Issuu

MONDAY 16th MAY, 2022

No. 106724

Gas-to-shore project could save Guyana $653B - finance professional and business analyst, Joel Bhagwandin

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Enhanced security for safer communities

- Region Two gets new $215.1M police divisional HQ

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- $60M IDB-funded Parika Police Station commissioned SEE PAGE

- $4.5M Lima Sands Outpost commissioned The Police Divisional Headquarters in Region Two, the Parika Police Station and Lima Sands Outpost that were commissioned by Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn on Sunday (Indrawattie Natram and Guyana Police Force photos)

Untrained public school teachers issued ‘memo’ - instructed to enroll at CPCE to remain in the profession

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Gas-to-shore project could save Guyana $653B - finance professional and business analyst, Joel Bhagwandin

Finance professional and business analyst, Joel Bhagwandin WHEN factors such as savings on fuel import, reduction in energy cost, and savings for the manufacturing sector are considered, Guyana could save as much as US$3 billion (GUY$653 billion) through the gas-toshore energy project within the first five years of it coming on stream. This is according to wellknown finance professional

and business analyst, Joel Bhagwandin of JB Associates, who did a presentation on a cost benefit analysis of the project during a social media podcast last Tuesday on the JB & Salim Page. Explaining his analysis, Bhagwandin considered factors such as the benefit of saving on the fuel import bill of 25 per cent, calculated from the most recent bill of $600

million, which amounts to $750 million in five years. He also included the expected 50 per cent reduction in energy cost, which works out to US$65 million in five years, as well as savings in operations cost of the manufacturing sector that works out to US$1.4 billion in five years. Bhagwandin further noted that the country will incur savings, given that the pipeline will be funded locally through Exxon Mobil, as a costing under the oil and gas operations, which also reduces national debt burden and enable more fiscal space. “And this is not all the benefits. This is just a few that I quickly quantified with some reasonable, realistic and pragmatic assumptions. The result is that the net economic benefit is US$3.4 billion. That’s equivalent to 37.5 per cent of Guyana’s GDP. That’s 2.3 times the initial investment and this is just five years,” said Bhagwandin. According to Bhagwandin, his calculations are conservative and adjusted for inflation rate of two per cent per year for

the five years. According to the calculations, the US$1.3 billion cost that will go into the pipeline will be outweighed by the benefits of the project, even if the project runs for just 20 years; hence, the creation of the project is not only feasible but highly beneficial. “What guides investment decision is the return. Because this is a national project not just a private sector project it has applications for the overall economy. We have to look at not just the financial returns and financial viability but the economic viability, the economic impact for the people. What could we do in 20 years if we save $10 million dollars, $20 million dollars, how you could transform lives,” Bhagwandin noted. Once operational, the heavily-touted gas-to-shore project will have a duration of approximately 25 years, according to ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). The gas-to-shore project will be established at Wales, West Bank Demerara,

MAKING THE MOST Bhagwandin described the project and it’s financing as one more way that the government is working to ensure that benefit to the Guyanese people from the oil and gas sector is maximised, notwithstanding the lopsided Production Sharing Agreement that was signed on to by the previous administration. “I want to make the point that the US$1.3 billion to finance the pipeline infrastructure, while it is being deducted from the cost oil for the Liza One and Liza Two, it is for the direct and indirect benefits of the people of Guyana, for the country at large and that is fantastic. That is a remarkable example of getting more value nonetheless from using the existing lopsided contract terms and conditions. We’re being able to get more out of it,” Bhagwandin noted Bhagwandin noted that from the standpoint of wanting to attract foreign investment into Guyana, it was not prudent for the government to renegotiate the PSA as it would have sent a bad message to foreign

investors about the political security of agreements signed on to. As such, the government must find ways to properly administer the contract so that Guyanese reap maximum benefits. “What they promised in the manifesto there were two options: contract renegotiations or better contract administration. What the government has opted for is better contract administration. It means the objective of being able to have better administration of the contract is to get more value, notwithstanding, with the same terms and conditions of the existing framework,” Bhagwandin said. He added: “From an investor standpoint to not renegotiate the contract because of the signal they’re sending the investors. One of the most important risks investors are concerned about with respect to investing in a country like Guyana is political risk. The political cycle is every five years; the companies investing hundreds of millions of dollars, billions of dollars, will be outside the five- year cycle.”

Untrained public school teachers issued ‘memo’ 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

- instructed to enroll at the Cyril Potter College of Education to remain in the profession

By Tamica Garnett UNTRAINED teachers in the public school system have been instructed to enroll at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to remain in the profession, a ‘memo’ issued by Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson to Regional Education Officers (REDOs) on Friday stated. The ‘memo’, issued by the CEO, was released by Education Minister Priya Manickchand on her Facebook page on Sunday. The ‘memo’ noted that the ministry’s objective to have all teachers trained is necessary, as it aids in the attainment of the mandate of the Ministry of Education (MoE)’s Education Sector Plan (2021 - 2025). “We are very sure that the type of education system that we want to build out it will not have space for untrained professionals,” Minister Manickchand told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday. According to the ‘memo’, the measure is part of a means to improve accountability and efficiency in the classroom, improve performance at all levels, and reduce inequities in the class-

room. Failure to enroll, as advised, may result in the ministry’s inability to continue the employment of the persons so failing, the ‘memo’ said. “We have seen some good work from untrained teachers, but anywhere in the world, a trained professional is more likely to offer a better quality of service than an untrained professional. Our position on the matter is clear, by 2024, 100 per cent of our teachers must be trained or in training. So, if teachers do not wish to register with CPCE, the system won’t have space for persons who do not receive the formal training,” Minister Manickchand explained. The ‘memo’ also noted that the ministry has withdrawn an existing requirement that in-service teachers be employed for at least one year before being able to enter the CPCE. Guyana currently has approximately 11,000 teachers in the public school system, of which number, approximately only 73 -75 per cent are trained. The education system, in the past 15 years, has seen the percentage of trained teachers remaining consistently in the 70s, fluc-

tuating by three to five per cent every year. MASSIVE INCREASE This has continuously been attributed to a maximum enrollment capacity at the CPCE of approximately 535 entrants per year. However, this has seen a massive increase within just a few months, with the CPCE going fully Online and being able to register over 2,500 new students. Minister Manickchand noted that the capacity of the CPCE is also being built up to handle the increase in intake. “CPCE was taking in before 535 at max, when it was face-to-face; as soon as we went Online, the intake rose to 2,800. CPCE has capacity to take in [all the untrained teachers]. Plus, we’re building out that capacity and expanding the college in many different ways, because we do recognise that the larger student population the college is going to have, which obviously requires whether Online or in-persons a larger capacity base,” the minister noted. The government, in its 2022 budget, allocated over $500 million to CPCE to enhance its capacity to go fully Online with its teachers’ training programmes.

In January, 843, the largest batch of trained teachers, graduated from the CPCE, while the training college went fully Online from April 2021, and opened the door for the annual intake to be increased to as much as 3,000 entrants. TAILORED Minister Manickchand noted that the programmes offered by the CPCE have also been tailored to provide offerings that cater for all of the various types of untrained teachers in the system. “There are teachers in the system teaching currently who are qualified to enter the college, but have not entered the college, that’s one category. Then there’s another category of teachers who are not qualified to enter the college, but they are teaching. For both categories, we want them [at CPCE], there are different types of programmes they can register for,” the minister said. The CPCE offers programmes for persons who are desirous of pursuing a career in teaching. The programmes include a two-year Associate’s Degree in Education, with specialisations in early childhood, primary or secondary education; a three-year Trained Teacher’s

Education Minister Priya Manickchand Certificate; and a one-year Associate’s Degree in Education. To e n t e r t h e p r o grammes, persons are required to have at least five subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations Grades One to Three, inclusive of Mathematics and English. However, for teachers who fall short of this criterion, there is a oneyear Teacher Upgrading Programme which, when completed, enables teachers to enter the more advanced programmes. Programmes at the college are government-

funded, and teachers who successfully completed their studies are expected to serve the government for a specified contracted period at an assigned public school. The ‘memo’ for teachers to become qualified follows an announcement by Minister Manickchand last year, where she had said that starting from 2022, teachers in Guyana will have to be licensed on an annual basis, and will need to engage in continual professional development, and satisfy other criteria to merit the renewal of their licences.

$4.5M Lima Sands Outpost commissioned Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn (next to child with balloons); acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken (right of Minister Benn) with residents, regional and other officials at the commissioning of the Lima Sands Police Outpost

RESIDENTS of Lima Sands in Region Two are satisfied with the prompt actions by the Guyana Police Force to establish an outpost in their community. They had repeatedly complained of the increase in petty crimes in their community at numerous public meetings. The ceremonial ribbon for the retro-fitted 40-foot container was cut by a child of the community and in the presence of the Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva and Regional Executive Officer, Susannah Saywack. “We are very happy for this outpost; in the nights especially we will feel safe and in the past, we used to have to go till Anna

Regina to lodge a complaint. The outpost will save us from travelling,” Ester Williams said at the commissioning ceremony on Sunday. During one of President Ali’s Cabinet outreaches to the region, residents had met with him and made a request for an outpost. He immediately made a commitment and an outpost was built in the area at a cost of $4.5M. The police outpost will provide security for the backland areas of Mainstay, Tapakuma, Redlock and Lima Sands. The outpost was officially commissioned by Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, in the presence of acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken.

