Guyana Times - Friday, December 30, 2022

Guyana earns US$75M from 1st carbon credits sale – Finance Minister

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh has announced that Guyana has successfully transacted its first carbon credit sale, amounting to a whopping US$75 million.

This is part of a multiyear agreement for the sale of high-quality carbon credits to United States energy major Hess Corporation, to the tune of a whopping US$750 million – a significant portion of which will be injected into the development of Indigenous communities across the country.

On the sidelines of an event on Thursday, Dr Singh disclosed, “We've just concluded our first sale transaction of certified carbon credits, under which we've already earned US$75 million as a first transaction, of what will be an ongoing series of transactions over the years to come. This is just a portion of our carbon credits that have been sold.”

He added that Guyana remained consistent in its sustainable management of forest resources, and would continue to demonstrate global leadership in this regard.

“The future is very exciting across the entire spectrum of the economy, but in particular in forestry…

The realisation of the forestry sector’s growth will be achieved in the context of continued responsible management of our forest resources,” Dr Ali stated.

This deal with HESS, signed earlier this month, came on the heels of Guyana being the first country to receive certification of more than 33 million carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) on December 1, 2022. The issuance of the REDD+ jurisdictional carbon credits paved the way for the signing of the sale at State House, in the presence of President Dr Irfaan Ali.

This historic agreement

will see Hess Corp, which is one of the partners operating in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, buying 2.5 million credits per year for the period 2016-2032.

However, while the deal is for a 10-year period, that is, 2022 to 2032, the Government was able to negotiate, as part of the sale agreement, for the oil major to also purchase some 12.5 million carbon credits from the period 2016-2020 – referred to as “legacy credit”.

President Ali had pointed out that during the period when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic was out of office, Guyana’s credentials on climate change

and the forest that were gained worldwide previously were lost.

Regarding the 12.5 million legacy credits, Hess will be paying a minimum of US$15 per tonne, for an overall total of US$187 million. It is anticipated that this amount will be paid in full within the next 18 months.

For the period 2021 to 2025 in the Hess deal, Guyana’s carbon credits would be sold for US$20 per tonne, thus earning the

country another US$250 million; while another US$312 million is expected during the 2025-2030 period when the credits would be sold at US$25 per tonne.

The 33.7 million credits being sold to Hess Corp is just 30 per cent of the carbon sink contained in Guyana’s vast forest cover. The country’s more than 18 million hectares of forests are estimated to store approximately 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The remaining

70 per cent of carbon credits will be put on the market for future sale agreements.

A carbon credit is a tradable permit or certificate that allows the holder of the credit the right to emit a stated tonnage of carbon dioxide or an equivalent of another greenhouse gas. Countries and companies that exceed their permitted limits can purchase carbon credits from nations that have low emissions such as Guyana.

Construction of houses in Silica City to start in 2023 – Croal

Guyana’s first smart urban centre – Silica City – will see significant works in the new year and according to Housing Minister Collin Croal, this includes the construction of houses which is slated to start in the coming months.

A site in the vicinity of Kuru Kururu on the LindenSoesdyke Highway has already been earmarked for the development of the first phase of Silica City and land clearing works have been underway.

Croal told Guyana Times on Thursday that the Housing Ministry has embarked on getting clearance for the commencement of construction works on houses within the secondary city.

“You see us advertising for a number of areas for infrastructure works next year. Currently, you’ll see Silica City is on that. That is for clearance for the infrastructure works for us to commence on the houses, ‘cause we’re building some houses there too… I can definitively tell you that

in the new year we will be commencing construction of houses at Silica City,” he stated.

Silica City will initially cater for just over 3000 households in the first five years, and eventually grow to house more than 12,500 households when completed.

The first phase of the project will see the first 400 young professional homes being constructed. It was previously reported that the Housing Ministry had already begun shortlisting persons for these homes.

About 3000 acres of land was set aside for the first phase development of the city, which is also expected to feature a number of commercial and industrial developments, including the “Innovation Village”.

Back in September it was disclosed that Government was in talks with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the development of the “Innovation Village” within Silica City.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

The site along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway where Silica City will be developed

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, December 3023:30h-01:00h and Saturday, December 31 - no closure as 12:30h as was previously scheduled.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, December 3010:10h-11:40h and Saturday, December 31 - 11:20h-12:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected throughout the day and into the night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 10:22h and 22:52h reaching a maximum height of 2.30 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 16:21h reaching a minimum height of 1.00 metre.

185 more houses under construction in Cummings Lodge 1500-house project – President

$1.4B development investment …400 already completed

As Government continues to aggressively push its housing drive, another 180-plus houses are currently being constructed at the Cummings Lodge new housing area, Greater Georgetown.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a site visit to the Cummings Lodge housing development. He was accompanied by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and other Ministry officials – including Director of Projects at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Omar Narine along with a team of engineers.

“So, in this area… we have 1500 house lots out of which [we have] already built 400 homes and 185 is under construction,” the Head of State disclosed.

It was also highlighted by the President that the area has already seen the installation of water mains, while a contract for a new water treatment plant has been awarded for completion by the end of 2023.

President Ali also instructed that a Police outpost be strategically placed in the area as the development works rapidly progress.

Only earlier this month, Minister Croal had visited the Cummings Lodge housing development. He also checked out a new access point at Aubrey Barker Road, South Rui veldt, which connects to Cummings Lodge.

The Housing Minister had explained that this new road was expected to improve the pace of work being done at Plot 1767 in Cummings Lodge, as contractors previously only had one main access route, towards the north at Plot 1768.

At the time, contractors were carrying out massive infrastructural works, including land clearing, construction of access roads and bridges and drainage networks. These works will allow residents within the high-income area to access their lands in another three months and further enhance connectivity for residents.

Moreover, the Housing Minister had disclosed that the housing development

would stretch all the way to Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD). This will see new commercial and medical zones being unlocked in the backlands.

In fact, Government has injected some $1.4 billion in the development of the area where massive infrastructural works are ongoing at the new Cummings Lodge housing development, which starts from Sophia, Greater Georgetown and ends in the

via the Haags Bosch road at Eccles Industrial Site.

Back in June of this year, a US$106 million contract was signed between the Public Works Ministry and India-based Ashoka Buildcon Limited for the construction of some 7.8 kilometres of road, with each of its four lanes being 3.6 metres wide.

The Bypass Highway will also feature a median in the middle and sidewalks as well as several connector roads es-

en in several phases, with the first being from Ogle to Eccles; then onto Diamond and finally, to Timehri, connecting to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Already, Ogle is undergoing a development boom with a number of international branded hotels, a massive state-of-the-art maternal and neonatal hospital and private housing developments.

Developer GuyaneseAmerican Danny Sawh has announced plans to invest some US$350 million into a luxury waterfront gated community with a built-in lagoon on 100 acres of formerly Ogle estate lands. He recently said that land clearing as well as structural and geological testing are being undertaken at the Windsor Ogle community location for the next year and a half, after which works on the buildings would commence.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Government in July turned the sod for the construction of a specialised €149 million Paediatric and Maternal Hospital that will be constructed at Goedverwagting, ECD.

The facility, which will be financed by the United Kingdom’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), will be built and equipped in two years by Austria-based Vamed Engineering.

pecially at the East Bank end to allow for further diversion of traffic.

Works were slated to commence August month-end, with a 24-month timeline stipulated in the contract.

The ECD-EBD road link project is being undertak-

The low-rise Paediatric and Maternal Hospital will have 256 beds and will be a referral centre for women and children. It will specialise in maternal, neonatal, and paediatric care with a huge imaging suite for services such as CT scans and MRIs, a modern laboratory, and surgical suites.

Among the hotels to go up at Ogle is a US$50 million AC Marriott, which will boast some 152 rooms and is slated to be completed in 2024. (G8)

vicinity of Eccles. These development works are strategically connected to the Ogle-to-Eccles Bypass Road. This massive road project will see the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor at Ogle being linked to the East Bank Demerara corridor

President Dr Irfaan Ali with CH&PA’s Director of Projects, Omar Narine and Housing Minister Collin Croal at the Cummings Lodge housing development area on Thursday

Houses being constructed at Cummings Lodge

Editor: Tusika Martin

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Accessible early detection

As soon as the new year breaks, Guyana will be joining the rest of the world in observing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – which is observed in January each year. This type of cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, according to the World Health Organization. Statistics from WHO show that over 300,000 deaths worldwide are recorded as a result of Cervical Cancer.

According to the WHO, cancer in general is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men; while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.

The WHO has pointed out that the cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Many health systems in low- and middleincome countries are least prepared to manage this burden, and globally, large numbers of cancer patients do not have access to timely, quality diagnosis and treatment. However, according to WHO, in countries where health systems are strong, survival rates of many types of cancers are improving, thanks to accessible early detection, quality treatment, and survivorship care.

What is very worrying is the fact that the number of cancer deaths could increase by over 50 percent by 2030 if immediate global action is not taken, especially in the lowand middle-income countries, where most of the deaths are likely to occur. The statistics regarding cancer and its impact on individuals and society tell a sad tale. However, it should motivate us to work harder for better results.

It should be noted that between 30 and 40 percent of cancer cases could be prevented, and one-third of cancer cases could be cured through early diagnosis and treatment. The sad thing, however, is that the medicines, technologies and services are not widely available in low- and middleincome countries, and this results in most of the premature cancer deaths each year.

In Guyana, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and we, as guardians of our own destiny, should continue to make arduous efforts in our campaign to reduce the number of persons dying from the disease. For example, individuals could assist in the prevention of cancer by doing simple things, such as making sure they eat a healthy diet, engage in regular adequate physical activity, and overall maintain good health. Research has shown that physical inactivity is linked to breast and colon cancers. WHO’s Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health details how differing amounts and intensities of physical activity for all age groups can help reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including some cancers. It is also worthy to note that the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research has advised that cancer could be prevented if persons could be as lean as possible without becoming underweight; be physically active for at least thirty minutes each day, and avoid sugary drinks, among other things.

The three main cancers in Guyana are breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer. Cervical cancer is easily prevented through regular screening and treatment of precancerous lesions, but far too many women ignore the pretesting option and seek medical advice and treatment only when they begin to develop signs of illness. In many cases, indications of physical illness or signs of discomfort often suggest that the cancer is at an advanced stage. Persons should therefore be encouraged to have regular tests done, since pre-symptoms are not that visible. WHO estimates that cervical cancer could be the first cancer to be eliminated if 90 per cent of girls are vaccinated against HPV, 70 per cent of women are screened, and 90 per cent of women with cervical disease receive treatment.

We can never overstate the importance of having more public awareness and education campaigns about the disease, with the aim of changing lifestyles and getting persons to do regular testing, so that treatment could be administered before the disease becomes life threatening.

Questions for Ms Melinda Janki

Dear Editor,

In further reference to my letter to the editor published on December 29, 2022, an interesting revelation was brought to my attention, which I believe needs to be

from the IEEFA, I had also exposed their real agenda. It is true that every individual, every stakeholder group, has an agenda. It is not a difficult task to discern one’s or a group’s agenda; some are

In view of this revelation, can Ms Melinda Janki confirm whether she was indeed working for ExxonMobil at the time in respect to their operations in Guyana back in 1999? Clearly,

ExxonMobil started operating in Guyana in 1999, and all of her public writings through various forums and articles are in the post-2016 period? None of her criticisms is dated during the pe-

placed in the public domain for your readers’ consumption.

Ms. Janki is known to have amassed a record of questions she posed publicly for answers from the Government and the oil companies on financial matters. Some of these include the feasibility of the gas-toshore project, and rate of recovery for the oil companies’ investments (which I dealt with in my previous letter). Most, if not all, of the answers to her questions are publicly available, and are subject to public scrutiny. I have addressed many of her questions (though not in direct response to her) in previous writings, which can be found in mainstream media.

As I have established in one of my previous letters months ago, when I was taking on the misinformation and flawed analyses propagated by Tom Sanzillo et al

transparent, and some are covert. When professionals with a perceived credible background and qualifications start to propagate unusually skewed narratives disguised as analysis, this leaves much to be desired, and leads one to question what their hidden motives are, if any.

This is exactly the case with the IEEFA, which I have dealt with; and they no longer produce reports on Guyana after I exposed them; and similarly, it appears, this is also the case with Ms. Melinda Janki.

The above screenshot is taken from the 1999 Petroleum Prospecting License, a document that is available on the internet, which confirmed that Ms. Melinda Janki was hired to represent ExxonMobil at the time, either in her individual capacity or as part of a firm she worked with at the time.

ExxonMobil did not retain her or her firm’s services in the 2016 contract. Is this the reason she is vexatious to the extent she is fuelling a series of preposterous contentions? Is she upset with Exxon for not renewing her or her firm’s contract?

May I point out that

riod 1999 to 2016.

Editor, Ms Janki, in this circumstance, needs to do the ethical thing and come clean with the Guyanese public. What is her motive/ agenda?

Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin

Pelé's legacy will always be glorified

Dear Editor, On the eve of the inauguration of a new President, a legend whose name and life were synonymous with football has passed away in a country which is football crazy.

Pelé had been ailing for some time, and over the Christmas holidays, his family had recognised the end was near.

It would have been a fitting tribute to this legend had Brazil won the just concluded World Cup. Nevertheless, his name - which put his country on the football map, and forms part of his legacy - will always be glorified, and his fame will live on for generations.

May he rest in peace.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Panda keepers hold cubs ahead of the New Year at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu, China's Sichuan province (AFP photo)

In quest of a knowledgebased society

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is playing a key role in laying the education infrastructure to propel the social and economic transformation of the country, which would lead to “fairness” in the allocation of state resources to all Guyanese, irrespective of race, gender, region, or religious affiliation.

However, one formidable challenge to the pursuit of fairness is the high poverty level, which, according to the World Bank, was 48% (calculated at US$5.50 per day minimum earning per household) in 2019. Given the country's rapid development, including job creation, this poverty level is likely to decline to 40% by year end (2022). When a sizeable impact of the country’s oil wealth is realized by 2028-2030, the poverty level is expected to decline to 10%.

A bright spark to push further poverty reduction is for more citizens to acquire a good education, and the PPPC Government says it is providing the resources to make this happen.

