Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-05-2022

THURSDAY 19th MAY, 2022

No. 106727

Agri-Investment Forum & Expo opens today

All set for opening ceremony at National Cultural Centre (Carl Croker photo)

Linden youth pushes more soil-less farming

SEE PAGE

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Real estate giant, Century 21, launches Guyana operations

SEE PAGE

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US$3M quarry operation ‘on the cards’ for Region 10 SEE PAGE

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See inside

Leaders meet

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022 SEVERAL caribbean leaders are in Guyana for the Agri-Investment Forum & Expo which opens today. Over the last two days, President, Dr Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet members have hosted regional leaders and their delegations in grand style at venues including State House and the Grand Coastal Restaurant. (Photos credited to Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

Real estate giant, Century 21, launches Guyana operations

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... hundreds of jobs expected

By Rabindra Rooplall REAL estate agencies and companies are at the frontline of the investment chain and conduits to business in Guyana, Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, said on Wednesday.

He was at the time speaking at the official launch of Century 21 Guyana, where he emphasised that their interaction with investors can determine whether the business stays or leaves.

Century 21 operates in more than 72 countries, making it one of the largest real estate companies in the world. Its Guyana office is located at 85A Lamaha Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

In his remarks, the minister congratulated the company’s Managing Director Chief Samsair for investing in Guyana and noted that the diaspora is essential in advancing development in the country.

Minister Croal added that Century 21, with its expertise and experience, is wellpositioned to deliver satisfactory service to its clients and assist in the development of the sector.

“Government will ensure that we provide an enabling environment for businesses and we continue to modernise legislation and regulatory frameworks. In fact, we passed the new Condominium Bill recently and this bill is a modern piece of legislation based on the measures we have placed in the bill itself and the requirements, and the

onus we have placed in terms of the governmental level and being bounded by timelines in decision-making,” he said.

He said the bill will usher in newer models of housing solutions for Guyana and the office of the Attorney General will be focusing on real estate legislation that will make space for a more regulated and professional industry.

This will include more residential and commercial real estate, completed by the growth of the corporate environment and the demand for office space as well as urban and semi-urban accommodations, the minister added.

He further said: “The market is flushed with opportunities and with the Century 21 international brand it can only go up from here, and certainly the standard that we expect you to set in terms of the principles that govern the real estate industry.

Even in the absence of [a] draconian regulatory authority, our government stands ready to help investors who are willing to take the risk of new ventures. Here is where the people of Guyana will benefit,” the housing minister told the gathering.

Noting that the government is encouraging investments in a diversified economy, Minister Croal said investors will be looking at the availability of space on the market and that is where the real estate agency comes in.

“Real estate agencies and companies are at the frontline of the investment chain. You

are conduits to business in Guyana and your interaction with investors can determine whether the business will stay here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop said that Century 21 does not aim to replace real estate agents in Guyana. He said all that is being done is that collaboration is being formed with known industries with an aim of modernisation.

Dr. Ramsaroop said Guyana is destined for many new opportunities and Century 21 will offer its expertise in the field to ensure investors and locals benefit.

“The market is changing and we have to change with it…

The President’s vision is studied and if you look at where we will be in 2023, 2024, 2025, and onwards, you can actually join in that development phase and what Century 21 Guyana has done is partnered with a lot of the local real estate agents in collaboration,” he said.

Samsair remarked that Guyana is growing rapidly mainly because of the oil and gas sector which has resulted in more productivity in other sectors.

“Our President has made a call to the diaspora. He wants investments back in the country, so I answered that call as a businessman,” he said.

He explained that the company will be creating hundreds of jobs throughout Guyana.

“Last week we

From left: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop; Managing Director of the Century 21 Guyana franchise, Chief Samsair; Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, and at extreme left, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Paul Cheong after the formal ribbon cutting exercise at the Century 21 Guyana franchise office on Lamaha Street, Georgetown (Adrian Narine photo)

met with the Attorney General and added our voice to the legislation to get real estate streamlined in Guyana… we aim to open as many as 10 to 15 offices throughout Guyana. Century 21 is more of a servicing company that will ben-

efit locals,” he added.

Samsair noted that his real estate passion started 27 years ago and includes buying, selling, and renting commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings in New York.

In addition to being in real estate, he owns

and operates three retail restaurants and one wholesale bakery in New York where he resides.

He is not only the owner of the C21 Master Franchise but has acquired the Best Western Hotel Franchise in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

US$3M quarry operation ‘on the cards’ for Region 10

COGNISANT of the increasing demand for aggregate and the existing limitations regarding local supply of construction materials, Tri-Country Inc. plans to fill the gap with a US$3 million quarry project at Kushekabra Hill, Region 10.

The site for this potential project is located on the left bank of the Demerara River, 20 km north east of Mabura, 75 km from Linden and 175 km from Georgetown. The proposed operation is in proximity of the Linden – Lethem roadway and is well placed to support the construction of the Guyana – Brazil highway and associated development.

“There are no historic or active quarries in the vicinity of this proposed new quarry development,” Tri-Country Inc.

said in a project summary seen by this publication.

The plan, as outlined by the company, is to obtain a quarry license from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to develop a modern, large-scale quarry to meet the existing and projected demand for aggregate.

According to the Institute of Quarrying, this activity involves the process of removing rock, sand, gravel, or other minerals from the ground, to use them to produce materials for construction or other purposes.

Quarrying is any such work on the surface of the earth where minerals are extracted. Quarries are also known by other names around the world, such as, surface mine, pit, and open pit, or open-cast mine.

The institute says that materials produced by quarrying are essential to everyday life, as they provide the construction materials needed to build roads and buildings, deliver vital minerals to agriculture, and support the generation of electricity among other things.

At Kushekabra Hill, the potential for hard rock occurrences, which might become exploitable quarry material, is very good, Tri-Country said.

“The region is part of the Trans-Amazonian Craton and the underlying rocks are collectively known as the Barama – Mazaruni Supergroup (BMS) and the quarry licence, more specifically, lies on the boundary between the younger intrusions within the Bartica - Gneiss Complex and metabasic super crustals

of the BMS,” the company related.

The general area, which stretches across 805 acres of land, is covered by young alluvium, fluviatile materials as well as saprolitic material. The observed outcropping, float rock and the topography are indications of the underlying hard rock, quarriable material.

Based on initial estimates, the output of this quarry is expected to be at least 4,000 tonnes per week of aggregate.

Moving forward, the company intends to be a responsible corporate partner to the Government of Guyana and is currently assembling a team of experienced and professional persons to manage this project.

Speaking about the potential for advancement

in the local quarrying industry, President Ali had said: “Guyana has a huge quarry potential that has been greatly underdeveloped. Our accelerated housing program, massive highways, and community roads to be developed will increase our demand three-fold over the next five years.”

To maximise local benefits, create jobs,

and expand local content through this industry, the government is in the process of issuing new quarrying licenses, to fully satisfy local demand.

Last year, the mining and quarrying sector grew by 36.5 per cent, driven by growth across all industries, namely, oil, gold, bauxite, and other mining and quarrying enterprises.

May 14, 2022

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18/05/22 - 1 6 10 11 12 20 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

Lawyer found guilty of three fraud charges Attorney-at-law, Norman Leroy Lynch

(Barbados Today) – Attorney-at-Law Norman Leroy Lynch has been found guilty of theft and money laundering charges.

The jury returned the verdict, on Tuesday, in the No. 2 Supreme Court, and Justice Randall Worrell remanded him to Dodds

Prison pending sentence.

Ly n c h w a s f o u n d guilty of stealing BD$50,000, belonging to the estate of Arthur O’Neal Thomas, between August 18, 2005 and December 21, 2008.

