Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_31_03_2022

THURSDAY 31st MARCH, 2022

No. 106679

World Bank, an enthusiastic partner in Guyana’s development

Hicken takes charge

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- shakes up Police Force command on first day

SEE STORY ON BACK PAGE

Cricket Carnival!

- Guyana to host CPL final for the next three years

All smiles! President, Dr Irfaan Ali; Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Charles Ramson (left); Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond (right) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Chief Executive Officer, Pete Russell, strike a pose with the CPL trophy. The CPL 2022 tournament was launched at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Wednesday night (Adrian Narine photo)

GPHC performs ground-breaking weight loss surgery SEE PAGE

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Seven homeless after child accidentally burns down house SEE PAGE

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with lighter

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Police Force cannot be ‘headless’ - Nandlall says in defence of Hicken’s appointment as Top Cop

By Jared Liddell GIVEN that there is no Leader of the Opposition and Police Service Commission (PSC) for the president to consult with, the Guyana Police Force

(GPF) could not be allowed to function without a head or have its operations disrupted, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has said.

The AG made these state-

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken

ments on Tuesday as he defended President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s decision to appoint Deputy Commissioner “Operations” (ag), Clifton Hicken, as Acting Commissioner of Police.

Hicken officially took up the post on Wednesday, three days after Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, proceeded on pre-retirement leave. Hoppie was appointed in August 2020.

Speaking during his online programme “Issues in the News”, the AG explained that the constitution provides for the appointment of a commissioner by the president.

He said that that appointment is to be made by the president after he would have engaged in meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the chairperson of the PSC after that person would have consulted with the other members of the commission.

“Currently, you don’t have a Leader of the Opposition and you don’t have a Police Service Commission. It’s no fault of the government or the president that there is no Leader of the Opposition. It’s no fault of the government or the president that there is no Police Service Commission because the appointment of the Police Service Commission comes through a process which again involves consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and there is no Leader of the Opposition,” he said.

Despite this situation, the AG noted that the GPF “cannot be headless” as it is important for there to be a top cop since this is the person who is responsible for the overall management of the force’s operations.

He opined that the laws of Guyana would not provide for the process of appointing a head

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall of the force to grind to a halt nor would the constitution see the country go without a Commissioner of Police if a recalcitrant opposition cannot “get its house in order” and appoint a leader.

“National security, public safety, and the need for there to be an administrative head of the Guyana police force would trump the need for procedural regularity, and the Doctrine of Necessity would justify a departure from what is required by the constitution in this case, because there is an impossibility in securing constitutional compliance. The bodies with whom the president is required to consult in this instance are non-existent,” Minister Nandlall said.

He added that while the process regarding the selection of the Commissioner of Police is laid out in the constitution, the power to choose the individual that will fill the role lies solely with the president. He noted that the president has the right to “utilise deliberate judgement” in appointing the top cop and can do so based on merit, seniority,

or service.

PRECEDENCE SET Minister Nandlall noted that precedence of the president appointing the top cop is one which has been set and followed by previous presidents.

The appointment of Leslie James in 2018 by then President, David Granger,was referenced.

According to the minister, James, at the time of his appointment was not the most senior officer in the force. He noted that no law explicitly states that the top cop must be the rank that is most senior at that time.

“There were about three or four officers who were more experienced than Mr. James but Mr. James was chosen by President Granger as President Granger was entitled to do. There is no rule, there is no provision in any law that requires the most senior officer to be chosen. Seniority and meritocracy are not the same things. Seniority and excellence are not the same things,” he said.

Since the announcement of Hicken’s appointment, the TURN TO PAGE 3

Hicken takes charge

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

- shakes up Police Force command on first day

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram

Head of Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts

Commander of Region Three, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siewnarine

ACTING Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, on his first day in office, made several changes in the structure and command of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on

Monday, appointed Hicken to act in the Office of the Commissioner of Police.

Prior to the appointment, Hicken was performing the duties of Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’.

Former Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie, DSM, proceeded on pre-

retirement leave on Sunday.

According to the GPF in a press release, Head of Special Branch, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram will now be performing the function of Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ and Commander of Region Three,

Region Three Private sector expresses confidence in Commissioner Hicken

THE Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) has expressed confidence in the recent appointment of Clifton Hicken as acting Commissioner of Police while hailing the work done by his predecessor, Nigel Hoppie.

Hicken’s appointment was made by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali after Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, proceeded on pre-retirement leave on March 29, 2022.

According to Head of R3PSInc, Halim Khan, the organisation looks forward to formalising the engagement with Hicken as he is known to be a dynamic, professional and

community-oriented officer of the Guyana Police Force.

Former Top Cop, Nigel Hoppie, Khan said, was an asset to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and has left the Force in a better place and position than when he took it over in 2020.

Khan said there will be a broad range of issues to discuss with Commissioner Hicken in institutional relationship strengthening between the GPF and the R3PSInc in addressing matters of public security.

Recognising the expanding role that security plays in supporting public safety, Khan noted that “we hope to promote better partnerships

with the police because there are other challenges to law enforcement, such as funding and staffing, that can also be met through collaboration with private security firms and businesses that seek to develop Guyana.”

He continued: “Successful partnerships include strong, active leaders and facilitators, as well as ongoing communication, regular meetings and training.”

Some of these issues, Khan noted can be looked at under the purview of the new acting Commissioner of Police since he was also Commander of Region Three.

FROM PAGE 2 Opposition has claimed that the president’s decision was illegal. Nandlall, however, expressed his disagreement and maintained that the president acted within the legal perimeters of the constitution.

Nandlall said that any legal proceedings filed by the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) will not be substantiated by any court of law as the Doctrine of Necessity

will safeguard the decision of the president.

He added that the president cannot abandon his responsibility to the people of Guyana due to the lack of partners for consultation on the appointment of a someone to fill such an important post.

“In that scenario, a president can’t abdicate his responsibility and can’t allow the police force that is responsible for the national and domestic security

of a country to be without an administrative head. Therefore, the law will justify a president making an appointment even though those with whom he has to consult are not available for consultation,” the Attorney General stated.

Hicken, who is known for his dynamic style of management, is widely known and had received public support when he was the Commander of Region Six and Region Four.

Police Force cannot be...

Commander of Regional Division 4 ‘B’, Woman Superintendent, Denise Griffith

Commander of Regional Division Two, Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus

Force Training Officer, Superintendent Keithon King

Senior Superintendent Errol Watts will now head Special Branch.

Further, Commander of Regional Police Division 4(B) (East Bank Demerara), Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine will now head to Region Three

as divisional commander while Commander of Region Two, Woman Superintendent Denise Griffith will now take command of Regional Division 4 ‘B’.

Additionally, the GPF stated that Force Training Officer, Superinten-

dent Shivpersaud Bacchus, will take command of Regional Division Two while Second in-Command of Regional Division 4 ‘B’, Superintendent Keithon King, will temporarily take charge of the Force Training.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

GPHC performs ground-breaking weight loss surgery

A TEAM of doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has successfully performed the country’s first-ever laparoscopic bariatric surgery on a 32-year-old man.

Teekah Singh underwent the groundbreaking weight loss procedure about six weeks ago and is doing well.

Singh said that when he went to the hospital in 2021, he agreed to go ahead with the surgery after the procedure was explained to him by Laparoscopic Surgery Consultant, Dr Hemraj Ramcharran.

“He said they will put me on a diet first to see if I will lose weight and if I don’t lose weight, I am going to do the surgery,” Singh shared.

He said that he saw nutritionists, psychologists and

many other doctors before the surgery. He was placed on a diet but it was not helpful as his weight would often fluctuate.

Singh said that a week be-

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The country’s first-ever laparoscopic bariatric surgery being performed

March 30, 2022

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fore the surgery, he was put on liquids only and then for five weeks after the surgery.

He related that about a week ago, he started having two

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slices of bread in the mornings and afternoons. After sharing that he is doing well, Singh commended Dr. Ramcharran and his team for their efforts and the great work done.

Singh’s body mass index (BMI) before surgery was 51.9.

It was explained by Dr. Ramcharran that a person with a high BMI such as one over 40 may be termed as severely obese and in need of the surgery. After receiving surgery, Singh’s BMI saw a significant decrease as four weeks postsurgery, his BMI was 44.8.

Dr. Ramcharran said that the surgery is for persons who are obese or severely obese.

“So, persons who have a high body mass index, that simply means that their weight is in excess to their height,” he said.

Bariatric surgery can be done laparoscopically or open, he said while noting that laparoscopic means making five small incisions, putting the camera in, putting the instruments in and then the surgery is carried out through the small incisions.

While the surgery was done openly before, this is the first laparoscopic surgery to be done at GPHC and in Guyana.

