Guyana Times - Wednesday, March 1, 2023

drugs being

in $11B worth P8

Guyana-Mexico talks for removal of visa restrictions P17 P7 P11 P10 P10

Fraudster caught in sting operation attempting to sell house lot

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, Mar 1 – 01:00h – 02:15h and Thursday, Mar 2 – 02:00h – 03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Mar 1 – 11:45h – 13:15h and Thursday, Mar 2 – 12:55h – 14:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 11:37h reaching a maximum height of 2.03 metres.

Low Tide: 18:00h reaching a minimum height of 1.17 metres.

Data centre legislation, digital ID cards

coming

soon

– Ali …AG Chambers working with UAE, other countries to draft laws

Data centre legislation and digital ID cards that can store the particulars of each citizen and be used when conducting transactions are coming soon as the Government is receiving assistance from international partners that include the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a ceremony to mark the launch of Teleperformance’s new location on Middle Street, Georgetown. The President explained that this digital ID card will contain information including banking, social benefits, identification, licensing and taxes.

“Very soon, we will be launching work that would drive everything on a data-management platform. Some of you who follow world developments will know a lot of these developments came out of the Aadhaar card… the one card in India, electronic card that you conduct all your transactions with,” President Ali said.

“The UAE has the one card. And we have now been able to partner with the UAE and international companies to bring the same technology to Guyana so we can have the one card that will drive all transactions. So, this card will force the banking sector, the insurance sector, the Government, everybody will have to now migrate to the electronic platform that will support conducting business.”

According to Ali, this one card will not only improve the ease of doing business, but help with transparency and accountability and also help to usher in a modern Guyana. He also made mention of a digital passport.

“We want to migrate to a digital passport. So that the efficiency of the immigration system, linked to our security system, because our security system will pick up any person who is on the Interpol list, for example. So, we’re thinking in a holistic way in terms of how we’ll use technology,” the President further said.

Data centres

President Ali also spoke about data centres, which are designated areas that house computer banks and other Information Communication and Technology (ICT) storage systems. He said that the Attorney General (AG) chambers were working closely with the UAE and other jurisdictions on these pieces of legislation, with the aim of soon laying them in the National Assembly.

“Data centres are big business across the world. But unless we have the proper legislation and this was a meeting we had with this very group, when we spoke of the importance of the legislative framework to back data centres. And I’m pleased to say to you that the AG and his chambers are working with the UAE, they’re working with five, six different jurisdictions that have implemented data legislation.

“But we’re going a step

further. We’re looking at the challenges since those countries would have implemented the legislation, to ensure that our legislation is futuristic, and captures the business environment of data centres. So, that is coming very soon. We’ve set some tight timelines. And by the end of this quarter, we’re hoping that the legislation will be in the National Assembly,” President Ali said.

Last year, AG Anil Nandlall had said that

the Government would introduce in the National Assembly the E-Transaction and E-Payment Bills, which would allow citizens to make payments via their debit and credit cards in a more secure and comfortable environment.

“E-Transaction/EPayment Bills are also two pieces of legislation that will also come on stream (in) 2023. This is where we are going to introduce and allow for the use of plastic in public institutions’ payments. We have to move in that direction, dispense with money and so on and use cards in the public sector,” he had explained during his programme “Issues in the News”.

The introduction of these bills would support Government’s drive to develop a single window system, for which legislation has already been presented to and approved by the National Assembly. Implementation of the Single Window System Bill would allow citizens to conduct all of their necessary transactions with Government agencies through one source. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Equal opportunities

One of the best ways by which individuals can be empowered is by an appropriate education and creation of empowerment programmes to enable equitable opportunities for upward mobility for every citizen. Yet, disadvantaged women and youths proliferate, not only in Guyana, but in the Caribbean and further afield as well.

Societies in general are veering away from male domination in work places, and Government and the Private Sector are determined to provide equal opportunities for employees, regardless of gender.

The issue of women and their role in development has always been a topic of interest, and debates have centred around the challenges women face in getting access to the same opportunities as men; and, in a general sense, programmes and policies that could be implemented to ensure their economic and social advancement.

Women, over the years, have made tremendous progress, not only in terms of their own advancement, but by playing key roles in the development of their own communities, and, by extension, allowing other women opportunities to develop themselves. However, many challenges remain, and these must be tackled to ensure that women have access to the opportunities and resources needed to allow them to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

However, women – the child-bearers and primary child-carers – are disadvantaged by domestic responsibilities, and many men abdicate their responsibilities in parenting and being equal partners in the home.

There is a dire need for men to create behavioural change in their domestic and child-rearing engagements. The accrued benefits to the entire family would be manifold, and the satisfaction and happiness of family togetherness would redound to the well-being of everyone, not least the children. If they grow up in an environment of caring and sharing, most likely they would become rounded adults, and incidents of juvenile delinquency would be reduced. Most of the ills in society are caused by delinquent fathers and spouses.

Despite many attempts by successive Governments to empower/educate women and youths in diverse ways, there are still great numbers of women with leadership skills and business acumen who are constrained by diverse circumstances from optimising their potential for wealth and job creation.

Some years ago, under the Administration of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), launched the “Women of Worth” (WoW) loan programme, which helped single-parent women start and/or expand their businesses. This initiative was driven by then subject Minister Priya Manickchand.

Through initiatives like Women of Worth, the Government, in partnership with institutions like GBTI, has proven that providing enabling mechanisms can make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable women, and consequently their children. By removing financial obstacles, the partnership with GBTI helped women realise their true potential through building businesses. Through the WoW initiative, women used their acumen to grow local communities, build wealth, and ultimately contribute to making Guyana better as a whole.

