Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-12-2022

Hundreds of people braved the rain to witness the official opening of the La Jalousie family park and the lighting of the Christmas tree (Ameer Ali Sattaur photo)

Special housing loans for Army ranks

WITH an arrangement made by the Office of the President through the Finance Ministry and the local banking sector, every rank in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who owns a house lot and needs a loan can now access one.

This was announced on Friday by President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Irfaan Ali at the annual soldiers’ day celebrations at Base Camp Kanuku, Lethem Ranks welcomed the President and his team which included Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, to the border town, during which they were treated to a cultural programme of skits, poetry and dance that also saw participation from children in the community. They then served lunch to the soldiers and their guests.

According to the GDF, the announcement by the President was greeted by loud cheers from the soldiers who will be able to access as much as $6M (low-income) or $8M (low, middle income) with payback interest

rates of between four and 4.5 per cent, respectively.

The President said the special programme will be held across the different bases before the end of the year, allowing soldiers to move from land ownership to home ownership by early next year.

President Ali, during his address, also noted his

government’s intention to continue to invest heavily in ranks’ professional and educational development, insisting that there are better days ahead for men and women in uniform.

“For me, the most important thing about you young people is not only the service you give today, but you must be in a position in life to con-

tinue to give service, and so, investment in your education is the most critical thing for us,” the President told ranks

He also urged them to take full advantage of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme.

President Ali said his intention is for soldiers registered in the pro -

–– President Ali announces

gramme to become community tutors. He also indicated his intention to have ranks more involved in the Men on Mission initiative

In underscoring the importance of a modern military, President Ali also revealed his intention to further widen the military’s role in the overall development of Guyana.

“This is why we are paying particular attention to the wider role of the military in the overall development in our country…We want to expand this, our Medical Corps must have a way in which they integrate their work with the rest of the community, looking at social issues, building cohesiveness, removing social ills from our society,” he said.

In this regard, he commended the Engineers Battalion for its work in over a dozen community development projects in the last two years

President Ali told the soldiers that they will be rewarded for their sacrifices.

“Many of you spend Christmas with your military family, away from your homes. This is no easy sacrifice. This is a different level of commitment and love for country. I assure you that your country values you tremendously for your work and will reward you justly.”

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess also thanked the soldiers for their service and encouraged them to continue to give excellent service to their country.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali served lunch to the soldiers and their guests

Commander-in-Chief and President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali participates in a game of dominoes in Lethem while being flanked by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and senior military officials (Office of the President photo)

Guyana’s local content laws reflect good governance

– says CEO of Canadian company

By Tamica Garnett

GUYANA’S local content will need continuous improvement in keeping with the changing times, however, the fact that the country has already implemented local-content legislation and supporting institutions is an indication of good governance, and the country’s tremendous progress so far.

This was posited by Matt Adams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NetBenefit Software, a Canadian company that specialises in data management with a focus on local-content management. Based in Newfoundland and Labrador Province, the company has been tracking local content in Canada for nearly 20 years.

“Local content and capacity building is [sic] incredibly important to continue to build a sustainable economy and [to] continue to thrive,” Adams said.

“There are a few things

that have been really positive. Like having a Local Content Secretariat with a mandate, this is very good, it’s good governance. But also creating open dialogue between all stakeholders that is the public, companies, owners and operators of the asset and having a level of transparency there and just continuing to have that open dialogue is very important.”

Signed into law on 31 December, 2021, Guyana’s Local Content Act 2021, is a revolutionary legislation that paved the way to ensure that Guyanese gain equal opportunities and access in the oil-and-gas industry, and to ensure maximum benefits for Guyanese businesses.

However, members of the government have long noted that the legislation is not set in stone, since the laws would be amended to guarantee increased employment and business opportunities for the people of Guyana, as more and more Guyanese are

trained and more businesses develop capacity.

“From the discussions I’ve had with many stakeholders, the government takes local content and capacity-building very seriously and that they are taking an approach of continuous improvement to ensure the country is as successful as possible and the Guyanese people get as much [sic] benefits as possible from the new opportunities happening

offshore,” Adams noted.

Adams’ company was part of a trade delegation from Canadian Energy NL, Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest energy-industry association, which recently conducted a four-day mission in Guyana.

The delegation, which comprised over 10 Canadian companies, sought to identify opportunities and make connections to increase trade, meeting with the government, business community and other local stakeholders.

The visit was a collaboration between the High Commission of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, the Canada Guyana Chamber of Commerce and the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD).

Adams has been CEO of the company for the past two years but has over ten years managing data, with a focus on evolving technological tools. Prior to being at NetBenefit Software, Adams worked for seven years at Sphera Solutions.

“My entire career I have spent working with various software that manage data

to understand what’s happening, report on the data and help businesses to make better decisions in whatever context it is being collected in. This includes safety data, environmental data, and lately much more local-content data,” Adams shared.

Following the visit, Adams said his company has already decided that it will be paying another visit to Guyana as soon as January, to begin laying the foundation for potential partnerships with local companies.

“We have discussed with a lot of local companies about various initiatives and how they feel about local content, and with companies that operate in the petroleum sector to understand how they’re tracking and recording their local content. We’ve also discussed with different members of government the intention of the local-content legislation and how they’re hoping that it improves capacity for the Guyanese people as they’re more involved in the petroleum sector,” Adams noted.

A leader in benefits re-

porting, the NetBenefit Platform is a cloud-based software platform that allows organizations to manage, digitize, and improve the socio-economic impact of their operations.

“Our speciality is tracking local content for complex projects. Specifically in Newfoundland and labrador where we work with offshore oil production companies, and also large electricitygeneration projects,” Adams explained.

“We also track not just local content but content for any spot of target communities in a company. For example, there are a lot of agreements with indigenous communities across Canada that requires a level of indigenous businesses to be engaged. So we track that as well.”

NetBenefit has provided software solutions for over 20 major projects which included managing over $100 billion in expenditure, more than 18,000 companies. Adams is now hopeful of being part of helping Guyana improve its local-content legislation.

CEO of NetBenefit Software, Matt Adams

Canada-Guyana women in business trade mission planned for 2023

THE Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce has several major activities planned for 2023, including a Women in Business Trade Mission which will put the limelight on the robust women-owned Canadian and Guyanese businesses, providing them with a unique opportunity to partner and grow their businesses in both markets.

This month, the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) is celebrating its second anniversary and a second year of growth and significant successes in fostering trade between Canada and Guyana.

Trade between Guyana and Canada totalled $36.3 billion in 2021, and is expected to see even greater growth.

For 2021, exports to Guyana from Canada valued $4.4 billion, while imports from Guyana are valued at $30.4 billion. This increase in trade came following the coming together of the private sector leaders from Canada and Guyana to form the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce for which the Canadian High Commission played an instrumental role.

As a leading trade partner with Guyana for decades, the High Commission of Canada in Guyana wanted to further integrate Canadian and Guyanese businesses to support the multiple economic developments in both countries.

The Chamber, which was launched in December 2020 with 28 founding members, has since grown to 65 members and counting, comprising a diverse group of businesses.

“In its short two years of existence, the CGCC has seen several partnerships formed between Canadian and Guyanese businesses, including the recently announced partnership between the

Beharry Energy Holdings and Atlantic XL out of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and the joint venture between Farfan and Mendes Limited and Crosbie Group Limited,” a statement from the Canadian High Commission noted.

“These are only two of the many business collaborations and investments among the CGCC members. The CGCC CEO, Ms. Treina Butts, works with members to find complementary local partners as Canadian companies desire to work in Guyana jointly with local partners across several industries.”

In addition to pursuing partnerships, over the last year the CGCC was represented at trade summits and conferences in both Canada and Guyana, while the Chamber also hosted several information sessions to keep members updated about trade- related developments in Guyana and Canada.

Notable activities for the CGCC held in 2022 included the CGCC Virtual Engagement with Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, dis -

cussing Guyana’s budgetary allocations for the Fiscal Year 2022.

The CGCC was also actively involved in the Canada-Caribbean Trade Event “Growing a Green Economic Recovery”, which focused on market opportunities in Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng,

visited Guyana during this trade event to cement the trade relationship between Canada and Guyana and met with some members of the CGCC who are presently operating in Guyana.

The Chamber partnered for a hybrid meeting on Trade & Investment Opportunities between Canada and Guyana, which was attended by Minister Ng, local

Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Industry, Oneidge Walrond, other Canadian Members of Parliament, and members of the CGCC.

“CEO of the Chamber and Board Members delivered presentations on inclusive business, agriculture, and cleantech as areas of development between Canada and Guyana.”

In 2022, the CGCC also hosted its inaugu -

ral Gala and fund-raising event in Toronto which featured Dr. Ashni Singh as the guest speaker from Guyana. Attending companies also participated in several business-to-business meetings with partners in Canada who were looking to collaborate for investments in Guyana. The Chamber organised a virtual Information Session on the Procurement Services of Canada which is key provider of services for federal departments and agencies

The Chamber held a virtual webinar with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and import requirements for agricultural goods and hosted a virtual introduction and information session on areas of collaboration for the development with H.E. Keith George, Guyana’s new High Commissioner to Canada.

There was a virtual session with the Canadian Commercial Corporation ( CCC) and Dr Ashhi Singh, on the Guyana-Canada MoU for the procurement of goods.

High Commissioner Mark Berman; Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission, Mr Jake Thomas; CEO of the CGCC, Ms. Treina Butts; a few members of the CGCC with some members of the Canadian Trade Delegation that recently visited Guyana

Regional Spotlight

GUYANA has once again been given the regional spotlight with Guyanese students topping at both the CSEC and the CAPE examinations this year.

According to a release by the Ministry of Education, the top spot for the CAPE examination is awarded to Atisha Seenarine of the Sarswati Vidya Niketan School and the Most Outstanding Overall student is Outnam Herall of the Anna Regina Secondary School. In addition, Guyanese students topped in a number of regional subject awards.

This is indeed good news, as the country now basks in the glory of rapid and unprecedented levels of transformation and modernisation. In all of this, the human factor cannot be ignored. Indeed, human resource development is a critical ingredient in any modernisation process, as the experiences of several countries have demonstrated.

This year’s performance by our Guyanese students is indicative of an education attainment curve that is

picking up momentum in the country, thanks to the emphasis placed in the education sector by the PPP/C administration.

The fact that there is now an emerging pattern of excellence among Guyanese students at local and regional examinations is indeed refreshing, especially when seen against the relatively poor performance of our students under the previous PNC regime, when Guyana was ranked among the worst performing country in the entire region.

It was not until the return of the PPP/C to office on October 1992 that the shameful situation was arrested and reversed, reaching today to a point where Guyanese students are consistently outshining their regional counterparts in several subject areas, and copping the overall top performances.