He was found guilty of stealing BD$407,634, the proceeds of a First Carib-

bean International Bank cheque made payable to Leroy Lynch and belonging to Thomas’ estate, between June 22, 2007 and December 21, 2008.

He was also found guilty of money laundering in the disposal of BD$457,634, being the proceeds of crime, also

between June 22, 2007 and December 21, 2008.

Senior Crown Counsel Olivia Davis and Crown Counsel Romario Straker prosecuted the case.

Lynch was represented by attorneys-at-law, Marlon Gordon, Rico Blackman and Michelle Gibson.

left in the care of the man and his sister, who lived upstairs.

The children were allegedly watching cartoons when the man invited the victim to join him in the toilet.

She complied, and the man raped her before threatening to kill her if she told her mother. The second and third attacks took place almost a week later.

The victim only confessed to what transpired after her mother was discharged from hospital, and her younger sister told her (the mother) she heard the victim “bawling out”, and saw the man assaulting her when she “peeped through” a hole in the toilet door.

In sentencing the man,

Justice Brown-Antoine noted that he’d abused his position of trust.

“There was a breach of trust, and he was responsible for her care.

She was entitled to expect protection, and not to be abused by him,” she said.

Justice Brown-Antoine noted that the attacks would have left the victim and her sister traumatised.

“This has the potential to affect these children for the rest of their lives,” she said.

The man was represented by Josiah Soo Hon, while Giselle Heller-Ferguson and Sophia Sandy-Smith represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Man gets 10 years for raping stepdaughter, 13, while mother was in hospital

(T&T Guardian) - A 36-year-old Tunapuna man has been sentenced to ten years in prison, after admitting to raping his 13-year-old stepdaughter three times while her mother was warded in hospital almost a decade ago.

The man, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of the victim, received the sentence from High Court judge Carla Brown-Antoine yesterday, after pleading guilty to three charges of having sex with a minor under the age of 14.

Brown-Antoine began with a starting point of 15 years in prison, but applied a one-third discount based on the man’s guilty pleas.

The man is expected to be released from prison in two-and-a-half years’ time, as the seven years and six months he spent on remand before he was able to access bail was deducted from his sentence.

In passing the sentence, Justice BrownAntoine stated that the court had to send a message to potential offenders who may be tempted to commit similar acts in the future, as child abuse was far too prevalent in society.

“The court must send a signal, or a warning, to potential offenders.

Do not commit these offences, because the

court will deal with these serious offences in the manner in which they should be dealt with; in a serious way,” BrownAntoine said.

“You would face serious consequences if you participate in the abuse of children,” she added.

According to the facts in the case considered by Justice Brown-Antoine in deciding the appropriate sentence, the attacks on

the child took place at the man’s home in October 2012.

The victim’s mother, who had a child with the man, would take the victim and her three siblings to the man’s house to spend weekends, as he

claimed that he did not see “his baby” as often as he would have liked.

The first attack took place on October 19, when the victim’s mother was hospitalised for a medical condition, and she and her siblings were

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

A Bigger Revenue Stream

DEVELOPMENT is a cumulative process. Every new investment, large or small, adds to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is why any new investment must be welcomed with open arms. The most recent report from the Bank of Guyana (BOG) has indicated that the country’s investment portfolio has increased substantially in the recent past due in large measure to the emerging oil and gas sector. This development has already impacted significantly in terms of enhanced levels of economic growth and job creation.

Only recently, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh disclosed that Guyana will

restart manganese exports after fifty-four years. This development is highly significant and comes at a time when the country is seeking to diversify its economy along more competitive lines while at the same time ensuring that the other sectors such as agriculture, minerals and tourism are not pushed in the background as a result of the booming oil and gas sector.

The recent economic successes in the country, especially in oil and gas have served as an impetus for foreign investment which, as mentioned earlier, has increased substantially over the past few years. This development has resulted in a net surplus of US$1.7 billion in 2021 in the country’s capital

account. That surplus, according to the Bank of Guyana, is due to higher inflows to the private sector in the form of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) of US$4.4 billion as well as the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) allocation of US$ 247.4 from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

All of this is good news.

For one thing, it is indicative of an increase in the cumulative wealth of the country which in effect meant that the country has more money at its disposal to finance the several developmental projects, while at the same time increasing the disposable income of the Guyanese people, especially the more vulnerable segments of the

population. Only recently, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that hinterland households will benefit from a one-off cash grant of $25,000. This is in addition to the several other measures taken by the PPP/C administration to cushion the adverse impact of the recent flood situation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In all of this, the nation’s farmers have not been ignored. The current war in Ukraine has pushed up the cost of agricultural inputs, especially fertiliser, and as a caring administration a sum of one billion dollars has been set aside to provide fertilisers to farmers free of cost. This announcement was made recently by President

Ali, who indicated that the intention of the assistance is to cushion the impact of the rising cost of fertiliser, which is a major component of the cost structure. The idea is to bring down the production cost of agricultural produce which will ultimately pass down to consumers by way of reduced market prices.

As the revenue stream of the government expands, more resources will be available for national development and also to enhance the quality of life of the Guyanese people. Investment in the productive sector is key to realising an enhanced revenue stream. The PPP/C administration must be commended for creating a supportive and enabling

investment climate while at the same time ensuring that the environmental standards are not compromised. Like any investment, there will always be some element of risk but risk-taking is part of the investment culture. In the final analysis, it is the extent to which the benefits and opportunities outweigh the potential for risks that is the decisive factor.

Guyana is already making waves at the regional and international levels as an attractive place for investment. The most recent investments in the mining sector will further buttress and consolidate the multidimensional character of the country’s development along sustainable lines.

Real estate code of ethics a necessity in Guyana

Dear Editor, SOON, Real Estate will be transformed by the advancement of a digital ecosystem inspired by a high combination of construction and service. This will produce and influence change to the current social system. Research Findings from other jurisdictions indicate that the characteristics of Real Estate will be redefined by technological practices, where transformation will increase and lead to increased competition and market separation.

This will be the fourth revolution that will change how things are done by people; that would then re-invent the society’s needs and internal relations.

This will be the advancement of a post-industrial society where consumers will

be bound by a digital technological revolution that will ultimately impact the modernisation and development of the Real Estate industry.

This will quickly emerge as Guyana will leapfrog by adopting the emerging technologies to transition into a future where Real Estate becomes sustainable, resilient, liveable, and affordable. According to Sociologist, Daniel Bell, “post-industrial society is one where knowledge and technology are major social powers and sources of dynamism of societies”. That is, the educated and technical class will dominate with service industries that will contribute more to the economy than manufacturing.

Despite this, the advancement of the Condominium Bill 2022 and current amendments to related legislation,

the Real Estate landscape is primed to rapidly generate economic growth and expansion. Naturally, this must necessitate certified and competent Real Estate professionals (Realtors), that is, registered as members of an association to facilitate Real Estate transaction services.

The proposed legislative framework for the regulation of the Real Estate industry is a judicious move that shall establish a transparent, accountable, and legitimate structure of integrity to the Real Estate industry. This will protect the parties engaged in transactions; and to prevent/ detect illegitimate financing.

What is required is a calibre of Realtors (trained and certified) to operate a standard of practice guided by a professional Code of Ethics,

to the public and among associated agents. Ethics generally refers to customs, values, and best practices a society considers morally upright, where behaviour is measured relative to activities governing professional relationships. It is advocated that a Code of Ethics and standards of practice be instituted and integrated following the enactment of the Real Estate Agents Bill. According to the United States of America’s NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR)- A Code of Ethics ensures consumers are served by requiring that Realtors co-operate with each other in furthering the client’s best interests.

