Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17-12-2022

‘We’re not sparing any effort to get to the truth’

By Shamar Meusa

VICE-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, said that the government is sparing no effort to get to the truth as it relates to the recent attempt by a Nigerian to infiltrate the State House compound.

The Vice-President during a live interview, said authorities do not want to be premature in judgement as to the reason behind the attack.

He stated: “There’s a full investigation going on and we’re not sparing any effort to get to the truth. We have to see if it’s just an isolated act or a conspiracy and,

therefore, the task force that is working on this will go through a number of leads that they have.”

Dr Jagdeo added that at some point the task force will report back to the authorities, but as of now, the investigation continues with vigour to get to the truth of the matter.

According to a police report on Thursday, the incident occurred at the southern guard hut of State House on the Carmichael Street side.

World-class nursing school on the cards

–– stem cell, mRNA vaccine production also in the pipeline, President Ali

says

THE building of an international nursing school accredited by a developed country, a stem cell facility, and the development of a regional mRNA vaccine production facility are some of the ways in which the government is working to turn health care services into an export earner for Guyana, as the country continues on its transformational trajectory.

This was outlined by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday evening, in his address at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s 133rd Annual Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner, at the Marriott Hotel.

Though presenting on the theme “Government’s Outlook and Projections for 2023,” Dr. Ali decided to share with the business community the government’s plans for Guyana 2030 and beyond.

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

“We’re looking at the building of a nursing school in collaboration with the US, UK or Canada, certified universities and nursing programmes. So when you get accredited from these institutions you can work in any of these economies easily. So this is not for the Guyanese market, but we are also targeting international students for this nursing school,” Dr. Ali announced.

He related that the government is positioning Guyana over the next eight years, to be relevant in a

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

‘We’re not sparing any effort to get to the truth’

–– VP Jagdeo

Nigerian’s attempts to breach State House security

By Shamar Meusa

VICE-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, said that the government is sparing no effort to get to the truth as it relates to the recent attempt by a Nigerian to infiltrate the State House compound.

The Vice-President during a live interview, said authorities do not want to be premature in judgement as to the reason behind the attack.

He stated: “There’s a full investigation going on and we’re not sparing any effort to get to the truth. We have to see if it’s just an isolated act or a conspiracy and, therefore, the task force that is working on this will go through a number of leads that they have.”

Dr Jagdeo added that at some point the task force will report back to the authorities, but as of now, the investigation continues with vigour to get to the truth of the matter.

According to a police report on Thursday, the incident occurred at the southern guard hut of State House on the Carmichael Street side.

“A security detail was on duty at [the] south-eastern guard hut adjacent to Carmichael Street, when a male of mixedrace ethnicity confronted the security, stating: “I want the President.” The said male then drew a knife from his pants waist and stabbed one of the male police rank[s] that [sic]was on duty five times to his neck and about his body,” the police report said.

According to the report, the injured rank, who was part of the security detail, was subsequently relieved of his firearm by the suspect. The suspect then drew the firearm, and fired several rounds while retreating to Carmichael Street.

“The security detail returned fire, injuring the suspect,” the police said

A 9MM pistol and seven 9MM spent shells were retrieved. The Nigerian man was identified as 25-year-old Bethel Ikenna Chimezie, who has been living in Guyana since 2019. He was reportedly shot three times during the incident.

The incident has left the entire country in shock as to what motivated Chimezie to carry out the attack at the official residence of the President of Guyana.

Thankfully, President Ali and his family were safe and well. Both Chimezie

and the Presidential Guard were rushed to the GPHC for treatment, and reports are that the Nigerian remains in a serious condition in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital while the rank, Telon Perreira, is conscious.

Dr.Jagdeo said the incident happened suddenly and while these attempts can’t be prevented, the intention is to ensure that all persons are prepared in the event that such acts happen again

Against this backdrop, he said that the state of readiness of the Presidential Guard and how they acted in the incident should inform the future security arrangements and also the level of training that they receive.

ENHANCED SECURITY

This incident, Dr. Jagdeo said, will help to enhance security arrangements across the country, particularly as it relates to the Head of State.

Those enhancements, he added, must be done without having a “siege mentality” in the government.

Jagdeo went on to add that even without threats, former President, David Granger moved with a large fleet of vehicles following him around, which many people think may be appropriate

He added that historically, Guyana is

not a country that is known for that sort of threat to politicians.

But the government does not want to have a siege mentality, which means that for the President to go anywhere he needs excessive security; this will prevent the “personal touch” that the party has with citizens.

“It is that personal touch that characterises not just President Ali but the PPP’s engagement in office. We have always prided ourselves in remaining in touch with people at the grassroots, going to visit their communities, listening to them,” the Vice-President said.

Jagdeo further added that if they were to be excessively security conscious, it may become a barrier to that sort of approach with the communities, and noted that a lot more has to be done from the intelligence perspective if this act is one that was organised.

As it is now, there is a lead that is going in that direction which has borne early fruit; however, the authorities do not want to be premature, but it is a case where it must be addressed and responded to appropriately, especially from the intelligence-gathering aspect to thwart plans of this nature.

With that, Dr. Jagdeo said that people also have to be intolerant of people who try to create those conditions and possible

intellectual authors of these acts, who then quickly distance themselves from such acts.

To this end, the Vice-President said that he noticed a statement coming out of the opposition, which stated that they do not support such acts.

However, he added that if one is to look at the tenure and language used by the opposition and some of its aligned websites, over 15 instances could be listed where he said people were called upon to damage public property or to attack people from the government.

“If you don’t support that then you can’t support a narrative that could lead to this, and that is what we have to become intolerant of, that we have to take firm action against people who try to incite division,” Dr Jagdeo remarked

Additionally, he stated that this matter is being examined carefully and the police are investigating to see whether there are intellectual authors, who they are and to bring them to justice.

As such, the Vice-President indicated that there is a need to improve the readiness of the security forces, particularly those with responsibility for the President and this is already on the cards.

In addition to this, he noted that intelligence agencies will be strengthened.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

The police cordoned off Carmichael Street after the incident on Thursday (Delano Williams photo)

says, following

World-class nursing school ...

world environment so that the country can remain a viable state even well past the end of its oil and gas industry.

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

But nursing is not the only healthcare area where

Guyana can create a niche market, and attract international consumers.

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

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

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

This is directly due to the difficulties faced by the region in acquiring COVID-19 vaccines, throughout the pandemic; this underscored the importance of putting

systems in place to ensure a different outcome for the small, Caribbean nations in the future.

