Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-12-2022

Improved transportation, water, electricity for Region One

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has announced that there are specific plans to improve the transportation, water and electricity systems in communi-

ties across Region One (Barima-Waini).

The President made these announcements on Monday afternoon, during an engagement with resi-

dents of Port Kaituma. Addressing specifically, some of the challenges faced by residents in Region One, Dr. Ali said that when one is to look

at water supply, the government has some 17 new wells planned in order to ensure that every citizen in the region has 100 per cent access to potable water

— President Ali announces

before 2025.

Along with that, he related that one of the important things that must be addressed is access to electricity. And while invest-

ments are being made in education and other sectors with the use of technology, electricity is critical.

(See full story on page 3)

Matthews Ridge youths, single mothers to access greater opportunities

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, said that the government wants to develop some 25 acres of land in Region One to make an integrated model farm to further boost the region’s agricultural sector.

The Head of State made these remarks during an engagement with residents at Matthews Ridge, as part of an outreach to the region.

He related that the Minis-

ter of Agriculture will come to the region before the end of the year to do an assessment.

The government also intends to recruit young people and single mothers to work on the model agricultural food production system for the sub-region.

Dr. Ali said: “If a company has to buy food supplies, the model farm can be a provider of food for the company and food for all the other pri-

vate sector entities [and] for the mining sector right here.”

Additionally, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Housing and Water will work along with the Ministry of Agriculture in designing this project.

“… We can move into actualising it by the first half of next year, so we can develop

this 25-acre area,” President Ali said.

He went on to add that this is one way to build a new breed of entrepreneurs in the region while also bringing additional revenue to various communities.

Further, it was announced that residents of Matthew’s Ridge could expect major developments in their community with the upgrading of 3.8 kilometres of roads and the extension of electricity to the Minab area.

Dr. Ali said roads at Station Street, School Street, Heaven Hill and Hell Hill will get much-needed upgrades.

“Before the end of this month, the works on these streets must commence,” he told the residents.

President Ali has tasked the Local Government, Public Works, and Housing and Water ministries with engaging the local contractors and residents to execute the works on the road, as part of providing employment and generating income for the communities.

On the issue of the road from Matthew’s Ridge to Port Kaituma and other internal roads, the President expressed disappointment in the way in which the Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI) has been maintaining those thoroughfares.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with

responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat had engaged the company after residents complained about its failure to conduct regular maintenance on the roads.

The President noted that while there have been marginal improvements since the engagement, there continues to be an abuse of the infrastructure within the community.

“The trucks not only driving on the internal roads in the community but [they are] driving on the airstrip now… I would not accept the company not fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities,” the Head of State said.

He went on to relate: “I am making it very clear that the investors need to step up their game and fulfil their responsibility to this community.”

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Meanwhile, President Ali reiterated that while his government welcomes investments, investors must stay true to their social responsibilities for the communities they are operating in.

He said Minister Bharrat and his team will be meeting with the management of the manganese company shortly to have “frank discussions.”

“We must have a target set and timeframe… and that timeframe must be monitored stringently,” President Ali said.

In terms of electricity, some $27 million in equipment was procured to extend the electricity supply to Minab, a small settlement located in Matthew’s Ridge.

The materials are in the region awaiting the technical personnel to carry out the work.

“We will work out the cost, we will pay for the labour from the community and we will take the electricity to Minab,” Dr. Ali said.

Additionally, he said that $10 million is earmarked for upgrades to the community’s recreational facility.

Sports gear and equipment will also be provided to encourage sports among youths, while training opportunities will be provided to ensure the young people are gainfully employed.

Further, to boost security in the area, the Matthew’s Ridge Police Station will benefit from an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and pickup, while the pathway to the station will be upgraded.

President Ali and several ministers of government are on a two-day visit to Region One.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Improved transportation, water, electricity for Region One

— President Ali announces

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has announced that there are specific plans to improve the transportation, water and electricity systems in communities across Region One (Barima-Waini).

The President made these announcements on Monday afternoon, during an engagement with residents of Port Kaituma.

Addressing specifically, some of the challenges faced by residents in Region One, Dr. Ali said that when one is to look at water supply, the government has some 17 new

wells planned in order to ensure that every citizen in the region has 100 per cent access to potable water before 2025.

Along with that, he related that one of the important things that must be addressed is access to electricity. And while investments are being made in education and other sectors with the use of technology, electricity is critical.

“You need energy and electricity at an affordable cost; these communities are geographically challenging, so we have to build an off-grid system

that would support our future development needs,” President Ali said.

Following this, an internet hub will be built, since Dr. Ali believes that children, teachers, nurses and others must be able to access quality education and services in the comfort of their communities.

To support those investments, he said that while one solar farm in Mabaruma has been budgeted for, the government is examining the possibility of a 900 KVA solar farm for Port Kaituma. As they look to complete the feasibility study in the new year and look at the viability, Dr. Ali said that it would

add to the self-sufficiency of the community.

Additionally, among improvements to come to the community, the President highlighted transportation as a major one.

The Head of State related that there is a need to increase production and productivity in the area, in the farming and agriculture sector, and the government intends to work with farmers to expand aquaculture, ginger production and even ground provision production.

He said: “We want to help you with the equipment, bringing in the equipment to help you

to establish the farms so that we can have proper drainage, help you so that you can increase the productive capacity of the region and help support you through a transportation infrastructure so you can get your produce to the market.”

Against this backdrop, he related that very early in the new year, the new ferry for the region should be arriving, and this will provide a faster, more efficient and more comfortable means of transportation.

Dr. Ali related that with work ongoing for the removal of trade bar-

riers within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), produce can be directly exported from Region One to neighbouring Caribbean countries.

However, this requires the setting up of a proper facility which can pass all health and shipping standards. He told the villagers that the government is going to invest in a new wharf so that the wharf can support this type of development.

He related that these are the things that the government wants to support as transportation is critical in this regard.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addresses residents of Port Kaituma as ministers and other officials look on

A section of the gathering during the meeting at Port Kaituma on Monday

Magnitude 6.4 quake shakes northern California, leaves tens of thousands without power

(Reuters) - A MAGNITUDE 6.4 earthquake jolted the extreme northern coast of California before dawn on Tuesday, injuring at least two people, damaging roads, bridges and power lines and leaving tens of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.

The tremor, which struck at 2:30 hours PST and was followed by more than three dozen aftershocks, was centered 215 miles (350 km) north of San Francisco offshore of Humboldt County, a largely rural area known for its redwood forests, local seafood, lumber industry and dairy farms.

The region also is known for relatively frequent seismic activity, although the latest quake appeared to cause more disruption than others in recent years.

Tuesday’s temblor set off one structure fire, which was quickly extinguished, and caused two other buildings

to collapse, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire).

The department said its dispatchers fielded 70 emergency calls after the quake, including one report of a person left trapped who needed rescuing, spokesperson Tran Beyea said.

The county sheriff’s office reported two people injured near the quake’s epicenter, where damage to homes and roads was widespread. One of those victims was a child with a head injury and the other an older person with a broken hip, according to local media reports citing the sheriff’s office.

There were no immediate official reports of fatalities.

Police closed the main bridge crossing the Eel River into Ferndale, a picturesque town notable for its gingerbread-style Victorian storefronts and homes, after four large cracks were discovered

in the span. The California Highway Patrol also said the roadway foundation there was at risk of sliding.

The highway patrol reported at least four other roads in Humboldt County closed due to earthquake damage, and a possible gas line rupture under investigation. One section of roadway was reportedly sinking, the agency said.

“The shaking was really intense,” said Daniel Holsapple, 33, a resident of nearby Arcata, who recounted grabbing his pet cat and running outside after he was jostled awake in pitch darkness by the motion of the house and an emergency alert from his cellphone.

“There was no seeing what was going on. It was just the sensation and that

general low rumbling sound of the foundation of the whole house vibrating,” he said.

Janet Calderon, 32, who lives in the adjacent town of Eureka, said she was already awake and noticed her two cats seemed agitated moments before the quake struck, shaking her second-floor bedroom “really hard.”

“Everything on my desk fell over,” she said.

While earthquakes producing noticeable shaking are routine in California, tremors at a magnitude 6.4 are less commonplace and potentially dangerous, capable of causing substantial damage to buildings, such as a partial collapse or the shifting of structures off their foundations.

