Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-05-2022

saturday 21st may, 2022

No.106729

US$7.5B in private sector investment needed –– for CARICOM to achieve its '25 by 25' goal, says VP Jagdeo

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Tourism, agriculture, energy, air transportation

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at State House on Friday (Office of the President photo)

–– among areas of economic co-operation covered in MoU signed by Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda The governments of Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, providing for economic cooperation in eight areas, including tourism, financial services, agriculture, air transportation and energy.

The memorandum was signed at State House in Georgetown by President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne.

The two leaders observed that the memorandum was another step in the many collaborative efforts in which Antigua and

Barbuda and Guyana have been involved since the governments of the two countries, along with Barbados, launched the Caribbean Free Trade Agreement at Dickenson Bay in Antigua in 1965.

Recalling that Antigua and Barbuda has been home to a significant number of the Guyanese diaspora for decades, President Ali remarked that there was every basis for the strengthening of economic relations between the two countries, bringing benefits to their people.

“This agreement will open opportunities

for the private sectors of both countries, in several sectors, including tourism, in which Antigua and Barbuda is regarded as a world leader,” Prime Minister Browne said. He added that financial institutions will also be able to cooperate in expanding the range of services offered to their clients.

On regional air transportation, President Ali noted that transportation was identified

by CARICOM Heads of Government who attended the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo in Guyana this week as “an important factor in achieving food security in the Ca-

ribbean”.

“Therefore, we will closely examine the possibility of collaborating with Antigua and Barbuda in the provision of air transportation as an important element in moving produce from Guyana to other parts of the region,” said President Ali. The two leaders will establish a Working Group by June 7, with a mandate to examine and make recommendations on ways to implement the areas of cooperation, as early as possible. (Office of the President)

Contract signed, sod turned to upgrade US$190M Linden to Mabura Road

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday may 21, 2022

Contract signed, sod turned to upgrade US$190M Linden to Mabura Road

By Shamar Meusa

THE Ministry of Public Works on Friday signed a contract which will see upgrading works on the Linden to Mabura Hill Road commencing soon.

At the signing and sod-turning ceremony held at Wisroc Junction, Linden, Region 10, Minister within

the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, said the first phase of this project stretches some 121 kilometres and will see a two-lane highway costing around US$190 million being constructed.

Giving specifics, he stated that the width of each lane is expected to be some 3.6 metres, giving a total of around 7.2 metres of driving

surface with hard shoulders, shared cyclists and pedestrian lanes, a utility corridor and approximately 10 bus stops placed along the stretch.

The project was conceived under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration, noted Minister Indar. It was however stalled for a number of years as partners were not in agreement

Officials just after they turned the sod at “Mile 0,” which is the point for the commencement of road works. In photo are Ministry of Public Works Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud (first from left); Director of Go-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop (third from left); Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (fourth from left); British High Commissioner, Jane Miller (fifth from left); Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill (sixth from left) and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (fourth from right). Also in photo are Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindel (third from left) and officials of Quieroz Galvao (beside Arrindel) (Delano Williams photo)

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud, along with a representative of the Quieroz Galvao, sign the contract for the upgrade of the Linden to Mabura Hill Road in the presence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill (standing second from left); Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (fourth from left); Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (second from right); and Director of Go-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop (first from right) (Delano Williams photo)

with the design of the road, along with the cost attached to the design.

But under the leadership of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, an agreement was reached.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill told those gathered that he was extremely happy to be present at the contract-signing to begin the execution of what he said can be called one of Guyana’s most im-

portant projects.

The government was hoping to sign the contract earlier but was unable to do so because of various constraints.

The upgrades when completed will bring substantial economic benefits to Linden and in turn will see an access path or direct link from Linden to Lethem across the Takutu Bridge and further access to Brazil, said Minister Edghill.

“Development is going to start happening along the road, because people will be able to get access to their homes, into the township, supplies services, hospitals… so housing and other development will take place along the road,” he said.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who also spoke at the event, pointed out that the Linden to Mabura Road was part of a larger more integrated plan of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government which was long in the making and which comprises several transformational projects.

He noted that another plan of government is to significant-

ly transform the country’s electricity-generation capacity. The minister emphasised that in order to allow for further economic progress, government’s new gas-toshore project will see another 250 megawatts of gas-powered energy generated at the Wales Development Authority and posited that government is also working on other projects that should see ‘an additional 100 megawatts of power comprising various installations, 30 megawatts of solar power and multiple mini-hydros and mini solar installations with a view to installing at least 500 megawatts of new power-generating capability within the next five years.

The contract was awarded to Brazilian industrial company, Quieroz Galvao. The contract was signed by representatives of the company and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Vladim Persaud in the presence of scores of Lindeners who were enthusiastic about the beginning of the transformational project.

This plaque was unveiled after the sod-turning exercise to mark the “Mile 0”, point which is the spot where the road upgrades will commence (Delano Williams photo)

guyana CHRONICLE saturday may 21, 2022

US$7.5B in private sector investments needed

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–– for CARICOM to achieve its ‘25 by 25’ goal, says VP Jagdeo

WITH an estimated US$7.5 billion in private sector investments needed for CARICOM to achieve its “25 by 25” goal, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is urging member states to take a hands-on approach to achieve the regional target.

Vice-President, Dr. Jagdeo issued the call while delivering a presentation on “Addressing Key binding constraints to agriculture growth” on Friday, at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Dr Jagdeo stressed that strong commitment is needed from heads of government to ensure more attention and commitment is given to increasing fiscal support in the area of agriculture and addressing trade barriers in the region.

“When we leave here we have to leave here with firm agreements of addressing trade barriers that are there.

We have to tackle this as a priority. This requires heavy lifting,” Dr. Jagdeo emphasised.

Several heads of CARICOM are currently in Guyana attending the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo and they have affirmed their support for “25 by 25” goal, which seeks to reduce the

by 25 goal at the political level.

“It needs intervention from the presidents or the Office of the Prime Ministers of [each individual nation] because they’re so many cross-cutting issues that need to be addressed, that would need heavy intervention on

the part of the head of government,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

In addition, he said governments need to start working with their people on the ground to develop their agriculture sectors.

“I’ve seen President Ali go down on the ground, talking to the smallest farmers. You have to be that engaged if you want this to matter. You have to really understand what it takes and only then can you respond to the problems of people,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Notwithstanding the huge investment needed, the Vice-President pointed out that there is some amount of increase in production that could take place even without the need for further investment, given that many existing producers are not operating at the full capacity.

Dr Jagdeo also noted that no sustainable agriculture strategy could be pursued or developed unless it is closely linked to a national water strategy and national climate strategy.

“They are all interlinked. Climate change is not just a threat to the way of life, a lot of the agriculture we do now we may not be able to pursue unless we have a national adaptation strategy,” said Dr. Jagdeo.

Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chambers President Manniram Prashad with the students who received certificates

cial Analyst, who gave an overview of the oil-and-gas sector from an economic point of view.

In addition to the three schools, the chamber has also completed training for Annandale Secondary, Apex Education, Christ Church Secondary, Bishop’s High School, St John’s College, St Stanislaus College, St Joseph High, Brickdam Secondary, North Georgetown Secondary, St George’s High, Charlestown Secondary, Cummings Lodge Secondary, Tutorial High, Kingston Secondary and West Ruimveldt Secondary school.

This training programme for secondary school students is being sponsored by GTT.

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo examines a fruit at one of the booths at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo (Photo credit: Vice President’s facebook page) extra-regional food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

CARICOM member states have agreed that much unity, political will and heavy investments are needed to achieve the goal of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Dr. Jagdeo said more than

just talk is needed, he said member states need to ramp up investments in their agriculture sectors.

“If you look at the budget dedicated to agriculture in many countries, they’re very small and dwindling,” Dr. Jagdeo noted while pointing out that the region may not

be able to address all of the issues within three years given how far away it is from addressing many of the constraints impeding on the 25 by 25 goal.

He also called for respective nations to establish a “champion” that will drive the operationalisation of 25

Secondary school students briefed on O&G sector STUDENTS of Houston Secondary, New Central High and East Ruimveldt Secondary received certificates of attendance from Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chambers President, Manniram Prashad, after a training seminar that was held on Friday.

