Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-12-2022

Robotics to become integral to local healthcare delivery

- as Guyana moves towards becoming global medical hub, President Ali says

as the country continues on its transformational trajectory.

The Head of State said that capitalising on projected global needs in the healthcare sector, and developing capacity to satisfy the demand is a pivotal area in which the government plans to create an economy that is functional, competitive and provides opportunities for 2030 and beyond.

easily. So this is not for the Guyanese market, but we are also targeting international students for this nursing school,” Dr Ali had announced.

He related that the government is positioning Guyana over the next eight years to be relevant in the world environment, so that the country can remain a viable state, even well past the end of its oil-and-gas industry.

what the demand is,” the President said.

But nursing is not the only healthcare area where Guyana can create a niche market, and attract international consumers.

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday evening said that the government’s long-term goal is to make Guyana into a global medical hub by employing the latest technologies, including robotics, to deliver world-class service

The Head of State during his address at the University of Guyana School of Medicine’s White Coat Ceremony on Wednesday, said: “We are moving full speed ahead in bringing up to speed our medical system to allow robotics to be part of the medical care delivery.”

This, Dr Ali told the new doctors, is part of the government’s efforts to transform Guyana, particularly the health sector.

Owing to this transformation, there will not only be improved services for patients, but also opportunities for locals who are qualifying themselves in the medical field.

The Head of State told the new doctors that they are lucky to be entering the profession at a time when there are more than 19 post-graduate specialised programmes for doctors in Guyana.

He said that the direc-

tion the country is going in is data-driven and science-driven, noting that the use of telemedicine is already being employed.

With the increased use of technology, the Head of State said: “The long game is to position Guyana as an important medical hub globally that will offer services to the rest of the world and be a foreign currency earner.”

The President recently announced that an international nursing school accredited by a developed country, a stem cell facility, and the development of a regional mRNA vaccine-production facility are some of the ways in which the government is working to turn health care services into an export earner for Guyana,

“We’re looking at the building of a nursing school in collaboration with the US, UK or Canada, certified universities and nursing programmes. So when you get accredited from these institutions you can work in any of these economies

“Why nursing? In all the developed countries, the entire Europe, the greatest shortage in healthcare is among nurses, and the deficit will grow and demand cannot be met because intake is not matching what demand will be and

“Very soon, we’re hoping that we will realise our first private development in stem cell. Not stem cell research but stem cell. Where athletes, global celebrities, the global rich will come here because we will have a stem cell facility,” Dr. Ali said.

Guyana is also working along with Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean region in jointly developing the region’s first vaccine-production

factory. It was earlier this year that President Ali first proposed that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) should develop its capacity to produce vaccines for COVID-19 and other illnesses, while making remarks at the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government.

This is directly due to the difficulties faced by the region in acquiring COVID-19 vaccines, throughout the pandemic; this underscored the importance of putting systems in place to ensure a different outcome for the small Caribbean nations in the future.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (Office of the President photo)

The new doctors taking their oath (Office of the President photo)

Putin says Russia wants end to war in Ukraine

(Reuters) - PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin said, on Thursday, that Russia wants an end to the war in Ukraine and that this would inevitably involve a diplomatic solution.

Putin made the comments a day after U.S. President Joe

Biden hosted Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in the White House and promised him continued and unwavering U.S. support.

“Our goal is not to spin the flywheel of military conflict, but, on the contrary, to end this war,” Putin said,

adding: “We will strive for an end to this, and the sooner the better, of course.”

White House spokesman, John Kirby, said Putin has “shown absolutely zero indication that he’s willing to negotiate” an end to the war, which began when

Moscow sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24.

“Quite the contrary,” Kirby told reporters during an online briefing. “Everything he (Putin) is doing on the ground and in the air bespeaks a man who wants to continue to visit violence upon the Ukrainian people” and

“escalate the war.”

Kirby reiterated that Biden was open to talks with Putin, but only after the Russian leader “showed a seriousness about negotiations” and after consultations with Ukraine and U.S. allies.

Russia has persistently said it is open to negotiations, but Ukraine and its allies suspect a ploy to buy time after a series of Russian defeats and retreats that have swung the momentum of the 10-month war in favour of Kyiv.

“I have said many times: the intensification of hostilities leads to unjustified losses,” Putin told reporters.

“All armed conflicts end one way or another with some kind of negotiations on the diplomatic track,” he added.

Putin noted: “Sooner or later, any parties in a state of conflict sit down and make an agreement. The sooner this realisation comes to those who oppose us, the better. We have never given up on

this.”

Russia says it is Ukraine that is refusing to talk. Kyiv says Russia must halt its attacks and give up all territory it has seized.

Putin also played down the significance of the Patriot air defense system that Biden agreed to supply to Zelenskiy, saying Russia would find a way to counter it.

He said it was “quite old” and did not work like Russia’s S-300 system. “An antidote will always be found,” he said, boasting Russia would “crack” the Patriots.

“So those who do it are doing it in vain. It’s just prolonging the conflict, that’s all.”

Putin also said a price cap imposed on Russian oil by Western countries, designed to limit its ability to fund the war, would not damage the Russian economy. He said he would sign a decree early next week to set out Russia’s response.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during a news conference after a meeting of the State Council on youth policy in Moscow, Russia (Sputnik/Sergey Guneev/Pool via REUTERS)

Over 100 persons accelerating works on Courtyard Marriott

By Cindy Parkinson

OVER 100 persons have been employed by investor, Cardinal Investments Inc., to accelerate works on the US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott hotel, next to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the investor, Roy Bassoo, said construction of the facility was moving apace despite the inclement weather, and works will be completed by the end of next year— the deadline for completion.

Addressing the work being executed by R. Bassoo and Sons Construction Company, Bassoo said: “Right now we are working on the second floor of the hotel and we are scheduled to complete it at the end of 2023.”

Due to the inclement weather, an “accelerated

the allotted time.

Bassoo related that they have done numerous projects throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, but, according to him, “this project” is the first of its type and magnitude that the company has undertaken.

He said: “This is a very exciting project; we are happy to be involved in this project, not only for ourselves but for Guyana and more so for the airport.”

He also related that the hotel will transform the landscape of the CJIA and he was grateful to be a part of that. The company has already sent persons to undergo training in hospitality, so that the service would match the five-star look of the hotel.

The six-storey hotel will be a one-minute drive from the entrance of the CJIA and is expected to accommodate airline crews and staff, business personnel, diplomats, and other

tors that the intended 2023 completion date for the new hotel will coincide with the full transformation of the East Bank Demerara corridor.

“So, not only are we seeing the realisation of a hotel, but we are seeing a realisation of a new urban spread around the airport, and this area will become a major hospitality, leisure, and sports recreational area, in addition to the business segment,” President Ali had said, as he pointed to the massive expansions ongoing at CJIA.

He added: “The type of investments that will be created around will only add to the success of this [Courtyard Marriott] project.”

As a matter of fact, Dr. Ali said that, within the next five years, the government alone will be plugging billions of dollars into improving and modernising that catchment area.

of infrastructure that will surround Silica City,” the President informed.

In his response to President Ali and his government being on-the-ground

ergetic president who is action-oriented,” Bassoo said.