Weak shaking from Tuesday’s quake, which occurred at the relatively shallow depth of 11.1 miles (17.9 km) was felt as far away as San Francisco, the U.S.

Geological Survey reported.

About five earthquakes of magnitudes ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 are recorded annually in California and Nevada, according to recent data cited by the Los Angeles Times.

Caroline Titus, editor and publisher of the Ferndale Enterprise, posted video on Twitter of toppled furniture and household items scattered on the floor of her Ferndale home.

“Sorry for dark video,” she wrote. “Power still out.”

Some 79,000 homes and businesses were without power in Ferndale and surrounding Humboldt County, according to the electric grid tracking website PowerOutage.us.

PG&E crews were out assessing the utility’s gas and electric system for any damage and hazards, which could take several days, company spokesperson Karly Hernandez said.

The collapsed second story porch of a house is seen after a strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California, in Rio Dell, California (REUTERS/Fred Grea)

IDB: Caribbean should brace for high food, fuel prices in 2023

— rising interest rates as well

(CMC) - CARIBBEAN countries should prepare for prolonged effects of external economic shocks in 2023, including for high food and fuel prices and rising international interest rates, according to a new report from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

It warned that higher interest rates could lead to economic slowdowns, or even recessions, in important source markets for exported services and goods from the Caribbean.

The impact of these shocks depends on the trade structure of individual countries, as well as the external financ -

ing requirements of each country, according to the report, ‘Headwinds Facing the Post-Pandemic Recovery’.

Among the report’s key findings are that households and businesses are feeling the impact of price increases.

“Although domestic inflation has been somewhat less severe in Caribbean countries, rising prices diminish real incomes for households and increase business costs for firms,” it said, noting that online surveys from the World Food Programme also suggest a sharp rise in food insecurity across the Caribbean.

The annual inflation rate climbed to an aver-

age of eight per cent by mid-summer in the Caribbean countries covered in the report, excluding

Suriname, which has been coping with high inflation since the fall of 2020. Regional economic

adviser for the IDB’s Caribbean Department, David Rosenblatt expressed hope that the “unfortunate

external conditions will improve during 2023”.

“As with natural disasters, however, it is always prudent to prepare for the worst, even as we hope for the best,” he said.

The authors of the report put forward several reform priorities, such as continued attention to fiscal consolidation and debt management on the macroeconomic dimension and targeted interventions to help households cope with the effects of rising food and fuel prices.

‘Headwinds Facing the Post-Pandemic Recovery’ is part of the IDB’s Caribbean Economics Quarterly series. (Loop News)

PM Browne announces 18 January as date for next general election

(CMC) PRIME Minister Gaston Browne, Monday night, announced January 18, 2023 as the date for fresh general elections in Antigua and Barbuda and urged supporters to ensure that his government is returned to power.

He said Nomination Day will be December 28.

Browne, speaking at the launch of candidates for the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party

(ABLP), said he had already asked the Governor General to issue the writs for the polls on Tuesday.

General elections were last held here on March 21, 2018 with Browne’s ABLP win -

ning 15 of the 17 seats. The main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) and the Barbu-

da People’s Movement (BPM) winning the other two seats. (CARICOM Today)

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Map of the Caribbean

Cutting-Edge Medical Technologies

THE gap between coastal and hinterland communities in terms of education and health care delivery is narrowing, and even though significant gaps still remain, there can be no doubt that Amerindian and hinterland communities, today, benefit from an enhanced quality of life.

This current gap is the result of decades of neglect, both under colonial rule and the previous PNC administration. It was not until the PPP/C administration was returned to power on October 5, 1992, that the tide of underdevelopment began to incrementally change and Amerindians became more integrally involved in the process of national development.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has now taken

that development to an even higher level with the recent commissioning of the Mabaruma ‘Smart’ Hospital.

According to President Ali, more than $125 billion will be invested in upgrading hinterland health facilities; Region One alone will benefit from almost US$20 million over the next three years. These are indeed significant financial injections to upgrade the physical infrastructure of health facilities in hinterland regions.

Infrastructural overhaul is just one component in the development matrix. Only recently, President Ali announced hefty increases in a wide range of salary scales in the health sector, over and above those already given to public sector employees. In addition, there will also be the provision of all basic

health equipment. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, has been tasked with the preparation of a comprehensive list of equipment for all facilities “to take them to a stage where there is capacity to deliver the best possible service.”

This is indeed good news for hinterland residents, many of whom are required to travel to the main referral hospital in Georgetown, the GPHC, for emergency or specialised treatment. This is not only time-consuming, but it is also logistically problematic and would often entail medical evacuations by way of light aircraft.

Thanks to significant advances in medical technologies, it is now possible to perform complex and intricate operations virtually.

The PPP/C administration is committed to positioning the health sector to take advantage of cutting-edge medical technologies and the commissioning of the Maburama ‘Smart’ Hospital is another step in that regard.

There are those “pessimists” in our society, who continue to spread a narrative of hinterland communities not getting a fair share of the country’s oil revenues. This view, however, has been debunked by President Ali, when he reiterated that the revenue from oil and gas will be used “to give our population the best possible health and education services. Regardless of where you live, you must have access to quality education and quality healthcare; this is our commitment to the people of Guyana,” the President said.

These are not empty words. Already, there are significant improvements in longevity rates among Amerindians, who are now among the fastest-growing segment of the population. The same can be said for education-attainment levels among hinterland students, who are showing consistent improvements thanks to the several interventions made by the PPP/C administration in critical areas of education delivery, including teacher training, supply of learning-resource materials and by no means least, school-feeding programmes and cash grants to parents of school-children.

All of these developments fit into a much broader developmental framework based on a people-oriented model of development embraced by President Ali and the PPP/C administration. And all of this despite the negativity and the anti-developmental posture of the political opposition, which seemingly is more

concerned with fabricating all manner of lies and distortions, especially on the issue of race, religion and politics.

One gets the impression that the opposition has run out of any issue of substance with which to attack the PPP/C administration and is now resorting to unsubstantiated but culturally sensitive issues of race and religion to sow seeds of discord in the society.

President Ali and the PPP/C administration have, however, remained focused and undeterred in the realisation of its electoral mandate, which is to create a society in which all Guyanese, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity, benefit in equal measure from the prosperity that is being generated by the sound economic and social policies of the administration. Guyana, from all indications, is threading in the direction of “One Guyana,” as envisioned by President Ali.

PNC’s attempts to dodge LGEs must be rejected

Dear Editor,

VARIOUS media headlines are being punctuated with the screaming, excuse-laden, “spoilt child” tantrums of the PNC and their opposition cohorts’ futile efforts to frustrate GECOM’s hosting of the overdue Local Government Elections (LGEs). The PNC’s actions must be widely rejected and condemned!

Their target is to make a mockery of the local government system in areas perceived to favour PPP/C sup-

port, while their consistently overwhelming error is to confuse the “One Guyana” agenda. This is not about PPP/C support areas, but concerns improved service delivery to all Guyanese!

History confirms that the PNC never wanted to contest LGEs. GECOM records contain many blots and blank spaces concerning LGEs during the 28 years of PNC dictatorial governance leading up to 1992.

During this period, any affirmative actions in this respect were merely effective

hopeful afterthoughts. The PNC obviously, will continue to dodge and regurgitate flimsy positions aimed at delaying the inevitable. One should note that the first LGEs were held in 1994 under the PPP/C government, after decades of absence when the dictatorial PNC ruled.

It is necessary to highlight the hypocrisy of those suddenly emerged writers who have only recently, managed to acquire refills of ink for their dried-up pens. These persons were silent when the power-hungry PNC in the

APNU+AFC coalition, with very short notice of finalisation, increased the Local Authority Constituencies by 10 to 81.

There were no complaints of illegality when the PNC also changed constituency boundaries without the necessary consultations to off-balance the PPP/C. Then, several communities voiced serious disagreements with the “gerrymandering” of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council boundaries by the government through the then Ministry of Communities and

the condemnatory writers of today had no ink.

It is important to note that in some of the new areas created by the PNC/APNU/ AFC, no systems were put in place to ensure the sustenance of service and support of the citizens through the collection of rates and taxes, etc. Consequently, the PPP/ C’s timely action through Nigel Dharamlall, Minister of Local Government to reverse the created anomalies, is justified.