According to a release, during the session the students were addressed by Kalima Ali, Senior International Assistance Officer, Global Affairs Canada, who gave a motivational pep talk; Alex Francis, Senior Supervisor at the Guyana Shore Base Inc., who gave an insight into how the shore base operates and list a few of the potential job opportunities that exist in the sector and Joel Bhagwandin, Finan-

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday may 21, 2022

8,000 acres of fertile land in Pomeroon-Akawini opened for ‘green investments’

THE Pomeroon-Akawini Land Development Project — comprising 8,000 acres of flat, fertile land in Region Two — is ready for key investments in the agriculture sector in keeping with the nation’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and to promote modern methods and technologies that can adapt to changing climate and economic conditions.

“The land is ideal for agricultural development because it is flat and arable with ample rainfall and sunshine.

Also, it is situated between the Akawani and Pomeroon rivers, which means there is all-year access to abundant freshwater resources… and the flatness of the surface is great for the installation and maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems,” said Guyanese industrialist, Ivor Allen, speaking on behalf of his company Alki Investment Inc., which is coordinating investments at the site and providing start-up support to international investors.

Alki Investment is ready

for an investment partner to forge a collaboration that drives the critical investments needed for large-scale agriculture development.

As such, the company is participating in the Ministry of Agriculture’s inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo highlighting the Pomeroon-Akawini site’s advantages that would be of interest to investors.

The features the company is showcasing at the exhibition are: a tropical climate and hospitable topography; flat land with delicate-but-firm seedbed fertility; ample freshwater and sunlight; excellent drainage and irrigation; good water-holding capacity; easy access to transportation routes; proximity to local, regional and international markets and a readily-available workforce.

The project is a conceptual idea in unison with the Guyana Government’s initiative to promote large-scale development in close alignment with the LCDS, which is focused on diversifying the productive sectors of the

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Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo greets a representative of the Alki Investment Inc booth at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre economy and encouraging investments in environmentally-sustainable projects.

As such, the company expects the project to strengthen the entire rural economy via the productive transformation of the hinterland, which will bring massive poverty-reduction and community-enhancement benefits in keeping with the goals of the Government of Guyana.

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ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES According to a release, the land-development approach adopted by Alki Investment Inc. is to prioritise investments that will trigger economic opportunities for Guyanese, and increase the competitiveness, inclusiveness and sustainability of local value chains.

The company said it will also seek investments that propel improvements in pro-

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duction, processing, storage, quality-enhancing technologies, as well as those that mitigate risks resulting from climate change. Significantly, the project also has enormous capacity to generate important training and technical assistance for residents of Essequibo in vital areas such as natural resources management, water, soil, renewable energy and agro-diversity.

In particular, Alki Investment Inc. is seeking to coordinate investments that comply with the LCDS approach, in keeping with the unique economic advantages of the site. This includes promotion of investments in non-traditional crops, adoption of climate-resilient measures, the introduction of drought-tolerant and climate-resilient crop varieties, and the introduction of climate-proof agricultural technologies, with improvements in productivity, sustainability and quality in mind. Most importantly, the project will pave the way for replication in other hinterland areas with similar conditions and advantages.

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In order to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of land development arrangements and activities at the site, Alki Investment Inc. has taken the initiative to assist both on-board and prospective investors with setting up the necessary engagements with government agencies and local authorities.

“The site’s unique mix of advantages offers once-in-alifetime investment opportunities in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock rearing, agro-processing and packaging, and all sorts of spin-off ventures… the land is close to land and river transport routes, which facilitates the movement of inputs and produce to local, regional and international markets, and there is readily-available workforce in nearby communities,” Allen asserted.

The industrialist emphasised that these benefits underscore the excellent opportunities the location offers for modern, hightech agricultural projects and other ventures, the release noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

GNBS launches metrology online portal

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), on Friday, launched its $12.5 million digital online Metrology (Measurement) Portal to facilitate easier access of information to stakeholders, while providing an environmentally-friendly paper-free approach.

The launch, which was held at GNBS Head Office, Sophia, Georgetown, coincides with World Metrology Day, celebrated under the theme “Metrology in the Digital Era”.

The Head of the Legal Metrology Department at GNBS, Shailendra Rai, during the launch, explained that the main objective of developing the portal was to transform the operations of his department, along with

Head of the Legal Metrology Department at GNBS, Shailendra Rai (Carl Croker photos)

CEO of New Technologies Inc, Arun Mangar

the operational efficiency of the departments in the provision of verification and calibration services, while also improving the interaction

Rai said.

He highlighted that, with the previous paper-based system, GNBS inspectors would have a hardcopy form to

Rai said that the new system makes provision for the acquisition of more detailed information, which will be critical for the Bureau in any provision of verification and calibration services.

It also allows GNBS inspectors to schedule verification inspections with customers to reduce turnaround time while providing for more effective planning and organising.

“Inspectors are now programmed in advance, as soon as the client calls and make a request… We prepare, we input that information, then we assign the inspector to the task and the inspector immediately receives an email saying that they would have been assigned for this particular task,” Rai said.

A snapshot of the Metrology (Measurement) Portal on the Guyana National Bureau of Standards website

the Industrial Metrology and Testing Department, from a paper-based system to a fully digital system.

The portal was developed by local tech company ‘New Technologies Inc’ and carries a budgeted cost of $12.5M. According to Rai, the portal, which can be found on their website at https:// gnbsguy.com, would increase

between the GNBS and its customers.

“When I speak about operational efficiency, I’m referring to the ease of executing certain critical activities within the department in a timely and effective manner.

Some of these activities are receiving consumers’ requests for the provision of verification or calibration services,”

collect information; however, with the new system, they can now input information directly to the portal while out in the field doing inspections.

Against this backdrop,

The information goes through three steps of approval from the senior inspector, the head of the department who gives authorisation, and the director who gives the

final decision.

Rai explained to the gathering that, while in the field, inspectors are given handheld devices to complete their checklist electronically and the information is uploaded to the portal immediately.

The senior inspector in the office, who is monitoring the portal, would then examine the checklists and decide if to pass or fail that instrument.

The information would then go to the head of the department, who would give authorisation and then the director, who would subsequently approve.

He stated that such was done in keeping with the international accreditation requirements. The Bureau is an ISO 9001 accredited organisation.

Another feature of the portal will also allow for the immediate preparation of customers’ invoices which can also be sent via email for a paperless trail. Also, it allows for a quicker preparation of the customer’s certificate.

The portal’s website also facilitates customer complaint submissions and service requests to provide real-time information on verification activities and devices, as required.

Another hallmark of the portal, according to Rai, would be the provision of traceability, and timely reporting for verification ac-

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tivities.

While delivering remarks, CEO of New Technologies Inc., Arun Mangar, said that, with the use of a hosted database, the GNBS inspectors can be mobile, visit clients and perform tasks outside of the office with the use of handheld devices that will input information in real-time.

“Engagements led to the development of a database which caters for clients’ inventory, various different checklists and forms, the production of invoices, the entire approval process being done in a step by step organised digitised manner,” he said.

He further explained that, with Guyana’s emerging oil economy, this type of activity will bode well for future operations and the future expansion of GNBS. The metrology portal will be implemented at GNBS head office and all of its branch offices in the various regions across Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Rebranding agriculture

T H E farm has long been negatively viewed as a place for back-breaking labour, an image running antithetical to the ambitions of many young people who imagined less laborious working lives than the recorded history of their enslaved and indentured ancestors. Young people ran away from working the soil because it lacked prestige for many of them.

However, the barrier to young people’s entry into agriculture is not bound to negative perceptions alone.

Recognising access to knowledge, land, finance, green jobs, markets and policy dialogue as some

of the constraints faced by young people then, some of which may still be relevant now, the United Nation’s agriculture agency, FAO, said in a 2014 report: “In developing countries in particular, facilitating the youth cohort’s participation in agriculture has the potential to drive widespread rural poverty reduction among youths and adults alike.

“While these challenges are complex and interwoven, a number of key conclusions can be drawn from the case studies: ensuring that youth have access to the right information is crucial; integrated training approaches are required so that youth may re-

spond to the needs of a more modern agricultural sector; modern information and communications technologies offer great potential; there is a distinct need to organise and bring youth together to improve their capacities for collective action; youth-specific projects and programmes can be effective in providing youth with the extra push needed to enter the agricultural sector, and a coherent and integrated response is needed from policymakers and development practitioners alike to ensure that the core challenges faced by youth are effectively addressed.”

During the opening ceremony of Guyana’s

Actions taken to bring relief to ordinary Guyanese should be commended Dear Editor, THERE is no doubt that the rise in the cost of living is affecting all our Guyanese people.

