Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_27_04_2022

wednesday 27th april, 2022

No.106705

$1B in contracts signed to transform ‘agri’ infrastructure

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‘We welcome your investment’ –– President Ali tells UK investors at Carlton House seminar 03 PAGE

President, Dr Irfaan Ali addresses the Guyana Investment Seminar at Carlton House in London, England, on Tuesday (Office of the President photos).

Triple strike!

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–– ExxonMobil’s Barreleye-1, Patwa-1, Lukanani-1 wells produce promising results –– increase estimated recoverable oil resources at nearly 11 billion barrels

Triple strike!

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

–– ExxonMobil’s Barreleye-1, Patwa-1, Lukanani-1 wells produce promising results

–– increase estimated recoverable oil resources at nearly 11 billion barrels ESTIMATED recoverable oil resources in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana, have increased to 11 billion barrels, following three new discoveries by the operator of the block, ExxonMobil.

According to a press statement from ExxonMobil, the three discoveries, which are southeast of the Liza and Payara developments, have taken the total number of discoveries made by the company this year to five.

The Barreleye-1 well encountered approximately 230 feet (70 meters) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone, and was drilled in 3,840 feet (1,170 meters) of water.

Drilling at Patwa-1 encountered 108 feet (33 meters) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone, and was conducted in 6,315 feet (1,925 meters) of water, while the Lukanani-1 well encountered 115 feet (35 meters) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone, and was drilled in a water depth of 4,068 feet (1,240 meters). Operations are ongoing at Barreleye-1 and Lukanani-1.

“These discoveries and

the updated resource estimate increase the confidence we have in our ambitious exploration strategy for the Stabroek Block, and will help to inform our future development plans for the southeast part of the block.

“ExxonMobil remains committed to delivering value at an accelerated pace to the people of Guyana, our partners and shareholders, and reliably supplying affordable energy to meet increasing demand around the world,” President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Liam Mallon said.

ExxonMobil has four sanctioned projects offshore Guyana. Of those, Liza Phase One is producing approximately 130,000 barrels per day, using the Liza Destiny floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, while the Liza Phase Two, which started production in February, is steadily ramping up to its capacity of 220,000 barrels per day, using the Liza Unity FPSO vessel.

The third project, Payara, is expected to produce 220,000 barrels per day; con-

A map showing ExxonMobil’s five discoveries for 2022 and its sanctioned projects in the Stabroek Block (ExxonMobil photo) HUGH BENEFITS struction on its production “These projects will vessel, the Prosperity FPSO, is running approximately five bring huge benefits to Guymonths ahead of schedule, ana,” President of Exxwith start-up likely before onMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge said during a year-end 2023.

The fourth project, Yel- brief interview released by lowtail, is expected to pro- ExxonMobil.

It was reported that reduce 250,000 barrels per day when the One Guyana turns from the sector are exFPSO comes on stream in pected to catapult Guyana to the ranks of wealthiest coun2025. tries in the Western Hemi-

sphere, thereby increasing the government’s fiscal space to invest in initiatives geared at expanding the economy, and improving the overall welfare of citizens.

“Guyana is now poised to be one of the wealthiest countries in the hemisphere; we intend to employ the gains from exploiting these deposits into initiatives geared at expanding the economy, improving competitiveness, giving people the best social services, increasing productivity, enhancing food production, and building new sectors,” President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had said in his keynote address during a virtual faculty workshop on the microeconomics of competitiveness hosted by the Harvard Business School.

In painting a vivid image of what is expected of the oil-and-gas sector in the near term, Dr. Ali said that by 2025, operating cash flow, based on total investment, is expected to reach US$3.5 billion.

As it is now, Guyana has US$719,713,039 in its Natural Resources Fund (NRF) at the US Federal Reserve Bank.

Based on the government’s plans for development, the bulk of those funds will go towards education, health, infrastructure and the non-oil sectors.

Those investments and subsequent programmes would be supplemented by the Local Content Act that came into effect in December 2021.

The new law earmarks 40 sectors or services, and stipulates a minimum percentage of the total value of expenditure on those services that oil companies and their sub-contractors must procure from Guyanese suppliers.

Already, Guyanese businesses have benefitted immensely from the operations of ExxonMobil, with companies absorbing more than US$600 million (roughly G$125 billion) in expenditures from the oil giant between 2015 and now.

ExxonMobil, in a recent press statement, related that along with its direct contractors, it has expended over US$600 million with more than 880 local suppliers.

‘We welcome your investment’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 27, 2022

— President Ali tells UK investors at Carlton House seminar

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali said Guyana’s future development trajectory is predicated on strengthening traditional sectors and building new ones, as he encouraged investors in the United Kingdom to be part of this journey.

The Head of State made this assertion while speaking about Guyana’s potential and investment opportunities during his feature address at the Guyana Investment Seminar, held at Carlton House, in London, England on Tuesday.

He agreed that while the UK has earmarked millions of pounds that Guyana can qualify for through investment, infrastructure development and infrastructure transformation, there is a lack of aggressiveness from the UK and EU private sectors.

“Many people ask sometimes why Chinese investors find the market faster than anyone else,” President Ali said, adding: “Well, I can tell you from our humble experience, their aggression is far different.”

He then pointed out the benefits of investing in a developing Guyana.

“Our development is about creating a broad platform for the future; a platform in which we are going to strengthen traditional sectors, make them more competitive… We’re going to go after new sectors,” he said.

Among the sectors he outlined included Information Communication Technology (ICT), education, healthcare and tourism.

ICT was described as one of “the new pillars” that will support the economy.

He also said that Guyana wants to create a health sector that is world-class, and a “knowledge sector where education will play an important role in the building of the new Guyana”. The President highlighted Guyana’s proximity to the US as a positive for visitors who are looking for an alternative in medical services, and the country’s geographic position of bridging South America with the Caribbean.

HOSPITALITY TRAINING IN CANADA In the tourism sector, President Ali announced that Canada will help to

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

train Guyanese in hospitality management. He said that Guyana has launched a programme to get 6,000 Guyanese trained in the sector. This, he stressed, is necessary to not only create the opportunity, but to build institutional capacity and human capacity to meet the opportunities ahead.

While the President acknowledged the challenges facing the country, he assured his audience that “those are the challenges that we will confront boldly. And those are the challenges our development trajectory will address and must address.”

He pointed to the strides that have been made in the agriculture sector, and Guyana’s lead role in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in advancing the region’s food production and food security agenda.

“The heads of CARICOM came together, and we have decided that by 2025, we want to reduce the food import bill of CARICOM by 25 per cent. So, the initial target is 25 by 2025. And Guyana has leadership in ensuring this target is met,” President Ali said.

He noted that Guyana has presented an action plan to reach the target, while pointing to the importance

of food security and agricultural diversification at the national level.

“We have some of the largest distribution companies now ready to bring in the capital to replant coffee and cocoa, to ensure that we become self-sufficient in corn and soya as input costs for feed production for poultry and livestock. And that is where the country is going.

In just 20 months, we have embarked on a programme of crop diversification.”

Within two years, the President added, Guyana will produce all the corn and soya needed for the feed production for our poultry and livestock sector.

He also highlighted the collaborations with Barbados on creating the first Guyana/ Barbados food terminal as a pilot programme that will be replicated throughout the Caribbean, with Guyana becoming the food capital of the region, and working with Brazil to sign an agreement to enhance Guyana’s livestock breed, expand the production of mutton and mutton products to meet the full regional demand.

BUILDING A RESILIENT ECONOMY “This is the type of transformation I’m talking about.

This is where the revenues from oil and gas will go to

build other sectors, ensuring other sectors are competitive; ensuring that those sectors are resilient.”

The President reiterated that Guyana and the opportunities Guyana presents existed long before the discovery of oil and gas.

He added that with 30 per cent of the world’s wheat taken out of the market, owing to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, global prices have skyrocketed, and countries that rely on wheat heavily, like Guyana, are feeling the brunt.

“We have just launched research on finding a wheat variety that can be grown in Guyana to satisfy our local demand to start with, so that the next generation of Guyanese must not be in a position that we are in today, where we are faced with these shocks and sudden increases in prices. And that is where the resources must go; building an economy that is resilient and sustainable.”

With regards to the energy sector, the Guyanese Head of State acknowledged that Guyana has the highest cost of energy in the region, which places the country at a disadvantage in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. He pointed to efforts underway to address this challenge.

“We have already committed that by 2025, the cost of energy must be reduced by 50 per cent. And by doing that, it will put Guyana on equal footing to compete with other countries where manufacturing and industrial development plays a vital role.”

He outlined an energy mix, including natural gas and other renewable forms of energy as the country’s future.

MACRO ENERGY POLICY The President also disclosed that a major macro energy policy, which includes Guyana, Northern Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana is being crafted.

“We’re now studying whether we now have the potential to become an energy hub for the Guiana Shield, and create a new energy corridor that will supply northern Brazil. So, our energy policy is integrated into the regional energy demand.”

