Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-12-2022

‘Me ain’t able answer no more questions’

— Mayor and Deputy Mayor abruptly end press conference after faced with questions on

accountability

MAYOR of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and Deputy Mayor, Alfred Mentore, on Monday held a press conference to address several issues raised about accountability and transparency at City Hall, but instead took a limited number of questions and refused to answer questions about accountability at the municipality.

As the pair, along with other councillors present, began to face heated questions from journalists, the Mayor abruptly stood up and ended the press conference.

Mayor Narine was then ap-

proached by a reporter from the Guyana Chronicle about other unaddressed issues; however, he directed further questions to the Deputy Mayor.

However, “me ain’t able answer any more questions,” was all that Mentore offered as he walked away.

Although they held the press conference to “clear the air,” the APNU+AFC Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has instead left more questions than answers about the management of funds at City Hall.

The question of accountability

at City Hall has returned to the fore after it was highlighted by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during an online broadcast interview last Friday.

During the interview, the Vice-President noted that the lack of accountability and transparency at the M&CC makes it impractical for central government to be able to continue to directly hand over money to the municipality.

Given the M&CC’s well-documented reputation, over the years, of a lack of accountability

of its own funds, as well as the funds allocated by central government, the Vice-President argued that City Hall has proven that it cannot be trusted to handle the disbursement and management of funds allocated.

In addressing this issue, Mentore attempted to lay the blame for the council’s past financial discrepancies at the feet of previous councils, saying that as for the current council, central government should “give us a chance to

prove ourselves.”

“Don’t be labelling us and painting us with the same brush that some other previous council [were painted with]. Give us a chance and an opportunity to be able to deal with those issues to handle matters, and if it is we did not perform as expected, then you could call us out. But you cannot call us out if there’s no charge and evidence against us to deal with this issue,” Mentore said.

However, when called upon to

answer to the fact that many of the present M&CC councillors were also present on the council during years of “mismanagement,” the Mayor could not clearly establish how the current council was different from previous councils at City Hall.

City Hall is run by a 30-seat council. Currently, 21 of the seats are held by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) led by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); two seats are held by the Alliance For Change (AFC), and seven by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Over the years, the PNC/R has successively held the seat of Mayor. Narine, a PNC/R member, was elected Mayor in November, 2018. His predecessor was Patricia Chase-Green, who was Mayor from 2016 - 2018. Chase-Green, a PNC/R member who is still a councillor, has been on the council since 1994.

Prior to Chase-Green the mayorship was held by Hamilton Green, a PNC/R member who governed from 1994 to 2016.

Green, who is no longer on the council, presided over City Hall during the 10-year gap when no audits were done.

Also present at Monday’s press conference was councillor Oscar Clarke, who has also been on the council for some years now, and has served as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

City Hall had received incremental disbursements of $300 million in 2015, $200 million in 2016, $200 million in 2018, and $300 million in 2019, through the Georgetown Restoration Programme.

However, from the 2016 allocation, the M&CC could not produce any evidence accounting for some $70.489 million out of the $200 million, given prior to that, in the 2015 allocation, there was no evidence of payments totalling $12.816 million.

In November 2017, the APNU+AFC Cabinet also gave its approval for a grant of $475.635 million to be disbursed to M&CC through the Ministry of Communities. However, from these funds, the Auditor General was unable to verify the completeness, accuracy and validity of amounts totalling $374.545 million.

Mentore said the glaring irregularities, and lack of accountability raised by the Auditor General are “micro-issues.”

“Those documents that the Auditor General asks for, that is not in our remit. Those documents are within the remit of the administration. So, how was it that the council that is obviously trying to manage and administer at the level of directors have to deal with those micro-issues,?” Mentore queried.

Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine

Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore

Chairman of the M&CC Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke

Hinterland healthcare system to get $125B boost

–– President Ali announces at commissioning of Mabaruma ‘Smart’ Hospital

HINTERLAND residents will soon benefit from enhanced health services, as the government, over the next three years, plans to inject some $125 billion into the enhancement of the healthcare systems in Lethem, Kato, Kamarang, Mabaruma, Moruca, Bartica and Port Kaituma.

This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his remarks at the commissioning of the Maba-

every year as part of the ongoing programme to ensure that dialysis patients receive quality care.

The investments, Dr. Ali said, must be made in every region to ensure that residents there have access to adequate facilities.

“So, whether you’re in Region One, Region Nine, or Region Four, you will have access to the facility that gives you this grant,” he said.

US$20 million.

This, he said, is just the infrastructural aspect, while improvements can be expected in human resources and medical supplies, along with additional investments.

“We said that the revenue from oil and gas must be used to give our population the best possible health and education services, and that is what we’re doing. Regardless of where you live, you must have access

yourself to this,” the Head of State said.

He assured persons at the function that the government will continue to invest in their education and training.

‘WE

NEED A SMART APPROACH’

“As I speak to you now, we are working on many other collaborative partnerships with partners across the world to bring

ruma Smart Hospital on Monday.

The Head of State said the intention is to utilise the funds to upgrade various facilities across hinterland regions.

“More than $125 billion will be invested in upgrading these facilities, giving you the best working conditions. That is important; giving the population the best possible access to healthcare services; that is what transforms societies,” President Ali said.

Along with this, he related that the government wants to ensure that every region benefits from the grants that are given to every patient that requires dialysis

Another important part of the modernisation of healthcare is the inclusion of equipment, and ensuring that there is basic equipment at the various levels of healthcare.

To aid in this, President Ali said the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony must present a comprehensive list of all equipment that is required at all facilities, to take them to a stage where there is capacity to deliver the best possible service.

In Region One alone, the Head of State said that for the next three years, in Moruca, Mabaruma and Port Kaituma, the government will be investing almost

to quality education, and quality healthcare; this is our commitment to the people of Guyana,” President Ali said.

Regarding human resource investment, the President recently announced significant adjustments to the salary scales of healthcare workers.

“We expect you to perform at the highest level, and I urge you to use this increase to recommit yourself to the people; to the patients that you care for. To recommit yourself to your profession, to recommit yourself to giving the best you can to the people that you see every single day. That is all we ask of you to do; recommit

even more training for you; taking your game a bit higher, because a ‘smart’ hospital is just one part of the equation.

“We need smart people; we need a smart type of thinking. We need a smart approach, and we need a smart vision. All of this will allow the facility itself to be optimally utilised when all of us collectively re-strategise and rethink how we deliver healthcare. So, we hope that these investments will continue to make a strong impact on the lives of people,” President Ali said.

He also expressed gratitude to the UK Government and PAHO/WHO for their

continued support in Guyana’s healthcare restructuring, modernisation and transformation.

The Mabaruma Hospital is the fourth of five hospitals that are part of the Smart Hospital initiative to be commissioned with the Leonora, Diamond and Lethem facilities already completed, and works ongoing on the Paramakatoi facility.

During the commissioning, President Ali also stated that the government will not be concentrating healthcare improvements on the coast, but is creating a “hub-and-spoke” type of system to achieve a worldclass healthcare system in the country.

To further create this type of system, the Head of State added that they are building a spoke mechanism which will see every region having at least a Level Three facility according to international standards, with the addition of more facilities in the regions, depending on the population size.

Meanwhile, speaking of the smart hospital initiative, Minister of Health Dr. Frank

Anthony stated that they were able to look at five facilities to be repurposed and improved.

The health minister added that there is one other facility remaining in Paramakatoi, as he noted that there is a partnership with the Army which is currently working to complete that facility.

“What this has done is we are going to use this as a demonstration of what we can do with other facilities in the country,” Dr Anthony said.

Upgrades to the Mabaruma facility amounted to some US$1 million, which saw the inclusion of a new Intensive Care Unit and the addition of more wards to the facility.