Before their advent into politics in then British Guiana, local women were treated as being of less worth by the colonial overlords. Women could not work in the Public Service after marriage, and they certainly could not vote, among a multiplicity of human/women’s rights constraints.

Over the years, intrepid women fought for equality, and after much struggle and countless engagements at various fora, women were permitted greater freedoms in the socio-political dynamics of the nation. Today, women proliferate in leadership roles in every sphere of activity in the nation.

One of the most pressing needs for working mothers is the provision of safe childcare facilities in communities and workplaces. There are innumerable retired nurses and teachers who would certainly happily accept employment in such facilities.

The President Irfaan Ali Administration has been off to a great start in addressing pressing social issues, and projects slated to empower women in society.

A global happy birthday to Hip Hop

By NaNjala NyaBola

As the sun sets on another Black History Month, an anniversary of global significance was quietly commemorated in the United States that deserves so much more international recognition. In 2023, Hip Hop, arguably the greatest US contribution to global contemporary culture, celebrates 50 years of making us put our hands in the air like we just don’t care.

The official celebration was fitting for the US: It was marked at the Grammy Awards ceremony with performances by some of the greatest MCs to have contributed to the genre. They appeared in a single performance curated by Questlove, a member of the Hip Hop collective The Roots. For lovers of the genre, it was an electrifying full-circle moment, given that 34 years ago, Will Smith, aka the Fresh Prince, and DJ Jazzy Jeff won the first-ever Grammy for rap, but boycotted the awards ceremony after learning that their category would not be televised. At that time, music tastemakers still saw the genre as too provocative and incomprehensible.

Even so, this year’s Grammys celebration did not go far enough in acknowledging the tremendous cultural impact Hip Hop has had on the world.

From the streets of New York in the 1970s to the streets of Iran in the 2020s, Hip Hop has become an unlikely unifier of global, rebellious youth culture. In the US, Hip Hop was born from the disenfranchisement and violent systemic exclusion of young Black people in inner cities.

By the time it appeared, Black culture had already invigorated US culture with jazz and rhythm and blues, among other music styles. In the 1950s and 1960s, Detroit, or “Motor City”, the cultural hub of Black music, gave Black America through Motown Records a soundtrack of love and resilience in the face of tremendous hardship, definitively proving that Black music was not only

unique and exciting; it could also be tremendously profitable.

But Hip Hop wanted nothing to do with the genteel propriety and elaborate choreography of the Motown years. Above all else, Hip Hop was about anger and freedom. Hip Hop was about one person and their microphone – perhaps with a deejay along for the ride – breaking all the rules and taking on the world in the process.

It makes sense, therefore, that today, Hip Hop is the soundtrack of rebellion and protest all over the world. In Kenya in 2007, the lyrics of Gidi Gidi and Maji Maji’s “Unbwogable”, an anthem about showing no fear, was the soundtrack of the failed political revolution.

In 2010, Tunisian rapper El General released a song called “Rais Lebled”, which became the anthem of the Tunisian uprising and the Arab Spring.

Senegal’s 2011 Y’en a Marre protests, which prevented Abdoulaye Wade’s unconstitutional third term as President, were rooted in the Hip Hop of musical collective Keur Gui. In Chile, rap was a major part of anti-government protests in 2019 with songs like Jonas Sanche’s “Dictadores Fuera” (Dictators Out), decrying the alarming retreat in human rights. In Sudan, Aymen Mao’s reggae-infused Hip Hop became the soundtrack of the 2019 revolution.

In South Sudan, Emmanuel Jal’s Hip Hop is a central part of the younger generation’s demand for peace in the face of their elders’ intransigence. In Gaza, MC Gaza doesn’t just decry the Israeli blockade and occupation, but also fights back against local censorship. For young people around the world angry at systemic violence and exclusion, Hip Hop offers a beat to march to and an outlet for political expression. Hip Hop is to music what football – the real one, played with the feet – is to sport. Their global appeal is rooted in their simplicity: They both require very little initial capital from the participant.

As traditional instruments have fallen into disuse in many parts of the world and as instruments like guitars and pianos – not to mention the musical education required to play them – remain out of reach for most people, Hip Hop emerges as an elegant and accessible solution for the musically inclined.

It is global, allowing people to find inspiration using nothing else than an Internet connection. It is also a particularly malleable genre of music because it doesn’t require any special insider training or knowledge; this appeals to poor and working-class people – and the global majority. The only thing truly required of putative MCs is a singular belief in their ability to be better than everyone else who steps up, and a commitment to make it so. This is not to suggest that Hip Hop imposes itself onto blank cultural canvases. Quite the opposite: It underscores why Hip Hop more than any other genre of music has such a great claim to be the first truly global genre of music.

Consider that if the match is the basic unit of football, then rap battles are the basic unit of Hip Hop, allowing MCs to show off and sharpen their skills against each other. There are many global traditions of poetry that echo the dynamics of the Hip Hop battle. In Sudan, poetry known as hakamat is an age-old tradition involving women taking on men or each other through poetry. Somali people are known as the nation of poets because of a long, rich history of complex oral poetry, and when not narrating odes to camels – the lifeline of desert life – it routinely descends into warm-hearted ribbing.

In Kenya, we have mchongoano, which like the former two examples is reminiscent of The Dozens, an identical US game of interactive insult that has roots in the cultural tenacity of enslaved people facing systemic violent erasure.

These global connections reaffirm many cultural links that link Black culture in the US to Africa and beyond, making the

genre more culturally portable.