“With bariatric surgery, the patient is expected to lose half of their body weight at six months and three quarters of their body weight in one year and they are usually able to keep this weight off once they follow the guidelines and the diet,” he added.

He said the bariatric surgery is a team work procedure as it involves the surgeons, nutritionist, physiologist, internal medicine specialist, endocrinologist, anesthetist and the cardiologist.

Dr. Ramcharran stated that because the surgery was the first of its kind, it required lots of last-minute decisions and equipment.

It was encouraged that all medical professionals around Guyana refer patients to the surgical weight loss clinic where persons may benefit from such a procedure.

Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran, said he is proud of the team. He added that the sum of $300M will be used to purchase medical equipment to build capacity along with lots of laparoscopic instruments.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Seven homeless after child accidentally burns down house with lighter

A child playing with a lighter, which accidentally ignited a mattress, caused a house at Lot 135 Blairmont Number 4 Settlement, West Bank Berbice, to go up in flames on Wednesday.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the structure involved was a one-flat wooden building owned and occupied

by Heeralall Bishunlall, 64, and his family of six.

“The Guyana Fire Service received a call at 9:17 hrs today and was alerted to a fire at Lot 135 Blairmont #4 Settlement, West Bank Berbice. Water Tender #97 and crew from the Onverwagt Fire Station were immediately dispatched to the location,” the fire service noted.

The building and its contents were destroyed as a result of the fire, leaving seven persons homeless.

The GFS stated that a line from Blairmont Estate Land Rover PJJ5939 tank supply was used to extinguish the fire before the arrival of the Fire Service.

“Citizens are once again urged to take the

Ramesh Dookhoo: T&T private sector must respect Guyana’s local content law

CHAIRMAN of Trade and Investment at the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ramesh Dookhoo, on Tuesday urged Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) private sector not to be disrespectful to Guyana’s local content law.

Dookhoo made these remarks during the Guyana Manufacturing Services and Association Limited (GMSA) business luncheon where a group of Trinidadian business representatives were present.

While the PSC representative welcomed the business representatives from the twin island republic, he said Guyanese must be the prime beneficiaries of the country’s oil and gas sector.

He noted too that already some foreign companies have started to make moves and do manipulative things to qualify for the country’s local content register.

“So, I’d like you to take back the message to T&T, let us tell our companies not to encourage this,” he said.

However, he went on to say that the authority given to the Local Content Secretariat has to be deeper, contending that it must be associated with the Companies Act of Guyana and should have more authority to investigate companies.

Additionally, Dookhoo urged the private sector board of Trinidad and Tobago to advocate for support for Guyanese businesses.

“Let us stop throwing the rule book at everybody, let us sit down bilaterally and sort out some of these problems. Guess what, it hasn’t yielded any results. When the Trinidad private sector realise the trade barriers that are

PSC Trade and Investment Chairman, Ramesh Dookhoo (GMSA photo) put up by Trinidad, for us more, we will embrace you trying to export to Trini- tighter than we are doing dad, we will respect you right now,” he said.

necessary precautions to avoid these tragedies. Make use of fire prevention and firefighting devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. If these items cannot be afforded or sourced, ensure there is a bucket of sand or adequate water within reach in the event of a fire,” the Fire Service advised.

It added: “Keep fire starters out of the reach of children

The remains of the house at Blairmont Number 4 Settlement, West Bank Berbice and educate them on the dangers of playing with them. Pay keen attention to children and be aware of your surroundings. Call the Guyana Fire Service as soon as

a fire occurs. This will increase the possibility of extinguishing and containing the fire in a timely manner as well as prevent the loss of life and/or property.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Flood Mitigation

AT a recent meeting of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Quito Ecuador, the need to focus more on financial mechanisms to target small farming communities and Indigenous peoples was emphasised. This is according to Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, who participated in the conference. Commenting on the FAO’s new strategy on climate change, Minister Mustapha indicated that these mechanisms should be able to make resources readily and equally available “for smart, small adaptive and uniformed research” given the effects climate change continues to have among vulnerable populations.

There can be no doubt that farmers are more vulnerable to extreme weath-

er patterns as a result of climate change. Fluctuating weather patterns are problems facing a significant number of the world’s population but are much more severe in the low lying countries such as Guyana which is six feet below sea level in coastal areas where most of the population lives.

O n l y r e c e n t l y, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo met with farmers and technical personnel from several coastal regions with a view to examining ways of preventing flood waters from encroaching the land. The conference saw the participation of farmers, engineers and regional officials. According to Dr. Jagdeo, the issue of flooding has to be tackled holistically which would require significant sums of money to miti-

gate floods and upgrade the drainage and irrigation systems. The Hope Canal, which was built under the PPP/C administration, has proven to be extremely beneficial in terms of mitigating floods on the East Coast. As pointed out by the Vice-President, “If we do not tackle the big issues of water management, every single crop or two crops, we will lose large volumes of our produce and that has not only an impact on the economy, the overall economy of our country, but at the family level often has devastating consequences.”

Millions of people the world over are already suffering from the catastrophic effects of extreme weather patterns exacerbated by climate change ranging from prolonged droughts to devastating floods as happened recently in Guyana. Invari-

ably, it is the farming community that suffers the most during periods of prolonged floods and droughts.

One unfortunate fact about climate change is that it is, to a large extent, caused by human actions.

One of the biggest drivers is the burning of fossil fuels -- coal, gas and oil -- which together, have resulted in a buildup of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. This, along with deforestation, has been a major contributor to extreme weather patterns which affected the lives and livelihoods of a significant number of the world’s population.

Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to climate change due in part to their close interrelationship with the natural world and in part to the fact that they live in fragile ecosystems which

are particularly sensitive to environmental changes.

The impact of climate change on agriculture has been significant and affects farmers in low-lying developing countries. Agriculture in Guyana has been a significant contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and even as oil and gas is now a major player in the economic life of the country, the PPP/C administration is continuing to emphasise food production within the framework of sustainable development and the country’s low development trajectory.

The PPP/C has been highly proactive in addressing flooding in Guyana and in the leadership positions it has been taking on climate change globally.

As pointed out by Dr. Jagdeo, revenues from the oil and gas will be utilised

to strengthen Guyana’s water system. He said that there is a strong need to fix our sea defence system which would require significant sums of money but which is necessary to develop a long-term maintenance plan for the country’s drainage and irrigation network; to maximise land use and agricultural production.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has called for immediate actions on all fronts to tackle climate change and has issued a call for world leaders to ensure that this coming decade will be a decade of decisive actions that will tackle the current climate crisis and change the world’s present trajectory.

Guyana is playing its part both at the national and international levels for which the PPP/C administration must be given credit.

More a matter of form over substance

Dear Editor,

References to letters on alcohol and Hindu religious events. Alcoholism is a serious problem in the country affecting all communities.

Agreed that the messenger’s approach in pointing out the problem was not subtle. His is an issue of form over substance but does not change the message that alcoholism is a major problem at religious events. Also, his tone was very harsh, writing in anger and appealing to Hindu leaders to address the problem. But he was factual.

One should be angry at what is happening.

Alcohol abuse has caused compounded problems for Hindus and Indians in general. In addition to the enormous physical and emotional tolls, the problems also have

led to an unfortunate stereotype that has burdened Hindus and the Indian population in general. This stereotype has perpetuated the image that Indian people are afflicted with alcohol problems or that once they have a religious function, alcohol will be served. Other groups and the public at large don’t focus on the vast number of people who don’t drink and who maintain sober and productive lives. They don’t pay attention to religious events where no alcohol was found (as per my observance albeit more Islamic and Christian than Hindu functions).

I have not done a study on levels of consumption by religion, race, age or community.

So I can’t comment on alcohol use among the religious groups. What I observed in my travels around Guyana, especially during religious

events, alcoholism is a serious problem as the messenger noted. Even the young are imbibing. Alcoholism affects all groups and it behooves religious leaders, the government, community leaders, and respected elders (educators) to address the problem.

In my observations in travels around the country, alcoholism is a widespread problem at virtually all religious events (weddings of all denominations and post religious service of all faiths) held away from a place of worship (church, masjid, temple). Also, I found alcoholism to be more prevalent at Hindu events than those of Islamic or Christian functions. Attendees at Islamic and Christian events seemed to display greater reverence and respect for spiritual services. But overall, people don’t seem to have much regard or respect

for religious events.

Once held around the home or catering hall, rum was present. And once rum is present, there would be violence. And violence often resulted in a loss of life (lives).

Alcohol causes people to lose their mental faculty and to engage in violence. I read of so many celebrations or religious events where people have lost their lives violently or suffered bodily harm – attackers and or victims. I have not studied why there was a need to consume alcohol during religious events. I can understand and excuse people imbibing at a wedding after the religious service. It is a joyous, celebratory occasion.

But why the need to consume alcohol as though it would run out and consume alcohol into drunken stupor.

