Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-01-2023

‘Be part of our transformation’

- President Ali tells Global Investors Summit

- says Guyana has many investment opportunities to offer India

WITH Guyana well positioned to become a regional and world leader in climate, food security and energy services, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, called on the business

community in India to make the most of the many investment opportunities that are currently being carved out in this part of the world.

The President shared this invitation as he de-

livered remarks at the inaugural session of Global Investors Summit in Madhya Pradesh, India.

“With our geographic positioning we have the capability and the opportunity not to be a player

but to be a leader in food production and food security for the region in which Guyana sits and we invite the Indian private sector to look at this opportunity that gives them access to a market

of more than 400 million people,” he said.

“We have all the investment vehicle tools that you have here. And we are ready to deploy it so that you can position yourself in a new market

that offers exciting opportunities. Our global strategy must see this integration,” President Ali added.

Guyana seeking help from India to modernise

forces

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addresses the inaugural session of the Global Investors Summit 2023 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (Office of the President photo)

Guyana seeking help from India to modernise security forces

ASSISTANCE for the modernisation of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) were among the topics broached during bilateral talks between President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on Monday.

President Ali is currently on a seven-day official visit to India.

On Monday, President Ali discussed several areas of potential co-operation in a sit

down with PM Modi, on the sidelines of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The two leaders held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues including co-operation in energy, infrastructure development, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology and innovation, and defence cooperation.

“We discussed bilateral co-operation on the military side as we seek to modernise

our defence force and the police force. So there are many areas in which we discussed where we have mutual interest,” President Ali commented in an interview with Asian New International (ANI).

“India has been leading the way on technology renewable energy soil movement. Sustainable development and I’m just very keen on looking at the different models that India would have,” he said.

During the interview

President Ali lauded PM Modi’s efforts amid the Ukraine Russia war.

“The war in Ukraine has serious International implications but India has shown and demonstrated that it’s the largest democracy. That they are very capable and willing to work with every partner in promoting peace and promoting dialogue and in promoting an international environment in which there is respect. Internally respect for the rule of law and which we can all work towards the enhancement of humanity in a holistic way,” the President said.

Finance Minister holds further budget consultations with private sector reps

A release from the Ministry of Finance said that Ramesh Dookhoo of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA); President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker; Chairman of the Finance Sub-Committee of the Institute for Private Enterprise Development (IPED), Mr. Jagdesh Haripersaud; Director/Board Member of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana, Rowena Elliott and Executive Director of the Private Sector Commission, Ian Chung were among those in attendance.

The meeting is a follow-up

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Office of the President photo)

SENIOR Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Wednesday, held further consultations with various

representatives of the private sector ahead of Monday’s presentation of Budget 2023 in Parliament

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh (centre) with members of the private sector following Wednesday’s consultation session (Ministry of Finance photo)

‘Be part of our transformation’

- President Ali tells Global Investors Summit

The Head of State attended the event along with a delegation from Guyana’s private sector. According to the President, on a per capita basis, Guyana has one of the largest delegations in attendance at the event.

WITH Guyana well positioned to become a regional and world leader in climate, food security and energy services, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, called on the business community in India to make the most of the many investment opportunities that are currently being carved out in this part of the world.

The President shared this

invitation as he delivered remarks at the inaugural session of Global Investors Summit in Madhya Pradesh, India.

“With our geographic positioning we have the capability and the opportunity not to be a player but to be a leader in food production and food security for the region in which Guyana sits and we invite the Indian private sec-

Guyanese company

ACE Professional Services & Business Development Consultancy, a 100 per cent Guyanese owned company, on Tuesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Squadron, a company headquartered in Mumbai, India.

The MoU seeks to formalise a teaming agreement, with the aim of recruiting skilled Indian nationals for highly-specialised roles to support the rapidly-growing oil and gas sector in Guyana, a statement from the company said.

“This partnership seeks to solve the manpower and labour challenges currently faced within Guyana’s economy,” the statement added.

The MoU is a result of a seven-day visit to India, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The lead representative of ACE, Dr. Rosh Khan, shared that “As Guyana works to build capacity locally for the current and emerging needs of the country, this arrangement provides an immediate opportunity to solve the critical labour requirements in the oil and gas sector. It also creates a platform for internationally-certified personnel to train Guyanese. This is key for the successful transfer of

knowledge and skills to our local workforce. It should also be noted that we look forward to working with all of the relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with local and international laws.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Squadron,

tor to look at this opportunity that gives them access to a market of more than 400 million people,” he said.

“We have all the investment vehicle tools that you have here. And we are ready to deploy it so that you can position yourself in a new market that offers exciting opportunities. Our global strategy must see this integration,” President Ali added.

President Dr. Ali’s attendance at the event is part of a seven-day official visit to India.

He described the forum as the coming together of many companies to create a win-win environment, in which partnerships can be built, particularly through the forming of consortiums.

The President commended the Indian private sector for having established some of the most transformative companies in the world that have created a global footprint and proven to the world how successful they are at what they do, he further commended the Government of India for providing an enabling, conducive environment that allowed for this growth.

“We ought to applaud the Indian private sector for the role they are playing in world development. But none of this could have occurred without the right ecosystem to stimulate the investment and growth, and that is where the role of good governance and good policy making come in. We must applaud the Government of India,” President Ali said.

“India is demonstrating to the world with innovative technology, human resource transformation, good policy and strong global leadership that they are ready and willing to lead in this revolution. It is in that context that this investment forum is critical for us.”

there are opportunities for even our local private sector to participate. And we are working with the Chief Minister and his government in outlining a clear definitive strategy in an MoU in areas of co-operation that we want to work out with the state in building. All of it must be driven by the private sector supported by strong signalling from the government of India, this state and the government of Guyana,” President Dr. Ali said.

“When you look at the goals that we want to achieve, we have a clear match of strategies and a clear match of policies that gives the private sector the level of predictability and comfort that they require to make long-term investment.”

He called on the private sector in Guyana and the private sector in India to build partnerships and consortium to unlock the potential that exists within the country.

According to the President, leadership is needed to develop an ecosystem that can also affect the world with the right environment and policy framework, and he believes India is aptly positioned to provide this leadership.

“The industry leaders who are here must look at establishing a new framework through which you can create this new leadership. Today there is a need for a new global investment order that seeks to create a win-win situation between states, that seeks to harmonise strate -

gies and policy making, that seeks to have greater market integration, that seeks to have greater people integration, that seeks to create a more balanced compatible policy environment. And one in which we can match our strategies of development,” the President said.

Dr. Ali noted that with the Caribbean region requiring services such as financial, human resource, hospitality, health services and educational services, India is aptly positioned to provide these services to support the people.

“I invite you to look at the opportunities as it exists in positioning yourself as the strongest player in providing human resource capacity capability and competence in servicing the industries in the region.

According to President Ali, India and the Caribbean region share similar aspirations in technology, food production, energy security, human resource development, natural resource, climate change security, and Guyana is advancing itself to be an important cornerstone in all of these areas.

He spoke on Guyana’s recent achievement of its sale of 30 per cent of its jurisdictional carbon credit to Hess Corporation, the first and largest deal on the global market for carbon credit, placing Guyana as a leader in the world of climate services given out vast forest which stores 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon.

Rajan Singh according to the statement said: “We are pleased to partner with ACE and look forward to a fruitful engagement. I would also like to thank Mr. Komal Singh who assisted to facilitate this joint venture.”