The President also outlined Guyana’s many attributes, including its natural resources, climate services and biodiversity. He said the investment forum is not only about understanding the opportunities that exist, but about understanding how to access those opportunities.

“We welcome your investment; we are open, and we are ready to have a conversation on how you can be part of Guyana’s development.”

The event was organised

by The Caribbean Council, a trade and investment membership organisation that supports responsible and sustainable private sector-led investment and development in the Caribbean and Central America.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond and other government officials were also at the event. (Office of the President)

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

More businesses must deploy digital solutions –– Finance Minister tells Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural AGM SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has applauded some businesses for already moving ahead with improving their E-Commerce services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraged others who are yet to do so to follow suit.

Dr. Singh was speaking at the inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guyana/Canada Chamber

of Commerce at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI’s) Recreational Centre, Bel Air Park on Tuesday.

Emphasising that the chamber has an extremely important role to play in the economic and commercial landscape of Guyana, the Finance Minister reminded that there were already many Canadian companies with very well-established presence in Guyana, as well as many Guyanese companies

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doing business with Canada and some located there.

He further reminded that this point was reinforced recently during the visit to Guyana by Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Guyana and the Canadian Commercial Cooperation that will facilitate discussions and exchange of information

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Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh speaking at inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guyana/Canada Chamber of Commerce at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI’s) Recreational Centre, Bel Air Park on Tuesday related to the procurement of Canadian goods and services.

Dr. Singh pointed out that, under that framework, it was expected that even greater opportunities for economic and commercial transactions will be realised. On this note, he congratulated the chamber for all of their achievements

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since their formation in December 2020.

Minister Singh then outlined some of government’s plans in E-commerce as he referenced President Ali’s consultative meeting recently at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre which focused on an Information Commu-

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nications Technology (ICT) Masterplan for Guyana.

He alluded to government’s vision in the deployment of digital solution not only from the point of view of improving the public infrastructural space and not see page 5

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

More businesses must deploy digital ... from page 4

only from the stand point of the deployment of digital solutions from an electronic government perspective in terms of E-Government but also the use of digital solutions for the purposes of private sector commercial activity.

Those, he stated, are all elements of any modern ICT Masterplan.

FOUNDATION “One of the very first things that President Ali did when he assumed office was to bring into operation the new Telecommunications Act and that Act laid the foundation for the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and saw, immediately thereafter, significantly ramped up interest by companies operating in the ICT space in introducing services which previously were largely in the domain of the legacy monopoly provided,” Dr. Singh reminded.

He added: “We’ve seen already, perhaps most prominently, the laying of redundant fibre-optic cable and extension of fibre-optic connectivity to places that were never served before.”

The Finance Minister also pointed out that government plans to ramp up and improve significantly, through E-commerce, the services provided by the public sector to allow for a service that would be as citizen-friendly as possible. He alluded to two of government’s major plans of introducing a SingleWindow process foe trade transactions as well as a Single window process for construction permits.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has already commenced an aspect of the first process through the introduction of the Single Window Automated Processing System (SWAPS) and 2022 should see full implementation of the system. He urged the

private sector to also take advantage of the ICT legislation and other legal provisions in order to further improve its services to the public as he commended those businesses which have already moved ahead in this direction.

The Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce has over the last year established a physical presence through the enrollment of over 50 business

members and has organised numerous virtual and in-person events to address pertinent issues of interest to members. It has also facilitated various investment opportunities and relationships between enterprises in both Guyana and Canada.

The chamber has signaled its intention to continue to strive towards improving bilateral economic relations in 2022.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd, on Tuesday, met with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2022.

Minister Todd was joined by other foreign ministers who paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister.

Minister Todd and the foreign ministers of Argentina, Madagascar, Norway,

The Netherlands, Portugal, Philippines and Slovenia, among others are participating in the Seventh Raisina Dialogue. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Between Rights and Responsibilities

N AT I O N S a r e again preparing for t h e a n n u a l o b s e rvances of World Press Freedom Day next week (May 3), to be followed a fortnight later by World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (May 17) and then by International Day for Universal Access to Information (September 28).

UNESCO says World Press Freedom Day is “a day to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom” and “for reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics”.

It also says: “Universal Access to Information means that everyone has the right

to Seek, Receive and Impart information…”

All are principles worth pursuing, but each is interpreted differently and achievement depends on the extent to which press, people and governments grab and grasp their core essence of meaning.

Every CARICOM member state faces the same revolving-door challenge of the press and governments being judged, not by the way they see themselves or each other, but by citizens’ perceptions.

Societal disagreements over interpretation also result in all interested parties always falling short of agreeing on taking common steps in the mutual interests of all.

Some media houses see themselves as eter-

nal government watchdogs while others take clear sides, some preach independence and practice otherwise, while others go overboard trying to take impossible ‘neutral’ and ‘middle of the road’ positions.

And all equally claim all the rights and freedoms being heralded by UNESCO. But some also simply refuse to accept each right and freedom comes with equal responsibilities, each side watching the same principles with different eyes.

Expectations differ as much as yardsticks used to measure progress on each front and goalposts can be shifted when the game isn’t going in some players’ favour.

Measuring freedoms, rights and responsibil-

ities have changed by Light Years in the three decades since the Internet was born, changing life faster than the majority can grasp, adopt and adapt to.

Microsoft, Google and Apple were followed by Facebook and Twitter, WhatsApp and Tic Tok, Instagram and Telegram, new media giants being spawned everywhere by people’s natural need to know -- and wanting to know more.

Social media has forced mainstream media everywhere to go online-or-bust, netizens hardly accept they’re a minority in most Caribbean societies and there’s now a very thin line between information and propaganda.

Images continue to render words useless as expanding viewing plat-

forms turn reading into an endangered habit; and wars being won or lost in people’s minds according to how much the mind can absorb images of horrors of war relayed a thousand times over.

But through it all, people always use their own human filters to process information, most times faster and better than given credit for, especially in Caribbean societies where everyone knows everyone and everyone knows something about everyone else.

Every CARICOM nation has its own history of the antagonisms between the press and politicians and every government is at some point accused by the press of “violating” press freedom, “restricting” rights, “withhold-

ing” or “controlling” information flows.

In each country too, the press can be accused of selectively applying principles by demanding rights and freedoms without accepting or being guided by the responsibilities that come with each.

All that said, the press in CARICOM is still very largely free to work and information still flows freely, even if too many everywhere still misunderstand, overestimate or undervalue the true new values of press freedom and universal access to information and new trends of life in the age of the Internet of Things.

But the gap between rights and responsibilities is still too wide and deep and in need of bridging.

Guyana urgently needs building codes and standards

Dear Editor:

THE PPP/C Government has embarked on a building boom that is receiving worldwide attention. Guyanese at home and abroad are excited, and rightly so, about the impending improvement in the quality of life from this building boom. However, there is a hidden danger that can turn the boom into a bust.

There are no codes and standards (or contemporary ones) to guide quality

and safety.

Over the last four decades, there have been sporadic calls, especially after a fire, from groups and individuals (e.g., L. C. Roopnarine, KN May 7, 2021) for the enactment of building codes.

Policy makers have not, at least seriously, heeded these calls. Rather, they lament, usually after public outrage, when public infrastructural works are poorly constructed, and the public is deprived.

Codes (building, residential, electrical, fire, plumbing,

and so on) and standards embody technical knowledge from contemporary research and years of practical experience. They include a comprehensive set of minimum health, safety and energy standards to protect the public (safety, security, health and costs), and the environment. These codes and standards are essential guides for safe, sustainable and economical design, construction best practices and maintenance of infrastructural works.

Guyana is in a unique position to capitalise on codes and standards developed and used in many countries, especially high-income countries, to quickly establish its own. This requires personnel familiar with current codes and standards, the local environment and state-of-theart practices. For example, the International Building Codes (IBC) is popular in the US. However, each state and its jurisdictions make amendments to some of the IBC clauses to satisfy lo-

cal conditions, statutes, and practices. Enacted codes and standards via legislation are necessary but not sufficient.

One or more organisational structures are required to provide training of inspectors, architects, contractors and engineers, and empower enforcement.

I implore the current government to earnestly begin the process of developing and enacting codes and standards, provide for the training needs and enable tight enforcement.

The success of the fantastic ongoing and planned infrastructural works including the proposed Silica Smart City is threatened by the absence of these codes and standards. The excitement, hopes and dreams of the Guyanese people must not be vanquished by substandard infrastructural works.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Muniram Budhu Professor Emeritus

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Guyanese are now living better lives compared to the experience under the Coalition

Dear Editor,

Undeniably, the PPP’s track record as a government has proven beyond any doubt that it remains the only political party in government which is not only all inclusive and pursued racial integration meaningfully, but which has uplifted the country from the morass of social and economic decadence.

The PNC for 28 years plunged the country into extreme poverty, hunger and criminal activities which relegated it next to Haiti and it took the PPP Government, during its 23 years in office, not only to reverse this but to transform the country from a highly indebted country to a progressive middle-income Country.