A business-friendly climate supplemented by the anticipated economic

found that a typical hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year. And the nation’s hotel and lodging industry brings other

work plan” was implemented, and this entails work during the day as well as at night. That plan was introduced to ensure that the company stays within

travellers. It was reported that the facility will be the second Marriott hotel brand in Guyana.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, had assured inves -

“We are already talking to urban planners and our local planners. We have established a group looking at the development of Silica City and the type

and lending support to projects such as his, Bassoo said: “It is very refreshing to see that the President of a country (Guyana) and his government are hands-on. We could not have expected better from him and the support that they have given to us and the other private entities and private projects that are going on.”

Bassoo said agencies such as Go-Invest, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Guyana Power and Light (GPL), have all been very supportive.

He related that the mentioned organisations are “on the ball with the necessary approvals and information.”

“I have been in business for close to 30 years and this has never happened before; it’s amazing how this president is working with the private sector to get these projects going. Like I said, it is very refreshing to have a young, vibrant and en -

ascension is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry such as, Sheraton, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others.

According to a study by Oxford Economics, hotel operations and guest spending, support eight million jobs across the US alone. The same study

important benefits to local communities.

These businesses are a cornerstone for local economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, capital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship. These benefits are also expected to accrue to Guyana, as the country continues to function as an investment magnet.

- investor affirms construction will be completed within specified timeframe

Roy Bassoo (right) with other officials at the New Marriott site

Work in progress at the new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at Timehri, East Bank Demerara

A Caring Leader

FOR the second time this month, President Dr. Ifaan Ali will be giving a struggling family a new house.

Rominia Benedict, of Rotterdam Village, East Bank Berbice, Region Six, is the latest beneficiary of President Ali’s kindness and compassion. The pregnant mother of six will be moving into her new home any day now, and, hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for her to create a better life for herself and children.

The woman’s story was recently published in the media, and the president, being the man that he is, did not ignore her plight. He sprang into action and ensured that everything was in place to commence construction

almost immediately. His intention is to have the family in their new home by Christmas morning.

President Ali, several weeks ago, fulfilled a promise he made to 85-year-old Meena Bafan, who was in dire need of a new house and a walkway leading to the building.

The president saw the deplorable conditions the pensioner was living in during an impromptu visit to Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. He made an on-the-spot decision to break down the dilapidated structure and construct a new building, free of cost.

Days after that visit, President Ali returned, with his gloves, hard hat and hammer, to assist the group of men who were working on the building.

A week later, the keys were handed over to the elderly woman.

While President Ali may not be able to replicate this on-site assistance at Bloomfield, Rominia will no doubt be grateful for the President’s intervention.

President Ali, since taking office in August 2020, has publicly shown that he has a soft spot for the weak and vulnerable, and that he is prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that their living conditions are improved.

During his visits to communities, he has interacted with vulnerable youths, and listened to the cries and concerns of the impoverished. In most instances, he has acted swiftly, as he no doubt recognises that he has the

potential and resources to improve their lives.

Almost on a daily basis, one can see evidence of the president’s determination to help his people. Clearly, many more will benefit in the coming years.

He has already announced that a massive programme to construct 150 houses for vulnerable Guyanese will unfold in 2023. These houses will be constructed throughout the country, with the support of his newlylaunched ‘Men on Mission’ initiative.

He is also paying attention to the youths.

Recognising that employment is a cause for concern in the Leopold Street area, the president took evasive steps which will see many residents,

particularly young men, receiving skills training.

While there may be programmes offered under the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, President Ali took note of their eagerness to work so that they can help their families and become productive citizens.

Many of them have already been offered jobs in the construction field. This approach is a step in the right direction, as it confirms that President Ali is a caring leader who clearly wants the best for every Guyanese, regardless of their economic status or political affiliation.

Fishermen, sugar workers, farmers and public servants cannot deny that their lives and

standard of living have improved under President Ali’s leadership, and will improve even further in the coming months.

President Ali has been proactive in his leadership to ensure that he creates an environment where every citizen feels valued, appreciated and heard.

He is a very busy man, but that hasn’t stopped him from rolling up his sleeves to do some construction work, or to visit communities in various parts of the country or listen to children sing Christmas Carols.

He has demonstrated, time and time again, that he is a true leader who finds the time to care for others, and who treats others the way he expects to be treated.

Ill-founded and incoherent tirade

Dear Editor, MR. Norman Browne, in a letter to the editor of Stabroek News dated December 19, 2022, expressed, in what is clearly an ill-founded and incoherent tirade, the reasons why he rejects President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s call for members of the diaspora to return home and participate in nation-building.

He sees this call by the President as a “public re-

lations stunt” and alludes that it is only Guyanese who “have no vested interest in human rights struggle or holding government accountable for its deeds” ought to be interested in such as call.

He also cites the alleged silencing of free speech and the apparent “decades and decades of political oppression; corruption, racism, state violence and mismanagement of our nation’s

resources” as reasons for his opinions.

A reminder need not be given of the repeated attempts at electoral rigging, decades of authoritarian rule, and recent abuse of power and resources to the benefit of supporters of the previous PNC/APNU+AFC administration.

Mr Browne’s political posturing fails to take into account the realities of the work of the govern-

ment and its ambitions for Guyana’s future. The Local Content Act carves out niche areas in the servicing of the oil-and-gas industry for Guyanese (defined as both natives and second-generation diasporans).

Further, the 20,000 GOAL Scholarship programme and 150,000 Guyana Coders Initiative are projects intended to educate and uplift Guyanese’s abilities irrespec-

tive of race, region or gender; the LCDS-2030 has allocated 15 per cent of all future revenues earned from the sale of carbon credits to go directly towards hinterland development, and the frugal and transparent management of oil revenues through a Natural Resources Fund.

These are but a few of the initiatives that speak to the holistic approach to governance in a manner that is transparent, open

to all, and geared towards the development of Guyana as a whole.

Browne’s rant represents rhetoric that is toxic for the future that this government wishes, and is intended for an audience of radical elements that would rather fail than constructively work towards Guyana’s upliftment.

Yours Truly Alvin Hamilton

ILO: 34.5 per cent of over 65s have no income in Latin America, the Caribbean

THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned that old age-related social protection coverage is deteriorating, leaving 34.5 per cent of people over 65 without any labour-related income or pension, a situation of vulnerability and economic insecurity that has been made worse by the COVID-19 crisis.

“The proportion of older people without labour income or pension increased from 31.9 per cent in 2019 to 34.6 per cent in 2020 and 34.5 per cent in 2021. This coverage gap is the highest in the entire series available since 2012,” according to a new technical note published by the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

At regional level, 46.8 per cent of those over 65 receive only a pension, 5.1 per cent receive labour income and pension, while 13.6 per cent report only labour income. In total, only 51.9 per cent receive a pension.

The “Overview of Social Protection in Latin America and the Caribbean”, analyses social security trends in the region, in particular pension systems and the economic security of older people, which were put to the test during the social and economic crisis triggered by the pandemic.

“The pandemic made visible the importance of social protection systems, understood as the set of policies and programmes that guarantee comprehensive coverage against different social risks throughout the life cycle,” the study showed.

It highlighted too: “Social protection is essential to promote social inclusion and cohesion and reduce poverty and social disparities, especially in the context of

a crisis that hit the most vulnerable sectors hardest.”

“Given the lack of resources, such as savings or other private sources, and the decrease in the ability to generate labour income at advanced ages, it can lead to poverty in old age,” the ILO added.

The study notes that the performance of and challenges for social protection systems are related to a “triad of objectives” –coverage, adequacy and sustainability.

