Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-08-2022

Happy Emancipation Day

MONDAY 1st August, 2022 PRICE

$100

VAT INCLUSIVE

Emancipation enabled dignity for all humanity No.106801

PAGE

04

–– says President at Dinner and Cultural Presentation held at State House

Free Inside

Sod turned for $31.9B 03 Paediatric and Maternal Hospital in Goedverwagting PAGE

The hard-won struggles of our African ancestors for emancipation from slavery set the foundation for honour, respect and dignity for all of humanity and underpinned the importance and power of democracy, rule of law and upliftment of all people, President Ali told a gathering at the Emancipation Dinner and Cultural Presentation held at State House on Sunday (Adrian Narine photo)

President Ali to Congressman Jeffries: Stop playing politics with the future of Guyana

PAGE

05

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Scenes from Emancipation Dinner and Cultural Presentation at State House on Sunday night

(Adrian Narine photos)

Sod turned for $31.9B Paediatric and Maternal Hospital in Goedverwagting

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

By Tamica Garnett

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Sunday, turned the sod for a EUR$149 million (GUY$31.9 billion) Paediatric and Maternal Hospital (PMH) at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

The facility will have 256 beds, will cover 24,000 square meters gross floor areas and will have an imaging suite which will include CT scans, X rays, and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning equipment.

The hospital will also have a modern laboratory which will focus on conducting sophisticated testing.

It is the first project to come out of a Memorandum

An artist’s impression of the Paediatric and Maternal Hospital that will be built at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (Adrian Narine photo)

A section of the gathering at the sod-turning exercise (Adrian Narine photo) of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana and Austria, which was first signed in 2018. The project for the hospital was added in July 2021 while the contract for the hospital was signed on June 8 of this year.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony held at the proposed site of the hospital, President Ali emphasised the importance of bilateral agreements such as the one inked with Austria to see the realisation of the hospital.

“Bilateral relations are critical development to any country. Today is a special day in many regards, not

just in the bilateral relationship between Guyana and Austria. We have to be able to build trust with our partners and I’ve been working hard to build that trust and bring back that trust. We live in a global community.

We must have conversation with everyone,” the President said.

The project also marks Guyana’s first UK Export Credit Agency financing and is being done in accordance with the FIDIC yellow book standards, a standard contract where the design is carried out by the contractor.

Present at the event was UK High Commissioner,

Jane Miller, who commended the project and noted that the equipment for the hospital will be sourced from the UK. “So it will be high quality equipment. This is the first time Guyana has used UK Export Finance; the fact that you prioritise this is excellent,” Miller said.

GLOBAL PROVIDER The hospital is being built by VAMED Engineering, which was appointed by the Government of Austria. Headquartered in Austria, VAMED Engineering is a global provider for hos-

pitals and health care facilities.

The company has implemented more than 1,000 projects across the globe, operating in 100 countries on five continents. They have provided high-end services for more than 820 health facilities. In Latin America and the Caribbean, they have done projects in Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia and Haiti. The hospital in Guyana is expected to take two years to complete.

Managing Director of VAMED Engineering, Angelo Rizzuti and Austrian Trade Commissioner for Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana and the Caribbean, Dr. Andreas Schmid, were also present at the event and made brief remarks.

The new facility is expected to not only serve Region Four but will be a Level Five referral centre for women and children of all regions in Guyana, who are referred for specialised healthcare not available in their region. The three patient care groups that will be referred to the hospital will be maternal mothers, neonatal care and paediatrics.

Currently, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is Guyana’s only referral

President, Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the sod-turning exercise hospital.

VISION The PMH facility seeks to aid in the continuous effort being made to improve maternal and child health, reduce maternal and child mortality rates and improve equity and access to tertiary health care services for all citizens.

President, Dr. Ali noted that the hospital fits into the country’s overall developmental plan to improve, not just the physical infrastructure, but to develop the country’s human resource through better provisions in education and health.

“You will be well taken care of in this system. We are going to deliver to you the best system and package for you to live a healthy life,” the President said.

“All of this is critical as we embark on a bold pathway to national development and regional influence. It is building out a health care model that is not only focusing locally but focusing on the region, focusing on the diaspora.”

Also making remarks at the event was Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who called the realisation of

the hospital a milestone in the development of public health in Guyana.

“The turning of the sod would usher in a new era of public health in Guyana.

[The Paediatric and Maternal Hospital] would be the largest public health investment in the entire history of Guyana,” Dr. Anthony noted.

Dr. Anthony said the hospital will also include a full cardiac suite where paediatric surgery will be done; while there will also be specialised care in the area of paediatric oncology for children suffering from cancer.

“The services that will be offered at this hospital will be far advanced,” said Dr. Anthony.

“The whole purpose of what we are doing here is to offer services that have never been offered in this country. Our primary goal is to reduce morbidity and by doing that reduce people dying from these diseases.

The investment that we are making here is people centric investment to ensure our people benefit from world class health care in Guyana free of cost.”

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Emancipation enabled dignity for all humanity –– President Ali

THE hard-won struggles of our African ancestors for emancipation from slavery set the foundation for honour, respect and dignity for all of humanity and underpinned the importance and power of democracy, rule of law and upliftment of all people.

These are the sentiments shared by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali as he delivered remarks on Sunday evening at an Emancipation Dinner and Cultural Presentation held at State House, ahead of Emancipation Day, today.

“Emancipation laid the foundation, it was the ultimate sacrifice. How do we

use this freedom? How do we protect this freedom?

Do not misplace this freedom, use it to help others,” the President encouraged, adding: “Freedom can never have double standards. We must be committed to it, we must love it, we must feel it.

The pain of others must be the pain of ourselves. I say to all of us: do not ascribe powers unto yourself to diminish that freedom.”

On August 1 this year, Africans in Guyana celebrate the 184th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Guyana, called Emancipation Day. Guyana shares Emancipation Day with other

July 30, 2022

B 11 12 15 18 23 24 21 July 27, 2022

L 03 09 12 15 17 23 04

Caribbean nations that were former British colonies.

Emancipation Day is considered one of the most important days in the history of Guyana as it is celebrated in recognition of the courageous efforts and sacrifices of men and women of African descent in the fight for their freedom and that of their descendants.

“Our African brothers and sisters and ancestors paid dearly with their lives.

The harshness of what they went through can never be overstated. But the dignity of the struggle, the broadness and wideness of their struggle was for the dignity of all of humanity,” the President said.

According to the President, the abolition of slav-

30/07/22 - 09, 10, 18, 21, 23

ery meant freedom not only for the Africans, but set the precedence for freedom for others as well. The President highlighted that the freedom fought for by the African slaves laid the platform for every society to act and work freely.

“It was not just a freedom to get out of bondage, it was a freedom that sought [for the slaves] to be integrated into the economic and social collective network of advancing life and nationhood. The freedom was much larger. It was a freedom that allows society to act freely and it is that freedom that is evolving around the world,” the President said.

The President underscored that Guyanese must now honour the sacrifices

30/07/22 - 2 3 3

of our African ancestors by resisting any attempt to alter the fullness of the freedom they struggled for.

“We must respect that sacrifice by resisting racism, denouncing hate and embracing human dignity.

We must have formed the oneness of our humanity.

And in Guyana, we are working in building the oneness of humanity in creating the One-Guyana that will uplift us all together and lead us all to better life together,” the President said.

According to the President, emancipation was not an event and was not only about a victory, but was a movement that brought together people, united in a singular cause.

30/07/22 - 7 5 1

“A cause in which they saw dignity and freedom for all humanity,” he said.

This freedom, the President added, led to social transformation and allowed for a sense of identity and removing a scourge of indignity, and allowing for confidence in expression of cultural identity.

“It is that freedom that gave us the confidence today that we can dress in the attire of those ancestors that came before. And that we can do so proudly. It is those freedom that allow us to enjoy what we enjoy today, communion with each other, communion with the family of humanity,” he said.

The occasion featured songs, dances and other presentations.

30/07/22- 2, 5, 8, 11, 17, 20, 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Stop playing politics with the future of Guyana –– President Ali tells Congressman Jeffries

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has taken US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries to task after he failed to respond to an invitation to meet with him last week during his visit to Washington DC. The President called out the seemingly Opposition-aligned Congressman while delivering remarks on Sunday at the sod-turning ceremony for the Paediatric and Maternal Hospital, at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara Congressman Jeffries, the US Representative for New York’s Eighth Congressional District since 2013 has been expressing views that are critical of the government.