The President declared that with the resource that is now available in Guyana, this government similarly intends to position Guyana as a global leader in many areas, and to transform Guyana’s society and people. As such, with similar trajectories, the two nations can have a marriage of the private interest in stimulating growth advancement and business opportunity.

“Here in this great state

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali addressing the Global Investors Summit (DPI photo)

- says Guyana has many investment opportunities to offer India

signs MoU to recruit Indian nationals for highlyspecialised oil and gas sector roles

Dr. Rosh Khan and Squadron’s Rajan Singh sign the MoU. Standing from left are: Rafeek Khan, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA); Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, and Paul Cheong, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (Photo courtesy of ACE Professional Services & Business Development Consultancy)

GMSA, furniture manufacturing firm in India ink agreement

the alliance while attending the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) in Indore at Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit with government officials and members of Guyana’s private sector.

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and Mehidpurwala Furnishers Pvt. Ltd. (MFP) - India, have

THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mehidpurwala Furnishers Pvt. Ltd. (MFP)India, which will facilitate expansion of the furniture manufacturing industry in Guyana and allow both countries to access more

opportunities for capacity-building, transfer of technology and skills, capital, and market development.

The MoU was signed by GMSA President, Rafeek Khan, and Adnan Raja (CEO) of MFP.

In a press release, the GMSA said that Khan seized the opportunity to establish

The MoU will facilitate collaboration with development support by companies seeking to form consortiums in order to strengthen the furniture-manufacturing sector in Guyana and to meet the country’s rapidly growing demand in both domestic and regional markets.

Mehidpurwala Furnishers Pvt. Ltd is one of several companies that Khan has engaged during his visit to India.

According to the release, he visited the company’s impressive seven-storey showroom which covers 100,000 square feet of space. The showroom features a wide variety of furniture pioneered by the company for every type of consumer, from affordable to luxury furniture which are utilised in houses, hotels, hospitals educational institutions, industries, warehouses and other infrastructural industries.

Mehidpurwala Furnishers Pvt. Ltd is a fourth-generation company with more than 135 years of experience.

The furniture products are constructed with materials such as Indian tik wood, pre-laminated engineered board and steel, some of which will be imported from India and finished in Guyana.

Guyanese hardwood species will be used in manufacturing the furniture as well, thereby increasing opportunities within the forestry sector and building indigenous manufacturing capacities within Guyana, the release added.

Also present from the GMSA were Chairman of the Services Sub-Sector, Haimwant Persaud; Board Members Shyam Nokta, Rosh Khan and Komal Singh. David Mahmalji of MHM Holdings Inc., a member of the association joined the delegation in India.

The MoU is the first signed by a Guyanese business support organisation in the state of Madhya Pradesh during the Global Investors Summit.

Woman in custody for fatal stabbing of reputed husband

THE police are currently investigating the murder of 26-year-old Leroy Dey, who was allegedly stabbed by his 30-yearold reputed wife during a misunderstanding over their rent money.

According to a police report, the incident occurred around 23:20rs on Tuesday at the couple’s Breda Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown home. The woman, Shaneiza Clarke, is currently in custody and is assisting with investigations.

Enquiries disclosed that the two have been living together for about three years and have always had misunderstandings which led to fights.

On Tuesday, at approximately 23:00hrs, Dey went home after spending four days away. The couple had an argument about paying the landlord’s rent which led to a scuffle.

“The victim dealt the suspect a slap on the left side of her face, picked up a piece of wood and further dealt her several lashes about her body, causing her

to receive injuries to the left side of her neck, right hand and jaw.

“However, in retaliation, the suspect picked up a kitchen knife that was on the ground at the time and stabbed the victim to the left side of his chest,” the release detailed.

Dey then left en route to the Stabroek Market area but collapsed whilst walking on Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, between Hadfield and Leopold Streets.

An ambulance was summoned and he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital to seek medical attention. After undergoing surgery, Dey succumbed to his injury at approximately 09:25hrs on Wednesday.

Clarke later went to the Brickdam Police Station to make a report and was arrested. She was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital and treated by a doctor.

Dey’s body is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

agreed to work together to expand the furniture-manufacturing industry in Guyana (GMSA photo)

Ruling on substantive appointments of Chancellor, CJ set for March 7

GOVERNMENT has already publicly indicated its readiness to move ahead with the process of appointing a substantive Chief Justice and a Chancellor of the Judiciary. However, this will have to commence once the constitutional commissions are effectively set up.

This was the main thrust of the argument presented by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on behalf of the State in a civil case which seeks to compel the President to make substantive appointment to the two top judicial posts.

The case is being heard virtually before High Court Judge, D amone Younge, who is expected to hand down her ruling on March 7, 2023.

The legal proceedings were filed in the name of APNU+AFC parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan, who wants the court to direct the President to forthwith initiate the process contemplated by Article 127 of the

Constitution to make the appointments.

According to the provision made in Article 127 (1) of the Constitution: “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

There has been a more than 20-year impasse on judicial appointments with the last substantive Chancellor being Justice Desiree Bernard and Justice Carl Singh, the last Chief Justice.

The current Chancellor, Yonette CummingsEdwards and Chief Justice Roxane George have both been acting in their respective positions for a number of years.

The opposition complained that President, Dr Irfaan Ali, assumed office on August 2, 2020, and from then to present, the Head of State has failed to initiate any process contemplated by Arti cle 127 of the Constitution to make permanent appointments to the two offices.

In his submissions on

Wednesday, Nandlall told the court that President Ali had long indicated that he would deal with the substantive appointments of the country’s top two judicial posts “when the time is right”, and after the various service commissions are established such as the Judicial Service Commission, Public Service Commission, and Police Service Commission among others which, he said is “crucial to national security.”

“A president must be able to say, reasonably, that I will prioritise the exercise of my constitutional duties this week. Let me deal with all the commissions first, let me deal with the commissioner of the police force because these are matters of equally high priority but they are vacant… As opposed to the Office of Chancellor and Chief Justice that are occupied and persons are functioning in them,” he said.

The Attorney-General

Finance Minister holds further budget...

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to the one held with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister Singh and other officials at State House last week. During that engagement a number of suggestions were made for inclusion in the budget.

The release added that Dr. Singh has been, over the last several months, meeting and consulting with various stakeholders including the private sector, government ministries, other agencies and civil society listening to their concerns and receiving suggestions. Budget 2023 which will be the fourth budget pre-

sented to Parliament by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) since its return to office in August 2020.

This year’s budget will see critical development programmes for government being fast-tracked and many more expanded to reflect government’s continued transformational agenda for the country which has been taking it forward at a rapid pace over the last two years and 5 months.

“The PPP/C’s budgets have all reflected its manifesto promises as well as additional initiatives that have been taking Guyana forward and transforming the country’s

landscape at an extremely rapid pace as well as attracting attention on the world stage as its economy booms,” the release added.

It was noted that the World Bank in its published report ‘The Global Economic Prospects’ projected that Guyana will be the only country in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region to record double-digit growth in 2023 with a growth rate of some 25.2 per cent, building on the 57.8 per cent expansion in 2022.