The plans for developing facilities to supply nursing training, stem cells and vaccine production, will be augmented by the hospital facilities that the government has already begun much work on.

Some US$97 million was approved earlier this year by the IDB to rehabilitate existing hospitals in Linden and Essequibo, while the country is on schedule to have a min-

imum of two Level Five hospitals and three Level Four hospitals across the country in the next four years.

“Two Level Five hospitals, and Level Five is the highest. And that is the public sector; the private sector is also investing heavily in healthcare because we see the potential of healthcare as an export earner for us,” the President said.

The government is exploring the possibility of placing a new state-of-the-art mental health facility in New

Amsterdam in Region Six, as the country continues to place focus on building out the economy.

“We cannot move in a straight line, we have to go to the top of the class. Make mistakes and learn, but at the same time ensure successes overrun any mistakes.

If we are not going to do that then 2030 will meet us in a totally different world and we are not prepared to compete, to position ourselves to be a viable state,” the President commented.

Almost 20 per cent decrease in crime recorded this year

–– Minister Benn says at Division 4 ‘A’ luncheon, award ceremony

By Cassandra Khan

THERE has been a 19.2 per cent decrease in crime for the year 2022 when compared to 2021, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has said.

The minister highlighted this accomplishment during the Regional Division No. 4 ‘A’ annual luncheon and award ceremony.

He related that it is no longer about pure force or the threat of force, the responses have to be more sophisticated in order to have continuous improvement.

“We have to continue to improve the way we do our work. Our intent is to create safe and secure opportunities, environments and relationships which will allow Guyana to grow and be better,” he said.

Minister Benn related that with Guyana’s current and coming development: “We want to be hopeful that within the next three years we have the best

Police Force in the Caribbean… I would look forward to another 20 per cent reduction nationally next year,” he said.

Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, in his remarks, said that Division No. 4 ‘A’ is experiencing a 30 per cent

decrease in all serious crime when compared to 2021.

“Most notably is our ability to make a change in our murder rate. Last year, this time, we recorded 36 murders. This year we recorded 21 murders that takes us close to a 50 per cent decrease in our murder rate… we

are also experiencing a 66 per cent decrease in street crimes,” McBean related.

He noted that the division has investigated over 17,000 reports which resulted in 3,550 persons being charged criminally and the traffic department is responsible for over

4,200 persons taken to court for traffic violations.

“This division also removed over 26 illegal firearms from the streets and seized over

80 kilograms of cannabis and 3.4 kilograms of cocaine,” McBean related.

He said the simple explanation for the decrease in crimes within the division is that they are more visible.

The division was able to have over 8,900 patrols this year, coupled with a significant increase in their intelligence-led roadblocks and operations.

McBean related that when he took over the division, they had four vehicles and six motorcycles for anticrime purposes, and at present, they have 15 vehicles and 33 motorcycles for anticrime.

“An important point to note is the fact that we could not have achieved this without the government of Guyana and the Police Force’s support and guidance,” he said.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner, Simon McBean

Fast-tracking homeownership

NEXT year, the government will accelerate its turn-key housing programme to meet the growing demand for housing in Guyana. More emphasis will be placed on home construction; not just allocation, while fast-tracking homeownership.

The PPP/ C Administration, when it got into office in August 2020, implemented a national housing programme aimed at providing affordable housing opportunities for Guyanese.

While the government has been rolling out its home construction programme countrywide, it implemented several other measures to encourage homeownership, the latest being the steel and cement support for homebuilders.

Over 150 applicants went through the verification aspect of the programme, and will receive vouchers to uplift their materials.

Additionally, under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)’ s Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), vulnerable groups will

benefit from home improvement subsidies of up to $500,000 to repair their properties.

Under the turn-key programme, more than 1,200 low and moderate-income and young professional units are underway in Regions Three, Four, Six and Ten. Already, over 300 of those homes have been handed over to beneficiaries.

Through the AHUAP, a number of homes are being constructed, targeting low-income and vulnerable families.

The project to construct houses was conceptualised by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali ever since he served as housing minister before 2015.

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. To date, over 19,000 house lots have been distributed thus far for 2022.

Meanwhile, as part of an ongoing commitment to provide subsidised housing for hinterland residents under the Hinterland Housing Programme, the Ministry

of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), has issued a request for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for the construction of flat two-bedroom clay-brick housing units in Lethem, Region Nine.

The project will see contractors financing the construction of units for beneficiaries pre-qualified by the CH&PA for allocation, pending approval for financing from the banks involved in the process.

The government has indicated that over 400 persons have already been qualified to benefit from the programme in Lethem. The housing programme will target Tabatinga, Culvert City and the government’s new housing development.

According to the request for EOIs, all clay bricks and timber, as well as payment for all other materials and labour will be provided by the CH&PA.

The construction design will include an eight-inch-thick stripand-pad foundation, reinforced concrete columns, five-inch-thick internal and external clay- brick

walls, four-inch-thick reinforced concrete floors, toilet and bath facilities with septic tank, a zinc roof with gutters, and a low-level trestle with a storage tank.

Design contractors or developers desirous of taking advantage of the opportunity were invited to submit their proposals to Shane Kishundat, Regional Housing Officer of Region Nine, Lot 48 Commercial Block, Lethem, Region Nine.

Also contained in the proposal must be the financial capability to undertake the construction of the houses, and the capability and experience of the contractor or developer.

The CH&PA, on behalf of the government, will then assess the responses and select specific parties, who will then be invited to participate in the housing development, with applicable terms and conditions being provided.

This indicates that the government does not intend to leave anything to chance, and in 2023, another 10,000 Guyanese are expected to become homeowners.

Political racism is different from racism

Dear Editor,

MOST analysts writing on Guyana rely on “racism” as the primary factor in understanding and explaining our politics and society.

In doing so, they erect a Manichean Maginot line by which they equate the PNC/APNU with Afro-Guyanese, and the PPP(C) with Indo-Guyanese. Just as easily, they forget people of Indigenous origin, and persons of mixed ancestry. Next, they attach socio-economic well-being and political identities according to these fixed schemata.

Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon is one of the few analysts with a more complex and nuanced system of classification.

The problem here is that political behaviour in Guyana has little to do with “racism” per se, and a lot more to do with the politicisation of racism, a process I choose to call political racism.

The developments around City Hall and its Mayor, Ubraj Narine, offer the opportunity to illustrate the argument.

Racism is different from political racism. The former is structural, whereas the latter is tactical. Structural racism is founded on a supremacist ideology that is deeply institutionalised and backed up by policies that are intended to subjugate a group or groups of people based on assumptions of inferiority. Tactical racism is more fleeting, based on it are techniques of political mobilisation.

