Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_23_07_2022

SATURDAY 23rd July, 2022 PRICE

No.106792

$100

VAT INCLUSIVE

Home building made easier –– interest rate for houses and buildings up to $9M reduced to 3.8 per cent

–– houses that cost $6M or less, builders will get steel needed for construction and one sling of cement –– houses that cost $6M to $25M, government will provide two slings of cement

PAGE

03

International Building Expo 2022 officially opened at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara on Friday (Carl Croker and Adrian Narine photos)

Greater visibility, opportunities for local businesses, networking

–– exhibitors welcome platform provided by Building Expo

PAGE

02

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Greater visibility, opportunities for local businesses, networking –– exhibitors welcome platform provided by Building Expo

AT last, the long-awaited International Building Expo 2022 was launched at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday night and more than 300 exhibitors are showcasing their products and services.

Some of the exhibitors

who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle say the platform provides their businesses much-needed exposure, as well as business and networking opportunities.

Adrian Singh, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Gafoors, said the expo is enabling the company the

opportunity to showcase to the world its manufacturing capability, as well as its wide range of imported products.

“When the opportunity came to do the expo came up, we did not hesitate, we came forward. At the expo, today is the first day

Members of the Indian Cultural Centre perform at the expo

A scene from Gafoors’ showcase of the expo but today has uct, they are finding out been phenomenal,” Singh about the product because related. people just think concrete He stated that the im- is cement, sand, and stone, pact of the expo on only but seeing what we have the first day has been in- to offer, they are being credible, not only from educated a lot more as to the business point of view, what the different types but also from the point of of concrete, the different view of giving back to the types of strength and what people of Guyana. it can be used for,” the For that reason, he Administrative Manager said, Gafoors on Friday said. launched a building expo Lifecrete has been in discount card, which is existence for less than two valid until the end of Au- years and its Administragust. tive Manager is hoping “ A n y v i s i t o r w h o that the expo will help it comes to our booth and to make a big impact on just inquires [sic], we take local consumers. their info and they are enDiamond Insurance is titled to huge savings and also a first-time particidiscounts from any of our pant at the expo. Its Marseven outlets,” Singh said. keting Manager, Priscilla Lance Low-a-chee, Mackintosh told the GuyAdministrative Manager ana Chronicle that many of Lifecrete, is another persons have visited the exhibitor, who spoke with company’s booth and are the Guyana Chronicle. interested in their marine He said the business is insurance, as well as the participating in the expo newly launched motor for the first time and he is insurance. happy with the responses The company will visthus far. it other booths at the “A lot of persons have expo to explore networkshown interest in the prod- ing opportunities.

Home building made easier

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

–– interest rate for houses and buildings up to $9M reduced to 3.8 per cent

–– houses that cost $6M or less, builders will get steel needed for construction and one sling of cement

–– houses that cost $6M to $25M, government will provide two slings of cement MORE good news for home builders. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday announced massive investments by the government that will see home builders benefitting from the provision of steel and cement for the construction of their own homes.

The President was at the time speaking at the opening of International Building Expo 2022, which is being held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The incentives will cater to home builders constructing homes below $6 million and ranging to $25 million.

The new initiative will see homeowners constructing homes at the value of $6 million or less receiving one sling of cement, along with the steel to be used for the foundation of the home.

The Head of State fur-

quality of life of Guyanese.

Together, he said they reflect the promise by the government to make home ownership easier for Guy-

anese. Within the past two years, mortgages in Guyana went up by a significant $16B, or 21 per cent, and this the President said is an

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali at the opening of the International Building Expo 2022 on Friday (Adrian Narine photo) granted by the banks.

“To further expand our housing programme, the banks have agreed that there will be no per cent requirements for loans below six million dollars because of this policy of the government. So you don’t have to find the 10 per cent or the 20 per cent. Once you qualify through the joint window system, the Government is

through the introduction of bold and aggressive homeownership; ownership initiatives that have seen that at the policy level, and reduce the gaps for applications and even processing time the establishment of new housing units, new housing developments across Guyana, and the upgrading of existing areas.”

The Housing Ministry

Minister of Housing and Water Mr. Collin Croal ther explained that home builders in the above $6 million to $25 million categories will receive two slings of cement to aid in the construction process. He noted that these initiatives are being implemented to continue the government’s aggressive agenda of making homeownership more affordable, and to boost the

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali; First Lady Arya Ali, and US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah Ann Lynch during the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to open the Maraiko Bay, three-dimensional (3D) printer, which is expected to print an entire house during the three-day ‘building expo’ (Adrian Narine photo)

National Security Adviser Captain Gerry Gouveia; Senior Minster in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Hugh Todd; and Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Manzoor Nadir at International Building Expo (Adrian Narine photo)

indication of the drive by Guyanese to own their own homes.

He further disclosed that the total loans borrowed in the country saw a $310B increase since 2020.

The booming construction sector also saw a significant 50 per cent growth in loans within two years.

Mirroring the government’s commitment, President Ali disclosed that through agreements with the banks in Guyana, the government has been able to secure a reduction in the interest rates on loans of up to $9M to 3.8 per cent.

And this is not the only concession that has been

with you. Now the commercial banks are with you; no requirements because of the singular policy.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who also spoke, noted that since assuming office less than two years ago, the Government has been working strategically to achieve its Manifesto promise to provide 50,000 house lots by 2025.

In less than two years, some 12,000 house lots have been allotted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and 10.

“Since the return of this PPP/C Government, we have re-energised the housing and construction sectors

plans to allocate an additional 5,000 new blocks in Great Diamond and Grove on the East Bank Demerara, at Meten-Meer-Zorg and Stewartville on the West Coast Demerara, and Non Pareil and Enterprise on the East Coast Demerara by the end of the ‘expo’ tomorrow.

The minster also disclosed that some 1,200 units are currently under construction, and some 300 homes have already been handed over to families for occupancy.

The ministry has also distributed over 300 titles and transports since taking office in 2020.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Contracts signed for construction of annexes at QC, BHS

THE Ministry of Education, on Friday, signed contracts to the tune of $198.9 million for the construction of annexes at Queen’s College and The Bishops’ High School.

The contracts were signed in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education where Permanent Secretary, Alfred King signed on behalf of the ministry.

The annex, which is to be constructed at Queen’s College, costs $103.5 million and will be done by Orgasein & Sons. This will be completed within twelve months.

At The Bishops’ High School, the contract was awarded to Mohabir Construction for the sum of $95.4 million, and is expected to be completed within 11 months.

Present at the signing was Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson who noted that this is a part of the ministry’s effort in ensuring that students receive an education in a safe and comfortable environment.

He urged the contractors to ensure that the works being done are completed within the stipulated time frame, and are of good quality.

July 20, 2022

L 06 16 17 18 20 28 03 July 16, 2022

A 01 02 04 06 07 21 28

(Ministry of Education photo)

22/07/22 - 01, 10, 18, 19, 20

22/07/22 - 3 7 2

22/07/22 - 5 0 7

22/07/22- 2, 3, 10, 11, 14, 15, 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

‘Ujama’ Emancipation exhibition a success

SCORES of small business owners were given an opportunity to showcase their products and services at “Ujamaa 2.0,” a two-day Emancipation sale and exhibition organised by the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly Guyana (IDPADA-G) on Main Street, Georgetown.

The exhibition, which is the second of its kind, saw Afro-Guyanese entrepreneurs displaying a range of products and services including catering, paintings and home decor. With a number of persons passing through to purchase items or browse, the businesses were able to capitalise on gaining new customers and selling some of their products.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Natasha Bristol, the owner of Empress Kids’ Palace, which customises clothing for babies and children, said her business has been in operation for almost three years and she wants to explore new styles and fabrics.

She has finally been able to do so with the help of the exhibition.

“We have the kids Ankara print outfits for Emancipation, we have them in any size; they are custom made.

[We] do pre-orders and deliver in two to three days,” said Bristol.

She added: “I feel good, I think the exhibition was well executed. It’s been a while I’ve been wanting to do some outfits for Emancipation and I finally got the opportunity through the exhibition.”

All items produced by Bristol are handmade or sown by her. She customises any outfit to suit the needs of her customers. Her service is not only limited to clothing, as she also customises shoes and other accessories.

Meanwhile, Veronica Langford of Veeronke fashion, who is a first-time participant in the exhibition, said

she is excited to see more platforms being created to promote local talent and businesses.

Langford creates as well as supports other creators, designers and artists in promoting their work to reach consumers, through her boutique.

She also provides a unique twist on the Guyanese leather slippers, offering a unique and vibrant line of colours and styles.

“I have some leather slip-

Natasha Bristol, the owner of Empress Kids’ Palace pers. I have some shirts. I have some tie-dye; we have some painted pieces – all handmade,” she said.

Yanniska Rufino, co-owner of Soul Essence gy, a skin and hair care business, displayed a variety of products catering for any kind of hair and skin texture.