This is not to suggest that there are not challenges to higher attainment levels, especially in the two critical subject areas of Language Arts and Mathematics. And while

there have been steady improvements in terms of overall pass rates, there are still a significant number of students who fail to obtain acceptable grades, a situation not uncommon to all participating countries.

Much of the credit for the significant improvement in education delivery is attributable to the several policy interventions by the PPP/C administration, such as the Primary Education Improvement Project and the Secondary School Reform Project, which along with an intensification of teacher training have contributed to greater student attainment levels.

But at a more fundamental level, it has resulted in a democratisation of education delivery to all regions of the country. It is no exaggeration to state that the gap in the quality of education delivery between rural and urban areas is being consistently narrowed. The fact that the Anna Regina Multilateral School has, on multiple occasions, emerged as one of the top performers not only

in Guyana but the entire region is indicative of this fact.

Guyana is well poised to become the regional centre for academic excellence, especially in terms of tertiary education both at the academic and technical levels. Thousands of students including those from overseas, are now taking advantage of educational opportunities offered by the University of Guyana and other private tertiary institutions. Under the GOAL programme, several thousands from all walks of life are gaining access to tertiary education in a variety of skill areas, not otherwise possible for some.

These are indeed laudable initiatives, exactly what the country needs at this stage of its development. In this regard, the PPP/C administration must be commended for making education a top national priority.

The education sector is allocated the highest slice of the national budget and from all indications it is paying handsome dividends.

Tribute to journalist, ‘Chaman’ Naipaul

Dear Editor

I write to pay tribute to veteran journalist, Chamanlall Naipaul, who passed away recently.

I interacted with him when he was at the Guyana Chronicle and occasionally on the streets and at Freedom House (when I visited) as a political activist.

He was very active in

political grassroots work on the West Coast, garnering support for the party. He was involved in the “get out the votes” drives. His contribution to the struggle for democracy and for the return of the PPP to office in 1992 as well as to journalism (the Chronicle) should be noted.

I remember Chaman, as we called him, as a

dedicated professional in his trade and as among that small group who dedicated themselves to the struggle for free and fair elections. Whenever we met, he and other activists would shower praises on those of us in the diaspora who kept the torch lit in that dark period of struggle for restoration of democracy in Guyana.

He was engaging and

supportive and lauded those of us who wrote on the diaspora. He was also a very good political analyst.

Chaman was a PYO member and dedicated supporter of the PPP and was very close with Dr. Cheddi Jagan and other towering figures of the party. Jagan was his hero. He also worked closely with Pariag

Sukhai, Neil Kumar, and Komal Chand, among others. And he was very close with Donald Ramotar and his brothers.

He was not only an outstanding journalist with decades of experience, but also a competent editor working with Editor-in-Chief Sharief Khan. He was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters and editors in

the state newspaper. His passion for fair reporting and work ethic helped to turn around the Chronicle in the early 1990s from being a government propaganda to responsible reporting under Jagan’s administration.

Heartfelt condolences to his family.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

A venomous curve in life

I HAVE never written about my siblings in any serious form or fashion.

I am doing so now because I feel I must, since I have delayed writing this column for over six months for two reasons. I am unable to bring myself to write it because the bereavement is too overwhelming. I also want to write this column in the home I grew up in along the Corentyne coast because it will bring back the vistas of freedom I experienced.

I am here now, and it is around midnight. There is an eerie silence interrupted sporadically by sounds of whistling winds through the half-open windows that lift the curtains to the ceiling and then drop it back gracefully onto the windowsill. The continuous rhythm of the curtains seems to have captured my state of my mind.

There is something in the air I suppose as I sit here on a wooden desk and chair all alone locked in a gaze thinking, what I could possibly write about a brother who was also raised in the same house as I was. Our room that we slept in is just a few yards away staring at me like an abandoned vessel. Silence, they say, is not a friend of the faint hearted.

Suddenly, I snapped out

of my mental slumber thinking the morning will be here soon and I must send out the column to the press, and more importantly, there is a Hindu religious ritual for my brother at 9:00 hrs; the main reason why I am here. As I begin to write, I feel like my brother is still around, and the poem Immortality by Clare Harner (1934) penetrates my consciousness. I withdrew from typing and closed my eyes leaning back listening to these words flowing in my head.

Do not stand By my grave, and weep I am not there, I do not sleep -

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints in snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle, autumn rain.

When you awaken with morning’s hush

I am the swift upflinging rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the day transcending night.

I would like to believe that Purnanand Roopnarine aka Paro, Blacks, is still around, but he is gone in ways that would bring tears to even the unknown. Purnanand left Guyana in 1982

for Canada. He studied at the University of Winnipeg and at Columbia University earning many degrees including a PhD. His last place of employment was at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York.

It was a few blocks from this place, about five years ago, he was riding his bicycle from work to home when he was hit by a vehicle and paralysed. The driver is still on the run and the case is now a cold one until the driver is caught. Purnanand fought his condition for five years but lost the battle on June 1, 2022. Pandit Deo, my mother, sister and myself were at his side when he went into another world.

I believe that Purnanand is saying these words by poet/ journalist Harner.

Do not Stand

By my grave, and cry –I am not there, I did not die

I say this because when I asked Purnanand what he would like to say about the person that hit him and took off. He said these words: “What would that prove, and he shook his head in dismay.”

I believe that he forgave the hit-and-run driver who is now a vehicular murderer. When I mentioned his forgiveness in my speech on the night of his viewing, some were shocked, but Paro had a heart of gold. His entire demeanour reveals all sublimi-

ty. His calm approach to life provides him with confidence to encounter all challenges even until his last breath. I was there

I cannot write more. I am choking up. I am strong, however, to continue to seek justice, and if any information surfaces concerning the hit-and-run accident, please contact me below. I am sorry not to have the accident report with me, but he was hit on February 18, 2017, on 77 street not too far from Central Park, New York around 20:00 hrs.

The videos collected by police did not provide any definite evidence. May God bless his soul. (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

Understanding Energy

BP Oil International a key link between world markets and Guyana’s lifts

GUYANA continues to show strong growth in key areas, and this bodes well for all sectors of the economy, not just the oil sector.

It was announced recently that Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources selected BP Oil International to provide marketing services for the country’s oil entitlement from the Stabroek offshore block. Guyana has chosen to receive its portion of the proceeds from the Stabroek Block directly in oil cargo.

The Natural Resources

Ministry reported in August that it expected Guyana to receive around 12 lifts of one million barrels for 2022 as the country’s share of the profits and royalties from the Liza Unity and Liza Destiny production ships.

BP’s winning bid beat out 13 other companies including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of the United Arab Emirates and Stabroek Block partner, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).

BP Oil International will

serve as a key link between the world oil markets and the cargo lifts expected from the Liza Destiny FPSO and Liza Unity FPSO over the next year. Under the agreement, BP will provide benchmark and performance comparisons and help the government understand the market behaviours and yields of the Liza Gold and Unity Gold oil that Guyana is producing.

Aramco Trading Limited (ATL), a Saudi Aramco subsidiary, previously marketed Guyana’s oil on a one-year

contract.

The sale of Guyana’s oil lifts is what has kept profits rolling in to increase the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), and this contract with BP is another example of how the oil and gas sector is helping to financially solidify the countries long-term outlook.

In a recent interview outlining the deliberations and selection of BP Oil International, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo emphasized: “[They] had a bid and BP came out as number one.

There’s zero marketing commission. It’s a standard contract, to sell our oil for a year.”

“Most of the world doesn’t have what we have,” he said. This is a major step forward for the country’s oil and gas sector leading into 2023.

Right now, Guyana’s contracts with international oil traders to market and sell its oil has thus far proven to be a fruitful endeavour.

The terms of the new agreement with BP represent

a substantially improved negotiating position as the country pumps out more and more oil, and a country that has matured in the process and procedure of being an oil-producing nation.

In the short term, Guyana will continue to contract with companies to market and sell its oil to world markets.

However, down the road as Guyana builds its capacity, it can explore the possibilities of marketing its own oil if the opportunity presents itself.

Purnanand

Roopnarine aka Paro

Claudette Singh, CoI and electoral misconduct

THE Commission of Inquiry (CoI) came to an end for this period, with some of the most earth-shattering revelations, which no doubt offered a behind-the-scenes account of exactly what took place in the March 2, 2020 elections.

The prime witness was none other than the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh.

Through her testimony to the CoI, she paved the way for the Guyanese to have a clear insight into her mind, the efforts and the work of certain elected and appointed officials, and how the GECOM machinery was oiled to rig the elections.

Notably, Guyanese may disagree on many accounts of her testimony, but they must agree on the political implications and ramifications of the clarifications offered and statements made on Thursday morning.

Firstly, Chairman Singh appeared, from what she said during her testimony, to have dropped the ball on serious issues.

It could be said that she appeared to be speaking the truth throughout the hearings, but it can also be said that she was nonchalant or casual with how she took her responsibility at that time.

After all, all the signs were there for any rational being to know that something was amiss or going to take place.

For example, she did not seek to enquire fully into serious breaches or question the rationale behind the decisions which occurred at the time when they were happening, like the spreadsheet and bed sheet fiasco, the proposed change in the venue, and the posturing of the GECOM elections staff to name a few.

This is unacceptable from any standpoint even if one wants to hide behind the cloak of independence and impartiality. She should have been more proactive and more into the process as opposed to just keeping meetings with the Commission and official ex-election staff.

The GECOM Chairman presumably appeared to be too distant, detached and delinked from all that was taking place and all the signs which were a sign and a red flag that the March 2020 elections were being rigged and the election plan of action was in jeopardy.

Secondly, maybe she was stressed personally.

At least that is what she had said, but that is neither a reason nor excuse for the communication fiasco which ensued, as attempts were be-

ing made to run off with an entire election.

Additionally, the CoI Commissioners struggled to make sense of her worry about her own safety but, in the end, it turned out to be misplaced because to be fair no one seemingly wanted to harm her.

Still, the posturing and manoeuvres of her very own GECOM staff and elections agents were suspect and should have been looked at with a side-eye.

This still does not adequately explain the communication breakdown among the GECOM Chair, the Commission, the Secretariat, and senior elections scrutineers.

She was not in tune with reality and was ‘sleeping’ throughout the time until she thought it safe to re-emerge from her cocoon.

Thirdly, the senior elections officials seemed to be in a plot to snatch the election. They kept critical and vital information from her. She was not in the know.

First, she did not know about former APNU+AFC Government Minister, Karen Cummings, meeting with the diplomats and observers in the very same buildings in which she had exclusive authority.