Given the Congressman’s concerns, the President noted that he had instructed that an invitation be sent for a meeting with Jeffries while he and his delegation were in the US. “Let me be clear on this.

This President asked the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Ambassador Hinds [Guyana’s ambassador to the US) to write him [Congressman Jeffries] inviting him to a meeting.”

The Congressman; however, according to the President, never replied to the invitation.

“He has not responded to the ambassador’s invitation. Ask yourself why? If you have all these concerns

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali why you haven’t attended a meeting you were invited to?” the President questioned.

“Stop playing politics with the future of a country. This President will not allow it. I will speak about it and in stronger terms I’ll speak about it,” he said.

Other Congressional members have lauded the President for his visionary leadership. During his visit to the US, the President was bestowed with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The recognition of the 18th District of Texas to President Ali recognises his election victory as a “triumph of democracy” while praising his vision for the Guyanese people.

President Ali was in

US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries the US last week with a high-level delegation, which included Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. While there, he met with several high-level US officials to advance the strategic shared interest between the two countries.

Coming out of the meetings, Guyana signed a historic US$2B agreement with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States in Washington.

The agreement represents an important milestone in US-Guyana relations since it lays the foundation for Guyana to access EXIM financing and facilities for the first time and provides for interventions on a scale that is likely to have a lasting developmental impact.

5

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Peaceful Co-existence EMANCIPATION DAY has been celebrated in Guyana and across the former British Empire on August 1st for as long as everyone alive in The Commonwealth can remember, with this morning’s annual libation ceremony observing the 188th anniversary of that day in 1834 when enslaved people of African descent were legally declared as free across.

Emancipation came following Abolition of Slavery by King George III, but the total freedom of the enslaved was conditional upon serving at least four years of Apprenticeship, during which they were to give free labour to their former masters.

Emancipation and Apprenticeship were followed by Indentureship, which opened the way for Indian labourers to provide the equivalent of slave labour lost through Emancipation.

But Emancipation didn’t come about just because King William IV awoke with a good heart on the morning of August 1. Instead, it’s because the French Revolution of 1789 and the Haitian Revolution in 1804 had led to countless irreversible revolts in the British Empire and it was clear slavery’s days were numbered.

Apprenticeship, too, was not about preparing the ex-slaves for new lives without chains, but instead it gave enough time for the British to find a new way to replace slave labour, leading to Indentureship, the start

of which revolved heavily around British Guiana.

The infamous ‘Gladstone Experiment’ resulted in the arrival of the first 396 Indian immigrants in British Guiana on August 5, 1838, who were distributed not only to John Gladstone’s two West Demerara estates and Belle View, West Bank Demerara, but also to faraway ones like Highbury and Waterloo, East Bank Berbice and Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.

Emancipation and Indentureship were clearly just two schemes to ensure continued exploitation of human labour to keep the profits of the slave trade coming despite abolition, even though the Indian Indentured labourers were supposed to have been enticed by five-year ‘contracts of industrial residence’.

Emancipation, Apprenticeship and Indentureship were therefore different parts of the same system that kept slavery going without chains and guaranteed the profits of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade would still be made by the British planters.

Emancipation was therefore sold by the enslavers as an event worth celebrating with an annual holiday across the Empire, while it meant conditional freedom for the ex-slaves and was a stopgap measure to change the mode and model of exploitation and production.

With what we know now about why

Emancipation came and what it meant to the enslavers and the enslaved, the question is: Is Emancipation worth celebrating?

It’s not an easy question to answer, but while some narratives invent divisions and differences between the experiences of enslaved Africans and Indentured Indian labourers, Guyana has shown, even before independence, that the descendants of both (enslaved and indentured) can co-exist peacefully and work together in common interests.

Unfortunate historical circumstances coloured by partisan political considerations have, over time, led to violent clashes between Guyanese of African and Indian descent, but all the rest of the Republic’s history has shown that when left to live together, Guyanese of all racial and ethnic backgrounds do see themselves as part of one Guyana.

PPP/C administrations have always lent full support to national activities for every August 1st Emancipation Day celebration since 1992, including facilitating the hosting of ceremonial African royalty and a warm Guyanese welcome from Prime Minister Brigadier-General, Mark Phillips. And it was a PPP/C administration, in 2013, that signed-up Guyana to CARICOM’s call for reparations for slavery and native genocide.

And successive PPP/C administrations have maintained support for CARICOM’s

Reparations demand, as often repeated by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, at every opportunity at home and abroad, like when he met then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London last April or during his meeting last week with US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the US Congressional Black Caucus and champion of the longstanding HR-40 bill pursuing Reparations for African Americans.

The racial/ethnic balance in Guyana is almost equal, unlike South Africa where the imbalance is more pronounced, resulting in continuing distrust of the minority by the majority – again, unlike Guyana, where the more-equal balance has led to greater levels of peaceful co-existence -- until racial, ethnic and cultural tensions are uprooted for partisan political and electoral reasons and considerations.

This everlasting but often-interrupted demonstration of Guyanese people’s ability to live side-by-side and work together is, unfortunately, a hidden element of a reality some would prefer not to admit. But while reality can change, truth cannot be erased -- and history has truly taught that Guyanese have always had what it takes to live and work together in national unity and common harmony.

All that said, here’s to a happy, peaceful and fruitful Emancipation Day observance for all Guyanese!

Emancipation Day provides an opportunity for all to unite and build a better Guyana

Dear Editor,

August 1, 2022 marks 184 years since Emancipation from slavery. Although there is no official records as to the exact date in which the first batch of slaves arrived in the then colony of Dutch Guiana, slavery is believed to have lasted for nearly two hundred years before it was finally abolished on August 5, 1838.

The abolition of slavery resulted in the arrival of a wave of immigrants mainly from India, but also from Madeira, China and the Caribbean. One immediate consequence of the arrival of indentured immigrants to the colony was that it altered the demographic structure of the colony which hitherto had a predominant Black population co-existing with the

indigenous Amerindians who, according to some historians, inhabited the geographical space of Guyana over 35,000 years ago. It was with the arrival of large scale Indian indentured labourers which ended in 1917 that fundamentally altered the demographic configuration to what currently obtains.

For the most part, the evolving population structure which began since the early days of European colonisation was not of our making although it did result subsequently in the forging of a multi-ethnic society which has now evolved into high levels of ethnic tolerance, multi-culturalism and resilience.

It is indeed noteworthy that attempts by the planters to pit one ethnic group against the other failed. The first such attempt was to use the Amerindians to cap-

ture run-away slaves but that was by and large unsuccessful. The same was true of trying to create strife between Indians and Blacks but all those attempts failed due to the rising class consciousness of the subject populations.

In a real sense the arrival of the planter class along with African slaves and later on the indentured labourers set the stage for intense class struggles between what was perceived to be the ‘oppressors’ and the ‘oppressed class’ which resulted in some epic rebellions, the most significant of which was the Berbice Slave Rebellion of 1763 led by the indomitable Cuffy in whose honour a national monument was erected.

Similar rebellions took place in the sugar plantations and there were instances where both Africans and Indians join ranks in the struggle against what they perceived to be

their common enemy. It was the shooting to death of five sugar workers at Enmore that catalysed the formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) which changed the tide of the politics of the time and blazed the trail for representative and accountable forms of governance and ultimately to independence status.

The point in the above is that class considerations had always been a factor in the struggle against exploitation and injustice which dated back ever since the arrival of slaves in the colony and which gained momentum with the arrival of indentured labourers.

The basis for inter-ethnic solidarity was laid by the very nature of the colonial construct which sociologists See page 8

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Region Six has seen significant improvements and outcomes in its health facilities

Dear Editor,

THE Region Six Health Department is grateful that a letter dated 24th of July, 2022, captioned “Gov’t’s healthcare programme lacks equity in rural areas” provides an opportunity to highlight the significant improvement in the health sector of Region Six over the last two years.

After many years of improvement, the Region Six health sector experienced some serious setbacks after 2015. For example, X-Ray services at the New Amsterdam Hospital virtually disappeared.

The National Ophthalmology Hospital virtually closed. Medicine and medical supplies were scarce. On several occasions, the operating theatre at the New Amsterdam Hospital was closed because of unavailability of supplies and poor equipment maintenance. Laboratory service throughout the sector in Region Six was sporadic. The New Amsterdam Hospital’s mortuary was down most of the time until 2020. Mibikuri Hospital functioned more like a health centre. The Port Mourant Ophthalmology Hospital almost closed and the National Psychiatric Hospital was a national scandal. Community outreach programmes, especially to riverain areas, came to a halt.

