Guyana Times - Monday, February 26, 2024

The

Monday,

Monday,

46th Heads of Government Meeting Pres Ali urges swift removal of trade barriers, challenges citizens to pressure leaders – says

ICaribbean too small to be competing against each other

n his first address to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government as Chairman of the group, President Dr Irfaan Ali made an urgent call for regional leaders to remove trade barriers among their countries and more so, challenged citizens to pressure them to do so.

Guyana is presently hosting the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of Caricom.

On Sunday, during the opening ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, President Ali, who took over chairmanship of the regional body last month, reemphasised the importance of removing trade barriers as an important

each other in eradicating non-tariff trade barriers, as well as in the areas of infrastructural development and transportation.

Also in 2022, the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), which is responsible for promoting trade

Working Group on Barriers to Trade against Exports from Guyana. According to the assessment on market access by the Working Group, most of the challenges found were related to technical measures including sanitary and phytosanitary measures. It

prerequisite to further regional integration.

“We're continuing work to address the removal of trade barriers within member states. And the people of Caricom must put pressure on the leaders of Caricom to remove the trade barriers. [They are] of no use and purpose for this region.”

“We are too small to be competing against each other. People of this region call upon your leaders to remove these barriers. Let them hear you loudly. These barriers need to go and must go urgently. I don't think we can be more accountable than that,” President Ali said.

Guyana has been actively working with other regional countries on dismantling trade barriers.

In 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), with the two countries agreeing to work with

and economic development within Caricom, had suspended the Common External Tariff (CET) on several items at Guyana’s request.

Since then, the Ministerial Task Force on Food Security, which is chaired by Guyana, has been addressing non-tariff trade barriers and engaging with technical personnel from various countries. This is also part of the work to implement the 25 by 2025 plan, which will see the Region slashing its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Months after assuming office in 2020, President Ali charged the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry to assess and address the hurdles related to exporting food and agricultural products to markets within the Region.

The Ministry subsequently formed a National

also found several technical and administrative regulations that were hampering the export of Guyanese products.

Regional financing

President Ali also provided an update on other efforts to further regional integration, such as the low-interest US$100 million financing to Caricom States that was announced in 2022, to further help in reducing food imports. The Guyanese Head of State was at the time attending the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom in Belize.

This financing would provide funding for up to five years for repaying up to G$2 billion to Guyana and US$100 million to all Caricom member states, with interest rates as low as 2.5 per cent.

“The low-interest US$100 million facility by Republic Bank Limited has been activated, with the first US$17 million dispersed already in food and agriculture projects within the Region.

“We'll be launching a programme, a development programme, soon for the Region to better position itself and its Private Sector, to benefit from this low-interest facility from Republic Bank,” President Ali said on Sunday.

At the time the financing was announced, Republic Bank Limited had been named the lender agency through a facility called the Caricom Sustainability Agriculture Credit Facility.

This was a special facility designed for agricultural activities including but not limited to the development of priority crops, capital equipment for farming, feeder roads to provide access to arable lands, bulk storage for crops, processing plants, and shade house farming.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering on Sunday evening at the National Cultural Centre

Dignitaries at the opening ceremony

Editor: Tusika Martin

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For Liberal Socialism

While we have once again embarked on “constitutional reform”, most interlocutors have steered clear of articulating the political philosophical premises that would undergird the Constitution to, at a minimum, give it institutional coherence. We propose one such adumbration by political scientist Matthew McManus, which he defines as “Liberal Socialism”. He suggests that three overarching goals have to be given authoritative institutional legitimacy.

“First,” he asserts, “liberal socialists are committed to methodological collectivism and normative individualism. They believe that the well-being and free development of individual persons is the highest moral priority.” For a society that emerged from slavery and indentureship and treated its people as objects for labour rather than subjects with autonomy, this has to be a sine qua non of any constitutional arrangement. “However, they disagree with many classical liberals’ insular and competitive conception of human nature and their individualist approach to conceiving social relations.” This, of course, is the dominant view of the present global neo-liberal dispensation that permeates most societies – even communist China. “Liberal socialists hold that, to properly think through how individuals will best thrive, one must recognise their embeddedness in society, and how it can improve or disrupt their capacity to lead a good life.”

Taking seriously commitments to liberty, equality and solidarity requires going beyond the social hierarchies established under the economic and social imperatives of colonialism and capitalism which have served to justify relations of exploitation among our ethnic groups.

“Secondly,” McManus continues, “liberal socialists are committed to each person having as equal an opportunity to lead as good a life as possible through the provision of shared resources for the development and expression of their human powers. To put it another way, liberal socialists focus on the free development of human powers or capabilities along a wide array of metrics. What Macpherson calls this developmental ethic can be contrasted with the extractive and possessive ethic characteristic of classical liberalism and hedonistic forms of utilitarianism. Where the extractive/possessive ethic holds that the good life comes from production and consumption, the developmental ethic of liberal socialism emphasises the equal development and application of each individual’s powers as a condition for their flourishing.” What is to be highlighted in Guyana from this is the emphasis on “equal opportunity” rather than “equal results”, with the latter dependent very significantly on individual effort.

“Thirdly, liberal socialists are committed to instituting a basic social structure characterised by highly participatory liberaldemocratic political institutions and protections for liberal rights concurrent with the extension of liberal democratic principles into the economy and family to establish more egalitarian economic arrangements free of domination and exploitation. This also means that liberal socialists do not ascribe the same weight of private property rights to the means of production that many classical liberals do. While all liberal socialists believe in rights to personal property, this doesn’t extend to rights to acquire forms of property that would enable forms of workplace domination or political plutocracy to develop. In these instances, what impacts all should, in part, be decided upon by all.

“Liberal socialist authors will defend and articulate these principles in various idioms, and emphasise one or another to various degrees. This testifies to the internal diversity of the tradition, if nothing else. Macpherson was very critical of atomistic ‘possessive individualism’ ,but supported a liberal humanist ethic of developing people’s capacities or powers. Nevertheless, he had comparatively little to say about what kind of social structure could realise this ethic. In The Socialist Decision (1933), Paul Tillich offers a theological defence of liberal democratic socialism, which obviously runs counter to the secular approaches of Mill and Rawls. Mouffe’s agonistic liberal socialism foregrounds the importance of political contestation far more than Rawls’s temperate insistence that a pluralistic society needs to unite around an ‘overlapping consensus’. But behind this variety is a core conviction that taking seriously commitments to liberty, equality and solidarity requires going beyond the social hierarchies established under capitalism.”

Our First People also say “Not a Blade of Grass” on Guyana’s 54th Republic Anniversary

Dear Editor,

The day was briskly coming to an end and culminating with the onset of light, but continuous showers on a cold and gloomy day. Vehicular traffic was crawling as we patiently navigated the Queensboro Bridge from Long Island City into Manhattan. Yes, we were on our way to an event to commemorate the 54th anniversary of Guyana’s Republican status at the Guyana Consulate on East 45th Street, New York.

The dreary weather and heavy traffic were not enough to deter attendance nor dampen enthusiasm among the guests who (reflected the diversity of Guyana) and were very joyful throughout the proceedings. Upon reaching our destination, we were greeted by two Consulate staff who gifted each of us with a commemorative artificial necklace. As we entered the main hall of the Consulate, there was the Consul General, Ambassador Michael Brotherson, who warmly greeted us as he did with other guests, including members of the Caricom New York diplomatic and consular corps who also extended congratulations to Guyana on its 54th Republican anniversary.

The brief official programme commenced at 5:45 pm and it was chaired by an Amerindian-Guyanese, Isaiah Chappelle, who welcomed everyone to this auspicious occasion and proclaimed “not a blade of grass” to surrender to our western neighbour. After having invited Pastor James Richmond to offer a prayer of gratitude, he next asked Ms. Jevanah LaRose, a Guyana Permanent Mission staff member, to render both the American and the Guyana national anthems. And what an impressive performance!

Ambassador Brotherson delivered a short but brilliant speech and spoke of the great leadership provided by President Dr Irfaan Ali. He said, “President Ali’s energetic, visionary, transformative, and people-centred approach to governance is a compelling catalyst for Guyana’s development for the benefit of every Guyanese.”

About Mashramani, he observed: “It is a glorious display of national unity, oneness and concepts which are in consonance with the ‘One Guyana’ philosophy.”

Ambassador Brotherson also urged Guyanese to visit Guyana to witness the great transformation taking place there. He reiterated that the Guyana

Consulate is there to serve the Guyana Diaspora.

There was a guest appearance of New York City’s First Deputy Police Commissioner Tanya Kinsella, whose mother is from New Amsterdam, Guyana. She recently visited Guyana and met with President Ali. Ms. Tanya rose from the police ranks to become the First Deputy Police Commissioner of NYC. She also related how she had to overcome hurdles to reach where she is today. The top Police Officer has promised to work for the welfare of all groups, including Guyanese diasporans.

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett spoke about the challenges facing Guyana and how food security is a top priority. She stressed, “our education, food production, manufacturing, forestry, and healthcare sectors have, and continue to expand, securing a brighter future and a robust support system for every Guyanese.”

She also noted: “Infrastructure continues to expand rapidly, connecting our people, enabling trade, and opening pathways to development and success.” Regarding

Guyana’s territorial integrity, she emphasised: “Let me assure you our resolve to protect our borders remains unshakeable…. we would stand firm against any adversity that threatens our territorial integrity and economic prosperity.”

The Ambassador praised the Diaspora for its support and urged them to continue to support their homeland. For February 2024, Guyana holds the Presidency of the UN Security Council.

The official programme was closed by Mr Faisal Yussuff, the Investment and Diaspora Officer, who acknowledged the key role being played by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the United Nations and also expressed gratitude to Ambassador Brotherson for his strong leadership.

Mr Yussuff also asked all Guyanese to keep in their prayers the victims of the Mahdia fire and the soldiers who perished in the helicopter crash. He was very emphatic when he declared: “Essequibo is ours.”

The staff of the Guyana Consulate and the Guyana Permanent Mission is commended for putting together a wonderful programme.

