Guyana Times - Sunday, January 1, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, January 1 – 01:00h-02:30h and Monday, January 2 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, January 1 – 12:25h-13:55h and Monday, January 2 – 13:15h-14:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.56 metres.

High Tide: 12:17h reaching a maximum height of 2.30 metres.

Low Tide: 18:22h reaching a minimum height of 0.92 metre.

is yet to come in 2023”—

President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that when it comes to the progress that Guyana has been experiencing under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, the best is yet to come in the new year.

In his message to the nation to usher in 2023, President Ali stated that the Government has massive plans to further advance the country in the new year. According to him, while the country will continue to experience economic growth, more policies will be rolled out to ensure that more of the population benefits.

“In 2023, we shall roll out policies, programmes, and projects to ensure that the fruits of this growth are more equitably shared amongst our population. Our primary goal is shared prosperity, one which is characterised by reduced inequality. In this regard, no region, community, or village will be left behind in our quest to create a One Guyana.

“The new year will, therefore, see a greater thrust towards community development. Your Government will engage communities to assist them in improving roads, drainage, street lights, recreational facilities, and in improving safety and security,” the President said.

Some of the plans include major road works on the Linden-to-Mabura Road, completing the Eccles-toDiamond road link; advancing plans for the four-lane highway between Crane and Schoonord, the new bridge across the Demerara River,

and the Ogle-to-Eccles road link.

There are also plans to intensify the digital transformation of Guyana, including plans relating to coding; telemedicine, smart classrooms, virtual education for the hinterland; electronic health records management and establishing a single-window for business and building permits.

“Work will also start on a National Hospitality Institute, while shrimp production, the use of shade houses in the agricultural sector, and promoting largescale dairy production and the cultivation of high-value crops such as broccoli and cauliflower will be increased,” the President said.

“These are only some of the massive transformative plans we have for every single region. The new year will also witness intensified efforts at arresting criminal activities. Health care will be boosted in the new year. Major upgrades will be undertaken to regional and district hospitals and improvements undertaken at health clinics and centres.”

New hospitals

According to the Head of State, works on the construction of new hospitals at Anna Regina, Bath Settlement, De Kindren, Little Diamond, Enmore, No 75 Village; and a new paediatric and maternity hospital at Ogle will commence in 2023.

“In addition, every regional and district hospital will soon be able to offer a suite of diagnostic services such as computerised tomography (CT) scans, echocardiograms, ultrasound scans, and X-rays. The demand for more medical personnel will be met through expanded training, including quadrupling the number of nurses trained each year. We want the best education with which our citizens can benefit from.

“We are going to provide the resources that can provide our children with worldclass education. As such, this year we will intensify teacher training to ensure that by the end of 2025, all teachers in our public education system are trained. All students will also be entitled to universal secondary education. The school feeding programme will be expanded. This year, we will also begin consultations on plans to ensure that every child receives a rounded education.”

He outlined that every student exiting school should have had exposure to at least one sport, one musical instrument, one foreign language, and one technical and vocational skill as well as be imbued with a sense of volunteerism and social responsibility. These plans and

more, according to Ali, would lay the foundation for a post2030 Guyana.

“We envision a country which, at the turn of the next decade will be the energy and industrial capital of the Caribbean, a prime tourism destination, a regional food security and transport hub, and a competitive knowledge-based and low-carbon economy. The post-2030 Guyana will be inclusive and wedded to sustainable development.”

2022 review

In giving an update on the performance by the Government in 2022, the President noted that Guyana’s economy continued on its high-growth path despite significant challenges from global supply chain shocks and price increases triggered by the war in Ukraine. Guyana’s economic performance was stellar.

Amid these threats, Guyana’s economy proved resilient; growth was sustained, inflation contained to single digits, and exchange and interest rates stabilised.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Digital IDs in the new year

As the year 2022 came to a close, VP Bharrat Jagdeo announced that Government would soon be issuing new digital ID Cards with the assistance of Dubai technology company G-42. According to reports, “the ID Cards will have a secure chip which can store data, including blood type, date of birth, driver’s licence and taxpayer’s identification number.” As such, it will be integrated into the data banks of a host of our Government institutions, including the GRA. Eventually, Guyana would be sourcing e-passports, which can be used at our airports for paperless entry into the country. The UAE would be providing 90% of the funding, while Guyana would fund the remainder.

Government is accelerating its drive to bring Guyana into the culture of the globalised world, which has moved from analog to digital, and in which ease of informationsharing and trust in its veracity would be key constraints in development. India, with its 1.4 billion people, has a national identity system, Aadhaar, in which every resident has their own 12-digit Aadhaar number. It has become a single universal digital identity number that any registered entity can use to authenticate an Indian resident.

Our Government would have to enact legislation to define the parameters of the data stored in the cards, and how to access it.

In the EU, the “Electronic IDentification, Authentication and Trust Services” (eIDAS) regulation is designed to facilitate the use of identities created in one jurisdiction to conduct business and sign legal documents in another. Launched in 2014, a proposed amendment in 2021 aims to boost its adoption. It will provide at least 80% of the EU’s 450 million citizens with digital identity solutions for accessing public services by 2030. This is the new world in which we will have to operate if we are to become successful.

Most of us already have digital IDs. As described by the partially French Govt-owned Thales Group, one of the leaders in this developing field, email addresses with selected passwords have been among the first digital IDs. But, it notes, “In this case, they are not verified, and therefore not trusted. It is critical that user identity is verified and trusted when it comes to sensitive services such as Government, financial services, mobile communications, and a whole host of others. A trusted digital identity provides the ability to prove that the person or device trying to access a service is the one for whom the service is provided, and is vital to the development of online services and seamless experiences when interacting in digital space.

“Governments, banks, mobile operators, retailers and corporate IT departments have been using technology to create trusted digital identities for citizens, customers, and employees that use strong encryption and certification linked to a smart card for some time now. Typically, these are used to authenticate a user by reading a digital certificate stored on the card and crossreferencing it with something else - either a simple photo on the front or a second factor, such as a fingerprint.”

Even with our limited experience with digitised data, we would know that the challenges of the digital experience would be the increased risk of online fraud, identity theft, and data breach. Estonia was one of the first European countries to introduce digital IDs in 2011, and their experience is a cautionary tale about what we have to look out for. For one, they distributed 120,000 cards that could be used by whoever was holding it without the need for a PIN code. Then the ID card’s private encryption key, used to authenticate digital signatures, was generated in a server operated by the card manufacturer and copied to the card over the internet. These opened up the cards to hackers. The digital signature authentication should have been generated inside the card chip, to ensure only that card knows it.

But being forewarned is being forearmed, and we expect the Government would leapfrog these issues and others, such as opacity issues with contractors.

Happy New Year in the brave new world!!

Time to position Guyana as a leading Latin American oil-producing nation

Dear Editor,

I wish all Season’s Greetings and best wishes for 2023 and beyond.

Again, with the holidays flowing, and with some downtime, it would be inattentive of me not to pen my thoughts on a matter close to my heart, in light of all the misinformation in the public arena.

Alignment is crucial, and the pertinent question remains: Is the oil agenda aligned with the Guyanese plan? I would like to believe so, and my statement below seeks to expound on my position.

A few members of our society, who appear very opposed to the development in the oil sector, are now suggesting that the projects in the Stabroek Block should be blocked. What is most interesting is that one group even launched court proceedings. Well, power to the courts. This is the perfect opportunity to expose the shallowness of their position (if one had listened to a podcast on “Democracy Now”). Most unfortunately, the posturing evidence they have presented thus far to the public is populated with unsubstantiated inferences and conclusions that have no basis in core sciences, and are purely emotional.

Offshore oil and gas platforms are extraordinary engineering accomplishments. These structures do not come cheaply. When completed, they can extract oil and gas from some of the least accessible spots on the planet. Without them, there would have been more wars, as humanity battles for the dwindling stock of land-based fossil fuels to feed their lifestyle.

With over 70% of the Permian Basin in the United States now drilled, producers are finding that those rocks yield less oil (between 10% to 12% less oil per lateral foot, compared to 12 months ago). The evidence substantiates that the inventory developed from the Permian Basin will dwindle in about eight (8) years, and the global energy situation compound this news. BP estimated that total international oil reserves were over 1.5 trillion barrels (equivalent to some 40 years of consumption at current rates) at the end of 2021. Without offshore oil reserves (similar to the discoveries in Guyana) being exploited, the world could run out of fossil fuel in 27 years. In light of renewable energy sources still playing catch up, it would be reckless to try to shut down precious offshore resources such as the Stabroek Block.

Therefore, this is the time for the Guyanese authorities to seize the moment over these next five (5) years with a mission to position this nation into a leading Latin American oil producer, and use those resources to catapult our people from Third World status to First World status by 2030. Thus, this counterfeit mantra: that Guyana is adding the ingredients to the global “carbon bomb”, has to be rejected firmly by all Guyanese, because it is self-serving and is designed to deny the people of this nation the bounties from this territory.

For the record, there is a global “carbon bomb” that needs to be defused, but that bomb was created long before Guyana found oil, and was not created by this nation. Unfortunately, leaders in

countries like China, India, Canada, Australia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United States have the honour of owning that global “carbon bomb”, because they did not take adequate care in their exploitations.

But the facts would prove that this world has advanced technologically since Standard Oil was drilled almost 120 years ago. Oil is now being harvested more environmentally and more efficiently in 2022. So, why attempt to hold this nation hostage because we are doing the right thing at the right time?

With access to this new technology, the Guyanese authorities have a golden opportunity to partner with the Private Sector to harvest as much of its natural wealth as fast as possible for the wellbeing of its people, with one primary precondition being that all projects must be implemented in a manner that does not violate our net zero status.

Why should a nation with 18 million hectares of forests - which store almost 20 gigatonnes of Co2 - not have the freedom to access its oil resources while not violating its net zero status? There is an enormous oil shortage globally, and why should tiny Guyana not cash in on this bonanza, especially now that we have established the verifiable evidence that the local oil industry will not surpass the “carbon sequestration services” provided by the Guyanese forests?

As an independent nation, we must use the evidence of the failure of other countries to build our own experiences, but simultaneously seek to avoid their mistakes. The first objective

is to maintain a net zero status, and all the evidence has proven that Guyana continues to meet that objective.

But how dare the vocal minority, with their sanctimonious pomposity, seek to deny the people of this nation the bounty of our natural wealth? The evidence will illustrate that, today, 80% of the world’s energy needs are provided by fossil fuels. Still, this vocal minority is chattering about the world trying to get out of oil, when this is nothing but a mischaracterisation of the truth.

What is wrong if Guyana produces one (1) million barrels of oil by 2030, if it does not violate our net zero status? So what if Guyana becomes Exxon’s single largest source of daily oil production by 2030, if that project unleashes enormous capital for the Guyanese people while maintaining our net zero status? Don’t we have a right to lift our people by fulfilling their economic and social needs like any other nation? Don’t our people have a right to more modern bridges, more efficient transportation links, more functional hospitals, more technologically-friendly schools, a more-mechanised and higher-yielding agricultural sector, a more reliable electricity sector, and a housing sector that can secure the social wellbeing of all of our people?

What about our manufacturing sector and its access to lower-cost and more reliable energy for the next 40 years? How can it benefit? It can create new jobs and opportunities for further skills’ development.

In this Jaimi Joy photo, fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney, Australia on January 1, 2023

The challenge of ABCE diplomats in Guyana

Dear Editor,

The great Austrian diplomat and statesman Clemens von Metternich (1773-1859) declared in 1809 that the diplomatic strategy of the Habsburgs is “to avoid any engagements whatsoever and to flatter.” Metternich’s lesson may have been appropriate during the era of the Napoleonic Wars, when the balance of power was the dominant system of European continental security.

Metternich’s strategy in the longue durée was to forestall France’s bid for continental hegemony. It worked in part because, after the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, the Concert of Europe began its illustrious career.

It must be stressed that the Concert worked for Europe and in Europe, but not for the rest of the world. The nineteenth century saw the massive expansion of European imperial conquest. It took one hundred and thirty-three years (India’s independence in 1947) for the geometry of colonialism to

begin to fracture and disintegrate.

The formal independence of the hitherto colonised lands and peoples of the Third World was only one moment in the long history of our emancipation. Both before and after formal independence were the decades of struggles institutionally channelled through movements; including, but not limited to, Pan African Congresses, Satyagraha, (and Pan Africanism, more broadly) and, inter alia, the Bandung Conference in Indonesia.

Armed struggles for liberation were also waged in Kenya, Indonesia, Algeria, and Vietnam, among other places. The freedoms of today were earned by the people of the Third World.

The reflections above may also usefully serve as the basis for some thoughts about the role of ABCE and other diplomats in Guyana. The ABCE have a complicated role to play. The central question concerns direct intervention by residing Heads of Missions and their embassies. Surely,

Metternich’s perspective on engagement and flattery cannot work. We saw what happened in Rwanda, when more time was spent defining “genocide” than taking concrete steps to stop the mass killings. We are seeing the same thing in Myanmar, where the atrocities against the Rohingyas have not been met with the quality of coercive diplomacy that many think is necessary. Neither British splendid isolation of the early nineteenth century nor Metternich’s flattery (perhaps meant more for Napoléon than anyone else) would stand today.