Rufino, like many other participants, lauded the exhibition and hopes to see similar activities hosted by the organisation in the future.

In a previous interview with this newspaper, DPADA-G Community Development Officer Elsie Harry had explained that the name of the event is actually linked to the African celebration of Kwanzaa.

“Ujamaa is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa. It means cooperative economics, so what we are promoting is building our businesses, building our stores and profiting from them collec-

Patrons shopping at the exhibition

Veronica Langford of Veeronke fashion (Carl Croker photo) tively.

So, we’ve provided a platform for African-Guyanese businesses to showcase their products and hopefully secure sales and long-term customers for their businesses,” she said.

5

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Correcting an old wrong HOW Guyana structures and organises mental health programmes is changing.

The decolonisation project envisioned at political independence was more than just about the right of self-determination. After hundreds of years of external rule, the very cultures of a new Guyana had to be changed, especially when those cultures were more in line with the values of colonising powers.

Today, one such restructure is social and institutionally destigmatising mental health, and especially working to address suicide in Guyana. On Thursday in the National Assembly, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony tabled the Suicide Prevention Bill 2022. Once passed into law, the Bill will see a number of new measures, including the creation of a National Suicide Prevention Commission, a National Suicide Prevention Plan, and Suicide Prevention Centres, where support services will be housed for suicide survivors and those contemplating suicide.

All of this, however, will be led by the Commission. The approach, undoubtedly, will be multidimensional and multi-stakeholder in nature, bringing together the voices of technical, advocacy, and community players on one platform to reduce these incidences. This is good governance, in keeping with Article 8 of the Constitution, and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision for “One Guyana” with better governance.

Outside of creating programme and policy, and monitoring them, the Bill, as it currently stands, gives the Commission latitude to engage lawmakers on “laws that need to be strengthened or brought into force to enable policies and suicide countermeasures to be implemented in furtherance of the objects of this Act”. The Bill also opens space for the involvement of other government agencies, and Guyana’s private sector in suicide countermeasures. There is no secret why this particular body is necessary.

Considering Guyana is still working

through destigmatising mental health both socially and institutionally, the Bill gives the Commission the power to oversee the development of the framework for medical treatment for survivors of suicide and those contemplating suicide. The support, however, is not confined to those persons alone. It recognises that the families and communities attached to survivors or persons who contemplate suicide are also in need of support.

As far as media coverage of suicide matters is concerned, it should be recognised that Guyanese media operatives have already adopted measures to limit the details of incidents. This Bill takes that a bit further by imposing a penalty on offenders, liable on summary conviction, to a fine of $150,000 and three months in prison, if reports on suicide are made before a coroner’s declaration.

The Bill will also create a legal obligation for reporting, so that survivors or bereaved families and friends have legal protection from interviews.

The proposed legislation mainstreams Guyana’s suicide prevention plans, appoints dedicated policy makers and staff focusing on suicide countermeasures, and also provides for ample resources to be committed to suicide prevention and support to survivors, their families and their communities.

But more importantly, the Bill, as is noted about Clause 38 in the document’s explanatory memorandum: “repeals sections 95 and 96 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Cap. 8:01, dealing with procuring or abetting the commission of suicide and attempt to commit suicide. It also repeals section 202 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Cap. 8:01, dealing with attempt to suicide”. These provisions have long been contentious as they criminalise suicide rather than adopting a more support-cantered approach. This wrong will be corrected.

The Bill will be read again in the National Assembly, debated, and then passed for the President’s assent.

A welcome development No ethnic group should be and glimmer of hope regarded or treated as a footnote

Dear Editor,

RUSSIA and Ukraine are poised to sign an agreement which will allow both countries to resume grain exports through the Black Sea. According to media reports, the agreement, brokered by Turkey, will be signed on Friday, July 22 by representatives of both Russia and Ukraine in the presence of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

This is indeed a welcome development, especially when seen against the background of the rising costs of fuel and grain since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Both Russia and Ukraine are major exporters of grain and a resumption of exports could see a significant lowering of the prices of grain on the world market.

The current food crisis resulted initial-

ly from a combination of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, but has been further compounded by the war in Ukraine. Guyana has not been spared the punishing effects of rising prices of grain and fuel triggered by the war in Ukraine.

One can only hope that this development could set the stage for an eventual end of the war, which has been going on for close to six months with severe consequences for both countries and for that matter humanity as a whole. Regrettably, efforts at a diplomatic solution to the war have so far failed to yield any tangible results.

The agreement reached on the resumption of grain exports offers a glimmer of hope that a negotiated solution to the war in Ukraine is possible.

Yours sincerely, Hydar Ally

Dear Editor,

I EXPRESS my thanks to co-organiser, Dr Vibert Cambridge for his reply to the concerns that I have raised.

If his remarks are credible, then he must examine why Indo-Guyanese at home and abroad did not apply to participate in this international cultural folk symposium and festival. And why didn’t the organisers take a proactive approach towards ensuring diversity, inclusion and equality?

They should also seriously examine the ethnic composition of the organising committees to ensure inclusion and diversity. Therein lies the problem. The organisers are The University of Guyana; Moray House Trust; the Festival

City 50th Anniversary Committee; The Caribbean Broadcasting Union; Guyana Speaks; The Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., etc -- all Afro-Guyanese-based organisations. There is no Indo-Guyanese-based organisation or institution among the collaborators.

I hate to say it, but this exclusion reminds us of the long history of marginalisation of Indo-Guyanese that is driven by race and politics. Dr Cambridge and his organising committee should be sensitive to diversity and should become pro-active in a quest towards inclusion and diversity.

No ethnic group should be regarded or treated as a footnote.

Yours sincerely, Lloyd Sharma

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Nowrang was a beautiful mind with many talents

Dear Editor,

I AM extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Shri Nowrang Persaud, who died two weeks ago at the age of 85.

Nowrang, as we called him, was a very prominent human relations person, an inspiration in business administration. He had a recognised name brand as a human relations consultant with politicians seeking his service, especially in the sugar industry. He was integral to the success of Guyana’s sugar during the productive years of the company. It is regrettable that those with whom he shared a close relationship did not pen a word in tribute to this outstanding figure or even attended his last rites.

Nowrang was a man of financial integrity, a characteristic that is absent in government and in many businesses in Guyana. Unlike most others involved in business or human relations, he was not exploitative and greedy. He, like most of us in Guyana, grew up in poverty and faced racism, but we did not allow these adversities to handicap us.

He possessed raw talent and used it wisely to succeed in life. He was given an opportunity to shine in management and he did.

He achieved incredible success as a human relations person.

He helped many during his successful career. His contributions to Guyana and Guyanese were honourable, very important, and compassionate, with purpose. His pride of legacy was the erection of the crematorium at Blairmont. He was a great man who had countless friends. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or had the pleasure and honour of working with him.

Nowrang was greatly admired and re-

spected by political, religious, and community leaders of all stripes. He was an institution with institutional memory about politics, industries, Indian culture, Hinduism, and Guyana’s development. There is hardly an industrial figure or academic going back to the 1960s who don’t know him. Workers from that era through recent times know of him. And he is well known by many in the diaspora, who would have interacted with him through the sugar estates going back to the 1960s.

Nowrang was born and raised in rural Corentyne before moving on to estate and suburban life, acquiring tertiary education and working globally for the UN. He was a man of many talents, but he was most known for his human relations expertise, particularly at the sugar estates of Guyana. He was well known for his passion, witty sense of humour, brilliant intellect, and amazing smile. Many wanted to emulate his talent and ability and his kindness and generosity. Those who knew him as a human resource specialist found themselves wanting to emulate him.

Nowrang worked with tireless energy and passion at GuySuCo, DDL, and other companies that sought his service, taking them to greater heights. He was an international figure. He worked globally through the UN. His diplomatic flair and amiable character made him a person whose presence was sought in various business sectors. This led to positions as a member of the boards of directors of many companies and organisations with diverse goals.

The UN utilised his expertise in countless countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. He narrated that he left a closet of clothing in several locations around the globe

and didn’t need to travel with clothes.

In Guyana, he played a significant role in the transformation of GuySuCo and its profitability until it was run into the ground over the last decade by successive governments.

He worked closely with the late Yesu Persaud and they enjoyed great camaraderie. He was a dedicated advocate for sugar and grieved over the collapse of the industry over bad, incompetent, unfit management. But he recognised the public’s helplessness in transforming the industry.

We interacted a few times on varied topics. He was kind of old fashioned in his thinking and mentality and is driven by a desire for success at everything he touched. He was an avid reader of history, especially anything on or about Guyana and the Hindu scriptures. He read the independent press like a daily prayer.

He did not like to meddle or dabble in politics in public. But privately, he willingly shared with me his views on a variety of issues including on oil, Jagan, Burnham, the PNC, Jagdeo, Ramotar, Granger, and Irfaan Ali. He was most disappointed in the AFC and what passed as governance during the Coalition.