The first budget presented by the PPP/C was an emergency one totalling $330 billion and was

presented under the theme, ‘Our Plan for Prosperity: Protecting our People in a COVID-19 Environment; Strengthening Democracy and the Rule of Law; Incentivising Economic Growth and Job Creation; and, Enhancing Welfare’. The second, in 2021 totalled $383.1 billion and was presented under the theme, ‘A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism, and Resilience’ while the third in 2022, totalled $552.9 billion and was unveiled under the theme, ‘Steadfast Against All Challenges, Resolute in Building Our One Guyana.’

went on to explain that there is no timeframe by which the President is bound for the appointment, however, the only fundamental conditionality is that he cannot exercise that power without an agreement from the opposition.

“ Your Honor, I reiterate that the President continues to say that he will act, as soon as is reasonably practicable. [He] will engage the leader of the opposition, but we have to deal with the other issues in relation to which the engagements have begun and have not yet been completed,” he added.

In his comprehensive submission, the AG said that attorney Roysdale Forde, who is representing the opposition, is basically asking the court to do something that had never been done; that is the Head of State of a country being directed by a judge to perform an act.

“He said that I didn’t use any authority to support what I’m advocating and that’s true because none exists,” he said as he explained that the President has immunity and is not answerable to any court.

In closing, the AG

asked the court to find that having regard to the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, a period of two months, or thereabouts or a few months of noncompliance with a constitution - the constitutional provision that has been in breach for 20 years- it would be unfair and unreasonable in the circumstances to hold the President in violation of the Constitution.

He added that this is the position being taken by the opposition and is being used as a political tool to say that the President is “arrogant” and wants to dictate whether he will comply with the Constitution. However, the AG noted that these claims are meritless.

Meanwhile, Forde contended that there is nothing in the Constitution to indicate that the appointments of the judicial officers cannot be done on parallel tracks with the constitutional commissions.

He submitted there is a clear case of the delay by the President of his “refusal” to initiate the process required by Article 127 of the Constitution.

“There has been no reasonable excuse offered upon which the court can act,” he said.

Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George

Time To Decide

ROCKED by a no-confidence motion in 2018, the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) and its affiliates have since been unable to find stability or ‘firm ground to stand on,’ as there have been mounting questions and complaints over the party’s actions, leadership and its general existence.

Criticisms from within and outside of the party range from the PNC’s inability to effectively represent its constituencies and register valid concerns over possible underserved areas, to its internal affairs that seem to be in shambles, with reports of financial mismanagement and

racial prejudice.

One could conclude that the party has reached a point where it has no clear direction, strategy or political purpose, leaving its loyalists worried that this might be the end to a political organisation that already does not have the luxury of a decent history.

In fact, the Florida Chapter of the PNC, in a valiant effort to stop Norton’s leadership from being the nail in the coffin for the party, has filed a motion of no-confidence against him.

The motion was submitted by the Chairman of the PNC/R’s Florida Chapter, John C. Yates, who is seeking Norton’s resignation, given

that under his leadership, a large number of members, supporters and sympathisers “have lost interest in this party,” while the business community has been withholding their support.

“Be it resolved that Mr. Aubrey Compton Norton must resign for reasons not limited to the following: Failure to keep his promises to unite the party, failure to mobilise for key political events, inability to keep the regional structures alive, [and] CEC meetings are infrequent,” the motion outlined.

“One year has elapsed, during which the PNC/R has moved in a speedy downward spiral in Guyana’s political

space,” the motion said.

It further stated: “Be it further resolved that Aubrey Compton Norton be removed from the Office of Leader to allow for dynamic and inclusive leadership to stop the spiral.”

The motion, which was seconded by member Lawrence London, was sent to Chairman of the PNC/R North America Region Chapter in Brooklyn, New York, and copied to NAR Secretary Jackie Brown. The motion has reportedly also been sent to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).

It is now left to the membership of the PNC/R to determine whether they want

the party to sink or let go of a man who has virtually no accomplishments as its leader.

It is pellucid that Norton has experienced quite the opposite of success since taking over, and this is evidenced vividly by the separation of the Alliance For Change (AFC) from its coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which is led by the PNC/R.

There are reports too that he has also turned a blind eye to complaints made to him about “racial hostility” being faced by Indo-Guyanese party members by a named party executive.

This apparently was re-

flected in a letter written to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) by former Treasurer, Faaiz Mursaline— an Indo-Guyanese.

Mursaline had put the party on notice of his resignation which took effect on December 23. His announcement was made on the heels of the resignation of the party’s General Secretary, Geeta Chandan-Edmond— another Indo-Guyanese.

The party is bleeding and the time is now for the PNC/R to decide if it wants to stop hemorrhaging or if it will continue along a path that leads to its natural demise in the political arena.

LEADER of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, was taken to task over his lack of leadership and inclusivity and alleged involvement in financial impropriety by members of his party, during a programme which was recently broadcasted on social media.

In a candid discussion during an episode of “Voice of the Diaspora” hosted by Norman Browne, Opposition member of Parliament, Coretta McDonald, and United States Chapter PNCR member, Egland Gomes, discussed the current state of the party under Norton’s leadership, particularly addressing the noconfidence motion which was submitted by the PNCR’s Florida Chapter seeking Norton’s resignation. The group has claimed that he has “severely tarnished” the party’s image, and oversaw “a speedy downward spiral” of the PNCR in just over a year.

Norton has been the par-

ty’s leader since December, 2021.

Gomes accused Norton of “prosecuting his own public policy”, creating a “perception of weak and ineffective leadership”, and having abandoned his constituency as soon as he became leader.

“Aubrey Norton seems to be prosecuting his own public policy. Aubrey Norton is accountable to a party and the CEC of the party. And I hope that the CE now would stand up, do its job and hold the party leader accountable, because he is not above accountability,” Gomes conveyed.

The motion cited the recent damning revelations by the party’s Treasurer Faaiz Mursaline about financial impropriety in the party as having a severe effect on the party’s image. Chief among Mursaline’s claims was that he was made to sign a number of blank checques.

Gomes demanded that Norton allow an impartial investigation into the allegations.

“An investigation should be done about these blank cheques, and I want Aubrey Norton to know I have recorded information that he would not want to go into the public domain. And I expect him to be impartial and allow the Central Executive to do an investigation into the financial irregularities that he was involved in with the blank-cheque signing. It is unacceptable. It should not have happened and I would hope that he would take steps to immediately fix the situation, and try to work with his team rather than try to tear them down through malicious politics,” Gomes said.

According to Gomes, “Norton has shown that he has no intention of working with everyone.”.

“I would challenge him [Norton] to demonstrate that he wants to work with everyone including the MPs and the team at the Central Executive to rebuild the party. If he cannot do that he needs to resign. When a party stalwart writes the Central Executive to complain that delegates to the Georgetown district conference were disenfranchised and did not think that the elections were credible, and as party leader you go out there in the national media to call the party stalwart a liar, it’s a representation of your bias and your inability to exercise good judgment,” Gomes expressed.

The disenfranchisement raised by Gomes referred to concerns that were brought up last year by party member Annette Ferguson who wrote the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) about alleged irregularities which were ob-

served during the October 2 polls of the party’s Georgetown District Elections.

Though Ferguson called for a thorough internal probe into the situation, when Norton was later approached by the press about the situation, he dismissed the irregularities as being of no concern and endorsed the elections as “free and fair.” In a similar fashion Norton has since dismissed Mursaline’s accusations of suspicious activity with the blank cheques, dismissing the need for a probe.