I am suggesting here that Mayor Narine’s recent behaviour is one of political racism because it relies on theatrical performances to mobilise and excite supporters who otherwise would focus on the mayor’s pathetic record for the job he was elected to do. The real, substantive issue at hand, is that Narine is a catastrophic failure in political leadership if measured by the tools available for management assessment.

His attack on President, Dr Irfaan Ali and his administration in the language of Western-centric Islamophobia is intended to shift the ground of public discourse from the rotten stench under Mayor Narine’s responsibility to the always available resource known as

anti-Muslim bigotry.

The setting of developments brings further evidence to the claims of political racism made here. Narine is an Indian and a pandit. These are the same categories (Indians and in particular Hindus – pace Keane Gibson) that are accused of practising structural racism against Mr. Narine’s political supporters.

How ironic it is that an Indian Pandit is telling a mostly Afro-Guyanese group of cheering supporters that the PPP lacks Dharmic principles of governance.

Narine, the Indian pandit, was received with unfathomable excitement by his mostly Afro-Guyanese supporters, the very people who are the sufferers of the mayor’s near dereliction of duty in Georgetown. In my view, these supporters “gave themselves” to Narine, the Indian pandit, because they are from the same political party or have the same political aspirations. Put differently, Narine is a “good Indian” because of his politics, and Edghill is a bad African because he belongs to another political party.

I submit to you that unless an analytical

distinction is done between structural racism and tactical political racism, you will not be able to understand what on the surface appears to be contradictions.

Behind every bullet are words, narratives, political discourses. No one can draw a straight line between the politically inflammatory rhetoric of Narine with the Leader of the Opposition at his side, and the violent breach of State House. Yet, given the temporal proximity between Narine’s Islamophobic political racism and the attack on the President’s residence, one must at a minimum, pose the question of responsibility.

The PPP as a political party has always taken the position that our central differences are not racial in nature, but political.

The incidents surrounding the removal of encumbrances around the GPHC, and the response by Narine and top PNC officials bring great credibility to that argument.

Yours sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

Editor Navendra Seoraj

More deadly destabilising tactics introduced

Dear Editor,

THE vicious and brutal attack on the Presidential Guards and the obvious attempt to harm President, Dr Irfaan Ali by a lone Nigerian, should not be seen as an isolated incident, though there will be vociferous denials from sympathising Judases.

There is a possible link which must be investigated. There appears to be a clandestine and well-coordinated plan to destabilise the PPP/C government.

On July 3, 2002, the Presidential Office was stormed by a group of

mobsters who called themselves protesters, and though the PNC denied being the architect of that treasonous act, the PNC leader Desmond Hoyte made the call in June 2002 for the removal of the PPP/C government.

He had endorsed the call made by Phillip Bynoe. Unwittingly, after the treasonous act, the PNC Chairman Robert Corbin admitted that the party supported the illegal protest and PNC leader Hoyte blamed the police for not giving permission for the protest march.

Therefore, it was clear that the storming of the President’s Office

No place for religious hate and racial division

TO enhance a society, a community and a country, unity must be of priority!

To build a nation of greatness and preeminence, unification is the key.

Guyana’s potential and influence in the Caribbean and in the world is growing rapidly. We see Her as a leading force in food security, we see Her as a leader in petroleum and we see Her as a leader in democracy and political maturity. Her glories will forever fill the pages of our history books.

Moving Guyana forward takes everyone’s input. Guyana’s history is and will never be about a particular group of people, but rather an entire nation. A nation that is hungry for progress. For Guyana to

reach the desired success, we need to understand that there will be zero tolerance for racial division.

Words aimed directly at a particular religious group, words of hate hurled at the Head of State -- these must be condemned by all. Anyone who is associated with such heinous acts must be dealt the full force of the law.

There are malicious forces that will want to divide a “One Guyana” and cause disunity in communities and in organisations, and we need to send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated anymore.

Yours sincerely, Pt. Surendranauth Tiwari

was a result of an illegal protest march fully supported by the PNC. The perpetrators were pardoned in 2008 by then President Jagdeo.

The Nigerian wanted to see the President, but he had a knife concealed in a pouch and when he was cautioned about having to be processed before entering the compound, he began his vicious attack to kill. Nothing should stand in his way. The intention to assassinate the President was clear, but the pertinent questions are: was he carrying out the instructions from the real architect who wanted to remove the PPP/C government? Who stood to benefit from this act? Was he a paid assassin? What motive would a Nigerian have to assassinate the President of Guyana? Are mercenaries now being used to carry out political biddings?

In another incident, a simple order to remove the street vendors ignited a violent protest influenced by the Mayor Ubraj Narine and AFC’s MP and “ring master,” Sherod Duncan. Where were they when the parking meters were installed? The mayor was vehement in his clarion call to incite ethnic strife.

He said that the situation was escalating into a “religious fight” and wondered if “we are heading for a Muslim state,” clearly insinuating that the President, being a Muslim, wants to turn Guyana into a Muslim state.

His venomous statements cannot

be substantiated by any event which occurred in recent times or at all, therefore, his incitement can only be seen as another attempt to destabilise the PPP/C government by creating ethnic division, resulting in hate and violence.

We have seen in the past that the PNC would jump at any opportunity to orchestrate violent protests which would result in chaos and mayhem to mostly Indo-Guyanese.

This was evident by the large mob which quickly materialised. Why would the mayor make such an incendiary statement? This event happened on December 14 and on December 15, the assassination attempt on the President was made. Are these incidents unrelated? Dirty politics is raising its head once again, but with more deadly tactics being employed.

The Guyana Police Force should leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this new and worrying dimension in Guyanese politics.

I must compliment the bravery of the two guards who remained strong, resolute and committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our President and his family, and wish Teon Perreira a most speedy recover, after he demonstrated bravery and courage in the line of duty, which is extraordinarily remarkable.

sincerely.

Haseef Yusuf

Yours

Buxton Youth Developers to get $1M to drive holistic development

THE Buxton Youth Developers will receive some $1 million from the government to ensure the further development of youngsters in and around the community.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the commitment Friday while giving remarks at the opening of the newly-upgraded Vigilance Play Field, East Coast of Demerara.

Dr. Ali said his administration’s passion for sports development cannot be overstated.

He underscored the government’s plans to create an academy where Guyanese athletes could achieve their greatest potential and enhance their skills.

As part of the strategic interventions outlined for the

development of youths in the area, President Ali said the intention is to establish a computer lab at the playfield with one-year free internet access.