He had enormous respect for Jagan, although he was not supportive of Jagan’s politics and ideology that was responsible for the state of affairs of the nation during the Burnham and Hoyte dictatorships. He did not like the politics and running of the nation’s affairs post Jagans (Cheddi and Janet). He was familiar with and praised the activism of some in the diaspora in the UK, Canada, and USA in that long struggle against the Guyanese dictatorship. He lavished praise on those of us who led and or participated in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana in 1992 and again in combating the attempted elec-

toral fraud of 2020. He noted that without our input in lobbying America and other western countries, democracy would have been hijacked in Guyana.

He was a very religious man – almost single handed being responsible for the construction of the crematorium at Blairmont, where his remains were consigned to flames as per Hindu rites. He also contributed significantly to the Ashram in Cove and John and to the Swami School on the West Coast. He was also kind and generous in his contributions to other worthy projects. And he donated many hours towards community service.

He was very hospitable, a great host welcoming many of us from the diaspora in our research projects in Guyana. He accommodated several overseas scholars, driving them around to sites and to meet people to collect data. He talked fondly of his garden. He was an outstanding gardener – who tended to his own kitchen garden, harvesting fresh food for personal use. He was very gracious in his commendations for my work in the diaspora and particularly for my reporting and countless commentaries on varied issues impacting Guyana.

Nowrang is deserving of prestigious honours from the government as noble recognition for his service to the country and its people.

May I use this opportunity to convey my deepest sympathy to his family.

Nowrang was a special person who will never be forgotten by those whose lives he touched.

Lall described him as the ‘head of a caravan’ and ‘Ali Baba’ and this exhibits also the lack of respect for the Saudi Arab delegation by transporting Arabia way back in civilisation, back to the Arabians Nights era. Both of these terms are related to Arabs’ history and the undertone of the writing is indicative of the aversion Lall holds for Muslims as a whole, implying that they are still primitive. Did the President’s mode of dress detract from the delivery of his presentation or the business at hand? It is difficult to fathom the level to which some people would stoop to condemn the cultures and the religions of others and score cheap points.

Lall’s ingenuous use of the President’s attire as a ‘token of fraternal identification’ exposes this attempt to condemn the President as a Muslim, since he then referred to this as ‘ a piece of gaudy showmanship.’ Is Lall saying that all Muslims who dressed in that manner are guilty of ‘gaudy showmanship’? Turbans,

fezes and kaffiyeh are all worn by Muslim men, not necessarily Arabs only, and they not only have cultural significance but religious as well. Lall knew that, that day was Eid-ulAdha and the President as a Muslim was so dressed to observe that auspicious occasion with his fellow Muslim brothers from Saudi Arabia as well. If Lall had visited some of the mosques on that day he would have observed that many Muslims had donned such ‘tokens of fraternal identification’ because of spiritual reasons and the oneness they felt on such occasions and not to be a spectacle of ‘gaudy showmanship.’ Lall has not only insulted the President, but he has insulted the entire Muslim community. There is a limit to what can be tolerated from writers who insult the culture and religion of others. This was most insensitive and must be condemned by all.

There are numerous examples where Heads of State would dress in the cultural wear of the country they are visiting. Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau and his entire family dressed in Indian fashion when they visited India on three occasions; Prime Minister Modi of India wears suits when he visits the US. I have seen photos of Presidents George Bush, Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin among others dressed as Chinese and other Asians when they visited those countries.

I am proud of President Ali and must profusely congratulate him in displaying acceptance of all cultures and religions and this has been ongoing (he has done this for Hindus spiritual leaders as well); hence, for Lall to make such disparaging remarks is unbecoming of an intellectual. It exposes his downright pettiness.

Fortunately, not many persons read GHK Lall’s column, so the level of contamination of his toxic utterings is minimal.

Yours sincerely, Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

GHK Lall’s descriptions of the President’s attire were most insensitive

Dear Editor,

IT would seem that some so-called intellectuals will use their pens and their mouths to criticise and condemn anyone whom they do not support to the point of attempting to make a mockery of those peoples’ cultures and religions.

One such person is GHK Lall and this gentleman’s hate for the President and the government is being manifested in all his columns in an effort to spew venom in all directions. We must decipher Lall’s innuendos and connotative meanings in his writings to get to his true intention.

In his column in the Kaieteur News on 17th July, he tried to ridicule President Irfaan Ali for dressing in the traditional Arab wear.

He wrote an entire paragraph trying to make a mockery of the President, referring to his dress as ‘pretensive and overdone.’ Imagine the lack of respect for the President when

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Last Lap: Race at full pace for top place to replace Boris Johnson!

8

By Earl Bousquet

THE race to replace Boris Johnson as the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales has boiled-down to the last two contenders, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss -- a former Chancellor of the Exchequer and the current Foreign Affairs Minister, an Englishman of Indian descent versus an Englishwoman from Oxford.

Both have the credentials for the job that only one can get; and the two former members of Johnson’s Cabinet will go toe-to-toe and head-to-head between now and September 5, when

postal votes by members of the ruling Conservative Party will choose either Britain’s first prime minister of Indian heritage, or its third woman prime minister (after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May, both Conservatives).

Sunak and former Health Minister Sajid Javid, the latter of Pakistani origin and grown-up in Bristol, led the palace coup that eventually dethroned Johnson, but Javid fell-out in the first round of the race, leaving Sunak leading all-the-way since.

Unlike Sri Lanka where the parliament voted to replace the departed Head of Government between elections, it’s the MPs of the UK’s ruling Conservative

Party who’ll choose the candidates for prime minister between polls -- and the 160,000 ordinary members will then decide by ballot.

The two finalists have

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

naturally ultimately ditched all diplomatic niceties and protocols to face-off directly in what’s left of the race, hammering it out mainly over taxation and inflation issues.

Sunak is from the rich British elite, married to a billionaire wife domiciled in India and therefore not liable to taxation as a registered ‘Non-Dom’ (Non-Domiciled) UK citizen; and he also had a US visa for 15 months while serving in Johnson’s Cabinet.

Sunak is already coming under pressure from Truss and others for his taxation policies that have included what his opponents describe as “Britain’s highest tax burden in seven decades” and the country facing its highest inflation rate in 40 years.

The debate continues over whether British voters are ready for a well-suited Englishman of Asian origin or a third woman PM, a trusted Johnson supporter who voted against Brexit but also led negotiations for its exit.

Unlike in Sri Lanka where the opposition parliamentarians have a vote (and a say) in who would be the next President, Britain’s opposition Labour Party is a mere witness to the changing of the Tory guard, which will also decide who’ll be the next Prime Minister until the next General Elections, due in just over two years.

The two former Johnson Cabinet ministers -- one who literally stabbed him in the back and another who stood by his side even while trying to replace him – can be expected to pull all the stops and publicly wash their political laundry, hanging each other to dry in the court of public preference.

The changing of the guard in Britain has also been playing-out in public

in the media, particularly the BBC. Javid and Sunak, being the first two top Cabinet ministers to resign and causing the largest number of resignations ever to face a British PM, are not likely to be forgotten by the large anti-immigrant Tory electorate; and even though the ex-chancellor has led the popularity contest to date, diehard Tories and Brits who voted for Brexit in 2016 on account of anti-immigrant sentiments can be expected to feel and vote the same in a choice between a candidate of immigrant origin and one of Oxfordian upbringing.

Truss has been a diehard conservative all her political life and as Foreign Secretary, she it was who announced London would impose direct rule on the British Virgin Islands (BVI) following the recent US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sting operation that led to the arrest of the British colony’s ex-premier – a decision only reversed after much protest

by CARICOM and OECS member-states, as majority ex-British colonies.

Saying he was the victim of the Tory parliamentary “herd” that had decided to bulldoze him from office, Johnson addressed parliament for the last time Wednesday, ending his thank-you speech quoting Arnold Schwarzenegger’s popular Terminator movie quip Hasta la Vista, Baby!

But Sunak and Truss can be expected to continue to battle over tax cuts and increases, each playing to the gallery of conservative voters who’ll settle for whichever package of promises they feel will better or quicker ease the burdens on their pockets, pocketbooks and debit cards as Britain races towards an 11 per cent in-

flation rate before the end of 2022.

Johnson was booted out of Number 10 Downing Street just as Britain experienced its hottest day on record this week and Europe was being engulfed by what meteorologists designated “a weather apocalypse” that burned out of control in France, Portugal, Spain and Greece.

It was also the day the European Union (EU) called on the UK and other member-states hooked on Russian oil and gas to cut consumption by 15 per cent ahead of what promises to be Europe’s first winter without the usual levels of Russian energy for heating.

Meanwhile, the EU’s political directorate continues to miscalculate the will or ability of member-states to suffer the same, all together, even while differently affected.