The government’s announcement of a number of interventions such as the $25,000 cash grant for households in riverine and hinterland communities is a welcome move.

News reports quoted the President as saying that some $800M will be put into households in communities across the country. This is quite a significant figure and must be lauded.

Secondly, the farming community suffered a triple

whammy. Farmers had to contend with the effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, then the massive flooding which destroyed crops and livestock, and to make things worse they had to deal with the effects of a steep rise in the price of fuel, which sent up transportation and fertiliser costs. This rise was undoubtedly transmitted to consumers as prices for vegetables, other farm produce, and meat went up significantly. The announcement by the President that the government will purchase $1B worth of fertilisers which will be distributed to all farmers for free is therefore welcome, as it will reduce production costs.

These and other interven-

tions, though they might not see a drastic reduction in the price of food and other items, will still provide some relief.

Guyana is not alone in terms of feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war which have driven up fuel prices.

At present, the Guyana government collects zero taxes from the sale of fuel.

This, along with the other relief interventions, should all be commended. Many other countries right here in the Caribbean and across the world have not seen this sort of action taken.

Yours respectfully, Attiya Baksh

inaugural Agri-Investment Forum & Expo, Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados, who addressed the gathering, spoke to the recognition of the dignity of agriculture workers, especially women.

PM Mottley said the agriculture sector across the Caribbean is made up largely of an ageing population. She also underscored there is a high percentage of women working in the agriculture sector, making a call for decent work for women in agriculture.

“We are not going to attract new people in agriculture if the conditions of work are not decent,” she championed.

Mottley commended

her agriculture minister, Indar Weir for working along with that country’s workers’ union to ensure that “after centuries of indignity and exploitation, we now have in our larger plantations and farms mobile facilities and sanitary and kitchen facilities for our women who are working in the field so they do not have to suffer the indignity that has been theirs for centuries.”

Mottley drove home the point that the ambitious agriculture sector envisioned by the region cannot be done with an ageing population. She recognised that young people are driven to technology and called for not only the infusion of

technology and capital in the sector, but also for this infusion, and the potential increased entry of young people, to shift the historical experience of Caribbean agriculture into one that is satisfying so that the Caribbean region can meet not only its own food demands but also the demands of the rest of the Americas.

Luckily, Guyana is making the right steps to restructure the public view of agricultural work, build partnerships regionally and internationally for the marketing of local produce, and create avenues for young people to be build their lives and livelihoods through agricultural work.

Going back into agriculture made easier Dear Editor,

MY heartfelt gratitude and sincerest sentiments go out to the government and agriculture institutes that will be rolling out the $1B fertiliser intervention to assist farmers in the country with the planting and replanting exercises.

This free intervention forms part of a series of measures to tackle the global rise in the cost of living and food prices which have been escalating.

It will help cash-crop farmers and rice farmers who will begin going back to the fields in two or three weeks.

This form of assistance is a good initiative by the PPP/C Administration that listened to the cries of farmers.

It is good to see the current PPP/C leaders doing something for them.

I am satisfied that this government seems to understand the needs of farmers and citizens during this world phenomenon with global and escalating crises.

Food security is secure, because we, the farmers, are going to work towards getting higher yields and crops for the agriculture markets.

Again, thank you.

Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

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guyana CHRONICLE saturday may 21, 2022

India commends Guyana on successful hosting of Agri-Investment Forum and Expo

from THE High Commission page 6 of India in Guyana has commended the Government of Guyana on the successful organisation of the CARICOM Agri-Investment Forum and Expo in Georgetown from May 19-21, 2022 which has not only attracted the top political leaders from the region but investment agencies from around the world.

According to a release, High commissioner of India to Guyana (also concurrently accredited to Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis & CARICOM), Dr KJ Srinivasa, said that the event would go a long way in ensuring the food security of the region and to reduce the food import costs by 25 per cent by 2025.

He stated that three wellknown and world-renowned Indian farm equipment/ma-

High commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa with representatives of UPL at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo chinery and tractor companies, namely Mahindra &

Mahindra (Makers of Mahindra Tractors), Farmtrac

Global (Escorts India Group) and Sonalika tractors (mar-

keted as Solis brand) have showcased their products in

the expo.

“UPL – a USD 10 billion global provider of sustainable agriculture solutions - technology & services like IOT & innovations in agriculture is also represented at the expo.

This showcases Indian commitment to Guyana’s agriculture sector. Meanwhile, some Indian investors are also interested to explore the new initiatives by the Government of Guyana to promote dairy farming, commercial crops, etc,” the release concluded.

Mahindra tractors are represented and marketed

by Rudisa Motors; Farmtrac tractors by Massy Motors; Solis (Sonalika) tractors by Farmsup Farm Supplies Limited in Guyana; and UPL products by Caribbean chemicals and M/s Green Agro services Limited.

UK PM’s father becomes French to keep link with EU

Boris Johnson’s father Stanley says he has become a French national, telling a Belgium news website he wanted to keep “a link” with the EU after Brexit.

Johnson, whose mother was French, told BFMTV getting citizenship was “something precious” and allowed him to “claim part of my identity”.

“I count myself once again as an EU member that’s very good,” he added.

Unlike his son, who led the campaign to leave the EU, Johnson voted Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

However, he later changed his mind, saying “the time has come to bail”.

Between 1979 and 1984, Johnson was a member of the

European Parliament representing Wight and Hampshire East.

Downing Street said his decision to accept French citizenship was “a personal matter for the prime minister’s father”.

Stanley Johnson announced he would be seeking French citizenship in December 2020 -- a month before the UK fully left the EU. The French Ministry of Justice has confirmed Johnson acquired French nationality on Wednesday, having applied on 18 November 2021.

Speaking to PA News, the former environmental campaigner said: “I’m absolutely delighted and have no idea at what level this decision was taken but I do think

it was a very imaginative thing to do at this moment, at a time when relations with France and the EU are not necessarily the best.”

Johnson joked that he could stand for the European Parliament again, but this time for a French constituency.

He also said he had received a one word reply from his son, Boris - “magnifique”.

French law normally prevents the children of French citizens from claiming nationality if their French family member has lived outside

the country for more than 50 years without making use of their rights.

However, the justice department said Johnson had been able to reactivate his right to French nationality under a clause for those with a “cultural, professional, economic or family” link to the country.

It added that Johnson’s French citizenship applied only to him, and did not extend to his descendants.

There is no requirement for British people becoming French citizens to give up

their UK nationality.

Following the Brexit referendum there was a surge in UK citizens acquiring the nationality of another EU country.

In 2017 13,141 UK citizens obtained the nationality of one of the 18 member states - compared with 5,056 in 2016 and only 1,826 in 2015.

Because he was born in New York, Boris Johnson was able to hold US citizenship, which he did for 25 years before giving it up in 2016. (BBC)

Boris Johnson’s father Stanley(BBC photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

CCJ orders GRA to repay $45M to former bauxite worker

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ordered the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to repay more than $45 million to former bauxite worker, James Ramsahoye, for taxes it had unlawfully deducted in 2004.

The CCJ had allowed the appeal on November 26, 2021, but only issued the reasons for its decision on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

The Trinidad-based court had ordered that the money belonging to Ramsahoye, which it said the GRA had unlawfully deprived him of, should be repaid to the taxpayer.

The CCJ legal action has its genesis in another matter where Ramsahoye was awarded some $78 million in damages by Guyana’s Court of Appeal.

The action for breach of contract of service was brought against his former employer, Linden Mining Enterprise Ltd (‘Linmine’).

These damages constituted a loss of salary for 41 months (until Ramsahoye reached 65 years of age), pension for the years 197298, and interest.

H o w e v e r, i n 2 0 0 4 ,

The Port-of-Spain-based Caribbean Court of Justice

the GRA wrote directly to Linmine demanding that the company pay GYD$45,132,975.00 for income tax allegedly owed

by Ramsahoye for the years 1990-1998 in accordance with Sections 93 and 102 of the Income Tax Act, Cap 81:01.

The bauxite company agreed and paid GRA the sum by deducting it from the damages owed to Ramsahoye, without informing him. In fact, Ramsahoye only found out about Linmine’s

payment to the GRA when he sought to enforce the judgment against Linmine.

However, he was totally denied his right to dispute the GRA’s assessment.