The high prevalence of alcohol use and its conse-

quences may be attributed to a number of factors, including the influence of the European (British and Portuguese) who made large amounts of alcohol available to freed slaves and indentured labourers, as well as social factors. Efforts to prevent and treat alcohol problems may be effective if one were to explain its consequences at religious events and health clinics in addition to schools. Alcohol problems also may be prevented through policies regulating the sale and use of alcohol.

Alcohol has a severe impact on the health of consumers, their families, and communities. It leads to heart disease, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, pneumonia, dental problems, diabetes, hearing, vision problems, fetal syndrome, unintentional injuries, risky behaviours,

temporary loss of senses, school dropout, depression and other mental health disorders. The government should make funding available for academics to study the problem of alcoholism and to recommend programmes to address the problem. Law enforcement should also address the illegal serving (sale) of alcohol especially at weddings and crack down confiscating the moveable bars (liquor included) and arresting the owner as well as the bartender. More importantly, hosts of religious events should not encourage or entertain drinking and summon the police to enforce the law if they observe such occurrences.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Aubrey Norton’s Sophia Declaration

Dear Editor,

Mr. Aubrey Norton utilised his inaugural address to the General Council of the PNC/R at Sophia, Georgetown, by declaring, among other things, the creation of a new image for the PNC/R, mainly through the embrace of democracy. He cited the recent PNC/R internal elections where he boasted that it was free and fair, but he could not say the same for the PPP/C internal elections. If this is the PNC/R’s new approach to politics, they should be applauded for choosing to walk on the democratic path. But what lesson(s) could one draw from PNC/R’s history?

The claim that the PNC/ R’s last internal election was free and fair is no guarantee that their participation, along with other political parties, in competitive elections at the regional and national levels, will necessarily follow the same track. Having extolled democracy, Mr. Norton later debased it when he called for the removal of the independent GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette

Singh, on an allegation of bias. The PNC/R is trapped by their own history. It also reveals how they have flouted electoral and constitutional laws such as making the unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chair (10/19/2017) and failing to step down from power consequent to the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion (12/21/2018).

Norton’s presentation was also aimed “to restore the party to the glorious days of Forbes Burnham....” He lamented the condition of the PNC/R party under David Granger’s leadership: “I have inherited a party that has four categories of workers: guards, drivers, clerks and handymen.” (Demerara Waves (3/11/2022).

The urgent need for image-building is also suggested by former PNC/R leader, Mr. David Granger, who had earlier called for the establishment of a new political culture. He stated: “Some persons [PNC/R operatives] ....were elected to office not to satisfy their private hunger for wealth or their personal passion for power but to serve the people who they represent-

ed. The party has a sad record of revolt.” (Demerara Waves 12/18/2021).

Notwithstanding this perspective, a more plausible motive for creating a new image of the PNC/R, lies in the post-2020 election saga when PNC/Raligned GECOM executive staff attempted to stage an electoral heist; a process that was elegantly described by the Head of the OAS observer mission, former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding: “I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election.”

(SN: 3/14/2020). It should be noted that the OAS observer team withdrew with disgust after Clairmont Mingo made a second contested declaration of results for Region Four.

The EU team also withdrew citing COVID-19 as their pretext. In addition, all the western diplomatic missions, the international observer teams (Commonwealth, European Union, Carter Center, Commonwealth) were appalled at the PNC/R’s post-election shenanigans and were also bewildered when the PNC/R had failed to produce their SoPs.

Not receiving support for their claim of electoral irregularities from any country during the five months’ election fiasco and after, PNC/R’s operatives became belligerent and began a campaign to vilify the GECOM Chair, diplomats, Caribbean leaders including Mia Mottley of Barbados and Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This action led to the isolation of the PNC/R. Norton, therefore, had no choice but to engage in damage control and to present a new image of his party, as well as to reach out to diplomats and regional leaders.

In trying to create a new image, however, Mr. Norton believes that his first building block is to blast the PPP/C Government with allegations of corrup-

tion, race discrimination, rigging, incompetence, all of which are not verifiable empirically. A sound PNC/R image cannot be built upon this negative posture; instead, it must be built upon the party’s clear vision, which unfortunately, was not well articulated and defined, and which had many components that are already being implemented by the PPP/C. Further undermining his image-building drive was his astonishing claim that the 2020 elections were rigged by the PPP/C. But he failed to say how an election machinery that was conducted by a PNCRaligned GECOM executive body could have allowed the opposition PPP/C to rig the election?

How were the PPP/C operatives able to avoid

the “eagle” eyes of the PNC/R’s polling staff and the numerous observer teams’ scrutiny? The political landscape has become extremely competitive. No one ethnic group is dominant. All political parties know that the grip of race, which has historically played a huge role on determining voting preference, is gradually fading and is being replaced with issues defined by logic, reason and evidence. In the circumstances, political parties that articulate a clear vision and generate better policy and programme choices will correspondingly increase their chance of electoral success.

Yours sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

World Bank, an enthusiastic partner in Guyana’s development

Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh (sixth left) with staffers of the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, on Wednesday SENIOR Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and officials from the Finance Ministry on Wednesday met with a high-level World Bank team, which reinforced the bank’s support for Guyana’s development.

The team from the bank was led by Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc and new Resident Representative of the bank, Dilletta Doretti.

According to a release, the meeting served as an opportunity for dialogue on the government’s economic objectives and priorities and potential opportunities for World Bank support through its assistance and lending programmes.

Key priorities discussed included Guyana’s Low Carbon Development agenda, human capital development and opportunities for partnership between the government and the financial institution in other areas in line with its expanding and evolving capacity.

Elaborating on the various ongoing developmental projects and on government’s policies, Dr Singh placed emphasis on diversified economic growth, highlighting the desire for an increase in the private sector footprint of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

He alluded to a number of developmental projects in the agriculture sector which hold potential such as the corn and soya bean agriculture initiative. The

Senior Finance Minister further welcomed the bank’s continued investment in human capital development as well as Guyana’s Low Carbon Development agenda.

For her part, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc re-affirmed the bank’s commitment to working closely with Guyana in promoting economic and social development while the new resident representative noted that government has a clear strategy and expressed enthusiasm at being able to support the administration’s development priorities on behalf of the World Bank.

In August 2021, the Vice-President responsible for the Latin American and Caribbean Region of the World Bank, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo and team made a two-day visit to the country where they met with government and visited a number of project sites.

During that visit, the bank re-affirmed its commitment to Guyana and assessed areas for further opportunities for expanded partnership in pursuit of the country’s national development goals.

The bank has been supporting several projects over the years through a number of loans and grants including a US$20M loan for the Guyana Petroleum Governance and Management Project to support the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks

and the strengthening of the capacity of key institutions to manage the Oil-and-Gas sector in Guyana.

Additionally, the bank loaned US$6M to Guyana under the Guyana Payments System Project to improve Guyana’s national payments system, while another US$13.3M was loaned for the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project to improve student learning outcomes through reform of curriculum and teaching practices, US 37. 9M under the Flood Risk Management Project and US$12.5M towards the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project.

Further, the bank also provided a US$7M grant to this country towards the Guyana Education Sector Programme Project for the improvement and learning conditions at the nursery level in select areas, the increased use of technology-assisted learning at the primary level in select areas and to improve functionality of the education management information system nationally.

The visiting World Bank team also included Judith Green, Regional Manager, Caribbean region (IFC) and Javier S u a re z , P ro g r a m m e leader for the Caribbean. The minister also took the opportunity to welcome the new resident representative to Guyana and wished her a successful tenure, the release noted.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

‘We are proud of you’

- Chief-of-Staff tells newest Second Lieutenant Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess has welcomed home Second Lieutenant, Raheem Duke, who has returned from Jamaica following his successful completion of the Initial Officer Training Programme at the Caribbean Military Academy.

During his interactions with the young officer, according to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Bess congratulated him for his conduct on the course where he was awarded the International Achievement Award for his exemplary performance.

“You are the only soldier in recent times, to have been afforded such a rare opportunity which you maximised fully, and I am indeed proud of your success.

The Guyana Defence Force and all of Guyana are extremely proud of you,” he said.

Brigadier Bess also said that he is hopeful that this recognition and achievement by Second Lieutenant Duke impact ranks in bolstering their military professionalism and overall development.

The Chief-of-Staff also reminded the young officer that the soldiers, particularly his colleagues, will be looking to him for leadership.

Second Lieutenant Duke, formally a Lance Corporal, enlisted in the Guyana Defence Force in 2015. Prior to selection for the overseas training, he worked as a medic at the Medical Corps. This resident of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, is a father of one and gained his formal education at the Amelia’s Ward Primary and the New Silver City Secondary Schools.