At the same time, the unpredictable weather is playing havoc with Britain, temperatures registered at over 40 degrees Centigrade as the two candidates and their backers continue to fuel local fires across Toryland, in pursuit of political climate change.

Whichever wins the poll to become Britain’s next PM, he or she will have to find and fund the ways and means of putting the campaign behind and effectively addressing the worsening economic situation facing the British public.

Otherwise, like the US Democratic Party ahead of next November’s mid-term elections, if the winner loses the race over the next two years to qualify the party for the UK public’s trust for a third term, the next general elections can spell doom -- and gloom -- for both ruling parties!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

INVEST GUYANA 2022 magazine released

9

–– promotes Guyana as the region’s leading investment destination

THE Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) have released the 9th Edition of the INVEST GUYANA – the Premier Investment Magazine of Guyana and the official Investment Magazine of GO-Invest and the Government of Guyana.

According to a release, the publication focuses on Guyana’s progressive economic transformation agenda being piloted by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Government and highlights opportunities for investment and development.

It noted that Guyana today is listed as the fastest growing economy in the world with annual double-digit growth over the past five years and a high of 57 per cent growth projected for 2022. The President at home and in his travels has been leading the promotion of Guyana as an economic success story and the most attractive investment destination where opportunities abound across multiple sectors.

GO-Invest Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, in the publication, outlined the investment outlook for Guyana and emphasised the framework for a sustainable development, the release said.

“Exciting opportunities for investment abound in the rapidly evolving national infrastructure projects of bridges and highways, housing and construction with a target of 50,000 lots being allocated by 2025, agriculture with the opening of new

lands and opportunities to supply the region, through the mandate to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 and construction of seven new hospitals to create Guyana as a Health Hub for the region.

Guyana’s tourism sector is poised to become a new economic pillar with the approval of eight new world class hotels, four of which are currently under construction.

The awarding of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Semi-Finals and Finals over the next three years will position Guyana as a major regional destination for sports, entertainment and events.

The GO-Invest pages outline the details of investing and the incentive regimes and benefits across the various sectors and [GO-Invest] is

open to meeting with potential investors to simplify the processes for investments,” the release noted.

The Digital Edition of the Magazine is linked to the printed edition and includes videos which highlight live presentations from Government officials and links from Advertisements to the websites of the advertisers, links from QR Codes to the websites of GO-Invest and the online copy of the magazine, among others.

“The time is now to invest in Guyana!! Ensure you visit the offices of GO-Invest and be assured of professional guidance and support in identifying investment opportunities and fast-tracking the establishment of your business,” GO-Invest said.

CEO of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, presenting the first copy of the Invest Guyana Magazine to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, at the sod-turning ceremony for the AC Marriott Hotel (GO-Invest photo)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

86 participants for 7th Annual Youth Parliament

OVER 80 young people from across Guyana are expected to participate in the Parliament of Guyana’s 7th annual youth parliament.

This was said on Friday by coordinators of the programme who met with the media corps in the Parliament Chamber at Parliament Buildings, Georgetown.

According to Parliamentary Executive Officer, Carlleta Charles, the Youth Parliament programme

started in 2015 under the institution and later stood on its own to be hosted each year during the National Assembly’s recess period in August.

This year’s programme, she said, will be held from August 12 to 18 in a hybrid format, which will first see the youth parliamentarians engaged in virtual training sessions. Subsequently, sittings of their parliament will be held physically in the parliament chamber.

A total of 86 youths

(From left) Clerk of Committee, Sereeta Bethune; Parliamentary Executive Officer, Carlleta Charles; and Public Relations Officer, Yannick December are set to participate: 40 interest expressed by Guyof those are in the junior anese students,” Bethune category and 46 are in the said. senior category.

This year’s Youth ParThis, she said, is the liament is expected to be greatest number of partic- bigger and better, according ipants that they have had to Public Relations Officer since the start of the youth Yannick December. parliament.

He noted that the ParThe Clerk of Commit- liament Office is always tee, Sereeta Bethune, said trying to do better each year that as this is the biggest with the programme and cohort of youth parliamen- further bring parliament to tarians, the junior category the people. comprises students from During the seven-day both public and private programme, the youth parsecondary schools across liamentarians will be exall 11 education districts in posed to training in relation Guyana. to parliamentary etiquette There are also young and decorum; the roles of participants who are part Members of Parliament; of the Ministry of Human branches of government; Services and Social Secu- public speaking and the rity’s Young Influencers drafting of motions. programme.

The training for the In the senior catego- drafting of motions will ry, there are participants equip the participants to from the Speakers Nation- draft their own motions, al Debating competition, based on the topics that the University of Guyana they would like to discuss.

(UG), technical institutes Participants in this across Guyana, and, for the year’s programme have first time, the University of already met virtually and the West Indies (UWI). have been categorized “We also expanded to into the categories of include [the] University of “government” and “opthe West Indies because of position.”

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Ansa McAl opens mini mart at Beterverwagting –– Tourism Minister urges distributor to support local products

By Naomi Parris RESIDENTS along the East Coast corridor will now benefit from an array of quality foods, beverages, household and healthcare products with the opening of an ANSA McAL Trading Limited (AMLT) mini mart at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, on Friday.

Speaking at the launching, Managing Director,

to expand and open several other branches across the country.

“As we embark into this journey, it is my hope and the company’s hope over the next year to have mini marts stocked all over the country.”

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, who also spoke at the launch, said the government has committed to support the private sector.

growth in the economic,” the minister said.

The government, she said, has created an enabling environment for investors.

“We consider you our development partners and when we consider investments small or large, we want to make sure that we create the enabling environment for your investment to thrive.”

As such, she urged ANSA McAL to support

Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Minister Oneidge Walrond cutting the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new mini mart (Cark Croker photo)

Managing Director, Troy Cadogan giving a tour of the mini mart to Minister Walrond

local agro-processors and small businesses.

“Ensure that Guyanese products are also available on your shelves, at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, we support many small businesses and many of them are agro-processors and the Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Marketing Corporation has been strengthening the production and marketing capacity of our producers and stores like these can function as congruent for locally produced items to reach our consumers.”

Troy Cadogan said the US$1M investment is the first of several mini marts that will provide consumers with products that meet industry standards and add value to their lives.

“Rapid socioeconomic economic development across the sectors of Guyana has inevitably increase consumers need for convenient access to quality food, beverages and household and healthcare products. This need served as a catalyst for the establishment of the AMTL mini- mart,” Cadogan said.

He added: “Consumers will enjoy a conducive purchasing environment complete with AMTL brands from our comprehensive portfolio as well as a diverse amount of offerings from renowned local distributers.”

The company is looking

Georgetown Chambers of Commerce (GCC) Chairman, Timothy Tucker, who also gave brief remarks, also urged ANSA McAL to support local producers and further expand their services.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Minister Oneidge Walrond “When we came into government, it was with a clear vision, one that spoke to the support of private sector because you are the [ones] that employ Guyanese and you are the ones with the real engine of

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Animal health important for helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions – new report says

IMPROVING animal health can help cut green-

house gas (GHG) emissions, but more granular

approaches to measuring progress are vital if countries are to be able to include it in their national climate commitments, a

new report shows.

Diseases affecting animals, how long they live and how productive they are all have a significant impact on GHG emissions, says the report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Global Dairy Platform and the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, entitled “The role of animal health in national climate commitments.”

This means greater investments are needed to establish systems for measurement, reporting and verification (MRV). There is currently no standardised method to include improved animal health in most countries’ GHG national inventories or nationally determined contributions (NDCs). As a result, the importance of animal health is often not clearly reflected in countries’ commitments to fight climate change.

“This report marks a breakthrough in highlighting the importance of animal health and guiding countries towards a much more granular approach in evaluating its role and how it needs to be incorporated into national commitments to help mitigate the climate crisis,” said FAO Deputy Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo.

“The livestock sector provides vital nutrition and livelihoods for more than a billion people worldwide,” said Donald Moore, Executive Director of Global Dairy Platform. “This brief demonstrates how governments and industry can work together on climate solutions and is part of the global dairy sector’s Pathways to Dairy Net Zero

initiative,” he said.

“While this report clearly demonstrates the opportunity for improved animal health to contribute to climate mitigation, it also highlights the need to address critical data gaps and build capacity in low- and middle-income countries, in particular.

Governments and the sector should support long term investments in research and create the enabling environment for animal health policies and programmes to realise their full potential,” said GRA Special Representative, Hayden Montgomery.

The report shows how countries can develop an MRV system at national level to be able to include animal health improvements in national climate commitments.

ESSENTIAL But to do that, the report says, it’s essential for countries to use the detailed methodologies known as Tier Two or Three, developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

While the commonly used Tier One approach only allows for estimating GHG emissions per animal with regional averages, Tier Two looks at specific local production systems. This includes herd parameters to estimate impacts on animal numbers such as mortality, fertility, age at first parturition and replacement rate, as well as production data including milk yields and animal weights at different life stages.