The strengthening Healthcare Facilities in the Caribbean (Smart Hospitals Programme Phase Two), which is funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the Government of the United Kingdom, allocated US$8 million to Guyana for the upgrading of five facilities.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

The newly commissioned Mabaruma Smart Hospital (Office of the President photos)

GECOM Chair awaits report to make decision on local gov’t boundaries

REPRESENTATIVES of the PPP / C ’ s side on the Guyana Elections Commission ( GECOM ) have accepted that in order to ensure a speedy delivery of long - overdue Local Government Elections (LGEs), the secretariat of the elections commission will examine the details of the local area authorities changed by Local Government Minister , Nigel Dharamlall , before a final decision is made by GECOM Chair , Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh. In an invited comment

to the Guyana Chronicle , GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj confirmed this

He said that representatives from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) believe strongly that the actions of the Local Government Minister were lawful Minister Dharamlall ’ s adjustments were done after an extensive consultation process which, no doubt, utilised factors very likely to be considered by the elections secretariat in its report

Gunraj also said the challenges from representatives of the A Partnership for Na-

tional Unity + Alliance For Change ( APNU + AFC ) are intended to delay the holding of LGEs.

With the GECOM chair’s ruling on Monday , Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud will likely submit his report to the commissioners for consideration within two weeks or “ in the shortest possible time.”

If that report is favourable to changes made by Minister Dharamlall , GECOM will adopt those changes and have them gazetted

The political opposition has challenged Minister Dharamlall ’ s lawful right to demarcate boundaries of local area authorities ; this

goes against actions taken by Dharamlall’s predecessor, Ronald Bulkan when the now political opposition was in government

Noting that former Minister Bulkan did a “terrible job ” when he changed the boundaries, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, at a recent press conference, said that the recent action by the PPP/C government corrects those “mistakes.”

More specifically, he said where constituencies were reduced from nine to eight in one area, they were restored to nine in an area

He said the government also extended some areas so that most people who were

not part of a Neighbourhood Democratic Council ( NDC ) area were brought in to one. Added to that, the Vice- President said that in Berbice , where there was a collection of 25 villages in one NDC, those villages were split across two NDCs

In a recent statement , GECOM addressed the matter, saying: “The Chairman pointed out that those changes made to the boundaries of the local authority areas, and any changes to electoral divisions within those Local Authority Areas, are within the legal authority of the Minister

“She emphasised however, that if the Minister sought

(ret’d)

to form or change the configuration of constituencies within those areas, he would have usurped the power granted to the commission to combine and sub-divide electoral divisions to form constituencies.

If such were the case, the minister would have acted outside of his legal remit.”

GECOM Chairperson Justice

Claudette Singh

Gov’t condemns ‘totally erroneous’ statement from IDPADA-G at global forum

FOLLOWING public questions asked of the bizarre spending practices of the International Decade for People of African Descent – Guyana (IDPADA-G), which received hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars over a four-year period, the government has now had to condemn statements made by that body’s Chief Executive Officer Olive Sampson at a recent forum in Geneva, Switzerland.

In a statement of condemnation, Takuba Lodge last week said: “The Government of Guyana expresses its grave concern over totally erroneous and misleading statements made during the second meeting of the first session of the Permanent Forum on Peoples of African Descent in Geneva on December 5, 2022.

“Those statements made by Ms. Olive Sampson, Chief Executive Officer of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly –Guyana, claims discrimination by the Government of Guyana

against people of African descent, and their marginalisation from significant economic opportunities. The Government of Guyana refutes the contents of Ms. Sampson’s statements in their totality; statements which must be condemned and that can only serve to incite hatred, intolerance and mistrust in our society – defeating the very purpose of the Forum.”

According to the ministry, it is appropriate to retrace the genesis of this forum and the consistent support which the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has given to the efforts of the international community to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

At the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance convened in Durban, South Africa over the period August 31 to September 8, 2001, Guyana was there among 170 countries, and contributed to the adoption of the historic Durban

Declaration and Programme of Action.

Guyana is on record as having stated at the Conference that: “The Government of Guyana stands firmly against [the practices of racial incitement, hatred, bigotry, prejudice and injustice], and hopes that out of this conference will come a clear set of concrete recommendations in keeping with the objectives of the Conference as set out in General Assembly resolution 52/111 to preserve the principles of equality and non-discrimination as central pillars of our modern civilization.

“Given that most of our countries enjoy a rich tradition of cultural and racial diversity, we must seek to make these qualities a virtue instead of a vice, and a source of strength instead of weakness. Accordingly, we must find ways and means to reinforce the many strands that make up the fabric of our society.

“Like the United Nations, we have sought to put in place legislation that offers all citizens

equal protection from racial discrimination. We realise, of course, that legislation alone will not deter racism and xenophobia. These are evils that must not be tolerated, and, therefore, must be eradicated. Intolerant beliefs and practices are learnt, and it is therefore by learning also that their irrationality is understood and condemned. Only through an extensive process of education can a change be brought about. We need, therefore, to conceive and implement educational strategies which promote a deeper awareness of the negative impact which these deplorable practices have on us, both as individuals and societies.” (Sept 3, 2001, Durban, South Africa).

In a review of the implementation and follow up to the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action, the United Nations General Assembly adopted, on August 2, 2021, a resolution to establish the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent. Guyana joined in the unanimous adoption of this resolution.

The Permanent Forum was established as a consultative mechanism for people of African descent and other relevant stakeholders as a platform for improving the safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent.

One of the principal mandates of the forum is to contribute to the full political, economic and social inclusion of people of African descent in the societies in which they live as equal citizens without discrimination of any kind, and contribute to ensuring equal enjoyment of all human rights.

The Permanent Forum is also to be open to the participation of other non-governmental organisations, including grass-roots and community-based organizations whose aims and purposes are in conformity with the spirit, purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

“It must be recalled here that the Durban Declaration affirms that “racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related in-

tolerance constitute a negation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

It was further stated: “The inclusive policies being undertaken by the Government of Guyana speak for themselves and can be proven. It is unfortunate that at such a significant forum, Ms. Sampson chose to export the divisive policies of her organization, and to demonstrate the narrow racist bias that continues to cloud the judgement of its members.”

The Durban Declaration affirms that “all peoples and individuals constitute one human family, rich in diversity.”

“This Government will vigorously continue to promote unity in diversity, and pursue its One Guyana vision to ensure that every citizen is accorded a dignified existence, and with due respect for their rights and with equality before the law,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry affirmed.

Sustainable economic development, enhanced trade

— among plethora of initiatives discussed as Guyana, EU reaffirm commitments to partnerships in key areas

THE eighth round of the Guyana-European Union (EU) Political Dialogue in the framework of the ACP-EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement took place on December 12, 2022, at Ramphal House, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The delegations were headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, Hugh Todd and the Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana Rene van Nes.

The Political Dialogue allows for the exchange of information, and fosters mutual understanding in a wide array of topics, including political, economic, trade, and development.

According to a press release from the ministry, the two sides engaged in constructive, wide-ranging and frank discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Discussions centered around several issues of common interest to both parties, such as the war in Ukraine, the human rights situation on both sides, climate change, food security, citizen security and cooperation in multilateral fora.

The two sides also assessed relations between the EU and the Latin America and Caribbean region, and looked forward to the EU-Latin America and the Caribbean Summit to be held in 2023.

Both sides acknowledged that during 50 years of cooperation celebrated this year, the

relationship has developed and evolved very positively.

The relationship between Guyana and the EU is based on shared values and common objectives, such as promoting a rules-based international order with strong multilateral organisations.

“Both sides stressed their full commitment to engage in a political partnership promoting sustainable economic development, deepening of trade relations, the fight against climate change, environmental conservation and inclusive, people-centered development. Noting that Guyana and the EU have shared values, the two sides agreed that the time is opportune to explore new frontiers in their relations,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The EU confirmed its commitment to continue its cooperation activities with Guyana in the framework of a new Multiannual

Indicative Programme for the period 2021-2027.

The programme defines forest partnerships as the priority area, and will support Guyana’s long-term vision for a ‘green’ transition. In addition, technical

assistance is available in areas of mutual concern, such as good governance, eco-tourism, public finance management, fostering business investment and health.

“The EU will remain a loyal supporter of civil society. A new modality will aim at mobilising public and private sector investments in Guyana. Promoting investments is part of the 300 billion Euro initiative, Global Gateway, which aims at connecting Europe to the world via investments and partnerships on digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education and research,” the ministry related.

The EU congratulated Guyana on its long-term vision for a ‘green’ transition, for being a pioneer in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the EU on a Forest Partnership, as well as for the recent historic carbon

credit sale, and the signature of the Voluntary Partnership Agreements with the EU on Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade at COP15 in Montreal.