Ann Lynch, Owen Arthur and Mia Mottley set a new standard of direct intervention. They did it to uphold the democratic will of the people.

The diplomacy of the ABE countries (not Canada) in Guyana is complicated for no other reason than that previous foreign interventions are partly responsible for many of the challenges this country now faces. The politics of race came directly out of Cold War global politics, when foreign intervention sowed the seeds of division. At a more structural level, our economy was configured around the economic interests of foreign planter classes and MNCs, without sufficient local content protections or horizontal integration such as is being developed in today’s oil and gas sector.

tinue to stand strong on the protection of democracy in Guyana. They have strong record in this area. It is also good to see more convergence of their economic interests with ours. What the ABE countries need to be careful about is not to mix up the internal history and politics of the United States with that of Guyana. The concern here is the extent to which the rhetoric of the Opposition to the PPP/C in Guyana is often constructed around images and imaginaries of oppression in America. Guyana has a dramatic post-independence history.

to avail resources aimed at broadening the base of entrepreneurial competence. A diversity-based fund for start-ups would go a far way in accelerating inclusive excellence.

Beauty, joy and growth in 2023

Dear Editor,

The year 2022 has highlighted the beauty and glory of Guyana. We have truly been blessed to have our wellbeing sought after by a most gracious and caring Government, and we are truly grateful.

Our President, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, and our Government and its committed Ministers are continuously working to bring relief, joy and goodwill to our people and nation. We truly have the unwavering support of the Government; we have received support in the form of cash grants, school cash grants, and support for agricultural losses, food sustenance, and medicines.

We call upon the political powerhouses: the Government and the Opposition, both of which have hearts of love for Guyana and all our people, to continue to work for our people and nation. In this respect, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric

Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation – Guyana, take this opportunity to extend a Happy New Year to His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali and family; distinguished members of the Government, the Opposition, and all our Divine brothers and sisters of Guyana.

So, as we usher in the New Year, 2023, let’s do so knowing that, as a people of this great nation, our determination and strength know no bounds. We are ready to grasp all opportunities that await us as we enter 2023. We hope that, with sound management and administration, our resources can be handled sustainably, thereby creating a multitude of opportunities for improving the lives of our people, and modernising our nation like that of a First World country.

We believe that the beauty of joy and growth can truly be magnified with thoughts of positivity, love and wisdom. Our people

In Guyana, the ABCE stood firmly against the attempts by the APNU-AFC to conduct election fraud. They stood up against all the technologies employed by the leading intellectuals of the PNCR, WPA, and AFC, who were determined to publicly steal votes by a combination of intimidation and harassment of polling agents. BUT the ABCE were not alone; the stalwarts were also from the Caribbean. Apropos, the indefatigable SarahAnd as to this argument that coastal Guyana is expected to be under water by 2030 because of the oil development in the Stabroek Block, it is nothing but intellectual dishonesty on the part of the messengers. The rising seawater situation was in the narrative 35 years ago - when I was in high school, and long before the Stabroek Block.

yearn for the cooperation of our leaders, in order for us to truly galvanise ourselves and magnify our personalities into a true concept of the One People, One Nation, One Destiny philosophy.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan

The challenge of the ABCE countries is to con -

This writer strongly supports the ABCE’s perspectives on diversity and inclusive growth. We should proceed in no other way. I know that inclusive growth and inclusive excellence are indivisible, and I urge the diplomatic community

It is the new year, and we have new opportunities. 2022 was a great challenge, but we made it through. Please allow me to personally express thanks to the diplomatic community for their hard work. And, of course, special thanks go to the departing American Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch. Thank you for your sustained “engagement”. You have been the antidote to Metternich.

(The opinions expressed here are my own, and are not related in whole or in part to my place of employment).

Sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

Time to position Guyana into...

of our shores is disingenuous and exposes a nasty attempt at subterfuge and deception.

Not once have they sought to tell the truth that the Stabroek Block is expected to have six (6) FPSOs by 2027, and even with these six (6) systems, it would take 15 years for them to generate the volume of Co2 stored by the Guyanese forest in a single year.

lished – real bricks and mortar, not more talk), Guyana has a right to continue to harvest its oil and gas resources as an economic project to uplift the financial wellbeing of its people.

So, dredge it up now, and attempt to repackage it, as it is a problem created today in Guyana because the oil and gas sector’s development off

In conclusion, until there is an installed alternative to replace fossil fuel globally (for emphasis, I said estab-

The Government of Guyana has the ethical responsibility to think about the Guyanese people first. If fulfilling that commitment means harvesting more oil from the sea, then so be it.

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

Iam convinced that there are now more squibs, firecrackers and miscellaneous explosive devices than ever before, notwithstanding the fact that many of these noise-makers are actually banned or are controlled by restrictive import legislation.

A few weeks ago, during

Well, firecracker or squib, or any type of noise-making explosive, all hurt and create distress in animals, especially our socialised companion animals.

Dogs and cats have very sensitive ears and eyes. The noise and sudden repetitively brilliant lights from the explosions disorient and trau

away from home (you can see them wandering around our roads lost and with anxious looks), or are struck down by uncaring motorists and left to die agonising deaths at the side of the road. These are the gruesome scenes after every fireworks-laced celebration.

Year after year, we have

Day/Phagwah/Diwali celebration by concomitantly increasing the decibel and light levels of our explosive “toys”. Consequently, we must now turn our attention to the protection of our pets (wards) by applying methodologies which can reduce their anxiety disorders and general suffering.

be long-lasting, even so indelibly etched in their brains as to be irreversible. In such cases, we speak of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [We have gotten to know this term from afflicted soldiers returning from wars].

Symptoms of noise/ light-related anxiety

hide in the bathroom when the necessity arises. You can visit him often with treats and general TLC. Let him/ her have his/her accustomed toys. Do not be abusive to your dog if he/she defecates/ urinates in your bathroom. Give cats a pet cage/box with their favourite blankets and toys.

Ensure water is always

Days prior to the expected increase in decibel/ light intensity levels, take

the Divali celebrations, there seemed to be more squibs, firecrackers and fireworks than diyas. Gone are the days when kids produced noise for short periods from carbon, spittle and an Ovaltine tin.

ma - tise them. They run indoors, and try to hide in secluded places where they think there is security (bathrooms, under beds, in cupboards, etc). They hurt themselves when they jump of verandahs, run

revellers to reduce/cease the use of fireworks/squibs during holidays and festive seasons. I must admit that it seems now to be an embedded part of our “Kultcha” to enjoy a “good” New Year’s Eve/ Independence Day/Republic

Firstly, let us look at the symptoms exhibited by our companion animals (as a reaction to explosive devices), which can reveal the level of distress the animals are enduring. Some symptoms can

* Uncontrolled urination (incontinence)/defecation.

* Incessant barking/ howling/whining.

* Heavy breathing (panting).

* Attempting to run away from their normal environments (jumping over fence, running into/out of the house, impaling/damaging themselves on security fences, etc).

* Hiding (running into the bathroom, under the bed, in the wardrobe, etc).

* Inappetence (loss of appetite).

* Drooling (streams of saliva hanging from the mouth).

* Actually trying to cover their ears and eyes.

* Trembling (uncontrollable shaking).

* Tucking tails under their bellies.

* Dilated pupils of the eyes are obvious.

* Exhibition of behavioural patterns not usually associated with your pet (eg. increased water intake; unusual aggression; running away from humans, even their owners; etc).

Treatment

The treatment should mostly mirror the cause of the symptoms. For example, if the pet is fixated on removing itself from the stressor (noise/light), then we must provide such accommodation. The focus is to calm your pet and reinforce its self-confidence.

1: I mostly advise that during the celebrative silly season, allow your dog to

for walks on a leash (exercise). In fact, play games (“fetch”, wrestling, etc) with your pet. Reinforce your pet’s confidence.

4: I swear that textbooks advise playing soothing melodies/music to ease the stress. It seems that turning on the TV/radio at low level also works well. (N.B: it has been proven that both dogs and cats have favourite T.V. shows).

Actually, there are apps that create soothing sounds. Video streaming websites also have playlists of calming music or ambient noise.

5: Close the curtains.

6: One wise and caring suggestion is to play, at a lower noise level, recordings of fireworks explosions regularly (prior to the expected fireworks show) to help desensitise your dog to unaccustomed loud noises.

7: Ask your vet for advice. He/she may, after discussion with the pet owner/care-giver, recommend medication to keep your companion animal calm during excessive fireworks’ displays.

In conclusion, let it be clear: In a civilised world, the incessant and unrelenting terrorising of animals, our fellow travellers on this spaceship Earth, should not be considered a joke, giving us some weird form of joy. Subjecting/exposing animals to unnecessary cruelty via long-term use of squibs/ firecrackers/fireworks is one of the great cruelties we can administer to animals.

Please accept our kindest and best wishes for 2023.

Govt aims for Guyana to reach US$30,000 per capita GDP by 2030 – VP Jagdeo

…says diversifying economy an important part of strategy

Reducing poverty continues to be one of the Government’s priorities and as such, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo related that with the policies implemented by the Government, Guyana is hoping to achieve a US$30,000 per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.

Per capita GDP is used to compute the average earning power of citizens. According to the Vice President, the Government has a plan it is following to reach the level of US$30,000 per capita.

“How are we going to lay out the plans so that our country becomes transformed in the future economically? Our per capita GDP, we’re targeting about US$30,000 per capita by 2030. It would probably be about US$35,000 per capita.

“It means that we will be like half of the per capita GDP of the USA. I recall the early days when I was Minister of Finance. Our per capita GDP was US$300, close to Haiti.

Haiti today is probably $500, $600 [US]. And ours, now we’re about US$17,000 per capita,” the Vice President said.

According to Jagdeo, an important aspect of their strategy is diversifying the economy. This means focusing not just on oil and gas, but on other sectors like agriculture. Jagdeo gave the example of corn and soya, which he said would one day be exported.

The Vice President also urged persons not to succumb to the victim mentality encouraged by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC). He also applauded those who ignore the Opposition’s messages and utilise the opportunities that are provided by the State.

“I keep saying to people. Don’t ever believe you’re a victim. If you start believing you’re a victim and negative propaganda, then you become a victim. You have to utilise every opportunity in society.”

It was revealed in September by the mid-year report that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 36.4 per cent for the first half of 2022, on the back of growth in a number of economic sectors such as the agricultural and mining sectors.

According to the report, in addition to Guyana’s GDP growth, non-oil economic growth was 8.3 per cent. This, according to the Finance Ministry, reflects the Government’s supportive policy. In addition, the outlook for the rest of the year will continue to be favourable.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh noted that upon assumption of office by the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government, the Administration recognised the importance of a strong, diversified economic base. As such, even in the early days of oil production, the Administration placed the highest level of importance on a resilient non-oil economy.

The aim, according to Dr Singh, was to modernise the economy’s traditional pillars and usher in a rapidly-growing and highly-competitive non-oil economy. This, he noted, is evident in the nation’s non-oil economic growth at the end of the first half.

While the economy has grown and is projected to keep growing, so too is inflation, in light of the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has exacerbated disruptions in the supply chain and has resulted in global surges in food prices.

“Guyana has not been spared. Consumer prices were 4.9 per cent higher than levels recorded at the end of 2021 and this was due largely to higher food and energy prices… Given the existing geopolitical tensions globally, inflation is now projected to be 5.8 per cent for 2022,” the Finance Ministry said.

The mid-year report also recounted the various measures the Government adopted, such as reducing the excise tax on petroleum from 20 per cent to 10 per cent at the time of the Budget 2022 presentation. This was reduced even further from 10 per cent

to 0 per cent in March.

“Additionally, Government also utilised $1 billion for the purchase and distribution of

fertiliser to farmers across the country, $800 million to provide cash grants to households in the hinterland and

riverine communities, among a number of other interventions,” the Ministry had also explained.

“Best is yet to come in...

“We have kept our promise to resuscitate the traditional sectors. As a consequence, the non-oil economy is expected to register a growth of almost 10% for 2022.”

The buoyancy of the local economy supported a fastpaced, energetic, but careful rollout of our national transformative agenda. Progress was made in advancing major infrastructural initiatives, including the gas-toshore project, the Corentyne River Bridge project and the proposed new Demerara River Bridge.

He added that transformation is also taking place at the community level while noting that a massive programme of improving community roads is being rolled out across the country; recreational facilities are being enhanced and drainage improved.

“Over the past year, our people continued to benefit from better social services. For thousands of Guyanese, the New Year will find them either in their own homes or on their way to becoming new homeowners.

In 2022, we increased access to potable water to more than 15,000 persons, and plans are advanced to ensure that some 100,000 more persons benefit from treated water and through improvements to our water supply system. Our aged electricity network is being upgraded to provide a more stable supply of electricity even as

plans are in train for increasing generation.”

In education, he related that the school children continue to excel at regional examinations.