Norton is devoid of reality, should not be taken seriously

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

- Vice-President Jagdeo

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has debunked claims by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton that he has in possession the original Statements of Poll (SoPs) that showed the APNU+AFC Coalition won the March 2020 elections. The Vice-President offered his rebuttal to Norton on social media platform “The Guyana Dialogue” last

Thursday. The programme was hosted by social media personality, Shameeza Ally and moderated by former UG lecturer, Dr Tara Singh with Dave Narine as a commentator. “They (leading PNC+AFC members) never stated they were in possession of SoPs that showed they won. The APNU and PNC when they were in

government assigned an insignificant role to Norton; so he should not be taken seriously,” said Dr Jagdeo while reminding viewers that Norton was part of the PNC rigging machine that kept them in power for 28 years. He added: “Norton was part of that PNC structure, albeit a junior one at the time that wholly embraced the rigging ethos and philosophy of the PNC. His behaviour and comment are not strange. He was nurtured in PNC. He played a role in a junior level in the 28 years of PNC and rigging is part of DNA to stay in power. In last five years of PNC, he was placed in a position of insignificance because the leadership did not think he had anything useful to contribute. In 2020… he tried to defend the indefensible. He is devoid of facts. He is delusional of realty. He claims that the donor reports stated that APNU won. He is devoid of realty. Every donor report said PPP won the elections, which is opposite to what he claimed.” On Friday, Norton did a U-turn on his claim, denying that he said he has the Coalition’s ‘winning’ Statements of Poll (SoPs) during an exchange with Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo at the Georgetown Club on Monday. “Could you bring, at any point in time, a piece of clip in which I said I had the winning SoPs? I did not,” he told reporters outside the Office of the President after meeting with President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday. During the exchange at the Georgetown Club on Monday, the Opposition

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton Leader challenged the VicePresident to a public debate, to which the Vice-President agreed, but on condition that the Opposition Leader presents the APNU+AFC’s SoPs from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. The APNU+AFC has repeatedly claimed that it won the elections, based on its SoPs, but has never presented them to the public, or in court during the five-month impasse in 2020 in which it tried every conceivable means to hold on to power but failed. Norton told Jagdeo that he is willing to submit those SoPs, but only at the end of the debate between them. On Friday, the Opposition Leader in a haste to dodge reporters’ questions on his ‘winning’ SoPs, apparently got confused an entered the wrong vehicle. Norton was seen exiting the vehicle he first entered and quickly making his way into another, all the while maintaining stony silence to questions from reporters.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

AG, Finance Minister ask court to throw out challenge to NRF Bill

ATTORNEY-General Anil Nandlall, S.C. and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh have asked the High Court to throw out the case challenging the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill. Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones and trade unionist Norris Witter had moved to the Court in April claiming that the bill was not properly passed in National Assembly. Jones and Witter, who is the President of the General Workers Union, through their attorneys Roysdale Forde, S.C, and Selwyn Pieters, are seeking judicial review and relief under the Constitution. Jones and Witter are asking the court to grant a declaration that the holding and or continuation of proceedings of the National Assembly on the day in question with the use of a replacement Mace without any approved mo-

tion to do so, is ultra vires the Constitution, common law, the constitutional values. The parties are also seeking to have money taken or distributed from the NRF replenished. The Attorney General, Parliament Office, the Minister of Finance, the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly are all listed as respondents. However, Nandlall and Singh, in their affidavit of defence, which was submitted to Justice Navindra Singh, claim that the NRF Bill was “lawfully, validly and properly” passed in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021. The pair verily believe that there is insufficient evidence furnished by Jones and Witter to support the challenge. In the circumstances, they are asking the court to refuse all the orders being sought and challenged, with substantial costs. “I am advised by my at-

torneys-at-law, and verily believe that the Natural Resource Fund Act, No.19 of 2021, remains validly passed, and has proper legal effect,” the two respondents said in their affidavit. Additionally, the pair submitted that the court has no jurisdiction to enforce any provision on the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and, in any event, no provision of the said Covenant was contravened as is alleged by Jones and Witter. Against this background, the two respondents submitted that each and every allegation of violations of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana made and contained in the said challenge is unfounded, specious, misconceived and plainly wrong in law. “I deny each and every allegation whatsoever that there is any illegality, unconstitutionality or unlawfulness attendant to, or in connection with, the preparation and

India mourns passing of UAE President INDIA has declared a day of mourning following the passing of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. India’s flag flew at half-mast at the High Commission of India in Guyana. According to a release, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his condolence message, stated that “I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visionary leader under whom IndiaUAE relations prospered. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are

with the people of UAE. May his soul rest in peace.” On the accession of the new President, Prime Minister Modi stated: “My best wishes to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on being elected as the new President of the UAE. I am confident that, under his dynamic and visionary leadership, our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to deepen.” India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also conveyed his condolences. “We deeply mourn the passing away of His High-

ness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He will be remembered as a leader who modernised and empowered the United Arab Emirates. This laid the foundation of the transformation of the India-UAE relationship,” he said. India’s Vice-President, Venkaiah Naidu, is in the UAE to pay respect to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C. presentation of the Natural Resource Fund Act, No.19 of 2021, and its approval in the National Assembly,” they said. Among other things, the two ministers contended that the Parliament Office is not a properly named respondent in the challenge, since the office is not an entity known to the law, has no legal persona, and has no capacity to sue or be sued. As it relates to the Mace being present for the passing of the Bill, the two respondents submitted that there is no principle known to the law, neither does the Constitution nor the Standing Orders require that the Mace be present, and in place for Parliament to exercise its constitutional power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Guyana. “... whether the Mace is in place or not, or whether an instrument can be used as a Mace, the purpose of the Mace and matters connected to the proceedings of Parliament and their regularity thereof, are matters over which this court has no jurisdiction, as they constitute

procedural matters of Parliament over which the Parliament has exclusive jurisdiction, as is evident by Article 165 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana…that in any event, the Mace has no relevance and place in the exercise of Parliament’s constitutional power and authority to make laws,” they added. The case comes up before Justice Singh on September 12, 2022 for oral presentations. The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that on December 29, 2021, in a bid to defend the landmark Bill, which has since been assented to by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Dr. Singh was interrupted by what was referred to as the unparliamentary actions of members of the opposition. The second reading of the Bill was objected to by Jones, who requested that it be sent to a special select committee. However, the Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir indicated his preference to listening to the arguments from both sides, before determining whether or not the

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh Bill should be sent to a select committee. Minister Singh then took to the podium, but his presentation was interrupted by members of the APNU+AFC Opposition, who kept banging their desks and chanting demeaning words about the Bill. After they failed to prevent Minister Singh from speaking, Opposition parliamentarian Annette Ferguson attempted to remove the Mace, but was unsuccessful. This unprecedented act was foiled by Nadir’s personal assistant, who held the instrument tightly as he laid on the floor of the conference centre.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

What’s in a name

PERHAPS nowhere in the world of business and commerce have brand names become as important as in the beauty and fashion industries. From handbags to hairsprays and shoes to shampoos, consumers are being swept up in a wave of acquiring products because of their name. In Guyana, we, too, have been caught up in the tide of brand names, particularly in our choice of footwear, as we sport Nike, Fila, Adidas and other famous brands, along with the ever-popular Clarks, which now offers greater variety in an effort to keep up with the fierce competition. And, in recent years, a growing number of entertainers and sportsmen and women have been ‘joining the fray’, either producing their

own product lines or endorsing those of famous companies. One of the best-known endorsements, the basketball legend, Michael Jordan’s name on Nike sneakers and actress Elizabeth Taylor’s line of fabulous perfume are just two examples of this. Some companies develop logos, catch phrases, distinctive colours, or a combination of these so that their products are instantly recognisable by consumers. However, critics point out that many no longer bother to create designs or patterns, but simply rely on their name emblazoned on a garment to sell it, turning buyers into advertisers, and so benefitting from this ‘free’ advertising. Some items produced by famous fashion houses are of such high quality and price

that they need no such advertisement, and, as is the case with the gorgeous Birkin bag by Hermes, do not even carry a visible brand stamp. Hermes, along with Gucci, Dior and other big names have long since established their credentials, and rely on the outstanding quality of their products to promote sales and retain their standing in the elite fashion market. Some brands preserve exclusivity by limiting the number of particular items on the market, so that demand constantly outweighs supply. Others like Supreme, whose name and fortunes have been on the rise in the urban wear market, have an elaborate pre-purchase process, and customers can often be seen in long lines waiting to buy one of their exclusive hood-

ies.

