many sides would covet. With Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Shimron

Hetmyer, Andre Russell -- and who knows, maybe even Sunil Narine -- in contention to return at some stage this year, there is reason to believe that West Indies could come again as a major T20 force.

"Yes, it's one series, but we have been on the losing end of a lot of series and a lot of games," Pollard said. "It was a total team effort. Everyone rallied at some point in time. The guys really, really worked hard and, thank God, we came out victorious."

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Abu Rubait Alam – lone newcomer on SCA executive body ABU Rubait Alam was the lone new face among the executives when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday. Alam was elected unopposed as the association’s Webmaster after incumbent Abhinav Kavuru did not seek re-election.

The meeting was held virtually via Zoom for the second consecutive year and based on the SCA’s constitution only four posts were contested with Shiv Persaud (President), Eon Gunraj (Secretary), Vish Jadunauth (Chief Financial Officer), Calvin Alexander (Grounds Coordinator) and Abigial Rajkumar (Registrar/Statistician), the lone female on the executive body, all retaining their posts.

The other executive members, whose positions weren’t up for grabs this year, are Bisham Singh, (Vice-president); Matthew Francis (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer); Mark Lall (Assistant Grounds Co-ordinator) and Frederick Halley, who was appointed Public Relations Officer/ Marketing last November following the resignation of Craig Murdoch.

The SCA had the distinction of completing its season last year despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

President Persaud is optimistic that the 2022 season will commence in May with teams being able to compete in 14 games in the various divisions prior to the planned playoffs.

The Guyana-born Persaud, however, reminded those in attendance that “the health and safety of our members are of the utmost priority for us to have a successful season. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my fellow executives for all their hard work, commitment and

Wazeeda Bacchus is ECB female Cricket Development Chair Female cricket is expected to experience changes with the appointment of Wazeeda Bacchus. Bacchus, a former National cricketer, was unanimously elected to be the female cricket Development committee Chairperson of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB).

The appointment was done on Sunday at the first statutory meeting held by the ECB at the Imam Bacchus Learning Resource Centre, Affiance, Region Two. Immediately after the appointment, Bacchus, who has a passion for cricket, said that she is delighted to be part of the ECB more so in the resuscitation of female cricket in Region Two, the Islands and East Bank Essequibo.

Bacchus has years of experience in cricket and is a level 1 non-practis-

Wazeeda Bacchus

ing umpire. With her vast knowledge, she believes that she can help transform and change female cricket in various areas.

She intends to have more training and competition in each cricket area Committee for females as well as work

with schools that falls under the ECB to resuscitate or form school teams.

The cricket development committee will have one person from each area committee to assist in the development of female cricket in Region Two. Bacchus also intends to train at least two female coaches to work with females on the neighbouring Islands -- Wakenaam and Leguan -- as well as in Region Two and East Bank Essequibo.

Chairperson of the Essequibo Cricket Board, Daleep Singh, said that he has full confidence in Bacchus and used the opportunity to congratulate her on the new position.

He said that it is his vision as chairperson of ECB to see cricket boosted in the region especially female cricket which has been dominant for years.

Dottin stuns South Africa in Super-Over

Abu Rait Alam

sacrifices throughout the year.

Your efforts have never gone without being noticed. We are grateful to have the most supportive and engaged members that have transformed the association to heights never seen before in the SCA.” Persaud described 2021 as a historic season that saw many barriers eliminated, while progress continued.

“We started the year uncertain whether we will have the ability to play any games. In what was a repeat of another shortened season, we were able to complete our season successfully across all formats. Delightfully we saw sizable turnout of spectators during the finals that haven’t been seen in the recent years.”

According to the president, the SCA began the year by increasing the number of qualified coaches with five completing the Cricket Ontario-hosted National Coaching Certification Programme and Cricket Canada Level 1 coaching certificate. “We proceeded with the safety guidelines to begin our season and was allocated extended time in October. This presented

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 1, 2022

the opportunity for us to host the T20 Super Knockout Tournament which was well received by our members with 16 teams taking part; they rated their experience highly.

“With three teams participating, we launched our first ever Over 50 Division for the first time ever. The Over 50 Division was a huge success for the SCA with many players continuing to stay engaged in the game competitively. We have since received five new requests from clubs requesting to join the Over 50 Division. The SCA hosted a touring Cricket West Indies Masters Association team in a friendly that showcased many high profiled players of past years.”