By law, the Minister of Local Government has re -

sponsibility for demarcating the geographical boundaries while dividing the country into regions, municipalities, local authority areas, or constituencies.

On the other hand, GECOM has a demographic or administrative responsibility to facilitate the holding of elections in a smooth and timely manner. As such, GECOM may administratively and collectively agree that a (division) has too big a population and then “sub-divided” the division to expe-

Preliminary overview of ECLAC

2022 with Guyana as the exception

Dear Editor,

THE recently released Preliminary Overview of the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean 2022 paints a dismal economic and social portrait of the current situation in the region, with warnings of real hardships coming in 2023.

The entire region and sub-regions (Central America and the Caribbean) will see a significant decline in economic performance. There is, however, one exception, namely Guyana.

The focus here is to set the record straight since there continues to be daily distortions of economic developments in the press and social media. Moreover, there are still those who praise Burnham’s doomed strategy of economic nationalism in the form of controlling the socalled commanding heights of the economy. A broadsheet columnist even hailed him as an economic visionary (see Kaieteur News, December 16, 2022, p. 9).

Among the key points in ECLAC’s “Preliminary Overview” are the followingEconomic growth in the region will slow down sig-

nificantly. The overview emphasises that “GDP growth is … projected to be significantly slower than in 2022, at an average rate of 1.3 per cent for the region. Moreover, “the region would complete the decade 2014–2023 with average growth of 0.9 per cent, which is below — less than half, in fact— even that of the “lost decade” of the 1980s during the external debt crisis.”

The main trading partner of the region, the US, is likely to register less than one per cent growth in 2023. Guyana is the only exception to the devastation predicted for 2023. Notably, China is likely to have the lowest growth rate in 2022

Inflation will continue to exert pressure on macro-economic fundamentals. Note that quantitative tightening in the US and Eurozone, combined with a stronger US dollar, will affect debtservicing costs, and exert pressures on budgetary manoeuvres, especially those aimed at ameliorating the steep cost of living.

Readers will not be surprised to learn that “[r]ising global borrowing costs are also increasing the risk of financial stress among some emerging markets and developing economies, which

over the past decade have accumulated debt at the fastest pace in more than half a century.” In the meantime, Guyana has significantly lowered our debt to GDP ratio.

Job creation in the formal sectors of the economies will decline in a region where the vulnerable informal sector is already overgrown. Readers should know that there are major differences between the formal and informal sectors.

The former is characterised by employment stability with steady incomes, scheduled merit review in the private sector and annual pay increases in the public sector, regulated working conditions, established procedures for grievances by employees (in most cases), and inter alia, higher rates of unionisation with all the benefits that appertain.

By contrast, the informal sector is characterised by all or any combination of the following – contingent work, dirty and dangerous work, little or no worker-protection protocols, exploitative wages without any regular benefits such as retirement plans, and worst of all, abuse by employers. Note that “[a] fter rising for six consecutive quarters, real wages began

trending downward, with the regional median falling by 0.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2022.

The Preliminary Overview also takes account of global dynamics. It notes that “the slowdown is expected to intensify in 2023, with world GDP growing by only 2.6 per cent. Advanced economies are forecast to grow by 0.6 per cent and emerging and developing economies by 3.7 per cent.

“Global financial conditions have tightened, financial volatility has increased in both emerging and advanced economies, equity markets in much of the world have fallen sharply, risk appetite has declined, capital outflows from emerging markets have intensified.”

China’s 2022 growth rate at 3.3 per cent, will be the lowest in the past four decades, and next year will see only minimum improvement at 4.4 per cent. Note that the projected growth in the volume of world trade is a mere 1.0 per cent for 2023.

Amidst this generalised decline in global and regional economic performance, Guyana is not only holding its own, but is also making step-level advances in all directions on the economic front.

In the economic-growth front we are among the highest, if not the highest in the world. World Bank data show GDP will grow from US$8.15 billion in 2022 to US$9.51 billion in 2024, an increase of 16.68 per cent.

Our debt to GDP ratio is manageable at 24 per cent, compared to many other Caribbean countries. The corresponding figure for Jamaica for example is over 90 per cent. The US has a shocking 123 per cent debt to GDP ratio and manages to survive on account of seigniorage ‘protection.’

While there are real challenges in staying ahead of inflation, the recent eight per cent increase for public servants, combined with significant top-up in several key sections of the public service will certainly help smooth out financial hardship.

Our aggressive housing drive is also distributing equity in the form of house lots or young professional homes. The New Building Society has a graduated interest-rate schedule for mortgages. You can obtain a mortgage for as low as 3.50 per cent.

Finally, one must pay serious attention to the recommendations of ECLAC. The most consequential of these point to “[i]nvestments

related to climate-change adaptation and mitigation [which] have particularly high development potential.”

The Preliminary Overview also recommends sustainable tourism, “energy transition, e-mobility, the circular economy, the bioeconomy, [and] the health-care” sector. Our near-term and long term (LCDS 2030) are both focused in these areas. The recent Guyana-Hess carbon credit deal for US$750 million is proof of this.

Editor, the Guyanese population is constantly bombarded with negative letters to the editor in which you will think we are in the doldrums. I agree more must be done for low-income wage earners and done quickly. I agree also that there are serious inequalities that cannot be left unattended. I do, however, think that there is overwhelming evidence that the economic growth we are experiencing will raise the standard of living. One data point to follow is the size of the informal sector. It is declining rapidly, and this is good for wage earners.

dite and facilitate easy voting on voting day.

The PNC’s proclivity to use underhand methods seems to have pushed their current orchestrators out of touch with the realistic positions. Hence, they must educate themselves that electoral geographical boundaries are to be demarcated by the minister, and the electoral divisions for the electors to vote are the responsibility of GECOM.

It is without contention that Article 72 (2) of the Constitution empowers the minister to define and, or modify the boundaries of neighbourhoods and People’s Cooperative Units within

the neighbourhoods and the establishment of Local Democratic Organs.

Significantly, it must be noted that in 2016, the PNC went about LGEs without any consultations with the PPP/C. Again, in 2018 the “bullies,” PNC/APNU+AFC in addition to the 10, created new local authority areas, and made changes to the boundaries in 14 other areas.

Although the gerrymandering of boundaries was carried out with the PNC and the GECOM staff, the PPP/C swept the polls and won comprehensively by more than 50,000 votes. Even in some of the newly established towns such as Mabaruma, and Lethem, and in several new NDCs, the PNC and the

AFC were humiliated.

The PPP/C’s massive victory at LGEs prompted the PPP/C to move the motion of No Confidence against the APNU+AFC government.

The PPP/C is fully prepared to face the polls while it is a known fact that PNC opposition elements are very afraid.

Their plans didn’t pay off and the new LAAs didn’t deliver to them the expected votes because the PPP has made inroads. Now it is necessary to strengthen our communities to deliver the required level of service, and our people must be allowed to elect their leaders at the local level.

The PNC under the poor and fragmented leadership of Aubrey Norton will be

humiliated at the next LGEs. Hence, the PNC will continue to make all sorts of objections to not contest the LGEs.

GECOM is aware of the trickery and must proceed with the elections without any further undue or un-

necessary delays. Yours respectfully, Neil Kumar.

Yours sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud.

Food For the Poor secures release for two prisoners

FOOD for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFP) has paid the fines and secured the release of two non-violent offenders in time to spend the Christmas holidays with their families and friends.

According to a press release issued by the Guyana Prison Service, the prisoners were incarcerated due to their inability to pay the required fines, even though the amounts were minimal.

Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor, Kent Vincent said it has been the charity organisation’s tradition for over two decades to pay the fines for non-violent inmates in the Caribbean

freeing,

as productive citizens”, Vincent was quoted in the release as saying.

Additionally, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot thanked Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated for their part in assisting the GPS in promoting prisoners’ rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, which was held at the Prison Headquarters on Tuesday, food hampers that included loaves of bread, personal care items and Bibles were given to the inmates.

reintro-

The two prisoners were grateful for the life-changing gesture, the release added.

CID hosts Christmas luncheon and awards ceremony

RANKS of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were recognised on Tuesday for their stellar performances and dedication during the year.