Ramsahoye subsequently initiated proceedings in the High Court of Guyana against the GRA. That Court later issued an order quashing the assessment of tax, finding that the damages awarded were not taxable.

The GRA then appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal upheld the

quashing order.

CCJ Judge, Justice Denys Barrow, who delivered the reasons of the majority of the Court, said that GRA’s attorney acknowledged that the violation of the dispute resolution procedures under the Act nullified the entire assessment, both in respect of the years 1990-1998 and Ramsahoye’s loss of earnings.

The CCJ, therefore, noted that because the Court of Appeal had upheld the quashing of the assessment, the matter

could have been resolved by a simple application to the High Court for an order directing the Registrar to pay the sums to Ramsahoye.

Justice Barrow explained that success on the ground of appeal does not mean that the appeal is allowed.

He further explained that in this case, the Court of Appeal’s finding that damages were taxable in principle had no effect on the result, which was the upholding of the quashing order.

The CCJ, therefore, found that the order of the Court of Appeal that the appeal was allowed in part, was wrong.

CCJ Justices Wit and Burgess, in their respective reasons, considered whether the damages for breach of contract of services awarded to Ramsahoye was subject to income tax.

Justice Wit reasoned that the damages paid to Ramsahoye fell squarely under s 5(b) of the Act as they constituted compensation for the termination of a contract of employment.

Justice Burgess found that the damages, being compensatory in nature, were income within the meaning of s5(b) of the Act.

However, he stated that the damages could not be said to be derived ‘from employment’ as the Court of Appeal awarded Ramsahoye income until he reached age 65, and that the damages were not in respect of any services rendered but were awarded for his wrongful dismissal.

He further found that Ramsahoye could enforce the return of the sum unlawfully deducted by the GRA, as a taxing authority that erroneously taxes a person could be ordered to repay the money taxed plus interest as a matter of common law.

Therefore, Justice Burgess decided that the principle of ‘unjust enrichment’ applied as the GRA was enriched, which was at the expense of Ramsahoye.

He found that not only was it unjust but the GRA’s defence that it was acting according to the powers granted to it under the Act was not a defence.

The appellant was represented by C.V. Satram, R. Satram and R. Motilal. The respondent was represented

by J Stuart-Adonis, H Yasin-Nandlall, M. Halley, F. Hamilton, O. Gordon, and J. Persaud.

Guyana, FAO sign major agreements, including to host regional conference

By Naomi Parris

THE Government of Guyana and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), on Friday, signed two agreements for the Country Programme Framework (CPF) and a Memorandum of Responsibilities (MoR) for the hosting of the 38th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC 38) in 2024.

The agreements were signed on the heels of the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo that are currently being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The CPF is an agreement between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Food and Agriculture OrganContinued on page 14

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and FAO’s Assistant Deputy-Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dr. Julio Berdegue, sign their respective agreements

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and FAO’s Assistant Deputy-Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dr. Julio Berdegue, share a light moment (Adrian Narine photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

DPP defends decision to discontinue racial remarks charge against Nirvan Singh

CONTENDING there was inconsistency regarding the racial hostility allegation made by a police constable against attorney-at-law, Nirvan Singh, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on Friday, issued a statement defending its decision to discontinue the private criminal charge.

On Wednesday, the DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack, wrote to City Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, indicating the charge instituted against Singh, for allegedly using racial slurs against Constable, Shawnette Bollers, is being discontinued.

Following the decision, Bollers’ attorney, Eusi Anderson, issued a letter calling for the DPP to give her grounds for the discontinuance of the case, threatening to take legal action if DPP Hack failed to do so.

Bollers later held a one-woman protest in front the DPP’s Eve Leary office, on Thursday, calling for justice.

The DPP issued a statement, on Friday, explaining the decision to terminate the case.

Building a timeline of events, the public prosecutor’s office said police handed over the case file seeking legal advice on April 11, 2022.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack

Legal advice, it said, was given and returned to the police on April 24, 2022.

That advice included the following: “Section 2 of the Racial Hostility Act, Chapter 23:01 states, ‘A person shall be guilty of an offence if he willfully excites or attempts to excite hostility or ill-will against any section of the public or against any person on the grounds of their or his race – (a) By means of words spoken by him in a public place or spoken by him and transmitted for general reception by wireless telegraphy or telegraphs; or (b) By causing words spoken by him or by some other person to be repro-

Attorney-at-law Nirvan Singh

duced in a public place from a record; or (c) by means of written (including printed) matter or pictorial matter published by him.’

The elements of this offence are: 1. A person speaks words in a public place against any person on the grounds of their or his race; 2. He willfully speaks those words to excite or attempts to excite hostility or ill-will against the person on the grounds of his race.”

According to the DPP chambers, when the section of the legislation is read as a whole, it suggests that the words spoken by the offender must also be transmitted for general reception by wireless telegraphy or tele-

graphs or be reproduced in a public place from a record.

“The words must be spoken in a public place and transmitted for general reception by wireless telegraphy or telegraphs or be reproduced in a public place from a record. The evidence in this file does not fit the criteria stated in section 2 of the aforementioned Act,” the DPP office’s statement said. “ F u r t h e r, t h e w o r d ‘against’ used in the section tends to suggest that the offender by his words tends to cause others to act in a certain way against the virtual complainant.

“Put another way, the offence is created when the offender’s expressions cause others to act in a certain way against a section of the public or a person on the grounds of their race (his expressions excited or attempted to excite others to act with hostility or illwill against a section of the public or against another person),” the release further stated.

The DPP, the statement records, opined the evidence is not consistent with the offence created in the rel-

evant section of the Act as the words used by Singh were not spoken in order to excite others to act with hostility or ill-will against the complainant.

“With respect to the allegation by the complainant of being spat on by the suspect, there is inconsistency regarding this allegation,” the DPP office said additionally.

According to the release, the alleged incident occurred on March 20 at about 22:13 hours at the residence of Singh.

“The said night the virtual complainant in her written report in the police diary which is attached to the file, stated ‘…I was verbally attacked by Mr. Carl Singh’s son with racial slurs and was asked to leave the compound however, I was about to document in the diary what was taking place; but after feeling threat for my life.

Because he was in front of my face spitting up where I could smell the high volume of alcohol on his breath, I pick up my belongings, I step out off the location…” the release quoted the police constable as saying.

The DPP highlighted

that the written report on the night of the incident does not state that Singh wilfully spat on the complainant.

The statement of the complainant, dated March 21, 2022, the day after the alleged incident, states on page two that Singh “spit in my face” and “stepped away from the door.”

H o w e v e r, t h e D P P Chambers stated, this accusation was not reported in the police diary on the night of the incident when the events would have been fresh in the mind of the complainant.

“She also said in the said statement of March 21, 2022, ‘when Mr. Singh approached the hut door again and continue shouting, with spit from his mouth spraying in my face, ‘get out of yard, get out of my yard.’

“Based on her evidence as a whole, it is clear that he was ‘spitting up’ while speaking and it was not a deliberate act of spitting,” the release further reported.

Police constable, Bollers currently has a $150 million lawsuit against Singh at the High Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Addressing misinformation on gas-to-shore project

IN one of my recent weekly podcasts titled “JB & Salim”, a relatively new programme started by this author which is a weekly conversation on Guyana’s economic development and macrofinance issues, a presentation was made on a cost benefit analysis of the proposed gas-toshore project. In that presentation, I attempted to quantify what might be the net benefit or cost of such a project both on a macro and micro level.

The reason for doing this, is because all the proponents who have vehemently criticized and labelled the project a “white elephant” in the making thus far, have not considered, or care to consider whether the project will yield any positive impact on the overall economy and translate, ultimately, to tangible benefits for every Guyanese.

In the presentation, I was

Joel Bhagwandin

careful to clarify that the cost used in the analysis does not consider several other cost elements such as the cost for the onshore infrastructure and the cost for piping the gas to shore.

Of note, the cost for piping the gas to shore which will be a recurring cost after the project is operationalised will be part of the operating cost and not part of the development cost.

My intention in so doing was to quantify, to some degree, what the net benefits of this project could bring about for every Guyanese, for the business sector and the country at large. As such, a cost benefit analysis is NOT to be confused with that of a cash flow projection of the project.

Importantly, in order for the project to be considered feasible, it should be both financially and economically viable.

There is a clear distinction between financial viability and economic viability, wherein, financial viability concerns the profitability of a project, the return on investment and that there is a sustained flow of business or cash flow that is profitable in the long term.

