Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_01_23_2022

Works moving apace on new Corriverton recreational park

WORKS are moving apace at the new recreational park that is being constructed at Corriv -

erton, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne), according to a release from the Office of the First

Lady.

That park is one of two such facilities being developed in Berbice; the other

park is being constructed in New Amsterdam. Both projects are being developed under First Lady

Gov’t assembles legal team to remedy breached contracts

A TEAM of lawyers has been assembled to investigate and rectify breached contracts, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall said during a recent episode of Canada’s Live Wire, Diasporic connection.

During the livestreamed programme, the Attorney General stated that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works recently informed him of the latest litany of misdoings identified by the Auditor General.

As such, Nandlall said that legal advice was sought from his office on the way forward in dealing with these issues. Specific focus has been placed on recovering monies

that were paid to contractors for items that were not delivered or were defective upon delivery.

“I have already assembled, today self, a unit of lawyers within the AG’s chambers to dedicatedly deal with that litany of complaints of which the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works wrote to me on,” he said.

Already, his office has been filing lawsuits to remedy these issues as the information and cases are made available. Nandlall reminded the virtual audience that he sued former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and public officers involved in the reported purchase of motion scales that were fully paid for,

though the contract required only some 10 per cent to be paid, with the balance being paid when the scales were recovered.

In this case, he stated that this contract did not go to tender as was required by law; he also noted that all of the funds were paid, but the scales were never received. The AG added that this case is ongoing at the High Court.

“I have several cases, you talk about the camera, the CCTV cameras, the company that they bought the CCTV cameras from when I did my inquiries, the company no longer exists, it went into liquidation; so I don’t think that sum is recoverable,” he said.

Meanwhile, he noted

that in the agricultural sector, numerous contracts were entered into where hundreds of millions of dollars were spent to purchase irrigation pumps. None of those pumps are working, however. Nandlall added that machinery

was also bought for drainage and irrigation works that are nonfunctional or substandard.

“These are the outstanding things that we don’t even speak about as a government that we are enduring

and trying to address, compliments of our predecessors who are now masquerading as paragons of virtues,” the Attorney General lamented.

Previously, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) cited concerns about persistent non-adherence to store regulations, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, and Procurement Act by the accounting officers. The committee also noted instances where accounting officers and engineering staff were cited for signing off on incomplete and unverified projects. Among other infractions was the non-delivery of items after full payments were made by several budget agencies.

Mrs. Arya Ali’s National Beautification Project.

The National Beautification Project aims to

promote scenic revitalisation and provide safe recreational spaces for families.

Construction works ongoing at the new Corriverton Recreational Park in Region Six (Office of the First Lady photo)

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

New $61M sand-mining operation for Canal #2

DUE to the increasing demand for building materials such as silica sand, loam and stone, Castle Point Incorporated plans to invest some US$292,000 (or GY$61 million) in a new viable and environmentally-compliant silica sand and loam mining operation at the Canal #2 backlands, West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

A project summary was recently submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review.

According to the project summary, there would be an annual operating cost of US$260,183 and the mine would produce approximately 200,000 tonnes of silica sand and 10,000 tonnes of loam per year for construction and industrial purposes over the life of the mine, according to a project summary.

Additionally, this project will provide permanent employment to one security officer, four truck drivers, two excavator operators,

two front-end loader operators, and one bulldozer operator, totaling 10 permanent positions initially.

“… the proprietor plans to develop the area into a profitable silica sand and loam mining venture. Borehole data and previous work done has indicated a mineable resource estimate of approximately 14,219,034

tonnes of sand resources and 31,468 tonnes of loam resources,” the summary stated.

The property is located at the Canal# 2 backlands, WBD. approximately 23.49 kilometres (km southwest of Guyana’s capital city Georgetown, 20 km from the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and 13.83

km from the Demerara River.

Production will be seven days per week, 12 hours per day. The company expects to increase production significantly eventually.

“It should be noted however that periodically some amount of downtime is expected for maintenance

and repairs. Mining will only take place during daylight hours,” the summary stated.

The company said it also discovered that there is a strong demand for sand or loam throughout the country, and suppliers are spread thin trying to keep up with demand.

“This steep rise in demand can be attributed to the government’s push to complete infrastructural projects in the near future and a thriving private construction sector. This demand is only expected to grow as the industry awaits an impending construction bloom as a result of the new oil and gas industry,” the company added.

The company expects that it would be able to satisfy some of the demand for construction materials through this new project.

Building on the progress made in 2022 through increased public and private investments, Guyana’s vibrant construction industry is expected to expand even further this year.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during his presentation of Budget 2023 last week, said, “… latest estimates show that the construction sector grew by a very strong 26.3 per cent in 2022.

As was the case in 2021, this expansion is supported by intensified activity in the public and private sectors.”

Driven by further plans to invest heavily in the establishment and maintenance of critical infrastructure across the country, Dr. Singh also highlighted the local construction industry is projected to expand even further this year.

This growth, the Finance Minister said, can be linked to massive government investments in new and improved roads and bridges, housing developments, educational and health facilities, agriculture infrastructure, and private sector investment in the oil and gas and hospitality industries.

Agro-processing facilities for Crabwood Creek, Orealla this year

WITH government’s continued commitment to support and promote investments in agroprocessing, two new agro-processing facilities are expected to be established in Crabwood Creek and Orealla in Region Six, this year.

The projects are critical elements of the administration’s push for enhanced food security and broad-based sustainable economic growth.

And by adding value to primary agricultural production, agro-processing improves household incomes and opens up new opportunities for export earnings.

In recent years, the government has taken steps to support and pro-

mote investments in agroprocessing.

In 2022, agri-business incubators were established in several locations across the country, including Parika, Fort Wellington, St Ignatius, and Watooka.

The procurement of equipment for agro-processing and packaging facilities in Sophia, Parika, and Mabaruma was also advanced.

Additionally, significant progress was made on the construction of new processing facilities at White Water Creek and Charity, which are expected to be commissioned in the coming quarter.Moreover, a new cold-storage facility will be constructed in Bartica, and two new

refrigerated trucks will be procured to support the transport of inputs and agricultural products.

Agro-processors will also benefit from the es-

tablishment of a new Guyana Shop and a marketing information centre in Bartica.

The government is also planning to establish a

regional food hub, which will provide a strong boost to agro-processing and value-added food production. This will help to create jobs, increase exports,

and improve food security for the country.

Meanwhile, in an effort to further commercialise value-added production

A $60M agro-processing facility in Region Two (DPI photo)

Two mothers drown at Feather Beach

TWO mothers tragically lost their lives Sunday evening after they reportedly drowned at Feather Beach, a popular lake in Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam).

Dead is Akeesia Tyrell, 24, of La Belle Alliance and Kawattie Lallbacchan, 25, of Lot 77 Anna Regina. The incident reportedly occurred around 15:00hrs on Sunday.

Tyrell, a mother of three, was expected to celebrate her birthday tomorrow. The family went on a lake outing at the popular Feather Beach in Region Two when the tragedy struck.

Both Tyrell and Lallbacchan went missing after two hours in the water. Cousin of Tyrell, Meeksia Simon said that they were all having a fun time in the water when she realized that she was

not seeing Lallbacchan and Tyrell. She said that she alerted other family members and they all began searching for the women. After hours of searching, the women’s bodies were recovered.

They were both rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where they were pronounced dead. The bodies were taken to the Suddie Mortuary to await autopsies.

