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SATURDAY 5th NOVEMBER, 2022

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No. 106897

Elections CoI...

Explosive revelations come to light - security footage missing, computers wiped SEE PAGES - former ‘Georgetown’ Commander recounts horrifying treatment by police top brass 3&4

The footage captured by cameras which were installed at the Ashmin’s building where the office of the Region Four Returning Officer was located during the 2020 General and Regional Elections, has disappeared, according to GECOM CEO Vishnu Persaud

Former Police Division 4 ‘A’ Commander, Edgar Thomas, has claimed that a number of security decisions were made without his knowledge during the 2020 elections fiasco and that he was later punished for refusing to carry out instructions

700 Region Five residents move closer to home-ownership

SOME 700 Region Five residents are now one step closer to being homeowners as they have been allocated house lots in the Shieldstown Housing Scheme. The low-income and moderate-income lots were distributed during a Ministry of Housing and Water

‘Dream Realised’ distribution exercise, which was held at Shieldstown Community Centre Ground. In his address to the large gathering, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, noted that, in less than one year, approximately 1,100 lots have been allocated in the region as part of the

administration’s promise to make housing accessible, and to distribute 50,000 house lots within five years. In early 2022, 400 house lots were distributed at Bath, taking the total to date to 1,100 allocations for this year alone. He said that, while the region does not have a lot

President Ali markets Guyana as attractive investment destination

- in address to the fifth China International Import Exposition

SEE PAGE

of pending applications, the ministry is continuously seeking additional lands to satisfy the demand. The ministry has allocated approximately 18,000 house lots throughout the country in just over two years.

(See full story on Page 13)

Re-engineer regional supply chain - President Ali tells shipping, other maritime stakeholders at ACMF Anchor Awards

SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

President Ali markets Guyana as attractive investment destination - in address to the fifth China International Import Exposition

By Samuel Sukhnandan in Shanghai WITH rapid economic growth, massive resource wealth and growing multisectoral opportunities, Guyana has now become one of the most attractive investment destinations, not only in Latin America and the Caribbean region, but the entire world.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, outlined Guyana’s potential, on Thursday, when he joined other world leaders, virtually, to address the official opening of the fifth China International Import Exposition (CIIE) being held in Shanghai, China. “Guyana is a particularly attractive investment destination for several factors, including its accessibility to regional and

global markets, and favourable fiscal incentive regime for investors. Companies investing in Guyana can be assured of support and protection,” he said in his pitch to several international companies and investors in attendance. The President said, too, that the country’s development trajectory is in take-off mode. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has named Guyana as one of the five fastestgrowing economies in the world and has projected that the local economy will grow by 57.8 per cent this year. Guyana is an oil-producing state with an estimated 11 bil-

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, delivers a virtual message at the opening of the fifth China International Import Exposition (CIIE) in Shanghai, China (Samuel Sukhnandan photo) world. This point was made by provides for it to showcase trade tions, promote trade and investDr. Ali, who also said that Guy- and investment potential on a ment liberalisation and facilitaana is rich in gold, diamond, global stage. Undoubtedly this tion, and enhance international timber, bauxite, rice, and sugar, event will be instrumental in macro-economic policy coordination, with a view to jointly fostering new drivers for global growth,” he said. China will also endeavour, actively, to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, to expand the globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas. According to President Xi, China will also firmly support other developing countries and assist them in growing faster, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The CIIE has successfully held four sessions since 2018, The Guyana booth at the opening of the fifth China International Import serving as a platform to promote Exposition being held in Shanghai, China (Samuel Sukhnandan photo) building a new development pattern and multilateralism. This year, six exhibition lion barrels of recoverable pe- and has plans to modernise its enhancing trade and investment with other countries, includ- areas will display hundreds of troleum reserves, one of the agricultural sector. But at the same time, he ing the People’s Republic of new products, technologies and highest per capita levels in the said Guyana is also commit- China,” he said. services. Two new exhibition ted to a low-carbon growth The success of the exposi- areas will be set up this year trajectory which promotes tion, he added, runs parallel to showcase the crop farming economic sustainability, di- with China’s impressive eco- industry area and artificial intelversification of the econo- nomic strides. On this note, ligence. my, investment in climate President Ali expressed conThe exhibition will also mitigation and adaptation, fidence that this year’s event optimise the low-carbon energy utilisation of carbon credits, will provide an unparalleled and environmental protection enhanced biodiversity and opportunity for the promotion of technology areas and expand ecosystem management sys- business opportunities, increas- the innovation incubation area. tems, and transitioning into a ing trade, and promoting greater More than 150 start-ups clean energy future. economic collaboration between involved in technology equipENHANCED TRADE Guyana and China, and Guyana ment, consumer goods, medical The Head of State also and the rest of the world. care, and automobiles will be at welcomed the opportunity SHARED the exhibition. provided by China for GuyOPPORTUNITIES Tesla’s robotic product, Teana to showcase its products Meanwhile, China’s Presi- sla Bot, will also make its debut and services through the dent, Xi Jinping, who delivered on the Chinese mainland at this virtual country exhibition at the feature address at the open- year’s expo. the National Exhibition and ing of the expo, said that China (Reporting courteConvention Centre. But this will work with all countries and sy of NCN Editor, Samuel is not the first time that Guy- all parties to share the opportu- Sukhnandan who is in Beiana participated in a previous nities from deepened interna- jing on a China International CIIE event. tional cooperation. Press Communication Centre “Guyana welcomes the “We will engage fully and (CIPCC) 2022 Fellowship at opportunity that the China deeply in WTO (World Trade the invitation of the China International Import Expo Organization) reform negotia- Public Diplomacy Association)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Re-engineer regional supply chain

- President Ali tells maritime stakeholders at ACMF Anchor Awards UNLESS there is an increase in the production capacity, and improvement in the system of production through the use of the region’s strategic geographic location, there will not be expeditious changes in the maritime sector, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has warned. Dr. Ali said it is time for the regional supply chain to be re-engineered during his address as special guest speaker at the American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) Anchor Awards Gala, held on Friday at the Ft. Lauderdale Yacht Club in Florida. Addressing stalwarts in the cargo and cruise industry, the president said that in the region, there is great inefficiency in the transport and logistics systems. He told stakeholders that efforts are already underway in Guyana to re-engineer the supply system, and local infrastructure is being built out. Dr. Ali related that Guy-

ana, with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom under the Commonwealth Marine Economy Plan, has implemented a plan for the sustainable use of the country’s marine space. “Under this plan, the government will create and devise a national marine strategy that will be countryspecific, and in keeping with our low-carbon development strategy,” he said. The Head of State added that the sustainable use of the space will open up the potential for renewable energy, shipping, port development, and marine opportunities. He added that to cater to these opportunities, his government intends to diversify trade to extend to other areas, including coastal engineering, naval architecture, marine service, port engineering, planning and development, marine pollution prevention, and fisheries management, among other things.

“...Part of our strategy is to build up our human resources in all these fields; you will not see a concentration of investment in human resource development oil and gas,” President Ali said, adding: “One of the good things about oil and gas is that it gives us much-needed revenue to build out the other sectors of the economy; to make the other sectors competitive… And what we are able to do is to support the region in building a firstworld, first-class human resource capacity capable of serving the region’s needs, and those of the global community.” As part of the re-engineering of the supply chain, the president said that “a huge business hub” could be created to supply the cruise line industry with all the food it needs. “What do we need to do this?” the President asked rhetorically, noting that to achieve this goal, the trade barriers need to be removed,

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and further investment in which will eventually open infrastructure is needed. greater opportunities for “We are not talking the trade between Guyana and talk alone; we are spend- Brazil. ing billions of dollars, as I “While we are making speak to you, to create that these investments, we need infrastructure; to create this everyone to come along, re-engineering for the sup- so we can capitalise on the ply logistic chain,” he said. potential; we are talking Dr. Ali pointed out that a about hundreds of tonnes of contract was recently award- produce that can be shipped ed for the first phase of the out,” the Head of State said. He added that his govLinden to Lethem roadway,

ernment is also spending billions of US dollars to open up new lands for agricultural production. “I’m telling you now; we’re ready to get going in all of the sectors that you can think about,” the Presidents said at the award ceremony, noting that Guyana is also committed to building a world-class tourism and hospitality sector. The annual Anchor Awards of the ACMF honours the big names in the cargo and cruise industry for their accomplishments and positive impact on the Caribbean shipping and maritime sector. Funds from the event support scholarships for aspiring Caribbean maritime professionals. Launched in 2016, the ACMF has focused on creating a cadre of seafarers and maritime professionals from the CARICOM region to take up officer, engineering, navigational and other positions in the sector.

