Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_17_07_2022

17th July, 2022

Free Inside No.106786

7,000 house lots being developed in Region Three PAGE

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–– President Ali says commercial district, professional residential area also on the cards for Leonora

Less time, reduced costs for construction of houses 05 possible PAGE

–– with 3D printing technology

US-based ‘tech’ company eyes 11 local partnerships Former Bygeval Secondary School student lands 02 place in US Honour Society –– gets accepted into PAGE

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top New York College

Efforts afoot to train auto-technicians, 04 mechanics to repair electric vehicles PAGE

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Former Bygeval Secondary School student lands place in US Honour Society

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

–– gets accepted into top New York College By Jared Liddell

WITH dedication and fo-

cus as her watchwords, 18-year-old Guyanese, Sasha Amadally, was rec-

The teen with her English award for outstanding performance in the subject area

ognised for her commitment to academic excellence with a place in the United States’ National Honor Society after graduating high school in 2022. The teen told the Sunday Chronicle that this achievement did not come without many great sacrifices. She said she left Guyana with her family in 2018 at the age of 14 years and got enrolled at Hillcrest High School where she completed her secondary education. “Even though it was a bit difficult to leave, I did have a lot of motivation to do well in school from my family, and even myself because I knew that even though I was leaving, I had an opportunity and I was committed to taking this opportunity and making the best I can out of it,” Amadally said. She received an award as the salutatorian in her school’s small learning com-

munity as the second-best performing student in the “Teachers of Tomorrow” initiative. She also received an award in writing from her school. The teen who is the youngest of four siblings, said that while leaving her life and friends behind in Guyana was difficult, she made the decision to stay focused on achieving her goals of achieving and maintaining an exceptional academic performance. Amadally while in Guyana, attended the Strath Campbell nursery and primary schools and the Bygeval Secondary School in Mahaicony, where she maintained a position as a top performer in both schools before ultimately attending the Hillcrest High School in the United States. The teen is now enrolled at Hunter College in New York City, where she is pur-

18-year-old Guyanese, Sasha Amadally at her 2022 graduation suing studies in physiotherapy. Amadally told this publication that when she heard the news that she was awarded a spot in the National Honor Society, she was in complete disbelief. She said that while she knew she has maintained good grades throughout her high school journey, she felt proud as a Guyanese to know

that the work and sacrifices made by herself and her family had not been in vain. “I felt very happy. I was in disbelief at first, but I was very happy to know that all of the hard work had been recognised, and I was very proud that I could make my family and myself proud in that way,” See page 3

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7,000 house lots being developed in Region Three

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

–– President Ali says commercial district, professional residential area also on the cards for Leonora

SOME 7,000 house lots are being developed in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), as part of the PPP/C government’s drive to provide 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by the year 2025. President, Dr Irfaan Ali, while conducting a walkthrough of the new West Central Mall under construction at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, said the first phase of the project has been awarded and infrastructural works have commenced. “If you look at what is known as ‘punt trench’ or where the high bridge is, all the way back and all the way to the tower, all of those lands will be converted into housing…as you can see there the excavators are working,” President Ali said, while pointing to the area that

is being developed. This new housing development, the Head of State said, will take place in the vicinity of the planned thoroughfare from Schoonord to Parika. In light of the rapid pace of development in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region, the President also spoke of plans for a commercial district in Leonora, along with a professional residential area. “So that gives you a bearing on what is going to occur here in the terms of development… every single area in the country, we are developing these growth hubs, to span out development, to expand the development reach,” Dr Ali said. The development of lands in the region will help to address the backlog of 14,000

applications for Region Three, currently sitting in the database of the Housing Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) awaiting allocation. “In this NDC [Stewartville/Cornelia Ida] alone, we are talking about the development in this area here alone, about 1,500 acres of land; 1,500 acres of land would give us here and there, 7,000 new house lots,” President Ali had said during a prior engagement. The infrastructure costs, on average, to develop 1,500 acres of land is close to $10 billion, the Head of State said. “…and this is not 10 years from now, these are projects that are in the immediate pipeline, projects that have already started,” Dr Ali said.

New housing development underway at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (Office of the President photo)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, in conversation during a tour of the Sheriff Hospital and the West Central Mall, Region Three, on Friday (Office of the President photo) He added: “In the medium term, if you have an occupancy of 50 per cent in five to seven years, then convert 3,500 [50 per cent of 7,000] by an average of $7 million and you will see the volume of transaction[s] that we’re talking about just in this locality.” Additionally, under the government’s turn-key initiative, some 200 housing units are expected to be constructed in Anna Catherina and Meten-Meer-Zorg, targeting low and moderate-income earners. Further, under the Inter-American Development

(IDB) funded Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, 25 core homes have been constructed for vulnerable families in Lust-en-Rust, Onderneeming, La Parfaite Harmonie, RechtDoor-Zee and Westminster. Those new developments, President Ali said, will be complemented by a $52 billion (US$260 million) new Demerara Harbour Bridge. In May, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has announced that as the ministry’s 2022 allocation drive continues, some 15,000 applicants will be served. “Our President has given

a charge to aim for 25,000 homes over the five-year period, and so, while we will allocate 50,000 house lots, simultaneously we will be constructing houses,” Minister Croal said. In keeping with its manifesto, the PPP/C government is committed to delivering 50,000 house lots to Guyanese within its first term in office. In 2021, the government surpassed its target of distributing 10,000 house lots to Guyanese through its signature “Dream Realised” house lot distribution exercise.

Former Bygeval Secondary School student lands place ...

From page 2

Amadally said. The National Honor Society opens many doors for its members, including conferences, counseling resources, and scholarships, among other things.

LOCKDOWN The teen noted that the COVID-19 lockdown affected her like every other student across the world, but it also gave her the chance to refocus and take better charge of her stud-

ies.

She noted that after the initial lockdown she had the opportunity to implement systems that allowed her to achieve the goals she had. “The lockdown was hard at first, not having face-toface interactions with teachers, but it didn’t stay that way, I quickly adjusted and realised that this time away from physical school could be used to my advantage. I started coming up with ways to get my work

done and efficiently but at my own pace and that made studying and virtual learning far easier for me,” Amadally said. ROUNDED STUDENT She added that while she was sure to focus on her academic goals, she also ensured that she was rounded in other areas including sports and photography. It is for this reason that

once schools reopened to physical learning, she was eager to get back to some of the extracurricular activities that made her happy. “I took part in several extracurricular activities. I was on the golf team, where I took my team to the semi-finals, I was on the green team where we helped the environment, and I was also a leader in my school’s photography club. And I did a bit of sport too like badminton and volleyball. I was focused on my

studies but all of the other activities I enrolled in helped me ground myself further,” Amadally said. When asked what piece of advice she would give to other students, she noted that self-motivation is key to success. She opined that staying committed and being self-motivated to achieve her goal of doing her best and making herself proud is what allowed her the chance to make not just herself and her family proud, but the country at large.

“Self-motivation is necessary, taking the necessary steps to achieve your goal is what should be your focus. Throughout my journey, I tried to keep my goal in mind and I ended up achieving more than I thought I would, and that’s what is important, motivating myself, staying close to my family, and staying focused, that is what allowed me to achieve this monumental achievement,” Amadally said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Efforts afoot to train auto technicians, mechanics to repair electric vehicles

- Prime Minister Phillips affirms that plans remain in place for the industry’s development

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips (centre) flanked by trained and certified mechanics and auto-technicians in electric vehicle maintenance and repairs PRIME MINISTER, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, stated that the government would continue to develop the electric vehicle industry to lessen the country’s carbon footprint. He explained that with Guyana’s drive to significantly slash the price of electricity, having electric vehicles will become very viable. “While the proliferation of electric vehicles adds a new dynamic for the utility, lower electricity costs will certainly encourage diversification in the transport sector.” To this extent, he lauded the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Electric Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs Workshop and called it a momentous occasion. The GEA hosted the week-long event with funding support from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and training facilitated by Mega Power Limited. Prime Minister Phillips, during remarks at the closing ceremony at Cara Lodge, Friday afternoon, said that the “workshop is very timely for Guyana as the Government is pursuing low carbon transportation infrastructure to reduce the demand for imported fossil fuels for vehicular transport”.

He emphasised the importance of the training and stated that it was a step in the right direction as the country prepares for the introduction of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles in Regions Three, Four and Six this year. “Having a cadre of trained and certified mechanics and auto-technicians in electric vehicle maintenance and repairs would give existing and potential vehicle owners additional confidence in the reliability of this technology. Proper maintenance will also ensure the longevity of these types of vehicles in a healthy and safe environment.” The Prime Minister explained about the importance of adequate human resource capability and said that the Government was committed to developing its human capital. “As a country, we need to develop our human resources to drive a sustainable energy transition through continuous capacity building, training, public awareness, and education programmes. This workshop boosted the country’s human capital to support such a transition.” Out of 44 persons who applied, 12 persons were selected for the initial workshop.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Less time, reduced costs for construction of houses possible

- with 3D printing technology By Cassandra Khan OWING to the high demand for houses, a private company, Maraiko Bay, has imported a three-dimensional (3D) printer, which it will use to build model homes for the upcoming ‘Building Expo’ at the Providence Stadium, and, subsequently, construct houses at reduced costs. Chief Executive Officer of Maraiko Bay, Leo Powell, who accompanied Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues and other officials on a inspection of the exhibition site at Providence, said the company decided to examine the opportunity of 3D printing, which is not only for Maraiko Bay, but also for the national housing projects and other future projects such as Silica City, highways and drains. He related that they will be printing, live, during the three-day exposition to show that within three days, a house plan could be completely printed by the machine. “We hope to give you guys a well-deserved display of what modern technology can provide in the urban development housing sector,” Powell said. Meanwhile, Minister Rodrigues related that the printer, while on display at the ‘expo’, will print the ministry’s 600-square-foot low-income model home. “So, the machine; it’s a simple process, where you have the blueprint, and you put that chip into the machine, and the machine automatically is programmed to print out that particular house. So, that house will be constructed here, or, as we say in construction ter-

minology, printed using this technology over the three days that the public will be here,” Minister Rodrigues said. As the minister went on to explain, if a person tries to build the exact house as the printer, using traditional methods, it would cost them far more than it would, using the machine. She said, too, that the machine is at an international standard, in terms of pound per square inch (PSI) measurement, and even though it costs more, the overall factors such as time-saving and costing would be saved, as well as human resources. “It is my assumption that this machine will do more than just be a part of the housing sector; I anticipate we’re going to have to get more of this in the country, because this particular one can print a twostorey house, but they also have machines that, when configured, can go as high as four storeys,” Minister Rodrigues said, adding: “They can even be involved in the expansion of the private sector. Big construction of apartment buildings and hotels and so on, that they can eventually get to. So, they’ll play a lot bigger role, not only in the housing sector, but in the infrastructure sector, possibly in the construction of concrete drains and roads and highways and so on.” Noting also that the process will be much faster than the traditional construction methods, Minister Rodrigues said, “In the housing sector, we have a very big mandate in terms of house lots and housing construction, and so we’ll need to employ the use of modern technology, in order to ensure that we deliver on our targets, not only in

the housing sector, but in terms of infrastructure, generally, for the future of our country.” Chief Operations Officer of Black Buffalo 3D, Todd Grimm said that with this machine, an overall 20 to 30 per cent cost reduction will be seen in the construction of houses. “When it prints a house, it doesn’t print doors and windows and so on, but what it does is it prints the exterior and interior walls of that facility. So, what you’re able to do is take a foundation that’s pre-existing, and go on top of that and print a home,” Grimm said. He related that up to 1,200 square feet can be printed in about 20 to 30 hours, but the machine’s daily limit is 16 hours. “That home would actually take about US$13,000 worth of concrete materials to print, which is quite a substantial reduction than what you see from a nor-

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues engages the media following an inspection of the ongoing works for International Building Expo 2022 (Elvin Croker photo) mal home,” Grimm said, adding: “Not only that, but the waste factor that is also built from normal construction is extremely high. This type of waste that we save is reusable, because you can recycle concrete and reuse it.”