Second Lieutenant Duke expressed gratitude for the opportunity afforded to him and thanked the COS and his administration.

“Being an officer was not my first choice. However, I longed to be in a position where I can inspire and develop young personalities

Prolonged symptoms could be long COVID - Minister Anthony urges patients to consult with doctors

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and Second Lieutenant, Raheem Duke and the military provides this scope. In this regard, I worked assiduously in this quest and my arduous work paid off,” Duke said.

Respect for others and integrity were Second Lieutenant Duke’s greatest takeaways from his Cadet training.

He explained that respect and integrity are both integral and critical in the character of an individual, specifically, an officer as it enables superiors and subordinates to have no reservation in the leader’s ability to lead and influence.

Noteworthy, Second Lieutenant Duke highlighted his strong motivations which inspired his performance.

“Soldiers are hardly ever

given this opportunity and being aware of this, I knew giving my best and setting the precedence was the task so that others could also benefit from opportunities such as this. Importantly too, I was not only doing this for myself. I left when my son was only three months old and so I also did this for him as I want to always be able to adequately provide for my family,” Duke explained.

According to the GDF, Second Lieutenant Raheem Duke believes that ‘leadership is not being in charge; it requires taking care of those in your charge’. He intends to serve diligently.

Five busted with suspected cocaine, ecstasy pills worth $12.9M

FIVE persons, including two women were, on Tuesday, arrested with suspected cocaine and ecstasy pills worth almost $12.9 million during a raid at Prashad Nagar, Georgetown by ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).

According to a release from CANU, ranks acting on information, conducted an operation at a Prashad Nagar home, which led to the discovery of 10 parcels of suspected cocaine and a quantity of multicoloured pills suspected to be ecstasy.

Two women and three men ages 27-71 were arrested. One of the men is said to be a Suri-

9

The suspected packets of ecstasy pills seized namese national. value of approximately $12.5M They were all escorted to while the suspected ecstasy CANU’s Headquarters, where weighed 266 grams with a the suspected drugs were street value of approximately weighed in their presence.

GY$400,000.

The cocaine amounted to Investigations are still 11.4 kilograms with a street ongoing.

H E A LT H M i n i s t e r, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Wednesday, said that a number of persons after being infected with COVID-19 continue to have some symptoms for long periods of time and is urging these persons to consult their doctor for treatment.

The minister was at the time speaking about issues with long COVID in the country during Wednesday’s edition of the COVID-19 update. He noted that as the virus affects every organ in the body, symptoms for long COVID can vary in different persons.

As a result, Dr Anthony noted that some persons can have issues with their lungs, kidneys and even brains.

“So, the symptoms are varied, very, very varied and they mimic other types of diseases so one of the things that the doctors would have to do is to exclude other diseases, so that’s why it’s

HEALTH Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony important to have different specialty come together to treat this patient because of the different presentation of long COVID,” he said.

To this end, he stated that the ministry has been able to establish such a team at the Georgetown Hospital, and as a result, when patients are discharged, if they have

symptoms, they can return to see doctors who are a part of this team and have been working with long COVID patients for quite some time.

“So broadly during long COVID you can have two groups of symptoms if you like, some of the symptoms are what you would call physical symptoms and others would be psychological or neurocognitive symptoms,” he said.

Wi t h i n t h e s e b r o a d categories, he noted that symptoms can range from shortness of breath, fatigue, depression and anxiety.

As such, he mentioned that if there are any persons that have symptoms, they should not wait and think that it is normal.

“They should come and consult with the doctors at the hospital so that they can make a diagnosis and determine whether it is long COVID syndrome or it’s something else,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Latin America, Caribbean map pathway to transform agrifood systems

MINISTERS from Latin America and the Caribbean met on Wednesday to foster healthy diets, galvanise inclusive rural development and promote sustainable and resilient agriculture in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to discuss ways to mitigate the impact of rising food and fertiliser prices on the region, the world’s largest net food exporter.

The Food and Agr i c u l t u r e O rg a n i z a t i o n of the United Nations (FAO) 37th Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is hosted by the Government of Ecuador, continues through 1 April 2022.

The conference is “an opportunity for us to coordinate in a concerted fashion the protection of the resources of social capital and

The opening session of FAO’s 37th Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean in Quito (FAO photo)

the economy that depend on agricultural production,” said President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador.

“The food you produce and export will influence the nutrition of hundreds of millions of men, women and children within and beyond

the shores of this prodigious land,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said in his opening remarks to an audience including President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador and ministers from 33 countries in the region.

He praised the region’s

ministers and all the public and private actors in its agrifood systems for their work to keep food production and trade flowing during the pandemic.

“You must maintain this same effort across your agrifood systems, to the benefit of global food security,” he added.

Regional Conferences are governing bodies of FAO that meet every two years. They offer a forum for members to identify key priority areas of work with FAO and provide guidance on the effective implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, in line with the regional specificities of Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Director-General emphasised that the FAO Strategic Framework 202231 offers a “clear roadmap” to move towards more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all, leaving no one behind.

Pedro Álava, Minister of Agriculture of Ecuador and Chairperson of the Regional Conference, outlined his country’s aim to prepare agriculture to face climate challenges, including by the use of genomic editing technologies to keep plant disease from destroying the country’s banana production.

THE FOUR BETTERS IN REGIONAL CONTEXT The priority themes for

this regional conference are sustainable agrifood systems for healthy diets for all; prosperous and inclusive rural societies; and sustainable and resilient agriculture.

A new urgency debated by members during the regional conference is the rise in food and fertiliser prices, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, which DirectorGeneral Qu recognised as of critical importance to the region, as it poses risks to producers, consumers and economic recovery.

“Peace is fundamental to protect people from hunger!” he said. “I call on you to identify the key multilateral actions that can be taken to reduce the impact of the crisis,” he added: “No single country is big enough, or powerful enough, to address this problem on its own.” Qu noted that FAO has issued a call for all countries to keep global food and fertiliser trade open.

Accelerating innovations and policies in response to the rapid rise in the price of fertilisers and other inputs is part of what is meant by “better production”, which can help the region consolidate its role as the world’s foremost net exporter of food. Latin America and the Caribbean produce enough calories to feed 1.3 billion people, Qu noted, calling it an enormous achievement and yet it will not be sufficient to feed the almost 10 billion people expected to live on the planet in 2050.

Better nutrition is an important issue given the alarming rise in hunger as well as the rising tide of obesity in the region, the FAO Director-General added, calling for more robust school feeding and other social protection programmes while noting that 23 countries in the region have already promulgated laws and regulations to discourage the consumption of highly processed foods.

Achieving a better environment will entail adapting and increasing the resilience of agrifood systems to the impacts of the climate crisis and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions,

which today account for 45 per cent of the total anthropogenic emissions of the region.

The fourth better, a better life for all, requires protecting the many families impacted the most by the pandemic, and a concerted effort to reduce territorial, gender, ethnic and ruralurban inequalities, Qu said.

He added that digitalisation is a powerful tool able to help progress towards all four betters, one that should be incorporated— together with science and innovation — at all levels of agrifood systems, and complemented by fair and rule-based international trade.

WHAT FAO IS DOING The Director-General emphasised that he has initiated institutional reforms to give FAO’s regional and sub-regional offices more agility to help them deliver on flagship initiatives and support the translation of global strategic aims into impact on the ground.

As examples of this enhanced delivery, he cited that six countries in the region are already participating in the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which aims at increasing agricultural production in areas with the highest rates of poverty and hunger, and is underway in six countries of the region. He also pointed to 14 countries participating in the 1,000 Digital Villages Initiative, which seeks to reduce the digital gap faced by smallholders and rural dwellers, and the new One Country One Priority Product initiative, focuses on products with unique qualities. FAO has also established a new Technical Platform for Family Farming to promote innovations in their productive systems, as well as an innovative Territorial Digital Hub in Ecuador that will be extended to other countries soon These initiatives all require greater investment, which is an area where FAO can help, Qu said, noting that in the past two years FAO supported 43 investment projects in 19 countries, totalling $3.8 billion. (FAO)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

CGX looks to intensify offshore operations

— submits revised project summary for US$93M Wei-1 well to EPA for approval

H

AVING submitted its revised project summary for review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), CGX Resources Inc. (CRI), a wholly owned subsidiary of CGX Energy Inc., plans to commence operations at the Wei-1 well- the company’s latest project in the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana- by May, this year.

This project, which is expected to cost roughly US$93 million, targets large Campanian and Santonian prospects in structural stratigraphic traps.

“Based on exploration and assessment activities in the Corentyne Block, including a 3D seismic survey, CRI believes the reservoirs potentially contain an economic accumulation of hydrocarbons,” the company said.

The Wei-1 well will be drilled as a vertical well utilising a semi-submersible rig. The company has, so far, secured an option to use semi-submersible rig Maersk Discoverer, a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) from Maersk Drilling.