Elections CoI…

Former ‘Georgetown’ Commander recounts horrifying treatment by police ‘top brass’

FORMER Police Division 4 ‘A’ Commander, Edgar Thomas, has claimed that a number of security decisions were made without his knowledge during the 2020 elections fiasco, and that he was later punished for refusing to carry out instructions. In his testimony before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into matters relating to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, Commander Thomas said that some members of the police ‘top brass’ had roles to the play in the happenings at the Ashmin’s building, where the Guyana Elections Commission’s command centre was housed. Called as the second witness for the CoI, Thomas recounted that he was called

to a meeting in February 2020, during which he was informed that his main responsibility as the police commander was to provide security for GECOM’s building and command centre at High and Hadfield Streets. Several police officers and GECOM officials, including then Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers were also present. He was tasked with taking care of the external security of the building, with specific instructions for two officers to be posted on the inside. These were the instructions agreed upon by Myers, Lowenfield and his superior, Deputy Commissioner Maxine Graham, Thomas testified.

Days after Polling Day, Thomas recounted, he received a call from the police’s operating room regarding information from the command centre. It was indicated that someone who was part of the tabulation process removed a flash drive and computer from the tabulation centre, and was seen in another room, allegedly tampering with the data. Thomas told the Commission that when he arrived at the location, he received multiple reports from persons there about the alleged tampering incident. These complaints came from political party agents and representatives of several observer missions, he added. Having received these complaints, Thomas said he made his way to a room

and identified the individual whom they were told had left the tabulation room with the flash drive. That person was later identified as one Enrique Livan. At the time, Thomas said, Livan was seen with a closed laptop computer. At that stage, there was a discussion, and his intention was to get that computer and flash drive in the possession of the police. Lowenfield was then contacted, and later arrived at the command centre and was informed about Thomas’ intention to take the said items into police possession. In the presence of several party representatives, he said, discussions ensued. This then led to the data from that flash drive being put on a big screen in the tabulation room.

Head of the Presidential Guard Edgar Thomas (Elvin Carl Croker photo) NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCES At this time, party representatives indicated that there were noticeable differences between the data that was on the screen and what was

recorded when the tabulation exercise was stopped. When these observations were made, political parties called for a hard copy of the verified data to be shown TURN TO PAGE 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Security footage missing, computers wiped - GECOM CEO tells elections CoI

THE footage captured by cameras which were installed at the A s h m i n ’s b u i l d i n g where the office of the Region Four Returning Officer was located during the 2020 General and Regional Elections, has disappeared. This shocking revelation was made on Friday by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud, who was the first witness to take the stand on the opening day of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events surrounding the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections. The Ashmin’s building located at High and

Hadfield Streets, was known as GECOM’s ‘Command Centre’ during the elections period and was also the tabulation centre for Electoral District Four which housed the office of the District’s Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. Persaud, who was appointed CEO in December 2021, when asked about security footage from the building during the period in question, said that he is unaware that any such footage is available. During the protracted elections period, events occurring at that location were the subject of much controversy, particularly as they relate to the tabulation of votes for District Four. Persaud told the

commission that following his appointment, he inquired about security footage from the building and was informed that it was predecessor Keith Lowenfield, who had instructed that the cameras be installed. “In fact, I did inquire. I was informed that the cameras that were installed in that building were on the instructions of the Chief Elections Officer… that might have been done by a private service provider. Nobody seems to know when the cameras were removed, nor where the footage might be,” he said. The CEO went on to say that when he checked the computers that should have had the footage stored, they

GECOM CEO Vishnu Persaud giving his evidence to the commission (Elvin Carl Croker photo)

were already “wiped.” Meanwhile, during his testimony, he explained in detail the various processes that form part of the elections exercise. These

include those in the period leading up to the exercise and the ones that are in place for polling day and the days that follow. Persaud assumed the role of CEO about four months after Lowenfield was booted following allegations of electoral fraud. Aside from Lowenfield, GECOM also terminated Deputy

Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers and District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo. Myers, Mingo, Lowenfield and several others were subsequently charged with several counts of misconduct in public office. Those matters are before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Former ‘Georgetown’...

FROM PAGE 3 there, and upon its delivery, the differences were again highlighted. T h e f o l l o w i n g d a y, March 5, 2020, Thomas said, he received a call concerning a bomb being planted at the building, and upon arriving there, he urged persons to vacate the premises for their own safety. Many persons did not comply, he said. It was on that same day that things took a turn for the worse, Thomas said, as he was informed that Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo had made a declaration. He said that ranks were seen guarding the doors to the building and preventing persons from entering. These instructions, he said, were reportedly given by his deputy, Senior Superintendent Phillip Azore. He instructed the ranks there to allow the Party Agents and Observers to enter the building. At the same time, he recalled, the GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh was seen leaving the building, accompanied by Azore. The Deputy Chief Elections Officer at that time intensified her calls to get persons to exit the building. Many persons refused to do so, including GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj, who highlighted the need for Statements of Poll and other elections-related material within the facility to be secured before persons left. “She was more intent on getting people out of the building; she engaged the police to get people out of the building,” Thomas told the inquiry. “She was shouting in an aggressive manner… She said, ‘I want you all out of the building,’” Thomas said. He said that he believed that that remark was directed at him. Subsequently, he said, Myers could be heard on the phone with his then superior, Mr. Graham, claiming that he was not complying with the order to remove persons from the building. Thomas recounted that while there, he also saw several members of the

Police Special Branch, but noted that he had never made a call to have those ranks there. He was at the time still the head of security, but was not informed under whose request the Special Branch had shown up. He indicated that the Special Branch was at the time headed by Deputy Commissioner Nigel Hoppie. “It is my humble opinion that they were in support of her (Myers), and Mr. Hoppie would have known that they were there,” Thomas said. NO NEED FOR SPECIAL BRANCH Thomas noted that in his capacity at the time, there was no need for Special Branch officers at that location, based on the current situation, as he’d already had ranks stationed there. Subsequent to the arrival of those Special Branch ranks, Thomas said he received a call from Deputy Commissioner Graham. During this phone call, he highlighted that they had a disagreement, whereby Graham was at the time supporting the notion that GECOM Commissioner Gunraj and a number of other persons should not be in the building. He then related the concerns that Gunraj raised about the security of SoPs and election-related material at the building. Subsequent to this conversation, he noted that he received a phone call from the then Police Commissioner Leslie James. “He was supporting the case; Ms. Graham case that people need to be removed from the building,” the former commander said, while adding that he was told to have the people vacate the building. He added that while they had several discussions, he did not comply with that statement. As events unfolded, two ranks of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), Deputy Superintendent Clifton Davis and Assistant Superintendent Ali, appeared, and they indicated that they did not

come to him as the most senior officer in the building. When asked who would be the person responsible for directing and calling out the TSU, he indicated that it would be the police commissioner. “I don’t have that authority,” he told the Commission. These were just some of the instructions he said were given that did not come from him during the entire debacle at the Ashmin’s building. Thomas reaffirmed that there was no need for TSU ranks there. While these officers were given instructions by others to have everyone leave the building, he was still against this. Subsequently, with all the events that transpired, he noted that he attempted to call Commissioner James to inform him that he wanted to leave. “I was calling the commissioner to tell the commissioner that based on the actions there, that I’m no longer in charge, and I was seeking permission to leave,” he said. The following day, March 6, 2020, Thomas revealed, he returned to the location and saw barricades surrounding the area, and indicated that again he did not give those instructions. He later received a call from Deputy Commissioner Graham informing him that he was no longer in command of the division. She reportedly told him that the Commissioner was not pleased with his performance and as such he will be reassigned. That reassignment, he remarked was not one for his rank and noted that he was provided no accommodations to work. However, it wasn’t until August 2020 that Thomas was promoted and became head of the Presidential Guard when the administration changed. The Commission of Inquiry continues on Monday at 09:00hrs when more witnesses will take the stand.