The European Union also acknowledged the ongoing electoral reform in Guyana, and reiterated its commitment to supporting the electoral reform process as a follow-up to the Election Observation Mission in 2020 and its recommendations.

The Guyanese side reiterated its commitment to democracy, good governance, the rule of law and human rights.

Minister Todd spoke of the government’s holistic approach to development, noting that though the oil-and-gas industry is rapidly developing, equal attention is being given to other sectors of the economy to ensure diversification and productivity.

He also spoke of the wide-ranging actions that the government is taking to create an environment conducive to sustainable and inclusive development. These include guarantees of freedom of expression, equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Minister Todd also emphasised the need for small, developing countries like Guyana that have a number of inherent vulnerabilities, including vulnerability to climate change, to be fairly assessed when making decisions about economic support and cooperation.

The Guyana side also raised the issue of Schengen visa access for Guyanese, and the two sides agreed to continue working together to address the challenges that are currently being experienced.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana Hugh Todd, and the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Guyana Rene van Nes

The Guyanese Experience

A Caribbean Christmas would probably be one of the best things in the world for tourists and those returning home after years of being abroad. But the only other thing better than a Caribbean Christmas is a Guyanese Christmas.

Guyanese at home and abroad can agree that spending time in lovely Guyana during the holidays is the ultimate start to having a perfect holiday vacation. The fuss of turning the entire house upside down for just one period in the entire year adds a sort of misfortune for those kids who must help their moms and or grandmas, and not run off to play with their friends or cousins, to clean and disarrange the entire house.

Paint being placed on freshly wiped walls, and the sweet scent of the Fabuloso all-purpose cleaner placed on windows that probably

haven’t been wiped that well since this time last year. The smell of homemade cakes being baked and ginger beer being brewed, and not forgetting the Pepperpot, are among the very long list of things that makes Guyanese Christmas the best.

You’re never alone during this time when families come together and share in the celebration and thanksgiving. Store clerks and market vendors openly welcome you in to see all things you may not need but purchase anyway, all in the name of Christmas. Traffic never holds back a crowd of excited shoppers as they make their way from store to store in a hurry to get last-minute items they may need on the eve of Christmas. Twinkling lights on most buildings, décor on every home. Public trees decorated, and Christmas parties galore for both children and adults.

But why do we do all of this? Surely none of us wakes up on December first and decides to turn the house upside down and make a huge mess in every room. And no, we certainly don’t dive into crowds upon crowds of shoving excited people just for the fun of it all. It’s a time-honoured tradition to make and celebrate Christmas big in Guyana.

It is almost as though we’re born with this instinct that tells us that it’s Christmas, and we should get excited about it.

We enjoy the masquerades, plan the endless parties, up-turn the entire house, and drown in the never-ending crowds of likeminded people every year, not because we may necessarily want to, or enjoy doing it, but because it simply would not be Christmas without any of it. We may all celebrate it differently in various parts of the country,

but one thing we do have in common is the fact that we are all able to celebrate it in big ways.

It can be admitted that, just like children, adults, too, feel their hearts swell and feel joy whenever they spend time cleaning, cooking or being out in the packed streets across the country.

Immense joy is also felt when giving back to those less fortunate, or when wrapping gifts for your children, and providing them with the things finances simply can’t buy.

The best of this season is being able to have stories to tell for many years to come; the stories of that aunt who never misses an event, or of the children who make funny statements about the way something looks. And then there are the stories of that one family-friend who happens to get so drunk that he falls off the bridge at your

home.

The stories of a woman making it safely out of an abusive relationship, and starting anew; a child being adopted just in time for Christmas; a last-minute promotion or bonus added to your salary. Then there are the stories of the unsung heroes around us; those who, despite not having a lot, give a lot. The stories that inspire us the most to be kind and gentle, and to not take our lives, or our health for granted.

Christmas movie marathons that bring your family closer, and pitch a fresh perspective of life that you’ve never seen or heard of before. Christmas Carols blasting all day in most homes throughout the country. The entire fuss of entering stores along Regent Street for one single thing that you just, “gah get” to make the house look as elegant as ever.

Hiding the gifts from

your child or children who may or may not have seen what’s in the bag already.

Attending all the latenight events on Christmas Eve, or attending church on Christmas Morning for the word, or even just for that feeling of joy.

Seeing everyone around you happy, without a care in the world, even for just a few minutes on that very special day, it gives a warm, fuzzy feeling inside that won’t let go, no matter how hard you try.

It’s the one day that that cranky neighbour says hello to you and genuinely sends a smile your way. The day your parents finally get time off, and can be home with you.

Yes, Christmastime will forever be the most magical time of the year, and because of that, who knows what blessings may come your way during this wonderful holiday.

The unifying victory of Argentina at the well-executed FIFA World Cup in Qatar

The football “fever” is now over. Millions of people across the globe watched the games. Qatar must be commended for successfully hosting the games.

Sports can indeed be a unifying medium,

one that transcends the boundaries of race, religion or politics. The most recent FIFA World cup games are perhaps the best demonstration of this fact. Millions of people watched the

games with great excitement and jubilation. There were some disappointments, but the passion for the game was never in doubt. In the final analysis, it is the spirit of the games

that really matters.

I am personally not a great fan of football, but I have to admit that the victory of Argentina over France did invoke in me a sense of gratification,

perhaps more out of continental solidarity. For me, it was not only a victory for Argentina but for the whole of the Americas of which Guyana is the only English-speaking country in mainland South

America.

Congratulations to Argentina on winning the World Cup!

Yours respectfully, Hydar Ally.

A (world) cup that runneth over

By Orin Gordon

FRENCH coach, Didier Deschamps did something that probably comes naturally to the French bourgeoisie. He summoned men of immigrant stock to do a thankless job of hard labour.

Down 2-nil to Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, he sent on Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram, and, later, with time running out, Kingsley Coman and Eduardo Camavinga. They gave France pace, power, and the ability to run at Argentina, something their decorated compatriots Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann couldn’t provide.

It almost worked. They were first to every 50/50 ball where previously they’d been outhustled. The powerful Thuram won a penalty by besting defender Nicolás Otamendi with a combination of speed and muscle. Late in extra time, Kolo Muani might have won it for France had it not been for an outstanding save by Albiceleste goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.

I jest about Deschamps giving the unfancied jobs to immigrants. France is a modern, multicultural

country, and its Black and Arab players are as French as brie; they’re Frenchmen who happen to be Black. But that’s a country in which Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far- right National Rally (RN), won 42 per cent of the vote in her runoff with President Emmanuel Macron in presidential elections last April. RN is also now the largest opposition party in France’s parliament. Historically, they haven’t seen a mainly Black and Brown football team as representing their ideal of France.

Sport has always been political. In a 1945 essay, “The Sporting Spirit” British author George Orwell wrote that sport is “war minus the shooting.” Jesse Owens’ ruining Hitler’s Aryan showcase in Berlin in 1936 was a great example of that.

North versus south, developed versus developing, small versus big, rich versus poor, colonists versus colonised. Matches were pregnant with meaning and resonance outside of football. Every world cup serves up these storylines. Qatar 2022 certainly did.

Many Iranians in England and the US supported those countries in their matches against

Iran. They considered the footballers to be tools of a government committing murders daily against protestors. Iranians are passionate about football. That was a hugely symbolic protest against the regime.

Morocco beating Spain – their longstanding historical nemesis within touching distance across the Strait of Gibraltar – was bigger than their game. After beating Portugal to get to the semis, the magnificent Moroccans ran aground against France; when fatigue told, and the gap between class and heart couldn’t be bridged.

It was the furthest an African team had progressed in the tournament. Not even the 1990 Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who played one of the world cup’s great matches against England in Naples, or Nigeria’s charismatic Super Eagles of Okocha and Amokachi, at France 1998, could get that far.

Japan lost to Costa Rica – one of the worst teams at the tournament – in between beating powerhouses Germany and Spain. Tunisia beat an already-qualified France, which had an eye on the quarter finals.

Convicted child rapist loses appeal

THE Court of Appeal, on Monday, threw out the appeal of former trade unionist, Micah Williams, who is currently serving two life sentences for raping an eight-year-old girl.

In 2018, Williams was tried before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court, in the Georgetown High Court, for two counts of sexual activity with a child.