Government’s transformative statement on education is captured in the Education Sector Plan, 2021-2025: “Education has been signalled as a national priority by successive administrations. There was, and continues to be, a clear recognition that greater national development and a reduction in poverty are integrally associated with a sound education system.” Consistent with this statement, the PPPC Government has ensured that Education receive the highest budgetary allocation of Gy$74.4 billion (or 11.5%) in 2022.

MoE has been working to stall and reverse teacher attrition; improve the number of trained teachers across all schools; reduce the number of out-of-school children; expand connectivity; fill existing teaching vacancies swiftly; introduce computer coding; address the posting of teachers to hinterland locations; and continue to strive for excellence in the quest to modernise the education system through GOAL and other such measures as computer

coding and skills-technical development.

MoE says the GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) scholarship programme (6,000 awards were made in 2021 and 4,500 were made in 2022) should also attract enough Indigenous People to become qualified teachers and to fill vacancies in their communities. The GOAL project has brought into the higher education stream many students who had previously been excluded from secondary and tertiary education.

The attrition rate among female teachers is 8-9%, compared with 2-3% for males.

It is significant that, proportionately, more females are trained as teachers, compared with males. For example, there are 69% trained female teachers, compared with less than 1% male trained teachers at the nursery level; while there are 55% female trained teachers at the secondary level compared with 16% for male trained teachers.

The Ministry says its goal is to achieve full training for 100% of teachers in the system by 2025. Students’ enrollment in 2017-2018 was “95% at both primary and secondary levels through to grade 9,” but the average daily attendance (2019-2020) at nursery level was 75%; at primary it was 79%; and at secondary it was 74%. The existing dropout rate is not available, but the UNICEF study (2017) notes: “at risk of dropping out are 11.7% for children across grades 1 to 6, and 4.8% across grades 7 to 9. Students stay home or drop out of school due to inequities in economic conditions, religion, child labour, abuse, among other factors.

The Ministry of Education is also moving swiftly to fill 500 teaching vacancies by January 2023. There are currently 178,962 public school students, with 11,906 teachers (which provides a ratio of 15 students per teacher). This ratio varies across regions and at the three school levels: 17.5 students per teacher at primary; 14.1 at the secondary level, and 11.7 at the nursery level. The MoE plans to have all teachers trained

(both in coastland and hinterland) by 2025. The status of teachers’ remuneration has recently been hinted by the President.

Recognizing the need to help immigrants like Venezuelans adjust to their new lives, MoE has established a Migrant Unit for this purpose. Venezuelan children at schools (nursery, primary, secondary) numbered 740 as at May 2022. Those in primary school are being taught English in after-school classes. The goal is to expand these classes by doubling their number to 30 in 2023. Appreciating diversity in the country’s education system is crucial to building the Presidents’ “One Guyana” society.

To complement the MoE’s leadership role in educational and societal transformation, there are other agencies (both public and private) that are integral to this mission. There are, for example, the Port Mourant Oil and Gas Institute, and various technical, vocational and educational training (VET) programmes for which the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has oversight responsibility.

Notwithstanding the challenges, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has expressed deep pleasure at the wonderful results Guyanese students have achieved at the 2022 CSEC and CAPE examinations. These accomplishments have set the stage for greater things to come.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

The culture shock that is here

Dear Editor, I write to clarify arguments I recently made concerning cultural change in Guyana and some of the challenges that lie ahead. I was keen on showing that developments in Guyana are of such forms and magnitude that we are experiencing culture shock.

Regrettably, some took umbrage at the core arguments because they mistook aspects of my analysis for recommendations. Yet, this is bound to happen in any society that moves from bicycles to SUVs in a decade, or from roti to cereal in a much shorter time span. What we are experiencing is not easy to decipher. The principal reason for this is that the rate of economic transformation is moving at the speed of Secretariat, the thoroughbred from Caroline County in Virginia, while our culture is crawling along at the speed of Shell Beach turtles.

There should be no shame with the sluggish rate of cultural adjustments. It is quite normal, and academic studies have repeatedly found that values and beliefs are more difficult to change, compared to changing behaviour. The truth is that the dynamic of change is an amalgam of differential temporal speeds, with aspects of economy, culture and society moving in sync at times, while at other times generating contradictions, or even chaos.

No less a person than Peeping Tom, for instance, appears to be shocked that “…some businesses opened on Christmas afternoon,

something which is usually unheard of…” (Kaieteur News 12/29/2022). Tom might recall that Sunday shopping was at one time seen as a violation of religious principles.

Editor, I would like to connect the observations above with some developments that highlight the problems posed by the quick-time of economic transformation with the slow-time of cultural adjustment. The efforts by the current administration to remove encumbrances from the roadside and vending from the streets of Georgetown have been met by charges of “inter-class warfare” (KN, 12/29/2022, p9) and other derogatory characterisations. The same folks, however, are the ones who usually cuss down the Government for allowing donkey-cart cultural practices to persist.

Well, you can’t have it both ways. If you want a society based on systems of standard operating procedures and the other ‘technologies’ of modern life, you need not only give up charity, but many of the informal institutions long embedded in the society.

I fully agree with KN columnist Freddie Kissoon that Government must be even-handed in executing its clean-up and clear-out campaigns. Established businesses cannot want it both ways; namely, practice pavement theft while hiding behind the elasticity of the informal sector, and at the same time complain about street vendors stealing customers, or littering. Stop it! I wrote before, and I repeat now, “[w] hat is needed is systematic and systemic resocialisation of individuals into functioning citizenship, beginning with the family. Religious practices perhaps need to become a bit more secular and address problems of everyday life, rather than focus on the principles of abstract salvation and deliverance. Educational institutions need to go beyond exam preparation and inculcate a culture of reciprocal obligations in a new regime of norms.”

And again “[n]o disrespect intended.”

Sincerely, Dr Randolph (Randy) Persaud

Supplies:

White paper plate

12×12 white paper

Multi-coloured glitter, sequins, star confetti, and poms

Glue Stick Black Marker Scissors

Instructions

Start by taking your scissors and cutting two slits in the middle of the paper plate about 1 ½ inches apart. They should be about 2 inches long.

Take the glue stick and rub it all over the paper plate. Immediately add the glitter, sequins, stars, and poms.

You may need to add a little bit more glue to the poms to get them to stick really good. Let dry.

With the white paper, cut a 12×2 inch long strip. Add the numbers 1-12, starting with 12 at the top and ending with 1 on the bottom.

Take the number strip and place it in the 2 slots so only one number is showing, and the rest of the numbers are behind the plate.

This is a fun way to count down to the New Year! (naturalbeachliving.com)

Clever Gretel

CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY

Then she went and placed the chickens over the fire again, basted them with butter, and cheerfully turned the spit. Because the roasting chickens smelled so good, she thought, “They could be lacking something. I’d better taste them!” She tested them with her fingers, and said, “My, these chickens are good! It’s a sin and a shame that they won’t be eaten at once!”

She ran to the window to see if her master and his guest were arriving, but she saw no one. Returning to the chickens, she said, “That one wing is burning. I’d better just eat it.” So she cut it off and ate it, and it tasted very good. When she had finished it, she thought, “I’d better eat the other one too, or the master will see that something is missing.”

When both wings had been eaten, she once again looked for her master, but could not see him. Then it occurred to her, “Who knows? Perhaps they’ve gone somewhere else to eat and aren’t com-

By The BroThers Grimm

ing here at all.” Then she said, “Well, Gretel, be of good cheer! The one has already been cut into. Have another drink and eat the rest of it. When it’s gone, you can relax. Why should this good gift of God go to waste?”

So she ran to the cellar once again, downed a noble drink, and cheerfully finished off the first chicken. When the one chicken was gone, and her master still had not yet returned, she looked at the other chicken and said, “Where the one is, the other should follow. The two belong together. What is right for the one, can’t be wrong for the other. I believe that if I have another drink, it will do me no harm.” So she took another hearty drink, and sent the second chicken running after the first one.

Just as she was making the most of it, her master returned, calling out, “Gretel, hurry up, the guest is right behind me.”

“Yes, sir, I’m getting it ready,” answered Gretel.

Loggers to access financing with establishment of $900M Revolving Fund

The Guyana Government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Demerara Bank to activate a $900 million Revolving Fund that would serve to increase production in the forestry sector.

With this funding, Government, through the Guyana Forestry Commission, would be able to assist the enhancement and expansion of small and

on one sector.

“This MoU (is) to be viewed against the backdrop of a very explicit and emphatic commitment on the part of President Ali’s Government to ensure, first of all, resilience of the Guyanese economy, and in particular resilience through ensuring a diversified economy,” Dr Singh has said.

“Naturally, given the exciting developments that are unfolding in the oil and

medium-scale logging operations, and meet the growing demand for forestry products. In this arrangement, Demerara Bank will contribute $600 million while Government will put the remaining $300 million from its coffers. Through a four per cent interest rate, stakeholders will be prequalified based on recommendations from the GFC, followed by a mechanism for them to access financing for greater production.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said at the signing ceremony that this funding would be deployed for affordable lending and ensure that the Guyanese economy is not dependent

gas sector, oil and gas will be driving a lot of the exciting economic growth that we’re seeing in Guyana… Notwithstanding the incredible, exciting developments that are happening in oil and gas, we feel very strongly about ensuring a vibrant, competitive, dynamic, and rapidly growing non-oil economy,” the Minister expressed. These sectors include mining, forestry, agriculture and tourism, among others.

Moreover, Dr Singh has said that partnering with the financing and non-financial Private Sector bodies epitomises Government’s drive to ensure development for the entire country.

Enhanced production

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat shared that this is in keeping with Government’s commitment to working with the non-oil sectors. Upon entering office in 2020, he reminded, access to financing was a major concern for stakeholders as well as concessions, as the Guyana Forestry Commission was battling to stay afloat amid bankruptcy.

“To date, the Guyana Forestry Commission would have allocated over 100 concessions to small loggers – local Guyanese loggers. And today we are addressing the second issue, which is financing for small loggers especially. So, it is indeed pleasing for me, as Minister of Natural Resources, that

we have reached this stage where we can bargain with the intervention of President Ali,” the Minister expressed.

Bharrat was keen to note that exponential growth in construction coupled with a booming housing initiative will see the need for enhanced production – one of the advantages of this partnership.

“We know the significant development that is taking place across the country has increased the demand tremendously. So, the forestry sector with this initiative would be able to meet that demand. Also, we know that the initiative of the housing project between Barbados and St Vincent, that is something that stakeholders are working in collaboration with also.”

Diversifying credit General Manager of Demerara Bank Limited,

Dowlat Parbhu, expressed that Guyana gains confidence from both the Public and Private Sectors for support to indigenous sectors. Additionally, it is a way of diversifying credit.

“It is quite important for us to see, as an institution, to ensure that credit is well diversified, more particularly to the developmental sectors of Guyana. I think today Guyana sees the commitment of the Government and Private Sector to ensure that those indigenous sectors are not left behind.

Demerara Bank has always been a champion to ensure that credit is well-diversified,” the General Manager relayed.

Through a partnership with the Guyana Forestry Commission under the Natural Resources Ministry, a committee will be established to ensure that persons are adhering to, and abiding

by, what is expected of them; that is, the sector itself and its various associations.

In 2020 alone, the Aliled Administration injected $350 million into the then cash-strapped Guyana Forestry Commission to cover operational costs and wages for staff for the remainder of the year.

Strategies aimed at boosting the financial performance and management capabilities of the GFC were undertaken, and in 2021, the forestry sector was able to make a positive turnaround and manage on its own.

One achievement of the sector in 2021 included getting stakeholders, particularly small-scale loggers, back into the business, which resulted in the construction boom and an increase in log production, with over 400,000 cubic feet declared.

Ministers Ashni Singh and Vickram Bharrat with DBL General Manager, Dowlat Parbhu

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat with officials from Demerara Bank Limited and GFC post-signing of the MoU

2 brothers remanded for land surveyor’s murder

Randel Layne and Mario Moses, two brothers who reside at Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, were on Wednesday, December 29, remanded to prison after their arraignment before Bartica Magistrate Crystal Lambert for the brutal murder of ranger/land surveyor Ricky Ambrose, which allegedly occurred at Arumu Backdam in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on December 18, 2022.

They were not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder, and their next court date has been set as January 31, 2023.

It is alleged that, on December 18, they mur-

dered 40-year-old Ricky Ambrose, a surveyor attached to the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), whose dead body, bearing several lacerations, was found some distance away from the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) he had been using at the time of the robbery at Arumu Backdam, a riverine community in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Reports are that his licensed firearm and a quantity of raw gold and cash have also gone missing. Ambrose had been a ranger for over two decades.

Meanwhile, the GGDMA has called on the relevant authorities to put prop-

er systems in place at the borders to negate all criminal activities. It has been reported in a section of the media that members of the Joint Service have intensified security efforts at Five Star Backdam in the North West District (NWD) of Region One (Barima-Waini) after reports surfaced that a marauding gang of Venezuelans has established a presence there.

Five Star Backdam is a mining community located close to the GuyanaVenezuela Border and the community of Imataka in Venezuela.

Reports have stated that miners and other business persons working in the community have been forced to leave after a marauding gang of Venezuelans invaded the area on November 30, 2022. (G1)

Teen remanded on robbery-withviolence charges

Passing...

…on CNOOC

Your Eyewitness just noticed that, for the fifth FPSO that’ll be pumping oil from the Stabroek Block’s 13 billion boe (and counting) - the press reported that Exxon have moved away from the Dutch SBM that built the first four. They’ve now turned to a Japanese company, MODEC, that’ll pass on the job to a Chinese company just as SBM had a Singaporean company do the actual constructions. These are all billions of US dollars’ investments - all expensed to us, but of which we don’t even have – as far as your Eyewitness knows – their true costs! Exxon lease them for at least US$1.5 annually, and you know leases are expenses!! This illustrates the nature of the integrated global financial reality in which we now live.

But that report just reminded your Eyewitness of something that’s been nagging at the margins of his mind for years now. How come in Guyana the press always talk about Exxon – and sometimes Hess – two US companies “exploiting” us because of the “deal” Trotman signed off at the behest of the PNC back in 2016?? How come we almost NEVER hear about China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) - which owns 25% of the Stabroek Block - along with ExxonMobil clocking in with 45% and Hess with 35%?? After all, 25% of 13boe is not only a hell of a lot of oil, but if we’re being screwed, it’s a hell of a lot of screwing they’re also digging into us!!