The traditional Christmas luncheon and awards ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Eve Leary.

The Guyana Police Force in a Facebook post said the Best Cop was awarded to Sergeant Cosbert, and the runner-up position went to woman Sergeant Rodney.

Both the Best Cop and the runner-up received a number of prizes and monetary gifts from both the Guyana Police Force and members of the corporate sector.

Special awards were given to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack; Police Legal Advisor, Mandell Moore; Assistant to the Police Legal Advisor, Superintendent Delon Fraser; Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh; retired sergeant Sandiford, and barrack labourer, Ann Singh.

The Force said that Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, during his brief remarks, said that he is aware of the problems faced by the CID regarding DNA testing and was happy to announce that the machines have been paid for. He said that within a couple of months DNA testing will be done in Guyana which

will minimise the waiting time of sending samples overseas for testing.

Benn further noted that “crime and criminality is one of the greatest hindrances to national development.”

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, during his feature address, congratulated Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’ Wendell Blanhum and his team for their excellent work during the year and for their professionalism in executing their duties.

“It is important to note that for us to maintain our posture in terms of professionalism, it is necessary that we develop capacity and the most important resource is our human resources,” the Top Cop was quoted as saying.

Hicken told the gathering that “the training school as we currently know it as the Felix Austin Training College will be changed to The Police Academy.”

He further pointed out that the Force has commenced preparation for the academy which has been registered and has already achieved academy status.

The Top Cop allocated $400,000 to the CID while reminding the ranks that “we are employed to ensure that we serve the public and are not to be served, and whatever you do, do it responsibly. Whatever you do, remember, we are

to lead by example, and ethical standards must be maintained during this festive season.”

Blanhum, while delivering his brief remarks, lauded the ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department for their hard work, sacrifice, and outstanding performance during the year 2022.

“You are excellent examples through which the value of hard work is exemplified”, the Crime Chief noted.

Alluding to some of the successes the department has achieved during the year, Blanhum noted that there was a 90 per cent reduction in serious crimes when compared to last year.

Also, for the year 2022, 122 murders were recorded, which is the third lowest number of murders recorded over a 10-year period.

The Crime Chief noted that the third highest cocaine seizure was made this year, with 294 kilogrammes of cocaine, and over the last five years, the highest cannabis seizure was made this year, too, with 789 kilogrammes of cannabis being seized.

With regard to firearms, during this year, 78 illegal firearms were taken out of circulation.

“We did well this year, and we will go forward into the new year to achieve greater results…In terms of our forecast moving ahead in the year 2023, greater

emphasis will be placed on technology training, recruitment, and partnership. The Criminal Investigation Department intends to exploit technology and data to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal groups,” he was quoted as saying.

Also present at the

event were Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir; Deputy Commissioner Administration, Calvin Brutus; Commander of 4’A’, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean; Commander of Region Three, Assistant Commissioner

Mahendra Siwnarine; Commander of 4’B’, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh; Head of the I.T. Department, Senior Superintendent Jermaine Johnson; retired Assistant Commissioners of Police, senior and junior officers and special invitees

and Latin American nations where they maintain a presence; twice a year, during

the Easter and Christmas seasons. “Since the inception of

Food for the Poor’s Prison Ministry Programme in 1998, the charity has assisted in

training and

ducing nonviolent prisoners back into their communities

Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor, Kent Vincent and Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, interact with the two prisoners (Guyana Prison Service photos)

Two children die after boat capsizes in Pomeroon River

THE lifeless bodies of two young children were pulled from the Pomeroon River early Tuesday morning, hours after the boat they and other family members were in hit an unknown object before capsizing.

Dead are five-year-old Reshanna Atkinson and her

one-year-old brother, Josiah Atkinson.

Members of a search party recovered the bodies which were taken to the Charity Mortuary to await post-mortem examinations.

Reports are that the children were asleep at the time of the boat mishap which

occurred at approximately 20:30 hours on Monday in the vicinity of St. Monica in the Upper Pomeroon River.

Their parents, 33-yearold Bhinauth Atkinson and 23-year-old Novita Atkinson survived the ordeal.

Bhinauth told this publication that he and his family

were returning home from Charity when tragedy struck.

“The children were sleeping and we were taking our time when my boat hit a floating object and capsized. My wife swam and went to inform the villagers,” the grief-sticken man related.

The village’s toshao, Eve

Samuels said that she is saddened over the death of the children.

Samuels used the opportunity to urge persons to

ensure that they wear their safety jackets whenever using the Pomeroon River.

The boat and engine were recovered.

Minibus driver in Zeeburg fatal accident remanded

Police said in a press release that the 35-year-old Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo resident, appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Zamilla Ali-Seepaul.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was subsequently remanded.

The matter was adjourned to January 18, 2023, for report and fixture.

Daziel was the driver of minibus #BAB 1864, which was involved in the fatal accident that occurred at approximately 14:30 hours on Saturday, December 17, 2022, on the Zeeburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

The accident claimed the life of pedestrian Gaitree Sewsankar, a 37- year-old female from Sister’s Village, West Bank Demarara.

Five-year-old Reshanna Atkinson One-year-old Josiah Atkinson

DEVON Daziel, who was the driver of the minibus involved in the accident at Zeeburg that claimed the life of a pedestrian, was, on Tuesday, charged with causing death by dangerous driving and remanded to prison.

The late Gaitree Sewsankar (Stabroek News photo)

World-renowned economics Professor Jeffrey Sachs to address Energy Conference

THE International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2022 have announced that Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, a world-renowned economics professor, bestselling author, innovative educator, and global leader in sustainable development, will be a keynote speaker at the event.

According to a press release, Sachs is widely recognised for developing bold and effective strategies to address complex challenges, including the escape from extreme poverty, the global battle against human-induced climate change, international debt and financial crises, national economic reforms, and the control of pandemic

and epidemic diseases.

He is the 2022 recipient of the Tang Prize in Sustainable Development and was

Appeal court reduces attempted murder convict’s 13-year sentence

HANSEL Andre Lewis, a deportee known as ‘Smiley’, who was sentenced to 13 years in 2016 for attempted murder, had his sentence reduced to 10 years by the Guyana Court of Appeal.

Lewis was found guilty of attempting to murder Chris Burrowes in a slashing incident which occurred in the wee hours of January 1, 2013, at the Rainbow Bar located at Charles Place, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

He was sentenced by Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Berbice High Court.

Lewis, through his attorney, Murseline Bacchus, S.C., later appealed the conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial was unfair and that the judge erred in law.

He also argued that the trial judge failed to sufficiently put his defence to the jury.

The appeal was heard by Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud. The state prosecutor was Natasha Backer.

Justice Cummings-Edwards, while delivering the ruling, noted that the court allowed the appeal in relation to the sentence, but not his conviction.

The court found that

the previously imposed sentence was manifestly excessive, and reduced it to 10 years.

According to reports, the men were consuming alcoholic beverages when Burrowes asked Lewis to move as he (Lewis) was smoking “something which was high-scented.”

Burrowes subsequently left the bar and walked some distance to urinate.

He was in the process of zipping up his pants when Lewis removed a two-inch plastic handled knife from his left side pocket and quickly stab him on his right-side neck.

Burrowes was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and remained a patient for almost a month.

the co-recipient of the 2015 Blue Planet Prize, the leading global prize for environmental leadership. He was named twice among Time magazine’s 100 most influential world leaders.

Anthony Whyte, Chairman of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2022, speaking on the new announcement, said: “We are pleased to have Jeffrey Sachs as a part of the

International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2022. We will have many more energy thought leaders as we facilitate discussions on sustainable development for Guyana and the region.”

Whyte added: “With his decades of experience and his distinctive position, I think we could learn a lot from Professor Sachs. He possesses a wealth of information, as seen by his numerous contri-

butions to combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.”

The conference will assemble Heads of State, government officials, policymakers, academics, industry professionals, and global energy thought-leaders.

The conference and expo is now entering its second year under the theme “Harnessing Energy for Development” and will be held from

February 14-17, 2023 at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana.

The registration portal for the conference and expo can be found on the conference website, www.guyanaenergy.gy. Pre-registration is now open for sponsors, exhibitors, in-person attendees, virtual attendees, workshop participants, and members of the media, all being done online.

Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs

Hansel Andre Lewis called ‘Smiley’

State House shooting: Suspect off ventilator, detectives to question him

THE Nigerian national, Bethel Ikena Chimezie, 25, who was shot three times by presidential guards after attempting to infiltrate State House Thursday last, was, recently, taken off the ventilator. He is still a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

A presidential guard was

stabbed several times about his body during the attack.

The Nigerian, who was previously employed with a local security company, arrived in Guyana in March 2020.

According to Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, Bethel Ikena Chinezie is expected to be interrogated

shortly by a team of investigators on the attack at State House, where the first family resides.

“We just received some further information that they took him off the ventilator; so as a result of that, a team of investigators are on their way to see if they can interview him in relation

to the State House incident,” Blanhum disclosed on the sidelines of an award ceremony held at Police Officer’s Mess, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Tuesday.

According to the police, contact has been made with law enforcement counterparts regarding the suspect’s

background and other pertinent information, as investigations continue.

The police noted, however, that further information could not be released due to the sensitive nature of this investigation.

It was last Thursday that Chimezie attacked Perreira,

stabbing him five times during an attempt to breach the security perimeter at State House.

The incident occurred at approximately 07:30hrs at the south-eastern guard hut adjacent to Carmichael Street.

The situation has left the entire country in shock as to what could have motivated Chimezie to carry out such a brazen attack at the official residence of the President of Guyana, enough to cause concern for the safety of the First Family.

Thankfully, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his family were unharmed during the attack.

Chimezie had confronted the State House security, stating: “I want the President,” before drawing a knife from the waist of his pants and stabbing Perreira. He would subsequently relieve another guard of his firearm and fire several rounds while retreating to Carmichael Street. The security team returned fire, injuring Chimezie.

Senior GDF officer completes UK senior leadership programme

GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Colonel, Eon Murray, recently completed a 5-day Senior Leadership Programme conducted by the United Kingdom.

The training, which was conducted at the Caribbean Military Academy, Jamaica, targeted senior leaders in the military and

police, as well as civil servants, and focused on capacity-building.

“This course is another in a series of training made available by the UK Ministry of Defence to officers of the Guyana Defence Force. They serve not only to strengthen the leadership capacity of the officers who attend but

also to build bonds of partnership with the host nation,” the GDF noted.

According to the GDF, it will continue to subscribe to these courses so that ranks are exposed to new knowledge to boost performance at the operational, tactical and strategic levels.

Bethel Ikena Chimezie

Lieutenant Colonel Eon Murray displays his certificate in the company of UK officials

Green investments to be made from carbon credit sales

THE revenue generated by the recent sale of Guyana’s carbon credits will facilitate a number of environmentally-friendly investments across Guyana.

According to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 fact sheet, a consultation will be held in order to determine the details of the LCDS 2030 objectives which are prioritised for investment.

However, highlights from the LCDS 2030 include numerous national and multi-community programmes.

One of these is a transformative investment in renewable and low-carbon energy on, and near the coast to ensure the modernisation and decarbonisation of Guyana’s national electricity grid.

While electricity demand can grow five-fold over the next few years, these investments seek to ensure gas emissions stay essentially flat, while electricity prices are halved.

Linden and the Essequibo Coast will also be connected to the main national grid for the first time.

Transformative investment in renewable energy isolated grids will also be explored, with each isolated grid— Lethem, Mahaica, Bartica, Kwakwani, Matthew’s Ridge, Port Kaituma, and Mabaruma— receiving most of its power from renewable energy by 2030.

For villages and communities in remote areas, existing programmes for solar power and mini-grids will be accelerated so that by 2030, all hinterland villages will be electrified

using the best technology for their situation.

Major investments will also be made towards protection against climate change and biodiversity loss, including sea defence enhancement, strengthening the network of canals and irrigation, and building climate-resilient agriculture.

Additionally, the government will offer support for job creation in agriculture and fisheries, tourism, manufacturing and services, as well as improving the job creation and economic value of sustainable forestry and low-income mining.

Under this initiative, new markets will be opened up for certified, sustainable forest products.

Through the expansion of telemedicine, smart hospitals and expanded focus on hinterland healthcare, as well as improving climate and environmental literacy within the education system, investments will be made in health and education.

A new International Centre for Biodiversity Research, with associated opportunities for increased research and development work by national and international institutions, will also be created.

The government will also expand the country’s protected areas, in keeping with the global ‘30 by 30’ biodiversity goal.

NEW REVENUE STREAM FOR VILLAGE-LED PLANS

Amerindian and Titled Lands and Extensions represent 12.7 per cent of the

forested areas in Guyana.

Therefore, in line with the revenue-sharing mechanism designed during the seven-month national consultation on LCDS 2030, a dedicated 15 per cent of revenues will be available for community/village programmes for Indigenous Peoples and local commu-

nities as set out in Village Sustainability Plans. These plans are created by the villages themselves. In some cases, they may be new plans, whereas in others they may be updates to pre-existing plans.

The dedicated 15 per cent of revenues will be supplemental to invest -

ments received under national and multiple-community programmes.

Village plans must be produced in accordance with existing village-led decision-making processes and principles of FPIC (Free, Prior and Informed Consent), as set out by LCDS 2030.

— LCDS fact sheet shows

Despite the inevitable varying of village plans, previous experience has suggested that villages will likely prioritise areas such as community infrastructure, communications, livelihood opportunities, nature and the environment, education and health. (DPI)

Carbon credits provide financial incentives to preserve forests and biodiversity

Existing programmes for solar power and mini-grids will be accelerated for villages and communities in remote areas

Amerindian and Titled Lands and Extensions represent 12.7 per cent of the forested areas in Guyana

$30M refurbished Sophia Drop-in Centre Kitchen opens

— facility features state-of-the-art kitchen, recreational area for children

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Tuesday, officially declared open the refurbished “Sophia Kitchen.”

With an injection of approximately $30 million, the facility features a state-of-the art kitchen and recreational area for children.

At the simple opening ceremony, Dr. Persaud said: “I thought this would be a very good way of giving those children, who are in State care, an environment where they can bond, where

they can enjoy a meal in a good atmosphere and where those persons who prepare their meals with love and care could have a safe environment where they can prepare meals in comfort.”

Assistant Director of Childcare and Protection Agency, Levine Gouveia said: “This is a welcomed

venture; the children will not just eat meals but socialise, do their assignments… so this is an environment that will cater to their holistic development.”

With nearly 15 years of service to the facility, head of the kitchen, Sarah Rogers, highlighted that the upgrade

was much needed.

“It was very needed because the conditions we were working under wasn’t workable so we are very grateful for this upgrade from the Ministry of Human Services… this is very good for us, we are very happy to have this facility… we were trying to do our best with the conditions we were working in because we got to cook for the children;; we try our best to work out the situation and it will obviously be better because it is better working facility, better working conditions, more space and everything,” she said.

Immediately after the opening, the children under State care joined Minister Persaud to bake cookies and make cupcakes with the new equipment at the facility before joining her in making Christmas cards.

One of the teens in the home was overjoyed to be baking cookies. She said that she was happy to feel the love from Minister Persaud and the ministry at this time of the year.

EU timber agreement ‘major step’ in balancing O&G sector with

THE Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development has expressed congratulations to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Government and people of Guyana on securing yet another first for Guyana.

Earlier this month, an innovative carbon credit agreement with Hess Corporation was signed. This week, Guy-

— Iwokrama CEO says

is another major step for Guyana as it seeks to balance its oil and gas sector with conservation and wise use of its natural assets.”

The agreement will give EU-based buyers assurance that timber products from Guyana are legal, while help-

ment opportunities, promote sustainable development and support the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities.

Iwokrama commended the Guyana Forestry Commission for its strong leadership throughout the FLEGT VPA preparatory and negotiations process, and for engaging multiple partners to ensure all actors along the supply chain are on board.

ana signed a legally binding trade agreement to promote sustainable trade of legal timber to the European Union (EU) – another significant achievement as Guyana is the first country from the Amazon Region to secure such an agreement.

Chief Executive Officer of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin, in a statement, said: “This

ing to improve forest governance, and promote trade in verified legal timber products nationally.