The charges alleged that,

on January 1 and 31, 2016, Williams engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16 years.

A 12-member jury found Williams guilty on both counts and he was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years.

Williams had moved to the Court of Appeal claiming that his conviction cannot stand. He had asked that his

sentences be set aside since it was unfair, too severe, and excessive.

The challenge was presided over by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

While delivering the ruling, the acting Chancellor rejected arguments made on behalf of the appellant and said the court

Many in France’s large Arab population didn’t care that France rested its best players, or that Tunisia itself didn’t progress. It wasn’t a meaningless victory. Cameroon beat an already qualified Brazil under similar circumstances. World cup winners, Argentina, lost their first match to Saudi Arabia.

The world cup, Olympics and sports in general are proxies for fights over politics, history and geographical hegemony. Jamaicans delight in crushing Americans on the track in short-race athletics. Caribbean people in the UK cried tears of pride when Clive Lloyd’s team beat England at home, and won two cricket world cups in London.

“A one-man rebuttal against colonial history” was how Matthew Engel, the former editor of Wisden, described a gum-chewing Viv Richards walking to the crease. With a swagger, a maroon cap, and Caribbean cussedness.

I’ll say this again. It was time that the World Cup – at its 22nd staging – was held in the Arab world. That’s not about supporting Qatar and everything that came with it. The global competition

must live up to its name. Egypt and Morocco made a joint bid in 2010. South Africa won. Morocco’s recent success helped, and it will again host FIFA’s club world cup in February. Australasia should have had a shot at the 2026 world cup before the US, Canada and Mexico.

Ultimately, the football was going to be the main story, and a fabulous tournament broke out. Support was passionate and vocal. I wrote on Facebook that no one should get worked up over whether a country they’d never visited, won or lost.

I take that back, and apply it only to me. Supporting the West Indies and Guyana Amazon Warriors has drained me of emotional energy. I had none left to expend on a country that wasn’t mine. I watched without emotional attachment. And without the stress, I enjoyed the football more.

We often instinctively support a team – Team

Orin Gordon

Amber, Team Johnny, Team Meghan. Apart from that, many non-Argentine Argentina supporters wanted a win for Messi. His pursuit of the greatest prize to have eluded him was compelling. There’s also escapism. We don’t have to believe in dragons to be on Team Daenerys in ‘Game of Thrones’. That’ s the beauty of sport; and even if Lethem is the furthest south you’ll get on this continent, rooting for Argentina is fine by me.

I’m similarly relaxed about bandwagonism. There’s logic in transferring your support to another team if yours got eliminated. Soca artistes Nessa Preppy and Motto were right. “Don’t tote no feelings”.

Move on to the next bandwagon. I just hope you didn’t hop onto that many.

Orin Gordon is a former editor, reporter and analyst for BBC World Service – in news, business and sport.

did not find that the trial judge erred in her sentencing. As such, the appeal was dismissed.

Micah Williams

Flood-affected Mocha residents to benefit from improved drainage

A SERIES of much-needed drainage works will soon commence at Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD), to mitigate the effects of flooding.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who on Monday met with several farmers and residents in the area.

Torrential rainfall over the last few days resulted in flooding in sections of the farming areas in Mocha and other communities along the EBD corridor.

Farmers in the area related to Minister Mustapha that the continuous rainfall has left farms inundated and severely damaged.

Some residents also complained that ongoing infrastructural works aback of the community also result-

ed in the accumulation of water in some areas.

In response to the farmers, Mustapha said a team of engineers attached to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Ministry of Housing and Water will visit the affected areas to conduct assessments to further determine the most effective means of addressing the flooding.

“The residents are saying that some of the housing development that is taking place is causing some of the back-ups. So, our engineers will be visiting all the areas to see what we have to do to reduce flooding,” Mustapha said.

He added: “Our engineers along with engineers from the Ministry of Housing are here and they

will be visiting all of the affected areas to see what is needed to address the flooding issues. Before the

end of the day, the engineers should complete their preliminary report so that we can move forward with implementing appropriate measures to bring relief to those affected.

“We already have a machine in the area, working. When the report is complete, we’ll be able to say what short-term and other measures can be put in place to deal with this situation.”

Meanwhile, the Civil

Defence Commission’s (CDC)’ Public Relations Officer (PRO), Patrice Wishart, on Monday confirmed that floodwaters have started to recede in several communities along the EBD corridor.

Further, Wishart noted that a team will be mobilized to provide relief to the residents who were affected.

“A change in the weather pattern along the East Bank corridor has caused

some flood impacts; however the water is receding as we speak and we are in the process of distributing relief supplies to persons living in that area.”

On Sunday, the Ministry of Agriculture through the NDIA installed a new pump at the Peter’s Hall sluice. The pump will complement the sluice to assist with draining the flooded areas.

Earlier this month, Guyana’s Hydrometeorological Service had cautioned that the upcoming rainy season, December-January, will not be favourable, with ‘wetter’ than usual weather conditions.

Persons in low-lying, riverine, and flood-prone areas were advised to take the necessary precautions against flooding, as over-topping is likely from above-normal high tides.

Persons are also urged to report floods, damage to sea defences, overtopping and landslides to the National Emergency Monitoring Systems (NEMS) by telephone: 226-1027, 226-1117, 6007500 (Whatsapp) 6049929.

‘Devil’ sentenced to life for raping girl with disability

JUSTICE Sandil Kissoon on Monday sentenced Rondell Chappel called ‘Devil’ to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years for brutally raping at knifepoint, a 15-year-old girl with a disability.

Chappel, 35, of ‘A’ Field, Sophia, was sentenced at the Demerara High Court.

In November, a jury found him guilty of engaging in sexual penetration with the teen between September 5-6, 2020.

The state was represented by prosecutors Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Marisa Edwards; Chappel was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir.

According to the case facts during the period in

question, while the teen was home alone, Chappel broke in through a window and raped her at knifepoint.

He made good his escape but was later arrested by the police after a report was

filed.

Justice Kissoon while delivering his sentencing remarks, said that such conduct and behaviour and acts must never be condoned or accepted.

He added that the horrific and disturbing offence stands among the worst of the worst crimes in society.

He further remarked that the prevalence of sexual crimes within society has escalated to a point of alarm.

In sentencing Chappel, the judge considered the prevalence of such offences, particularly in Guyana.

He sentenced Chappel to serve life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years and ordered that he undergo counselling.

Rondell Chappel called ‘Devil’

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha meeting with Mocha-Arcadia farmers and residents on Monday (Ministry of Agriculture photo)

Land surveyor allegedly murdered, robbed on Cuyuni trail

POLICE are currently investigating the “alleged murder” of land surveyor, Ricky Ambrose, whose lifeless body, with multiple injuries, was found at ‘Guana’ Sand Trail, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, on Sunday.

According to a police release, Ambrose, 40, of Profit’s Square, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was a licensed firearm holder of a 32. pistol and was also employed as a ranger with Alphonso Mining in the Cuyuni River.

Investigations so far revealed that, at approximately 05:00 hours on Sunday, Ambrose left Arimu Landing en route to ‘Guana’ Sand Landing with his ATV #CK 3965.

However, at approximately 11:00 hours on the said day, a 24-yearold miner was heading from his worksite to camp ground when he stumbled upon Ambrose’s body along the Arimu trail.

Ambrose was discovered lying motionless, with multiple inju-

ries, about 20 feet from his ATV.

An alarm was raised, and a report was subsequently made at the Bartica Police Station.

“The report was received at about 14:20 hours on Sunday. At 15:15 hours, a Sergeant, a Corporal, and a Constable left for the

scene, via Police ATV #CL1738. After crossing over the Mazaruni River at Teperu, the axle of the ATV broke. The three ranks quickly managed to get it fixed and continued their journey through the trail.

“They arrived at Arimu backdam at 00:30 [hours] and continued the journey, proceeding through a back trail to the scene, where they encountered a creek which prevented them from crossing. They remained there until daylight and crossed the creek, arriving at the scene at about 06:00 hours this morning [Monday],” the release said.

The scene was processed and photo -

graphed by police and no firearm, gold or cash was found.

The body was escorted to Bartica Hospital while additional ranks joined the team. The investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force said it had taken note of a statement emanating from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) as it relates to the police’s response.