This devastation was again

repeated by the PNC as the Coalition for another five years from 2015 to 2020. And again, the PPP Government took on the Herculean task to rebuild an economy which was on the verge of bankruptcy; the PNC- dominated Coalition this time was on a squandering binge. This time the alacrity of the corruption surpassed what took place from 1964 to 1992. Imagine they tried ‘a thing’ with the first oil money we received (US $18 signing bonus), thus it will not take an astrologer to predict what would have happened thereafter. Many who are vociferous today were mum then.

Now there are some who are crying ‘wolf ’ again hoping that the more gullible Guyanese will fall for this again. Those who do not remember the past will most certainly be

condemned for repeating it and Guyanese have learnt their lessons well. The PNC/Coalition governed this country for 33 years and brought nothing but hunger and suffering for Guyanese. There was a time when putting food on the table was a criminal activity. When it is analysed what took place from 2020 to now, the full magnitude of the progressive nature of the PPP Government will surely come to fore. The PPP had to fight the PNC juggernauts hell bent on steaing an entire government in full view of the world and then had to battle an unseen enemy in the form of the pandemic and in the midst of that had to charter our survival from the most devastating flood ever when entire regions became inundated and crops and livelihood were destroyed. But this

government not only overcame these but once more herald an era of unprecedented socio-economic development.

This brings to mind the words of our President, Dr Irfaan Ali when he was in Region Six. “We are creating a macro-vision that will transform this region beyond recognition, create opportunities for new jobs, bring sustainable jobs, and empower people to participate in a greater way in the economy of this region. That is what we are about.” The government’s macro vision will most definitely transform the country beyond recognition as major economic projects get underway across every region.

Already some areas have developed beautifully beyond recognition.

The PNC has never been good for Guyana

whilst in government and even as an Opposition and third force parties, such as the UF, AFC and the WPA, have all become subservient to the PNC and have intrinsically lost their goals and founding principles. Guyanese must not be misled by the few who are only interested in grabbing power to foster their own selfish ends.

There are those who have condemned the macro developmental projects for Berbice outlined by President Ali but never uttered a word in condemnation when the Coalition made the entire Region Six a ghost town, with children and mothers walking with their abdomens glued to their backs, unaware where the next meal will come from. Little did these naysayers realised that this government has buffered the rising global prices,

including fuel prices, and have put billions back into the pockets of every Guyanese directly and indirectly through cash grants, salary increases, and decrease in taxes. This seemed to be forgotten.

These projects and the many others in progress will create employment and peoples’ lives will improve. People will learn to fish and not be depending on a fish to be thrown at them. Of course it will take time but patience is what is required because there is a timeline when the dividend from every project will materialise. Guyanese are living far better than they did under the Coalition.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

View that government visiting NRF in first year is misguided Dear Editor,

I write to respond to the claims published in the Stabroek News editorial “Spending the oil money” on April 25, 2022, that argues the Guyanese government is making a flawed decision by immediately using funds from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

I understand the hesitation and do believe people have a right to be cautious; however, Guyana is in a very lucrative position as an emerging oil producer and should be taking advantage of this global demand for oil. The volatility of the oil market and barrels hovering around US$106 per barrel creates a unique opportunity for the country. So, I disagree with the claim that it was “deeply flawed” for the government to use the US$607 million it earned from oil last year.

The concern that the government dipping into the NRF in its first year of operation will set a bad precedent for future years of excessive withdrawals is misguided. Oil revenues will be a fact of life for Guyana for many years to come and this amount will soon look trivial.

The reality is that this first allocation has been used to support the 2022 budget, a budget that is a 44 per cent increase over 2021 and includes increased spending on infrastructure, electrification, gas-to-energy, hydropower, and solar energy projects. The implication that no one has a clue how the first year’s allocation will be spent is an unfair mischaracterisation of the government’s continued transparency with Guyanese people.

Yes, it is imperative that money that’s flowing in is spent wisely, but we should also appreciate the transformative revenues we’re dealing with, and the endless possibilities afforded to Guyana today that were simply unimaginable a few years ago.

It is one thing for a country like Norway that is well-developed with good infrastructure to think only about saving oil money for the future. But Guyana has real needs now. This money must be put to use to better the lives of citizens— better roads and bridges, reliable electricity, better schools, bolstering seawalls and coastal defences—all things that can

help us prosper long-term.

The government can use the returns from the oil and gas sector to invest in the future of the country, which will not include oil and gas forever. Guyana’s rapid development is a prime example of the growth that can happen in a short amount of time when the proper investments are made into a country.

But there are many more areas where the government rightly recognises that it has an obligation to spend revenues to help. Just look to education and healthcare, both sectors received over a 20 per cent increase this budget cycle. Now think about what can be done over the next decade as Guyana takes in tens of billions more.

Caution about spending is well-intentioned and every safeguard should be put in place to ensure that funds are spent wisely and transparently. But Guyana is sitting on an incredible opportunity that will only come once and the government is wise to seize it.

Yours sincerely, Romel Khan

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

$1B in contracts signed to transform ‘agri’ infrastructure

AS part of continued efforts to enhance the infrastructure within the agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture has awarded 20 contracts valuing over $1 billion.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, speaking at a simple signing ceremony at the Agriculture Ministry on Tuesday, urged contractors that the time will not be extended for the contracts that have been awarded.

“Last year, we had some problems with contracts. Let us look at correcting those problems and work and get this work finished on time,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also said that the ministry was looking to put more drying floors to decrease conflict between pedestrians and farmers.

“So, we are seeing a lot of progress being made in the agriculture sector. You are the critical link for us; you are

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, with contractors, on Tuesday (Adrian Narine photo) the critical support for us,” Minister Mustapha related.

Among the contracts awarded was one valuing $19 million for the retrofitting of the Pomeroon Women’s Association building, as part of efforts to encourage more agro-processing in the community, thereby contributing to food security and wealth generation.

Further, under the same contract, for the building

to be fully operational after being retrofitted, equipment such as coolers or chillers, stainless steel tables, industrial scales with digital display and more will be procured.

Additionally, separate contracts valuing $56.6 million were signed for the construction of 100 shade houses at Mon Repos, for the Agri Investment and Expo.

Further, five contracts were signed between five

different contractors and the Agriculture Ministry for the construction of a drying floor in Somerset, Region Two, an all-weather road and insectary in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the installation of a paddy dryer and pre-cleaner at Black Bush Polder, Region Six, and the supply of an agriculture drone for the Burma Rice Research Station.

It was reported that with agriculture being one of Guyana’s most important and productive sectors, in excess of $22 billion has been allocated for the Ministry of Agriculture in the 2022 national budget.

“The total of the budget for agriculture is approximately $22 billion… it’s one of the best budgets I’ve ever heard; the budget will continue the projects that are in our manifesto, and it will see the

economic transformation of Guyana.

“It is people-centred and it is focused on the continued transformation of our country,” Minister Mustapha had said.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said that Guyana was uniquely poised to take advantage of production and trade opportunities in food products across the Caribbean region.

The minister said that Guyana was committed to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Twenty-Five by 25 initiative which aims to cut the extra-regional food import bill by 2025.

He added that the Government of Guyana was focused on ramping up domestic production as well

as agro-processing capabilities and was working with the region to remove all historic barriers and impediments to intra-regional trade and promoting more agri-business and complete transformation of regional food systems.

On the domestic front, focus will be placed on both traditional crops as well as new and emerging ones.

These commitments, he said, are “golden [opportunities] for Guyana to finally realise its potential as the breadbasket of the Caribbean.”

The government is committed to the enhancement of the sugar and rice industries, livestock industry, fisheries and aquaculture, non-traditional crops, agro-processing and the coconut industry.

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$650M pump station for Canal No. 1

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, April 27, 2022

THE Ministry of Agriculture, on Tuesday, awarded a contract to Well Built Construction Services for the construction of a pump station at Canal No. One, West Bank Demerara.

That pump station will enhance drainage across 3,000 acres of residential and farm lands for cash crops and permanent crops.

Pumps are utilised to drain excess water from the land and are especially essential during the rainy seasons when there are torrential showers.

It was reported that a portion of revenue from the country’s oil and gas resources will be spent on building flood mitigation infrastructure for the future as the government moves to comprehensively tackle flooding on the coastland, particularly in Regions Two, Three, Five and Six. The process to shield the coastland, which is six feet below sea level, from flooding started with a National Consultation on Strategic Flood Protection Measures with farmers, engineers and regional officials.

The government, in a

PowerPoint presentation delivered by head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, articulated its plan to mitigate flooding in the identified regions.

The presentation, in essence, seeks to set in place comprehensive plans for each of the identified regions to mitigate flooding, open up more lands for agricultural purposes and reduce losses faced by farmers and residents as a result of flooding.

The works required to enable this include dredging of rivers, building drainage and irrigation structures, building embankments, creating water channels and integrating drainage and irrigation network to enable effective and efficient water management.

Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t , D r.

Bharrat Jagdeo, who addressed the consultation, said that the plans will be refined through wide consultation; feasibility studies will be prepared and the government, apart from providing part financing, will move to secure funding from international institutions.

Farmers for years have complained that due to losses

from flooding, at times, they are not in a position financially to return to their fields.

The farmers, engineers and regional officials at the consultations, in addition to making suggestions to the government to improve the plans articulated to them, said the vision of the government to comprehensively deal with the issue of flooding was commendable.

The ambitious plans to mitigate flooding on the coastland, Dr. Jagdeo told the gathering, will require an enormous amount of money, and even though developed countries are major contributors to climate change and are reluctant or slow in providing funding for developing nations to respond to the challenges posed by climate change, Guyana will have to act now.

“We have to fend for ourselves while we remain engaged with the global process. We in Guyana, we are not sitting on our hands, we have to ensure that some of our resources are utilised in this manner,” he said.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, inspecting a pump at South Ruimveldt (Elvin Croker Photo)

Tension boils between Norton and Van West-Charles — Van West-Charles accuses Norton of lack of consultation; Norton accuses Van West-Charles of using him as scapegoat

TENSION is rising within the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) as Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton accuses his adviser, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles of being a facilitator of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s agenda.

“I reject Van WestCharles attempt to use me as a scapegoat to achieve his personal and other ends, but I will deal with that at the level of the Central Executive, and then we will make an official pronouncement on it,” Norton said at a PNCR press briefing on Tuesday.

He continued: “All I would say, though, about Mr. Van West-Charles comments, and this is before I discuss it with the party, is that Mr. Van West-Charles has been pushing for me to engage the PPP through him, and I made it clear to him that I cannot engage the PPP without a decision

Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton

of the Central Executive.

And I have on my phone at least two messages from him that can verify that is the direction he was going. Mr. Van West-Charles is entitled to his personal position.”

Norton is also being accused of not consulting the party’s Central Executive before making public pronouncements on policy matters, but he is claiming that this accusation is not true.

Dr. Richard Van West-Charles

“The Constitution provides for the Central Executive to meet at least once a month; we met in January, I think twice or thrice. We met in February, at least twice; we met in March, once or twice, and

this month we have had a busy schedule, and we are meeting this evening. All the claims are ridiculous, but there is nothing I can do,” Norton said.

Van West-Charles has also threatened to resign

from his post as Norton’s adviser.

“I have, therefore, concluded that until the role of, and the process by which the adviser can function in a meaningful manner critical to bringing value to our party is clarified, I have no other option than to offer to withdraw from the named position of Adviser. I do wish to make a positive and effective contribution to the work of the party, but not as a casual or optional appendage,” Online news outlet, Demerara Waves, has quoted Dr. Van WestCharles as saying in a letter to Norton.

According to Dr. Van West-Charles, the PNC/R positions on a several issues are only known in media reports, instead of his being informed as a matter of courtesy.

The PNCR Central Executive met on Tuesday night, where they trashed out several issues.

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

Economic prosperity will 'filter down' — says Prime Minister at commissioning to society of new private shore base facility PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, said Guyanese must benefit from the country’s success and the main objective of his government is to enhance the lives of all Guyanese.

“In every country’s

success, its people must be involved. Its people must be able to feel the success as their own and reap the benefits of that success.

Ownership and inclusion of a country’s people are imperative not only for the country’s development but for the social and economic betterment of citizens.”

These assertions were made at the opening ceremony of the TechnipFMC Georgetown service base oil and gas support facility on Tuesday at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara.

The Prime Minister said the government is resolved in its commitment to ensuring that the economic

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara facility (DPI photo) prosperity of the country is the economic prosperity of the society.

It is for that reason, he stated, that the administration has legislated and is now enforcing local content laws.

This legislation, he pointed out, will also tremendously benefit locally owned businesses by giving them an opportunity to grow and increase capacity.

“Consider the simple example of the construction for this facility. Its impressive design came at the hands of a local company with supervision by the TechnipFMC team. This is a commendable achievement that increases the competitiveness of that company and gives it a winning chance at success in its future endeavours. These are the partnerships that will help to propel our citizens to prosperity as our country

develops,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that he is particularly pleased at the upskilling of the local labour force through the transfer of knowledge and expertise.

“TechnipFMC’s Guyana-led workforce at this location has undergone international-standard training and is now highly equipped and marketable in the fields in which the employees specialise. Such partnerships showcase the benefit that additional jobs for local professionals and businesses have on the local workforce, who profit from increased skills training and diversification in the high-demand industry of oil and gas”.

President of TechnipFMC, Jon Landes, said that the company continues to recruit and train Guyanese.

“We are committed to continuing our development

in Guyana and developing our Guyanese talent; in addition, we have over 70 local suppliers that we’ve developed.”

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, said that since the discovery of oil in Guyana seven years ago, the industry has grown tremendously with an investment approaching US$30B

by ExxonMobil.

“We’re committed to developing the local content so that the people of Guyana benefit not just from the revenues of oil and gas, but also from the investment that’s taking place,” he said.

Following a short ceremony to officially declare the 10-acre facility open, Prime Minister Phillips, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, Routledge and other invited guests, were taken on a guided tour of the facility.

The TechnipFMC Georgetown service base oil and gas support facility that was commissioned at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday (DPI photo)

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‘Agri,’ IT enthusiasts awarded US$180,000 in cash grants

Awardees of the Innovate Guyana programmes with US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; CEO of Guyana Economic Development Trust, Oslene Carrington, and Senior Manager of Business Solutions Unit at GTT, Tanya Wilcott (Adrian Narine photo)

SOME eight persons in the field of agriculture and information technology were granted an opportunity to enhance their trade with grants amounting to US$180,000, which were issued through the Guyana Innovation Prize and Economic Development Accelerator programmes that fall under the Innovate Guyana initiative.

Innovate Guyana, which supports innovation in science, technology and agriculture, is an initiative of the Guyana Economic Development Trust, and through its sub-programme, the Guyana Innovation Prize, which is funded by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), three persons received grants of US$10,000 each.

Those persons who benefitted from the programme which started in July 2021, were Jubilante Cutting of Guyana Animation Network (GAN) and GAN Studios; Vickacy Williams of Aurora Technologies, who creates decorative construction tiles made from plastic waste; and founder of EcoCarb GY, Lisa Dublin, who uses activated carbon to clean drinking water made from coconut waste.

Additionally, five agro-processors were

but we felt there was an opportunity for a very specific one,” she said.

She added that the outlet looks like what she would have seen in the United States, but there was room for innovation.

“So, we started there with the Guyana Innovation prize in 2017 and 2018, we got some additional support from the US embassy in 2020.

This programme, before garnering the support of other entities, was initially self-funded by me and members of the diaspora and so we are really excited to be able to contribute back to our fellow Guyanese in that way,” Carrington said.

Damian Blackburn, CEO of GTT, reaffirmed the company’s support towards innovation in Guyana.

He said: “Specific to growth and development in a country is innovation - a key customer promise of GTT to innovate for all in our country.

“As a company, we recognise that innovation goes beyond technology and it includes skin care, agriculture, solid waste management and pharmaceuticals. I’d like to congratulate GEDT for this initiative and the innovators for these really great concepts.

I look forward to supporting what’s to come for Guyana.”

awarded through the Economic Development Accelerator programme funded by USAID. This programme was developed to enhance commercially successful manufactured agricultural products by supporting their growth through exports saw Some 43 products were submitted for this programme which began in September 2021.

Of the 43, 15 agro-processors were shortlisted as finalists for the programme.

Following a series of training, technical assistance, and one-on-one coaching, five persons were selected to be beneficiaries of US$30,000 each.

Those persons were Tasmin Pellew of Taz Foods; Grace Parris of Asdel Foods; Osric Hacker of Blue Ribbon Manufacturing; Dianna Plowell of Pleasurable Flavors and Dwayne Wade of Country Style Foods.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Economic Development Trust, Oslene Carrington, who lives abroad, said that the initiative, which those persons benefit from, was created by her after she saw a niche for innovation in Guyana.

“I come back often and I come across people with fantastic ideas who, they do have some outlets

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Improved water supply for Monkey Mountain residents

A view of the new Monkey Mountain Water Supply Improvement Project

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, drinks from the well that will supply water to some 800 residents in the remote community of Monkey Mountain

S

OME 800 residents in the remote community of Monkey Mountain, Region Eight, can now boast of improved water supply.

On Monday, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, commissioned the $32.7 million Water Supply Improvement Project in the village.

“This signals the fulfilment of our People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government to develop all communities. When we speak of development, we also refer to your social upliftment and so the delivery of water to villages such as yours is a necessity,” the minister stated.

The new well was drilled through rocks at a depth of 100 meters in Central Monkey Mountain, where the schools and health centre operate.

It now provides access to 95 per cent of residents.

Previously, the community utilised an existing gravity-fed system, which is deteriorated and could not supply adequate water.