Now, CNOOC’s a major player in the Chinese economy, which – like all modern economies – depends on energy. For the first half of this year alone, the offshore player’s profits exceeded US$6 billion – and a lot of that had to’ve come from our Stabroek Block!! That ain’t chicken feed!! So, here you have it, while the US is making all sorts of (angry) noises at China and its expansionist strategy for global hegemony, it’s quite comfortable with CNOOC pumping out our oil and shipping it to China!!

CNOOC also has considerable ownership of oil assets in the US of A!! But, last month, according to Reutersit “sounded out potential buyers of its interests in U.S. oilfields - stepping up its retreat from Western nations amid sanctions’ concerns and calls for domestic investment…

“Earlier, it was reported that CNOOC was considering an exit from its operations in Britain, Canada, and the United States because of concerns in Beijing that those assets could become subject to Western sanctions - owing to China's refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.” CNOOC has already hired JP Morgan to check out the market for its assets.

So where does this leave us with CNOOC?? Your Eyewitness will bet his bottom dollar CNOOC wouldn’t let go of this Trotman-delivered gravy train!!

…on

Moraino Thomas, a teen who resides along the Adventure Public Road on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), was on Wednesday remanded to prison on robbery-with-violence charges after appearing before Suddie Magistrate Esther Sam.

Police are contending that this teen, who is also a construction worker, robbed two pensioners on December 23, but he has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which state that he robbed Odho Persaud and Nalini Persaud, both 56-yearold market vendors of Riverstown Primary School Dam, Essequibo Coast.

The Police Prosecutor’s objections to Thomas being released on bail were upheld by Magistrate Sam, and Thomas was remanded. His cases will continue on January 5. (G1)

contracts awards?

Now, your Eyewitness has been around the block and then some when it comes to the relationship between business and Governments. Aren’t we witnessing - right now! - the unfolding scandal where a bunch of US kids just out of college could embezzle BILLIONS and billions by gaming the crypto currency market?? US Government regulators and the political elite looked away because their palms were being most heavily greased!! Plus it didn’t hurt that their Ivy League professors-parents were well connected!! Capitalism’s always synonymous with cronyism!!

Anyhow, some allegations have been made about there being anti-African racial bias in the award of contracts by the Government in its infrastructural and other development projects. The “proof” consisted of the Indian ethnicity of most awardees. But your Eyewitness has two observations. Firstly, the Tender Board has PNC members; are they being bribed?? Secondly, for a fair evaluation, shouldn’t there have been provided how many Africans submitted bids??

If the answer’s “not many”, then that’s a whole other story.

…of Black Stalin>

Calypsonian Black Stalin just transitioned at the age of eighty. Over the years, he’d copped five Calypso Monarch Titles, the TT Hummingbird Medal, and a UWI Honorary Doctorate!!

One title was for claiming the “Caribbean Man” was an “African Man”!!

Randel Layne (left) and Mario Moses

Dead: Ricky Ambrose

Remanded: Moraino Thomas

Murder-robbery

Businessman’s lover identifies her boyfriend as killer

received that he was attempting to flee the country to Suriname.

Businessman Shimron Adams, aka Shem, was killed during a daring robbery committed at his business place at Durban and Chapel Streets, Lodge, Georgetown on Boxing Night. Adams, 41, who had operated a liquor store, hailed from Macaw Drive in Kaneville, East Bank Demerara. He was attacked by two male suspects who were reportedly wearing surgical face masks, one of whom was also armed with a handgun.

One of the women who were taken into custody following the murder/robbery of businessman Shimron Adams, aka Shem, has since confessed to having knowledge of the crime.

This woman, who had shared an intimate relationship with the businessman, told investigators that her boyfriend had committed the act. That suspect has since been identified as

Andrew Ridley. His alleged accomplice in the crime has also been identified by the woman. Ridley, this publication understands, has since been arrested.

The woman told investigators that her boyfriend had found out that she and the businessman were involved in a relationship, and he had since threatened to rob the businessman. She said she recognised the suspects on

the night in question when they barged into the business place.

Police have also arrested the second suspect in the murder of this businessman. Twenty-year-old Akelow Marshall of Independence Boulevard, East La Penitence, Georgetown was arrested on Thursday in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) by ranks in that division, who were acting on information

According to Adams’s 29-year-old lover, at around 21:30h on Boxing Night, she had gone to Adams’s business place, and at that time the businessman was wearing a gold finger ring and one gold band, and had had a small bag hanging on his shoulder.

At about 23:30h, Adams closed his business place and started to pack items into a freezer. About ten minutes later, Adams opened the shutter for them to leave from the bottom flat, and according to the

woman, in the blink of an eye, the two suspects entered the building via the same shutter and ordered them to lie on the ground, and they complied.

The unarmed suspect then took off the businessman’s gold band and finger ring, and ordered him to get up, which he did. She said the suspect then held onto the businessman’s shoulder bag and pulled at it, but Adams continued to hold onto the bag to prevent the

suspect from taking it.

The suspect who was armed with the firearm then discharged a round at Adams, and it struck him in his right abdomen. He fell to the ground and remained unconscious, and was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The scene was processed by ranks from CID Headquarters, and one 9mm spent shell and one warhead were recovered.

Prime suspect in custody: Andrew Ridley

Dead: Businessman Shimron Adams, aka Shem Suspect: Akelow Marshall

Taxi driver robbed of car, valuables by ‘passengers’

was approached by the two suspects. The men asked if he was operating a taxi and he replied in the affirmative.

The suspects then requested to be taken to the Demerara Harbour Bridge. Upon reaching the location, the suspects further requested to be taken to Nismes Village instead.

Nabaclis man who threw away gun after spotting Police gets bail

A30-year-old taxi driver of Tuschen New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was robbed of his vehicle and other valuables by the two passengers he transported to Nismes, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Tuesday night.

Reports from Regional Police Division Three stated that the incident occurred about 02:00h.

During the robbery, the driver was relieved of a silver Toyota Premio motor car bearing registration number PXX 6084 and valued at $2.9 million; a Samsung Galaxy J7 valued at $40,000; a Nokia cellphone valued at $4000, and $30,000.

Enquiries revealed that the victim had dropped off a passenger at the West Vybz Bar at Tuschen, where he

According to the victim, when he arrived at Nismes Village, one of the suspects exited the vehicle and the other choked him from behind and dealt him several punches to his face and head, during which he was relieved of the aforementioned vehicle and other articles.

The suspects subsequently made good their escape in the car in a western direction.

Further investigations are ongoing. (G12)

A31-year-old man who was arrested after Police recovered a gun he allegedly threw away has been charged and released on $200,000 bail for the offence of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Appearing before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Thursday was Jorrel Jacobs, called “Coolie”, of Lot 47 Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

He denied the charge which stated that on December 27, he had a .32 Beretta Pistol in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time.

The defendant was released on bail and his matter was adjourned to January 20, 2023.

Police Headquarters reported that around 05:20h on December 27, a party of Police ranks was on mobile patrol in the vicinity of Vigilance, ECD when the ranks received certain information and went to Melanie Market Road, ECD.

On arrival there, they saw a man who was later identified as Jacobs running away. The ranks gave chase, and the accused was seen throwing an object onto the southern parapet.

He was later apprehended, and a search was carried out on his person, but nothing was found. As such, Police ranks took him back to the area where he threw the object and the gun was found.

Jacobs was told of the offence committed, cautioned,

arrested, and escorted to Vigilance Police Station, where the illegal weapon was lodged.

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has praised Police ranks on the ECD for their diligent efforts which led to the seizure of five firearms during an operation on Tuesday.

He also rewarded them with cash.

“You have done well and you must understand under the stewardship of the new Executive Leadership Team and Commissioner –we are going to reward you when you are deserving of it,” Hicken told the ranks as he commended them for their commitment to serve and protect. (G1)

Construction of houses...

Then in September, Saudi Arabian-based Dar Consultants made a presentation on the village.

Silica City, a brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali since 2013, has generated much interest. According to Minister Croal, those discussions are still ongoing.

“Works are still proceeding behind the scenes. I wouldn’t want to comment further on that… Other things are taking place, but I don’t want to speak further on it,” the Minister indicated.

During the Dar Group presentation at State House in Georgetown, the company officials explained what the “Innovation Village” concept within Silica City would ac-

complish. For one, it will connect start-ups and business incubators to established companies, maximising their opportunities.

According to the group, the “Innovation Village” will be a geographic area, located within Silica City, where digital and innovative leading-edge anchor institutions and companies cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators, and accelerators.

It will be physically compact, transit-accessible, and technically-wired, and will offer a mixed use of housing, office, and retail spaces.

Meanwhile, in November, a South Korean company – Yeachon Architect and Urban Planners – also

FROM PAGE 2

pitched a seven-year plan for the development of Silica City.

According to its proposals via a video presentation, the city will be carbon-free, complete with housing, energy, transportation, healthcare, education and recreational facilities. Mention was made of smart farms, a hypermarket, and a commercial centre. They are proposing that the city could be completed by 2030.

Other Korean and US companies meanwhile made video presentations on what value they could provide to the development of the city.

President Ali had used the opportunity to lobby the local Private Sector to take advantage and partner with these potential investors, especially in areas such as agriculture.

“These guys are here, the Private Sector, the leaders of these organizations. They are ready, they have the finances… this can be done on a massive scale,” the Head of State had stressed.

While 185 acres of land has already been cleared for the first phase of the project, land acquisition for phase two is also in progress through collaborative efforts with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC). (G8)

The illegal firearm that was seized by the Police Jorrel Jacobs

Berbice carpenter’s murder

Sentencing for convicted quintet deferred to Jan 19

Asentencing hearing for the five men convicted of the 2016 murder of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt has been adjourned to January 19, 2023, whereas it was initially set for December 28, 2022.

Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob were convicted on November 4 following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-person jury in the Berbice High Court. Their conviction has been predicated on the prosecution’s case that between October 31 and November 1, 2016, in the county of Berbice, they murdered Narinedatt, a 26-year-old father of two.

These convicted men were represented by Murseline Bacchus, SC, and Attorney-at-Law Arudranauth Gossai, while Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat had been appointed special prosecutor by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

During their trial, four eyewitnesses were among those who gave testimony. It was revealed that on the night of October 31, 2016, Narinedatt had attend-

ed a party hosted by USbased Guyanese businessman Marcus Bisram at his home. At some point when Narinedatt had gone to use the washroom, Bisram followed him, and allegedly began making sexual advances to him by touching his penis. The carpenter rejected the advances by telling Bisram, “Me don’t go in for man. Me got wife and children”. And with Bisram refusing to cease his advances, Narinedatt slapped him and walked away.

An upset Bisram had reportedly walked to the front of his yard and informed Dickie, Motie, Datt, Parsram, and Yacoob that Narinedatt had slapped him, and had instructed that they must “kill um dead”.

Accordingly, the carpenter was severely beaten with pieces of wood, and his lifeless body was dumped on the public road at Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. One of the men had then used his car to drive over Narinedatt’s body in order to make it appear that he had been the victim of a vehicular accident.

Bisram had departed for America, but was extra-

dited to Guyana to face a charge for the carpenter’s killing. However, at the end of two separate Preliminary Inquiries (PI), he was discharged/freed because of insufficient evidence.

The DPP, Shalimar AliHack, SC, had thereafter stepped in and had directed the Magistrate to commit Bisram to face a trial at the High Court. Bisram challenged the DPP’s directive, and it was subsequently quashed by a High Court Judge, who also barred AliHack from proffering a murder indictment against him.

An appeal against that Judge’s decision was filed by the DPP to the Court of Appeal of Guyana, which overturned the lower court’s decision and ordered that Bisram be arrested and tried for the capital offence.

Bisram then challenged the local appeal court’s ruling at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). In the end, the apex court restored the High Court Judge’s decision, but ruled that nothing prevented the DPP from having Bisram re-arrested and charged again if fresh evidence were obtained linking him to the murder. (G1)

Murdered: Faiyaz Narinedatt

Orlando Dickie Radesh Motie

Diodath Datt

Harri Paul Parsram Niran Yacoob

GNBS conducted 2,735 product inspections, 5,645 import inspections during 2022

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recorded a successful 2022, with several outstanding achievements having been recorded for the year. Focusing on the standards and measurement needs of consumers, businesses and organisations, the Bureau managed to surpass its targets in the timely delivery of its standards and services demanded by various stakeholders.

Leading these achievements is the opening of three new sub-offices and the certification of over 20 companies under the “Made in Guyana” Certification Mark Programme.

The Bureau developed, in 2022, dozens of standards for various sectors; continued the verification of measuring instruments; and monitored its list of products for quality.

According to the certification agency, in its quest

- General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory. The two new certified laboratories were Home Care Medical Laboratory of Columbia, Essequibo Coast, and Caribbean Surgery Inc Laboratory in Georgetown.

Certified laboratories provide accurate and reliable results for clients/patients.

It noted also that under the GNBS Product Certification Programme, one new hollow block manufacturer was certified, while six other products were recertified to the respective standards.

The Certification Department also completed 15 Management System audits for companies implementing the requirements of international standards.

Development department

The GNBS’ Business Development Department also worked with compa-

Meanwhile, the Bureau continued to meet its objectives as the country’s National Measurement Institute (NMI). One of the Bureau’s main roles is the verification of measuring instruments. In 2022, the GNBS’ Legal Metrology Department verified 39,807 measuring instruments used in trade, including scales, masses, petrol pumps, breathalysers, speed guns, electricity meters and other devices. In addition, throughout 2022, the Legal Metrology Department conducted 3,878 surveillance visits to shops, markets and other retail outlets to ensure the measuring instruments comply.

Among GNBS’ key achievements for 2022, the Industrial Metrology and Testing Laboratory launched new services. Those are non-destructive testing of gold, calibration of steel rules, tapes and

to promote the use of standards in all sectors of the economy, the Bureau developed, revised, and adopted a total of 75 standards, including petroleum measurement standards that are relevant to the oil and gas sector. In addition, 466 voluntary and 69 compulsory standards were sold.

It noted on Thursday that to promote the use of standards across the country, the GNBS expanded its reach with the opening of three new branch offices this year: the Fort Wellington Office in Region Five in September, the Region Nine Office at Lethem, and the Mabaruma Office in Region One in November. These offices were opened to allow the GNBS to better serve businesses and consumers in the respective Regions.