The drilling of Wei-1 is planned to be executed within the period May 2022 to August 2022. And, according to CRI, the project involves two stages:

drilling and decommissioning/ plugging and abandonment.

“These operations will involve offshore and onshore support activities. The operations are expected to be conducted 24 hours per day for the estimated days. In the event hydrocarbons are encountered, the drilling programme may be extended. The project will involve shore base facilities and marine/aviation services to support the drilling activities,” CRI said.

Providing that the exploration activity is successful, the company will drill nearby appraisal wells. The design for those wells will be very similar to that of Wei-1. However, no programme has been formulated as yet.

In February, CGX, less than two months after encountering hydrocarbons at the Kawa-1 well in the Corentyne Block, announced that its drilling campaign had produced greater results.

The company, in a press statement, announced that the Kawa-1 well encountered approximately 177 feet (54 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs within Maastrichtian, Campanian and Santonian horizons based on initial evaluation of

The Maersk Discoverer by Maersk Drilling rig that would be utilised to drill Wei-1

Logging While Drilling (LWD) data.

Those intervals are similar in age and could be correlated using regional seismic data to recent successes in Block 58 in Suriname and the lucrative Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

Speaking about the discovery, Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of CGX’s main shareholder, Frontera, said: “Initial results from the Kawa-1 well are positive and reinforce CGX and Frontera’s belief in the potentially transformational opportunity our investments and interests in Guyana present for our companies and the country.

“Kawa-1 results add to the growing success story unfolding in offshore Guyana as the country emerges as a global oil and gas exploration hotspot. On behalf of the joint venture, I’d like to thank the Government of Guyana for its long-standing support as we worked together to deliver this successful outcome.”

In addition to this significant discovery, the company also encountered hydrocarbon-bearing sands in deeper strata, which would be further analysed and could even become a target for future appraisal opportunities.

The K aw a-1 w ell w as drilled to a depth of 21,578 feet (6,578 metres) and targeted the easternmost Campanian and Santonian channel/lobe complex on the northern section of the Corentyne block.

Executive Co-Chairman of CGX’s Board of Directors, Professor Suresh Narine, was quoted as saying: “Results from the Kawa-1 well represent a positive milestone in the CGX journey as a pioneer oil and gas explorer in the Guyana Basin.

“Together with our partner Frontera, CGX looks forward to continuing our socially and environmentally conscious approach to development of Guyana’s oil and gas industry and port infrastructure. We are proud of our long partnership with the Government and People of Guyana and of our reputation as Guyana’s Indigenous Oil Company.”

His comments were followed by remarks from Chief Executive Office of Frontera, Orlando Cabrales, who

said: “We are very pleased to have successfully drilled the Kawa-1 well with our partner CGX. I commend the significant efforts of all the talented employees and contractors involved and their dedication to helping this partnership achieve this important milestone. We now have the ability to focus our efforts on potentially transformational opportunities and to continue our positive relationship with the Government and People of Guyana.”

Location of the proposed oil and gas exploration well

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

President’s youth ‘agri’ initiative reaches commercial level

P

ARTICIPANTS of the Youth Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship programme have started to reap the fruits of their labour, with the first commercial transaction being recorded recently.

Acknowledging this milestone was President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who conceptualised and launched the programme in January.

In a post on his official Facebook page, the Head of State shared photographs of participants making their first sale of what appeared to be fresh, green lettuces.

Through the Youth Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship programme, the government constructed shade houses and invested in hydroponics and vertical agriculture to produce high-valued crops such as broccoli, cauliflower and carrot.

This simple yet significant project has the potential to empower young people to earn millions of dollars from the crops being produced.

The crops were identified based on the country’s consumption pattern and

economic indicators, which signal high demand for the crops.

Broccoli, cauliflower and carrot form a large part of the country’s food import bill, with data suggesting that consumption of the vegetables is only increasing with each passing year.

As reported by the Guyana Chronicle, in 2018, the import value for carrot, broccoli and cauliflower was $1.583 billion, while in 2019 and 2021 the import value stood at $1.962 billion and $2.626 billion, respectively.

Not only will local production contribute to Guyana’s food security strategy, it could also add around $70 million in revenue to the economy each year, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Under this initiative, the government has incorporated a company named “One Guyana,” and youths who are a part of the project are shareholders. The company is being guided by an advisory committee which includes a representative from the private sector to help to im-

Participants of the Youth Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship programme making their first sale (Photo courtesy of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s official Facebook page)

plement a highly successful

business model President Ali said that the intention of the project is to create jobs, improve livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship, and build local capacity and empower youths.

“The resources from oil and gas give us the opportunities to open up opportunities in these areas and this is where the real benefit will be, this is where Guyanese will benefit the most; these opportunities, creating it and giving you the ownership so that you are part of it and you own it, you build it, you manage it,” he said.

Further, he said that the project contributes to “real local content,” since Guyana will be able to supply the needs of hotels and other consumers rather than importing the costly crops. The project will also contribute to the country’s agricultural diversification plans.

“All of this would lead to reducing our im-

port bill cost, saving foreign currency, reducing the impact of imported inflation and, more importantly, building capacity, building human resource capacity for local consumption and also the next phase is regional consumption,” President Ali said.

It was reported, on Wednesday, that Guyana is strengthening relations with several islands in the region, including Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica and St Lucia, and mutually beneficial projects are expected.

Speaking at the recent launch of a Black Belly Sheep project in Region Five, President said: “Already, we are seeing tremendous progress in our relationship with Barbados, for example where very soon we will be turning the sod for a Guyana-Barbados

food terminal…. We’ve already expressed our unwavering commitment to the removal of every barrier that will prevent trade between the two countries,” the President said.

On the international front, President Ali announced that a team from West Jet Cargo that he met during a recent trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be visiting Guyana shortly to look at adding a cargo facility for direct export to North America.

“These are all initiatives that we are fast-tracking and we are going after in a very aggressive manner,” Dr. Ali said.

He also stressed the importance of partnerships at the local level to meet the demands, especially when it comes to reducing Guyana’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

The bright green lettuces that were produced and sold by participants of the Youth Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship programme (Photo courtesy of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s official Facebook page)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Caribbean Chambers focus on trade and shipping for growth

(Jamaica Gleaner) The Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce, CARICHAM, is pointing to shipping woes made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as inefficiencies in trade arrangements within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region, and globally, as being among the major stumbling blocks to doing business.

Andrew Santey, a trade facilitation adviser and the group’s vice chairman, said, in many instances, there is a disconnect between local laws and global agreements.

He is calling for the exploitation of new and existing possibilities in shipping arrangements and better coordination among customs agencies in the region as ways of fixing the problems. Trans-shipment, he notes, must be ramped up to allow the region to take advantage of emerging trends in global trade.

“There is lot of the bulk goods in large container ships bringing goods to us out of Asia. Perhaps there might be opportunities in some of the islands in the Caribbean where we can encourage trans-shipment from other nearshore ports in the region,” Santey told an online forum held on

March 22 to promote business, trade and economic growth in the region.

The CARICHAM-organised forum noted that the CARICOM region has been cited in various reports, including that of the United National Commission on Trade and Development and other trade bodies, as having ports that are not operating at their full potential, given their proximity to the world’s major shipping lanes.

Islands manager at Florida-based Tropical Shipping, Eldris Pierre Mauricette, said the realities of the logistical problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic recommend that improvements have to be made to regional shipping.

Predicting more increases in the cost of shipping to come, Mauricette also urged the operation of more near-shoring businesses in the region. Regional importers, he said, must look to getting more supplies from companies in the Latin America and Caribbean region as freight rates and other costs from Asia will be at near historic highs for the rest of 2022 into 2023.

Mauricette also highlighted that Caribbean shipping is being affected by importers holding on to

containers for longer period, resulting in the continued shortage of containers which started with the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, as well as more lucrative cruise shipping posing scheduling and capacity conflicts for cargo shipping. Mauricette said these problems are affecting small island developing states in particular and will likely remain for some time.

Meanwhile, Santey urged regional businesses and governments to continue and strengthen systems put in place as responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adjustments, such as workfrom-home and process improvements, he suggested, need to be made more permanent by the application of appropriate technology.

“Whereas the pandemic has been going on for two years and people have predicted how soon it will end, let us not operate with that in mind. Let us continue to fortify whatever systems were put in place,” Santey cautioned, pointing to the need for strengthened administration, and investments in technology and human resources, for Caribbean businesses to operate more efficiently at lower costs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Travel interest in Caribbean region strong (Barbados Today) WITH Caribbean destinations remaining a top choice for people looking to take a trip this year, tourism officials are being urged to stay on top of customers’ concerns and keep them up to date on COVID-19 protocol changes.