The NAR have established a Code of Ethics that all those involved in the Real Estate industry (Brokers, salespersons, apprais-

ers, counsellors, managers, and other affiliates) have subscribed as members. The Code of Ethics developed by the NAR serves as a platform for a practice that aspires to professional objectives of moral conduct. The NAR have considered the Code of Ethics to be obligations that may be higher than the rule of law, albeit where conflicts exist between the two, the rule of law yields precedence. The NAR Code of Ethics consists of (seventeen) 17 Articles covering various degrees of conduct that feature several best practices; or specific ground rules that hold Realtors in order.

ARTICLES 1-9 (REALTORS HAVE A DUTY TO CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS): to protect their best interests, to disallow misrepresentation or exaggera-

tion and/or withholding facts about a subject property, to co-operate with fellow Realtors unless not in the best interest of a client/customer, to disclose personal interest in a property, not recommending services for any kickbacks, and/ or collecting money under the table, to keep client funds separate from their own; and all documents pertaining to transactions should be presented to the purchaser/vendor in understandable terms.

ARTICLES 10-14 (REALTORS HAVE A DUTY TO THE PUBLIC): to not deny services based on discrimination, to provide clients with competent services only within a Realtors professional range, to refrain from false or misleading advertising, to not break the TURN TO PAGE 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

OP-ED: Ensuring Access to Essential Services for Survivors of Gender Based Violence

By Alison Drayton, Director and Representative, Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean, United Nations Population Fund

A cursory glance at newspaper headlines across the Caribbean paints a grim picture of the impact of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region, particularly violence against women and girls (VAWG): ‘Woman hacked to death at home…’, ‘Cop convicted of raping teenager…,’ ‘Man charged with raping daughter’… ‘St Jamesbased pastor ch arged with the rape of a teenage girl’... ‘Mother, step-father charged with inciting 13 year old daughter to have sex’... These are headlines that appeared in newspapers in Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago recently and there are many other similar media reports all over the Caribbean. Are we prepared to accept this as our legacy?

G B V, i n p a r t i c u l a r VAWG, is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations. GBV refers to any harmful act perpetrated against a person’s will, and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females.

It includes acts that inflict physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty. These acts can occur in public or in private. Recent studies undertaken in Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and

Tobago also estimate a high prevalence in intimate partner violence and child sexual abuse, as well as a significant risk for women and girl survivors being killed by their intimate partners.

While prevention of these crimes lies mainly at the perpetrator’s hands, a number of these incidents (including deaths) can be prevented by service providers, who, with the proper training and resources, will be able to mitigate risks, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. Essential services, such as health service providers are also considered as entry points for survivors of GBV, especially those who are suffering from Intimate Partner Violence and are being isolated from their support networks, or those who are unaware of having been subjected to GBV or don’t know where to find help. These entry points, when properly trained and provided with adequate resources, can become safe havens for survivors, and can ensure their protection and contribute to their empowerment and recovery by effectively linking them to protection services. Additionally, when services such as the police, justice mechanisms, health points and the social protection system work together to ensure that referral pathways are clear and responsive, survivors are better supported to navigate their options, without having to tell their stories to multiple actors and be re-traumatised all over again. When essential services are in place and

follow a set of standards, service providers become more accountable to survivors.

As such, under the EUfunded Spotlight Initiative Regional Programme, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), have established the regional Essential Services Package Community of Practice (ESP CoP), a space that will allow for key regional institutions and National Gender Bureaus across the Caribbean, to establish standards and priorities in ensuring service provision for survivors of GBV is of the highest quality.

What is the Essential Services Package (ESP) for Survivors of GenderBased Violence?

The Essential Services Package (ESP) is a guidance tool for the provision of essential services that will be available to all individuals who have experienced gender-based violence. These services fall under four sectors of work, namely: health services, social services, justice and policing services.

When these services are in place and offered to all survivors and those at risk of experiencing GBV, the consequences of violence on the health, wellbeing, safety and resilience of survivors, can be mitigated, and can essentially save lives. When these services are ensured, survivors can be empowered and better supported in their recovery process, and in some cases they can contribute to breaking the cycle of violence.

How can a Regional Community of Practice

Real estate code of ethics...

FROM PAGE 6 law, and to co-operate with the Realtors Board’s investigation proceedings if charged with a violation.

ARTICLES 15-17 (REALTORS HAVE A DUTY TO FELLOW REALTORS): to desist from false or misleading statements of other Realtors, not to solicit clients that have already signed exclusive listing

agreement(s) with another Realtor, and if contractual disputes occur, it must be mediated or arbitrated by the Board of Realtors.

In Guyana, a Real Estate Code of Ethics is necessary for Realtors to be held accountable, to exercise diligence, honour duties to protect client’s best interest, and to respect all parties involved with credible transac-

tions. This enhanced competency standards will benefit associate member Realtors by disallowing discriminatory housing practices, reduce reckless statements about fellow realtors and with information-sharing and general knowledge involving the Real Estate industry.

Yours sincerely, Alaric Weithers

(CoP) help survivors?

Etienne Wegner, in his seminal work, defines a community of practice as a group of people who share a common concern, a set of problems, or an interest in a topic and who come together to fulfill both individual and group goals. They develop a shared repertoire of resources: experiences, stories, tools, ways of addressing recurring problems—in short, a shared practice.

As the United Nations Sexual and Reproductive Health Agency, it is UNFPA’s responsibility to collaborate with partners and stakeholders, like CARICOM, to ensure that services are carried out in safe, ethical and confidential ways, and in a manner that is nonjudgemental or discriminatory. Essentially, ensuring survivors will not be put in danger. Unfortunately, a lack of co-ordinated services, human resource capacity and general mistrust in our systems results in underreporting, and the burden of care, healing and recovery often lies on the shoulders of the survivor - And this is one of the reasons for this collaborative effort to establish the

ESP CoP. The ESP CoP is cochaired by CARICOM and UNFPA. It is a space for representatives of the health, social services, justice and policing, co-ordination and governance, humanitarian and education sectors at the regional level, including UN agencies overseeing the implementation of the Regional Spotlight Initiative Programme. A space where these regional institutions will sit together with representatives of National Gender Bureaus across all countries and territories of the Caribbean to exchange good practices, adapt global standards and facilitate south-south co-operation in the prevention and response to GBV. In addition, several civil society organisations have also been invited to participate in all relevant events and meetings, so as to ensure a common approach and understanding.

Following a virtual regional inception workshop held at the end of 2021, the first in-person meeting of the ESP CoP will be hosted in Trinidad & Tobago during the 24th and 25th of May, 2022.

Members of the ESP CoP

will embark on a two day working meeting to agree upon the key priorities and action plan for the coming year, based on the finding of a regional ESP Lessons learnt Study, currently being conducted by UNFPA. UNFPA continues to be committed to achieve, by 2030, our three transformative results of zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal death, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices. The ESP COP will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the achievement of the third zero here in the Caribbean and we can rest assured knowing that the success of this community of practice will redound to the benefit of survivors in our region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

‘Wild, unsubstantiated and duplicitous’ - PPP/C labels claims made by Coalition at its press briefing on Tuesday

“WILD, unsubstantiated and duplicitous” is how the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has described claims made by the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) at its press conference on Tuesday.

According to the PPP/C in a statement, the PNC/R has engaged in an obvious ‘about-face’ since the issuance of a joint-statement following a meeting between President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

and Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton.

“In true PNC/APNU/ AFC style, contradictory positions remain char-

the PNC/R moved from claiming that the May 13, 2022 engagement was not in accordance with the requirements of ‘meaning-

ting that the additional information and documents requested were received.