Secondly, when she knew, she did nothing to stop

a government minister and candidate from interfering in the elections and by virtue with election personnel, which include the observers.

Singh could have thrown the minister out or stopped her from meeting, respectfully. Any right-minded Guyanese would have asked how the minister entered GECOM’s tabulation centre and who gave her permission.

It was within her right to haul the CEO at that time for the occurrence of the illegality, but she did nothing.

Fourthly, the only thing Singh said that can be respected was she refused and resisted every attempt of the GECOM officials to get her to leave the Ashmin’s building either voluntarily or involuntarily because of the bomb-scare debacle.

She eventually knew she

had to become involved in the process and resist all the attempts to rig and cheat the people of Guyana.

Finally, it appears that the elections were going to be comprised internally and the Chairman with all her legal acumen was not aware at first, but slowly woke up just before GECOM had lost all integrity.

From then on, Singh was not just a constant factor as she had been at the beginning but slowly became an independent factor.

While the PPP/C party said that the APNU+AFC coalition and its agents within GECOM tried to rig the election, some persons did not believe them. Now, any person could have seen the attempted riggers and stealers of the vote.

Singh must take respon-

Hassle-free travel, business with new national ID

GUYANESE and other persons looking to do business here can look forward to hassle-free travel through the country’s airports and improved ease of doing business, with the implementation of a new national ID card.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, made the announcement on Friday at his press conference.

“I met also with Abu Dhabi Exports, and we are looking for them to fund a project in Guyana. They’ll fund about 90 per cent of

the cost, and the government, 10 per cent. It has to do with our airport. So, the Cabinet has approved that, to move fully to an e-visa portal, and put in a number of e-gates, so that in the future, hopefully within eight months to a year, that it will almost seem paperless coming in through our airport, but with a lot of security features,” the VP disclosed.

The ID card will have a secure chip, which can store data including blood type, date of birth, driver’s licence and taxpayer’s number.

Dr Jagdeo said the necessary legislation to allow for the card’s use will be taken the National Assembly next year.

“It will be for nationals and people who are resident in Guyana. So, if you’re coming to work here, you have a different colour card. Guyanese will have one colour card,” he explained.

The card, the VP noted, can be used at banks and other institutions with ease.

“When they [Guyanese] come home, they can take out their card and just swipe and come in. They don’t

have to go through this elaborate customs and all of that at immigration etc., making it easier for that.”

The government is also hoping to send employees from the Immigration Office and Customs department to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to receive training in the operation of the technology.

The vice president also pointed out that the system would not allow the duplication of numbers, since it will have software that shows if two biometrics are the same.

In addition, the system will be designed in such a manner that when a work permit expires for foreign workers, the cards would no longer be valid, allowing for renewal. This, Dr Jagdeo said will make keeping track of persons in the country efficient.

“The next phase is probably e-passports. So, with this we’ll bring in the stuff from abroad, but these would be full electronic passports with a chip, when you go around the world. It’s hard to duplicate, easy for people to travel [with].

sibility for not zeroing in on the plot to rig the elections. She assumingly and, from all the evidence, was not a part of the despicable act, but she displayed too much political ignorance, nonaction and causal posturing too.

She did not do her homework carefully about Guyana’s history with elections and PNC turned APNU+AFC, and the mood and situation then. She was not aware of the very knowledgeable and cunning GECOM staff that had oiled the rigging machinery.

They (PNC+APNU+AFC) tried to rig but they forgot that the oldest and largest PPP party had its eyes, ears, and passion in the race. They could never win any election in this country fairly, and the PPP knows it.

Hopefully that would give us more visa-free access to some countries in the world that require secure documents eventually,” the VP further disclosed.

He said this will improve the experience of Guyanese when they travel around the world or return here. (DPI)

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

First Lady ‘lights up’ Region Three

- declares open La Jalousie family park

having family activities and not for the consumption of alcohol nor any other illegal or inappropriate activities.

Indar urged residents to report any vandalism or activities that are inconsistent with what the park represents.

care of.

Some of the people who attended the event expressed their satisfaction with the facility, noting that there aren’t many safe spaces on the ‘West Side.’

HUNDREDS of people and children gathered along the seawall at La Jalousie on the West Coast of Demerara to witness the official opening of the family park and the lighting of the Christmas tree by First Lady Mrs Arya Ali on Saturday.

It is one of the many parks that the First Lady has introduced in different communities throughout Guyana with the aim of bringing families, friends and the Guyanese population together under the ‘One Guyana’ umbrella.

In her remarks to the large gathering, Mrs Ali thanked the residents of La Jalousie and the neighbouring communities for working beyond

the call of duty so that the park could be completed in time for the holiday season.

She also thanked the Regional Chairman, sponsors and others who contributed to making the launch of the park a success.

The First Lady expressed her delight at being a part of such an important initiative for the people of Region Three (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara). Parks, according to her, are places where families can engage in recreational activities, socialise and improve their health.

Mrs Ali urged everyone to care for the park and the facilities that were given to them in less than a year,

which she hoped would benefit the children of today and generations to come.

“This park will create employment, already at the La Jalousie family park, 13 persons have been employed and a few others are expected to gain employment in the coming months,” the First Lady said.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, applauded the First Lady for creating safe spaces in the different regions for families to relax and feel comfortable.

He also gave a stern warning and reminded the general public that the parks are used for the purpose of

The Regional Chairman for Region Three, Inshan Ayube, expressed similar sentiments and charged the community to be vigilant in ensuring that the park is taken

“We are happy and thankful for this park. Other than a beach in Parika or Georgetown, we don’t have many places to take the kids. Now we have our own on the west side and we are happy for it.

“Thanks to the First Lady and her husband, President Irfan [Ali], for everything that they are doing for Guyanese and not only doing these things in Georgetown,” Jeff (only name given) told the Sunday Chronicle.

After flipping the switch to illuminate the Christmas tree, the First Lady distributed gifts to the children at the event. (Cindy Parkinson)

Human rights, democracy key pillars for building tolerance

THE Second Human Rights and Sustainable Development Panel Discussion was on Saturday held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The event, which was part of the programme of activities at Guyana’s inaugural Human Rights ‘Expo’, saw Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira touching on the importance of democracy and human rights.

“Democracy and human rights are the key pillars,

the foundation on which we have a chance in the world to survive, and to be able to provide for our people,” Minister Teixeira said, adding: “The UN SecretaryGeneral pointed out that we have to work and continually work on creating a more tolerant world.”

As one of the panelists at the forum, she not only referenced the government’s initiatives to provide housing, water, food, education and financial assistance to improve the lives of Guyanese across all ten of the country’s administrative

regions, but also spoke to the importance of organisations like the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission, and the Rights of the Child Commission in addressing the various human rights issue that arise here from time to time.

Conceding that Guyana still has a long way to go to meet its obligations, Minister Teixeira said:

“We have not met the criteria of the Paris Princi-

ples for National Human Rights Institutions, that’s true; we have not made it! We need to build our domestic remedies and our own constitutional bodies to make sure that they can carry out their mandate as outlined in the Constitution; that they are able to be responsive to complaints, and that they are able to win the trust and confidence of the people who they are supposed to represent.”

The Human Rights & Sustainable Development Conference examines human rights and sustainability, and how the two are connected. (DPI)

People making their way to the La Jalousie Family Park for the Christmas Tree Light- up (Ameer Ali Sattaur photo)

First Lady Mrs Arya Ali distributed gifts to children on the West Coast of Demerara (Ameer Ali Sattaur photo)

First Lady Mrs Arya Ali (second left), Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (extreme left) and Regional Chairman, Region Three, Inshan Ayube (second right) officially declared the La Jalousie Family Park open (Ameer Ali Sattaur photo)

- panelists hear during discussion at inaugural human rights ‘expo’

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira

‘The future is filled with opportunities’

THE past two years have been a challenge for students at the University of Guyana as they battled with their studies virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but on Friday and Saturday, over 3,000 of them walked the stage beaming with pride during the university’s 56th annual Convocation at the National Cultural Centre.

Many of the graduates were first-generation achievers, paving the way for others to follow, so it was not surprising that it was a moment for celebration while others were carrying on a family tradition that had been established by previous generations.

In delivering his charge to the graduating class of 2022, Prime Minister Brigadier (rt’d) Mark Phillips congratulated the graduates on their achievement; he highlighted that they have to work hard to advance academically and professionally.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the difficulties the students faced because of the pandemic, but noted that it is a “testimony to your perseverance and commitment to your future, and I commend you greatly for that dedication.”

He conveyed that the road ahead will not be an easy one and will undoubtedly have obstacles along

the way, but he assured them that the future is filled with opportunities.

“The path set before you now is not an easy one, as the world will certainly bring dynamic challenges. But what you have been equipped with is the invaluable tool of education, so, rest assured that your journey henceforth will be filled with opportunities.”

In the face of challenges, the Prime Minister said, “It is important that you understand that this tool that you have been given will never depart you. Knowledge is everlasting, and education forever certifies such knowledge. Keeping this in mind will help keep you moti -

vated and persistent; your persistence, equipped with your education, will see you through.”

He added, “Our government has committed to ensuring that all Guyanese have the opportunity to access good education, good-paying jobs, and be able to start their own businesses. We have committed to improving access to education at all levels, so that our people can achieve this goal. As we encourage our people to invest in their future through education, we aim to build an exciting future for Guyanese, where job opportunities are widely available, particular-

ly for Guyanese with higher education.

“That commitment will see transformative changes, including building, expanding and improving educational facilities across Guyana; expanding the use of ICTs in education; enhancing opportunities in Technical Vocational Education; facilitating the establishment of an online university and promoting e-learning for hinterland students and providing 20,000 scholarships These and many other investments are of the utmost priority as we continue to invest in our future generations through education.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that tertiary education provides a platform for growth and advancement in the careers the graduates chose, noting that what they choose to do with the opportunities will define their path in life.

In offering advice to the graduates, Prime Minister Phillips said, “For those who are now venturing into the world of work, your choices may not always be straightforward.

For those professionals who will use your qualification to advance in your careers, this change may not come immediately...”

THROUGH the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has confirmed that at least six villages in the area are flooded.

According to the CDC, Quebanang, Kangaruma, Waramadong, Phillipai, Pappy Show Landing, and Mango Landing are all experiencing different levels of flooding, especially on the farmlands.

Other areas such as Eteringbang and Arau Village are seeing rising river levels, and are cautiously monitoring the situation.

Assessment teams from the Region, led by Re -

gional Chairman Kenneth Williams, are working with the police and other community groups to manage the impact of the flood, while the CDC will remain in constant contact with persons on the ground to determine what measures should be taken.

Meanwhile, residents countrywide are urged to take precautions where necessary, and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 6007500 or 226-1114 at any

time. According to the Hydrometeorological Service, the current rainy

season is expected to be wetter and longer than normal.