Since late 2020, the Region Six Health Department resumed the community outreach programmes. These outreach programmes are critical, as the sector pursues health equity. The operation of Level 1 (Health Posts) and Level 2 (Health Centres) is very important to ensure equity in health care. These facilities are where women seek antenatal and postnatal care and where children’s vaccination programmes ensure that all children are protected from 18 deadly vaccine-preventable diseases. In 2021, infrastructural upgrades were done to all the Health Centres in Region Six at a cost of about $100M. In the case of Orealla and Siparuta Health Centres, deep in the Corentyne River, both were provided with ATVs in early 2022 to allow the health workers to conduct outreaches to persons who had difficulties in accessing healthcare. We have also developed vaccine-storage capacity at the Siparuta Health Centre. These health centres have permanent doctor-led services. Thus far for 2022, four specialist outreaches have been done in Orealla and Siparuta.

Bara-Cara equally benefitted, with six medical outreaches already for 2022, including ultrasounds and VIAs being made available for the first time on these

outreaches. VIAs are critical for cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our reports indicate a total of 63 outreaches being done for the year thus far with 12 alone being conducted in the month of July. This is also the highest number of outreaches recorded for Region Six to date. These outreaches also catered for the homes and orphanages in the region.

All health centres now have visiting doctors and scheduled chronic disease clinics. In some health centres we have added specialised services such as dental services and VIA services.

The region, working in collaboration with the MoH, has ensured the expansion of the Emergency and Outpatient Units with additional services added. Thus far for 2022, more than 100 ultrasounds have already been done at Mibikuri Hospital. Before now, these persons would have had to travel to New Amsterdam or to Port Mourant for ultrasound or be referred to a private facility. ECG is now also a routine service at Mibikuri.

Specialist clinics for the NCDs, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases, have now been resumed at Mibikuri Hospital. In addition, digital X-Ray equipment has been procured and is awaiting installation. Equipment has also been procured for the laboratory services.

Once installed, fewer persons would be referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital from Mibikuri Hospital. The health sector is also working on commissioning a mortuary at the Mibikuri Hospital. This hospital is one of the hospitals where telemedicine will be added in 2023/2024 to permit radiologist-led imaging diagnostics and ophthalmologist-led diabetic eye-screening.

The Port Mourant Hospital is, indeed, an old hospital. This hospital is on the re-development programme in the next few years. In the meantime, outside of adding doctors to the roster to raise the level of care, some significant improvements are visible. There are now routine ECGs, ultrasounds, and X-Rays. The X-Ray has been installed this year and because it is a modern digital X-Ray, it will be linked to the GPHC via a PAC system to permit the GPHC radiologist to help in diagnosis. The laboratory has been improved with new equipment that allows more laboratory testing to be done.

A new TB clinic has started. There is also now a mortuary.

Beginning in a matter of weeks, the construction of a new hospital at #75 Village will begin. This new hospital will replace the old Skeldon Hospital

(Level 3). The new Skeldon Hospital will function as a Level Four hospital, like the New Amsterdam Hospital. But that does not mean that efforts to improve the old hospital will not continue.

A range of new medical equipment, such as ventilators for critically ill patients, ultrasound and ECG, have been added.

A new, refurbished Male Ward has been commissioned. A new ambulance was also handed over to the hospital recently.

The New Amsterdam Hospital now has three fully functional operating theatres and an Infectious unit has been added. The hospital is now capable of an expanded range of surgeries, including laparoscopy surgeries. On the 13th of July the first Arthroscopic surgery was done at the said hospital and the patient is in the recovery process. CT imaging is now done at the New Amsterdam Hospital, with more than 1600 done free of charge, including CT with contrast, since last year. The CT is linked to the GPHC through a PAC system, permitting teleradiology service with specialists from GPHC. With this technology, referrals to GPHC have been severely reduced. Two new ultrasound machines allow upgrades in the service available in the emergency room.

The National Ophthalmology Centre which for most of the period 2015 to 2020 was literally closed resumed full operations this year.

Since February 2022, surgeries, including cataract surgery have resumed.

So far this year more than 1,047 surgeries have been done, with another more than 1,000 scheduled for the next two months.

Presently, cataract patients from Regions 1 to 10 are receiving cataract surgery at Port Mourant.

This is just a cursory glimpse of the upgrades that were done in the Region Six health sector.

Only recently the Parliamentary Committee on social services headed by Dr Karen Cummings, an Opposition MP, visited the health institutions in Region Six and was particularly pleased to see the significant improvements in the health sector in just the last two years.

One of the sore challenges in the period after 2015 was the frequent massive medicine shortage. This year so far, shortages have been almost eliminated, with availability between 85 and 95 per cent.

The improvement has translated in the significant improvement in regional indicators showing a 46 per cent reduction in transfers to GPHC, from 407 in 2017 to

220 in 2021. In 2021, 19,206 X-rays were performed, the highest recorded to date.

Similar increases have been recorded for ultrasounds, ECGs, CTs and laboratory tests. All the diagnostic departments in our level three and four facilities (hospitals) have been fully functional with the aim to reduce downtime, and this is reflective in our indicators. In 2022, so far, Region Six has recorded no maternal death and has recorded improvement in stillbirths and neonatal mortality rate.

The dialysis unit at New Amsterdam Hospital is fully operational and we have even had an increase in patient load from 18 to 25, to date. We are also in the process of setting up a Regional Oncology Unit which is expected to bring further relief to the residents of Regions Five and Six. The Regional Blood Bank for 2021 has exceeded its target and collected 2007 units blood for 2021, which is also the highest to date. This is another area where we have begun to exceed our targets significantly.

While there remain major challenges, the health sector in Region Six has seen significant improvement in every facility and the improvements have translated into better outcomes. While emphasis has been placed on quality of service, patient-experiences have been particularly prioritised.

This is the reason much attention has been paid to waiting areas, rest room facilities etc.

It is no accident that the Parliamentary Committee in its recent visit commended the region for the visible improvement in health. This improvement is seen in both the environment and the quality of care at the National Psychiatric Hospital. As one enters the National Psychiatric Hospital, the improvement becomes immediately visible.

Rebuilding and re-establishing health services for Region Six have been challenging tasks.

These were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While we acknowledge that there remains vast room for improvement, the letter writer appears to either be unaware of what is taking place in the sector, or that he relied much on hearsay.

The doctors, nurses and the allied health workers have been working hard to regain the confidence of people in Region Six. Yours sincerely, Dr Vishalya Sharma

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Work of the Chronicle board, management and staff deserving of praise Dear Editor, I write to applaud the work of management, editorial board and reporters of the Chronicle. A general manager’s job is not an easy one —to raise revenues and hold the staff.

An Editor-in-Chief, any editor’s task, is also no easy walk in the park.

They have done a remarkable job over [the] last two years.

I served as editor-in-chief of several Caribbean and Guyanese community publications and as managing editor of my job’s publication in New York over many years. It was extremely hard work with no thanks for doing the job. The roles of general manager or managing editor or editor-in-chief vary but it is usually multi-dimensional and multi-tasking.

The GM has to procure and manage revenues to pay bills and has demonstrated competence in this area. The EiC’s roles include proof-reading and oversight to guard against libel or foul

language in addition to addressing content, style, and meaning. The EiC has been outstanding.

The issue of effectiveness of a GM or an editor or managing editor can’t only be determined by the quality (personality) of the person in the role. It’s also the structure and support given by the entire organisation around the person performing the role. Everyone must work in synthesis towards success and not at cross purposes. Such type of professional management style provides good editing and media reporting and work camaraderie in the news organisation.

I browsed through the state newspaper almost on a daily basis and read every line in some articles for decades. The state newspaper has come a long way from two years ago when it was used primarily for propaganda purposes libeling people in the process to defend and promote the-then undemocratic government. It used to publish a lot of untruths and attacks against people and organisa-

tions during the coalition tenure. Such types of reporting, commentaries, and editing have been absent over the last two years since it got a new editor in chief in August 2020. The GM has performed well. I commend the management of the paper and its editing. The EiC and GM get the job done. They are true professionals.

Many of the paper’s editorials are outstanding. The editor-in-chief is deserving of praise for the professionalism and balance on display in his role. He is a fine editor with many years of experience. Management, the public, other media colleagues, and the government must support the paper and its staff. It is hard work to manage and or edit a state media house.