Representatives from the Ministry of Education will also visit and enroll community members in the recently launched Guyana Coders Initiative (GCI).

The coders’ programme, which is a joint effort between the Governments of Guyana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will see scores of Guyanese being trained as online computer programmers.

President Ali also committed to fully supporting Ezekiel Newton’s professional pursuit.

The 17-year-old athlete performed well at the Junior Carifta Games in Jamaica this year. He later represented

Guyana in Brazil, earning a silver medal.

The young man also participated in the Guyana games, where he won the 100 and 200-metre races and received a gold medal in the 4×1 relay.

Achievements like these, Dr. Ali said, are worthy of commendations. And while there are challenges during Newton’s path to becoming successful, President Ali said: “The Government of Guyana will ensure that you get the best possible option for your career.”

He added: “We will ensure that we put the resources to be able to give you the best possible training, and all that you need now to take your career forward… not only are you impressive with your athletics skills, but I just learned that your grades and academic work are also impressive.”

Meanwhile, the revamped playfield at Vigilance was made possible through the joint effort of the PPP/C Government, ExxonMobil, and Cerulean Inc., among other key stakeholders.

ExxonMobil’s Production Manager,

Ryan, said that the intervention is not only to develop the infrastructure, but also a move to prepare the youths to face the future.

He congratulated the group coach for working with the young minds and believes the intervention will bring about positive changes in their lives.

Cerulean Inc.’ s Managing Director, Lyndell Danzie-Black said the organisation is heartened to witness the growth of the initiative.

The agency, she noted, has been working with the community to get a deeper insight into its daily operations, especially the youths who utilise the ground for recreational purposes.

Meanwhile, founder and coordinator of the Buxton Youth Developers, Robin Phillips expressed thanks to the supporting partners for their support throughout the year and noted that the intervention has pushed the performance of the athletes.

President Ali said Phillips will now join the training coach programme where he will be rewarded for his tremendous work over the years.

The Buxton Youth Developers was established in 2005. (DPI)

Buxton Youth Developers to get $1 million to drive holistic development

ExxonMobil’s, Mike Ryan giving remarks at the ceremony on Friday morning

Mike

High Court rules against

Schlumberger’s plans

THE Guyana High Court has quashed an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision to allow Schlumberger (SLB), one of ExxonMobil (Guyana)’s major subcontractors, to construct a storage and calibration facility at Houston, East Bank Demerara, without the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The ruling was handed down by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan on Friday afternoon in favour of Houston residents Danuta Radzik, her sister Vanda Radzik, and Raphael Singh, who are all opposed to the idea of having such a facility in their community.

The trio had moved to the High Court to declare that the EPA’s decision to waive the requirement of an EIA was, among other things, “unlawful and unreasonable”.

The applicants had argued that their health and community are at significant risk, since they live near the radioactive facility.

They deposed in their fixed-date application (FDA) that in late April 2021, SLB, then Schlumberger, was proposing to construct a radioactive substances storage facility in Houston, Georgetown, and that the EPA had waived the need for an EIA into the proposed project.

However, the EPA lat-

er published on its website a ‘Notice to the Public’ which stated that an application for an environmental authorisation was submitted for the construction of “a source storage and calibration facility”, and that it has been determined that the project will not significantly affect the environment or human health, and [is] therefore, exempt from the requirement of an EIA.

The notice also mentioned that the public could appeal against the EPA’s said determination within 30 days.

However, the applicants said that by the time they saw the publication in one of the daily newspapers, the 30-day period was almost expired, and as such they were unable to find out more details about the project with sufficient specificity to appeal the EPA’s purported decision as published in the Notice.

As such, an appeal

could not be made in the time permitted.

“The Notice was vague, and did not include reasons, as required by Section 11(2) of the Act. The First Respondent (EPA) has failed to provide any or any adequate reasons for its decision or conclusions, and accordingly, they are irrational, unreasonable, irregular, and unlawful,” the applicants said in their application.

In the circumstances, the Radziks and Singh asked the court to find that the EPA’s decision to grant the EIA should be quashed.

In response, Justice Harnanan said that he is of the view that in its consideration of the applications for environmental authorisations under the EPA Act, the EPA cannot treat the operation’s permit independent of the construction permit.

He, therefore, granted

an order of certiorari in favour of the residents, and quashed the EPA’s decision made in June 2021, to award an environmental authorisation to the company to construct a radioactive substances and materials storage and calibration facility, on the grounds that it was ultra vires, and a breach of the

–– to operate radioactive facility at Houston

EPA’s statutory duty.

The judge issued an injunction, restraining SLB or its agents from continuing the operations reportedly authorised by the EPA at the facility, unless a “lawfully issued” permit is granted.

The cost was awarded to the applicants, which will be assessed.

SLB was represented by the law firm, Hughes, Fields and Stoby, while the EPA was represented by Attorneys-at-Law Shareefah Parks and Frances Carryl.

The residents were represented by Attorneys-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, Ronald Burchsmith and Malene Alleyne.

Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon

Justice Nareshwar Harnanan

GPF to maintain ‘robust presence’ during festive season

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) will maintain its strong crime-fighting and security posture across the country during the holiday season.

Crime Chief and Assistant Commissioner of Police,

Wendell Blanhum, said the police force has undertaken several initiatives which will allow the public to carry out their activities freely.

“We have increased our deployment of ranks operating both in uniform and

in plain clothes around the clock across the population. This is to assure citizens that they will have a secure and safe environment during their [holiday] celebration,” Blanhum said.

He said the security plans

–– Crime Chief says

launched recently by the GPF have received positive feedback from members of the public.

The Crime Chief also said that based on the force’s temporal and spatial analysis, crime hot spots will experience heightened visi-

bility of police officers and patrols as an added layer of the security plans.

“The force will continue to maintain a robust presence at our choke points, checkpoints, and border locations…we have increased deployment at the Cheddi Jagan and Eugene Correia International Airports because during this period we are aware that there is an influx of visitors” Blanhum said.

He reiterated that a collaborative approach is being adopted with various agencies, including community policing groups and private security personnel, as well as other security agencies that will see increased visibility across the 12 policing districts.

Last month, the police force announced its robust plan to tackle crime and reduce accidents and traffic

congestion for the holiday season. At the announcement, the leadership of the GPF also asked for public cooperation to make the plan work in their favour.

During unveiling of the plans, Police Commissioner (ag), Clifton Hicken had said that officers will remain professional and asked that the public displays responsible behaviour when interacting with the police in execution of the Christmas plan. (DPI)

AS part of its commitment to the continuous upgrade of the Guyana currency notes, the Bank of Guyana will issue with effect from Tuesday, December 20, 2022, an upgraded $5,000 currency note.