Further, he posited that the elderly and vulnerable population was supported through increased pensions, social assistance, cash grants and the payment of annual disability grants.

The investments made in public security have led to a decline in serious crime by 19 per cent - the lowest reported rate for such crimes in a decade. Further, he added that in 2022, public sector workers benefited from enhanced remuneration. Thousands are now benefitting from the part-time jobs being created by the government. The national minimum wage was increased and measures implemented to address the rise in the cost of living, a problem which continues to plague citizens around the world.

“Guyana led from the front in its relations with the Caribbean and the rest of the world, particularly in the area of food security and climate change. The signing of the historic agreement for the sale of carbon credits attests to our commitment to protect the environment while ensuring revenues for national development. Indeed, on all fronts, the past year has afforded Guyanese the opportunity for a better life.”

APNU/AFC

Meanwhile, A Partnership

for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), led by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, promised to ramp up its opposition to the Government and its policies in the New Year.

In their New Year Day message, Norton even laid out how the opposition would oppose the Government. Among their plans is to continue their agitation for biometrics at places of poll during the elections.

They also noted that they would continue to pressure the government to implement cost-of-living relief measures… something the Government has been doing all year, with salary increases, billions of dollars in targeted cash grants, and measures to slash fuel prices.

“May Guyana remain a Blessed country as I once more wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2023! May the Lord bless you all! HAPPY NEW YEAR as we pursue a bright future for all Guyana as we forge ahead in developing One People, One Nation, One Destiny!”

“In 2022, we engaged the diplomatic community and the US Congress with support from Guyanese in the Diaspora. To those Guyanese we express our heartfelt appreciation. We will continue to engage the diplomatic community and widen the list of countries and international organizations we engage in 2023,” Norton also said in his New Year message.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

PSC calls for recommendations on enhancing local content law to be adopted

– wants TVET to be available to Grade 8 students to build technical workforce

As efforts are underway to review the First Schedule of Guyana’s Local Content Law, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is urging the Local Content Secretariat to adopt several of its recommendations that are aimed at further enhancing the legislation.

This call was made by PSC Chairman Paul Cheong, in his review of the Commission’s 2022 performance.

According to Cheong, advocating for local content in the oil and gas sector remains high on the PSC’s agenda.

In December, an assessment of the First Schedule of the Local Content Law was conducted to look at the 40 services that oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors must procure from Guyanese as prescribed in the Local Content Act.

The First Schedule of the Local Content Act sets out the minimum threshold and level for local content in relation to the procurement of goods and services. There are 40 areas, with local participation up to 100 per cent in some sectors.

Ahead of that review, the PSC held a Local Content Forum in November during which local businesses put forward several recommendations they would like to see incorporated into the law.

“That report has been submitted to the Local Content Secretariat, and the Private Sector Commission is looking forward to seeing a number of those recommendations taken on board,” Cheong stated.

According to the PSC Chairman, since the enact-

ment of the Local Content Law in January 2022, Guyanese businesses have increased their capacity to service the industry and continue to do so. As such, he contended that it was time for those targets to be revised to allow more local businesses to provide the goods and services required in the oil and gas sector.

The PSC, the Chairman added, welcomes the Government’s commitment regarding the drafting of regulations and guidelines to accompany the Local Content Act and stands ready to work with the Administration as well as key stakeholders to ensure that these are put in place at the earliest.

“Even with the current legislation, we call for greater monitoring and enforcement, only through this will there be compliance and a serious effort at effecting local content,” he stressed.

The PSC had first lobbied for the 40 services to be increased at the Local Content Forum last November.

Cheong pointed out that the capacity and skills of Guyanese have expanded, with many companies investing heavily in this and establishing partnerships to boost local capacity.

But Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had pointed out that the capacity deficit still existed and should be analysed beforehand.

“We need to recognise that there is a capacity deficit in Guyana. It is a fact. Nobody is to be blamed, because we are moving at such a speed, sometimes it is hard to keep up. So, we need to ensure that we build the capacity to truly benefit from local content. The

Government is open to revising the schedule, but do we truly have the capacity?” Minister Bharrat had asked.

Building technical capacity

In his statement, however, the PSC Chairman said that the Private Sector has not lost sight of the lack of skilled labour in the technical areas. He acknowledged that there continued to be high demand for ventilation and air conditioning technicians, diesel mechanics, electricians, heavy-duty machine operators and drivers, to name a few.

To this end, Cheong revealed that the Commission continued to discuss this matter with a view to coming up with short-, medium-, and long-term solutions.

“In the interim, the PSC would like to see more collaboration with educational institutions to have the school curriculum revised in a manner that allows Technical Vocational Education and Training [TVET] to be available to students from Grade Eight,” he stated.

To complement this shift in technical development, the Chairman noted that the PSC, via its membership, was open to facilitating Apprenticeship Programmes to provide the practical experience to accompany the theoretical dis-

course in the classrooms. With this approach, he stated that Guyana could see hundreds of persons being trained and ready for employment from the age of 16.

According to Cheong, “It allows them to be well acclimatised to Guyana's production and manufacturing operations, thereby making a smooth and effective transition to Private Sector operations. The time has come to create a new Guyana – let us start with our young minds!”

The PSC Chairman pointed out that 2022 was a busy year for the Private Sector with local companies working tirelessly to build capacity, establish relationships, form partnerships, and formalise business plans to operate in a burgeoning oil and gas economy. He declared that the Private Sector intended to play a major role in the growth of Guyana which is already underway. However, the PSC Head charged that focus be placed on present opportunities while preparing to take advantage of those yet to come. “As Guyana’s economy catapults the nation forward, the need for a vibrant and strong Private Sector is paramount in meeting its demands,” he stated.

To this end, Cheong said that the PSC, through its members, has been engaging in consultations for which several budgetary measures were drafted for the National Budget 2023. These measures, he added, are designed to bring relief to businesses and Guyanese, directly or indirectly, as well as aid in the development of the local Private Sector and the country at large.

Going forward into the new year, the Chairman said the PSC would continue to play its role in promoting a conducive environment where businesses can flourish by working with all stakeholders to address the needs of the business community.

On this note, he announced that in 2023, the PSC would be hosting a sensitisation forum on Initial Public Offering (IPO) – going public.

“We believe that having Guyanese companies go public would assist in raising capital to transform local businesses and the economy at large… 2023 is set to be another busy and exciting year for us. We look forward to working further on the many initiatives to stimulate Private Sector development,” Cheong posited.

New Year…

…musings

When your Eyewitness was in school, during the short pants’ years, he always forgot to write the year correctly when he returned following the Christmas Holidays. Well, he still gotta be reminded, because he just had to change the year on this piece!! Is it because he’s back in short pants?!!

OK…we actually made it into another year, so let’s be thankful that we weren’t one of the 122 persons, or about the same number, killed in vehicular accidents on our Wild West roadways.

Now, this is the time for making resolutions, right?? So, your Eyewitness wants to know what resolution he can make so he doesn’t get murdered or run over by some maniac when he steps out on the roads?? What he thinks is that the Police should be making some resolutions to put away criminals and deter others who might have murderous thoughts! And, for sure, stop giving out driver’s licences to folks who at best are used to driving cattle!! And then, to compound matters, they allow all sorts of unlawful behaviours on the roads, once they collect a Granger or two when they demand to see your (unlawfully obtained?) driver’s licence!!

But seriously, folks, all this nonsense – and a whole heap of other unhealthy shenanigans – would stop if the political elites sit down and act like statesmen and women. Meaning, act for the good of the country! Ironically, such actions would also redound to their benefit - cause every man, woman and child just wants his/her life to be improved. Now, the PPP are right now just doing their darndest to do that, because they realise that’s the road to being elected again and again. True, they’ve got the advantage of incumbency, so they’re doling out the goodies – not just handouts, but houses and house lots! – to create a whole new generation who’ll now have something to protect, and so would not riot!!

The Opposition know this, and that’s why your Eyewitness is pretty sure they’ll try to get their licks in sooner rather than later. That decision, of course, would further deal their chances of ever getting back into office another death blow!! They inflicted the first one themselves when they got into office with some votes from the AFC, and then proceeded to not only treat the AFC like dirt – but also crapped all over them. The crap, of course, was the unilateral closure of the sugar estates, when their own CoI advised them not to do that!!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness would advise Norton to ignore the fellas snorting fire and demanding he does the same. As a seasoned politician, Norton knows all incumbents have an Achilles heel of unfulfilled expectations from their own base. Just exploit that for 2024!!

…and sugar

Well, in this New Year, we’re also carrying along a woeful piece of news that’s gonna have repercussions. The Sugar Union, GAWU, just issued a critical statement informing the nation that the sugar industry couldn’t even make its tremendously modest (shameful?) annual production target of 64,889 tonnes!! Seems that the season – the “big crop” – closed off at 47,011 tonnes, a full 17,898 tonnes (27%) in shortfall.

GAWU educated your Eyewitness by pointing out that the shortfall can’t entirely be blamed on excessive rainfall, since the target is set by the amount of cane to be cut and processed; and this was done. So, what happened? Was the cane not up to scratch with its sucrose content?? Was the recovery rate of extraction lower than the standard?? Once again, GAWU took a shot at “management”.

All in all, it’s clear that we’re transitioning into a new, modern, oil-fuelled (in more ways than one!) economy; but we know we gotta keep that economy diversified. We gotta make some decisions in 2023!!

…lower inflation

Your Eyewitness’s last wish is that the inflation rate be brought under control. That it’s a global problem won’t cut any ice with the 58% living in precarity. They’ll be voting in 2024. In anger!!

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

We will reduce poverty, expand middle class – Pres Ali tells Al Jazeera

lives of citizens

the gender gap report that came out. You will see the magnificent improvement in Guyana. We improved by more than 35 places or more. The gender gap report. Look at our enrolment rate,” the President said.

“So, not only will we put a dent in that, a significant dent, but we are creating and moving in a direction to where more people will move to a position in which not only basic poverty levels is addressed, but the issue of empowerment and disposable income is addressed, to the extent that more persons will be graduating to the middle class.”

for 2022 is by far the highest in the region.

It was revealed in September by the mid-year report that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 36.4 per cent for the first half of 2022, on the back of growth in a number of economic sectors such as the agricultural and mining sectors.

Cognisant of the percentage of Guyanese who still live in poverty, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that his Government is committed to not only reducing poverty but also expanding the middle class.

President Ali gave these assurances during an interview with the international news agency Al Jazeera, representatives of which are present in Guyana. Asked by the interviewer if he was looking to make a dent in the poverty statistics, the President noted that he was looking to do this and more.

“One of the important things that we must do: improve disposable income in

every household. To give people access to basic facilities – water, electricity, food, those things we’ve put in place. We understand what it takes to manage the country, without resources. So, we more than understand the responsibility that comes with managing a country with resources, with this opportunity to transform the life of every single person,” President Ali laid out.

He also pointed out that the Government was already making progress in improving disposable income, referring to recent advances in reducing the gender gap. In the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, Guyana was ranked 35th in

the world and second in the Caribbean. According to the report, Guyanese men and women have near equal access to financial services, land, and non-land assets.

“Look at the latest report,

Three years after oil production began here, Guyana is currently the fastest-growing economy in the world. The projected economic growth of over 50 per cent

According to the report, in addition to Guyana’s GDP growth, non-oil economic growth was 8.3 per cent. This, according to the Finance Ministry, reflects the Government’s supportive policy. In addition, the outlook for the rest of the year will continue to be favourable.

“For the full year, real GDP growth in 2022 is now projected at 56 per cent overall, and non-oil GDP growth

at 9.6 per cent, maintaining Guyana’s position of global leader in economic growth,” the Ministry of Finance said. The report noted that the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are estimated to have expanded by 10.9 per cent in the first six months of 2022. These figures were driven by higher production from the other crops, forestry and livestock sub-sectors, in spite of weaker performances in the sugar, rice and fishing industries. The sector is now expected to grow by 11.9 per cent.

With respect to the mining and quarrying sectors, these are estimated to have grown by 64.6 per cent in the first half of the year, with a revised 2022 forecast of 99.9 per cent driven by growth in the petroleum and other extractive industries.

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the interview with Al Jazeera

Govt secured CDB funding to construct 6 new water treatment plants in 2023

…hundreds of community roads to be fixed by mid-year – Min Rodrigues

The Housing and Water Ministry aims to continue making a positive impact on the lives of citizens across the country by addressing various frustrations they face with regard to community roads and water quality and access.

This was noted by Minister

within the Ministry, Susan Rodrigues during a televised programme on Wednesday during which she revealed that in the new year, hundreds of community roads would be fixed, new water treatment plants would be established, and access to potable water across the country would be

expanded.

Rodrigues reminded that the Government has rolled out a massive road upgrade programme whereby works on 1200 roads were tendered through the collaboration of the Ministries of Housing, Public Works, and Local Government and Regional Development.

“I know that a lot of people, especially on the East Bank (of Demerara) corridor in some of our housing schemes – Providence, Covent Garden, Peter’s Hall, Farm – I know a lot of people in those communities complain a lot about the state of the roads in those housing schemes, but I can assure you that we’ve gone out for tender for 1200 roads, 600 of which have been awarded already, and works will commence very shortly,” she explained.