Truly,

Dr Tara Singh

President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with members of his Cabinet, and Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen at State House, Main Street, Georgetown on Sunday following a meeting to enhance bilateral ties between the two nations. Also in the photo are Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman and Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia Nadir-Sharma

ing.’ This was spelt out, when recently he exclaimed that “We should keep rigging elections.” This cry of desperation was uttered at the LFS Burnham Foundation Annual Commemorative Symposium 2024, a regular event commemorating the birth anniversaries of Linden Forbes Burnham, the former PNC leader and President of Guyana.

Green, as we know, was the General Secretary of the PNC, and Burnham’s major henchman. In bellowing that “We should keep rigging elections,” to remove the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration from office, Green, whether he cares or not, is attesting that all pre-1992 elections were well-rigged, and that is still the organisation’s only modus operandi.

Editor, let me thank you for your treasured space in allowing me to address this issue, that of Green’s urging for a return to ‘rigging elec-

tions’.

First, I think that this ‘rigging’ thing is not to be taken lightly. It has kept the ‘Burnhamites’ not only extant for decades until 1992 but allowed their unbridled dictatorship of Guyana. Then when ousted fairly from power, their hierarchy sought to hijack the 2020 elections, but were unsuccessful physically, militarily and legally. Now, it seems that the host of PNC leaders are fearing extinction or at least irrelevance, and hence their obsession with ‘rigging to regain power.’

Imagine the brazenness of Hamilton Green! He boasted that “…It was Burnham’s wisdom which got him into office in 1964 … (and) if they say he rigged elections, I say we should keep rigging to save us from these devils, these bastards, these demons that we have (referring to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration).”

Editor, this is not an ‘if they say’ matter.

As we recall, the November 3, 2022-February 10, 2023 Commission of Inquiry (CoI), after detailed interviews with over 20 witnesses, ruled that “… former

Chief Elections Officer (CEO)

Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo made what was described as “shockingly brazen attempts… to steal the election” in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.”

This ‘rigging’ matter is before the courts, and I can hardly wait to hear from Vincent Alexander (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes. I wonder how they will fare when the trial unfolds. These two were major attendees at Green’s LFS Burnham Foundation Annual Commemorative Symposium 2024.

Then outside of the CoI, the OAS (Organisation of American States), during the ‘rigging furore’ urged the then APNU/AFC Administration to begin the process of transition, which (would have allowed) the legitimately elected PPP/C Government to take its place. In its report, it was pointed out that “…

the idea of an (APNU/AFC touted) fresh election is “unacceptable” and underscored the need for the declaration of the March 2 Elections to be made using the recount figures.”

By the way, the recount was supposed to be APNU/ AFC’s escape or maybe, in their minds, their vindication route, yet they were non-compliant. Thus, the OAS report stated that “No other figures, neither those prepared before the recount, nor those recently invalidated by the Caribbean Court of Justice, nor any others that may be unilaterally devised by the Chief Elections Officer can have any place in the final determination of results.”

Well, we all know how this dalliance of seeking to steal ended, and now the legitimate PPP/C are where they were voted for, leading the country.

Editor, I do not expect the hard-core Burnhamites to speak out against past or now seeming planned riggings, but I wish that someone would take to the press and delineate, especially to the younger folks, how democracy was absent from Guyana all thorough the decades until 1992.

We will remember... We will not forget. The far-reaching consequences of Green's statement

Dear Editor,

The frank expressions of Hamilton Green recently were not a slip of the tongue or a lapse in memory by the elder. Far from it, rather it is a cold-blooded regurgitation of an ageold dogma of his party, that is, rig any election once you have the opportunity. It is a statement that sends a strong reminder to all of us of the way we were as a country and how far we've come. Rigging is a diabolical, evil-centred system that has the blood of innocent people splashed all over it. We are all familiar with the channa bombings, and the fires and killings that surrounded election time in Guyana. Rigging caused the deaths of those two guys on the Corentyne when they held on to the boxes to get the votes counted. Burnham had them shot stone cold for exposing the satanic ritual of rigging, this is the system Hamilton Green boldly supports.

Guyana in the past was a tribalised country deeply rooted in racism and poverty, run by a band of brigands. This is the Guyana Hamilton Green revelled in with that "Pan tap" the-

ory. Note his words and I quote, "The history of this country suggests that the only people who deserve to be "pan tap" or on top, are those whose ancestors suffered for centuries without a cent.” So, here we have it, Green is promulgating a return of Black PNC Supremacy.

However, I am happy to embarrass this old angry man, that rigging is dead, never to return. You see, Hammie may be old and incapable of change, but he is by no means demented, because you may recall another fossil, Eusi Kwayanna, making similar remarks. He posited that Guyana should be partitioned, that is, one section for Blacks and another for Indians. That tenet was carried out in part, when sugar was taxed to prop up the flagging Afro-centric bauxite industry, and if I may add, that tribalistic talk is still held high in PNC circles to this day, that one sector should be the sole supplier of wealth to society while the other the user of that wealth.

But the strange result of a self-destructive PNC is that while they were busy antagonising the Indians,

they were also alienating themselves from the AfroGuyanese. The PNC increased (I am talking about the top brass of the party) by five times over while at the same time relegating "Kith and Kin" into poverty. This was a classic reenactment of the book Animal Farm. Here, the PNC mistakenly thought that Blacks were so stupid that they would continue to give them their support even though they were making fools out of them. Well, they got a rude awakening at the last LGE, when a great number of Black supporters crossed the floor and joined

hands with the PPP/C.

The point I am making is, that Guyana has long gone past that era of us and them, Indian and Black "Pan Tap" theory of the PNC, we are now on the homestretch in a One Guyana united and free society. Thanks be to Jah and the PPP/C who have emancipated us from the morass. We have been set free of the PNC and the shackles of slavery they have imposed on us. We have been rescued and we will forever be!

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

It is well documented that the PNC, many times, to preserve their illegal hold of Guyana, had resorted to intimidating “brute force and ignorance” which left no doubt in the minds of the international community, including Caricom, that they had rigged all of these elections.

For example, in 1973, when the Army was mobilised “to protect the ballot boxes”, when in fact this hardwon right of the Opposition parties to accompany the boxes to the Counting Office in their Region was not allowed to be exercised. History shows that two PPP activists were shot and killed by the army when they attempted to accompany the ballot boxes to the place of counting. Yet, David Granger wrote in his account of the 1973 army role that the soldiers performed “admirably”. The army not only seized the boxes but transported them all to GDF Headquarters at Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, where they were “counted”, out of sight of any civilians. Burnham concocted a new philosophy for the GDF in 1970, stating that “I do not share with the British the concept that the Army is separate and distinct from everything else and loyal to the Government of the day. As Prime Minister, I expect you to be loyal to

this Government. If there is any other Government, it is a matter for you to decide about that, but as far as I am concerned I don’t want any abstract loyalty…I have now arranged with the Chief of Staff that, in future, all recruits, apart from their military training, will also have to attend a course of lectures on the philosophy and ideology of the Government and the Co-op Republic”.

And who was the righthand man?

It was David Granger; he was then the officer who was responsible for indoctrinating the army in the new philosophy and as he wrote. “The sound political education that the officers and soldiers received during 1971 and 1972 enabled them to act with tact, discretion and firmness in 1973 and saved the day.” Granger’s army career is coeval and concurrent with blatant electoral rigging.

So then, Green’s call must be addressed by leading Guyanese academics, politicians and leaders on the whole. Maybe a symposium is in order where the “History of Riggings” is concerned. I am sure there will be an ample supply of presenters, locally and internationally, who will be willing to contribute.

Yours truly,

HB Singh

Page Foundation

Understanding Variable Expressions

Exercises: Identify the property

In this fun and easy cool science experiment for kids, we’re going to see if we can drop a coin in a bottle.

Materials:

$5 coin

Bottle with a large enough opening for the coin to fall inside.

Eight-inch square piece of cardboard

Instructions:

Set the bottle on a solid surface.

Balance the piece of cardboard on

the bottle.

Now put the coin on the cardboard being sure to centre it over the mouth of the bottle.

With your middle finger, flip the cardboard quickly off of the bottle.

The coin should drop down into the bottle.

How it works:

The coin has inertia, so it will want to stay in one place. If you pull the cardboard slowly, you will not overcome that force and the coin will simply stay

by Frank E DalzEll

Who has an eye for Natureís beauteous forms And lends an ear to trap her melody, Will see the rose a sudden scarlet blush When shyly bursting forth in dewy morn; Observe the riotous splash of colour spilled

Across the palest blue of Heavenís dome; Will hearken to the noise of kneeling grass

on the cardboard. If you remove the cardboard quickly, the coin will stay suspended in midair for a fraction of a nanosecond before gravity takes over and the coin drops down into the bottle. The coin will come to rest when it hits the bottom of the bottle.

Make this a science project:

Try putting the coin on a hoop. Try putting the coin higher up by balancing it on a ruler. Try bolts or other items. Try stacking several coins. (sciencefun. org)

Which furious, fitful winds keep trampling oíer; Will hear the symphony of weeping skies Euphoniously played on tresses green; Will smell the dampness of the rain-scoured earth

And deep inhale the fragrance of its flowers; Will taste the freshness of the laughing brook

And smack the lips in sheer delight of being; Will feel a oneness with Divinity, Dynamic; indivisible; serene; All these and more perceived and understood Is proof . . .clear proof . . . the senses are attuned

WORD SEARCH

Guyana, Canada sign CA$120M loan to empower vulnerable groups

– Canadian Minister: aim is to strengthen social safety net for Guyanese

The delivery of social services in Guyana will be significantly bolstered with a CA$120 million (more than G$18.5 billion) loan from the Canadian Government to empower vulnerable groups here.

The 10-year agreement for this Sovereign Loan Programme (SLP) was signed on Sunday by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen.

Under the SLP, loans on concessional terms are provided to eligible countries, tailored to their respective needs and priorities as they relate to poverty reduction and peace and security.

Guyana is the first country to benefit from the SLP in the Western Hemisphere, and the third, globally. The loan will be utilised to improve social protection under the Human Services and Social Security Ministry in the areas of digital transformation, old age pension, gender-based violence, persons living with disabilities and trafficking in persons.