This upgraded currency note keeps most of the elements of the previous note, but with three significant changes to the front and back of the note:

1. The removal of the DualTrackTM thread from the

back of the note and also the Holographic Stripe at the front of the note.

2. The addition of a 5mm wide PulsarTM colour shifting thread at the front of the note. The colour on this thread shifts from gold to green with dynamic movement.

3. A SPARK® Live Truspin feature around a Jaguar is placed at the front of the note which, when tilted, shifts from gold to green. Also, a double circle surrounding the Jaguar moves.

This new $5,000 currency note will circulate alongside the existing note of the same denomination.

Crime Chief and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Wendell Blanhum

Guyana being positioned to become global leader in high-value sectors ‘Nobody could knock us out’

LEADER of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, who recently confirmed that his party is parting ways with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has said that the party has to retain its parliamentary seats once it leaves the coalition.

Ramjattan, during a press briefing on Friday, said although the party is leaving the coalition they cannot be knocked out of their parliamentary seats.

In late November, the AFC leader confirmed to members of the media that the two parties will be parting ways. That announcement came days after the party officially dropped out of the upcoming Local Government Elections.

During the conference, when asked whether the party has officially written to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton in relation to the exit, Ramjattan said that the two parties will meet soon on the matter

He related: “I am pretty busy both as a lawyer and a parliamentarian recently.” However, he indicated that the coalition split is a matter that

will be discussed with the Leader of the Opposition at a meeting.

When asked about the party retaining its parlia-

THE Government of Guyana is positioning the country to be second to none in energy and food security, climate, ecological, biological and technological services, as well as health and educational services, and manufacturing.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, announced this Thursday evening during his keynote address at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (GCCI’s) 133rd annual Awards Presentation and Gala Dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

The President related that the government is focused on transforming Guyana into a broad-based economy, built with the hydrocarbon revenues earned from offshore operations.

He touched on the im-

hundreds of roads in each region, installation of water filtration systems in communities that did not previously have access to potable water, expansion of roads to reduce traffic buildup, and major housing construction, among

pleted that road, every major global investor wants a piece of land there. Every major global and local investor wants to establish their head office and headquarters there,” Dr. Ali said.

The government will also focus on building a world-class business environment inclusive of technological platforms and human resources.

mentary seats, Ramjattan went on to say, “Nothing will happen to our nine seats.”

He indicated that the party is “entitled” to its nine seats and told reporters: “Nobody could knock us out once duly elected.”

The relationship between the two parties has had its fair share of problems with Ramjattan confirming previously that they have had quite a few which did not reach the eyes and ears of the public.

Dr. Ali said the work has already begun on building Guyana: 2030 and beyond in a strong, sustainable way, and highlighted that emphasis will be placed on certain sectors to ensure persons benefit from their development.

“Sectors like tourism and aquaculture are key because those are the high- value sectors, that have the greatest impact on small businesses, that have the greatest transformation on a community-centres business opportunity,” the Head of State said.

portance of infrastructure for the effective functioning of the country, noting that time is wasted trying to navigate faulty infrastructure, and it also causes major economic loss.

As a result, the government has taken several steps to build a robust infrastructure system across the country.

Those include the construction and repair of

others.

“Major infrastructure transformation is ongoing in this country. And you can just look around you. Look all over, and you will see the transformation I’m speaking about.

“The entire east bank has been transformed with the opening of the road from Mandela to Eccles. And you know what is interesting? Since we com-

“We are positioning ourselves to be a global destination for headquarters. This is very, very important. To do this, it is important that we examine a few key pieces of infrastructure. Some have already started, and some will come,” the President said.

Key pieces of infrastructure to be examined, he said, include a deep-water harbour connecting Guyana to Brazil, which is intended to be the premier logistics and trans-shipment hub for the Caribbean, going up north and connecting to Brazil.

The construction of a Guyana-Suriname bridge, a multi-billion-dollar oil and gas training institute, and several regional hospitals, are also on the government’s priority list.

Corentyne man dies after pinned by tractor

A 47-year- old man died tragically on Friday after he was pinned under the tractor he was operating at Wellington Park, Corentyne, Berbice.

He has been identified as Diaram Loojune called “Rakesh,” of Phillipi, East Berbice, Corentyne.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that around noon on Thursday, Loojune was in the process of ploughing a rice field when the tractor toppled and pinned him beneath.

The police were notified and efforts were made to have Loojune removed from beneath the tractor, which was partially submerged in mud.

Reporters are that Loojune was employed by a rice farmer of Wellington Park,

and has been described as a hard-working individual.

The distraught mother of the deceased, Indra Loojune, related she last saw her son

about two weeks ago. On Thursday, she recalled receiving a message from her daughter that something had happened in the “backdam” with “Rakesh.”

“He sister was at work and she get a call the tractor toppled pon am and he dead and then meh son-in-law who was at 46 Village come and went down with another tractor and them had to turn over that other one and when them turn am over he dead,” she said.

The woman said her son had been actively involved in caring for the family and his death has left them completely devastated.

“ He was a good man, always willing and helpful to everyone,” she said, adding that he was a father of three.

The tractor after it toppled in the field

Diaram “Rakesh” Loojune

–– Ramjattan says party has to retain seats after coalition splits

Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan

$252M contract signed for Region Two sanitary landfill facility

RESIDENTS of Region

Two will soon see improved refuse disposal as the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Friday signed a $252 million contract with Puran Brothers Disposal Inc . for construction of a sanitary landfill in Zorg-En-Vlygt, Essequibo Coast.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Prema Roopnarine, and Managing Director of Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., Lakenauth Puran signed the contract in the presence of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

Construction will commence within two weeks and will be completed within five months. Residents are expected to be gainfully employed during execution of the project

Minister Dharamlall said this is part of the government’s effort to enhance the management of waste countrywide.

“This has been one of the sore issues for a long time , garbage collection and disposal and so, this is another of the many invest-

ments that we’re making in this sector in Region Two.

“We had smaller facilities that we call dumpsites and with the signing of the

contract, hopefully in the next few months we’d be able to get a facility where we can properly dispose of garbage and overall solid

waste in Region Two,” the minister said.

The contracting company was urged to complete the project within the stip-

ulated timeframe.

“Over the next five months, we are going to see elevated services provided for solid waste management in Region Two,” the Local Government Minister said.

The $252 million facility will complement the many infrastructural works ongoing in the region. Investments of this nature will also be made in Region Six (East Berbice – Corentyne).