Elderly pedestrian dies in Leonora accident

BERNARD Marshall, a 78-year-old pedestrian of Norton Street, Georgetown, died af -

ter a car driven by a 17-year-old male of Block ‘ X’ Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD), collided with him.

The accident occurred around 18:45hrs on Saturday evening, on the Leonora Public Road, WCD.

Police Headquarters reported that motorcar #PTT 5545, driven by the teen, was heading east along the northern side of the road at a nor-

mal rate of speed, due to a heavy downpour of rain. The pedestrian reportedly walked from south to north across the road, into the path of the motorcar.

The man reportedly had a Banks beer bottle in his hand

The teen driver told officers that upon seeing the pedestrian, he swerved left to avoid him. Despite his effort, the car’s right-side front fender collided with the

pedestrian causing him to fall to the road surface. The man received lacerations about his left arm.

Marshall was picked up in a conscious condition and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital. He was seen and examined by the doctor on duty, but was referred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. There, he received further treatment, but eventually succumbed.

The body was later taken to the Ezekiel Mortuary at Best Village, WCD, for storage and an autopsy. The driver was taken to the Leonora Police Station, where he was placed into custody. A breathlyser test showed that be had no alcohol in his body.

Meanwhile, the vehicle was lodged for police examination. An investigation into the matter is underway.

Agro-processing facilities for...

FROM PAGE 3

through agro-processing, a $37 million state-of-theart food-processing factory was commissioned at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice.

The investment will see approximately 700 persons including farmers, agro-processors, women, youth, and other stakeholders from Regions Five

and Six benefitting from improved services geared at increasing the value and extending the shelf life of their products.

Guyana’s agro-processing capacity was enhanced even further, with a $37 million investment in the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) in July, 2022.

The investment saw

the commissioning of six water tanks, two forklifts, four pallet jacks, five trolleys and one sewing machine at the GMC’s Sophia location.

Ad ditionally, in November 2022, a $15 million agro-processing factory was opened in St Ignatius, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Farmers there

now have the opportunity to process peanuts and cashew nuts.

Guyana is also seeking assistance from India in the form of technology and skilled manpower in the agriculture and agro-processing industries, with the goal of becoming a leader in the Caribbean Community (DPI).

Akeesia Tyrell and Kawattie Lallbacchan

Corentyne family to get new house

As President Ali’s ‘Men on Mission’ initiative expands

A FAMILY of eight will soon dwell in a new, furnished house in the community of Elijiah Mary/Little Africa, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) as President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s ‘Men on Mission’ initiative continues to expand across the country.

According to the Guyana Police Force, the family’s current dwelling was demolished and an elevated one-storey, two-bedroom house is currently being constructed. This construction is being led by the police and is backed by stakeholders in Region Six.

On Sunday, Deputy Commissioner “Operations” (ag), Ravindradat Budhram made a site visit to inspect the ongoing works. He met with Regional Commander Sen -

ior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus and his team, along with the contractor, K.P. Jagdeo and Engineer, Chandradeo Ghansham, who briefed him on construction of the house and when it is expected to be completed.

Also present were Regional Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain and cricketer Devindra Bishoo, along with other stakeholders in the region who have thrown their support behind the initiative.

The two-bedroom house will feature a dining/living area, a kitchen and indoor bathroom and toilet facilities. It will also be furnished with all necessary amenities for the family of eight.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali noted that the ‘Men on Mission’ initiative is a movement

aimed at impressing upon men the importance of responsibility, being role models and demonstrating a collective will to shoulder a progressive system to support Guyana’s developing society.

Through this initiative, the President envisions that approximately 150 houses across the country will be constructed for vulnerable persons who have their own lands.

Another important part of the initiative, he added, is to work with young people to provide coaching, mentoring, and motivation. It is also geared towards creating a new movement through which there is a greater appreciation among men for the way they take individual and collective action.

GOAL scholarships a big relief for Region Nine residents

milia Rampersaud said, “I think it is a good programme for us because going out there (Georgetown) is very hard. I have family at home, I have my children to look after. So, for me to go out there will be difficult. So, it’s very easy for us online.”

like it.”

those in the hinterland.

THE Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships have been seen as a welcome relief for numerous residents living in Guyana’s southern-most region, Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo).

Residents of Karasabai, Annai, Lethem and Aishalton in Region Nine, on Saturday signed up for the programme during an outreach led by Minister of the Public Service, Sonia Parag.

Michael Pio, a Karasabai villager, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he

is keen on using the programme to expand his skills.

Annai resident, Cam-

Nikita Pauline, a teacher at the Aishalton Secondary School and a GOAL scholar, noted, “I really like it. They’re reaching out to us. It’s cheap for me because every two weeks I have to buy a prime bundle with Digicel, but if I have to compare it to going to the actual university, it’s manageable and I

Over 600 Region Nine residents have already benefitted since the programme was rolled out in 2021. This is the first phase of the GOAL scholarship programme that is being rolled out in 2023; persons have up to January 29, 2023 to submit their applications.

Meanwhile, the Bachelor’s Degree and GROW programme will come on stream next month.

Minister Parag, during the outreach, explained that the programme is intended to make tertiary education accessible to every Guyanese, including

“Take the opportunity and I really do hope that you do because it will give you a sense of pride and a sense of dignity, because you have earned something and you have learned to do something, and nobody can take that away from you.

“This government will always commit to educating our people and developing our people and the hinterland will never be left behind. We are developing more programmes

that are inclusive and will be closing the gaps as it relates to access to the hinterland,” Minister Parag was quoted as saying by the DPI.

GOAL is the government’s new scholarship programme that seeks to provide thousands of Guyanese with the opportunity to study for free. Through this, Guyanese will be equipped with skills, knowledge and qualification for economic and self-development.

Karasabai residents turned up in their numbers to learn more about the GOAL scholarships (DPI photo)

A Karasabai resident applying for a GOAL scholarship (DPI photo)

Deputy Commissioner “Operations” (ag), Ravindradat Budhram, after making a site visit to the house under construction as part of “Men On Mission” projects

Education is Key

AS the experiences of Asian countries have demonstrated, societies driven by knowledge are more likely to prosper both economically and socially, when compared to those that do not pay enough attention to human-resource development.

The importance of education had prompted President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to increase education expenditure in the national budget.

This was indeed a forward-looking development initiative on the part of President Ali, as it will certainly propel the country’s already remarkable development to even greater heights. As the

modernisation process picks up momentum, the need for a skilled and well-educated workforce becomes something of a national imperative.

Already, the country has been making spectacular achievements both in terms of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary School Examination (CSEC).This augers well in terms of the development of our human capital, which is so vital for the modernisation process, especially in the context of the emerging oil-and-gas sub-sector.

Education is much more than a medium of economic development. At a much more funda -

mental level, education is a vehicle of empowerment which enhances an individual’s ‘lebenchances,’ which is that ability to better navigate the challenges of life and living.

People who are educated generally make better choices in life and are much more empowered to contribute to nation-building in more meaningful ways. It is a well-established fact that education plays a key role in the reduction of poverty and inequity in society, something which President Ali is passionate about.

As pointed out by the President, education is a core element of Guyana’s social transformation. Investments in education,

he said, are aimed at unlocking the potential of our students to help them realise their aspirations, while enhancing the repository of skills available for national development.