The release added that the facts as stated above, highlight the challenges encountered by the police ranks in getting to the scene.

The GGDMA, in its statement, said that it had also learnt that the police only visited the area sometime on Mon-

day morning to assess the scene and remove the body.

“The GGDMA finds this response by the police as being poor since Arumu is not a far distance away from Bartica,” the statement said.

The Association used the opportunity to express its condolences to the family and friends of the late Ricky Ambrose and called on the authorities to conduct a proper investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

“The Association also calls on the authorities [to] put proper systems in place at our borders to negate all criminal activities,” the statement added.

Fire Chief warns against unsafe practices during Christmas season

ACTING Fire Chief Gregory Wickham, on Monday implored persons to avoid unwanted fires and avoid any behaviour that could lead to incidents of fire.

The Fire Chief (ag) related that during the holiday season, it is expected that people attach decorations to buildings, whether electrically or otherwise, so it is important that they be extremely careful when doing so.

“…be very careful in the use of electricity so that you do not overload the electrical circuits; that you do not leave the cooking unattended;

that you do not run the drop cords under the carpets because those will lead to fire,” he said during an interview with the National Communications Network (NCN).

Wickham also related that illegal electricity connections could lead to a dark Christmas,

even for the innocent.

“Stealing electricity is illegal and so the police will have their part to play with that. As it relates to members and communities doing that, we advise them that it is something that they should not do,” he said.

He added: “Many persons would have

[sic] lost their homes due to the fact that they were stealing electricity and therefore, it

was not regulated as to what they should have the amperage in their homes; and so we

would always advise members of the public to desist from stealing electricity.”

Ricky Ambrose

Fire Chief (ag), Gregory Wickham

Elderly Guyanese not left out of govt’s development agenda

— Finance Minister says at Salvation Army hamper distribution

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, has said that the government remains committed to advancing the life of every Guyanese, especially the elderly, as it forges ahead with building a modern Guyana.

Dr Singh, in his address to persons at the Salvation Army’s (Guyana Division) Christmas Hamper Distribution on Alexander Street, alluded to several initiatives to improve the quality of life of pensioners, which include a nearly 40 per cent increase in old age pension since 2020, as well as investments in public health such as six regional hospitals and various tele -

medicine centres in hinterland regions across the country

“We are committed to improving the lives of our elderly,” he said.

Dr Singh reminded the gathering, amidst concerns raised, that some persons were having difficulties with their pensions, that he has been spearheading National Insurance Scheme (NIS) outreaches across the country in several regions to deal with the various matters.

The minister related that this initiative will continue and that the government is committed to resolving all of the problems.

Dr Singh alluded to President Ali’s One Guyana initiative, which he said, has a

deeper meaning to include each citizen of every religion and from every location in the country.

“This is not by accident and our President has adopted a philosophy to characterize all that we do, a philosophy

of One Guyana…the One Guyana that President Ali has adopted as the special theme of his Presidency is a philosophy that will see and is committed to seeing every single Guyanese person playing a meaningful part and

participating fully in and benefitting fully from the modern Guyana that we’re building,” he said.

The minister praised the Salvation Army for its excellent work and initiatives over the years, highlighting its programme to help persons recover from drug and alcohol addiction; this has helped hundreds of persons.

“I am proud as a representative of this government to publicly associate myself and my government with the excellent work that is being done by the Salvation Army,” the Finance Minister said.

Dr Singh lauded the elderly for their contributions to the country over the years and said that now is the time

for young Guyanese to stay in school, as the modern Guyana being built will require certain types of skills and this is why the government is building more schools across the country.

“Those of you who have children and grandchildren, you have the responsibility to say to them, ‘aspire to get a good job, aspire to get a good income and work and develop yourselves,” he advised persons.

Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, Edward Boyer, expressed gratitude to the PPP/C government for its significant support over the years.

Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Chairman of the Advisory Board, Edward Boyer, hand out hampers

$3.8M to rebuild three dilapidated bridges in Sophia

THE Ministry of Housing and Water is investing $3.8 million to reconstruct three dilapidated bridges between Section ‘B’ and ‘C’ Turkeyen (Sophia ), Georgetown, that lead to the Bright Future’s Day Care, Pre-school and Nursery School.

Minister within the Min-

istry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, visited the site on Monday, along with a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority and representatives from Four JS Construction Services.

Minister Rodrigues stated that education delivery and adequate infrastructure

play a fundamental role in the development of children and are, therefore a vital part of the government’s programmes and policies.

“In the coming years we want to ensure that all of the bridges and the accesses to schools, [including] footpaths and so on to schools across the country will be fixed, as a priority for our children,” she stated.

Materials are already on the ground and construction of the three new timber bridges will commence immediately. The Minister stated that the works are expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

Minister Rodrigues first visited the site on December 9, 2022, following the commissioning of the $51 million multi-purpose facility in the area. She was made aware of the issue by some of the teachers and other residents.

During Monday’s visit, the Principal of Bright Fu -

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, leads residents as she crosses one of the three dilapidated bridges

ture’s Day Care, preschool and Nursery School, Ms Sohodra Stephenson, expressed satisfaction with the quick response from the Minister. She said the school, which currently has over sixty (60) children, was established in 2003.

Over time the bridges

became deplorable, and she and her teachers explored several avenues to have the matter addressed to no avail.

Principal of Bright Future’s Day Care, Pre-school and Nursery School, Ms. Sohodra Stephenson stated

“We’re very very grateful for this because the bridge doesn’t only serve the school but it serves the entire environment.” she added that parents and students hail from various parts of Georgetown.

16 military officers ready to take on leadership roles

SIXTEEN junior Officers, including two from the Barbados Defence Force, one from St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, and two from the Guyana Police Force, have completed the Junior Command and Staff Course 30 (JCSC 30).

The 13-week course was conducted under the tutelage of the Training Corps’ Colonel Cecil Martindale Command and Staff School (CCMCSS) and met its objective of preparing the Officers to function effectively and efficiently as commanders and staff officers at the junior level across the spectrum of military operations.

It officially concluded on December 19, 2022, following a simple but significant ceremony conducted in the Executive Room at the Officers’ Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna.

The Junior Officers were nurtured and assessed in several areas, including Battle Procedures, Combat Arms, Defensive and Offensive Operations, Internal Security, Military Operations in Special Environments, Military Law, Communication Studies, Administration, and

Management.

During his feature address, Chief-of- Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, congratulated the graduates and Directing Staff on the course’s success. He charged the graduates to be the epitome of the junior leaders, Defence Headquarters envisages them to be, and carry themselves in a manner befitting of the leadership skills, values, and standards instilled in them during the course.

“It is our expectation that you will all be leaders of integrity. Be true to our oath of allegiance, specifically to act without fear or favour, affection or ill will in the execution of your duties. Conduct yourselves with the maturity expected of graduates of this course,” he charged

Brigadier Bess, also utilised the opportunity to outline the importance of the participation of the Officers from the other militaries in the region and the local sister service during the course, which he firmly stated highlights the need for “regional integration, interoperability, and coordination” as the region addresses common threats

“Commonalities in training will provide a platform that is resilient enough for us to be efficient not only in our respective domestic environments but also in our regional framework,” he posited.

Brigadier also expressed his pleasure in the inclusion of the Guyana Police Force after a five-year hiatus, which he believes strengthens bonds within the Joint Services when dealing with Internal

Security issues.

Two Officers performed exceptionally well and were awarded prizes for their excellence. Lieutenant Lewins Langellier of the GDF, who continuously demonstrates excellent leadership attributes, received the prizes for Best Graduating Student and Best Service Paper, while his colleague, Captain Neville Corbin of the Barbados Defence Force , was adjudged

the Runner Up.

Lieutenant Langellier, in brief remarks, expressed his delight in completing the course and his satisfaction in being the Best Graduating Student.

The young Officer dedicated his recent success to his family and loved ones, describing it as an improvement in his professional and personal development . He further shared that his most

essential takeaways were values, standards, leadership skills, and teamwork.