Speaking during the simple signing ceremony at the residence of the Canadian High Commissioner in Guyana, Minister Hussen noted that

supported by loans will further aid in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will also bring much-needed financial relief for Guyana in the event of natural disasters.

“When these disasters hit, you're very concerned about your people and your communities having access to clean water, to food, to power; literally, you're focused on saving lives. So, this loan includes a climate-resilient debt clause, which enables you to trigger that if Guyana experiences a climate incident, natural disaster, pandemic or epidemic. This frees up critical resources required to respond immediately to a crisis,” the Canadian official stated.

tively. So, it has a sustainable impact on your institutions,” the Canadian Minister said.

Meanwhile, Minister Singh, during his remarks, while thanking Canada for its support, noted that the close friendly relationship existing between Canada and Guyana was now entering a new phase rooted and grounded in economic and commercial ties and opportunities far beyond those that existed previously.

the delivery of social services,” he stated.

the goal of this financial assistance was to support Guyana in generating beneficial social, economic and environmental outcomes for its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable groups.

“This loan is tailored towards the needs of Guyana. It will focus on our mutual priorities and interests. It's about protecting the most vulnerable populations. It's about making sure that as we grow our economies, we promote gender empowerment, and we fight gender-based violence. It's about

Venezuela border controversy

empowering people with disabilities and enabling them to participate fully in the economy and the society of Guyana. It is about supporting victims of human trafficking. It's about strengthening the pension system… It's about making sure that as Guyana delivers its social services and strengthens the social safety net, we also improve the delivery and efficiency of that social safety net. This is what this loan will do,” he posited.

According to the Canadian Minister, work in these areas

Minister Hussen further noted that this loan agreement demonstrated that countries could work together on shared priorities by pooling resources and expertise while leveraging opportunities to fit respective circumstances.

“So, I want to really emphasise that this loan is not just about financial assistance. This is really about the next level of collaboration between our two countries… It's about building your institutional capacity to reach your full potential and help people even more effec-

To this end, he pointed out that Sunday’s signing of the multibillion-dollar loan agreement represented yet another instalment of the longstanding and special relationship that exists between the two countries. The Minister noted that it would be a very substantial contribution towards the Guyana Government’s efforts to improve the circumstances of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

“As we go through this period of rapid economic growth and transformation, we remain ever mindful and we retain at the highest level of our priorities, the objective of ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society experience the physical and tangible improvement in their circumstances, including and in particular, in relation to

Dr Singh further outlined that Guyana was extremely proud to be only the third country in the world and the first in the Western Hemisphere to have concluded a Sovereign Loan Programme with Canada, as he expressed the Guyana Government’s appreciation of the efforts of Canada to ensure that the two countries reached the point they have today. Dr Singh also acknowledged the role played by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) in the process.

“It represents an outstanding example of collaboration and cooperation, including not only across agencies in Government, on our side between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, but even at the international level, between Canada and Guyana and in partnership with a major hemispheric institution – the Inter-American Development Bank – because the resources are being intermediated through the IDB, of which both Canada and Guyana are proud members,” the Finance Minister stated. (G8)

Canada renews support for Guyana; calls for peaceful, diplomatic settlement

The Canadian Government has reiterated its support for Guyana in the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela, calling for the peaceful and diplomatic settlement of the decades-old issue between the two South American nations.

Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, made these statements Sunday morning during the historic signing of a CAD120 million Sovereign Loan Programme agreement between the Guyana and Canadian Governments.

Minister Hussen declared, “We in Canada and the Canadian Government [are] concerned with the ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. We stand with the Guyanese people; we stand with the Government, and we call for the respect of international law. Please rest assured… that Canada supports Guyana’s territorial integrity, and as in any dispute, we hope for a peaceful and diplomatic settlement to this matter.”

The Canadian Minister is in Guyana on a two-day visit.

Earlier on Sunday morning, President Dr Irfaan Ali held a bilateral meeting with Minister Hussen and his team, including Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman at State House in Georgetown.

Discussions between the officials centred on strengthening and expanding bilateral relations between Guyana and Canada.

As the current Chair of

the Caribbean Community (Caricom), President Ali also discussed how Canada could expand its relationship with the entire region.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia Nadir-Sharma were also part of the meeting.

Venezuela continues to lay claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass, Essequibo, and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which almost 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered over the past eight years, and in which oil production activities are ongoing.

In 2018, Guyana moved to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after exhausting all means of negotiation with Venezuela, including the good office process. Guyana is seeking a final and binding ruling on the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award to settle the longstanding border controversy.

The Spanish-speaking nation had challenged Guyana’s move to settle the matter, but the ICJ ruled in December 2020 that it has jurisdiction to entertain the application for a final settlement. Having rejected both of Venezuela’s prelimi-

nary objections, the ICJ has set April 8, 2024, as the time limit for the filing of a CounterMemorial by Venezuela.

Tensions between Guyana and Venezuela have been simmering since then, but escalated late last year when the Nicolás Maduro Government held a referendum on December 3, 2023, to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region.

Following the referendum, President Maduro subsequently announced a series of actions including, among other things, issuing identification cards to Guyanese living in Essequibo and issuing licences for mining and other activities

in Guyana’s Essequibo County.

Given Venezuela’s threatening posture, a historic faceto-face Caricom/CELAC/Brazilbrokered meeting was held on December 14, 2023, between Presidents Ali and Maduro in St Vincent and the Grenadines, geared towards maintaining peace in the Region.

The two South American leaders came to several agreements, including that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, would not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstance, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States.

Even as Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the judicial process before the World Court, it was also agreed that a Joint Commission of Foreign Ministers and Technicians of Guyana and Venezuela would be established and meet on behalf of the two Presidents in Brazil to continue peace dialogue.

That first meeting of the Joint Commission of Foreign Ministers and Technicians was held on January 25 in Brasilia. Guyana’s delegation was led by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, who described the meeting as a “good start” to creating a better future of good neighbourliness for the next generation.

Amid this tension over the border controversy, President Maduro last week formally accredited Dr Richard Van West-Charles as Guyana’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Georgetown said in a statement that during the ceremony in Caracas last Tuesday, “President Maduro requested Ambassador Van West-Charles to convey a message of high regard to President Ali, stating his great respect for the President and the people of Guyana.”

Meanwhile, only recently, President Ali recommitted to not only defending Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial in-

tegrity but also maintaining friendly relations with its neighbours.

The Head of State made these comments on Thursday evening during his address to the nation at the flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Guyana’s 54th Republic Day Anniversary.

“We, the custodians of the Republic, must zealously guard our nation's sovereignty, promote its development, and safeguard democracy. A threat to our territorial integrity poses a direct challenge to our sovereignty, because it stakes a claim upon the settled geographical boundaries that define our nation… We shall never surrender an inch of our territory or cede national sovereignty. A threat to national development undermines the prosperity and well-being of our people.

“Our Republic threatens no one. We eschew aggression. We are a peaceful nation. We settle disputes peacefully and repose our trust in international law. We seek friendly relations with our neighbours. We want peace and stability. We are for peace and stability and our investment is to ensure peace and stability remains in our region. Our investment is to ensure peace and stability is the foundation through which neighbourly love is built. Peace and stability are the foundation through which goodwill is built,” the Head of State contended. (G8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali with Canada's Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen

(Seated L-R) Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman; Canada’s International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and IDB Representative Anton Edwards at Sunday’s signing of the CA$120 million Sovereign Loan Programme

The old one, two…

…from the unions

If anyone within the governing party had any doubts that the GTU strike – under its PNC MP McDonald’s leadership – was political, it would’ve faded away like a snowflake in hell with the GPSU’s threat to strike for the same reason offered by the GTU – the Govt’s refusal to engage in “collective bargaining”. Coming out of the infiltration by the CIA of the trade union movement during the 1960s to oust the PPP, the Public Servants were at the forefront to paralyse the PPP Government to create a crisis which the US and the UK could exploit to delay independence and alter the electoral system.

The unfairness of the Public Servants’ representatives to claim that Jagan’s “not a cent more” response to their salary demands – after he’d accepted that the lower ranks deserved increases but not the elite upper tiers – led to an 80-day strike that destroyed half of the city. And was a death blow to the PPP. During the ensuing 28-year dictatorial rule by the PNC – the union now called GPSU – supported the PNC’s line –including salary caps – and only spoke up at the fag end of their rule.

But after their return in 1992, to the PPP, little had changed when the GPSU showed scant regard for the PPP’s overturning of the IMF’s dictate that the Public Service be further reduced through “retrenching” – which Desmond Hoyte’s PNC regime had started. Intensifying the PNC line –which had the PPP on the ropes with violent street protests that demanded and got the resignation of Janet Jagan – they called a strike in 1999. And demanded an unrealistic 50% increase in salaries – to which the PNC-friendly arbitrator awarded a whopping 36%!! “Never again!!” swore the PPP as they removed the automatic union dues deduction – which then crippled the GPSU when their members refused to cough up dues voluntarily!!

The GPSU now making common cause with the GTU will evoke the historic fears of the PPP of regime change through strikes by the overwhelmingly African Guyanese Government workers who generally cleave to the PNC. The problem is while collective bargaining requires negotiation using either an integrative (win-win) or distributive (zero-sum game) strategy – they only deploy the latter.

For instance, the teachers could’ve tied their salary demands to objective criteria showing improvement in the performance of the children over the past decade – and a commitment towards continuing this trend – if that was indeed the case!! This would be linking salary increases to productivity increases that create a win-win situation with the Government.

But with the GPSU calling a strike, the Govt would be certain it would be unsuccessful – and as such will continue to dig in its heels!!

…from the PNC

They say – following Marx – that history repeats itself –first as tragedy then as farce. In our history, there was the tragedy unleashed when Burnham arrogated all powers into his person – legalised by his personal constitution!! What inevitably followed made us the joke of the Caribbean who commiserated that while they had hurricanes and earthquakes – Burnham’s dictatorship was far more destructive. They, at least, had respites between their natural disasters while we had ours continuously for 28 long years!! Ouch!!