CDC, ‘Hydromet’ warn against inclement weather PERSONS in low-lying, riverine, and flood- prone areas are advised to take the necessary precau tions against flooding, as over-topping is likely from above-normal high tides, the Hydrometeorological Service has cautioned. Further, the Civil Defence

Commission (CDC) is also urging persons to place sandbags where necessary, unplug all electrical items that are likely to come into contact with water, and elevate all household items. The Commission is also advising persons to relocate livestock to higher ground, and use puri-

fication tablets as prescribed. Persons are also urged to report floods, damage to sea defence, overtopping and landslides to the National Emergency Monitoring Systems (NEMS) by telephone: 226-1027, 2261117, 600-7500 (Whatsapp) 604-9929.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Uncovering the Truth

THE Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, presided over by distinguished jurists, opened its public hearings on Friday. In order to help prevent or limit the chance of a repeat of the events that occurred during the protracted process, the CoI will carefully examine the details provided by persons who have agreed to testify. The proceedings will be open to the public and livestreamed for persons to view. The hearings are expected to be completed by the end of January 2023, and a report will be submitted by the end of March 2023.

The CoI will also make recommendations as it deems fit and necessary to permit the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to discharge its constitutional functions in an impartial and fair manner that is compliant with the law. The integrity and credibility of the elections body was tainted after the 2020 elections, especially during the five-month period, when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) and persons purportedly close to the party, attempted to interfere with the process. It was found during a national recount process that the Returning Officer for Region Four (Demerara-

Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo, had announced results that appeared to be inflated to favour the coalition party. Since the election fiasco unfolded, several persons that served within the apparatus of the GECOM have been charged with electoral fraud. Those include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former PNCR Minister Volda Lawrence, and Mingo, among others. Considering the occurrences in 2020, one would believe that the coalition would be opened to reforming its image by participating in activities that promote democracy, but it was quite the contrary, as members of the

APNU+AFC walked out of a recent consultation exercise on draft electoral reforms. Action speaks louder than words, and electoral reforms seek to correct all the ambiguities and deficiencies which the APNU+AFC sought to capitalise on. The Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C., in his remarks on electoral reforms, said: “Whatever weaknesses were in the law, they were exploited to their hilt. Wherever there was discretion, it was abused. Wherever there was latitude; interpretative latitude, it was vulgarised. Wherever there was an opportunity to bend the law to the repulsive end, it was exploited.” The Opposition People’s

National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) – the major party in the coalition, does not have history on their side and has failed to recover from its relatively poor electoral showing, which dates back to its 28 years of what was characterised as dictatorial rule. Even to this day, the party seems to have a fundamental problem with elections. It was reported recently that Executive Member of the PNC/R, Annette Ferguson, questioned the credibility of the party’s Georgetown District Elections. The irregularities observed by Ferguson during the elections included unregistered persons voting, a number of registered per-

sons prevented from voting, and ballots were not being counted and verified in the presence of candidates. Ferguson highlighted her concerns in a letter written to the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the PNC/R, but the party’s leader, Aubrey Norton, endorsed the polls as “free and fair,” dismissing the irregularities as being of no concern. It is unclear whether Ferguson will continue to challenge the integrity of those polls, but there is no uncertainty regarding the ongoing CoI, which is likely to further uncover the ugly truth of what occurred during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Colonel Craig resigned from Swift action to save ripening paddy commendable the GDF of his own free will

Dear Editor, I WISH to respond to a false statement in an article titled, “Guyanese Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig appointed Deputy Executive Director of CDEMA,” which was published by Village Voice on November 4, 2022. The article claims that Colonel Craig was removed from the post of DirectorGeneral of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) last July by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government. That is a blatant lie. Let me set the record straight according to the facts that exist. Colonel Kester Craig was never removed by the PPP Government. The records show that Colonel Craig tendered his resignation, or according to military terms, requested to be struck off strength, via a letter dated April 8, 2022.

Colonel Craig’s resignation was addressed to the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and copied to the Honourable Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Derrick Cummings. I take the liberty to point out that in Colonel Craig’s resignation letter, he clearly stated that he was interested in seeking new opportunities and pursuing his dreams after having spent the entirety of his youth serving Guyana and the people for the past 25 years. As a result, Colonel Craig requested permission to proceed on pre-retirement leave before his resignation takes effect on February 15, 2023, according to his file. In fact, Colonel Craig also shared his gratitude and pleasure for

being able to serve, and he committed to ensuring a smooth transition in handing over operations at the CDC. The fact is that Colonel Craig remained the Director-General of the CDC and continued to serve in that capacity, even after the new PPP/Civic Government took office in August 2020. Colonel Craig worked very closely with the PPP/C Government, reporting directly to the Honourable Prime Minister on matters under the purview of the CDC, up until he proceeded on pre-retirement leave. I, therefore, hope this clarifies any misconceptions and implore that facts be checked before assertions are made and falsehoods peddled. Sincerely, Vanelda Harris, Personal Assistant to the Honourable Prime Minister

Dear Editor, I COMMEND the Ministry and Minister of Agriculture for their commitment to save ripening paddy as a result of inclement weather. I travelled around the coast a couple of weeks ago and observed falling paddy stalks. Fields with yellow paddy were abandoned and flooded with water. Once the paddy falls, it is almost impossible to harvest. The combines can’t cut the paddy stalks. The falling stalks in paddy fields bring back memories of growing up on a plantation. My par Aja and aji, great grandparents from my father’s side, indentured labourers, left behind at death, hundreds of acres of land that they leased from the British. The old man and old lady divided up the land and hundreds of cattle among his three sons. The two daugh-

ters also got shares, but sons always got more. In turn, the children divided up the land among their children. My father and uncles and their cousins got over 30 acres each of rice, 16 acres of cane, and dozens of cattle, each kept at a huge ranch in Canje. They planted the land in communal ownership and tended to the cattle in the same relationship. They dutifully planted rice and cane every crop, only to suffer losses at times. Growing up in Port Mourant in an extended family of rice and came farmers, we suffered huge losses in rice cultivation during the 1970s. I remember that period very well, having to assist my father and Aja with rice cultivation and milling. Paddy was abandoned during several crops as a result of bad weather and impassable dams or tracks. Rain

prevented harvesting. And at times after harvesting, the filled paddy bags could not be transported to the paved road and to the mills. My family as well as my uncles and other cousins often suffered huge losses crop after crop, year after year. The same was experienced in cane cultivation and harvesting. The government then provided no support to farmers. Now, the government is providing support to reap the paddy in addition to providing grants for losses suffered in last year’s floods. Thank you, Minister of Agriculture and the Ministry of Agriculture for helping farmers to save their crops. Farmers would be appreciative of support extended by the government. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