“Mr. Norton was woefully unprepared for the

comprehensive review of what took place in March 2020 before electoral reforms are addressed is nothing but a delay tactic.

the national consultations on proposed amendments that would see electoral reform enacted.

Norton’s duplicity,

‘If supporting schoolchildren across our country with the return of the cash grant is enriching our people, then the PPP will continue to do so. If supporting our people, in every community, during the pandemic with financial assistance, then the PPP will continue to do so.

‘If helping hinterland communities and thousands of Amerindians, who are among the most affected, offset cost of living increases is enriching people, then the PPP will continue to do so. If helping our farmers, during difficult times, is enriching our people, then the PPP will continue to do so’ –PPP/C acteristic of the embattled group. Within an hour of the same activity,

ful consultation’ because necessary material was not handed over, to admit-

meeting, despite being informed of [the] agenda, and despite the fact that his own Coalition was involved in the parliamentary process to arrive at the recommendations for the persons to be appointed to the commissions, for example, the Police Service Commission (PSC).”

And now that additional information has been made available to Norton, the PPP/C is hoping for a speedy conclusion to the process that would allow for the appointment of the important constitutional bodies.

ELECTORAL REFORM As the PPP/C has observed in its statement, “The PNC/R-led APNU+AFC Coalition has failed, over the past six months, to participate in the national process to amend Guyana’s electoral laws, to strengthen the electoral system, and reduce the scope for the mischief that played out at the March 2020 General and Regional Elections (GRE).”

This mischief, it said further, was orchestrated by the PNCR-led Coalition and its elements within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); mischief that reportedly included the signature of Volda Lawrence on the March 5 manipulated declaration by sacked Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

“Firstly,” the PPP/C noted, “the call from the ‘Coalition’ camp for a

Recall that every report from the international Election Observer Missions, including the CARICOM team, detailed what took place at the March 2020 Elections – every Guyanese is aware of what took place during the March 2020 electoral process, civil society is aware, the international community is aware.

“It would seem that the only ignorant party, by their own claim, is the PNCR/APNU/AFC. Secondly, Mr. Norton’s call for national consultations, involving the public, civil society and the parliamentary political parties, is disingenuous, since such consultations on proposed amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA) started in November 2021 and are continuing.

“The PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition is the only party with an interest in keeping our electoral laws vague and ambiguous, hence the delay tactics. Also, in a duplicitous move, the Coalition claims that ‘Time is of the essence,’ and electoral reforms must be addressed to prevent a postponement of Local Government Elections.

However, the only group contributing to a delay is the Coalition.”

Were the increasingly embattled Parliamentary Opposition truly interested in a free, fair and transparent process, the PPP/C said, it would not continue to undermine

the governing political party said, was exposed when he said: “We have listened to civil society, we have had, internally, the preparation of a document… We believe that at the right time, we will engage and ensure we achieve the objectives we set out.”

CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION The PPP/C said PNC/R General-Secretary Geeta Chandan-Edmond, following Norton’s lead, proffered allegations about irregularities in GECOM’s Continuous Registration cycle.

Chandan-Edmond reportedly claimed that persons not eligible to register as voters are being registered. However, the PNC/R did not provide evidence, the PPP/C said. The party further quoted Chandan-Edmond as saying: “I’m not sure if leadership at this time would want to highlight the specifics of these discrepancies, but we are in possession of a very detailed report.”

When repeatedly asked for evidence to substantiate his claims, Mr. Norton said: “I would not say we have actual numbers, because, in these things, you never know.

And even if we had actual numbers, I don’t know what advantage it is to me for us to disclose it at this stage.” Importantly, the PPP/C said, the PNC/R had no problem with the Voters’ List, which was TURN TO PAGE 9

‘Wild, unsubstantiated and...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

FROM PAGE 8 used for the 2015 Elections that resulted in the ‘Coalition’ taking office, but now that it is out of office, the Voters’ List is bloated.

Norton has nothing of substance to address, said the PPP/C, while noting that, instead, he remains predictably committed to one misguided line of messaging, which is that the voters’ list is bloated; discrimination is taking place; and there is a lack of transparency.

The PPP/C, by contrast, said it stands ready and willing to defend its positions and will remain accountable to the Guyanese people.

The PPP/C noted that it will unapologetically continue to implement its manifesto and deliver on the promises made to the Guyanese people.

WILL CONTINUE SUPPORT “Unlike the officials of

the former APNU+AFC Coalition officials who were content on enriching themselves, while in government for five years, the PPP makes no apologies for enriching Guyanese across the length and breadth of this country.

“If supporting school children across our country with the return of the cash grant is enriching our people, then the PPP will continue to do so. If supporting our people, in every community, during the pandemic with financial assistance, then the PPP will continue to do so.

“If helping hinterland communities and thousands of Amerindians, who are among the most affected, offset cost of living increases is enriching people, then the PPP will continue to do so. If helping our farmers, during difficult times, is enriching our people, then the PPP will continue to do so.

“Further, as has been done with other such relief programmes, the Office of the Auditor General is involved to ensure full accountability and transparency. Mr. Norton would do well to substantiate his interest in transparency [and] accountability before giving voice to wild aspersions,” the PPP/C said.

The PPP/C also condemned the continued playing of the race card by the Coalition in the strongest terms.

“The race card has been, and continues to be, the only card that the Parliamentary Opposition has to play, given that it has no track record of progress, and no track record of delivering for Guyanese, on which to stand. Guyanese are urged to be wary of this tactic,” the PPP/C urged.

Second chance at tertiary education for persons who did not complete secondary school The Government of Guyana is offering a second chance to resident Guyanese who have not been able to complete their secondary education under a new initiative titled: Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW). This scholarship programme is being offered to applicants at no cost and will be done under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

This initiative aims to offer Guyanese, 18 years and over, who never had an opportunity to complete their secondary school education or obtained less than five passes in CSEC/ GCE subjects (including Mathematics and English) the opportunity to matriculate to tertiary education.

Applicants can either apply for a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Levels 5 & 6 diploma or a General Education Development (GED) diploma.

The SCQF diploma is a comprehensive preparatory programme to be delivered within a three (3) to six (6) month period targeting applicants who have at least completed Grade nine of their secondary education or sat the CSEC examination but did not obtain pass in 4 subjects.

The students will study seven (7) courses: Communications, Business, Mathematics with Excel,

Behavioural Management, Marketing, Introductory Economics, and International Relations. The Diploma is internationally accredited and is offered by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) in partnership with Jain University, India. The SQA is the national awarding body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation and certification of qualifications.

SQA was established and constituted by the Education (Scotland) Act in 1996. Upon completing the programme, students will be able to enroll in Bachelor’s Degree programmes in Humanities; Commerce; Business and Management; Computer Science and Information Technology at Jain University or any other University accepting SCQF’s qualifications.

Meanwhile, the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma is offered through Texila American University (Guyana) and other partners. It is an intensive three months programme targeting applicants who were unable to write or who did not attain passes in five subjects at the CXC/CSEC level. The GED is equivalent to the United States of America High School Diploma.

Students who choose

the GED Diploma will be exposed to four core areas: Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts. On successful completion of the GED programme, students will be able to matriculate to four (4) year Bachelor’s degree programmes at Texila University, Guyana or any other University that accepts GED qualifications.

All classes will be conducted online during evening hours to accommodate students who work during the daytime while examinations will also be conducted online at the end of the programme.

Interested persons can register on the GOAL website (www.goal.edu.gy) or using the GOAL portal: For the SCQF programme: https://govofguyana.smapply.io/prog/scqf_ registration_form_2022 or For the GED programme: https://govofguyana.smapply.io/prog/ged_ registration_form_2022 To apply, a copy of an applicant’s CSEC results or Secondary School report card is required along with a copy of photo ID. They must also have access to a laptop, tablet computer and the internet.