He said that the reduction in waste from regular construction to 3D printing of a house is 60 to 40 per cent. The strength of the normal concrete masonry units (CMU) block wall, he said, has a pound per

square inch (PSI) of about 2,800 to 3,200 in compression, but the printed walls were tested and proven to be 7,500 PSI after 15 days, and 10,000 PSI after a full cure in 28 days, which, he said is as strong as a highway.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Lifting All Boats GUYANESE are already benefitting in tangible ways from revenues emanating from oil. This is manifested in several ways, including that of budget support for the country’s massive infrastructural development programme, amounting to billions of dollars. Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, had indicated that the government made its second draw down from the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund Act, 2021. According to Minister Singh, US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion has been transferred from the Natural Resources Fund to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities. It would be recalled that the Government of Guyana made its first withdrawal of US$ 200 million in May this year. This now brings the accumulated amount to US$400 million equivalent to G$83.3 billion. These are significant sums of money which will go a far way in accelerating growth of the country’s economy, while at the same time enhancing the overall quality of life of the Guyanese people. And despite what some Opposition elements might say regarding the nature of

the oil contract between the Guyana Government and ExxonMobil, such significant injections of money into the local economy will certainly have a ripple effect on all layers of the economy, right down to the ordinary man and woman. These are still the early days of oil returns to the economy and the full impact of oil and gas on the economy will not be fully realised until the end of this decade, when oil production is expected to reach over one million barrels per day. The important point to note, however, is that the Natural Resources Fund is being incrementally replenished with even larger sums as the volume of oil production increases. Guyana has raked in US$108 million (approximately 22B) from its most recent sale of its share of crude oil. As pointed out by President Dr Irfaan Ali at the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference, all segments of the population will benefit from the patrimony of the state and no community will be left behind. Indigenous communities, the President affirmed, will benefit from the revenues coming from the development of Guyana’s oil resources. He related to the gathering of Amerindian leaders that the government will

invest an additional $3 billion into hinterland communities. A supplementary budget of $3 billion will be laid in the National Assembly on July 21 for approval. Similar sentiments were shared by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who assured toshaos that revenues from oil will be used to build diagnostic centres for hinterland communities. According to the Vice-President, it is anticipated that those diagnostic centres will cost over US$100 million. In each of the four hinterland regions, the PPP/C administration will construct diagnostic centres with world-class capabilities. These are indeed commendable initiatives which will change the health landscape not only in hinterland communities, but across the country as a whole. Apart from the direct benefits of oil to the economy, there are some “indirect” benefits as well, such as job creation and training opportunities provided to young people to work in the oil-and- gas sector. But there is also the new profile that oil and gas has brought to the country, namely, as a place where opportunities to do business abound. Guyana is no longer seen as a pariah state as was the case under the PNC

regime and there is, today, a high level of investor confidence, partly fuelled by the emerging oil-and-gas sector, but also as a result of good governance and full adherence to the rule of law by the current PPP/C administration. The country is now experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and modernization. The revenues derived from the oil-and-gas industry are expected to have a transformational effect on Guyana and the standard of living of the Guyanese people. As noted by President Ali: “At the end of the day, development and functionality of development, the output of development is really to enhance the welfare and well-being of our people, the citizenry of our country and even in the diaspora.” The ultimate aim of development is to create not only economic wealth, but also to create an environment in which human development is advanced. All of this, in the words of President Ali, has to be done in a very strategic and transparent manner. The oil-and-gas sector has the potential to be a catalyst for change, one that could propel this country to much greater heights, one in which all boats will be lifted.

Booster shot for Guyana’s immune system Dear Editor,

AS the week began, Guyana’s health system received a booster shot from New York-based Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation for a world-class healthcare system for Guyanese and the Caribbean. Guyana’s immune system got stronger also with 40,800 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, compliments of the Republic of South Korea, and, a mid-week prop up of 12,000 doses of Pfizer from the US. The true interpretation of 50 per cent means that the toshaos will see their stipends increase from $30,000 to $45,000 and their deputies, from $20,000 to $30,000. Housing got another lift with the Ashmins Group launching a $2.5 billion Madewini villas project, and Guyana struck gold in the Junior CASA. The Amerindians are smiling with the following events as they received a further boost of $3 billion towards their development: 1. “Please forgive me and I’m asking the court to be very lenient with me….” the convicted killer pleaded with the judge. The judge was lenient, granted his wish and sentenced him to life for killing a pensioner

by saying: “I wish you well.” It could have been worse! 2. “You are not to fabricate and concoct,” advised the Attorney-General. Do you think the PNC will ever listen, adhere and comply? 3. “May this occasion inspire all Guyanese to recommit to the ideals of unity, selflessness, shared sacrifices and a shared destiny,” the Opposition Leader submitted. Thank God, all Guyanese will finally travel the road of righteousness together! 4. “Although we are not responsible for the bulk of the problems that have led to this crisis, we will bear the brunt of it,” declared a Caribbean Youth Leader. Indeed, the youths of Guyana are suffering from the bitter weeds planted by the 33 years of the PNC’s rule. 5. An AFC leader confessed that: “The AFC will focus on getting back on the ground over the next two years by rebuilding and walking on its own feet.” Good idea, they certainly were nowhere near earth! 6. “Sugar is scarce and short in the supermarket,” said the staff. Who is hoarding? This is Guyana. Let’s start the blame game. 7. “I also recall the then Minister of Public Security, Minister Ramjattan, opted to go to a cricket game instead of engaging with the

Indigenous leaders(Toshaos), no doubt a clear demonstration of where his priorities then lied [sic],” reported Honourable Shuman. Definitely, Ramjattan did not receive complimentary tickets from the Russians! 8. “Either they have the same arithmetic challenge that the APNU+AFC has, that is, they count or do not know numbers or they are intent on misrepresenting the facts,” Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, was saying. The culprits accused of attempting to rig the elections will remain the laughing stock forever! 9. Guyanese are marvellous innovators, inventors, initiators and imitators. “Flying money” has borne wings since the days of Burnham and his currency restrictions and scarcity! 10. Is Guyana a great country or what? Saudi Arabia chooses to come to visit Guyana, while, US President, Joe Biden, decides to visit Saudi Arabia! 11. The cool cat Djokovic, tamed the flame of fire, Kyrgios, to win Wimbledon, and, the under-stated Elena Rybakina also shared the platform when she harnessed the wily Ons Jabeur. 12. Guyana will miss the bright bulbs’

anticipation of having its cost of living doubling by year end. Chief Statistician Errol la Cruz explained: “Inflation will increase from two per cent earlier this year to four per cent by year-end.” He gave an example: “If something costs $100 last year and there is an inflation of four per cent, then it would cost $104.” This is pure math and not applied math. Sorry for the disappointment. 13. Wrong can never be right and so, President Ali assured the National Toshaos Council that, “Your rights must and will always be respected by this government.” 14. EU Director, Brian Glynn observed: “With what the government is proposing to do, Guyana is selling itself as a good international citizen, and we’d very much like to help support Guyana as that.” Digging holes for the pessimists? 15. “I am very keen we get this concluded as smoothly, cleanly, and rapidly as possible.” No, Graham Brady wasn’t referring to the appointment of LOO, but, to the replacement of Boris Johnson in the UK. 16. Glorious cricket played out in the game of uncertainties as Sri Lanka pressed See page 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

The government has nothing to do with inflation

Dear Editor,

AS I travel around the country to conduct a survey on contemporary issues, and in perusing data obtained by interviewers, inflation (cost of living or the rising rate in the prices of basic goods and services) is of paramount concern to the public. Almost everyone complains about inflation, urging immediate government intervention. They note that their salaries cannot cope with the rocket pace of inflation. “We can’t keep up with the cost,” they speak in unison. Even shopkeepers and stall vendors and other business proprietors complain about the relatively high costs of goods and services. They can’t move their goods

very quickly to earn the incomes once earned. The workers say that the rise in minimum wage (recent increment) cannot keep pace with inflation and feel it should be increased to address the problem. What people don’t understand is the factors that triggered the recent soaring of inflation or wave of price increases and the limitation of the state to tame it. The rise in wages is also a cause for inflation. But the main culprits of inflation have been the pandemic over the last two and a half years and the war in Ukraine over the last five months. People have adjusted to the pandemic and inflation seems minimally influenced by it, as the world returns to normality regarding COVID-19. The Ukraine war is the biggest hurdle to

cross in managing inflation. The war was to have lasted a mere five days, but instead has been prolonged for over five months, hurting the working class and the poor. So, while Guyana is some 5,000 miles from Ukraine, the country is also affected by the war with the rising cost of goods. The entire globe is affected by, or experiencing inflation. Much of the globalised inflation is tied to Ukraine. Ukraine is one the world’s largest producers of grain and edible oil. These products can’t get to the world market, thereby resulting in shortages and price increases. The war has also led to an increase in the price of fuel; this has driven up the cost of production and transportation of almost all goods, resulting in increasing costs at the market.

Booster shot for Guyana’s immune...

From page 6

home their advantage to whip Australia, and, India lost its firm footing to play second fiddle to England. 17. Will the diaspora back off lest the nation be hurled into chaos because, there are more questions than answers over all being proud to have a President of such wisdom and perspicacity? 18. “The usual suspects” have a difficult problem to resolve and help is needed. To become a cardboard political party, a non-resurrection party or a party being manipulated by political extremists, that is the blunt question! 19. “There is a lot of wait and watch [for] and that is affecting the people.” Finally, Sri Lanka and England shake hands and wave goodbye to their departing Prime Ministers, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Boris Johnson. 20. Many mothers would prepare dhal and rice and wait for the fathers to come home with their catch, “sweet water fish,” hassa, huri or patwa! 21. “We have a government that wants to listen to us,” declared the newly elected Chairman of the National Toshaos Council. All Toshaos will be making maximum use of this PPP/C party partnership. 22. “The people who stayed silent on the no-confidence motion 2018 and attempted

rigging of elections 2020, have been harassing an elected government,” summed up Guyana’s political analyst, Mr Freddy Kissoon. Shame, shame, we know your name. The movie “shame” was also credited with “rotten tomatoes!” 23. Romance is in the air, must be summer with a difference. Only this time, Romeos are scammers, out for money, not for love! 24. The Vice-President is not backing down and is supporting the President. “If people break our law and they admit to breaking our laws, they should face the consequences, that is all,” Mr. Jagdeo declared. 25. Guyana is left breathless when, inhaling once, the writer comes on board with: “Stop playing politics, let’s work together and govern this country in the best interest of all Guyanese,” and without refreshing, deviates with: “Now we have a One Guyana Policy, a policy that only one section of our population is likely to buy into.” Oxygen or Carbon Dioxide? 26. “The corporation therefore urges all employees of Uitvlugt Estate to work harmoniously and would also like to call on GAWU to provide the support needed at this time,” GuySuCo said. Which side of the fence does the coalition see the union?