According to the Bureau, in 2022 it commenced the certification of products under its Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme. From April to December of 2022, some 21 companies were certified under the programme, which permits them to place the “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark on their authentic Guyanese products. The companies which met the specified criteria include large businesses as well as small agro-processors in Regions Two, Four, Six and Ten.

Under the other GNBSestablished certification programmes, two new medical laboratories were certified, and nine (9) laboratories were recertified based on the GYS 170 Standard

nies to promote the implementation of national and international standards. In 2022, the Department conducted 73 training courses in which 863 persons from the Public and Private Sectors were trained on Management System Standards and other requirements. The Bureau also provided Technical Assistance to thirty-eight (38) companies towards certification/accreditation to international standards, including the ISO 9001 – Quality Management System Standard.

Importantly, it noted that the Product Compliance Department conducted 2,735 inspections of products at the dealers’ and manufacturers’ premises as well as sale outlets. Further, 5,645 import inspections were conducted to ensure consumers get quality products.

depth gauges, testing of crude oil and medium distillate fuels for 5 parameters, and testing of percentage acid and base. In 2022, the Department also calibrated 2,039 measuring instruments. This sum includes 938 weights, 216 electronic balances, 360 thermometers, 181 volumetric meters, 183 pressure gauges, and 37 torque wrenches.

The GNBS added that to create awareness on its product and services, the GNBS conducted several outreaches, inclusive of school lectures at the secondary schools and meetings with stakeholders.

Primary schools were also engaged in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and 10, in its Standards in Academia Quiz Competition, with Bath Settlement Primary School emerging the winner.

GNBS Laboratory Technician Anjali Lowtan calibrating a mass

(L-R) Executive Director (Ag) of GNBS, Ramrattie Karan; GM of PGI, Lesley Ramlall; Executive Director of GMSA, Nizam Hassan; and Minister Oneidge Walrond at a MIG Cert in May 2022

Iwokrama: A true example of sustainable tourism

What is even better than a breath-taking tourism experience?

The rainforest and experiencing Guyana’s wildlife without stepping into the dense jungle.

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway Rainforest Lodge offers just that where a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest is sustainably managed.

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, a main feature

date two persons. The offers serene accommodation to all its guests.

However, the main attraction is the Canopy Walkway.

“We would normally offer the short trail walks for our clients for day tours or overnight; it all depends on what they want to do and birding, which is one of our main activities here as well for most of our birders who come,” Ewin said.

She further explained that the short walks are actually through the rainfor-

The Iwokrama forest and its research centre are unique, providing a dedicated site in which to test the concept of a truly sustainable forest – where conservation, environmental balance, and economic use can be mutually reinforcing.

Tour guide Tichie Robert revealed that some of the woods we see on buildings in urban communities were sourced from the reserve, among them greenheart, and visitors are given an opportunity to

a priceless experience as he has a wealth of knowledge about the vegetation and animals – none of which are captured.

However, if your aim is the Canopy Walkway, there is a big surprise.

Visitors are shown a winding stairway made of stones.

“We have 150 steps to climb...” he tells visitors as they began the journey to the canopy walkway.

The walkway was built by cooperation between a Canadian conservation group and the local Amerindian community.

It took one month to be constructed and was done in a way that does not harm the trees.

There are four bridges, two short ones and two long ones, with the longest being 154 metres. They are all connected by three platforms.

Traversing the walkway is like walking on a shaking bridge that will collapse at any moment at a height of almost 600 feet and above most of the very tall trees.

However, Roberts assures that the suspension bridges are all safe. He says they are frequently main-

tained by a crew which was part of the building process.

Fees paid for the trip help to ensure that the Canopy Walkway remains safe at all times.

Additionally, Roberts pointed out that even though the walk might be scary for some, it is highly impossible for the ropes on both sides to fail at the same time.

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway Rainforest Lodge should be a must.

The Lodge also provides meals, coming from the hands of Indigenous cooks.

of the Lodge, is a series of suspension bridges over the rainforest. It gives visitors the opportunity to experience the rainforest, but also allows wildlife to be relatively free from human intrusion.

Jaguars, monkeys, large spiders, the giant anteater, and many other wildlife are found at Iwokrama Lodge.

According to the Lodge’s manager Udel Ewin, there are eight rooms each with the capacity to accommo-

est. On those trips, visitors can experience Guyana’s wildlife.

“It depends, sometimes you are lucky and you would see animals like a deer, tapir, monkeys, birds – you name them they are here, but actually you have to have the luck to see those things,” she said with a chuckle and noted that they cannot make a promise to persons as to what they might see.

“If you are lucky, you would be able to see them.”

touch the trees which are more than 500 feet tall.

There are also trees producing nuts which pythons will come to eat and wait for small animals to feed on the nuts.

The walk through the forest also allows for persons to see the kapadulla vine, which is a source of water for persons who are trapped in the forest or spend prolonged periods in the jungle.

The walk through the rainforest with Roberts is

B y A ndrew C A rmi C h A el

The 150-step stairway

The Canopy Walkway

The Lodge offers ideal accommodation

Guyana’s mortgage interest rates among lowest in the world – Rodrigues

million.

Minister Rodrigues underlined that the interventions undertaken by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic were unprecedented, at a time when pay cheques were being cut around the world, and the cost of living and the rate of unemployment increased.

Nursing assistants must adopt “sympathetic” attitude towards patients – Health Minister

and we’ll have a lot of people who would want to come to the institute, because they recognise that when they come to the institution, they’re getting somebody who can care for them and that is very important,” Dr Anthony is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

Guyana has one of the lowest mortgage interest rates in the Caribbean and the wider world.

This was highlighted by Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues during her weekly programme “Making The Case” on Wednesday.

Rodrigues stated that the President Dr Irfaan Aliled Government was keen on making the process of obtaining a loan easier.

Further, the Minister stated that the collaboration and responsiveness of the commercial banks have also contributed to improvements in the housing sector.

“You have seen a collaboration with the Ministry and with all of the commercial banks to guarantee reduced interest rates. Some of the lowest interest rates in the world.

“If you look at the news globally of what is taking place in an effort to curb in-

flation, countries around the globe have been increasing interest rates,” she is quoted as saying in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report.

Meanwhile, in Guyana, the Government has reduced the interest rates for mortgages to make access to homeownership more affordable for Guyanese.

Many people are taking advantage of the investment climate since banks have lowered their interest rates significantly.

This has added to an already robust system set in place by the Government to assist citizens to become homeowners.

Recently, the Government was able to negotiate with three commercial banks and the New Building Society (NBS) to allow soldiers to repay at an interest rate of 3.5 per cent for loans below $4 million and an interest rate of 3.75 per cent for loans below $8

The interventions by the Government included various cash grants for various groups, the removal of VAT on electricity and water, and a range of other incentives.

Since taking office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has consistently helped citizens wherever they may be, despite external factors.

The policy solutions to the worldwide inflation rate, which has been above historical levels since mid-June due to the adverse global climate, led by rising energy costs and disrupted supply chains, have been praised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Rodrigues said the Government was working every day to ensure citizens’ lives are improved. The PPP/C Government has provided thousands of families with house lots, and they have attested that their dreams of owning a home were now becoming a reality as a result of the Government’s consistent achievement of its goals in the housing sector.

Trainee nursing assistants are being encouraged to provide care to patients with a professional and sympathetic attitude.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who made the call recently at the launch of a Nursing Assistants’ programme in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), said they must also remember why they

pursued the profession.

These trainees, once certified, will provide direct care to patients in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as home care. They are a vital part of a larger care team that helps patients with basic needs, including eating, bathing, grooming, mobility and more.

“If we adopt that attitude, then you would see that things would change

The public healthcare system has been criticised by citizens over the provision of care.

However, Dr Anthony believes this perception can change if professionals adopt the proper attitude.

As a result, he noted that the Government through the Health Ministry was working aggressively to improve the overall healthcare system in Guyana.

“We can have the best improvements in the healthcare system, but if you got one person who got the wrong attitude… then it turns everything else that the whole team has been doing,” the Health Minister expressed.

that she was very happy that Jagmohan has gifted her a house for Christmas where she would be more comfortable.

“I am very happy... words cannot express how I feel; I am very thankful for my new home and then he said he will build and stock a shop for me which is more exciting... from there I know I will own my own business and will work for my own money... All thanks to Mister Jagmohan. May God continue to bless him,” Sookdeo said with tears in her eyes.

Additionally, during the handover, more than 30

Jagmohan, also known as “Joe” of International Import and Supplies, at Lot 15 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown and also of Hampton Court, Essequibo on Christmas Day handed over the key of a fully-furnished home to 51-year-old Latchmin Sookdeo of Lima, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The gesture was in memory of the businessman’s mother, Latchmin Jagmohan, known as “Chano”, who died on October 19, 2020.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the businessman said that his intention was to help Sookdeo, who is suffering prolonged illness, in loving memory of his mother who died two years ago.

He added that he was

committed to providing Sookdeo with $100,000 monthly for 12 months and would also construct a shop at her newly-built home so that she c become self-employed.

Meanwhile, Sookdeo revealed that she was currently unemployed and was suffering from several illnesses including Filaria, diabetes, and arthritis. She added

women benefited from grocery hampers along with $10,000 from the businessman. The women hailed from several villages along the Essequibo Coast.

Jagmohan said that he was committed to providing more to fellow Essequibians in memory of his mother. He noted that homes were to be completed in 2023 for several elderly women.

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues

Businessman Parmeshwar

A section of the trainee nursing assistants

“I am very happy” – beneficiary of new home to businessman

Businessman Parmeshwar Jagmohan along with Latchmin Sookdeo cutting the ribbon to the new home

Apology for slavery not enough –– leading Jamaican academic

Leading Jamaican academic has welcomed the apology by Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands for his country's role in the transatlantic slave trade as "a step beyond what existed before".

But Professor Clinton Hutton, director of the Institute of Technological and Educational Research at The Mico University College, believes Rutte's mea culpa at The Hague on Monday, December 19, 2022, does not go far enough.

"This step forward is still enmeshed in the culture, philosophy and psychology of anti-black racism that emerged and was cultivated to justify slavery. Hence, we see Rutte apologising and stating that slavery was a crime against humanity for which the Dutch State was responsible, yet ruling out reparation. This position cannot be sustained," Hutton noted. "Britain, France, Portugal, etc, will at some point make this step. Of course, apologies alone are not sufficient. Indeed, they are not sustainable."

In his speech, Rutte con-

demned slavery as a "crime against humanity", adding that, "Today, I apologise."

The speech contrasted with the Dutch leader's previous utterances addressing the slave trade "a thing of the past" in which the Netherlands was a force during the 17th and 18th centuries through the Dutch West India Co. The Netherlands did not ban slavery in its West Indian colonies until 1863, even though it was illegal in that

country.

Poet and social activist Yasus Afari agrees with Hutton that apologies are insufficient.

"Certainly not, and these colonial and neo-colonial nations need to get on the right side of history and the true reality of world affairs or be eternally disgraced on the wrong side of history for gang-raping Mother Africa and the authentic sovereign first nations of Earth and humanity," he

said. "We need to continue to build public awareness and advocacy so as to create the required pressure on all the guilty nations, churches, banks and other institutions who are guilty of this genocidal crime against humanity. This is to ensure that they and the other institutions that are responsible can help in the necessary healing of humanity by way of international justice, truth and rights, reparations, repatriation, reconciliation and redemption. Only then shall humanity ensure the required equity, peace, love and tranquillity for the sustained goodwill and prosperity of all humanity," he argued.

Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal have offered guarded remorse for their

countries' roles in the transatlantic slave trade, which originated in 1526 and lasted for 200 years.

Europeans sold captured Africans into bondage, with their biggest 'markets' being the West Indies and United States.

In March, Prince William of Britain expressed "profound sorrow" for his country's part in the slave trade during a speech at a State dinner at King's House in St Andrew. His father, King Charles (then Prince Charles), made similar pronouncements five months earlier during a ceremony marking Barbados' transition from a Commonwealth state to a republic.

Activists, including pan-Africans and politicians, have aggressively pushed for monetary com-

pensation (reparation) for victims of slavery and their descendants.

Hutton acknowledged its tedious nature.

"The reparation agenda and struggle for such is a process with incremental steps thus far. The response prior to this step by the Dutch, through Prime Minister Mark Rutte, was to express regret. It never expressed then that slavery was a crime against humanity for which the enslaver states — Britain, France, Spain, et al — still bear responsibility. The Dutch State has now done that," he said. "I cannot, at this point, speak to the specific set of events and forces which framed the architecture of this moment but it is a step beyond what existed before."

(Jamaica Observer)

New York’s 1st legal dispensary for recreational marijuana opens doors

about the evolving situation and we continue encouraging China to track the COVID-19 virus and vaccinate the highest risk people.

"We continue to offer our support for clinical care and protecting its health system."

Hospitals across China have been overwhelmed by an explosion of infections following Beijing's decision to lift strict rules that had largely kept the virus at bay but tanked the economy and sparked widespread protests.

Restrictions some countries have introduced in response to China's COVID-19 surge are "understandable", given the lack of information from Beijing, the head of the World Health Organization said Thursday.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged China to be more forthcoming on the pandemic situation in the country.

His comments came after the United States joined several nations in imposing COVID tests on travellers from China after Beijing dropped foreign travel curbs

despite a surge in cases.

The EU's health agency said however that such measures weren't warranted for the moment in the bloc.

"In order to make a comprehensive risk assessment of the COVID-19 situation on the ground in China, WHO needs more detailed information," Tedros said on Twitter.

"In the absence of comprehensive information from China, it is understandable that countries around the world are acting in ways that they believe may protect their populations.

"We remain concerned

China said this week it would end mandatory quarantine on arrival, prompting many Chinese to make plans to travel abroad.

On December 21, Tedros told journalists the WHO was concerned about increasing reports of severe disease in China.

He called for detailed data on disease severity, hospital admissions and intensive care requirements.

China's National Health Commission said last week it would no longer release an official daily COVID death toll. (AFP)

From the long-empty husk of a Manhattan retail chain, new life blooms – in the form of the state of New York’s first legal dispensary for recreational marijuana, which was set to open on Thursday at 4.20pm. Housing Works Cannabis Company will roll out retail adult-use weed sales at a shop on Broadway and Astor Place in Lower Manhattan – a former Gap outpost – with items such as edibles priced from $20 and flowers from $40, according to NBC New York. All proceeds from these pot purchases “go back to fund our services and advocacy, which include housing, healthcare, and people living with HIV and chronic illness”, the creative director of the non-profit Housing Works, Elizabeth Koke, told the station.