Data on feed for different categories of animals and manure management

systems are also critical as these have a strong influence on emission factors.

Measuring parameters such as the methane (CH4) conversion factor may even require using Tier Three approaches with more complex modelling and associated data, the report says.

A key challenge concerns how emissions from the livestock sector are reported in national GHG inventories and included in NDCs. In their inventories, countries report direct emissions at sector level. These emissions in the livestock sector include CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation in animals’ digestive systems and CH4 and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from manure management. Emissions from feed production, processing and transport and energy use are reported under “agricultural soils” or the energy sector.

At the same time, animal health interventions cannot be considered in isolation at animal level as affecting only direct emissions.

For example, supply-chain emissions may diminish due to reduced needs for replacement animals or changes in the feed ration.

Therefore, it is important to adopt a systems perspective and understand the drivers of supply-chain emissions.

FAO considers animal health vital for sustainable livestock production.

Animal products not only represent a source of high-quality food but are also a source of income for many small farmers and animal holders, making a significant contribution to livelihoods and Gross Domestic Product in many developing countries. (FAO)

AMONG THE REPORT’S OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE: • A data collection and maintenance system needs to be established that includes stakeholders from across the sector, which will add value to the animal health intelligence gathering at national and international levels.

The approach taken must be inclusive of all actors in the sector, including research and academia and the private sector, as well as science and industry and development partners such as the World Bank and IFAD who contributed to the report.

• A combined life cycle assessment and systems perspective needs to be considered to account for the reduction in indirect emissions due to improved animal health (e.g. changes in feed consumption, use of pastures, use of energy).

• The capacity of governments and partners should be enhanced in calculating emissions and accounting for impact throughout the value chain.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Death row inmate found guilty of soldier’s murder in 2008

DEATH row inmate, Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Smallie’, was, on Friday, found guilty of killing a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer in 2008.

Williams, formerly of Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

He had denied murdering the GDF rank, 24-year-old Ivor Williams on January 23, 2008, at Buxton, ECD. After deliberating for two hours, the jury returned with a guilty verdict against Williams for murder.

The case has been adjourned to September 1, 2022.

A probation report on Williams will be presented to the Court. He will subsequently be sentenced.

The state was represented by prosecutors Taneisha Saygon and Muntaz Ali, while attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes is on record as defence counsel for Williams.

In 2020, Williams’ co-accused Sherwin Nero, called ‘Pattacake’, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, when he was arraigned for murder.

Nero was sentenced to time served since he had already spent 154 months on remand.

Meanwhile, in 2019,

jury found him not guilty of the charges against him in relation to the 2008

CONVICTED: Mark Royden Williams Nero and Williams were freed of the 2007 murder of Kumar “Mango Man” Singh after a 12-member jury found them not guilty of committing the act.

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced to death when a jury found him guilty of eight counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre in which a dozen persons, including three police officers, were shot dead.

He has since appealed that conviction.

Several months later, in July 2017, Williams escaped from the prison at Camp Street, Georgetown during a riot. It is believed that he was the mastermind.

Williams, however, was nabbed on October 9, 2017, at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice (WCB), while travelling in a public minibus.

In 2013, Williams was acquitted after a 12-member

Lusignan massacre, which claimed the lives of 11 persons, including five chil-

dren.

The matter was appealed to the Caribbean

Court of Justice (CCJ), which in 2018, affirmed the acquittal of Williams.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

More smart classrooms for Region Three

–– Education Minister

By Cassandra Khan GIVEN the multitude of opportunities smart classrooms bring to both teachers and students, in excess of 10 schools in Guyana have been equipped with smart classrooms over the last two years.

Among the 10 schools is Leonora Secondary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, has indicated in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle that the region will soon see two more schools added to that list.

Parika Salem Secondary School and West Demerara Secondary School are poised to be the next two beneficiary sites of government’s smart classroom programme.

These special, enhanced classrooms, Minister Manickchand said, have particularly been useful during the COVID-19 pandemic which drastically affected the operation of education in Guyana.

“We saw how one class or one teacher could be used to teach several hundreds of Education Minister children from differPriya Manickchand ent regions from different locations, different schools at different levels of learning and how massively successful that can be,” Minister Manickchand said.

She related that children are learning differently and the “old chalk and talk” and even textbooks have to be supplemented by other technological means.

“Smart classrooms are really a fantastic, useful movement towards technology assisted learning, as well as in our movement to expand our distance education and how we deliver.

“We’re very happy to be able to expand the number of schools that have smart classrooms,” Minister Manickchand added.

She expressed that her ministry is delighted to continue the progress as smart classrooms are likely to become the new normal for Guyana.

The minister said this will not only expose teachers and students to the benefit of technology-assisted learning, but will also provide a seamless platform for knowledge sharing as teachers from the West Demerara Secondary School, as an example, could export their talent.

In April 2021, Minister Manickchand commissioned a Smart Classroom at Leonora Secondary School in Region Three. It was the first Smart Classroom to be commissioned in the region.

During that commissioning, she said the education sector must continue to cater to the needs of the several generations of students.

Minister Manickchand noted then that such a facility is important not only to the school but to other schools around the country that do not have a smart classroom as yet.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), she said that in cases where some schools do not have a specialist teacher in a particular subject area, a teacher from the Leonora Secondary School would be able to assist those students by conducting lessons virtually without having to travel to the other school that require his or her guidance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Broad support for roadmap to address global food security challenges

MINISTERS and representatives of more than 20 countries of the Americas endorsed the proposed update to the Medium-term Plan (MTP) of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA).

The MTP will serve as a roadmap to guide the actions and priorities of the agency specialising in agricultural and rural development from 2022 to 2026, which have been adapted to the crisis situation that is threatening food security.

The modifications to the institutional plan were discussed during the Forty-second Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee of IICA. The participants agreed that, in order to guarantee the continuity of technical co-operation of excellence, it is crucial to correctly interpret the current scenario, which shines the spotlight on the hemisphere’s role as a

guarantor of the planet’s food, nutritional and environmental security.

The proposed adjustments to IICA’s plan seek to better align the Institute’s actions with current needs and demands resulting from the confluence of health, social, environmental and economic factors that have been aggravated by the war in Eastern Europe. This, in turn, has generated a troubling situation in terms of poverty and food insecurity that has put a strain on the foundations of the region’s production systems.

At the start of the meeting of the Executive Committee, one of IICA’s governing bodies, Laura Suazo, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras, who was elected Chair of the meeting, applauded the work carried out by IICA Director-General Manuel Otero and noted that the

greatest challenge for any regional plan is combating poverty.

“The reality is that most farmers practice agriculture in a situation of poverty that does not enable them to meet even their most basic needs, and as part of an agricultural model that is highly dependent on external inputs.

This was already quite clear even before the pandemic and the war in Europe,” said the Honduran minister.

PRIORITISE CLIMATE ACTION The plan recognises the need to accelerate technological innovation processes by investing in and adjusting institutional frameworks, as well as the need to prioritise climate action with respect to agrifood systems ahead of COP27, in which agriculture will be at the top of the agenda.

Ministers and representatives of more than 20 countries in the Americas who participated in the 42nd Regular Meeting of the Executive Committee of IICA (IICA photo) The representatives of the countries agreed on the importance of raising the voice of the Americas at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, to be held in November in Egypt. They considered that the hemisphere should share the progress it has achieved in resilient and environmentally friendly food production, as well as highlight the role of agriculture as part of the solution to mitigation and adaptation challenges.

With the aim of responding to countries’ needs and generating effective solutions at the national, regional and hemispheric levels during the 2022-2026 period, IICA’s technical co-operation proposal focuses on seven key areas: Innovation and the Bioeconomy, Climate Action and Agricultural Sustainability, Territorial Development and Family Farming, Gender Equality and Youth, Digitalisation of Agrifood Systems, Agricultural Health, Safety and Agrifood Quality and International Trade and Regional Integration.

THE ROAD TO RURAL WELL-BEING “Over the past two years, societies have been affected by various crises, which have been aggravated by the war in Ukraine.

However, today, as was the case when IICA was founded 80 years ago, the agrifood sector in the Americas is a glimmer of light that will prevent us from getting lost on

the road to development and rural well-being,” remarked Laura Bonilla Coto, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica.

On behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Aleksandar Jotanovic noted that his country supports IICA’s actions in the field of agricultural innovation, which he considers to be crucial in order to produce more and in a more sustainable manner.

“We must give ourselves the opportunity to rethink our development model. Chile is a country that has relied on a highly successful agro-export model in recent years, but we feel it is necessary to explore other paths, and, in this regard, IICA can serve as a forum for discussion,” stated Alberto Niño de Zepeda of Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Joe Hain, Director of Multilateral Relations of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States, highlighted IICA’s leadership, particularly in raising the voice of agriculture of the Americas at the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit.

