Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-02-2022

WEDNESDAY 2nd February, 2022

No.106623

Minister Parag hints at––salary increases for public servants in 2022

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04 Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag

Ranks from the Force’s Construction Department, under the supervision of Sergeant Vickram Loaknauth of the Tactical Services Unit paving the median at Rahaman’s Turn, East Bank Demerara. This project follows on the heels of the recent massive City-wide clean-up, spearheaded by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (Guyana Police Force photograph)

Coalition bought Digital registry, culinary Full Court throws out ‘fire pumps’ to centre among initiatives 02 appeal case involving 05 do D&I works 03 planned for women in 2022 East Street parking facility PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Digital registry, culinary centre among initiatives planned for women in 2022 –– Human Services Minister says THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) plans to create a digital registry of women-owned businesses to focus on continuous training and capacity building and establish a culinary centre at the Women Leadership Institute, as part of a number of measures catered for in its $30 billion budgetary allocation.

These were among the revelations made by subject minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, as she emphasised her support for the $552.9 billion national budget, when the budget debate continued in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The ministry’s allocation will cater for a wide range of initiatives that also includes $955 million for several proj-

ects under the Childcare and Protection Agency (CCPA), $200 million in projects for persons living with disabilities, and the training for 4,000 more women under the Women Innovative and Investment Network (WIIN) Programme.

“This budget is not a budget that can be looked at in a silo. They integrate and interlock to provide a holistic approach to families across the country,” Dr. Persaud noted.

She added: “When we look at the benefits the people will achieve, they will be anxious for successive budget that will build on the robust framework this budget will provide.”

At the beginning of her presentation, Dr. Persaud traded words with Opposition Member of Parliament,

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindyha Persaud Natasha Singh-Lewis, who reiterated the call for Local Government Elections (LGE), and challenged the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.

Singh-Lewis called for a national data collection exercise on the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on

families across the country, particularly those who have had to deal with the death of family members.

Singh-Lewis also questioned the need for psychosocial support to Guyanese families who would’ve dealt with other types of traumatic events. She singled out the family of Orin Boston, who

was killed in his home last September, and the family of the Henry boys, Isaiah and Joel, who were brutally murdered in September, 2020.

In response, Minister Persaud pointed out that her ministry has been offering psychosocial support to the Henry family and that one of the mothers is also receiving public assistance. She further reminded that following Boston’s death, several government ministers immediately visited the family and offered support.

“When you speak of the tragedy of the Henry boys and use it for offensive political mileage it speaks volumes of you,” she said.

She called out the political opposition for failing to focus on the contents of the national budget and using the occasion to as an attempt to gain political points.

Minister Persaud noted that notwithstanding the opposition’s attempts to “selectively and conveniently extrapolate parts of this budget for an ulterior agenda” the government will continue on its developmental trajectory with its transformational budget.

Opposition MP, Natasha Singh-Lewis “When people come to these debates it is intended for us to critically examine the budget, and offer recommendations of a constructive nature and look at what was done and what is to come. I would sincerely like to thank and congratulate [Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance] Dr [Ashni] Singh, his members of staff and of all of the ministries for their dedicated work for crafting the budget,” she added.

Murder suspect arrested on Puruni trail

POLICE in Regional Division Number Seven (Cuyuni – Mazaruni), on Monday, arrested the 33-year-old suspect in the murder of Bryan Melville.

According to a police release, the suspect was nabbed around 15:00hrs while on the Puruni Trail, Middle Mazaruni. He allegedly had the murder weapon -- a cutlass -- in his possession.

He is currently in custody as the investigation is still ongoing.

No details about the murder were provided.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Coalition bought ‘fire pumps’ –– Agriculture Minister tells House to do D&I works BETWEEN 2015 and 2020, the then Coalition Government was repeatedly flagged for making a series of questionable purchases, which saw millions, and, in some cases, even billions of taxpayers’ dollars being wasted.

On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, informed the National Assembly of yet another botched purchase detected under his sector.

Reports are that, in June 2018, the then A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (AFC) Government purchased a total of 12 pumps which it said were intended to assist with drainage and irrigation and irrigation works across the country.

However, even before the equipment could have been put to use, mechanical problems were detected.

After the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government assumed office in August 2020, it was found that the pumps were never fit for drainage and irrigation works. As a matter of fact, the engines are rated for fire pump application, Minister Mustapha said.

The expensive pieces of equipment were undersized and could not have been used.

Apollo International Limited was awarded the contract by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to design, supply, install and commission nine fixed and three mobile high-capacity drainage pumps and associated structures and

equipment.

The fixed pumps, this newspaper was informed, were installed at Devonshire Castle, Hampton Court, Den Amstel, Nootenzuil, Hope, Rose Hall, and at Mora Point. The three mobile pumps were installed at Ruimveldt North, Sussex Street and Cowan Street.

“They (the APNU+AFC) bought fire engine pumps to pump drain,” Minister Mustapha noted.

Despite the many issues with the pumps, the then APNU+AFC reportedly went ahead to pay the supplier almost 90 per cent of the total contract cost; approximately $2.8 million to be exact. “The Attorney-General is here. He’s now trying to recoup our money, the minister shared.

These revelations were made as Minister Mustapha stood in defence of the $552.9 billion budget presented by the PPP/C Government for 2022.

As Day Two of the interesting debates got underway on Tuesday, former Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, was quick to launch criticisms against the issuance of cash grants to Guyanese. In pinpointing the $7.8 billion flood relief programme, Ramjattan claimed that the assistance was merely an avenue for government to distribute monies to their “friends and supporters”.

Ramjattan’s utterances did not sit well with Minister Mustapha, who spent the first few minutes of his 30-minute presentation to

Quartet remanded for armed robbery Four men, on Monday, denied committing an armed robbery on a man at Malgre Tout, West Bank Demerara and were remanded to prison.

Imran Mohamed, Winsley Richards, Ryan Wilson, and Roberto Lewis were arraigned before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on January 27, 2022, while being armed with a dangerous weapon, they robbed Altaz Mohamed of $500,000.

The magistrate remanded them to prison until February 21, 2022 for report.

rebut Ramjattan point by point.

The minister went as far as to present to the House, several ‘Thank You’ letters which were sent by persons and communities known to be supporters of the APNU; they include prominent Opposition supporter, Vincent Alexander, who expressed appreciation to the PPP/C for the financial support given to members of the

Former Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G).

In highlighting the long list of letters, Minister Mustapha said that he is not offended by Ramjattan’s comments since the facts

would reveal that the PPP/C Government has “friends and supporters” in all parts of Guyana. “We love to have friends… all the citizens of Guyana are our friends and families,” Minister Mustapha posited.

He added: “Thousands of farmers in our country were provided with flood relief; that is why we are able to bring back production to a standard.”

The minister informed the National Assembly that already, in excess of 570 villages have received financial flood relief packages.

IMPROVEMENTS Nonetheless, in continuing his presentation, minister Mustapha delved into defending the proposed allocations outlined in the 2022 budget, including a $6 billion request for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The minister reminded that after the industry suffered the haphazard closures of four sugar estates by the previous government, it was important that the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration work to rebuild and restore the industry and the thousands of livelihoods that were directly affected.

Minister Mustapha said that some of the estates, such as the one at Rose

Hall, were significantly affected by the closures and require notable investments to be returned to its former glory.

The Agriculture Minister made clear that despite criticisms from the opposition, closure of the estates were not only abrupt but were uncalled for in the first instance.

Minister Mustapha went further to quote a 2017 assessment report which was commissioned by then President David Granger.

The report stated specifically that the estates should not be closed, and that government investments be made to return GuySuCo to its former glory.

Instead, operations were halted and more than 5,000 workers of the industry were hurled on the breadline.

The move was further criticised by the International Labour Organisation of the United Nations, which conducted a comprehensive assessment on the closures.

The study found that the closures were uncaring and unconscionable, especially since they created an environment that put thousands at risk for poverty.

With the estates now being rehabilitated to be reopened, Minister Mustapha said that his government will “never abandon our re-

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, vehemently defending his ministry’s budget requests in the National Assembly on Tuesday sponsibility to the workers of this country”.

The reopening of three of the four estates is being done in phases, according to the minister.

Because of significant dismantling, the Wales Sugar Estate will not be reopened.

Rather, the location has been carved out as a developmental zone and is soon expected to house the iconic gas-to-shore project – the multibillion dollar project which will see natural gas from the oil ships offshore Guyana being supplied to a processing plant at Wales, and converted to electricity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Minister Parag hints at salary increases – for public servants in 2022 Salary increases for public servants for the year 2022 is not off the cards, and could materialise by the end of the year.

This indication was given

by Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, as she stood in the National Assembly in full defence of a proposed allocation of $3.312 billion for her ministry.

During her vibrant presentation to the House on Tuesday, the minister said that every year, there would be monies allocated under line item 6141 for public servants.

She cautioned, however, that it is customary for the percentages or figures of pay hikes to be withheld from the annual budget, until the

year-end announcements are made.

This situation also prevailed under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), minister Parag reminded, as she cautioned the Opposition against misleading the nation “by saying that nothing is in here (the 2022 Budget) for public servants”.

Once the allocations are approved by the House, the Public Service Minister said that a whopping $1.535 billion will be spent on the continuation of the Government of Guyana Scholarships, some 581 of which were awarded last year.

Added to that, Minister Parag said that a hefty total of $1.3 billion has been earmarked for the rolling out of an additional 4,500 online scholarships being administered via the Guyana Online Academy of Learning.

The Public Service Ministry is also looking to spend some $20 million on “breathing life” into the Training Division of the Ministry of Public Service.