The current situation at Pappy Show Landing

A section of the Middle Mazaruni

A section of the graduates at the National Cultural Centre (Delano Williams photo)

Prime Minister Brigadier (rt’d) Mark Phillips at the 2022 graduating class of the University of Guyana

From Lethem to Georgetown

By Naomi Parris

“MADE rich by the sunshine and lush by the rains, set gem-like and fair, between mountains and seas... Green Land of Guyana.”

As described by its national anthem, Guyana is the home to some of the world’s most magnificent ecosystems.

Eighty three thousand square miles of the country is covered in coastal plains, towering mountains, sprawling natural savannahs and vast rainforest.

Close to 10,000 species of birds, mammals, fishes and other marine life call Guyana their home.

How could you not want to visit?

In this article, I’ll attempt to take you on a journey through the country’s Rupununni Savannahs, in Region Nine, (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) which sees a gruelling yet exciting journey through thick greenery of forested lands and to the regional capital, Lethem.

There are two ways of travelling to the Rupununi Region: one can choose to

colleagues were all packed and comfortably seated, we departed Georgetown at 22:30hrs one Friday night and headed up the East Bank Highway to make our way to Linden, the central town in Region 10, which is known to be the gateway into the country’s hinterland.

After what seemed like an hour and half drive, we arrived in Linden, just close

window looking at the dimly lit trail ahead.

I woke up just in time the

treated to the fine tunes of kiskadees who joined us for breakfast.

I was energised and ready to take on the last lap of our journey and so after a quick walk around the facility, we headed back on the trail. After driving for what felt like another five hours, we parted ways with the forest and entered the rustic savannahs.

The air was fresh, the sun was blazing and my eyes widened as I tried to capture every piece of the scenery.

There she was, the Rupununi stretching far beyond the horizon, a beauty so serene.

I gazed on as the mountains parted the clouds and the breeze whistled past my ear, I’ve explored many parts of the country before, but the Rupununi left me in awe.

I was broken from my trance when the driver said we were just a few minutes away from our final destination and before I could blink, we had arrived in Lethem, after travelling for what felt like two days.

There were sighs of relief

as we disembarked the vehicle and headed to the Takutu Hotel, where we would relax and spend the rest our trip. Although tired and sweaty, I was pumping with adrenaline, it was truly an exciting journey, one I intend to do again and I’d advise anyone to consider.

go by plane and view the forested lands, but if you’re lover of adventure, overland travel will leave you with a thrilling experience.

From Georgetown to Lethem

The journey from the capital city to Lethem is truly exciting and it’s even more fun when you have great people to share it with. So if you decide to plan a trip, grab a friend and tell them to bring a friend along.

The entire journey takes just about 12-16 hours, so be sure to stock up on snacks, water and throw in a few energy drinks.

When me and my fellow

to midnight. In keeping with a schedule with hopes of arriving at our final destination by six the next morning, we wasted no time in carrying on with our journey.

Within a few minutes, our terrain changed and we made our way onto the Mabura trail and this is where the journey truly began. The driver skillfully manoeuvred through the muddy patches along the dirt road, dodging the slushed and water filled potholes in an effort to ensure the vehicle wasn’t stuck along the trail.

After a few stops for bathroom breaks, and hours of driving, I felt myself dozing off as I gazed out the

next morning to capture one of the most glorious views, the sun was about to rise and the towering trees that created a wall of green along the trail was covered in a blanket of mist, as hues of a new day peaked through the clouds.

It was truly amazing and breathtaking that I forgot to take quick snaps of the scenery.

Soon after, we arrived at the Kurukupari crossing, where we boarded a platoon and continued our journey, heading for the golden town, Lethem.

Honourable mentions

Since we had been travelling for a quite a while, we did make a few stops, one at an eco-lodge; of course we not only needed to refuel the vehicle but also our bodies.

Breakfast was served at the Iwokrama Eco Lodge which is also one of the country’s forest research centres.

After travelling for so long, being greeted by the smell of warm Pepperpot and creamy scrambled eggs was a delight. We were even

–– the thrilling journey along Guyana’s rainforest and Rupununi Savannahs

The forested path to the Iwokrama Eco Lodge and research centre (Delano Williams photo)

The Rupununi Savannahs (Delano Williams photo)

A few wildlife specimens that can be found at the Iwokrama Eco Lodge (Delano Williams photo)

The journey from the capital city to Lethem is truly exciting and it’s even more fun when you have great people to share it with (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana tops CSEC and CAPE

The Caribbean Examinations Council on Friday announced that Atishta Seenarine of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School is the Most Outstanding Overall student at the 2022 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and that Outam Heeralall of the Anna Regina Secondary School is the Most Outstanding Overall student at the 2022 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

Atishta Seenarine is also the Most Outstanding Overall student in Natural Sciences at the CAPE level. Guyana also received several other awards.

At the CSEC level, Saskia Twahir of Queen’s Col-

lege is the Most Oustanding student in Humanities. Saskia is also the Most Outstanding student in Business.

of Queen’s

College is the Most Outstanding student in Sciences while Outam Heeralall is this year’s Most Outstanding student in Technical Voca-

tional Education and Joshua Adrian of the Diamond Secondary School is the Most Outstanding student in Agricultural Science (DA).

“The Ministry of Education wishes to congratulate all students for their exceptional performance. We wish to thank their

teachers and parents for giving the necessary support to achieve this feat,” a press release from the government noted on Friday.

$84M infrastructural development for Victory Valley

– Nine contracts awarded to community contractors

project of this magnitude would be ongoing in the community.

Patrick Fernanda said, “wonderful, wonderful it couldn’t have been better because it is high time people step up and new people come to the table because if you give somebody in the neighbourhood a contract, they will work more hard to develop and better the neighbourhood.

whereby you can step forward and employ people that you know really need and didn’t have a job for years.”

The lone female contractor, Denise Bride expressed similar sentiments.

through the allocated works, contractors will be able to hire persons from the community.

THE government, through the Ministry of Public Works, awarded nine contracts to desilt drains and construct small roads and foot paths to enhance the community of Victory Valley, Region 10.

The project is a fulfilment of a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali during a recent visit to the community. At the contract signing on Friday, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill announced that the contract for a bridge linking Victory Valley to Canvas City has already been awarded.

“We had our people on the ground, we sent them to view the location, we took the measurements and I am proud to announce to you that the contract for

the bridge has already been awarded and signed, $34 million worth of a concrete bridge, a proper bridge to put in that area. So, when you put it together as a result of the one visit that the president made that day from two commitments here in the valley and Block 22, through the Ministry of Public Works, the Government of Guyana will be bringing $84 million worth of development to this community.”

The project aims to create employment for residents especially youths and foster community development by keeping the revenue within the community. The Department of Public Information (DPI) interviewed several contractors who stated that this is the first time any

“It’s so overwhelming that we finally get to give we, Victory Valley people work, you know it’s an honour to get a contract

“I feel honoured and this has never happened to me it is only now that this party is in power that I am getting to experience this kind of thing and I am very happy. This party is all about development, they came, they saw and they execute.”

She also stated that

“This is very good because people does come and they does do the job and they does bring their own people. So now we can give our youths jobs and I feel very good about that,” Bride noted.

Another contractor, John Walrond said, “It’s a very good venture that they come out and meet the people in the community because for years we have been held back.

You does got to go up and down to get a job and going to Georgetown and up and down but now the government is in your face and the signing of the contract is on spot it’s a plus.”

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud were also present at the contract signing. (DPI)

Sheridan Dyal

Atishta Seenarine

Outam Heeralall

Saskia Twahir

Sheridan Dyal

Nine contracts were awarded to desilt drains and construct small roads and foot paths

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Re’td) Mark Phillips; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and contractors

Guyanese women in for joining male-dominated

By Cindy Parkinson

GUYANA has come a long way in the aviation industry,

platform.

This year, she honoured several women pilots and air traffic controllers and thanked them for their service and dedication.

Captain Debbie Gouveia was one of those honoured. She is more than just a pioneering pilot; she’s a wife, a mother, and a businesswoman – she and her husband, Captain Gerry Gouveia own the prestigious

particularly when it comes to producing female pilots. Since the days of Lucille Golas, the first female private pilot to fly in Guyana’s airspace, other women have joined this male-dominated industry and have made invaluable contri-

Roraima Airways.

Debbie, as she is fondly known, was one of those who happily picked up the baton and continued the race. She continues to look forward to seeing other women take up the mantle.

She is Guyana’s first female aircraft pilot to fly above Guyana’s jungle as a commercial

butions.

In celebration of International Civil Aviation Day on December 7, 2022, founder and chief director of “Purple Arts Productions,” Simone Dowding, acknowledged the powerful Guyanese women who play an integral role in the industry.

Speaking with this publication, Dowding said that they should be honoured for the phenomenal job that they have done and continue to do in the aviation field.

She noted that she has always had a love for flying, but in 2013, she was invited to celebrate the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s 100th anniversary. That event motivated her to give recognition to the Guyanese women in aviation.

According to her, 2021 was the first time that she had put a spotlight on, and honoured, the Guyanese women in this field. It is her hope that it becomes an annual event on a bigger

airline captain.

Chaitrani Heeralall, the current Director Quality and Compliance Monitoring Officer at the GCAA, was also honoured. She has served Guyana beyond the call of duty for many years.

Born and raised on the West Coast of Demerara, she attended Zeeburg Secondary School where she completed her secondary education before joining the then Civil Aviation Department.

Last September marked 38 years of dedicated and unbroken service to the country’s aviation sector.

Captain Debbie Gouveia

Air Traffic Controller, Lolita Fernandes

Air traffic Controller, Symerta Bridgewater-Moore

Captain Debbie Okalossa Green

in aviation applauded male-dominated industry

Heeralall’s journey to date has not been without challenges, especially in a maledominated aviation environment. These challenges persist

tems, and supervisory management.

She currently holds the position of an area control centre supervisor, which she proudly shares with three other females and one male.

Hunte is also the third highest ranked female in the air navigation services directorate.

Additionally, former student of the Abram Zuil Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast and licensed Air Traffic Controller, Lolita Fernandes, was also honoured.

She started her aviation career almost immediately after graduating high school.

to this day.

Amidst all of this, she managed to create a balance between family, work and academic pursuits.

She is the first Guyanese to complete the ICAO Air Navigation Services Universal Safety Oversight Auditor’s Course while completing her MBA with distinction at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.

Born on September 5, 1982, into a low-income, single-parent household, Yolanda Hunte was the younger of two children. She attended St. Joseph’s High School and at the age of 18, had her first child.