But in the present comes the farce of PNC leaders trying to paper over Hamilton “the thug” Green’s blurting out that they should continue with Burnham’s rigging and violence to get and keep power!! Green even provided a reason – the PNC supporters are African Guyanese who were enslaved and so should automatically be “pan tap” politically – and presumably every other “ally”!! One contorted himself into a pretzel to claim the Thug was only speaking hypothetically!!

Your Eyewitness would laugh if the farce wasn’t gonna be a repetition!!

…from Mad Maduro

To earn foreign exchange Mad Maduro encourages illegal gold mining in the interior jungle area to criminal syndicatos – who prey on our border towns near the Cuyuni. Last week, 23 Venezuelans perished in one mining collapse!! Poor Venezuela!!

“We consider the IDB an important development partner well into the future” – Finance Minister

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh emphasized that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is considered an important development partner for Guyana well into the future.

“We in Guyana consider it a great privilege to host these important consultations, not least because of the value we place on the IDB as a longstanding provider of development support at scale, but also because of the IDB’s demonstrated reliability and trustworthiness as a development partner over the years, going back to a time when Guyana’s economic circumstances were vastly different from those that obtain today. From the time we joined the Bank in 1977 to date, the Bank has approved over US$2 billion worth of support for public sector operations,” Dr Singh told the XXII Annual Consultation with Caribbean Governors on Saturday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

“…as we in Guyana navigate the current era of rapid economic growth and transformation – the foundation for which has been laid over many years, which long predated the discovery of oil and gas – we remain today firmly focused on: delivering im-

provement to the lives of all of our citizens in the shortest possible time; ensuring that we build resilience for the medium and long term, including by diversifying our economic base and improving our competitiveness across all sectors; and remaining at the forefront of both fiscal and environmental sustainability.” It was on this note that the Finance Minister said the IDB was an important development partner well into the future, including as an important source of financing for the country’s rapidly-growing and diversifying Private Sector. He also expressed appreciation for and welcomed the Bank’s approval through IDB Invest of US$177 million for Private Sector operations in Guyana since 2020 across wide-ranging sectors, including transport infrastructure, agro-processing, tourism, and higher education. Dr Singh noted that this brought to an end the drought of Private Sector approvals that preceded 2020 and was a tangible response to the Government’s longstanding call for ramped-up support by the Bank and other multilateral and regional development banks through their Private Sector windows to the Guyanese private sector.

The Finance Minister said the consultation provides an important opportunity for participants to reflect on the Bank’s accomplishments and progress over the past year, but that far more importantly, the purpose of the event was to discuss the future strategies and goals of the IDB Group, as reflected in the new institutional strategy of the Bank, the new capitalisation plan of IDB Invest, and MIF IV, IDB Lab’s new model of financing.

“We particularly look forward to discussing the re-

gional development plan by the Bank, under the very appropriate banner of One Caribbean which especially resonates with us in Guyana as we pursue the goal of One Guyana. This plan is timely, if not overdue, as we have long called for the Bank to develop a specially-targeted sub-regional plan or strategy for the Caribbean, given the very peculiar circumstances and challenges faced by the Bank’s smallest and most vulnerable member states,” Dr Singh posited. He then further encouraged the Bank to pursue in-

novative approaches towards mobilising and leveraging capital, for both Public and Private Sector operations, as “we seek collectively to build greater resilience in the Caribbean”.

Further, the Finance Minister used the opportunity of the forum to highlight Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, and its predecessor, the original LCDS, both of which provided a blueprint for Guyana to monetise the climate services provided by the country’s standing forests.

“This has enabled us to be remunerated for these climate services and the funds earned are being deployed to finance climate-friendly investments, advance our energy transition, and build resilience in our most vulnerable communities, particularly those in the hinterland,” he concluded.

Guyana is hosting the Twelfth Annual IDB consultation with Caribbean Governors in advance of the 2024 Annual Meetings of the IDB Group to be held early next month in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and officials from the IDB

Commonwealth SG joins Caribbean leaders for regional meeting

– to engage Caribbean leaders on climate resilience, regional security

Ateam from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by the Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, KC, arrived in Guyana to attend the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government which kicked off on Sunday evening.

This is part of a series of regional meetings that she is attending in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this year.

Among the issues to be discussed at the four-day Caricom meeting are climate resilience, regional security, energy as well as nutrition and food security. In Guyana, the Commonwealth Secretary General will engage with

Caribbean leaders directly and as a group.

The Commonwealth Secretariat team will also update the leaders on upcoming ministerial meetings, special Commonwealth events and possible areas of assistance and collaboration.

There are three significant Commonwealth milestones this year. On March 11, 2024, Commonwealth Day will be celebrated, while in April, the Secretariat will start the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the London Declaration that gave birth to the modern Commonwealth. In October, CHOGM will be held in Samoa. It will be the first time that CHOGM will be held in a Pacific small island developing

state. Reflecting on the Commonwealth’s close relationship with Caricom, the Secretary General related, “As a Caribbean person, every one of these

meetings is like coming home to family. In particular, I am happy to be back in Guyana to attend this important summit. I look forward to rich discussions, hearing about areas of concern, and learning about recent successes. For us at the Secretariat, Caricom is a strong and treasured partner.”

She also thanked

President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, for the opportunity to attend the meeting.

The Commonwealth Secretary General added that it was an essential part of her role to be cognisant of the issues of the member states and to maintain close ties in order to fully support the work done on behalf of countries. Commenting on the upcoming Commonwealth summit in Samoa, she said:

“In October, we go to CHOGM as a united and committed collective. As we represent the views and carry out the directives of our member states, we are bound to listen to their concerns and visions for the future,” she declared.

The Caricom meeting began on Sunday and will wrap up on Wednesday. Twelve of the Caricom member states are part of the 56-member Commonwealth.

Earlier in February,

Baroness Scotland participated in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU). Immediately following the Caricom meeting, the Secretary General will travel to Zanzibar for the biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting (CLMM), from March 4 to March 8, 2024.

Hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the meeting will focus on the theme “Technology and Innovation: How digitalisation paves the way for the development of people-centred access to justice”.

The Commonwealth Secretary General will also be in the Caribbean in April for the 35th Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA) conference in her home country of Dominica and the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda in May.

Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland, KC

Work on infrastructure for deep-water port linking Brazil to be advanced – Pres Ali

…with Pres Lula to visit Guyana this week

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s impending visit to Guyana is expected to hasten work on the infrastructure for the deep-water port that will be built to cut down on transportation time for food supplies between Guyana, Northern Brazil and the Region, and improve regional logistics.

This was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during the 12th Annual Consultation with Caribbean Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Saturday. He explained that in addition to Brazil, this infrastructure will also link French Guiana to Guyana.

“We’re working with Brazil’s President Lula who is coming in a few days… to complete the infrastructure to link a deep-water port on the Atlantic. Linking Northern Brazil… And reengineering the food supply and logistics hub, through Guyana, through Barbados, through Jamaica, through the entire region.

“So, that we can now move food south to north. So, that’s the new infrastructure we’re building, linking French Guiana, the bridge across the Corentyne River, under discussion. A new bridge across the Berbice River… 45 bridges being constructed along the highway, going into northern Brazil,” President Ali said.

Meanwhile, he further explained that discussions are being had with the Investment arm of the IDB, on the United Kingdom and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) funded Lindento-Lethem Road.

“The first 121 kilometres of road under construc-

tion. Discussions about the further 421 kilometres… we had a meeting with IDB Invest, on bringing together this investment and bringing together the Private Sector playing a key role in catalysing this growth. So, that will improve access and infrastructure, expand markets and create tremendous opportunities,” he explained.

The Linden-Lethem Road is being upgraded to an all-weather road, with the contractor being re-

quired to produce an asphaltic surface capable of withstanding the heavily laden lorries which currently use the thoroughfare.

The first phase of the project focuses on a two-lane asphaltic concrete highway being constructed to replace the current trail of sand and dirt. The road will be approximately 121 kilometres long and 7.2 metres wide. The project is expected to last for three years. With tangible works taking place, residents have started focusing on the new possibilities for business opportunities.

The project is being funded by the CDB via a US$112 million loan, a grant to the tune of £50 million (US$66 million) from the United Kingdom under the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIPF), and an input of US$12 million from the Guyana Government.

With a 7.2-metre-wide carriageway, the Lindento-Mabura Road will feature a cycle and pedestrian lane measuring 2 metres wide, along with 10 bus

stops outfitted with ramps for persons with disabilities. Additionally, several bridges and culverts along the way will be replaced, and some 123 lights will be installed.

Meanwhile, there had long been talk of the Guyana Government facilitating the development of

Example of a deep-water port

a deep-water port, though the Government has said it prefers a privately-led Build, Own, Operate model to finance the project. Further, investors from as far as Dubai and India have been considered for the project.

The potential benefits of a deep-water port have long

been recognised, particularly when providing critical assistance to the rice, sugar and agro-processing sectors. This is particularly important since Guyana is a frontrunner in the charge to reduce the Caribbean Community (Caricom) food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Caricom Heads and other guests arriving for the opening ceremony of the 46th Heads

Heads of Government Meeting at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday evening

IDB Group, Caribbean Governors discuss climate resilience, integration

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group held its XII Annual Consultation with the Governors of IDB Caribbean member countries on February 23-24 in Georgetown, Guyana.

The gathering was part of preparations for the IDB and IDB Invest Annual Meetings, which will take place on March 6-10 in the Dominican Republic.

This high-level dialogue included representatives from The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago and a representative from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), a longstanding partner of the IDB which facilitates support to Eastern Caribbean nation states.

During his first visit to Guyana as IDB President, Ilan Goldfajn acknowledged the Bank's collaboration with the Caribbean region over more than 55 years. “Despite its relatively small size, the Caribbean is a big player in matters such as climate change, education and digital transformation. The Region's experience, expertise, resilience and leading role in climate preparedness is an example for the world,” he said.

The meeting was a space for dialogue with the Region’s Ministers about which pri-

orities should guide the development agenda in upcoming years and how the IDB could deepen its support to the countries through financing, knowledge, and technical assistance. The IDB's new institutional strategy and the “One Caribbean” programme were also presented as crucial components of the development agenda and direct responses to the needs of the Region.