Inevitably, subgenres of Hip Hop have emerged around the world as young people layer Hip Hop’s raw material over their own cultures and their own circumstances, and they often encounter the same resistance that US Hip Hop faced in its early years.

Rap remains by far the most popular genre in terms of sales in France, which is the second largest rap market in the world after the US. But because it is the music of the banlieues, it faces stiff resistance from the authorities with even the official French music industry body SNEP calling it “overexposed” and inviting people to spend more money on other genres to diminish its impact.

In the United Kingdom, grime and drill have produced their own megastars like Stormzy and Skepta despite the UK Government initially investing a great deal of resources in criminalising and policing it.

The same anti-establishment street cred that makes young people the world over fall in love with the genre inspires a backlash from the authorities in those communities. And this backlash does not stop at intimidation.

Rap continues to push back against exceptionally harsh treatment before the law in the US, where rap lyrics are still routinely used as evidence in criminal trials.

Elsewhere, Hip Hop musicians have been arrested, tortured and even executed for inspiring revolt. In Iran, the soundtrack for the latest wave of anti-Government protests featured the rap lyrics of Toomaj Salehi, including his song “Fal” (Omen). He was arrested in October and his family alleges that he has been tortured. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera) (Nanjala Nyabola is a writer and political analyst based in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the author of “Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics”, a book on the impact of the Internet on Kenyan politics (Zed Books, 2018))

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch on Tuesday welcomed the newest batch of Peace Corps Response Volunteers at the US Embassy in Guyana (US Embassy photo)

Fraudster caught in sting operation attempting to sell house lot

A30-year-old man was nabbed by Police during a sting operation on Tuesday, after he allegedly tried to commit fraud.

The man, Andre DeFreitas, of Cow Pen Street, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), allegedly attempted to collect $100,000 from someone to secure a house lot for them.

Based on information reaching this publication, DeFreitas claims to be the owner of Prime Investments and that he has a contact at the Housing and Water Ministry.

Reports are that just after 12:00h on Tuesday, a sting operation was set up along Regent Street, Georgetown, where the person approached DeFreitas and gave him the money for a house lot.

Guyana Times understands that $100,000 in marked money was given to DeFreitas to secure house lots.

Shortly after, the Police swooped in on him and he was arrested. He is in custody at the Brickdam Police Station, assisting with the investigation.

Just recently, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal had urged Guyanese not to fall prey to fraudsters who promise to get them a house lot.

Croal had maintained that only the Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority are authorised to carry out such transactions.

“We are also aware that

Efforts being made to locate mother of abandoned baby – Police

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is making a stringent effort to locate the mother of a baby that was found abandoned in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday.

On Tuesday, the GPF said that in collaboration with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), they have launched an investigation into the abandonment of the newborn.

According to the report, after the discovery, the baby was seen by a team of doctors and is in good health in the care of the Mahaicony Public Hospital.

those persons will ask you to pay them to help you get the lot. I want to say this, you do not have to pay anyone to get a house lot,” Minister Croal said.

He said that applications and interviews are done at the regional offices located at Vreed-enHoop RDC Compound Region Three; Anna Regina RDC Compound, Region Two; Fort Wellington RDC Compound, Region Five 5; New Amsterdam RDC Compound, Region Six; Lethem, Region Nine, and Linden, Region 10.

This warning came on the heels of persons being asked to send money to an MMG account which is falsely being linked to the Office of the First Lady, Arya Ali, under the pretext of payment for a house lot.

As such, the Minister urged persons to report these unscrupulous characters to the Ministry. (G9)

Guyana Times was informed that the child was found by a group of farmers, wrapped in pair of jeans in a gift bag, stashed between a clump of bushes. Upon seeing the child, the cops were alerted and summoned to

the scene. Police, however, said that at about 14:45h on

Monday, an anonymous call was made to the Mahaicony Police Station. Upon receiv-

ing information, a Police Sergeant and a party of Police ranks went to Recess, Mahaicony, ECD.

On arrival, a group of persons were seen gathered at an area by the seaside. The Sergeant said he went inside the bush and picked up a newborn baby boy with the ‘afterbirth’ still attached.

The baby was in a multi-coloured gift bag.

The baby was then wrapped with a towel by the Sergeant and escorted to the Mahaicony Public Hospital.

“The baby was seen and a medical examination done by a doctor on duty who stated that the baby was in good health,” the report said.

While the age of the child could not be determined, Police officials said that the baby was admitted to the hospital’s Maternity Ward under observation. (G9)

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

21:00 Stranger Things S3 E8

22:00 Manifest S2 E7

23:00 The Office S2 E9

23:30 Grace & Frankie S4 E5

00:00 Sign off

Andre DeFreitas, who was arrested by Police during a sting operation on Tuesday

The child that was found abandoned in Mahaicony

NGSA Math Questions

Discussion advances on Corentyne River bridge project

…as Guyana, Suriname Public Works Ministers meet

imately 3.1 kilometres, connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established. That free

zone will see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.

Running from Moleson Creek to Long Island, the

bridge will be a low-level structure, approximately one kilometre long; with a 2200-metre (2.2 km) road across Long Island and a high bridge, spanning 2100 metres (2.1 km) thereafter. At the high end of the bridge, which will facili-

tate marine traffic, it will cater for 40,000 to 45,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) capacity featuring a vertical (height) clearance of 43 metres and a horizonal (width) clearance of about 100 metres. (G12)

The Governments of Guyana and Suriname are seeking to make headway in the Corentyne River bridge project, as Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engages his counterpart, Minister Riad Nurmohamed in the neighbouring Dutchspeaking nation.