This reminder came during the latest Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Live resilient series. The topic was The Latest Caribbean Travel Trends: Capturing your Share of Growing Demand.

Ariadne Barrios, Caribbean Sales Manager with Travelzoo, said a US members’ survey conducted at the start of March showed that 68 per cent of members researched travel ideas in the past week, 35 per cent have

made reservations to travel domestically and internationally, while 21 per cent had travelled.

Further, 83 per cent of those surveyed said they felt confident they could travel safely, while 84 per cent of respondents said they were vaccinated and received a booster. “We imagine that part of that confidence stem from the fact that they meet the guidelines for travel freely,” said Barrios.

“The Caribbean is the number one international destination for travel for US members, coming before other destinations like Italy, Mexico, Canada and the UK. On top of that, more than half of our members told us the Caribbean is a top destination they want to visit this year overall. The Caribbean was

at the top of the list last year as well. So, you are all doing an amazing job attracting avid travellers,” she said.

Travelzoo is a global publisher and influencer of travel content and deals, boasting some 30 million members globally, with 15 million in the US, about 1.4 million in Canada and 4.4 million in the UK. Barrios said that with the Caribbean being on the bucket list of many people who wanted to take a trip this year, it was important to ensure that complaints are dealt with and information regarding entry protocols is kept current and easily accessible.

“Make sure that your general manager or someone who can respond with seniority and authority is addressing the customers’

concerns, especially when they have to do with cleanliness. And finally, COVID protocols change all the time . . . so just keep them updated and easily accessible to folks who are looking to travel,” she recommended.

She noted that beyond the US market, Travelzoo members elsewhere also had “high interest” in Caribbean destinations.

“When we asked the UK [members] the Caribbean ranked after the US for top destination outside of Europe. For the Canadian, French and Spanish, the Caribbean islands rank high after the US, Mexico and Costa Rica,” she said.

The survey revealed that Travelzoo members were staying longer in destinations, with many of them especially from Europe planning to stay eight nights or

more. “Sixty per cent of US members said they plan to take at least one international trip and 29 per cent plan to take two or more international trips this year. Our Canadian audience responded with similar numbers.

For European members, travel plans are even higher, with members in Germany, France and Spain planning on at least two international trips this year and when they take those trips they plan to stay and play longer. Most members, that is 65 per cent, are planning for stays between eight and 14 nights,” Barrios said.

“We saw little interest for travelling internationally for fewer than five nights, and we definitely see this trend reflected in our recent international viewer content,” she added, while reminding that last year people were

planning five-to-seven-night stays. She reported that 87 per cent of members said their disposable income for travel would remain the same or increase this year. This is up from 83 per cent from last year. “This is all good news for tourism boards and great news for resorts in terms of on sight spend,” she said.

Over half of those surveyed said they planned to book international travel at least four months or more in advance, while 17 per cent said they would book when they see “the right offer”.

Barrios said Travelzoo recently launched offers for Barbados and other markets that have so far “generated plenty of bookings”.

She said the recent offers have resulted in people booking a longer length of stay and room category upgrades.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Life of the Jagans celebrated in Region One

IN celebration of the lives of the late Presidents Dr. Cheddi Jagan (1918-1997) and Janet Jagan (1920-2009), Collin Croal, Minister of Housing and Water and Parliamentary Representative for Region One, joined Region One residents for a wreathlaying ceremony Saturday last.

The event was held at the Jagan memorial monument at White Water in the Mabaruma sub-district, which was commissioned by the minister last year.

In his remarks, Minis-

ter Croal stressed the work of the Jagans in delivering development, women’s and workers’ rights to the nation. He also underscored their fight for democracy, which should never be forgotten, as we strive to achieve ‘One Guyana’.

On Friday night, the minister also participated in a night of reflection at Arakaka in the Martakai sub-district.

The contributions of both former Presidents are too many to forget.

And, according to Croal, it was for that reason that

the month of March is significant, since it is one which marks the birth and death of Dr. Jagan, and the death of Mrs. Jagan.

“They were the founders of the country’s first mass political movement and unquestionably the leading political figures in the history of Guyana for over the last 70 years.

Through their tireless efforts, the small country of Guyana experienced a wealth of benefits, social advancement and economic prosperity,” Croal noted.

Parliamentary Representative for Region One, Collin Croal laid a wreath at the Jagan memorial monument at White Water in the Mabaruma sub-district

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Full Court pays tribute to Justice Kennard — remembers him as a ‘master teacher of the law’, distinguished son of the soil

By Clestine Juan

A SPECIAL sitting of the Full Court was held on Wednesday to pay tribute to former Chancellor of the Judiciary, retired Justice Cecil Kennard, who died on March 12 at the age of 86.

His judgments in criminal

and civil law were celebrated as important decisions in local jurisprudence.

Among those who gave glowing tributes were Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards; Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal

Affairs, Anil Nandlall and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack.

The AG enlightened the members of the judiciary who were present, about the life and work of Justice Kennard.

Justice Kennard’s legal career began in 1962 after he graduated from the Lincoln’s

Inn in London, and was called to the local bar that same year. In 1965, he was appointed Crown Counsel in the DPP’s office and after Guyana gained its Independence in 1966, he continued in that office as a State Counsel.

Justice Kennard also served as a Legal Adviser

The late Justice Cecil Kennard

to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) from 1971 to 1973.

During that period, he also acted as a rent assessment magistrate on a part-time basis.

After spending a number of years in Antigua prosecuting high-profile cases, Justice Kennard returned to Guyana in 1977 and was appointed a High Court Judge. In June 1985, he was appointed a Justice of Appeal and ten years later in January 1995 he was appointed Chief Justice.

In 1996, he was awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) for distinguished service in the area of law. It was also in that year that he was appointed Chancellor of the Judiciary. Justice Kennard also served as Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority until 2017.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice (ag) reflected that the late chancellor was a distinguished son of the soil and a legal luminary who served with distinction. She said that he had always put service to his country above himself and dedicated his life to the legal system of Guyana.

“He carved his niche and made an indelible mark on this earth. Throughout his career and in all that he engaged in professionally, especially in horse racing and cricket, he conducted himself with decorum and integrity,” she said.

Against this backdrop, Justice George said that he revolutionised the approach of the PCA by making it more “people-centred” by the many outreaches he conducted in rural and interior communities.

“Chancellor Kennard’s name has been etched in the annals of the country’s legal history through the many landmark cases he presided over [and] which have led to

the development of Guyana’s jurisprudence, especially in criminal law. His industry in the Full Court should serve as an inspiration to us who preside at the High Court to be as prolific. As Justice of Appeal and chancellor, he published numerous decisions, many of which are reported in the West Indian Reports,” she said.

of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards, said that Justice Kennard was a “legendary son of the soil” who had a passion for criminal law, which she said started during his tenure as Crown Counsel at the chambers of the DPP. “So extensive was his practice in that field that he moved up the ranks quickly

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette CummingsEdwards.

The Chief Justice (ag) added that while Justice Kennard’s interest was in criminal law, he dealt with rather interesting points of law in the civil jurisdiction.

Also, with regards to criminal law, she said that his reported decisions exemplified the range of legal issues he addressed.

Some of the legal landmark issues he addressed involved the right to retain counsel for a trial, admissibility of confession statements, identification, res gestae as an exception to the hearsay rule, ultra far convict, assessment of opinion evidence, extradition and the thorny issue of joint enterprise and the liability of secondary parties.

During her presentation, the Chief Justice (ag) cited the decision of the former chancellor in the case of Dorset vs the State, a decision which espoused the importance of fairness.

“This decision was Dorset and Somerset vs the State where a witness gave evidence in court which was inconsistent with the written statement to the police. No doubt, drawing on his experience as a prosecutor, and the duty embedded to persons holding this office, he held that the prosecutor ought to have brought the existence of the inconsistent written statement to the attention of the court and to the defence so that the witness’s credibility could have been tested,” she said.

While describing Justice Kennard as a “master teacher of the law,” the Chief Justice (ag) said that he has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Guyana, the Caribbean and the Commonwealth.

In her tribute, Chancellor

to various positions such as Senior Crown Counsel, Senior State Counsel, Assistant DPP, Deputy DPP,” she said.

She recalled appearing before him while she was a state prosecutor many years ago.

“I recalled seeing his anxiety in ensuring that justice is done in all the cases. The aphorism that justice must not only be done but must manifestly appear to be done was infused in all court proceedings and decisions in which he attended,” she said.

“It was a joy and learning experience to appear before him. He had an intolerance for mediocrity… His rulings, directions, and decisions were without frills. They were clear, they were concise, and they were to the point,” the acting chancellor said as she explained to the gathering that Justice Kennard played an integral part in her ascension to the bench.