With not hing but a high school certificate, she sent in an application to the GCAA and was selected for training. This led to an 18-year career.

Today, Hunte is the holder of numerous certificates and licences, both locally and internationally, in aeronautical information services, air traffic control services (aerodrome, approach, and area procedural control services, and area surveillance control services), safety management systems, fatigue risk management sys-

Area Control Centre Supervisor, Yolanda Hunte

According to her, “the air traffic services is such a unique profession [as] all training is received after you are hired. I am a licensed air traffic controller, holding ratings for aerodromes, approaches, and area control services, and received my aerodromes rating in 2005.”

She explained that some of her initial challenges were the rigorous training, making the adjustment to work the night shifts and working twice as hard to prove herself. Some of the other women who were recognised for their phenomenal work are Air Traffic Controller, Symerta Bridgewater-Moore, and Captain Debbie Okalossa Green.

Director Quality and Compliance Monitoring Officer at the GCAA, Chaitrani Heeralall

Opinion polls project landslide victory for PPP/C at upcoming LGEs

WELL-KNOWN political scientist, Dr. Vishnu Bisram has projected a landslide victory for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

Using the results of opinion polls conducted in October, November and over the past few days, Dr. Bisram concluded: “President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is projected to lead the PPP/C to a landslide victory, making significant gains even in PNC/R (People’s National Congress/Reform) strongholds in urban and rural constituencies. If the elections were held now, the PPP/C would win an overwhelming number of the 70 NDCs and a majority of the 10 municipalities.”

He said that the poll projection is turning out to be the largest electoral victory of the party in LGEs in the history of the country, with voters giving high favourability ratings to President Ali’s leadership in contradiction with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, who scores very low on popularity ratings.

Dr. Bisram has been conducting polls in Guyana since the late 1980s. The latest polls entailed the interview of between 520 and 640 voters to reflect the ethnic composition of the population with a margin of error of four per cent.

“The latest surveys, from October through December, show consistency in relatively high favourability, likeability or popularity, and job performance ratings of President Ali, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips,” he related.

Dr. Bisram added: “All have maintained constantly high positive and job performance ratings in the 60s percentile in contrast with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton whose likeability or popularity and job performance ratings were consistently in the low 30s or upper 20s. The polls find nil cross-over appeal for Norton among Indians and

floating voters, accounting for his poor ratings. Voters overwhelmingly prefer Dr. Ali and the PPP/C over the PNC/R.”

Dr. Bisram said that voters in general do not have a very favourable opinion of Norton and by extension the PNC/R or APNU under his leadership.

“The public does not view the PNC/R or the APNU+AFC coalition under Norton’s leadership as a viable alternative to the PPP/C. The populace say that his recent actions demonstrate that he lacks the leadership qualities to bring people together,” he said.

The political scientist added: “They note that he is brash, operates in isolation, and not engaging. They say they are looking for a leader who is personable and conciliatory, who would pursue consensus politics, and who would put an end to political violence, confrontational politics, and ethnic divisiveness. Not surprisingly, many traditional supporters and middle-of-theroad floating voters are moving away from the party that may lead to its decimation or blow away in the coming LGE.”

LGEs are scheduled for March and, according to Dr. Bisram, electoral fortune could change by then, especially since a new Georgetown-based political party, Independent Citizens for Progress (ICP), was launched last week. Led by well-known broadcaster, Bobby Vieira, ICP is gaining traction in Georgetown-- a PNC/R stronghold-- among the middle class and business and professional classes.

“The ICP is also talked about among Indian businesspersons who are seeking different leadership for Georgetown,” he said.

He noted that in contrast to the ICP, the polls’ findings reveal Norton has not been able to win over crossethnic support which is key to winning an election.

214 Lindeners certified in 12 vocational, technical training programmes

TWO hundred and fourteen Linden, Region Ten, residents received certificates in 12 vocational and technical programmes offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) during a graduation ceremony hosted recently at Lichas Hall.

The female graduates almost outnumbered the male graduates in the cohort by 102 to 112, respectively. Meanwhile, 395 residents are currently undergoing training.

The skills taught to the graduates were: Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation, Motor

Maughn, CEO of BIT, informed the graduates that the ceremony was just the beginning of their path and that they must be willing to change to improve their chances of success.

This path, he believes, is required since the country’s developing industries, including oil and gas and construc-

key address, expressed his gratitude towards the females for seizing this opportunity to empower themselves in conventional and non-traditional male-dominated areas so they can soon contribute to the country’s progress.

He stated that this progress illustrates women’s desire to think outside the box to achieve the skills and abilities necessary to make themselves employable, which is consistent with BIT’s goal of improving people’s lives.

A significant difference and BIT plans to continue growing the country’s labour

Vehicle Repairs, Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation, Joinery, A/C Repairs and Refrigeration, Small Engine Repairs, Auto Electricians, Garment Construction, Cake Decoration, Agro-processing, and Cosmetology.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, Board of Industrial Training Director, Michael Turner; Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn; Human Resource Officer, Melinda Kelly; Sen-

tion, will demand competent workers capable of making meaningful contributions, as envisioned by the PPP/C Administration.

He said that BIT has been able to realize a vision while being led by Minister Hamilton from August 2020 to the present.

Maughn also committed to the entity’s continued assistance to build qualified and capable personnel in the region and around the country.

Minister Hamilton, in his

force and developing qualified workers to assist Guyana in reaching new heights in every industry.

The minister also encouraged them to continue their education as well as study in other vocational and technical programmes to take advantage of the different opportunities that will be available.

A representative from Midas BPO was also invited to conduct on-the-spot job interviews with the interested graduates.

ior Technical Officer, Leon Greaves; Technical Officer with responsibility for Region Ten, Tenesha Dennis; Linden Technical Institute Principal, Hector Anthony, and other officials bear witness to the ceremony.

A graduate receiving his certificate from Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

A section of the gathering of graduates that received certificates in vocational and technical training programmes

Postpartum depression: what it means

By Vanessa Cort

EXPERTS tell us that most new mothers experience something called the “baby blues,” which usually begins two to three days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.

Indeed, the birth of a

tum depression and once more puts mental health firmly in the spotlight.

baby can trigger a host of powerful emotions from joy and excitement to fear and anxiety. However, it can also result in depression leading to mood swings, crying spells and difficulty sleeping, among other symptoms - commonly called “baby blues”.

The recent horrific murder of a grandmother by her granddaughter, who recently had a baby, has drawn attention to her diagnosis of postpar-

The young mother allegedly delivered several knife wounds to the elderly woman, who apparently looked after the child, then walked in her blood-soaked clothes, baby- in-hand, to a neighbour, declaring that the child was dead.

Unlike “baby blues”, postpartum depression (PPD) is severe, lasts longer and can actually begin during pregnancy and continue after childbirth. Though symptoms tend to develop within the first few weeks after delivery they can also start as much as a year later.

The Mayo Clinic –leaders in healthcare worldwide – gives a list

of PPD symptoms which include depressed mood or severe mood swings; difficulty bonding with the baby; intense irritability and anger and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

They also refer to postpartum psychosis, a rare condition, which can develop within the first week after delivery, with severe symptoms such as insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations and delusional behaviour.

The clinicians said: “Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviour and requires immediate treatment.” They clearly see this psychosis as in need of more urgent treatment.

However, there can be no down-playing the effects of PPD which Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD terms, “…a complex mix of physical, emotional and behavioural changes that happen in some women after giving birth…linked to chemical, social and psychological changes that happen when having a baby.”

The doctor notes that while the chemical changes “involve a drop in hormones after delivery” the actual link between this decrease and depression are unclear. However, the lev-

els of estrogen and progesterone – the female reproductive hormones – increase tenfold during pregnancy and drop sharply after delivery.

Of particular note is that PPD may be difficult to detect because symptoms are similar to those of mothers who experience the “baby blues.” But other symptoms of major depression can be observed and these include constant crying often for no reason, feelings of helplessness and worthlessness, thoughts of death or suicide and harming someone else.

Certain categories of people are more susceptible to PPD such as those with a history of depression, who are ambivalent about the

pregnancy, who have a family history of mood disorders and also the young (the younger you are, the higher the chances).

It seems to me, although I am not a mental health professional, this young woman may be suffering from postpartum psychosis which Dr. Bruce calls, “a very serious mental illness that can affect new mothers and happen quickly.”

She goes on to say: “Women can lose touch with reality, having auditory hallucinations (hearing things that aren’t actually happening, like a person talking} and delusions (strongly believing things that are clearly irrational). They are at

even greater risk of hurting themselves or someone else.”

Whether a depression or a psychosis, the condition can be treated with medication and counselling. But, of course, it must first be detected.

It is sad that this young woman’s condition was not recognised until after she had committed this horrendous act, which, according to reports was unexpected and uncharacteristic.

I do hope she receives the treatment she so clearly needs and that this case will heighten awareness of PPD, and make us all more alert to young mothers who may be affected.

Young gun Kellaway whacks Proteas for unbeaten ton

TWO of the brightest young stars on either side had magic days with South Africa paceman Gerald Coetzee claiming a hat-trick and Cricket Australia XI batter Campbell Kellaway scoring a century in the four-day clash at Allan Border Field.

The 22-year-old Coetzee (3-36) has genuine speed and had Jordan Buckingham (7) caught in the gully and then dismissed Chris Tremain and Liam Hatcher for ducks.

In shattering Hatcher's stumps he also ensured Cricket Australia were bowled out for 226 in reply to South Africa's first innings of 347.

The Proteas were 9-0 at stumps in their second innings.

Unbeaten on 105 for the CA XI

was Victoria young gun and former Australia Under-19 representative Kellaway.

The stylish 20-year-old lefthander made his first-class debut for Victoria last month and came to the crease at 24-4 with the CA XI under assault from Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi (3-26 off nine overs).

Jake Doran (78) and Kellaway added 143 for the fifth wicket and went after Coetzee initially in a superb counter-attacking partnership.

He dismissed three of the top four Marsh Sheffield Shield run-scorers this season, with Tim Ward (1) caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne with the first ball of his opening spell before he accounted for Sam

Whiteman (11) and captain Peter Handscomb (9).

The Proteas earlier resumed at 335-7 but soon lost Kagiso Rabada (10) and Verreynne (80).

Fast bowler Marco Jansen was then dismissed for a duck

Middle-order batter Temba Bavuma did not feature in the first innings as he is nursing an elbow injury.

Captain Dean Elgar, who topscored with 109 on day one, said after the close of play on Friday he hoped Bavuma would recover and get some valuable time in the middle before the first NRMA Insurance Test against Australia which starts on December 17 at the Gabba.