Hermes has a waiting list for their Birkin bags, and can confidently boast of their impeccable quality, and the fact that no two bags are the same. With a price tag of hundreds of thousands of US dollars, customers expect no less. However, branding is important, and is defined as ‘the process of creating a strong perception of a company, its products or services in the customer’s mind by combining such elements as logo, design, missionstatement, and a consistent theme throughout all marketing communications’. The Nike ‘tick’ and the tag line, ‘Just do it’ are two of the most powerful in marketing history, along with the Guinness catch phrase,

‘Guinness is good for you’, which, although developed decades ago, is still known and repeated today, (and the now world-renowned Guinness Book of World Records was originally introduced as a marketing stunt!). The French and Italians have long been considered as world leaders in the establishment of elite brands, now being made even more famous by American rappers, who wear their clothing and accessories, and regularly plug the designer names in their songs. But even these elite brands have not escaped the advent of the ‘Impostors’, who produce items almost identical to the originals, but lack the quality both in raw materials and workmanship. Several companies have

resorted to extensive campaigns and lawsuits against these ‘fake makers’, aimed at increasing public awareness and preventing sales of these ‘knock-offs’, as they are termed, but, nonetheless, fakes are found throughout the fashion and footwear industry, which are perhaps the most vulnerable. It, therefore, behooves consumers, especially those brand-name lovers, to examine the items they buy carefully to ensure their authenticity. And if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. For there is an old adage in shopping, which still generally holds true today, ‘You get what you pay for’. And marketing is still one of the most powerful tools of manipulation in business today.

Substantive changes have been made to boost production and exports Dear Editor, I applaud the Ministry of Agriculture for having an international agriculture conference from May 19 to 21. The ministry, under the leadership of Zulfikar Mustapha, has been quite active since the change in administration in August 2020. The public has cheered his activism. This is a reversal from his predecessor and the difficulties that agriculture and animal husbandry faced during the Coalition’s tenure, when there was utter neglect, probably because the people involved in farming, animal husbandry, and the blue economy are mostly supporters of the then opposition PPP (now government since August 2020). Agriculture has been on a path to recovery. Livestock production is growing slowly but steadily after the death of many animals a year ago. The ministry has made substantive change in the business of agriculture

to boost production and exports. In surveys I conducted from 2016 thru 2020, the public lamented the lack of support and action to boost production under the Coalition. It was quite depressing for farmers and market vendors during the tenure of the Coalition; every rural area and open market I visited, there were complaints about production and marketing. Vendors would say, “Buy something from me nah brother. Things really bad.” Money was hardly in circulation. There is a reversal now. It is Minister Zulfikar Mustapha’s core responsibility to improve agricultural production and marine (blue economy) output. The Agriculture Ministry as well as the government has provided much-needed support to boost agricultural and animal production. The government and ministry support agriculture through a combination of incentives to producers, including support for research

and infrastructure (road networks). Agricultural production is very volatile, shocked by structural changes and the vagaries of climate. The cost of production as well as price of goods has gone up considerably since the start of the ‘COVID’ pandemic. In addition, there have been constraints on the global supply chain as a result of the price in oil costs, and, more recently, by the Ukraine war. This has resulted in inflation, which the government is addressing. As someone who studied economics at the doctoral level, inflation is driven by food prices, which are affected by both international food price inflation and domestic production fluctuations. Therefore, one of the goals of the government must be reduction of food inflation rate. In spite of floods and other climatic adversities in 2021, as well as ‘COVID’ challenges since the PPP came to office, food production has

improved considerably. This has not happened by accident. The ministry has improved basic infrastructure, including navigable roads and reliable sources of water for irrigation. In addition, the ministry has been offering some free seedlings for plants as well as seeds. After the 2021 floods when crops were destroyed and animals lost, the ministry provided assistance to help farmers get back to productivity. The ministry has been encouraging every farmer to increase food production. The public should be encouraged and supported to plant home gardens. The government must continue to engage in training opportunities to farmers on how to increase productivity with high yield seed varieties and new crops like sweet corn, wheat, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Diversification of crops is critical for long-term sustenance of productivity. The government must continue to assist established farmers and fishermen. The

Ministry must also encourage the use of agricultural technology. Support should be given to young entrepreneurs to enter into the agri-sector, especially in processing and foreign marketing. But any serious improvement in food sustainability will only come from large-scale cultivation and animal husbandry. Land tenancy or long-term leases should be given to ex-sugar workers and others to encourage them to go into farming or aqua production. Praedial larceny is a problem; farmers have complained about theft of produce, especially cash crops, and animals (cows, sheep, goat). What is needed is an efficient and capable praedial larceny division in the ministry, with powers to investigate, charge and arrest predators or bandits. The division must be spread out in the farming communities and fields, and monitor harvesting. They must be capable of engaging in rapid response to complaints.

Government must encourage agro-processing industry, especially manufacturing of beverages like juices and canning of various products like mango, sapodilla, star apple, coconut milk, etc., bottling of coconut water, steaming and frozen packaging of ‘cleaned’ katahar and seime and other vegetables and fruits for export. Hassar can also be ‘cleaned’ and packaged for export. There is a high demand for these kinds of products in the diaspora. Investors and entrepreneurs must be encouraged in all areas under the aegis of the ministry. The agriculture sector holds a lot of promise for Guyana’s growth potential so that the country does not have to rely on the nascent oil industry. The ministry is on the right path. This week’s ‘Agri’ conference is an excellent move to showcase Guyana’s opportunities for investment. Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Caribbean food insecurity postCOVID and Ukraine (Part IV)

Embracing smart import substitution options

By Earl Bousquet

FOOD Security is impossible without import substitution, and CARICOM’s food import bill will continue to climb faster than ever, unless food imports are significantly reduced over the shortest possible time. It’s always been possible to lower food imports, but the need has never confronted Caribbean and world leaders like now, when food prices are increasing higher and faster than ever, with every trip to the provisions market or the supermarket. Higher fuel costs are passed on to consumers, including farmers and fishers, who, like every other enterprise in business for profit, pass them on to their consumers. The wheat crisis has

already created a national shortage of powdered milk for babies across the USA. In America’s concrete jungles, where home gardening is more decorative than kitchen-oriented, and people lived on daily intakes of multiple manufactured ‘vitamins’ prescribed by advertisers, mothers grew up and still grow their children up on preferably the same baby milk they were fed. In the fast-lane and disposable society, people spend less time eating well, making mealtimes as short as possible by consuming fast foods and quick-mixes without much care for nutrition and health; powdered milk, coffee and cocoa, tea bags and sugar substitutes for breakfast, ‘junk food’ for lunch, and ‘Grab-and-Go’ dinnersin-a-hurry. But this is not how Carib-

bean people grew up, and it’s not the original CARICOM reality, as the region is a primary producer of many (if not most) of the main agriculture products on American and European tables. Take arrowroot, for instance, which St. Vincent & The Grenadines has always produced from the original cassava plant that produces a basic starchy porridge that the older generations grew up on before powdered milk arrived in the Caribbean. On last Friday’s edition of a popular daily vox-pop TV programme in Saint Lucia called ‘Street Vibes’, the question was: ‘What will you do if there’s a shortage of infant formula like in America?’ To-a-man and woman, every response pointed to either arrowroot ‘pap’ (porridge), grated or mashed

pumpkin or potatoes and appropriately-modified variations of many other locallygrown foods. And one underlined that ‘American mothers need to be reminded that Breast is Always Best!’ But while all Caribbean centenarians grew up on arrowroot, the product still sits on regional supermarket and grocery-shop shelves, while consumers cry over rising baby milk prices, and now, the possibility of shortages of the powdered formula. Same with cocoa; Grenada is or was the world’s second largest producer of cocoa, but it’s never developed a local manufacturing base, instead emphasising export value, and with other regional states also having always exported cocoa beans, Caribbean citizens, from time immemorial, have had to

purchase and depend on imported cocoa products, from chocolates to cocoa powder and chocolate ice cream. Saint Lucia now has a quality chocolate factory catering mainly for the European market, and, just recently, an enterprising group of citizens established a business producing Cassava Nutrition Bars. Then take the exquisite and exotic tilapia; when the self-reliant scavenger fish from Africa was introduced to Saint Lucia by the Britishtrained agriculturists attached to the colonial agriculture departments to help develop self-reliance for food after World War II, it was called by its scientific name, ‘Tilapia Mozambica’. But since it was a scavenger fish that didn’t have to be fed, as it ate everything around it, from mud to ani-

mal waste, it was called ‘Atkinson Kaka’ (after the agriculturist who introduced it), and was, for decades, treated like ‘poop’, until ordinary Chinese started fishing for it in local gutters, and inquiring minds actually found out tilapia is among the most nutritious fish that doesn’t need sea water to survive. Same with Guyana’s ‘Patwa’, fished in trenches and canals everywhere, which has been traditionally treated as ‘poor people’s fish’, but which everyone enjoys when well done. And same with Guyana’s popular ‘fine shrimp’ that has a sure market across the Caribbean, and likewise the numerous types of peculiar river and fresh-water fish in Guyana’s rivers and interior forest and jungle terrain. Guyana always had the TURN TO PAGE 8