These trainings, according to Minister Parag, will be supplemented by the launch of Regional Centres for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in each of the 10 Administrative regions.

This is expected to cost about

$15 million.

Overall, the Ministry of Public Service’s budget request represents a 7.45 per cent increase or approximately $246.6 million more than what it was allotted in the 2021 Budget. “…and rightly so, because this year, we have much, much more to do,” Minister Parag said.

She told the House that after years of operating without vision and any proper direction whatsoever, the work of the Public Service Ministry is now being streamlined and executed in a manner that is strategic and forward-thinking.

“You wouldn’t see us on this side of the house launching a whole school that would only serve friends and cronies; that is not who we are, but it is exactly what prevailed with the Bertram Collins College,” the minister said, pointing to the issue of the school’s unfair recruitment practices which included discrimination against persons of specific ethnic backgrounds.

“It was yet another engine for discrimination set up by the APNU+AFC,” the minister posited.

ALL EMBRACING She continued, “At the level of the Ministry of Public Service, our programmes must reach Guyanese from all walks of life, of every ethnicity, of every religion, of every gender, age, social class, and importantly, of every political and geographical corner of our country.”

In addition to ensuring that Guyana is served by “competent, committed and ethical public officers,” Minister Parag said that the ministry’s training and capacity-building initiatives will be aligned with the future goals and are “able to satisfy the needs of our country, not only now, but as we evolve as the global powerhouse that we are projected to become”.

The minister insisted that

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the government will not be administering “time-wasting” programmes that will become obsolete in the next 10 to 15 years. “As a country, we must be able to foresee the skills that will be needed in the years to come and begin nurturing those skills from now,” the minister said.

She indicated that doing so is no walk in the park, but an important task that requires vision, proper planning and effective leadership.

It was then that the minister announced her ministry’s intention to execute a National Human Capacity Needs Assessment, in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Labour, along with UNESCO, and members of the Private Sector.

“We want to ensure that years from now, Guyanese have the potential to take advantage of every opportunity available in the local Labour market,” Parag said.

She noted that already, Guyana’s infrastructural transformation has signalled an increased need for engineers, especially those who specialise in the construction of roads and bridges. “To this end, we have tailored our scholarship offers to ensure adequate opportunities for persons desirous of being in that field,” the minister announced.

She said that these considerations were also given in relation to Guyana’s climate change aspirations, and the fact that the government is working towards implementing an iconic energy mix, using wind, solar, hydro and natural gas, in order to be able to achieve 75 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

It is expected that the boost to the Guyana’s human resource will be supplemented by the landmark Local Content Policy, which will now secure greater opportunities for Guyanese, especially in the context of the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Full Court throws out appeal case involving East Street parking facility

THE Full Court, on Monday, dismissed the case filed by Astrolobe Technology Inc. to challenge the ruling of a High Court Judge that it was unlawfully using a portion of land on East Street, South Cummingsburg as a paid parking lot..

According to a release from the Attorney General Chambers, Justices Nareshwar Harnanan and Sandil Kissoon in the Full Court of the Demerara High Court, unanimously agreed that attorney-at-law Darren Wade presented no evidence to support the appeal.

Wade filed the appeal on behalf of the company on July 10, 2021.

The judges ruled in favour of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C, and state lawyers, Tiffany Barton and Abiola Lowe. The court awarded $350,000 in costs to the AG chambers.

In the notice of appeal, the company had asked the Full Court to set aside the decision of Justice Morris-Ramlall on a fixed date application (FDA) which was handed down on June 14, 2021.

In the FDA, the company had contended that on October 1, 2007, it had entered into a contract with the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) for the provision of paid parking in the city.

The applicant claimed that pursuant to that contract it was authorised to operate parking facilities in the “Old Georgetown jurisdiction, which boundaries are seawalls to the North, Independence Boulevard to the South, Irving Street to the East and Demerara River to the West.”

The company had also claimed it had been operating a paid parking lot on the city’s reserve in the vicinity of East Street, South Cummingsburg and that on November 14, 2020, agents of the Ministry of Public Works disrupted its ongoing operations by removing the fence and gate of the parking lot.

As a result, the company moved to the court seeking a declaration that its fundamental rights of protection from deprivation of property and protection against arbitrary entry were infringed.

It had also asked the court to grant a declara-

tion that the respondent had trespassed on their property and also caused loss to their business.

However, the company’s application was thrown out

by Justice Morris-Ramlall.

Dissatisfied, the company moved to the Full Court. Justices Harnanan and Kissoon, in their ruling found that the agreement relied upon did not entitle nor grant to the applicant permission to operate such a facility at East Street, Georgetown in 2007 or at all.

The court also found that there was no evidence as to the operation of a parking facility as contemplated by the contract nor was there any evidence to prove that eight years after the agreement had been executed that there was an operationalised parking facility at the location.

Additionally, there was no evidence provided to the court by the company to show any loss of income.

Also, the company did not present any evidence of any alleged income, distribution of monies, nor any evidence of any deposits to any banks or other facilities nor the presentation of any financial statement from the company as envisaged by the agreement.

According to the release, the judges ruled that the case was “… of a deficient claim, equally poor pleadings and a paucity of evidence for which there was no onus on the court in attempt to remedy or salvage same.”

Further, the court found that the applicant failed to distinguish between an appeal to the High Court and an appeal to the Full Court.

This view, on the observations of the court, was further confirmed in the appellant’s amended notice of application made on December 15, 2021, at paragraph 1(b), which makes specific reference to Part 60:02(1) of the CPR 2016.

Part 60:02 has no application to Full Court appeals but deals distinctly with appeals to the High Court in a specific category of matters, the release explained.

However, the instant appeal was not an appeal to the High Court but an appeal to the Full Court governed

by Part 62 of the CPR 2016.

According to the release, “ the Honourable Justices made the observation that the claim and pleadings in the

High Court filed by the applicant were bare, vague and devoid of any particulars as to date, time, place and location.

Equally the claim for damages as pleaded does not specify or clarify cause of action or declaration that the claim of damages is to follow.” “ Not a single iota of evidence was adduced before the honourable court at first instance to indicate the income generated, if any, from the

applicant’s purported business on a monthly basis. There was no statement of receipts, no financial statement, and no deposit record as stipulated in the written agreement as provided by the Applicant in these proceedings,” the release added.

As it relates to the evidence presented by the applicant, the court ruled that there was simply a paucity of evidence or more accu-

rately a complete absence of evidence before the court.

As such, the court was unable to exercise any discretion to grant any orders sought by the company that is subject to the appeal.

“The applicant has failed to provide any evidence it was lawfully in possession of the area where it was operating a parking facility,” the release said.

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Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Transparency International

TRANSPARENCY International (TI) is a German registered association founded in 1993 by former employees of the World Bank based in Berlin.

Its main objective is to highlight perceived corruption in nation-states by way of a Corruption Perception Index (CPI) which is compiled annually. Transparency International is an umbrella organisation with over one hundred national chapters of which Guyana is one of them.

The organisation is a non-empirical database, a fact that needed to be taken into consideration by those inclined to attach much weight to its findings. This view was expressed by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira in response to a ranking of Guyana for 2021 which showed a score of two points lower than in 2021. The country went down marginally with a score of 39 and a ranking of 87 out of 180 countries in the most recent Corruption Perception Index (CPI) Report (2021), even as the country tops the list of countries that have made significantly positive improvements over the years. In fact, Guyana has been identified as one of the better performing countries in terms of transparency and accountability in recent years.

One is left to wonder as to how a country can make significant improvements in terms of corruption and transparency over and still move up on the corruption perception index. That is for Transparency International

to explain but it does raise some questions regarding the objectivity of the criteria used to measure perceptions of corruption in any given country. And as pointed out

by Minister Teixeira, for a country the size of Guyana, only a few individual opinions were solicited and the fate of the country determined by that handful of individuals.

In other words, there is the risk of subjective influences in the ranking process which may or may not be an accurate reflection of the situation. In all fairness to the organisation its scores are mere perceptions which however, can be seized upon to make political capital by opposition elements.

Like it or not, we live in a highly politicised society and it is not too difficult for subjective influences to find its way into supposedly objective and unbiased surveys of the type being undertaken annually by Transparency International. This, however, is by no means an attack on the work that international body has been doing over the decades to highlight perceived corruption.

But such reports cannot be taken as sacrosanct or infallible, especially when seen against the background of genuine attempts that are made, as in the case of Guyana under the PPP/C administration to rein in corruption. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been consistent in his efforts to stamp out corruption in the country and has repeatedly said that under his administration there is no place for corruption and that his

administration would obey the laws and the Constitution of Guyana.

Even before he took over the mantle of President, he indicated his desire to stamp out corruption in the country which was rampant under the previous APNU+AFC administration. “I can assure you, of working to strengthen our institutional capacity to improve the system of governance, making Guyana more open and transparent, creating avenues for greater public involvement in the government processes, opening up myself to questions that the public may have on the work of government,” the President had assured.

There is no such thing as a corruption-free country but it is the extent to which governments make genuine efforts to reduce corruption and strengthen governance and accountability systems that really matters.

In this regard, the current PPP/C administration has not been found wanting. Only recently, the government moved a motion in Parliament to join the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committee aimed at ensuring that the country benefits from a more advanced anti-corruption framework.