I salute the hard [work] of management, editor in chief, editors, reporters and those who seek to boost the standing of the newspaper.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Emancipation Day provides an opportunity ...

From page 6

described as an ‘implanted society’ whose only raison d’etre was to create wealth for the expatriate class by way of free or, as in the case of indentured labourers, cheap labour.

Today, someone and half-century later we are a free society. The society is no longer dichotomous as in the past with an oppressive class presiding over the oppressed. For the most part, we are now masters of our own destiny and there is today a fair degree of cordiality and tolerance among the various ethnic groups in the country.

There are some in the political opposition who still continue to peddle the nonsense of race in Guyana even as the current PPP/C Administration is doing everything possible to ensure that the economic and social gains of the country are distributed in a fair and equitable manner. President Irfaan Ali’s One-Guyana vision holds great promise for the realisation of a society which accords with the dreams and aspirations of our foreparents who heroically stood up against the injustices of the past in order to create the foundations of a prosperous and harmonious society.

It is interesting that while the political opposition in Guyana is accusing the PPP/C of discriminatory practices, there are others who represent strong African constituencies both in Guyana and abroad and are high in praise of President Ali and his administration of being fair and even-handed in the manner in which he treats with the Guyanese people. During his recent visit to the United States of America, President Ali received accolades from several Black Congressional leaders for what they regarded as his inclusive governance style and for his role in advancing the cause of all Guyanese right across the political and ethnic spectrum. These are persons who are not known to be sympathetic to President Ali or the PPP/C but who are influenced by unbiased and objective thinking about how things are unfolding in Guyana under the current PPP/C administration.

As we celebrate yet another Emancipation Day, we need to give praise to those who are seeking [to] promote and strengthen our oneness.

President Ali has established a mechanism for an integrated society in which there is no privileged culture or group and where all Guyanese regardless of race, religion and culture have an equal role to play in this exciting task of nation- building. His One Guyana Vision has now provided that overarching framework to bring the Guyanese people together under a single roof.

Our Guyana is today much richer for our diversity. Emancipation Day provides us all with an opportunity to renew that call to come on board as we seek to build a new Guyana in which there are opportunities for all to grow and develop to the full limit of their potential.

A Happy Emancipation Day to all Guyanese!

Yours sincerely, Hydar Ally

Food safety, security a shared responsibility

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

–– among governments, producers and consumers of Caribbean member states, says Minister Mustapha

EVERYONE has a role to play in food safety, from the farm to the table, to ensure the food consumed is safe, said Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, while delivering the feature address at the Caribbean Agriculture Health and Food Safety Agency’s (CAHFSA) second annual symposium.

Minister Mustapha, who also serves as Chairman of the CARICOM Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Safety, said food safety and security is a shared responsibility among governments, producers, and consumers of Caribbean member states.

“We are all here because we understand the importance of the health and well-being of our national populations, at the same time acknowledging the crucial role that safe food plays in public health and by extension food security of our region.

CAHFSA plays an important role in the Caribbean’s agricultural food systems, that is, in enhancing regional development in agricultural health and food safety through the application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures which contribute to the welfare of our regional population,” he noted.

Since its establishment, CAHFSA has been mandated to perform a coordinating and organising role for the establishment of an effective and efficient regional sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regime and to execute on behalf of Member States such SPS actions and activities that can be more effectively and efficiently executed through a regional mechanism.

Minister Mustapha also indicated that CAHFSA recently played an important role in the development of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) guidelines for five animal and 14 plant products which will serve to enhance the framework for trade in agricultural commodities among the Caribbean member countries.

“This was consequent to regional trade being constrained by several factors, including, the absence of clear guidelines and protocols for movement of plant and animal products. Further, to support boosting economic development and securing the livelihoods in our member states, a Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security is working closely with the private

sector on transforming Regional Agri-Food Systems with a special focus on the complete removal of all intra-regional barriers to trade,” he added.

INTRA-REGIONAL TRADE Furthermore, Minister Mustapha told the participating officials that agricultural trade, particularly intra-regional trade, can play a significant role in achieving food and nutrition security in the Caribbean region.

“As it is, agricultural trade between Caribbean member states remains at relatively low levels, and, as a result, the region is highly dependent on extra-regional imports for over 50 per cent of

food and nutrition needs, and for some countries, that figure is even higher. If we want to lower our food import bill and achieve food security, the Caribbean Community needs to work together to lower this statistic by transforming agri-food systems to increase production and intra-regional trade. The importance of taking action can be seen from the effects of the economic shock and disruption of food supply chains caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; elevating the importance of increasing regional food supply and intra-regional trade,” he said.

While touching on some of the bilaterals held during the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo that

was held in Guyana last May, Minister Mustapha added that with the expected increase in agricultural production by CARICOM Member States to meet the 25 per cent by 2025 target, governments must ensure that they are on par with the necessary guidelines related to producing safe food for consumption.

“We must push for the establishment of a Caribbean Task Force on Food Safety that will act as a formal coordination mechanism, advising and strengthening the works of CAHFSA on food safety. Nevertheless, at the COTED Ministerial Meeting held on 22nd July, a Regional Agricultural Health and Food Safety Policy was approved to help reduce and remove

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha all non-tariff barriers to intra-regional trade,” he added.

Approximately 41 officials from across the Caribbean participated in the virtual symposium. (Ministry of Agriculture)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Finding the time –– shaping their future

CHILDREN are a work in progress; indeed, we all are, even those adults who think they know it all or have reached where they are going. Lifelong- learning exists; we can learn something new every day, regardless of age.

Learning new things can be a relished luxury when we remain young at heart and open-minded.

As parents, we like to feel we are in tune with our children. We know all about them and what is going on in their lives. But the rise in the cost of living globally, on the heels of a still present pandemic means that many parents are playing catch up. They are coping with the new normal and getting by each day to the best of their ability.

With so much going on, it is easy to forget what our children may be ex-

periencing at their stage of childhood (development). It may even appear that children have it easy. They do not have to worry about paying bills, making ends meet, or maintaining a home.

All children have to do is behave; do as they are told, and help out here and there.

Regardless of the strain adults are under, we must not forget to spend quality time with our children. Even the smallest child needs attention, affection and encouragement from parents and caregivers. Babies need adults to speak to them, read to them, and play with them, stimulating their minds and building their vocabulary and communication skills for the future. Even though they cannot speak, babies thrive when they are loved and cherished, and their environment is conducive to their growth and development.

Positive input from parents, caregivers, siblings and extended family members during their early years (0 -5) will decrease the likelihood of babies developing physical or mental issues later on in childhood.

For instance, if a child lacks parental attention and sees strangers constantly passing through his home, he may feel insecure. The comfort and safety elements needed for his stability and contentment are not in place.

Although he will grow, strive and survive, those fundamental elements are still missing. Consequently, he may develop attention-seeking issues later in childhood, e.g. always trying to be the centre of attention, acting loud, and constantly getting into trouble. Or he might find it hard to maintain friendships with his peers; lacking the ability to bond naturally and connect sincerely due to poor self-image.

Adults can directly or indirectly, cause children to develop a range of attitudes, behaviours and emotional issues, due to inattentiveness to children’s needs or other shortcomings.

It is a fact that some people take their frustration out on babies. They shout at them, causing distress, slap them instead of speaking to them and treat them like a ‘problem’. When parents realise that every day is a learning day for babies, they can set aside time to nurture their offspring correctly.

Babies need to feel cherished, loved and appreciated. They need consistency and a stable environment where they are or at least feel like ‘priority’. Children raised in a child-friendly, secure home are more balanced in learning and interactions with others and peers.

Singing songs to baby, counting with baby, talking nicely to baby and giving hugs is the way to go. Outside pressures should never prevent nurturing moments with babies - every positive input makes an impression on the future.

Children need love, guidance, protection and attention from adults at all stages of their development. Even the competent children who adults depend on like their ‘right-hand man’ need time to off-load occasionally and experience more of their childhood.

During the school holidays, arrangements are made for children to be looked after by neighbours, rela-

tives, grandparents and friends. Some children attend summer camp, while others (who shouldn’t be) are left alone at home with strict instructions and hopefully a neighbour’s watchful eye.

Whatever the circumstances, parents must remember to make time to maintain a caring relationship with their children. Adults might think, ‘it’s not that I don’t care about my kids or how they spend their day. It’s just that when I reach home, I’m so tired, I need to sit down. My feet ache, and I still have things to do’.