Coverage refers to the proportion of the population who have effective access to system benefits, adequacy denotes the amount of monetary or in-kind benefits, while sustainability relates to the relative capacity of an economy to meet the present and future costs of a social protection system.

The ILO note points out that while contributory pension systems ensure continuity of income, benefit levels depend on factors such as age, contribution years or pension savings, and these are often related to having formal sector working careers.

Coverage of contributory pensions fell 0.4 percentage points between 2019 and 2021, from 47.4 per cent to 47.0 per cent of the employed workforce. The fall in 2020 represents a seven-year

setback and, despite some subsequent economic recovery, the levels of 2021 are similar to those of 2018.

Non-contributory pension programmes can close economic security gaps in old age by creating a guaranteed level of

social protection. There are 19 non-contributory pension programmes in the region.

The ILO analysis found that, since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more difficult to achieve coverage, sufficiency and financial

sustainability in pension systems, with greater uncertainty about economic growth, reduced fiscal space, and increased inflation and interest rates.

In addition, longer-term, structural factors are playing a role, including high levels

of informality (which puts pressure on pension systems), disruption in work and production organisation, ageing populations, rising dependency ratios, and increasing numbers of natural disasters. (ILO News)

Nursing Assistant Training Programme launched in Region Two

IN a move to decentralise healthcare programmes, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony launched the Nursing Assistant Training Programme at the Public Hospital Suddie (PHS) in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Wednesday.

Through the programme, 45 students from the Essequibo Coast and the Pomeroon River will be trained for 18 months as nursing assistants.

Delivering remarks at the event, Minister Anthony said it is important for persons to be adequately trained, as the government has invested millions of dollars in the construc-

tion of six major regional hospitals across Guyana.

“With all of this type of expansion, we will require persons to be trained to provide some of the services that we require here. So, you are at the starting stage where we want to start you off by training you as a nursing assistant and then some of you might want to go on to become a registered nurse … and we want to encourage you along that trajectory,” the minister said.

He said the Registered Nursing (RN) Programme will be launched in 2023, paving the way for more opportunities.

“When we open that

next year, we are hoping that we can attract at least 1,000 persons to come on board for that programme. So, while you finish this particular programme, we’re hoping that all of you would want to upgrade yourself …This is one way in which we see you going through

that career trajectory, so you’re not going to be stagnant at one level.”

The health minister urged the students to attend to patients with the right attitude.

“Despite what you’re doing, despite how challenging or whatever it is that is happening with you, you sign up for this profession to help people and when people are in need, we want you to go there and to make sure that you take care

of them,” he emphasised.

In addition, Minister Anthony said with the salaries of healthcare personnel, the government is hoping to retain nurses in the public sector.

Meanwhile, Region Two Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit, expressed gratitude to the health ministry for decentralising the programme.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Narine

Singh, stated that this programme is intended to cater for all of the region’s nursing needs and to bridge the gaps in the profession.

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Ranjeef Singh was also in attendance.

Similar programmes were launched in Regions One and Nine earlier this year by the Health Ministry’s Division of Health Sciences Education. (DPI)

- 45 students to undergo 18-month training

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, with nurses and other officials

Massive infrastructural transformation

COMMUTE is now hassle-free for residents of the farming community of Crown Dam, Parika, where the Ministry of Public Works has executed a $74,847,885 road construction project.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said that the works form part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s $15.2 billion road development package under the ministry’s miscellaneous roads programme. Last year, over 450 roads were constructed or rehabilitated.

Plans, under this year’s programme included the rehabilitation of a number of roads in Region Two. Those include First and Second Cross Streets and Shenny Roundabout Street in Charity, First Long Dam in Perseverance, Fourth Cross Street in Zorg and Back and Hack Streets Riverstown in Golden Fleece.

Plans were also in place to repair Factory Estate Street, Cross Street and Mandir Street in Johanna Cecilia, Masjid Street in Queenstown, North Dam in Affiance, Primary School Road in Hurry-up Scheme in Hydronie/Good Hope, Bushy

Park Phase Two and Sixth Cross Street in La Jalousie.

Further, residents of Mora Boundary Road, Back Dam East from School to Kent Dam and Crown Dam Parika, the road north of Crystal Spring Malgre Tout, Sarah Cremation Site and Mandir Street, and Melville in Wakenaam will also benefit from the upgrade.

Roads that were slated to be rehabilitated in Region Three were Phase Two Belle West Network One, Lion Street, Best Village, Dem Amstel, East Side Line Dam and Cruikshank Street Den Amstel W.C.D, along with Market Old Road, Leonora W.C.D.

In Region Four, rehabilitation was scheduled for Third Cross Street Herstelling, Jaipaul to Zamo Street, Mahaica, Back Street Hope, First and Second Cross Street Old Iron, Enmore and Old Enmore Railway Embankment. In Cane Grove, Eddie Ram Street, Donald/ Jango Street and Church Street will see major upgrade along with Pauline Street and Fourth Street in Strathavon.

Residents of Annandale also saw improvements with works on Pump Road, Benkey Alley and First Cross Street. Similar works will be carried out in First and Sixth Cross Street in Good Hope Phase One. Training

School Road and Cookie Street in Kuru Kururu, along with Martyr’s Ville, Seventh Street, Double Road and Second Cross Street, Jango Town in Mon Repos, are also set to be rehabilitated.

Residents of Mahaica also benefitted as there were

rehabilitative work to roads in De Hoop Line Top Street, De Hoop Mahaica, Broom Hall, Middle Walk Street, Mahaicony, District One, West of De Hoop Branch Road, Mahaica River, Road Network, Perseverance, Purain Street, Blairmont, No.2

Village, Kassim Street, Cotton Tree, Bachelor Street, Rosignol, Paris Street, No.22 Village, Second Street, Section C, Bush Lot and the road network in Shieldstown are on the cards for repairs.

Over in Region Six, roads that were slated for rehabilitation include Tarlogie Compound Dam, Samrah Street, No.36 Village First Street, No.43 Village Third Cross Street, Liverpool, Fourth Cross Street, Whim No.53 Village Second and Third Cross Street, First Cross Street, No.71 Village, Second Street and Access Lengua Section B, Grant 1806, Cross Street

Three Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, First Street, Kendall, Fourth Street, Jigg, Fyrish Main Access, Nigg Fifth Street, Russel Street South, Hampshire, Fifth and Sixth Cross Street, Belvedere.

Before and After: Commuting is now hassle-free for residents of the farming community of Crown Dam, Parika, where the Ministry of Public Works has executed a $74,847,885 road construction project

— mud road at Crown Dam, Parika, now asphalted road through $74M investment

Guyana leads region in enactment of bills this year

SURPASSING the usual regional standards and in keeping with its commitment to strengthening Guyana’s legislative framework, the Government of Guyana has passed and enacted 25 bills in 2022 alone.

This was revealed by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., in his most recent edition of “Issues in the News.”

Those 25 new laws, ranging from the Hire Purchase to the Condominium Bills, were all successfully passed through the National Assembly over the course of the year.

The Attorney-General said this feat is significant by any standard around the world, as it represents, on average, two new laws being passed every month.

“That is an average of two pieces of legis-

lation per month. That is a record by any standard…we would have doubled any other country in the Caribbean with that rate of enactment of laws,” Nandlall related.

He said the Legal Affairs Ministry is concluding a law revision process – a system that seeks to update the existing framework of laws- which hasn’t been done since 2012.