Guyana is a signatory to several international conventions that address anti-corruption efforts including the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

Guyana under the PPP/C has recorded a number of solid gains in terms of accountability and transparency. It was the PPP/C that

established the Integrity Commission in which all senior government officials have to declare on an annual basis their income and expenditure statements. It was the PPP/C administration that strengthed the Office of the Auditor General institutionally in order for it to deliver on its constitutional mandate to submit annually the Auditor General’s Report to the Speaker of the National Assembly. It would be recalled that for twelve consecutive years under the PNC administration, no Auditor General Report was submitted to Parliament. It was not until the PPP/C took office on October 5, 1992 that the Auditor General’s Report was submitted on an annual basis which allowed for a thorough interrogation of the public accounts by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

And even as the country has now become an oil producing nation, the PPP/C administration has been taking all necessary measures to strengthen accountability and transparency in the sector with the establishment of a Board of Directors drawn from several agencies including the National Assembly and the Private Sector to manage the spending of oil revenues. The board effectively removed the sweeping powers of the Finance Minister as was the case under the previous legislation hastily put together by the then APNU+AFC legislation.

These are important steps in the direction of transparent and accountable governance for which the PPP/C administration must be commended.

‘Food on the Table’ or Constitutional Reform?

Dear Editor, GUYANESE have divergent views on constitutional reform.

There are those Guyanese who advocate for additional constitutional reform beyond the 2000s amendments that were incorporated into the revised 1980 Constitution; while others are baffled as to what specific articles/ provisions they want to alter or add. The latter group prefers to focus instead on “food on the table” issues, including inflation and how in combination with the COVID-19 pandemic, these factors are heightening their social and health distress. It was the five-month March 2, 2020, election fiasco when a glaring attempt to stage an electoral coup d’état-- which nearly culminated in anarchy--that provided an impetus for constitutional reform. Some people believe that the post- election turmoil had its root in the Constitution, while others

disagree; they locate it in the inordinate obsession with power by opposition forces.

While the existing Constitution (with 2000s amendments) is not perfect, it has many admirable features, like separation of powers, the rule of law, multiple ‘rights’ commissions, numerous individual rights, among others.

However, if there is no enforcement mechanism in place, what sense does it make to alter or add more articles/provisions to accentuate the situation? There is also a desire to know if ‘compliance’ will take centre stage to drive the constitutional process. A substantial segment of the population prefers this approach.

They do not necessarily have any major problem with the existing Constitution but do have deep misgivings about the lack of constitutional compliance with accompanying penalties.

Having signed onto constitutional reform, the PPP/C Government is forcefully confront-

ed with the historical reality of top government officials’ and politicians’ unwillingness to adhere to constitutional provisions and the rule of law. The UWI professors are correct when they say that many administrative matters are wrongly sent to the High Courts for adjudication. These matters are supposed to be settled at the executive level. This shift highlights a dilemma of the political actors and their reluctance to respect and observe the rule of law. The transformation of attitudes is therefore paramount to ensure compliance.

To buttress their commitment to inclusivity, the PPP/C Government cites their embrace of the Carter-Price formula, as an important constitutional device for the selection/appointment of the GECOM Chair.

Though this formula worked well for over 23 years during which period there was no complaint about its efficacy, it was nevertheless discarded by the PNCR-led Coalition

when they unilaterally appointed a GECOM Chair, contrary to the Constitution, only to be admonished by the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Again, with the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) in December 2018, the PNC refused to resign in accordance with the Constitution [Article 106 (6)]. There were several other constitutional aberrations but there was no provision for the imposition of any penalty for violation.

I reiterate, for any constitutional change to succeed, it must also be accompanied by an attitudinal transformation, and this would pose a huge challenge. But with the right perspective and passion, this could happen, even though it might take a long time. One cannot make old habits the foundation of a new social order, any more See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

‘Food on the Table’ or Constitutional...

From page 6

than those old ways brought the new order into existence.

The PPP/C’s commitment to “inclusivity” is also aligned with its Weston ideology and the Constitution. With support from the PNC/R, for example, it enacted in 2000s some radical constitutional changes: (I) established five Rights Commission: Child, Indigenous Peoples, Women & Gender Equality, Human Rights, and Ethnic Relations [Article 212(A) & 212 (G)]; (ii) initiated a new system of parliamentary management with the establishment of Parliamentary Sectoral Committees: Natural Resources, Economic Services, Foreign Relations; and Social Services (Article 119B, 1,2) where the “Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of each parliamentary sectoral committee shall be elected from the opposite sides of the National Assembly;” and (iii) reduced the powers of the Presidency [including restricting the incumbent to hold such office for no more than two terms: Article 90(3)].

There are also the Standing Committee on (I) Parliamentary Oversight on Public Security and (ii) on Appointments.

The PPP/C’s ideology is also guiding the

preparation of the “One Guyana Development Strategy”. This ideology is not doctrinaire; it is organic and allows for adaptations in response to technological and social changes. And the ideology is not in conflict with, but it is in alignment with the Constitution. In my opinion, the PPP/C would not want to rupture this symbiotic relationship which has taken decades to evolve.

The rationale advanced by some people for constitutional change, like power shar-

ing, is that it could mitigate or eliminate race tension and social upheaval. While this is an attractive theoretical construct, it is doubtful if it would match reality. A major inhibiting force is the elusive ‘trust’ factor.

And if the primary goal of constitutional reform is to institutionalise ‘executive power-sharing’, that could become a very thorny issue, while undermining the very foundation of political competition for State power. Smart people will not take the easy way out. They would work hard to win State power through mobilisation, advocacy, and connecting with the people with policies and programmes. No ethnic group is in the majority, so that any political party must appeal beyond its ethnic -base and geography to have a good chance of winning State power. What is of primary importance is the need for a fundamental change in attitudes towards institutions and their mission, and not a pre-occupation with ‘power- sharing.’

No CARICOM country has power-sharing as a constitutional provision, why should Guyana set a bad precedent? Trinidad & Tobago, for example, has a similar history and demographic structure like Guyana; why power-sharing is not central to their political landscape? In Guyana, power is already shared by opposition forces at every layer of government, except at the Executive (Cabinet) level. There is no barrier for opposition forces to acquire Executive power (Cabinet)

again if they push forth with a sharp vision, smart programmes, and policies, and simultaneously reject violence, intimidatory tactics, and caustic rhetoric.

What urgency the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform (PSCCR) which is charged with the responsibility for ‘continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports thereon to the Assembly, with proposals for reform, as necessary’ (Article: 119 A), could inject into the process, does not look compelling. When the process is set in motion, the following items are recommended for consideration: (i) focus on compliance and penalties; (ii) clarify ambiguities (e.g., how are the procedures for changing “entrenched” provisions different from those that are not entrenched [Ref: Article 164 (1) (2)] and what does “create a republican community” mean (in Preamble); (iii) delete superfluous/conflicting language like Guyana is “in the course of transition from capitalism to socialism” (Article 1); and (iv) limit the number of Vice- President to just one (ref: Article 102). In my opinion. this PSCCR effort is likely to be overshadowed by potent factors like “inclusivity” and “food on the table,” including rising prices.

Yours sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

‘Farming the ocean’ is driving expansion of the aquaculture industry Dear Editor, I refer to the editorial in today’s Kaieteur News (KN) titled a “fishy budget Proposal”.

Seventy-per cent of the planet earth’s surface is water, as the world progressed

into the realm of ‘farming the ocean’ they had been waiting for something important to happen technically to start the process.

This happened about 10- 15 years ago with the invention of a material called High Density Polyethylene, HDPE when eight to 10 inch diameter pipes made from this material

are used to form a floating cage which can withstand not only the normal wave action in the ocean, but even the much higher wave action during a typhoon!. They could last upwards of 20-25 years, unlike the wooden cages which only lasted five years and were very resistant to the UV damage by the sun.

Since the 1990s, wild catch worldwide has remained steady at 90 billion US per year, whilst aquaculture has been rising to handle the growing protein requirement of the ever increasing global population. Four or five years ago, the fish and other products, grown from aquaculture, surpassed the income of wild catch worldwide.

I noted the KN article is alleging that “Government is pumping 200 million into unproven fish cage initiative”. In a 67-page technical paper number 498 published by the FAO, we see the following, “Cage aquaculture has grown rapidly during the past decades and is undergoing swift changes due to pressures from globilisation and an escalating demand worldwide for fish products.”

If such a statement from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is true, the claim by the KN that cage culture is a “fishy unproven technology” cannot also possibly be true.

The KN also wrongly states elsewhere that aquaculture in ponds is proven technology but not cage culture. The benefits of cage culture over open pond culture are as follows: aquaculture is the fastest growing industry in agriculture worldwide, what is less commonly understood is that the farming of the oceans, lakes and rivers is contributing significantly to its great expansion.

Whilst aquaculture is the fastest growing industry in agriculture worldwide, what is less commonly understood is that farming the oceans, lakes and rivers is contributing significantly to its great expansion.

The reasons are numerous and can be summed up as follows (1) It is cheaper (2) It is less damaging to the environment if done properly. Aquaculture ponds must be dug and graded, this requires heavy expensive equipment, diesel, operators etc. (3) Electricity has to be used to pump water to and from the ponds (4) Electricity must also be used to create aeration in the ponds and aerators must be bought for this purpose.

(5) Pollution [metabolic waste] has to be removed from the aquaculture ponds after two or three crops since it can end up as environmental damage.

Cage culture only requires the cage, and the feed. There is no digging to be done, no formal and expensive structures are required to bring in or take out the water, there is no metabolic waste to clean, since the ocean tide and river flow is removing it for free, harvesting and feeding are confined to an area of a few hundred square feet. Less feed is required in this type of semi-intensive to intensive culture since the feed provided

by the farmer is being supplemented by organisms from the river, lake or sea. There are no electrical costs to stir and recirculate water since the water is quite literally being refreshed with oxygen from the tidal/river flow. These being the facts, we visualise that in the interior regions at our remote Amerindian villages, always close to the flowing rivers, could benefit much more readily than pond-based aquaculture. River cages are considerably less expensive than ocean cages, due to the lack of heavy wave action.