Education has always been high on the PPP/Cs national agenda and is consistent both with the country’s National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to ensure the provision of inclusionary and highquality education and the closing of attainment gaps in the education system. And while these gaps still remain, there is no doubt that robust measures are in place to reduce and eventually eliminate exist-

ing gaps. With significant inflows of oil revenues, more money will be available for national and sectoral development and education is a guaranteed beneficiary of such funding increases.

This will certainly help to modernise the education-delivery system by way of more trained teachers, a better learning environment, curricula reform and development, and greater opportunities for online learning. In short, the critical success factors in quality education delivery are now being better addressed.

President Ali and the PPP/C administration must be commended for

the emphasis being placed on human development, of which education is an important component. What we are in fact experiencing is the emergence of a knowledge-based society, one in which every citizen of Guyana will be provided with an opportunity to develop to the full limit of his or her potential.

With a strong focus on providing equitable access to quality education, the government has allocated some $94.4 billion to the education sector. This is an increase to the sector from the $72.8 billion allocation in 2022. This alone sends a strong signal of the government’s intention.

A few recommendations on crime-fighting for MP Ferguson

Dear Editor, I WRITE with reference to MP Annette Ferguson’s missive on crimefighting in Guyana (Kaieteur News, 21/1/2023).

No one would or should disagree with the Member of Parliament on the urgency of upping the fight against crime. In this regard, I do have a few observations and recommendations for Ms Ferguson, and I expect she will see the larger picture before us.

Editor, before I get to street crime, I must underline that the PPP/C is not a “regime.” It is the democratically elected government of this country. Use of the appellation “regime” has no other consequence other than to besmirch the will of the Guyanese people.

If fact, I must remind Ms Ferguson that the attempt to rig the elections on 2020 was criminal in every respect.

The first victory

against crime in Guyana was won after a long and difficult period between early March and early August 2020. Justice prevailed over those in Ms Ferguson’s political apparatus who were bent on electoral fraud. Put simply, the fight against election theft was crimefighting and the current administration saved the day.

Now, I have a few recommendations for the Hon MP Ferguson. Firstly,

please ask the APNU, and perhaps the AFC also, depending on your relationship as of late, to assist in legal law- enforcement efforts in the country.

You cannot support illegal squatting, and illegal occupation of public spaces for the purpose of vending, and then go against law enforcement against these transgressions.

Secondly, ask your own APNU to stop calling for “action” that amounts

to threats. These notes of incitement in furtherance of political objectives are likely to graduate into a symphony of discontent, and at the end of it all, the marauding forces of destabilisation will be difficult to contain.

That is a different level of criminal conduct, the sort that threatens the very fabric of public security and democratic governance. Recent pronouncements from many within APNU or connected to

it have been intimating forms of political lawlessness.

Third, and finally, why not take a constructive role on the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Security alluded to in your correspondence. The time is ripe for real leadership from anywhere within the APNU. Make effective use of the opportunity, if I may respectfully recommend.

Yours sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

‘We are not afraid’ - Indigenous Brazilian women stand up to gender violence

WOMEN from Brazil’s Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, but UN-backed initiatives, and a change in the law, are encouraging them to seek protection.

In Parque das Tribos, an indigenous neighbourhood in Manaus, the capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state, violence against women is not uncommon.

“As a leader, I have experienced many things,” says Lutana Ribeiro, a member of the Kokama ethnic group, and the only female chief in Parque das Tribos, which is home to around 4,500 people. “Women knock on my door asking for help.”

Sparsely populated and relatively isolated in terms of air, road and sea access, the state of Amazonas faces particular challenges in access to public services, including for sexual and reproductive health support and gender-based violence response.

HUGE INCREASE IN FEMICIDE

In 2021, at least one person called the national police emergency number in Brazil every minute to report domestic violence. From 2016 to 2021, the rate of femicide – defined as the intentional killing of a woman, motivated at least in part by her gender – was reported to have increased by over 44 per cent, with one woman dying as a result of femicide every seven hours.

In the state of Amazonas, of all women killed intentionally by another person, more than one in five were cases of femicide.

Ms. Ribeiro, who is well known among her community as a staunch defender of human rights, recently facilitated a series

of workshops for survivors of gender-based violence, which were attended by 50 women from the area. “On the first day, few spoke. Today, most of them have spoken.”

The workshops, run by the UN reproductive and sexual health agency, UNFPA, explored different types of violence and explained how to access local social support networks and available legal protection mechanisms.

These include the Maria da Penha Law, which changed Brazil’s penal code in 2006 to not only allow for aggressors to be arrested for an act of violence against a woman or girl, but also for them to be detained, if the risk of them committing such an act was deemed a threat to a person’s life.

A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN

Ms. Ribeiro described how, from the second day of the workshop, the women were eager to share their experiences with each other and with the UNFPA team.

“After the first lecture, many women felt stronger. The next day, people said “enough” to violence. These men will no longer do what they want with them, because now the women are more empowered.”

The workshops are aimed at training women from indigenous communities to help spread lifesaving information among their friends, family, and peers. Children also joined in recreational activities so their mothers could attend.

“The initiative was very important for us to become increasingly stronger and have this support through dialogue and experience,” Ms. Ribeiro said.

“The workshops created a safe space for women to reflect together on the different forms of violence that affect their daily lives and on coping strategies,” Débora Rodrigues, Head of the UNFPA office in Manaus, said, adding: “Which include expanding the supply of and access to services that guarantee protection and rights for

all the Parque das Tribos community.”

With financial support from the United States Agency for International Development, UNFPA is implementing projects across Brazil’s northern states of Amazonas and Roraima

to strengthen the local capacities in preventing and confronting genderbased violence.

In 2022, more than 36,000 women and girls benefitted from the initiative, with increased access to services such as shelters and safe spaces for survi-

vors, as well as workshops that also engaged men and boys.

Ribeiro says the participants in the Parque das Tribos workshop felt collectively strengthened, asserting: “We, as indigenous people, are not afraid.” (UN News)

Lutana Ribeiro is the only female chief of Parque das Tribos, an indigenous neighbourhood in Manaus, the capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state (UNFPA Brazil/Isabela Martel)

Huradiah, Acquero residents get first-time access to potable water

Annansha Peters, other local representatives and residents were at the simple commissioning ceremony.

Prior to the establishment of a water system, residents utilised water from the nearby creeks and practised rain harvesting.

Minister Croal said that the government has emphasised providing a better quality of life for Indigenous Peoples and will ensure that they have safer water for consumption, and also benefit from other governmental initiatives.

the PPP/C administration has since raised hinterland water coverage to 75 per cent by the end of 2022.

Through Budget 2023, some $1.4 billion is expected to be expended to increase the water coverage to 87 per cent in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

In the Moruca sub-district, wells are expected to be drilled in several communities such as Santa Rosa, Kamwatta and Parakeese among others.

by the Santa Rosa Village Council under GWI’s supervision.

This not only employed residents, but it also reduced the cost of the project. Moreover, Community Service Officers (CSOs) have been trained to assist with the operation and maintenance of the system.

For Nalleine James, a resident of the area, the project will bring much-needed relief to her family and end its days of “fetching water.”

OWING to the commissioning of the Huradiah Water Supply System, roughly 500 households at Huradiah and Acquero in the Moruca sub-district of Barima-Waini (Region One) will now have access to potable water for the first time.

The $12 million system was commissioned by the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Saturday.

Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchand Jailall; ViceChairperson of Region One,

“More resources will be pumped into your region to ensure that you are equally benefitting and accessing the development […] in terms of social welfare and equally for infrastructure because what the people on the coastland experience you must experience wherever you are in this beautiful country,” Minister Croal said.

He related that when the government was elected to office in 2020, an analysis of water coverage revealed that only 46 per cent of hinterland communities had access to potable water.

With an investment of approximately $2 billion,

The scope of work for the Huradiah Water Supply System included the drilling of the potable water well (57 meters, or 186 feet), installation of approximately 4,125 meters (4.1 km) of distribution pipes, installation of a photovoltaic pumping system, the construction of a perimeter fence, the installation of 75 service connections, and three stand pipes at Acquero Landing and Huradiah/Cabora Junction to benefit persons traversing the area.

Jailall said that the well was drilled by GWI’s PAT rig and in-house drilling team. Additionally, the installation of the distribution network, pumping system and fence was executed

“Before we had to punish to get water. We had to go to the creek far from our home. So, now we’re very thankful and happy that we have water in our area,” James said.

Another resident, Tricia Rodrigues, also noted that the new system will improve her daily life.

Rodrigues said: “I had to be using only the water from the rain because my pond water was very bad with iron or something that used to have this rust over it, so I suffered a lot for water”.

While the project currently serves 85 per cent of the area, an extension programme will be undertaken in 2023 to serve the remaining residents.

A section of the gathering at the commissioning of the Huradiah Water Supply System

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal drinks water after commissioning the Huradiah Water Supply System

Picture saved as Gathering

Joy Agness: From homeless woman to award-winning humanitarian

By Naomi Parris

AS a mother of two sons, teacher, reverend and humanitarian, Joy Agness has spent much of life helping others. And last December, she was bestowed one of the most prestigious awards a humanitarian in the United States (US) can receive: the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph Biden.

Agness, 66, was recognised for the work she has been doing through her organization: Angels Helping Hands Association. This is an organisation she created to not only help citizens from her home country Guyana, but across the globe.

“I started Angels Helping Hand because I am a single parent and I know the struggles of single parents and I know how much you have to pour into your children’s lives,” Agness shared in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

She added, “That award is a big accomplishment for me be -

cause over the years, I have done so much. I have given so much to so many different organizations and to so many different people.”

It wasn’t always that way, however. In fact, Agness experienced her fair share of challenges throughout her life.

The woman recalled that there was a time when she was homeless and searching for food to feed herself and

ferent things and help out as best as I can,” she said.

STARTING OUT

In Guyana, Agness worked with many organisations, community groups and churches to help vulnerable women, children and persons stigmatized by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). She also

Agness made the decision to migrate again, this time to the United States of America, where she pursued studies and became a registered nurse.

While her work as a nurse was fulfilling as she was able to tend to those in need, Agness craved the need to bring even more joy to people. This led to her opening her very first business, Joy Agness Events International, catering for weddings and other events.

“Every time they would have birthdays and nurses party or whatever we are doing I would always volunteer to decorate and so forth, because it’s something that I always loved to do. It was my hobby that I turned into my business.”

Her new business venture began with a rapid rise which saw her catering to small and large events globally. One major event was the White House inauguration ceremony of US President Barack Obama for his second term.

While her life is filled with so many

great achievements, Agness never fails to share her earnings with those who are not as fortunate as herself.

Yearly, she sponsors a free wedding to someone who cannot afford it. She also provides school supplies, clothing and other amenities to less fortunate children in the US and Guyana.

Agness believes that

her story is far from ending and her recent award signifies the start of an even greater journey as a humanitarian.

She hopes to continue sharing her knowledge as a professor, teaching event planning at several colleges in the US and as a helper, sharing whatever she can with someone who is in need.

children. According to her, it was during those moments of distress and uncertainty when she found the strength to push forward and become the woman and humanitarian she is today.

“It got started because of the need for other people and I know what it is like to be in positions like that, I know what it’s like to be hungry, I know what it is like to have kids to look at you… I’ve seen so many situations like this, not only in Guyana and the US, there are always people that [sic] need help.

“I am a humanitarian, I look for situations; I look for people who are going through dif-

worked as an educator in East La Penitence, Georgetown.

With the hope of creating a better life for herself and children, however, she made the decision to migrate to Canada, leaving all that she knew behind.

The new journey brought on its own challenges but being a strong-minded individual, Agness was certain that all turbulent times would pass eventually. Upon her arrival, she worked at the Guyana Consulate in Canada for some time. She, however, felt as if her life was at a standstill and a change was needed.

In 1977, two years after leaving Guyana,

Joy Agness, founder of Angels Helping Hands

Agness along with her family, whom she credits as her biggest motivation

Budget 2023 helping people get what they need - citizens say

EXACTLY one week ago, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh presented the massive $781.9 billion 2023 National Budget during a sitting of the National Assembly. Since then, citizens have familiarised themselves with various aspects of the budget and some believe that this budget is a “fair” spending plan that the government is using to meet people’s needs.

Taxi driver Seon Robinson, who hails from the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), Region Four

(Demerara- Mahaica), told the Guyana Chronicle that one noteworthy focus of the government, evidenced by the budget, is the focus on Guyana’s youth.

“Giving back to the youths means that he is investing in the future of Guyana and I love that. People don’t think about you because of where you come from and it depends on how you look to determine if you will get a good job or not but with this President, he is not like that. He is working for all of Guyana and I would like to personally thank him and ask him not to change. He makes us feel like he is one of us,

even though he sits in the highest office,” Robinson said.

The government’s ambitious housing drive, supported by a $54 billion allocation this year, is another focus that Robinson welcomed. Through this allocation, the government hopes to develop more housing schemes and improve existing areas, as part of a manifesto promise to deliver 50,000 house lots during its first five years in office.

“Many of our parents didn’t get to own a home, but under his leadership, we can get a house lot and a home and our children and grandchildren can get

that too,” he said.

Beyond the focus on youth and housing, the taxi driver acknowledged the focus placed on making loans more accessible to Guyana. According to him, accessing loans at the local banks was a tedious process that deterred many people from investing. Now, he believes that various government policies, like the budgetary measures, are changing that.

“With what the President is doing for all of us, we can afford to upgrade our lives because we don’t have to punish to get a chance in life anymore,” Robinson said.

Maya Devi Awadhesh, a young woman from the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam), told the Guyana

Chronicle that various allocations and measures in the budget signal to her that people’s needs are being satisfied.

“I feel like we are being seen, heard and listened to. I remember listening to budgets in the past, but they were always for infrastructure and some other material development for the country. I am sure that even though that was important for Guyana at the time, I feel as if we as young people are now included.

“The young people, children and pensioners are some of the main topics of conversation and not just the background topic and I love that. I take pride in knowing that the government is looking to reduce and not increase

taxes in Guyana, which will contribute to a better and stress-free economy for all Guyanese,” she said.

Meanwhile, Georgetown shop owner, Singh (only name given) expressed her delight that the budget accommodated everyone.

“Based on what I heard, it seems like it is a fair budget and one that caters for all of the Guyanese people. I heard the bus driver and passengers talking and everyone sounded pleased and we are happy about that. It is not just because of what we are getting alone, but also because of how we are feeling, and for me as a businesswoman, I feel safer,” she said.