The other President Bolsonaro

MUCH to the surprise of many, outgoing Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has called on his supporters blocking roads and highways across the country since his October 30 election loss, to call off their actions and to stop breaking the law. Truckers supporting him started blocking highways across states as soon as it was confirmed their man had lost, leading to the Supreme Court ruling the roadblocks illegal and ordering they be removed. Other Bolsonaro supporters gathered at key locations in several states, including army headquarters, calling for military intervention because they claimed (and still do) that the elections were “stolen” for Lula. As Bolsonaro had disappeared and wasn’t heard from after the results, had not congratulated Lula or conceded defeat, there was much anxiety that his national address would be his ultimate concession and acceptance, or he would have refused to concede and instead call his supporters out on the streets. But in his two-minute address to the nation -- 48 hours after the electoral officials confirmed his loss to popular exPresident ‘Lula’ Da Silva on Sunday evening -- Bolsonaro did none of the above. He didn’t concede, but nor did he contest the results, or congratulate Lula; and instead of urging supporters to protest, he told those blocking the highways they were breaking the law. The brief speech said nothing the world press wanted to hear, but offered an early, unexpected hint that Bolsonaro had silently accepted his loss, him also confirming he’d given permission for the transition talks to start with ‘Lula’s’ team. Bolsonaro’s quiet submission mused and marvelled many, as he sent very opposite sig-

nals than widely predicted by those who thought he’d live-up to his election threat not to accept a loss, especially after sealing his lips for longer than normal after the results. Analysts of all stripes are still trying to figure out what to make out of Bolsonaro’s sudden and unusual unpredictability, but this is not the first time the blistering rightwinger has silenced critics that way. After he won the presidency four years ago, it was widely expected, even predicted, that Bolsonaro would have pulled Brazil out of the BRICS alliance, alongside Russia, India, China and South Africa. But he attended more than one summit and was not once reported as having said or done anything to give truth to his critics’ predictions; and Brazil is still a member, even though less active than would probably have been under ‘Lula,’ who led South America’s largest and most populous nation with the region’s largest economy, into the BRICS, which together represent over half of humanity. Bolsonaro obviously concluded it was better politics to have Brazil remain than withdraw under his watch, as he’d have seen that pulling out would be playing directly into the hands of ‘Lula’ and his powerful Workers Party (PT). Likewise, Bolsonaro would have examined all the options on the table and concluded that rather than oppose ‘Lula’s’ election when everyone else who mattered had accepted, he would instead allow the winner to take his seat at the Presidential Palace – and then start playing hardball. Lula won’t take office until January 1, 2023, and if Bolsonaro wanted to give him a rough squeeze during the transition, he wouldn’t have called on his trucking supporters to stop breaking the law – and

spoiling his plan too early. And it makes sense, because Bolsonaro is in a position to rough-up ‘Lula’ in the Congress, where the opposition has a majority, also with many state governors – and 49.1 per cent of the electorate. ‘Lula’s’ promised Amazon and environmental protection promises and most of the campaign promises and policies he intends to implement will naturally be opposed in the legislature – and President ‘Lula’ will virtually have to submit every proposal to the possibility of negotiation for support, which then opens the way for Bolsonaro’s conditional demands. Keeping ‘Lula’s’ own multi-party governing alliance together will require that he tame and pace his policies somewhat, especially as the tight result leaves large space for the possibility of Bolsonaro seeking to swing the parliamentary balance by inviting members of the ‘Lula’ bloc to dump him, switch loyalty and gain special positions. Like everywhere else, not engaging the Proportional Representation electoral system, never mind the closeness of the result, the party with the most seats – and not necessarily the most votes – wins the election; and likewise, the loser (or losing party) loses, no matter how many votes won. Unfortunately, while the ‘First Past the Post’ system (based on ‘One

Person, One Vote’) has its value as a democratic expression of how the people feel, it’s optional nature limits participation to only those who choose to vote, with those who didn’t, not counted in the mix, but at times enough to cause concern as to the end result being a total expression of how the electorate feels. In some places, voting is mandatory -- and ‘conscientious objectors’ resort to vengeful mechanisms such as spoiling their ballots, or simply leaving them blank.

But the most troublesome aspect of traditional electoral democracy is when two major parties have and win equal support, as, in most cases, the rift is so wide that each side tends to prefer to maintain the divisions, rather than find common cause to work together. In such cases, regime change can be as often as day follows night, as the opposition is almost as strong in parliament as the winning party and, therefore, more likely to want to keep rolling their political dices until the proverbi-

al Lucky Seven strikes. Brazil is the latest of those cases and Bolsonaro has clearly opted to roll his dices as much in parliament as outside -- and his incoming successor will certainly have to reach across the board in most cases, to get his policies implemented. The stage is set for interesting times, as the world keeps focused on Brazil for the rest of this year, this time not for Carnival or Football, but expecting political manifestations of both.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

President Ali named Chief Guest for India’s Diaspora Day - to receive prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

THE High Commission of India has announced that the Government of India will be hosting Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, as the Chief Guest of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention (Indian Diaspora Day), which will be held from 8-10 January 2023 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa, in

a statement, conveyed that “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is commemorated on January 9 - the day when Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to India in 1915. To mark this day, the tradition of celebrating the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Indian Diaspora Day) started in 2003. The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was organised on January 9, 2003 to mark the con-

The Government of India will be hosting Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, as the Chief Guest of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention (Indian Diaspora Day) tributions of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. Since 2015, under a revised format, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention has been organised every two years. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was conducted in a virtual setting, under the theme, “Contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat” in 2021. In 2023, the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be held with the theme: “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal.” In a message during the online inauguration for the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S Jaishankar, stated: “Even during testing times of the pandemic, our Diaspora displayed great devotion and commitment towards their motherland. “During the forthcoming 17th PBD Convention, the diaspora will have the opportunity and the platform to share its ideas and sentiments about India’s future development.” He invited and urged all diaspora brothers and sisters to visit India and participate in the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in 2023. The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention programme will involve a Youth PBD Convention on January 8, 2023, for diaspora youth. Member of Parliament

from Australia, Zaneta Mascarenhas, will be the Guest of Honour for the Youth PBD Convention which will involve active participation of all the diaspora youth in seminars, plenary sessions, cultural programmes, among other things. The 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention will be inaugurated on January 9, 2023, jointly by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and Dr. Ali. The programme will include a PBD inaugural session, plenary sessions, cultural programme as well as a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister of India and dinner hosted by the External Affairs Minister of India. The second-day deliberations will include plenary sessions, a valedictory session and a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award ceremony. The award ceremony will be graced by the presence of Smt. Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India. The Government of India will be bestowing the Guyanese President with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award during the ceremony. Dr Ali is of Indian diaspora origin from the Uttar Pradesh/Bihar region of India and also studied in India during 2002- 2003. It may be recalled that former Presidents of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar were Chief Guests of previous Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Conventions and were bestowed

with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in 2004 and 2015 respectively. The plenary sessions of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023 will be based on the following themes: • Plenary Session I: Role of Diaspora Youth in Innovation and New Technologies • Plenary Session II: Harnessing the Potential of Women Diaspora Entrepreneurs towards an inclusive Approach to Nation Building • Plenary Session III: Leveraging the Soft Power of India – Goodwill through Craft, Culture & Creativity • Plenary Session IV: Exploring Links between Skills and Migration Trends of Indian Workers Abroad • Plenary Session V: Role of Indian Diaspora in promoting India’s Healthcare Ecosystem in the Amrit Kaal: Vision @2047. High Commissioner Srinivasa said: “India and Guyana are currently strengthening their partnership in many sectors including healthcare, pharma, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, renewable energy, education, capacity building and skills development. “The Pravasi Bharatiya Convention 2023 will provide a huge platform for further solidifying this relationship [and] will also provide opportunities to promote Guyana as an investment destination in India.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

AG to meet with lawyer ‘arrested’ by SOCU

WHILE reiterating that her arrest was regrettable, AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nand-

While noting that the incident was regrettable and should never have occurred, Nandlall assured the nation that the matter will be dealt with.

Attorney-at-law Tamieka Clarke

lall, S.C., said that he intends to meet the aggrieved attorney, Tamieka Clarke. On October 28, Clarke was arrested by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) officers after she advised her client not to sign a preprepared statement, and to remain silent. The Attorney General, on Friday, gave a statement on the issue which was streamed on the Department of Public Information (DPI)’s Facebook page. “Our government is committed to the rule of law. We are committed to the obedience of the Constitution. We are committed to ensuring that the rights and freedoms of our people are respected, and the laws of this land are upheld,” Nandlall said. He also used the opportunity to debunk claims from certain media outlets that SOCU’s actions are being condoned, and were somehow authorised by an agency of the government or state. “...That is absolutely not true. There is no policy of our government that will ever be subversive to the rule of law or the constitutional rights of Guyanese.”