These programmes fall under the Government of Guyana’s 20,000 Online Scholarship Initiative. (DPI)

The PPP/C has asked Norton to respond to the following questions:

* Why the former Coalition government excluded persons in the Hinterland from its COVID-19 Pandemic Assistance Voucher programme? The report from the Auditor General made clear that not only did the programme see the exclusion of persons in the hinterland regions, but, over 9,000 out of 11,000 qualified applicants did not receive vouchers; of the 11,000 listed as qualified applicants, less than 2,000 applications were listed for verification; and vouchers totalling $56M were not checked before paying supplier. * Why a performance audit into the procurement, storage and distribution of COVID-19 supplies by the former Coalition government, during the period March 2020 to August 2020, found that there was a lack of accountability for the more than 6,000 hampers?

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

Public sector to be boosted with 60 university, GSA graduates Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Public Service Minister Sonia Parag engaging persons who completed their government scholarships

SOME 60 persons who completed programmes at the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) through scholarships from the government, will soon

be able to apply their knowledge in various areas within the public service.

Those persons were engaged on their placements in the public service by Vice-President,

Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag along with technical officers from her ministry, during a recent meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The government has so far made significant investments in the area of tertiary education, with plans to award some 20,000 online scholarships to persons through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). Already, some 6,000 persons have been awarded scholarships through

this initiative.

Additionally, for those persons who cannot get into the programme, there is a three-month course that, once completed, would afford persons entry into either a tertiary-level programme or a specialised technical programme.

This, Vice-President

Jagdeo had said, is all part of a plan to equip Guyanese with the knowledge and technical expertise to meet the skills demand Guyana will need in the near future.

“If we educate our people, whether in oil and gas or another area, they would be able to earn more and we would

equip them to work in any industry,” the VicePresident had said during a recent outreach to Region Six. To achieve this goal, the government will also be transforming the Port Mourant Training Centre into a national institute for oil and gas and hospitality.

Some of the university and GSA graduates who were engaged on their potential placement in the public service by Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Public Service Minister Sonia Parag

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

Maritime women honoured in first-ever global observance “Women are not shackled and they are not property… they have (sic) women that have broken the glass ceilings, and they have (sic) women who will continue to break into that glass.”

Minister Edghill reiterated that government will continue to empower

and support the women of maritime. He further added that women should never feel like they do not belong in a position.

As such, Minister Edghill noted that interventions, at the international level, will ensure that the women in maritime sector

are treated equally.

“Women must never feel that they can’t get the job because it’s a man’s society or it’s a man’s world; that is why we have had all these interventions at the international and global level, to ensure gender equality.

And we want, in the maritime environment, gender equality.”

Meanwhile, Minister within the ministry of public works, Deodat Indar, reiterated government’s continued support for women in the maritime sector.

Gale Culley-Greene receives her token from Ministers Edghill and Indar

By Naomi Parris IN celebration of the first-ever international day for women in maritime around the world, the Ministry of Public Works held a small, but significant ceremony, on Wednesday, at its Wight’s Lane office, to celebrate the hard-working and ingenious women who shape and sustain Guyana’s maritime sector.

32 women in that field were bestowed tokens of appreciation in recognition of their years of service in a largely male-dominated work space.

Marcia Goodluck, an honouree with over 40 years’ experience under her belt, told this newspaper that it felt overwhelmingly good to be seen and appreciated for her contributions to the maritime sector.

Goodluck started her career in the sector as part of the clerical staff in 1981.

Over the years, she moved up the ranks, later holding a senior position in the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD).

Still appreciative, she said the job was not without its challenges, expressing pride in her own work, and the work of other brilliant women in the department that she managed. “ T h e r e w e r e c h a llenges. But with all the challenges, I was able to

overcome them; especially with the Almighty; because without him, you can’t do it by yourself,” she intimated.

Meanwhile, Gale Culley-Greene, current Ships Registrar at the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), said the thought process behind the ceremony was to boost the confidence of the many women who have worked over the years in the sector.

For her, it felt like a special honour to have a day designated for celebrating the women in the maritime sector.

“I feel honoured, and it is excellent that the IMO [International Maritime Organisation], that’s the wider world and Guyana as a whole, is celebrating.

I should commend our ministry; our government in taking the initiative and recognising us as women.”

“This will give us the opportunity to be encouraged and continue to do what we do best,” she added.

Meanwhile, in brief remarks at the ceremony, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, related to the gathering of mostly women that they will be continually recognised, valued and celebrated for their contributions by the government.

“Empowering women is making a difference in our country,” the subject minister for the maritime sector said, adding:

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Women of maritime flanked by Ministers Edghill and Indar for a photo op (Carl Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

Community talks begin on ExxonMobil’s Uaru project

PERSONS from across the country have been invited by ExxonMobil Guyana to learn about its proposed Uaru project

and to put forward questions or concerns that they might have regarding this potential operation in the Stabroek Block, offshore

Guyana.

In order to move forward with plans for Uaru, the company would have to obtain environmental

authorisation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And part of this process involves engaging the public on the

sel (FPSO) for handling and offloading of produced hydrocarbons.

Further, the Uaru project will utilise marine

The time and location of the scheduled meetings project.

The project, according to a summary from ExxonMobil, will be designed to add up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day to existing daily production volumes in Guyana.

Like the other Stabroek Block projects, the Uaru Development Project will involve drilling of production wells; installation, commissioning and operations of subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines (SURF) and a floating production, storage, and offloading ves-

support vessels as well as onshore infrastructure, including, but not limited to, shore bases, warehouses, storage and pipe yards, fabrication facilities, fuel supply facilities and waste management facilities in Guyana.

Such infrastructure will be used to support the drilling, installation, production and decommissioning operations of Uaru project.

The company will drill approximately 40-76 wells offshore to support extraction of the oil from below

the sea floor.

During peak production, approximately every four days, the oil will be pumped from the FPSO to a conventional oil tanker, which is owned/operated by third parties. The tanker will then export the oil to buyers.

“As a result of the intended developmental activities, possible effects on the environment may include impacts to marine water quality, air quality, marine fauna and socio-economic resources, among others.

“In keeping with the Environmental Protection Act, CAP. 20:05, Laws of Guyana, the EPA has determined that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required to be conducted before any decision to approve or reject the proposed project is taken, since this development may significantly impact the environment,” ExxonMobil said in an advertisement published in various newspapers.

As part of this process, members of the public have been invited to make written submissions to the EPA, setting out those questions which they require to be answered or considered in the EIA. Additionally, there will be in-person scoping meetings from May 16 to 27 to provide project information. This exercise commenced at Flavio’s Hall, Santa Rosa, and will be held at various locations across the country over the next few days.

A map showing ExxonMobil’s five discoveries for 2022 and its sanctioned projects in the Stabroek Block (ExxonMobil photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

$104M in equipment, other items lost in fire at Brickdam Police Station charged for the crime.

Minister Benn had announced, in December 2021, that a modern 11-storey police station will be

A section of the police station engulfed in flames (Delano Williams photo) THE October 2021 fire at the Brickdam Police Station destroyed equipment, vehicles and other items totalling some $104.3 million, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn has revealed.

Minister Benn made this disclosure in a written statement that was submitted to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The statement was in response to a question posed

by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Geeta Chandan-Edmond. She had asked the minister to provide

the National Assembly with a detailed breakdown of the equipment, vehicles, documents and other items that were completely or partially destroyed in the fire.

Minister Benn, in his response, provided a detailed breakdown including the unit cost, total cost and quantities of all 79 items that were listed as destroyed as a result of the fire.