‘Snakey’ eludes police after dropping loaded gun

POLICE in Region Two, on Sunday, retrieved a 9mm SIG SAUER P226, three matching live rounds of ammunition and one magazine which were allegedly dropped by Davenand Dwarka called

‘Snakey’. According to a statement issued by the Guyana Police Force, ranks were in a motor vehicle proceeding east on the northern side of the Henrietta Public Road on the Essequibo Coast, when

they saw Dwarka in the vicinity of Jaigobin hotel with “an object projecting out from his waist.

One of the ranks shouted at him to stop but instead he ran into the hotel’s parking lot.

The police stated that two of the ranks then gave chase. Dwarka fell into some mud and while he was trying to get up, the firearm fell from his hand.

One of the ranks tried to grab him but he managed to jump into a nearby trench before making good his escape.

The firearm was then picked up by the police.

According to the police, efforts are being made to have Dwarka arrested since he is known to the police and is currently before the court for possession of 2.277 grammes of cannabis.

The firearm that was discovered by police on Sunday

Chinese continue to aid Guyana’s development

- President Ali acknowledges in Chinese New Year message

CHINESE have long contributed to the development of Guyana and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali posited that they continue to do so, especially now that Guyana is experiencing significant transformation.

The Head of State, in a message issued on the occasion of the Lunar Chinese New Year, emphasised that Guyana and the People’s Republic of China shared “imperishable relations” that are strengthened by ties of blood, history, friendship and shared interests.

“The Lunar Chinese New Year offers the promise of enhancing co-operation between our two states and between our peoples,” President Ali said.

Beyond that countryto-country relationship though, the President underscored the meaningful contributions of the Chinese community in Guyana. Chinese are one of six groups of people living in Guyana.

“The members of the Chinese community in Guyana continue to make a valuable contribution to national transformation

and development,” Dr. Ali affirmed.

This year, the Chinese observe the year of the rabbit. And President Ali related that the rabbit is known for its swiftness, smartness and nimbleness. Even so, he added that the rabbit is also gentle, calm and peaceful.

“The year of the rabbit symbolises the need for adeptness, vigilance, perseverance,” he contended, adding that these are virtues at the heart of the successes of China and its people.

The President extended best wishes to China and the Chinese community in Guyana including the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan and the staff of the embassy.

Ambassador Haiyan explained that the Spring Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important traditional festival in China with a history of more than 4,000 years.

“The year of 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, a beloved animal ranking fourth in the Chinese zodiac. It is a common species but with rich cultural connotation.

“In terms of appearance, the rabbit is meek, cute, innocent and lively, which means that the new year would be peaceful and auspicious. In terms

stranger to Guyanese and it is a observance many look forward to.

of skills, the rabbit is good at jumping, which means overcoming difficulties and surpassing oneself,” the Ambassador explained in a piece published in the Sunday Chronicle.

And according to her, the Spring Festival is no

Like President Ali, she highlighted the strong ties between Guyana and China, and how well-integrated the Chinese community is in Guyana.

“This year marks the 170th anniversary of Chinese Arrival in Guyana. The Chinese community has integrated deeply into the local society, and to-

gether they have contributed to Guyana’s national independence and development. And the Chinese culture, represented by Spring Festival activities,

than 2,000 persons from all walks of life, including the Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, joined the celebrations. Many Guya-

has been integrated into the Guyanese multiculture as well,” she said.

Recently, the Chinese community held the Guyana 2023 Chinese Spring Festival Temple Fair in the National Park, Georgetown, where more

nese friends, dressed in Chinese costumes and holding folding fans, gathered to witness various displays of Chinese culture including food, song, lion and dragon dances and fireworks show.

Big boost for ‘agri’ plans in Baracara

SEVERAL infrastructural projects focused on improving drainage and irrigation and improving food production have commenced in Baracara, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), as part of a wider focus on boosting agricultural production there.

Chairman of Community Development Council (CDC), Marshall Thompson, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, shared that works have commenced to clear some 150 acres of land in the community.

According to Thompson, the new lands will be used to adopt new sustainable agriculture practices.

“… we used to cut down and burn, now the government (is) clearing an area of 150 acres for us and impoldering it so that we can farm in a new way. So even in

the rainy season or the dry season we can still farm,” Thompson said.

This intervention has been welcomed since the riverine community was hit by severe flooding last year. Since then, farmers and fisherfolk are still struggling to recover from the disaster that had destroyed their livelihoods and upturned their lives.

In fact, Thompson said many have not been able to quite get back on their feet. He explained that it has been particularly hard for residents since they depend solely on agriculture and logging for an income.

“Last year [the flood] was extreme… I’ve never seen that excessive amount of water. Some of our fruit trees die out, 80 per cent of our animals die out (and) all of our farms drowned,” he said adding that it was the worst

flood in about 42 years.

Thompson also emphasised that the fisherfolk in the community felt the “squeeze”.

“From then to now, we are still getting excessive rainfall but we are still working. We are improving on catches of fish but our farming is down because we are still not getting the weather pattern.”

To improve this, much-needed works have also commenced for the digging of several canals in the community.

At a recent meeting with farmers in the community, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said once the works were completed the Agriculture Ministry will work along with the community to craft two strategic plans for livestock and cash-crop production.

These strategic plans, Mustapha said,

will adopt sustainable practices in food production, as well as in agro-processing.

“We have to change that kind of mechanism and that kind of thinking that we are just doing cash-crop farming,

and as soon as we reap it from the farm we take it to the market. “What we have been doing, we have been building these agro-processing facilities so that we can add value to our produce,” Mustapha said.

He added, “Rather than take the produce to the market we will package it and send it overseas; we will have for consumption here, but we will also get more money for you.”

In order for this to happen, the community must first decide which crops could be produced on a large scale. The community is known for its production in citrus, plantains, potatoes, eddoes and corn.

A team of technical officers from the National Agricultural Research and Extension institute (NAREI) will return to the community to conduct assessments and soil testing.

The minister also committed to providing the necessary inputs to the community to boost livestock production. Breeding bulls, boars and rams will be provided to the community. Additionally, a team from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will also return to conduct assessments and craft its strategic plan.

A section of one of the canals that is being dug (Photo Courtesy DPI)

Chairman of Community Development Council (CDC), Marshall Thompson

‘All hands on deck’

- Foreign Secretary urges Guyanese in Canada to support Guyana now

FOREIGN Secretary, Robert Persaud, urged members of the diapora in Canada to support Guyana’s development now as the government strives towards heralding in a new era of development.

Persaud, while speaking at a diaspora engagement with the newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, Keith George, noted that Canada contains the second largest group of Guyanese after the United States of America (USA). As such, significant skills, knowledge and capital can be found among that grouping.

As such, he expressed the hope that the diaspora could play a meaningful role in Guyana’s development, especially in the wake of the country’s largest national budget of $789.1 billion

Department of Public Information (DPI).

He added, “We are the fastest growing economy in the world and, with that, we would require capacity, for us to put all hands on deck. Now is not a time for us to be squabbling among each other, now is not the time for us to be seeking to have division, now is not the time for us to be pointing fingers, but rather how it is that we can hold each other’s hand and support what it is our country is doing because the world is looking at Guyana.”

Meanwhile, High Commissioner George outlined several sectors that the Canadian diaspora could help develop in Guyana, including the use of technology to expand agricultural production.

He said Guyana’s economy remains resilient not

which was presented in the National Assembly recently.

“In terms of the transformation taking place in our country, we see the diaspora playing a role in terms of moving that forward because if we are looking in terms of a budget of this capacity, you have to look at issues of implementation,” the Foreign Secretary was quoted as saying by the

only in the oil and gas sector but in other traditional sectors as well.