27. “We are ready, we are serious,” the President stated. The President warned: “All those who are responsible for doing it must be brought to justice.” He added: “Not only those who did but those who instigated it.” 28. Dr. Tara Singh writes: “Had it not been for the CCJ which overruled the decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal in June 2019, Guyana would have fallen prey to another dictatorship.” He further asks: “When judges cannot determine that 33 is a majority of 65, don’t the public have a right to question their judgement, and demonstrate their disgust? His conclusion boomerangs over the troubled water which one party wants to dirty while the other party is cleaning, “judges’ decisions are not sacrosanct; their decisions can be criticized.” Even if you don’t want to be part of politics, politics is part of you! 29. Dr. Jerry proclaims: “A people united cannot be defeated.” No wonder the President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s theme of “One Guyana,” is answering that call. 30. Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken advises: “Indeed, no one is compelled to choose the profession of a police officer, but having chosen it, everyone is obliged to live up to its professional standards.” Sound advice and there are lots of incentives, such

The government has nothing to do with inflation. The most it can do is reduce customs and duties and take measures to prevent price gouging and hoarding of goods to create artificial price increases. In spite of the complaints of rising prices, very few, if any, people have been starving. But people are suffering. And the war is a cause of much of the global problems in shortages of goods. Every effort must be made to quickly end the war so that normality can return, not only in Ukraine, Europe, but globally as well. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram as $88.4 million in cash and kind for a start, not left or write! 31. The question was posed, frankly speaking: “Does Opposition Leader Comrade Norton and his senior specialist-colleagues have a “practical” mission to engage relevant skills to develop the oil-and-gas sector?” Guyana loves Fenty’s “Ho-Ho-Ho.” 32. Neglect of the people’s interests and greed for personal gains contributed to the PNC losing the plot completely. But they should have a heart and pay attention to Australian cricket captain, Pat Cummins’s summation from his dictum: “A good reality check comes from defeat,” not from a win! There was nothing “little” about Guyana but all smiles when, Guyanese Albert Baldeo was elected District Leader for the 24th Assembly District in New York. Bringing sunshine and putting a smile on Guyana, Global Peace Ambassador and Humanitarian Leader, Sri Ravi Shankar, left a message of peace and love in his “I Stand For Peace” visit. Leonora is smiling, the West side finally lands banking facilities in the village with the sod-turning ceremony by the President for a new Demerara Bank. Not only does a smile cost less than electricity, it also brightens your face. Smile please. Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

GECOM must not waste time! Hold LGEs now!

Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must not waste time deliberating over trivial matters designed to procrastinate the delivery of the institution’s mandate. It is opportune for the commission as a collective to recognise what seems to be a deliberate, sinister, and abusive approach by the Opposition commissioners to slow down or immobilise any rational delivery by the institution. Our nation must stand together strongly and condemn the abrogation of purpose by these cabal commissioners. Their questionable actions fly in the face of their appointment and accommodation, which luckily, the scripters of the Constitution may have contemplated. Consequently, objectivity at the commission level cannot be held to ransom and this is ensured by the odd-number formula preserving the

rights to rational decision-making. GECOM, therefore, must continue its purposeful forward thrust and put all systems in place for the holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs). At the last meeting of the commission, GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, threw out the APNU/PNC/WPA second trivial and procrastination-laden motion. Another motion that fails to disguise its clear intent and design to realise stalling of the holding of the delayed LGEs. One and all must applaud the decisive position taken by Chairperson Singh who perhaps by now has become extremely frustrated and fed up by the obvious undercurrents, as they continue to call for a review of the 2020 polls. It is worthy of note that the GECOM Chairperson had addressed a previous motion on the issue and in her written decision against any internal review of the 2020 elections, provided acceptable justifications. Further, there have been judicial decisions in centrally related matters and the differentiation between any review of GECOM’s approved procedures in effectively conducting free and fair elections, compared to investigations into what transpired as a result of the alleged fraudulent actions of key elections officials. Aside from the forego-

ing, the Opposition-appointed commissioners are well aware of the likely futility of such an exercise, given that the former CEO Keith Lowenfield reportedly failed to submit the relevant reports and many of the institutions’ computers were allegedly wiped clean of related data. As one would suspect, had it not been for the protectors of democracy who were certainly willing to protect the casted ballots with their lives, our country might have had to rely on the conflicting falsities and indictable fictitiously created declarations of the known suspects. The absolute irrationality resonating from the Vincent Alexander-led clan informs an inconsistent and baseless comparison concerning other recent elections at which the then APNU+AFC government was widely defeated. One must, therefore, ask obvious questions concerning the reasons why was there no review of the 2016 and 2018 Local Government Elections? Further, there could be no pretence about the nation’s perception regarding the alleged role of the APNU+AFC Government in ensuring that the PPP/C election petition against the 2015 election results was never heard. It is, therefore, reasonable to assert that the likes of the Vincent Alexander clan would have also had many reasons to request internal reviews. So, why was there no request for review from the clan on this occasion? Further, evidence of significant

difficulties experienced by the Auditor General in his attempt to audit GECOM was met with alleged defiant lack of cooperation by officials of the GECOM Secretariat. It is clear that from 2015 onwards, GECOM’s staff and the entire operation at GECOM were taken over by a notorious cabal. It is not by chance that several senior members of the GECOM Secretariat before the 2020 elections are facing fraud charges in the courts; it is also factual that several others ran away from GECOM because of the consequences they anticipated would follow. The GECOM Chairperson is trying her best to improve things at the commission. However, the harsh reality is that the electoral system must be strengthened by putting measures in place to ensure no more rigged elections. The good news is that the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections are currently being implemented. In addition, genuine efforts are in place for the holding of LGEs, although the Opposition commissioners on GECOM are purportedly trying to come up with delaying tactics and are also hellbent on seeking to postpone elections. There is no time for any review before LGEs, take it to the courts! Yours respectfully, Neil Kumar

Is it now Alliance For Change or Change For Alliance?

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DESPITE its significance as a political party once known as the “Third Force,” and its commitment to hold a conference to meet the expectations of its dwindling supporters, the Alliance for Change (AFC) has lost relevance in Guyana’s political landscape owing to its subservience to the PNC and its fragile position within the coalition. The media was sharp enough not to waste too much time and energy covering the party’s recently held conference. This is a message the AFC can afford to avoid. In tandem with the above, the taxing question before us is not whether the AFC held a conference to determine and iron out some internal dynamics such as who should capture the mantle of leadership. That was a done deal in a decorative environment designed to bamboozle the public that the AFC was living up to the comity of democracy. The real question is, would the AFC accept a corresponding reality from Guyanese, home and abroad, that its insignificance and irrelevance, known as a “dead meat” status, was a result of its own misgoverning and trampling on the innocence of its supporters. The supporters who broke away from the PPP and joined the AFC, for instance, were shell shocked when they found out that the AFC decided to join the PNC, a party known for street violence, ethnic exclusion, and the non-acceptance of election results unless they fit its desired expectation. The promised hope from the AFC as a Third Force and a better Guyana to its mainly new and former PPP supporters became a figment of imagination and a sacrilegious mockery of its commitment, igniting a new rise of suspicion about Guyana’s political parties. The AFC served a garnishee order to its supporters. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when the AFC chose to close the sugar industry with no effective follow-up plan on how the sugar workers would cope with their sudden unemployment. A source close to Khemraj Ramjattan told me that he advised Ramjattan to close the sugar industry, but he should do so with a forward-looking plan. This advice was ignored, and I can only surmise that such an awkward position was taken because the AFC failed to understand the politics and protocols of ring-fencing.

Why would any political party want to impose a blot on rural comfort and support that brought it power? The AFC was hoping that the closing of the sugar industry would have brought PPP supporters into the fold of the coalition. Whatever the theatrical intent of the AFC, it backfired since many supporters went back to the PPP, demonstrating that the AFC was more interested in wielding the big stick rather than offering the carrot. The people were never at the centre of their decision-making process. Many pages of events can be analysed in the chapters of AFC’s political life, especially when in office, which will reveal a litany of political lamentations. In the daily run of things, when political parties are in crisis, they tend to go back to the drawing board and sort out areas of strength that would be used to rebuild confidence and propel them forward. To the AFC, doing so will be an exercise in raising fresh dust on old problems. Tell me, do you think that the AFC can recapture its glory days of the past, particularly before the No-Confidence Vote brought on it in 2018? This is an impossibility. The AFC, whether as a partner or an individual party (I understand that the AFC will go solo in December 2022), will always be peripheral to Guyana’s pol-

itics. My reason for such a harsh declaration in one sentence is that the AFC is at variance with its once-coveted position as a Third Force political party. The more this political party moves away from this political status, the more it will fade into the political wilderness. I do, however, believe in second chances, which underscores the title of this column. There must be some changes: The AFC must move away from cronyism, nepotism, and the weeping child of the PNC. The AFC must see political positions as service to the common good, rather than to gain political seats in Parliament or as an opportunity and avenue for self-aggrandizement. The AFC must move away from the status/perception of charlatans and freewheelers to cultivating sound ethical and moral principles. It must speak out against the past and continuing excesses of a party it has been in bed with. If these changes, among others, do not happen soon, we will have a classic situation whereby the AFC continues to use sophistry to gain access to power, but it will lose the party they worked so hard to have. (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu)

Hinterland ‘agri’ development remains a top priority

–– Minister Mustapha tells toshaos MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday, presented his ministry’s plan and significant accomplishments to toshaos and other indig-

enous leaders, who were in attendance at the National Toshaos Council Conference (NTC), at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal.

The minister said his ministry was committed to the development of all regions and villages in Guyana, inclusive of Amerindian communities. “With each region having its own competitive advantage, the agriculture ministry will capitalise on

Toshaos gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre for the National Toshaos’ Conference

this to expand agriculture in each region. For instance, in Region One, the spices, turmeric and ginger [initiative] has been successful, and in Region Nine, we have seen successes in cattle, rice, mango, peanuts, and orchard crops,” Minister Mustapha said. He added that the ministry continues to place great emphasis on food security across the hinterland district, as it remains a priority on the government’s national development agenda. Minister Mustapha went on to say: “Through a number of agriculture agencies, we have and will continue to establish demonstration sites, supply planting materials, provide improved livestock breeds, supply free Acoushi ants bait, shade houses in various regions.” He added: “We will also assist with fogging machines, increase access to

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha technical and advisory services, and assist with product development and marketing… the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will be distributing 25 Black Giant Chickens to 2000 households by the end of October 2022.” Since being elected to

office in August 2020, the ministry has expended over $2 billion in Amerindian villages nationwide. Minister Mustapha has already visited some 63 communities, while the technical officers and agencies have provided services to over 200 villages.