“We have started projects in some of the larger NDC areas to also build many sanitary areas and landfill facilities and it is the intention of the government to intensify the construction of sanitary landfills, so that we’re better able to manage refuse across our country,” Minister Dharamlall said.

Guyanese were urged to engage in the 3Rs concept – recycle, reuse and reduce – to contribute to the government’s efforts to keep communities and the country clean. (DPI)

Residents of Region Two will soon see improved refuse disposal, as the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Friday signed a $252 million contract with Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. for the construction of a sanitary landfill in Zorg-En-Vlygt, Essequibo Coast

Pigeon Island squatters register for land titles

– 49 house lots allocated to persons with outstanding applications

MORE than 40 informal settlers residing at Pigeon Island, East Coast of Demerara, are expected to receive their certificates of title soon, in keeping with a commitment made by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during an outreach to the community in August 2022.

On Friday, the residents were able to make the necessary payments and register for their Agreement of Sale and Certificate of Title, during an exercise led by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues at Life Spring Ministries’

Minister of Housing and Water at the time, ordered a review to determine which portion of the area could be regularised. An inventory update was executed by CHPA in 2020, following President Ali’s accession to office. The land has since been transferred from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) to CHPA.

Deomattie Laljie, who has been squatting for several decades in the area was elated, and lauded the government for keeping its promise.

multi-purpose hall.

Director of Community Development at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Gladwin Charles and other staff were also at the event serving persons.

Minster Rodrigues said that the ministry aims to begin the distribution of titles before year-end. She noted that the government leads through consultations with Guyanese and has a track record of keeping its promises.

Referencing an attack on State House on Thursday, the minister further said that the government will not let this occurrence affect the delivery of its manifesto promises and other services to the people.

“[It was] a cowardly attack on State House on the home of the President and his family, but that will not keep us down. The President nor this government will be intimidated by anyone, we will continue to do our work. We made a commitment to the people of this country […] and we will continue to be visible and accessible to Guyanese in any part of this country,” Minister Rodrigues said.

The area at Pigeon Island was occupied by informal settlers since the 1980s and attempts to regularise the area began in 2002.

In 2015, President Ali, who was the

“I am overjoyed because for thirty-four years I am squatting and I was so happy when I heard they were coming to regularise us and give us our title and the promise the President and the minister made to us was in August, and they said we would get it like before the end of December and they did,” Laljie said.

Another resident, Bibi Azweem, related: “[The Title] would help me a lot because for years I’ve been wanting to repair my house to how I want it but I wasn’t able to do that because you were living in this fear that anytime they can come and move you. So, now we don’t have to worry about those things, we can go ahead and be comfortable.”

Additionally, 49 persons were allocated house lots at Friday’s event, also following commitments made during the August 2022 meeting, where they raised several housing concerns to the President. Minister Rodrigues also met one-on-one with a number of persons to address several other concerns.

In August 2022, President Ali also announced an $80 million investment for the upgrading of roads and other infrastructure in the community; those works are now almost complete.

More than 40 informal settlers residing at Pigeon Island, East Coast of Demerara are expected to receive their certificates of title soon

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues assists a resident of Pigeon Island

More jobs, greater returns from forestry sector

THE European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, and Guyana’s Minister of Nat-

ural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, have signed a legally binding trade agreement to promote the sustainable trade of legal tim-

ber to the European Union (EU).

According to a press statement, the agreement was co-signed by Mr. Jan Dusik,

Canada, on the sidelines of COP 15.

According to a press statement, the agreement will give EU-based timber buyers assurance that timber products from Guyana are legal. It will help improve forest governance, further curb illegal logging and promote trade in verified legal timber products.

This co-operation takes place in the context of the EU Global Gateway strategy, which stands for sustainable and trusted connections. Global Gateway is tackling the most pressing global challenges, including fighting climate change and supporting the security of global supply chains.

Through the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), Guyana will have to improve market access to EU businesses, as well as modernise its forestry sector, create jobs, promote sustainable development, and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Under the VPA, Guyana commits to developing a timber legality assurance system to assess that timber products -for all stages of the supply chain- have been produced in accordance with national legislation. When this system is operational, Guyana can issue verified legal timber products with FLEGT licences.

Guyana is the first country in the Amazon region to sign a VPA on forest law enforcement, governance, and trade (FLEGT) with the

European Union.

With the signing of this agreement, Guyana and the EU each needed to ratify the VPA, according to their respective procedures. Forest stakeholders such as the private sector, Indigenous peoples, local communities, and civil society, have all been closely involved in the negotiation of the agreement, alongside the Government and EU representatives. They will continue to play a key role throughout the implementation phase.

This bilateral agreement will advance the integrated planning and management of Guyana’s forest sector under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

The agreement marks the end of a 10-year negotiation process. It consolidates Guyana’s position as a frontrunner in the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of forests.

Under the EU Global Gateway Strategy, Guyana is also one of the first five countries worldwide that signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a Forest Partnership with the EU at COP 27 a month ago.

ROBUST NATIONAL LEGISLATION

Guyana already has robust national legislation on forests, including a Forest Code, and the VPA will ensure this is duly enforced, thereby guaranteeing the sustainable management of the country’s enormous

Deputy Minister of the Environment of the Czech Republic, which hold EU presidency of the Council, at a ceremony in Montreal,

returns to be derived

–– with signing of agreement on the sustainable trade of legal timber between Guyana, EU

forest area and thus protecting biodiversity.

It will also help to improve the competitiveness of Guyana’s timber industry by modernising timber operations. This, in turn, will create jobs and ensure that forestry brings employment to the formal economy while expanding trade opportunities as Guyana moves to export guaranteed legal timber products.

Guyana is the second country in Latin America to sign a VPA with the EU under the FLEGT Action Plan, following Honduras.

“We are thrilled to have reached this agreement with Guyana,” said Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen.

He added: “ After the forest Partnership signed at COP 27, this VPA provides an opportunity for the EU and Guyana to keep on building on our long-standing partnership to further co- operate in the area of environment and forests. Forests are our allies in fighting climate change and protecting biodiversity, and local communities benefit from sustainable forest management. I am confident that this agreement will also lead to a positive impact on the Guyanese population, including indigenous peoples.”

Sinkevicius added: “This VPA is yet another positive development in fighting illegal logging, as the world meets in Montreal to agree on ambitious new targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Earlier this month, the EU agreed on the world’sfirst law to fight global deforestation and forest degradation driven by EU production and consumption.