“[We are concluding] the revision of the

laws of Guyana…the exercise whereby you get all the different pieces of amendments and you insert them into the principal acts that [have been] amended, so when you read that principal act, the amendments are incorporated and it reads smoothly,” the Attorney General said, adding that the law revision process is a priority area for the PPP/C Administration.

“Law revision is a very important exercise because it keeps the country’s laws updated. Secondly, it keeps them consolidated, and thirdly, it makes them acces-

sible and easy to consult. So, it must be done at regular intervals,” he related.

Nandlall said the government has no intention of “easing up” on fulfilling its commit-

ment to law reform, and will continue full steam ahead in the new year.

“We don’t plan to slow down next year. In fact, we will accelerate our agenda for next year,” he said. (DPI)

- no plan to slow down in the new year, Attorney-General Nandlall affirms

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

‘Prosperity will come to every home’

barrier between him and Guyanese

eral persons residing in Leopold Street, Georgetown, and surrounding communities.

From that face-toface discourse, over 30 young people were able to gain employment and are providing an income for their families.

Additionally, Dr. Ali reached out to residents of Independence Boulevard (Punt Trench), where an enhancement project is ongoing.

undergoing a massive transformation.

“We are creating agricultural blocks, cleaning canals; we are giving them agricultural help to increase production and building community facilities,” President Ali said.

The President said the PPP/C Government has never been a team that only responded to what it wants.

lives, that is what I am about, that’s what my energy is on,” the Head of State added.

He said his administration is willing to welcome anyone who wants to come on board to transform Guyana.

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has made it clear that there is no barrier between him and Guyanese, as his government is working tirelessly to build a “One Guyana,” through a community-by-community approach.

Since being elected to office on August 2, 2020, President Ali immediately embarked on a community campaign, meeting residents at the grass-root level to listen to their concerns.

That same zeal for consultation is being mirrored by every minister of government, who not only addresses

the concerns of persons within their constituencies, but Guyanese countrywide.

“And trust what I am telling… the results will come for the benefit of the Guyanese people and prosperity will come to every home,” President said during a recent interview.

He said Guyanese must determine their priorities and the onus is on the government to meet those demands.

The President believes that the only way citizens’ concerns could be addressed is by having regular consultations in all communi -

ties.

“Do you want a lazy President? An office-ridden President, a President who is bounded by four walls, or do you want a proactive President that is on the ground and who is willing to work with every single citizen?” the Head of State questioned.

Referencing his recent engagement with residents of Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, the President underscored that from the fruitful meeting, several issues were resolved.

Like many other communities, President Ali also met with sev-

The Head of State also led a team to Baracara Village along Canje Creek, and currently, the village is

“We reacted to what the people want that is the greatest functionality of democracy…skills development, providing jobs, transforming

“We need, sometimes, to put ourselves in the position of others in this country and understand that pain and difficulty, and that is what I do every day as a president…. we are ready to work with every single group,” the President said. (DPI)

- President Ali affirms, says there is no

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

Mocha Arcadia residents react to President Ali’s stern message that no one will prevent him from taking Guyana forward (DPI photo)

Georgetown business districts abuzz with activity - as seasonal Christmas shopping winds down

By Naomi Parris

IT’S Christmas and Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown, was busy on Thursday as shoppers made their way through the crowded streets to pick up the items they needed for the season.

“Sale! Sale! Sale! Come and get your curtains here… I got the grapes; I got the apples fresh and nice here!” could be heard at almost every corner.

Many flocked the stalls

along the roadside while some were seen skilfully manoeuvring through the countless stores on Regent, Camp and Robb Streets.

The lines at the ATMs (automatic teller machines) stretched beyond their

did not stop those who were determined to purchase their last-minute gifts, decorations and other goodies.

One shopper, Angela (only name given) successfully made her way through the large crowd to purchase

tion that she is in the process of decorating her home for the Christmas holidays and decided to come into the city to pick up a few “fine things” to add to her final décor.

The woman shared that she plans to spend the holidays with family.

“I’ll cook some of my favourites, Spanish rice, baked chicken, and spend the day quiet with friends and family,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shoim of Shawn’s Minimart, a business located in Anna Regina, Region Two, noted that himself and a few other colleagues travelled from the Cinderella County to “catch some sales” in the capital city.

boundaries, making it even harder to comfortably traverse the pavements.

Nevertheless, the hassle

a piece of material that had caught her eyes.

The woman in an invited comment told this publica-

“We does do this every year; pack up some stuff and come down to town to sell. We have curtains as low as $500, we got decorations, we get mat, anything you want for Christmas we got it right[here],” he added.

Shiom of Shawn’s Minimart bargaining with a shopper

A shopper checks the floral

Angela was one of the shoppers who made her way through the crowded Regent Street pavement to shop for a few items to complete the Christmas holidays (Delano Williams photos)

A rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) directs traffic

President Ali hosts Christmas luncheon for Region Three elders

President, Dr Irfaan Ali brought Christmas cheer to hundreds of senior citizens from across Region Three during a luncheon hosted at his Leonora home on Wednesday. While engaging the seniors, he emphasised that the relationship shared with

citizens is not seasonal, but rather, is based on working hard every day and doing the best to make the lives of citizens better. The President, a son of Leonora, has been honouring senior citizens during the holidays since 2009. (Office of the President photos)

Georgetown business...

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The man noted that himself and partner will be working until Christmas Eve and will return home on Christmas morning.

He further stated that business is slowly picking up and he anticipates greater sales when the influx of lastminute shoppers returns to the city on Christmas Eve.

“Cassareep, get your cassareep here, all the way from Pomeroon!” one vendor shouted.

Household and gift items were not the only things shoppers were looking for. The various kinds of tantalizing delicacies such as apples, grapes, cookies and the ingredients for the pepperpot, black cake and homemade ginger beer and garlic pork were also on the list.

Many shoppers could be seen combing through the crowds, eyeing the vendors’ display of fruits, cookies, sweets and many other treats.

One passerby was heard saying, “I really got to get this cassareep for my pepperpot”, as she stood next to Abby, a cassareep vendor, who had erected a stall on Regent Street.

The woman disclosed that she sourced her cassareep all the way from the Pomeroon region. She insisted that that area has the best product to add the right “kick and flare” to the traditional pepperpot that is served on Christmas morning in almost every Guyanese household.

Abby noted that a Guyanese home would not be “Christmassy” without the smell of pepperpot or black cake emanating from the kitchen. As such, she plans to cook up a storm in her kitchen.

“I gon make my little bake chicken and macaroni on Christmas Day and I gon eat my pepperpot and spend some time with family,” she added.

$80M in infrastructure works underway at Victory Valley, Linden

Following commitments made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a recent visit to Region Ten, infrastructure works at Victory Valley, Linden have commenced. More than $80 million in works are being executed by residents. Additionally, a new bridge at Block 22, Wismar will soon be constructed (Office of the President photos)

Businesses spread Christmas cheer in McDoom

IN keeping with the season of giving, a dozen businesses teamed up on Saturday to distribute toys to children and hampers to the elderly at McDoom, East Bank Demerara.

A total of 350 boys and girls received toys

for Christmas, while 40 hampers were distributed to senior citizens. They were also treated to goodies and live steel pan music.

The persons who benefitted from the Christmas cheer are residents of McDoom, Agricola, Houston

and Georgetown communities such as Albouystown and East La Penitence.