Inventions, falsifications about protecting rights of Indigenous Peoples will be challenged at every turn

Dear Editor, THE collective and individual rights of my Amerindian brothers and sisters are protected, respected, and upheld under the Laws of Guyana by the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, now more than ever before. Those rights were advanced greatly in 2020 under the current government, and there is no threat to the development or growth of our Amerindians. Those who wish to invent, falsify and tell a different version of the truth about the experiences of Indigenous and Amerindian Peoples at home, regionally, or internationally will be challenged at every corner and turn. It is rather unfortunate that Vincent Henry, an APNU+AFC Coalition Member of Parliament who should

have known better would contribute to this false perception and negative propaganda of Guyana’s Amerindians at the opening ceremony of a seminar for parliamentarians of the 12th Parliament of Guyana, held on May 10 and 11, 2022 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. It is even sadder that this Amerindian MP is being used by the Opposition to deliver the trumped-up and ludicrous allegations about Amerindian rights and development. This MP should be championing the rights and progress made by this administration; he should be glad and satisfied that Amerindians are treated like any other peoples in Guyana by the government, where land rights and development is concerned. For those naysayers, distractions, and opposition delusional minds, the PPP/C

administration has a strong record of advancing and protecting the rights of Amerindians. First off, much has been done to support the rights of Amerindians in Guyana: 1. Legislation to protect our Amerindian people, the Amerindian Act. 2. The creation of a constitutional commission – the Indigenous Peoples Commission (IPC). 3. Land titling has moved from Amerindians having an absolute – meaning forever – ownership of six per cent of Guyana to about 14 per cent. And work is still ongoing in this area. 4. Guarantee of not only the right to land but subsurface rights, meaning rights over the minerals in the ground. 5. Presidential Grants to all 215 Amerindian commu-

nities to support advancement as the communities see fit. 6. Agriculture support via vehicles, vessels, and equipment to increase production. 7. Re-injection of over $700 million into the village economies of Amerindian communities with the Community Service Officer (CSO) programme. And there is a planned expansion of this in 2022. These are only some examples of the work that we see being done. Amerindians across the country have opted for integration, and for preserving their heritage, both aspirations being supported at a national level with Amerindian Heritage Month, and the work of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Every Indigenous or Amerindian person is entitled to get their share of the devel-

opment that is gripping our country. Inclusivity is a must that is guaranteed by the PPP/C Government, as opposed to the incompetent governance of the country by the then former APNU+AFC coalition government. Again, nothing of substance or value was done by the then David Granger-led Coalition Government when it was in office for five long years. Now, as the Parliamentary Opposition, it would seem that the progress being made is being seen by the Coalition as a threat. The Coalition seems intent on blocking development, if only to ensure that the PPP/C Administration is not credited for the development and progress of our people. Despite this, the fact is that the PPP/C Government understands what needs to be

done to further develop and protect the rights of Amerindians. We, the Amerindians, are focused on the prize, and are resolute in our conviction. We will not be distracted by voices in the wilderness that pander to false perceptions of Guyana’s First Peoples and their way of life. Our people are enjoying an even more prosperous and better life under the PPP/C Government. There is always the danger of invented, falsified notions being peddled, but there will always be Indigenous Peoples like me who will always stand by the truth of telling the true story of ‘One Guyana’. Yours sincerely, Hon. Alister Charlie Member of Parliament, Region Nine

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

$60M IDB-funded Parika Police Station commissioned

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn (third right), Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken and other senior police ranks outside the remodelled Parika Police Station MINISTER of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Sunday commissioned the $60 million Parika Police Station, which was remodeled by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme. The police station was designed to be publicfriendly, and will house a domestic violence room, juvenile-friendly holding area, a child-friendly area, witness protection room, a case management room, a case management system, an integrated crime information system, and offices.

The Citizen Security Strengthening Programme helps communities better resolve conflicts in nonviolent ways, improve police effectiveness and availability of crime data, and provide opportunities to rehabilitate and reinsert prisoners back into society. So far, several police stations across the country have undergone rehabilitation and upgrades under the programme. These are: Port Kaituma and Mabaruma stations in Region One; the Aurora and Suddie stations in Region Two; the La Grange station in Region Three; Cane Grove in Region

Four; Albion, Whim and Mibikuri in Region Six; Issano in Region Seven; Annai and Aishalton stations in Region Nine and Mackenzie, Wismar and Kwakwani stations in Region Ten. Rehabilitation is currently ongoing on an additional seven stations, including the Blairmount station in Region Five, and the Mahdia station in Region Eight. These station upgrades are expected to complement the work being undertaken by the government to improve the performance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). These infrastruc-

tural changes would allow the strategic implementation of technology in the day-to-day operations of the GPF. In early 2022, President Dr. Irfaan Ali disclosed plans to develop and implement ‘smart policing’ systems to improve the accessibility and efficiency of the Force. President Ali, who made these statements at the opening ceremony of the Police Officers’ Annual Conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, said that while the police force has continued to work to reduce crime systematically, it cannot be “business as usual”.

He noted that with Guyana on a fast-growth trajectory, systems must be put in place to ensure the safety of Guyanese, visitors, and persons interested in investing in Guyana. “Aggregate investments, both private and public, are increasing; citizens are investing in new homes, cars, and other personal belongings; businesses are expanding. Those making these investments are doing so with the understanding that the country will boost security to protect them and their investments,” President Ali stated.

One of the major undertakings of the smart policing system is the implementation of a digital platform for ticketing, directly relating to breach of road laws. The President disclosed that the government has already started discussions with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and intends to have this feature incorporated on all of Guyana’s major highways. This system will incorporate fixed-speed radars on main roads, so as to identify those who use the roads recklessly and to photograph these infractions.

FROM PAGE 7 capacity to produce tropical fruits like anywhere else in the global tropics. In the mid-1990s, an enterprising Guyanese negotiated and secured a lucrative market in the USA for Guyanese pineapples, but because it was found to be ‘sweeter’ and, therefore, more popular among consumers than pineapples from Hawaii, it was

subsequently determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the Guyana fruit’s ‘fructose content is too high’, and shipments were stopped. Mango, pineapple, guava, coconut, cherry, banana and a dozen more varieties of yogurt are available on supermarket shelves across the region, while, in most countries, these fruits, on

estates and in yards, are allowed to ripen and fall off trees because they’re not considered to have fruitful market value. The list can go on and on, but the bottom line is that until and unless Caribbean people aren’t weaned off foreign tastes of local products, or taught to differentiate between imported food products and local produce, they

will never understand why they simply choose the refined and manufactured imported versions or variations of uses of local products as attractive flavours to raise prices through value-added infusions. Import substitution might have been seen and heard as a catchy but difficult-tounderstand phrase for John and Joan Public yesteryear,

but the phrase is now spelling out serious warnings to those paying the bills that help create the constantlyrising CARICOM Food Import Bill, and keep them less healthy and farmers less encouraged to plant, fishers less willing to go to sea, and entrepreneurs less willing to invest in agriculture, livestock or fisheries production, manufacturing

and marketing. With World Food Safety Day (June 7) fast approaching, the goal of 25 per cent Reduction of Food Imports by 2025 is achievable, and current food-related crises can accelerate the pace to required levels, but it’ll require common commitment across the region, always a necessary requirement, but not always in plentiful supply.

Embracing smart import substitution...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Region Two gets new $215.1M police divisional HQ

IN keeping with the government’s vision of improving the efficiency and services of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Sunday commissioned a $215.1 million divisional headquarters at Anna Regina, Region Two. This is the realisation of a promise made by His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali to residents during a recent

outreach to the region. The newly-constructed station will house several departments and facilities, including a domestic violence room, juvenile-friendly holding area, child-friendly area, witness protection room, a case management room, a case management system, a traffic department, and a criminal investigation department. The building will also

house decentralised immigration services for residents of Regions One and Two. This new station is among a number of upgrades and rehabilitations planned for 2022 to boost the performance of the police force. Additionally, the GPF on Sunday disclosed that work on the new $65 million Providence Police Station, on the East Bank Demerara has been completed.

The $215.1 million police divisional headquarters at Anna Regina, Region Two

Following the demolition of the police station, construction of a new building began on July 23, 2021. The Providence Police Station, as it relates to design and layout, mirrors the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, which includes a domestic violence waiting area and interview room, a children-friendly area, and an ID parade room. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION Meanwhile, the $47.9 billion that has been set aside in Budget 2022, will ensure the preservation of law and order at all levels of society. This sum will enable the widespread connection of CCTV cameras, and equipping of police ranks with satellite phones and body cameras. Based on a breakdown of the crime and security budget, $4.9 billion has been allocated to strengthening the Force’s assets, and $2.5 billion has been allocated

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn being greeted shortly after his arrival in Region Two (Ministry of Home Affairs photos) for the expansion of the Safe City Programme beyond the boundaries of Georgetown. The latter investment will see the entire country being connected to CCTV cameras, which will be monitored centrally as well as at Regional Command Centres to be established across the country. Further, $99 million has been allocated to support 175 community policing groups across the country. The government has allocated $120 million for the training of ranks in the areas of crime and traffic management, while additional

ranks will be added to ensure greater coverage across communities. Regarding new projects for 2022, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn had said $405 million is earmarked for the construction of the Brickdam Police Station, which was destroyed by fire in 2021. He said a design for a multi-storey building has been selected. The minister also gave insight on several other projects that will commence this year to enhance the work of the Guyana Police Force.