The total damages amounted to $104,391,200 with the highest cost being $10.75 million for 43 complete computer sets. However, the document did not

specify the cost of the buildings that were damaged in the fire.

Among the other items destroyed were CCTV systems valued $2.4 million, handcuffs valued $1.56 million, laptop computers amounting to $5 million, body cameras valued $2.5 million and some $7.2 million for copy machines. Also listed as destroyed are 30 air conditioning valued at $9.6 million, 228 office chairs valued $6.48 million, $2.1 million in video surveillance systems and a $4.5 million minibus.

The Brickdam Police Station, which housed the Guyana Police Force’s Regional Division 4 ‘A’ Headquarters, went up in flames on October 2, 2021. More than 80 per cent of the structures in the compound was destroyed.

It was later revealed that the fire, which began in the fraud department which was located on the second floor of the administrative building, was the result of arson. Subsequently, Clarence Greene, 26, who was a prisoner in the lockups at the time of the blaze, was

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constructed at the location.

A $400 million allocation for this project was included in the 2022 National Budget.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

itel invests millions in Guyana contact centre operations

ONE YEAR after acquiring a Guyanese contact centre, itel, the international awardwinning customer experience

provider announced that it had already invested over US$1M in upgrades to the facility, with plans to invest a

total of US$4 million to bring the site to a world-class standard by July 2022.

According to a release, itel’s

Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yoni Epstein, late last year, sat with Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr.

Ashni Singh, to discuss the increasing potential for investment and job creation in Guyana’s Business Process Outsourcing

itel’s CEO, Yoni Epstein (BPO) sector.

With the support of the government behind them, upgrades to itel’s Georgetown facility are well underway with the aim to attract world-class talent and brands that will generate a US$20 million infusion into the local economy.

Since itel’s acquisition of Emerge BPO in 2021, the company has added more than 450 new positions and made significant changes to the facility’s structure and operations, including salary increases, competitive health insurance benefits, and incentive programmes for employees.

Most importantly, itel is investing in building a retention culture by nurturing career development through continuous training, mentorships and new job opportunities that allow employees to explore different career paths, the release said.

Focused on enhancing the employee experience at its Georgetown location, itel will be introducing new upgrades and internal infrastructure improvements that will prepare the team for massive business expansion.

Throughout the summer of 2022, the company expects to hire an additional 500 persons.

“We are investing in our people and investing in creating an inspiring workplace where they can thrive,” said itel’s Founding Chairman and CEO, Yoni Epstein. “We want to dispel the myth that contact centres offer only one path. Our business provides opportunity for career growth with a gateway to many possibilities.” itel’s upgraded facility will feature comfortable furnishings, modern workspaces and vibrant décor that reflect the company’s four core values of quality, integrity, reliability, and family.

“We serve some of the world’s biggest brands and, by bringing the facilities up to the itel standard, we hope to attract the attention of top North American companies eager to keep their business nearshore,” explained Epstein.

“We want to put a spotlight on the immense potential of Guyana’s talented labour pool and the investments in infrastructure that make it an attractive destination for the outsourcing industry,” he added.

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Security guard accused of shooting party-goer remanded

ACCUSED: Kadeem Andrews

A 25-YEAR-OLD security guard was, on Tuesday, charged for allegedly discharging his loaded service weapon at a party-goer at the Eclipse Bar at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Kadeem Andrews of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ali-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court and was remanded to prison.

Andrews was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on May 15, he discharged a loaded weapon at Ricardo Poloram.

He will make his next court appearance on June 17,2022.

According to a police report, on the date in question, Andrews, who is employed with a private security firm, was performing duties at the bar.

At about 02:30 hours, Poloram was drinking with friends when he went outside to urinate.

As he was re-entering the bar, he was confronted by Andrews. An altercation ensued, during which Andrews allegedly pulled out his service weapon and discharged a round towards Poloram.

Poloram received injuries to his neck and fell to the ground.

He was picked up and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital. The area was checked for spent shells but none was found.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

DPP drops racial remarks case against Nirvan Singh THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, has informed Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus that the

private criminal charge instituted against attorney-at-law Nirvan Singh, for allegedly using racial slurs against the Afro-Guy-

anese police constable, Shawnette Bollers, is being discontinued.

The attorney, who is the son of former Chancellor of

the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, appeared in April before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Attorney-at-law Nirvan Singh

He was placed on $100,000 bail and the case adjourned to Wednesday.

It was alleged that he unlawfully excited and or attempted to excite racial hostility or ill-will against Bollers.

Bollers is reported to have been part of the security detail attached to the Singhs’ Middle and Cummings Street, Georgetown residence.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus heard the matter. When the case was called, she informed the court that she received a letter dated April 27, 2022, from the DPP informing her that the charge is discontinued by way of Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The accused was represented by attorneys-at-law George Thomas and Damien Da Silva, while attorney-at-law Eusi Anderson appeared for Bollers.

Bollers recently filed a $150 million lawsuit against him at the High Court.

Man confesses to killing vagrant in 2016

CONFESSED KILLER: Marlon Garrett

AFTER spending the last five years on remand, Marlon Garrett, on Wednesday, confessed to the 2016 fatal stabbing of a vagrant at Bourda Market, Georgetown.

Garrett was indicted for murder, but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, which was accepted by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

He admitted that, on September 11, 2016, at Robb and Bourda streets, he unlawfully killed an unidentified man.

The matter has been adjourned until June 9, for the presentation of a probation report and sentencing.

The State was represented by prosecutors Taneisha Saygon, Abigail Gibbs and Mohammed Ali, while Garrett was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir.

According to reports, Garrett and the vagrant were involved in an argument when he (Garrett) whipped out a knife and stabbed him once to the lower region of his abdomen.

The victim was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC). Garrett was later arrested and charged.

While the deceased is still to be identified by relatives to the police, persons in the market identified him as 34-year-old Omesh Chetram, formerly of Unity, East Coast Demerara.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

First women’s drone unit being created

— monitoring of Region One mangroves among objectives

FOUR women are currently being trained to operate drones in Region One (Barima-Waini) as part of efforts to stop the removal of mangroves in that area.

Shakira Yipsam of Arouka Mouth, Olivia Williams and Mariella Campbell of Imbotero and Evonnedy Wells of Smith Creek, were selected through an internship at the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) by the organisation’s president, Annette Arjoon-Martins.

They are being trained

by Sarah Singh, a drone instructor and final-year marine biology student at the University of Guyana. She was trained to operate a drone by another intern at GMCS along with five other marine biologists/scientists.

Among the six, she was seen to be the most proficient and it was for this reason that she was chosen by Arjoon-Martins to train the four women in Imbetero, a community in the Barima-Mora Passage.

“The Barima-Mora Passage is the largest and most intact mangrove ecosystem in Guyana. It is found in Region One and is made up of four communities. These are Imbetero, Smith Creek, Morawhanna, and Arukamouth,” Singh said.

She added: “This area is made up of a large number of mangroves, mostly the red mangroves and it is biologically diverse with fishes, plants, and animals.”

Singh explained that the red mangroves, which help to prevent erosion -- the washing away of the land -- also helps to provide habitats for small fishes and crabs.

She said that they also provide wood for the people who live in the

village.

“They use the wood to make their houses and to make firewood as well,” she said before noting that from May 9-11, 2022, she and the four women received professional training from GuyDrones on how to operate land aerial vehicles.

“We were trained by Guydrones professionally, but I am training them because I have a better understanding of the drone operations and I have more experience with it,” Singh said.

While the drones are being used for only practice sessions, in the future, mangroves will be monitored because of the persons removing mangroves to clear space.