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Understanding Energy

Guyana’s five-to-10-year outlook

WITH the staggering series of oil discoveries in Guyana since 2015, it is easy to focus on the short term. But with a growing slate of projects planned for the next few years, it is worth examining the long-term path forward for the rapidly developing energy sector, the breadth of Guyana’s oil wealth, and how key issues all tie together. First, in the last few years a large number of investments have positioned Guyana as an emerging leader regionally and on the global stage. The oil sector is expected to grow Guyana’s GDP by 57.8 per cent in 2022 alone. Earlier this year, the Yellowtail development project was approved and financed by a US$10 billion investment from the Stabroek Consortium and is expected to begin production by the end of 2025. This is the largest single investment in Guyana’s history. Other sectors like construction and agriculture are also feeling the benefits from growing demand. However, while the state of the country, energy sector, and local economy is changing—they won’t change overnight. Oil and gas development has a timeline measured in decades, and it’s critical that oil and gas projects continue to move forward to meet global demand and support burgeoning

industries. In recent months, production has ramped up as the Liza Unity is now producing the lighter, sweeter “Unity Gold” grade of crude oil that improves upon the original Liza grade with a lower Sulphur content. Total production is now just over 300,000 barrels per day with total capacity set to increase to just under 350,000 barrels per day by the end of the year. This is only the beginning. There are two more projects expected to start production by 2024 and as many as ten floating production storage and offloading (FPSOs) vessels could be operational by the end of the decade. According to consultancy group, Wood Mackenzie, development in Guyana could reach an output of about 1.1 million barrels per day by 2028, setting Guyana on track to be among a select group of nations in the one million barrels per day club. This would put Guyana alongside established oil powers like Venezuela, a long-time oil producer now averaging about 668,000 barrels per day, or Mexico which produces about 1.5 million barrels per day. According to Rystad Energy, as more discoveries are being made and developed at the current pace, Guyana could earn a cumulative US$130 billion dollars by 2040

from profit sharing and royalties. Notably, Guyana already earned over US$96 million from its last oil cargo sale with a total of six expected this year. Guyana has, luckily, been able to take advantage of high oil prices caused by surging demand and geopolitical instability. However, analysts have also noted that Guyana’s production sharing agreement continues to perform well under many different price scenarios. Notably, Guyana is still in the initial production phase where the costs of the initial exploration and development are still being recouped. As more projects come online and startup costs are paid off, Guyana will be able to reap greater and greater shares of the revenues through profit sharing. Just recently, a delegation of over 80 investors from Saudi Arabia visited Guyana to discuss investment prospects with members of the government and private sector. This meeting is just one in a series of high-level visits completed or scheduled to Guyana by trade delegations from various countries. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has been focused on establishing a framework for bringing in partners and new investments into the country, and at the forum he declared: “Let me be clear, the only thing that determines who our partners are is very

simple: we are not hooked on any ideological partner, we are not hooked on any partner by superiority, we are not hooked on any partner by ethnicity; we are hooked on partners who embrace us with principles and values and who give Guyana the best possible deal.” As Guyana seeks to reach long-term goals for sustainable economic development and building other sectors beyond energy, overseas investment will be key. The global reach of Guyana’s oil industry is growing as its presence as one of the top global destinations for investments in offshore oil and gas reaches international and regional radars. Guyana is well on the trajectory that will see it becoming the number two oil producer in South America by 2030. Oil provides a once in a generation opportunity for the government to be strategic with its new-found revenues and chart a path towards diversifying the economy and provide a sustainable economy of value for Guyanese. The fruits from this investment will not appear overnight. But with continued growth and an investor-friendly climate, every Guyanese man, woman, and child will see the effects of oil and gas wealth in the years to come.

Analysing political strategy

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THE Dr. Irfaan Ali administration is weathering the storm and moving ahead with its delivery of better and more progressive livelihoods for all Guyanese. The administration seems focused on development in every sector with “people” at the centre. Any independent political analyst would tell the public that the Ali administration has the right policies and plans to further develop Guyana, thereby setting the country along the right development trajectory. The current administration is so focused on its work programme that the politics played by the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change Coalition (APNU+AFC) is not managing to throw it off track and create a paradigm shift in the mood of the people. Moreso, the politics of the combined Opposition could be described as weak, puerile, stale, humdrum, dry, and opportunistic. Led by Aubrey Norton, the APNU+AFC Opposition is proving every day that they are going backward and playing a game of catch-up. Sadly, all of Norton’s cards, in his tightly guarded deck of tricks, are running out. He has tested some and they have been rejected. It seems the Ali administration somehow knows what to expect from Norton’s brand of politics because not one of his carefully coordinated attacks seems to wound the PPP/C Government and set it back. Just look, for instance, at how the government averted the conflict that was potentially precarious along the East Coast Demerara. The government was quick, firm, and direct about its handling of the Golden

Grove and Buxton protest, restoring calm and order after the Opposition purportedly did everything it knew to preach its brand of dirty, race-based, and insensitive politics of discrimination. The Opposition lost. The people rejected them again, and the Ali administration is working in the Opposition base. It is now helping the residents of Buxton and similar communities across the country to access development, goods and services offered by the PPP/C Government, such as scholarships, jobs, housing, and infrastructure. Similarly, the same thing is happening during the Dr. Ali government outreaches in Region 10, and Region Five. They are successful. The PPP/C party is going into the APNU+AFC strongholds and meeting with residents, bringing them the same opportunities it is offering to all Guyanese. This brand of politics is new and good because it is bringing the country under President Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana umbrella. Nonetheless, it is humiliating Norton and sending the Opposition propaganda, which is already spent, into overdrive. Just check Facebook and Nation-Watch for an example. After all, Norton’s PNC/APNU+AFC Coalition has the mindset that the Afro-Guyanese and mixed Guyanese are their constituencies; they own and control them, but that is proving false. These groups, like much of Guyana, are starting to change their mindset with the advent of social and free media. They are now better equipped than ever before to look at the issue and policies on one hand while rejecting race-baiting on the other. The mood of the people is changing and changing fast!

Also, the Opposition, APNU+AFC politicians are losing every battle they face in the National Assembly. They are losing every motion they pilot and every debate. Norton cannot get the parliamentarians to gel, resulting in them delivering some of the most unacademic and unrealistic arguments in the history of the National Assembly. While Norton is struggling to keep his head above the shore, the PPP/C administration is getting its work done in Parliament. Its legislative agenda, bills, and motions are being passed but not before its parliamentarians are rejecting the arguments put forward by the APNU+AFC coalition- using facts. The bottom line is clear, the Dr. Ali administration is winning the political and parliamentary race to develop Guyana. It is winning the race when it comes to ethnic politics because of how the PPP administration is providing access, trans-

parency, and inclusiveness regardless of Opposition banters and cries. Unless Norton pulls his socks up and gets back in the struggle, he will always be caught unprepared. He needs to change his brand of politics now and his image. Additionally, his team of politicians needs to stop preaching the politics of race and discrimination and start focusing their energy on fighting for the PPP/C administration to do more for Guyanese. He must tell his parliamentarians to meet the people and understand their issues. They must not talk to the people but with the people because the mood of the people has changed. Norton has the cards in his hands and the time to fiddle with his thumbs. While he decides how to move forward, the AFC has already decided it will ditch the partnership of convenience. Almost two years and Ali has Norton’s Opposition beaten, battered, and tired.

US-based ‘tech’ company eyes local partnerships

A SURINAMESE company is keen on entering into partnerships with three local companies following engagements on Day One of the “Together We Win Business Network (TWWBN)” small business conference and exhibition on July 15 – 17, 2022, at MovieTowne Guyana. According to the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Archer Business Group, Renato Archer, he has seen several potential investment opportunities in Guyana, and engagements have already been started to finalise agreements for mutual development. Archer noted that his company, OneShot International, which is based in the United States, is working to support the growth of companies in the digital space. He said that with the evolution of digital technology, the time is right for Guyanese

Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Archer Business Group, Renato Archer (right) and IT manager Raul Bhoelan companies to make the transition. “Our company is supporting entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses throughout the whole world, with the focus being the United Stated. So, keep in mind that you can be in Guyana, and still earn money from the United States or other parts of the world. So, we’re doing a lot of investment; we’ve already

met with three bright entrepreneurs that we will be doing business with, so that’s a really good thing,” Archer said. These partnerships at the conference come on the heels of a partnership between TWWBN and a Surinamese private sector body. The TWWBN and the Alliance of Business Associations in Suriname, in March 2022, signed a

Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to boost local business capacity, while significantly promoting joint investment opportunities. The MoC describes intended cooperation between members of both networks in the areas of trade, business development, strategic alliances, joint ventures, joint investments, and joint internationalisation.

Archer said that one of the businesses his company is pursuing a partnership with is a local board game manufacturing company, which he intends to bring to new markets through the use of his company’s digital technology. “What we’re planning to do with this company is invest first to expand its reach, and then we’re going to make a digital version of that game to bring it on a website or global app, and then take it global,” Archer related. He added that the plan is to expand first within the Caribbean region, and then to the United States and other markets. Speaking about the numerous investment opportunities he has seen since being in Guyana, Archer said: “Guyana is doing pretty good.” He said he has seen many businesses that have good concepts and opera-

tions that require partnerships and innovation to be taken to the next level. “The entrepreneurs from Suriname are really interested in doing business here… there will be actually a lot more companies coming soon as well, it has been very beneficial so far…. It’s really important that what we see what is happening in this region, that we tap in and jump in early to make sure that we all benefit from the opportunities here,” Archer said. He added that he is also representing another company at the Business Conference and Expo and noted that that company, Arrow Business Academy, which is an online platform that connects qualified professionals with learners, is eager to collaborate with Guyanese to foster partnerships that would be mutually beneficial to both parties.

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The dark truths about skin lightening THE skin lightening craze has escalated over the years that today it is considered a global public health concern due to the negative effects physiologically, psychologically and physically. In April of 2022, the US FDA (United States Food and Drug Authority) issued a warning to twelve companies about skin lightening products which contained unapproved chemicals. Prelude to this announcement, Medical News Today highlighted an unbiased

publication which collated a series of 68 independently funded research projects over a seven year period involving 67,665 participants. This study was published earlier in the International Journal of Dermatology and it had concluded that skin bleaching is a serious global public health issue and warranted public health interventions. Hence, the WHO (World Health Organisation) suggested restrictive measures and had cautioned against the manufacture,

export/ import, sale and consumption of this growing category of products. Despite the advisories, it was predicted that by 2024 this global business will reach US$31 billion since enforcement measures remain a great challenge. Skin bleaching was found to be predominant in adults over 30 years of age who were only primary schooled, African nationals, both male and female genders with a significant male indulgence and urban and semi-urban residents. The first country to ban and restrict skin lightening products was South Africa followed by other African countries, South Korea, Asia and the European Union. In 2019 there was a massive seizure of these products in the United Kingdom where fines and first time jail sentence were implemented for offenders involved in the sale of these toxic skin products. However most of these products have been imported through online purchases. It was discovered that one out of two, that is 50 per cent of skin lightening products on Amazon and Ebay, contained mercury. The skin is the largest organ of the body which acts mainly as a barrier of protection from harmful germs and radiation among other functions. The natural color of the skin is determined by the amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, the top layer. Chemicals like mercury, when applied, interfere with this mechanism affecting the melanin production and ultimately increasing the likelihood of exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation, which may lead to skin cancer. The side effects of skin lightening products vary in severity. Permanent discoloration, facial swelling and rashes are embarrassing and may affect the individual psychologically. Other undesirable effects are thinning of the skin, visibility of blood vessels under the skin and scarring. If applied during pregnancy, abnormalities can be seen in new born babies. A dare price to pay, knowingly or unknowingly, for modifying your natural complexion. Hydroquinone is one of the approved active ingredients in skin lightening products at a two per cent concentration. It works by reducing the amount of melanin in the skin. Some prescription only option contain hydroquinone in higher concentrations, which are only allowed under supervision of a dermatologist. The maximum four per cent strength hydroquinone preparation is authorised for use only by a specialist to achieve optimum results in hyperpigmentation of small areas, either due to an injury or medical condition such as acne, sun damage, burns and pregnancy. The consumers are always cautioned to