“One Caribbean”

“One Caribbean”, a new regional flagship program that aims to promote the sustainable development of the Caribbean with a sharpened focus on high-impact initiatives, was also discussed at the meeting. The programme focuses on four pillars: climate adaptation, disaster risk management and resilience; citizen security; Private Sector engagement; and food security, as well as two cross-cutting areas, strengthening institutions and facilitating digital transformation. This program is a result of the dialogue between President Goldfajn and the Caribbean Governors in 2023.

Signings

The annual consultation was also the occasion for new signings with the

Governments of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname facilitating investments to support development needs in the areas of education, digital transformation, and transportation. Additionally, IDB Invest, the Private Sector arm of the Group, signed three operations with companies in Guyana for financing in the logistics sector, tertiary education, and sustainable tourism.

Impact on the Caribbean’s development

In 2023, the IDB’s support to the Region has impacted more than 11,000 persons with disabilities in Suriname, over 1800 farmers in Guyana, and led to the provision of tele-monitoring services which have provided extended support for persons suffering from chronic illnesses in Jamaica. Nearly 1400 Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises (MSMEs) have already benefited from business advisory services in The Bahamas.

Approximately 18,680 residential customers in Barbados have been able to benefit from the Barbados Power Plant Project designed to provide reliable and clean electricity to the Barbadian grid.

To strengthen Private Sector capacity across the Caribbean, IDB Invest has

been supporting port infrastructure for fostering regional integration, facilitating foreign trade, and contributing to food security.

Additionally, IDB Lab has been accelerating digital transformation, supporting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, addressing climate change mitigation and resilience, procuring basic infrastructure services, and fostering innovation in the health sector.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh along with officials from the IDB

Grape yard in Berbice under threat following cattle invasion

– millions in vines already destroyed

The cultivation of grapes and apples in Glasgow Village. New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is now under threat by cattle.

Forty-two-year-old Devon Gilead started to reap grapes in 2022, and last year’s harsh weather conditions had a severe impact on his cultivation.

The Government had given him 7.1 acres to expand his grape and apple cultivation, but to date, he has only utilised two acres for his vineyard.

come into the land and chase out the cows. I had

Two weeks ago, bearing vines were destroyed after a herd of cattle invaded. Gilead told Guyana Times that the cattle were being reared a short distance away.

“When I came across, I see a whole flock of cows in the vineyard. The cows graze down all the plants. Afterwards, I see the owner and his son coming towards me with cutlasses. They

a guy doing some work on the farm and they tell the guy that if I had told them anything, they would have broadside me,” Gilead told this publication.

He said the damage done was estimated to be in the millions. He added that a year’s hard work had gone down the drain.

“Now I would have to cut down each plant to the stump and let them grow

up back. It would take more than a year to grow back,” he explained. He said he reported the matter to the Police, but was told that he would have to catch the animals and take them to the pound and also get the brand number

but declined to compensate for the damaged grape vines.”

Gilead said he planted 456 plantain suckers which were also destroyed.

on the animals.

“The owner of the cattle went to the station, and he admitted that the cows grazed down my sucker plants and that he was willing to pay back for them,

The farmer explained that the cattle owner had removed a section of his fence to allow the cattle to enter his farm, claiming that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)

had given him written permission to rear cattle on the land.

“He told me that I have no right to plant here,” Gilead added. “Right now, they are destroying everything that I own.”

He related that over 900 vines have been damaged. He valued each vine above $60,000, noting that it was a special variety that can be grown in the tropics.

“People in Guyana have tried planting grapes but they never got it the way I got mine to flourish. There is a technique to get the vines to bear and now people are just destroying everything,” he said.

Gilead added, “I had over 200 apple plants and all destroyed, but that was not the animals; it was the dry weather.”

Gilead said he had paid $150 for each of the plan-

tain suckers.

“But that is not really my concern. It is not hard to get back suckers, but grape, the vines is the big issue. These took a few years to develop. I grew these for one and a half years. Last December, I was supposed to get grapes, but due to the dry weather, I couldn’t. Now I said that in a few months, I would get back grapes and the cows come and clip down all the buds.”

He has been working day and night on the farm to ensure the success of his crop.

“Imagine working for two years, day in, day out and expecting to get something and you don’t get anything – it is very heartrending,” he stated.

Gilead is calling for systems to be implemented that would protect farmers’ crops from cattle . (G4)

660 acres of land being developed for Enmore/Foulis Industrial, Commercial Zone – 60% of

are progressing.

Housing and Water

Minister Collin Croal, accompanied by technical staff from the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s Projects Department and Surveys Unit, inspected the development last week.

Minister Croal outlined the zoning plan for the area, specifying sections dedicated to heavy industrial, light in-

dustrial, and commercial activities. The anticipated economic activities will generate

thousands of employment opportunities, benefiting not only Enmore/Foulis but other communities along the East Coast of Demerara.

The development of the area aligns with President Dr Irfaan Ali's previous commitment during his visit to Enmore last year.

"In the first phase, we are currently developing over 660 acres of land on this site now and we’re spending about over $4.58 billion in the firstphase infrastructure," Croal stated.

The ongoing infrastructural works are divided into six lots and involve land clearing, the construction of approximately 18.91 kilometres of first-phase access roads, and reinforced concrete composite bridges.

The industrial and commercial hub is set to feature three main access roads to accommodate large trucks. Of the six lots, the Minister said that two lots were over

90 per cent completed, while the overall project was about 60 per cent complete.

Croal stated that the works have significantly transformed the area, which was once dominated by sugar cane.

Meanwhile, in the Enmore residential housing scheme, located north of the commercial area, the Minister stated that several allottees have gained access to their land for

home construction, paralleling the progress of infrastructural works.

Before visiting Enmore/ Foulis, Minister Croal also briefly inspected the Nonpareil Housing Development.

Looking ahead to the 2024 housing programme, Croal expects contracts to be awarded soon, ushering in the development of numerous housing schemes.

Devon Gilead at his vineyard The

Some of the plantain suckers destroyed by the cows

One of the vines destroyed by the cows

Land being developed for Enmore/Foulis Industrial and Commercial Zone

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and officials from the Central Housing and Planning Authority mapping out the area

2000 students to benefit from One Guyana Digital Initiative

– also aimed to create 300,000 jobs in tech sector

In a monumental move to empower Guyanese youths with advanced Information Technology (IT) education and lucrative employment opportunities, Guyana launched its One Guyana Digital Initiative, a groundbreaking Nearshore Training Programme.

This initiative not only promises to revolutionise the nation's digital landscape but also aims to bring significant economic growth by creating over 300,000 jobs in the tech sector, tailored specifically for Guyanese developers.

At the heart of this initiative lies the goal of providing 2000 Guyanese students with comprehensive IT training, equipping them with cutting-edge coding languages and skills essential for thriving in today's digital economy free of cost.

Speaking at the launch on Sunday afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Managing Director of the One Guyana Digital initiative, Mark Itwaroo, said that he has worked very hard to create a course that did not exist anywhere else in the world.

“This course will teach qualified applicants not to just program or the basic in computer programming but will educate the participants in cutting-edge programming languages… for the first time in a university level course, it will teach programmers how to use artificial intelligence to write codes… it is important, because I want the graduates from Guyana to have a strategic advantage over everybody else when they are competing for jobs internationally,” he said.

The programme, funded by CAD 9.5 million offers participants a chance to delve into live and online classes, facilitated by Toronto Metropolitan University.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag emphasised that the initiative targeted the youth of Guyana, positioning them as catalysts for national progress. She highlighted the programme's alignment with the GOAL initiative, launched in 2021, which successfully qualified 21,442 Guyanese students in 2023.

Graduates of the Nearshore Training Programme are guaranteed employment opportunities, with a focus on website and app development, aligning with the nation's digital transformation agenda.

“We are going to propel this nation forward… we have expended a kind of energy and we are driven by what we want our Guyana to look like…having this programme on board allows young Guyanese to develop technology and their digital skills…”, Minister Parag stated.

Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, during his address, emphasised that this innovative skills training programme aimed to propel young Guyanese individuals into rewarding careers within the burgeoning digital skills technology sector.

Minister Hussen commended the Guyana Government for the inclu-

sive nature of this endeavour, a value he highlighted as central to Canadian Government policies.

“It is really important for us to give credit to the fact that the One Guyana Digital Initiative is committed to ensuring that there will be gender parity between young men and young women in this project. The One Guyana Digital Initiative will also make sure that it includes representation from a diverse cross-section of Guyanese communities including young people, Indigenous peoples, and peoples from remote parts of Guyana,” he noted.

Furthermore, the Canadian Minister highlighted that beyond fostering youth skill development, the initiative had a forward-looking perspective. It is poised to combat unemployment and alleviate poverty within the country.

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali, during his time at the microphone, revealed that over 60 per cent of the applicants for the programme are women, while 20 per cent are indigenous Guyanese.

This diversity underscores the inclusivity of the Initiative, offering opportunities to underrepresented groups.

He also stated that negotiations secured a special

rate of US$20 million for training the 2000 students at Toronto Metropolitan University, significantly reducing the costs that would have otherwise been borne by participants.

“This is the celebration of the relationship between Guyana and Canada… if you would have done this programme on your own, it would have cost you 10,000 USD… this is an investment we are making in you. We are making this investment for you, because we want you to live a higher quality life,” the President

explained.

The programme not only addresses the skills gap in the tech industry but also catalyses socio-economic development. Participants, aged 17 and older, will receive laptops and free tuition, courtesy of the Government of Guyana and Canadian assistance. Upon completion, graduates can expect well-paying careers, with starting salaries of at least US$25,000 per year, providing a pathway to financial stability and prosperity.

President Ali also high-

lighted the Government's efforts to migrate essential services to digital platforms, streamlining processes and enhancing accessibility for citizens. This transition signifies a pivotal moment in Guyana's digital evolution, promising a future of efficiency and innovation.

“This is coming at a critical time when there is a transformation of the country. We are moving towards digitalisation; we are moving towards a system of governance to remove a lot of the bureaucracy because the Government system must be system-based that must work,” he said.