On Monday, Edghill landed in Suriname with Chief Transport Planning Officer at the Public Works Ministry, Patrick Thompson.

The bridge will be built according to the Design Build Finance Operate Maintain model (DBFOM). This means that whichever company is contracted to build the bridge will be responsible for its design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance. It will also be constructed via a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The bridge is one of the first agreements between President Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, with both heads previously underscoring the critical role the bridge across the Corentyne River would play in advancing cooperation, creating more opportunities for development for both countries.

Last year, Minister Edghill was in Suriname to sign a ceremonial agreement between the two countries to kickstart plans for the massive project. The Surinamese Public Works Minister has positioned that with this important infrastructure in place, both countries will benefit from a tremendous spinoff as it opens South America.

President Ali had disclosed that the financial proposal

for the new bridge across the Corentyne River would be out by the end of January, thus paving way for the tendering process and then the construction stage.

Back in May of 2022, a US$2 million contract was signed in Paramaribo for several preliminary studies and research to be conducted on the Corentyne bridge by WSP Caribbean. The Expressions of Interest (EoIs) were also simultaneously launched. Six international companies –five Chinese firms and one Dutch company from The Netherlands – had submitted bids for the construction of the Corentyne River bridge. The bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in Georgetown back in August.

Among the bidders were China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC); Stateowned China Road and Bridge Cooperation (CRBC); China Gezhouba Group Company Limited in association with CEIG; China Overseas Engineering Group Co Ltd (COVEC) in association with China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co Ltd (CREEC), and China Railway First Group Co Ltd (CRFG); and China Railway Construction Caribbean Company Limited & China Railway Construction.

Meanwhile, Ballast Nedam, a construction company that is based in The Netherlands, was the lone non-Chinese company that submitted a bid for the project.

The high-span Corentyne River bridge will run approx-

An artist’s impression of the Corentyne River bridge

$27.6M roadworks completed at Melanie access road

…in Nigeria

Aonce deplorable access road at Melanie on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) has been replaced by newly paved infrastructure, a promise fulfilled by Government to the tune of $27.6 million.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar shared on Tuesday that reconstruction of the main access road along the nursery school has been completed after it was in a deplorable state for many years.

Indar was accompanied by contractor Omari Blocks Construction and businessman James Bond for the inspection of the new asphaltic concrete road.

The Minister also conducted a

walkabout at Melanie-South where he consulted residents who complained about dilapidated roads and drainage in their neighbourhood. Residents were assured of the Government’s continued commitment to their community’s development.

The Government has signalled that this year would see, among other things, a major shift to community building and improving infrastructure, which will include massive spending on community roads and drainage systems.

Meanwhile, large infrastructural projects include provisions for the upgrading and widening of the Corentyne Highway from Palmyra to Crabwood

Creek, with a sum of $27.7 billion allocated in Budget 2023; upgrading of the East Coast Railway Embankment road into a four-lane highway from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau, continuing to the Mahaica River bridge, continuing of the upgrade of the East Coast Highway from Belfield to Orange Nassau and constructing a second bridge across the Hope Canal, with $16.6 billion allocated in Budget 2023; constructing the East Coast-East Bank road link from Ogle to Eccles (first phase of a fourlane highway intended ultimately to link the East Coast of Demerara and the Linden-Soesdyke Highway), with $10.3 billion allocated in Budget 2023. (G12)

Weighing in with a population of 221 million, Nigeria’s by far the most populous state in Africa – and one of the major sources of our population, with persons having been dragged across the Atlantic as slaves for the European plantations. That alone should be reason enough for us to keep an eye on how the Nigerians are doing. Another would be to check out their fortunes as an oil-producing nation; since 1972, producing almost 2 mbd! And a third would be to see how democracy’s faring, since the Americans predicted that Africa would’ve been a better guide to Guyana’s trajectory than the rest of the British Caribbean! And how right they’ve been!!

Well, right now, the Nigerians are in the throes of an election for a president and vice president. So, at least they’re still going to the polls to choose their leaders, instead of staging coups and civil wars. Following Ghana’s independence in 1957, Nigeria got theirs in 1960, and became a republic in 1963. While everyone was of the same race, Nigeria had hundreds of tribes and cultures. Ethnic strife soon led to military coups, and military groups ruled the country from 1966 to 1979, and from 1983 to 1999. The civil war between the federal Government and the former eastern region of Biafra (1967–70) ended in Biafra’s surrender after the death by starvation of perhaps a million Biafrans. Religious differences between the north (Muslim) and the south (Christian and native religions) produced another source of deep-seated conflict that’s not too far from the surface. Very importantly for our edification, the production of oil didn’t help resolve the various conflicts, but instead led to more conflicts over rampant corruption in the oil industry.

But while your Eyewitness has highlighted some of the challenges facing Nigeria, he must also point out that those are not only political, but economic. The growth rate is an anaemic 3% - which is wiped out for the average citizen by 22% inflation and massive power supply problems!

But…to return from where we started, since 1999, they’ve stuck with democratic elections in spite of the bleak circumstances. There have been two major parties competing for office since then, but this time a third force has been cobbled together, and its leader has just won the largest city – Lagos!! It’s doubtful he’ll be able to win it all, but his message of changing the moribund system of the old politics is resonating with the younger voters. He’ll certainly introduce a measure of fluidity into the system, and possibly lead to a new runoff if one of the two “old guards” don’t get the majority.

Good luck to them – since they’re supposed to be a harbinger of our future!!

…in Haiti??