Through the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) which is aligned with the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, Guyana’s forestry sector will see advances that will increase employ -

“Several forest operations in Guyana are already certified under various certification regimes including the 1,000,000 acre Iwokrama Forest, which has been internationally certified since 2008. The centre welcomes this added layer of third party validation that Guyana’s forests are managed in accordance with social, environmental and ecological best practices,” Gobin said.

The Iwokrama International Centre said it was pleased to participate in the national working groups and is committed to supporting the successful implementation of the FLEGT VPA.

Seating arrangements in the new ‘Sophia Kitchen’

A before and after comparison of the facility

conservation

AFC flip-flopping on its decision to leave the coalition

DESPITE it being one month since the Alliance for Change (AFC) first publicly announced that it was exiting its political partnership with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the APNU is still to receive any official correspondence of the imminent departure of its main coalition partner.

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Leader of the Opposition, and Chairman of APNU, Aubrey Norton, once again confirmed that the party has still not sent the APNU an official missive that it will be leaving the coalition, notwithstanding there being less than two weeks remaining before the proposed divorce.

Chairperson of the AFC, Cathy Hughes, had first hinted at the party leaving the coalition and this was cushioned by Leader of the party, Khemraj Ramjattan, who had said that the party’s executive was yet to make a decision.

It was on November 18 that Ramjattan, first officially announced that the AFC was leaving the seven-year-long APNU+AFC coalition effective December 31, 2022. The announcement came ahead of the December 31 end of the Cummingsburg Accord, the

agreement which governs the coalescing of the two individual parties.

However, when Norton was subsequently approached about the issue a few days later, he oddly noted that the AFC had not issued the APNU any official correspondence on the development. Norton had noted that he did not plan to address the issue of the party’s departure until his party was officially notified by AFC that it was leaving.

The AFC also continues to confirm that it has not written Norton or the APNU, notwithstanding continuous confirmations that the AFC plans to exit, which begs the question of why does the AFC remain apprehensive to officially notify the APNU.

Questions have been raised about the AFC’s future in the National Assembly, and whether or not the party will retain its seats in Parliament.

Based on their agreement in the Cummingsburg Accord, the AFC received nine of the 31 seats won by the combined APNU+AFC at the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

However, the APNU, of which the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) is the largest constituent, is not

known for negotiating with the AFC in good faith, with the most recent case being the election of the Region 10 Regional Vice Chairman.

In that incident, the AFC had maintained that it should be able to select the candidate for the position, with its pick being AFC member Coretta Brathwaite.

However, the PNC/R had favoured AFC member, Mark Goring. Norton had made it clear that his party will not allow the AFC to “dictate” the picking of the candidate for the Vice-Chairmanship of Region 10.

However, Ramjattan had noted that there would be “consequences in relation to the relationship” between the APNU and the AFC, if the APNU did not support their pick.

Child rapist’s 25-year sentence reduced to 20

PAUL Abrams who was sentenced in 2016 to 25 years behind bars for the buggery of a 17-year-old girl, had his sentence reduced to 20 years by the Guyana Court of Appeal, on Monday.

Abrams was sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow to 25 years on the buggery charge and four years for the indecent assault committed on the teen. The sentences are running concurrently.

According to reports, on December 5, 2007, Abrams lured the young lady to a room where he proceeded to sexually assault and sodomise her.

In his application, which was filed by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, Abrams claims that the

trial judge erred on several pertinent issues leading up to the verdict.

As it related to the severity of the sentence, Abrams claimed that the trial judge erred in law by failing to apply case law principles that promote fairness in sentencing.

Among other things, Abrams wanted the court

to overturn his conviction and sentence.

The appeal was heard by Chancellor (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

Justice Cummings-Edwards, while delivering the ruling, noted that the court allowed the appeal in relation to the sentence for the buggery crime, but not his conviction.

The court found that the previously imposed sentence was manifestly excessive and reduced the sentence for that crime to 20 years.

Additionally, the court affirmed the sentence and conviction for the indecent assault.

The APNU and AFC remained at loggerheads for months over the issue before

— party yet to inform its partner about intention to cut ties

Goring was given the position.

Though he has been mum on whether APNU will allow the AFC to retain its parliamentary seats, Norton has noted that his party does not intend “to beg anyone to stay in the coalition”, saying that: “If they decide to go their way, so be it.”

Other members of the PNCR have noted that the possibility was not ruled out that the APNU would reach out to the AFC to reconsider; however, Ramjattan has affirmed on several occasions that his party

would not be going back on its decision to leave.

“The Alliance for Change has indicated, via its last National Conference, that there be a withdrawal. If we are to have a renewal, the National Conference would have to vote on it in 2024. I will leave that for our National Conference. So, until that resolution is passed again for a new Cummingsburg Accord, we will be talking very courteously and continuing to do our parliamentary work,” Ramjattan said.

Paul Abrams

Flood-affected Little Diamond residents get relief hampers

THE Ministry of Agriculture, on Monday, teamed up with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to distribute hampers to the flood-affected residents of Little Diamond, on the East Bank of Demerara.

The exercise was a follow-up to a previous visit by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who had committed to rolling out interventions to combat the effects of flooding on the residents.

Some 300 cleaning hampers were distributed among the residents to assist with the clean-up process following the flood.

Minister Mustapha said those efforts came on the heels of the installation of several pumps in the affected communities to strengthen the drainage system.

“I said that we would put systems in place and I’m very happy to see that the water has drained out

considerably. There is no water in the gutter today either. I’m hoping that we can keep the area like this.

“We are looking to

manage the system. We are making the necessary effort to put systems in place so that we can mitigate the flooding,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also noted that regular monitoring of those areas will continue.

Residents expressed appreciation to the gov-

ernment for the support. One person, Denis Prashad, said the cleaning items in the hamper will assist with disinfecting his home.

“I think the government is doing a very good job… I must thank them very much. This will help me because the smell of the water affects me

greatly,” he related.

Another resident, Sorendra Bansraj, said the installation of the new pump has helped significantly with drainage of the community.

“Now, when the koker closes, the pump will keep running. So, it is much better right now,” he added. (DPI)

Some 300 cleaning hampers were distributed among the residents Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, hands over a hamper to a resident of Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara

Gafoors fulfils corporate social responsibility

— supports persons with scholarhips, housing solutions, other initiatives

GAFSONS Industries Limited (Gafoors) continues to improve people’s lives as the company continues its charitable outreach by giving where it matters.

In supporting the vulnerable, Gafoors, earlier this year, partnered with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to give visually impaired, Wendy Assaye, the keys to a new home in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Gafoors Administrative Manager, Dione Foo, said the company supports housing as a platform for services to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and build healthy communities.

Over the years, she noted that Gafoors has been assisting the vulnerable with support services that help people who face the most complex challenges to live with stability, autonomy, and dignity.

Gafoors, a household name, also assisted Bibi Karrim in building a new house, after demolishing the previous building that was affected by substandard work.

Further, in the case of Renita Joseph, a teacher attached to the Patentia Primary School, and her husband Abdool Ahmad, a taxi driver, who lost their home to a fire in January 2021, Gafoors intervened after assistance was sought.

The company agreed to rebuild the family’s home in Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, while the teacher pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

For Rohanie Reginald, who had no place to stay with her three daughters after her home went up in flames, Executive Chairman, Sattaur Gafoor, after reading the article in the newspapers, invited Rohanie to his office to discuss how he could rebuild her home.

“It was at that meeting Mr Gafoor knew that the second daughter works with the company. Engineer and contractor were called in to construct a two-bedroom house in Farm where Rohanie had acquired land from the Ministry of Housing,” Ms. Foo related.

A mother of nine, Dularie Lall, of Good Faith, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, lost her home in December 2019 to a fire.

Dularie and her kids sought financial assistance and bought land in “inner” Good Faith, Mahaicony.

However, with no more money to purchase building materials, the distraught mother contacted Mrs Ameena Gafoor for assistance building her home.

A decision was made

to build an entire house for the mother of nine, and Gafoors dispatched a contractor and answered Dularie Lall’s prayers.

Meanwhile, in assisting with sponsorship for educational development, Alizia Ash benefitted in furthering her studies to become an aspiring Chemical Engineer, Gafsons contributed the sum of G$2M.