“They will be used to monitor activities within the mangroves, such as people carrying out illegal activities. They can also be used to take videos and pictures of activities occurring within the villages so that other organisations don’t have to travel there to get those images and videos,” Singh explained.

She noted that the women will also be able to sell their images and videos to earn incomes.

Once they are in possession of video or images of persons involved in the clearing of mangroves, it will be reported either to the village head or the Guyana Forestry Commission for the appropriate action to be taken.

Singh said that the trainees who are “learning fast” are staying at the Imbetero Research Centre.

The trainees said that they are beyond excited to be receiving the training and are happy to be a part of the first women’s drone unit.

From left to right: Olivia Williams, Mariella Campbell, Sarah Singh (the trainer), Shakira Yipsam and Evonnedy Wells

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

Lewis blinder makes KKR pay

(CMC) – West Indies batting star Evin Lewis pulled off a stunning one-handed catch in a nerve-jangling final over as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) eliminated Andre Russell’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from playoff contention, with a tense two-run victory here yesterday.

Needing 211 at the DY Patil Sports Academy to complete the highest-ever run chase in their history, KKR came up just short, ending on 208 for eight off their 20 overs.

They required 21 from the final over and when Rinku Singh (40) smashed a four and a couple of sixes from the first three deliveries before pinching a couple off the fourth, KKR were

in the hunt with just three runs needed from the last two balls.

However, the turning point came when Rinku skied the fifth delivery from seamer Marcus Stoinis (3-23) into the off-side and Lewis darted around from backward point to forward square to snare the catch in a desperate, sprawling dive.

New batter Umesh Yadav then muffed the opportunity to become the hero as he was yorked next ball by Stoinis to leave KKR frustratingly short of their target.

Rinku, who blasted two fours and four sixes in a 15-ball cameo, put on 58 for the seventh wicket with West Indies allrounder Sunil Narine who finished unbeaten on 21 off just

Berbice Women beat Essequibo by 481 runs in 50-over Inter-county BERBICE Women certainly created history as they defeated Essequibo by 481 runs at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, yesterday.

Berbice, who won the T20 tournament, batted first and piled on a massive 519-3 with three batters scoring centuries.

The Ancient County was led by Katana Mentore with 159 (21x4) from 129 balls, Shabika Gajnabi 129 (18x4) from 91 balls, Shanetta Grimmond 101* (11x4) from 66 balls, and Sherica Campbelle with a 30-ball 43* (5x4).

Analeisa D’Aguiar took 2-114 from 9.4 overs and Kumarie Persaud 1-81 as extra accounted for 86.

Essequibo in response were bowled for 38 from 17.3 overs as Gajnabi took 3-2 from three overs while Campbelle (2-9), Erva Giddings (2-15), Grimmond (1-1), and Ashmini Munisar (1-2) also got into the act.

Varuni Pitamber and Rhonda Jones each got eight. No batter reached double figures.

The action continues today at Providence with Demerara facing a Select XI from 09:00hrs Guyana is preparing to host the Regional women’s tournament in early June.

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seven balls with three sixes.

The pair pulled a floundering run chase around from 150 for six in the 17th over and took KKR to the brink of victory.

Earlier, South African Quinton de Kock belted an astonishing unbeaten 140 off 70 deliveries, dominating an opening stand with captain KL Rahul (68 not out) as LSG stormed to 210 without loss off their 20 overs.

The left-handed de Kock counted 10 fours and 10 sixes while Rahul hit three fours and four sixes in a 51-ball knock.

Narine finished wicket-less from four overs of off-spin which cost 27 runs while medium-fast Russell sent down three overs for 45 runs also without success.

In reply, KKR found themselves

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday May 19, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Manvinder Bisla (KKR) (2) Sunil Narine (KKR) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs in IPL 2012?

(2) Who struck the highest individual score in IPL 2012?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS Race 7 Charming Way Race 8 Mr D’angelo

English Racing Tips Market Rasen 08:35 hrs Lightning Attack 09:10 hrs Let Me Be 09:40 hrs Diligent 10:10 hrs Avoid De Master 10:40 hrs Wake Up Early 11:15 hrs Ingennio Chelmsford City 11:55 hrs Monsieur Fantaisie 12:30 hrs Light Up Our Stars 13:05 hrs Enzos Angel

slumping at nine for two in the third over before Shreyas Iyer (50) put on 56 for the third wicket with Nitish Rana (42) and a further 66 for the fourth with Englishman Sam Billings (36).

When Billings perished in the 16th over, KKR were still only 142 for five and Russell’s demise in the next over – holing out to long-off off left-arm seamer Mohsin Khan (3-20) – further hurt their chances.

KKR finished their complement of 14 matches in sixth place on 12 points while LSG took sole possession of second place on 18 points, two behind leaders Gujarat Titans who have one game remaining.

Chanderpaul unbeaten on 64, Imlach hits 53 as Eagles reach 219-4

13:35 hrs Greatgandian 14:05 hrs Spirit Mixer 14:35 hrs Surrey Princess 15:10 hrs You’re Cool Sandown 12:40 hrs Chasseral 13:15 hrs Deciduous 13:45 hrs Brayden Star 14:15 hrs Reach For The Moon 15:45 hrs Francesco Clemente 16:20 hrs Professional Widow Irish Racing Tips Tipperary

12:20 hrs Must Meet Cecil 12:55 hrs Happy Company 13:25 hrs La Prima Donna 13:55 hrs Drumbear 14:25 hrs Sammy Smart 14:55 hrs Allbetsoff 15:25 hrs Rath Gaul Boy South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:40 hrs Super Agra 09:15 hrs Val D’orcia 09:45 hrs About To Storm 10:15 hrs Imposing Angel

Tevin Imlach made 53 Guyana’s four-day opener, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, batted the entire day to be unbeaten on 64, as Guyana Harpy Eagles reached close of play on day one against Barbados Pride on 214-4 at the Queen’s Park Oval, in Trinidad and Tobago.

Chanderpaul scored his 11th first-class half-century and has thus far faced 259 balls, and struck six fours in the marathon innings.

He shared vital stands of 94 for the second with Tevin Imlach, who in his third first-class match, got his maiden half-century with a fighting knock of 53 after Eagles were 20-1.

Imlach, who had chances on seven and 38, faced 147 balls for his vital score in which he struck seven fours.

Leon Johnson, who gave a chance just before lunch, kept on the positive side until his opposite number, Kraigg Brathwaite induced him into a false shot to cover. He fell for 37 (6x4) from 77 balls after a 58-run stand with Chanderpaul.

Chandrapaul Hemraj who was dropped on 18, added one more before he went in a short but shot-filled innings.

Debutant Akeem Jordan has taken 2-50, Raymon Reifer 1-17 and Kraigg Brathwaite 1-19 .

Earlier, Vishaul Singh was left out due to illness and pacer Demetri Cameron made his debut.

In the other matches: At Tarouba: Windward Volcanoes 137 (Keron Cottoy 50; Kaveem Hodge 23; Marquino Mindley 5-20, Nicholson Gordon 4-43) l Jamaica in reply are 118-4 (John Campbell 48, Leroy Lugg 36, Jermaine Blackwood 26; Preston McSween 2-38, Josh Thomas 1-16) trailing by 19 runs At Diego Martin: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 308-7 (Kieran Powell 139, Amir Jangoo 58, Kacey Carty 31; Jayden Seales 2-35)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

BCB/Shimron & Nirvani Hetmyer Cricket Development Trust Fund Thirty UCCA clubs receive cricket balls

THIRTY cricket clubs that are members of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association last Sunday received a box of red cricket balls from the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) under the BCB/Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer Cricket Development Trust Fund.