Haiti’s another country to which we’re tied in one way or another – but mainly “another”, by being the two poorest countries in the hemisphere ever since the dictators Duvalier and Burnham got through with us!! After all your Eyewitness’s updates, you know how dire their situation is! Imagine they qualified as a “failed state” to receive American ministrations, but nothing’s been done, cause the lawmakers believe they’re too far gone. To attempt to assist would be to guarantee they’d fail and look bad!!

But we can’t give up on our own, can we?? So, your Eyewitness is very proud that Jamaican PM Holness is taking the bull by the horns and pushing Caricom to assist the local Haitian Police Force to bring some kind of order.

From where we stand, it’s clear that the situation is very complex, so only fools would rush in where even the Americans are afraid to thread.

As Joyce said, “To live, to err, to fall, to triumph, to recreate life out of life!”

…and the PNC

The PNC’s in worse shape than your Eyewitness thought, after he saw the drivel written by one of the PNC’s “young brigade”. If they’re still holding the biggest failure in the Caribbean as their model, they’re doomed!!

A before and after comparison of the access road shows major upgrades for residents

Guyana-Mexico talks for removal of visa restrictions

…as trade missions also being discussed

To deepen trade and enable ease of doing business, talks are brewing between Guyana and Mexico to establish trade missions and erase current visa restrictions.

The Executive Management Committee (EMC) of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met with newly appointed Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo.

President of the GCCI, Timothy Tucker welcomed the diplomat to Guyana and added that his arrival is one that was highly anticipated due to GCCI’s existing cordial relationship with the Mexican Embassy and its business community. Also present at the meeting were Advisor and Economic Consultant,

Richard Rambarran, Junior Vice President of GCCI Kester Hutson, and Chairperson of Construction and HSSE Committee, Keon Howard.

During what was described as a fruitful engagement, the Ambassador highlighted that Guyana’s economic advances are evident and will do well in fostering relations between the two countries.

The Ambassador further expressed interest in exploring the organising of both inbound and outbound trade missions between Guyana and Mexico to explore the protocols observed within the business sector of both territories. He also mentioned the potential removal of visa restrictions to foster ease of travel for Guyanese business owners and personnel, stu-

dents, corporations and agencies to Mexico.

The need to address the existing language barrier was also discussed and how this can be mitigated through the utilisation of educational institutions. The ultimate goal is to facilitate fluent exchange between the private sectors of both countries, through language, culture, and social programmes.

The Ease of Doing Business Index is one of the most comprehensive studies done by the World Bank, in which it looks at key indicators such as registering, compliance, taxation, obtaining loans and similar factors such as administrative procedures. It also looks at legal measures such as protection and settlements. In its last report, the World Bank ranked Guyana

134 out of 190 countries in its Doing Business Report for 2020 as it relates to the ease of doing business. However, the Government has embarked on setting up a single window system to further al-

leviate this problem.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Government of Mexico sent a congratulatory message to Guyana on the 50th anniversary since the estab-

lishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“Let us celebrate together these past 50 years of friendship and collaboration, which have allowed us to deliver benefits to our populations, as well as to the Caribbean Region and the Americas. The future of our nations is very bright and we are convinced that the following years will bring even greater opportunities to strengthen our ties at every level,” the statement read.

The Embassy has prepared a series of events that will take place throughout the year to mark this historical occasion, including incoming trade missions, business networking opportunities, and cultural showcases. (G12)

(From left to right): Advisor and Economic Consultant Richard Rambarran; Secretary, GCCI, Shaleeza Shaw; President, GCCI, Timothy Tucker; newly appointed Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Ambassador Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo; Junior Vice President, GCCI, Kester Huston; and Construction and HSSE Committee Chairperson Keon Howard

Man seeks justice after fiery Mahaicony crash

old construction worker, and his 7-year-old grandson Vishnu Samuels - both of Lot 13 Dundee Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara – are now slowly recovering at home.

Having been involved in an accident at Recess Public

Road, Mahaicony, ECD last Wednesday, February 22, Danny Samuels, a 56-year-

According to Danny Samuels, on Wednesday, February 22, at about 11:30h, he was driving a Canter with Vishnu as an occupant, and there were two cars behind their vehicle at Recess, Mahaicony when the accident occurred.

Samuels is alleging that the driver of a white car which was proceeding in the opposite direction lost control of his vehicle and it collided with the right side of his Canter before slamming into the two cars that were behind him. According to Samuels, shortly after the crash, he heard a loud explosion and his lorry burst into flames.

“The man just drive and he knock me [Canter] on me gasoline tank at the side. After the man knock the tank, me only hear, ‘Vupe!’

The gasoline tek off with bare fire, and me just scramble me grandson and me push the door and me come out. The

fire was in front the door, and me had to come out, and then me start get the burn,” Samuels recalled.

Samuels and his grandson were both taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital to be treated for the burns they sustained. Samuels received burns to his face, neck, feet and hands, while his grandson received burns to the left side of his face and to his left hand.

“Ah deh in bare pain! Pain too much!” Danny Samuels bemoaned. The incident has been reported at the Mahaicony Police Station.

According to Samuels, he and his grandson were heading home from Abary, West Coast Berbice when the accident occurred. His vehicle has been completely destroyed, and he estimates his loss at $1.3M.

“Me glad if me can get back me Canter and if he [car driver] can compensate me… When me come from hospital, me hear dem give the man bail. I am in a critical condition here, I can’t walk. I want justice.”

(Andrew Carmichael)

Stolen car found torched in New Amsterdam

Acar that was reported stolen on Sunday was on Monday discovered torched in an area in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The car, PYY 1184, was discovered at Overwinning, Greater New Amsterdam. It was reportedly stolen from the corner of Main and Asylum Streets on Sunday morning.