With applications open to Guyanese citizens aged 17 and older, the nearshore training programme invites individuals from all walks of life, including those from Indigenous communities, to register and embark on a transformative journey towards a thriving career in technology.

One can register for the course at oneguyanadigital. com, marking the beginning of a new era of opportunity and progress for Guyana's youth.

NA Prison escapee apprehended in Suriname after 5 years

Rameshwar Prakash, a 25-year-old previously-convicted Guyanese national, was apprehended in Suriname during a maritime operation in the early hours of Thursday after five years on the run.

The operation was conducted at sea by the Maritime Police in collaboration with the National Security Directorate (DNV) and the Paramaribo Regional Assistance Team, resulting in the arrest of Prakash and another suspect. The operation stemmed from the theft of a fishing vessel from a dock on Anton Dragtenweg in Suriname, which occurred between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

A subsequent investigation, led by DNV personnel, identified the perpetrators behind the theft of the SK boat. After meticulous detective work, the stolen fishing boat was located at sea, leading to the joint task force conducting a successful raid. The operation culminated in the arrest of two individuals: Prakash, the escaped detainee, and

Arrested: Rameshwar Prakash

Bayo M, 25.

Further investigation revealed that Rameshwar had absconded from the New Amsterdam Prison in Guyana along with 12 other inmates back in September 2019, while serving an 18-month sentence.

"Both suspects have been remanded to the Maritime Police for further interrogation. The vessel will be returned to its rightful owner following consultations with the Surinamese Public Prosecution Service," stated Surinamese authorities.

Prakash's escape prompted the dismissal of

three prison officers from New Amsterdam Prison by the Guyana Prison Service.

Gladwin Samuels, former Acting Director of Prisons, had disclosed that the 13 male prisoners, accompanied by two female prison officers, were assigned to work at Arable B, located opposite the Prison Officers' Club.

According to Samuels, Prakash, who was incarcerated for larceny, purportedly requested to use a restroom across the road and subsequently entered a residence used by one of the female officers, from where he absconded with $17,000 and an electronic tablet.

"Initial investigations indicate breaches of Standing Orders, resulting in the suspension of three officers pending further inquiry," Samuels stated in an official release.

Numerous search teams, comprising Police ranks and prison officers, were dispatched to facilitate his recapture, albeit without success. Prakash's last known address is listed as Lot 53, Princetown, Corentyne, Berbice. He was slated for release on June 20, 2020.

President Dr Irfaan Ali Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag

Managing Director of the One Guyana Digital initiative, Mark Itwaroo

Morgan Heritage lead singer Peter Anthony Morgan passes on

Peter Anthony Morgan, 46, the lead singer of Morgan Heritage, has passed away, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt post. Affectionately known as “Peetah”, Morgan’s cause of death was not disclosed in the announcement made on Sunday.

The family’s statement, shared via social media, expressed love and gratitude while informing of Peter’s ascension on February 25, 2024. They thanked well-wishers for their support and requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.

Morgan Heritage, a Grammy award-winning group, was led by Peter, one of renowned Jamaican reggae singer Denroy Morgan’s over 20 children, and included four of his siblings: Una Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan, and Memmalatel “Mr Mojo” Morgan.

Peter was born in Brooklyn, the New York City borough that has been home to thousands of Jamaicans since the 1960s.

subsequently signed by MCA and released their debut album “Miracles” the same year. After the release of “Miracles”, the family moved to Denroy’s homeland of Jamaica.

In the years following, Una and Nakhamyah departed the group, leaving Peter, Roy , and Memmalatel.

They successfully worked on group and individual projects.

later released the album “Avrakedabra”, which was nominated for another Grammy in 2018.

Peter’s unmistakable voice has been at the forefront of Morgan Heritage’s journey for three decades, steering the group through some of the most significant anthems in modern roots-reggae.

Morgan Heritage was formed in 1994 by the five Morgan siblings. They were

The group’s 2015 album “Strictly Roots” won the Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category in 2016. The band

From timeless tracks like “Don’t Haffi Dread (To Be Rasta)” to soulful melodies like “Down by the River” and “She’s Still Loving Me”, his vocal prowess has left an indelible mark on reggae music.

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family meD, enDocrinology/ DiaBeTes

Sore or scratchy throats are rarely a medical emergency on their own, but can still be troubling for new and veteran parents alike. The first step is to observe a baby’s symptoms and keep a close eye on them. Let the baby’s doctor know about all the baby’s symptoms. That will help a doctor determine if the baby needs to come in or to be seen or if to keep them at home to rest.

Always seek medical help right away if the baby is having difficulty breathing or swallowing.

CAUSES

There are several common causes of sore throat in babies.

• Common cold

A sore throat in infants is often caused by a viral infection like the common cold. The main symptoms of a cold are nasal congestion and a runny nose. These may be in addition to the sore throat symptoms. On average, ba-

HEALTH TIPS

SORE THROAT IN BABIES AND CHILDREN

bies may have up to seven colds in their first year of life as their immune system develops and matures. If a baby has a cold, consider keeping them home from childcare if:

• They have a fever.

A good rule of thumb, and a rule at most childcare facilities, is to keep the baby home while they have an active fever and for an additional 24 hours after the fever breaks.

They seem uncomfortable. If the baby is crying a lot or seems unlike their normal self, consider keeping them home.

• Tonsillitis

Infants can experience tonsillitis or inflamed tonsils. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral infection. If the baby has tonsillitis, they may not be interested in feeding. They may also:

Have difficulty swallowing

Drool more than usual

Have fever

Have a scratchy-sounding cry

The paediatrician may prescribe infant acetaminophen or infant ibuprofen if needed. If the baby is already eating solids, they’ll need to stick with soft foods.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by various viruses and is common in children under 5. Symptoms may include a fever, sore throat, and mouth pain. The baby may have blisters and sores in their mouth, too. These may make it difficult to swallow. Parents will likely also see a rash of red bumps and blisters on the baby’s hands, feet, mouth, or buttocks.

The paediatrician may

recommend fluids, rest, and infant acetaminophen or infant ibuprofen if needed.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is very contagious. Keep the child home from childcare facilities until the rash has healed, which may take 7 to 10 days. Even if they are no longer acting as though they are sick after a few days, they’ll continue to be contagious until the rash has healed.

• Strep throat

Strep throat is a type of tonsillitis that is caused by a bacterial infection. While it’s uncommon in children under age 3, it’s still a possible cause for sore throat. Symptoms of strep throat in infants may include fever and very red tonsils with swollen lymph nodes on their necks.

If you suspect the baby has strep throat, contact a physician. They can perform a throat culture to diagnose it. They may prescribe antibiotics if needed.

If the baby is under 3 months, call their doctor at the first signs of a sore throat, such as refusing to eat or remaining fussy after eating. Newborns and infants under 3 months don’t have a fully developed immune system, so their paediatrician may want to see or monitor them.

If the baby is over 3 months, call the paediatrician if they have other symptoms in addition to seeming to have a sore or scratchy throat including:

Temperature over 100.4°F (38°C)

Persistent cough

Unusual or alarming cry

• Isn’t wetting their diapers as usual.

• Ear pain

• Rash on their hand, mouth, torso, or buttocks

Always seek emergency medical care right away if the baby is having difficulty swallowing or breathing. Also seek emergency medical care if they have unusual drooling, which may mean they’re having trouble swallowing.

HOME REMEDIES

Some home remedies may be helpful for an infant with a sore throat.

• Humidifier

Setting up a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room may help ease sore throat symptoms. If the baby has a stuffy nose, the humidifier may help them breathe easier.

• Suction (for 3 months to 1 year)

Babies can’t blow their

noses. Instead, parents can use a suction bulb to suck out nasal mucus. Saline drops may help loosen up the mucus to make it easier to remove it with suction.

• Frozen liquids (for older infants)

If the baby has already started solids, give them a frozen treat to soothe their sore throat. Try giving the baby a formula Popsicle or frozen breast milk in an infant Popsicle mould. Observe them while they try this frozen treat to watch for signs of choking.

• Honey?

It’s not safe to give honey to an infant under 1 year. Don’t give the baby honey water or any other remedies that contain honey. It can cause infant botulism.

TREATMENT TIPS

The treatment for the infant’s sore throat will depend on what’s causing it. If it’s caused by a common cold, the paediatrician will likely not recommend medication unless they have a fever.

Antibiotics may be needed if the baby’s sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection like strep. The paediatrician will be able to diagnose the baby and prescribe antibiotics if needed.

Over-the-counter cold and cough medications aren’t recommended for babies. They won’t cure cold symptoms and, in some cases, may make the child sick.

The only exception is if the baby has a fever. For babies over 3 months, talk to the paediatrician about giving the baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a fever, if needed. They can also let you know the correct dose that’s

safe for the baby.

• Only use diphenhydramine (Benadryl) if the paediatrician specifically recommends it. It generally isn’t safe for infants.

RECOVERY

If a sore throat is caused by a cold, the baby will likely recover within 7 to 10 days. It may take slightly longer for the baby to recover if the sore throat is caused by hand, foot, and mouth disease, or from tonsillitis or strep throat.

PREVENTION

It may not be possible to prevent sore throats completely, especially if they’re caused by the common cold. But taking the following measures may help reduce the risk of the little one getting sick again:

• Keep the baby away from other infants, siblings, or adults showing signs and symptoms of a cold or sore throat as much as possible.

• If possible, avoid public transportation and public gatherings with a newborn.

Clean the baby’s toys and pacifiers often.

Wash the hands before feeding or touching the baby.

Adults can sometimes catch a sore throat or cold from infants. To prevent this, be sure to wash your hands often. Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into the crook of their arm, or into a tissue that’s then tossed out.

Once the baby is fully recovered and back to their smiling self, resume all day-to-day activities – from walks to the park to playing with siblings.

Peter Anthony Morgan

PEANUTS

SUDOKU

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Proceed quietly. Don’t share too much information until you’re ready. Be willing to put your energy to the test. Keep life simple. Self-improvement is favored.

A change of heart will disrupt your plans. Rethink your strategy and align yourself with like-minded people. Going against the grain will leave you treading water instead of making progress.

Look at your agenda and put your energy into taking care of your responsibilities. Refuse to let peer pressure or emotional manipulation get the best of you. Concentrate on feeling your best.