Cricket Australia XI fast bowlers Lawrence Neil-Smith (3-69) and Chris Tremain (2-42) impressed on day two after left-arm orthodox spinner Matt Kuhnemann (4-78) did the job on the first day.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday December 11, 2022)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83

Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Devon Thomas, Marquino Mindley & Anderson

Phillip

(2) Michael Neser & Scott Boland

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the captains involved the first Test of the current WI/AUST series?

(2) Who are the captains involved in the second Test of the current WI/AUST series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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Kishan hits fastest ODI...

FROM PAGE 24

inside out over cover for a boundary, but he took the sensible path of playing second fiddle to a rampant Kishan.

On an easy-paced pitch, Kohli also found strike rotation to be easy, even as Kishan threw his bat out at every ball after getting a hundred. His third fifty took another 18 balls, before the fourth took 23. Nothing that Bangladesh threw at Kishan fazed him, as he managed to be inventive with shots increasingly as he went past various milestones.

The double-hundred, which came off his 126 balls, saw Kishan become the fourth Indian to scale the landmark. He became the youngest male batter to do so and also the quickest to get to the milestone in terms of balls faced, overtaking Chris Gayle's mark of 138 balls.

As he continued in the same vein, more records were under threat but on 210, he was finally dismissed when he failed to clear long-on. It ended a knock that contained 24 fours and 10 sixes in all, and that had powered India past the 300mark in just the 36th over.

Kohli, now emerged out of Kishan's shadows, targeted the cover region extensively and raced away to a 85-ball ton, his first in the ODI format since August 2019. It was a hundred that took him past Ricky Ponting's tally of 71 international hundreds.

India's finish was hampered

a little when they lost Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Kohli himself in quick succession. However, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar played useful hands lower down the order, putting on 46 that eventually helped India to the highest-ever ODI total in Bangladesh.

It was a total that also made sure Bangladesh were kept on the backfoot right through the chase. The hosts never managed to come to the party, as India's spinners found their groove. Axar set the tone with a wicket in his first over, and was ably supported by the pacers as Mohammad Siraj and Umran Malik too got into the wickets column.

The spine of Bangladesh's batting came apart swiftly, as Axar first had Mushfiqur Rahim bowled missing a sweep, which was soon followed by Shakib, the lone man to offer some resistance, chopping on to be dismissed for 43 against Kuldeep Yadav. The result remained a formality after Bangladesh lost half their side with just 124 on the board in 23 overs. Shardul Thakur had a three-wicket haul coming his way as Bangladesh went in pursuit of quick runs.

The victory, India's third highest in terms of runs, also ensured that it saved them the ignominy of a clean sweep by Bangladesh, who suffered their second biggest loss in ODIs.

(Cricibuzz)

Fragile WI staring at...

FROM PAGE 27

West Indies managed to creep past the 200-run mark.

Australia then piled the pressure on, opener Usman Khawaja (45), Travis Head (38), Steven Smith (35) and Marnus Labuschagne (31) all producing cameos to enable a declaration at 199 for six, about three-quarters of an hour after the final interval.

West Indies did themselves no favours either, Joshua Da Silva putting down Head on 11, diving to his left, and Alzarri Joseph grassing Smith on 27 running in from deep square – both chances coming off seamer Jason Holder.

The shabby outfield effort then fed into the touring side’s reply, captain Kraigg Brathwaite (3), Shamarh Brooks (0) and vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood (0) all perishing in the sixth over – a triple-wicket maiden – from Boland, before Chanderpaul followed for 17, three overs later, to leave the innings in turmoil.

“It’s not ideal obviously, chasing a big total like that, and with two days still to go,” Da Silva said of his side’s collapse.

“(It’s) not the start we would have wanted to our second innings but it happened and the guys coming in, and the guys at the wicket are going to try their best and do their best tomorrow.”

He added: “The boys are rallying. We’re here to play cricket … and we’re fighting to the end and as far in as we can go the boys are fighting.”

West Indies’ start to the day was a disastrous one. Without a run added, Chanderpaul was run-out off the fourth delivery by bowler Mitchell Starc’s direct hit at the striker’s end, the left-hander sent back by Phillip as he looked for a quick off-side single.

And eleven balls later and still without any change to the overnight score, Jason Holder nicked a feeble drive low to

wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s right.

Da Silva, who punched three fours in 23 off 38 balls and Phillip, who belted five fours and a six off 78 deliveries, then counter-attacked in a 60-run seventh-wicket stand which stitched up the innings and steered the Caribbean side to the safety of the drinks break.

Two balls following the resumption, however, Da Silva played back to off-spinner Nathan Lyon (3-57) and was lbw and more run-out tragedy ensued when Phillip found himself mid-pitch in a mix-up over another sharp single and failed to beat the throw from cover to the striker’s end.

Joseph was lbw to the first ball he faced in the next over from Lyon but Chase ensured the tail wagged by hitting four fours and a six in a breezy 56ball stay at the crease.

Armed with a commanding lead, Australia rammed home the advantage, Khawaja slamming seven fours in a 50-ball knock as he posted 77 from 85 deliveries for the first wicket with David Warner (28).

When Chase knocked over both at the start of his first over at 78 for two, Smith and Labuschagne combined in a 58-run, third-wicket stand to keep the innings purring, before Joseph (3-33) sliced through the middle order.

Left with an enormous task of saving the game, West Indies buckled early to Boland. Brathwaite edged a back foot defensive stroke to the ’keeper, Brooks was trapped plumb lbw two balls later and Blackwood was taken inches from the turf at gully, after being squared up.

And West Indies suffered one final blow at 21 for four when Chanderpaul unluckily tickled a leg-side catch to Carey off left-armer Mitchell Starc, hotspot detecting the faintest of touches after the Aussies resorted to DRS.

Hosts’ collapse gives tourists control of second Test in Multan

ENGLAND took control of the match and series, thanks to a dramatic Pakistan collapse on day two of the second Test in Multan.

The home side lost eight wickets for 60 runs, at one stage including three for no runs, to slide to 202 all out.

After Babar Azam was bowled by Ollie Robinson for 75, Jack Leach took three wickets for an overall 4-98, while Joe Root and Mark

Wood nipped in with two each.

When Leach had Saud Shakeel superbly caught by James Anderson for 63, it marked the left-arm spinner's 100th wicket in Test cricket.

England's growth of a first-innings lead of 79 was led by opener Ben Duckett, who was on course for a second century in as many matches before being bowled by Abrar Ahmed for 79.

That was leg-spinner Abrar's third of the innings and 10th of the match, the first Pakistan debutant to achieve such a feat for 16 years.

England sloppily lost Ollie Pope to a run-out before the close, but Harry Brook remains on 74, the tourists 202-5.

With a lead of 281 on a pitch offering so much to the spinners, England probably already have enough. It would take a huge effort for Pakistan to win from here.

DECISIVE DAY IN MATCH AND SERIES

England were made to work so hard for their thrilling first-Test win, yet here theyhave been gifted a dominant position by the Pakistan implosion.

lead by blazing away in the afternoon, but instead built steadily at their slowest scoring rate of the series so far.

Abrar, who took seven wickets in the first innings, once again carried the fight, having a hand in all five wickets to fall.

As well as the three of his own, Abrar ran out Zak Crawley and was the bowler when Pope was dismissed. His spectacular effort on debut is set to count for nothing.

DUCKETT DENIED

Duckett was recalled for the first time in six years for the first Test and already seems to have made the opener's spot his own.

The left-hander was only bowled by one that Abrar got to scuttle low. It gave Abrar his 10th, ended a partnership of 68 with Brook and, more importantly, showed how difficult it will be for Pakistan to chase a target on the deteriorating surface.

produced a beauty that jagged back to bowl Babar between bat and pad.

Wood 22

Mohammad Ali c Zak Crawley b Joe Root 0

Zahid Mehmood lbw Mark Wood 0

Abrar Ahmed not out 7

Extras: b-4, lb-1, nb-1) 6

Total: (all out, 62.5 overs) 202

Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-51 3-142, 4-158, 5-165, 6-169, 7-169, 8-169, 9-179.

Bowling: James Anderson 5-0 -1- 1–3, Jack Leach 27-7- 98-4 (nb-1), Mark Wood 11.5-1-40-2, Joe Root 10-3-23-2, Will Jacks 4-018-0, Ollie Robinson 5-3-2-1.

ENGLAND 2nd innings

Zak Crawley run-out Abrar Ahmed 3

Ben Duckett b Abrar Ahmed 79

Will Jacks b Abrar Ahmed 4

Joe Root c Abdullah Shafique b Abrar Ahmed 21

Harry Brook not out 74

Ollie Pope run-out Mohammad Nawaz 4 Ben Stokes not out 16

Extras: (nb-1) 1

Total: (five wkts, 49.0 overs) 202

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-25, 3-79, 4-147, 5-155,

Bowling: Mohammad Ali 6-0-27-0 (nb-1) Faheem Ashraf 5- 2-12-0, Abrar Ahmed 21-2-81–3, Mohammad Nawaz 7-0-29 0 Zahid Mehmood 9-0–48-0,

As a result, this is likely to be the decisive day in the match and the series, with England closing in on a first triumph over Pakistan outside the UK for 22 years.

That is not to say England do not deserve their advantage. Intelligent, defensive field placements aided Leach and selecting three specialist pace bowlers on a pitch favouring the spinners was vindicated by the wickets taken by Robinson and Wood.

It was expected that England would build on their

A hundred in Rawalpindi was followed by 63 in the first innings here. This time he helped himself with trademark sweeps and pulls.

After Crawley was run-out for three by Abrar's direct hit from mid-on and Will Jacks, promoted to give Pope rest after keeping wicket, was bowled, Duckett and Root added 54 for the third wicket.

A sweeping Root was brilliantly held by Abdullah Shafique at short leg, but Duckett seemed destined for a century, especially when Babar dropped the simplest catch at mid-wicket with the opener on 69.

As the light faded, Pope was run-out in a mix-up with Brook, who himself eased past 50 for the third time this series and will return today in the company of captain Ben Stokes

PAKISTAN COLLAPSE HANDS CONTROL TO ENGLAND

When Pakistan moved from their overnight 107-2 to 142-2, the game hung in the balance. Babar and Shakeel were set and England's first-innings 281 was being closed down.

But Robinson, who did not bowl on day one, needed only two deliveries to make a telling intervention. In the seventh over of the day, Robinson

Leach was struggling to make an impact until Shakeel attempted a loft down the ground. Anderson, running back from mid-on took a fine catch - made harder by the fact there was danger of a collision with Jacks - to give Leach his 100th wicket.

And, after Leach produced a ripping delivery to bowl Mohammed Rizwan - pitching on leg and hitting middle and off - Pakistan folded in meek fashion.