Owner of D.A. Auto of Number Two, East Canje, Berbice, Bevon Alphonso said she was using the car and stopped at the supermarket to pick up an item but when she returned, the car was gone.

According to the businesswoman, she was able to obtain CCTV footage from the supermarket and from the video, recognised that the person who removed the car is known to her.

The woman said she had

sold the vehicle to the man but was forced to repossess it after he failed to upkeep his instalments.

“The balance was $2.4 million for the vehicle and he never made payments. So I uplift the vehicle. The vehicle was at the station for over three months so I got back the vehicle from DPP and the vehicle was parked all the time in my place and only yesterday [Sunday] it went out,” she explained.

Alphonso said whilst she was searching for the missing vehicle, someone contacted her, saying that the car was discovered at Overwinning Sideline Dam.

Upon arriving at the location, she discovered that it was her car and it was burnt. The matter has been reported to the Police. The businesswoman estimates her losses to be $3.5 million.

The torched motor car

The truck that went up in flames

The other vehicles that were involved in the accident

The injured Danny Samuels The injured seven-year-old Vishnu Samuels

CCAC probing 27 complaints of defective vehicles purchased …consumers advised to inspect vehicles before buying

The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has received a total of 27 complaints relating to the purchase of vehicles amounting to over $61 million, which reflects a 108 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

As such, the agency has alerted consumers to have vehicles that they intend to purchase thoroughly checked by a mechanic of their choice before signing off on the final agreement of purchase.

“The Commission recommends the vehicles are checked for all aspects of their engine function, air conditioning, and electrical systems, along with the exterior and interior condition,” the CCAC stated in a release to the media.

Further, the agency added that a vehicle inspection checklist can be obtained via its website at ccac.gov.gy

However, consumers are also advised to read, fully understand, and agree to the terms and conditions under contracts and warranties before signing off on the purchase.

“CCAC advises consumers who have recently purchased vehicles, are experiencing issues, and are still within the warranty period to file a complaint with the Commission via our website.”

Persons intending to purchase vehicles at auto dealers are also encouraged to contact the Commission to enquire about any valid complaints we may have on file for the dealer.

Earlier in the year, the Commission had reported that in 2021 over $152 million in

consumer complaints that were reported were resolved, with Region Four securing the highest number of grievances.

By enforcing the Consumer Affairs Act of 2011, the Commission can seek redress for affected consumers in Guyana. As per the report,

480 complaints amounting to $211,034,785 were received in 2021.

The electronics or electronics services, auto industry; and appliance and appliance service dominated the categories of complaints. The auto industry accounted for the highest value

of complaints at $117,167,673.

The CCAC was established under the Consumer Affairs Act of 2011. Its functions include investigating complaints by agencies and consumers and determining if there has been a contravention of the Competition and Fair-Trading

Act of 2006 and the CAA; taking prescribed actions should there be a contravention of the law and eliminating anti-competitive agreements.

It is also responsible for providing information to consumers on their rights and enabling them to make informed

choices; advising the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce on matters as it relates to the CFTA and the CAA; instituting, participating in, and/or supporting proceedings before a court of law, including to bring prosecutions where the Commission deems fit.

Govt closing APNU/AFC loopholes that resulted in $11B worth of drugs being dumped

The loopholes that allowed $11 billion worth of drugs and medical supplies to be wasted, as well as the dumping of a further $1.1 billion of expired medication, are being addressed and closed by the Health Ministry.

On Monday, the Health Ministry was brought before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer for the findings in the Auditor General’s performance audit. That audit had found as much as $950 million worth of drugs being wasted between 2015 and 2019.

In 2021, the Government had to dump another $10 billion worth of expired medical supplies that had accumulated between that time. Cecil Jacques, the former head of the Materials Management Unit (MMU) acknowledged that procurement and human errors were at the heart of these wastages.

The Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Malcolm Watkins also revealed that when he took over in 2020, the system was very much a broken one.

He noted that work had

to be done to make the system a sustainable one.

“When I took over in 2020, there was still a broken system. The information in the software was very corrupt. There was no clear data. The first guidance I gave to the Chief Pharmacist, is we should find a mid-point between what they’re asking for and what we give. So that was our starting point and that would probably be a 60 per cent success rate.”

He further explained

Jonestown, Shell Beach being examined as tourism destinations

sub-district. Warapoka is a popular birding destination and is home to a well-known Harpy Eagle nesting site.

Efforts are now underway to develop Santa Rosa as a tourist hotspot and only recently, the community launched its canoeing and biking experiences as it seeks to unlock its tourism potential.

Noting that the goal is to establish a Region One tourism circuit, the GTA representative revealed that efforts are being made to develop other activities for tourists visiting BarimaWaini .

that they have established five active layers of checks and balances when drugs are being procured, to cut down on the errors that were once prevalent. Watkins cautioned, however, that the supply chain for drugs is a complex one and that human error can be reduced, but not completely eliminated.

“The supply chain is still evolving. It’s the largest supply chain in the coun-

try. And it’s a very complex system to manage. And I’m a specialist in it. So, we will have instances where there are process errors. Because of these instances, I’ve first asked the chief pharmacist, after (the documentation is) prepared by the logistics officers.”

“And after each programme director views and assesses their individual quantities. So that’s already two layers. Then the chief

pharmacist is three layers. Then the chief medical officer is four layers. And policy directives dictate that the procurement department, even before we sign a contract, should look at it,” Watkins said.

Back in 2021, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had revealed that since taking over the Ministry in August of 2020, over 300 truckloads of expired medication had had to be dumped from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) –the central storage bond of the Health Ministry.