wear sunscreen during exposure to sunlight, if treated with such agents since there is an associated risk of skin cancer after prolonged exposure to radiation. Other chemicals like mercury are discovered in the unregulated beauty products presented in the form of creams, lotions, soaps, pills and peels. The active ingredient indicated on the package of some these bleaching agents come under the name calomel, mercurous or mercuric. Mercury is highly toxic to human health. The dangers of using bleaching agents may lead to mercury poisoning such as eye damage, psychiatric problems, difficulty in breathing, nerve problems and kidney problems. Corticosteroids are another type of prescription only medicine, topical steroids for example clobetasol and betamethasone, which are used irrationally for skin lightening. Prolonged use or exceeding the maximum dosage requirement causes the side effects of thinning the skin, which is perceived as skin lightening. However, what the consumer may not realise is that additional serious side effects are associated with this irrational use including Cushing syndrome, local immunosuppression and hence skin infections (either viral, bacterial or fungal), drug induced diabetes and hypertension and ophthalmic effects such as cataract and glaucoma. Niacinamide is a different chemical found in this category of products which may be a safer option but may not guarantee even skin toning. Ironically such beauty care products may cause pre-mature aging of the skin as a result from prolonged use. The prescription only dermatological products are sold country-wide at patent shops or convenient stores without the supervision of a pharmacist hence the fingertip application may not be demonstrated. As in other parts of the developing world, the oversight bodies may lack the resources to enforce the regulations, resulting in unregulated sale in cosmetics stores, beauty sections of supermarkets and shops. Generally cultural, racial, religious caste systems, social class and most times marketing campaigns associate the color of your skin with superiority. Persons, both males and females with low self-esteem, assume that changing the color of their skin can leverage a life partner or a successful career and hence the way to a perceived happy life. For further pharmacological guidance, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express Pharmacy located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail.com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Commonwealth forms alliance with global youth organisations

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–– focuses on skills-building for young people

A NEW era of youth empowerment began Friday with a historic agreement between the Commonwealth Secretariat and some of the world’s largest youth organisations. Approximately 60 per cent of the unemployed in Commonwealth countries are young people. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the areas of co-operation between the partners and ratifies the formation of the Commonwealth Alliance for Quality Youth Leadership. It was signed at the (CHOGM) by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, and heads and representatives of its partners, which include: AIESEC, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (The Award), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO), World Young Women’s Christian Association (World YWCA),World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and World Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Association (World YMCA). According to the Commonwealth, together, the organisations already work with at least 250 million young people and have contributed to the empowerment of more than one billion in the last century. “The agreement comes at a time when the prospects of young people in the Commonwealth have been particularly impacted by the pandemic. Approximately 60 per cent of the unemployed in Commonwealth countries are young people and millions more have ex-

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland takes a selfie with signatories of the MOU for the formation of the Commonwealth Alliance for Quality Youth Leadership perienced disruption to their schooling, making non-formal education and learning even more integral,” the Commonwealth noted. It includes commitments to work together to promote volunteerism; offer young people the practical experiences needed to compete in the labour market; create an environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive; and support the development of leadership and useful life skills. Speaking at the signing, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC said: “This is a historic moment for youth development in the Commonwealth. I have just come from our Intergenerational Dialogue where our young people have very eloquently outlined their vision for sustainable youth-led development in the Commonwealth, and where leaders have answered with a pledge to support them. “This Alliance was built to help us re-imagine education, creating services to our young people, which en-

sure they have all the practical support they need to be innovators, change-makers and to truly take charge of their future.” The organisations will work with Commonwealth members to directly enhance the leadership and life skills of millions of young people by 2030. Specific objectives of the Alliance include: Accelerating youth leadership skills training, using non-formal education and learning approaches, to reach over 100 million young people by 2030;Harnessing the vast potential and contribution of young people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals; Developing the wider ‘soft’ or ‘core’ skills – such as resilience, teamwork adaptability, problem solving, decision making and communication – which can help young people to ensure they are ready for the world of work post COVID-19. In a statement issued on the day of the signing, HRH, The Prince Edward Earl of Wessex and Forfar said: “This Memorandum of Understanding represents a statement of

intent and willingness by a number of youth

organisations to dramatically improve the

opportunities of young people throughout the Commonwealth to access non-formal education and learning. As many of you know, my father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, was a great advocate of such opportunities and encouraged millions to experience personal achievement. Yet that was over many years, we need to provide those benefits and that effect to millions of young people every year, now.” The Alliance is one of the many tangible outcomes of the 26th CHOGM in Rwanda that will deliver on the Commonwealth’s commitment to creating a common future for all.

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Guyana now equipped to test for Monkeypox

THE Ministry of Health will continue to monitor and be on high alert for possible cases of Monkeypox, as the virus has been detected in more than 40 countries already. Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said recently that the country now has the capacity to test for the virus, if the

need arises. Guyana’s local health authorities, with guidance from the Ministry of Health, are preparing to address any possible case of the virus, locally. “We have the capability, if it’s necessary, to do these types of tests, so that’s how we have been preparing…We did not have that capability, but

we’ve sent persons to train and they’re now back at the Public Health Reference lab and they would be able, if it is necessary, to run these samples; they would have the competence to do so,” Dr. Anthony said. The minister said training was conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and

was rolled out for Caribbean regions. Symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and rashes that can look like pimples or blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Monkeypox can be transmitted from animal-to-human (zoonotic) by direct contact with

blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. Further, human-to-human infections occur when someone comes into close contact with an infected person. Given the

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony mainly associated with infected persons travelling from endemic countries to other locations across the world. With the recent outbreak, Minister Anthony said the virus is not easily contained, so it continues to spread across countries, including some in the Caribbean. “What is different from past outbreaks is that this one is not easily contained, and so you now have monkeypox cases in probably more contagious nature of the than 40 countries right virus, the Health Minis- now,” Minister Anthony ter urged persons to take said. precautionary measures Meanwhile, healthto avoid Monkeypox in- care workers are on the fections in Guyana. lookout for any signs A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e and symptoms of the spread of the virus is virus. (DPI)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Lending decisions more informed with credit reports –– Creditinfo says, highlights that over 40 institutions now utilising agency’s services

SINCE its establishment, locally, in 2013, Creditinfo, Guyana’s only credit bureau, has contributed to a paradigm shift in the financial sector, as more institutions are now utilising credit reports for lending and financial decisions. According to a press release from the company, Creditinfo, which recently celebrated its ninth anniversary, has evolved over the years under the stewardship of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Judy Semple-Joseph. At its core, Creditinfo Guyana provides intelligent information, software and analytic solutions to facilitate access to finance. “…while consumers in first-world markets are familiar with the workings of credit reports and its importance, Guyanese consumers are now waking up to the idea, even as local institutions have long been using the bureau’s credit reports to inform their judgment on a range of financial and lending decisions,” the company said. With the company being accredited by the Bank of Guyana as a “licensed Credit Bureau,” it is allowed to facilitate partnerships with companies as specified by the Credit Reporting Amendment Act, ahead of lenders being able to access credit reports as well as share data. To date, more than 300,000 credit reports have been issued since the bureau’s establishment in Guyana nine years ago, as this is its most utilised service from the company’s database of some 40 subscribers. Those include bank and non-bank financial institutions, micro-financial institutions, hire purchase, student loan, credit unions, trade creditors, utility companies and other lenders. Over the years, credit report usage has generally been increasing as lenders recognise the extent to which their credit risk is reduced when the use of a report is factored in. HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS It should be noted that Creditinfo neither makes nor influences credit decisions. The decision of whether or not to grant credit is dependent on the lending intuition’s credit policy and the assessment done based on the individual’s credit history. However, an assessment of a borrower’s credit report is a prerequisite for the granting of any credit facility, as is required under the Credit Reporting Amendment Act, which lenders are required to implement. In order for an individual’s credit report to be accessed, the law requires that written permission must be given. This, in a nutshell, means that in order for a company or individual to be granted a loan or an item on hire-purchase, businesses or lenders typically request your credit report from the bureau to determine your eligibility of attaining same. However, this is not before acquiring written approval from you, the consumer, to access the credit report. “Lenders utilise the credit report in their lending decision to determine how the borrower has serviced previous loans; whether the borrower has had any missed payments or arrears, how many outstanding credit facilities among other things which help to determine an individual’s credit profile. In excess of 450,000 new credit facilities [including utility data] have been recorded in our database at the end of Q1 2022,” Semple-Joseph said. CHECK CREDIT REPORT Since credit reports now account for a significant amount of credit decisions by institutions in Guyana, the company has encouraged consumers to know their credit history by requesting their credit report online at www. creditinfo.gy. “We also advise persons to ensure that their bills are paid on time, including utilities such as water and telephone bills and to ensure that any arrears on the account are promptly cleared, since bad payment patterns can reflect negatively on their credit report,” the company said. “Over the past three years, we have seen an average of 500 per cent growth in consumers’ requests for credit reports. However, there is the need for more persons to access their credit reports as we continue to receive many queries after persons approach a financial institution for credit and then realise that erroneous information on their credit reports needs to be corrected,” Semple-Joseph related. The CEO also revealed that many persons lose the opportunity to access financing because they might not be familiar with the information on their credit report which could have

been corrected prior to them approaching the lender. This is why, self-request credit reports by consumers are encouraged, particularly prior to approaching a financial institution or company. Creditinfo, in keeping with the law of Guyana, allows consumers their own report free of cost, once annually upon request. Thereafter, a small fee is required. This process is facilitated mainly online. Generally, a good credit score depends on the lending policy of an institution, whereas the global best practice refers to a number in excess of 650. The Creditinfo Credit score ranges from 250 to 900. In the coming years, the company sees itself expanding towards further supporting Guyana’s economic advancement, by providing intelligent information, software and analytic solutions that empower clients to mitigate financial risk.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Financial landscape of Region Three to be transformed with new Demerara Bank