It is ‘all go’, and parents are consistently on the move, but children need their consideration, affection, and direction. Spending ten to fifteen minutes at a time talking and listening to children is all it takes to keep the link and stay connected to their lives and world. Their experiences, concerns, apprehensions and opinions are worth sharing and hearing.

Children hardly recognise the valuable input from adults and loved ones during childhood - they seem preoccupied with video games, online activity and other modern-day pastimes. When they are grown and reflect on the positive elements of their youth (as we all do), will they identify the significance of parental and adult involvement in their development– or the lack of, in some cases?

If weekdays are busy with little time to spare, parents can find some quality time at weekends, reflecting on the week in more detail and reviewing areas that need to be addressed or discussed. Parents need to stay on top of important issues and not let them slide or get swept underneath the carpet.

There is one definitive way that adults and parents can assist, encourage and guide children of all ages; and that is by staying in tune with them through communication, dedication and love.

Only adults can provide the comfort and security children need in their lives – they must not let them down.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Manual launched to help parents improve their parenting skills

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), has launched a special parenting programme facilitators’ manual to better aid the development of children across the country.

According to a release, the trainer of trainers will target anyone who wants to be trained.

“We are working with volunteers and our own officers and people in the communities. Parents will be exposed to knowledge of child development and non-violent methods of discipline and assistance to overcome personal dysfunction that is affecting their parenting role. The programme also aids in the process of de-institutionalisation of children and unnecessary separation of children from their parents,” the release said.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, expressed her optimism of the manual complimenting other initiatives of the ministry.

“The special parenting manual is an excellent investment by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. It was compiled within the Childcare and Protection Agency with support from other agencies and spearheaded by former Director, Ann Greene and Senior Probation and Social Services

“There is a generation gap between the parents, grandparents, caregivers and children. Hence, there is the need to bridge those gaps through parenting.

This training will help parents to improve parenting skills since the way those adults were raised will be the very way they raise their children,” the release quoted Gouveia as saying.

The Deputy Director

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, reviews the special parenting programme facilitators’ manual Officer, Sherri-Ann Vandeyar-Francois. I am very happy this manual could be launched right now, because the ‘Every Child Safe’ campaign could be rolled out across the country and this is an important component where we would be focusing on the parents and helping to navigate the challenges of parenting,” Minister Persaud said.

The minister added: “Before working with parents, there would be a massive training of trainers’ exercise so that all communities across the country would be able to help the Ministry of Human Services to roll out the parenting manual. I

look forward for persons coming on board, wanting to work with us as trainers and I look forward to a time when parents can breathe a sigh of relief because there is that kind of support that will help them deal with all kinds of situations that can be considered modern in the sense of difficulties and challenges, so it is that kind of comprehensive manual.”

CPA Assistant Director, Levine Gouveia noted that the parenting manual is much needed since awareness is paramount as it looks to create a holistic environment that caters for their social and emotional development.

related that sessions will be held at the community level to help eradicate child abuse and help family units to function better, the release noted.

“CPA has recognised that parenting training is essential for parents since family dysfunction continues to be high, creating serious vulnerability for children that warrants their separation from the

family.

The parenting training programme is a preventative one which aims at providing capacity building for couples or single parents to improve their social functioning and parenting skills to enable them to provide effective care for their children,” Vandeyar-Francois commented.

12

D’Aguiar’s Moscato-flavoured –– at 2022 Monde Selection Quality Awards wine wins gold D’AGUIAR’S Moscato-flavoured wine, produced and bottled by Banks DIH Limited, has been adjudged for the Gold Quality Award at the Monde Selection 60th World Selection of Spirits and Liqueurs 2022 in

Brussels, a release from the company said.

Gregory Garraway, Master Blender of Banks DIH Limited said that it is a proud achievement for the product which is made exclusively from locally grown rice and

sugar.

“This is a positive development for agro-processing in Guyana through the conversion of rice into value-added wine products.

Our Chairman, Mr. Clifford Reis, has been promoting,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Rum factory staff with the winning product (Banks DIH photo) extensively, the use of locally produced raw materials for our products and rice is used exclusively in the production of our wines, including the D’Aguiar Moscato,” he added.

The D’Aguiar’s Mos-

cato is produced in four flavours, Original, Pink, Watermelon, and Mango and is sold throughout Guyana and exported to the Caribbean, North America and Europe, the release concluded.

Corentyne teacher dies in accident A WELL-KNOWN teacher of Rose Hall Town, East Berbice, Corentyne, has died after he lost control of the car he was driving and slammed into a utility post and fence on the Chesney Public Road.

Dead is Sydney Cort, 39, a father of one. According to reports, the accident occurred around 01:40 hrs. Cort was proceeding West at an alleged fast rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a lantern post, then a parked car, then a fence before coming to a halt after toppling several times.

Cort’s wife, Trishanna Park-Cort, was in a distraught state as she spoke to reporters.

She related that her husband had dropped her and their child at home and left to hang out with some friends. In the early hours in the morning she Dead: Sydney Cort received a call to visit the Port Mourant Hospital and when she reached there she received the news of his death.

The sudden death of Cort has left the community he resided, colleagues, families and friends in a state of disbelief.

He was described as a selfless, hardworking and dedicated individual.

“He was most happy, a person who wouldn’t say no to anyone. Always happy, always with a smile. He just a happy person and would be the loudest in a room,” his wife said.

Meanwhile, Sakena Ally of Lot B Chesney Front, whose fence the car hit, related that she and her family were asleep when they heard a loud impact followed by a car alarming.

They went out to investigate and saw a collapsed shed and the crashed car. She said that, as they got closer, they noticed Cort in the driver’s seat. Ally said the neighbours came out to assist and at the same time a police vehicle that was passing rendered assistance.

Cort was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital in an unconscious state and was pronounced dead on arrival. An investigation into the accident is ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

13

Parents 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

–– know what your children are doing

By Vanessa Cort

IN an interview on the Good Morning America show two weeks ago, an emotional mother explained the reasons why she handed her son over to the police.

After the horror of the recent school shooting, Nicole Schubert told of how she discovered some disturbing entries in a journal kept by her teenage son three years ago. In it, he explored the notion of killing her then shooting students at his Washington high school. She also found the makings of a pipe bomb.

With a tremor in her voice and obviously fighting back tears, this mother recounted how she was cleaning her son’s room when, out of curiosity, she picked up his diary and decided to check on what he was writing. She recalled her shock and disbelief when she read of his plans for a killing spree.

Her message to parents everywhere was emphatic, “Stay in their business. Even if they don’t like it… as parents, it’s our job to know what our kids are doing.”

In this country, some parents tend to ignore and even condone their children’s

poor behaviour to the point where it manifests at school. When this happens, they appear at the school ready for a fight or argument rather than prepared to discuss why their child may be ‘acting out’.

However, as children spend most of their time at home, it is unquestionably the role of parents to groom and guide their offspring and help to mould character.

The school can only build on the foundation established in the home and is responsible for the children’s education, not their upbringing. Parents should work in tandem with teachers, not against them.

The Child Development Institute in the US puts it this way: “A parent is their child’s first teacher and should remain their best teacher.” Child development experts use the idea of scaffolding in building construction to illustrate the role of a parent in a child’s life.

They explain that just as scaffolding is set up to support a building when it is being erected and gradually taken down as the building is able to stand unsupported, “… a parent will need to provide the necessary support for (children) to allow them to safely and productively explore and learn

(Photo courtesy of https://newsinhealth.nih.gov) from their environment.”

There is, however, no perfect guide to parenting and parents are constantly bombarded with messages on how this should be done. They are often acutely aware of their own shortcomings and can feel judged or criticised in comparison with others.

EmpoweringParebts.com gives a list of top things that parents are – and are not – responsible for and at the top of that list is the notion that parents must make sure that their children are always happy, Says Sara Bean M.Ed., “… it’s good for your kids to be happy overall. But there will be many times, especially when you’re parenting responsibly, that your kids will be furious.”

In this she echoes the words of Ms

Schubert, who urged parents to get in their children’s business, “Even if they don’t like it. Just be aware and watch for signs.

Kids will normally tell you by their actions when something is wrong.”

Educator Ms Bean tells parents: “When you set limits or give them (children) a consequence, they may not like it initially. But that’s part of your job description as a parent and head of a household. You do not make decisions based on what your kids will like tolerate, or be okay with.”

Certainly, this mother who reported her son was not making a decision based on what he would like, even though he claimed he was just fantasising. She felt that he was a danger to herself and others and acted on that.