So it is applicable everywhere in a land like Guyana, where fast flowing rivers abound everywhere due to our high rainfall and fast flowing ocean currents in the nearly 285 Kilometers of coast land facing the Atlantic.

The cons are few (1) You have to buy or build the cages, but with the arrival of HDPE, the cost is vastly reduced and the reliability greatly improved and dropping very swiftly. (2) Security. We are proposing that the fishermen form alliances with the farmers to man these cages backed up by surveillance by drones. Since the cages will only be located a short distance from the shoreline, one to five miles. Since the cages can be set up in the ocean, in groups, there will be several cages in one location facilitating better security. This system can be easily equipped with solar powered lights to alert shipping of their existence to avoid collision. And since they are so close to the shore, very large vessels will have run aground long before they can collide with these cages.

Farming the oceans is becoming mainstream practice worldwide and for Guyana the main problems we visualise due to the feasibility studies we have conducted so far, to make us an economical worldwide competitor, is the lack of a salt water hatchery which we will certainly have to build, since the Satadeo Shaw hatchery at Mon Repos does not have ready access to salt water to breed the necessary stocking species, both fish and shrimp which the President’s aquaculture plans visualise. We will also have to manufacture our own fish/shrimp feed for the various types of aquaculture species which we will need. Certain fin fish species such as snook, which are predators and have a much shorter intestine system, do not have a very effective in digestion, requiring much more feed to make one pound of body weight than say the Grouper which has a much more efficient digestive system and much more economical to grow.

As far as competition for markets in America, we are much closer to the US than say China or Asia which gives us a very large advantage.

Yours sincerely, Anthony Vieira, National Aquacultural Co-ordinator

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The theatrics of members of a party without a leader Dear Editor, AS I listened to the debate on the 2022 budget, it was easy to discern those who were intent on being unco-operative and unsupportive.

The ministers of the government and the Members of Parliament on the PPP/C side of the House displayed absolute brilliance with the most impressive and factual presentations. This was beautiful. I saw the determination in their presentation. Their passion for the development of Guyana was evident. Never before have I been so proud of my elected leaders.

On the other hand, the political opposition -- the A Partnership for National Unity -- and their trusted sidekick, the Alliance For Change, as expected, continued in their anti-progressive nature. It was the APNU+AFC whilst in Government who demonstrated clearly to Guyana that they have no vision or even the slightest clue as to how to run this country.

Yesterday’s budget debate began without a Leader of the Opposition. This predicament is as a result of the internal squabbling of the PNC/R. In their direction-

less state, the political opposition has long since signalled their displeasure with the 2022 budget. This is highly unfortunate as the 2022 budget dubbed “historic and transformational” is intended to ease the burden faced by the people of Guyana, even taking into consideration the global pandemic and its effects.

On day one, Opposition’s MP, Ms. Amanza Walton Desir, who started off the debate, was highly theatrical in her presentation. Aside from having a good sense of fashion, the opening speaker of the opposition rambled senselessly on a number of issues she clearly intended to deceive Guyana on.

As the day proceeded, the nation saw exactly how a political opposition functions without a leader. This does not go to say that had there been an opposition leader at the start of the debate that the outcome would have been any better.

Guyana as a developing nation is transforming. As highlighted in the presentation of the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who said: “Budget 2022 will be truly transformative. It will be the first of several budgets

that propel us into the ranks of developed countries, with a standard and quality of living that Guyanese have dreamed of for generations. It will propel all of us.” This budget will see all of Guyana developing and this is the starting point.

Another government Member of Parliament, Mr. Seepaul Narine, in his contribution said, “Budget 2022, I believe, has not missed any area of national life. Every man, woman and child will gain from Budget 2022.

This is the nature of the PPP/C, which ensures that development is all-round and no one is left out.” He further stressed the fact that this year’s budget is another

manifestation of the PPP/C Government’s unyielding commitment to unlock the nation’s potential and improve the wellbeing of citizens.

These are but a few accurate representations of Budget 2022. It is only the 31 members of the failed APNU+AFC that cannot see the tremendous thought and vision that birthed and compiled Budget 2022.

This is because they are visionless, and as a result, it is evident in the way they operate in and out of the National Assembly.

Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

No credible evidence suggests that $2,000 note will lead to inflation Dear Editor, I HAVE noted several comments by persons on certain social media platform (s)

suggesting that introduction of the new $2,000 note will lead to inflation.

These comments and social media debates led me

to believe that the average person is concerned whether the introduction of the new $2,000 note is indeed a signal of inflation. In this regard, I

am inclined to pen this letter to contribute to this topical discussion.

The notion that the introduction of a particular

denomination of the currency will lead to inflation is a misperception. Also, there is simply no credible evidence to support this hypothesis.

The introduction of a new currency note, whether a high denomination or low denomination, has nothing to do with driving inflation.

Let’s understand what is inflation.

Inflation is the decline of purchasing power of a currency over a period of time.

The rise in general levels of prices, often expressed as a percentage, means that a unit of currency effectively buys less than it did in prior periods.

Up to the period prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inflation rate in Guyana was stable at levels below and equal to two per cent, which is often a desired inflation rate to ensure price stability.

With the prolonged effects of the pandemic and the unpredictability of when the pandemic would end, one of the major impacts of the pandemic globally was and still is supply-chain disruptions, and rising shipping costs globally. These are the main culprits for rising inflation rate, not only in Guyana, but also across the globe.

There are generally three types of inflation: 1. Demand-pull inflation: this occurs when total demand for goods in an economy outweighs the supply of goods, so you have a shortage (as in the case when we had the flood and the prices for basic things such as plantains, eschallot and other agro produce went up).

2. Cost-push inflation: this occurs when overall prices increase due to increase in the cost for wages and raw materials.

3. Built-in inflation: this form of inflation occurs when workers expect their salaries or wages to increase when prices of goods and services increase to help maintain their living costs.

The inflation that we are experiencing in Guyana and

will continue to experience in the medium term will be driven by a combination of all three types of inflation as described above; where for example, the larger driving factor of Guyana’s inflation is described by the economists as imported inflation. The reason for this is because of rising shipping costs and increases in the cost of production for the goods we consume and raw materials to produce some of the final goods we consume, as a result of the global supply-chain disruption. These are goods that we import, wherein about 80 per cent90 per cent of the goods we consume are imported and hence, once there are supply-chain disruptions globally, prices will increase and this is beyond our local policymakers’ ability to control.

For these reasons, the best option available to policymakers is to look at policies to cushion the effects, for example, reduction of the tariff on fuel imports among other measures in the budget to cushion the impact of (imported) inflation.

We are also experiencing in Guyana, wage inflation, whereby companies, particularly international companies, are competing for talented and skilled professionals and workers in general and salaries are increasing to triple and quadruple levels. This in turn will lead to a shortage of skills in the labour force, given that while we have a large labour force, only five per cent of the labour force is qualified with a tertiary-level education. This is a signal that we all need to ready ourselves, upskill and learn new skills, to take advantage of the sea of opportunities.

With the largest budget in history, there will be lots of cash in circulation and therefore instead of having 100 / 1000 notes in your pocket to represent $100K, you can reduce that See page 11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

No credible evidence ‘Granny’ killers to serve suggests 50 years instead of 81 that $2,000 note ...

From page 10

to either 20 with the $5K note or 50 with the $2k note (this is on an individual level).

Think of the many businesses that will be doing millions of dollars in transactions at the bank, both deposits and withdrawals and the bulk of cash their staff have to carry. The note effectively reduces the bulk of cash and adds somewhat a layer of security through the fact that you can reduce the physical bulk of cash transactionally.

Against these backgrounds, the introduction of a new note has nothing to do with driving inflation.

What it does, it serves a particular purpose given that our economy is largely a cash-based economy, to reduce the volume of cash in circulation. Moreover, inflation is not managed in any way or form by the introduction of any currency-note denomination, per se, whether high or small.

It is more used to manage the volume of cash in circulation within a cash-based economy context.

Inflation on the other hand has to be managed by a combination of monetary and fiscal policies. To manage inflation in Guyana’s case, since most of the goods we consume are imported, we have to manage the exchange rate and not the denominations of currency notes. The exchange rate is the signal of inflation. The average market rate for the US/GY exchange rate if one consults with the Bank of Guyana report, would find that it is about $214. For clarity, this is the average market rate by the commercial banks who are the dominant players in the foreign exchange (FX) market and not the unlicensed money changers on the streets.

Generally, the goal is to keep inflation in the single-digit range; the desired rate is two per cent. When inflation spirals out of control to double digits, then that is hyperinflation. So far, our inflation rate is in the single-digit range. I do not expect this to reach double-digit levels, given the policies being implemented, coupled with the development agenda of the

country.

Other ways to manage inflation in the medium term, are the projects such as the gas-to-shore project that will enable cheaper energy that will make our manufacturing sector more competitive. In so doing, we can produce more value-added goods at a lower cost of production for local consumption, instead of importing. Increased investments in agriculture as well will help us to have more control and manage domestic inflation better, because we will be producing most of the goods we consume instead of importing them and in so doing, import inflation from other parts of the world that is beyond our control. In other words, because as a country we depend heavily on imports for about 90 per cent of the goods we consume locally, we are bound to be affected by other factors leading to price increases in other parts of the world. Even the goods that are produced locally are also affected to some extent, inter alia, imported inflation, because most of the raw materials to produce the local goods are imported from other parts of the world.