New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams, added: “Today marks a major milestone in our efforts to create the most equitable cannabis industry

in the nation. The opening of the first legal dispensary in our state right here in New York City is more than just a promising step for this budding industry – it represents a new chapter for those most harmed by the failed policies of the past.

“The legal cannabis market has the potential to be a major boon to New York’s economic recovery – creating new jobs, building wealth in historically underserved communities, and increasing state and local tax revenue.”

The opening of Housing Works’ 4,400-square-foot weed shop comes after fits and starts in New York’s cannabis industry. In 2019, possession of the psychoactive plant was largely decriminalized.

Then, in March 2021, state lawmakers greenlit legal, adult-use cannabis, planting the seeds for regulated sales. State regulators prioritized equity in determining license recipi-

ents, reserving many for applicants who had past marijuana-related convictions as well as some non-profits.

The first cultivation licenses for adult-use hemp were issued in April, and the first retail licenses were issued in November 2022.

During the period between spring 2021 and the present, however, some aspiring sativa sellers decided not to wait and started hawking hash without obtaining a proper license.

Some have set up modest folding tables in the famed Washington Square Park and on street corners while other vendors boldly advertise bud from storefronts on major Manhattan thoroughfares. New York state cannabis officials said that they are making sure entrepreneurs are aware of licensing requirements and are ramping up enforcement, including with seizures of unlawfully sold products. (The Guardian)

The executive director of New York’s office of cannabis management, Chris Alexander, makes the first purchase at Housing Works Cannabis Company WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte speaking at the National Archives in The Hague on December 19, 2022 during which he officially apologised for 250 years of the Netherlands' involvement in slavery, calling it a crime against humanity (Photo: AFP)

UNC MP tells Rowley: National days of prayer not enough to stop crime

Heeraben Modi, Indian PM Modi's mother, dies aged 99

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother, Heeraben Modi has died at the age of 99.

She had been admitted to hospital in the western state of Gujarat, where she lived, after her health deteriorated.

"A glorious century rests at the feet of God," Modi tweeted. He had flown from Delhi to visit her at the hospital on Wednesday evening.

The Indian Prime Minister often visited his mother to seek her blessings on important occasions and festivals.

Her life and sacrifices had "shaped" his mind, personality and self-confidence, Modi wrote on June 18 when Heeraben turned 99.

4 when Modi visited her house during the assembly election in Gujarat, his home state.

Heeraben lived with Modi's younger brother and his family.

She was born in Visnagar in Gujarat's Mehsana district in 1923.

"Her childhood was one of poverty and deprivation," Modi wrote.

As a teen, she was married to Damodardas Mulchand Modi and moved to the town of Vadnagar a few kilometres away.

jans and hymns," he wrote.

Heeraben never attended public programmes, Modi wrote, adding that she had only accompanied him to two events – the second one was in 2001, when he first took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

"Since then, she has never accompanied me to a single public event," he wrote.

Though he became India's Prime Minister in 2014, Heeraben visited him in Delhi only two years later. Modi had tweeted photos of himself showing her around his official residence.

UNC MP Dinesh

Rambally wants the Prime Minister to know that it will take a lot more than just "days of prayer" to effectively reduce crime in this country. He believes the government has ceased making efforts to fight crime and is now trying to rely on "divine intervention."

Rambally was speaking at a press conference at the Office of the Opposition Leader in Port of Spain on Thursday morning.

As the murder toll for 2022 nears 600, he said this year was "historic for all the wrong reasons."

On Thursday morning, the murder toll was 599.

Rambally said home invasions, daylight robberies and land killings "are now all a regular part of life in Trinidad and Tobago.

"As we look to the members of the government charged with the responsi-

bility of ensuring the safety and security of our citizenry – those who are paid by taxpayers to do this job – we see that they have effectively abandoned their posts."

He said people in this country are living in fear as "criminals run rampant and operate with impunity" and the government's only action in recent times is "asking citizens to pray."

Dr Rowley has hosted two national days of prayer in the last two years – one in August 2022 and the other in December 2022.

Rambally said that upon Rowley becoming Prime Minister, "citizens of this country have never stopped praying.

"Instead of asking for divine intervention, try some State intervention, try doing your job as the head of the National Security Council."

Rambally said God helps those who help themselves, so "instead of solely seeking refuge in prayers and sym-

pathetic spokespersons, we need to start acting on substantive data, we need to actively pursue calculated policies that target criminals and help to keep law-abiding citizens safe."

Without a substantive plan, he said, 2023 will be an even more violent and horrific year.

He added that Rowley is being stubborn by not firing Fitzgerald Hinds as National Security Minister.

Asked by Newsday if he saw the national days of prayer as useful, Rambally said it's always useful to engage in prayer sessions, but Rowley has "now thrown up (his) arms in the air and just waving it all over and saying, 'Well, all we are doing at this point is engaging in prayer."

He said guidance, wisdom and divine intervention can be achieved through prayer but the person should then "get to work." (T&T Newsday)

"My Mother is as simple as she is extraordinary. Just like all mothers," he wrote. They were last seen together in public on December

"In Vadnagar, our family used to stay in a tiny house which did not even have a window, let alone a luxury like a toilet or a bathroom," Modi wrote in his blog.

He described his mother as punctual, neat and a hard worker. "While working, she would hum her favourite bha-

Months later, when Modi's Government controversially banned 500 and 1000 rupee notes in a bid to crack down on undeclared wealth, Heeraben was photographed visiting a bank, like millions of Indians, to exchange old notes. (BBC News)

Vivienne Westwood: Pioneering fashion designer dies aged 81

British fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood has died aged 81.

In a statement on Twitter, her fashion house said she died "peacefully and surrounded" by her family in Clapham, south London.

Westwood made her name with her controversial punk and new wave styles in the 1970s and went on to dress some of the biggest stars in fashion.

Her husband and creative partner Andreas Kronthaler said: "I will continue with Vivienne in my heart.

"We have been working until the end and she has giv-

EU calls screening of travellers from China unjustified

The European Union's disease agency has said the screening of travellers from China for COVID-19 would be "unjustified".

On Thursday, Italy urged the rest of the EU to follow its lead and ensure Chinese arrivals were tested, and quarantined if necessary.

The US, Japan, Taiwan, and India also recently announced mandatory testing, as China deals with a COVID surge.

But the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said the surge was "not expected to impact" the EU.

Concerns were raised after Chinese authorities decided to let people travel more freely from 8 January, after almost three years of largely-closed borders.

EU health officials held talks in Brussels on Thursday to coordinate any response. The ECDC added: "We remain vigilant and will be ready to use the emergen-

cy brake if necessary."

The EU can issue recommendations, but each nation is free to make their own policies, like Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country's efforts to curb COVID-19 transmissions from China would be undermined if other EU countries did not follow suit.

In the United Kingdom, a Minister said the issue was "under review".

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said testing visitors from China, Hong Kong and Macau was need-

ed "to help slow the spread of the virus as we work to identify... any potential new variants that may emerge".

China's National Health Commission published its most recent daily COVID data on December 24, registering 4128 new cases the day before.

But analysts say such numbers are a vast underestimate – and the daily case load may be closer to a million.

On Thursday, British health data firm Airfinity said 9000 people in China could be dying from Covid-19

each day – almost double its previous daily estimate.

Despite the official numbers being low, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned the healthcare system in China could be under severe pressure.

As COVID surges in China, some nearby countries have moved swiftly to announce restrictions.

In India, people travelling from China and four other Asian countries must produce a negative COVID test before arriving, with those who test positive put in quarantine

In Japan, from Friday, travellers from China will be tested for COVID upon arrival. Those who test positive will have to quarantine for up to seven days

Malaysia has put additional tracking and surveillance measures in place

Meanwhile Taiwan has said people arriving from China, by air or sea, will have to take COVID tests on arrival throughout January. (Excerpt from BBC News)

en me plenty of things to get on with."

Westwood came to prominence with her androgynous designs, slogan T-shirts and irreverent attitude towards the establishment.

She was also known as a staunch activist and brought causes she cared about, like climate change, to the catwalk.

The designer was made a Dame for services to fashion in 2006.

Derbyshire-born Westwood worked as a primary school teacher, before setting up clothing shop Let It Rock on King's Road in Chelsea with her then partner Malcolm McLaren in the early 1970s.

The business was later renamed Sex and McLaren began managing a punk rock band made up of shop regulars – the Sex Pistols. They shot to fame in 1976 wearing Westwood and McLaren's designs.

Tributes have started to pour in from the world of fashion, politics and showbusiness.

Fashion designer and Spice Girl Victoria Beckham said: "I'm so sad to learn of the passing of legendary designer and activist Dame Vivienne Westwood.

"My thoughts are with her family at this incredibly sad time."

American designer Marc Jacobs said on Instagram:

"You did it first. Always. Incredible style with brilliant and meaningful substance...

"You never failed to surprise and to shock. I am grateful for the moments I got to share with you and Andreas."

Singer Boy George, who first met Westwood in the early 1980s, called her "great and inspiring" and "without question she is the undisputed Queen of British fashion".

Singer Billy Idol, who found fame on the London punk music scene, tweeted: "RIP it will take me a bit to take this in…".

The Victoria and Albert Museum, which houses some of her works, described Westwood as a "true revolutionary and rebellious force in fashion".

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan wrote on Twitter: "A sad day, Vivienne Westwood was and will remain a towering figure in British fashion.

"Her punk style rewrote the rule book in the 1970s and was widely admired for how she stayed true to her own values throughout her life."

Co-leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas said: "Such a legend, a huge inspiration, brilliantly creative and always a committed activist for people and planet - my thoughts are with her family and friends - RIP." (Excerpt from BBC News)

UNC MP Dinesh Rambally

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

Dame Vivienne Westwood

“Forever a legend”: World pays tribute to Brazilian star Pelé

Politicians, athletes, clubs and commentators have joined in the outpouring of tributes for the late Brazilian football legend Pelé , lauding his contributions and stressing that his memory will live on as long as the game is played.

Pelé , the only threetime World Cup winner in history, died on Thursday at age 82 after a long struggle with cancer.

Brazilian Presidentelect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had a privilege many younger Brazilians did not get to experience: watching Pelé play live.

“Few Brazilians took the name of our country as far as he did… There has never been a number 10 like him. Thank you, Pelé ,” Lula wrote in a social media post, referencing Pelé ’s jersey number.

US President Joe Biden said on his Twitter that Pelé ‘s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend was a story of “what is possible”.

Former United States President Barack Obama eulogised Pelé as well, calling him one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game.

“As one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who loved and admired him,” Obama said in a tweet.

Pelé was known as “the King”, scoring hundreds of goals over his star-studded career. His trademark tricks and quicksilver speed helped revolutionise the game and increase the popularity of football globally.

In 2000, the world’s football governing body, FIFA, named him player of the century jointly with Argentina’s Diego Maradona, who died in 2020.

“Forever a legend. Rest in peace, Pelé ,” the Italian club AS Roma wrote on Twitter, while Manchester United expressed gratitude to the Brazilian footballer for bringing joy to fans across the world.

The London-based Chelsea FC on Thursday called Pelé a “master of the beautiful game”, and England defender Harry Maguire said Pelé was a “role model on and off the pitch”.

Pelé had served since 1994 as “champion for sport” for the United Nations cultural organisation, UNESCO, helping promote physical education across the world.

On Thursday, UNESCO said Pelé “worked relentlessly to promote sport as a tool for peace”, adding that he would be greatly missed.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pelé. We extend our condolences to the Brazilian people and the football family,” the organisation said in a tweet.

Pelé ’s playing career spanned more than 20 years, ending with the now-dissolved New York Cosmos in 1977. But even for generations born long after he hung up his boots, Pelé remained synonymous with football.

“The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten,” said French football star Kylian Mbappe who, in 2018, became the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pelé .

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland summed up Pelé ’s influence on football by saying: “Everything you see any player doing, Pelé did it

first.”

US Congressman Adriano Espaillat also said Pelé was a “transformative figure in 20th-century sports” with the level of global celebrity he achieved. “May his legacy continue to inspire generations and his talent be remembered forever. Rest in power,” Espaillat said in a social media post.

On Monday, a 24-hour wake will be held for Pelé in the centre of the field at the stadium of Santos, his hometown club where he started playing as a teenager and quickly rose to fame. The next day, a procession carrying his coffin will pass through the streets of Santos, passing the neighbourhood where his 100-year-old mother lives, and ending at the Ecumenical Memorial Necropolis cemetery, where he will be buried in a private ceremony.

Pelé , whose given name was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, joined Santos in 1956 and turned the small coastal club into one of the most famous names in football.

In addition to a host of

regional and national titles, Pelé won two Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, and two Intercontinental Cups, the annual tournament held between the best teams in

Europe and South America.

He took home three World Cup winner’s medals, the first time as a 17-yearold in Sweden in 1958, the second in Chile four years later, and the third in Mexico in 1970, when he led

what is considered to be one of the greatest sides ever to play the game.

He retired from Santos in 1974, but a year later made a surprise comeback by signing a lucrative deal to join the New York Cosmos in the then nascent North American Soccer League. In a glorious 21year career he scored between 1,281 and 1,283 goals, depending on how matches are counted.

Pelé , though, transcended soccer, like no player before or since, and he became one of the first global icons of the 20th century.

With his winning smile and an aw-shucks humility that charmed legions of fans, he was better known than many Hollywood stars, popes or presidents –many if not most of whom he met during a six-decadelong career as player and corporate pitchman.

(Excerpts from Al Jazeera and Reuters)

Pelé celebrates after scoring for Brazil against Italy in the 1970 World Cup final (Colorsport/Rex)

Pelé is the only football player to win three World Cups [Jasper Juinen/AP photo]

Pelé in action for Brazil against Sweden in the 1958 World Cup final. He scored six goals during the tournament and a star was born (Popperfoto/Getty Images photo)

Regional

Brazil arrests 4 people for alleged coup attempt in Bolsonaro riots

Brazilian Police said they had arrested at least four people and carried out nationwide raids on Thursday in investigations into an alleged coup attempt during riots by supporters of defeated far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazilian authorities, led by the Supreme Court, have been cracking down on a small but committed minority of Bolsonaro supporters who refuse to acknowledge leftist President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's election victory and are calling for a military coup.