FAO puts forward proposals to address current, future food shortages

THE head of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has called on G7 nations to help anticipate future food shortages, as the war in Ukraine squeezes supplies, pushes prices to record highs, and threatens already vulnerable nations across Africa and Asia. “We need to actively identify ways to make up for potential future gaps in global markets, working together to foster sustainable productivity increases where possible,” DirectorGeneral Qu Dongyu told G7 Agriculture Ministers meeting in Stuttgart, Germany. Qu was invited by the German presidency of the G7 to discuss the consequences of the conflict in Eastern Europe on global food security. Already, in 2021, approximately 193 million people were acutely food

insecure and in need of urgent assistance, up nearly 40 million people from 2020. “It is in this dramatic context that we now face the war in Ukraine,” Qu said. Russia and Ukraine are important players in global commodity markets, and the uncertainty surrounding the conflict has caused price surges, particularly of wheat, maize and oilseeds, as well as fertilisers. These increases come on top of already high prices driven by robust demand and high input costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, the FAO Food Price Index reached its highest level (160 points) since its inception in 1990, and only dipped slightly in April. Wheat export forecasts for both Russia and Ukraine have been revised down since the start of the war. And, despite other market players such as India and

the European Union boosting their offers, supply remains tight, and prices will likely remain elevated in the coming months, Qu said. Countries that are heavily reliant on wheat imports include Egypt and Turkey, but also a number of Subsaharan countries such as Congo, Eritrea, Madagascar, Namibia, Somalia and Tanzania. Meanwhile, countries that are heavily dependent on fertilisers imported from Russia include key cereal and high-value commodity exporting countries like Argentina, Bangladesh and Brazil. OFFERING SOLUTIONS According to the FAO, market transparency is crucial; that is why it welcomes every effort to strengthen and expand the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), an interagency platform designed to enhance food market

FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu (right), meets German Agriculture Minister, Cem Özdemir ahead of the G7 Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Stuttgart (FAO photo) transparency launched in 2011 by G20 Agriculture Ministers following the global food price hikes in 2007/08 and 2010. AMIS is hosted by the FAO. The FAO has also proposed a global Food Import Financing Facility to help nations deal with rising food

prices. The mechanism, which is strictly based on needs, and limited to low and lower middle-income, net food-importing countries and selected beneficiaries of the International Development Association, could benefit almost 1.8 billion people in the world’s 61

most vulnerable countries. The facility has been designed to include smart conditionality to act as an automatic stabiliser for future funding. Eligible countries will commit to added investments in agriculture, thus reducing future import needs. In his address to the G7 meeting, the FAO DirectorGeneral also called on governments to “refrain from imposing export restrictions, which can exacerbate food price increases and undermine trust in global markets”, and to instead “ensure that any measures taken to address the crisis do not exacerbate food insecurity and on the contrary increase resilience”. The meeting in Stuttgart was hosted by German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, and saw a Guest Statement from his Ukrainian colleague, Mykola Solsky. (FAO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Children need space

DO you think it is okay to walk into a teenager (13-year-old)’s bedroom without knocking? And, at what age should you give a child privacy? Parents usually believe that they ‘made’ the child, so they have the right to barge into their bedroom, or the bathroom while they are bathing. Some adults support this behaviour by arguing, ‘Is me change your pampers and bathe you when you were small,’ or ‘What you got to hide?’ We are all aware that ‘After one time is a next’, meaning, things change and seldom remain the same. For instance, small children do not mind running around naked or care about who sees them in this natural state. On the other hand, older children are more sophisticated and conscious of their changing bodies and minds; they need more support and guidance from their adult carers. Grown-ups, therefore, must anticipate what children need and learn to adjust accordingly. To receive the proper

support from parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles, anyone who works with young people needs to be clued in, approachable and open; they need to be nonjudgemental and not the type who ridicules or makes fun of others, or laughs at another’s expense. Children have questions, insecurities and fears; they need reliable, trustworthy adults to whom they can relate. Children from the age of nine, considered pre-teen, would need some privacy. As children grow, they naturally gravitate to ‘alone time’; unlike when they were small, they do not share all their ideas and curiosities, or ask their parents a load of questions. They are happy to keep thoughts to themselves, do their own problem-solving, or share them with their peers. Developing these skills is natural; parents should be pleased to witness the first sparks of independence in their youngsters. But their brains are still developing, and they may do unfavourable things without thinking

them through. Parents must, therefore, stay in touch with their children; their input is still necessary. By monitoring what children are doing, asking questions and showing concern, parents can intercept and steer their child away from the likelihood of danger. A two-way trust system is an excellent way to build communication skills, which are lacking in many parent/ child relationships. Children should be able to trust their parents to be thoughtful, and make good decisions for them as they grow. When children know their parents have their back, without doubt, they can move through every stage of development comfortably. In turn, parents should be able to trust their children to do the right things, and live by the morals and principles they have instilled in them. Of course, it is not a perfect world, and with children being children, things will go awry from time to time; this, too, is natural. Still, logically, two-way trust, openness, and reliability are

the best relationship traits to establish between children and adults. So, if a ten-year-old boy grabs his towel to cover his lower half when his parent enters the room, it should be acknowledged, and next time, the parent should knock or ask, ‘Can I come? Are you decent?’ Just like two-way trust, there is twoway respect. When adults respect children, e.g. their views, privacy, and contributions, and treat them in the manner they deserve, it lifts a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Some people still think the old-fashioned way; if you show respect to a child, they will take their eyes and pass you. But respect is about fairness, discretion and assertiveness towards the child. Many parents still bully, threaten and force children to do things, with little or no regard for how the child thinks or feels. The old-time theory is that, I am the adult and you are the child, I know best, and you have no say. When given a chance, children can think, feel and

say how they are affected by what happens to them. It is parents who sometimes cannot deal with the truth. All growing children require personal space. They like to try out new ideas and interests, explore, and find out what kind of person they would like to become - this is just one area of their development that occurs naturally, and parents are not at the forefront of how it unfolds. The length of time children spends alone and what they are likely to be doing also need to be monitored. Too much ‘alone time’ could be a red flag that something is untoward. Listening to music, playing video games, talking on the phone, drawing, writing, or other creative pastimes are acceptable. In other words, parents should have a reasonable idea of what their child is ‘into’ and keep an eye out for changes. Asking your child questions is not an invasion of privacy, neither is monitoring their internet use, phone calls or text messages, although parents should do this tactfully. Parents do not need

to be private detectives or investigators, forever checking up on their off-springs every move. They should, however, have an overall idea of where their child goes, what their child does and who they know. Parents should avoid sneakily going through their children’s phones and drawers; listening in on their phone calls; reading their diary, text messages or emails without permission or their child’s prior knowledge. The best type of monitoring is low-key and based on routine and trust. Overall, for parents, the optimal goal should be to stay connected with children in a particular way that keeps them connected with the adults in their lives. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Guyana to get first solar-powered water treatment plant in 2023 IN keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s commitment at the COP26 summit to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030, the country’s first-ever solarpowered water treatment facility is expected to be commissioned in 2023. This was disclosed by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)’s Manager of Water Resources and Climate Change Adaptation Denise Woolford, at a recent press briefing. The facility, valued at over US $750,000 (approximately G$150 million), is being funded by the European Union via the Caribbean Climate Change Centre in Barbados, and will aim to reduce GWI’s carbon dioxide emissions. “This will then minimise the risks of climate change, and, as a company,

we want to ensure that our activities add value, and do not cause adverse effects,” Woolford said. Additionally, the GWI intends to conduct an aquifer study on the groundwater resources in Region Nine’s Upper-Takutu basin at a projected cost of US $1.5 million (approximately G$300 million). Woolford said this research journey will provide betterment for the nation’s future generations. “It is to ensure that, as a company, we effectively manage our water resources, not only for us here but for all about future generations,” Woolford said, adding: “This project is more in the nascent stages, and we’re currently in engagements with the Government of Japan, who is our intended donor for this project.” M e a n w h i l e , G W I ’s

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh, in speaking about the company’s progress regarding the replacement of transmission and distribution lines in Georgetown, said that in the last three years, the government would have put in $1 billion in terms of expenditure to replace the pipelines. Thus far, Cemetery Road, Newtown, among other road projects are completed and similar works are projected to begin along Church Street to East Street in the first phase by month-end. Phase Two of these works will be done within the Avenue of the Republic and Water Street areas. CEO Baksh noted that the pipelines are fairly old, hence the need to commence these works as quickly as possible.