Conversely, economic viability concerns the economic impact of a particular investment or economic activity, upon the entire economy. For example,

in the case of the gas-to-shore project, the following economic benefits can be obtained, and this is not an exhaustive list of benefits: * Savings in fuel import bill, * Contribution to tax, * Payroll/income at the household level (microeconomic impact) * Savings in household expense on electricity expense, thus more disposable income for other purposes * Savings in operating and production cost for firms, thus freeing up more cash flow / liquidity for investment in other areas; * Savings in energy cost by at least 50 per cent will drive and become more attractive for investments across all sectors especially in manufacturing, by virtue of it aiding greater national competitiveness, etc.

With that said, a certain media house publisher completely misrepresented my cost benefit analysis on the gas-toshore project which was carried in the Guyana Chronicle, inter alia, misrepresenting the conclusion of the analysis as

the profitability of the project.

In the referenced analysis, the net benefit based on the assumptions used in the analysis worked out to US$3 billion or G$653 billion over a five-year period. For absolute clarity, this figure is not the profit that will be generated from the gas to shore plant (s). So, how did I arrive at this figure? Here is a simple explanation broken down for the layman’s comprehension: While it is true that the estimated US$1.3 billion cost does not include the cost for the onshore infrastructure, even if the full cost of the project by the time this project is finalised works out to US$2 billion, the project will still yield a positive net benefit over the life of the project. The life of the project is an estimated 25 years, the development cost of let’s say US$2 billion for the full project will be a one-time cost and not a recurring cost; the only cost that will be recurring is the operating cost to keep the gas plant and pipeline up and running (which would be lower than the development cost).

Now, let’s look at a sim-

plistic calculation based on some reasonable, realistic and pragmatic assumptions of the cost benefit analysis considering the economic benefits of the project alone, exclusive of the profit/loss to be generated.

I have previously identified the following macro and micro benefits to be derived from the implementation of the gas-toshore project – that is, a minimum target to reduce energy cost by 50 per cent: 1) Savings on fuel import bill which is currently US$630 million, conservatively, the country can save 25 per cent or more of this sum annually: 25 per cent X 630m = 157m (per year) X 25 years = US$3,935 million; 2) Savings in household electricity expense, assuming an average cost of $20K per household, 50 per cent of this would work out to $10k X 300K households = $3 billion in annual savings for every household X 25 years = G$75 billion or US$349 million.

In my original cost benefit analysis there were seven areas that were quantified which are not included in the above

Continued on page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Addressing misinformation...

From page 10

demonstration: these include 1) the savings that could be derived in public debt if Guyana had to borrow the required capital for the pipeline infrastructure and a quantification of the interest on that loan amounting to US$115m + capital of US$1.3 billion, 2) savings in production and operating cost for the manufacturing and wider business sector, amounting to US$1.4 billion over five years, 3) the level of increased domestic and foreign investment that a more competitive environment owing to cheaper energy, will promote, a reasonable assumption of US$2.3 billion over five years, which is in line with recent historic trends.

Summary Computation/ Net Benefits over the Life of the Project Net Benefit (Present Value) = US$349m + US$3,935m = US$4.284b + US$3.816b (Sum of Nos. 1-3 above) = US$8.1b/ G$1.742 Trillion – (US$2 billion development Cost): Net Benefit = US$6.1b/G$1.3 trillion over 25 years (adjusted for projected inflation @ 2%

X 25 years = 50 per cent) = US$3.0b/G$656b.

The net benefit based on these relatively conservative assumptions and calculation over the life of the project at 25 years, has a present value (PV) of US$3 billion/G$656 billion, representing 1.5 times the estimated development cost and 37.5 per cent of (2022 GDP).

Examples of Misleading and Incorrect Financial Assessment on oil and gas subject matters by a certain media house: 1. On May 15, 2022, it was reported in a certain section of the media that “Guyana set to produce US$61 Trillion in oil from four projects”. In the said article, it was reported that the four projects will produce some 2.6 billion barrels of oil over 20 years. Using a price of US$112 per barrel X 2.6 barrels = US$291.2 billion and NOT US$61 Trillion as was incorrectly reported.

2. Another example of misleading / incorrect financial assessment by the same media house in an article published August 1, 2021, it was reported that Norway’s 44” gas pipeline cost US$3.8 million/ mile while Guyana’s 12” is set

to cost US$4.7 million/mile.

An important fact that was completely ignored, perhaps deliberately from this particular “so called comparative analysis” is that Norway’s gas pipe was built almost 20 years ago.

And therefore, it is imprudent to compare the cost per mile to build a gas pipe 20 years ago to present day because the time value factor of money would have to be discounted–that is, inflation. i) Hence, adjusting this analysis for inflation over 20 years, cumulative inflation in the U.S amounted to 56.25 per cent. This means, US$1 dollar 20 years ago depreciated by 56 per cent during this period, or in other words, is worthless today by 56 per cent (loss of value or purchasing power).

With this in mind, the cost per/ mile for Norway’s gas pipe that was built 20 years ago would work out to US$6.03 million/ mile in today’s money. ii) Comparing this, now that it is adjusted for inflation to derive what the true cost would be in today’s money or the present value should Norway have to build that gas pipe in 2022-23, it turned out to be US$1.33 million more expen-

sive than the cost per mile for Guyana’s gas pipe.

Taken together, I would be happy to engage any sane, level-headed person in a debate or discussion on these matters.

This is quite understandable, however, because the business and financial model of a newspaper/media enterprise are not at all sophisticated in any way. It’s a very straight forward, and simple business model, that carries very low risks wherein the revenue streams are very sustainable and straightforward for this

type of enterprise on the back of a low operating cost.

Also, unlike the oil and gas industry which is extremely dynamic and complex, the business model of a media house entity is not exposed to any kind of external volatilities and therefore, easier to manage, and very profitable.

---------------------------------About the Author Joel Bhagwandin Director Corporate Finance Advisory & SphereX Analytics E: jbbankingadvice@

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gmail.com M: 592-652-1995 LinkedIn: https://www. linkedin.com/in/joel-bhagwandin-57481470/ ------------------------------------

The author is a Financial & Economic Analyst who has been providing insights and analyses on Guyana’s economic development, macrofinance issues and public policy for the past 5+ years. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

IPED records $512M increase in asset value for 2021

THE Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) has reported that its assets at the end of 2021 were valued at $4,808 billion, an increase of $512M as of December 31, 2020.

According to a release, IPED’s assets recorded as of December 31, 2021, have been financed by accumulated surplus of $3,808M and liabilities of $998M. This is in comparison to 2020’s accumulated surplus of $3,496M and $800M lia-

bilities.

“I am happy to report that IPED stands financially healthy and stable as of December 31, 2021. We are optimistic about IPED’s future as it pursues the fulfilment of its many objectives, which include building partnerships with organisations that provide complementary support services to micro and small business entrepreneurs to enhance their production potential, and capacity to meet their market demands,”

said IPED Chairman, Komal Samaroo in the company’s latest Annual Report.

IPED remained resolute in providing services to its new and existing clients, the release noted, pointing out that, in 2021, it processed 4,060 loans for a total value of $3,224M compared to 3,566 for a total value of $2,921M in 2020.

Some 325 loans for a total value of $402M have been refinanced, granting entrepreneurs the opportunity

The Institute of Private Enterprise Development board of directors

of furthering their respective enterprises which IPED determined to be worthy investments.

Loans were granted to 2005 small-scale farmers; that accounted to 49 per cent of loans granted for 2021.

This shows IPED’s major role in supporting small scale farmers. As at December 31, 2021, IPED serviced 4,122 small and micro enterprises with a gross loans receivable of $3,688M. Non-performing loans as of December 31, 2021 were $310M or eight per cent compared to 2020’s $368M or 10.8 per cent. Cash resources and financial investments at the end of 2021 totalled $530M compared to $510M in 2020.

IPED was able to cov-

er all operating and loan impairment costs for 2021.

IPED’s total operating income for 2021 was $717M compared to $594M in 2020, an increase of $123M or 21 per cent.

Total operating cost before loan impairment for 2021 was $550M compared to $515M in 2020, an increase of $35M or seven per cent. Loan impairment cost for 2021 was $14M compared to $56M in 2020.

IPED was able to cover all its operating cost and loan impairment cost for 2021 and 2020 to generate a surplus of $153M and $24M respectively. After re-measurement of its employees’ pension plans, net total comprehensive income for 2021 was $314M compared to $72M in 2020.