Bolsonaro, who has yet to concede defeat, has pushed baseless claims that Brazil's electoral system was compromised.

Thursday's operation came just days before Lula's inauguration on Sunday, and less than a week after Police in Brasilia said they had foiled a bomb plot masterminded by alleged Bolsonaro supporters.

The raids stemmed from a riot on December 12, the day Lula's victory was certified, when election-de-

niers camped outside army headquarters in Brasilia attacked the Federal Police headquarters and set cars and buses alight after the arrest of a pro-Bolsonaro Indigenous leader.

The Federal Police said on Thursday they were serving 32 search and arrest warrants in eight states un-

Peruvian President backs investigation into protest deaths

der Supreme Court orders.

The alleged crimes were "qualified damage, arson, criminal association, violent abolition of the rule of law and coup d'état, whose maximum combined penalties amount to 34 years in prison", they said in a statement.

Cleo Mazzotti, who heads the Federal Police's organised crime division, said four people had been arrested by mid-morning, with more detentions expected as Police searched for seven other suspects.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuelan Opposition says foreign assets will not pass to Maduro

Opposition lawmakers in Venezuela seeking to remove interim President Juan Guaidó said on Thursday that step would not result in foreign assets passing to President Nicolás Maduro's Government.

Three of four major Opposition groups – Justice First, Democratic Action and A New Era – are backing a bill to oust Guaidó and create a five-member commission to manage foreign assets, especially US-based refiner Citgo, a subsidiary of State-owned oil company PDVSA.

The effort received initial approval last week and a second vote could take place

today. Guaidó and some lawyers have warned that Maduro could take control of assets abroad.

Protections for Citgo and for over US$1 billion in gold stored at the Bank of England are "based on a non-recognition of Maduro which will also be maintained", Justice First lawmaker Alfonso Marquina told legislators and Journalists during a virtual meeting.

Guaidó has been the global face of Venezuela's fractious Opposition since 2019, when he invoked the Constitution to assume an interim presidency, garnering backing from the

United States and other Governments that reject Maduro's 2018 re-election as fraudulent.

But Maduro has remained in control of nearly all Venezuela's institutions, including its security forces.

International support has waned for Guaidó's interim Government, which controls some foreign assets and runs many embassies.

"I repeat that what they have told us is that they will continue to support Venezuela in its fight, they will continue supporting the national assembly," said A New Era lawmaker Nora Bracho.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Governments of Antigua & Barbuda and China sign landmark agreement

The Boobey Alley project has taken another major step forward with the signing of the technical agreement between the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and China.

This means that the areahas been assessed in terms of the topography and other environmental aspects. The next phase of the project will see the commencement of construction in Point.

(Antigua Observer)

Bolivian Opposition Leader held on terrorism charges

Prosecutors in Bolivia are seeking six months of pre-trial detention in the case of Luis Fernando Camacho, the Governor of Santa Cruz and prominent right-wing leader whose sudden arrest on Wednesday sparked allegations of kidnapping.

gations into his role during Bolivia’s 2019 political crisis, which led to the departure of then-President Evo Morales. Among the charges being considered are breach of duty, misuse of influence and attacking the President and high-ranking officials.

In a statement, Camacho rejected the accusations, saying they lacked credibility.

Peruvian

said Thursday she would provide all necessary resources to Prosecutors so they can investigate the more than two dozen deaths during protests that have rocked Peru following the ouster of her predecessor.

An estimated 22 people have been killed in clashes during the protests and another six have died in traffic accidents related to street blockades, according to Government data.

"We're going to give all the resources possible to the prosecutor's office to investigate the deaths," Boluarte said at a news conference on Thursday.

Boluarte assumed the presidency earlier this month after leftist President Pedro Castillo was ousted in an impeachment vote hours after attempting to illegally dissolve Congress. She was previously Castillo's Vice President.

Castillo was arrested and remains in pretrial detention while under investigation on rebellion and conspiracy charges. His ouster led to days of sometimes violent protests in Peru.

In response, Boluarte's Government implemented a state of emergency that granted security forces special powers and limited freedoms such as the right to assembly.

Human rights groups have accused authorities of using firearms on protesters and dropping smoke bombs from helicopters. The army says protesters have used weapons and homemade explosives.

"The Police and army went out on the streets to protect the lives and calm the fears of the 33 million people living in Peru," Boluarte said Thursday, but added that the deaths would not go unpunished.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Camacho is being held in the political capital of La Paz on charges of “terrorism”, Prosecutor Omar Mejillones confirmed in a statement on Thursday.

The Santa Cruz Governor also faces ongoing investi-

Camacho – a former presidential candidate who heads the powerful Christian conservative coalition Creemos – had been a leader during the 2019 protests that helped to remove Morales, the country’s first Indigenous president, from office.

The 2019 political crisis saw Morales seeking a fourth consecutive term as President, a move his critics denounced as unconstitutional. Morales had successfully appealed to the Supreme Court to abolish term limits after voters refused to do so in a 2016 referendum.

Morales successfully won his fourth term in October 2019, but the election was mired in allegations of fraud

Caricom congratulates Haiti on

Caricom has congratulated Haiti on its 219th anniversary of Independence.

“On the behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), I wish to extend congratulations to the Government and People of the Republic of Haiti on the occasion of the Two Hundred and Nineteenth Anniversary of Independence. The attainment of the Independence of the Republic of Haiti is symbolic for the Region, and the Community shares in the collective pride associated with this milestone and celebration of the fortitude

and resilience of the Haitian people," Caricom's Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett said in a letter to the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr Ariel Henry.

"The Caricom Secretariat reaffirms its commitment to support the Government and People of the Republic of Haiti, and will continue to unite its efforts to partner with Haiti towards achieving a lasting and durable peace, security and the economic prosperity and social progress, which can help Haitians build strong institutions and achieve the quality of life they deserve,"

and protests erupted contesting Morales’s leadership. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights estimates 36 people lost their lives in the crisis. With an international audit under way and violence in the streets, Bolivia’s military called on Morales to resign.

He did, leaving office in November 2019, but condemned the conflict as a “coup”. On Thursday, Morales applauded Camacho’s arrest with a post on Twitter.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

219th anniversary

the letter added.

"Prime Minister, the Caribbean Community is pleased to join with the People and Government of your country in celebrat-

ing their Two Hundred and Nineteenth Anniversary of Independence, and extends best wishes to you and all Haitians.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

Federal prison officers take position in front of Federal Police headquarters during an action by Federal Police and agents of the Civil Police of Brasilia, to serve arrests and seizure warrants issued by the Federal Supreme Court in Brasilia, Brazil, December 29, 2022 (Reuters/Adriano Machado)

President Dina Boluarte

The signing of the technical agreement by representatives of the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and China

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry (AP/Odelyn Joseph file photo)

Oil drops on China uncertainty; US demand limits decline

Oil prices fell for a second straight session on Thursday on an uncertain demand outlook as more countries considered restrictions on Chinese travellers with COVID-19 infections spreading in the top oil-importing nation.

China's Government is dismantling pandemic restrictions, yet a surge in infections there is prompting tougher travel rules on Chinese visitors in some countries.

Brent crude futures for February delivery fell by a dollar to settle at US$82.26, down 1.2 per cent. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled at US$78.40 per barrel, down by 56 cents, or 0.7 per cent.

Britain is reviewing whether to impose restrictions on people arriving from China. The United States, Japan, India and Taiwan have already imposed testing on arrivals from the country.

"Crude is limping towards the end of the year in thin trading – uninspired by the lifting of COVID restrictions in China amid skyrocketing cases, with little to galvanise crude bulls or bears in today's benign EIA report," said Matt Smith, lead oil analyst at Kpler.

US crude oil inventories rose unexpectedly last week as imports climbed and exports fell, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Thursday.

Despite the surprise build in crude oil stocks, the report itself was "positive" and showed a "solid rebound" in implied oil demand, resulting in large draws of refined products, said Giovanni Staunovo of Swiss bank UBS.

Both oil contracts dipped more than two per cent early in Thursday's session, but pared losses as the US dollar slipped, with investors on edge about interest rate hikes.

A weaker dollar makes oil cheaper for holders of other currencies.

"With so many moving parts, I don't think anyone can say anything with any strong degree of conviction," Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA, said. "OPEC+ [Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies] could make an announcement at any point and suddenly everything changes. Not to mention Russia's war in Ukraine and how that develops."

Russia fired scores of missiles into Ukraine early on Thursday, targeting Kyiv and other cities in one of Moscow's largest aerial assaults since the war started.

Meanwhile, TC Energy Corp said the 622,000-barrel-perday Keystone pipeline was now operational, weeks after a major oil spill in rural Kansas.

Shutdown of the line hit supplies in the US and briefly lifted oil prices, although there was little change to either benchmark after settlement.

(Reuters)

Around the World

Most of Ukraine suffers power outages after Russian missile barrage

After a day when his entire country was attacked by Russian missiles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged that most regions were suffering power outages, but he said the damage would have been worse without "heroic" air defence.

Zelenskiy, in a video address on Thursday night, said air commands in central, southern, eastern and western Ukraine repelled 54 Russian missiles and 11 drones during one of Russia's biggest aerial assaults since it started the war in February.

The areas where loss of power was "especially difficult" included the capital Kyiv, Odesa, and Kherson in the south and surrounding regions, and the region around Lviv near the western border with Poland,

Zelenskiy said.

"But this is nothing compared with what could have happened if it were not for our heroic anti-aircraft troops and air defence," he said.

Air raid sirens rang out across Ukraine – for

Benjamin Netanyahu returns as PM of Israel’s most far-right Govt

Israel’s Parliament has sworn in Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister, inaugurating the country’s most far-right, religiously conservative Government in history.

Netanyahu, 73, took the oath of office on Thursday, moments after Israel’s Parliament, or Knesset, passed a vote of confidence in his new Government. Of the Parliament’s 120 members, 63 voted in favour of the new Government, with 54 votes against.

His swearing in marks a personal return to power and the arrival of a Government that has sparked fears among Palestinians as well as left-wing Israelis.

Al Jazeera’s Sara Khairat, reporting from West Jerusalem, said this has been in the making for almost two months and is “quite a victory for Benjamin Netanyahu”, who partnered up with a coalition that includes “a mix of an ultra-Or-

thodox and right-wing bloc”.

The coalition, Khairat said, includes some of the most “right-wing politicians we’ve seen”. “They were on the fringes of politics and now here they are on the main stage.”

“Even though locals we’ve spoken to have said that yes, the process is democratic, they are very deeply concerned about the laws that have been put through,” she said from outside the Parliament, where left-wing Israelis had gathered to protest.

Netanyahu, who was Prime Minister between 1996 and 1999, and then between 2009 and 2021, addressed a session of the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, ahead of the vote.

Netanyahu, along with his coalition partners, has a majority in the Knesset. He was heckled during his speech to the Knesset, with opponents chanting that he was “weak”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

five hours in Kyiv. Reuters footage showed emergency workers pouring through the smouldering wreckage of residential homes in Kyiv destroyed by a blast and smoke trails of missiles in the sky. Officials had earlier said more than 120

missiles were fired during Thursday's assault.

More than 18 residential buildings and 10 critical infrastructure installations were destroyed in the latest attacks, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Waves of Russian air strikes in recent months targeting energy infrastructure have left millions without power and heating in often freezing temperatures.

Ukraine's smaller armed forces have scored several battlefield victories against the invading Russian troops, but for months Zelenskiy has asked Western countries for additional help with air defence. To that end, the United States last week announced nearly US$2 billion in more military aid, including the Patriot Air Defence System. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China COVID deaths accelerate to 9000 a day –UK research firm Airfinity

Around 9000 people in China are probably dying each day from COVID-19, United Kingdom-based health data firm Airfinity said on Thursday, nearly doubling its estimate from a week ago, as infections ripped across the world's most populous nation.

COVID infections started to sweep across China in November, picking up pace this month after Beijing dismantled its zero-COVID policies, including regular PCR testing on its population and publication of data on asymptomatic cases.

Cumulative deaths in

Hershey sued over chocolate containing heavy metals

Hershey Co has been sued by a consumer who accused the company of selling dark chocolate that contains harmful levels of lead and cadmium.

In a proposed class action filed on Wednesday, Christopher Lazazzaro said he would not have bought or would have paid less for Hershey's Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate, Lily's Extra Dark Chocolate 70% Cocoa and Lily's Extreme Dark Chocolate 85% Cocoa had Hershey disclosed their

metals content.

Hershey did not immediately respond on Thursday to requests for comment on the lawsuit, which was filed in the federal court in Central Islip, New York.

Some studies suggest that the antioxidants and relatively low levels of sugar in dark chocolate could help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Lazazzaro, a resident of Nassau County, New York, sued two weeks after Consumer Reports unveiled the results of scientific test-

ing of 28 dark chocolate bars for lead and cadmium.

The magazine said that while all 28 contained the heavy metals, 23 including chocolate from Dove, Godiva, Lindt and Trader Joe's con-

tained potentially harmful levels of lead, cadmium or both for people who eat one ounce of chocolate a day.

Hershey's Special Dark bar and Lily's 70% bar were high in lead, and Lily's 85% bar was high in lead and cadmium, the magazine said.

Lazazzaro said reasonable consumers would be turned off by such levels, because they pose a "serious health risk," and that consumers rely on Hershey to be truthful about ingredients in its products.

The lawsuit seeks at least US$5 million of damages, including at least US$500 per transaction under New York law.

Hershey bought Lily's for US$425 million in June 2021.

Lazazzaro's lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment, including as to whether other lawsuits are planned.

The case is Lazazzaro v Hershey Co, US District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 22-07923 (Reuters)

China since December 1 likely reached 100,000 with infections totalling 18.6 million, Airfinity said in a statement. It says it uses modelling based on data from Chinese provinces before the recent changes to reporting cases were implemented.

Airfinity expects China's COVID infections to reach their first peak on January 13 with 3.7 million cases a day.

That is in contrast to the several thousands of cases reported by health authorities a day, after a nationwide network of PCR test sites was largely dismantled as authorities pivoted from preventing infections to treating them.

Airfinity expects deaths to peak on January 23 around 25,000 a day, with cumulative deaths reaching 584,000 since December.

Since December 7 when China made its abrupt policy U-turn, authorities have reported 10 COVID deaths.