The others, she noted, are in the process of evaluation and subsequent award.

“So, people will see a great relief by mid next year, there will be a tremendous relief among people in our housing schemes and across the regions, because this was a project that we undertook across several regions. So, Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six will see upgrades throughout their regions within communities,” Minister Rodrigues emphasised.

According to her, the Government will continue to do “everything we can to address the state of roads in existing schemes, in building new road networks to ensure that we open new lands for housing. We are working assiduously to ensure that we improve the water that you are receiving in your homes.”

As it stands, the country is at 99 per cent access to water on the coastland and the goal is to increase this to 100 per cent soon.

The Minister also recognised that persons on the coastland face woes with regard to access to treated water – something which the Government is also working assiduously to address.

Currently, treated water coverage on the coastland stands at 52 per cent and the goal is to reach 90 per cent by 2025.

Minister Rodrigues revealed that the Government had conducted an analysis in all coastland regions to identify gaps as it relates to water treatment plants. She said it was determined that 13 new plants would be needed to meet the goal of 90 per cent

coverage by 2025.

“We have seen over the last few months, we were able to sign contracts for the construction of seven new water treatment plants, so this will significantly improve access to treated water once those seven new water treatment plants have been constructed,” she noted.

According to the Minister, funding has already been secured from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the remaining six water treatment plants – contracts for which will be signed in the new year.

Minister Rodrigues also noted that contracts have been signed to upgrade about a dozen existing water treatment plants with the aim of producing better quality water for communities.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

Systems of power must be addressed

As we enter a new year, we unfortunately carry along a nowcentury-old conflict about the differential socioeconomic development of several groups in our country. This conflict has stirred fears that have sporadically precipitated violence. Of recent, there have been two approaches in analysing the phenomenon towards crafting possible solutions. One stresses proximate factors, such as alleged differential awards of contracts, savings rates, investment, and entrepreneurial behaviour etc; the other asks us to consider the role of systemic factors, such as institutions and culture –which reflexively mutually influence each other.

But our history has taught us that we are operating within a historical world system that developed since Europe’s colonization of the world from the 15th century – ironically, with us as early colonial guinea pigs. After WWII, the dominant Liberal paradigm that promised political, economic and cultural independence after our long “tutelage” was challenged within a “Cold War” between the USSR and USA. The former promoted a socialist/communist mode of socioeconomic development, while the latter pushed its modernisation theory with its Rostowian “stages of growth” economic component.

Burnham’s socialist co-operative experiment from the 1960s imploded through its racial and economic contradictions, exposed by the communist PPP and the Marxist/Black Power-influenced WPA. Guyana had to adopt the neo-liberal “Washington Consensus” prescriptions of privatisation, stabilisation, and liberalisation of markets by 1989. As we are on the cusp of an incipient Cold War between the USA and China, the world system still constrains our policy choices, and this absolutely must be factored into our deliberations/policies going forward.

One synthesising critique was presented by the Latin American theorist Anibal Quijano, which he called the “Coloniality of Power”. He demonstrated that while “colonialism” might have ended, its structural features, dubbed “coloniality”, remain firmly in place. Quijano posits that we were all conscripted by a European-defined “modernity”, which began in 1492 with the conquest of the Americas. It has developed and extended the structures of power, control, and hegemony that emerged during the era of colonialism. He demonstrated that the “Coloniality of Power” takes three forms: systems of racial hierarchies; systems of knowledge; and systems of culture.

“Race” was created by Europeans to justify African enslavement by using Christian myths, including a “Great Chain of Being”, with God on top, followed by his angels, then mankind - with Europeans on top and Africans at the bottom. Other nonEuropean groups, like Indians and Chinese, were placed into intermediate positions – over which they still fight to exchange their ultimate subaltern statuses. In Guyana, Indentured Indians were relegated to the bottom of the racial ladder, and their subsequent efforts to challenge the ironic racism from the African and Coloured elite precipitated violence against them. “Race” still matters in every country in the world, even where there was no African slavery. Consequently, our local efforts to eliminate its effects must be joined globally.

“Race” always had a material base. Quijano asserts: “The other process was the constitution of a new structure of control of labour and its resources and products.” This was achieved through the development of the capitalist world system, with the global racial/ethnic hierarchy of Europeans and non-Europeans being an integral part. It included transitional forms such as Indentureship, which was an important cog in the extension of coloniality from slavery. Presently, immigrants to the West from the rest is the latest manifestation.

The Eurocentric “Systems of knowledge” should be taken into consideration as we tinker with our institutions and culture to deal with our unique contingencies. Quijano writes, “Europe’s hegemony over the new model of global power concentrated all forms of the control of subjectivity, culture, and especially knowledge and the production of knowledge under its hegemony.” In attempting to create liberating Guyanese cultures and institutions, we should be aware that we will be using “the tools of the master”.

We therefore all live within a multiplicity of colonialities: conquest and modernity; race; the nation; sexuality; gender; the hegemonic and hegemonised mind etc. For us to create sustainable plans to alter our status quo positively, we need to appreciate the constraints at the individual, group, state/ nation and global levels. For instance, why should we denigrate other groups racially/ethnically when we ourselves are suffering from that scorn from others through hierarchies of race? Then how do we deliver equity and equality of opportunity for all groups in our country within a neo-liberal paradigm that systematically generates inequalities?

Cognizant of our constraints, we have suggested a Nordictype socialist democratic system.

Ravi Dev

Green Resolutions

2023 is here!

As we begin a new year, we can put the festive season behind us. It’s time to make projections for the year ahead, bearing in mind how we thought we fared in 2022.

The management and staff of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wish all our readers a prosperous 2023. The Agency hope that the last twelve months that you spent with us were not just rewarding, but also reinforced your passion for nature and environmental protection.

It is usual for people, going into the new year, to make resolutions about things they would like to accomplish. It is unfortunate that most new year resolutions fall by the wayside, because of complacency and the tendency to fall back into our old habits.

Habits are not easy to change; therefore, it is important to be persistent and committed to the goals we set for the new year. As

we make our resolutions and opt to keep them, let us examine our actions towards the environment, and include some resolutions to enhance the quality of the environment and our lives.

With a better understanding of our role in life regarding protecting and managing our environment, it should be our desire to be better stewards of the environment.

Here are some little but significant actions you can take to help the environment in 2023; we can call them our “Green Resolutions”.

We can think about our choices:

Choose alternatives to plastic

Switching to a reusable alternative over plastic would slow down the rate at which plastics enter our landfills, oceans and waterways; prevent wildlife such as our turtles from ingesting harmful toxic chemicals from which plastics are manufactured; and, most importantly, change our 'throwaway culture'.

Choosing alternatives which include cloth, paper, bamboo etc. over plastics would increase the use to reusable alternatives like tote bags; paper cups/mugs; and metal, paper, or even glass straws.

Choose reusable over disposable

Without becoming a hoarder, it is good practice to find new uses for everything before we commit to throwing anything out. Reducing and recycling are already at the top of our minds on a daily basis, but it is evident that many of us are quick to throw out things which in fact can be reused in more ways than one. We can significantly reduce the amount of waste we generate. This can also help us save money, or create a new source of income for crafty hands!

Choose to plant a tree

Some spaces have it, some don’t. Whether you plant a flower, herb or tree, this one act of greenness can change the future, and is another small yet ever-so-significant resolution we can so easily commit to. If we each planted one tree in 2023, the world would indeed be a greener and better place to live in. Trees and plants will store carbon dioxide throughout their lives, helping to slow the buildup of heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere, which has been rapidly warming.

Choose to conserve water

As children, we were often lectured about conserving water. It is not until we are forced to live and function without water that we realise how much water we use, and how much we need water. Even as water is becoming a scarce resource, humans still abuse this natural element of our earth. Take steps to use water sustainably, including fixing leaky pipes, harvesting and using rainwater, and avoiding food waste.

Being aware of the millions of people who are forced to go without clean water on a daily basis helps us to value what many of us have taken for granted for years. With the Sustainable Development Goal 6 being about "clean water and sanitation for all", we are impelled to make an effort to be conscious and aware of how much water we need, want, and use in 2023.

Conserving water can make so profound an impact that it would be beneficial to us for years and centuries to come.

There are, of course, many other Earth-friendly habits we can incorporate into our daily lives, going forward.

Happy New Year! And best wishes to all our readers for a productive and rewarding 2023, as we work together for a clean and healthy Guyana.

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

For nurses at GPHC, working on Christmas Day was an honour to serve humanity

By Fiona Morrison

Hospitals never close. In fact, they provide a 24-hour service, seven days per week, 365 days per year.

While Christmas Day is an automatic day-off for some, the same privilege is not given to healthcare workers due to the nature of their work.

Accidents, illnesses and emergencies do not take a day-off. For some nurses attached to Guyana’s main health institution – the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) – working on Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day is an honour, as they serve humanity.

During a recent interview with Guyana Times, they shared their experience working on these two days and what they did to put their patients in the festive spirit. For most of them, it was a mixture of happiness and sadness.

They were happy to help patients, including newborn babies, but at the same time, they were sad to be away from their families and friends.

Tiffany Scott, a Registered Nurse, who holds a Bachelor of Science (Nursing) degree and is attached to the GPHC’s Maternity High Dependency Unit (HDU), shared that most of her patients were not in the Christmas spirit, because they all wanted to go home.

According to her, among

the patients in the HDU are high-risk mothers, including those who have given birth and have high blood pressure, or had a seizure before and after pregnancy.

“Patients who have been in the ICU [Intensive Care Unit] for a few days, they would step down to HDU. They would be there until they are well enough to be transferred to the open ward or to be discharged to

go home,” said Scott who has been in the profession for seven years.

For some patients, the presence of hospital staff who genuinely care for them can be a source of companionship and comfort. Scott shared that her supervisor had their workplace decorated to “lift the spirit” of mothers who were kept at the hospital on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Tiffany Scott

Nickacy McDonald

Shanesa Russell

Chonnette King

For nurses at GPHC, working on Christmas...

Asked to explain how Christmas Day at work went, the nurse related, “It was boring. Their [the mothers’] family came to visit them. A lot of them were not happy to be spending the holidays there. It was no special kind of feeling. I had to be there to work with them.”

“I am very jovial and a few of them were laugh -

ing,” related Scott as she disclosed that fortunately, no one died. Scott was also on duty last year on Christmas Day.

As a nurse, she offered that “it is a really great experience to know that someone has recovered enough to be placed in a step-down unit [HDU]. To the general public, the ICU is like if you’re go -

ing to die. So, when they come out, especially mothers, it is a good feeling. They were able to get discharged, because when I came back the following day, most of them were not there.”

Working on Christmas Day was a wonderful experience, related Registered Nurse Shanesa Russell, BSN, who works at the hos -

pital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She confessed that she would always choose to work on Christmas Day.

“In our department, we always look forward to that moment when mothers can come. We try to dress our babies in Santa hats just to give the mothers that extra feeling to know that even though we

are not at home, we can still have that Christmas joy,” added Russell, who has been working at the GPHC for almost a decade.

According to her, her unit cares for babies who are born with birth abnormalities or respiratory distress. The Registered Nurse, who has worked on Christmas Day for the past five consecutive years, noted that the staff at the GPHC always would try their best to ensure that each patient survived.

Nurse Russell, in concluding, pointed out that nursing was not just a science but a work of art that required great empathy and courage. “When a career and a passion come together, you will not just do your work, but you will put love into your actions.”

On the other hand, for Staff Nurse Nickacy McDonald working on Christmas Eve Day was “nice”, because different persons came and distributed toys to the children. She explained that the Paediatric Unit was known for having the best Christmas decorations:

“We decorated the unit and ensured that it looked

lovely, so that the kids could have taken pictures with their parents. They [the children] were very happy.”

McDonald has been on staff at the GPHC for a year and is looking forward to many, many more.

Chonnette King, of the Paediatric Medical Unit, related that working on Christmas Day, like any other holiday, was amazing, because different charities would come and distribute presents and goodie bags to the patients.

She added that the nurses would help to distribute the items to the children and their parents, and that “experience is a remarkable one”.

Joining the nursing profession was a personal choice for King, who had to care for her ailing grandmother before she passed. “Being able to take care of her before she passed was a very fulfilling feeling. That drove me to want to help others,” a smiling King stated.

The nurses are looking forward to serving the public in 2023 and extended wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to everyone.

Guyanese women defy COVID challenges to become successful skincare entrepreneurs

Despite the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, two Guyanese women found inspiration to take a huge risk and plunge themselves into the world of entrepreneurship by launching their own skincare lines which guarantee natural, chemical-free selfcare products.

Today, these women, Earlecia Heironymo, 24, and Rei-Launya Amsterdam, 31, are lead -

ing successful businesses and have all intentions of taking their brands to the next level.

Khayr

Organics

Heironymo, owner of Khayr Organics, first launched her brand in March 2020.