Persaud highlighted that the SCA ended the year with a golden breakthrough for the hosting of the first ever Winter Cricket Season which is slated to be held annually. “This initiative would not have been possible without the incredible support from the five teams participating to kick off the inaugural edition.” (Frederick Halley)

(ESPNCRICINFO) -Inform Deandra Dottin dominated a pulsating super-over to hand West Indies Women victory, after a topsy-turvy run chase ended in a dramatic tie at the Wanderers.

In pursuit of a meagre 161 in a contest reduced to 41 overs per side due to rain here Monday, West Indies Women appeared all but beaten after slumping to 83 for six in the 21st over, despite Dottin’s topscore of 37.

However, a 54-run, seventh wicket stand between Chedean Nation (35) and Player-of-the-Match Chinelle Henry (26) hauled West Indies Women back into the contest and put them back on course for what appeared a straightforward win.

The pendulum swung yet again when Henry and new batter, Shamilia Connell (0) fell to successive deliveries at the start of the 32nd over but Nation put on 21 for the ninth wicket with Shakera Selman (11), to get West Indies Women within three runs of their target before perishing.

Selman pinched a single at the end of the 37th to draw the scores level but then missed a full length delivery from seamer Shabnim Ismail and was plumb lbw.

Once in the super-over, Dottin stamped her authority, plundering 19 runs from the first five deliveries before her

partner, Hayley Matthews, clobbered the final ball over mid-wicket for six, to leave the visitors defending 25 runs.

Facing a tall order, South Africa Women gathered 15 from the first four balls but off-spinner Matthews finished the over strongly, getting the wicket of Tazmin Brits stumped off the last ball.

“For us, we’re quite pleased. Looking back at the game, it shouldn’t have come down to this but it’s exciting,” said a calm West Indies captain, Stafanie Taylor.

“I guess West Indies love a bit of excitement. I’m glad the way we played in the super-over. Deandra and Hayley really played well and then Hayley finished it with the ball.”

West Indies Women had earlier produced an efficient performance with the ball after opting to bowl first, bundling the hosts out for 160 in the final over.

Openers Brits (25) and Laura Wolvaardt (25) posted 53 for the first wicket, and captain Sune Luus arrived at number four to punch a breezy 46 from 52 balls, but South Africa Women lost their last seven wickets for 69 runs.

Matthews (2-21), fellow off-spinner Karishma Ramharack (2-37), along with quicks Shamilia Connell (2-

22), Henry (2-32) and Shakera Selman (2-47), all finished with two wickets each.

Henry pulled the game back for her side by removing both openers, but Luus, who counted five fours and a six, rallied the innings by adding 33 for the fourth wicket with Mignon du Preez (9) and 29 for the fifth with Chloe Tryon (18).

Dottin then picked up from where she left off in last week’s abandoned opener when she notched a sparkling hundred, lashing five fours and two sixes in a quick-fire 31-ball knock.

She lost Rashada Williams (1) in the second over to a catch at wide slip off seamer Masabata Klaas (242) and put on 24 for the second wicket with Kycia Knight (3), before the lefthander scooped fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka (5-26) to cover in the seventh.

Dropped on 33 at mid-on at the end of the eighth over from Klaas, Dottin added only four more runs before going, bowled off her pads by a full length delivery from Khaka in the next over.

Matthews (4) holed out to a straightish long-off in the 11th over and Taylor (21) and Shemaine Campbelle (13) put 33 for the fifth wicket before falling within three balls of each other in the 21st over off Luus’s (225) leg-spin.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday February 1, 2022

CWI, Apex group announce title sponsorship for England tour Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Apex Group today announced an extended partnership which will see Apex Group (Apex) become the title sponsor of the threematch Apex Test Series between West Indies and England in March 2022.

Apex Group, a global provider of financial, sustainability and environmental services, will feature prominently on the global television broadcast, as well as prime pitch and wicket-branding placements, and the Apex logo will also appear on the breast of the West Indies Test kit for the duration of the Apex Test Series.

Apex will be granted ac-

All three Apex Test matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship with both West Indies and England vying for points to challenge for qualification for the World Test Championship final in 2023.

Johnny Grave, CWI’s CEO said: “We’re delighted to build on our growing relationship with Apex for the upcoming Apex Test Series, which continues to be the most anticipated and highest profile international sports event in the Caribbean. With the West Indies versus England Test rivalry dating back nearly one hundred years, this deeper partnership with Apex enables CWI to make cricket

more sustainable as we move towards a second century of West Indies cricket and build the next generation of cricketers across the Caribbean.”