“Aubrey Norton reacts as though somebody is out to get him. As recent as two days ago he is on record of trying to pull down, tear down, two of his team members who has [sic] been there through thick and thin to represent the party’s constituencies and making all kinds of threats. He was calling saying he will deal with [Member of Parliament] Roysdale Forde, Amanza Walton, and Ganesh Mahipaul and these are hardworking comrades,”

Gomes noted.

The NCM also called on Norton to take responsibility for the recent resignations of the General Secretary, Geeta Chandan-Edmond and Mursaline, two party members of East Indian descent.

Their resignations from the party came amidst accusations that Norton has turned a blind eye to reports made to him about “racial hostility” being faced by Indo-Guyanese party members by a named party executive. After being on extended leave since August 2022, Chandan-Edmond resigned as PNCR General Secretary in November 2022, while Mursaline’s resignation took effect on 23 December, 2023.

A side from the resignations of the party members, Norton has also presided over the separation of the Alliance For Change (AFC) from its coalition with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which is led by the PNCR.

- US-based PNC/R member says of Norton’s leadership; urges him to work with MPs, central executive or resign ‘Weak and ineffective’

US-based PNC/R member, Egland Gomes

Motorcyclist dies, pillion rider critical after smash-up with tractor-trailer

A 16-year-old motorcyclist lost his life and his 21-year-old pillion rider is hospitalised in a critical condition following an accident on the Friendship Public Road in Wakenaam on Tuesday night.

Dead is Ameer Khan of Belle Plaine, Wakenaam. Vikash Singh of Hubu, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, is currently a patient at the Wakenaam Regional Hospital and his condition is listed as critical.

Reports are that the

accident occurred around 21:45hrs and involved motor tractor TM 17151 with trailer TMM 509 driven by a 63-year-old man of Free and Easy, Wakenaam Island and the motorcycle.

According to information reaching this publication, the tractor with the trailer attached was being driven north on the western side of the roadway, while the motorcycle was proceeding south along the eastern side of the said road, allegedly at a fast rate of speed when the

driver lost control causing the front portion of the motor cycle to collide with the right side rear wheel of the trailer.

As a result of the collision, Khan and his friend fell into a nearby trench on the northern side of the said road and received several injuries to their heads and about their bodies.

The teen and the pillion rider were both picked up by public-spirited persons and taken to the Wakenaam Public Hospital where they were initially treated.

Khan was subsequently transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Par-

lour awaiting an autopsy.

FOND MEMORIES

When this publication spoke with Mohamed Kamal Khan, he said he was still trying to come to grips with the tragic news.

He said that when he received the telephone call about the accident his body became numb. He last saw his child hours earlier when they played cricket together.

“I went and I took my son out from a trench and rushed him at the hospital. His head mashed up; his brain was out. He was really injured,” Khan related.

The grief-stricken man said his son was spending time with his grandmother who is visiting from Trinidad.

He said that the teen who is his eldest son did not get to write any CSEC examinations. According to him, his son recently met Singh and they became friends.

The father said that he and his wife Reshma Persaud are trying to cope with the tragic loss.

The tractor driver is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.

Ameer Khan

The area where the collision occurred

The motorcycle the teen was driving when he crashed into a tractor-trailer

City’s garbage build-up to be remedied by week’s end

THE build-up of garbage in Georgetown following the 2022 Christmas season is expected to be remedied by the end of this week, as garbage collection is on schedule, says Solid Waste Director Walter Narine.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Narine said his department has been working to ensure that excess garbage, which usually accumulates during the Christmas season, is cleared.

He said, “Since we are in the second week of the new year, it will start to taper off at the end of this week. You wouldn’t see that amount of garbage bins and stuff like that on the road.”

He explained that seeing excess garbage after the holiday season has been the expectation for quite some time as many persons make additional purchases during the season, thus adding to the usual amount.

Narine added that during the regular period, contractors would make around two trips to the landfill, but with the excess, they are now forced to make around four or five trips.

Additionally, with the current rainy season, he not-

ed that it does not make the task easier to move to and from the landfill site and as such, there are delays.

“So we recognize it, and I do apologize to the general public for the state that it is in, it is nothing new. What we need to do going forward

though because we can’t just have it as is, we need to plan better and we need to have bigger waste receptacles placed strategically,” the Solid Waste Director said.

According to Narine, for 2023 onward, there will be better planning, even as

— says Solid Waste Director

he mentioned that they are in the process of repairing 12 large receptacles with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s financial assistance.

These receptacles, he said, will soon be placed

around the city to cater for these types of situations.

Meanwhile, he reiterated that at the end of this week, the situation will return to normalcy as garbage collection for most parts of Georgetown is on schedule.

Scotiabank now giving 16 weeks maternity leave, 4 weeks to fathers

EMPLOYEES of Scotiabank Guyana will now benefit from increases in maternity and paternity leave, the bank announced on Wednesday.

In a press release, the bank said that the enhanced parental leave policy introduced in August 2022 includes several major changes, which makes it the first in the local industry to introduce them.

The maternity leave has moved from 13 weeks to 16 weeks and paternity leave has moved from five days to four weeks. The changes also include eligibility for adoption and gestational surrogacy.

“Our people are our most important asset. We believe that for our people to bring their very best selves to work, we have an important role to play in supporting employee physical, mental, and financial health – including when employees are growing their families,” the bank’s Country Manager, Nafeeza Gaffoor said according to the

release.

She further said, “This change has come about as a result of a new global standard for parental leave across all Scotiabank’s markets provides a consistent vision on how employees should be supported when welcoming a new child, regardless of which country they are located.”

Additionally, the bank has implemented some other actions recently as part of its commitment to employees.

A fully virtually 24/7 LifeSpeak Total Wellbeing Platform was launch to provide employees with easily accessible tools to increase the wellbeing support avail-

able to both employees and their immediate families. There was also leadership development through iLEAD - Scotiabank’s global leadership development programme which helps to enhance the skills of our people leaders.

The bank said it is is also advancing gender equality in the workplace.

“We are committed to being an inclusive employer, an advocate for women and to removing barriers to succeeding at work. Women make up 72 per cent of our employee base and 66 per cent of our leadership team are women,” the release added.

A build up of waste within the city

One of many scenes in front of residences around the city

Chief-of-Staff receives courtesy call from Venezuelan ambassador

The Ambassador also indicated his government’s plans to increase areas of mutual interest through bilateral relations and indicated his availability in this regard.

Brigadier Bess in response, related the government’s aim of continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuelan immigrants, and further, he communicated the force’s intention to maintain its presence on the frontier to monitor all cross-border movements.

CHIEF-of-STAFF (ag)

Brigadier Godfrey Bess welcomed Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Carlos Amador Pèrez Silva, during a courtesy call at the force’s Conference Room on Tuesday.

According to the Guy-

ana Defence Force (GDF), the officials discussed several areas, during which the recently appointed Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Guyana for the humanitarian treatment meted out to Venezuelan immigrants.

Also present during the courtesy call were Colonel, General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts; Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud and Colonel, Special Duties, Lieutenant Colonel Eon Murray.

Duo ‘busted’ with cocaine, cannabis at Pouderoyen

RANKS from the Vreeden-Hoop Police Station on Wednesday arrested a domestic worker and a taxi driver after a quantity of narcotics was found in the house they were occupying.

In a press release, the police said that around 05:00hrs, ranks acting on information, went to Pouderoyen (Swan Street Squatting Area), West Bank Demerara, where they conducted a search on a house.

At the time, 59-year-old Bibi Zamoon Zamal, a domestic worker, and 33-yearold Travis Gilbert, a taxi driver, were in the building.