“ I P E D ’s s u c c e s s i n achieving its mission to provide financial and advisory services to small and micro business entrepreneurs, enabling them to build sustainable enterprises, remains a true testament to its indelible contribution to reducing poverty and expanding Guyana’s economy,” Samaroo added.

Several awards were handed out for outstanding performances by business for the year; these are: Best Medium Enterprise, Haimlall Persaud; Best Youth Enterprise, Munesh Persaud; Best Small Enterprise Project, Hardat Pearce; Best Micro Enterprise Project, Cecelia Peters; Best Woman Entrepreneur, Naveta Ramkripal; and Best Agricultural Project, Jagdesh Sookhoo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Five youths awarded cash grants from IDPADA-G to fund their businesses

FIVE youths were, on Friday, awarded cash grants from the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly - Guyana (IDPADA-G) to invest in their businesses.

According to a release, Clinton Samuels of COBBEC Vision received $500,000; Earlecia Hieronymo of Khayr Organics - $250,000; Brian Smith of Dragonfly Geospatial Aerial Productions - $150,000; Jermaine Hall of Country Boy Farming Supplies - $75,000; and Delon Simpson of Kukki Aquaculture - $50,000.

These youths were the top five winners f r o m I D PA D A - G ’s Youth Committee Sec-

ond Annual Invest-AThon/Pitch Competition, which ran for a threeweek period and ended on May 1, 2022.

Some 54 youths from across Guyana with businesses and ideas needing investment opportunities applied to take part in the competition, from which 20 were selected to advance to a preliminary round to pitch their businesses in front of a panel of judges, after which the Top 5 winners were selected based on their scores submitted by the judges, the release noted.

At the prize-giving ceremony held at the secretariat of IDPADA-G, Chair of the Youth Committee, Ascena Jacobs explained

that the initiative was birthed after realising the lack of access to funding opportunities for start-up businesses.

“We know businesses have a hard time, especially young people, acquiring capital from the bank to start their business. Some persons may not have an established business, but they have an idea, and are not able to take that idea off the ground without money.

So this initiative was birthed because of that -- awarding winning contestants cash prizes to take their businesses to the next level, or take their business idea off the ground,” Jacobs said.

First-place winner, Clinton Samuels receives a certificate from Youth Committee Chair, Ascena Jacobs

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Guyana, FAO sign major ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022 From page 8 isation of the United Nations, which sets out the priority areas of work in which the two partners will engage during the period 2022–2026.

In brief remarks, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar

Mustapha, told reporters that, through the CPF agreement, strategic framework will be translated into actions, to contribute to the realisation of Guyana’s development agenda.

“Those documents reflect our priorities in areas of co-

operation and collaboration.

Over the years, the FAO has played a very important role helping the government in various areas. This here shows our priorities in certain areas as a government and particularly as a ministry,” Mustapha said.

Meanwhile, the Memorandum of Responsibilities (MoR) for hosting the 38th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC 38) was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.

The MoR sets out the respective responsibilities to be assumed by the Government of Guyana and, more directly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the priority areas of support.

At the 37th Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, held back in March, Guyana was unanimously endorsed by the 33 member states to host the 38th edition of the event which is scheduled for 2024.

Minister Todd said, that the agreements will see Guyana making use of its resources to be fully integrated into the global economy.

“We are at very good position in terms of resource base with the oil and gas revenues to really make massive gains in terms of our diversification process and we have to do that by being fully integrated within the global economy.”

He said that working along with multilateral agencies like the FAO, shows the government’s dedication to achieving its objectives for advancement and further development.

“Working with the FAO, as a multilateral agency, shows that we are connected fully, so our national policies are in line with our regional objectives which are also aligned with multilateral policy making at the global level. We know the initiative we need to embrace and this partnership will take us to that level in terms of our own advancement.”

In sharing his thoughts on the signing of the agreements, FAO’s Assistant Deputy-Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Dr. Julio Berdegue, said he believed Guyana was on the right path to transforming agriculture in the Caribbean and the Americas.

“This meeting that we are having here confirms that Guyana is the place to be here today, no other country in the Americas is conducting a transformation of its agri-food system to the extent with the level of political support that I have seen here in Guyana.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Judge to pronounce on 2016 murder of re-migrant

MURDER ACCUSED: Donell ‘Short Man’ Trapp

DECEASED: Anthony Breedy

COME Tuesday, May 24, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow is expected to sum up the evidence in the trial of Donell Trapp, also called ‘Short Man’, who is accused of the 2016 murder of 60-year-old re-migrant agriculturist, Anthony Breedy.

Tr a p p , f o r m e r l y o f Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), had pleaded not guilty, on Wednesday before last, to the indictment which read that he murdered Breedy between March 12 and 14, 2016 at Hill Foot, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Prosecutors, Lisa Cave and Latifah Elliott, are on record for the state, while Trapp is represented by attorneys-at-law, Dexter Smartt and Javon Cox. On Thursday last, the prosecution and defence gave closing statements.

Justice Barlow adjourned the matter to May 24 when she will make her summation.

Following that, the judge will hand over the case to a 12-member jury for consideration which will result in a verdict.

Based on reports, Breedy’s body was found, with hands and feet bound, on the lower flat of his two-storey house.

It was also reported that he sustained multiple injuries to his head.

It is believed that, after the act was committed, the perpetrators made off with his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and other belongings, including an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Bees and pollinators: small creatures but great allies on earth

HARD-WORKING little creatures, precious allies for the health of the planet and the lives of human beings, bees and other pol-

linators play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems, are critical for food production and livelihoods and directly link wild ecosystems with

agricultural production systems.

Almonds, apples, coffee, or strawberries are all foods that we can enjoy thanks to

the meticulous pollination activities of bees and other pollinating insects. In addition to food, these insects indirectly contribute to the provision of

We must act collectively to support, restore and enhance the role of bees (FAO photo)

medicines and the production of fiber, biofuels, and other materials.

So many gifts come from their tireless work, but bees and pollinators face many challenges today. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in celebration of World Bee Day 2022, warns of declining pollination services in many parts of the world.

“Bees, pollinators, and many other insects are declining in abundance due to unsustainable agricultural practices, pesticides, pests and pathogens, habitat destruction, and climate crisis,” FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu said in a video message at a ceremony on Friday to mark World Bee Day which falls on 20 May. “We must act collectively to support, restore and enhance the role of bees, pollinators and beekeeping,” he added.

The virtual event was attended by bee and pollinator experts from around the world. It featured discussions and stories from the field that highlighted not only the great benefits of these tiny creatures for humans and nature but also the threats and challenges these insects face today due to humans’ negative impact on the environment.

This year’s theme, “Bee engaged: celebrating the diversity of bees and beekeeping systems,” encourages all to become involved because all can do something to respect and protect these insects that do so much for the

planet. In their interventions at the FAO event, experts drew attention to the importance of the diversity bees and beekeeping systems that exist around the world.

Beekeeping is an activity that goes beyond honey production and contributes to the achievement of many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since it can be done with limited resources and locally available materials, beekeeping provides a source of income for those living in extreme poverty, helping to improve the resilience and livelihoods of rural and indigenous communities.

“Beekeeping is a widespread and global activity, with millions of beekeepers, including Indigenous Peoples, depending on bees for their livelihoods and well-being,” the FAO Director-General stressed. Indeed, indigenous peoples are crucial to the conservation of important genetic reservoirs and are often the only ones who know about local bee species and all their products and services.

World Bee Day was established in 2017 through a United Nations resolution, following a proposal by the government of Slovenia.

This year’s event was again an opportunity to promote actions that governments, the private sector, organisations, civil society, and citizens can take to protect bees and other pollinators and their habitats, promote their diversity, and foster sustainable beekeeping practices. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

UNFPA engages Caribbean youth about unintended pregnancies

YOUTH from across the Caribbean were, on Tuesday, engaged by the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) in a discussion about unintended pregnancy and its effects.

According to a release, they provided their perspectives on the issue in a virtual Youth Roundtable Talk to launch the State of the World Population (SoWP) report in the Caribbean.

Titled “Seeing the Unseen: The case for action in the neglected crisis of unintended pregnancy”, the report advocates for universal access to contraception as a critical way to support women in choosing the timing, number and spacing of their pregnancies.