This system supplied water to the central area, while Section Two, which is approximately two kilometers away, has a separate system that pumps water from a nearby creek. Expansion of the new system is currently being explored.

“This system belongs to all of you; it is important to the village, and as such, I ask that you care for it as best as you can,”

Minister Croal urged residents in his closing remarks.

Community Service Officers will also be trained in water system operation and maintenance to assist in management of the system.

Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchand Jailal, said the new well is equipped with a photovoltaic pumping system, with a submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories.

The project was completed by R. Kissoon Contracting Services.

Other works included installation of 3,000 meters of 50mm (2?) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes & 1000 meters of 19mm (3/4?) pipes with 80 service connections.

A reinforced concrete base was also constructed to accommodate four 450-gallon storage tanks and galvanised chainlink fence around the well and photovoltaic system.

Overall, Region Eight is slated to benefit from major investment in the water sector. According to Minister Croal, the government aims to increase coverage from 60 per cent to 80 per cent over the next few years.

Regional Chairman, Headley Pio; Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Louis Kilkenny and representative of the contracting service, Rudranauth Roopdeo were also present at the commissioning.

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Pedestrian dies in accident on Bagotstown Public Road

MOHAN Toolsie, 56, of Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), died on Tuesday, after he was hit by motor lorry with registration GZZ 1233, driven by a 25-year-old man on the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Police said Toolsie attempted to cross from the eastern to western side of the Bagotstown Public Road and ended up in the path of the truck.

Enquiries disclosed that the motor lorry was proceeding north along the eastern carriageway when Toolsie disembarked a motor pickup with registration GNN 7019 which was parked on the eastern carriageway facing south and attempted to cross

collision but due to the short distance, the motor lorry collided with Toolsie.

Toolsie received injuries about the body and was pronounced dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Technicians.

A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver

Dead: Mohan Toolsie from the eastern side of the said road to the western carriageway.

Police said he then, reportedly, jumped over the concrete median at the centre of both carriageways and ended up in the path of the motor lorry. The driver applied brakes to avoid a

of the lorry and no trace of alcohol was detected in his system. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

The body of Mohan Toolsie was escorted to the Sandy’s Funeral Home where it is awaiting post mortem.

The truck involved in the accident

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11 Police Sergeants benefit from professional development training ELEVEN Police Sergeants drawn from Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, recently received certificates in professional development from the Government Technical Institute.

According to Police Headquarters, the objec-

tive of the programme is to primarily focus on equipping the Force’s middle management personnel with the necessary tools in order to work effectively and efficiently to their fullest capacity.

During the three-day programme earlier this

month, the ranks edification was based on time management, conflict resolution, leadership, communication, stress management, business ethics, quality in delivery, customer service and teamwork.

Superintendent Keithon King, who is the

Force’s Training Officer (ag), Superintendent Keithon King (seated in middle) flanked by the certified police sergeants and other officials Force’s Training Officer, spoke at the ceremony held at GTI’s Woolford Avenue location and encouraged the ranks to stay onboard and take part in the Force’s transformation as well as taking advantage of the courses being offered.

Superintendent King congratulated all of the ranks on behalf of the Commissioner and his administrative team.

On April 12, 2022, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag.), Calvin Brutus signed off on a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Principal of the Govern-

ment Technical Institute (GTI), Dr. Renita Crandon-Duncan.

The institute is now offering the new incumbents of the Force the opportunities to access training in business, electrical/mechanical engineering and computer science.

In addition to superintendent Keithon King, also present at the ceremony was Head of the Strategic Planning Unit, Assistant Superintendent, Nicola Kendall.

The sessions were conducted by Dr Crandon-Duncan and Jeffrey Pile.

Murder at Hell Hill …

Defendant pleads guilty to manslaughter of Heaven Hill resident

AFTER spending the last six years on remand, Leonard Fredricks on Monday confessed to the fatal stabbing, in 2015, of Matthews Ridge miner, Peter James.

Fredricks was indicted for murder, but opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, which was accepted by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court.

He admitted that on December 30, 2015, at Hell Hill, Mathews Ridge, he unlawfully killed James, of neighbouring Heaven Hill.

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

The State is being represented by Prosecutor Latifah Elliot, while Leonard Fredricks Attorney-at-Law Teriq Mohammed is on record for the accused.

According to the facts presented in court, Fredricks and the deceased had been embroiled in a heated argument two months prior to the stabbing, so when he saw him drinking in Hell Hill on the night of December 30, 2015, he seized the opportunity to even the score, and make good his escape, but was later arrested.

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

‘Cops’ to receive training in critical areas of management –– through agreement with Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and industry A FIVE-YEAR Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) will see the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) supporting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in building capacity while improving relationships in critical areas.

These areas include customer relations, security management, financial management, accounting training, scholarships for youths and other support services and resources that will aid the progression of the Force.

According to the GPF, the simple yet significant ceremony will see the two organisations partnering, with emphasis placed on improving the delivery of quality services.

The agreement was signed on Monday in the GCCI’s boardroom, Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown by Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag), Calvin Brutus and GCCI’s Junior Vice-President/Chairman of the Security and Governance Committee, Kester Hutson.

GCCI will similarly assist the GPF with equipment procurement, community relations and other activities and programmes.

“We are very proud to be at this stage of signing this MoA, which speaks to increasing the relationship between the Guyana Police Force and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and

Industry,” said Hutson.

Hutson pointed out that the GCCI looks forward to collaborate and strategically partner with the Police Force over the next five years with the aim to improve the overall quality of service being provided to members of the public across Guyana.

Deputy Commissioner Administration (ag), Calvin Brutus, also lauded the collaboration between the Force and the Chamber and indicated that a main pillar of the Force’s strategic plan is partnership, which is critical to the vision of the GPF. Brutus also alluded to the fact that the GPF has had engagements with the GCCI in the past and he was pleased that, moving forward, the strengthening of these bonds of friendship and partnership will be done in a more structured way.

The signing of the MoA was testament to that commitment, he said.

GCCI’s Executive Director, Richard Rambarran and Secretary/Chairperson of the Green Economy Committee, Shaleeza Shaw, along with Head of the Force’s Strategic Planning Unit, W/Assistant Superintendent, Nicola Kendall and Head of the Corporate Communications Unit, Mark Ramotar were among those who witnessed the signing of the partnership agreement.

Rape accused freed TEVIN Henry was on Monday freed of a rape charge by the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court after the jury returned a not-guilty verdict.

Henry was on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for the offence which alleged that on August 4, 2019, in the County of Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with the victim.

The jury, after deliberating for almost two hours, found Henry not guilty.

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From left: Head of the GPF’s Corporate Communications Unit, Mark Ramotar; Head of the GPF’s Strategic Planning Unit, Nicola Kendall; Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag), Calvin Brutus; GCCI’s Junior VP, Kester Hutson; Secretary/Chairperson of the Green Economy Committee of the GCCI, Shaleeza Shaw and GCCI’s Executive Director, Richard Rambarran

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guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

Agro-processor Andrew Campbell making his mark –– Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association providing support through UncappeD Marketplace

WHILE it is still in the early stages of development, agro-processing is poised to become a viable local industry, and, as such, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is working assiduously to achieve this by implementing several initiatives. Chief among the initiatives introduced by the GMSA thus far to support local agro-processors

and expand the industry is ‘Uncapped Marketplace’.

UncappeD Marketplace is an exhibition, marketplace and food festival that provides a platform for local agro-processors to showcase their businesses and products. The event was launched in 2017 and has since helped hundreds of local micro and small businesses to market their products. After its launch in 2017, the event

was held in 2018 and again in 2019; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UncappeD was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 in compliance with the local regulations.

Fortunately, Guyana’s successful vaccination campaign has resulted in a drastic decrease in COVID-19 cases, making it possible for UncappeD Marketplace to make a grand return in 2022.

Since its launch, Un-

cappeD has been providing a platform for agro-processors across the length and breadth of Guyana to showcase their unique local products in a bid to generate rapid sales and expand their market reach outside of the local sphere.

Additionally, UncappeD Marketplace has become the ideal event for new and established agro-processors such as Andrew Campbell to make their debut into the market. This thirty-two-yearold entrepreneur grandly launched his business ‘Ebesowana Natural Foods’ at the UncappeD event in 2019 and continues to reap the benefits of the profound opportunities the exhibition has provided him.

The young entrepreneur—who hails from Santa Rosa, Region One—revealed that while growing up, farming was all he knew,

explaining that he learned a great deal about agriculture and learned to love it from a young age.

Despite leaving the hinterland region to reside in the capital city, farming remained close to his heart.

PLANTING GINGER However, Campbell’s love for planting and farming was truly ignited when he began planting ginger in the North-West district after realising there was a high demand for it.

Though Campbell loved planting ginger, he did not foresee the challenges that would come with his endeavour, and experienced great difficulties acquiring a fair price for his produce since many vendors and other purchasers were reluctant to pay the true price of the items.