The presentation was done at the No. 72 Cut and Load cricket ground by BCB president Hilbert Foster and UCCA president Dennis D’Andrade along with other executives of BCB and UCCA. Foster, who has indicated that he plans to step down on July 31 this year to concentrate on his duties at the RHTYSC,MS, stated that the trust fund is being sponsored by West Indies batting star Shimron Hetmyer and his wife Nirvani.

The couple first invested into the fund in 2021 and earlier this year contacted Foster, with whom they enjoy a close friendship, to inform him that they would not only renew their support but increase the sponsorship from $1M to $1.5M for this year.

The generous couple also stated that their support to the fund would continue only as long as Foster remains as president, as they have full confidence in his leadership and vision for Berbice cricket.

This year the fund would invest $!M in cricket balls for clubs, $200 000 in educational grants and $300 000 in a one-

Representatives of the 30 clubs pose with their box of cricket balls after the presentation day grassroots tournament and cricket uniforms, water pitchers, a female three-team tournament. trophies, medals, raincoats and a Foster urged the clubs to pitch covers among other things.

UCCA president Dennis Da use the balls for the intended purpose and also to support Andrade stated that when FosHetmyer in his cricketing career. ter became president in 2018, He stated that he was very cricket in the area was in total impressed with the current state decline and in just six months of cricket in the Upper Coren- he was able to spearhead a total tyne area and the dedication that restoration and today, the game is at its highest level. all the clubs were showing.

He stated that the BCB presThis year BCB and UCCA have already completed the ident has visited the area 110 Vilatily Inc. 20/20 tournament times since his election in 2018 while the Vishu Superstore 40 and is always available to offer overs round-robin is currently assistance, advice and resolve being played and another 20/20 conflicts.

Da Andrade stated that Fostournament would start later in ter was by far, the best leader the year.

Clubs in the area under Fos- that the county has ever had in ter’s leadership have received cricket and Berbice could not balls for five successive years afford to lose his leadership at and have also benefited from this crucial state.

The veteran cricket admindonations of cricket gear, scorebooks, bicycles, educational ma- istrator noted that like the exterials, stumps, catching cribs, ecutives of the BCB, the UCCA

would also like to make it quite clear that it rejects the planned resignation of Foster and would like to urge him to reconsider his plans for the future.

Representatives of the different clubs also shared the same views, with one even telling Foster that they would be very disappointed with him if he walks away from them.

Another delegate stated that Foster was the only hope that youths have in cricket and because of him, they believe they have the best shot at fulfilling their cricketing dreams.

All the clubs at the fully attended meeting voted to support a motion moved by the UCCA president to reject the resignation and to express confidence in Foster.

The BCB president listened to the pleas of the clubs and while not making any announcement to them, stated that he was happy that they have confidence in his administrative leadership.

He also stated that Berbice cricket would be in safe hands once everyone on board develops a culture of hard work, dedication and looks after the interest of the youths and the game. He warned that personal ambition must never get in the way of the game.

Distribution of the balls would continue this Sunday to 14 clubs in the West Berbice area.

Ex-Athletes Association to host Independence road races

THE Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends Inc. will host its seventh Independence road races event on Sunday, with several attractive prizes up for grabs for the participants.

Thus far, close to 150 persons have registered for the onemile, 5k, and 10k races, and all races will conclude at Eve Leary Sports Club The one mile is for Under-9 and Under-12 athletes, and prizes will be given to finishers from first to 12th in any junior race, according to Burgette Williams-Forde, president of the Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends Inc. Bicycles and tablets will be provided for the overall junior male and female athletes

From left: Deborah Quamina, Mark Bradford, Burgette Williams-Forde, president of the Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends Inc., and Athletics Association of Guyana president, Aubrey Hutson, at the event on Tuesday at the National Racquet Centre

while for the senior athletes, the first overall prize for the male would be a 43-inch flat-screen television plus $55 000 and the female would collect a 40-inch TV along with $55 000.

President of Athletics Guyana, Aubrey Hutson indicated, “I think, together, we were able to put together what we deemed to be a very great race, come Sunday. We know we have the experience. Please encourage the fans and athletes, somebody, to come out and witness a properlyorganised and executed event.”

Additionally, the group will be offering support to the Guyana Veterans Association where they will be donating medical supplies.

GGF make history at CSEC thanks to education sector … 114 students take up PE Golf

THE Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, Guyana Golf Federation (GGF) and Nexgen Golf Academy combined forces in 2021 and history was made this year as students from President’s College, Anna Regina Multilateral, Rosignol, Friendship, and Wisburg Secondary schools elected to take Golf as their Physical Education elective.

Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary, having placed second in the National Golf School competition in 2021, held true to their promise to become the number one golf school in the country.

ARMS led the nation in CSEC Golf with 51 students opting for

Students and teachers at the GGF Academy during their recent CSEC PE Exams

golf with Rosignol Secondary second with 38.

ARMS is also the first school that has fully adopted golf into its teaching curriculum with over 1 000 students actively involved in learning the sport. According to PE teachers Amitabh Bisnauth, Noval Hastings, Gary Williams and Shurman Bristol, “Our learners have taken a strong g liking to golf in a way that we have never seen a sport catch on. All we need now is more equipment and we will dominate the country.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Rosignol’s PE teacher Kevon Jawahir, “The entire class wanted to do golf and we travelled several times to the Nexgen Golf Academy to practise. All my students were hooked on the game after the first session with Mr Hussain.”

Golf has traditionally not been a popular sport among the general public because it was viewed as an ‘elite’ sport with high fees and the need to join a private club to play.

This all changed when Aleem Hussain, president of GGF and Nexgen Golf Academy, at the urging of Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson in 2020, created a programme in conjunction with the MoE Allied Arts Unit to allow access to the sport by anyone who had an interest.

The programme, which came at an opportune time as virtually all sports were shut down due to COVID-19, was quickly adopted

by Ms Barker-King, head of the MoE Allied Arts Unit and became one of the fastest growing sports with secondary schools in all but three regions now active in teaching golf to its 11th and 12th Grade learners.

The model public/private partnership saw Nexgen Golf Academy provide training, equipment and facilities and the MoE provide PE Teachers and resources for the ‘Train the Trainer’ programme which allowed the sport to reach into 102 secondary schools in just 15 months.

“It’s a great relationship that draws on the strength of each other, the equipment and knowledge provided by Mr Hussain and the Human Resources to develop the sport provided by The Ministry of Education,” said Ms Barker-King, head of the Allied Arts Unit.

“We expect that golf will be introduced to our primary school learners in July and expanded to Grades 7-12 in the secondary schools.” she further explained.

Once these plans are realised, it would place golf as one of the most involved sports with over 35 000 learners having access to the sport and the demand for golf-friendly playgrounds across the country will increase drastically The Guyana Government, through the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, has demonstrated its commitment to the development of sports in the country and plans are in place for the inclusion of a golf course in the Silica City project.

Hussain explained, “The scaled version of a golf course that I designed on West Coast is a model that can be used to fulfil the need, since it only utilises 10 acres of land, reduces maintenance and membership costs and can be located closer to populated areas. This is the next step that must be taken around the country as we build towards a national and Olympic team.” Hussain ended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, May 19, 2022

Lewis blinder makes KKR pay Story on page 26

Evin Lewis clung one-handed, under pressure, to grab what is, possibly, the catch of the tournament

Berbice Women beat Essequibo by 481 runs in 50-over Inter-county

Story on page 26 All-rounder Shabika Gajnabi collects her player-of-the-match award from National selector, Peter Persaud

Chanderpaul unbeaten on 64, Imlach hits 53 as Eagles reach 219-4

Tagenarine Chanderpaul is unbeaten on 64

Story on page 26

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022