He explained that the Guyana Police Force enjoys a “functional independence” and his intervention was a part of his constitutional mandate as the state’s legal adviser. Against this backdrop, the AG said he has a duty to intervene in matters of this type to prevent a transgression or to ameliorate the situation if there has been a breach of the law or a complaint in respect of its violation. Nandlall pointed out that there seems to be an “aggressive agenda” being pursued by “other persons.” He disclosed that he has received a “pre-action letter” from attorneys representing Clarke that legal proceedings will be filed against the Police Commissioner and the SOCU officers. “The letter demands from the state compensation in the sum of $50 million,” Nandlall disclosed during the broadcast. Based upon his assessment, Nandlall said that Clarke could not have spent more than 10 minutes under the alleged police restraint. He added that the attorney was not physically incarcerated in a cell, but was simply requested

to move from the lower flat to the upper flat of SOCU’s Camp Street headquarters Nandlall questioned whether Clarke’s best interest is being pursued, following Friday’s protest by lawyers outside the SOCU building. “... is there another agenda at play? At least one would have thought that having engaged the Attorney General and requesting compensation as absorbent and as excessive as that demand, one would have awaited a response. That did not happen,” Nandlall said. According to Nandlall, the protest was planned before he was

served with the lawyer’s letter or could have met the attorney. “It’s quite unfortunate that the alleged victim in this unfortunate situation, her interest seems to [be] of secondary importance and other factors seem to be dominating the stage in relation to this matter,” the minister said. Nandlall promised to reply to the letter, but he hopes that the events unfolding in the public domain do not continue to work against the best interest of Clarke. The police file on the matter is currently before the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP),

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

Shalimar Ali-Hack, for legal advice. Police in a press release on Friday said that the Police Office of

Public of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has completed its investigation into Clarke’s alleged arrest.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Belladrum farmers benefit from breeding bull CATTLE farmers from Belladrum, Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice), have benefitted from the Ministry of Agriculture’s improved genetic material programme. During a simple exercise held at the Paradise Community Centre ground, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over a breeding bull to the farmers’ group. The minister said the gov-

ernment was keen on making the necessary resources available to farmers as part of the government’s efforts to develop both the beef and dairy industries. Two weeks ago, President Dr. Irfaan Ali hosted a community meeting with residents from Belladrum and other surrounding villages to listen to issues being faced in the area. While engaging the Head

of State, cattle farmers from Belladrum indicated that they had taken note of the government’s efforts to boost the cattle industry, and that they were desirous of expanding their herds, but needed the necessary genetic material to do so. While responding to their request, President Ali told the farmers that an animal would be made available to assist with developing their herds.

Cattle farmers from Belladrum have benefitted from the Ministry of Agriculture’s improved genetic material programme Minister Mustapha, while presenting the animal to the farmers, said that the government has a proven track record of delivering on commitments made to the citizens of the country. “We are here to deliver on a promise made by the President to the farmers of this area. Every farmer from the area must have access to the animal; a system has to be set up to that every farmer can benefit,” Minister Mustapha said. “When you met with the President, you requested a breeding bull, and we are here, just two weeks after President Ali made that commitment, to deliver it. When the President and the government make commitments, we ensure we deliver,” he added. He also told farmers about some of the plans and programmes that are currently

ongoing to develop the sector in the region. “Region Five is slated for major development in the agriculture sector. Almost 90 per cent of the people in Region Five depend on agriculture; the government has expended large amounts of money on the MMA Scheme and other parts of the region. “This year alone, we’ll complete four farm-to-market roads in the region so that farmers can have better access to their farmlands. New pastures are being developed. The GLDA is currently working with IICA on a pasture development programme where grass seeds were brought in from Brazil to assist with improving existing and developing new pastures,” Minister Mustapha related. He added: “The GLDA also secured 64 breeding bulls from Miami to develop

our breeding programme. We are also doing artificial insemination in both cattle and small ruminants around the country. The ministry is also engaging Brazil to develop a programme to conduct embryo transfer. So, you can see clearly that the government is working to develop the sector.” The Agriculture Minister went on to say that Cabinet recently approved a project valued at approximately $700 million that will see the construction of a state-of-the-art abattoir at Onverwagt. Additionally, Minister Mustapha told the farmers that the ministry will also assist them with their land preparation and drainage and irrigation needs, noting that when farmers are empowered to produce, the economy benefits.

Beverley Alert to replace Trotman in parliament

ALLIANCE For Change (AFC) Executive Member Beverley Alert will replace Raphael Trotman as Member of Parliament on the Opposition’s side of the House. In August, the party had announced that Trotman will be resigning as a Member of Parliament to allow for rotation and space for new leadership training. At a press briefing on Friday, it was said, how-

AFC’s Beverley Alert ever, that Trotman will remain a member of the AFC’s National Executive

Council and will continue to provide counsel to the leadership of the AFC on a range of national and regional developments. Under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change administration, Alert served as Head of the Department of Public Information, an Adviser to the Minister of Natural Resources as well as board member of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Greater inter-agency partnerships created to enhance national security

- through concluded Citizen Security Strengthening Programme

THE Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) which commenced in 2015 and was implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, concluded on Friday with an exit workshop held at the Marriott Hotel. The US$15 million project was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and saw collaboration with the ministries of Legal Affairs, Finance and Human Services and Social Security to implement preventative strategies for the reduction of crime and violence in Guyana. In his feature address, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said the ministry is committed to ensuring the continued development of the country’s security sector, as regards efforts to combat crime and violence. “The question of going forward overall, is the continuous improvement plans across the services,” he said. Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, S.C., revealed that the Ministry of Legal Affairs was able to create an electronic management system allowing for the constellation of agencies to collaborate electronically and to share important data in relation to persons who are the subject of the criminal justice system. “There is an existence now of a management system which links the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, the Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and allows access to information,” Nandlall said. To implement the programme, the Legal Affairs Ministry has since provided the Guyana Po-

The US$15 million Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and saw collaborations with the ministries of Legal Affairs, Finance and Human Services and Social Security to implement preventative strategies for the reduction of crime and violence in Guyana (Elvin Croker photo)

lice Force (GPF) with some 170 pieces of equipment. Another large donation will be done to the GPS. Meanwhile, Senior Minister within Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said Guyana is currently undergoing a massive transformation; as such, institutional reform and modernisation are high on the government’s agenda. “We don’t want that you for some reason, to visit an institution of state and feel like you are stepping back into the stone ages. The transformation is not only about the roads, the airports, the bridges and the hotels. A non-negotiable element is a necessity for citizens and visitors to enjoy safety and security of person and property,” the senior minister said. The CSSP contributed to a reduction in crime and violence in Guyana through a comprehensive approach which combined preventative strategies with institutional-strengthening activities. Additionally, the programme focused on the provision of efficient and sustainable support services. Direct technical support was also given to the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and at community level.

AFC still undecided about approach to LGEs

ALTHOUGH Nominations Day for the Local Government Elections (LGEs) have been set for December 12, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is yet to decide if it will contest the polls alone or with its larger partner in the coalition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Chairperson of the AFC, Cathy Hughes, during the party’s weekly press conference said the clock is not ticking for the party and an announcement will be made at a later date, “When the time comes,

we will make the announcement,” Hughes said. Earlier this week, however, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) announced December 12, 2022, as Nomination Day for the Local Government Elections. GECOM, in newspaper advertisements, said that all political parties desirous of contesting the local government poll on March 13, 2023, are required to submit a symbol for approval by the elections body before Nomination Day. “In accordance with section 48 (1) of the Local Au-

thorities (Elections) Act, Cap. 28:03, all political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are desirous of contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections are required to submit to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), a symbol for approval, no later than 21 days before Nomination Day,” the advertisement stated. In 2018, the AFC had contested the LGEs independently but managed to secure just about four per cent of the votes cast. Local Government Elec-

tions were legally due last year and funds were budgeted in 2021 to facilitate this; however, several issues facing GECOM at the time prevented the hosting of the elections, including the nonappointment of a chief election officer (CEO). The LGEs could not be held in the absence of a CEO, a position which was later filled by Vishnu Persaud. The two primary objectives of local government polls are to enable democratic local decision-making and action by and on behalf of communities, and to pro-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

AFC’s chairperson, Cathy Hughes mote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities. Some of the key goals of the LGEs are to improve the local environment; provide and develop local open spaces and recreational facilities; set strategic policy directions; and prepare annual

plans, budgets and long-term council community plans. LGEs will be held in 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and 10 municipalities, throughout the country using a hybrid system of Proportional Representation and FirstPast-the-Post.