This setback resulted in him

Andrew Campbell exploring other avenues to lucratively ply his trade, but the reality of producing his own ginger powder was not pellucid until he was encouraged by one of his lecturers to apply for a grant from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

“I applied and I got through, but I did not get the full amount which was three thousand US dollars, I got two thousand dollars,” he shared.

The money from this grant was then used to purchase dehydrators, a grinding machine and packages and he embarked on his new business venture of bringing another superior quality ginger powder to see page 17

guyana CHRONICLE wednesday, april 27, 2022

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Agro-processor Andrew Campbell ... from page 16

Products made by Andrew Campbell that will be displayed at UncappeD Marketplace the local market in September 2018.

While the powdered ginger was his main product on the market at the time, Campbell wanted more.

To this end, he began experimenting with local fruits in January 2019 to ascertain those that were suitable for dehydration. Those fruits included guava, pineapple, cherries, watermelon, mangoes, avocado, papaya, banana and sapodilla. At the end of that process, it was decided that the watermelon, pineapple, banana and mango were most suitable for dehydration. This was the beginning of the dried fruit snacks and another set of products in the ‘Ebesowana Natural Foods’ line.

Campbell then introduced his products at various cafés including Java and the Beacon café, where his brand received a lot of support and compliments. However, it wasn’t until he participated in the UncappeD event that he was able to receive tremendous support.

He shared: “I think was in March 2019 we had our first UncappeD event, and all our products were a big hit but the ginger, dried pineapple and watermelon were the big hits. People could not believe that watermelon could be dried and eaten as a snack.”

EXPAND MARKET BASE Campbell recalled being invited to participate in UncappeD by a friend who is a member of the GMSA. Upon submitting his application, he was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had secured a spot for the event. Through UncappeD, he was granted the opportunity to expand his market base and introduce his products to new customers. Following his participation in UncappeD, Campbell’s business experienced a great boost in sales and an expanded network of customers.

He said: “I think what the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association has done over the years,

especially with UncappeD, is unprecedented, because when I took part in 2019, I wasn’t a member. I was basically now starting up my business. It was a lot of exposure, a lot of people reached out after the event. People from across the world e-mailed me. The reach was wide, and I was able to gain traction from the event.”

Campbell lauded the GMSA for the two-day event, expressing his gratitude for the massive support and exposure the participating agro-processors will receive. He anticipates a large turn out this year, since he believes Guyanese have missed the event and are now excited for its return.

“After two and half years of no UncappeD, everybody will be on the lookout. Guyanese products are emerging, and we have unique products and people are excited to see what we have,” the agro-processor posited.

Campbell assured that he was prepared to cater for the taste buds of Guyanese, especially chocolate lovers.

“At the first UncappeD, we were just doing four dehydrated fruits and the ginger powder. Now we have a wide range of products, including the dehydrated fruits, pepper mix, chocolate-coated pineapples, dark chocolate bars and drinking chocolate,” he disclosed.

Additionally, supporters can expect a new 60 per cent dark chocolate, cherry powder-infused bar, which will be launched at this year’s UncappeD. Campbell believes that the event is an excellent starting ground for agro-processors who are now emerging and stated that it is one of the most anticipated events because of the opportunities it presents.

This year, UncappeD Marketplace will be held for two days on April 30h and May 1 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, from 10:00 hrs.

It is expected that over 100 local businesses will participate in the event this year. Admission is free! (Sagacity Inc)

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China to work with international community for implementation of Global Security Initiative: FM BEIJING, (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with the international community to make sure the Global Security Initiative takes root and bears fruit to make the world more peaceful, secure and prosperous, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

“The initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, contributes Chinese wisdom to make up for the human peace deficit and provides Chinese solution to cope with international security challenges,” Wang said in a bylined article carried by People’s Daily published Sunday.

Wang said, the initiative responds to the urgent need of the international community to maintain world peace and prevent conflicts and wars, conforms to the common pursuit of all countries in the world to uphold multilateralism and maintain international solidarity, and responds to the common aspiration of people from all countries to overcome difficulties and create a better post-pandemic world.

With a complete system and rich connota-

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry tion, this initiative is an important application achievement of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in the field of international security, and it is also a solution and transcendence of Western geopolitical security theory, Wang

said.

The Global Security Initiative champions commitments in six areas, that is, to stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation; stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains.

Wang added that the initiative is also rooted in the diplomatic tradition and wisdom with unique Chinese characteristics. As a responsible major country, China has always upheld the banner of peace, development, and win-win cooperation, made positive contributions to safeguarding global peace and security, and set an example of a major country.

Wang introduced the major propositions and policy objectives proposed by China to fully implement the Global Security Initiative:

-- Firmly upholding the authority and status of the United Nations and jointly practicing the true multilateralism; -- Staying committed to the general direction of promoting peace talks and jointly working for political solutions to hotspot issues; -- Coordinating efforts to address security threats in both traditional and non-traditional areas and working together to improve the global security governance system; -- Taking into account both development and security, and jointly promoting strong recovery of the world economy; -- Striving for building a new regional security framework and jointly safeguarding peace and stability in Asia.

Wang noted that China is ready to join hands with all peace-loving and development-oriented countries and people to implement the Global Security Initiative, blaze a path toward lasting peace and universal security, and forge a strong synergy to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

China’s economy sees steady start in first quarter BEIJING, (China Daily) -- China’s economy registered a steady start in the first quarter of the year, demonstrating its resilience and potential in the face of a complicated external environment and resurgent domestic COVID-19 cases, officials and experts said on April 18.

Experts said the faster-than-expected first-quarter growth was mainly aided by robust growth in the first two months before the weakening in economic activities in March, and warned of challenges and uncertainties at both home and abroad that may cloud the overall outlook.

They expected a stronger macro policy in the second quarter to shore up the growth, saying that China has the potential to meet its economic growth target of around 5.5 per cent for this year.

China’s gross domestic product expanded 4.8 percent year-on-year to 27 trillion Yuan ($4.24 trillion) in the first three months, picking up from four per cent in the fourth quarter last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics on April 18.

Despite facing a complicated international situation and domestic COVID-19 cases, the fundamentals of China’s long-term sound economic growth remain unchanged, Fu Linghui, the bureau’s spokesman, said at a news conference in Beijing.

The government will step up macroeconomic policy support to stabilise the economy and strive to meet the annual growth target, he said.

The bureau’s data showed that China’s value-added industrial output grew five per cent year-on-year in March.

Fixed-asset investment rose 9.3 per cent year-on-year in the January-March period, but retail sales declined 3.5 per cent year-on-year in March, marking the first decline since July 2020.

Wei Jianguo, vice-chairman of the China Centre for

International Economic Exchanges, said China has the potential to record a growth rate between 5.5 and 6 per cent this year despite headwinds, and said that a recovery in exports in the second and third quarters may help relieve downward pressures.

Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities, said China’s economy faces risks from supply shocks amid the resurgence of domestic virus cases, and a weak

real estate sector and international geopolitical tensions have also clouded the outlook.

Luo called for more steps to shore up growth, including stepping up fiscal and monetary easing and ramping up support for low-income individuals and hard-hit businesses.

In its latest efforts to beef up structural monetary support to the real economy, China decided at a key meeting on April 18, attended by Vice-Premier Liu He, to launch a relending facility of 100 billion Yuan to support the transportation and logistics sector.

The newly announced relending facility, in tandem with the relending facility worth 200 billion Yuan that is being established to support technological innovation enterprises, is expected to release funds of 1 trillion Yuan to help stabilise the supply chain, according to the meeting.

The People’s Bank of China also released a notice on April 18 that proposed 23 measures to ramp up support for the real economy, including strengthening financial aid to industries, enterprises and individuals affected

by COVID-19 and supporting the reasonable financing demand of real estate developers.

Finance Minister Liu Kun said in an article published on April 16 that the proactive fiscal policy will be frontloaded and fully implemented.

Policies need to be issued at the earliest possible time with funds allocated in a timely way to generate economic activities and stabilise the economy, Liu said in the article in the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The government can increase infrastructure investment with faster approvals and disbursement funding, helping the annual growth in infrastructure investment to reach about seven to eight per cent, said Wang Tao, head of Asia economics and chief China economist at UBS Investment Bank.

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War against fall armyworm extended with broader scope

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is

to extend its global drive against one of the world’s most invasive plant pests

–the fall armyworm – which is still destroying billions of dollars worth

of crops despite progress and a raft of measures to tackle it.

“Fall armyworm knows no boundaries and is continuing its rapid march across the globe,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu told the Steering Committee of the FAO Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control, as it endorsed a move to extend its timeline to the end of 2023 and broaden its scope.

As recently as 2016, only six African countries reported the pest, which devours dozens of different crops. Today, 78 countries in Africa, the Near East,

ing. In Burkina Faso, yield losses caused by fall armyworm are reported to be consistently at or below five per cent since 2020, and biopesticides and biological control have shown up to 90 per cent field efficacy against the pest.