“Youth panellists from Guyana, Suriname and Barbados all engaged in the conversation geared at highlighting some of the effects of unintended pregnancies in the Caribbean and debunking some of the myths that are associated with the use of contraceptives, which is one of the main ways to prevent unintended pregnancies,” the release said.

Additionally, the panellists highlighted factors such as intersectionality and cultural norms that often oppose the practice of contraception. They also discussed possible solutions to mitigate the challenges such as implementing special programmes, providing

access to information, and using the appropriate language to relate to different audiences.

They also shared their perspectives, with one panellist speaking on the social effects of becoming pregnant as a teen and another panellist sharing his experience as a man with a disability.

The third panellist used the opportunity to share research and the experience of the Maroon community in Suriname, the release noted. They were expertly guided by moderator Carla Moore, a Jamaican social media influencer and activist.

Director and Representative of the UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean (SROC), Alison Drayton, spoke at the opening of the discussion.

She highlighted that the focus on young people for the round table talk was deliberate because UNFPA has recognised that young women in developing countries, like those in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, are significantly affected by unintended pregnancies.

She also underscored the importance of contraceptive use and noted that “the biggest issue by far is people not being able to get the contraception that they need, when they need it”. She also acknowledged that there were numerous myths surrounding the use of contraceptives and stated that she was

happy that some of these myths would be debunked during the discussion.

“The SoWP 2022 discusses the associated differential impact of unintended pregnancies on women and girls, men and boys, and general country development, and spotlights several factors that contribute to the pervasiveness of the problem. It can be accessed using this link,” the release concluded.

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Rajasthan Royals thump Chennai Super Kings (ESPNCRICINFO) – All-rounder R. Ashwin carried Rajasthan Royals to a top-two finish with a tense win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) - the team that represents his hometown in their final league match.

On a slow pitch, both sides made superb use of the powerplay before struggling once the fielders spread out.

Knowing their target played a part in Royals being able to plan their innings better than Super Kings, Super Kings’

slowdown was drastic.

They could only double their powerplay score of 75 despite the set batter Moeen Ali batting almost through the innings. But he too went from 59 off 21 to 93 off 57.

Royals scored 47 off their

first five overs but the next eight overs brought them just 37 runs with the loss of two wickets. In the end, Ashwin, promoted at No. 5, hit three sixes in his 23-ball 40 not out to go with his bowling analysis of 4-0-28-1 to ease Royals

home after 43 were required off the last four.

MOEEN SPECIAL It might be all gloom for Super Kings this season but it is not possible to be gloomy when Moeen is on song. That he had come in early meant Super Kings began the acceleration in the fourth and not the customary fifth over.

First he went after the hard lengths of Prasidh Krishna, which is usually a good bet against Moeen.

Then Ashwin’s away turn didn’t matter as he took 16 off the fifth. The last over of the powerplay was the best of the lot: he hit Trent Boult for boundaries to square leg, midwicket, long-on, third man, point and extra-cover.

He brought up his half-century off the 19th ball, the second-fastest fifty for Super Kings.

THE SLOWDOWN It began with Ashwin making a comeback in the eighth over. Devon Conway went to sweep him but the ball turned out to be too full, trapping him lbw. Obed McCoy then used his slower ones to use the slow surface.

Add Yuzvendra Chahal and an experimental middle order to the mix and Moeen found himself taking on more responsibility than he would have liked.

Not that it was easy to hit out. MS Dhoni, who had earlier announced he was going to play at least one more season for Super Kings, was dropped twice but he couldn’t find any timing either. At one point 45 balls went without a boundary, a drought Dhoni broke with a four off Chahal in the 15th over.

However, the trio of Ashwin, Chahal and McCoy continued to stifle the life out of the innings with only 30 coming off the final four overs.

JAISWAL’S IMPETUS Jos Buttler had a sensational start to the tournament but he has now scored 63 in his last five innings at a run-a-ball. Thankfully for Royals, Yashasvi Jaiswal has stepped into the breach after

being reintroduced to the XI mid-season.

He single-handedly made the powerplay count after Buttler got out in the second over and Sanju Samson kept finding fielders. Jaiswal raced away to 31 off 17 even as the other 13 balls in the first five brought them just 16 runs.

THE ROYALS SLOW DOWN The spreading of the field and the introduction of spin, however, brought a similar challenge for Royals.

When Samson went to force the pace, he found the tall Mitchell Santner in the way of a straight drive. Devdutt Padikkal got frustrated too and tried a big slog sweep off Moeen, only to be bowled for 3 off nine.

THE ASHWIN ENDGAME This is when Royals promoted Ashwin, whom they have previously used as a pinch anchor and a pinch hitter but not in such a critical situation. As Ashwin got himself in, the equation went up to 67 off the last seven overs, with Jaiswal too finding it tough to maintain the scoring rate of the powerplay.

Ashwin then skipped down the track and lofted Moeen for a six. Jaiswal repeated that dose to leg-spinner Prashant Solanki but holed out when he attempted to do it again. Dhoni gave Solanki an over at the death in which he got rid of Shimron Hetmyer with a slider.

With 38 required off 19, though, Ashwin slogged Solanki from wide outside off and against the turn to target the short boundary. He nailed it.

The slinger Matheesha Pathirana didn’t have many runs to work with but it was 24 off 14 when Ashwin ramped him over short third man to ease the pressure again. In the 19th over, Ashwin targeted the short boundary against Mukesh Choudhary’s left-arm angle before sealing it by steering Pathirana behind point in the last over.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Pollard joins Surrey for T20 Blast

(CMC) – Former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard has joined English county Surrey for the T20 Blast which will bowl off next week.

The 35-year-old will link up with sidelined West Indies off-spinner and fellow Trinidadian Sunil Narine, for the campaign, which will see him feature in domestic English cricket for the first time in over a decade.

Pollard, who quit international cricket last month, is also set to feature in the Hundred for London Spirit, meaning he will spend a significant period in England

Former West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard

following his engagement with Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

“It has been quite some

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 21, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Morne Morkel-25 wickets (DD) (2) Ravendra Jadeja-5/16 (CSK vs DC) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many centuries were scored in IPL 2012?

(2) How many five-wicket hauls were recorded in IPL 2012?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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time since I’ve played county cricket and I’m thrilled to be returning to the Vitality Blast competition in Surrey colours this year,” Pollard said in the announcement yesterday.

“The Kia Oval is a special place to play, especially in front of a full house.

This Surrey side is full of talent and should certainly be mounting a challenge for the title. I hope that my experience will add a vital in-

gredient to the club’s success this year.”

Pollard has endured a wretched season in this year’s IPL, averaging 14 with the bat from 11 innings with a best of 25, while taking four wickets from 14 overs at an economy rate of nearly nine.

Despite this, he has remained in demand globally especially for his six-hitting powers which have come to characterise his game

throughout a stellar whiteball career.

Pollard has plundered 11 571 runs from 592 appearances and has taken 308 wickets with his slow medium, numbers that prompted Surrey to move for the whiteball specialist.

“We’re very pleased to bring Kieron to the club,” said Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket.

“He brings an incredible range of skills as well as experience at the very highest level of the sport. His all-round ability will make a

significant difference to the depth of the squad.”

Pollard will play under new Surrey captain Chris Jordan, the Barbadian all-rounder who has represented England internationally, and will feature alongside England internationals Jason Roy and Sam Curran.

He is expected to make his debut in Surrey’s second home fixture against Gloucestershire at the Oval on May 31.

Surrey has not won a domestic T20 title in nearly two decades.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Women’s CG Insurance Super50 Cup & T20 Blaze THE best female cricketers in the West Indies will be back in action as Cricket West Indies (CWI) hosts the CG Insurance Super50 Cup and the T20 Blaze regional tournaments in Guyana.

The CG Insurance Super50 Cup matches will be played at three venues – Everest Cricket Club ground, Enmore Cricket ground and the Guyana National Stadium (GNS) from June 7 to 17.

The T20 Blaze event

will feature five full days of entertainment for the fans from June 19 to 25. There will be three matches per day – starting at 10:00hrs, 14:30hrs and 19:00hrs under lights at the Guyana National Stadium.

For this year’s CG Insurance Super50 and the T20 Blaze several world-class players will be representing their home territories in what promises to be a keenly contested three weeks of action.

Barbados are defending

Enmore ground joins Everest, GNS venues as hosts champions in both formats.

This will mark a significant return as the women’s tournaments were not played in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that period CWI continued its investment in the development of women’s players and organised several high-performance camps at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua and also hosted international series, including an inaugural Women’s ‘A’ Team series, while the West Indies Women also toured England, Pakistan and South Africa.