Though he was found guilty of a felony charge, her son did not get jail time but was required to do community service and undergo a psychiatric evaluation, followed by a stint in a rehabilitation programme. He is now working and hopes to go to college.

In a moving comment, this mother, expressing great love for her son, said: “Obviously, we can’t control our children’s actions all the time. Who can? But there are signs that something’s not right.”

So she asked her son the searching questions and took the action she felt was necessary, possibly saving lives and in the process getting him the treatment he needed.

And in the Total Transformation Programme, James Lehman, who helped developed foundational parenting programmes for EmpoweringParents.com, advised, “… you have to learn to set your emotions aside and to parent as objectively as possible.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Part 1: An updated outlook of Guyana’s take from Liza 1, 2, Payara and Yellowtail

Background Reference is made to two letters carried in the Stabroek News editions of July 5th and 7th 2022 by Professor Kenrick Hunte, former Ambassador and Mike Persaud, respectively. Professor Hunte wrote in reference to an analysis conducted by SPHEREX Analytics on the financial statements of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. (EEPGL), Hess and CNOOC. Professor Hunte argued that the notion that Guyana’s net-take of 14.5 per cent will increase above this level after the initial investment of the oil companies is recovered, is false hope. Professor Hunte further contended that to support his view, the 14.5 per cent take that Guyana currently gets is enshrined in the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

However, Professor Hunte failed to cite the specific section that states this in

the PSA. The reason for his inability to show the evidence of any such clause in the contract though is because it does not exist.

The other letter by Mike Persaud essentially concur with the arguments put forward

by Professor Hunte.

Article 11 of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) speaks to cost recovery and production sharing which can be found on page 26 of the contract where, specifically, it states the following: 11.2 All recoverable Contract Costs incurred by the Contractor shall, subject to the terms and conditions of any agreement relating to Non-Oil Associated Gas made pursuant to Article 12, be recovered from value, determined in accordance with Article 13, of a volume of Crude Oil (hereinafter referred to as “Cost Oil”) and/or Natural Gas (“Cost Gas”) produced and sold from the Contract Area and limited in Month to an amount which equals seventy-five per cent (75 per cent) of the total production from the Contract Area for such month excluding any Crude Oil and / or Natural Gas used in Petroleum Operations or which is lost.

11.3 To the extent that in any month, Recoverable Contract Costs exceed the aggregate value of Cost Oil and Cost Gas determined in accordance with Article 13 and / or Article 12, the unrecoverable amount shall be carried forward and, subject to limitation stipulated in Article 11.2, shall be recoverable in the immediately succeeding month, and to the extent not then recovered, in the subsequent month or months.

11.4 The balance of Crude Oil and / or Natural Gas available in any month See page 7

Part 1: An updated outlook of Guyana’s take . .

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

From page 16 after Recoverable Contract Costs have been satisfied to the extent aforesaid (herein after referred to as Profit Oil and/or Profit Gas as the case may be) shall be shared between the Government and the Contractor for each Field in the following proportions: Contractor fifty percent (50 per cent) and Minister (Government) fifty per cent (50 per cent).

As shown in relevant cited section of the PSA above, nowhere did it state anything about 14.5 per cent as suggested by Professor Hunte that is set in stone.

There is another important element on the treatment of cost recovery as mentioned in the clauses above that needs an interpretation and / or clarification. In this respect, reference is made to the section at 11.3 above where it states that: “To the extent that in any month, Recoverable Contract Costs exceed the aggregate value of Cost Oil and Cost Gas determined in accordance with Article 13 and / or Article 12, the unrecoverable amount shall be carried forward and, subject to limitation stipulated in Article 11.2, shall be recoverable in the immediately succeeding month, and to the extent not then recovered, in the subsequent month or months.”

This does not mean that there will always be such an instance where the cost for a particular month exceeds the threshold and would have to be carried forward to the next month. This provision is in place to cater for rare occasions where there may be events in one month that would result in the cost exceeding the 75 per cent threshold, for example, it was reported in the first quarter report of the Bank of Guyana (BoG) that production from Liza one was paused to facilitate maintenance work. There is also another example with the flaring issue where EEPGL

17

encountered problems with the gas compressor, resulting in the company having to unavoidably flare the gas and thus be subject to a flaring penalty.

It should be noted that to date, neither of the above-named commentators, professors and other professionals alike sought to perform a comprehensive analysis of the approved projects (except for international analytics firms such as Rystad).

In so doing, this would inform their opinion from an evidenced based standpoint by employing some element of financial modelling techniques in the analysis. There is sufficient data that is publicly available for each project to derive the project economics of each field and which can be used to construct a financial model for the four approved projects so far, namely, Liza 1, 2, Payara and Yellowtail.

This article, therefore, seeks to present a comprehensive analysis of the four approved projects over the estimated life of each and collectively. The findings of the analysis demonstrate under a base case scenario what would be the payback period of the development cost and / or initial investment for each project, the future cash flows, profit and royalty which constitute Guyana’s Take and the Oil Companies take in the given scenario, the Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI) and other financial indicators. (To be continued)

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday August 01, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) India won by 27 runs (Albion, 1983) (2) 997 runs (31 matches) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many players have now represented the WI in ODI cricket to date?

(2) How many ODI matches Shiv Chanderpaul played against India?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue2022 …………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………… …………………………………

English Racing Tips Ripon 08:55 hrs Swingalong 09:25 hrs Imperial Khan 09:55 hrs Blistering Barney 10:25 hrs Dakota Gold 10:55 hrs He’s A Gentleman 11:25 hrs Roach Powet 12:00 hrs Bit Of A Quirke

Irish Racing Tips Cork 09:30 hrs Miss Fourie 10:00 hrs Dixie Flyer 10:30 hrs Ballybough Native 11:00 hrs Lucy Van Pelt 11:35 hrs Temptationinmilan 12:08 hrs Stratum 12:40 hrs Beasley Street

Windsor 12:15 hrs Delegate This Lord 12:50 hrs Our Florentine 13:25 hrs Danzeno 14:00 hrs Fifteenthamendment 14:30 hrs Oriole 15:00 hrs Pride Of Nepal 15:30 hrs Eagle One

American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Gone And Firhotten Race 2 Irish Giant Race 3 Lune Lake Race 4 Speed Talks Race 5 Martini Margsrita Race 6 Dance For Bourbon

Canadian Racing Tips Fort Erie Race 1 Paperback Hero Race 2 Hardroadtotravel Race 3 New York Commandet Race 4 Night Watchman

South Africa Racing Tips.

Fairview 08:30 hrs Alaskan Fate 09:05 hrs Louvain 09:35 hrs Paully 10:05 hrs Cane Line ‘ Soda 10:35 hrs Alaskan Fate

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Verstappen wins Hungarian thriller

Max Verstappen started P10 before storming on to win the Hungarian Grand Prix (Formula1) - Max Verstap- tending his first stint until pen won the 2022 Hungar- Lap 22. Russell led again but ian Grand Prix from P10 was passed by Sainz on Lap with pitch-perfect execu- 31. So, from P4, Verstappen tion of Red Bull’s strate- forced the issue with a secgy, while Lewis Hamilton ond stop for mediums on finished second ahead of Lap 39. his pole-sitting Mercedes Crucially, with that stop, team-mate George Russell. Verstappen had pulled off an Russell led on soft tires undercut on Sainz and had an and pitted on Lap 15, soft- advantage on Leclerc too, the shod Verstappen pitting from Monegasque starting on meP5 a lap later to force Carlos diums to swap for the same Sainz to pit from the lead. compound after a lengthy Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, first stint – and from the stayed out in the lead, ex- lead pitting from hard tires

well after Verstappen. The Dutchman cleared his rival with ease soon after that and it became clear that hard tires weren’t the answer; Leclerc falling to P6 as he switched again for softs while Verstappen won by 7.8s.

And that was despite a 360-degree spin that almost cost Verstappen at the final corner and forced him to make another overtake on Leclerc.

Hamilton started seventh on mediums, cleared the Alpines, pitted for mediums and stayed out long to ensure he could finish the race on softs, which ensured he could pass the likes of Sainz and then Russell to finish second.

Having started on pole, Russell couldn’t convert that to a win, his soft-medium-medium strategy seeing him end up third ahead of Sainz, who was cost by slow pit stops to finish fourth behind the Mercedes. Sainz still held off Sergio Perez

England women seal Euro trophy

(BBC) - England created history by winning their first major women’s tournament in a dramatic Euro 2022 final against old rivals and eight-time champions, Germany, at Wembley.