Despite these achievements, there are still challenges to be addressed. The pest continues to spread, exposing new farmers and their livelihoods; large-scale gatherings and training are still being impeded by COVID-19; IPM adoption

Over the last few years, fall armyworm has continued to spread rapidly across the globe (FAO photo) Asia and the Pacific are reporting it. In Africa alone, fall armyworm is estimated to cause up to US$9.4 billion in annual yield losses, Qu said.

The spread of fall armyworm is driving intensified pesticide use, putting human and environmental health at risk. In response, the FAO Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control is coordinating comprehensive measures across Africa, the Near East and Asia.

A functional coordination mechanism has been established across global, regional, national and farmer-field levels; integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics have been tested in eight geo-zones with good results; Maize hybrids tolerant to fall armyworm are now available from the International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center (CIMMYT) for testing and release in African countries and training efforts, in collaboration with government partners, have reached over 140, 000 participants, mostly farmers and agricultural outreach workers.

Reports on the impact of these measures are promis-

and yield loss reduction is uneven from country to country; and use of hazardous pesticides persists.

In response, an extension of the timeline for the Global Action to the end of 2023 has been approved. The extension will enable increased dissemination of IPM technologies, and by increasing the Global Action’s scope, it will tackle multiple pest threats through sustainable plant health management, supporting the One Health Initiative.

FAO launched the Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control (20192022) in December 2019 as an urgent response to the rapid spread of fall armyworm. The initiative complements ongoing FAO activities on fall armyworm.

The Global Action has established a coordination mechanism enabling open and collaborative dialogue for science-based solutions, supports the establishment of National Task Forces on fall armyworm control, and helps mobilise resources for applied research and technical outreach. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday April 27, 2022

City on course to reach Champions League final (BBC) - Manchester City remain on course to reach a second successive Champions League final after beating Real Madrid in a thrilling semi-final first leg.

Kevin de Bruyne's diving header and Gabriel Jesus' calm finish gave City a 2-0 lead inside the opening 11 minutes.

Karim Benzema volleyed home for Real, but Phil Foden's header made it 3-1.

Real's Vinicius Jr scored an individual goal, Bernardo Silva blasted in City's fourth before Benzema's chipped penalty following Aymeric Laporte's handball.

Kevin De Bruyne scored and assisted in the same Champions League game for only the second time in 59 appearances in the competition, after doing so against Real Madrid in February 2020

City have never won the European Cup or Champions League and lost 1-0 to Chelsea in last season's final, but produced a superb performance to take an advantage to Spain.

However, manager Pep Guardiola will be annoyed they did not secure a wider winning margin after leading 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2, but Benzema's incredible 'Panenka' penalty gave the Spanish league leaders hope of turning the tie around at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, May 4.

Liverpool face Spanish side Villarreal in this year's other semi-final, with the first leg at Anfield today.

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The final will be held at the Stade de France in

Paris on Saturday, May 28.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday April 27, 2022

Little impact for Hetmyer but Royals win third game in succession (CMC) – Shimron Hetmyer had little impact but Rajasthan Royals marched to their third win on the trot and sixth of the season, with a convincing 29-run victory

over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here yesterday.

The West Indies lefthander scored only three

but Riyan Parag’s unbeaten 56 off 31 balls fired Royals up to 144 for eight off their 20 overs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

In reply, RCB stumbled

to 115 all out with three balls left in the innings - fast bowler Kuldeep Sen (4-20) and off-spinner Ravi Ashwin (3-17) destroying the innings as the last seven wickets tumbled for 57 runs.

With the win, Royals overtook Gujarat Titans at the top of the standings courtesy of a superior net run ratel both teams perched on 12 points.

RCB LIE FIFTH, TWO POINTS OFF TOP Sent in, Royals were

struggling on 33 for three in the fifth over before being hauled out of trouble, first by captain Sanju Samson (27) and then by Parag.

Samson clobbered three sixes in a 21-ball cameo as he posted 35 for the fourth wicket with Daryl Mitchell (16) before Parag struck three fours and four sixes in a 31run, fifth-wicket stand with Mitchell.

Hetmyer was part of a slide which saw four wickets go down for 22 runs, the stroke-maker miscuing

a slog-sweep at leg-spinner Hasaranga de Silva (2-23), and it was left to Parag to carve out precious runs at the end.

In reply, Virat Kohli’s poor form continued with ten, the Indian batting star perishing in the second over, and his demise set the tone for the run chase.

His opening partner, captain Faf du Plessis was the only batter to pass 20 with 23 of 21 deliveries as RCB’s batting suffered a crippling meltdown.

Novak can defend Wimbledon title (BBC) - Novak Djokovic can defend his Wimbledon title after organisers said players who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to compete.

The Serbian world number one, 34, was not allowed to play at the Australian Open in January following a row that centred on him, being unvaccinated.

"The requirement set out by the government to enter the UK does not include mandatory vaccination," All England Lawn Tennis Club chief executive Sally Bolton told a news conference.

"Therefore, while it is of course encouraged, it is not a condition of entry."

Wimbledon takes place from June 27 to July 10.

After the high-profile saga around the Australian Open, which ended with him being deported because of his COVID-19 status, Djokovic then missed oth-

Novak Djokovic has won the Wimbledon men's singles title six times

er tournaments including Indian Wells and Miami because of coronavirus rules for entry to the United States.

During that period he also lost the world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev but has since reclaimed it and has been back at tournaments with many countries relaxing their entry requirements

regarding vaccination.

Djokovic reached his first final of the year last weekend, losing to Russian Andrey Rublev in the Serbia Open in Belgrade.

Djokovic, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, told the BBC in February he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Pryce looking to break... (From page 34) Strachan to come through for the win in 22.55.

Fraser-Pryce said she was pleased with the outing and believes it set the right tone for the remainder of the season.

“Once you are training and you are doing well, you set those kind of goals for yourself because it is something that I am attempting,” she explained.

“And last year, I opened

with 23 seconds and I went on to run (21.79) so (with) a later start to the season, I ran 22.79 so I am feeling good.”

Fraser-Pryce’s stellar career has seen her win two Olympic 100m titles and four World 100m crowns, the last of which came three years ago in Doha.

She will defend her World title in Eugene, Oregon in the July 15-24 meet and said managing her work-

load will be critical to her success.

“As you know, I am looking forward to going to Paris and so I want to make sure that I am very cautious in the amount of races that I run and, of course, the aim is to defend the title in Oregon,” she said.

Fraser-Pryce is the third fastest woman in the world with a personal best 10.60 in the 100 metres.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday April 27, 2022

Raducanu splits from coach Beltz

Emma Raducanu confirmed Torben Beltz as her coach in November

(BBC) - Emma Raducanu has split from coach Torben Beltz after only five months.

The 19-year-old US Open champion confirmed Beltz as her coach in November but believes a "new training model" is needed.

The LTA's head of women's coaching Iain Bates will work with Raducanu in Madrid this week.

"I want to thank Torben for his coaching, professionalism and dedication over the last half a year," said the world number 11.

"He has a huge heart and I have enjoyed our strong chemistry during the time together.

"I feel the best direction

for my development is to transition to a new training model with the LTA supporting in the interim."

German Beltz, 45, previously coached former world number one Angelique Kerber when she won the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2016.

His successor will be British number one Raducanu's fourth coach in a year.

Nigel Sears was replaced by Andrew Richardson after last year's Wimbledon, but Richardson's contract was not renewed despite Raducanu's success in New York.

Raducanu spent a few days preparing for the clay court season at Riccardo

Piatti's academy in Liguria earlier this month.

The highly-respected Italian coach has worked with Ivan Ljubicic, Richard Gasquet and Milos Raonic, and recently parted company with Jannik Sinner after guiding him through his teenage years and into the world's top 10.

Raducanu has won three of her first five professional matches on clay - one for Great Britain at the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier in Prague, and two in Stuttgart last week in a run to the quarter-finals.

She will contest the Madrid Open, which begins tomorrow, at a career-high ranking.

Guyana’s four-member team begin XXV Pan Am Badminton Championships GUYANA’S badminton team competing in the XXV Yonex Pan Am Individual Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador started their singles and doubles events yesterday.

The four-member team, including the Ramdhani siblings, Priyanna and Narayan, and seasoned male players Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey had a mixed start in the singles.

Both Haynes and Narayan have advanced passed the first round, owing to a walkover and a bye respectively, while Jeffrey and Priyanna went down in their

openers.

Jeffrey won his opening game 21-19 against the home team’s Carlos Rodriguez, but lost his bearings after which resulted in his suffering back-to-back losses (21-6, 21-6).

Priyanna had a tough battle against Guatemala’s Karolina Orellana Ardon and although she looked solid midway the second, mounting a comeback, she still lost 21-13, 21-17.

The Ramdhani siblings were also expected to start their mixed doubles campaign yesterday against the Barbados pair of Gavin Rob-

inson and Monyata Riviera, while Haynes and Jeffrey were expected to be in action against Canadians Kevin Lee and Ty Alexander Linderman in the men’s doubles.