The businesses that made this annual event possible were Mohamed’s Enterprise, ChampionX, Falcon Logistics, Gafoors, Kam-

ri Glass Factory, Khan’s Automotive, Amy’s and Ashley’s Authentic Closet, Shell Gas Station in McDoom, Richie’s Poultry Depot, Da Panda Bar, The Grill and Jerk Bar and Infinity Imports.

Some of the toys that were distributed

Children waiting to collect their toys

Guyanese musicians to perform at ‘classy’ show in Canada

OVERSEAS-BASED Guyanese, Paul Rampersaud, is gearing up for a massive Boxing Day show at his Kalypso

Hut restaurant in Brampton, Canada, which will feature four talented Guyanese artistes.

For the first time ever, and thanks to Kalypso Hut, Bunty Singh, Vanita Willie, Pooran Seeraj and Michael

Ramnarine will be performing at the Chandni Banquet Hall in Canada.

Word has it that their per-

formances are being eagerly anticipated as their music is very popular and trending, and also due to the fact that the audience will be seeing “fresh” faces.

The Chandni Banquet Hall located at 125 Chrysler DR Brampton, is expected to come alive from 18:00 hours with hundreds of people who have already bought their tickets, according to the promoter.

Speaking with Buzz this

week, Rampersaud said he has been doing similar promotions for the past 30 years.

“I did a lot of shows. I have my own restaurant, Kalypso Hut, for the past 35 years,” the Guyanese businessman who left Guyana in June 1977, related.

Promising to put on a “classy” evening, Rampersaud said the show will be “all Guy-

Event Promoter, Paul Rampersaud

Esther Samuels-Cheong creates

‘timeless’

pieces to ‘stand out’

— will soon open showroom with ready-to-wear outfits

By Telesha Ramnarine

WHAT’S the worst thing that can possibly happen to you? Turning up at an event in the exact dress as someone else is most likely at the top of the list.

Esther Samuels-Cheong, a passionate Guyanese fashion designer, knows this all too well since she experienced this some years ago at a wedding. But as bad as that day was, it proved to be just the right stimulus for her to finally get up and pursue what she knew she really loved – sewing and designing.

The 29-year-old has watched and learned from her mom who is a seamstress and has been sewing and designing her own clothing since the age of 15. It was at age 21, though, that she began doing it professionally.

She equally loved being a hair stylist and would man-

Guyanese musicians to perform...

anese.”

“All the artistes are Guyanese; the DJ’s, everybody! I have four from Guyana, seven from Canada; five DJs and three dancers: all Guyanese,” Rampersaud emphasised before adding, “This is where you want to be for first class entertainment on December 26, Boxing night. Top class décor, lighting, food and international artistes performing live,” Rampersaud said in a social media post.

He subsequently told the Buzz that he is very proud to be hosting the Guyanese musicians irrespective of the challenges involved in doing so.

“I am so proud to have all Guyanese on stage. I have been putting this together for months. I have seen that Guyana has a lot of talent. I always

want to bring them out but it’s so hard because they would need to go to Trinidad to get a work permit, etc.”

Rampersaud had applied since last May for the work permits and even hired a lawyer in Guyana to ensure that all of the paperwork was done properly to avoid any back and forth. Even so, the musicians only got through in November.

Now eagerly awaiting the event, Rampersaud said: “The stage is going to be one hundred per cent Guyanese and I want to show what Guyanese people can do all by themselves.”

Rampersaud hails from Friendship, Corentyne, Berbice, where some of his relatives still reside. In fact, a Kalypso Hut also exists there.

age both her salon - Esther’s Royalty Looks - and sewing. When the salon business got to be very demanding, Esther sadly had to leave sewing behind, but not for very long.

“When that business had reached the mark, I decided to create a team to sew so that I would only need to do the designing. Until then, creating a solid team helped me to venture back into fashion,” she recently told the Buzz.

This smart move by Esther worked out well and she was able to launch Royalty Designs on July 10.

“The feedback from the Guyanese public has been amazing and our brand has grown over the past few months. I am elated that the Guyanese public would have seen the brand for what it is – royalty -- and would have seen the quality of work, creativity, and talent that is within it,” she said.

Thanks to such appreciation, Royalty Designs was nominated for its first award which it won at the recently held Orange the Runway show.

“It was just a short time and people recognised the brand. It was an amazing feeling; very fulfilling to live my childhood dream,” she added.

Reflecting on how it all got started, she shared: “I was always a last-minute person and my mom told me that if I wanted a dress the day before an event, I needed to go on the machine and learn to sew.” So, she began by using the machine to alter her clothes.

“I used to take her fabric and cut them out and go on YouTube and learn. Or I used to get an old top, put it on the cloth and cut it out. I wasted so much of her fabric,” Esther laughed, “But it all turned out for the better

because Royalty Designs is doing great.”

Seeing someone else in the same dress she was wearing was another thing that propelled her desire for fashion designing.

“When I was younger, I went to a wedding and purchased a dress from a popular store in town and myself and someone else had on the exact dress and I stood at the door the entire night because I don’t like butting up with people having on the same clothing and that pushed me to start sewing my own pieces.”

She continued: “I love to stand out; I hate fitting in. I don’t like trending clothing. With designing, you are able to create new and timeless pieces and that’s the biggest thing I love about designing.”

Esther is gearing up to open her public showroom at Enachu Street, Section K, Campbellville which she said would have ready-towear pieces. With limited options in fabric available in Guyana, Esther chooses to import most of her materials.

Further, the Vintage Fashion Show and Tea Party that she launched her business with, will be made an annual event to showcase her pieces. She is hoping that the government will continue to help designers with funding so that they can host more events.

“We can have our own Guyana Fashion Week and other countries can come and participate. That would boost our tourism. The government is playing a significant role in the fashion industry because Guyana is on the rise; everything in Guyana is developing and so is the fashion industry,” Esther noted.

Vanita Willie Bunty Singh

Esther Samuels-Cheong

Royalty Designs was launched on July 10

Esther has been creating pieces professionally for almost 10 years now

One of the designs showcased at the Vintage Fashion Show and Tea Party which will become an annual event

QC Choir entertains First Family at State House

HIS EXCELLENCY President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Mrs Arya Ali were serenaded with Christmas songs, on Wednesday night, by students of Queen’s

College. The 35-member choir was led by Gem Rohlehr, who has been teaching music at the school since 1988.

According to the Office

of the President’s Facebook page, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, also joined the First Family for

the festive event at State House.

The QC Choir also performed a medley of Christmas carols at the residence of each of the following persons

-- Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Education Minister, Priya Manickchand; Principal (ag) of QC, Candace Cave-Stephen and Deputy Principal, Lenise

Parker-Morgan. These Office of the President and Minister Manickchand photographs captured the students in action.

Pricey ‘Avatar’ sequel opens shy of forecasts on its box office journey

JAMES Cameron’s long-awaited “Avatar” sequel fell short of ticket sales forecasts as it swept into theaters last weekend, though box office experts said it was too soon to judge whether the movie would recoup its massive costs.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” racked up roughly $435 million around the globe, distributor Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) said, including $134 million in the United States and Canada.

Pre-weekend predictions called for at least a $140 million domestic tally for Cameron’s decadein-the-making return to the story of the blue, Na’vi people on a moon called Pandora, and as much as $500 million worldwide.

While the numbers came in lower than projections, the global total ranked as the third-highest Hollywood opening of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Comscore.

Box office analysts said “The Way of Water” had the chance to draw large family audiences over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The film has little major competition until February.