Substitute Chloe Kelly poked home a loose ball from a corner to send the raucous record crowd of 87,192 into a frenzy with ten minutes of extra time remaining.

She waited for confirmation of the goal before taking off her shirt and waving it around her head, while being lifted by her team-mates in a moment of pure elation.

On a monumental day in English football history, Sarina Wiegman’s side showed they were equal to anything a strong and physical Germany team threw at them.

Ella Toone had earlier come off the bench to score the opener in normal time before Germany’s Lina Magull set up a nervous ending when she equalised in the 79th minute.

There were scenes of jubilation in the stands and an outpouring of emotion by players on the pitch at fulltime as the magnitude of their achievement sank in.

The final was advertised

as a battle between the competition’s two best-performing sides, and for large parts they cancelled each other out, but the biggest crowd in the history of a men’s or women’s Euros was given their money’s worth.

Striker Ellen White missed a few chances in the first half, Lucy Bronze was denied with a header, Germany’s Magull struck wide and England defender Leah Williamson had to scramble a corner off the line before Toone was introduced to break the deadlock.

She had given England fans the winning taste before Magull stunned the home crowd, though it would only delay the celebrations that Kelly, who only returned to football in April after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, gave them.

England did what no other nation had done before - beat serial winners Germany in a European Women’s Championship final, and the feeling was sweet.

It comes 56 years after England’s men beat West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, the only previous major trophy won by a men’s or women’s England senior team.

The players fell to the ground at full-time in tears of joy, in scenes which will be remembered and replayed for years to come on one of the greatest nights in English sport.

Perfect ending for hosts England It was a final like no other in every sense - the build-up was on a scale above anything seen in women’s football in Great Britain, and it provided the perfect ending.

Male fans were sporting England shirts with their female icons’ names on the back on the London Underground on the way to the match, while fan parks around the country were filled with supporters watching the final on big screens.

Wembley Way was already packed on Sunday morning and there were boos when Germany were announced on the stadium tannoy before kick-off.

And it looked like things were going England’s way when Germany’s lethal striker Alexandra Popp, joint-top scorer in the tournament going into the final, picked up an injury and dropped out of the starting XI just before kick-off.

by a second, while Leclerc couldn’t use his soft tires to pass Perez and ended up sixth behind the Red Bull on another disappointing day for the Scuderia.

Lando Norris beat the Alpines to seventh, while Fernando Alonso finished P8 at the expense of team-mate, Esteban Ocon. Sebastian Vettel scrapped with Lance

Stroll to lead his Canadian team-mate for P10.

Pierre Gasly took P12, comfortably ahead of 13thplace Zhou Guanyu. Mick Schumacher was next, while Daniel Ricciardo could only manage 15th thanks to a five-second penalty ahead of the other Haas of Kevin Magnussen – who was involved in a minor collision

early on.

Williams were next; Alex Albon finishing ahead of Nicholas Latifi in P17 and P18 respectively, while a spin saw Yuki Tsunoda finish 19th and last for AlphaTauri.

Valtteri Bottas stopped five laps from the end to bring out a Virtual Safety Car and a last-place classification for the Alfa Romeo.

South Africa hammer England

(ESPNCRICINFO) - For the first time since 2013, England will end a home summer without winning a white-ball series. They lost both the ODI and T20I series to India, shared the ODI series with South Africa and were beaten 2-1 in the T20I series, after crashing to a big defeat in the decider in Southampton.

England’s batting was in the spotlight after they were asked to complete the highest successful chase at the Ageas Bowl in all T20s, and fell far short. They lost 10 wickets for 73 between the fourth and 17th over to hand South Africa their

before a flourish at the end.

David Miller, in his 100th T20I for South Africa, led the late charge of 64 runs in the final five overs and shared in a 41-run fourth-wicket stand, in 23 balls, with Aiden Markram.

South Africa’s only six came in the penultimate over, testament to their ability to make use of a large outfield to find twos and the skill with which they found gaps for their 25 fours.

In his first appearance in this series, Markram scored his seventh T20I fifty, after Reeza Hendricks brought up his 10th, and third successive half-century in this series, to set South Africa up. Hendricks finished

Tabraiz Shamsi wrapped up the innings with 5 for 24 (AFP/Getty Images) second-biggest win after their 130-run victory over Scotland in 2009. It is also South Africa’s first T20I series win in England and first white-ball series win in the country since 1998.

South Africa defended skilfully, as none of their bowlers conceded at more than six runs an over and Tabraiz Shamsi picked up a career-best 5 for 24 but their win was built on a big total.

They accumulated steadily, from a strong powerplay of 53 for 1, through some fairly sedate middle overs (they scored 84 runs in 10 overs)

as the leading run-scorer in the series, with an average of 60.00. Shamsi, after a wicket-less first outing in Bristol, was the leading wicket-taker with eight at 12.50.

Where was Willey?

A valid question after that first over. David Willey was rotated out of the playing XI for the first two T20Is but made an immediate impact on his return when he removed Quinton de Kock with the third ball of the innings.

Willey pitched it up from the get-go, de Kock defended, then he prodded and then he attempted a lazy drive, with no

foot movement and dragged the ball on to his leg- stump.

For the third match in succession, de Kock was the first man out and he could so very nearly have been followed by Rilee Rossouw. Willey got the ball to move away from the left-hander twice and then to straighten and hit his back pad. Jos Buttler was convinced to review but ball-tracking showed it was just going over leg stump and Rossouw survived. Still, it was an impressive opening over, the first scoreless one of the series.

Willey bowled three overs up front and returned at the death, where he took two wickets in the final over.

Reeza and Rilee reunite The two former Knights team-mates (the franchise that played out of Bloemfontein in South Africa) came together again for the first time in Cardiff, with 73 for the second-wicket, before they put South Africa on track with a 55-run stand in this match. Hendricks and Rossouw complement each other well, with Rossouw the more powerful hitter and Hendricks able to thread through gaps. Their rightleft combination and athleticism between the wickets means they’re constantly keeping the opposition attack on their toes. Rossouw was particularly severe on Chris Jordan, who he hit for four fours in the final over of the Powerplay in a demonstration of finesse - the dab through backward point - and luck - the chop past the stumps - and power - the back-to-back drills through the offside. Just as the pair looked fairly immovable, Moeen Ali drew Rossouw forward with a delivery that spun past the outside edge and bowled him. Strangely, that was the only over Moeen bowled.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Koobir, Subramanie cop top awards as largest RHTYSC Academy concludes

Participants of the RHTYSC Bakewell/Busta Cricket Academy pose with their coaches and support staff A record one hundred and thirty-five youths between the ages of eight to eighteen years old, on Friday last, successfully graduated from the highly successful Rose

Ramzan Koobir, a selectee on the national under-15 team, was named Cricketer of the Academy and received over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars’ worth of

Female player of the Academy, Natasha Subramanie, receives her gifts from coach, Winston Smith Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Bakewell/ Busta 2022 Cricket Academy.

The academy was the largest of its kind since it was first hosted by the club in 1991.

prizes while national under-19 female player, Natasha Subramanie, copped the best female award to take home eighty thousand dollars’ worth in prizes.

Club Secretary/CEO, Hil-

bert Foster, at the closing ceremony, stated that the success of the academy surpassed every expectation of his executives and was a sign that the club’s future was assured.

Foster stated that the success was the result of early planning, visionary leadership and the support of numerous sponsors. The highlight of the academy was the presence of thirty-five kids and thirty-two young females who never played the game.

This would result in the formation of Guyana’s first ever female under-19 team and the setting up of a historic Kiddies Cricket Academy.

Under the academy, kids between the ages of eight and ten would receive weekly coaching from a team of coaches at the Area H Ground.

The club, over the last two days of the academy, received and approved an unbelievable eighty-two applications from new members and all were approved by its cricket development committee headed by Ravindranauth Kissoonlall.

Foster urged the graduates of the academy to go home

and to continue putting into practice what they would have learnt from the five coaches and to develop a culture of hard work, discipline and commitment to the game.

The RHTYSC Secretary/ CEO, who is also the President of the active Berbice Cricket Board, stated that the club would also look into hosting other camps during the Easter holidays as the demand is very high among parents for their kids to get involved in sports.

Special thanks were extended to the five coaches and trainers who supervised the players -- Winston Smith, Delbert Hicks, Eon Hooper, Ryan Algu and Davindra Ramdihal, along with the support staff including chefs who prepared daily meals and snacks.