“We support IICA’s roadmap, particularly its focus on prioritising climate action in agriculture, capitalising on technology in production and enhancing international trade,” he indicated.

LEADING ROLE “Since the onset of the pandemic, IICA has played a leading role in efficiently identifying the challenges facing agricul-

ture and responding to the needs of its member countries,” said Fernando Zelner of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil, who called on countries of the Americas to continue strengthening their joint position, with a view to showing the rest of the world the reality of agriculture in the hemisphere.

María de Lourdes Cruz Trinidad, of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development of Mexico, highlighted IICA’s work in the field of gender equality and youth, “given that, as we are aware, rural migration accounts for a considerable percentage of migration flows, both domestically and internationally, within the context of prolonged national crises in which rural youth employment is a challenge”.

At the meeting, the representative of Guatemala, César Vinicio Arreaga, expressed strong support for the proposal to raise the voice of agriculture of the Americas at the global level, “not only ahead of COP 27, but also in order to supply the population with the food it requires.”

On behalf of Colombia, Angelo Quintero noted that the adjustments to IICA’s Medium-term Plan “take into account many variables, not only climate change, but also everything that has to do with competitiveness, innovation, and the economic and social development of territories, which we consider to be crucial.” (IICA)

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Caribbean police join forces against gender-based violence

CARIBBEAN police forces have created a community of practice to improve responses and mitigation measures against gender-based violence in their region at the Regional Workshop on Operational Command of Gender-Based Violence Policing in the Caribbean.

According to a release, the event aimed to foster an ongoing exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices for gender-based violence policing among officers from different countries.

The release noted that the commitment to continue collaboration came at the close of the knowledge exchange workshop hosted by the Jamaica Constabulary Force — in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and UN Women in Jamaica — Monday last.

Using real-life scenarios, expert facilitation and site visits, the workshop sought to enhance the technical skills of dedicated domestic and sexual violence units in the six IDB member countries in the Caribbean: The Bahamas,

Regional law enforcement officers from The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago during the opening ceremony (UN Women photo) Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The workshop trained officers on better dayto-day management of cases and created a network of officers to share successful initiatives among countries, the release stated.

National women’s health surveys conducted in five Caribbean countries (Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada) have found that six of 10 survivors of physical and sexual intimate partner violence do not seek help or support from

any agency or authority, but that those who do seek help go to the police.

“The scope and complexity of gender-based violence requires collaboration across government institutions in developing multifaceted and integrated service delivery models. The IDB is pleased to support this initiative, which brought together senior law enforcement officers from across the Caribbean to work collectively to reduce gender-based violence,” said Lorenzo Escondeur, acting IDB Country Representative

in Jamaica.

Major General Antony Anderson, Commissioner of Police of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, said creating a regional network of gender-based violence unit leaders is a step forward for the Caribbean.

“It was a pleasure to host this workshop in Jamaica, where our multi-lateral and bi-lateral partners came together and did something that is important not only for Jamaica, but for the region and the world. Within the JCF, we have become more pre-

scriptive in our approach as it relates to the processes of victim management, reporting and accountability. But we have to work together -- to find solutions, to share knowledge, processes and procedures -- so that this matter of gender-based violence and the policing of it can be properly addressed.”

Tonni Brodber, Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office-Caribbean said: “All jobs in our society are important, but the police have a particular importance. The police are the most accessible face of

our justice system. Without justice and trust in our justice systems our societies crumble. It is a delicate balance in post slave, colonial and indentureship spaces, and with power comes responsibility.

Therefore, UN Women and our sister UN agencies work with the police, the judiciary, the health sector, civil society, the private sector and the government because, while a critical partner, the police alone should not be expected to end this scourge.”

The recent workshop is the first part of two international learning and engagement events for senior law enforcement officers who manage DDSVUs, the release said.

It added that the second is a fellowship programme with the University of Toronto in September 2022.

The fellowship involves two weeks of training on integrated service delivery models for intimate partner violence and first-hand experience through being embedded in DDSVUs throughout the province of Ontario.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

25

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

RACING TIPS

American Racing Tips

Outlaw

York

Saratoga Race 1 Reckoning Force Race 2 Brazillionaire Race 3 Awesome Indra Race 4 Jane Mast Race 5 Nest Race 6 Summonyourcourage Race 7 Royal Dancer Race 8 Favorite

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Peace Seeker Race 2 Silver Bullet Lady Race 3 She’s The North

09:05 hrs Val De Travers 09:40 hrs Mondammej 10:15 hrs Claymore 10:50 hrs Catch The Paddy 11:25 hrs Geremia

Race 4 Opus North

12:00 hrs Gibside

Race 5 Big Band Luzziann

12:15 hrs Little Prayer

Race 6 Witch Hazel Race 7 It’s Game Night

South Africa Racing Tips

Race 8 Chewing Gum

Kenilworth

English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:27 hrs Bold Act 08:57 hrs Good American 09:32 hrs Francesco Clemente 10:07 hrs Lethal Levi 10:42 hrs Alligator Alley 11:17 hrs Sir Maxi 11:52 hrs Antiphon

Ascot 09:50 hrs Lezoo 09:25 hrs Jumbly 10:00 hrs Accidental Agent 10:35 hrs Westover 11:10 hrs Naval Power 11:45 hrs Saga 12:20 hrs Hurricane Ivor

08:10 hrs Lucy The Pink 09:45 hrs Street Outlaw 09:20 hrs Adios Amigos 09:50 hrs So Flawless 10:25 hrs Phil’s Dancer 11:00 hrs Max The Otter

Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 08:45 hrs Karoke 09:20 hrs Sistine Madonna 09:55 hrs Mullacash Buzz 10:30 hrs The Cola Brasil 11:05 hrs Torn 11:40 hrs Janoobi 12:10 hrs Cactus Tree 12:45 hrs Complete Fiction

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

England square series with resounding victory

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Rain shortened match? Sure. 72 for 5 in the 12th over? No problem. Series on the line?

That’s okay.

After middling white-ball form at home this summer, England stormed back with a big win over a stunned South Africa, who were left on 6 for 4

in chase of 202. On a surface that promised runs but proved tricky to bat on in damp conditions, and even took some turn, South Africa were bowled out for their joint-lowest total against England and joint-second-lowest score overall, just three days after recording their highest score against England in the

series-opener.

In a match that was reduced to 29 overs-a-side after a twohour and 45-minute delay, neither side’s batters found fluency but their bowlers could make use of variations and the spinners shone. They took eight wickets between them, with Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali’s five

Adil Rashid ran through the lower order (Gareth Copley/ Getty Images)

for 51 in 10.4 overs trumping Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi’s 3 for 68 in 12 overs.

But it was England’s all left-arm pace attack that did the damage from which South Africa could not recover.

Janneman Malan, whose strike rate of under 90 has put him under some scrutiny, tried to get off the mark off the sixth ball he faced - a full, straight delivery from Reece Topley that he tried to flick off his pads. He mistimed it to Sam Curran at mid-on instead. Four balls later, Rassie van der Dussen attempted a similar shot, off a ball that was angling down leg and feathered it through to Jos Buttler.

David Willey beat Quinton de Kock’s edge in his first over, with a ball that just passed over off-stump and with pressure building, returned to remove de Kock with the first delivery of his second. Buttler deserves the credit for England’s field placement as he put Liam Livingstone at short cover and de Kock got a leading edge to him, as he tried to work Willey into the leg side.

It was also their groundwork that removed the next batter Aiden Markram - without facing a ball. Heinrich Klaasen hit Willey towards short fine leg and set off a single but Buttler gave chase and flicked the ball at the stumps to catch Markram short of his ground.

At 6 for 4 after four overs, South Africa were all but spent but may have hoped David Miller could maximise his time at the crease to keep them in it.

He hit back-to-back boundaries off Topley but that was as good as it got. Miller was bowled by a Curran cutter that crashed into his off-stump to leave South Africa 27 for 5.

Klaasen and Dwaine Pretorius put on 39 for the sixth wicket but when Klaasen was stumped off Moeen, England were into the lower order and in sight of victory. They bowled South Africa out in the 21st over.

England’s effort in the field more than made up for whatseemed a haphazard performance with the bat. They were bowled out with five balls remaining against a crafty South African attack after their top-order went too hard too early in an innings that was not ODI-length but not quite T20. In the end, they relied on cameos by Livingstone and Curran, who hit all but one of their team’s seven sixes, to set them up to top 200.

Jason Roy was determined to swing his way through his innings and got three fours away before Anrich Nortje cramped him for room and he sent the ball to Pretorius at mid-wicket. Roy has gone five innings without fifty, since his century against Netherlands exactly a month ago.

Roy’s dismissal brought Phil Salt to the crease, in his seventh ODI and in the absence of the now-retired Ben Stokes and he rubbed it in Lungi Ngidi’s wounds when he whipped Ngidi through fine leg, then edged him short of de Kock and then over a vacant slip area for four.