“The new law will integrate and improve the existing system to control timber legality, going beyond legality and addressing several other crucial commodities beyond wood. We will work with Guyana and all other partner countries to help them reap the economic opportunities of this new law for deforestation-free producers across the globe.”

Minister Bharrat said too: “Guyana has one of the

oldest, most diverse, and largest tropical ecosystems worldwide that houses an array of diverse flora and fauna. Our forests are home to more than 9000 species and it is crucial that we preserve such wildlife.”

He added: “Forests in Guyana are also a net carbon sink and have a major role to play in the world to mitigate climate change. They cover nearly 80 per cent of our land and through sustainable forest management, we can ensure they can continue to be home to our rich biodiversity, help us strengthen the economy, and improve people’s livelihoods.

“This deal with the EU will boost the trade in legal timber, which will stimulate the creation of green jobs while protecting the precious environment we have. This bilateral agreement will advance the integrated planning and management of Guyana’s forest sector under the LCDS 2030.”

“This agreement constitutes a significant contribution to the conservation of Guyana’s forests, which is

essential for both protecting the biodiversity and fight against climate change.

Guyana and the Euro-

pean Union already work together very closely, and the Voluntary Partnership Agreement will strengthen

our cooperation and also stimulate good governance and sustainable forest management.” Dusik said.

The European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, and Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, have signed a legally binding trade agreement to promote the sustainable trade of legal timber to the European Union

Bangladesh vs India 1st Test

Bangladesh face mammoth task for victory against India

( ESPNCRICINFO ) -

Shubman Gill scored his first Test hundred , and Cheteshwar Pujara his first in 52 innings and the fastest of his career, as India declared on 258 for 2, setting Bangladesh a target of 513 in the first Test in Chattogram. More realistically , they gave themselves two days and a bit to pick up ten wickets

In response, Bangladesh openers Najmul Hossain Shanto and Zakir Hasan saw off the 12 overs left in the day’s play

This was after Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first Test in 22 months and eighth overall, picked up his third five-wicket haul to skittle out the hosts for 150 in the first innings

Resuming the day on 133 for 8 , Bangladesh could add only 17 more as Kuldeep had Ebadot Hossain caught down the leg side in the fifth over of the day to complete his five-for. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the other overnight batter, then tried to farm the strike even more but was stumped off Axar Patel soon after while going for a big hit That gave India a lead of 254 but they decided against enforcing the follow-on

In the second innings, Khaled Ahmed and Taijul Islam opened the bowling for Bangladesh as Ebadot didn’t step onto the field On Thursday too, after dismissing Shreyas Iyer, he was off the field for the rest of India’s first innings With Shakib Al Hasan also not bowling, probably because of the rib injury he sustained during the ODI series, the hosts were left with just three frontline bowlers

KL Rahul and Gill , though, started slowly, accu-

mulating only 16 runs in the first eight overs Gill upped the scoring rate after lunch but Khaled broke their 70run stand Using the shortball play , he first hurried Rahul and then had him pull one to fine leg for 23 Khaled also hit Pujara on the body twice, but the plan didn’t work against Gill, who took on the short ball and hit the seamer for a four and a six Later, as Khaled seemed to be tiring at the end of his seven-over spell, Pujara too pulled him for four

Against spinners , Gill used the sweep shot to good effect , picking up three boundaries with it He , though, had a scare on 70 when Yasir Ali pinged him on the pads The on -field umpire ignored the vociferous appeal , and when Bangladesh opted to review it, they were told the DRS technology was down

Post tea, Gill and Pujara batted with even more intent Gill moved to 99 with a reverse - swept four off Mehidy and two balls later hit him over mid-on for a one-bounce four to get to his hundred He fell for 110 while attempting another big shot , but Pujara took over after that

Having reached his fifty off 87 deliveries , Pujara took only 43 balls more to get to his hundred On the way , he used his feet against spinners to loft them over mid-off and mid-on, deployed the lap sweep on more than one occasion , and even brought out the reverse sweep as India eyed declaration

From the other end, Virat Kohli almost exclusively dealt in singles . He and Pujara added 75 off 73 balls in an unbroken stand for the fifth wicket, Kohli’s share in that being 19 off 29 balls

A misfield at midon took Pujara to the three-figure mark off 130 balls, and with that, India declared their innings as well.

Cheteshwar Pujara scored his first Test ton since January 2019 • (Associated Press)

FIFA

The 36-year-old,

(BBC) - FIFA is to reconsider the format of the 2026 World Cup in the United States , Mexico and Canada, says president Gianni Infantino

The teams will increase from 32 to 48 for the competition and were set to be divided into 16 groups of three, with the top two progressing to the last 32 Infantino said that would be looked at after the “success” of the fourteam groups at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

“ Here the groups of

last 16

The four - team group format, with the top two going through to the knockout stages, has been used since the men ’ s World Cup expanded to 32 teams in 1998

THE BEST WORLD CUP EVER - INFANTINO

Infantino was speaking at a news conference in Qatar after attending a FIFA council meeting

With the third - place play - off and final to go ,

about football becoming truly global, with an African team (Morocco) reaching the semi-final for the first time

“We also had a woman (Stephanie Frappart) referee a match for the first time

“It has been an incredible success, approaching five billion in terms of viewing figures The fans meeting the Arab world, it has been very important for the future of all of us.”

A number of European nations had planned to

ulations, prohibitions, it is not about prohibiting, it is about respecting regulations,” said Infantino.

“ Everyone is free to express beliefs as long as it is done in a respectful way but when it comes to the field of play , you need to respect and protect football

“ There are 211 football teams , not heads of state, and their fans want to come and enjoy football This is what we are here for I believe we are defending values, defend-

– Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016 – will receive

UK,

Bolt, a 19-time global champion, is best known for setting the world record in the men’s 100m with a time of 9.58 seconds at the Berlin World Championships in 2009, making him the fastest sprinter in history

Four days later at the same event, he also broke the world record for the 200m with a time of 19.19 seconds, beating the previous record he had set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by 0.11 seconds He still holds both the 100m and 200m world records

Bolt officially retired from athletics after the 2017 World Championships in London

Reflecting on how he feels looking back on his 13year professional career, Usain told BBC Sport: “I feel accomplished I’ve accomplished all I wanted to in my sport, so it’s just a great feeling to know that with (the) determination and sacrifice that I put in that I could accomplish what I wanted to I always try to motivate people and say listen, believe in yourself and just go out there and do your best.”

“I’m living proof that if you work hard, you can get anything you want,” he added

-

four have been absolutely incredible,” said Infantino

“ Until the last minute of the last match you would not know who goes through

“ We have to revisit or at least re-discuss the format This is something that will certainly be on the agenda in the next meeting.”