Peter Hughes, Founder and CEO of Apex Group said: “Following a challenging two years for sport, we are pleased to be a part of the return of International Test Cricket hosted in the West Indies. This is an important partnership for us, as we look forward to further leveraging the combined global platform Apex Group and the West Indies represent, to raise awareness for driving greater environmental sustainability in the sport; for fans,

players and future generations.”

West Indies U-19 end World cup with win

who struck three fours and a six off 50 deliveries, before adding a further 102 with his brother David.

While Brian counted eight fours in an 84-ball innings, David slammed seven fours and three sixes off 105 balls.

Mitchell provided late acceleration, belting three fours and two sixes in an unbroken 74-run, fifth wicket partnership with David Bennett.

Zimbabwe felt they were in with a chance when Nandu perished lbw to Brian Bennett’s off-spin but Clarke and Wickham took the game away from them quickly in a dominant stand.

Wickham’s demise in the 35th over failed to halt the hosts’ charge as Rivaldo Clarke (28 not out) combined with Bishop in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 67, to see his side home.

West Indies Under-19s missed out on title competition after finishing third in Group D of the opening round, following defeats to Australia Under-19s and Scotland Under-19s.

Forced into the Plate phase of the tournament, the hosts suffered a shock 82-run defeat to United Arab Emirates Under-19s in the semi-finals last Friday.

CMC – Hundreds by Teddy Bishop and the in-form Kevin Wickham fired West Indies Rising Stars to a convincing eight- wicket victory over Zimbabwe Under-19s, as the hosts finished an otherwise disappointing ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign on a high note.

Asked to chase 257 in the 11th place playoff at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex here Monday, Rising Stars overhauled their target with four balls to spare.

Bishop, who has endured

cess to the West Indies team for marketing activation and content and will deliver several sustainability initiatives involving the participation of West Indies players.

CWI’s and Apex Sustainability Partnership commenced in October 2021, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with the Apex brand appearing on the West Indies’ ICC T20 World Cup shirt. Apex is providing sustainability and environmental advisory services over a three-year period as CWI’s Exclusive Sustainability Partner.

By providing CWI with annual carbon footprint assessments, Apex will help

a lean run in the tournament, top-scored with an unbeaten 112 off 122 deliveries and counted 11 fours and one six while Wickham, already with two half-centuries under his belt, struck 104 off 115 balls including 17 fours.

The pair put on 194 for the second-wicket after Matthew Nandu fell cheaply for one in the second over with West Indies Under-19s having as many runs on the board.

Choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a very competitive 256 for four

lead the way in driving sustainability in cricket across the region by supporting CWI in creating an action plan to reduce and offset climate altering outputs, including international travel.

The Apex Test Series will be played for the newly-minted Richards-Botham Trophy, named in honour of legends, Sir Vivian Richards and Lord Ian Botham. The Apex Test Series opens at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua from March 8-12, followed by the second Apex Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados from March 16-20. The third and final contest will be at the idyllic Grenada National Stadium from March 24-28.

Kevin Wickham continued his rich vein of form with a century

from their 50 overs, thanks to half-centuries from the Bennett twins -- David (77 not out) and Brian (62).

Connor Mitchell produced a whirlwind 42 not out off 26 balls towards the end while opener Steven Saul had earlier scored 34.

Fast bowler Johann Layne (2-44) made the early strikes to reduce Zimbabwe Under-19s to 25 for two in the seventh over before the Bennetts came to their side’s rescue.

Brian first put on 55 for the third wicket with Saul

MATCH SCHEDULE Apex Test Series, West Indies v England (10:00am local time/9:00am Jamaica Time) March 8-12: 1st Apex Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua March 16-20: 2nd Apex Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados March 24-28: 3rd Apex Test at Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

Dottin stuns South Africa in Super-Over PAGE

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Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin smashed 25 without loss in the Super-over (PCB)

CWI, Apex group Pollard ‘up-talks’ announce title sponsorship dressing room unity after for England tour PAGE

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The West Indies will host England in a three-match series in March with Apex Group as the title sponsor

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England series win

Kieron Pollard laughed off talks of a rift between him and Odean Smith (Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty Images) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022