Teenage motorcyclist in custody after fatal accident at Charity

The motorcycle that was involved in the accident POLICE in Region Two have arrested a 17-yearold motorcyclist of Charity Extension Scheme, Essequibo Coast, who was involved in a fatal accident on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Manniram Sooklall of Charity. According to the information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the teenager was allegedly speeding along the Charity Access Dam around 19:00 hours, when he “ran over something.”

When he stopped to investigate, he saw a male lying on the northern side of the road with what appeared to be blood oozing from his body. The police in a press release said that the teen “panicked and drove away.” Sooklall was picked up by ranks in an unconscious state and rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital where he was pronounced dead by doctors. The teenager was later arrested and his motorcycle lodged at the Charity Police Station.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

700 Region Five residents move closer to home-ownership

SOME 700 Region Five residents are now one step closer to being home-owners as they have been allocated house lots in the Shieldstown Housing Scheme. The low-income and moderate-income lots were distributed during a Ministry of Housing and Water ‘Dream Realised’ distribution exercise, which was

While noting the significance of this accomplishment, the minister said that it was President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s dynamic leadership that has created opportunities for citizens. “He has repeatedly said the guidance and the infrastructure developments that are taking place now, and the planning that is taking place, [are] all

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, interacts with residents at the distribution exercise held at Shieldstown Community Centre Ground. In his address to the large gathering, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, noted that, in less than one year, approximately 1,100 lots have been allocated in the region as part of the administration’s promise to make housing accessible, and to distribute 50,000 house lots within five years. In early 2022, 400 house lots were distributed at Bath, taking the total to date to 1,100 allocations for this year alone. He said that, while the region does not have a lot of pending applications, the ministry is continuously seeking additional lands to satisfy the demand. The ministry has allocated approximately 18,000 house lots throughout the country in just over two years.

geared to 2030 and beyond. We know what we will be delivering by time this first term is up. We said to you we will deliver 50,000 house lots and that will be achieved and more,” he added. The minister announced that a number of projects forms part of the planned infrastructural developments for the region and these will be included in the 2023 budget. He informed the residents that roads, drainage, culverts, electricity and water connections are among the target areas. Additionally, he said that some 1,200 roads across the region will be upgraded. Currently, they are being evaluated and contracts will soon be awarded. As it related to access to water, Minister Croal noted that, in addition to the 970

residents who have received portable water for the first time, those with existing access will benefit from an improved water quality. “Region Five is no exception where it comes to addressing [the] quality of water being delivered. So while some persons in the creeks and the far end areas complain about first time access…we have been addressing [that]. When we ask you about your water, you will tell us about the colour and the quality that is being addressed as part of a $25 billion coastal water treatment programme that has already started. You saw a month ago we witnessed the contract signing for the seven first new water treatment plants and here in Region Five for example, a large water treatment will be constructed at Bath for about US$8.4 million which will address more than 23,500 residents in Region Five,” he added. TARGET WILL BE SURPASSED Meanwhile, Minister Croal noted that government anticipates that it will easily surpass the 50,000 house lots target. In fact, he pointed out that the construction of houses, which cater for all income levels, is moving ahead with great success. He noted that this wasn’t part of the manifesto promise but given the government’s vision, they decided to build the houses and partner with the private sector to make home ownership easier for citizens. The minister said that since taking office, some 600 houses of various sizes and types were completed. “In addition to that … at least another 1,100 have started so we are not talking about dreams, we’re talking about things you could physically go and check,” he said adding that in another two to three months, another 1,600 houses would have been constructed through

the housing programme. Also giving remarks was Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues. She said that the government should be able to fulfil the request of every housing applicant in Region Five. “This region as compared to other regions does not have a huge backlog. There is a backlog but it’s not a huge backlog as compared to some of the other regions. I believe that by the time we get to 2025, we will be able to satisfy every single person who has an outstanding application, and so that is the type of development that your government has been ensuring that we deliver over the past two years and that we will continue to deliver over the next three years,” she added. As she reflected on administration’s achievements since taking office, Minister Rodrigues assured residents that much more is in store for them as the government continues to work to improve their living standards. “We have been making policies and implementing programmes and fostering relationships with the private sector to ensure that we move you

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, holds an envelope as an allottee pulls his lot number through the process of allocation to agreement of sale to securing a mortgage so that you could build your home. We want you to be able to make full use of your house lot. We want you to be able to occupy as quickly as possible so we have an aggressive infrastructure programme that is ongoing and we want you to live a full and wholesome life in your communities,” she added.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal noted that he has seen tremendous progress in the housing sector. He said he was happy that the people of the region will be comfortably housed in their own homes. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ali and Member of Parliament, Faizal Jafferally, were also in attendance.

Allottees at the distribution exercise held at Shieldstown Community Centre Ground in Region Five

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Commonwealth countries urged to accelerate efforts on climate change

THE Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, has called on member countries to uphold global climate change commitments and take decisive action to tackle the gaps in implementation, ahead of next week’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27). The Secretary-General will head a delegation to attend the world’s largest annual gathering of leaders around the issue of climate change, which takes place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 6 to 18 November. At the summit, Secretary-General Scotland will advocate for rampedup climate action through more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), national plans and targets. She will also seek to amplify the shared concerns

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland “COP27 takes place in of the 56 Commonwealth countries, including cru- the midst of overlapping, cial issues around climate interlinked and accelerating finance, sustainable energy global challenges -- the lasttransition, loss and damage, ing impacts of COVID-19, and partnerships and coor- combined with the effects dinated action. of conflict, including in Ahead of her arrival in Ukraine, to destabilise globEgypt on 5th November, the al economic, energy and Secretary-General stated: food systems.

Against this backdrop, the climate crisis has continued to worsen, and its profound impacts are being felt by families, communities and countries across the Commonwealth. “I understand the pressure world leaders are under, but I urge all decisionmakers, advocates and allies at COP27 to ensure the promises already made are delivered, and accelerate efforts to mitigate and adapt to the urgent threat of climate change. We must never lose sight of the crushing consequences of inaction for the millions who face the dangers of climate change every day, and for generations to come. We need urgent action now.” Thirty-two of the total 56 Commonwealth member countries are small states, including 25 small island developing states, while 14

are classified as least developed countries - among the poorest and most vulnerable in the world. Commonwealth heads of government recognise that developing countries, least developed countries and small island developing states are particularly at risk of their development gains being reversed by the impacts of climate change. During their meeting in Kigali, Rwanda in June, they called on developed countries to deliver on their promise to jointly mobilise US$100 billion per year to support developing countries in coping with climate change, stressing the importance of transparency in implementing their pledges. The Secretary-General added: “We must build on the substantive progress made at the previous COP26 summit, and urgently trans-

late these commitments into action. Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius requires rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, including reducing global carbon dioxide emissions by 45 per cent by 2030. But to achieve this, developing countries will need enhanced support.” The COP27 event will also provide the opportunity to raise awareness about Commonwealth initiatives that support member countries to tackle climate change, such as the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, the Commonwealth Blue Charter, the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda and the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter: Call to Action on Living Lands.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Efforts underway to save paddy amidst inclement weather - Minister Mustapha assures Windsor Forest farmers