Cognisant of the foregoing factors, the government of the day is pursuing a set of policies in the medium term to manage inflation, coupled with the mega development projects for cheaper energy that will ultimately give us more control to manage inflation better in the foreseeable future.

CONCLUSION It is true that we are in inflationary times, but the introduction of the $2k note is not the signal of that, the pandemic is among other factors such as wage inflation, that is a natural outcome in an oil economy, etc.

Finally, there is no credible empirical evidence that suggests there is a relationship between the introduction of a currency note, whether higher or lower denomination, leading to inflationary pressures.

Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin Financial Analyst

THREE of the four men who were convicted and sentenced to 81 years imprisonment for the gruesome murder of 72-yearold, Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris, on Tuesday, had their sentence reduced to 50 years by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

Orwin Hinds of Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Kevin October of Agricola EBD; Cleon Hinds; and Roy Jacobs of Evans Street, Charlestown, Georgetown were jointly charged for the crime.

Following a jury trial in November 2015, at the Demerara High Court, they were found guilty.

The presiding judge, Justice Navindra Singh, later imposed the 81-year sentence on each of them.

Through their attorneys, the men moved to the Appeal Court claiming that the trial was unfair, the judge erred in law, and that the sentence was unduly severe. They had also argued that the trial judge admitted evidence that was prejudicial to a fair trial.

In 2021, October died in prison while the appeal was being heard.

Chancellor (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud presided over the case.

On Tuesday, the Chancellor affirmed the men’s conviction and ruled that the trial judge did not err in law in this respect.

However, the court found that the sentence was excessive and as such, reduced it to 50 years.

Orwin Hinds was represented by attorney, George Thomas, while Cleon Hinds was represented by Adrian Thompson. Roy Jacobs was represented by attorney, Dexter Todd.

The four men were convicted for the role they played in the woman’s murder. They were part of an arrangement whereby $2 million was to be passed

from one person to another following the murder.

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

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

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Year of the Tiger for China and Guyana!

By Earl Bousquet CHINA, on February 1, welcomed the annual Lunar New Year, observed in 2022 as Year of the Tiger.

It’s the most important celebration of ancient Chinese culture and the grand national spectacle was distinguished by different colourful presentations including traditional songs and a multitude of performances entertaining millions of

Chinese families.

This year’s Spring Festival Gala featured major themes such as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), revitalisation of rural activity, an ecologically focused civilisation, the Winter Olympics and space achievements.

On Sunday, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, during a reception at the Great Hall of the People, sent greetings to

Chinese of all ethnic groups, as well as to compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan -and those living overseas.

He said all the party’s achievements over the past 100 years had come about through “Unity and hard work”, which he noted as “the most notable spiritual symbol of the CPC and the Chinese people.”

“As long as the 1.4 billion Chinese people are always united and the 95 million party

members always stand close to the people for a shared future, we can surely continue to create impressive miracles in the new journey ahead of us,” President Xi said.

Guyana, as the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to recognise China (in 1972), has maintained strong ties with the People’s Republic, irrespective of which party is in office; and the 50 years of People-to-People Friendship

has manifested itself in more than 50 ways.

Looking back to previous cooperation, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, says: “The governments of both countries adhere to a people-centred philosophy of development. So, in the past 50 years, all the projects China assisted Guyana with reflected the principle of serving the people.”

She also reflected on the history of Chinese in Guyana, noting that they arrived as early as 1853 and have been hardworking contributors to the country’s economic and social development.

Ambassador Haiyan also expressed a desire to see more fruitful cooperation in promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s global transport infrastructure initiative and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud, has also lauded the deep and abiding relations between Guyana and China since they established diplomatic ties on June 27, 1972.

It all started when Chinese first came to Guyana, but how and when did that happen?

History records that 14,000 Chinese arrived in British Guiana between 1853 and 1879 on 39 vessels bound from Hong Kong to fill the labour shortage on the sugar plantations engendered by the abolition of slavery and smaller numbers arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Suriname.

By any estimate, 14,000 Chinese in 26 years is no small number in comparison to the then population.

It also reflected the size of immigration from China to Guyana, but what it doesn’t show is the quiet contribution of Chinese to the development of Guyana and their equal role as immigrants who contributed to the formation of the Guyanese personality that emerged with independence in 1966.

The 39 Chinese vessels that left Hong Kong for Guyana during those 26 years were akin to the British and other European vessels that delivered significantly more Indians during the Indentureship period, many of which originally transported slaves from Africa.

Like Chinese everywhere else, those arriving in Guyana quickly adapted and quietly adopted those means to ensure their safety, prosperity, community and cooperation, in a different society, staying out of politics but always deeply-engaged in trade and commerce, hospitality and related services.

It was also therefore no surprise that Arthur Chung, a Guyanese of Chinese extract with parents from Fujian Province, became the first President of Guyana.

And it should be no surprise that the Chinese Embassy in Guyana is the biggest in Georgetown today.

Guyana, as the Caribbean’s administrative headquarters, located on the South American continent, places the two countries in the best position to develop multilateral ties with the English-speaking Caribbean and neighbouring Latin American and Caribbean states.

Guyana and neighbouring Suriname also have lots of possibilities for bilateral projects to build common infrastructure under the Belt & Road Initiative.

But in the year of the 50th anniversary of Guyana-China ties, one missing element is the absence of a functioning Guyana-China Friendship Association, an essential entity for pursuit and promotion of People-to-People ties.

Friendship Association also exist in all CARICOM countries with ties with Beijing through the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Guyana has been represented at all gatherings in China and in the Latin American and Caribbean region at friendship levels, as well as at political levels, with both PPP and PNC teams attending most such gatherings, underlying the fact that friendship with China is backed across-the-board.

This Chinese Lunar Year will be dedicated to the cycle of the water tiger, as each year corresponds to one of 12 animals that determine the qualities of those born under its sign.

Legend has it that the wise Jade Emperor summoned the animals to a race to choose those who would be part of the zodiac and first came the rat, then the buffalo and the tiger came third -- as a symbol of strength and courage.

Strength and courage is also being shown in Guyana today at the beginning of the first quarter of the Third Millennium, with the Government undertaking people-oriented plans and projects alongside medium and long-term projections aimed at making life better for all Guyanese.

Guyana is also showing strength and courage in its determination to ensure the benefits from the nation’s oil and gas fortunes reach all the people.

Therefore, in that sense, with all that happening in the Year of the 50th Anniversary of Guyana-China ties, this can also be seen as a Year of the Tiger for both China and Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

COVID-19 could become an epidemic – Health Minister HEALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said because of the Omicron variant, countries across the world are recording increases in coronavirus cases. However, it is expected that cases will decrease.

He said with the emergence of new drugs and vaccines to treat COVID-19 patients, it is possible that the disease could become an epidemic like colds, HIV and malaria.

“We would see a decrease in cases, but then we still have to be on the lookout of what new variants might emerge.

“Eventually we are hoping that we’ll move from a pandemic to an epidemic and then maybe to have endemic regions of the world so that we can monitor the disease,” Dr. Anthony said.

The minister added that the world is currently at a better place “because of the intense efforts in developing drugs, vaccines and other measures to reduce the burden of the disease.”

The minister continues to urge citizens to follow the public COVID-19 guidelines and get vaccinated, as it is necessary to combat the disease.

He said the country currently recorded 11,084 active cases. Of this number, 135 persons are hospitalised, with 13 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Additionally, Minister Anthony said once a person has reached the five-month period after taking their second dose vaccine, they should take the booster jab whether or not they were infected during this period.

“What we have noticed is that persons who got infected, if your five months period of wait is completed, then there is nothing that prevents you from coming and get the vaccine…

So once you would have met the timeline of

that five months, even if you get infected during that period then it’s still advisable that you should get your booster shot,” Dr. Anthony said.

As of Tuesday, the ministry administered 39,537 booster doses across the country. (DPI)

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Coalition gave citizens stress and tension instead of the ‘good life’ –– MP Charlie tells House

By Rabindra Rooplall GOVERNMENT Member of Parliament (MP), Alister Charlie, has described the APNU+AFC leadership as a visionless bunch who sat in power for five years and did absolutely nothing significant to improve the lives of citizens.

Now that they are in opposition, he said, they are claiming to have all the answers for issues in Guyana.

During his contribution to the 2022 budget debate on Tuesday in the National Assembly, Charlie pointed out that no Amerindian community or hinterland region got through with their titling under the APNU+AFC administration.

“Mr. Speaker, they stalled and complicated the process but kept promising those Amerindians that they would get through if they voted again for them. Amerindians said never again and today under the PPP/C, communities are titled and more are slated to be completed by February this year,” he said.

The government MP said now $561M has been allotted for the land titling programme.

“Our Amerindian brothers and sisters will see 20 communities receiving titles this year. APNU+AFC Coalition must be disappointed and in disbelief that PPP/C Government has delivered so much and will be incrementally delivering much more after just 18 months,” he added.

Government MP, Alister Charlie He said that the government does not dress up with false promises in its approach to hinterland development as Amerindians are today fully involved in the governance and upgrading of their communities.

Adding that when the APNU+AFC Coalition Government was in power, Amerindians were walking long distances and struggling to get by, Charlie said upon return to the Office, the PPP/C Government started to invest in transportation in the forms of trucks, tractors, boats and ATVs for hinterland communities.