The players will be able to benefit from world ranking points, since the April 26-29 tournament is a BWF Grade 2 Level 6 event.

On Monday, the Guyana Badminton Association thanked the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission for “affording our players the opportunity to compete in this very important tournament”.

FIA announces plans to increase sprint races in 2023 (BBC) - A plan to double the number of Formula 1 'sprint' events next season is being held up by governing body the FIA. The teams unanimously backed a proposal from commercial rights holder F1 to hold six sprint events next year at Tuesday's meeting of the F1 Commission.

But the FIA said in a statement that it was "evaluating the impact of the proposal on its trackside operations and personnel".

Several sources say the FIA asked for more money in return for its support.

Senior sources have told BBC Sport they were surprised by FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem's stance, which has annoyed F1 and a number of the teams.

The FIA already receives about $40m ($30.7m) a year from F1, as well as an extra $1m for every race held above 20, in addition to income from promoters.

An FIA spokesman said the request was "not entirely

money-related" but was "for a genuine operational purpose" to do with "ensuring we have the resource to adequately do our job".

"We're not a profit-creating organisation," he said, "but we do need to be properly resourced."

He said sprint events had "a significant impact on the workload of staff", adding that "we would probably need to increase the number of operational staff in areas such as scrutineering, parc ferme and tyre return."

The FIA said it would "provide its feedback to the Commission" at a subsequent meeting.

F1 has been keen to increase the number of 'sprint' events because it believes that the moving of qualifying to Friday and a short race on Saturday to decide the grid for the grand prix has enhanced both income and interest.

It had originally hoped to hold six sprints this year, after introducing the format at three races in 2021, but was unable to win the necessary

support from the teams as a result of a disagreement over financial compensation.

The F1 Commission is a body of senior figures, featuring F1, the FIA and the team principals, which is the final step in the rule-making process before legislative body the FIA world motorsport council.

NO FINAL AGREEMENT ON NEW ENGINE RULES The new engine regulations to be introduced in 2026 were also discussed, without a final agreement.

A general framework has already been agreed - the engines will remain 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrids but the complex MGU-H part of the energy recovery system will be removed, and the proportion of power created by the hybrid system will be increased to 50%. A 100% sustainable fuel will be used.

It is hoped that the reworked regulations will attract new manufacturers to the sport.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday April 27, 2022

Eccles All-Stars trounce Airport XI to cop Culture tapeball T10 ECCLES All-Stars won the inaugural Culture T10 tapeball blast at the tarmac of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Saturday and went home with $130 000.

Eccles were quite the superior outfit as they had arguably the hardest path to the final.

Firstly, they toppled the formidable Village Rams in their opening contest then got the better of Tarmac XI in the semi-final.

They defeated Airport XI by 27 runs in the final.

The final was reduced to eight overs per side due to fading light and Eccles racked up 98-4, led by Alex Rodrigues – a 23-ball 48 inclusive of five sixes and

two fours - while Beepal Bandoo cracked 39 (16 balls, 5x6, 1x4).

Noel Elvin took 1-10 in his lone over while Mark Jeffers had 1-33 in his allotted two overs.

Airport XI did not start with the urgency needed and reached 71-6 when their overs expired.

Elvin offered some fight with 22 (1x4; 2x6s) from 21 balls while Jeffers made 12 and Avinash Mohabir got 11.

Bandoo returned and took 2-7 from two overs while Deon Thomas (2-16) and Devon Paul (2-32) did damage as well.

Airport XI had defeated Diamond Gunners in their semi-final clash.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr hands over the winning prize to Eccles All-Stars

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, applauded all teams for a valiant effort and commended organiser, Keon Blades, for a well-organised event, and pledged the Ministry’s support go-

ing forward in potentially making more it an annual event.

Eccles captain, Akeem Vieira, who hammered a century during the opening match against the Rams, was deemed the tourna-

ment’s best batter while Bandoo got the best bowler and Rodrigues the Most Valuable Player of the final.

Eccles won $130 000 for their first-place finish and both finalists received medals.

Pryce looking to break world 100m record this year (CMC) – Superstar sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce believes she can break the world 100 metres record this season as she prepares for her World title defence, and continues to take aim at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

At age 35, Fraser-Pryce is in the twilight of her career but has shown little sign of decline, copping silver in Tokyo last year behind fellow Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah, and already showing good form with a 22.79 seconds run in the Velocity Fest here last weekend.

And while no woman has dipped below 10.50 in 34 years, Fraser-Pryce said she was upbeat about her chances of doing so.

“After having that season last year, it has definitely opened a new door for me in terms of the dreams and the goals that I am chasing for this season,” the Gleaner here

Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

quoted her as saying.

“I am definitely looking forward to running 10.5 and possibly 10.4 so that is the aim.

“I think I am on my way to doing that, I just have to continue to trust that God will give me the strength and trust in the coach and just continue to put in the work.”

Fraser-Pryce was one of several international athletes making an appearance last weekend at the National Stadium here, as she finished second in the 200 metres.

She dominated the race from the outset but visibly eased up in the stretch, allowing Bahamian Anthonique (Turn to page 32)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday April 27, 2022

U-17 Girls depart for 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship THE Guyana U17 Girls’ National Team have departed for the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U17 Championship in the Dominican Republic, with Assistant coach Levi Braithwaite stepping up to replace head coach Akilah Castello, who was unable to travel due to a personal emergency.

The diverse 20-player squad, featuring young women, based in Orealla, Kamarang, Kwakwani, Georgetown and the United States, will face the winner of Group E in the Round of 16 in San Cristobel on Saturday, April 30.

Unbeaten tournament favourites Mexico, top of the group with one game

left to play and a very big goal difference, are virtually guaranteed to be Guyana’s opponents.

The Guyana-based athletes have been in intensive training at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)

National Training Centre in Providence ahead of the tournament.

“We wish the girls all the best in the Dominican Republic as they fly the flag for Guyana at the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s U17

Shanella and Pope London win Better Ball Scramble

The various winners of Saturday’s tournament: Shanella London (third from right) and Philbert London (fourth from right)

GUYANA Open Champion Shanella London and Pope Philbert London emerged victorious when the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) held its better ball scramble tournament last Saturday at the nine-hole venue on the East Coast of Demerara. entailed

A total of 10 teams participated in the competition, which consisted of medal play format over 18 holes with a shotgun start.

The partners were calculated by 15% of the higher partner’s handicap plus 35% of the lower partner’s handicap.

Second-placers in the event were Max Persaud and Videsh Persaud, while the father-and-son duo of Mike Mangal and Rohan Albert placed third.

Nearest to the Pin was won by Max Persaud, while Sam Harry captured the Longest Drive.

Championship,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.

“This the first time we have reached the final stages of this tournament in backto-back qualifications, which shows the tangible progress we are making at this level,

thanks to continuous investments in our Guyana-wide programme and scouting efforts in the diaspora.”

“We know the team will face very strong opponents in this stage of the competition, so it is important to

manage our expectations,” Forde said.

“However, we can be sure that the squad and staff will make us all proud, on and off the field of the play.

This CONCACAF tournament is another excellent opportunity for our players and staff to showcase their talent and play at a higher level than they are used to, and to learn and develop as we build capacity and capabilities for the future.”

G u y a n a q u a lified for the 2022 championship by finishing second in their qualification group, including wins against Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands and a defeat to Honduras in October and November 2021.

CCB/Navin/Hanson First Division 50 Overs competition …

In-form Ariel Tilku leads LBI CC to comprehensive victory FIERY fast bowling by former Demerara Under-19 player, Ariel Tilku, led LBI CC to a convincing 10 wicket victory over rivals, Industry CC, in the East Coast Cricket Board/ Navin/Hanson 50-over first division cricket competition.

Played last Sunday at the LBI facility, Tilku ended with 4 wickets for 22 runs in 9 overs with one maiden.

The visitors won the toss, elected to take first strike and crumbled to a meagre 67 all out in 29 of the allotted 45 overs encounter.

Middle-order batter Terrence King reached double figures with 11.

Tilku was supported by A. Mohamed with 3 for 15 off 5 overs, captain Richard Dowlatram 2 for 6 off 6 overs

Ariel Tilku proudly displays the ball he used to destroy the opposition

and Romeo Deonarain 1 for 1 off 1 over.

In reply, LBI raced to 72 without loss off 9 overs with former National youth opener

Alex Algoo 37 (3x6, 1x4) and senior national player Kemol Savory 21 (1x4).

The tournament will continue this weekend.

The Guyana-based U17 players on their way to San Cristobel

U-17 Girls depart for 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship

PAGE

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Little impact for Hetmyer but Royals win third game in succession 32 PAGE

West Indies left-hander Shimron Hetmyer reacts after being dismissed yesterday (Photo courtesy IPL)

Guyana’s four-member 33 team begin XXV Pan Am Badminton Championships PAGE

The four players who are representing Guyana in El Salvador

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022