He said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government inherited a “crisis” in relation to the quantity of expired medication being stored at MMU. Dr Anthony revealed that from 2015 to present day, the Health Ministry has had to dump over $10 billion worth of expired drugs and materials because of bad management.

He related that the electronic system at the MMU – called MAC – has been down for quite some time and that led to the former

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government not having a handle on the supplies stored in the central drug bond.

“When you look at it, we had about 300 truckloads of expired medicine we had to throw away and this is very costly to the country, all of us as taxpayers…the amount of medicines we have thrown away from the MMU does not take into consideration some of the expired medicines we had at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and so that too when we look at it, we estimate it is about $3 billion worth of medicine that we had to throw away,” Dr Anthony had informed. The Minister related that in order to create space at the MMU, they had to dump close to $1 billion in drugs between August and September 2020, and another $1 billion worth between October and present day. He further related that it was quite unfair to taxpayers that such large quantities of drugs have to be dumped. (G3)

The Jonestown site in Port Kaituma along with Shell Beach in Mabaruma could become the two newest tourism destinations in Region One (Barima-Waini) as the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and tour operators are exploring the potential that exists in these areas.

This was revealed by Clyde Edwards, a senior product development officer at the GTA during a recent interview with Guyana Times

Edwards explained that there was a special focus now on expanding tourism in Region One, where only a single ‘developed tourism destination’ exists at Warapoka in the Moruca

“Travelling in Guyana is very expensive and visitors wouldn’t want to spend thousands of dollars just to go to Warapoka and there is nowhere else to visit,” Edwards outlined.

As such, the GTA is currently assessing the Shell Beach area, which is a popular nesting site for four of the eight sea turtle species – the Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles. However, given the area’s major problem with erosion, the GTA has to determine if it has potential to be properly developed to host tourists. Shell Beach was designated a protected area with the passage of the Protected Areas Act of 2011.

TURN TO PAGE 19

Expired medical supplies being dumped back in 2021

GTA Senior Product Development Officer Clyde Edwards

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1200 tonnes of soya bean to be harvested soon – investor

The 1000 acres of soya bean crop planted in Tacama Savannah by a public-private partnership are on course to be harvested in late March or early April, with an expected 1200 tonnes of soya bean slated to be harvested.

The soya bean is being cultivated by a consortium that includes Guyana Stockfeed Limited, Edun Farms and Bounty Farm Limited. Other investors are Royal Chicken, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and the Brazilian-owned N F Agriculture.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Bounty Farm Assistant Managing Director David Fernandes said, “We planted 1000 acres, so, we should have a decent crop. We anticipate about 1200 tonnes of soy bean.”

It was explained by Fernandes that this crop would be used strictly for livestock feed. He also made it clear that he was optimistic about the sector, not-

withstanding some of the challenges initially faced.

“The logistics, the location where the farms are had little to no proper roadways, which the Government has now been correcting not only for us but for the timber men that work in that area. That is one that is being dealt with,” Fernandes said.

The large-scale trial cultivation of corn and soya bean by private investors was announced by the Government in 2021. In the feed industry, Guyana imports close to US$30 million in products annually.

The aim is to not just attain self-sufficiency but establish the country as a net exporter of soya.

The key stakeholders in the massive corn and soya bean project include the Government, farmers, and private companies. The Government has played a crucial role in supporting the growth of the industry, with a commitment of over $1.2 billion to infrastructural development in the Tacama area.

Last year, the Government improved access to the area by constructing 40 kilometres of road, with the remaining seven kilometres scheduled to be completed in 2023. Additionally, the Government invested in a drying and storage facility for corn and soya bean which will be completed by the first quarter of this year, establishing the first such facility in the country.

In 2021, the Government started the trial of 125 acres of corn and soya bean, which showed major success. Previously, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had said that the intention was to continuously increase production to cover at least 25,000 acres by 2025. The Minister had expressed the belief that the aim of becoming self-sufficient by 2025 was ambitious, but with the continued support of the Government and the Private Sector, it was achievable.

The Government’s in-

vestment in infrastructure and facilities is expected to significantly increase the yields and profits of farmers, and boost the country’s economy. Minister Mustapha has already announced his Ministry’s plans to start cultivating corn and soya bean in Moco Moco Village, North Rupununi.

The Ministry is also assessing the capacity in other regions, with the aim of taking the project there in the future. Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has provided farmers with subsidies and training programmes to help increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.

In addition, the Government has also been investing in infrastructure such as irrigation systems and storage facilities to help farmers improve their crop management and ensure their produce reaches markets in a timely manner. (G3)

Tacama Savannah soya bean investor David Fernandes (left) with President Dr Irfaan Ali during a previous tour of the farm

Cassava processing facility

Kwebanna inches closer to working factory with $5.5M solar dryer

The Region One (Barima-Waini) com-

munity of Kwebanna is now one step closer to realising its goal of becoming a major cassava by-product producer following the intervention of the French

Government, which has funded a $5.5 million component to a factory the villagers have been trying to set up for a number of years.

The solar dryer facility is expected to assist farmers in the Moruca District

in converting their cassava into flour which can then be used to make a wide range of tasty products.

The dryer forms part of a factory situated at Kwebanna. The factory was established since 2019 but

to date, it has not produced.

Several components are still needed to get the facility up and running.

The community had contacted the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) seeking assistance. The body worked with the village in formulating a project document which was subsequently approved and they were given a grant from the French Government.

Work on the dryer room

commenced in November.

Kwebanna already has a flour mill but a generator is needed to have it powered. The entire project is about 85 per cent completed, according to Fabian France, who is a member of Kwebanna Arapah Flour Enterprise which oversees the factory.