“Mr. Speaker, to promote Amerindian village agriculture, a sum of $411.2 million was allocated for additional Amerindian villages to benefit. Budget 2022 caters to the improvement of hinterland roads to a tune of

Opposition MP, Dawn Hastings-Williams $3.4 billion,” he told the House.

He continued: “The “Because We Care” cash grant will see our hinterland and Amerindian students getting the same amounts in Budget 2022 of $25,000 per child and $5,000 whether you are from Lethem, St Cuthbert Mission, or St. Ignatius.”

He also added that the Amerindian Development Programmes is $3.1 billion this year and will further transform the lives of Amerindians.

“I stand as proud as Budget 2022 as I turn my attention to my geographic region, Upper Takutu, Upper Essequibo, Region Nine that I represent. I am proud to announce Region Nine’s budgetary allocation for 2022 – a whopping $4.9B. This budgetary allocation will bring changes to the lives of the people in Region Nine with the construction of a technical training centre at a cost of $35M; construction of a female dormitory at Sand

Creek Secondary at a cost of $45M, an extension of Aishalton Secondary School Dormitory $41.9M, construction of CPCE training centre at a cost of $28M, rehabilitation of Annai Secondary School at a cost of $25M, construction of an infectious disease centre for $25M, construction of Kokshibai health post for $14M, construction of a Primary School at Carabaicru at a cost of $14M,” Charlie underscored.

He explained that the founding principles in Budget 2022 are based on pursuing the well-being and lifestyle enhancement of every Guyanese. Budget 2022 puts the people at the centre of economic, social, cultural and environmental development and preservation.

National economic prosperity is meaningless, said Charlie, if it does not improve the well-being of every Guyanese. Budget 2022 provides adequate levels of healthcare, education, water, housing, and sanitation and ensures the safety and security of Guyanese.

Meanwhile, according to opposition MP Dawn Hastings-Williams, Guyanese expect that the budget will transform their lives and government and provide a guiding hand and to steers a course that continues to bring prosperity to the land.

Hastings-Williams also suggested that the personal monthly income tax threshold should move to $120,000, even though her government when in power did not offer an increase close to the one she is suggesting.

The Coalition government also neglected the agriculture sector but Hastings-Williams called on the government to boost agriculture in Region One with the production of onion, potatoes and spices.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

'Cops' investigating illegal Venezuelan aircraft found at Kuruduni

THE Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the Guyana Police Force and the Air Corp is investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of an illegal Venezuelan aircraft in Kuruduni, some 20 Km from the Kurupukari crossing location of the Linden-Lethem Rupununi Road.

The aircraft bearing

Venezuelan registration #YV506 was discovered abandoned off the illegal airstrip without key documentation. This makes it difficult to track the airframe, engine, and propeller time.

According to Police Headquarters, law enforcement officers from the Mabura Police Station, acting on information received

The illegal aircraft found abandoned on an illegal airstrip in Kuruduni

on Saturday, January 29, 2022, discovered the white with red, yellow, and blue stripes, Cessna 310 model aircraft (a high-speed retractable gear single-engine plane) in the bushes, covered

with branches and tarpaulin.

Noting that the propeller was removed and placed under the aircraft, police said a search was conducted in and around the aircraft but no illegal substance was found

in either the cabin or cargo space. Nothing was found in the immediate vicinity either.

According to the preliminary assessment by the lead engineer, the damage to

the aircraft is extensive and beyond repair.

However, further assessment will be conducted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as investigations continue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Medical profession boosted with paediatrics, neonatal specialist DR Naitram Singh, who secured his Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD) in Cuba in 2011, has now completed his post-graduate studies in Pediatrics and Neonatology at the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba – and is now back in Guyana to complement the pool of special-

Doctor Naitram Singh is seen with Maylin Pérez, Administrative Assistant; Mayté Perdomo, Confidential Secretary to the Ambassador of Guyana in Cuba and Rossemary Idalmis, Financial Officer at the Guyana Embassy

ists at the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Singh is originally from Wakenaam, Essequibo. He first visited Cuba in 2004 and studied at the University Of Medical Sciences Of Matanzas where he obtained his MD. Having served at the West Demerara Hospital

and the Georgetown Public Hospital between 2011 and 2015, he was sent back to Cuba to pursue post-graduate studies.

With the return of Dr. Singh to Guyana, the local medical system should now have two neonatologists – Dr. Chandra Kumar and Dr. Singh.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Healthy soils for healthy people and planet –– FAO calls for reversal of soil degradation

REVERSING soil degradation is vital if we want to feed a growing global population, protect biodiversity and help address the planet’s climate crisis, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu has told a meeting of agriculture ministers in

Berlin.

As much as 95 per cent of global food production depends on soil. However, unsustainable agricultural practices, the overexploitation of natural resources and a growing population are putting increased pressure on soils. A third of them are already degraded, and experts estimate that soil

erosion could lead to a 10 per cent loss in crop production by 2050.

After oceans, soils are the largest reservoirs of carbon and play a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of the climate crisis. The degradation of the world’s soils has already released up to 78 gigatonnes of carbon into the atmosphere

(one gigatonne is equivalent to the mass of 10,000 fully loaded U.S. aircraft carriers).

According to the Global Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration map, soils could sequester up to 2.05 petagrams of CO2 equivalent per year, thus offsetting as much as 34 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural land.

Soils are full of life as well, holding an estimated 25 per cent of global biodiversity.

“Our growing population requires more food that is nutritious and safe, free of contaminants and pathogens,” FAO’s Director-General told the gathering. “Countries must make stronger commitments towards sustainable soil management,” Qu added.

Over 70 agriculture ministers from around the globe were invited by their German colleague, Cem Ozdemir, to exchange thoughts and ideas at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), a conference that is held each year in Berlin.

FAO’s latest State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture has already warned that agricultural systems – the interconnected complex web of soil, land and water - are at “breaking point”.

BIGGEST THREAT Soil erosion is the biggest threat. It is estimated that by 2050, soil erosion could lead to a 10 per cent loss in crop production and remove 75 billion tonnes of soils.

“Soil pollution is also an issue. It knows no borders and compromises the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. The excessive or inappropriate use of agrochemicals is one cause of the problem. The global annual production of industrial chemicals has doubled since the beginning of the 21st century, to approximately 2.3 billion tonnes, and is projected to increase by 85 per cent by the end of the decade,” the FAO Chief said.

Another challenge comes from salinisation, which affects 160 million hectares of cropland worldwide and every year renders 1.5 million hectares unproductive.

Finally, there’s a lack of reliable data. Over 55 per cent of surveyed Members of the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) lack adequate analytical capacities, including human resources, harmonisation procedures and equipment.

In October, FAO launched the Global Map

FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu of Salt-Affected Soils, a joint project involving 118 countries and hundreds of data-crunchers that allows experts to identify where sustainable soil management practices should be adopted and informs policy makers when dealing with climate change adaptation and irrigation projects.

MORE IS NEEDED According to FAO’s Director-General, countries must make stronger commitments, while instruments such as the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Soil Management, the World Soil Charter and the International Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers can provide added impetus.

Greater investments -particularly for supporting the adoption of sustainable soil management practices -- and the recarbonisation of soils are also a priority, along with land tenure security.

The Director-General welcomed the adoption of a joint communique’ by participants representing what he described as “a reflection of your commitment to healthy soils, including protecting agricultural land through tenure security,” and said FAO would help facilitate its implementation.

“FAO, including through the Global Soil partnership, is committed to healthy soils and to supporting sustainable soil management at all levels for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind,” Qu said. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Police ranks assist in paving median at Rahaman’s Turn

THE senior management of the Guyana Police Force, in a push to beautify and create cleaner and safer communities for all throughout Guyana, is assisting in paving of the

median located at Rahaman’s Turn, East Bank Demerara.

The project is being carried out by several ranks from the Force’s Construction Department, under the

supervision of Sergeant, Vickram Loaknauth of the Tactical Services Unit.

Sergeant Loaknauth, in an invited comment, noted that the project started about two weeks ago and is

Sergeant Vickram Loaknauth (third from right) and his team in action at Rahaman’s Turn, East Bank Demerara

a “continuation of the government’s initiative for a better environment and enhancing the communities”.

The Sergeant also highlighted that the project, which started from Raha-

man’s Turn and will end at Houston, is expected to be completed in the coming week.

He also took the opportunity to highlight the fact the entire project

is being done by police ranks, stating: “Everyone who partook in the project are police ranks and we are proud to do something good for our community.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Venezuelan sisters remanded for attempted murder of teen

MAGISTRATE Clive Nurse, on Tuesday, remanded four Venezuelan sisters, including two juveniles, to prison for allegedly stabbing a 16-year-old girl to the neck with a knife.

Evelyn Alfonso, 22, Rox-

anna Alfonso, 20, and their sisters, age 14 and 16, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were not required to plead to the joint attempted murder charge.

They allegedly committed

the offence on January 28, 2022, at Cummings Street, Georgetown.

The two women were remanded to prison, while their sisters will be held at a juvenile facility. The case is adjourned until February 11.

According to reports, the teen was confronted by the four accused, with whom she had a previous altercation. On the day in question, around 09:00 hrs, the victim was at Cummings Street in the company of her aunt,

when she was confronted by the quartet.

The sisters armed themselves with bricks and attacked the victim and her aunt.

During the altercation, the victim was allegedly stabbed

twice with a knife by the two younger sisters. The incident was caught on camera and went viral on social media.

The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where her condition is listed as serious, but stable.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 2, 2022

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday February 2, 2022)

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Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 2, 2022

Tom Brady officially... ride. Thank you and congratulations, Tom Brady."