“We are delighted to see the return of the women’s regional tournament on our annual calendar as it is a crucial component of our cricket in the region. We are also pleased to have our international players in action on home soil, playing with our regional players.” said Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket.

“Our women’s game is showing improvement, as was demonstrated with some good performances during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year.

Ideally we want to see further demonstration of that progress as we look to upcoming bilateral series and international events. Very importantly, the regional tournament will serve to identify players who could potentially graduate to our international squads in the near future.”

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE CG Insurance Super50 Cup All matches start at 09:30hrs Round 1: Tuesday, June 7 Leeward Islands v Windward Islands at Everest Cricket Club Barbados v Guyana at Guyana National Stadium Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago at Enmore Cricket Ground Round 2: Thursday, June 9 Trinidad & Tobago v Guyana at Everest Cricket Club Leeward Islands vs Barbados at Guyana National Stadium Jamaica vs Windward Islands at Enmore Cricket

Ground Round 3: Sunday, June 12 Barbados v Windward Islands at Everest Cricket Club Jamaica v Guyana at Guyana National Stadium Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago at Enmore Cricket Ground Round 4: Tuesday, June 14 Jamaica v Barbados at Everest Cricket Club Trinidad & Tobago v Windward Islands at Guyana National Stadium Guyana v Leeward Islands at Enmore Cricket Ground Round 5: Friday, June 17 Jamaica v Leeward Islands at Everest Cricket Club Barbados v Trinidad & Tobago at Guyana National Stadium Windward Islands v Guyana at Enmore Cricket Ground T20 Blaze All matches at Guyana National Stadium Round 1: Sunday, June 19 Leeward Islands v Windward Islands – 10:00hrs Barbados v Guyana – 14:30hrs Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago – 19:00hrs Round 2: Monday June 20 Trinidad & Tobago v Guyana – 10:00hrs Leeward Islands vs Barbados – 14:30hrs Jamaica vs Windward Islands – 19:00hrs Round 3: Wednesday, June 22 Barbados v Windward Islands – 10:00hrs Jamaica v Guyana – 14:30hrs Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago – 19:00hrs Round 4: Thursday, June 23 Jamaica v Barbados – 10:00hrs Trinidad & Tobago v Windward Islands – 14:30hrs Guyana v Leeward Islands – 19:00hrs Round 5: Saturday, June 25 Jamaica v Leeward Islands – 10:00hrs Barbados v Trinidad & Tobago – 14:30hrs Windward Islands v Guyana – 19:00hrs

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Hetmyer ‘will be missed’ but West Indies hopeful for future tours

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Shimron Hetmyer has not made an international appearance since the T20 World Cup last year, but West Indies remain hopeful that he will make himself available for future tours.

Hetmyer has missed all of West Indies’ bilateral series in the last six months, either because of personal reasons or on fitness grounds. He has returned to the IPL for the final stages of the season after leaving the tournament’s bubble to be present for the birth of his son, but made himself unavailable for their upcoming tours to the Netherlands and Pakistan in order to spend time with his family.

“We got the email from Hetty saying that he is unavailable for selection because of the birth of his child,” Desmond Haynes, West Indies’ lead selector, said earlier this month when the squad for the upcoming tours was announced.

“That is all the information we received so we acted that way; we had considered him for selection and the note stated he was unavailable.”

Roddy Estwick, West Indies assistant coach, said yesterday that Hetmyer “will be missed” on the twin tours

Shimron Hetmyer last played for West Indies in the T20 World Cup in 2021 (AFP/Getty Images) after his excellent IPL season for Rajasthan Royals. Before their game against Chennai Super Kings yesterday, he had scored 291 runs at a strike rate of 166.28, but Estwick said that the squad selected would have to cope without him.

“If someone like Hetmyer’s not playing, you’re obviously going to miss his talent,” Estwick said. “He’s having an outstanding season for Rajasthan Royals. He’s

doing very, very well. He’s playing well.

“He will be missed, but at the end of the day, he’s not there. He’s asked not to be selected for this tour so we have to get on without him and we hope that he will make himself available for future tours.”

Estwick also confirmed that West Indies’ IPL players would fly straight to the Netherlands once their respective franchises’ seasons

end.

Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd (both Sunrisers Hyderabad) will travel after the group stage, Kyle Mayers (Lucknow Super Giants) and Alzarri Joseph (Gujarat Titans) will both be involved in the playoffs, while Rovman Powell’s itinerary will depend on whether Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians in their final group game today.

“Our expectation is to win all three ODIs (in the Netherlands) but it’s not going to be easy,” Estwick said.

“Remember, a lot of the players would not have played in conditions like the ones we’ll encounter in the Netherlands.

“It’s about how quickly we adjust to conditions.

We’ve got only a couple of days’ practice before we go into the first ODI so it’s all about adjusting and getting used to the conditions and then executing plans as well as possible.”

The West Indies series in the Netherlands comprises three ODIs in Amstelveen on May 31, June 2 and 4, while the tour of Pakistan involves three ODIs in Rawalpindi on June 8, 10 and 12.

Harpy Eagles enforce follow-on against Pride … Permaul snares 4-81 as Eagles scent final-day victory GUYANA Harpy Eagles hold all the cards heading into today’s final day of play against Barbados Pride at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad.

SUMMARY: Guyana Harpy Eagles 490-7 decl.

(Tagenarine Chanderpaul 140*, Gudakesh Motie 110, Tevin Imlach 53; Akeem Jordan 3-108, Raymon Reifer 2-37) lead Barbados Pride 266 (Shai Hope 119, Shane Dowrich 44, Reifer 29; Veerasammy Permaul 4-81, Motie 2-37, Keemo Paul 2-37) & 44-0 (Shayne Moseley 25*, Kraigg Brathwaite 17*) by 180 runs (f/0) In their second innings, Pride are 44 without loss, still needing another 180 runs to make the Eagles bat again after they opted to enforce the follow-on.

Pride started day three 48-2, firstly in pursuit of 290 to avoid the follow-on then possibly Eagles’ massive first-innings 490-7 declared.

West Indies One-Day International batter Shai Hope rallied his side with a sublime 119 (13x4, 2x6) from 200 balls and shared two vital stands of 89 with Raymon Reifer (29) and 69 with Shane Dowrich (44).

But the Eagles were hunting in a pack, led by Veerasammy Permaul, who took 4-81 from 22.4 overs

and got support from Gudakesh Motie (2-37), Keemo Paul (2-43), and Demetri Cameron (1-36) as they bowled out Pride for 266.

Kraigg Brathwaite (17*) and Shayne Moseley (25*) are the men at the crease, who will resume today at 10:00hrs.

In the other fixtures: At Diego Martin: Leeward Hurricanes 357 (Kieran Powell 139, Amir Jangoo 58, Jeremiah Louis 42; Jayden Seales 5-49) & 241-7 decl.

(Devon Thomas 84, Powell 83; Yannic Cariah 3-33, Akeal Hosein 2-64 ) lead Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 140 (Joshua DaSilva 65, Bryan Charles 25; Colin Archibald 4-27, Louis 4-32) & 143-6 (Cariah 36*, Jason Mohammed 36, DaSilva 27; Louis 3-26, Rahkeem Cornwall 2-13) 316 runs At Tarouba: Windw a r d Vo l c a n o e s 1 3 7 (Keron Cottoy 50, Kavem Hodge 23; Marquino Mindley 5-20, Nicholson Gordon 4-43) & 195 (Hodge 63, Devon Smith 34, Cottoy 21; Derval Green 5-46, Jamie Merchant 5-72) lost to Jamaica Scorpions 346 (Brandon King 119, Jamie Merchant 58, John Campbell 48; Preston McSween 4-96, Josh Thomas 3-56) by an innings 14 runs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 21, 2022

Harpy Eagles enforce follow-on against Pride See story on page 27

Veerasammy Permaul took 4-81

Women’s CG Insurance Super50 Cup & T20 Blaze

Enmore ground joins Everest, GNS venues as hosts See story on page 26

Shai Hope scored 119 runs

Rajasthan Royals thump Chennai Super Kings See story on page 24

FLASHBACK! The winning Barbados team after claiming the CWI Women’s T20 Blaze in 2019

R. Ashwin removed Devon Conway against the run of play to trigger a collapse of sorts (BCCI)

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SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022