Stay on top of your expenses and home improvements. You can make headway, but only if you implement a strict budget and oversee projects yourself. Refuse to let your emotions cost you.

Listen to what others say. Monitor a partnership closely. Pay attention to how you present yourself to the world around you. A change someone makes will reveal their intentions.

Put your energy into something that offers high returns. Make lifestyle changes to raise your earning potential. An unusual meeting will reveal valuable information.

Spend time sorting through your belongings. Stop procrastinating and start living up to the promises you made to yourself. Avoid spontaneous purchases and choose simple pleasures.

Don’t take on physically draining and time-consuming projects. Stick to tasks that make your life easier. Decluttering and discipline are the paths to positive changes.

Listen carefully and be prepared to walk away from pushy people trying to railroad you into something that benefits them more than you. Take hold of your finances.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Clear up misunderstandings and avoid joint ventures. Make home improvements that contribute to a peaceful state of mind and encourage you to have some fun.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Think before you act. Excess will drag you down. Hold on to your cash, and don’t share private matters. Say no to emotional meddling and walk away from unsavory situations.

Focus on what’s important to you. Your success depends on your decisions and treating yourself and others with respect. Your efforts will help pave the way to a better future. Believe in yourself.

India 152 runs away from victory after Jurel, Ashwin, and Kuldeep toil

RAshwin's five-wicket haul and Kuldeep Yadav's four spun India to an achievable target for victory in the third Test, and the series.

On a day when two youngsters, each playing their second Test, confirmed their arrival by exerting considerable influence on the match,

en Test fifty, falling just 10 runs shy of a ton to be India's top scorer as he pushed his side to 307 all out, closing the first-innings gap to 46 after they started the day 134 runs adrift with three wickets in hand. Shoaib Bashir, England's 20-year-old offspinner who toiled through 32 overs – 31 of them on the trot

it was the vastly experienced Ashwin who lit up India's efforts to seize some control, with Kuldeep stepping in for an economical 4 for 22 from his 15 overs to help contain England's advantage to 191.

Ashwin followed two wickets in as many balls with that of first-innings centurion Joe Root as England slipped to 65 for 3, then sealed his 35th Test five-for late in the day to bowl England out for 145 in their second innings and give India's openers a nibble at the deficit over the final 20 minutes or so before the close.

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal negotiated that period safely, reducing their task to 152 runs.

It came after 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel had posted his maid-

– for his four wickets on the second day, became the second-youngest England bowler to take a five-for in men's

Tests behind Rehan Ahmed, whom he replaced for this match.

England lost 5 for 25 in 21 overs after the tea break as the pitch began to grip and turn more frequently. They were 19 for 2 in the fifth over after Ashwin had Ben

Duckett caught at short leg off a length ball which drifted in and found the inside edge, popping to Sarfaraz Khan for a regulation catch. Ollie Pope was out for a pair when Ashwin pinned him lbw next ball, one which did not turn as much as the batter had perhaps expected as he was rapped on the back pad in line with leg stump.

Root shared a 46-run partnership with Zak Crawley before Ashwin struck again, finding some turn from around the wicket with a full ball that beat Root's inside edge and rapped the pad.

Root was adjudged not out initially, so India reviewed with question marks hanging over whether the ball had pitched outside leg stump, with re-

plays suggesting the ball had pitched marginally in line with leg and was going on to hit it.

Crawley raised his 13th Test fifty and third of this series, and settled into another stand with Jonny Bairstow, worth 45. Jurel missed a stumping chance off Bairstow when he was on 23 with England 106 for 3, but Kuldeep began to find appreciable turn which accounted for Crawley, bowled on middle stump for 60.

Ben Stokes could not stifle a wry smile when he survived an lbw appeal off Ravindra Jadeja on umpire's call, given his questioning of that element of the DRS earlier in this series, as Jadeja beat him on the inside edge with a delivery that ball-tracking suggested was headed for the top of leg stump.

Jadeja and Kuldeep were getting the ball to turn more often late in the middle session on a pitch that was still behaving unpredictably, and Kuldeep got Stokes with a

gem that stayed low, slid onto the back pad, between the batter's legs and into the stumps.

That left England on 120 for 5 at tea, but Jadeja made

ly in his ninth over – an eventful one in which he had Tom Hartley well caught by Sarfaraz at mid-on, bringing Ollie Robinson to the crease following his first-innings half-century. Robinson had to call for a review immediately after he was given out lbw attempting a reverse-sweep, with replays showing the ball struck his glove on its way through to the pad. There was no reprieve two balls later though, Robinson's attempt to overturn another lbw decision failing when Kuldeep turned the ball in towards middle and leg, hitting the pad below the knee roll and he was given out umpire's call on leg stump.

Ashwin claimed his fourth with a return catch when Ben Foakes, who had just overturned an lbw decision off the same bowler, failed to pick the carrom ball and chipped straight back. He removed James Anderson for a pair three balls later when Jurel took an excellent one-handed catch behind the stumps.

Earlier, Jurel and Kuldeep capitalised on the most favourable batting conditions of the day as they put on a 76run partnership for the eighth wicket in a steady first hour.

Jurel upped the tempo after Anderson bowled Kuldeep for 28 off 131 balls. With a maximum already to his name when he resumed the day on 22, Jurel smashed Bashir down the ground for six and four off consecutive deliveries. He struck two more sixes, off Bashir and Hartley, before he was last man out, bowled by an excellent Hartley delivery which angled in and spun past his defence, crashing into middle and off stump to end an innings of great maturity.

"I

it 120 for 6 with the first delivery after the interval, tossing one up off stump which turned away out of a crack as Bairstow jabbed towards Rajat Patidar for a simple catch at short cover.

Kuldeep doubled his tal-

Before his dismissal, however, came that of Akash Deep, who also struck a six off Bashir before he provided the spinner's crucial fifth wicket, lbw for 9 in a decision which stood on umpire's call despite his hopeful review.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Dhruv Jurel's catch to dismiss James Anderson wrapped up England's innings

Rohit Sharma peppered boundaries through the leg-side early in the chase

Zak Crawley's fifty kept England ticking

told you," says Kuldeep Yadav after dismissing Zak Crawley

R Ashwin picked up his 35th five-wicket haul

6 boxers to represent Suriname at GBA Developmental Championship S

Liverpool win EFL Cup with van Dijk header

uriname’s participation in the impending Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Developmental Championship, which is slated for February 28-29 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, has been confirmed.

The arriving Dutch contingent, which features two juniors and four elite-level boxers, is made up of Donn Sadhoe (lightweight); Valentino Artist (bantamweight); Tony Lin (welterweight); Richard Everd (heavyweight); Domelzo Schet (middleweight) and Leandro Dongo (super heavyweight).

On the local end, the tournament, which is slated to feature representation from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Forgotten Youth Foundation, and Rose Hall Town Jammers, will have notable categories such as schoolboys, juniors, youths, women, and the elite. The programme is supervised by Terrence Poole, the Association’s Technical Director.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle shared, “The growth of this tournament is nothing short of impressive and gives

rise to the belief, especially given the impending participation of the Surinamese fighters, of the burgeoning importance that this initiative has undertaken not only locally but regionally. The birth of this programme, which was due to the cancellation of the Terrence Ali National Open, has now developed into its own creature and has added to the ever-evolving developmental programme that the GBA employs on an annual basis. We have seen its value skyrocket, and I believe, given the scheduled participation of Suriname and the possible involvement of other nations and territories, that the proj-

ect will eventually stand on its own two feet and become a staple of not only the local fraternity but the regional community.”

“What was envisioned initially as simply an event to replace a significant and established programme, albeit briefly on the GBA calendar, has morphed into a project that has all the trimmings and ingredients of a regional developmental platform that can be utilised similarly as other noteworthy Caribbean platforms. The GBA remains committed to developing this initiative, which can serve the greater region,” Ninvalle went on to add.

DCB Inter-Association U19 Championship… General Marine joins GFSCA as sponsors

The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) is set to bowl off its Under-19 Inter-Association tournament soon, with sponsors continuing to roll in.

The tournament will involve the five associations –Upper Demerara, East Bank, East Coast, West Demerara and Georgetown – playing in a round-robin format, with the top two teams qualifying for the final.

The final will be live streamed across the globe. The tournament is the main yardstick used by the selection panel to select the Demerara team for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County Under-19 Tournament.

The tournament will be branded under Trophy Stall/ Ramchand’s Auto Spares/ Ariel Enterprise/Rohan Auto Spares/Steve’s Jewellery/ Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend/Cricket Equipment Guyana/General Marine/ Terry Mathura; with General Marines being the most recent sponsor to hand over its contribution. The Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket

Association (GFSCA) is also a sponsor. At a simple ceremony held recently, Rahaman Khan, popularly known as Buddy Rahaman, Managing Director and owner of General Marine, located at 231 Middle Street, Georgetown, presented the cheque to Anil Beharry, Marketing Manager. General Marine is a distributor of marine equipment, motorcycles, power products, and bear-

ings and a licensed firearms and ammunition dealer. Khan expressed his delight to be part of the development of young cricketers in Demerara, Guyana and West Indies. Beharry thanked the sponsor for his contribution to this very important championship.

As such, the DCB has taken the opportunity to say thank you to all the sponsors for coming on board.

Ver deep into extra time gave an under-strength Liverpool a remarkable Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea at Wembley.

Van Dijk had seen a header contentiously ruled out for offside on the hour, but there was no reprieve for Chelsea when he glanced home another from Kostas Tsimikas' corner in the 118th minute.

Liverpool's 10th triumph in the competition was achieved without a host of injured star names, including forward trio Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota. They also lost Ryan Gravenberch when he was taken off on a stretcher after Moises Caicedo's firsthalf challenge.

It means Jurgen Klopp's side have achieved the first part of a potential four-trophy haul in the manager's farewell season, but it was a bitter blow to Chelsea and manager Mauricio Pochettino.

They have now lost six successive Wembley finals, including three against Liverpool, and wasted a host of opportunities.

Liverpool were indebted to goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who produced another outstanding Wembley performance after being the hero when Chelsea were beaten on penalties in the 2022 English Football League (EFL) Cup final.