Among his many contributions to the jurisprudence of Guyana and the delivery of justice to the public, Chancellor Cummings-Edwards said that Justice Kennard is credited with having the Court of Appeal sit in the county of Berbice as an itinerant court to hear and determine appeals from both civil and criminal cases.

She revealed that come Friday, the commissioning of the Kwakwani Court will be a remembrance of the work and life of the late Justice Kennard.

“He is in a better place discussing the law. His rich legacy will always remain in their hearts, the courts of Guyana and the wider Caribbean,” she said before expressing her condolences.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Miner killed by falling tree branch

DAMYON Gibson, 38, a gold minder of Lot 17 Caribese Hill, Bartica, Essequibo River, lost his life on Tuesday when a tree branch fell on him at Two Point Backdam, Cuyuni River.

According to Police Headquarters, information received re-

vealed that Gibson and a friend were standing conversing at the work ground when suddenly a branch from a nearby tree fell and struck him to his head, causing him to receive injuries.

His workers rushed to his assistance and took him to Aurora M i n i n g C o m p a n y,

Blair quits ANUG, returns to PPP

Akanni Blair

AKANNI BLAIR of the A New and United Guyana (ANUG), on Monday, tendered his resignation from the party, saying that the small party is not measuring up to his “very high political drive”.

He also noted his in-

tention to return to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), where, he said, he will be able to function in a better capacity.

In a letter dated March 28, 2022, Akanni Blair of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, informed the Chairman of ANUG, Timothy Jonas, of his resignation with immediate effect.

In a Facebook post, Blair said he hopes ANUG can lift itself from its current position and offered best wishes to his former colleagues.

Beautician charged over alleged offensive Facebook post about Kwasi ‘Ace’ CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Wednesday, released beautician, Onika Pompey on $200,000 bail after she denied making an offensive Facebook post about local singer, Kwasi ‘Ace’ Edmondson.

P o m p e y w a s a rraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that, between October 29, 2021 and November 8, 2021, she made a derogatory post on her Facebook account about Edmondson.

She was released on

Onika Pompey

$200,000 bail and the case was adjourned until April 27, 2022.

The Chief Magistrate ordered Pompey to report to the Gender-based Unit at the Brickdam Police Station every first and last Friday of the month.

Cuyuni River, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

His body was later transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital where police observed

injuries to his head and right hand.

The body is currently at the Bartica Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Emotional service for Shane Warne at MCG (BBC) - Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran and a host of former cricketers led the tributes to Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne at an emotional memorial service.

The service, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), remembered Warne who died suddenly aged 52 this month.

His father, brother and three children all gave moving speeches in front of thousands of people in attendance.

The service ended with the unveiling of the Shane Warne Stand at the MCG by Warne's children.

Elton John performed Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me via video while there were

similar musical performances from Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Australians Kylie Minogue and Hugh Jackman were among the other celebrities to pay tribute.

Warne's father Keith said the former Australia international packed more into his life "than most people would in two lifetimes".

He added: "Shane said of himself, 'I smoked, I drank, and I played a little cricket'.

"Mate, your mother and I can't imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken."

Warne's daughter Summer

said: "It has been exactly 26 days since you went to heaven and I miss you more than anything in the whole world.

"I would do anything just to have one more of your cuddles and to hear your voice tell me how proud of me you were and how much you loved me.

"I know you will be forever watching me and be by my side the whole time."

Warne is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of alltime, having claimed 708 Test wickets in 145 matches across a stellar 15-year international career.

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain joined Warne's former Australia captains Mark Taylor and Allan Border, plus

West Indies Women bow...

FROM PAGE 23

62 balls in the 22nd over before raising her fourth One-Day International hundred off only another 29 deliveries in the 29th over.

Haynes, meanwhile, reached her 50 off 66 balls before finally perishing in the 36th over, 16 balls after Healy had departed.

When Ashleigh Gardner fell for 16 in the 36th

over, Australia had lost three wickets for 20 runs but Mooney combined with captain Meg Lanning (26 not out) in a 69-run, fourth-wicket stand to see their side past the 300-run mark.

West Indies’ start was less than flattering. Rashada Williams spent ten balls without scoring before pulling seamer Me-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday March 31, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI won 1-0 (2) Kraigg Braithwaite (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs for the WI in the just-concluded Test against ENG? (2) Who compiled most runs for England?

gan Schutt to short square leg in the fourth over with 12 runs on the board.

Dottin hammered five fours in a breezy 35-ball knock while Matthews counted two boundaries off 49 balls, the pair adding 32 for the second wicket.

But the enterprise ended once Dottin picked out long-on with pacer Tahlia McGrath in the 10th over.

The third-wicket stand between Matthews and Taylor produced 47 runs but required 79 deliveries, leaving a drain on the run chase.

Matthews fell in the 23rd over, charging leftarm spinner Jess Jonassen (2-14) and sky-ing to mid-off, while Taylor dithered until she was last out in the 37th over, slicing leg-spinner Alana King to point.

Chinelle Henry and Anisa Mohammed were unable to bat due to injury.

Answers in tomorrow’s issue 11:58 hrs Hands Off

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Lingfield 08:50 hrs Latent Heat 09:25 hrs Mythical Star 10:00 hrs The Mad Monk 10:35 hrs Tartarus 11:10 hrs Clase Azul Ultra 11:45 hrs Cool Spirit 12:15 hrs The Defiant Wetherby 09:15 hrs Patagounia 09:50 hrs Weebill 10:25 hrs Rose Sea Has 10:58 hrs Glencassley 11:23 hrs Rookie Trainer 12:05 hr s Freethinker 12:35 hrs World Trip Irish Racing Tips

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A fan poses outside the state memorial for Shane Warne, Melbourne, yesterday (Getty Images)

former West Indies batter Brian Lara and ex-Australia bowler Merv Hughes on stage to pay tribute to the spin bowler.

"Shane, it was an absolute privilege to be with you on a cricket pitch," Hussain said.

At the start of the ceremony the Australian national anthem was sung by Greta Bradman, granddaughter of legendary Australia batter Sir Donald Bradman.

A number of Warne's other Australia team-mates, bowler Glenn McGrath, wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and ex-captain Steve Waugh, were also in the audience, along with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

Shabazz hails ‘statement performance’ against Soca Warriors

… Guyana, Trinidad play to entertaining 1-1 result GOLDEN Jaguars head coach, Jamaal Shabazz, is calling his side’s 1-1 result against Trinidad and Tobago, a “statement performance” and one which he says will put the rest of the Caribbean on notice.

It was an entertaining contest

in Port-of-Spain, when Guyana and the Soca Warriors collided at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, much to the delight of the almost 10 000 spectators.

The usual rivalry between the two sides on the pitch was further fuelled by the two countries’ political differences, mak-

ing Tuesday’s encounter even more meaningful.

There was a lot of chatter between Shabazz and Soca Warriors coach Angus Eve, with the two men taking their TT Pro-League banter onto the national side.

The Golden Jaguars, open-

ing their tour with a 5-0 win over Barbados, entered the clash against Trinidad searching for their first win against the Soca Warriors in Port-of-Spain since 1947.

Trinidad, on the other hand, toppled the Tridents 9-0 last Friday.

Guyana’s Tyrell Ondaan (right) battling Trinidad & Tobago defender Aubrey David during their encounter at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on March 29, 2022 (Copyright Daniel Prentice/Wired868)

Shabazz started with Akel Clarke between the uprights, while Leo Lovell, Quincy Adams, Jeremy Garrett and Samuel Cox stood resolute in defence.

Omari Glasgow, the 18-year-old who was recently picked up by Chicago Fire FC, started up front, while Daniel Wilson (captain), Neil Danns and Trayon Bobb hugged the middle.

Bournemouth FC’s Nathan Moriah-Welch and Romania-based Tyrell Ondaan worked the wings.

Danns put Golden Jaguars in the lead 57 minutes into the contest when he converted from the penalty spot after Sam Cox

was tackled in the ‘box’ by Jesse Williams.

However, Levi Garcia, who was earlier denied an equaliser

by Clarke, would go on to score the game-winning header from a corner ball, just seconds before the end of the match.

Shabazz, after the match, said he was “very impressed with the way our guys kept their discipline. It’s not easy to get Caribbean people to play with that discipline and that tenacity.”

The Golden Jaguars will look to utilise the remaining FIFA International window, as they endeavour to frame the right composition ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Pomeroon Over-40 Masters receive cricket attire

At left is president of Pomeroon Sports Committee, Ernesto De Mattos; on the right is Operations manager of Adamantium Holdings Mr Haiman Beharry and centre is member of Pomeroon Sports Committee George Alphonso

POMEROON Over-40 Masters on Friday last received cricket attire compliments of the Pomeroon Oil Mill and Gaulin Supermarket, Charity, Essequibo.