Ngidi’s first spell cost 28 runs and revealed nothing about the questions he asked the England line-up with his slower ball. Instead, it’s Pretorius who got the answers.

In his first over, Pretorius had Salt caught at mid-wicket by a diving Miller, a wicket which was confirmed on umpire’s re-

view, and then struck twice in his second to leave England reeling.

Joe Root skipped down the track and swiped at a Pretorius delivery, which he top-edged in front of and to the left of de Kock and, two balls later, Bairstow was bowled by a ball that pitched on off and wobbled back in to beat his flick and hit middle stump.

Pretorius had three wickets for nine runs in his first two overs and almost claimed a fourth when Moeen edged him wide of a diving de Kock. With no slip in place, Moeen survived but not for too much longer. In the next over, he picked out Nortje on the deep square boundary off Maharaj to leave England on 72 for 5 before the final specialist, Shamsi, had got in on the action.

For the second match in succession, Buttler tried to take Shamsi on and for the second time, he failed. Buttler advanced down the track and tried to hit Shamsi down the ground for six but got an outside edge to Pretorius at short third. And then England found their oomph.

Curran first sent Maharaj and then Shamsi over their heads for six and Livingstone plundered 22 runs off the first four balls of Nortje’s third over.

Livingstone sent 90mph deliveries off Nortje over square leg, mid-wicket and fine leg and then nicked him through third for four.

When Livingstone hit Nortje to mid-wicket, England still had Curran, who had one more burst against Shamsi. In a display of power-hitting, Curran sent Shamsi down the ground for successive fours and a six before holing out to long-off to end an 18-ball 35.

Pretorius finally picked up his fourth when Willey swung him to deep mid-wicket, the ball after hitting him over long-off for six. At the innings break, many may have thought that would be the best performance on the day. How wrong they were!

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday July 23, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Gudakesh Motie-4/23 (Third IDI) (2) Taijul Islam-5/28 (Third ODI) Today’s Quiz: (1) When & where did the WI and IND first play an ODI game against each other?

(2) Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

New Zealand overcome tricky Ireland chase thanks to Phillips (ESPNCRICINFO) Glenn Phillips produced a match-winning fifty for the second time in the series to help New Zealand overcome a tricky chase of 175 in the third and final T20I against Ireland in Belfast.

Phillips used the dimensions of the Stormont ground - wide square on either side - to get 46 out of an unbeaten 56 runs by running, as he hit only one four and a six.

Daryl Mitchell also played a vital hand in New Zealand’s six-wicket win, scoring a 32-ball 48 with five fours and a six. He came together with Phillips when New Zealand were 65 for 3 in the eighth over, and their fourth-wicket partnership of 82 tilted the game in the visitors’ favour, after which they did not let go of the advantage.

Earlier, Ireland’s lower order had impressed to propel their side to 174, with Mark Adair cracking 37* off 15 balls, and Curtis Campher hitting an eight-ball 19*, as the hosts smashed 70 runs in their last five overs.

Their unbroken partnership of 58 in only 23 balls gave Ireland the momentum at the break, but despite an early stranglehold with the ball, they ended up losing their sixth white-ball game against New Zealand in the 2022 home summer, losing both the ODI and the T20I series 3-0.

At 65 for 3, New Zealand were in an uncomfortable position. No team in the 23-T20I history of Belfast had ever successfully chased 140 or more, and with three early wickets gone, it appeared as if Ireland would finally get a win against the visitors.

Finn Allen was the first to go for 14, out to a yorker from Craig Young in the second over. Dane Cleaver soon followed him for 5 when his pull off Josh Little couldn’t clear the outfielder in the deep. And Martin Guptill - who offered the full face of the bat to play some

Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips added 82 runs

glorious lofted shots down the ground - was out for a 19-ball 25 while trying to sweep George Dockrell and only managing a top-edge to short fine leg.

At that stage, New Zealand needed a recovery job, and Phillips and Mitchell provided that by playing with the dimensions of the field. They struck just two boundaries from overs 8 to 13, and played risk-free cricket to bring the equation down to 70 in seven overs.

After that, they feasted on the 15th over from Campher, which went for 20, with ten runs off two balls from Mitchell’s bat, and a six from Phillips.

That eased the pressure on New Zealand, reducing the required rate to 8.60 with five overs to go, and Mitchell struck two more fours to move to 48. But he fell to a bouncer from Little in the 17th over, departing after an innings that came at a strike rate of 150.

Phillips carried on to his third T20I fifty, getting there in 39 balls, and stayed unbeaten on 56. To finish things off, James Neesham struck 6, 4, 4, 6 in a sixball cameo of 23 to finish the game off with six balls to spare.

ADAIR, CAMPHER FIGHT FOR IRELAND The extra bounce on a fresh Belfast pitch troubled Ireland captain, Andy Balbirnie, who struggled to 10 off 16 balls. Blair Tickner, replacing Lockie Ferguson for the final T20I, dismissed him in the fifth over.

Balbirnie’s opening partner Paul Stirling batted in a contrasting fashion, however, clattering three fours and three sixes to score 40 in 29 balls, and kept Ireland going at a run rate of more than 7.5 for the first ten overs.

Stirling was assisted in Ireland’s early assault

by Lorcan Tucker, who was promoted to No. 3, and they added 46 for the second wicket. Tucker was imperious in his use of the sweep - and the occasional reverse sweep - to hit 28 in 19 balls, but both batters fell in quick succession, which triggered a collapse.

It was Ish Sodhi who started it all, with Stirling edging a length ball with extra bounce to the wicketkeeper. Four balls later, Tucker’s attempted leg-side slog off Tickner took a leading edge to third man. From 79 for 1, Ireland lost their next five wickets for only 37 runs, and at 116 for 6 in 16.3 overs, it looked like a promising innings had fizzled out.

But Adair - fresh off a 22-ball 27 in the second T20I - and Campher had other plans. Campher ruined Tickner’s figures with 6, 4, 4 in the 18th over. And then Adair tore into Neesham’s 19th, taking 16 runs off the first three balls, and hitting another six and four in Jacob Duffy’s 20th.

Their partnership of 58 at a run rate of 16.57 meant Ireland’s bowlers had something significant to bowl at. However, the hosts were undone by Phillips and Mitchell in the end.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

Skills challenge will culminate Hamid/Joy basketball clinic today

THE Hamid/Joy Basketball Foundation’s 2022 summer basketball camp will close today with three games of basketball to test what the students have learnt.

The programme will conclude at the Mackenzie High School hardcourt in Retrieve First game starts at 13.00hrs.

Questioned about this year’s clinic noting that it comes after 30 previous years under the Abdulla Hamid Foundation, long-standing coach Abdulla Hamid was pleased to note that Guyanese professional basketball player Ms Joy Adams had come on board this year to give back to the youths in Linden.

Looking back over the past 14 days, Hamid said “We cannot

Coach Hamid (in blue) talking to female players as the clinic sessions came to an end

get a figure because as camp reached the closing stage more kids are coming out. We can say, however, we had about 75 kids on a consistent basis. Regular attendance was about 55 as some of the kids were going to

swimming classes, some to lessons or vacation bible school.”

With the relief that things were better than expected the former national player told Chronicle Sport, “It is the first time ever so many wom-

en have been attracted to the sport and I think that has come because a basketball programme has been started at the high school. I have seen over 35 females coming out with 25 being consis-

tent and it is a huge step in this programme that women are coming out from the age of seven to 17 years old. It is really good.”

For the closing of this camp Hamid said there will be the skill challenge which is a routine players have to go through showing the different skills of dribbling, passing and shooting.

After that segment, an academy from across the river, West Demerara’s DeeUp Academy, has been invited and they would be playing the Under-15 boys, Under-16 Girls and the Under-17 Boys.

He said fans may have to support Linden because “we don’t want the trophies to go out of Linden. It would be a

challenging time for the kids to showcase what they would have learnt during the 15-day clinic.”

He assessed that “it has been a tight situation for me over the years seeking sponsorship for the entire thing, but hats off to grateful friends that have always contributed in many ways, for my programme like Jernaine Figueira MP, Gordon Moseley, Mark Peters, Troy Easton, Rickland ‘Tallo’ Hutson, Wainwright Bethune, close friends who always wanted to see it reach the level where it is now.

“I can only thank them and thank the parents for sending the kids out to make this a succes”.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

GGA/Nexgen Golf Academy donates India win first ODI by three runs cricket gear to Everest Cricket Club

THE most recognised sport (cricket) and the fastest growing sport in the country (golf) will come together, under the auspices of the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) and the Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/Nexgen Golf Academy, with a strong commitment from the leaders of both entities to join forces to cross promote the sports.