As of December 28, China's official COVID death toll stood at 5246 since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Airfinity expects 1.7 million deaths across China by the end of April, according to its statement.

A rescuer at a site of a residential house damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, December 29, 2022 (Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko)

People wearing face masks walk on Jinli Ancient Street, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China September 8, 2020 (Reuters file photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Take note of what everyone around you is doing before you agree to participate. It's in your best interest to be a friendly observer. Practice makes perfect; prepare to win.

SUDOKU

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

Check out every angle before you indulge in something questionable. When in doubt, take a pass. A decision to learn something new will inspire you. Plan a surprise for a loved one.

A kind gesture will be appreciated and reciprocated. Refuse to let your ego or emotions cause a kerfuffle. Choose to take the high road, regardless of what others do or say.

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Steer clear of sensitive issues. Emotional discussions will lead to trouble. Keep a positive attitude and do your best to make others feel comfortable. Be a good listener. Romance is encouraged.

Set your sights on what you want to accomplish, and don't stop until you are confident you've done your best. A last-minute adjustment will pay off and encourage you to be more spontaneous.

You don't have to spend money to impress others. Your charm and hands-on help will lead to opportunities for positive change and better relationships. A short trip will pay off.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Put yourself to the test and take on a challenge that requires agility, strength and discipline. The satisfaction and results you get will give you the boost you need.

Talks will help resolve problems you want to clear up before the end of the year. Be the one to start the conversation on a positive note and make suggestions. Certain conversations may be emotionally difficult.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You can be entertaining without going overboard. Watch how much you eat and drink, and keep your spending in line. Mistakes will be costly and require damage control, so be careful.

You'll require patience and common sense when dealing with money, friends and relatives. Have faith in yourself. Pay attention to what you do, how you look and what you want to achieve.

Fine-tune your plans for the upcoming year. A straightforward assessment will help you budget and prepare to reach your goal. An adjustment at home will pay off.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Take note of what others say, but don't respond unless you have something positive to contribute. Arguing will waste time and leave you in limbo. Choose to be helpful, supportive and kind.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

Letter to the Editor

“Success of BCB in 2022”

Dear Editor,

The year 2022 was a very successful one for the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), despite been a challenging one off the cricket field, involving cricket politics in Guyana. As President of the BCB, I am proud of the progress we have made, and it adds to the remarkable strides we have made between 2018 and 2021.

We would all recall the state of our cricket when the present administration took office, and we should all be proud of the developments made in the last five years.

The BCB is now widely considered the most progressive and active cricket board in the West Indies, with an unmatched list of activities and achievements.

Some of our major achievements in 2022 are:

1. Over fifty Berbicians represented Guyana at the different levels -junior and senior

2. Berbice won all the titles at the senior levels (female and male).

3. The only title we lost was the Under-17 one

4. Three Under-19 females were selected for the historic West Indies Under- 19 female team

6. Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneeta Grimmond, Ashmini Munisar, Ashley Ramnauth, Realanne Grimmond, Isai Thorne. It is remarkable that a small county could produce twelve players for the West Indies in a calendar year.

7. Several of our players were selected in CWI All Stars’ teams at the Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

8. Cricket mini academies were held across the ancient county, while several coaching programmes were done Under the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh Programme.

9. Over thirty junior players received financial stipends Under the Dr Puran Singh Scheme.

10. Over one million dollars’ worth of uniforms, balls and gear were shared out to secondary schools in Berbice, with assistance from Lochan Samkarran.

11. Twenty clubs received practice nets at the cost of

$1M, with the assistance of Terrence Blackman in a historic project.

12. Clubs in the West Berbice area benefitted from the Fazil Jaffarally Trust Fund.

13. Close to eighty clubs received $1M worth of cricket balls under the Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer Trust Fund

14. Millions of dollars’ worth of gear were shared out to players, clubs and schools with assistance from Cricket Kindness of England.

15. The BCB successfully completed at least ten tournaments at the different levels, while numerous others are on hold due to the rainy season.

16. The BCB hosted several coaching clinics and inspiration forums for our players; among the coaches were former Test greats Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts, Jimmy Adams, Roland Butcher, Clyde Butts, Reon King, Dr Desmond Haynes and former national player Sheik Mohamed. Dr Frank Denbow and Bobby Deonarine assisted greatly in these visits, along with Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.

17. We hosted the Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony in April with former Test captain Jimmy Adams as the guest speaker.

18. Legendary fast bowler Courtney Walsh visited Berbice for a three-hour inspiration session with our youths, especially females.

19. We hosted the Indian High Commissioner to a special visit, and massive benefits would shortly be derived.

20. With the assistance of Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall, we now have the services of nineteen coaches/trainers across the county.

21. The BCB handed over the second installment of its University of Guyana scholar-

ship to Mr A Khan of Albion, while Ashmini Munisar received a grant of one hundred thousand dollars for her Guyana School of Agriculture studies.

22. Honoured several heroes with our Tribute to Heroes Award.

23. Several youths benefitted from educational grants to assist them in their studies.

24. Thirty youths from the New Amsterdam area received gear under the Ray Hazel Memorial Fund.

25. Honoured the BCB Mother and Father of the Year with support from Brian Ramphal.

26. Mr Bobby Deonarine returned as a sponsor to Berbice Cricket, after an absence of several years. He sponsored our Under-15 and First Division tournaments.

27. The BCB obtained several pitch covers, and now have a total of five at the cost of about $1,700,000.00. They are stored across the county. Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh sponsored two of them.

28. Over eighty clubs across the county received scorebooks from the RHTY&SC, MS.

29. Dozens of youth cricketers received bicycles from the RHTY&SC to attend practice and school. They also re-

ceived school bags and educational materials.

30. Dave Narine came on board to sponsor a $1.7M dollar second division tournament for close to ninety teams.

31. Sponsorship for a countywide inter-secondary school coaching programme was obtained from NAMILCO.

This list of achievements can go on, but we would stop due to space. I would like to highlight the hard work of Leslie Soloman, Angela Haniff, Rovin Bahadur, Dr Cecil Beharry, Balram Samaroo and Jonathan Rampersaud.

2023 promises to be another successful year for us, once we remain committed and work for the development of the game and our youths. Too many persons in this county are interested in cricket only for their personal wellbeing and positions. Special thanks to all our supporters, sponsors and donors for their continued support. Please be assured that we appreciate your support, and we look forward to working along with you next year as we strive to uphold the rich legacy of Berbice Cricket. The best is yet to come.

Sincerely, Hilbert Foster BCB PRESIDENT

Australia secure 1st home series win against South Africa since 2005/6

out.

Australia claimed a first home series win against South Africa since the 2005-06 summer with a crushing triumph in the Boxing Day Test. The result means South Africa's streak of three successive series victories in Australia cannot become four, and they go to Sydney with their World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes hanging by a thread.

They must win the final match of the series to stay in contention for the final. On the evidence of their batting so far, that seems a long shot. They avoided being dismissed for under 200 for an eighth successive Test innings, but were bowled out inside 69 overs in the second innings at the MCG.

Nathan Lyon enjoyed the most success among the Australian attack, and finished with 3 for 58. Scott Boland was among the wickets again, and finished two, but mention must be made of Pat Cummins's strangling effort: he bowled 16 overs and conceded only 20 runs; and his use of the DRS. Australia reviewed the decisions to remove Sarel Erwee and Marco Jansen successfully, which proved crucial in hastening the final outcome.

So, too, a word must be said of Mitchell Starc's brav-

ery. Starc bowled with a damaged middle finger, and repeatedly had to mop up blood from his opening wound. As a result, and despite being without Cameron Green, Australia only required two overs from Steven Smith's part-time legspin. It was he who finished the match, bowling Lungi Ngidi to end the Shane Warne Test in fitting style.

South Africa would be particularly disappointed with their two run-outs and the number of their soft dismissals. Even to the uncritical eye, there were several batters who could have made better choices in shot selection or stance, and the means by which they were removed suggests the deep-set problems in technique and mindset in the line-up remain.

Dean Elgar was the first to be dismissed on the third evening, when he chased a Cummins’ delivery off his hip down leg and edged behind. That was the second time in the series Elgar had been dismissed in the same fashion.

Sarel Erwee has also been guilty of going out the same way: most often by driving loosely outside the off stump, but appeared tighter in the second innings. He worked his way to his highest score of the series - 21 - before he was hit on the toe by a Starc

yorker in front of middle and leg. Cummins reviewed, and ball-tracking confirmed the delivery would have gone on to hit the stumps, which gave Australia their first wicket of the morning.

At the other end, Theunis de Bruyn was unconvincing as the new #3. He inside-edged Cummins short of Alex Carey, outside-edged Starc short of Smith at second slip, and nicked Boland short of third slip. His luck ran out when he slashed Boland over the slips. He was kept on the back foot, and edged a back-of-a-length Boland delivery to second slip, where Smith took the catch despite Marnus Labuschagne diving across him.

It was up to Bavuma and Khaya Zondo to rebuild, but they struggled to get going, and frustration got the better of their stand. They had scored just three runs from 29 balls between them when Bavuma called Zondo through for a single after pushing Cummins to mid-off. Zondo responded, but Travis Head's throw to the striker's end was quick and accurate, and found him well short of his ground.

South Africa's last recognised batting pair - Bavuma and Verreynne - took them to lunch, and presented the best opportunity to push back. Verreynne brought out his

shots immediately, and was off the mark with a reverse sweep off Lyon, while Bavuma was strong on the cover drive and the sweep.

Australia could have removed Bavuma in the over after lunch, when he edged Cummins short of first slip, but instead got rid of Verreynne in the next over. He was hit on the knee roll by a Boland ball that nipped back into him, and was given out lbw, only to review in vain.

Jansen was also dismissed lbw when he missed a Lyon ball and was hit on the back pad, and it took a well-judged review by Cummins to confirm the ball would have gone on to hit the top of leg stump.

With only the lower-order to bat with, Bavuma was involved in another mix-up when he and Keshav Maharaj attempted to run three off a Starc delivery that Maharaj pushed into the covers.

Bavuma was hesitant to take the third run, but Maharaj was committed, and was halfway down the track when Starc fired in a throw at the non-striker's end to run him

In the next over, Bavuma slog swept Lyon to the right mid-wicket, where Marcus Harris, the substitute fielder, took a simple catch.

Kagiso Rabada also fell to a slog when he hit Lyon to midon. Ngidi had a bit of fun, and slammed his first six in Test cricket when he smoked Lyon over midwicket, and then brought up the South African 200 when he found the gap past long-on. While he and Anrich Nortje pushed South Africa into an extended three tea session, they were never going to last too long, and Ngidi was bowled five minutes before the interval was to be taken. (ESPNCricinfo)

10-204 (Lungi Ngidi, 68.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 18-4-62-1

Pat Cummins 16-8-20-1

Scott Boland 15-2-49-2

Nathan Lyon 17-1-58-3

Steven Smith 2.5-0-9-1

5. Ashmini Munisar created history with her appointment as the first ever West Indies Under-19 female captain

BCB President Hilbert Foster

Australia celebrating the wicket of Sarel Erwee

Brazilian football legend Pele dies at 82

Brazilian football legend Pele, arguably the greatest player ever, has died at the age of 82.

He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country.

The only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was named FIFA's Player of the Century in 2000.

He had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years, and had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine tests. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022.

His daughter Kely Nascimento had kept fans updated on her father's condition with regular social media updates from hospital. On Thursday, she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele's family's hands on his body in hospital, and wrote: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."

The hospital confirmed that Pele died "due to the fail-

ure of multiple organs, a result of the progression of colon cancer, associated with his previous clinical condition".

Pele's Twitter account posted: "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever."

The Brazilian Football Confederation said: "Pele was much more than the greatest sportsperson of all time. Our king of football was the greatest exponent of a victorious Brazil, who was never afraid when faced with difficulty. He promised his father a World Cup, and he presented us with three. The King gave us a new Brazil, and we are so thankful for his legacy. Thank you, Pele."

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, became a global star when, aged 17, he helped Brazil win the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, forcing his way into the starting lineup by the knockout stages. He scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Wales in the quarter-finals, a hat-trick against France in the semi-final, and two goals in a 5-2 triumph over the hosts in the final.

Pele had made his debut for club side Santos two years earlier at the age of 15, scoring in a 7-1 win over Corinthians de Santo Andre.

It was the first of 643 goals he would score for the club in official competitions over

19 years, although Santos claim the total is more than 1,000 once exhibition matches - often against high-profile European opposition - are taken into account.

The Brazilian Football Confederation and Santos

say Pele scored 1,283 goals in 1,367 matches, while FIFA claims it was 1,281 goals in 1,366 games.

At the 1962 World Cup, Pele, then 21, scored a brilliant individual goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico to open their campaign, but was injured in the next match, and watched from the sidelines as his team defended their title.

The final part of his trilogy of World Cup wins was his most iconic. After being fouled out of the 1966 tournament in England, he was the fulcrum of a thrilling attacking team that swept to the title in 1970, scoring the opening goal in a 4-1 win over Italy in the final.

From his joyful tears on the chest of team-mate Nilton Santos to his embrace with England captain Bobby Moore, Pele's moments of magic have spanned eras, and defined the history of the sport.

He finished his club career as part of a star-studded New York Cosmos side, playing alongside German legend Franz Beckenbauer and fellow 1970 World Cup winner Carlos Alberto.

"In music, there is Beethoven and the rest. In football, there is Pele and the

rest," he said in 2000.

In a poll conducted by BBC Sport in 2020, Pele was voted the greatest player, ahead of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff.

'A boy genius, a World Cup hero, a global icon' BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty

The image of the shirtless Pele being carried aloft by team-mates and supporters after the World Cup was won in Mexico City in 1970 is seared on the memory, along with that famous picture of another shirtless embrace with England captain Bobby Moore (above), a gesture packed with mutual respect, after Brazil's 1-0 group game victory in Guadalajara.

His greatness can be measured by the simple fact that he could make football a spectacle of natural grace and beauty when he missed as much as when he scored.

One of the game's first global personalities, Pele layered his brilliance across a career spanning from a teenager with Santos to a money-spinner at New York Cosmos.

Wherever football is played, the name of Pele will be synonymous with it. (BBC Sport)

ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022 shortlist revealed

An impressive four-player shortlist has been finalised for the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022 Award.