Gafoors Administrative Manager, Dione Foo, said education helps eradicate

poverty and hunger, giving people a chance at better lives, and Mr Gafoor expressed the most significant interest.

“There are plenty of reasons why education is important. Generally speaking, they all tie closely to a person’s goals in life and to their future well-being, and Gafsons embraces and understands that the ultimate goal of education is to help an individual navigate life and contribute to society,”

Ms. Foo noted.

Another benefactor of Gafsons educational sponsorship was Stephanie Sankar, who sought support to become a medical doctor. The company contributed the sum of G$3M, and she is currently enrolled at Texila University pursuing her dreams.

Additionally, Joshua Mentore received sponsorship to further his studies in Canada to become an architect.

A donation was also made to the Beterverwagting Nursery School, Granville Park, East Coast Demerara via the headteacher, Ms. Selma Grey-Harris.

Meanwhile, Gafsons assists over 250 poor monthly with hampers and cash donations ranging from G$10,000 to $50,000.

Further, Sattaur Gafoor was recognised recently with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and

Industries for his service in business to the people of Guyana.

The President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, presented the award, and it was received by the Deputy CEO of Gafsons Industries Limited – Mr. David Falconer, on behalf of Mr. Gafoor.

Mr. Gafoor started Gafsons Industries Limited in 1953, which is, today, the largest manufacturer and exporter of construction products, including the Gafoors network of eight modern hardware outlets serving all of Guyana.

After 65 years, Mr Gafoor continues to be the driving force in the business and is a great inspiration to all his employees for his leadership and kindness.

Mr Gafoor has always maintained his employees are his number one asset, and, over the years, he has personally been involved in training his people in all aspects of the business.

Future Chemical Engineer, Alizia Ash, received her sponsorship cheque for $2M from Gafoors Administrative Manager, Dione Foo, to further her studies

Deputy CEO of Gafsons Industries Limited, David Falconer, delivered the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industries Lifetime Achievement Award to Executive Chairman, Mr Sattaur Gafoor, at his office

Renita Joseph and her husband receive the keys to their new home from Administrative Manager, Dione Foo, after their home went up in flames

Stokes;

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Ben Stokes said he has never had more fun in an England shirt after guiding the men's Test side to an historic series win in Pakistan.

Victory in Karachi, achieved in 67 deliveries of day four of the third Test, confirmed a 3-0 scoreline. England have bossed at least 12 of the 13 days of play and have now won nine of Stokes' first 10 matches since becoming captain at the start of the summer. This was their third series win to boot.

Stokes was there at the end, not out on 35, alongside Ben Duckett who struck the final delivery of the series for four to move to 82 not out. The pair embraced before walking off to join their team-mates, all with beaming smiles across their faces. The guts of the work had been achieved before yesterday, thus the celebrations in the changing room - then back at the team hotel - were far more expressive than on Monday.

Nevertheless, with a night to comprehend becoming the first team to sweep Pakistan in their own conditions, a week after they confirmed just their third series win in the country, the captain was under no illusions. In 12 years at international level, across both red- and whiteball codes, he has never enjoyed his cricket more as part

of a winning side focused on entertaining the masses.

"Yeah, definitely," Stokes answered, almost immediately, when asked if this was the most fun he has had as an England cricketer. "(We are) just going out and enjoying every moment we can, whatever situation we find ourselves in.

"The first Test pitch (in Rawalpindi) was very, very flat and we just said, 'enjoy the flatness boys - let's just enjoy this challenge and see what we can do.' We've had Jimmy Anderson smiling, which is an impressive thing in and of itself down on the field.

"It is a great time to be in this dressing room and a great time to be playing for England. I'm just encouraging everyone to turn up every day and enjoy what you're doing. Obviously, it is easier to do when we are winning the way we are at the moment.

"The real test will be when things don't go so well and that will be the time to make that even more of a thing for us to take out there. But I hope we don't come to that."

Stokes, alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, has been responsible for instilling that sense of fun throughout the squad and backroom staff. In turn, players have become more expressive, bursting out of their shells to reach new heights. England's two leading run-scorers, Harry Brook (468) and Duckett (357), have come in and assumed responsibility with ease.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Rehan Ahmed turned in a stellar performance at Karachi's National Stadium to take seven wickets on debut, including a maiden five-wicket haul. Similarly Ollie Pope, who kept in the first two Tests having originally established a role as a No.3 under Stokes, scored 238 - at an average of 47.60 - while also taking 12 catches, and a stumping with the gloves.

"When you take that burden off individuals and the team, you see players excelling and showing more within themselves," Stokes explained. "The ambition to win and play an entertaining brand of cricket that overrides any fear of failure.

"You just accept (that) getting out is part of batting. I think just releasing that fear of failure is why we've produced the results."

There has also been a reinforcement of the togeth-

take England home

running in and bowling as fast as he does."

Stokes believes it will take a while for the achievement of winning in Pakistan to hit home, let alone through winning all three matches. It is a sentiment shared by his teammates.

Though they are keen to live in the moment - to "be where our feet are", as Jack Leach put it during the series - the temptation to look at the next frontiers is too great to ignore. A two-Test tour of New Zealand awaits in February, followed by a home summer with a one-off Test against Ireland and then the headliner of an Ashes series against Australia.

erness off the back of circumstances encountered on this trip. A return to restricted living arrangements harked back to the COVID era of bubbles, but the most consistent challenge was illness. It began more or less as soon as they arrived in Pakistan, with half the squad struck down by a virus to such an extent there was a chance the start of the first Test would be delayed by 24 hours.

While that was the worst it got as a collective, the bug has remained around the group with players having to be managed by both medication and leaving the field for impromptu comfort breaks.

Mark Wood, who was ill during the first Test, which he sat out primarily because he was recovering from a pre-existing hip injury, emerged to play a vital part in the second in Multan, bowling England to a series-clinching 26-run win on the final day. It was his first match with a red ball

since March of this year, having only returned from two elbow surgeries at the end of September.

Ollie Robinson was the worst affected in this final match, leaving the field after three overs on day one when nature made an untimely call. Having known he was struggling before the teams were confirmed, he reiterated to the management group that he wanted to play, regardless.

"I was pretty crook the first day," Robinson said, "but I said to Baz I really wanted to play to prove a point to everyone here, and back home, that I can play three Test matches. I got through it in the end and the 3-0 win makes it all worth it."

That commitment to the cause from individuals under duress has been a point of pride for Stokes. "When we've turned up the ground, we just crack on with the cricket, and everyone's put that to one side and concen-

trated on what they needed to do to win the game at the time," he said. "I don't know if being ill and winning games got any correlation to us going any further, it just shows the way we crack on and get on with things.

"I'm so proud of everyone. They got through the external stuff, with the illness that's been floating around, and everyone's put the effort in. We've had some days out in the field when the bowlers have come off drained and not feeling great. But they've rested up and then they've all turned up against the next day. Woody in particular, the role he's played while not feeling great, is a huge effort,

While reticent to be drawn on specifics, particularly on how this style of play might fare against their biggest rivals, Stokes admitted a degree of excitement at what 2023 will hold. He hopes, above all else, that they face those challenges with exactly the same bravado and character they have shown so far under his watch.

"I obviously have my eye on the Ashes and have got little things about that in the back of my head," he said. "We will just continue to grow as a team, spend more time here as a unit, and keep enjoying having fun, playing cricket with a smile on our face and win as many as we can."

Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett sealed England's win (Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Allicock is National Open Featherweight Champ

… Next assignment is Morocco next month

By Sean Devers

TWENTY-three-year-old Olympian Keevin Allicock was relentless in orchestrating the demise of Suriname’s Samuel Greene for the Featherweight title at the Terrence Ali National Open Boxing Championships on Sunday.

The 27-year-old from Guyana’s Dutch neighbour to the East was given six standing 8-counts but was determined to continue fighting.

“He (Greene) is strong and young in the business and very courageous in going the distance with an Olympian,” Allicock said after the contest.

The lightning-fast pugilist who grew up in the heart of the ‘Ghetto’ in Albouystown said the Dutch boxer, many times left himself open for

shots.

“I never tried to knock him out but was working on the speed in my punches … putting in practice what we were doing in the gym,” added Allicock who attended the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the first for a Guyanese boxer since John Douglas qualified in 1996.