“Khayr Organics is a personal care company for the conscious human. We curate personal care and wellness products for men, women, and babies seeking

healthier lifestyle choices,” she told Guyana Times

The thriving entrepreneur recalled wanting to develop her skincare line, because she believed persons, including herself, needed healthier options for wholesome wellness.

She added that she wanted to bring plantbased products to the market and show people that there were things right around them that could be used to heal their bodies

and make them feel beautiful.

“I felt like persons, as well as myself, needed healthier options for wholesome wellness. I think that self-care is quite important and I wanted to bring plant-based products to the market… to show people that the things that we consume, the things that are growing around us are the same things that can be used in these products to heal us and to help us feel confident and beautiful,” Heironymo explained.

The businesswoman noted too that the creation of her business was inspired by her desire to

live a healthier lifestyle as well as help the people around her become aware that there were healthier options available as opposed to the chemical-filled products which are manufactured and sold by most cosmetic brands.

“I believe that my plant-based products bring a solution to those persons who are more conscious about what they use, how they use it, where it is coming from, and the process it is being manufactured by,” she stated.

Some of the products available at Khayr Organics are hair oils, shampoos, leave-in condi -

tioners, deep conditioners, scalp scrubs, body scrubs, body butters, shower gels, and much more.

In her vision for the near future, this ambitious young woman sees herself becoming an international name. The goal, she said, is to expand her reach and have her products sold in supermarkets and beauty supply stores, and to supply hotels and salons with bulk products. Additionally, she has plans to start manufacturing consumables and have Khayr become a widereach wellness brand.

Rei-Launya Amsterdam, owner of Eden Clay

Earlecia Heironymo, owner of Khayr Organics

Guyanese women defy COVID challenges...

where skincare was either two things: mundane or just to address a specific skin issue, there wasn’t a lot of time and presence that was being placed into the little things, just the relaxation that comes from being able to set a relaxing environment, indulge in self-care that makes you feel good and offer an overall boost to your mental health. And I wanted to create products that created that vibe for my customers. I was big on making sure that the products were pretty, because obviously pretty things and just feeling good about your environment makes the biggest difference in terms of motivation to get things done. And, of course, the products needed to be great for the skin but also smell amazing, because who doesn’t love to smell amazing?”

Amsterdam added that the pandemic shed some light on the need for people to diversify their income and as a result, she forged ahead with her idea to turn her hobby of making skincare at home

into a business.

“I think the world stopped in 2020 and we all were faced with the question of diversifying our income. This hobby that I’ve had for multiple years, became a very interesting idea that was at the front of my mind,” Amsterdam expressed.

Her line consists of three products: the body elixir which is an oil-based moisturiser; whipped body polish, an exfoliator; and a solid lotion bar which aids in keeping skin soft and supple while maintaining its healthy barrier.

Interested persons can purchase these luxurious products via Eden Clay’s Instagram or Facebook pages @edenclay.gy or WhatsApp at +592 625 2510. The option of browsing products before purchasing is also available at DatYogaShop, which is an entrepreneur collaborative space located at 39 Anira Street, Queenstown, Georgetown. [Tassia Dickenson]

According to Heironymo, meeting production demand has always been a problem for her, since almost all of the raw materials used for her business as well as packaging have to be imported. This is challenging, because import duties and freight charges are extremely high and she sources some of her ingredients from as far as Africa.

Khayr products can be purchased via the official website at www.khayrogx. com or via Instagram @khayrogx. You can also place orders via WhatsApp at +592-665-6266.

Eden Clay

Having a science background, it was easy for Amsterdam to narrow down the perfect formulas for all of her exceptional skin-care products. Amsterdam launched her product line Eden Clay in February 2021, defying the odds the COVID-19 pandemic had imposed on the economy.

The entrepreneur, who is also a

Dental Surgeon attached to the Health Ministry and a lecturer at the University of Guyana, shared that she spent quite some time perfecting her formulas before her launch last year.

Amsterdam said that she always had a love for skincare as she would often create Do It Yourself (DIY) body scrubs for her personal use.

She explained that it was at the height of the pandemic that she decided to expand her passion for DIY skincare and learn more about cosmetics formulation and creating formulas.

“Eden Clay is a personal care brand where our products enrich your self-care rituals; customers are able to reimagine their mundane self-care routines as luxurious, indulgent rituals.”

According to Amsterdam, she created her business after recognising there was a gap in the market when it comes to skincare.

“Basically, I saw a hole in the market

Some of the products offered by Khayr Organics Some of the products offered by Eden Clay

AWINASH HANIFF

ALLISON PARKER

“In the new year, I want to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which means I intend to eat more sensibly and exercise more regularly. Professionally, I wish to continue raising awareness about the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) and the protections for consumers under the Consumer Affairs Act.”

STEPHAN DASILVA

NADIA DE ABREU

“I will remain focused on completing my Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing. In addition, I hope to assist the Bank to do more for customers, while at the same time balancing my busy schedule with my daughters. I also wish to take care of myself and participate in volunteer work in the church and community.”

ORIN JONES

“For the new year, I hope things get better, because this Christmas we expect things would have been really nice – it was a little on and off. 2021-2020, things were better although it was the pandemic; I’m a vendor and you know, you invest in a lot of stuff and things didn’t really go the way we want it. I hope the Government realise that the small man still has to live too… not only the big man. The Private Sector them getting all the money... who has the big store; the smaller man now ain’t eating anything… I want the Government to look into their small business and see what they can do for we… and help… lot of poor people are trying to make a dollar from fifty cents and that’s what I want the President to look into.”

GATRREY PERSAUD

“Right now where I living, I ain’t even get… title, I would like the Government to do something for we, because it’s 21 years I living there right now –Vigilance. I glad if the Government can do something for us. I’m 58 years old and I need my rights for my… land.”

KESHANA SCHULTZ

“In 2023, I think I will focus on my career instead of a normal job, while at the same time start believing in myself. I hope to work hard on improving my spiritual life which means I will be participating in church activities, attending church more frequently, and putting faith in everything

I do. In addition, I will try my best in everything

I do and with gratitude. Finally, I will work on my communication skills by socialising and being more outgoing with my family and friends.”

“For 2023, my hope is to own my rental and hauler business – one that I always dreamt of. I would also like to set the foundation for my daughter to have the life that I dreamt of as a child and to assist people in whatever way I can. Professionally, I wish to participate in more fights, so I can assist in putting our country in the spotlight which will ultimately attract tourists.”

ANITA

“We would like he (The President) to make back we wharf, because this wharf here is the popular wharf where tourists and so does come and we… get our little business going… Since everybody come out from here, we don’t get no business at the back here.”

ESAN PAUL

“What I would like to see is what I’ve been asking for all the time: copyright law for Guyana. The producers of this country ain’t making no money, because of copyright laws… the copyright law is ancient and it needs to be updated… nullified, or rewritten, this is the way producers in this country is going to make money … artists, architects, authors, designers… that’s the only thing keeping Guyana down, the copyright law.

Copyright law is the basic protection for any product made by any individual company… that’s going to protect them; infringements can’t happen if you get protection.”

TIFAINE ASHA RUTHERFORD

For 2023, I resolve to prioritise my mental health and be more kind to myself. I would also like to work on my procrastination and learn the ability to say "no" at times. In 2023, I also endeavour to work more on my short-term goals and don't overthink too much.”

“In 2022, I have been once again reminded of the importance of my loved ones around me. The greatest joy lies in nurturing meaningful and deep connections with others. In the new year, I aspire to multiply this joy and inspire others into spreading love and kindness. I also wish to explore more of the world, understand and adapt to the exciting technological advancements.”

As we close the curtains on 2022, Guyana Times

spoke to

several Guyanese about their resolutions and expectations from the Government in 2023.

Over 1000 to benefit from part-time jobs on ECD

In addition to the 1200 persons on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) who have secured part-time jobs, another 1000 from the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will also benefit.

This was announced on Friday by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo who launched the part-time jobs initiative at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Vice President Jagdeo, in his address, stated that as development moved

across the regions, job opportunities would decentralise. He highlighted that the new road networks, housing schemes, hotels and other businesses would foster such openings for the East Coast.

“There are lots of plans for the East Coast and lots of opportunities. As we get better infrastructure on the East Coast, the business will start migrating out, because the cost of land in the city is very high, so the job opportunities will flow closer to the

communities themselves,” he declared.

According to the Vice President, there are a plethora of opportunities offered by Government which can be utilised to further qualify or upskill persons in communities. However, these individuals need to accept and take advantage of such.

He clarified, “We want positive people that can see the future and would use every chance to improve themselves and their families. I’ve seen the

Man dumps ganja, escapes from Police

Police are on the hunt for a man who dropped a bag containing a quantity of ganja at Barnwell North, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Thursday evening.

In a statement, Police said that on the day in question, ranks were on patrol within the Number One Sub-Division, when they observed a man in the Barnwell North area.

The Police said upon seeing the patrol, the man dropped a black plastic bag and made good his escape easterly towards the backlands.

A search was carried out in the area during which a black plastic bag containing a quantity of cannabis, along with a number of tobacco leaves, was found.

The cannabis was taken to the Providence Police Station and subsequently weighed; it amounted to 120 grams. Investigations are ongoing.

scholarship programme, so few people are applying and they can apply, even if they have not completed school.”

The Vice President has been spearheading the part-time jobs initiative, with outreaches across several communities. Jagdeo pointed to the fact that despite close proximity to Georgetown, a number of persons on the ECD were unemployed, especially women.

“We’ve never intended very much to start a programme here, because of the proximity to the job market, which is very competitive in Region Four, but when we spoke with people, a number of peo -

ple were still unemployed in the region and mainly women,” he emphasised.

The part-time jobs initiative is just one of a menu of measures implemented by the Government to cushion the effects of the cost of living. Along with supporting farmers and cushioning the net effects of the increased cost of freight and the RussiaUkraine war, Guyanese are benefiting from a range of tax incentives. Among these incentives are removal of VAT on electricity, water and data; reduction of the excise tax on fuel to zero; in addition to many non-tax measures, such as the one-off $25,000 relief grant; reintroduction

and increase of the schoolchildren cash grant, as well as its extension to private school students; and a one-off $28,000 cash grant for pensioners and cash grants to support small businesses.

The job opportunities allow for the employees to work for 10 days and earn up to $40,000 on a monthly basis. The jobs are being offered in specific areas within Government Ministries and agencies, and cater to one person per household. So far, some 11,000 Guyanese are currently benefiting from the programme countrywide, and this would cost the Government some $10 billion annually.

Former Pope Benedict XVI dies at 95

The former Pope, Benedict XVI has died, aged 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.

He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican where he passed away at 09:34 (08:34 GMT) on Saturday.

His successor Pope Francis will lead the funeral on January 5.

The Vatican said the body of the Pope Emeritus will be placed in St Peter's Basilica from January 2 for "the greeting of the faithful".

Bells rang out from Munich cathedral and a single bell was heard ringing from St Peter's Square in Rome after the death was announced.

In his first public comments since news of Pope Benedict's death broke, Pope Francis called him a gift to the church, describing him as a noble and kind man.

At a New Year's Eve service at the Vatican, he paid tribute to his "dearest" predecessor, emphasising "his sacrifices offered for the good of the church".

The Head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said Pope Benedict was "one of the great theologians of the 20th century".

In a statement, he said: "I remember with particular affection the remarkable Papal Visit to these lands in 2010. We saw his courtesy, his gentleness, the perceptiveness of his mind and the openness of his wel-

come to everybody that he met."

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the former Pope "a great theologian whose UK visit in 2010 was an historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country".

King Charles III said he received the news of Pope Benedict's death "with deep sadness", and recalled "with fondness" meeting him during a visit to the Vatican in 2009.

"I also recall his constant efforts to promote peace and goodwill to all people, and to strengthen the relationship between the global Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church."

Joe Biden – only the second Catholic to serve as US President –said Pope Benedict "will be remembered as a renowned theologian, with a lifetime of devotion to the Church, guided by his principles and faith".

Biden singled out the Pope's remarks during a 2008 visit to the White House in which the former pontiff said "the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity".

French President Emmanuel Macron said Pope Benedict "worked with soul and intelligence for a more fraternal world" and said his thoughts went out to Catholics in France and around the world.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Pope Benedict "was a giant of faith and reason".

"He put his life at the service of the universal Church and spoke, and will continue to speak, to the hearts and minds of men with the spiritual, cultural and intellectual depth of his

Magisterium."

The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said for many, not only in Germany, Pope Benedict was "a formative figure of the Catholic Church, a forthright personality, and a clever theologian".

Irish President Michael D Higgins said the former Pope would be remembered for "his untiring efforts to find a common path in promoting peace and goodwill throughout the world".

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said Pope Benedict was "one of the greatest theologians of his age – committed to the faith of the Church and stalwart in its defence".

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Pope Benedict as a "defender of traditional Christian values", in his New Year address to the nation.

Unrivalled receptacle of theological knowledge

With the death of Pope Benedict XVI the Catholic world has lost an unrivalled receptacle of theological knowledge, intellectualism, and lived experience.

While little has changed in terms of doctrinal discussion at the Vatican in the nearly 10 years since he stepped down, what has changed is the spirit of the papacy.