According to the police, a black string tied to a board in the kitchen area leading under the house to a beam was observed. Upon further investigation, two bulky transparent plastic bags attached to the string were found. One bag contained a quantity of a whitish rocklike substance suspected to be cocaine, while the other bag contained several brown paper parcels containing cannabis.

When informed of the offence, Zamal reportedly admitted, saying: ‘’I selling da cocaine and weed because I sickly and I can’t work,’’ while Gilbert reportedly added, “We hussling and don’t do crime.”

The release added that

$14,080 was found in the right-side pocket of the pants Gilbert was wearing. A brown hand bag which was on Zamal’s bed contained $589,020.

Both suspects were arrested and taken to the Vreeden-Hoop Police Station.

In their presence, the suspected cocaine was

weighed and it amounted to 73 grammes, while the suspected cannabis amounted to two grammes.

The drugs were placed into separate transparent plastic evidence bags, sealed and lodged along with the cash for safe keeping.

Investigations are ongoing.

The cocaine and cannabis that police found in the house at Pouderoyen (Guyana Police Force photos)

Bibi Zamoon Zamal

Travis Gilbert

Chief-of-Staff (ag) Brigadier Godfrey Bess and Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana,His Excellency Carlos Amador Pèrez Silva in discussion during the courtesy call (GDF photo)

Regional private sector bodies anticipate heightened support in Budget 2023

By Shamar Meusa

PRIVATE sector organisations across the various administrative regions in Guyana have said that in the upcoming 2023 National Budget, they expect continued support from the government and the economy’s continued transformation.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance,

Dr Ashni Singh, announced that Monday, January 16, 2023, will be Budget Day.

This comes after months of meetings and consultations with various stakeholders, which include the private sector, civil society, government and other agencies.

Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, spoke with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday following the

announcement by the Ministry of Finance and stated that there are quite a few measures that he would hope to see in the new budget.

Khan told this newspaper, “Region Three is slated for massive development, and the economic transformation of this region is going to be on parallel as Region Four, and so, the potential of this region is enormous, and we expect the budget to represent such.”

The Government, he said, continues to focus on people-centred programmes and initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all, as he noted that significant investments in 2022 saw improvements in the living standards for citizens in the education, health and agriculture sectors.

Khan added that the growing oil and gas sector plays a major role in the country’s growth and would like to see more funding injected into the agriculture sector, which he stated will help the Region grow more food and further develop the export market.

Further, the R3PSInc Head said that more technical support in the agriculture sector would enable Guyana to be a more outstanding exporter of food.

Additionally, as it relates to specific changes and investment in the Region he said, “We would also like to see money being allocated for a building especially dedicated to foreign investors for immigration services removing it from the upstairs of

the General Post Office building.”

He said the region is aware of government’s impact on providing infrastructure in housing areas as sustainable housing remains a priority.

Khan added that currently, approximately $3.4 billion in infrastructural works are underway in five new housing developments within the region to cater for serviced house lots for about 2,800 allottees.

Notably, he said that Region Three anticipates the development of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), which will create one of the largest industrial zones in the Caribbean.

At the same time, he said the Tristar Shore Base in Versailles will facilitate a shore base facility along with the development of the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop that will see the creation of a commercial port and an industrial area along with the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Incorporated (VEHSI) that is a special purpose vehicle for ExxonMobil’s use of a 20-acre shore base.

Khan said these investments would contribute to Region Three’s rapid evolution in the overall development of Guyana’s trajectory.

Meanwhile, President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Daniel Gajie told the Guyana Chronicle that their expectations for budget 2023 in Region Nine are high based on the government’s support in 2022.

He added that the support received in 2022 from the government has helped the Region to get back on its feet following the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a slowdown of activities, especially at the Guyana-Brazil border.

“Our expectation is high based on the sup-

port the government gave us in 2022, the budgetary support as well as the social support in terms of the grants, that helped the Rupunini region in a big way,” Gajie said.

He, too, mentioned that they expect the government to continue with the infrastructure development and expansion across the country, which he said allows the private sector to continue to grow in the region.

Additionally, Gajie indicated that they expect continued investment in the health and education sectors even with the expected construction of new schools.

With that, he went on to say, “One thing we want to mention and we are happy that the government is focusing on it is the reduced time of establishing a business and of course the challenges we’re having with the banking sector of course with establishing accounts and reducing the lending rate.”

He reiterated that this continued support would see the growth of the regional economy and further the country’s economy at large.

As part of the massive consultations held over time, President Dr Irfaan Ali led a meeting last week with representatives from several private sector and other agencies to discuss concerns and identif y possible measures to be included in the 2023 budget.

In past budgets, several programmes were implemented in partnership with private sector entities and other stakeholders in tourism, hospitality and the agricultural sector.

The budget, which is expected to be presented on Monday, will be the fourth budget presented by the current administration as part of the government’s agenda to take Guyana forward.

Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc., Halim Khan

President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Daniel Gajie

Distribution of land extensions high on agenda for 2023

WITH the aim of addressing all land titling and demarcations in hinterland communities by 2024, much focus will be placed on the distribution of land extensions this year, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has said.

Sukhai recently told the Guyana Chronicle that there are 26 remaining titles which have to be addressed within a three-year period.

Challenged with a backlog, the ministry in 2022 had sought an extension to address all outstanding land titles and demarcations.

“For this year, we are proceeding to address the extensions. We have approximately 26 extensions that we will have to complete within a three-year period,” Sukhai said adding: “We usually work on a first-come, firstserved basis.”

She explained to this publication that for the application for the extension, the ministry will look at the date and the first village that applied would form part of the first list that will see their extensions addressed.

Currently, the ministry is in the process of ratifying its work programme for this year and once this has been completed and approved by the ministry’s board, surveys and further investigations will commence to roll out distribution of the land extensions.

Meanwhile in 2022, the ministry had managed to distribute two absolute grants and five certificates of title.

Absolute grants were handed over to the village leaders of Capoey and Mashabo in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The certificates of title were delivered to the leaders of St Mon-

ica/Karawab and Mainstay/Whyaka Village, also located in Region Two. Titles were also delivered to the village leaders of Tasserene and Kangaruma in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Yupukari in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo).

“In 2022 our Amerindian land-titling unit proceeded with their work schedule which included the reviewing of the investigations that took place prior to our come back [to]

office. The time that elapsed was about seven years since 2015 to 2020 and 2021,” Sukhai said.

“We spent the time updating those investigations, making sure that the targeted communities’ documentation, agreements remain the same and that everyone that is now new in the council was aware of the details of negotiations and investigations that took place prior, so that took some time,” she further explained.

The minister re -

minded that the process can often be tedious and it often takes lengthy periods of time to conduct field surveys and investigations.

“Because its field exercise which takes you around mountains and grasslands and savannahs and wetlands, it takes time. Those were completed in 2022,” she said.

In 2013, the PPP/C government signed off on the implementation of the $2.2 billion (US$11 million) Amerindian Land Titling and

Demarcation project, which was later concluded in 2016.

The functioning unit of the project was disbanded by the previous administration, but was later restored when the President Irfaan Aliled government made good on its promise to resuscitate the project, with a proposed 2021 budgetary allocation of $630 million.

An additional $561.6 million was allocated in Budget 2022 to achieve a target of 20 certificates of title.