Speaker of the House and president of ECC, Hon. Manzoor Nadir, accepted a donation of cricket bats, helmets and souvenirs from Aleem Hussain, president of the GGA/ Nexgen Golf Academy on Wednesday in the presence of EU Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Canto; National Security Adviser, Gerry Gouveia: Deputy Speaker of the House, Lenox Shuman; CEO Go-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop, and GCCI’s Gerry Gou-

Speaker of the National Assembly and president of ECC Hon. Manzoor Nadir (left) accepts the donation of cricket bats, helmets and souvenirs from GGA president Aleem Hussain

veia Jr. “We welcome this partnership as it will allow youngsters from all over the country the opportunity to participate in both sports, which share similar

traits -focus, concentration and discipline, a lot of cricket greats are top golfers as well,” said Mr Manzoor.

“Aleem and I grew up a few corners away from

each other in Albouystown and we both know how sports can impact the lives of youngsters.”

The joint venture includes Honorary Membership being extended to both presidents in each other’s organisation, a commitment to share and maintain ground facilities, joint training programmes and provision of equipment and coaches for the programme.

Meanwhile Mr Hussain added, “Working together with the Honorable Speaker has been an amazing experience and with his vision and energy behind this programme, we are looking forward to great success. We see a perfect fit between the sports and share a similar vision so this will grow quickly and immediately impact close to 1 000 kids.”

(Clifton Ross)

Fierce rivalries to continue at Bartica Regatta

THE Powerboat action is expected to be the highlight at the Bartica Regatta with seasoned campaigners such as Randy Belle, Clarence Belle, Dave Scott, and Neil Gonsalves set to feature tomorrow.

Being held under the slogan, ‘Summer Splash’, this year’s edition is organised by the Bartica Business Development Committee (BBDC) and promises to continue the rich rivalry.

The Easter Regatta in April this year was a bounce-back event after the COVID-19 global pandemic halted the event for a couple of years.

Randy Belle aboard his machine ‘Quantum’ at the Easter Regatta

Come Sunday, Dave Scott is promising to turn the tables while Gonsalves is also promising to upset both

his rivals on a day that is sure to be a fabulous one for the fans and supporters of all three competitors.

Apart from the tactics that would be employed by the men at the controls, millions of dollars have been invested to build engines that each will expect to give edge over the other.

The organisers are set to introduce the first-ever, Female Bikini Kayak Race.

Following are the events that would be contested: Three (3) Formula-one Races, Three (3) 200-HP Races, Three (3) 90-HP Races, Three (3) 40-HP Races, Two (2) Jet Ski Races (open), One (1) Female Bikini Kayak Race, One (1) 200-HP Bush Boat Race.

(ESPNCRICINFO) - History was West Indies’ for the taking.

A record 309 was in sight - the highest successful ODI chase at the Queen’s Park Oval was 272.

The platform was set with a quick 117-run second-wicket partnership. Two set batters were in the middle with them needing 120 off the last 15 overs with seven wickets in the hutch. Gettable in the T20 era, eh?

Mohammed Siraj first bagged Nicholas Pooran to end his 51-run partnership with Brandon King before Yuzvendra Chahal got the better of Rovman Powell.

But two quick fifty-run partnerships - first between King and Akeal Hosein then between Hosein and Romario Shepherd raised West Indies’ hopes.

However, Chahal had King holing out to sweeper cover before Siraj and Prasidh Krishna defended 38 off the last three overs - weathering the final onslaught from Hosein and Shepherd - to help India start the first of three ODIs in Port of Spain with a three-run win yesterday.

This was after fifties from Shikhar Dhawan, his opening partner Shubman Gill and No. 3 Shreyas Iyer helped India to 308.

They were on course to score around 350, thanks to the 119-run opening stand, but West Indies clawed back by varying their lengths and pace to restrict India.

Having only managed 83 for 5 in the last 15 overs of their innings, India’s bowlers walked out to defend their total with a mindset of changing their lengths, which is how Siraj prised Shai Hope out.

Siraj drew him forward with four pitched-up deliveries before catching him off-guard with a bumper that had Hope top-edging a catch to deep third.

Following that, Kyle Mayers and Shamarh Brooks decided to take matters on. They managed at least one four in each of the next five overs to be placed at 52 for 1 after ten overs. Mayers was particularly aggressive and brought up his first ODI half-century off just 42 balls. His march was only slowed down by the spinners coming into the attack and he broke the deadlock by dancing down to hit Yuzvendra Chahal for a six straight over the sightscreen.

With Brooks elegantly taking Shardul Thakur on at the other end - two successive fours to welcome him into the attack and a six to kick-start his second spell - West Indies looked well in the mood.

But Thakur dismissed both batters in back-to-back overs.

First Brooks, on 46, pulled a short ball straight down deep backward square leg’s throat before Mayers nicked an almost-yorker to the wicketkeeper.

Pooran joined King and added 51 off just 56 balls to keep them on course. The duo got themselves in by finding the gaps before Pooran hit a couple of sixes off Prasidh while King hit

Axar Patel over long-off.

Siraj then came back to have Pooran mistime one to mid-on before Chahal had Rovman Powell caught at slip to threaten a slide.

But King, Hosein and Shepherd ensured the viewers left with fewer nails and higher heart rates.

In the morning, when overcast conditions gave way to bright sunshine, the Indian openers feasted on some ill-disciplined new-ball bowling from the hosts.

Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales gave away as many as six boundaries in the first six overs, even though they bowled a combined 24 dot balls. At the end of the first power-play of ten overs, India had raced to 73 without loss, with Dhawan and Gill hitting 11 fours and two sixes while also facing 38 dots.

Gill - chosen ahead of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad looked particularly fluent in his stroke-play, driving and flicking at will. He got off the mark with a pristinely-timed cover drive off Seales before executing a perfect back-foot punch in the next over off Joseph. He cashed in on any width provided by the seamers and welcomed left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie with a well-timed six over mid-on, and got to his maiden ODI fifty off just 36 balls.

Dhawan, who had returns of 31*, 9 and 1 in the recent ODI series against England, was happy to leave deliveries outside off to get his eye in before freeing his arms to collect boundaries and make up for the dots. Though he played second fiddle to Gill, Dhawan ensured the good start didn’t go to waste, bringing up his 36th fifty in the format.

Just when it looked like West Indies would struggle to get a breakthrough, Gill threw away a chance to get to triple figures. He tucked a Joseph delivery towards midwicket and set off on a jog, only to be run-out by a direct hit from an alert Pooran at square leg.

The five overs after Gill’s wicket brought just 17 runs, with Motie mixing up his pace to go with Joseph’s short-ball attack from the other end. But Dhawan broke the shackles by first slog-sweeping Motie for a six over deep square leg and then hitting Pooran’s part-time off-spin for a maximum over long-on an over later. Iyer then tore into Pooran, hitting a four and a six off successive deliveries, before Dhawan deposited Motie over midwicket again.

However, an acrobatic catch

by Shamarh Brooks at backward point ended Dhawan’s innings on 97 off the very next ball. An over later, Iyer fell after his fifty - thanks to a full-stretch leap from Pooran at cover - and the brakes began to be applied on India’s innings.

But Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur managed to find the boundary towards the end of the innings - 36 came from the last three overs - to help India to a total that proved just enough.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 23, 2022

India win first ODI by three runs See story on page 31

Kyle Mayers brought up a 42-ball fifty (AFP/Getty Images)

Griffith appointed Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach

GUYANA Amazon Warriors (GAW) Franchise have announced the appointment of Rayon Griffith as the head coach for the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season.

Griffith is no stranger to the Guyana Amazon Warriors, having performed in the capacity of lead coach last season. Prior to that, Griffith served three seasons as the assistant coach for the fivetime finalists.

Currently, the 43-year-old Level Three certified coach serves as the West Indies Senior Men’s fielding coach while also completing stints with the West Indies A team and Guyana national side

where he was instrumental in the franchise winning five

Rayon Griffith

consecutive First-Class titles.

Griffith, during his play-

ing days featured in 22 First Class matches and 22 List A

games s where he took 56 and 22 wickets respectively. With the bat, he has a highest score of 82 not out before hanging up his gloves after the 2007 season.

Speaking on his appointment, Griffith said, “It is truly a privilege to continue with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, this time in the capacity of head coach. I am overjoyed that the franchise has decided to appoint me in this role. This franchise holds a special place in my heart and working along with the entity has been a remarkable experience. I have no doubt this season will be nothing short of fantastic.”

Griffith added, “I am really looking forward to work-

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

ing with the team, we have a number of quality players both locally, regionally and internationally. Some of them have been with the franchise for a number of years and I enjoy working with them.”

Dr Bobby Ramroop, owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said, “We are excited to have Rayon Griffith at the helm of our coaching staff this year. He has been a key member of this family for a number of years and has worked exceptionally well.

We wish him well in his new role and look forward to a successful season.”

The 2022 men’s Hero CPL tournament will take place from August 31 to September 30. | SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2022