“The Way of Water” is “built for the long haul, as are almost all James Cameron films,” said Jeff Bock, senior media analyst

at Exhibitor Relations Co. Audiences “may not show up the opening weekend, but they will show up eventually.”

Studios split ticket sales with theaters, and Cameron has said “The Way of Water” will need to make $2 billion just to break even. Disney has not disclosed the budget and marketing costs.

The movie was released 13 years after the first installment wowed audiences with pioneering 3D technology. The original “Avatar” remains the all-time box office champion with $2.9 billion in global ticket sales.

The first “Avatar” and

Cameron’s “Titanic”, which also dominated at the box office the year it was released, played in theaters for weeks longer than most movies.

Tony Chambers, head of theatrical distribution at Disney, said he expected “The Way of Water” to bring in strong sales over the holiday period and said its performance should be judged after the New Year.

“We know it’s resonating,” he said, noting positive reactions from ticket buyers and film critics. “We are in very good shape.”

The sequel was delayed multiple times as Cameron and co-writers crafted a

Justin Bieber nears $200M deal to sell music rights – WSJ

POP star, Justin Bieber, is nearing a deal worth about $200 million to sell his music rights to Blackstone Inc-backed (BX.N) Hipgnosis Songs Capital, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The potential deal includes the Canadian artist’s interest in both his publishing and recorded music catalog, according to the report.

Hipgnosis buys song catalogs from artists and earns revenue when their music is streamed online or used in movies or advertising.

Bieber rose to fame when he was 13 years old following the success of his song “Baby”. The pop star disclosed, in June, that he was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which left half of his face paralyzed, forcing him to cancel his performances.

Fellow pop artist, Justin

Timberlake, sold the rights to his songs, including hits such as “Cry Me A River” and “Rock Your Body”, to Hipgnosis Song Management in May.

Blackstone and Hipgnosis Song Management Ltd announced a partnership in October to invest about $1 billion to acquire music rights and manage catalogs.

Hipgnosis and Bieber did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reuters)

story to be told over four additional movies. A third “Avatar” installment and part of a fourth already have been filmed.

In “The Way of Water,” actors Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana return as Jake Sully and Neytiri 10 years later, now parents of five children. Their peaceful life is interrupted when the Sky People, the Na’vi name for humans, return to go after Jake.

Film critics praised the visual spectacle of “The Way of Water,” and 94 per cent of ticket buyers provided a positive rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website. (Reuters)

Woman arrested for stealing gifts from under Robert De Niro’s Christmas tree

Police officers saw the woman enter the basement of the building on East 65th Street at around 2.45 a.m. local time and found signs of forced entry, according to Arthur Tsui, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department.

The 30-year-old woman was known to police for a string of previous burglary arrests and officers caught her inside the apartment stealing items, Tsui said.

ABC News reported that she was stuffing presents from beneath a Christmas tree into a bag, and that De Niro, 79, was home at the time and the commotion resulted in him venturing downstairs.

The woman was in custody and charges were pending against her, Tsui said.

Stan Rosenfield, a spokesperson for De Niro, said he had no comment on the case other than to say the burglary took place at a temporary rental home for the Oscar-winning star of “Raging Bull” and “Taxi Driver.” (Reuters)

NEW York City police arrested a woman caught stealing presents from beneath Robert De Niro’s Christmas tree after breaking into the actor’s apartment on the Upper East Side, early on Monday morning, according to police and media reports.

Singer Justin Bieber poses at the premiere for the documentary television series “Justin Bieber: Seasons” in Los Angeles, California, on January 27, 2020 (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

Actor Robert De Niro attends the Amsterdam world premiere at Alice Tully Hall in New York, U.S. on September 18, 2022 (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz photo)

Zoe Saldana attends a premiere for the film Avatar: ‘The Way of Water’, at Dolby theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on December 12, 2022 (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni photo)

City beat Liverpool in Carabao Cup thriller

(BBC) - Manchester City emerged victorious in a Carabao Cup thriller at Etihad Stadium as Nathan Ake's first goal since April eventually saw off the challenge of holders Liverpool.

City led three times and, on the first two occasions, they were pegged back. On the second occasion, it took Mohamed Salah only one minute to restore parity after Riyad Mahrez had cut inside off Rodri's brilliant crossfield pass and found the bottom corner.

But, just as he had done for Erling Haaland's opener - and 24th goal of the season - Kevin de Bruyne delivered a superb far-post cross after 58 minutes, which dropped just over Nat Phillips' head and perfectly for Ake, who nodded home.

City deserved their win, keeping Pep Guardiola on track for his fifth triumph in this competition, which would make him the most successful manager in its history.

The reigning Premier League champions will visit Southampton in the last eight during the week commencing January 9, 2023.

However, Liverpoolfor whom Fabio Carvalho had scored a first equaliser midway the first half - had their chances, with Darwin Nunez three times shooting across the face of goal and wide of the

far post when he was positioned to do much better.

Nunez did set up Salah for his goal when he completely outpaced Aymeric Laporte, but there was no third response from the visitors, whose defence of the trophy is at an end.

HAALAND BACK WITH A BANG

The fear for City's rivals building up to the World Cup was that a fully rested Haalandhis country Norway did not qualify for the World Cup - could cause huge damage when the season resumes.

He could have scored within 20 seconds but, after his pace took him away from the Liverpool defence, the 22-year-old sent his effort sailing over both Caoimhin Kelleher and the visitors' goal.

But Haaland did not have to wait long to score. The surprise was, having set him up for the opener, De Bruyne then chose to ignore the striker when City countered late in the

opening period and instead teed up Ilkay Gundogan, who could not beat Kelleher when he really should have done.

After doing quite a bit of chasing and harrying for little reward after the interval, Guardiola replaced Haaland with Phil Foden 17 minutes before full-time.

In the build-up to the game, Guardiola said he thought the players who have been in Qatar - and City had more than any other Premier League club - would be in better shape than those who missed out because they have been training with intensity.

There is merit in Guardiola's view but as City look to get their Premier League campaign back on track over the holiday period, the suspicion would be that three games in a week will suit Haaland better than many of those who have spent the past month trying to win the World Cup.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday December 23, 2022)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 5 Test debutants (2) 9 ODI debutants

Today’s Quiz

(1) Who was the designated wicketkeeper in the WI inaugural Test?

(2) What is the highest Test score made by a WI wicketkeeper to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Erling Haaland netted his 24th goal of the season to put Manchester City in front against Liverpool

India in control after Ashwin, Yadav smash wickets

(ESPNCRICINFO) -

Umesh Yadav and R. Ashwin picked up four wickets each to put India on top despite Mominul Haque's 84 on return. Batting first in the second Test in Mirpur,

Bangladesh were 213 for 5 at one stage after tea but lost their last five wickets inside the next 14 runs to be all out for 227.

Each of Bangladesh's top seven batters reached 15 but

apart from Mominul, no one could cross 26. Whenever a partnership seemed to be brewing, they lost a wicket.

Five of the first six wickets featured a stand of 39 or more but the highest of them

was only 48.

India were left with 14 overs to face in the evening. The play went into the extra half hour but bad light allowed only eight of those to be bowled. In that short passage, KL Rahul looked circumspect against Taskin Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan, and finished the day on 3 not out off 30 balls. Shubman Gill was keeping him company, his unbeaten 14 off 20 comprising a six and a four.