The Buccaneers said: "Memories to last a lifetime.

Thank you."

Brady did not mention the Patriots in his retirement statement, but later responded to a tweet from the team, saying: "Thank You Patriots Nation, I'm beyond grateful."

Brady played in 10 Super Bowls, including an incredible comeback from 28-3 down against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, and had a perfect 16-0 regular season with the Patriots in 2007.

He won a Super Bowl in three different decades and retires after amassing a career-high 5,316 passing yards in his final season.

Brady leads the alltime passing statistics, with 84,520 yards - more than 4,000 clear of his nearest

rival, the retired Drew Brees.

In 2015 Brady was given a four-game suspension for allegedly colluding to deflate balls during a play-off game, but the ban was overturned after US judge ruled it had "legal deficiencies", allowing him to play the entire 2015-16 season.

It was reinstated for the start of 2016 and he missed the first four games of the campaign.

His announcement on Tuesday comes after conflicting reports over the weekend about his future.

It was widely reported on Saturday evening that he had decided to retire, but his company TB12 Sports then deleted a tweet appearing to confirm the news.

And later, speaking to the NFL Network, Brady's father Tom Brady Sr said his son had not yet "made a final

(From page 32)

decision".

On Monday, the former Patriots superstar said he was considering his future on a day-to-day basis.

'AN INCREDIBLE COMPETITOR AND LEADER' NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Brady would be remembered "as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL".

He added: "An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also the sustained excellence he displayed year after year.

"Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments."

New England Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said: "Words cannot

describe the feelings I have for Tom Brady, nor adequately express the gratitude my family, the New England Patriots and our fans have for Tom for all he did during his career.

"A generation of football fans have grown up knowing only an NFL in which Tom Brady dominated."

Two-time Super Bowl winner Peyton Manning paid tribute to his former rival, saying: "Congratulations to my friend Tom on an unbelievable football career.

"To do it as long as he did, at the highest of levels, is absolutely incredible. It was an honour and a privilege to compete

against him on the field, and I truly appreciate his friendship off the field.

"I have always admired and respected his competitiveness, his dedication, his discipline, and his commitment to being the best.

I wish him the best in his next chapter. Congratulations again, pal!"

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 2, 2022

England seal spot in final with thrilling win over Afghanistan ENGLAND won a thrilling semi-final against Afghanistan by 15 runs to seal a spot in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final against either India or Australia on Saturday.

A partnership of 95 for the seventh wicket saw England scramble to a competitive total of 231/6 in 47 overs, with the match reduced due to a rain delay.

But Afghanistan took the game deep, needing 19 off the final 12 balls and with wickets in hand, only for Rehan Ahmed to take three wickets in a dramatic penultimate over to leave the run-chase 15 short.

England had won the toss and opted to bat first in overcast conditions at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, but lost dangerous opener Jacob Bethell early on.

Captain Tom Prest and George Thomas led the recovery to that early setback, with runs coming fast against Afghanistan’s medium-pacers, and the pair took their side to 56 inside the powerplay before Prest fell for a quickfire 17.

Thomas continued to a half-century that featured two sixes and four fours, but Afghanistan’s spin trio of Noor Ahmad, Izharulhaq Naveed and Nangeyalia Kharote seemed to give their side the upper hand in the game through the middle overs, taking four wickets between them and proving extremely tough to get away.

England were in trouble on 136/6 after 35.1 overs when Rehan Ahmed fell to

Tom Brady officially retires

Tom Brady won his seventh and final Super Bowl last year

Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed starred in England’s victory

Naveed Zadran for a battling 16, and a brief rain shower saw the game reduced to 47 overs per side.

But a big late partnership between George Bell and Alex Horton ensured that the match was in the balance at the midway point, with Bell finishing unbeaten on 56 from 67 balls, and Horton racing to a 36-ball 53*.

The 18 overs of pace bowled by Afghanistan went for 134 runs, with England struggling throughout against spin in contrast.

Afghanistan’s reply got off to a poor start when Nangeyalia Kharote was bowled for a duck off the third ball of the innings, with the excellent Joshua Boyden striking with the new ball yet again for England.

But Afghanistan recovered well, putting on 93 runs for the second wicket as Mohammad Ishaq (43) and Allah Noor (60) built the

platform to give their side a fighting chance of chasing down the target.

A topsy-turvy encounter swung back in England’s favour midway through the reply, thanks largely to 17-year-old Thomas Aspinwall, who produced a superb run-out to dismiss opener Ishaq before picking up two wickets off his medium-pace bowling to leave Afghanistan needing a rebuild on 106/4.

But that rebuild did come, with Abdul Hadi (37*), Bilal Ahmad (33) and Noor Ahmad (25) ensuring that the semi-final came down to an extremely nervy finish.

Needing 19 to win off the final two overs and with the well-set Hadi and Ahmad at the crease, Afghanistan looked firmly in the mix to win the match.

But Rehan Ahmed had other ideas, winning it for

England with a stunning three-wicket salvo. The first saw Ahmad brilliantly caught by James Rew, who had earlier put down a tricky catch on the boundary to give Afghanistan a let-off.

Naveed fell three balls later, caught on the ropes

by James Sales as he went for the big hit. And Ahmed clean-bowled Bilal Sami with a googly off the very next ball to all-but wrap up the win for England, a victory that was confirmed in the final over, with Afghanistan falling 15 runs short.

Their victory means England have ended a 24-year wait for a spot in an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final.

They will face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between India and Australia in that showpiece event at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Saturday. (ICC Media)

(BBC) - Tom Brady, one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, has confirmed his retirement.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, 44, won seven Super Bowls in an astonishing career spanning 22 seasons.

Brady won six titles with the New England Patriots before his final triumph with the Buccaneers last year.

The five-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player is retiring after deciding he could no longer make the "competitive commitment" to continue.

His final game in the NFL was a 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the play-offs, when his heroics narrowly failed to pull off a sensational comeback from 27-3 down.

Brady, a three-time NFL season MVP, had a year remaining on his contract with the Bucs.

In a statement posted on social media, he said: "I have always believed the

sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.

"My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending.

"As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against - the competition was fierce and deep, just how we like it.

"But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep.

I will remember and cherish these memories and revisit them often.

"I feel like the luckiest person in the world."

Following Brady's announcement, the Patriots tweeted: "It was quite the (Turn to page 31)

Haynes wants phased integration of U19 stars... (From page 35) dubbed the Rising Stars, have had a disappointing run in the ICC tournament hosted in the Caribbean for the first time, finishing 11th of the 16 teams involved.

There were some standouts, however. Kevin Wickham, a reserve at the start of the campaign but subsequently drafted in as a COVID-19 replacement, topped the scoring charts with 243 runs from four innings to finish with an

average of 81.

He hit an impressive 104 against Zimbabwe on Monday in the side’s final game to follow up two half-centuries in his three previous innings.

Teddy Bishop, who hit an unbeaten hundred against Zimbabwe, averaged 51 while opener Matthew Nandu also struck a century against Papua New Guinea.

Shiva Sankar, a right-arm fast bowler, was the leading

bowler with nine wickets including an outstanding spell against Scotland in the group stage.

Like with the senior squad, Haynes said it was now important to expand the pool of Under-19 players so the side could be bolstered further.

“I like the Under-19 squad. You must understand, too, with COVID in the last two years, I think it’s very

difficult for the coaches and the people involved to get that squad together …” the legendary former opener explained.

“But there has to be more out there that missed out because obviously they didn’t get the opportunity because some were ill and couldn’t travel or whatever.

“I think what we need to do is start looking to broaden that pool as well and get

some more players in.”

Haynes, who was awarded Barbados’ highest national honour – The Order of Freedom – during Republic Day celebrations last November, said the return of a regional cricket academy would also aid in the development of Under-19 stars.

“What I would personally like is to see us get back to where we can have a cricket academy where some of

these guys can be trained and we can get them ready for the bigger stage,” Haynes pointed out.

“Because if you look at the West Indies team now, there are so many of the guys that are involved with our cricket now who were involved with our Under-19s, so it is important for us to understand the importance of the Under-19 cricket.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 2, 2022

Ramson reaffirms commitment to transforming sports in Guyana

By Rawle Toney MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, defended the $3.2B allocation for sports development in the 2022 Budget, pointing to the numerous achievements under his tenure at the ministry.

During the ongoing Budget debate in Parliament, Ramson highlighted the resounding support from the country’s various sports associations and federations for his handling of the sector, along with the National Sports Commission.

“For sport, the budget is $3.2B with a capital of $2.4B and every single sports association/federation has issued statements for the first time in the history of this country in support of the government, in support of the ministry, in support of the programme and the relationship that they have with the minister and the National Sports Commission,” Ramson exclaimed to much delight of colleagues in the house.

Minister Ramson assured that the transformation of sports will continue, particularly in infrastructural development.

A total of $1.4B is budgeted in 2022 for sports infra-

structure and development, including the completion of the synthetic tracks in Regions 6 and 10; multi-purpose sports facilities; erection of stands at the National Track and Field Centre, rehabilitation works at the Guyana National Stadium to support the Cricket Academy; construction of pavilions in Region 6 and 10 as well as the procurement of sports gear.

According to the breakdown of allocation for sports, $45.8M is allocated for maintenance works to sports facilities including Mackenzie Sports Club, Kwakwani Recreational Centre, National Aquatic Centre and Colgrain Pool.

Upon highlighting all things done by his ministry, which included the winning of the bid to host warm-up and four group-stage matches in this year’s ICC U19 World, Ramson pointed out “we had the inaugural sports conference, where we had the consultation for our Sports Academy and then we launched our Sports Academy in December.”