Pope Francis is widely regarded to have had a more pastoral approach and his appointments of cardinals show a clear shift towards Asia and Latin America.

In recent years, though he has not appeared to court it, the Pope Emeritus became something of a

lightning rod for some opposed to the new Pope.

There had been speculation that Pope Francis, who himself has been suffering ill health, had been contemplating stepping down, but was reluctant to do so if it meant there would be three popes in Rome.

It was not quite "The Two Popes", but in spite of their differences, there was, by all accounts, immense respect between predecessor and successor.

Crowds gather

Following news of the former Pope's death, people began gathering in St Peter's Square in Rome.

Annamaria, 65, and Patrizia, 64, visiting from the northern Italian city of Bologna, said they went there immediately as soon as they heard about the death.

"We came here to pray. He was a great pontiff, certainly very different

from Francis, he was a great intellectual and scholar. Like the rest of the Church, we will always remember him," Annamaria told the BBC.

Barbara Bernadas, a tourist from the Spanish city of Barcelona, said she and her boyfriend felt a sense of bewilderment when they heard the news.

"We learned of his death just as we were in St Peter's Square. A tourist guide was just telling us where Benedict lived, it feels surreal. What will happen now? This situation is unprecedented; there are no protocols to follow for what will happen now. Certainly, it is an unprecedented historical moment," she said.

Although the former pontiff had been ill for some time, Vatican authorities said there had been an aggravation in his condition because of advancing age.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis appealed to his final audience of the year at the Vatican to "pray a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict", whom he said was very ill.

Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when in 2005 he became one of the oldest Popes ever elected.

For much of his papacy, the Catholic Church faced allegations, legal claims and official reports into decades of child abuse by priests.

Earlier this year the former Pope acknowledged that errors had been made in the handling of abuse cases while he was Archbishop of Munich between 1977 and 1982. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo engaging some of the part-time workers at the ACCC

Pope Benedict XVI

Sarah Singh: Sparking environmental awareness among children in the Barima-Mora Passage

…girls now monitoring mangroves using drones

the villages.

The first-ever Indigenous girls’ drone unit, called the Barima Mora Drone Unit, was formed in May of 2022, where four girls were trained to operate the devices. This would later enable them to monitor the mangrove and natural resources using aerial equipment, enabling updates on changes in the land and new environmental trends.

The Barima-Mora Passage spans about 50,000 hectares, and at present is Guyana’s largest mangrove eco-system. There are freshwater swamps, wetlands, and savannahs with rich aquatic resources.

Indigenous children from the Barima-Mora Passage in Region One (Barima-Waini) have been able to understand the environment in which they live better and dream

Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) as the Project Administration and Communications Officer, has been teaching the children about the importance of the region’s resources, especially mangrove cover.

Having recently com-

“We basically brought out these Indigenous girls from four of the primary communities in the Barima-Mora Passage. It is found in Region One and comprises about eight communities. It is very special not just for the people living there, but the entire

ologist expressed that such initiatives have translated into much more for these villages. Young children are now grasping the different opportunities which are in the outside world and exploring unconventional career aspirations.

“The communities are also excited because this is the first time this is being done, especially with the young girls who have limited opportunities in these villages. The girls have been very grateful, because they have never been exposed to such things be-

fore. It’s creating opportunities for them that they haven’t dreamt of.”

Recognising that the schoolchildren are visual learners, Singh has been ensuring that their imaginations are well-fed during her awareness exercises.

She expressed, “The community gets super excited when we’re doing practical [work] and what their communities look like from above. It is a heart-warming experience to see their faces light up… That motivated me to keep

going back and doing more for them. It makes my job the happiest and easiest.”

Reflecting on improvements for these children, Singh shared that enhanced education access would play a significant role in their lives.

“I would wish if the kids were exposed to proper education. The education level is not as it is in Georgetown, especially the literacy level and the resources are limited. The kids learn better with videos and fun learning materials as well.”

about opportunities that they never thought possible, through the work of 21-year-old Sarah Singh in their communities.

Sarah, who works for the Guyana

pleted her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a specialisation in marine biology at the University of Guyana, Singh has been deeply involved in the work to raise awareness in

country because it is the largest and most intact mangrove ecosystem,” she highlighted.

With the drone unit in place, comprising girls aged 19 and 20, she noted that illegal activities could be spotted and changes could be identified sooner.

“The four girls were trained by a company to do aerial drone training and after that, we went back to the communities and we did practical drone training there. The main aim of this drone unit is for these young girls to be able to monitor their mangrove forest for illegal cutting down of mangroves and just to see what is happening and monitor how the land is changing over time,” Singh highlighted.

However, the young bi-

B y R upa S eena R aine

Sarah Singh

Singh flanked by children during a school session

Showing a young girl how a drone is operated

Reg 6 completes 100% of 2022 work programme despite challenges

The Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Administration has completed 100 per cent of its work programme for 2022 despite a shortage of materials and inclement weather.

For 2022, the region received $10.7 billion with almost $1 billion going towards capital works.

This was according to Region Six Chairman David Armogan, who, during a year-end interview, related that 2022 was an excellent year. He noted that for the current expenditure allocation, which includes salaries and other recurrent expenses, 99.8 per cent was spent in 2022.

“The 0.2 per cent comes from wages and salaries which we can do nothing about, but return it to the Consolidated Fund because we cannot pay out more wages and salaries than the number of workers that we have within the system,” the Regional Chairman explained, noting that the 4000 workers who are employed under Government’s 10-day part-time jobs initiative were paid through the Local Government Ministry.

“That money would not have come from the region’s budget,” he explained.

In its capital programme, $34 million was expended. Among the projects executed was the rehabilitation of the Amerindian

Hostel in New Amsterdam. A new wing was added to the facility to accommodate children from the riverine community of Baracara. The dormitory facility in Corriverton for students was also upgraded.

“Buildings would have accounted for $31 million,” the Chairman detailed, noting that furniture and equipment accounted for the other $3 million.

For agriculture, $762 million was allocated and most of that sum was spent on drainage and irrigation.

For public works, $343.5 million was budgeted, and $54 million was used for the construction of bridges.

“Bridges were constructed in many areas including Black Bush Polder, Belvedere, Albion, Skeldon and the 52-72 NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council] and many other areas across the region. Especially in the Black Bush Polder, many of the bridges were deteriorating and we had to build new bridges,” Armogan explained.

A whopping $275 million was spent on road works. Some 14 new roads were done under the region’s capital works programme in 2022. Additionally, under public works, a further $14.5 million was budgeted which was utilised for the purchase of vehicles.

Meanwhile, $264 million was allocated under

education delivery, to carry out capital works in the region. Most of the funds were used up on extensions to school buildings; $184 million was spent on buildings under education.

St Theresa’s Primary, New Amsterdam Multilateral, Canje Secondary, Skeldon Line Path Secondary, Berbice High School, and Belvedere Primary are some of the schools on which works were carried out. Apart from that, several nursery schools were also extended.

“We had to put in additional space, because the numbers going there had outnumbered what the school had catered for,” Armogan pointed out.

He said two buses were also purchased for education delivery to the region in 2022.

“We are trying to move away from the blackboards to whiteboards and trying to make the classrooms

smart classrooms so a lot of money had to be spent on new equipment and purchasing computers, so as to make the classroom more convenient for students. Forty-five million dollars was spent on furniture and equipment.”

For the health sector, $247 million was allocated of which $160 million was spent on rehabilitating several hospitals and health centres including the Skeldon, New Amsterdam, Port Mourant and National Psychiatric Hospitals.

“The only project left to be completed under health is the Fort Ordinance Health Centre. Ninety per cent of the work has been completed.”

Apart from the large sums spent in 2022 by the regional administration, monies were spent by several Government Ministries to assist in the development of the region.

The Public Works

Ministry has spent billions of dollars to construct and rehabilitate hundreds of streets.

“Five hundred and thirty-seven streets to do in a one-year period is a substantial amount of work and we have not even started work in the Black Bush Polder, where another set of work has been allocated. The main roads are being done presently and then the streets within the Black Bush Polder,” Armogan said.

The Housing Ministry spent $100 million to develop streets with concrete surfaces in the new housing communities. These include Chesney, Hampshire, Port Mourant, Belvedere, Fort Ordinance and other new housing schemes in the region.

“Through the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry, almost 30 community grounds have been rehabilitated and more are on the cards to be rehabilitated including the grounds in Black Bush Polder. What you will find is that more persons will be getting involved in sporting activities,” the Regional Chairman said.

The Agriculture Ministry has also played a major role in the development of Region Six in the past year, with millions of dollars spent on drainage and irrigation works.

“I want to say how thank-

ful we are to the Ministry of Agriculture for the help that they have given to us, because this money that we spent under agriculture for drainage and irrigation which was $71 million could have hardly done anything much in light of what was happening in the regions in terms of repairs to structures for drainage. Even in areas where we had to do irrigation work, we had to make sure that the canals are clean so that when the pumps are operable in the 52/74 area and as well in the Black Bush Polder area, irrigation water can reach the farmers on time,” Armogan added.

Meanwhile, the region has put forward a $2.9 billion budget proposal for 2023, for its capital work programme. In that budget proposal, 51 community streets are to be rehabilitated.

Work is slated for all three towns in the region and 16 of the 18 NDCs.

The two NDCs where no road work is planned are Enfield/New Doe Park NDC and Plegt Anker/ Kortberaadt NDC both on the East Bank of Berbice. These communities are slated to benefit from upgrades to sluices and heavy-duty bridges under the region’s drainage and irrigation programme for which a budget of $200 million is proposed. (Andrew Carmichael)

Duo slapped with robbery charges

Two men were on Friday charged separately in connection with two separate robberies – including one involving a pensioner.

Anil Mc Turk, 36, a labourer of Cow Pen Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was arrested on Tuesday and was on Friday charged for the offence of Larceny in Dwelling House.

According to reports, the robbery was committed on a pensioner of Old Road, Eccles, two Fridays ago at the victim’s home.

The defendant appeared at the Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce, and the charge was read to him.

He pleaded not guilty and was placed on selfbail, since he paid the victim $30,000 cash as partial compensation. The matter was adjourned to February 14, 2023.

Meanwhile, Clynton Chase, 50, a construction worker of Middle Road, La Penitence, was on Sunday

last arrested by a rank of the Providence Police Station, for simple larceny.

This offence was also contrary to Section 164

of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, and was committed on Adair Patrique Mundini between December 16 and December 17.

Chase

The

He pleaded not guilty

and as such, bail was granted in the sum of $150,000, and the matter was adjourned to February 15, 2023. Chase was allegedly among a group of men who were caught on camera stealing the jet ski in December.

A video recording that was circulating on social media showed the

Kawasaki Jet Ski parked in front of a house in Providence, EBD when a Canter pulled up in front of the house and three masked men exited the vehicle.

The men were seen running towards the house and then towards the Jet Ski. One of the suspects was seen instructing his accomplices to hold the edges of the Jet Ski and later instructed them to lift it and move it towards the Canter. The men were later seen struggling to move the Jet Ski. After struggling for some time, the men began dragging the Jet Ski towards the Canter that was parked not too far away.

They later lifted the Jet Ski into the Canter, entered the vehicle, and made good their escape.

It was not until the owners of the home woke up the following morning that they noticed the Jet Ski was missing. Upon reviewing the camera footage, they saw the unknown men removing the Jet Ski.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

reportedly stole one Kawasaki Ultra 300 Supercharged Jet Ski valued at $3 million.

defendant also appeared before Senior Magistrate Scarce, and the charge was read to him while the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied.

Charged: Anil Mc Turk

Charged: Clynton Chase

PPP/C remains confident in strength and resilience of all Guyanese

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extend best wishes to our Guyanese brothers and sisters, here at home and in the Diaspora, for a peaceful, prosperous, and productive 2023. The dawn of the New Year offers an opportune moment for reflection and recalibration to complete unfinished business, as well as a fresh juncture for the launching of new initiatives under our manifesto, for achieving collective prosperity as a nation.

While the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war posed many challenges for Guyana, as was the case across the world, our Government was able to stay the course in keeping our country moving forward in line with our manifesto promises, while easing the suffering of our most vulnerable citizens.

Under the National Infrastructural Improvement Plan, work has commenced on the much-anticipated new Demerara River Bridge. The Mandela Avenue-to-Diamond Highway is almost complete; the Ogle-to-Eccles and the Lindento-Mabura highways have commenced, while funding for a new Soesdyke-Linden Highway has been secured and sourcing has

commenced for a new Corentyne corridor.

Concomitantly, the National Energy Master Plan, which is expected to halve electricity costs, is well underway, with the contract already signed for the Wales Gas-to-Shore project. Guyana also achieved the milestone of becoming the first country to have been issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets, for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation, by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART). This paved the way for the signing of a multi-million-US dollar agreement for the sale of carbon credit to Hess Corporation, a substantial portion of which will go towards Amerindian development. Thousands of jobs have been created in every region, salary

scales have been adjusted upwards, and small business loans and grants have benefitted thousands. The ongoing housing revolution has empowered countless Guyanese, and the health sector is set for world-class advancement.