–– Head of regional private sector body says THE Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSi) has applauded Demerara Bank for its move to construct

a $150M Leonora branch which will serve more than 75,000 persons in its catchment area, while catering

to government’s housing development in the region. Demerara Bank Limited is now poised to begin

the construction at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) location and will be offering its full range of services. The sod was turned on Friday by CEO Pravinchandra Dave and Chairman Komal Samaroo, along with President Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister Ashni Singh. According to the Head of R3PSi, Halim Khan, a new bank needs to fill gaps in the financial architecture of the region’s potential. He explained that banks provide their local communities with valuable products and services, including offering various loan products to business owners and developers, small businesses, and farms to meet the credit needs of less economically vibrant areas. The R3PSi Head said that, with plans to establish a gas-to-energy project, works on a US$300 million Vreed-en-Hoop Shore base facility, new private and public hospitals and the two four-lane highways in the

works, Region Three was fast becoming a hub for investment opportunities in Guyana. “Government is expected to invest some $10 billion this year to advance the transformative agenda of the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara [Region]. This major investment will see improvements in residents’ living standards in the areas of health, education, and agriculture,” Khan added. He explained that some $7.6 billion was approved in the 2022 National Budget under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The region will also benefit from the Ministries of Public Works and Agriculture investments. Further, he said within the region, some 7,000 house lots were being developed as part of the government’s drive to provide 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by 2025. Additionally, he said that, under the Government’s turn-key initiative, some 200 housing units were expected

Head of R3PSi, Halim Khan to be constructed in Anna Catherina and Meten-MeerZorg, targetting low- and moderate-income earners. Khan noted, too, that under the IDB-funded Authority’s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, 25 core houses were constructed for vulnerable families in Lust-enRust, Onderneeming, La Parfaite Harmonie, RechtDoor-Zee and Westminister. These new developments, Khan said, will be complemented by the $52 billion (US$260 million) New Demerara River Bridge. “So having Demerara Bank construct a $150M Leonora branch is timely, and the bank is being built at a strategic point to serve all communities within Region Three,” Khan underscored.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Commissioner’s handgun competition ‘kicks off’

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Ravindradat Budhram and Guyana National Rifle Association, official Harold Hopkinson (Range Master) point at the shots that hit the target THE Commissioner of Police Annual Handgun Competition is currently ongoing at the Tactical Services Gun Range, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. Police Headquarters

noted that over twenty-seven teams, inclusive from the various branches of the Force, Private Security Firms and the other Joint Services are on-board and participating in the event. Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Ravindradat Budhram declared

the competition officially opened by taking the first shots Friday morning, with all shots hitting the target. Mr. Budhram noted that the handgun shooting competition is one of many activities being hosted in celebration of the Force’s 183rd Anni-

versary. The competition and participants are being monitored by officials of the Police Force and the Guyana National Rifle Association, Mr. Harold Hopkinson (Range Master) and Mr. Gordon Richards (Range Officer).

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

National Cadet Corps Camp: 524 youths from 29 schools enlisted Officer (Technical), Mrs. Marcia Paddy-Andrews, and members of the Regional Administration. One hundred thirty-nine

Education Ministry CEO, Dr. Marcel Hutson FIVE hundred twenty-four of the country’s youth are participating in the annual cadet camp hosted by the Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC). The camp, which returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, opened on Monday for seven days and will see the youths engaged in a packed programme of activities, including debating, impromptu speaking, drills, and various sports. The youths are being accommodated at the Skeldon High School, Skeldon, East Berbice, Corentyne. At an official opening ceremony recently, Commandant of the Guyana National Reserve, Colonel Trevor Bowman, expressed appreciation to the Government of Guyana and the subject ministries for their commitment to the realisation of the

Commanding Officer of GNCC, Major Christine Bradford-Porter integral to the event’s coordination and execution. “This gathering here is testimony to the importance of the programme and to what we can achieve when we work together. This is indeed a wonderful platform to bring our children together, to realise the Commander-inChief’s vision of “One Guyana”. Colonel Bowman said. He continued: The diversity here today speaks volumes of that. What we have here is essentially a representation of Guyana, a representation of our future and the opportunities created here should not be lost to us. The strong collaboration between the Guyana Defence Force, the Ministries and the Guyana National Cadet Corp enables this programme to grow from strength to strength.” In opening remarks,

realised. She highlighted that the cadets were drawn from 29 of the 34 schools enlisted with the programme. The camp experience is guided by the theme, “Building Resilience, Fostering Networks and Embracing New Norms,” and in this regard, Major Porter urged the importance of teamwork, respect for others, and the meaning of healthy relationships as she encouraged the cadets, to enjoy their experience while being disciplined and friendly. Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Marcel Hutson, thanked the Guyana Defence Force for their contributions to the programme’s success and urged the cadets to be agents of change who possess honesty, decency, and great character.

A section of the gathering of youths that are participating in the annual cadet camp hosted by the Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC) programme and, further, for ensuring that the programme remained on the annual calendar of events. He singled out the input of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Commanding Officer GNCC, teachers, instructors, and cadets, noting that they are all

Commanding Officer of the Guyana National Cadet Corps, Major Christine Bradford-Porter, thanked the administration of the Skeldon High and Skeldon Primary Schools for hosting the camp this year. Major Porter reflected that the last camp was held back in 2019, so she was pleased the 2022 camp was

The cadets will be engaged in the GLAD competition, which is described as Good Leadership And Discipline. It comprises debating competitions, impromptu speech, road relay, scavenger hunts, drills, and sports. Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Assistance Chief Education

instructors from the participating schools are on the ground along with the entire administration of the Corps to ensure proper supervision

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of the cadets. The camp commenced on Monday, July 11, 2022, and closes on Sunday, July 18, 2022.

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Minister Benn hands over 1,000 birth certificates to hinterland residents

MINISTER of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, on Friday, handed over several births, marriage, and death certificates to the Toshaos of var-

ious Amerindian communities across the ten administrative regions at the National Toshaos Council Conference (NTCC).

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn hands over several birth certificates to a Toshao who collected on behalf of villagers of Mabaruma, North West District, Region One, in the presence of Deputy Registrar General, Visham Budhoo The General Register Office (GRO), under the auspices of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has, over the last three days, accepted and processed over 1000 applications for certificates, including birth, marriage, and death certificates at the NTCC. Additionally, applications for over 2,000 late registrations were accepted. According to the Deputy Registrar General, Visham Budhoo, for every birth certificate application received, a search is conducted on the spot, determining if the applicant was previously registered. He said that once an entry is found, the application is processed, and the certificate is issued to the applicant or in the care of the Toshaos at the NTCC. Further, the late registration process started for applicants not previously registered. The GRO has been

conducting outreaches in different communities across Guyana and will soon commence specialised outreaches in regions one, seven, eight, and nine. In an interview with this publication, the Deputy Registrar General noted that, in the past, the service was not accessed because hinterland communities were hard to reach and access while many of the inhabitants did not find the assistance necessary. “Currently, we are strengthening the regional level where applicants can present themselves, and their records will be searched on the spot; that is currently happening in two regions. The applicant will then be given the requirements and affidavit to proceed,” he explained. Previously, he noted that a court order was needed for late registration or to insert a

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

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The resilience of Indigenous youth - how Indigenous youth are tackling climate change, COVID-19 and other challenges with innovative solutions

(FAO) CHILDREN and youth are our future, and they are also our present. Innovative and adaptive by nature, youth are often the first to take on new technologies to tackle challenges or find solutions. This is particularly notable in Indigenous Peoples’ communities, which often face systematic marginalization, denial of their rights and destruction of their territories. Indigenous Peoples are one of the most affected by climate change, yet are the people contributing the least to it. In fact, Indigenous Peoples’ food systems enhance biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change. For hundreds of years, they have developed ways of life and food systems based on observation and adaptation to environmental changes, creating exceptionally resilient societies. Around the world, Indigenous youth are leading initiatives to address challenges by blending Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and practices with new technologies and resourceful networks. In this way, Indigenous youth are able to navigate and combine traditional cultures with modern trends. This has been particularly evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic during which they have created distribution services and adapted communication tools to help their communities stay safe and informed. T h e FA O p u b l i c a tion Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change highlights six inspiring cases of youth led-actions to overcome COVID-19 and climate challenges. Here are just three of these examples of these Indigenous youth-driven solutions: CREATING AN INDIGENOUS DIGITAL NETWORK

Kipkandule Code Area (KCA) is a youth group consisting of 58 members and was founded in Kenya in 2018. They are made up of the Endorois Indigenous people, whose food and livelihoods systems rely on pastoralism, beekeeping, farming and fishing. In addition to the challenges brought on by climate change impacts such as severe floods and prolonged droughts, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new ones. The KCA responded by creating a digital network for Endorois members in different areas to ensure communitywide access to updated COVID-19 information in their language of Mochongoi. This solution exemplifies the benefits that communication technologies can have for communities to organize and care for common needs during public health emergencies. This youth group also raised money to repair roads destroyed during heavy rainfalls and floods. This allowed the community to maintain access to medical equipment and hygiene products during the pandemic and to ensure food availability in the markets. OFFERING GARDENING BOXES AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT The Chi-Nations Youth Council was formed in 2012 and comprises a diverse group of Indigenous youth and adults in the Greater Chicago area. Its mission is to use awareness and education to create an open and supportive environment for native youth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people in urban Indigenous Peoples’ communities lost sources of income and struggled to afford nutritious food. This prompted the TURN TO PAGE 22

To improve food security within their communities during COVID-19, one Indigenous youth group in Chicago provided community members with gardening boxes to plants vegetables at home. (Chi-Nations Youth Council photos)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

The resilience of Indigenous... FROM PAGE 21 Council to focus on improving food security and the well-being of native American communities in their region. The group provided seeds, soil and gardening boxes to 500 native Americans and the surrounding communities who can now plant herbs and vegetables in their home gardens. When there was a lack of data collection tracking the impact of COVID-19 on native American communities in their area, the Council collected their own data to identify neighborhoods that needed medicines and medicinal equipment. Building off these solutions developed by the Youth Council, FAO has disseminated these best practices on ways to support Indigenous Peoples’ communities during emergencies. For example, one approach is verifying that emergency supplies are culturally appropriate and respect dietary customs while promoting nutrition and health. PROVIDING FOOD SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY Living in Siberia means being on the front line of climate change. The rate at which temperatures are rising here exceeds other regions around the world and, as a result, Siberia faces severe weather such as wildfires, dust storms and floods. The Indigenous Peoples of the Oymyakon village are known as the Sakha people and they traditionally herd reindeers and horses. However, due to the dramatically warmer springtime weather, maintaining cattle farming and horse herding has become challenging. To address such challenges, young Indigenous mothers of Oymyakon founded the

Kyubeye Youth group in 2017 to raise awareness of community issues at both the community and government level. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the Sakha people faced additional difficulties such as limited access to health and internet services. The elders in the communities especially struggled to stay food secure during this period. This prompted the youth group to provide food deliveries and grocery services for the elderly. The Indigenous youth hunters also shared their quarry (fish and ducks) with them and many others in vulnerable situations to ensure natural, nourishing foods during the lockdown. The Kyubeye Youth group also translated the World Health Organization recommendations into the Sakha language and informed the villagers of them. This highlighted the need to help Indigenous Peoples’ communities gain access to technologies and translation of essential resources during emergencies. Indigenous youth are leading their communities through times of hardship, finding innovative solutions that combine modern day technologies with their Indigenous practices, food and knowledge systems, languages and cultural values. Using technology, fundraising and distribution services, they find solutions to enhance food security within their communities and tackle climate-related challenges. FAO works with Indigenous Peoples communities to recognize, respect, document and promote their food and knowledge systems in finding solutions to today’s challenges, whether related to climate change, food insecurity or pandemics.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

English Racing Tips Neeton Abbot 08:45 hrs Appreciate 09:15 hrs Skatman 09:50 hrs Rectory Oak 10:25 hrs Creswell Queen 11:00 hrs Nibras Gold 11:35 hrs Free Chakarte 12:10 hrs Kabrit Redcar 09:05 hrs Optician 09:40 hrs Venetian 10:15 hrs Time To Parley 10:50 hrs Encourageable 11:25 hrs Mac Ailey 12:25 hrs Red Force One Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:40 hrs Unless 09:10 hrs Order Of Australia 10:20 hrs Ha Ha Ha 10:55 hrs Purplepay 10:30 hrs Over The Rainbow 12:00 hrs Mass Gathering 12:30 hrs Favorite Moon South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:05 hrs Specially Selected 08:40 hrs One Bit At A Time 09:20 hrs Docofthebay 09:55 hrs Ambiorix 10:30 hrs Gunsmoke American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Miracle Mike Race 2 Trinity Titoli Race 3 To The Tune Race 4 Crafty Daddy Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 IL Malocchio Race 2 Atmstrong Race 3 Battle Strike Race 4 Mt Logan

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

McIlroy, Hovland share lead at Open C’ship (BBC) - Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland take a four-shot lead into the final round of the 150th Open Championship after a scintillating duel over the Old Course. The Ryder Cup teammates delighted the St Andrews crowd as they both shot six-under-par 66s to lead on 16 under. McIlroy, who is trying to end an eight-year major drought, holed a bunker shot for an eagle two on the parfour 10th but had his solitary bogey on the 17th.