In a tight first half, he blocked brilliantly from Cole Palmer while Liverpool's Cody Gakpo saw a header bounce back off the post. Chelsea's Raheem Sterling also saw a close-range effort ruled out for offside against Nicolas Jackson.

As the chances came thick and fast after the break, Van Dijk thought he had headed Liverpool in front on the hour only for the goal to be contentiously ruled out for offside against Wataru Endo following a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention as the Japan midfielder blocked off Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.

Conor Gallagher was also denied by the woodwork, then once more by the defiant Kelleher as he

looked poised to make the breakthrough, Liverpool's keeper darting off his line to save while Chelsea somehow failed to score in a desperate goalmouth scramble in the closing moments of normal time.

Kelleher's Chelsea counterpart Djordje Petrovic was called into action in extra time, turning over a header from Liverpool's teenage substitute Jayden Danns while Harvey Elliott shot into the side-netting from a good position, also seeing a header miraculously kept out by the keeper.

And then came that final twist to give Liverpool another Wembley victory over Chelsea and leave Pochettino still seeking his first trophy in England.

Reds rise above adversity

The odds on Liverpool securing another Wembley win lengthened when the team sheet landed and the names of Salah and Nunez were added to other high-profile absentees Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jota and keeper Alisson.

And yet, once more, Liverpool overcame this handicap, Klopp trusting Liverpool's emerging youngsters in a major final as three rookies were sent into the Wembley fray as substitutes in the shape of 19-year-old duo Bobby Clark and James McConnell, along with 18-year-old Danns.

All three showed remarkable composure in the heat of battle, offering further evidence of Liverpool's bright future after Klopp departs in the summer.

At the heart of it all was the imperious Van Dijk along with keeper Kelleher, who once again decorated Wembley with an outstanding, calm performance, coming to Liverpool's rescue when required, as he has on several occasions.

It was a victory against all odds and will inject even further confidence into a Liverpool side seemingly on a mission to give Klopp a very special goodbye to Anfield.

Chelsea miss their big chance

Chelsea have recent experience of losing to Liverpool at Wembley, beat-

en in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup finals by the Reds in 2022, but the circumstances of this defeat will hurt deeply.

As well as being their sixth successive Wembley final loss, three in the FA Cup and three in the EFL Cup, Chelsea will know they had the chance to provide a different end to what was ultimately a familiar story.

Pochettino's side had a huge opportunity to exact a measure of revenge for those defeats against a Liverpool team reduced by injuries, missing so many influential players, and after coming into better form themselves in recent weeks.

And yet it was heartbreak once more for Chelsea, this time with Pochettino at the helm, the Argentine still without a success in England, and suffering defeat at the hands of Klopp once more after losing the 2020 Champions League final when he was manager at Tottenham.

Chelsea will know this was a major opportunity that they let escape their grasp, not able to find the killer touch in front of goal as well as being strangely passive and second best in extra time.

Victory would not only have ensured European football for Chelsea, it would also have provided a measure of calm after recent turbulent seasons – but once again Wembley only brought disappointment.

(BBC Sport)

irgil van Dijk's head-

General Marine hands over its contribution for the DCB U19 tournament

Liverpool lifted the EFL Cup for a second time under Jurgen Klopp

Donn Sadhoe Valentino Artist

CONCACAF U20 Championships… Junior Jags draw 2-2 with El Salvador

Guyana’s Under-20 national football team, commonly referred to as the Junior Jaguars, saw a much- improved performance on Sunday morning in the ongoing CONCACAF U20 Qualifiers, with a draw against El Salvador.

Playing at the Antigua and Barbuda Technical Centre, the Guyanese starting XI read: Captain Solomon Austin, Goalkeeper Emmanuel Lewis, Gerry Burnette, Tyrel Stephen, Tyler Lyle, Kymani Sealey, Matrim Martin, Brandon Khedoo, Ezekial Rowland, Kyle Reid, and Nathaniel Pydana.

The Junior Jaguars took the lead first as Pydana found the back of the net in the 10th minute. However, El Salvador’s Kiano Casamalhuapa pulled one back in the 22nd minute and

the score would remain locked 1-all until the second half.

In the second segment, El Salvador took the lead for the first time in the encounter as Wilber Diaz’s shot escaped the grasp of Guyanese keeper Lewis in the 62nd minute.

Just when it looked like Guyana would suffer another defeat in the tournament, a penalty opportunity went the way of the Junior Jags. Taking the opportunity and executing it perfectly was Pydana, as he levelled the scores in the 83rd minute.

Time would expire with the scores locked 2-2, resulting in the teams having to share points.

Guyana will come up against Suriname next on Tuesday, February 27 in what will be a must- win game for

Elite League sponsorship

…NAMILCO also pitches in

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and KFC Guyana have renewed their partnership which sees the fast food company as the title sponsor for Season Six of the Elite League.

The sponsor deal is valued at $10 million.

Season Six kicked off at the Federation’s National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Sunday night, under newly-installed FIFA-approved lights and on an upgraded pitch.

The kick-off match was a

face-off between the recently-promoted Monedderlust FC and Slingerz FC, with the main event being a fierce battle between Santos FC and the defending champions Guyana Defence Force FC.

GFF President Wayne Forde thanked KFC for its continued confidence in the Federation's vision for the advancement of club football, with the Elite League at the core.

“The Federation thanks KFC for consistently be-

lieving in our mission to enhance local football, placing the Elite League at the forefront. Our collaboration started in 2019, and over the years, we have witnessed the undeniable impact of the League on our national team programme, notably the advancement of our senior men’s national team to League A in the CONCACAF region," he said.

Other teams competing in Season Six are Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel, Buxton United, and

Ann’s Grove.

Meanwhile, the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO) has sponsored the purchase of equipment to be used at venues for the seamless operation of KFC Elite League Season Six; the cheque for which was presented on Thursday last.

On that occasion, Forde thanked NAMILCO for its consistent corporate support " as we continue to fortify the foundation of local football with the expansion of Elite League at the core.”

the Junior Jags. That match will kick off at 10:30h, local time.

Guyana are in Group B of the Championship Qualifiers alongside El

Salvador, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda, and Turks and Caicos Islands, with the winner of the group advancing to the championships, which will be contested later this year.

Cotton Tree crowned AJM Mash It Up T20 champions

Apacked Bush Lot Sports Complex Ground witnessed the Cotton Tree Die Hard team storming to a championship win in the AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament.

Cotton Tree defeated Achievers A in the final by 113 runs. Waqar Hassan claimed 5-14 from four overs while Kevon Jawahir’s all-round heroics of 52 and 4-18 and Fawaz Gaffoor’s blazing 79 set up a crushing victory for Cotton Tree.

In the tall chase of 223 runs, Achievers never got going despite Leon Andrews pulling Leon Swamy out of the ground first ball of the chase.

Wickets fell at regular intervals as Achievers folded for 109 all out from 20 overs. Shamal Angel made 31, but he lacked support throughout. The left-arm spin of Hassan and the leg-spin of Jawahir combined to take nine wickets for Cotton Tree.

Earlier, in the grand finale, which was played under lights, Cotton Tree won the toss and opted to bat first. Nick Ramsaroop was dismissed early, caught at the wicket. Swamy and Fawaz Gaffoor capitalised on the poor fielding and made merry, scoring 64-1 in the power play.

Swamy holed out to deep point for 31 to give Angel his first wicket, at 76-2. The runs kept flowing off the bat of Gaffoor as he went past 50.

The right-handed Gaffoor

ended his superb innings on 79, an innings laced with seven fours and six sixes. Gaffoor featured in a 71-run second-wicket stand with Jawahir.

Jawahir was innovative in his strokeplay as he smashed 52, a crafty innings decorated with six fours and three sixes.

Cotton Tree went past 200 and the packed Bush Lot Ground was rocking away. The defending champions ended on 222-5 from 20 overs. Abdul Subhan made an entertaining 27. Pacer Derick McCalmont had 2-40 for Achievers.

The West Berbice-based side walked away with trophies and a cash prize of one million dollars for the one-day event.

Recap

In match one, Achievers A defeated Bush Lot Sports Club by six wickets. Bush Lot were restricted to 100 all out in 19.4 overs. Brian Nurse was the pick of the bowlers with 3-18 from 3.4 overs. He was supported by Kwesi Mickle, who had 3-32.

In reply, Achievers reached their target of 101 in 18.4 overs. Opener Leon Andrews led the charge with his 38, while Quacey McPherson made 24 to send Bush Lot packing.

In match two, Cotton Tree defeated D’Edwards by 10 runs in a thriller. Swamy

stole the show with his powerful unbeaten 87. He struck six fours and six sixes to propel Cotton Tree to 176-5 from 20 overs. Cotton Tree innings’ featured three run-outs.

In response, D’Edwards managed 166-9 from their allotted 20 overs. Javed Karim top-scored for D’Edwards with 42 in the losing cause. Nashed Gaffur was the most successful of the Cotton Tree bowlers with 3-37 from four overs in match two.

AJM Enterprise aims to develop cricket in the West Berbice area and provide quality entertainment to the cricket-loving population. This event was also sponsored by Jumbo Jet and powered by Banks DIH Limited.

The tournament was filled with a lot of side attractions, including cheerleaders, big screen view, and live streaming. One lucky fan walked away with $50,000 for a onehand catch.

According to the sponsors, plans are already in place to make this tournament a countrywide event.

Brief scores of AJM T20 final: Cotton Tree 222-5 from 20 overs. Fawaz Gaffoor 79, Kevin Jawahir 52, Leon Swamy 31, Abdul Subhan 27. Derick McCalmont 2-40.

Achievers A 109 all out in 20 overs. Shamal Angel 31. Waqar Hassan 5-14, Kevin Jawahir 4-18, Arif Khan 1-23. Cotton Tree won by 113 runs.

Cotton Tree were crowned AJM champions again!

KFC’s sponsorship of the Elite League was recently renewed

Nathaniel Pydana netted a brace in the draw

The Junior Jags earned their first point on Sunday after a draw with El Salvador

NAMILCO has supported the Elite League with the purchase of venue equipment