As a pillar of our nation-building efforts, our Government has embarked on a wide-ranging Citizens’ Empowerment Programme through state-sponsored academic and professional scholarships; youth participation in governance; ICT and other skills training; socio-cultural investments; and community-based enhancement drives. All of these and more have been achieved under the competent leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. With these overwhelming successes over the past year, our management of the

GAWU hopeful for New Year

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) saw 2022 as a year that was unique from several perspectives. Indeed, as in years before, the Union confronted several challenges as it stood in defence of its members, and the working-class generally. Though this was daunting at times, the Union persevered, and, through its efforts, secured new gains as it won several battles on behalf of members. We are heartened by those victories, as it is demonstrable that the workers, when united, can succeed in winning their genuine demands.

As we will soon enter a new year, such lessons remain an inspiration for us to continue to advance our efforts, and to ensure greater protection of workers. As the year reaches its conclusion, we remain concerned, too, that several challenges still lurk, and will remain with us in the new year. Though disheartened, we are convinced that, like previous episodes, the workers will again win out… In 2022, the heightening cost of living was an issue that attracted the attention of many workers. The Bureau of Statistics recorded that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 6.5% for the year up to October, 2022. Notably, the food CPI was nearly double, at 12.3%, over the same period.

Some may express doubt over the figures, given the situation in the markets, supermarkets, and shops. It is acknowl-

edged, however, that prices grew greater than the usual growth during this year. We are mindful that, to a large extent, the price increases have their origins in occurrences taking place far beyond our borders, and of which we are unwitting victims. We recognise, too, the efforts of the Government taken to mitigate the price rises through several initiatives. Indeed, those were welcome, and we believe that without the proactive approach of the Administration, the bad situation could have indeed been worse. While pleased by such developments, we recognise it appears that savings realised through Government initiatives were not being passed on to the consumer. It is unfortunate that there may be some who, rather than seeking to share the relief offered by public policies, were seeking to profiteer. We are disappointed by such behaviour, as it represents yet another form of exploitation perpetrated against our people, especially the workers. We abhor those who engage in such practices, and we believe that a re-evaluation of policies may be necessary to seek to provide greater support to the people directly…

The GAWU is proud of its efforts and work expended during 2022. We have scored several victories and overcome many challenges. Inasmuch as we are reminded that the year was not all smooth sailing, as we experienced some level of difficulty, though it was challeng-

ing at times, we believe it has made us stronger and enhanced our capacity to defend our members.

Importantly, the year has demonstrated once again the resilience of mankind. It has shown that, in the face of adversity, we can overcome and emerge stronger. It causes us to be imbued with a resolve to go forward stronger, committed, and optimistic that though intrigues will always be formed against us, we will overcome and roundly defeat them.

The year demonstrated the correctness of our positions, and showed that despite adversity and difficulty, we can succeed in realising our reasonable objectives. As past generations of workers have shown us, we can overcome challenges and win out if our demands and struggles are just.

This is their abiding lesson to us, and this enduring message we should not forget: The working people must be always vigilant, militant, organisationally strong and united, and must always raise the banner of solidarity.

As we now enter a new year, we are hopeful that the trials and tribulations we faced can be erased. We are hopeful that injustices perpetuated can be righted. And we are hopeful that a better tomorrow will dawn.

Finally, at this time, we take this opportunity to extend best wishes for the New Year. May 2023 bring you all joy, happiness, and prosperity.

new and emerging multi-dimensional economy, and the resolute positioning of our country among the global community of contemporary democracies, Guyana is poised for exciting times ahead, and we are confident that the People’s Progressive Party has emerged as the only party of choice for the building of a truly progressive and prosperous nation.

As we embrace 2023, our party remains confident in the strength and resilience of all Guyanese, and in our collective will to mitigate any and all challenges we may face in the new year. May we all be imbued with a sense of renewal and enthusiasm as we work assiduously to strengthen bonds of togetherness in our forward march. Once again, best wishes for a joyous New Year!

I, Paul Cheong, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2023!

I hope you’re celebrating the start of the year in good spirits, and with family and friends.

As I take a moment to look back on 2022, I want to thank you, our members and stakeholders, for your contributions made over the past 12 months. Twentytwenty-two has been a busy year for the Private Sector. Our companies have been working tirelessly to build capacity, establish relationships, form partnerships, and formalise business plans.

We have seen the evidence of growth in Guyana, and intend to play a major role in the process. While we look to the future, we should focus on the opportunities present and those yet to come as we continue to build a better Guyana…

The Private Sector Commission will continue

to play its role in promoting a conducive environment in which businesses can flourish. In doing so, we will continue to work with all stakeholders to address the needs of the business community.

I wish to announce that, in 2023, the PSC will be hosting a sensitisation forum on Initial Public Offering – going public. We believe that having Guyanese companies go public would assist in raising capital to transform local businesses and the economy at large.

Twenty-twenty-three is set to be another busy and exciting year for us. We look forward to working further on the many initiatives to stimulate Private Sector development.

I want to thank you for your continued commitment and effort. Every one of us has an important role to play in the work ahead, and I’m confident that, together, we will achieve great things.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy and successful 2023!

We look forward to stimulating Private Sector development in 2023 – PSC Chair

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Size up last year and consider what isn’t working for you. Review your skills, education and the things you enjoy doing most, and rethink your strategy. Put your energy into moneymaking endeavors.

Question everything, and you’ll make better decisions. You have plenty to gain if you do your research, talk to experts and set your sights on something that can help you advance.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

CANCER

What you do for others will set the stage for what’s to come this year. Your insight, help and encouragement will turn you into the go-to person you love to be. Use your intelligence and creativity.

Let your mind wander, your creativity take charge and your spirit soar. Trust in your ability to use your skills aptly. Whether dealing with work or personal matters, explore the possibilities.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

If you don’t like something, look for an alternative. Following is not your thing. Branch out, find your zone and start something new and exciting. It’s a new year and time to take responsibility.

Change is apparent. A positive approach to life and love will stir up feelings that help you decide what’s next. A friend or relative will offer something unexpected and helpful.

It’s a new year and a time to revamp your situation. Map out how you see things unfolding and start your journey. Let go of the past and flourish. Now’s the time to go for the gold.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll gravitate toward something or someone unique. Rearrange your schedule to accommodate what interests you most. Ask a friend who shares your sentiments to join you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Sidestep conflict by immersing yourself in nature or spending time with someone who has a positive influence on you. Revisit an idea, and you’ll find out how to get started.

It’s time to implement change. Examine your surroundings and possessions, and think about how you want to live. Move forward with energy and enthusiasm, and nothing will stand in your way.

AQUARIUS

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Tidy up and prepare to make your surroundings conducive to the plans you’ve mapped out for the year. Preparation will pay off and make any transition easy. Don’t let others interfere

Don’t let anger set in when action is required. Stick up for your beliefs, but don’t waste time taking on a no-win situation. Help someone in need; it will push you in the desired direction.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Dilbert

Guyana Chess Federation reviews 2022

The year started off with virtual chess tournaments, as had become the norm throughout the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January, the National U12 tournament was the first to be played, with 11-yearold Alexander Zhang winning the Open category and Kristin Xavier copping the first place in the Girls category.

Three Guyanese chess players managed to earn prizes in the Surinamehosted virtual “Master of the Guianas” chess tournament.

Justino DaSilva was rewarded as the top Guyanese finisher in that event. Francis Simmons received a prize for being the oldest competitor in the tournament. Jessica Callender came close to dominating the female division, but finished in third.

Over-the-board chess finally returned after an absence of two years with the annual GAICO Grand Prix in March. The GAICO Grand Prix tournaments marked the beginning of the Olympiad Qualification cycle, wherein players can earn Grand Prix Points by competing in these events. The players with the most points at the end of the Grand Prix cycle ultimately represent Guyana at the biennial FIDE Chess Olympiad, the highest level of international competition.

Chelsea Juma and FM Anthony Drayton dominated the first Grand Prix event. CM Taffin Khan and former

Women’s champion Sasha Shariff won the second Grand Prix.

The Junior Nationals showed intense rivalry among Guyana’s younger players, who emerged from the lockdown eager to show their dominance over the board with over 70 students competing, the largest ever contingent. Ethan Lee won the Junior Qualifying event, and went on to battle Ricardo Narine for the Junior Title in a thrilling series of tie breakers from which Narine emerged victorious.

FIDE Master Anthony Drayton and Jessica Callender won the National Open and Women’s Qualifiers in May, to go on to the National Championships among 16 other players. Candidate Master Wendell Meusa earned the National Chess Champion title for 2022. Fourteen-year-old Pooja Lam notably became Guyana’s youngest ever women’s champion.

Top junior players Kyle Couchman and Ciel Clement finished as winners of the one-day National U14 Rapid Open and Girls Chess Tournament respectively. For the National U16 Rapid Open, Kyle Couchman once again copped the first-place prize, with Italy Ton-Chung gaining the first place for the Girls category.

Guyana was represented at the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India by CM Taffin Khan, FM Anthony Drayton, Roberto Neto, Loris Nathoo, and

19-year-old Ethan Lee on the Open team; while 18-yearold Sasha Shariff, 14-yearold Pooja Lam, 12-yearold Anaya Lall, 20-year-old Jessica Callender, and 21-year-old Nellisha Johnson were on the women’s team.

Drayton, Callender and Shariff were the standout performers for Guyana at this prestigious event, where players and team were able to increase their international ranking. A major achievement at this event was Sasha Shariff and Jessica Callender earning their conditional Women’s Candidate Master titles.

Later on, Barbados hosted the annual Margaret Prince Memorial Rapid tournament, where Jessica Callender tied for the top spot in the Under-1400 rated division, and Ciel Clement, a 13-yearold up-and-coming player, was able to finish 18th over-

all.

Callender also later finished in third place at the Srefidensi Blitz Event, which earned her a spot to go on to represent the Caribbean in a showdown versus China.

In 2022, chess was systematically introduced to children with disabilities and special needs at the David Rose Special School, Schoonord Centre for Children with Diverse Needs, New Amsterdam Special Needs School, Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs, St. Barnabas Special Needs School, and the Linden Centre for Special Children.

The Federation also formed their Women in Chess Committee this year to promote, encourage and teach the game of chess and increase the awareness of the educational value of chess among women in Guyana. While this year served to

build membership and set the foundation for the committee, the committee will continue to expand and host a number of training sessions and engagements for young female players in 2023.

With the formation of the GCF’s weekly chess club at School of the Nations and the rigorous expansion of the Chess in Schools programme, hundreds of children across Guyana were able to become actively engaged in the sport for the first time. Students from various schools, including Bishops’ High, Queen’s College, St. Stanislaus College, Anna Regina Multilateral, Better Hope Primary in Essequibo, and School of the Nations were engaged in a virtual 6-week training programme in the early part of the year. In addition, several students from Linden were taught by Stephen Francis.

The GCF was also given the opportunity to showcase chess at the Giftland Mall, where the public was able to engage in games with chess players, join the GCF, and witness simultaneous chess games among some of Guyana’s finest.

The GCF made great strides in broadcasting live games due to the newly-acquired electronic chess boards, compliments of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Games were streamed live on the GCF’s website and YouTube, giving the public the opportunity to view the games from anywhere in the world.

President of the GCF, FIDE Arbiter Anand Raghunauth, who is also the head of the Chess in Schools Programme, has stated that the GCF would continue its training programmes, and plans to encourage schools to continue and form chess clubs, as this would serve as extra-curricular activities for school children across the country. The Federation continues to extend free premium ChessKid accounts to all participants of the Chess in Schools programme, where they can play online in a safe and controlled environment, as well as learn and get new ideas from ChessKid’s extensive video library.

The Board of Directors of the GCF wishes to extend best wishes for a successful New Year to its membership and numerous sponsors, who have continuously supported chess throughout the year.

Christiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr until 2025

themselves".

In the summer, Ronaldo turned down a £305m deal to join another Saudi team - Al Hilal - because he was happy at United. Earlier in November, the striker spoke out in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, in which he said he felt "betrayed" by United, did not respect manager Erik ten Hag,

and was being forced out of the club.

Ronaldo, who scored 145 goals in 346 appearances for United, left Juventus to rejoin the Old Trafford club in August 2021 - 11 years after he departed to join Real Madrid. He had just over seven months remaining on his £500,000-a-week contract with United, but his imme-

diate exit was "mutually agreed".

A day after he left the club, he was banned for two domestic matches for knocking a phone out of an Everton fan's hand after United's defeat at Goodison Park in April. He will serve the ban at domestic level with any new club - in England or abroad - although it does not

apply at continental club level, such as the Champions League.

Ronaldo recently returned from playing for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar, where he made history by becoming the first man to score at five different Fifa World Cups, with his strike in his side's opening win against Ghana. (BBC Sport)

Barcelona held by Espanyol in chaotic derby

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on a deal that runs until 2025.

The Portugal captain has been a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the club.