In the morning, India went in with three seamers and two spinners on a grassy pitch, replacing Kuldeep Yadav, the Player-of-theMatch in the last game, with Jaydev Unadkat. This was Unadkat's first Test in 12 years and only his second overall. Between his two appearances India played 118 Tests, the second-most missed games for any Test cricketer.

Umesh and Mohammed Siraj found movement with the new ball but neither really pitched it up to fully exploit the conditions. That resulted in a lot of plays-andmisses but the Bangladesh openers, Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, survived their spells.

Bowling first change, Unadkat, the slowest of the Indian seamers, didn't find as much movement but his higher release point fetched him extra bounce. Soon, he was bowling with four slips, a gully and a short leg, and hitting batters on the gloves regularly.

With Bangladesh on 39, Zakir decided to cut a shortof-length delivery from Unadkat, only to be done in by the extra bounce. The ball hit him on the glove and lobbed to fourth slip, giving Unadkat his maiden wicket in Test cricket.

In the next over, Ashwin trapped Shanto lbw. The batter, playing for the turn, shouldered arms to a lengthball that went with the arm from around the wicket and struck him on the pad. He was given out lbw on the field, and a review returned an umpire's call verdict with ball-tracking showing the ball tickling off stump.

Coming in at No. 4, Shakib took the aerial route against Ashwin even before he had reached double digits. He first hit Ashwin inside-out over extra cover before dancing down the track later in the work to deposit him beyond deep-midwicket boundary.

Mominul and Shakib enjoyed slices of luck too. Mominul's cut against Ashwin flew between the wicketkeeper and slip, and then in the last over before lunch, Rishabh Pant missed a difficult leg-side stumping when Shakib charged at Ashwin and the ball sneaked through his legs.

The reprieve, though, didn't prove costly as Umesh sent Shakib back on the first ball after the break. The Bangladesh captain tried to loft him over mid-off but didn't get the timing right and ended up offering the simplest

of chances.

Mominul and Mushfiqur, starting slowly before hitting six fours in the space of ten balls, stitched together 48 for the fourth wicket before Unadkat broke the stand. Bowling around the wicket, he once again found the extra bounce, the ball taking the outside edge of Mushfiqur's bat before settling into Pant's gloves.

Litton Das started positively, punching Siraj for four and following it with a pulled six on the next ball. He quickly moved to 25 but failed to keep a flick off Ashwin down and was taken at short midwicket.

Mominul, meanwhile, kept pressing on and ramped two more fours off Unadkat to bring up his half-century. He and Mehidy Hasan Miraz ensured Bangladesh didn't lose another wicket before tea despite some close calls.

The pair added 41 for the sixth wicket but post tea, Mehidy felt unwell. The physio came out to check in on him, and the batter decided to continue. Umesh, though, removed him soon after, Mehidy trying to cut a ball that was too close to him and nicking it behind.

Mehidy's wicket triggered the collapse. In his next over, Umesh got one to reverse in to trap Nurul Hasan lbw. The on-field umpire deemed it not out but India got the decision changed on review. Taskin didn't last long either, slicing one to Siraj at point who held onto the chance after a bit of juggling. Earlier, Siraj had put down Shanto off Umesh on the first ball of the second over of the day.

All this while, Mominul was firm at one end. But he found himself in two minds against an Ashwin carrom ball. He looked to drive at it first before shouldering arms. It was too late as the ball brushed his gloves and Pant latched onto it. Ashwin wrapped up the innings two balls later when Khaled Ahmed hit a full toss straight to Unadkat at deep midwicket.

Umesh Yadav and R. Ashwin left them puzzled (Associated Press)

WDCA president wants cricket facilities

By Sean Devers

TWENTY-SIX-yearold National wicketkeeper/batter Kemol Savory was the outstanding player for the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) for 2022.

Playing for West Demerara Police, Savory, who has two fifties in nine Regional 50-over games, slammed 189 against Cornelia Ida before scoring 120 against Windsor Forest in the Odyssey Tours’ 50-Over Competition.

Savory, who also participates in GCA cricket for Police, was on National duty and was only available for two matches so far.

Windsor Forest captain, Aditya Kadarnauth scored 156 runs including 102 against Leonora and also has taken eight wickets so far

Ushardave Balgobin made an unbeaten 105 for CI against Windsor Forest while Zeeburg’s Ricardo Poloram, rated as the most pugnacious

batter in West Demerara, clobbered 96 against Leonora. Malcolm Hubbard and Renaldo Renee scored two fifties.

Off-spinner Anil Sookdeo is the leading wicket-taker so far with 12 wickets from two matches in the tournament, which attracted 12 teams.

On November 11, the Royalty Vibes Sound System T20 Tournament was launched and 16 teams will participate.

New WDCA president Troy Khan disclosed what is happening with Cricket on the West

side.

“Well I can only speak from when we took over on March 2, 2022. Honestly … West Demerara’s main challenge at present is infrastructure and grounds.

To-date between the boundaries of MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast to Wales on the West Bank of Demerara there is no proper complete cricket facility,

Maybe, for this reason some of our players are plying their trade in the City” Khan continued.

“I know the Govern-

ment has been upgrading a few of these grounds but a lot more needs to be done… not just about erecting a building.

It’s very costly for clubs to foot bills for almost everything to play a game, from cutting the ground, getting the pitch prepared … and this has been happening for years” said Khan, who played for the Meten-Meer-Zorg Cricket Club, the club where he grew up.

“In nine months I think we have achieved 85 percent of what we set out to achieve and

that was to have cricket played at the Under-15, U-17 and U-19 levels.

“Our senior tournament which is almost at the semi-final stage is the best I have ever witnessed since the days of Seeram and Asgarally.

“We have like five batters already scoring hundreds and quite a few bowlers doing really well with the ball.

“But most pleasing was to have our Under-15 captain Pameshwar Ram in the Demerara team and our Under-17 captain Nityanand Mathura in Guyana

team. Sachin Balgobin was also in the Guyana Under-19 team,” added Khan, who represented the West Demerara Under-19 and Senior levels.

In August the GCB made a significant donation of cricket gear to the WDCA and Khan said WDCA was happy to receive the donation.

“We believe that it will go a long way in assisting us to effectively carry out our coaching education programme. Players’ gear is needed and a number of players will now have the liberty to use the gear and explore the level of skills they possess in the game.” explained Khan, who played first division cricket for the Police in Georgetown from 1991 to 2001.

“There is a lot that we want to do in 2023. Our focus is to get the school cricket programme on stream again and it’s very important to have our First Division teams compete right up there with the other teams.

(BBC) - FIFA is investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae and a number of other people gained "undue access" to the pitch at the end of the World Cup final in Qatar.

Salt Bae, the Turkish chef, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, was

pictured holding and kissing the World Cup trophy, while celebrating with Argentina players after their win over France.

FIFA rules state the trophy can only be held by a "very select" group of people, including tournament winners,

FIFA officials and Heads of State.

In a statement to BBC Sport, a FIFA spokesperson said: "Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on

December 18.

Salt Bae owns a chain of luxury steakhouses and rose to fame in 2017 after his technique for preparing and seasoning meat became an internet meme.

Many current and former footballers, including Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, have eaten at Salt Bae's restaurants.

In November, during the World Cup, he posted a video of himself embracing FIFA president Gianni Infantino,

with whom he was later pictured in the VIP seats at a game with Brazil legends Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.

Messi appeared to ignore Salt Bae in the hectic scenes after Argentina's win as the chef tried to get his attention.