The outfit was handed over to the president of the Pomeroon Cricket Committee, Mr Ernesto DeMattos by the Operations Manager of Adamantium Holdings, Mr

Haimwan Beharry at a short ceremony held in the company's boardroom. It waswas also attended by the General Manàger of the Company, Mr Eric Gomes.

Mr DeMattos thanked the company for the timely gesture and called on other business entities to do the same.

The outfit cost over $250 000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

GCoS secures funds for Britton’s trip to Puerto Rico Open

NATIONAL table tennis player, Shemar Britton, a former Caribbean Under-21 gold medallist, will attend the Puerto Rico Butterfly Open from April 8 to 10 after a swell of corporate support, led by the Guyana Committee of Service (GCoS).

At a simple ceremony at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda, yesterday, Public Relations Officer Rajan Tiwari explained that their support of the national athlete is part of their “firm mandate” to assist sportsmen and women in Guyana.

Tiwari revealed that Connection Travel Agency, Beacon Café, i-Net

Communication Inc., Peter Clarke, Donna Ramkumar (Payless Variety Store), Lennox Cush, and Harry Parmesar Accounting Firm are the others who supported.

Britton was seeking US$2500 for his team, which comprised top regional counterparts, Barbadian Tyrese Knight and Trinidadian Aaron Wilson, to attend the event which will give them the opportunity to play over 20 matches per person over the three-day period.

The ultimate aim is to prepare them for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8. Both Guyana’s male and female

teams have qualified for the multi-sport event.

Britton, who recently returned from the Senior Caribbean Championships in Cuba where he was eliminated at the quarter-final stage, explained that such tournaments are key for them to perform better at international events After that Caribbean Championship, he jumped 111 places to be now ranked number 693 in the world - the highest by a Guyanese male player, and he is looking to to go higher.

Britton departs on April 7 for the event in Puerto Rico.

Shemar Britton collects a cheque from Rajan Tiwari of Guyana Committee of Service

VertiCast Media Group targets Caribbean Media … Viewers win first truly vertically integrated media company

IN a first for the region, the VertiCast Media Group Limited (VertiCast), led by President & CEO, Oliver McIntosh, is launching a vertically integrated media company that will incorporate broadcast across all media platforms into multiple markets in the Caribbean.

Following on from his two-decade long stewardship and experience of building the Caribbean’s leading sports broadcaster SportsMax, McIntosh and the team at VertiCast have set out to create a regional media entity with the intention of broadcasting over television and digital media via streaming and mobile via partnerships and on its channels.

Having the experience of successfully leading rapid growth previously across 26 countries, McIntosh intends to launch VertiCast

Oliver McIntosh – VertiCast Media Group President & CEO

operations by this summer.

He noted, “VertiCast is set to transform your viewing experience by providing the very best international and local content across multiple platforms. We will provide prime content for all Caribbean au-

diences – for the first time providing premium sports and general entertainment via any broadcast platform via local and regional channels, whenever you want to watch.”

McIntosh indicated that pan-Caribbean audiences, who may not have had access in the past to premium content, can expect to have easy access to the best international and local content and experiences.

Several significant announcements from VertiCast are expected over the coming weeks that will reshape the media industry regionally and in select markets in the Caribbean.

A key element behind VertiCast is the unrivalled team, including Chief Commercial Officer, Carlo Redwood.

Redwood draws on decades of experience in strategic and tactical marketing, brand development and commercial strategy.

Senior marketing roles with telecoms and multinationals, marked by tangible successes, provide him with keen insights into the venture.

“Our advertising customers can take advantage of hyper-local or regional viewership or both to maximise the value of their spend in ways not previously available,” Redwood explained.

“The seamless integration of traditional broadcast and digital channels right across the Caribbean complemented with an emphasis in sports marketing events allow our customers the flexibility and scale to suit their specific marketing objectives,” he added.

The well-established industry experience of the VertiCast leadership team extends to Head of Operations & Business Development, Timothy Paty, and Head of Programming, Kia McIntosh.

Paty leverages his on-the-ground experience in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and the USA, bringing unparallelled expertise in cost control, compliance, legal and regulatory oversight.

While Kia McIntosh will utilise expertise gained as Programming & Production Manager at BET and other media/telecom companies, by capitalising on integration on all broadcast platforms for regional and local market broadcast, VertiCast will be able to serve up premium content to a vibrant market of nearly 45 million people in over 26 countries including the English-speaking Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, and parts of South America.

The multi-platform company has already attracted strong support from major content providers, which the company will roll out over the next couple of weeks.

West Indies Women bow out of ICC World Cup semis

(CMC) – West Indies’ dream of reaching the ICC Women’s World Cup final ended in tatters here yesterday when Australia thrashed them by 157 runs in the opening semi-final at the Basin Reserve.

In a contest reduced to 45 overs per side due to a 1-¾ hour delay at the start because of rain, Australia dominated from the start, with Player-of-theMatch Alyssa Healy smashing 129 from 107 balls to fire the six-time champions to an imposing 305 for three.

Healy put on a dominant 216 for the first wicket with Rachael Haynes who made 85 from 100 deliveries, while Beth Mooney

Stafanie Taylor punches one on the off-side vs Australia in the Women's ODI World Cup, 1st semi-final, Wellington, yesterday (ICC via Getty Images)

arrived late to strike 43 from 31 balls.

In reply, West Indies never looked like threatening the target and crashed to 148 all out off 37 overs. Captain Stafanie Taylor top-scored with a pedestrian 48 from 75 balls while Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews both struck 34, but no other batter reached double figures.

“I think for us it was knowing that probably our top four were going to have to bat all the overs, if you wanted a chance at chasing down that total,” Taylor told a media conference afterwards.

“Obviously, chasing over

300 in a 50-over game is never easy, furthermore (with) it being 45 overs. But every time we go to bat, we’ve got to have belief that we can get the total.

“But we probably didn’t have the start that we wanted – and (we went) a bit slower in the middle as well, which stopped us from reaching that target.”

She added: “I thought the way the Aussies went about the power-play and in the middle there, they kind of deflated us and we had chances, but not taking those chances as well.”

Healy lashed 17 fours and a six, racing to a half-century off TURN TO PAGE 21

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Guyana to host CPL Final for the next three years

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, March 31, 2022

… President Ali talks up ‘One Guyana’ at launch

HE. Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell share a photo with the CPL Trophy (Adrian Narine Photo)

Neil Danns celebrates scoring against Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper Marvin Phillip from the penalty spot at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on March 29, 2022 (Copyright Daniel Prentice/ Wired868)

THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals will be hosted by Guyana for the next three years, starting in 2022 as was announced following a launch of the 2022 tournament last evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

This is the first time the Hero CPL finals will be held in Guyana and this long-term staging agreement will see the culmination of the tournament also taking place in Guyana in 2023 and 2024.

His Excellency Dr Mohammad Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, who was present at the launch said, “Cricket is much more than a game for us in Guyana, it is a passion, part of our culture and a unifying force. As we celebrate ‘One Guyana’ the hosting of the CPL finals will be an energising force.”

“We are building a product that will be spectator-focused, integrated with our Regional partners for a global market. Cricket Carnival is a fusion of entertainment and celebration that will be mind-blowing and unbelievably different from any other global cricketing event.

“We welcome all to the greatest celebration of music, pageantry, Caribbean vibes with a South American touch and of course Cricket played loudest.”

This season, Guyana will host seven group games, three knockout matches and the Hero CPL final which will take place on Friday, September 30 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.

The Hero CPL finals will be the climax of festivi-

ties surrounding these games taking place in Guyana.

The Government of Guyana, in collaboration with the local private sector, will also stage two weeks of events which will form a Cricket Carnival.

This Carnival will celebrate the best that Guyana has to offer, showcasing the music, food and culture of this vibrant and fascinating country.

Over the previous nine seasons of Hero CPL there has been massive support for the tournament from Guyanese fans and the tournament is expecting significant excitement at the prospect of these hugely important matches taking place in the country.

Guyana’s economy is growing rapidly, and the country has a fantastic reputation as a destination for tourists looking for unspoiled nature. The Hero CPL finals will further showcase this wonderful country to a massive global audience – the total viewership for Hero CPL passed the 500 million in both 2020 and 2021.

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “We are blessed with amazing fans across the Caribbean, and this is very clear whenever we visit Guyana where the atmosphere at Providence is electric.

“The idea of having the Hero CPL finals in front of this wonderful crowd of passionate and knowledgeable cricket fans is a mouth-watering prospect.

“We are very grateful to have such a positive relationship with the government and cricket authorities in Guyana and we thank them for helping us come to this hugely exciting agreement.”

Shabazz hails ‘statement performance’ against Soca Warriors 22 PAGE

… Guyana, Trinidad play to entertaining 1-1 result Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022