He pointed out that the experience and knowledge garnered have prepared him for the next stage of his military career development. Lt Langellier is eager to continue to serve the GDF and participate as an agent of positive changes in his organisation and country.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess (centre seated), flanked by other senior officers and the junior officers (standing) who completed the Junior Command and Staff Course 30 (JCSC 30)

–– after completing 13-week course under Colonel Cecil Martindale Command and Staff School (CCMCSS)

Adjustment of China’s COVID measures a boon to economic recovery

WHETHER those long-standing doomsayers like it or not, a new set of measures to optimise China’s epidemic response will continue to facilitate the recovery of the world’s second-largest economy.

It’s not a hasty assumption, but a rational assessment in view of the tremendous resilience, enormous potential and long-term sustainability of the Chinese economy.

With the flow of people and exchange of goods to be further facilitated, the new policies are set to gradually revive business activities across a wide range of sectors, including consumer spending, investment and foreign trade -- thus the huge market potential will be unleashed to allow economic output to expand.

As the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s managing di-

rector Kristalina Georgieva puts it, the decisive steps by Chinese authorities in recalibrating their ‘COVID’ policies can create a better impetus for reviving growth in China, particularly if combined with more broadbased vaccinations, provision of anti-viral treatment, and ramping up healthcare capacity. This can be very good for the Chinese people and economy, and also good for Asia and the world economy.

Signs of recovery have begun to emerge. For instance, all Top 100 companies in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area have resumed production, while about 99.5 per cent of the major projects in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality have restored construction.

Some localities in China are moving fast to boost foreign trade and investment. The

city of Suzhou, in east China’s Jiangsu Province, has chartered a plane to send a business delegation to France and Germany. A series of investment promotion fairs are scheduled. Similar business matchmaking and promoting events have also been initiated in east China’s Anhui Province.

Morgan Stanley raised its forecast for China’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 to 5.4 per cent from its previous outlook of 5 per cent, predicting that a rebound in activity will come earlier and be sharper than expected.

Despite headwinds, the sound fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain unshakable. China secured another bumper grain harvest in 2022, marking the eighth consecutive year that the country has reaped a grain harvest of over 650 billion kg. This has provided

strong support for stabilizing the economy and laid a solid foundation for the country to tackle various risks and challenges.

In the first 11 months of 2022, the Chinese economy saw a steady expansion in fixed-asset investment, industrial output and online retail sales, despite challenges posed by domestic COVID-19 outbreaks and a complicated global environment.

China’s good track record offers reason for optimism. For the past three years, China has maintained the overall stability of its economy, ensured grain supply, kept industrial and supply chains basically stable, and effectively protected people’s lives and health.

China became the first major economy to achieve positive growth in 2020. In 2021, its economy expanded 8.1 per cent year on year, bringing the

average growth rate from 2020 to 2021 to 5.1 per cent. Facing the impact of the epidemic and other factors beyond expectation this year, China promptly introduced a policy package for stabilizing the economy. The downward trend at the beginning of the second quarter was quickly reversed, and the economy is recovering and showing stabilizing momentum.

Although it was inevitable that GDP growth would fluctuate this year in the face of many unexpected factors including the epidemic, it is necessary to handle this issue rationally and to seek truth from facts. Efforts should be continued in order to achieve an overall improvement in economic performance, characterized by higher quality and reasonable growth.

The Central Economic Work Conference that concluded on Friday in Beijing demand-

ed making economic stability a top priority and pursuing steady progress while ensuring economic stability for the next year.

The meeting noted, for an economy of China’s size, it is vital to maintain a stable economic performance. Efforts will be made to stabilize growth, employment, and prices so that major economic indicators will stay within an appropriate range. The potential of the domestic market will also be fully tapped so that domestic demand can play a stronger role in driving economic growth.

China has policy reserves to bolster its economy and counter downward pressure. China is moving towards a more optimized epidemic response, and this means the market and market confidence will receive a boost.

(Xinhua)

China shows leadership in promoting global biodiversity protection, says UN official

(Xinhua) In holding the COP15 presidency, China has shown leadership in global biodiversity protection, Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has said.

COP15 refers to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. It has been deemed a landmark meeting, with delegates expected to adopt a global biodiversity deal to reverse biodiversity loss.

“China has been phenomenal,” Andersen told Xinhua in an interview.

China hosted the phaseone meeting of COP15 in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, with the adoption of the Kunming declaration, which is a “significant push” for biodiversity talks.

Having chaired meetings concerning the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, “China is really showing leadership at the international level,” she said.

“I will thank China for its leadership. I think that has been something quite remarkable in complex times,” she said. “And we have seen China being very steadfast in this regard.”

At home, China has done rather well under the banner of ecological civilization, said Andersen, while speaking highly of China’s red-lining policy and nature conservation efforts, including bringing the panda back from extinction.

She added that China is also working diligently to cut carbon emissions and address air pollution.

In the negotiation process, many voices have been heard, including those from the private sector, the scientific sector, the financing sector, youth, indigenous people and women’s groups.

“I think that having all

of these voices together is really meaningful,” she said. “It is a different COP. It’s a moment of transformation by a broader societal approach.”

As for developing countries’ appeals for more funding and technical support, Andersen said it is well understood that developing countries will need help to protect their biodiversity.

“The United Nations needs to make sure that the money actually gets delivered and delivered to the people who needed the most,” Andersen said.

MOU signed to train, license electrical contractors

we’re training in electrical installation,” Minister Hamilton explained.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, revealed that the MOU has opened an avenue for hundreds of women and men in the field to be adequately trained.

He said it was the intention of the PPP/C Administration, under the stewardship of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to make the delivery of services to citizens eas-

ier.

“I am pleased that the Ministry of Public Works [is] engaging with the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training to participate in improving the service delivery to people, by ensuring we have more qualified, certified, and quality control in this area,” he noted.

He said he has charged the GEI to work more proactively due to the increase

in electrical fires and ensure inspections are carried out on government buildings.

“When the buildings were built, the circuits and amps they put in there were not for what is happening now. So, we have to do a lot of upgrades and, in doing those upgrades, we got to get people out there with the skills to get it done,” Minister Edghill explained.

(DPI)

THE Ministry of Labour – Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Ministry of Public Works-Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) have collaborated to train and assess persons who wish to acquire an electrical contractor’s licence.

This was made possible with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

CEO of BIT, Richard Maughn and Chief Elec-

trical Inspector (ag) of GEI, Kevon Grimmond, inked the agreement on Monday.

Through the MOU, the Public Works Ministry will provide the syllabus for the programme, while BIT will facilitate training and conduct assessments of persons wishing to attain the licence.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, said that both ministries found it important to have

the issue of contractors paying hefty fines for a building to be ‘signed off’ discontinued.

“A lot of people run wires in the construction industry but, in large measure, most of them are unable to sign off on a building […] so, we’re attempting here together, collaboratively, to bring that to an end to see how the inspectorate department can help us with the accreditation, certification of persons

Man gets 14 years for raping sleeping woman

on Monday sentenced Rudolph Williams called ‘Stewart’ to 14 years behind bars for breaking into a 22-year-old woman’s house and raping her while she slept.

Williams, 34, was sentenced in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

In November, a jury found Williams guilty of raping the victim between September 29-30, 2021.

Reports are that the victim awoke during the rape and raised an alarm. Williams was arrested and later

Rudolph Williams called ‘Stewart’

charged.

The state was represented by State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Marisa Edwards. Williams

was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir.

While delivering his sentencing remarks, the judge told the court that, among other things, he considered that Williams showed no remorse for his actions and the psychological trauma the victim had endured.

The judge, after taking into consideration the nature and prevalence of the offence, sentenced Williams to serve 14 years for the crime.

As part of his sentence, the convicted man will be required to attend counselling for sex offenders.

JUSTICE Sandil Kissoon

From left: Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill; Chief Electrical Inspector (ag) of GEI, Kevon Grimmond; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton and BIT CEO, Richard Maughn

England closing in on win

(ESPNCRICINFO) - England need another 55 runs to win the third Test in Karachi and inflict Pakistan's first-ever men's Test series whitewash on home soil, after Rehan Ahmed became the youngest man to take a five-wicket haul on debut at 18 years and 128 days old.

Rehan, who was held back until the fourth hour of

the third day by Ben Stokes, titled the game back in England's favour when he broke a determined fourth-wicket stand between Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, then ran through the middle and lower order to finish with 5 for 48 in only his fourth firstclass appearance.