“We hope that a larger number of Guyanese will travel back to Guyana, if not to remigrate or invest, but to reconnect with the country of their birth. I assure you that Guyana is not the place it used to be a year ago, five years ago or ten years ago,” he pointed out.

The new High Commissioner also noted that the prospects are bright and members of the diaspora could be agents of change.

“Those of you in the diaspora, I ask you to consider making some of the beneficiaries of your assistance change agents, rather than simply recipients of your help, especially in the area of agriculture,” he added.

Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Keith George, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and Consul General (ag), Grace Joseph, pose with members of the diaspora at the ‘meet and greet (DPI photo)

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, addresses members of the diaspora in Canada (DPI photo)

Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Keith George, addresses members of the diaspora in Canada (DPI photo)

Four years jail, $53M fine for teen caught with marijuana

A 19-year-old woman was, on Friday last, sentenced to four years in prison and fined $53.1 million for the possession of cannabis,

which she claimed belonged to Roy Anthony Charles called “Skiddle” who was gunned down on Durban Street recently.

Marlena Emptage of Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, plead guilty to the possession of 59 kilograms of narcotics

for the purpose of trafficking.

According to a press release from the Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU), the teen appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly.

Emptage was charged jointly with her boyfriend, Tyriq Gentle and her sister, Yvette Robinson. However, Emptage took ownership of the drugs and told the court that the other accused had no knowledge of the crime.

Based on this develop -

ment, the charge was withdrawn against Gentle and Robinson by CANU prosecutor, Richard Harris.

On January 18, CANU Officers conducted an operation at the woman’s house when they discovered the cannabis hidden in barrels and shopping bags inside her room.

CANU then issued a wanted bulletin for the trio after which they turned themselves in.

Under caution, Emptage told CANU ranks, “It was given to me by a man name Skiddle to keep. I was paid $100,000. It was never re -

turned to him because he was shot dead.”

On January 9, 2023, Charles was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting by men in an old model grey Allion motorcar, while he was walking with a friend along Durban Street.

According to the Police, Charles, a labourer, was shot 12 times – three times to his neck, twice to his jaw, twice to the forehead, once to his left hand, twice to his lower back and twice to his shoulder.

Investigation into Charles’ murder is still ongoing.

Marlena Emptage

The narcotics found at the woman’s house

Fathers urged to participate in special family day next Sunday

- as part of President Ali’s men’s initiative

ties throughout the day and upload them to the MoM’s official Facebook page at www.facebook. com/menonmissiongy or email them to play@ menonmission.gy for an opportunity to win special

The MoM initiative -

“The mission of the one thousand men is to-

gle community to lift upally affected and socially affected. It is to change every society and bring -

tive life in every single community. It is to work against violence, it is to

CANU finds cannabis in box shipped from US

work in making men better in being good men, responsible men, responsible youths in our society,” the Head of State said.

Thus far, the MoM team has built houses in record time, held job fairs and assisted the people in all of the ad-

ministrative regions of Guyana under the “One Guyana” umbrella- another initiative crafted by the President.

SEVERAL packages containing a total of 1.920 kilogrammes of cannabis, were, on Friday, discovered in a box shipped from the United States of America to Muneshwers shipping limited.

According to press release from the Cus -

toms Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), officers were contacted on Friday, prompting a visit to the shipping company. They conducted additional searches before taking possession of the box.

The box was then transported to CANU

headquarters, where the contents were tested in the presence of the employee of the shipping company who had made the discovery.

CANU said that the tests confirmed that the box contained cannabis. Investigation is ongoing.

The cannabis that was shipped into Guyana from the United States (CANU photo)

Tiger Rentals u-13 football match day two for EBFA

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Tiger Rental’s under-13 development programme continued on Saturday at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, where the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) held match day two of their inter-association leg of this na-

tionwide initiative.

A total of four matches managed to get underway despite the imminent threat of rain. In the first match, Friendship had an enterprising 9-0 win over Samatta Point. In match two, Timehri A made light work of Agricola Red Triangle with a 6-2 victory.

Swan had the biggest

victory of the day and the competition thus far after recording an 11-0 triumph over Timehri B, led by Kevin DeGoias with seven goals while Marko Andrews added a brace to go along with Mario DeSantos’ and Omesh Charles’ single strikes.

Herstelling Raid -

ers bounced back from their heavy defeat on the opening day with a 3-1 win over Diamond in the fourth and final match of the day.

On match day one of the EBFA’s competition. Diamond United beat Agricola Red triangle 4-3 while Timehri A team beat Herstelling Raiders 8-0.

West Indies u19 shocked by Rwanda

CMC – West Indies Women slumped a surprise four-wicket defeat to African nation Rwanda Women in their opening game of the ICC Under-19 Women’s Twenty20 World Cup Sunday, to suffer a massive setback in their quest for a semi-final berth.

The lethargy the Caribbean side displayed in their final group game against New Zealand Women when they crashed to a 10-wicket defeat returned to haunt them again, mustering a paltry 70 all out off 16.3 overs, and then watching as Rwanda Women eclipsed the target with 10 balls to spare.

West Indies Women will now have the unenviable task of beating England Women in their final Super6 contest on Wednesday, their opponents having already crushed

Ireland Women on Saturday by 121 runs.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow but the growth and development of this team has been our focus,” said head coach Steve Liburd.

“As a batting group we can learn from the loss today and we will go back to analyse how we play against slower bowlers. I still believe in these players, and I know they will develop into better players.”

He continued: “We still have one game to play, and we are going to continue representing the maroon with pride. This team can hold their heads high as we head into our last Super6 match against England.”

Choosing to bat first, West Indies Women lost wickets steadily from the outset and only Realeanna Grimmond with 18 from 21 balls

with two fours, managed to reach double figures.

Leg-spinners Marie Tumukunde (4-8) and Sylvia Usabyimana (420) proved West Indies Women’s undoing, ripping the innings apart with four-wicket bursts.

Requiring a huge bowling effort, West Indies Women were incisive up front, reducing Rwanda Women’s run chase to 40 for six at the end of the 12th over to be in with a chance of victory.

However, captain Gisele Ishimwe came to her side’s rescue with an unbeaten 31 off 53 deliveries with two fours, more importantly putting on a crucial 31 in an unbroken seventh wicket stand with Rosine Irera (eight not out) to snuff out the Caribbean side’s threat.

GVF continues training sessions at Gymnasium

THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) ran another training session yesterday at the National Gymnasium , as they usher in another term by President Levi Nedd following his recent re-election, alongside John Flores.

The GVF hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the National Aquatic Centre this past weekend, seeing Nedd

returning to the head of the Federation for a oneyear stint.

Nedd, along with long-serving Volleyball executive Flores were both nominated as president of the federation. The votes were cast and in the end, proved to be a stalemate, after both parties ended in a total of nine votes after two rounds of voting.

The two nominees then

came to the conclusion that the presidency would be jointly shared. The GVF presidential tenure lasts for two years, meaning that Nedd will serve for one year while the last would see Flores completing the two-year tenure as federation head.

Meanwhile, both male and female senior players conducted their ongoing sessions under the watch-

ful eye of Nedd, who was pleased with the progress of his group.