Mohammad Nawaz poked Leach to mid-off, then Salman Agha patted to mid-wicket and Mohammad Ali was caught at slip, both in the same Root over.

Wood, bowling at high pace, pinned Zahid Mahmood in front and had Faheem Ashraf clip to deep square leg for his first Test wickets since March. (BBC Sport)

Kishan hits fastest ODI double-century, Kohli reaches 72nd ton in mammoth India win

409-8, India proceeded to defend it with ease as Bangladesh crumbled under a combination of clinical bowling, coupled with scoreboard pressure.

India, put in to bat first in the final ODI in Chattogram, had started on a sedate note with Mehidy Hasan trapping Shikhar Dhawan lbw in just the fifth over. Kishan, drafted into the playing eleven after Rohit Sharma's injury, joined hands with Kohli thereafter to steady the innings. The duo managed to do that without getting bogged down too much.

2-22) by 227 runs).

With Kohli not finding his rhythm until he hit the thirties. Kishan was the one setting the tone early. Cashing in on width outside off, cutting and driving for his first four boundaries, he quickly took on the role of enforcer in the 290-run stand.

gave a chance to deep midwicket where a diving Shakib Al Hasan, could not prevent the catch from being grassed despite a juggle.

Kishan, now with a good measure of the pitch, was also finding his hitting zone against the unfavourable matchup of Mehidy Hasan's off-spin,

managing to loft and slog him straight down the ground.

His rate of scoring increased post his fifty, with the second one coming off just 36 balls, bringing about his maiden ODI ton. Meanwhile, Kohli too had found his groove, lofting Shakib

No.72,

Having racked up a mammoth

Scores: (India 409-8 in 50 overs, Ishan Kishan 210, Virat Kohli 113; Shakib Al Hasan 2-68) beat Bangladesh 182 in 34 overs (Shakib Al Hasan 43; Shardul Thakur 3-30, Axar Patel

As Bangladesh corrected their lines to go straighter against Kishan, he began to pull and sweep successfully to add to the pressure on the bowlers. His fifty came up off just 49 balls, but not without a few close shaves. Kohli was put down on 5 by Litton Das, who once again saw another chance falling just beyond his reach off the same batter.

As Kishan switched gears, unafraid to hit with abandon, he

Highest men's ODI scores

Batter Score Balls

Rohit Sharma (India) 264 173

Martin Guptill (NZ) 237* 163

Virender Sehwag (Ind) 219 149

Chris Gayle (WI) 215 147

Fakhar Zaman (Pak) 210* 156

Ishan Kishan (Ind) 210 131

Rohit Sharma (Ind) 209 158

Rohit Sharma (Ind) 208* 153

Sachin Tendulkar (Ind) 200* 147

Ollie Robinson bowled Pakistan captain Babar Azam for England’s first wicket of the day

India romped home to a 227-run victory against Bangladesh in the third ODI.

Ishan Kishan (right) registered the fastest double ton while Virat Kohli got to international century No.72 to star in India’s win (AFP)

Guyana battle T&T in 4-match U-13 series

being done by some of Guyana’s premier cricket broadcasters.

By Sean Devers

HISTORY will be made today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence when a Guyana U-13 cricket team join Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados as only Regional Cricket teams at U-13 level.

The Guyanese ‘Babies’, led by Transport Sports Club’s Brandon Henry, begins a fourmatch 40-over series against T&T U-13s, captained by Zakariyya Mohammed, from 10:00hrs today at Providence.

Despite being set in the middle of the Christmas and rainy season with a 70 percent chance today, Providence is the only venue where cricket is likely to be played.

If the rain stays away today a keen contest is anticipated and will be broadcast live on YouTube with the commentary

With schools being closed for the Christmas vacation, students from schools, especially primary schools on the East Bank of Demerara and their parents are being encouraged to come out to witness the Nursery of West Indies on show.

Trinidad & Tobago last played at this level against Barbados eight years ago and it is good that the T&T-Guyana series has been organised by GCB and TTCB as Regional U-13 cricket returns.

T&T will be spearheaded by Zakariyya Mohammed, a wicketkeeper-batter from the K, Rampat Cricket Academy while the Guyanese batting will centre on DCC’s little lefthander Lemar Seecharran and Essequibo’s Ravid Fredericks

at the top of the order.

Berbice U-15 batter and vice-captain Richard Ramdeholl; Essequibian Ethan Silas, the nephew of USA-based Guyanese boxing champion Elton Dharry; and DCC’s Makai Dowlin, the son of former West Indies Test batter Travis Dowlin, should offer batting support.

The fast-bowling will come from Malteenoes’ Thierry Davis, Berbician Raffel McKenzie and Darrius Pearson of Essequibo while skipper and Demerara U-15 left-arm spinner Henry will spearhead the spin attack while U-15 Inter-County leg-spinner Rayaz Latiff will also be depended on with the ball.

Dowlin and Silas are also useful part-time leg-spin bowlers.

Teams:

Guyana - Brandon Henry (captain), Richard Ramdeholl (vice-captain), Ravid Fredericks, Ethan Silas, Lamar Seecharan, Mohamed Balle, Khush Seegobin, Nathaniel Ramsammy, Makai Dowlin, Rayaz Latiff, Tameshwar Deonandan, Raffel McKenzie, Darrius Pearson, Thierry Davis, Leon Reddy, and Arif Marimutoo; coach Lathman Yadram, manager Rayon Da Costa.

Trinidad & Tobago: Zakariyya Mohammed (captain), Mikaeel Ali (vice-captain), Brian Harricharan, Shaan Ramtahal, Reyad Jerome, Roberto Badree, Ethan Ramcharan, Ra’ed Ali-Khan, Sameer Ramdath, Zion Phillip, Abdiel Boland, Tyler Ramroop, Aaden Owen Jordan Julien, assistant coach Brent Francis, coach Kenneth Samuel, assistant manager

Kenya looks to criminalise doping in athletics after string of cases

KENYA'S sports minister intends to criminalise doping in athletics in an attempt to bring an end to a string of cases in the sport.

The east African country avoided a sanction by governing body World Athletics - despite having 55 athletes serving suspensions - last week after committing to spend $25M over the next five years to combat doping.

Sports minister Ababu Namwamba hopes to fast-track amendments to legislation and crack down on doping the same way the government does with drugs.

"Right now, the Kenya Anti-Doping Act of 2016 is not, in my view, sufficiently loaded to deal with this challenge with the force required," Namwamba told BBC Sport Africa.

"Our initial investigations are that you have a very complex underground syndicate (involved in doping in athletics). It involves agents, coaches and doctors so it will need multiple instruments to be deployed to dismantle that syndicate.

"I believe we need to criminalise doping and elevate handling of doping substances to the same level (as) narcotics.

"So in the same way we deal with drug traffickers, we should deal similarly with those engaged in this practice."

Kenya's total of 55 athletes currently banned by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for a range of violations is the third most of any nationality behind Russia (102) and India (61).

A further eight Kenyans have been provisionally suspended and are awaiting the outcome of their cases.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not believe doping should be made a criminal offence for athletes, with those sanctioned having a right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Russia has been banned from competing as a nation in athletics since 2015 but World

Athletics president Lord Coe told BBC Sport that Kenya was not going to face a similar fate, although the situation in the country was "very serious".

"They weren't going to be banned because unlike the Russian situation, which we've been dealing with for the last seven years, there is no obvious evidence that this is state-sponsored or state-secured," Lord Coe said.

"The challenge in Kenya is difficult and chaotic.

"The one thing that I'm optimistic about is from the very highest level of government through all the stakeholders that you would want on board - like the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, Athletics Kenya, the athletes themselves - there is a real determination to try and resolve this."

PREVIOUS FAILURE

Previous attempts to criminalise doping in Kenya have been unsuccessful, with a motion by former Member of Parliament and ex-athlete Wesley Korir defeated in 2016.

The proposal to amend the rules of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) was rejected because it went against the WADA code of criminalisation.

However, Namwamba is confident he can succeed in changing laws and will "have

a conversation" with WADA to make sure its code is not broken.

"I believe doctors, agents and coaches are primary offenders and athletes are secondary offenders," he said.

"WADA and its partners in the anti-doping community do, however, support governments that introduce laws penalising those who are trafficking and distributing banned substances - those individuals who are ultimately putting banned substances into the hands of athletes," a statement from the organisation added.

"The agency acknowledges that countries that have introduced criminal legislation for doping have been effective in catching athlete support personnel that possess or traffic performance-enhancing drugs."

Lord Coe says Kenya has a "long journey" to rebuild trust in the sport, but sees difficulties ahead if athletes involved in doping are exposed to the risk of criminal proceedings.

is a very different level of evidence you need in order to convict and that's always the challenge

My issue is not actually about criminalising trafficking or making sure that the illegal use of anabolic steroids is a criminal offence. It's actually criminalising the athletes themselves, because that is very complicated to have that overlay of those two different codes."

Despite the challenges ahead of him, Namwamba is sure he can succeed in getting Kenya's laws changed.

"I believe that I'll convince parliament on the seriousness of this matter," Namwamba said.

"And so I believe we can work out something that would satisfy the concerns of WADA in terms of classification of offences and offenders and the action appropriate for each cluster of offenders.

In response to Namwamba's latest remarks, WADA told BBC Sport Africa it does not seek to interfere in the sovereign right of any government to make laws for its people.

"I don't have a problem with criminalising the trafficking of these substances, malfeasance and corrupt behaviour around giving athletes these substances," the 66-year-old said.

"Laying criminal law over sports law is very, very complicated. In sport we can actually ban - and we ban very quickly and we do it on a sporting code.

"If you then have a tier of criminal law, then there

"What is at stake is beyond merely the fate of an athlete. What is at stake are the national brand and a whole economy that revolves around athletics, and it's a huge economy.

"Many members of parliament represent constituencies whose economies are driven by athletics money or talent. They wouldn't want to compromise that.

"I want to have a very candid conversation with parliament. I believe parliament will buy into this novel agenda of rescuing Kenya's image." (BBC Sport)

Azard Mohammed, manager Peter Padmore.

… First game starts today at Providence

Guyana Under-13 will be led by Brandon Henry

T&T Under-13 will be led Zakariyya Mohammed

Ababu Namwamba was sworn in as cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts in October

Lord Sebastian Coe has been president of World Athletics since August 2015

Morocco beat Portugal to make World Cup history

MOROCCO became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium.

The north African side's supporters populated most of the venue and joyously celebrated their breakthrough moment on the global stage.

Ronaldo came off the bench in the 50th minute to equal the men's all-time appearance record of 196 in international matches, but he could not drag his side back into the contest.