The ALT project has three primary goals: completion of land-titling issues and demarcation process for all Indigenous villages that submitted requests; increased use of existing and alternative mechanisms to resolve land-titling disputes; and a communication strategy, including a handbook describing the process of titling, demarcation, and socio-economic impact of secured land tenure.

— says Minister Sukhai

Land titling and demarcations of hinterland communities remain high on the agenda of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry (Photo by Delano Williams)

President Ali, team tour Tata Consultancy Services

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali and members of his delegation were given a guided tour of Tata Consul -

tancy Services (TCS) at its Special Economic Zone in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, on Tuesday.

Tata Consultancy Services is one of the largest multinational IT service and consulting companies. It is headquartered

in Mumbai, India, but has offices globally. TCS is well known in the egovernance, banking and financial services, tel -

ecommunications, education and healthcare markets.

TCS is a major player in the IT space.

It currently has over 600,000 employees and a market cap of over $200 billion. (Office of the President)

Squatters given six months to relocate from East Bank sea dam

By Cassandra Khan

THE Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) and the Ministry of Public Works’ Sea and River Defence Board, on Wednesday, met dozens of persons who are squatting on the drainage and sea defence reserves on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), to discuss their relocation.

Based on initial investigations carried out by the ministry’s Community Development Department, it was found that 15 structures are on the sea defence dam at Little Diamond, 49 at Great Diamond, 96 at Grove, 86 at Herstelling, 45 at Farm, and seven at Covent Garden. Of the total 317 structures, 34 are unoccupied.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke to a few of the squatters who were at the Little Diamond/Herstelling Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for the meeting, and they all expressed their appreciation for the efforts that are being made by the ministry and the NDC to improve their living standards.

Indra Mangal, a 51-year-old, said she has been squatting on the Sea Defence Reserve for 17 years.

She told this publication that she was allocated a house lot, but still has an outstanding balance to pay off.

Mangal was advised to pay the outstanding sum and she will be told “if the land is ready.”

The woman who currently lives with her husband, said she ready to begin construction.

While speaking to this publication, she highlighted the difficulties she has been experiencing while living on the dam.

“When the rain fall it does be bad, but when the sun hot it does be good,” she said.

She noted that her land is in Golden Grove and owning her house there, will benefit her greatly, particularly given that she currently lives in mud.

“If you get a land, it is better because you can get to fence your yard, plant up and whatsoever so I’m glad if I get through with my land and I am going to move from there,” she explained.

Venetta Williams, who has been squatting on the dam for two years, said that she is now applying for land.

She said that it is a relief knowing that she will soon own a piece of land and eventually her own house.

“It is very nice to have something of my own and I am very happy,” she related.

She lives with her son and husband and related that when it rains, because of the amount of garbage in the river, there is a foul smell when the water rises.

Williams said that she is very thankful to the Housing Ministry and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Secondary School Mathematics teacher, Aluko Jervis, who has been squatting for two years, said that it was a good opportunity for those who applied years ago for land and have not gotten through.

“It is good that the ministry is coming now to actually give us land and also help us to build the house… I applied for a land 10 years ago and I didn’t get through and that is why I didn’t want to pay

a rent so that is the reason why I took up the opportunity to squat on the sea dam,” he explained.

Jervis said that the living conditions are appalling and on behalf of the squatters, they are really happy and appreciative of what the government is doing and they hope that other squatters around Guyana would also receive help.

WILLING TO HELP

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Chief Executive Officer of the CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves; Chairman of the Sea and River Defence

Board, Gary Beaton and Community Development Director, Gladwin Charles, led the engagement which was held in the NDC’s compound.

Minister Croal pointed out that an area at Great Diamond has been identified for the relocation of the squatters. This is in addition to the ministry working closely with financial institutions to aid families who are willing to engage.

Further, the residents were informed of the sixmonth timeline, for the completion of the relocation process.

The minister also emphasised that the government’s response to squatting is not based on race or politics but rather on assessments carried out by the ministry and other agencies to determine whether regularisation or relocation is the best option.

The relocation and resettlement programme will provide the informal settlers with four main housing options. The first is the existing turn-key (move-in ready) housing units which will be made available. The second is an area at Great Diamond outfitted with the necessary infrastructure works earmarked for persons who are desirous of building homes.

Thirdly, there will be land allocations at other schemes and the finally, the Venezuelan immigrants will be assisted with building through the Men on Mission (MOM) initiative.

“There is only one way we will move forward, work with your government. You have a government that is sincere so whatever we say to you we will deliver on that,” the minister affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Sea Defence Board, underscored the importance of the sea defence dam being clear and regularly maintained.

“These dams are very critical pieces of infrastructure for Guyana. It’s no secret that we are below sea level. They serve two purposes, protect us from seawater and it helps us to get to critical areas quickly,” Beaton stated.

CEO Greaves said he is committed to working with every person to find the best possible solution for the relocation. He noted that the agency will be meeting persons according to their specific needs, including making a built unit or a lot available.

He underscored that each household will be provided with the necessary assistance to facilitate their relocation to wholesome housing schemes.

The squatters were able to register for the house lots and housing units during the exercise.

Officials from the New Building Society, Republic Bank Limited-Guyana, Demerara Bank, Citizens Bank, and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) were also on the ground pre-qualifying persons for the homes.

Hundreds of persons are living in shacks built on the drainage and sea defence reserves on the East Bank of Demerara (Adrian Narine photo)

Persons being assisted by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s team (DPI photo)

Contractor to correct defects on Burma Access Road

WORKS will soon commence to correct defects on the recently rehabilitated Burma Access Road at Mahaicony, following several complaints from residents, the Ministry of Public Works said on Tuesday.

In a press release, the ministry explained that its officials had engaged the contractor, Premium Asphalt, through the competitive bidding process for rehabilitation of a section of the access road.

Work then commenced on April 27, 2022, with a four-month duration.

According to the ministry, these works included the placement and compaction of white sand/ sand clay in sections where bulging of the roadway had existed; placement and compaction of 200mm thick crushed aggregates

and 50mm asphaltic concrete surface, along with construction of the road shoulders and marking of the finished asphaltic road surface.

The road works, inclusive of paving, were substantially completed on August 16, 2022. The overall completion date was pushed back to November 10, 2022, due to delays attributed to the unfavourable weather pattern.

The project’s Defects Liability period will come to an end on November 9, 2023.

The ministry has since engaged the contractor on correcting the existing defects, and the remedying of the defect is scheduled to commence on January 14, 2022, the release added.

A section of the Burma Access Road where defects are visible (Ministry of Public Works photo)

Conway carries New Zealand past...

figures of 30-0-114-5.

It was Southee and Ferguson who set the tone for New Zealand’s successful defence. After testing Fakhar Zaman with six inswingers, Southee ran one away from the left-hander on a Test-match length and kissed his outside edge. Gone for a seven-ball duck. With a number of New Zealand fast bowlers absent through injury, Ferguson took the new ball along with Southee and blasted out Imam-ul-Haq with a 153kph bouncer.

Babar repaired the innings with Mohammad Rizwan, adding 55 together for the third wicket, but they needed 99 balls to get there. The New Zealand spinners kept hiking the asking rate and drawing errors from Pakistan’s batters. Babar tried to take the chase as deep as possible, but his men were bowled out in 43 overs.