England were set 167 to win and with a nominal 22 overs left on the third evening, they set about trying to chase the runs before the close. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett thrashed 87 runs in 11.3 overs, Rehan was promoted to No. 3 as a "night-hawk" and Stokes threw his bat towards the square leg umpire trying to heave Nauman Ali for six, but bad light intervened with 55 more runs required.

Jack Leach had taken three wickets in the space of six balls in the morning session to remove Pakistan's top order and after a long wait before returning to the attack, Rehan made a similar impact on the game in a five-over burst before the tea interval.

His first wicket was a freebie, Babar pulling a drag-down straight to Ollie Pope at short midwicket after bringing up his second half-century of the match. But his next two came from good balls: the second, a leg-break that gripped and found Mohammad Rizwan's outside edge; the third, a hard-spun googly that Shakeel top-edged straight to square leg on the sweep.

Rehan returned in the evening session to polish off the lower order: Mohammad Wasim hacked him to midoff, and Salman Ali Agha miscued a sweep to backward square leg. He sank to his knees to perform a sajdah, then beamed from ear to ear as he led the team off. His father, Naeem, watching from the stands, wiped away tears as he applauded.

That led to a sprint towards the finish line, which started with Crawley skipping down and whipping the first ball through wide mid-on for four. Duckett exchanged boundaries with his opening partner as Pakistan's shoulders slumped, and England raced to 58 for 0 after six overs.

Babar turned to his seamers, who briefly slowed the scoring, seemingly ensur -

ing that the game would go into a fourth day, but England continued to show their attacking intent. When Crawley was trapped lbw by Abrar Ahmed, Rehan strode out - having batted at No. 8 in the first innings - and flogged his first ball down the ground for four.

He lost his off stump shortly after for a shot-a-ball 10 off 8 and despite Stokes' best efforts alongside Duckett - who quietly racked up a 38-ball half-century, his

fourth 50-plus score of the series - England fell just short of the finish line. They are unlikely to hang around on the fourth morning.

Earlier, Shan Masood had hit the first two balls of the day for four as Pakistan looked to grow their lead, but after a positive start, lost his leg stump while bottom-edging an attempted reverse-sweep off Leach.

Azhar Ali was greeted with handshakes by England's fielders but his final

innings before his retirement from international cricket was all too brief. His fourth ball was full, pitching on leg-stump, but turned sharply away from the bat as he looked to whip wristily through midwicket. It crashed into the top of off stump. Azhar trudged off through a guard of honour from his team-mates.

At the start of his next

over, Leach struck again, trapping Shafique lbw with a ball that skidded on off the pitch. Shakeel survived the hat-trick ball, but Pakistan were effectively 4 for 3. He dug in alongside Babar either side of the lunch break for a stand eventually worth 110 - but Rehan's introduction half an hour before tea changed the game.

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Rehan Ahmed led England off after taking a five-for on Test debut (Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Sharma ruled out of second test against Bangladesh

Region Four rampant in 16-0 win against Region Eight on Sunday

on

It was a goal fest on Sunday at the National Track & Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora when play resumed in the group stage of the One Guyana President’s Cup football tournament. A total of 20 goals

with six goals while centre forward Nicholas McArthur etched his name on the scoresheet four times (51st, 75th, 76th and 78th minutes).

Omari Glasgow (30th and 45th+1) and Ryan Hack-

three more strikes to their tally.

Andre Mayers doubled the lead in the 54th minute and Kendolph Lewis made it 3-0 with a good finish the 81st minute, before McAllister completed his brace in added time.

The One Guyana President’s Cup will enter the

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Rohit Sharma, the India captain, has been ruled out of the upcoming Dhaka Test as he continues to nurse a thumb injury that he picked up during the ODI series in Bangladesh. Rohit is currently recuperating in Mumbai.

Rohit injured his thumb while fielding in the slips in the second ODI, and was immediately flown home with the aim of having him ready for at least the second Test. Scans in the aftermath of the incident revealed a dislocation that needed a few stitches.

ESPNcricinfo understands Rohit's injury is healing well, but is still deemed

risky given the volume of cricket India are due to play over the next two months. He is likely to undergo a medical assessment next week.

India play six ODIs and as many T20Is in January against Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home, the squad for which will be announced in due course. The whiteball leg will be followed by a four-Test series at home against Australia beginning February 9.

It isn't clear yet if the new selection panel will be in place before the squad is chosen for India's home season. As of Monday, no interviews had taken place.

With Rohit unavailable,

KL Rahul will continue to lead India, with Cheteshwar Pujara as his deputy. Rohit's absence also means Shubman Gill, who hit his maiden Test century in India's 188run win in Chattogram, is expected to continue opening the batting with Rahul. Abhimanyu Easwaran is the reserve opener in the squad.

The Indian team arrived in Dhaka on Monday morning after wrapping up victory in Chattogram in the opening session of the final day on Sunday. They're expected to hold two training sessions - on Tuesday and Wednesdayin the lead-up to the second Test at the Shere-Bangla Stadium.

were recorded with Region 10 defeating Region Two 4-0 in the opening match while tournament favourite, Region Four, humbled Region Eight 16-0 in the feature clash.

Kelsey Benjamin (19th, 34th, 40th, 45th, 85th and 90th minutes), the tournament’s leading scorer, spearheaded the win for the men from Demerara-Mahaica

ett (33rd and 44th) netted a double each, while Curtez Kellman (68th) and Tyrese Dennis (83rd) added one apiece.

Region 10 ran away with a 4-0 win over Region Two in the opening game. Tyric McAllister gave his side a 1-0 lead at half-time after scoring in the 26th minute.

Following the break, the ENet-sponsored side added

sixth night of inter-region play tonight with Region One versus Region 10 at 18:00hrs, and Region Seven against Region Nine at 20:30hrs at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Admission to tonight’s matches will be $1,000 for adults while children will enter free.

Three Kenyan athletes banned for Anti-doping infringements

(BBC) - Three Kenyan athletes have been banned for a collective period of eight years after breaking anti-doping rules.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has banned marathon runners, Alice Jepkemboi Kimutai and Johnstone Kibet Maiyo for three years, and sprinter Mark Otieno for two.

Otieno, 29, tested posi-

tive for the banned anabolic steroid, Methasterone, moments before the 100m heats at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

It meant he was not allowed to compete.

Otieno, a three-time national 100m champion, will have his ban backdated from the Games and end in July 2023.

The suspension for No -

vember's Porto marathon winner Kimutai - who tested positive for the male hormone testosterone - began on 16 November.

Maiyo's ban started on 20 July for returning a positive test for erythropoietin (EPO).

Last month the east African country avoided a sanction by governing body World Athletics - despite

having 55 athletes serving suspensions - after committing to spend $25m over the next five years to combat doping.

Kenya's sports minister, Ababu Namwamba, then announced they intended to criminalise doping in athletics in an attempt to bring an end to a string of cases in the sport.

Sprinter Mark Otieno is one of the three Kenyan athletes to receive a ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit

Rohit Sharma had injured his thumb while fielding in the slips in the second ODI (Walton)

One Guyana President’s Cup football tourney

C/Ships

Allicock relentless against Surinamese to take title

By Sean Devers

WITH the GDF Band Corps back in full swing after missing night two, pulsating Music emanating from Uprising Sounds and the largest crowd of the three nights present, the atmosphere on Sunday night at the Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championships at the National Gymnasium was absolutely fantastic.

The final night of the card, back for the first time in two years, started nearly two hours late but when Troy Glasgow knocked out fellow GDF boxer Aubrey Headley to climax the entertaining Championships, the fans who left the venue after 01:00 hrs yesterday morning had their money’s worth.

When the dust had settled, it was the Terrence Poole-coached GDF who had successfully defended the title they had won in 2019 while FYF, led by Olympian Keevin Allicock, finished in second place.

Allicock, watched by his fiancée Hema Singh and her family, was relentless in his emphatic win over Samuel Greene of Suriname, who survived six standing eightcounts in the three rounds of fistic fury as Guyana’s

‒ GDF successfully defend ‘Best Gym’ crown

best amateur pugilist was again crowned featherweight champion …and for the first time in an amateur card in the English speaking Caribbean…received cash along with his gold medal.