The group stages in Qatar included some exciting final games as countries tried to secure a toptwo place to qualify for the

he said 3.27 million spectators had attended the games compared with an overall 3.3 million at the 2018 World Cup in Russia

“ Thanks to everyone involved , Qatar , all the volunteers to make this the best World Cup ever,” said Infantino.

“ Matches have been played without incidents It has been a very joyful atmosphere

“ There is something happening when we talk

wear a OneLove armband during matches to promote diversity and inclusion but did not do so because of possible sanctions from world football governing body FIFA

Germany manager Hansi Flick said his players covered their mouths during the team photograph before their World Cup opener against Japan “ to convey the message that FIFA is silencing ” teams

“When it comes to reg-

ing human rights, defending rights of everyone in FIFA, in the World Cup

“ But I also believe these fans who come to the stadium and all those billions watching on TV maybe - and we should think about that - they feel everyone has their own problems, they just want to spend 90 minutes without having to think about anything else than just enjoying a little moment of pleasure, joy or emotion.”

Previous

- the - Year

-

(CMC) – Jamaican eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at BBC Sports Personality-of-the-Year ceremony next week.

who is the only athlete to ever win the 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympics

the award at Media City

Salford, on December 21

winners of the BBC Sports Personality

of

Lifetime Achievement award in

clude Billie Jean King, Pelé, Bobby Charlton, Tanni Grey-Thompson, David Beckham, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Chris Hoy and last year’s winner Simone Biles

Usain Bolt

Government will ensure athletes reach ‘greatest potential’ in sport - President Ali

PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali said that his government intends to create an environment that will generate “the best” opportunities for Guyanese athletes to reach their greatest potential . He made the statement during a ceremony for the Vigilance Sports Ground Enhancement Programme, held earlier today in the East Coast of Demerara community.

“I intend to create an environment in which we can achieve our greatest potential in sports and our athletes can be given the best opportunities to create history for themselves and this country We are going to make the investments.”

The President said that this requires not only the government ’ s support but also the private sector’s support

DIRECT SUPPORT FOR ATHLETES

He noted that Government will create an academy for national athletes, where they will have “the right nutrition, the right training facility, the right environment” to take the country forward and give themselves “a great opportunity for the future”.

Also at the event , this morning, were several young athletes from Vigilance and neighbouring communities, including sprinter Ezekiel Newton , who participated in the South American U18 Games in Brazil and won a silver medal.

President Ali told Newton that the government will support him fully in his professional pursuit. “We will ensure that we put the resources, and make resources

available to give you the best possible training and all that you need now to take your career forward because we believe in you.”

The President noted that the government will sit with its partners and the relevant stakeholders to identify the gaps that need to be filled to give athletes the best possible options for their careers

Athletics coaches were also tasked to prepare their athletes in the next four

months to perform for scouts, so they can have the opportunity to “demonstrate that they are capable of being in the best programmes”.

In an effort to ensure that athletes also take advantage of educational opportunities, the Head of State noted that he intends to meet with athletes early next year

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

The government has fo-

CWI names unchanged women squad for remaining England T20Is

ANTIGUA – The Cricket West Indies ( CWI ) Selection Panel today named an unchanged 14 - member squad for the remaining three T20 Internationals against England Women on December 17 , 18 and 22 at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Lead Selector Ann Browne-John said: “The selection panel has decided to stay with an unchanged squad for the remaining three T20Is We were hopeful that some of the injured players would have been available for

selection , but we have been advised that they need more time to recover , keeping in mind that the ICC Women ’ s T20 World Cup in February 2023 remains a focal point

Browne - John added, “The team that have played the first two matches , have shown some improvement and we believe that they have the ability to compete in the remaining matches.”

Tickets for 3Ws Stand behind the wicket are available for just US$15/ BD $ 30 Fans can pur -

chase tickets in advance from the WindiesTicket online service, presented by Mastercard at tickets. windiestickets com , receiving their tickets securely into their online account to save to mobile devices or print out for presentation at the stadium, avoiding the need to queue at or travel to the stadium ticket offices Ticket offices at each venue will be open on the day of each match

Fans can watch all matches live via streamed coverage on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel,

as well as on the ESPN Play app Fans in the UK will be able to view on BT Sport with fans based in the USA able to watch live on ESPN+.

FULL SQUAD: Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle ( vice -captain ), Aaliyah Alleyne , Afy Fletcher , Cherry Ann Fraser , Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond , Chinelle Henry , Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Kycia Knight , Karishma Ramharack, Kaysia Schultz , Rashada Williams.

cused on infrastructural development in sport with the enhancement of a number of community centre grounds

The Vigilance Sports Ground Enhancement Programme included the construction of a new bridge , bleacher, restroom facilities, improved groundwork, renovation works to the building and the instalment of four floodlights for night use . These enhancements were done through collaboration

between the Office of the President, ExxonMobil and Cerulean Incorporated

Meanwhile , President Ali lauded the work of the Buxton Youth Developers group and pledged his support to assist them with their development programmes The President said that the government will provide the group with a computer lab at the facility and will task the Ministry of Education to enrol many of their primary and secondary school students in its recently launched Guyana 150 000 Coders Initiative

To also support the group ’ s “ dynamic work ”, the President pledged to donate $1M by the end of the year to assist with development work and noted that the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil will work directly with the community to build it stronger “We can do this. We can do this if we are together We can do this if we are united , we can do this if we are respectful to each other, we can do this if our ultimate goal is to make Guyana better and that is what we have to keep our eyes on , making Guyana better.”

Chinelle Henry

President Ali (middle) with local athletes

Government will ensure athletes reach ‘greatest potential’ in sport - President Ali

GBBFF meets Sport Minister

THE Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (BBFF) met with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr Charles Ramson Jr, and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Kashif Muhammad, yesterday at the Ministry’s Quamina and Main Street office.

The meeting was organised to formally welcome the Ministry on board for the Seniors Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition (Mr Guyana) 2022, set for the National Cultural Centre on Sunday December 18, 2022.

In addition to the formalities , the bodybuilding federation and its athletes also had fruitful engagements with the Minister and the Chairman of the NSC, Among the talking points were the issue of sponsorship and plans for CAC 2024

The Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation would like to thank the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, for his unwavering support for sports in general and for the sport of Bodybuilding and Fitness specifically

Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation athletes and executives stand with Minister of Sport Charles Ramson

Pesident Ali at the ribbon-cutting event for the Vigilance Sports Ground Enhancement Programme