The session which included spike-training, serving, setting and running basic offensive/ defensive plays, will continue on a weekly basis as the GVF seek to eventually select the best crop of players to represent Guyana across the respective levels. (Clifton Ross)

The GFF/Tiger Rentals under-13 development football programme continues this weekend

South Africa Racing Tips

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English Racing Tips Kempton 08:50 hrs Sassy Redhead 09:20 hrs shadesofgrey 09:50 hrs Lordsbridge Girl 10:20 hrs Rooful 10:50 hrs Gifted Gold 11:20 hrs Alpha Capture 11:50 hrs The Pug

Ffos Las 09:30 hrs Vicki Vale 10:00 hrs Uncle Bert 10:30 hrs

Mylesfromwicklow 11:00 hrs Thor De Cerisy 11:30 hrs Rocky Man 12:00 hrs Pilot Show 12:30 hrs Pride Rock

Southwell 10:10 hrs All Dunn 10:40 hrs

We’renotreallythere 11:10 hrs Victory March 11:40 hrs Zealot 12:10 hrs Wadacre Grace 12:40 hrs Show Compassion 13:10 hrs Phoenix Star

Wolverhampton

12:20 hrs Yoy’re Cool 12:55 hrs Bazalgette 13:30 hrs Glittering Lights 14:00 hrs Densetsu

14:30 hrs Deep Spirit 15:00 hrs Dubai Immo 15:30 hrs Jacks Profit

American Racing Tips

Parx Racing

Race 1 Pagett

Race 2 Big Brown Shoes

Race 3 Hometown Hero

Race 4 Can’t Complain

Race 5 Buffalo Shuffle Race 6 Lassie’s Notion

Race 7 Hide the Ransom Race 8

Exaggerateddefence

at the NTC.

Berbice Cricket - Minister Dharamlall continues support of his county cricket

The main objective of the Berbice Cricket Board in 2023 is to invest heavily in the unearthing of new cricketing talents in the ancient county.

This will be done via an aggressive county wide coaching programme in clubs and schools, cricket tournaments at the primary and secondary levels and assisting clubs and schools with the necessary items for them to fulfil their mandate.

The plans of the progressive board on Wednesday last received a major boost when two government ministers renewed their commitment to play a major role in the county cricket development.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall both held separate meetings with BCB President, Hilbert Foster and the discussion centred on the activities of the board in 2023.

Minister Bharrat, who is also the patron of the BCB in 2023 would be investing three million dollars into the Patron Fund. Under the fund, first division clubs in the county would receive one million dollars worth of white cricket balls while the county would also benefit from coaching equipment, youth development seminars , coaching sessions and regular upgrading sessions for cricket officials.

One such programme would be a refresher course for coaches and a captaincy seminar for all youth captains in the county

The BCB patron also committed to playing a major role in making sure that the plans for a Berbice under 21 team tour to Jamaica in April is successful.

The plan is for a 14-man squad and two

RHTYSC Cricket teams launch 2023 ‘Say

Yes to Education’ with donations to schools

THE cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club on Wednesday last, launched the 2023 edition of their county wide ‘Say Yes to Education’ campaign.

The teams handed over donations to several primary schools in the lower

Corentyne area during the day under the supervision of several executives including Assistant Secretary, Jonathan Rampersaud; Organising Secretary, Robby Kissoonlall and executive member Tyrone Pottaya.

Club Secretary, Hilbert Foster stated that every year,

the management of the club mandates the teams to undertake a series of programmes/ projects under their respective sponsorships to make a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

These programmes are done under a wide range of sub headings including health, charity, education, social, sports, community development, youth development, religious, anti-drugs, anti-suicide and anti-alcohol, among others.

The schools which received donations from the club were Rose Hall Town Primary, Tain, Port Mourant, Fyrish and Gibraltar/Courtland Primary.

The Rose Hall Town Primary received a large amount of items that included school bags, stationery, cleaning detergents, teaching aid, trophies and files among other items

Kissonlall, who oversees

officials to play three one day matches over a one week visit as part of the county developmental programme.

Minister Bharrat also informed the BCB he would assist two promising Berbice players to fulfil their rich potentials on the cricket field by investing into their careers.

Minister Bharrat established the fund

when he was appointed Patron in 2020 and has played a major role in the rapid development of the county cricket over the last three years.

Under the last Patron Fund, clubs received balls, hundreds of youths benefitted from the hosting of four personal skills seminars and dozens of cricketers received educational grants.

Minister Dharamlall last year assisted the BCB with the employment of 19 cricket coaches under the Government of Guyana 10 days working programme and also supported with coaching equipment for the same programme.

This year, the Berbice born Member of Parliament would be working along with the board to assist in the development of several concrete pitches in the county and playing cricket in the primary and secondary schools.

Foster expressed thanks to the two ministers for their assistance and also hailed the government’s massive investment in sports this year as a step in the right direction. The BCB, he stated, is very grateful for the investment that the Irfaan Ali government has made in the development and upgrading of several cricketing venues in Berbice.

He also expressed confidence that several more venues would be upgraded in 2023.

the cricket section of the club, stated that the teams in 2023 would have to successfully complete a combined target of 200 projects as part of their personal develop -

ment.

The RHTYSC, he stated, strongly believes that every one of its members should understand the importance of making a positive difference.

Rampersaud, who is the captain of the Namilco Under-21 team, disclosed that the teams in 2023 would be placing special emphasis on getting youths to understand the importance of education.

Three of the schools also received some kiddies cricket equipment as the teams sought to assist them to unearth promising talents in the school system.

With the Berbice Cricket Board introducing an under-11 tournament, the club would be working along with the schools to attract new members into its membership.

The under-11 team, he stated, would serve as a nursery for the RHTYSC under 13, 15, 17 and 19 teams.

The cricket teams of the club are sponsored by Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Poonai Pharmacy, Pepsi, Bakewell, Metro and Namilco Thunderbolt.

Leandro Trossard (centre) has scored seven goals so far this season

BCB President Hilbert Foster with Minister Nigel Dharamlall

BCB Patron, Minister Vickram Bharrat with Hilbert Foster

RHTYSC Executive Tyrone Pottaya hands over donation to Paula Perriera of the Rose Hall Town Primary

Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall makes a presentation to Fyrish Primary School

BCB to honour outstanding Berbice cricketing heroes in New York-

-plans set to raise funds for indoor practice facility

THE executives of the pro-active Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) at their monthly meeting on Thursday last approved a plan for the honouring of several overseas-based cricketing heroes of the county who now live in the United States

The board is hoping to organise a historic ceremony at a venue in New York on the 10th of June to honour heroes on the cricket field and those who served with distinction as administrators.

BCB president, Hilbert Foster stated that under the leadership of his elder brother Keith, the board had introduced an honour system in 2009 to recognise the contribution of heroes of Berbice cricket.

The programme was named ‘Tribute to Hero’ and dozens of persons were honoured over the last 14 years.

The majority of those honoured were locally based residents as the board was unable to get in contact with overseas former cricketers or was unable financially to bring them back to Guyana.

This situation would now be corrected with at least two BCB executives visiting New York City to honour dozens of former

national players, administrators and supporters of Berbice cricket.

The visit would be of little cost to the BCB as most of the expenses would be sponsored.

Great efforts have been made to acquire a suitable venue while a former West Indies captain is expected to be the guest speaker.

Several Berbice former national players including Clayton Lambert and Derek Kallicharran have agreed to work along with the BCB to make the event a success.