Allicock’s fellow Albouystown resident and FYF stable-mate, Brian Harris, achieved the rare feat of winning the triple-crown.

The 21-year-old, who landed a punishing right to the jaw of GDF’s Triston Browne to knock him out in third round of their Middleweight final, had, earlier in the year, won the National Novices and the National Intermediate titles.

Super Heavyweight champion Glasgow was adjudged the tournament’s Best Boxer after winning all three of his fights by way of knock-outs.

The beverages flowed and there was no shortage of chicken, chips and burgers sold by Guyana’s only female boxing promotor, Shoba DaSilva. The large and raucous crowd, which included Director of Sport and GBA president, Steve Ninvalle, new Deputy Director of Sport, Frankie Wilson, National Women’s singles lawn tennis champion and NSC’s member Christie Campbell, Promotor Seon

Bristol and his bikini models, all had a rollicking time.

In the ‘Square Circle’ the 23-year-old Allicock, fighting in a featured bout, attacked the 27-year-old Dutchman Greene with lightning fast combinations and perfectly directed left Japs which set up big rights to the head of his man.

Greene demonstrated great courage and count -

er-punched, hitting Allicock with a couple of straight handed shots but the twice Pan Am bronze medallist was never hurt.

A stinging left-right combo hurt Greene and the referee conducted the first standing eight-count before Greene received three more standing eight-counts in the second round as Allicock charged in for the kill, but

Greene was saved by the bell.

In the final round, the visitor was riddled with fiveshot combinations but refused to go down although he was hurt on several occasions.

Retaliating with meek shots of his own, Greene received two more standing eight-counts and many times left himself open for the upper-cut.

After a couple of school boys fights in which VBG’s Glaston Winter beat RHJ’s Roopesh Balgobin and VBG’s Shaquon Marshall defeated FYF’s Kendel Demonic, the Elites division commenced.

Richard Subratee of the FYF and Komal Kissoon, who got a walk-over on Saturday night, went at each other in the first round but the South-paw Subratee fired several good right jabs into the face of Kissoon which set up some lethal overhand lefts resulting in the contest being stopped in 2 minutes 34 seconds of the opening round of their Minimumweight final.

Policeman Deron Williams beat gym-mate Kevin Isaacs in the Flyweight final before Jullius Kesney, from the Army, demonstrated faster hand speed and fitness

against FYF Seon Griffith to win the Bantamweight title.

Joel Williamson from RHJ won the Lightweight title when he beat FYF’s Richard Howard while RHJ’s Jamal Eastman beat Patrick Harvey of FYF in the Junior Welterweight final.

GDF’s Colin Lewis got the better of FYF Mark Crawford who continued his bout despite nursing an elbow injury in the Welterweight final while Emmanuel Sancho beat fellow Policeman Clinton Graham in the Light Middleweight final.

In the big boys fights, the GDF drums rolled and their fans danced in the stands as the soldiers won the Light Heavyweight, Cruiserweight and the Super Heavyweight titles while Emmanuel Pompey from the Winston Pompey Boxing Gym beat VBG’s Kevin Harris in the Heavyweight final.

Desmond Amsterdam beat fellow soldier, Quincy Boyce (light heavy); Aluko Bess beat stable-mate Daren France (Cruiserweight) and Glasgow knocked out GDF’s Headley in one minute and 40 seconds (super heavyweight) to climax a successful event in which each medal winner collected their medal and a cash.

West Indies women crumble to series defeat against England

CMC – West Indies Women again failed to inspire confidence when off-spinner Charlie Dean produced a career-best effort, and England clinched a 17-run win in the third Twenty20 International on Saturday to take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Dean took 4-19 in her four overs, and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone took 2-28 in her four, and the Windies Women reached 140 for eight, in reply to England’s 157 for six, under the lights at Kensington Oval.

Apart from a top score of 38 from Rashada Williams, 35 from their captain Hayley Matthews, and 21 from hometown queen, Trishan Holder, the rest of the batting of the Caribbean side failed to fire.

The West Indies Women lost the first T20I by eight

wickets last Sunday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, and the second T20I last Wednesday by 16 runs at Kensington Oval, where they will also play the final two matches of the series on Sunday and on Wednesday.

The defeat was also the 10th for the Windies Women in their last 12 T20Is against the English Women, dating back over the past three years.

“The effort we’ve shown in the last two games, in particular this one is very pleasing,” West Indies Women’s head coach, Courtney Walsh said.

“It’s also good that we’ve got some youngsters around who are showing the fight. We’re trying to create a different team culture and approach and learning is taking place all the time.

“It’s a loss in terms of

the series, but I am pleased with what I am seeing with the bigger picture of what lies ahead for the tri-series and World Cup.”

The hosts were on the back-foot from early when the visitors were set up by a 60-run opening stand between Sophie Dunkley, whose 44 off 31 balls was the top score, and Winfield-Hill with 24.

West Indies Women slowed things down in the middle overs, and England Women laboured to 107 for four in the 14th over.

But the Windies Women let things slip when Heather Knight made 43 from 27 balls that included five fours and one six and dominated a fifth wicket stand of 40 with Alice Davidson-Richards to beef up the total before she fell with seven balls remaining in the innings.

Terrence Ali Nat Open Boxing

Brian Harris won the triple crown for 2022 winning the Novice, Intermediate and Open titles (Sean Devers photo)

West Indies Women’s wicket-keeper, Kycia Knight, (left) watches Heather Knight pull during her innings of 43 (CWI Media photo)

Ramsammy continues Mr Guyana reign

‒ Campbell wins sixth Mr Physique title

DARIOUS ‘Razor’ Ramsammy has retained the prestigious Mr Guyana title—his second consecutive victory at the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) Senior Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships, which was held at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday evening.

The event was about dominance as Central American and Caribbean medallist Emmerson Campbell won his sixth Mr Physique title and cemented his legacy in the event.

IFBB Elite Pro, Rosanna Fung was also impressive as she won the Ms Bikini Wellness event. Wellness requires more mass on the lower body and shoulders than Ms Bikini, which is more of a toned beach body battle.

Fung, who has dominated the Ms Bikini competition over the last few years, proved her dominance when she battled against the ever-improving Ashanti Conway.

With Fung and Conway surpassing the Ms Bikini competition this year, it was ripe for the taking and Hannah Rampersaud walked away with the title.

Christina Ramsammy (the wife of Darious), who finished fourth last year, copped second place, while Alejandra Vieira finished third.

In the Men’s Physique battle, Campbell continued his legacy run with his sixth title. His closest competitor was Tariq Dakhil, who finished second in 2019.

After a three-year absence from the stage, he returned with another second-place performance.

Jonathan Jeffrey finished third, Renaldo Caldeira fourth and S. Sajar fifth.

Before the final of the Bodybuilding division, the country’s top musclemen competed in various categories.

Selwyn Grogan finished first with Colin Chesney in second and Donald Lindie in third in the Masters' Division.

Lindie also won the U143lbs battle, while Kadeem Bowen finished second.

In the U165 battle, Joel Caldeira won ahead of Grogan, while Ramsammy from Razor Fitness was the lone winner in the U176 lbs category.

In the heaviest weight class (177 lbs and above)

Nicholas Albert, the star of the future, surged to victory against M. Sampson and Chesney.

Without the likes of Roger Callender, who opted not to compete this year and Julio Sinclair, it was always going to be a two-

way battle.

In the end, Ramsammy, who made solid improvements from 12 months ago, when he won his first Mr Guyana title, was able to get the win.

In an invited comment, he noted that he did not only

add more mass this year, but his conditioning and his outlook were different.

“I came to reclaim my title and I did so. There wasn't anyone that was going to stand in my way. I made sure of that from the hard work I put in over the

previous months.”

Albert, who continues to improve, has a solid future ahead of him in the sport.

Third place went to another up-and-coming bodybuilder in Joel Caldeira, while Lindie finished fourth.

Darious Ramsammy retained his Mr Guyana title

Terrence Ali Nat Open Boxing C/Ships

The GDF were again adjudged Best Gym and Coach Terrence Poole (right) is presented with the trophy by Seon Bristol (Sean Devers story)

Keevin Allicock scores with a left Jab to the head of Suriname's Samuel Greene (Sean Devers photo)

Darious Ramsammy came bigger this year