Ronaldo will reportedly receive the biggest football salary in history, at more than £177m per year, and the 37-year-old says he is "eager to experience a new

football league in a different country". Ronaldo added: "I am fortunate that I have won everything I set out to win in European football, and feel now that this is the right moment to share my experience in Asia."

Al Nassr - nine-time Saudi Pro League champions - has described the signing as "history in the making".

The club said it would "inspire our league, nation and future generations, boys and girls, to be the best version of

Barcelona were held to a draw by local rivals Espanyol in a chaotic New Year's Eve derby at the Nou Camp.

Marcos Alonso gave Barca the lead after seven minutes, but they were pegged back by a Joselu penalty. Barcelona fullback Jordi Alba received a second yellow card in the final minutes, while Vinicius Souza was also dismissed for the visitors. The referee also sent off Espanyol's Leandro

Cabrera, although that was overturned by VAR.

Despite failing to win, Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga on goal difference, ahead of Real Madrid, who beat Real Valladolid 2-0 on Friday.

On Saturday, Alonso nodded home from close range following a flick by defensive partner Andreas Christensen, but Barcelona missed several chances to extend their advantage. They were made to pay with 17 minutes remain-

ing, when Alonso clipped Joselu in the penalty area, with the ex-Stoke and Newcastle striker picking himself up to slot the spotkick down the middle.

Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz - who officiated the chaotic Argentina versus Netherlands quarter-final at the 2022 World Cup - handed out a total of 16 yellow cards and two reds in this game. Alba got his second booking for complaining about the location of the defensive wall

from a free-kick. Souza was dismissed for a second yellow after a foul on Robert Lewandowski, and Cabrera was initially given a straight red for appearing to kick the Barca striker immediately afterwards - although that was overturned on video review.

Along with 15 yellows for players, Barcelona manager Xavi was also booked for complaining about one of Lahoz's decisions. (BBC Sport)

Several of the outstanding chess players from GCF’s successful year

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five different World Cups in “Qatar 2022”

Ashmini Munisar aiming to improve all-round game in 2023

By Brandon Corlette

Described by many as an intelligent cricketer, West Indies Women’s Under-19 captain Ashmini Munisar has relished the year 2022. She described the year as the best in her cricketing career thus far, but has said she is also eager to improve her all-round game in 2023.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Munisar touched on the bright moments of her year, which included earning a maiden call-up to the Guyana senior team, and playing among her role models.

The year 2022 was certainly a year of new opportunities for the teenager. Munisar said: “2022 has probably been my best year in my cricketing career thus far. Earlier in the year, I made my debut for the Guyana senior side, (and it is) definitely something I won’t ever forget. During the tournament, I had a couple of wickets, and I think I bowled pretty well overall.

“I was very much excited because I was playing

amongst most of my role models, and I had conversations with them…so I definitely have a lot to take away from that tournament.”

Captaining the West Indies side is certainly a great honour for this right-hander. She describes this role as a dream come true. “Having the opportunity to captain the West Indies Under-19 team is definitely a dream come true. Quite a privilege and honour

In 2022, Munisar visited the United States of America to play against the USA Under-19 team in Florida, and she also visited India to play a series against India. She noted that travelling around the world has aided her understanding of the game.

“Playing against other teams and travelling has not only given me exposure to various players and their

conditions and figuring out your opponents in a short pe-

my all-round game,” Munisar disclosed.

also. Looking forward to taking my team as far as possible, but most importantly bringing out the best in my teammates,” Munisar explained.

style of playing, but also to different conditions. This had definitely helped me understand the game better, to an extent, by adapting to those

Joseph, Griffith and Nannan playing in

Nepal T20 League

-Guyanese Linden Fraser among Head Coaches

The first edition of the Nepal T20 League commenced on Friday, December 23, 2022, and will run until January 10, 2023.

National fast-bowler Keon Joseph, left-arm spinner Raj Nannan, and national opening batsman Trevon Griffith are the Guyanese currently playing in the tournament in Nepal.

Moreover, the likes of Andre McCarthy, Kesrick Williams and Chadwick Walton are among the Caribbean players in the tournament. Overseas-based Guyanese Coach Linden Fraser is also the Head Coach of Biratnagar Super Kings.

The competition was originally due to start in September 2022, before it was pushed back to December by the Cricket Association of Nepal. Six franchise teams are taking part in the league, with squads made up of 16 members. Each team has selected one marquee player for their squad; these include former national captain Gyanendra Malla and current national vice-captain Rohit Paudel.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format before the play-off stage, where the top four teams from the league stage will all have a chance to make the final through qualifier and eliminator matches. The final will be played on Tuesday, January 10, at Tribhuvan University (TU) International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, where

all of the matches in the tournament are due to be played.

Additionally, the organizers of the Nepal T20 League have announced free entry for the fans at the TU Cricket Ground. No entry fee will be charged from Wednesday. The number of spectators has been below average since the first day of Nepal’s mega-franchise League. The ticket price was initially set at 300 rupees, but had been

reduced to 100 rupees later, after the massive demand of fans. Fans continuously criticized paying 300 rupees when there is no proper infrastructure. They say it is way too much to watch the cricket match at TU Cricket Ground. (Brandon Corlette)

riod of time,” Munisar has said.

In relation to her goals for 2023, the youngster, who plays locally for Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club, said: “Leading the team well in the World Cup, and try to execute skills to the best of my ability. I’m generally aiming to improve

The ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will feature 41 matches from January 14 to January 29 in South Africa. The official warm-up matches will be from 9 to 11 January, and Munisar will be leading the young maroon Warriors.

The 16 participating teams will play in four

groups in the preliminary round. West Indies have been drawn in Group C, alongside New Zealand, Ireland, and Indonesia.

West Indies Women Under-19 Rising Stars Squad: Ashmini Munisar (captain), Asabi Callendar, Jahzara Claxton, Naijanni Cumberbatch, Earnisha Fontaine, Jannillea Glasgow, Realanna Grimmond, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, K D Jazz Mitchell, Shalini Samaroo, Shunelle Sawh, Lena Scott, Abini St Jean.

GFF mourns the world’s loss of “King Pele”

God’s gift to mankind. He was loved by all, and will continue to be the ultimate benchmark for skill and grace on the pitch. He was widely admired for taking on a greater role, as football’s global ambassador and standard-bearer of the high expectations of football players, on and off the pitch. His legendary career and lasting influence on the beautiful game will surely endure well beyond the touch-line of his life time. May his soul rest in peace.”

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has, in a missive, expressed its distress occasioned by the passing of football great King Pele - Edson Arantes do Nascimento –which occurred on December 29th, 2022.

The GFF missive has said: “On behalf of the GFF and the entire football family, please accept our heartfelt condolences. During this period of sorrow, our thoughts are with his family and close friends.”

Pele’s impact on football throughout the world is witnessed by the outpouring of love since the announcement of his death. A legend,

a leader, and a global ambassador, he was a man of firsts, being the only player to win the FIFA World Cup three times: in 1958, 1962 and 1970; the youngest player to participate in a World Cup; and Brazil’s joint top scorer with 77 goals.

The football giant’s visit to Guyana in 2009 inspired a new generation of players. The stories told about the former Santos and New York Cosmos striker’s life during his 20-year career will continue to influence future generations.

GFF President Wayne Forde, in sharing on the loss of the football legend, said: “King PELE was

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Munisar on the charge during the Regional Under-19 tournament

A moment to remember: Munisar got her Senior Guyana cap from veteran Tremayne Smartt

Ashmini Munisar

A scene from Pele’s visit to Guyana in 2009

Linden Fraser

Keon Joseph

Trevon Griffith

Raj Nannan (Photos: Nepal T20)

An interview with West Indies Women’s U-19 captain…

Shimron Hetmyer relishing fatherhood

-describes 2022 as learning curve

Corlette exClusive

The year 2022 has been a year of great difference for Guyana and West Indies superstar Shimron Hetmyer. While he had not dominated the playing fields as he would have liked, he made significant strides off the field. The 26-year-old left-handed batsman had become a father, a journey he describes as lovely.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Hetmyer spoke about fatherhood, what he has learnt in 2022, and what he aims to take into 2023.

“So far, fatherhood has been lovely. I am really enjoying it, actually. (There are) not enough words to explain how great it feels to actually come home and see him smile. To see him light up when he actually sees your face, and (he is) always laughing. I think that is something he took from me. So far it has been really nice, and I am really enjoying it,” Hetmyer has said.

Back in May, Hetmyer was playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) when his son was born, and he made the extra effort to leave the IPL to be present with his wife to see the birth of his bouncing baby boy. The man from East Canje, Berbice was beyond happy with the

support shown by Rajasthan Royals, who put all systems in place for him to fly home.

“The guys at Rajasthan were over the moon, and they really did a great job in actually bringing me home and taking me back to the IPL. I

the travelling cricketers have to do is a challenge by itself.

For Hetmyer, it is similarly challenging when he has to leave his son and wife to play cricket around the world. Hetmyer noted that his wife is playing her part in ensur-

am seeing him and to make sure he is okay, and to see his face, and for him to never forget me; because kids, as they grow up, they tend to remember certain things and forget some. So, I try every time I leave home, that we talk as much as possible,” Hetmyer said. He added: “even if he does not speak, we give him the opportunity to actually see my face, just to make sure he is happy. Happiness is one of our biggest things.”

came back really fast, but it was really nice to have the support of the team that you are playing for,” Hetmyer explained.

While cricket is fruitful,

Local football development…

ing he is able to see his son via video calls while he is away.

“I think his mom is doing a great job…making sure I am always there, or just calling me on video call so that I

reflects on 2022, and looks forward to 2023

Hetmyer

In 2022, Hetmyer played eight matches for the West Indies, with all of those coming in the T20 International format. He scored 131 runs in seven innings, and in the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he scored 281 runs as Guyana Amazon Warriors captain, helping the team reach the semi-finals.

At the IPL in 2022, Hetmyer had his best season, scoring 314 runs at an average of 44.86 and a strike-rate of 153.92. That season has earned him a retention ticket to the Royals side, where he had secured another million-dollar deal. He described 2022 as a year of learning more than anything else.

“Cricket was good. I had my ups and downs as all

cricketers have, but it was more learning than anything else in 2022. Mainly with the captaincy in CPL, to see where I am at with that. And I think, so far, it has not been bad. A lot of learnings to take place from that. To manoeuvre bowlers, and where to put myself to bat, and try to make sure everyone is happy. I am trying to get more of that into 2023 as well,”

Hetmyer said.

Hetmyer, who last played a Test match for West Indies in November 2019, has 16 Test caps. He last played a One Day International for West Indies in July 2021, but has 47 matches in that format. The ultra-talented batsman will certainly want to make big positive impacts on the game as he enters this new year.

First-ever Tiger Rentals National U13 league kicks off

he has to make decisions; he has to make decisions and learn from it; when he has to make new friends… The good things that football truly represents will take place over the next couple of weeks.”

Hundreds of Guyana’s under- 13 male footballers were gathered at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) National Training Center (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Saturday morning for the commencement of the historic Tiger Rentalssponsored U13 tournament.

First launched back in May of 2022 at the same venue, the developmental league was aimed at adding another key level for the development of youth football in this country. Under brilliant sunshine on Saturday morning, youths from all across the country got their first taste of the competition, but not before the of-

ficial “march past” was conducted, in which GFF President Wayne Forde discussed the immense possibilities and positives that can be derived from the National Under-13 Boys’ Developmental Football League.

“I think it is public knowledge now that my administration has been heavily on youth football, and we’ve tried very hard to have all the developmental key age-groups sponsored,” the GFF President highlighted.

Forde added, “A kid can be training for weeks after weeks, but unless you see that kid in a game situation: when he has to do a little bit more than use his skills;

when he has to think; when

According to Forde, this tournament - in which a mixture of Clubs, Regional member Associations (RMA) and Academy Training Center (ATC) teams would participate - will utilise its whopping $10M investment to bring new practices to the competition.

“This tournament is being supported by Gy$10.6M, which is by far the largest that we’ve received for an U13 or a youth tournament. And why I’m emphasizing that point is because we’re going to be able to bring a lot of new features that we always contemplated but simply could not afford in the past,” Forde explained.

He added, “So you’re going to be seeing a lot of production coming out of this tournament. The teams are going to be supported more. I believe each team - all of the associations - have al-

ready received significant funding in their accounts to help with the preparation of the team.”

Aside from the firsts for the under-13 players, the tournament would also be utilising the services of members of the National Under-16 team, who will be acting as match officials for the games.

Following the first whistles at the developmental Under- 13 tournament, Fruta Conquerors and Berbice emerged winners of the first two games held on Saturday.

Brandon

Tiger Rentals’ Shane Singh took the first kick in the presence of GFF President Wayne Forde, GFF TD Bryan Joseph, players and officials (Jemima Holmes Photo)

Shameer Andrews scored six goals during the first game of the U13 developmental league (Jemima Holmes Photo)

U16 players in action as referees in the National U13 Developmental Tournament (Jemima Holmes Photo)

Shimron Hetmyer with his son and wife Nirvani (Photo: Shimron Hetmyer/Instagram)

Hetmyer batting during CPL 2022 (Rany Brooks photo)