Cameron Smith and Cameron Young are tied for third on 12 under par. Overnight leader Smith, who led by two at the start of play after a nerveless putting display on Friday, spluttered on the first, missing a three-footer for par, and that set the tone for the Australian, who carded a 73 and was one of only two players in the top 20 to shoot over par. A run of seven pars followed his bogey at the first, dropping him down the leaderboard as those around him

made birdies and eagles in the most benign conditions of the week. Hovland, who is yet to win one of golf’s biggest prizes, struck the early blows with a run of four birdies from the third to get to 14 under but McIlroy - a four-time major winner - hit back with three of his own by the ninth. That drew the Northern Irishman level with Smith and put him one behind Hovland. But a sensational 10th hole saw the world number two, who won this title in

Investment in youths will continue, says Pele FC Alumni Corp. Chairman, Denis Carrington

Pele FC Alumni Corporation Executive Committee Members, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton (right), Eric ‘Riggy’ Smith (3rd right) and Denis Carrington (3rd left) pose with the Scholarship Students on Friday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. EXECUTIVE members of the Pele FC Alumni Corporation are at present in Guyana as the USA-based entity seeks to get back on track with its many developmental and support programmes for students and other entities. Pele FC Alumni Corporation’s annual two-day Educational Development Programme which is aimed at empowering young players (male and female) to overcome poverty by building their confidence, self-esteem, and ambition, through the power of sports and education was halted due to the global, COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. So, with the aim of getting back on track, Chairman of the entity Denis Carrington, along with Treasurer Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton and Executive Committee Member, Eric ‘Riggy’ Smith,

all accomplished players back in their days, are home to put the framework back in place to get their programmes up and running once again. Also attending the activity was Local Representative, David Gomes. Chairman Carrington stated: “This trip is aimed at engaging our Scholarship awardees and their parents. We are going to also reconnect and develop relationships with partners as we support our youth, creating new initiatives and opportunities for our partnership and strategise for our Pele Football Club shortand long-term vision back to excellence.” A successful meeting with five of the six Scholarship Students took place at the Marriott Hotel last Friday, where students and their parents were hosted for lunch and a subsequent interac-

tive session. “I think we had a great lunch and discussion with the kids and their parents where we were brought up to speed with their progress again and we shared our thoughts and ideas with them on the way forward.” The names of the students are Reshona Bishop, Sarah Mathias, Shoran James, Isaiah Layne and Josiah King. The sixth student, Joshua Denny was murdered last September when he was robbed and shot on his way to work. A minute of silence was observed by the students, parents, and Pele FC Alumni ExCo members in Denny’s honour. Meeting with other entities that receive support from the Pele FC Alumni Corporation are scheduled over the coming days.

2014, hit the top of the leaderboard. McIlroy visited the sand for the first time this week, with an errant tee shot. He backed off his ball a couple

of times before settling and striking the perfect blow, his ball landing a dozen feet short of the pin and rolling in. The cheers that greet-

ed it startled world number one Scottie Scheffler who was about to tee off on the adjacent par-three 11th.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Barcelona reach “agreement in principle” for Lewandowski (BBC) - Barcelona have reached an "agreement in principle" with Bayern Munich to sign Poland striker Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old, who has one year left on his Bayern contract, told the German champions last month that he wishes to leave. Lewandowski scored 50 goals in 46 games last season as he helped Bayern win a 10th straight Bundesliga title.

Barca say the deal is "dependent on the player passing a medical and contracts being signed". "It's good to have clarity for all parties," said Bayern president Herbert Hainer, who first announced the agreement yesterday. "We have come to a verbal agreement with Barcelona. "Robert is an incredible player and he won everything with us. We are incredibly

grateful to him." Lewandowski joined Bayern on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2014 and has scored 344 times in 374 games for the club, making him their second-highest scorer of all-time behind Gerd Muller. The Pole has won the league in all eight of his seasons at Bayern and also helped the Bavarians win the Champions League in

2019-20. Bayern have also announced that Germany winger Serge Gnabry, 27, has signed a contract extension until 2026. Barcelona completed the signing of Raphinha from Leeds on Friday in a deal worth up to £55M having already signed Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen on free transfers earlier this month.

Lewandowski has won the past two Best FIFA men’s player-of-the-year awards

Thirty-six team Dominio competition on today at National Gymnasium Following hot on the heels of the Champion-of-Champions dominoes competition won Thursday by Executive from Gold is Money and Providence, another blockbuster dominoes event will take at the National Gymnasium today. The event is a 36-team showdown among some of the biggest teams in the country and the event is a collaboration between Big Boss Transportation Services and the National Sports Commission. According to Lindon `Poison’ Boston of the Big Boss Transportation Services, a number of the top teams in the country have already entered the event. Boston said that the event will be graced with the presence of the National Sports Commission’s Big Three of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, The Honourable Charles Ramson Jnr., Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.

Among the teams expected to participate are C6, C7, MI5, R&R, F&H, 300, GGMC, OPKO, Lions, In Time, Killas, Mix Up, Hammer, Masters, Players, 1996 Law, Frankie’s Spartans, Big Girls, Phantom, Next Level, Upper level, Wild Bunch, Fresh Cash, North Star, Gangsters, Quiet Storm, Orange walk, Turning Point, F&H Supremes, Gold Is Money, Providence, Big Boss Girls, Straight Point, Mings Products, Manish Puppies, Alpha Warriors, Executives/Pain, Robb Street Strikers, All Seasons Racing and Ministry of Health. According to Boston, all prizes are guaranteed and there will be zero tolerance on indiscipline. Starting time is 1.30pm and there will be no exceptions. The winning team is set to receive $300,000 with $200,000 and $100,000 going to the second and third place finishers. The Most Valuable Player will receive $10,000.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday July 17, 2022) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) BANG won by 6 wickets (2) Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BANG) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored for the WI in the first ODI of the recent WI/ BANG series? (2) Who top-scored for Bangladesh? Answers in tomorrow’s issue2022 …………………………………………………

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

Vibrant Performance rebrands Unruly Civic ahead of GMR&SC Circuit Race Round 2

Stefan Jeffrey’s Group Three Honda Civic VIBRANT Performance, is an industry leader in through its Caribbean fabrication materials, prodistributor JTECH Mo- viding the best in intake, torsport Solutions, has exhaust and fluid delivery completely rebranded components for automothe Automotive Art ‘Un- tive, marine, exotic, diesel ruly’ Honda Civic ahead and off-road applications. of this weekend’s GuyUnder the new multiana Motor Racing and year deal, Vibrant PerforSports Club (GMR&SC) mance has rebuilt and will Circuit Racing champi- maintain the entire intake onship round two. and exhaust system of the Vibrant Performance group three EG Honda

Civic as well as beef up the fuel delivery system. The Canada-based company also provided the designs for the outer workings of the K-24 powered monster, featuring a new, slimmer and refined race trim, a sleeker aerodynamic package and a more focused, trackready machine. “We, at Vibrant Performance, feel that this is the path to best showcase our business products and models. We see our goals aligning with that of the ‘Unruly Civic’ and this new partnership will allow for the best of both parties.” “We are a new company and as such, we are looking to make our foray

into motorsport bit by bit. The Unruly Civic is just the first step of things to come from us and we are excited for the future of this long and fruitful partnership.” Vibrant Performance’s parent company, JTECH Motorsport Solutions said, “Vibrant Performance is one of our newer product lines. With the re-emergence of sporting activities here, specifically motorsport, the time was opportune to showcase the line.” Entering its first year in existence as a company, the Vibrant Performance brand also conceptualised the colour scheme of the car, moving away from the traditional Automotive Art

Stefan Jeffrey Logo to an entirely purple and blue digital camouflage printed and installed by D’Arthan investments. Driver of the Unruly Civic, Stefan Jeffrey, said, “They (Vibrant Performance) basically came on board to get a competitive package to hopefully one

day tour the Caribbean for circuit race groups and North America for either time attack for events such as grid life.” “Saturday and Sunday are just shakedown days for the new car really and truly as we try to get the formula right for the November race meeting here in Guyana. That Race meeting brings all the best drivers from the Caribbean and we hope to be there.” J T E C H ’s o ff i c e i s located at 68 Croal St, Georgetown inside the Automotive Art building. The car’s other sponsors are Automotive Art, HAVIN’S Marine Custom Fabrication and Tropics.

Silvertown All Stars Club appeals for sport gear By Joe Chapman FOUNDER of the Silvertown All Star Sports Club, Patrick ‘Zar ’ Caesar, is appealing for more sports equipment for his Silvertown-based facility. The club has over 80 members, youths ranging from 8 to 19 years who are eager to make the right choices in life as they face the vicissitudes of living in a community that struggles with the use of illicit drugs, among other distractions. ‘Zar’ opines that the Silver Town All Stars Club became a necessity over 25 years ago, since at the time marijuana-smoking was the main thing for young people. He said, “So we tried to put something in place so as to take away the minds of these young people in Silvertown and other nearby communities from smoking, by build-

President and founder of Silvertown All Star Sports Club, Patrick Zar Caesar (centre front row), poses with youngsters and members of the Silvertown All Star Sports Club ing this place known as Sports Club by self-help, the Silvertown All Star and by the time Dr Bharat

Jagdeo became President of Guyana, he came on board with us and helped us to be where we are today.” During the late 1990s and early 2000s Zar said, “There was a self-help drive and other places like Green Construction, who were contractors with the Linden bauxite operations, among other businesses, helped to bring us to the stage where we can play on the field by doing back-filling.” He said Mrs Philomena Sahoye-Shury, then National Director of the Community Development Council (CDC) was helpful through SIMAP as the pavilion was built and a tennis table and dominoes were received. Vice President Dr Jagdeo ensured books were given for the library as there was an emphasis placed with education for the many youths in the area.