Earlier in the day, Mohammad Nawaz thrived on the sluggish pitch, finding grip and turn with even his quick darts. Nawaz’s bowling wasn’t just about grip and turn. A delightful cocktail of drift, dip and turn breached the defences of Williamson in the 35th over. Skid and zip off a fairly slow pitch undid Tom Latham, who is among the best players of spin in New Zealand’s line-up. He was responsible for four wickets in New Zealand’s collapse of

6 for 37.

Pakistan had also started well, with Naseem Shah striking in his first over once again. After having sent Conway packing for a golden duck in the first ODI, the fast bowler had Finn Allen slashing a catch to Nawaz at short cover for 1 in the second. Williamson then combined with Conway for a game-changing 181-run second-wicket stand.

During those early exchanges, Conway struggled for timing and often lost his shape when he tried to over-hit the ball. Williamson, meanwhile,

was in control from the get-to.

The New Zealand captain started his innings with a trademark dab to deep third and then displayed greater intent in the powerplay. He scythed Naseem over backward point and shovelled Mohammad Wasim in the air over midwicket for fours. Williamson was the first to notch up his half-century off 52 balls, with Conway joining him in the same over.

Williamson was then reprieved twice in a space of four balls in the 22nd over. When Wasim first dug one into the pitch, he

spliced a pull to midwicket, where Haris dropped an overhead coach. Three balls later, Rizwan, the wicketkeeper, spurned a chance after Wasim brushed Williamson’s glove.

Conway then showed signs of his fluent best, countering Pakistan’s spinners with his variety of hard sweeps, including the reverse. After reaching his first fifty off 57 balls, he needed just 32 more for triple-figures. When Babar tried to coax a few quiet overs from part-time spinner Agha Salman, Conway took him for 12 off eight

balls and helped put him out of the attack. Conway even charged at Wasim, audaciously pumping him over point for six. Just when he looked good for more, Naseem conjured up a wicket before Nawaz took over and wrecked New Zealand’s middle order.

Santner fought gamely at the death, scoring 37 off 40 balls, before he was run out off the penultimate ball of the innings. He also stepped up with the ball and ensured there would be no way back for Pakistan, despite Babar’s resistance.

Babar Azam tucks one away•AP

RHTYSC names Cricket Captains for BCB 2023 season Anderson to captain Namilco Thunderbolt 1st division team

WITH the Berbice Cricket Board planning for a busy 2023 on the cricket field, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has started early preparation by naming the captains of their different teams for the year.

The Cricket Development Committee of the club under the chairmanship of Robby Kissoonlall made the selection after a comprehensive review of the club’s performance in 2022 and the player’s personal discipline, attitude and leadership abilities.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Emerging player and former West Indies under 19 player, Kevlon Anderson, was selected to lead the Namilco Thunderbolt Flour first division team that would include players like Clinton Pestano, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Kevin Sinclair,

Sylus Tydnall, Eon Hooper and Jonathan Rampersaud, among others. Anderson will also lead the club’s under-23 team for the year.

West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle will be in charge of the Metro female team while Ryan Kissoonlall will lead the Bakewell Second Division team.

Ten year-old Dharvish Narine is the captain of the under-11 team while the following appointments

were also announced: Leon Reddy( Poonai Pharmacy under-13) Sohail Mohamed( Farfan and Mendes under-15), Romesh Bharrat( Bakewell under-17), Matthew Pottaya( Pepsi under-19) and Jonathan Rampersaud( Namilco under 21). Reddy, Mohamed, Pottaya and Rampersaud are all national junior players while Bharrat is a Berbice inter county player.

The RHTYSC, in 2022,

produced a record twenty-two national players at all levels and also forty for Berbice. Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the objective in 2023 will be to increase the tally of both the inter-county and national pool while expanding the number of players at the under-13 level. The club has launched an aggressive recruitment drive by visiting primary schools in the Lower Corentyne area; the

response has been positive.

The players are currently undergoing special coaching under the RHTYSC Kiddies Academy programme and will be available for selection to the club under-11 and Under-13 teams.

Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall, who also serves as the club’s cricket manager, stated that massive investment will be made into obtaining the

necessary equipment and gears to cater for the new members. He also stated that the club will place special interest in ensuring that the players perform well in their pursuit of education.

They will benefit from assistance of school bags, educational materials, bicycles and educational grants under the club’s say no/say yes campaign. Additionally, each cricket team of the club will be required to successfully complete a minimum of twenty personal development projects in the year as part of the club’s effort to make a positive difference in the county of Berbice.

The projects will be held under a wide range of sub headings including charity, educational, social, anti-drugs, medical outreaches, youth information, community development, religious and awards.

Brian Ramphal recommits to Berbice Cricket for sixth successive year

WHEN the Hilbert Foster-led executives took control of the Berbice Cricket Board in early 2018, Berbice cricket was in total decline due to local cricket politics. Very few, if any cricket tournaments, were being played, clubs were closing down at a very fast rate while youths were looking at other sports as alternatives. No developmental programme was in place to assist youths to fulfil their potentials on or off the cricket field.

On the first day of his presidency, Foster contacted former Secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board, Oscar Ramjeet, for assistance in getting some business persons on board as sponsors. The USA-based Attorney-at-Law readily agreed to assist and introduced the new president to several persons. Among them were Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RBS Tech Center Inc., located in

Georgetown - Brian Ramphal. A strong cricket fan, and after a brief discussion with the new executives, agreed to come on board as a major sponsor of Berbice cricket donating a million dollars and has continued his assistance every year since with an annual contribution of five hundred thousand dollars. His support over the last five years has been one of the main reasons why Berbice

cricket is now widely considered the most active and progressive in Guyana and the Caribbean. Along with Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh and West Indies player Shimron Hetmyer, Ramphal is among the top three individual sponsors of Berbice Cricket. Over the last five years, Berbice has dominated cricket at the inter county level, produced the majority of cricketers for the national teams at all levels, organised dozens of developmental programmes while the number of active cricket clubs and players have returned to the 2015 all time high after a three-year decline.

Foster noted that with Ramphal’s sponsorship, the BCB was able to host several cricket tournaments including a double-wicket first division for the county eleven teams and an under-19 tournament in West Berbice. The popular businessman’s support was also used to publish the historic BCB Coaching manual,

organise numerous coaching sessions, fund the hosting of trial matches to select inter county teams at the junior levels and publish informational posters and the BCB Youth Information Booklet. Additionally, the businessman is also the major sponsor of the board’s annual award ceremony, Mother-of-theYear and Father-of-theYear Awards. With funding from Ramphal , the BCB also assisted several youth cricketers with needed gears. Players like West indies players Shimron Hetmyer, Veersammy Permaul , Romario Shepherd, and Shemaine Campbelle were honoured for making Berbice proud while young talents like Jonathan Rampersaud, Isai

Thorne, Rampertab Ramnauth, Ashmini Munisar and Ashley Ramnauth have all emerged from the coaching sessions.

The BCB President has hailed Ramphal as a hero of the county cricket and one of the main reasons why Berbice cricket was able to rise to the top. The businessman, who has employed several young Guyanese in his business, has committed to renewing his sponsoring in 2023 at the cost of five hundred thousand dollars .

The sponsorship will cover the hosting of a historic two-day tournament at the under-21 level , the 2023 Award Ceremony and the annual Mother and Father of the Year Awards. Foster not-

ed that he was confident that with the support of Ramphal, Berbice cricket would continue to move forward at a very rapid rate. He disclosed that the two-day under-17 tournament is part of the BCB’s effort to get their youth players involved in playing the longer version of the game in a comprehensive developmental plan. An elite squad of twenty-four players would be selected for a special coaching programme and possible selection to the Berbice under-17 team.