GWI’s Manager of Water Resources and Climate Change Adaptation, Denise Woolford and CEO Shaik Baksh However, for consumers to experience the least disruptions, lines will be installed along the Merriman’s Mall, East Street, and other areas due to strategic planning, according to

GWI’s Executive Director of Programme and Planning, Marlon Daniels. “We would have consulted with GPL [and] GTT who have some amount of cabling along

the way. We also spoke directly to the Ministry of Public Works, the Mayor and City Council … to partner with us to ensure this process moves smoothly,” he noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

The new Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Judiciary invites bids for construction of two ECD courts

WITH the aim of providing easier access to justice for East Coast Demerara (ECD) residents, the Supreme Court of Judicature has issued invitations for bids for the construction of two magistrate’s courts. The announcement of the intended construction of courts at Cove and John, ECD and another at Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was published in the daily newspapers. Interested bidders can peruse the bid documents at the court’s Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown office before purchasing the complete set of the bidding documents for G$8,000. Bids will be opened by the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA) on June 7, 2022, at its office located at the Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Street, Georgetown. The judiciary received some $3.5 billion in the 2022 budget to construct magistrate’s courts at Cove and John, Mahaicony, Friendship, Anna Regina and Timehri, and to complete and extend others. The ongoing construction on the Madhia, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Providence and Vigilance Magistrate’s Courts is expected to conclude later this year. The construction of the magistrate’s courts and living quarters at Timehri and Friendship, is expected to being soon. The new court buildings will be equipped with recording technology for the taking of evidence, a lock-up, living quarters for a magistrate, magistrate’s chambers, lawyers’ rooms, and other amenities. Guyana has over 50 magistrate’s courts including the Bail Court, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Court, Juvenile Court and the Sexual Offences Court. Recently, the Judiciary launched 12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts (DTC) in magisterial districts around the country as part of its efforts to reduce crime and TURN TO PAGE 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Judiciary invites bids for construction...

FROM PAGE 12 substance use by adolescents, through the use of therapeutic interventions and judicial supervision. Also, four Electronic Notice Boards were installed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to facilitate easier access to information for court users. Soon, the court will be rolling out a case management system pilot project. In April 2022, during the commissioning of the $37.8 million Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., had reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the judiciary to ensure access to justice throughout Guyana. According to Nandlall, that access to justice is the foundation of a democratic nation and the hallmark of modern civilisation. He reminded those gathered of the Constitution which speaks of the state not denying anyone equality and equal protection and benefit of the law. “The judiciary is one of the fundamental pillars upon which a modern democratic society stands. Our government recognises the significant role the judiciary must play, and must continue to play as we strive to develop this country,” he said. He explained that, currently, several courts are either under construction or being renovated, which will aid in the delivery of justice across the country. “When in government we speak about the economic, commercial and infrastructural transformation that is taking place in our country across every landscape; that same thing is happening in the judiciary as well,” the AG said. He added: “We in the executive consider that our society cannot advance, people cannot advance; we cannot achieve the goal of a modern civilised and democratic society if that important institution called the judiciary is left behind.” The AG highlighted

that just like the right to life and healthcare, access to justice must be an

inalienable right of the citizens. “I want to reassure

you that the Government of Guyana will continue to collaborate, cooper-

ate and work in harmony with the judiciary to improve the access of

justice right across the length and breadth of Guyana,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

$25B to be spent on new, upgraded water treatment plants SOME $25 billion will be expended to upgrade and construct new water treatment plants across the

country over the next three years, Guyana Water Incorporated’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaik

Baksh said on Friday. During a press conference, he told media operatives that the three-pronged pro-

gramme will fulfill government’s commitment to provide treated water suitable for human consumption. It is

Guyana Water Incorporated Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh

also in keeping with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number Six: “Water and sanitation for all by 2030.” Twelve large water treatment plants will be built along the coastal belt. The iron removal plants will improve water quality, unlike what it is being filtered to residents in Wakenaam and Leguan. “We are going out for tender for the first seven of those treatment plants by the end of May of this year so we are moving at a speed. It will be a design and build programme for the seven water treatment plants, while the other five will come later in the year to go out for tender,” the Department of Public Information (DPI) quoted CEO Baksh as saying. In addition, 10 smaller water treatment plants will be constructed to fill any gaps. Tenders are expected to be published by June-July. Treatment plants will be established at Covent Garden, Grove,

Eccles, Vergenoegen, Cotton Tree, and Port Mourant to provide treated water to residents of those communities. According to Baksh, the entity has also considered the new housing schemes set to be developed countrywide. “Over the next two to three years, those persons who are going to take up the house lots in the new housing areas will be given treated water also… never has this been done before in the history of GWI.” The CEO requested consumers to be patient as the company works to achieve this massive programme. Since assuming office in 2020, government has promised to increase access to potable water from 96 to 100 per cent by 2025. This includes increased treated water coverage from 52 to 90 per cent on the coast, as well as increased access to potable water supply from 60 to 100 per cent for hinterland and riverine communities by 2024.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

LGBTQ+ Pride Festival to kick off in June - Community Advocating for repeal of colonial laws

THE 2022 Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) pride festival in Guyana is expected to kick off next month with a packed calendar of events, following a two-year hiatus. That was revealed by the Guyana LGBT Coalition which comprises several LGBTQ advocacy groups in the country. This year’s celebration is expected to be hosted under the theme, “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights” and will take on a new format. The festival will open on June 19, 2022 with a virtual interfaith forum, followed by a “Drag Fest” on June 25, an open mic night on July 1, film screening on July 4 and games night on July 8. Events will continue with the Tea Party and Hat Show on July 10, Pride Symposium on July 11 and will conclude on July 16 with the most anticipated events, the pride parade and pride party. According to Managing Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, since the inaugural pride festival in 2017, all of the events and activities have been made public as all are welcomed and this year is no different. Simpson made these remarks at the Media launch for Pride Festival 2022 which was hosted Wednesday last at the British High Commis-

sioner’s residence. As it relates to the advocacy agenda for this year’s pride, Simpson stated that the focus will be on sexual rights. “We want to draw attention to laws which criminalise same sex intimacy this year and we know that those laws are colonial in nature and it’s something that we inherited,” he said. To this end, he added that most countries like the United Kingdom have long gone past those laws and separated themselves from same even as independent countries still hold on to the “relics of colonialism.” “So, part of the festival this year we want to draw the attention to this particular form of sexual rights and the injustices that still persist because of the presence of these laws,” Simpson added. While he mentioned that the laws were not often directly enforced, they were still the cause of indirect discrimination to members of the LGBTQ community in Guyana. With that he indicated that now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and persons were now coming out to socialise, they were seeing the resurgence of those types of human rights violations. As such, Simpson made the call for Sections 351 to 353 of Guyana’s Criminal law offences act, which speaks to the criminalisation of same sex intimacy to be

A throwback scene from Pride celebrations in 2018 repealed just as other countries have repealed similar laws. Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, during the launch, stated that the UK was proud to be the champion for LGBT rights across the world even as she expressed her excitement to be able to take part in the pride festival this year, as it returns to face-to-face celebrations. Miller went on to say that the UK had repealed those laws and has laws that protect the rights of the LGBT community even as there are countries that have not changed, including Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Sparta edge Bent Street in 18-17 thriller to reach Magnum Futsal final

A new champion will be crowned in the Magnum Independence Cup, as holders and two-time winner Bent Street lost to fierce rival Sparta Boss in an instant classic 18-17 in the semi-final round on Saturday at the National Park tarmac. Witnessed by a large crowd, the game, which was highlighted by several instances of individual brilliance, is being credited in several circles, and by many pundits, as the best match on local soil in the format. Ry a n H a c k e t t o f Sparta Boss was one of the main protagonists of the encounter, as he recorded 10 conversions, the most for a player in a single match during the event, in the third, fourth, 11th, 14th, 15th, 23rd, 27th, 29th, 31st, and 44th minutes. Jermin Junior chipped in with five goals in the 12th, 16th, 20th, 22nd, and 49th minutes, while Eusi Phillips bagged a double in the sixth and 36th minutes. Adding a goal in the 17th minute was Kelsey Benjamin. On the other side, Trayon Bobb fashioned eight strikes in the ninth, 18th, 28th, 30th, 37th, 38th, 39th, and 41st minutes, while Pernell Schultz added four strikes in the 19th, 19th, 20th and 40th minutes. Contributing a double was Daniel Wilson in the 35th, and 39th min-

The victorious Sparta Boss team utes, while Sheldon Profitt, Jermaine Scott, and Clive Nobrega netted in the fifth, 13th, and 48th minutes respectively. Sparta Boss will now meet Back Circle in the final on Saturday May 21st, after the latter defeated Gold is Money 5-2. Jermaine Beckles recorded a double in the 13th and 26th minutes, while Cecil Jackman, Adrian Aaron, and David George scored in the 12th, 14th, and 29th minutes, respectively.