Special mention was also made of Region Six Police Commander, Boodnarine Persaud and his Community Relations Officers for assisting to get youths to the academy from areas like Whim, Alness, Toopoo and Fyrish.

Head coach Winston

Player of the Academy, Razam Koobir, receives some of his prizes Smith described the academy as the greatest achievement of his coaching career and stated that he was very impressed with the discipline and attitude of the students.

He hailed Foster and his supporting staff for their welloiled organising committee for pulling off the two-week event without a single glitch.

A total of six hundred thousand dollars’ worth of prizes, including gold jewellery, electric tablets, cycles, clothing, cricket uniforms, gears, food hampers, cosmetics hampers and household/ kitchen utensils were shared out in the biggest closing ceremony at any cricket academy in Guyana.

Every participant at the academy also received a school bag with educational materials for the new September term as part of the RHTYSC Say yes to education programme.

The other awardees were:

Best Batsman --Munesh Rampersaud Best Bowler -- Raj Tika Under-15 player -- Kamalchand Ramnarance Under -17 player -- Nyron Hicks Under-19 player -- Deeraj Ramjit Wicketkeeper – Male: Sohail Mohabir Wicketkeeper -- female: Leah Kamlall Most Disciplined player -Javon Conway Most Committed -- Tandika Leitch Most Promising -- Trisha Hardat Most committed runners-up -- Oma Matadin, Ms. Malisa, Alianna Prass, Joanna Piggot, Priya Mahadeo.

Special award -- Dave Prittipal, Romesh Bharrat, Imran Mohamed and Mario Butcher.

Kiddies -- Talesh Narine, Azad Ali, Arin Algu and Shelsia Sydella.

RHTYSC to launch Kiddies Cricket Academy next Saturday THE Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club would create history in Guyana when it launches a historic Kiddies Cricket Academy on a permanent basis for over fifty kids between the ages of six and twelve at the Area H Ground.

The announcement was made by Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, during the closing cere-

mony of the club’s 2022 Cricket Academy at the Rose Hall Town Primary School in the presence of over one hundred and thirty youths and kids along with several parents.

Foster stated that the idea for the Kiddies academy came during the successful hosting of the recently concluded Academy which attracted dozens of kids.

Management of the club, in discussion with the two coaches working with the kids, was informed that there was a lot of promising potential among the group to nurture.

After a cricket development meeting among executives, a decision was made to establish the kiddies academy which would be coached by Ryan Algu

and Davindra Ramdihal with support from Winston Smith and Delbert Hicks.

Foster stated that while the initial membership would be at fifty, the club was willing to expand that number.

Foster disclosed that the club would be financing the academy with the support of its senior members and all the needed equipment and gears have

already been obtained.

Special emphasis would be placed on the basics like batting, bowling, fielding and getting the kids to know fielding positions.

The club would also organise trips to matches for the kids and they would also be exposed to dressing room situations with the different teams of the club, so that they

can learn quicker about the game.

Coach Ryan Algu expressed delight at the opportunity to work with the kids and predicted that numerous national and regional players would emerge from the academy.

Parents who might have interest in the academy can contact the club on 337- 4562 for more information.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Amsterdam through to boxing quarter-finals ...Lewis disappoints with second-round defeat

By Rawle Toney in Birmingham, England WITH the Guyanese boxing team on quest to break their 32-year jinx of no medals at the Commonwealth Games, Desmond Amsterdam ensured that they remained on the path of replicating, or bettering Wesely Christmas’ 1990 performance.

Amsterdam, a Sergeant in the Guyana Defence Force

(GDF), earned a split decision victory over New Zealand’s Richardson Emile yesterday to advance to the quater-finals of the Men’s Welterweight Division at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The 2022 Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Bronze Medallist, prior to the Commonwealth Games, was adamant that he’s capable of reaching his weight class’ medal round.

He also added that he will make the most of his first Commonwealth Games, all while bringing glory to Guyana with his gloves.

Amsterdam has so-far lived up those words, as he was oozing with confidence as he entered the ring at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.

Amsterdam took the first round, scoring 10’s on three of the five judges’ scorecards.

The second was close, but once again, Amsterdam was given the nod by three judges; the same results for the third and final round.

In fact, only Malaysia’s Mazlan Amzah and Lee Innes of England scored the bout in favour of the New Zealand boxer. Innes actually scored Emile as winning all three rounds with a perfect score.

Following the bout, Amsterdam said his victory is testimony to the hard work done with Coach Terrence Poole and sticking to the fight-plan.

Light welterweight Colin Lewis had his bout against Colin Richamo from Mauritius stopped two minutes, 34 seconds into the second round.

Lewis’ fight was the first for the evening session at the

Indian High Commissioner hosts touring Indian team

Indian High commissioner to Guyana with additional charge of Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, Dr KJ Srinivasa welcomed Team India THE Office of the Indian High Commission, on Saturday, July 30, hosted the visiting Indian cricket team for a community reception at Hotel Marriott in St Kitts & Nevis.

Team India is touring the Caribbean where they have already played three ODIs in Trinidad & Tobago, claiming a clean sweep 3-0 in the series.

They also lead the 5-game T20 series 1-0, with two games scheduled to be held in St Kitts & Nevis and the last two of the 5- match series to be played in Florida, USA. The ‘Men in Blue’ led by Rohit Sharma, along with the

team officials from the BCCI including head coach, Rahul Dravid, joined the West Indies team led by Nicholas Pooran and coached by Phil Simmons and support staff, local dignitaries, Indian diaspora, Diplomatic corps including ambassadors from Cuba & Venezuela, Cricket West Indies officials, Hon. Consul of India in St Kitts & Nevis, Ramesh Mulkanoor, and the media, as well as community leaders and guests in attending the function.

Speaking on the occasion, in his official welcome note, High Commissioner of India to Guyana with additional charge of Antigua &

Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, Dr KJ Srinivasa welcomed Team India and the West Indies Cricket team and expressed hope for a competitive series.

He reiterated the bond West Indies and India share that dates back to 1953 when India toured West Indies for the first time.

He spoke about the welcoming spirit, hospitality and warm affection for India in the region and indicated that the local public strongly look forward to seeing the visit of Indian sports contingent which is a good example of India’s ‘soft power“, a fact well recognized across the world.

Team India Head Coach, Rahul Dravid, indicated that he had fond memories of his West Indies tours with the Indian cricket team and thanked the High commissioner for the reception.

West Indies coach, Phil Simmons, stated that he expected more close matches in the series and that both teams have great regard for each other.

High commissioner Dr LJ Srinivasa and his spouse later gifted mementos to captains and head coaches of both teams.

The event included a typical Indian dinner and interaction for the guests.

Desmond Amsterdam following his split decision win over New Zealand’s Richardson Emile NEC, and after learning of the I arrived. But right now, I’m compatriot’s defeat, Amster- thinking about it even more. dam said he felt the pressure Amsterdam became the of ensuring a victory. first boxer, since Eon Ban“I know that I was next croft, to make it past the and I know we had to get a Round-of-16. win; can’t get two losses one At the 2014 Games in time, so I went out there and Glasgow, Scotland, Bancroft did my best. I know it wasn’t reached the quater-finals my best, but I can assure you of the Men’s Welterweight, that in my next fight, I will when he was eventually beatbe 100 percent,” Amsterdam en by South Africa’s Tulani said.

Mbengewas.

Asked about being one Mbengewas went on to win away from securing a be defeated by eventual gold medal, Amsterdam said “that’s medallist, Scott Fitzgerald of all I’ve been thinking since England.

Allicock in Roundof-16 action today Keevin Allicock will take on Sri Lanka’s Jeewantha Nisshanka in the Men’s featherweight Roundof-16 at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It will be the last bout of a busy day in the ring at the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham, England.

Allicock advanced via a unanimous decision win over Kenya’s Okoth Okongo in the Round-of-64, while Nisshanka will make

his debut at the games after receiving a first-round bye.

A victory today will put Allicock in the quarter-finals, where he will come up against the winner of the bout between Charlie Senior (Australia) and Keoma-Ali Al-Ahmadieh of Canada.

The 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist is making his debut at the former British Empire games.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, August 1, 2022

Amsterdam through to boxing quarter-finals ...Lewis disappoints with second-round defeat

SEE PAGE

23

Amsterdam, flanked by coaches Terrence Poole (first from left) and Sebert Blake following his victory at the Commonwealth Games

England women seal Euro trophy SEE PAGE

21

Ellen White and Jill Scott of England lift the trophy during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

| MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022