But things went downstream Zar said and there was a lapse when there was a change in Government in 2015. However, when the PPP/C government took office again in 2020 “we again got some lift upwards but there is so much more that can be done for us here in Silvertown, he emphasised. The president of the Silvertown All Star Sports Club reiterated, “Right now sports is not like before and there is need for two goalposts as more and more young people from the community and others use the All Star field from time to time.” “They are coming out in the afternoons and if we don’t have that provision we will lose them to smoking drugs. We need help no doubt for these young people and to put them in the community to do things like phonics classes and teach them

things like becoming a mechanic or developing a skill.” He continued, “We have a basketball tarmac that does not have a proper ring, but a makeshift ring and backboard where they come and play in the afternoon. We are asking around for two stanchions and rings so that they can continue to play in the afternoon.” In December last year, Zar was presented with five footballs by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation. “We are extremely grateful. The footballs were helpful to the youngsters who are engaged in coaching clinics at weekends. and we are looking for many more donations since we have a responsibility to the youths especially in this community where we live in Silvertown, Wismar, Linden.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

RHTYSC, Metro renew sponsorship for 15th year

… Club involvement in female cricket to expand T H E R o s e H a l l To w n Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has joined forces with Metro Office Supplies for the 15th time for the club’s female cricket teams. Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, during a simple presentation ceremony in New Amsterdam, collected the 2022/23 sponsorship from Metro Office Supplies last week. “In 2008, no one was interested in female cricket but you took the leap with us to invest heavily into giving young girls the opportunity to fulfil their dreams of becoming the next Ava Morgan of Guyana. “Fourteen years later and counting, the Rose Hall Town Metro Team is part of history and dozens of young females have fulfilled that dream and many others are working to do so. Every historic feat starts with a small step and we would like to thank you for doing so with us.” moot The president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) stated that the vision for a

female team was perceived when he and several other club executives saw a 13-year-old Shemaine Campbelle and Jackie Singh play in an Under-15 match versus the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team at the Albion ground. Campbelle has now gone on to become the greatest female player from Guyana and the RHTYSC has never regretted the decision to invest in female. In fact, Foster stated that the club views it among the best-ever investment that has produced four senior West Indies players in Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi along with dozens for Berbice and Guyana at the junior and senior levels. The team recently had four players in the national Under-19 team and six in the Guyana senior team in 2022. He recalled that the club had approached the-then chief executive of the company, Taajnauth Jadnauth, for sponsorship in early 2008 and he readily agreed.

The rest, he proudly stated is history and today, the team remains the only fully functioning team for females in Guyana. They have won every female tournament organised by the BCB and GCB since 2008 and among the other players produced are Plaffina Millington, Dian Prahald, Sherica Campbelle, Trisha Hardat, Marain Samaroo, Oma Matadin, Leah Kamalall and Priya Mahadeo. The long-standing club official also unveiled a massive plan to double the female membership of the club in a few months. The plan is to attract dozens of young girls to attend the annual cricket academy which bowls off on Monday July 18 and then encourage them to become full-time members. Foster and the club assistant secretary, Jonathan Rampersaud, recently visited several primary and secondary schools in the Rose Hall Town area to speak to female students and the response was overwhelming.

The club executives would continue to visit schools across the county when schools reopen in September as the aim is to attract at least 50 new members to establish an Under-17 and Under-19 teams. Club cricket coach Delbert Hicks would be responsible for the development of the players and the club has already obtained the necessary cricket gear and equipment for the expansion. The club has also committed itself to assisting the new members with their educational careers as part of their personal development. Metro New Amsterdam Branch Manager, Danny Ramnarine, stated that the company was delighted to be associated with the team and was very proud of its many achievements on and off the cricket field. He expressed confidence that the outstanding performance and the relationship would become stronger in the future. He congratulated the players who made the na-

A representative of the company hands over sponsorship to RHTYSC Asst Secretary Jonathan Rampersaud tional team in 2022 and wish them well in their career. Shemaine Campbelle and Shakabi Gajnabi

would serve as captain and vice-captain of the team over the next twelve months.

RHTYSC Cricket Academy bowls off on Monday … Special emphasis on females; U12 players

THE annual cricket academy of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) bowls off tomorrow after an absence of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Area H Ground’s concrete all-weather court and the compound of the Rose Hall Town Primary School will be used to accommodate the academy as the club had to seek alternatives due to the ongoing rainy season. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who heads the organising committee, stated that the academy is catering to about 120 youths between the ages of eight and 18 years. The team of coaches

will be led by Level Three coach Winston Smith, who has been working with the club for over 15 years. He will be assisted by Delbert Hicks and national player Eon Hooper, both products of the academy. The event will end on Friday, July 29 with a grand graduation ceremony where several attractive prizes will be presented to the top performers. Among the prizes will be tablets, cricket gear, uniforms, household and kitchen utensils, educational grants and school material. The club, at the end of the academy, will also be spearheading its membership drive, to al-

low non-members to join the very vibrant youth and sports organisation, which undertakes a record 700 activities annually under a wide range of sub-headings including coaching, educational, community development, youth development and charity. The club’s 2022 Cricket Academy has been co-sponsored by Bakewell and Guyana Beverage Company, while several friends of the club, including members like Kevin Sinclair, Shawn Pereira, Kevlon Anderson, Shemaine Campbelle and Shakabi Gajnabi have also assisted The Guyana Beverage Company under its Busta brand last Thursday came

on board as a co-sponsor by handing over a quantity of water, drinks and juices. Government Ministers Collin Croal, Nigel Dharamlall and Joseph Hamilton have all committed to personally donate a bicycle towards one of the top awardees. RHTYSC Asst Secretary Jonathan Rampersaud expressed thanks to the Guyana Beverage Company, especially General Manager Samuel Arjoon, for their cooperation and committed the club to organising a very successful event. Meanwhile the club’s Republic Summer Camp will also start tomorrow at the Rose Hall Town

Primary School. The camp will involve a total of about 90 students, who are preparing for entrance into secondary school. Foster noted that the club had a target of 50 students but the organisers received 40 extra applications from parents and did not want to disappoint any person. The cricket teams of the club raised the extra funds to hire another teacher to accommodate another class. Students will be taught four subjects - Mathematics, Social Studies, English and Science while they will also be involved in several lectures on a wide range of topics including personal hygiene, public manners, peer pressure,

how to choose friends, and suicide. Like the cricket academy, outstanding students will receive prizes at the end of the four-week camp and every participant who completes 100% attendance will receive a school bag and educational supplies. The two events are being organised by the cricket teams of the club under the guidance of management. The teams are Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan and Mendes Ltd Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and second division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Vitality Under-23, NAMILCO Under-21 and First Division teams.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

All-round Bangladesh wrap up series 3-0 against woeful Windies … Das 50, Islam 5-28 star for Tigers

Taijul Islam celebrates knocking over the stumps of West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran (Adrian Narine photos) By Clifton Ross at Providence IT was another resounding win for Bangladesh yesterday after wrapping up the series 3-nil, thanks to Litton Das’ fifty, coupled with spinner Taijul Islam’s 5-for which shot the Windies down by 4 wickets, bringing the tour to an end. Windies defeated the

tourists in both the Test and T20 series but were completely outplayed in the ODIs, adding further confidence to the Tigers 50-overs unit. Batting first, the home team in front of a decent crowd, who came out to support their side, were routed for another low score in the series, 178 all out in 48.4 overs. Captain Nick Pooran

led the charge with a tempered knock of 73 from 109 deliveries with four fours and a pair of huge sixes. Keacy Carty (33), Romario Shepherd (19) and Rovman Powell (18) played supporting cast roles despite their team taking a beating from the Bangladeshi bowlers. Left-arm spinner Islam displayed full wizardry with the ball, snapping up stingy figures of 5-28 from his quota of 10 overs. Pacer Mustafizur Rahman (2-24) and spinner Nasum Ahmed (2-39) did an ideal job to keep wickets falling, while stemming the flow of runs in

the process. Bangladesh then for the third consecutive time made light work of an average total, ending on 179-6. Das finished the tour yet again amongst the runs, leading with an even 50 with 5 fours and a six. Skipper Tamim Iqbal set the tone for the chase, cracking four boundaries in his 35. Additional support came from Mahmudullah (26), wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan (32*) and some useful contributions from Mossadek Hossain (14) and Mehidy Hasan (16*), who finished the game for his team. Left-arm spinner Gu-

dakesh Motie continued to show his class in 50-overs cricket, bagging 4-23 from his 10 overs to end as the West Indies most successful bowler of the match. Earlier, Bangladesh rattled the Windies top-order with a flurry of blows, reducing them to 16-3 at one point after a phenomenal opening burst from their pacers. Carty looked classy upon his entry to the ODI side, picking and choosing his strokes as he found the fence twice while hitting a six, all as part of his 67run partnership with skipper Pooran before being removed by Nasum. Pooran continued to

build his innings, primarily with singles and twos as he eventually scrapped his way to a resurgent half-century. The left-hander unloaded a few massive sixes and a four off Mehidy in the 40th over, as the Windies sought to attain a decent total. The final 10 overs were geared towards reaching a defendable total with the skipper eyeing a big score but wickets continued to fall as Islam bagged a 5-for in the process, whilst keeping the Caribbean side well under 200 runs in their final game.

MILO schools Football tournament …

Overnight rains wash out yesterday’s matches; today’s matches remain

Annual Osmond Cummings memorial football

Botafago FC, Silvertown All Stars clash today

IN memory of one of its stalwarts, Botafago FC in Silvertown, in collaboration with the Silvertown All Stars Sports Club, will today stage its annual Osmond Cummings Memorial football extravaganza. The event is billed for the Silvertown All Stars ground in Wismar. Trophies and medals will be at stake when the Silvertown All Stars footballers face Milerock in two matches at the Under-13 and Under-17 levels. The first game starts at 13:00hrs. The Cummings family, spearheaded by former national striker Nigel ‘Mice’ Cummings, has given the necessary support towards today’s activities. The emphasis is on promoting football among the young players from the Silvertown area where ‘Mice’ Cummings grew up before migrating. There will be lots of giveaways as usual for members of the public and it will be like a fun day at the Silvertown All Star playground in Wismar, Linden starting at 13:00hrs. (Joe Chapman)

Matches return today in the MILO Schools Football tournament AN overnight downpour forced the postponed the start of the quarter-finals of the MILO Schools Football tournament. Set for this weekend at the Ministry of Education ground on CARIFESTA Avenue, the matches were

postponed in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the ground according to organisers. Yesterday’s fixtures would have seen, Cummings Lodge Secondary versus Linden’s Christianburg Wismar Secondary School

from 14:00hrs while from 16:00hrs, there should have been a battle of the Ruimveldts with West taking on North. “Please be informed that we are forced to cancel today’s games. The games scheduled for tomorrow

Sunday, July 17, will go ahead as planned,” a statement from the Petra Organisation said. Today, Golden Grove play Friendship from 14:00hrs while President’s College oppose Dolphin Secondary.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 17, 2022

All-round Bangladesh wrap up series 3-0 against woeful Windies

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… Das 50, Islam 5-28 star for Tigers

Taijul Islam celebrates knocking over the stumps of West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran (Adrian Narine photos)

Rovman Powell admires his woodwork after it was disturbed by a beauty from spinner Taijul Islam

Vibrant Performance rebrands Unruly Civic ahead of GMR&SC Circuit Race Round 2

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Stefan Jeffrey’s Group Three Honda Civic

Stefan Jeffrey

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| SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022