“I hurt him several times while I was never hurt, but he showed lots of courage in that fight. I wish him all the best and I think he is good enough to do well in this sport,” continued the 2017 silver medallist at the Commonwealth Youth Games. He is one of 20 siblings.

Keevin, one of five brothers to have represented Guyana in boxing, Allicock looked way above the other local boxers and many feel that in

order for him to improve he needs to fight good overseas boxers.

A firm believer in God, Allicock joined the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) at age 15 under coach Sebert Blake and has been there ever since.

He credits Cuban boxing coach, Francisco Hernandez Roland, for teaching a lot of the finer points of boxing when he was in Cuba training for the Olympics.

Allicock knows the importance of overseas experience and exposure to better boxers.

“I will enjoy the Christmas season in Guyana before I leave for Morocco next month for my 2023 season,” said Allicock whose last overseas trip was for the Commonwealth Games

He is scheduled to participate in the Golden Belt Series from January 31 to February 12.

Argentina players forced to abandon bus parade

(BBC) - Argentina's World Cup winners had to abandon an open-top bus parade in Buenos Aires and instead took a helicopter ride over the millions of ecstatic fans partying in the streets.

The squad showed off the trophy at the start of a planned eight-hour journey.

But the celebrations on packed roads became more chaotic, forcing a rethink.

"It was impossible to continue on the ground due to the explosion of joy," tweeted presidential spokeswoman Gabriela Cerruti.

Social media videos appeared to show fans jumping onto the top deck of the bus carrying the players at one point when it passed underneath a bridge, with one fan falling off.

The Argentine government declared Tuesday would be a national holiday in the South American country after Lionel Messi and his team-mates beat France in Sunday's final.

About four million people lined the streets of Buenos Aires, according to local estimates.

"Today Argentina experienced one of the most extraordinary parties in its history. There was only joy and gratitude during hours and hours of exciting togetherness," Cerruti added.

Hundreds of thousands Argentinians had packed into Buenos Aires' Plaza de la República by midday on Tuesday

After arriving home from Qatar in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the players left the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training complex on a 20mile journey to the centre of Buenos Aires at 11:45 local time (14:45 GMT).

The journey was supposed to finish at the capital city's iconic Obelisk monument, where hundreds of thousands had gathered and created a party atmosphere, later that day.

But security forces would not let the bus continue to Plaza de la República - the public square where the Obelisk stands - after some of the celebrations became too chaotic.

"A thousand apologies on behalf of all of the champion players. [Such] a shame," tweeted AFA president Chiqui Tapia.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted a selfie from inside the helicopter

With the majority of the jubilant fans wearing the national team's blue and white colours, it was a sea of colour in Plaza de la República as they waited for the squad.

Banners were held aloft of captain Messi and the late Diego Maradona - another iconic Argentina player, captain of the 1986 World Cup champions and regarded as one of the greatest players ever - while other fans played instruments or climbed lampposts.

Hundreds of fans lined the streets, with many riding

scooters and running behind the bus on a motorway, as the parade made its way towards the Argentine capital.

"It's crazy, it's incredible, it's the best thing that can happen to you in life," said 25-year-old Matias Gomez, one of those gathered.

"It is an enormous joy to see all these happy people, all together, one with the other, holding hands, giving each other hugs, kisses. We are all one today."

Paris St-Germain forward Messi, who captained the side and cemented his place for many as the greatest footballer ever by lifting the World Cup, sat in the middle of a group of the squad on the top deck.

Earlier on Tuesday, he posted on Instagram showing him waking up alongside the trophy.

Argentina has been in party mode since Sunday's dramatic penalty shootout win against France in Qatar, which gave the country its first World Cup win since Maradona lifted the trophy 36 years ago.

Messi, 35, finally achieved his World Cup dream as La Albiceleste won their third crown in one of the greatest finals in the tournament's history.

The celebrations were soundtracked by people playing musical instruments and encouraging others to dance. Almost everyone at the parade was wearing Argentina blue and white.

Argentina's footballers have won the World Cup for the first time since 1986

Matthews within touching distance of ICC top spot

(CMC) – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has closed in on top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings for all-rounders and has also made a big jump in the bowling rankings.

She moved one spot in the all-rounder rankings to second and also jumped three places up in the bowling rankings to fourth.

Matthews is now four rating points away from the top-ranked Sophie Devine of New Zealand in rankings for all-rounders. In the bowling rankings, she is behind England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn and Deepti Sharma of India.

The only other West Indies Women player to move up in the bowling rankings was right-arm leg-spinner Afy Fletcher who is one spot higher on 14.

Stafanie Taylor, meanwhile, slipped out of the top 10 in the all-rounder rankings and is now ranked 11th.

Matthews’ improvement in the bowling rankings

comes on the heels of her picking up five wickets in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England in the Caribbean.

West Indies Women have already lost the se -

ries, having failed to secure a win in any of the four matches so far. They will have a chance to avoid a whitewash in the final game at Kensington Oval in Barbados tomorrow night.

Gabba given ‘below average’ rating

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The Gabba pitch has been given a "below average" rating and handed one demerit point from the ICC after the first Test between Australia and South Africa ended inside two days.

In total, only 866 balls were bowled in the match, which makes it the second-shortest Test ever played in Australia, and 34 wickets fell in that time. Bowlers took a wicket every 25.5 balls, the second-best strike rate in a Test match ever (with a minimum of 30 wickets), and South Africa captain Dean Elgar said afterwards that the surface

did not facilitate a "fair contest," between bat and ball. The ICC agreed.

"Overall, the Gabba pitch for this Test match was too much in favour of the bowlers," Richie Richardson, the match referee for the Test, said. "There was extra bounce and occasional excessive seam movement. The odd delivery also kept low on the second day, making it very difficult for batters to build partnerships.

"I found the pitch to be 'below average' as per the ICC guidelines since it was not an even contest between bat and ball."

Richardson, however, did not go as far as Elgar and suggest the surface could have posed a danger to batters.

Elgar had posed the question to Chris Gaffney and Rod Tucker, the onfield umpires, during Australia's second innings when "KG (Kagiso Rabada) got (Travis) Head out down leg … and then (Anrich) Nortje was bowling those short ones that were flying over our heads". But he did not receive an answer on-field.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said there was "no way" the surface was dangerous but acknowledged it

High-intensity matchups expected on penultimate day

ALL roads lead to the Ministry of Education ground today for the penultimate day of the 2022 KFC Goodwill Tournament.

The final four will ignite the semifinal round from 17:30hrs in the Petra-organised event, as defending champs, Annai Secondary School, and St Benedict’s College (SBC) of Trinidad and Tobago kick off proceedings.

In the match that follows, the impressive Desrey Fox Secondary School (DFSS) and Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary School

(CWSS) are billed to contend the second semifinal encounter from 19:30hrs.

The winners of the semis will face each other for top honours on Friday, December 23, while the losing sides in the semis will go head-to-head in the third-place encounter in the first match of the double-header on the final day.

It was quite an entertaining Group stage, which concluded on Monday evening at the same venue, with DFSS coming out on top of Group A while Annai finished on top of

Group B. SBC and CWSS ended as the runners-up for Groups A and B, respectively, while SVB Academy and Golden Grove were the unlucky sides that were knocked out of the tournament.

The third edition of this tournament is sponsored by KFC, Tiger Offshore Rentals, MVP Sport, Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages Inc. and Demerara Life, with support from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

was "tricky" to bat on. "Two days probably isn't ideal … personally, I don't mind it if the grounds man err on the greener side occasionally; (I've) played a lot of Tests where they've erred on the flatter side. Think it was the same for both teams," he said after the game.

This is the second time that an Australian pitch has been given a negative rating by the ICC in the last four years. In January 2018, the MCG pitch was rated poor after a draw between Australia and England, in which only 24 wickets fell in five days.

The next Test between Australia and South Africa will start at the MCG on Boxing Day.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews

KFC Goodwill Football series 2022…

Desrey Fox Secondary School (DFSS) put on a strong showing during the earlier games

It was a tough pitch to bat on, as Temba Bavuma illustrates here (Associated Press)

Annai (blue) against St Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago

Keevin Allicock (left) defeated Samuel of Suriname in the Featherweight final on Sunday (Sean Devers photo)