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has assured rice farmers of Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara (WCD), that every option is being explored to save paddy amidst the inclement weather. Farmers had met with President Dr. Irfaan Ali last Tuesday and highlighted the need for assistance with harvesting the remainder of their paddy. The farmers told the Head of State that as a result of the inclement weather over the past few days, their combines have been unable to access their fields, and this has resulted in some of their paddy passing the specified harvesting period. According to a press release from the Agriculture Ministry, while meeting with the farmers at the Windsor Forest Community Centre Ground, Minister Mustapha said that the government is committed to increasing rice production, and that no effort would be spared to

assist them with harvesting the remaining paddy in the region, which is estimated to be some 5,000 acres. He said that since the visit by President Ali, extension staff from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) have conducted a survey to

determine the average yield harvested so far, and what was left to be harvested. He urged the farmers to wait until the assessment is complete to determine the losses. “According to this survey, when some farmers attempted to harvest the paddy,

they found that the fields were a bit soft, but if the weather holds a little, you will be able to harvest in a few days. We cannot anticipate and predict the losses. Let us wait and see what happens over the coming days. “Based on the average

A 12-member jury, on Friday, found five men guilty of brutally beating Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt to death in 2016. Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri

Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob, were remanded to prison until December 28, to await sentencing. The men were on trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the Berbice High

Court. Last month, they denied that, between October 31 and November 1, 2016, at Number 70 Village, Berbice, they murdered Narinedatt. After deliberating for

almost two hours, the jury returned with the unanimous guilty verdicts. The State was represented by special prosecutor Latchmie Rahamat and State counsel, Nafeeza Baig.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, engages farmers during his visit to Windsor Forest on Thursday

yield harvested so far for the entire cultivation in the Region, if farmers cannot reach that average, then we will be able to determine the losses. And I agree with you that you will experience losses, because the paddy has over-run; we will see what assistance can be given. More than likely, this will be in the form of seed paddy, because we cannot give you cash,” Minister Mustapha said. He affirmed that both the government and the farmers have a vested interest in the sector, and pledged the government’s continued support towards its development. “We all have one objective, and that is to ensure we have maximum production. When farmers have maximum production, the country benefits. As Minister of Agriculture, I would like to see an increase in rice production. “I have been engaging our officers from the GRDB, telling them that they are to work with every farmer for the coming crop to ensure

every inch of land is cultivated, because we want to ramp up production. We also want farmers’ cost of production to be lowered, and yields to increase. This is why we continue to make more budgetary allocations available within the agriculture sector,” Minister Mustapha said. He also visited some of the affected fields to get a first-hand look at the affected plots. After examining some of the affected fields, he told the farmers that extension officers from the GRDB will be conducting daily assessments of each field and submitting a report on their findings. Minister Mustapha was accompanied by Director General of the Agriculture Ministry and Chairman of the GRDB Board of Directors, Madanlall Ramraj; GRDB’s General Manager, Badrie Persaud; GRDB’s Deputy General Manager, Kuldip Ragnauth, GLDA’s CEO (ag) Dr. Dwight Waldron and other regional and ministry officials.

Quintet found guilty of Berbice carpenter’s murder, sentencing set for December 28

From top left to right: Niran Yacoob, Harri Paul Parsram, Radesh Motie. Bottom left to right: Diodath Datt, Orlando Dickie (Stabroek News photo)

Police had initially labelled the case a ‘hit-andrun accident’, but Narinedatt’s relatives had always been adamant that the scene was staged by persons known to them. Reports are that after beating Narinedatt to death, his assailants placed his lifeless body into the trunk of a car, and when they reached a prearranged spot, dumped it on the public road. They then drove the car over the body to make it look like an accident. Guyanese-American businessman, Marcus Bisram was also charged for the murder. However, he was freed by a magistrate due to insufficient evidence. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, later instructed the magistrate to reopen the preliminary inquiry and commit Bisram to stand trial for the murder. Bisram later moved to the High Court where a judge ruled that his incarceration was unlawful and ordered that he be released from prison. Shortly after, the DPP

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt approached the Appeal Court seeking to overturn the High Court’s ruling. The Appeal Court after hearing the case, ordered that Bisram be retried for the murder. However, Bisram challenged that decision in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) where he was finally vindicated. The CCJ ruled that it would be “unjust,” in all of the circumstances, for Bisram to be made to answer any charge of murder on the same evidence as was presented to the magistrate and on which he was freed twice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

CWI names Women’s U19 squad THE Cricket West Indies Selection Panel yesterday named the West Indies Women’s U19 squad for the upcoming tour of India. The players for the T20 matches were selected after trial matches in Trinidad. Ashmini Munisar has been named captain of the 15-member squad with Trishan Holder as vice-captain. They will be under the guidance of head coach Steve Liburd. Munisar is an all-rounder who led the team when West Indies Women's U19 played against USA Women’s U19 in Fort Lauderdale in August. Holder is a top-order batter who was a member of the Barbados

team at the Commonwealth Games playing matches against Pakistan, Australia and India. The upcoming tour will feature matches against India ‘A’ Women U19, India ‘B’ Women U19 and Sri Lanka Women U19 in Visakhapatnam at the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium. West Indies will then travel to Mumbai where they will play against New Zealand Women U19 at the D.Y. Patil Stadium. Matches start at: 09:00hrs local (23:30hrs previous day Eastern Caribbean/22:30hrs previous day Jamaica) and 13:00hrs local time (15:30hrs

MATCH SCHEDULE Sunday, November 13 – vs India ‘A’ at Vizag (09:00hrs) Tuesday, November 15 – vs Sri Lanka at Vizag (09:00hrs) Thursday, November 17 – vs Sri Lanka at Vizag (13:00hrs) Saturday, November 19 – Final at Vizag (1pm) Tuesday, November 22 – vs New Zealand at Mumbai (13:00hrs) Thursday, November 24 – vs New Zealand at Mumbai (13:00hrs)

same day Eastern Caribbean/02:30hrs Jamaica). L e a d S e l e c t o r, A n n Browne-Johnm said: “As part of the preparation for the tour the squad was involved in some practice matches during a seven-day training camp in Trinidad. The final team selected contained some of the players who participated in the series in the USA and there are some new players whom the panel would like to have a look at before a final team is selected for the World Cup.” She added: “The composition of the team is quite balanced with some strong batters and a good mix of spin and medium pacers. It will be their first experience against top international teams and these tour matches will give a better indication of where the team is at the moment.” This series in the sub-continent will form a

The West Indies Women team crucial part of the team’s preparations for the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. The global event will feature 41 matches be played from January 14 to 29 in South Africa. The official warm-up matches will be from Janu-

ary 9 to 11. The 16 participating teams will play in four groups in the preliminary round. West Indies have been drawn in Group C alongside New Zealand, Ireland and Indonesia. FULL SQUAD: Ashmini Munisar (captain), Trishan Holder (vice-cap-

tain), Asabi Callender, Kenika Cassar, Jahzara Claxton, Naijanni Cumberbatch, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, KDJazz Mitchell, Shalini Samaroo, Shunelle Sawh, Lena Scott, Kate Wilmott.

GuyanaNRA pays courtesy Archery Guyana to be represented at call on Minister Ramson Panamerican Archery Championships

… More collaboration on the cards as developmental plans shared

THE Executive Committee of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) last Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Charles Ramson MP, at the Ministry’s boardroom. The executive members included Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson, Treasurer Hemant Narine, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Lennox Braithwaite, Fullbore Captain Dylan Fields, and his Vice Captain, Leo Romalho. The courtesy call was very cordial, and the Executive updated the Minister about their last AGM held in December 2021, where Brigadier Godfrey Bess was elected president. The association, which has always had a good relationship with previous ministers, pledges to continue in like manner. The secretary promised to submit the Minutes of the last AGM along with finan-

cial statement. In relation to the Sports Academy which Minister Ramson spoke of, and his plans on sports development, the association expressed the need for an appropriate indoor range for the training of ISSF-style shooting which can lead to Olympic participation. The GuyanaNRA noted that the indoor range will align very well with the Sports Academy as youths can be well trained in the principles of marksmanship. Small-bore air pistols and air rifles can be used for the training of young shooters. There can be formulated programmes for young shooters leading to the Olympics. With the association’s present range having to be moved from Yarrowkabra, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, due to the government’s development in the area, Minister Ramson stated that he would work with the association and its