“Mr Speaker, our Capital money will be spent on the transformation of our sports facilities and the building of our stadiums that the President, Dr Irfaan

Ali, announced in one of the speeches that he made to the public.”

In keeping with a promise made during his campaign, Head of State, President Dr Irfaan Ali, announced on September 7, 2020, during a press conference, that the PPP/C Government will be building multipurpose sports facilities in Regions 2, 6 and 10.

President Ali said the move comes as his administration looks to “continue to support the growth and development of our young people and our sportsmen and women and find new talent while supporting every region of our country.”

According to President Ali, “These are some of the investment measures and policies that we will pursue in this emergency budget and in January, to bring relief, to create opportunities and to improve the welfare and well-being of all the people of our country.”

Meanwhile, Minister Ramson spoke profoundly of the Government’s Community Ground enhancement programme, which he said has seen the rehabilitation of over 20 community grounds around the country.

Ramson said the facilities

“were in such a poor state and that is why the Ground Enhancement Programme is so popular because it is making such a big difference to the people of the country. And I’m pleased to announce as well that in this year’s allocation there will

be G$250M in our budget for ground enhancement.”

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, during his Budget presentation, said “the sports programme aims to ensure

that all Guyanese are provided with opportunities to participate in sporting activities, thereby channelling energies, abilities and talents to contribute meaningfully to national development, in its various dimensions.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 2, 2022

Everest congratulates seven members named in national squad THE Everest Cricket Club (ECC) has offered congratulatory messages to seven of its members who have been named in the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the Regional Four-Day Championship.

Keemo Paul, who is the Eagles’ vice-captain, Shimron Hetmyer, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Gudakesh Motie, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Akshaya Persaud and Clinton Pestano are the players from the club who have earned spots in the Eagles' squad for the first two matches.

Both matches will be held in Trinidad, the first of

which is against Windward Volcanoes at the Queen’s Park Oval from February 9, after which they play Leeward Hurricanes from February 16 to 19.

ECC president Manzoor Nadir, in a statement, wished the players well and urged them to represent the country and the club to the best of their ability.

Nadir further noted the club is on an upward trajectory as regards to developing world-class facilities, and. having such quality players to represent club and country only adds to the outstanding portfolio of the club.

Guyana Harpy Eagles squad: Leon Johnson (captain), Keemo Paul (vice-captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble, Tevin Imlach, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Clinton Pestano, Shimron Hetmyer, Keon Joseph and Antony Adams.

The reserves are: Kemol Savory, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Ronsford Beaton, Trevon Griffith and Demitri Cameron.

Six of the seven members (absent is Clinton Pestano) of Everest Cricket Club who have been selected in the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the Regional Four-Day Championship

Dinesh Joseph appointed ECB Junior selection committee chairperson FORMER Essequibo Inter-county batter and captain, Dinesh Joseph, was on Sunday appointed as chairperson for the Junior selection committee for the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB).

The appointment was done at the ECB's first statutory meeting held at the Imam Bacchus Learning Resource Centre, Affiance.

Joseph attended trials for several years and he is pleased to accept the position as the Junior Chairman of Selectors for Essequibo.

He said that he is proud to be allowed to give back to Essequibo cricket.

His aim is to select the best team to represent Essequibo and to operate with transparency and fairness.

Joseph has achieved a century against Demerara in inter-county, a double century against North Essequibo in 40 overs and in his Under-19 debut vs Demerara in 1996: he scored 71 He is currently conducting coaching sessions for Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary school students and the community.

President of the ECB, Deleep Singh, congratulated Joseph on his appointment and pledged his support to work with him. He

Dinesh Joseph

also said that more cricket will be played to ensure that the best plauers are selected to represent Essequibo in the cricketing arena.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 2, 2022

YBG’s ‘Leadership and Coaches’ Retreat will become annual event LAST Sunday’s ‘Leadership and Coaches Retreat’ organised by Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), was dubbed a significant step in the right direction by coach of President’s College basketball team, Willon Cameron.

In an invited comment, the seasoned, school and division-one club coach pointed to the camaraderie between officials at Sunday’s event, which was held in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

“It was a significant event, very important, where the administration and coaches can all come together and ensure that everybody is in one place … we all shared ideas and our vision on what we expect basketball to be like and what we would like to see from our athletes. I think it’s a very

important event and I look forward to it in the future.”

He added that YBG also shared some of the future plans with the stakeholders, who then made their inputs.

According to information from the YBG, the event was aimed to bring together YBG leadership, administrators, coaches, and partners to review, discuss, and agree on key areas of priorities.

YBG, which is one of the most influential youth sport programmes in Guyana, also reviewed a draft and received recommendations for their YBG Player’s Development Curriculum and Framework and agreed on the format of the National School Basketball Festival 2022.

On Sunday, it was also announced that Ms Jahrier Young would be leading a new initiative for girls and

Coaches and administrators at the YBG’s Leadership and Coaches Retreat

women basketball dubbed ‘Girls Play’.

Co-Director Chris Bowman said that the leadership programme was a very welcome addition to its calendar of events. He also noted that

YBG aims to make its policies and programmes more transparent and integrated.

For Cameron, it was a positive step.

“The idea was a wonderful one. Everybody in

attendance was pleased and satisfied, Just the ability to come together as basketball minds and just sit and interact was wonderful. I don’t think we ever had a forum like that.”

Bowman said that the plan is for the retreat to be replicated annually. “The plan is for this to be an annual event dubbed ‘YBG Day’ on the last Sunday of January, each year.”

Improvement better than series win – Estwick (CMC) – West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick says the improvement shown in the recent Twenty20 International series against England was perhaps more pleasing than the actual 3-2 victory in the five-match rubber.

With the series tied 2-2, the home side beat the world number ones by 17 runs in a dramatic finish to the finale at Kensington Oval last Sunday, to claim only their second multi-game series win over England.

More importantly, the success came on the heels of a 3-0 whitewash in Pakistan last December and an

embarrassing outing at the Twenty20 World Cup a few months earlier, when they managed just one win in their group stage campaign.

“After the last couple of months that we’ve had, it’s really pleasing that we’ve won a series,” Estwick said.

“It was very important to bounce back. We’ve been having good meetings, we’ve exposed a lot of youngsters in this series and we’re beginning to show some kind of improvement, so that’s very important.

“Improvement for me is actually more important than winning the series because you’ve got to focus on getting

to the 2022 World Cup and doing a lot better than we did in the last one.”

Due to their poor showing last year, West Indies will have to go through pre-tournament qualifiers in order to reach the main draw of the T20 World Cup in Australia from October 16 to November 13.

The England series, which marked the return of international cricket to Kensington Oval for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, proved a blockbuster.

Also playing in front of fully vaccinated fans, West Indies crushed England by

nine wickets in the opener before agonisingly losing the second by a single run.

They bounced back to win the third game by 20 runs but England levelled the series with an important 34run victory.

“When you look at the four pitches that we played on, the first one wasn’t the best but every pitch had gotten better and better,” Estwick pointed out.

“The crowds coming back to the stadium is very important, The players were a lot freer this time around. The bubble was still there but a lot more relaxed and you could see the players responding to

it so credit to the medical staff of the West Indies Board.

“But credit must go to England. It was a tremendous series – probably one of the best T20 series that we’ve had in history and it shows that T20 cricket is here to stay.”

He added: “For us, it’s seeing us continue to improve and grow, continue to work hard, continue to have cricket discussions and hopefully these boys can move us to the next level.”

Estwick was full of praise for all-rounder Jason Holder whose five-wicket haul on Sunday – including four wickets in as many deliveries

in the final over of England’s run chase – sealed West Indies’ victory.

“He didn’t have a great game (in the fourth T20 International) with the ball and it was really fitting he could come back in the fifth game and really produce what he produced,” said Estwick.

“Akeal Hosein was really brilliant for us when the chips were down long with Fabian Allen. They turned the tide, put England under pressure, continued to get wickets and that’s all we can ask; that people put their hands up when they need to and lead and fight and battle.”

Haynes wants phased integration of U19 stars into senior squad (CMC) – New chief selector, the Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, wants to see the phased integration of West Indies Under-19 stars into the senior international setup, and believes the initiative could prove a key development aspect for that age group.

Noting he was impressed with the squad that competed

in the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup, Haynes said what would further enhance their preparation for the highest level was being exposed to current international players during ongoing home series.

“I’ve made a recommendation to the Director of Cricket (Jimmy Adams) that I believe we can look at get-

ting at least three of the guys who have done well in the Under-19 tournament to be in the dressing room during the Test series in the West Indies,” Haynes told a media conference here.

“I’m hoping that the recommendation is accepted so these guys can understand what it is like to play at the highest level and I hope they

New chief selector, the Most Hon. Desmond Haynes

would learn a lot from it.

“The reason why I made that recommendation is because it happened to me.

“When I was named the Most Improved Cricketer in youth cricket in Barbados, I was asked to be in the dressing for Barbados versus Jamaica in the four-day competition, and I learned a hell of a lot.

“I was practising with the guys and listening to how they prepared and how they were going to bowl to Lawrence Rowe.

“For me, it was a great education and I can remember that now so you would know how impactful that was.”

West Indies Under-19, (Turn to page 32)

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, during Tuesday’s Budget presentation

Ramson reaffirms commitment to transforming sports in Guyana PAGE

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Improvement better than 35 series win – Estwick PAGE

West Indies take a lap of honour after winning the fifth T20I vs England, Kensington Oval, Barbados, January 30, 2022 (Getty Images)

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