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For the loser, Darren Benjamin and Deon Alfred netted in the 19th, and 24th minutes each. The losing semi-finalists will contest the third place playoff. The winner of the tournament will receive $700,000, and the championship accolade, while the runner-up will pocket $400,000 and the corresponding trophy. The third and fourth place finishers will pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Cut The Cord Race 2 Preferred Outcome Race 3 Strong Alpha Race 4 Flower Moon

Meanwhile, in the Plate Section, North East La Penitence, and Future Stars will contest the final following wins over Showstoppers and Melanie, respectively. North East La Penitence brushed aside Showstoppers 13-0. Lennox Cort scored in the sixth, seventh, 13th, 20th, and 21st, while Akil Plass added goals in the fifth, 14th, 23rd, and 26th minutes, and Ravin Naughton netted in the 18th, 27th, and

30th minutes. Adding a goal was Junior Jordan in the12th minute. On the other hand, Future Stars edged Melanie 7-6. Seon Cummings [fourth, and 14th], Jamal Cozier [fifth, and 17th], and Carl Griffith [seventh, and 25th] tallied respective doubles, while Rondel Bowman added a conversion in the13th minute. For Melanie, William Europe recorded a hattrick in the 11th, 24th and

26th minutes, while Teon Stewart scored twice in the 12th and 30th minutes, and Ryan Seales netted once in the 16th minute. The eventual winner of this section will pocket $40,000. The other sponsors of the event are MVP Sport, Nigel Hind Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.

Race 5 Zircon Race 6 Honor Among Men Race 7 Macho Boy Race 8 Flurry Of Roses

14:30 hrs Champagne Platinum 15:00 hrs Stand Up And Fight 15:30 hrs Goldwyn

11:05 hrs Mixed Hunter 11:40 hrs Wavecrest

Irish Racing Tips Killarney 12:00 hrs Perceval Legallois 12:30 hrs Shewearsitwell 13:00 hrs La Prima Donna 13:30 hrs Winter Fog 14:00 hrs Melon

English Racing Tips Ffos Las 08:45 hrs Marmalaid 09:20 hrs Full of Light 09:55 hrs Lord Bryan 10:30 hrs Legantos

Carlisle 08:20 hrs Carmentis 08:55 hrs Fashion Advice 09:30 hrs After John 10:05 hrs Detective 10:40 hrs Topomania 11:15 hrs Gurkhall 11:50 hrs Ba Na Hills 12:25 hrs Whitwell

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Unbeaten Mathews century gives Sri Lanka first-day honours

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Angelo Mathews’ 12th Test century headlined Sri Lanka’s fine first day

against Bangladesh in Chattogram. His century, and 92-run stand for the third wicket with

Kusal Mendis, revived Sri Lanka in the second session before keeping things locked in their

Angelo Mathews celebrates with Dinesh Chandimal after reaching his century (AFP/Getty Images) favour till the end of the day. Bangladesh would rue dropping Mathews on 69, but it was an otherwise tight contest for the Sri Lanka batters against the steady home spinners. After the big stand with Mendis, Mathews added another 75 for the unbroken fifth wicket with Dinesh Chandimal, who was unbeaten on 34 at stumps. Mathews was on 114, using all of his experience to hit his first century against Bangladesh. Only the Bangladesh spinners took wickets, with Nayeem Hasan taking two and

Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan one each. Mathews’ most fruitful zone was in front of the wicket, mostly driving straight on a pitch that had low bounce but was good for batting from the second session. Between extra cover and midwicket, he struck 11 boundaries and hit a straight six too. The rest of Mathews’ boundaries were hit towards fineleg. When he was on 69, in the 65th over, Mahmudul Hasan Joy dropped Mathews at slip off Taijul, and although Mahmudul made it up with a good

grab in the next over to get rid of Dhananjaya de Silva, it proved to be a costly drop. The third session started poorly for Sri Lanka, when Mendis pulled Taijul’s long-hop to Nayeem at short midwicket. They had earlier gone wicketless throughout the second session as Mathews and Mendis bedded in for the long haul. Mendis batted quite c o n s e r v a t i v e l y, o n l y hitting a couple of cover drives and another boundary through midwicket, as he allowed Mathews to thrive. They had come together late in the first session after Nayeem had taken two wickets. The offspinner, playing his first Test in more than a year, removed Dimuth Karunaratne in his first over, before getting Oshada Fernando caught behind. Bangladesh, though, lost two of their reviews with ordinary lbw appeals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

FIFA partners with BFA for Talent Development Scheme in 2023

CMC – World governing body of association football, FIFA, has partnered with the Barbados Football Association (BFA) to assist member clubs in developing their game through a Talent Development Scheme, scheduled to begin next

Caribbean to be a part of the five-year project which will be funded by FIFA Forward, the organisation’s global football development programme. FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Kenny Jean-Marie, made the an-

football officials. The scheme will help member associations and their players to achieve their full potential and close the disparity in the level of football between different regions of the world. “We are really happy to

FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, Kenny Jean-Marie and BFA president Randy Harris. January. Barbados is the only country selected from the

nouncement after meeting recently with BFA’s president, Randy Harris, and other

be part of it and we think it would make a really big difference for our vision on

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday, May 16, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 206 – second wicket (Adam Gilchrist; Shaun Marsh – King’s XI vs RCB) (2) Kumar Sangakkarra -- 19 dismissals (17 catches/2 stumpings – Deccan Chargers) Today’s Quiz: (1) Name the teams that have each won the IPL title only once. (2) Which IPL franchise has copped the title twice? Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………

the field of play,” Harris said. “FIFA is also helping us, the BFA, with commercializing football and to help us with our administration in terms of ensuring that our

strategic plan is carried out and that we can achieve what we were set out to do in our vision going forward.” The Talent Development Scheme was first

implemented by former manager of English Premier League side, Arsenal, and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants (ESPNCRICINFO) - Rajasthan Royals are happy to have four No. 11s in their line-up. And this is why. Each of them, led by Trent Boult, produced a match-winning contribution and this one will taste ever so sweet because it takes them so close to a place in the IPL playoffs. They knocked the stuffing out of Lucknow Super Giants, who in all likelihood will be one of the teams they will meet in those knockout matches later this month. So this win - defending 178 isn’t just that, it’s something to carry forward. The Royals promise A young batter with a power game is one of the most exciting things in cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal (41 off 29) certainly lived up to that billing tonight. At one point, he was beaten by Avesh Khan, the ball storming past his outside edge like it was offended he had even tried to hit it. In the next over, as if deciding enough was enough, Jaiswal made the darn thing

disappear. That six into the crowd behind square leg in a Dushmantha Chameera over that cost 21 runs, combined with Sanju Samson’s takedown of Ravi Bishnoi in the eighth over, threatened something special. It’s good to have options This game was all about punch and counterpunch. The first part of that equation is a given. Batting teams in T20 cricket seldom hold back. But for a bowling team to respond, it takes either a lot of effort, or a lot of options. Super Giants had a lot of options. Five balls after Samson pawned Bishnoi, he fell to Jason Holder. So in came Devdutt Padikkal, who hit five of the first 10 balls he faced to the boundary. One ball after that runspree, Ayush Badoni dismissed Jaiswal. KL Rahul used eight bowlers, all of whom combined so well that by the start of the 17th over, the

opposition’s finisher James Neesham was batting with just R. Ashwin for company and those four No. 11s to come. A mix-up, and a botched attempt by the less recognised batter to sacrifice his wicket, left Ashwin and Boult at the crease with 14 balls still remaining, but they managed to biff 26 off those 14 balls. Who needs batting depth? Lightning Boult A Brabourne pitch that offered movement + Boult = Magic. The Royals new-ball phenom took two wickets in the third over: Quinton de Kock caught off a long hop and Badoni lbw with mesmerising inswing. Prasidh Krishna took out Rahul from the other end -- cramping the batter for room as he tried to play the cut -- and that virtually was the game. Super Giants have relied heavily on their captain this season. More than 30% of their runs (421) in winning causes have come off his

blade. But here, he was gone with 14.3 overs still to play. CHAHAL VS HOODA Super Giants were on the mat. They were 34 for 3 at the end of the powerplay. They hit just five boundaries in the eight overs that followed. Royals were squeezing the life out of them thanks to Ashwin (40-24-1) and Obed McCoy (2-0-16-0) Deepak Hooda (59 off 39) tried to break free of this strangle and he chose to do so against the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2022. Yuzvendra Chahal was hit for a six and a four to start the 11th over. But this is not a bowler who backs down. He didn’t against Glenn Maxwell. He didn’t against Kieron Pollard. He didn’t against MS Dhoni. And he didn’t against Hooda either. The game itself was long since over, but this head-tohead was still simmering. Hooda has been one of the IPL’s perennial itinerants, never establishing his

Trent Boult bagged two new-ball wickets after biffing an unbeaten 17 off 9 (BCCI) place in any of the teams he’s played for. A player with so many gifts, foremost among them his long reach and plenty of power, should be dominating this tournament. But on occasion his decision-making has let him down. At Super Giants, it seems he’s been given the confidence to play the way he likes. He’s been given responsibility too, batting at No. 3. When you’ve spent a long time on the fringes, and suddenly some-

one comes along and gives you that kind of trust, you will never want to let them down. Hooda did what he could but in the end, it was just too much. He charged at Chahal once again in the 16th over, but this time the leg-spinner angled the ball into his pads, denying him the room to free those hands, and had him stumped off an inside edge. Everyone just went through the motions after that.