RBS TechCenter Inc is a technology, call centre and BPO Services company with employees in Georgetown and can be contacted via email-brian@ramphal. com.

Brian Ramphal

Rebel tennis club reaped success in 2022

Nathan DeNobrega & Renola Jordon stand out

By Sean Devers

Rebel Tennis Club was founded in February 2015 by head coach, Andre Erskine, and is located in the Village of Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. They practice and host tournaments at the Diamond GBTI Tennis Court.

“Over the years, it has been challenging for our players to secure the basic gears as most of the players are/were grassroots players.

“I am determined to make a difference in the lives of those players, even if it has to cost me my last penny.

“We struggled to compete at a high level and thought my students winning a local tournament seem farfetched.

“Our top players weren't making it out of the round-robin stage and it seem as if all was lost mentally on the courts.

After suffering three consecutive defeats from the then top ranked player and travelling as the third ranked players regionally, both Renola Jordan and Gerald Scotland would finally triumph” explained Erskine.

“Renola finally defeated the top under-14 players in 2021 (twice) and she went on to take the top spot. At the ending of 2021 she was the

top U-14 and U-18 female tennis player in Guyana.

In 2022, Renola defeated her sister in the Rebel Junior finals and secured wins over some of the top ranked players at Sheltez Juniors; she also went on to capture the GBTI ladies’ championship. Renola wasn't done, she reached the semi-finals of the St. Lucia's Junior tournament and copped the doubles

trophy in Trinidad in August of 2022.

Gerald Scotland, age 15, is currently Guyana’s top ranked Under-18 player. Like Renola, Scotland suffered three consecutive defeats at the hands of the then number #1 U-14 player, and finally got his first win against the same player in 2021.

He has since taken over the top rank and secured ti-

tles at Rebel Juniors, Sheltez Juniors and GBTI Juniors in 2022. He also reached the men's open final alongside his partner, Donnie Anderson, who was also a top ranked Junior champion.

Gerald won an under-16 tournament in Trinidad just a few weeks ago.

Nathan DeNobrega, age 12, has been in the winning circle since age 10; for three years he has won all the local U-12 tournaments he played. He reached the final in St. Lucia in the U-12 competition and won the doubles alongside his Antiguan partner in 2022. Nathan also won an U-14 tournament two weeks ago in Trinidad.

Other players who did exceptionally well locally and regionally in the last 12 months are Navindra Arjune, Denzel Luthers, Isaiah Cambridge, Donnie Anderson, Christian Younge, Norella Jordan and Devanie Arjune.

“Rebel Tennis Club will be hosting a junior tournament in conjunction with our anniversary in February for the younger rising stars.

“We do hope that with these exceptional performances and ‘repping’ the Guyana flag, our players are afforded the opportunity to compete regionally in 2023” concluded Erskine.

Raj returns unopposed to

Presidency

Mahendra Boodhoo was, on Tuesday evening, returned as President of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) following the body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Held at the GT Motorsports Hall, Boodhoo, commonly known as Raj, will start his second term

with an unchanged team. The other returning Executives are Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin (Vice-President), Azim Jaffar (Secretary), Chetram Singh (Treasurer), Azaad Hassan (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Rameez Mohamed (Club Captain), Joel Evans (Technical Adviser), along with Committee

During his remarks, the GMR&SC boss said that 2022 was just a fraction of what is to come for motorsport, pointing to the recently extended and repaved South Dakota circuit.

He added that during their short stint, they

have managed to change the dynamics of the circuit and they plan to continue enhancing the sport throughout the 2023 year.

A motion was moved to have Parmesar Accountants as the club’s auditors.

Kit Nascimento served as the Returning Officer.

Shepherd’s cameo helps Joburg Superkings past Holder’s Super Giants

Tottering on 27 for four in the sixth over at Kingsmead, Super Kings were revived by Donovan Ferreira’s unbeaten 82, the 24-year-old uncapped South African posting 72 for the fifth wicket with captain Faf du Plessis (39) and a further 87 in an exhilarating sixth wicket partnership with Shepherd who blasted an up-tempo 40.

Their efforts propelled Super Kings to 190 for six off their 20 overs – a target Super Giants failed to properly negotiate despite a top score of 79 from lefthander, Quinton de Kock, and 39 from West Indies left-hander, Kyle Mayers.

The pair provided a bright start for the hosts by putting on 98 for the first wicket but their dismissals paved the way for Super Kings to pull the game back, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph spearheading the attack with two for 30.

Choosing to bat first, Super Kings were ripped apart early as off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen grabbed two early wickets to put Super Giants on top.

However, Ferrerira arrived at number six to pummel eight fours and five sixes in a 40-ball cameo, receiving support from du Plessis who counted three fours and in a 33-ball knock.

When du Plessis picked out Mayers in the deep off leg-spinner Akila Dananjaya at the end of the 14th over, Shepherd entered the fray, maintaining the momentum by lashing two four and four sixes before perishing to the penultimate ball of the innings.

In reply, De Kock punched five fours and five sixes off 52 deliveries while Mayers carved out a brace of fours and three sixes in a 29-ball knock, in a partnership which appeared destined to lay the foundation for a Super Giants win.

However, both fell in the space of 19 balls with 28 runs added and neither Holder (two not out) or West Indies teammate, Keemo Paul (one not out) had any time to rescue the chase.

In Tuesday’s opening game, Barbados-born England fast bowler Jofra Archer snared three for 27 from his four overs to inspire MI Cape Town to an eight-wicket win over Paarl Royals who featured former West Indies left-arm seamer, Ramon Simmonds.

Members: Mark Vieira, Gavin Guyadin, Roshan Ali and John Chin.

CMC – Joburg Super Kings owed their opening win in the SA20 in large part to Romario Shepherd’s 19-ball cameo as they beat Jason Holder’s Durban Super Giants by 16 runs here Wednesday.

The Rebels Table Tennis team

West Indies all-rounder, Romario Shepherd

Raj returns unopposed to GMR&SC presidency

Conway carries New Zealand past Pakistan

(ESPNCRICINFO) - New Zealand suffered a late collapse of 6 for 37 on a slow, grippy Karachi pitch, but the attacking enterprise of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson prior to that gave their spin-heavy attack a defendable total to work with. After Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson made the early incisions in Pakistan’s chase of 262, New Zealand spin quartet muzzled the hosts with their subtle variations and forced the series into a decider on Friday.

Despite wickets falling around him, Babar Azam offered Pakistan hope with 79 off 114 balls, but could not find a higher gear to keep the asking rate in touch.

Mitchell Santner did his thing by relentlessly attack-

ing the stumps and holding his length back. Michael Bracewell, who is more of a batting allrounder for his domestic side Wellington, was the most economical spinner, returning 1 for 29 in his ten overs.

Ish Sodhi, who returned to the side in place of Henry Shipley, bowled into the pitch and often drew mis-hits from Pakistan’s batters. The legspinner bagged the prized scalp of Babar, the second-last Pakistan batter to be dismissed, and all but sealed New Zealand’s series-levelling win. Glenn Phillips, who is now a reluctant wicketkeeper because of a back condition, added to New Zealand’s spin stocks in an ODI World Cup year, trapping Haris Sohail lbw. The spinners had combined

Conway

Mahendra Boodhoo (second from left) returned as President of the GMR&SC