Awards would be given out to 25 former national players and five former administrators while several sponsors would be honoured for their contribution to Berbice cricket

Hetmyer mastermind’s Giants win

CMC – Shimron Hetmyer helped mastermind Gulf Giants’ fourth win of the International League T20, the leaders producing a clinical run chase to beat Sherfane Rutherford’s Desert Vipers by five wickets and keep intact their unbeaten status.

In a clash of the two unbeaten teams at Dubai International Stadium, Giants chased down a difficult 196 with three balls to spare, Chris Lynn top-scoring with 71 off 42 balls and the left-handed Hetmyer hammering 70 from 35 deliveries.

With the innings in turmoil at 30 for three at the start of the fifth over, Lynn

and Hetmyer combined in a 117-run, fourth wicket stand to guide Giants out of their predicament.

Englishman Alex Hales had earlier perished for 99 off 57 balls as Vipers gathered 195 for four off their 20 overs, captain Colin Munro chipping in with 39 from 23 balls and the left-handed Rutherford blasting a 15-ball unbeaten 27.

Hales, who hit 10 fours and five sixes, put on 72 with Rohan Mustafa (23) for the first wicket, 67 for the second wicket with Munro before adding 34 for the third wicket with Rutherford, who then hit a couple of fours and sixes to provide the momentum at the back of

the innings.

In reply, West Indies left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell (2-24) helped shock the top order when he claimed danger man, captain James Vince for four, with the fourth ball of the chase

But Hetmyer arrived to hit five fours and five sixes while Hales counted eight fours and three sixes, the partnership eroding Vipers’ initial advantage.

Cottrell struck a key blow in the 14th over when he had Hetmyer caught at the wicket but David Wiese (22 not out) and Liam Dawson (19 not out) calmly saw Giants home in an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 34.

over the last five years. The sponsors would include Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh, Brian Ramphal, Terrence Blackman and Lochan Samkarran

Among the players expected to be honoured by the BCB would be former test players Alvin Kallicharran, Joe Soloman, Leonard Baichan, Sew Shivnarine, the late Basil Butcher, Mahendra Nagamootoo and Clayton Lambert.

Others include Kamal Singh, Milton Pydana, Keith Cameron, Leslaine Lambert, Sudesh Dhaniram, Vishal Nagamootoo Romain and Tyrone Etwaroo.

Each of the awardees would receive a plaque, trophy , medal of excellence and framed certificate along with a BCB souvenir.

The BCB would also use the visit to raise funds for the construction of an all-weather practice centre. The executives decided on this course of action as a result of the long rainy season that affects the proper preparation of Berbice inter county teams.

The BCB also hopes to have its own permanent office that would assist it to not only save rental fees but allow it to administer the game in a more structured way.

Powell’s blitz helps Dubai Capitals overhaul MI Emirates

CMC – Rovman Powell out-gunned his former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard in a high-scoring blockbuster Sunday, both players unleashing stunning half-centuries before Dubai Capitals emerged with a thrilling 16-run victory over MI Emirates.

The in- form Powell, widely tipped to be West Indies’ next white-ball captain, holed out off the final ball of the innings for a Man-ofthe-Match 97 to heartbreakingly miss out on his second Twenty20 hundred, as his Capitals piled up an imposing 222 for three off their 20 overs at Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Former England Test captain Joe Root belted a

sparkling 82 from 54 balls, combining with Powell in a stellar 119-run, second wicket stand which laid the basis for the eventual total.

In reply, Pollard lifted Emirates with a robust 86 from 38 deliveries after the run chase lay in ruins at 26 for three at the end of the sixth over, when another exWest Indies white-ball skipper Nicholas Pooran played on to seamer Hazrat Luqman (2-24) without scoring.

Pollard put on 118 for the fourth wicket with former West Indies teammate, Andre Fletcher, who made 35 not out from 34 balls, but by the time the Trinidadian perished in the deep at the end of the 16th over, Emirates still required 79 runs from

24 balls.

Najibullah Zadran arrived to smash a nine-ball 30 with a four and four sixes in a 39-run, fifth wicket stand with Fletcher but the 36 runs

needed from the last over proved a hill too far to climb.

The victory was Capitals’ second in five matches and moved them into fourth spot in the International League

T20 standings while the result was Emirates’ first defeat, keeping them third on six points after four outings.

Asked to bat first, Capitals were handed an exhilarating start by Root who counted eight fours and three sixes as he posted 78 off 53 deliveries with Robin Uthappa (26).

When Uthappa skied to deep backward square in the ninth over, Powell entered to keep the momentum going, lashing four fours and 10 sixes and speeding to his half-century off 22 balls with a six over mid-wicket off seamer Muhammad Waseem.

A hundred appeared there for the taking but Powell picked out deep cover off

Pollard’s medium pace.

Hazrat’s double strike then put Capitals in control of the game before Pollard assumed responsibility of the run chase, slamming eight fours and half-dozen sixes.

Pollard reached his 50 off 27 balls in the 14th over and then accelerated, belting three successive sixes off left-arm seamer Fred Klaassen in the next over and another 17 runs in the 16th, before falling.

Najibullah singlehandedly took a stunning 29 from the 18th over sent down by Sri Lankan seamer Chamika Karunaratne before Klaassen bowled him in the penultimate over which cost just five runs and changed the game.

Clayton Lambert

Joe Solomon

Shimron Hetmyer goes on the attack during his halfcentury on Sunday

Captain Rovman Powell made 97

The National Sports Commission (NSC) commends the 2023 National Budget presented by the distinguished Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, which includes the largest-ever allocation for the sports sector. The provision of $4.3B surpasses the prior allotment with a substantial increase

$4.3B Sport budget

of $1.1B. This unprecedented allocation must be extolled as it highlights, inter alia, this H.E President Irfaan Ali-led government’s continued commitment, vision, and direction for the development of sports and sportsmen and women.

With the largest ever allocation

for the National Sports Commis sion, Budget 2023 paves the way for Government’s continued trans formation in our sports facilities –something that is critical to the de velopment of world class athletes and for the hosting of international tournaments which would have commenced in the previous year. The National Sports Com -

Sports headed in right direction with $4.3B allocation

By Calvin Chapman

THE Government of Guyana continues to show their commitment to sport with H.E. President Irfaan Ali overseeing a total of $9B invested thus far in sport since taking office.

This year’s mammoth budget of $4.3B for sports, which was announced by Senior Minister in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, during Monday’s budget presentation, eclipses 2022’s $3.2B by over 33% and 2021’s $1.5B.

The 2023 sports budget provisions for a massive stadium at Palmyra, is testament to the administration’s aim of decentralising sport, and true to President Ali’s promise of having a state-of-the-art sport facility on the

mission unshakeable the presented the leadership Culture, Honourable MP, sport will transform forever.

…Gabriel, Warrican and Motie recalled to 15-member

Selection Panel recalled experienced fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, as well as left-arm spinners, Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican.

Gabriel has taken 161 wickets in 56 Tests, placing him joint 12th in the West

ate ment other play soil port looked anticipate have spinners Australia, rican.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

Kashif Muhammad Chateram Ramdihal

Cristy Campbell Dellon Davidson Bissoondyal

Shannon Test against

GVF president and Head coach Levi Nedd conducted a fruitful training session yesterday at the National Gymnasium (Clifton Ross Photo)

Earnisha Fontaine

From left, Swan goal scorers Marko Andrews, Mario DeSantos, Kevin DeGoias and Omesh Charles

Action between Friendship (black) and Smatta Point on Saturday at the NTC