Patron, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in creating a new and modern range. The association was assigned the hosting of the 2024 West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championship at the recently held AGM of the West Indies Fullbore Council, held in Jamaica during the 2022 West Indies Fulbore Shooting Championships. The GuyanaNRA members stated that they have commenced the work to achieve a successful hosting of the 2024 West Indies Championships. The association has posited that hosting this prestigious competition would also contribute to Sports Tourism for Guyana as teams from Canada and the United Kingdom are expected to participate. The association has promised to keep Minister Ramson abreast of their plans

Devion Persaud Permaul (left) and Wayne DeAbreu A R C H E RY G u y a n a has been growing and expanding throughout Guyana, with the aim of putting Guyana on the map through the sport of archery since it is an Olympic sport. The Secretary-General, Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, just shared some very exciting news with the local media. Two of their members,

namely Wayne DeAbreu and Devin Persaud Permaul who will be participating in the XXVI Pan American and V Para-Panamerican Archery Championships, to be held in Santiago, Chile on November 21-27, 2022. This tournament is a World Ranking Event and will be the main Qualifier Tournament for the SANTIAGO 2023 Panameri-

can and Parapanamerican Games. The tournament will be held at the Bernardo O´Higgins National Military Academy in Las Condes County in their capital city, Santiago. Mrs Persaud McKinnon expressed thanks to the Hon. Minister of Sport, Minister Charles Ramson, and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast edition semi-finals set for tonight at Haslington THE Haslington Market tarmac will provide the setting this evening, as the semi-final round and eventual championship match will be conducted in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara zone. The four teams that are in the running for the championship, following two nights of elimination matches are Vryheid’s Lust, Liliendaal Hustlers, Non Pareil, and Beterverwagting-A (BV-A). Vr y h e i d ’s L u s t a r e scheduled to face off with BV-A in the first semi-final at 19:00hrs. Vryheid’s Lust defeated two-time winners Melanie-B on penalty kicks in the earlier quarterfinal section and will be aiming to add another high-profile scalp to their list. However, the experienced BV-A side will be laser-focused on returning to the final, in their bid to capture a second tile, and are in clinical form, following their 2-1 defeat of Church Yard in the previous round.

Meanwhile, Non Pareil will oppose Hustlers in the second semifinal at 19:30hrs. Non Pareil enter the matchup riding on a wave of momentum following their comefrom-behind 3-2 win over Eagles. But the formidable Hustlers outfit will be no pushovers, following their gritty penalty shoot-out victory over Old School. The respective semi-final winners will progress to the championship match, while the losers will compete in the third-place playoff. The winning team will receive $250 000 and the championship trophy, while the losers will collect $150 000 and a trophy. The third and fourth-place finishers will receive $100 000, and $70 000 respectively, and a trophy. Meanwhile, the Plate section of the competition will conclude before the start of the main tournament final. In the first semi-final, Portmore will battle Team Cruel at 20:00hrs, while Buxton Diamond will tackle

Uprising at 20:30hrs. The winners will compete in the final for $60 000. According to tournament coordinator Rawle Welch, “Thrilling is the word that can be best used to describe the final night in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara zone. We have had tremendous support from the communities, who must be commended for showcasing discipline. A major highlight of the tournament has been the incident-free nature. Three of the four teams could be first-time finalists, which cannot be understated or undervalued as the competitiveness and growth of the event bode well for its future. The Plate section also has been fiercely competitive and was a structure introduced to reward teams, who were unlucky in the previous round, and has really taken on a life of its own, and this must be attributed to the teams.” He further said, “All systems are in place for a wonderful night of action and the

FLASHBACK - Part of the action in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Coast Demerara edition at the Haslington Market tarmac atmosphere is expected to be electric as we could possibly crown a first-time winner, as three of the four semi-final teams would be first-time finalists, which is another major boost to the credential and worth of this prestigious championship. “Once again we thank the communities and players for their unwavering support of the brand and the tournament. Despite a two-year absence, the passion, drive and fire

to compete and participate still burn bright for the tournament. “This evening will be no different, and we expect another mammoth crowd to descend on the venue which has certainly exceeded expectations this year.” Complete Fixtures: Semi-finals (1) BV-A vs Vryheid’s Lust - 19:00hrs (2) Liliendaal Hustlers vs

Non Pareil - 19:30hrs 3rd Place (3) Losers (1) vs Losers (2) - 22:00hrs FinalF (4) Winners (1) vs Winners (2) - 22:30hrs Plate Semi-finals (1) Portmore vs Team Cruel - 20:00hrs (2) Buxton vs Uprising 20:30hrs Final (3) Winners (1) vs Winners (2) - 21:30hrs

Vitality Inc., Sawh VoltComm, Tekton Inc, MVP Sports Futsal sponsor GMR&SC Race of Champions

Mr Badesh Thakur, one of the Managing Directors, hands over the cheque VITALITY Inc., together with Sawh VoltComm Construction and Tekton Inc, presented a cheque valued $2M to Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) on October 18, 2022. The three companies have sponsored the highly anticipated Annual International Circuit Racing, scheduled for South Da-

kota on November 12-13, 2022. In handing over the cheque, Mr Badesh Thakur, one of the Managing Director noted this sponsorship will extend into 2023. He further acknowledged the works of GMR&SC, which over the past 50 years transformed the automotive industry in

Guyana. It is for this reason that the three companies extend their support toward this marquee circuit racing event in Guyana. At the simple handing-over ceremony, Thakur explained that the directors are all thrilled by the fact that these strategic high-level race meets and events attract over 30 000 patrons from all demographics in a single day, while recognising that the November Race of Champions is indeed the single-largest sporting event. Vitality Inc., a USbased company owned by Guyanese entrepreneurs, has been operating in Guyana over ten years and specialises in accounting, medical supplies, oil and gas and housing services

and is fully committed to giving back to Guyana in all areas. TEKTON Inc. is a professionally licensed construction and engineering company whose founders have a total of over 60 years of experience. A few of their services include Architecture, Engineering, Interior Designing, FF&E Manufacturing, Procurement, and Construction Management. SVC has been delivering design-built construction for the public and private sectors for nearly 20 years. Its services include, but not limited to, construction, HVAC, maintenance, cleaning,, data and voice, millwork, architectural and electrical services done by a team of industry specialists.

continues tonight

THE National Gymnasium will host another evening of the MVP Sports Futsal tournament. In tonight’s opening fixtures, female futsal will take centre stage with Conquerors and Herstelling battling from 18:30hrs while Santos and GT Panthers meet at 19:10hrs. GDF and Tiger Bay clash in game three from 19:50hrs with Police and Avocado Ballers play from 20:20hrs. Attention turns to the male segment from 20:30hrs when Tiger Bay and Mocha Family com-

pete. At 21:15 Sophia battle Campbellville with Bent Street playing BV at 22:00hrs. Back Circle and Vengy FC take the pitch at 22:45hrs for their match with Sparta and Stabroek Ballers playing their match at 23:30hrs. Goal is Money and Future Stars close off the night with their game at 00:15hr. The tournament is being supported by Ansa McAl through their Lucozade and Magnum tonic wine brands.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, November 5, 2022

Courts Pee Wee Football Tournament…

Quarter-final action on today

Quarter-final action commences today in the Courts Pee Wee Football Tournament

T HE Qu a rt er- f i nal of Courts Pee Wee football tournament gets underway today at the Ministry of Education ground CARIFESTA Avenue at 13:10hrs. In the first of the Quarter-finals, Soesdyke will play Enterprise while West Ruimveldt play North Georgetown. The second bout of semi-finals will pit Marian Academy against Ann’s Grove at 14:00hrs while St Pius do battle with Redeemer Primary. The day’s action

will commence with the 9-16 playoff games at 11:30hrs. Tucville Primary will play Colaaco while Craig Primary will oppose Timehri Primary. Smith Memorial and Winfer Gardens Primary lace up for action at 12:20hrs while Den Amstel Primary and Mocha Primary clash on pitch two. The tournament is being organised by the Petra Organisation with support from the Ministry of Education, and Sterling Products.

GuyanaNRA pays courtesy call on Minister Ramson … More collaboration on the cards as developmental plans shared

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Minister Ramson (3rd left) with members of the GuyanaNRA executive

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| SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022