Shami and Saha lead the way as Titans ensure top-two finish

Mohammed Shami picked up 2 for 19 from his four overs (BCCI) (ESPNCRICINFO) - At the start of the season, the talk was that they were an inexperienced team without proper squad balance. Their initial wins were put down to beginners’ luck, or plain old luck. But as the league stage of IPL 2022 chugged along, the Gujarat Titans juggernaut has rolled on, and with their tenth win in 13 games, Hardik Pandya’s side, on Sunday afternoon, became the first

team to be assured of a toptwo finish. The last time they met Chennai Super Kings, Titans needed David Miller and Rashid Khan to pull off a heist to take them home from a difficult position. This time, Titans bossed an underwhelming Super Kings through the whole game. Titans did not experiment with their XI, while Super Kings gave some new faces a go, and in the end,

the team in form proved too hot for MS Dhoni’s inexperienced XI. A stop-start-stop innings They lost just five wickets, but scored only 133. Dhoni said at the toss that Super Kings would bat first so that they wouldn’t have to field in the heat, but perhaps there was an adverse effect on the batters. Ruturaj Gaikwad made 53, but took 49 deliveries, failing to pull off the big shots after an initial burst in the powerplay. When he was out in the 16th over, he looked exhausted, and in partnerships with Moeen Ali and N Jagadeesan, he often seemed to settle for ones that could have been twos in less oppressive conditions. Well before Gaikwad’s dismissal, though, came a top spell with the new ball from Mohammed Shami, who came around the stumps to Devon Conway and got a ball to hold its line, causing the attempted flick to end up as

an edge to the keeper. Shami’s angle from around the stumps to left-handers has been a ploy throughout the IPL, and brought him four left-hander wickets and an economy rate of 6.07 as against just the one wicket and an economy rate of 9.85 from over the wicket. Moeen came in at No. 3 and hit Rashid Khan for two sixes in the sixth over, but fell for a 17-ball 21 in the ninth over after misreading the pace out of left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore’s hand. Jagadeesan faced the best of Rashid and Alzarri Joseph in the middle overs, failing to change the innings’ gears, and after Gaikwad and Shivam Dube fell in quick succession, the Super Kings innings fizzled out. They struck no boundaries in the last five overs, and picked up just 24 runs in that period, among the worst-case scenarios for a batting side with five wickets in the bag. Rashid conceded just 14 off

his last three overs, Shami collected a second wicket, and Yash Dayal came back strong after a 15-run opening over. Saha leads the way Super Kings needed an early wicket, and Mukesh Choudhary - tied with Shami at the start of the innings for the most powerplay wickets (11) - went full to Wriddhiman Saha in search of movement. Saha began with two streaky boundaries off Choudhary, and in the next over was nearly caught out off the same bowler, but survived after Gaikwad dropped him on 21. Saha did not rein in his strokeplay after the reprieve, and soon pulled Simarjeet Singh for the first six of the innings. After five overs, Titans were 45 for no loss and Shubman Gill had only scored 7 off 7. Gill eventually fell on 18 to debutant Matheesha Pathirana’s first ball in the

IPL. Pathirana, a Sri Lankan seamer with a slingy action in the mould of Lasith Malinga, fired his first ball full on the stumps, and Gill failed to flick it away. Super Kings needed another quick wicket, but that did not come as Matthew Wade settled in with Saha for a handy 31-run stand. Moeen picked off Wade in the 12th over and Hardik became Pathirana’s second IPL scalp, but with only 37 runs needed in 43 balls, the Titans remained well ahead in the contest. The perfect end for the Titans would be for Saha to carry his bat, and he did just that, knocking the ball around to reach his third fifty of the season, and then hit the winning runs off the first ball of the final over to finish with 67 off 57 balls. Miller scored a sedate 20ball 15 to chaperone the team home from the other end.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana...

Two more junior cricketers benefit from the project Berbice and Guyana junior female player, Ashmini Munisar, and national Under -15 prospect, Adrian Hetmyer, are the

latest cricketers to benefit from the ‘Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana project’.

Ashmini Munisar (right) receives her tokens from Winroy Bakker

This project is an initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana. Munisar is a student of the Guyana School of Agriculture and represented Guyana at the national Under -19 level in 2019 at the tender age of 15. The off-spinning all-rounder was the recipient of a gear bag, a bat, a pair of batting pads, a pair of batting gloves and one helmet. Hetmyer, a student of Berbice Educational Institute, the son of former national youth player Seon Hetmyer and nephew of West Indies star batsman, Shimron Hetmyer, received one bat. The young Hetmyer recently scored 3 centuries in 4 innings in a Berbice Cricket Board Under -15 Tournament and had a good outing in the only match he played in the GCB/Dave West Indian Imports/Exports Inter County Under -15. He is a classy right-handed batsman and medium pace bowler. Both players are from

the fast-rising Rose Hall Community Cricket Club. At a simple presentation held recently, Winroy Bakker, a representative of the donors Romash Munna; former West Indies Under -19 and current USA batsman, Gajanand Singh; Kelvin Brijlall, Ravi Etwaroo, all of the USA, said that the donors are pleased to give back to young talented players through this noble initiative. He pledged, on their behalf, continued support. Munisar and Hetmyer both expressed gratitude and promised to continue to work hard to make everyone and themselves proud. The project is geared to assist young players and has reached out to many promising cricketers and clubs across the length and breadth of Guyana and it is the hope of the organisers to assist in producing more cricketers for Guyana and West Indies. Total cricket-related items collected so far are $130,000 cash, two trophies, eleven cricket boots, seventeen pairs of batting pads, nineteen bats, thirteen

Harpy Eagles arrive in Trinidad in quest of Four-Day title

THE Guyana Harpy Eagles arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday for the final three rounds of the West Indies Four-Day Championship which resumes on May 18. All of the remaining rounds in the shortened championship this season will be contested in the twin-island republic. When the championship was suspended on February 17 after the first two rounds, Harpy Eagles were positioned in fourth on 21.4 points, still 20.6 points adrift of the unbeaten Barbados Pride, who are the defending

champions. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, who are also unbeaten, have 38.6 points while Leeward Hurricanes (24.6 points), Windward Volcanoes (10.8 points), and Jamaica Scorpions (8.8 points) complete the table. For the third round, Pride faces Harpy Eagles at Queen’s Park Oval; Red Force will meet Hurricanes at Diego Martin; while Scorpions and Volcanoes face off at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Harpy Eagles head coach Esaun Crandon stated that Pride has always been tough

given their quality, especially with their experienced batting and he does not think any different, come Wednesday. He added, “We want to try and play our best cricket and we have not done that yet.” Harpy Eagles’ other matches are against Scorpions from May 25-28 at Diego Martin and Red Force from June 1-4 at the Oval. The Guyanese franchise is seeking their sixth title in seven seasons of the revamped First-Class championship. Guyana Harpy Ea-

gles squad: Leon Johnson (Captain), Keemo Paul (Vice-Captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Demetri Cameron, Antony Adams, Kevin Sinclair and Ronsford Beaton. Manager is Albert Smith; Head Coach Esuan Crandon; Assistant Coach/Manager Ryan Hercules, Physiotherapist Angelica Holder and Cricket Analyst Keshava Ramphal.

pairs of batting gloves, nineteen thigh pads, one wicket-keeping pad, one arm guard, six cricket bags and two helmets. In addition to the above, $600,000

characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders will also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well

Under 15 prospect Adrian Hetmyer (Right) receives his tokens from Winroy Bakker worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket- keeper/ batsman. To date, thirty-six young players from all three counties of Guyana have already benefitted from three sets of gear, two trophies, one arm guard, thirteen bats, one box, two helmets, nine pairs of cricket shoes, nine pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and eleven pairs of batting gloves. In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club benefitted from two sets of stumps and bails, while two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefitted from two used bats. The Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees, along with Cotton Tree Die Hard and Rose Hall CCCC also received one box of red cricket balls each. Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important

managed clubs will also benefit. We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall; Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana; Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Denesh Chandrapaul and Dr. Cecil Beharry. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 (718) 664 0896.

Back Circle are into the final

Sparta edge Bent Street in 18-17 thriller to reach Magnum Futsal final

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, May 16, 2022

SEE PAGE

Harpy Eagles arrive in Trinidad in quest of Four-Day title SEE PAGE

The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad, along with management, at the Piarco International Airport on Sunday

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