Babar Azam – Pakistan 679 runs in nine matches

The ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year 2021 is in the running to do a repeat in 2022. Pakistan captain Babar Azam has once again showed his prowess in the 50-over format, showing once again why he has ruled the roost at the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Men's ODI Player Rankings since July 2021.

In the nine matches Babar played this year, the 28-year-old registered eight scores of more than fifty, three of which he converted into hundreds. He finished the year with 679 runs at a stunning average of 84.87.

It was a memorable year for Babar as captain of the Pakistan ODI team, winning three series out of three.

Pakistan were unstoppable in the ODI format, losing just one match (against Australia) out of nine.

Memorable performance

Babar Azam put up one incredible ODI performance after another in 2022, but none more memorable than the 114 against Australia in Lahore. Already down 1-0 in the series, Pakistan needed to win to keep the series alive. They were set a daunting target of 349 by Australia, and needed their talisman to step up.

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq laid the foundation with a 118-run stand, after which Babar put on a masterclass in chasing a total. Walking out to bat when his team needed 231 from 187 balls, Babar

almost took his side home with an exceptional display of shot-making. He brought up his hundred off just 73 balls, his fastest ever in ODI cricket, and stuck around till the 44th over. The rest of the batters finished the job, as they recorded their highest-ever successful chase in ODIs.

Adam Zampa - Australia 30 wickets in 12 matches

Adam Zampa continued to show why he has been a vital cog in the Australian white-ball setup, finishing the year as the highest wicket-taker for his country in ODI cricket.

The leggie has enjoyed his joint-most prolific year in ODI cricket, matching his tally of 30 wickets from his debut year in 2016. His feat was even more impressive this year, considering nine of the 12 matches he played were at home, where conditions aren't favourable for spinners.

The 30-year-old began the year on a high, with a four-wicket haul, and finished with a couple more to round off a great 2022.

Memorable performance

Defending just 196 against Trans-Tasman rivals in the second match of the three-match ODI series, Adam Zampa spun a web around New Zealand with a stunning five-for that wrapped the innings up for a meagre 82.

The rub of the green was on Zampa's side, as Kane Williamson missed a full toss to be trapped LBW. In his very next over, he trapped Daryl Mitchell in front of the stumps, leaving New Zealand reeling at 38/5.

Zampa wiped out the tail and finished with figures of 5/35, which was his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket, and his best figures in the 50-over format.

Earlier in the same match, Zampa scored a crucial 16 runs, stitching a 31run stand with Mitchell Starc for the ninth wicket, which helped Australia post a fighting total.

Sikandar Raza - Zimbabwe 645 runs and eight wickets in 15 matches 2022 witnessed the re-

surgence of Zimbabwe on the international scene, and a lot of it was down to one man – Sikandar Raza.

Raza aggregated 645 runs at an average of 49.61 and strike rate of 87.16, making two fifties to complement the three centuries. All of his runs came against top sides that have been brilliant in the white-ball game in 2022.

The 36-year-old scored three centuries, all of which came while chasing, with two resulting in victories and another almost taking Zimbabwe across the line against India.

With the ball in hand, Raza was ever-reliable, scalping eight wickets while giving away just more than five an over.

Memorable performance

Sikandar Raza made a habit of winning games from impossible positions for Zimbabwe. The second ODI against Bangladesh in Harare in August was one such instance.

In the first match too, Raza pulled the rabbit out of the hat with 135 off 109 while chasing 304. He followed it up with an incredible all-round showing against the Tigers.

Zimbabwe were in a spot of bother at 49/4 in chasing 292 when he once again pulled the rescue act. He had Regis Chakabva for company, and together the pair took their side to victory.

Mixing caution with aggression, Raza (117* off 127 balls) stayed till the end, and took Zimbabwe home as they recorded a rare series victory for the hosts.

He also starred with the ball while bowling the difficult overs in the death, and finished with figures of 3/56

in his 10 overs.

Shai Hope - West Indies 709 runs in 21 matches

Shai Hope made his ODI debut in 2016, and since 2017, has finished every year as West Indies' highest run-scorer in ODIs. 2022 was no different, as Shai Hope was once again one of the few shining stars for the West Indies in a difficult year.

Chasing 241 in Amstelveen in a rain-reduced 45-overs-a-side game, Hope displayed the immaculate temperament he is known for, and batted through till the end. He was part of two 100-run partnerships, first with Shamarh Brooks for the first wicket, and then with Brandon King for the unbeaten fourth wicket.

Between the two partnerships was a mini-collapse, but Hope weathered the storm to guide West Indies to victory.

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Hope did not get off the greatest of starts in 2022, but, in typical fashion, he started to grind out runs in the latter half. He finished the year with 709 runs, which include three hundreds and two fifties, at an average of 35.45.

Memorable performance

Shai Hope was often the lone warrior for West Indies in ODIs this year, and as a result, four of his five fifty-plus scores this year came in losses. The one that didn't – his 119* off 130 against the Netherlands –fetched him the Player of the Match in the first game of the three-match series in May-June 2022.

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Pele is the only player in history to lift three World Cup Trophies

The short-listed Cricketers for Male ODI Player of the Year

West Indian Shai Hope found himself among the best performing players this year in ODIs

The National Track and Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara was transformed into a proverbial slaughterhouse on Wednesday night when the New GPC Inc’s Region 4 team and the Caribbean Airlines’ Region 3 team warred their way into the final of the One Guyana President’s Cup football tournament.

Two lopsided victories provided ample testimony to the ensuing carnage that resulted when Region 4 thumped Region Five 8-1, and Region 3 defeated Region Seven by a 5-2 margin.

The first semifinal was contested between Regions 4 and 5, and although the eventual winners took some time to find their groove, when the goals started coming, it rained goal, in a manner of speaking.

Nicholas Mc Arthur found the back of the net

in the 18th and 30th minutes as he outfoxed the goalkeeper on both occasions.

In the 42nd minute, a set piece sent across by Omari Glasgow was expertly headed into the nets by Jeremy Garrett for Region 4’s third goal. Then Kelsey Benjamin closed off the half with a

score to 5-0 with a header in the 51st minute, and Captain Daniel Wilson netted in the 53rd, while Glasgow returned in the 55th for another on-target strike. Samuel Garnett performed the last rites for Region 5 when he scored Region 4’s eighth goal in the 71st; while Region 5’s

victory, Region 4’s Head Coach Wayne Dover gave reason for his team’s exceptional performance. “Well, it was the intention to have the intensity because, as the Region 5 team was labelled the dark horse, we’ve noticed that they’re a competitive team, and we couldn’t take any chance with them. Had we allowed them to settle into this game, we would’ve made it very difficult for us,” he said. “So, we put out a team which we think that would bring the intensity and get this result.”

Dover added, “I don’t want to sound like if, you know, we are trying to highlight the poorness of the other regions in any way, but I think we’ve played well, and I hope that we win this tournament.”

when Region 7’s Whiteney Welcome handed his

7’s hopes of equalising. However, two more goals

penalty conversion that produced a 4-0 scoresheet after the first 45.

In the second half, Omari Glasgow quickly pushed the

By Brandon Corlette

Cricket West Indies Championships, the Regional Four-Day Championships, will be played in Grenada, Antigua, and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago from February 1, 2023 with the opening two rounds scheduled for Antigua and Grenada, and the remaining three rounds to be played in Trinidad and Tobago.

The remaining three rounds will be played from March 15 in the twin-island Republic of T&T, but the tournament that was once 10 rounds will again be played in five rounds. However, there is a new domestic redball tri-series which would be played after the Regional Four-Day, and according to reliable sources, an away Bangladesh 'A' team series is on the line, while the West Indies Academy would also be playing foreign opponents.

While many may argue that the Regional FourDay is played in only five rounds, this is the best option, since the West Indies will not be playing a host of Test matches after the FourDay tournament concludes. The West Indies will play India in two Test matches in the Caribbean, later in July/ August 2023.

Appearing on the Mason and Guests Radio Programme on Tuesday last, Cricket West Indies Operations Manager Roland Holder noted that travelling logistics are the main reason why the Regional Four-Day is condensed and being played in the Antigua, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago, as opposed to the fortress at Kensington Oval, the home of defending champions Barbados Pride, and countries such as Guyana and Jamaica.

"Moving teams around the Region, unless you are doing so on a chartered flight, is very challenging. It does still present a challenge for us, so we have tried to incorporate the days where we can get the better flights, ideally the Caribbean Airlines (larger aircraft), which allows the players to travel with their bags and to get to venues. That makes it a lot easier," Holder said.

"We have heard a lot of stories with the challenges faced without the services of LIAT, when the LIAT 1974 Ltd was around, that had three-four flights into Barbados, and you can get home in the same day. Unfortunately, with the current flight situation, that has become a challenge for us in moving teams around," Holder said.

On Christmas Eve, Cricket West Indies had announced a new domestic redball tri-series, the HeadleyWeekes series, which will be played at the end of the West Indies Championship, the Regional Four-Day Tournament.

The series will feature three four-day matches, and will be played from April 18 to May 6 at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. Team Headley and Team Weekes (named in honour of George Headley and Everton Weekes) will be selected from the best performers in the 2023 West Indies Championship and players from outside the starting West Indies Test XI.

The new West Indies Academy will provide the third team.

In the CWI release, Johnny Grave, the CEO of CWI, said: “We are delighted to unveil the Headley-Weekes Series, which is a new idea that will extend the four-day season, create more opportu-

consolation goal came off the boots of Abumuchi Benjamin in the 85th.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport after his team’s

Region 3 encountered some resistance from the unpredictable Region 7 outfit early in the second semifinal, but held their composure to pull off the victory. It was only the 3rd minute

team the lead, but Delon Lanferman ably levelled the scores in the 24th, while Trayon Bobb quickly found the lead for the ‘home team’ in the 31st.

Lanferman added another in the 55th, but a successful penalty for Region 7’s Andrew Simmons in the 69th reignited Region

from Jamal Perreira and Colwyn Adams, in the 72nd and 81st minutes respectively, put a victory far out of Region 7’s reach.

The final of the One Guyana President’s Cup will be staged on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at a venue to be confirmed. (Jemima Holmes)

nities for our players to showcase their skills, and will be a huge incentive for them to strive towards selection into our ‘A’ team, and ultimately our Test team. It will also provide some strong, competitive red-ball cricket for our new West Indies Academy players as we continue to try to ensure that the next generation of players is being prepared along the pathway to international cricket.

“Whilst the West Indies Championship is once again going to be played on a oneround, five-match basis, with the plans we have for our ‘A’ team and Academy to go on overseas tours after the Headley-Weekes Series, we expect our best players in the region will still play at least ten four-day games in the first half of next year,” Grave explained.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES

West Indies Championship 2023 (for Headley Weekes Trophy)

1 to 4 February: 1st round in Grenada and Antigua

8 to 11 February: 2nd round in Grenada and Antigua

15 to 18 March: 3rd round in Trinidad 22 to 25 March: 4th round in Trinidad 29 March to 1 April: 5th round in Trinidad

Full fixtures to be announced soon.

Headley-Weekes Tri-Series (to be played at CCG)

19 to 22 April: Team Headley vs West Indies Academy

26 to 29 April: Team Weekes vs West Indies Academy

3 to 6 May: Team Weekes vs Team Headley.

Cricket West Indies Selection Panel have on Thursday named the 16-member West Indies Women’s squad to play in a T20 International (T20I) Tri-Series against South Africa and India, in East London from 19 to 30 January 2023 as part of their final preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February.

The West Indies Women will play at least four matches - two each against hosts South Africa and India. The two leading teams will then play each other in the TriSeries Final at Buffalo Park on 2 February.

West Indies would also play a warm-up match against South Africa ahead of the Tri-Series at Beacon Bay on 16 January.

Lead Selector Ann Browne-John has said: “The selection panel has named a squad that we believe has the talent and experience to compete against India and South Africa. The squad sees the return of Stafanie Taylor, who missed the recent series against England due to injury; and Britney Cooper, the middle order batter who last played against South Africa Women in September 2021.

Browne-John added: “Our batting in the most recent series was less than par against a very good England bowling attack. We believe that with the return of some experienced batters, they will be able to support captain Hayley Matthews at the top of the order’.

“Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman also return after injury, and will fortify the pace attack with Chinelle Henry, CherryAnn Fraser and Aaliyah Alleyne. The team had commendable performances in South Africa in early 2022, and we know that the entire team will be drawing on that experience as they take on the home team and

India in this Tri-Series, and then potentially again at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, also in South Africa.”

All matches in the TriSeries will be played at the Buffalo Park in East London. Final squads for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa must be submitted by 2 February. The eighth edition of the marquee ICC Women’s event will begin on 10 February with hosts South Africa taking on Sri Lanka. West Indies have been drawn in Group 2, alongside England, India, Pakistan and Ireland.

Newlands, Cape Town, Boland Park, Paarl and St. George’s Park are the host venues for the tournament, with both semi-finals and final being played in Cape Town. The final at Newlands will be held on 26 February.

FULL SQUAD

*Hayley Matthews (Captain)

* Aaliyah Alleyne

* Shemaine Campbelle

* Shamilia Connell

* Britney Cooper

* Chedean Nation

* Cherry-Ann Fraser

* Afy Fletcher

* Shabika Gajnabi

* Sheneta Grimmond

* Chinelle Henry

* Karishma Ramharack

* Kaysia Schultz

* Shakera Selman

* Stafanie Taylor

* Rashada Williams

Match Schedule

16 January: Warmup match vs South Africa, Beacon Bay

T20I Tri-Series, West Indies Match Schedule – all matches to be played at Buffalo Park, East London

21 January: vs South Africa, 3pm local time (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

23 January: vs India, 7pm local time (1pm Eastern Caribbean/12noon Jamaica)

25 January: vs South Africa, 3pm local time (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

30 January: vs India, 3pm local time (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

2 February: TriSeries Final, 3pm local time (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group 2 West Indies Match schedule

13 February: vs England, Boland Park, Paarl, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

15 February: vs India, Newlands, Cape Town, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

17 February: vs Ireland, Newlands, Cape Town,7pm (1pm Eastern Caribbean/12 noon Jamaica)

19 February: vs Pakistan, Boland Park, Paarl, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

Intense

Region 4’s Kelsey Benjamin, Nicholas McArthur and Omari Glasgow celebrating

A bounce back will be required of the West Indies Women after their dismal series against England in December