"The appropriate internal action will be taken."

West Demerara Cricket Association 2022 Review…

Kemol Savory scored tons in his only two matches in WDCA cricket

WDCA president Troy Khan

Waramdong to face Trinidad’s

St. Benedict’s in final

GUYANA and Trinidad & Tobago will clash in the final of the KFC School Goodwill Under-18 School Football tournament as Waramadong, formerly known as D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary, will represent Guyana against Benedict’s College this evening at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Both sides progressed to the final after hard-

fought, semi-final victories on Wednesday evening.

Waramadong continued their unbeaten run in the tournament with another fine display in soggy conditions to dispatch Christianburg/Wismar Secondary 2-0 in the second semi-final.

Deomar Henrito (33rd) and Bevon Jones (88th) were the men on target for Waramadong and they would certainly head into the final with high confi-

dence given they defeated St. Benedict’s 2-0 in their final group match on Monday.

Meanwhile, St. Benedict’s came from behind to top Annai 2-1.

Annai had taken the lead in the 20th minute via Davey Jacobus and St. Benedict’s responded 19 minutes later with the equaliser from Jarrell Griffith. Raheem Nelson struck the winner in the 80th.

The third-place playoff between Annai and Christianburg is scheduled for 17:30hrs, with the final starting at 19:30hrs this evening.

Speaking at the press match presser, both camps expressed their aim is to go all the way to the title and, given the history between the two sides, it should prove to be a thrilling match.

GBA lauded for historic...

From page 28

sterdam and Colin Lewis, who secured respective gold medals in the Light-heavyweight, and Welterweight divisions respectively, as well as experienced coach Seibert Blake of the Forgotten Youth Foundation.

Amsterdam, who is the highest-ranked local International Boxing Association (IBA) pugilist at number 23, defeated Quincie Boyce en route to this accolade at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) standout, who is also an Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Championship, and South American Games bronze medallist, said, “It is a good gesture of the association to award the boxers with monetary assistance. And I'm very much elated and I commend the association for such initiative.”

He further said, “The payout I think should be a continuous thing because it will bring a lot of younger boxers on show, and from the president, I think he did a great move there. I appreciate it and I will continue to work hard in my amateur career to make my dream come true.”

Echoing similar sentiments was Lewis, also of the GDF and who was draped in gold following his victory over Mark Crawford in the Welterweight final.

According to Lewis, the decision by the association to financially reward pugilists will stimulate and foster increased participation in the discipline, noting that he is delighted that the novel commitment, which was discussed prior, has come to fruition, as it will also encourage competitors to strive for greatness in their respective weight class

He pointed out, “For me, personally, it's a big move for the boxer because it will encourage more boxers to participate and once the boxers have seen that they will be rewarded even if they have not won the first place prize, they will work to be at the top just to be rewarded and I'm glad too because it was in the making and it finally come through.”

Lewis further stated that the decision can be viewed as an initiative in helping to build athletes.

By the same token, Blake said, “On a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 9 because we had some

quality local fighters and two Surinamese which lifted the event. Even though the Surinamese lost, it elevated the game of boxers who had to work hard, and compete.”

According to Blake, the participation of notable local campaigners, inclusive of Dexter Amsterdam, Colin Lewis, and Keevin Allicock, forced the younger participants to elevate their game to contend, adding, “We had a lot of transitioning and many young fighters reached the final, and had to compete against more seasoned folks. Though they would have lost those matches, the senior fighters had to work and didn’t have it easy as the younger fighters showed their quality.”

Blake further praised the initiative of the GBA to financially reward the top three finishers, adding, “Everyone wanted to win, it certainly had an input into the zeal of the fighters to get to the top. It was a very good idea."

The GBA, in a move to further incentivise and develop the discipline, enacted the decision to financially compensate the top three finishers (gold, silver, and bronze) within each weight class of the Elite Division, which is

the crème de crème of the local amateur circuit.

The decision was inspired by the historic move by the IBA to increase the prize pool by a mammoth 50% for the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from May 1 to 14.

Meanwhile, Terrence Poole, Technical Director of the GBA, declared, “The tournament was of a very high standard; a lot of boxers from the junior stage would have graduated to the elite level. They would have entered the competition with a lot of experience and exposure and that raised the quality of the boxing standard.”

Poole asserted that the decision to financially remunerate the fighters definitely played a pivotal role in elevating the quality of the event, adding, “Globally financial incentives are being offered and we decided to follow the trend and it definitely motivated the boxers, who, instead of just a medal, were financially compensated.

“Everyone was looking forward to it and it came in at the right time, and was very encouraging both in the general sense of the tournament and the boxers individually.”

GUYANA Football Federation and FIFA+, the new one-stop digital destination for football fandom, have teamed up to take Guyana football to the world. As part of its mission to give fans engaging and innovative ways of interacting with the beautiful game, FIFA+ offers free access to live football action from every corner of the globe, which now includes matches from the GFF Pro-League, GFF Women’s League, GFF Men’s Super 16 Cup and the GFF Women’s Super 16 Cup.

The platform, which is available on the web, as a mobile app and on select connected devices, and is now accessible in ten languages, represents a ground-breaking approach to showcasing live football from men’s, women’s and youth leagues and cups to a global audience.

“This is a monumental forward leap for the development of Guyana’s Football. More importantly however, is the level of exposure our players will enjoy throughout the football season. Displaying our football pedigree before a global audience will vastly increase the chances of our players, both males and females securing international scholarships and professional contractual opportunities.

“This level of exposure will also drive the GFF to lift the standards of our football infrastructure, facilities and game management protocols, so that the viewing experience would be the best we have to offer,” said president Wayne Forde.

Charlotte Burr, Director of Strategy, Corporate Development and Digital FIFA, said: “For the first time ever, our MAs can seamlessly tap into a truly global football fan base and grow a direct rela -

tionship with it on a daily basis. We are proud to work side by side with the Guyana Football Federation and are excited about helping to really grow the game across Guyana, the Caribbean and beyond.”

Since its launch, FIFA+ has steadily expanded its reach and added exciting new content streams in order to deliver a truly multifaceted digital experience.

Completely free, the platform offers an extensive archive (including all men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup™ matches), thousands of live fixtures every year, interactive games and predictors, and a slate of original documentaries, docuseries, talk shows and shorts.

By the end of 2022, FIFA+ will be streaming the equivalent of 40 000 live games per year from 100 MAs across all six confederations, including 11 000 women’s matches. FIFA+ provides live coverage ranging from Europe’s top-flight leagues to previously unserved competitions from around the world in men’s, women’s and youth football. FIFA+ can be accessed worldwide at fifaplus.com and on major app stores.

KFC Goodwill School Football…

GFF; FIFA+ commit to bringing live matches and more to global football audiences

GFF president Wayne Forde

Waramdong to face Trinidad’s St. Benedict’s in final

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has been lauded for its historic decision to financially remunerate the respective gold, silver, and bronze medallists in the Elite Division of the recently concluded Terrence Ali National Open, which returned with aplomb after a twoyear absence.

The aforesaid praise emanated from the duo of notable local pugilists, ‘Dynamite’ Dexter Am -

Technical Director of GBA, Terrence Poole

Captain of Waramadong, Raydon Krammer (left) and St Benedict’s captain Cunnielus Hannaway with the prized trophy ahead of today’s clash

Salt Bae is seen kissing the World Cup trophy