Morocco, who will face England or France in the last four, were happy to play on the counter and grabbed the open -

Walsh

N0RTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies Women churned out arguably their worst performance of the three-match series as they suffered a 151run flogging in the final One-Day International, to endure a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of England Women.

After the visitors posted a challenging 256 all out in the 44th over behind Player-of-the-Series Nat Sciver’s 69-ball 85, West Indies Women could muster only a paltry 105 all out from 37.3 overs in reply, in yet another anaemic batting display in Friday’s daynight affair.

They lost the previous two ODIs by margins of 142-runs after struggling to totals of 165 in

er just before the break when En-Nesyri headed in from Yahya Attiyat-Allah's cross.

Portugal skipper Bruno Fernandes came agonisingly close to levelling just minutes later but a brilliant individual effort struck the crossbar.

Decimated by injuries, Morocco sat back for the majority of the second half and Yassine Bounou brilliantly tipped over Joao Felix's drive - the closest they came to an equaliser.

Morocco striker Walid Cheddira was sent off for a second yellow card in eight minutes of additional time but Portugal could not find the equaliser as their last-four hopes were dashed.

Three African sides had previously reached this stage of the World Cup but none had progressed any further, until now.

The marvellous Mo-

roccan players and fans rejoiced as En-Nesyri's header on 42 minutes proved to be the pivotal moment.

Fans whistled and jeered every pass the Portuguese players made and then the rowdiest section behind the goal seemed to suck the ball into the net.

Walid Regragui's side were missing West Ham's Nayef Aguerd, Bayern Munich's Noussair Mazraoui and lost captain Romain Saiss to injury early in the second period.

But they defended resolutely and frustrated Portugal to keep their seventh clean sheet in eight games

under their boss and have conceded just once in this tournament.

Morocco are a tough proposition and buoyed on by a partisan crowd in Doha, they will present a difficult challenge to whoever they face in the last four on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Bounou,

earning his 50th cap, pushed away a header from Felix early on and a deflected strike flew narrowly over.

Morocco had carved out the better opportunities on the break but En-Nesyri sent two free headers off target and Sofiane Boufal's curler was straight at Costa.

In his desperation for an equaliser, Fernando Santos sent on Ronaldo early in the second half but the 37-year-old - who equalled Kuwait striker Bader Al-Mutawa's international caps recordfound it difficult to make any impact.

Having seen rival Lionel Messi reach the semi-finals on Friday, Ronaldo could not do the same with his side on what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance, trudging down the tunnel in tears at full-time as his dream was over. (BBC Sport)

‘poor series’ as WI suffer whitewash

the first and 118 in the second.

“I thought it was a poor series by us,” said a stony-faced head coach Courtney Walsh.

“We didn’t play the type of cricket we wanted to play so England outplayed us. The bowling was not bad and the fielding was not bad but I think in all three games the batting was not what we expected, what we wanted or what we were hoping for.

“So the series was lots of disappointment because I know we can play better cricket than that and we didn’t show that.”

Choosing to bat first at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, England Women flourished through an enterprising

Lamb (29) and Tammy Beaumont (23).

When debutant leftarm spinner Kaysia Schultz (2-52) struck in each of her first two overs, it sparked a slide which saw England

However Sciver, who punched 10 fours, revived the innings through two partnerships, first adding 90 for the fifth wicket with Danny Wyatt (35) and then 43 for the sixth wicket with stand-

Captain Hayley Matthews, who finished with three for 56 with her offspin, bowled Sciver in the 36th over to inhibit the tourists’ progress as they lost their last five wickets for 39 runs.

Matthews returned with the bat, top-scoring with 28 from 35 balls, including three fours, handing West Indies Women a bright start to their chase in a 40-run, opening stand with Aaliyah Alleyne (8).

Even when Matthews was brilliantly snared at first slip – a one-handed grab by Sophie Ecclestone leaping high to her right off seamer pacer Kate Cross – West Indies Women remained steady but the pressure eventu-

ally told especially with Kycia Knight (11) and Alleyne failing to get the ball away.

They perished in successive overs as three wickets went down without a run added at 57, Knight holing out to mid-on off Sciver’s (216) medium pace in the 16th over and Alleyne stumped off 21-year-old off spinner Charlie Dean in the next over after dragging her back leg from the crease.

When Rashada Williams shuffled across a full-length delivery from Sciver and was lbw in the 18th over, the hosts were reeling and never recovered, Ecclestone (3-9) ripping through the lower order with her left-arm spin to cripple the innings.

opening stand of 63 from 69 balls, from Emma

Women collapse to 84 for four in the 17th over.

in captain Amy Jones (32 not out).

Kaysia Schultz (second from right) celebrates her first-ever ODI wicket with Shemaine Campbelle on Friday (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates with team mates after scoring for Morocco

Fragile WI staring at defeat after quick collapse

yesterday’s

West

earlier dismissed for 214 in their first innings after resuming on 102 for four, losing their last six wickets for 112 runs, and conceding a massive lead of 297.

ally-draining series loss Down Under.

Asked to chase an improbable target of 497 in order to win the day-night affair at Adelaide Oval, West Indies collapsed to 38 for four at the close, effervescent 33-year-old seamer Scott Boland ripping the innings apart in a sixover spell which yielded three wickets for just nine runs.

The Caribbean side had been

Chanderpaul, failed to add to his overnight 47, one of two tragic run-outs in the innings – the other being his overnight partner, nightwatchman Anderson Phillip, who rode his luck for 43.

All-rounder Roston Chase, batting at number nine, struck 34 in a 43-run last-wicket stand with injured debutant tail-ender Marquino Mindley (11 not out), as

AUSTRALIA

Smith c Thomas b Joseph 35

T. Head not out 38

C Green c Brathwaite b Joseph 5

A. Carey b Joseph 8

Extras: (lb-6, w-2, nb-1) 9

Total: (6 wkts decl, 31 overs) 199

Fall of wickets: 1-77, 2-78, 3-136, 4-156, 5-162, 6-199.

Bowling: Joseph 7-0-33-3, Holder 8-0-46-0, Phillip 6-0-44-1 (w-2), Thomas 2-0-13-0, Brathwaite 4-0-32-0, Chase 4-0-25-2 (nb-1).

WEST

Total: (4 wkts, 22 overs)

Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-15, 3-15, 4-21.

Bowling: Starc 5-2-11-1, Neser 6-2-9-0, Boland 6-3-9-3, Lyon 5-3-7-0.

Position: West Indies require a further 459 runs with six wickets intact.

ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC)

– Shambolic batting on

third day left

Indies staring at a heavy defeat in the second Test and teetering on the brink of another emotion-

Rookie opener, Tagenarine

Shamarh Brooks is forlorn as Scott Boland celebrates his wicket yesterday, the third day of the second Test

One Guyana President’s Cup double-header on tonight at Leonora

ACTION kicks off tonight at 18:00hrs at the National Track & Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, for the first match in the Inter-Region stage of the Inaugural One Guyana President's Cup football tournament.

Region Six will lock horns with Region Nine in the first match while in the feature clash home side Region Three will match skills with Region One from 20:30hrs.

The 10 teams have been put into two groups with the top two teams set to advance to the semifinals of the competition that will be contested on the 28th of this month while the final is scheduled for New Year's Day.

Group A comprises Regions Four, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine, while Group B consists of Regions One, Two, Three, Five and Ten.

Apart from the NTFC tonight, the competition

will see action at the Georgetown Football Club ground, Number 5, Albion and Bartica, while the organisers are lobbying for

the final to be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence..

This tournament has a total prize incentive of

$30M and the MVP is set to be awarded a house lot.

Admission to tonight's matches will be $1 000 for adultsand children will

enter free.

The sponsors of this tournament include Caribbean Airlines, New GPC, Ansa McAl, GTT,

Digicel, E-Networks, Edward B. Beharry Group, Sterling Products Ltd, Banks DIH (tentative) and Tiger Rentals.

England exit World Cup as Kane misses penalty

ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they went out despite a fine performance in the quarter-final against France at Al Bayt Stadium.

Harry Kane's late penalty miss proved decisive after he had earlier equalled Wayne Rooney's England record of 53 goals from the spot.

France took a 17th-minute lead when Aurelien Tchouameni's 25-yard drive beat Jordan Pickford low to his right.

England were the better team for long spells and created chances, deservedly pulling level nine minutes after the break when Kane beat Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris in convincing fashion with his penalty after Tchouameni fouled Bukayo Saka.

France regained the lead 12 minutes from time when Olivier Giroud headed in Antoine Griezmann's perfect cross but England had a swift chance to draw lev-

el when Theo Hernandez fouled substitute Mason Mount in the box.

Kane had the opportunity to make history but uncharacteristically blazed his penalty over the top and England's World Cup dream was over as France look forward to a semi-final against Morocco.

ENGLAND'S EXIT SO CRUEL

England have been accused of making timid exits at major tournaments in the past but this charge cannot be levelled at Gareth Southgate and his players here.

They matched France and were superior for long spells, with Saka and Declan Rice outstanding, so this will be a painful loss as a route to their first World Cup final since 1966 appeared to be opening up, with the winners here facing a semi-final against underdogs Morocco.

Sadly for England and Southgate, they were unable to take the chances that

came their way, and they ran into France keeper Lloris at his best.

And it will be captain Kane who feels the disappointment most acutely after missing that second England penalty six minutes from time with the all-time England goal-scoring record at his feet.

There was a palpable sense of disbelief around the stadium as this most reliable of penalty-takers fired his spot-kick horribly high into England's fans behind the goal.

It was a rare lapse and manager Southgate was swift to come on to the pitch at the final whistle to console a player who has been one of his outstanding contributors.

England's players looked devastated at the end - understandably, after performing so well.

The irony as they make their departure from Qatar is that while they have exited this World Cup one round earlier than they did four

years ago, this England team is much richer in promise. This will, of course, be no consolation to Southgate and his squad.

GRIEZMANN PULLS

THE STRINGS

The pre-match talk centred on how England could stop France's superstar Kylian Mbappe - but in the end, their inspiration came

from elsewhere to set up that semi-final against Morocco.

And the primary source was the superb Griezmann, who pulled the strings throughout, providing the pass for Tchouameni's strike and later delivering a perfect cross for Giroud to demonstrate his penalty-box expertise by edging in front of Harry Maguire to head pow-

erfully past Jordan Pickford. Mbappe carried real menace throughout but England's plan to subdue France's biggest threat worked to a large degree - only for the experienced Giroud, at 36, and 31-yearold Griezmann to combine to put the World Cup holders into the last four.

(BBC Sport)

Morocco beat Portugal to make World Cup history

Harry Kane’s penalty miss cost England against France (Photo: AFP)

The One Guyana Football tournament kicks off tonight with inter-Region action at the NTFC, Leonora