France is hopeful that when the facility begins operating, the community can produce large amounts of produce for export.

Production, he said, could go beyond cassava flour. According to him, the facility has to potential to process ginger, turmeric and other produce.

In 2019, the factory was constructed to the tune of $26 million. Meanwhile, community leaders shared that the current Administration has since assured that provisions will be made for them to get a generator.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Cassava chips being dried at the solar dryer

Mon Repos man charged for drunk driving

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) ranks on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) stopped a man after he was found to be driving a car while under the influence of alcohol. According to officers, the man registered a blood alcohol level of more than double

the legal limit. He was arrested and charged with the offence of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Danesh Narine, 52, of Block 8 Mon Repos, ECD, was arrested on the Triumph Access Road, ECD.

The man was reported-

that a breathalyser test was conducted. The test result from the first test showed 154% BAC, while the second showed 160% BAC.

Narine was immediately taken into custody, and was charged and processed to attend the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Just two weeks ago, two men were arrested and charged for failing breathalyser tests that were administered by the ranks of the GPF at Corentyne, Berbice, and Mon Repos, ECD.

ly pulled over and upon realising that he was under the influence, the cops said

Those charged were Tariq Moburak Ali of south Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, and Leon Mohan, 34, of Good

Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Police said that Ali was arrested at Corentyne, Berbice, and a breathalyser test was administered. The results showed 48 and 49 micrograms of alcohol, respectively. He was then arrested and charged.

Meanwhile, Mohan was arrested on the Mon Repos access road, ECD, and when tested, his readings were 97 and 100 micrograms, respectively. He was taken into custody, charged, and processed to attend the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

The Guyana Police Force continues to send messages to drivers all over the

country about driving under the influence. They said that they will be continuing their DUI Enforcement Programme, with the aim of reducing these cases.

Driving while above the prescribed alcohol limit attracts a charge for the offence of driving under the influence (DUI), which carries a fine.

Persons can be charged for this traffic violation if, when tested, their blood alcohol content is found to exceed the prescribed limit of .35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, and their blood alcohol concentration exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. (G9)

Charged: Danesh Narine

Jonestown, Shell Beach being examined as...

Another area in the region which is being explored is Jonestown, which was a remote settlement established by the Peoples Temple, a US-based cult under the leadership of Jim Jones. Jonestown became internationally infamous when, on November 18, 1978, a total of 909 persons died after drinking cyanide-laced punch, with some being forced to do so against their will, in an event termed “revolutionary suicide” by Jones.

Reports suggest that Joseph Gordon-Levitt will play cult leader Jones in an upcoming film. Additionally, Leonardo DiCaprio is set to play the cult leader in a new biopic about the controversial figure’s life.

“We have plans to go there (Jonestown) with tour operator Wanderlust

Adventures. They are interested in developing Jonestown, but this destination is yet to be assessed at this point in time,” the GTA official shared.

Another goal, Edwards explained, is to have Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) tourism experiences merged with those being established in Region One.

“There is a tour operator called Touring Guyana and they are interested in connecting Region Two to Region One…to start from Adel’s Resort and you come all the way to Waramuri, which is a community with one of the largest shell mounds in Guyana…then go to Santa Rosa where you can participate either in swimming or canoeing or cycling experiences and continue to other communities. But this is yet to be assessed,” the GTA represen-

tative disclosed.

He explained that the goal is to have a circuit similar to what tourists experience on their journey to Lethem in Region

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“You would start at Iwokrama, then you stop at Atta Lodge and you go to

Surama then to Rock View and Karinambo, Caiman House to Waikin Ranch, Manari Ranch and you end in Lethem,” he noted.

Developing a product

Last year, the GTA, along with various stakeholders, introduced over one dozen new tourism products/experiences.

Edwards explained that developing a product varies from community to community, but generally, the process takes a lot of work.

“For example, we’ve been working with Warapoka for the past five years before they reached the stage of visitor-ready. The reason why it took a very long time…is because first we contacted the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to see if they have any funds available for tourism development, because we do not

fund any capital works … from there, we wrote to the communities itself and we have initial meetings with the Village Council and the community members as well.

“So after we have meeting with the Village Council and community members, we then do site assessment or product assessment, so this is where officers are in the field…we also do assessment of guest houses/accommodations…we also assess if there is anybody in the community that prepares various types of meals for guests.”

From these assessments, the GTA would determine what intervention is needed. Intervention often entails training in the area of first aid, delivering quality service, meal preparations, and tour guide training, among others.

A 2011 view of the entrance to Jonestown, Guyana, where 909 cult members died by forced cyanide poisoning in 1978 (Business Insider photo)

Iran investigates poisoning of hundreds of schoolgirls with toxic gas

Almost 700 girls have been poisoned by toxic gas in Iran since

November, in what many believe is a deliberate attempt to force their schools

to shut.

No girls have died, but dozens have suffered respi-

ratory problems, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.

“It became evident that some people wanted all schools, especially girls’ schools, to be closed down,” the Deputy Health Minister said on Sunday.

However, he later said that his remarks had been misunderstood.

The prosecutor general announced last week that he was opening a criminal investigation. However, he said that the available information only indicated “the possibility of criminal and premeditated acts”.

Meanwhile, public frus-

tration is continuing to grow.

The first poisoning took place on November 30, when 18 students from the Nour Technical School in the religious city of Qom were taken to hospital.

Since then, more than 10 girls’ schools have been targeted in the surrounding province.

At least 194 girls are reported to have been poisoned in the past week at four schools in the city of Borujerd, in the western province of Lorestan.

And on Tuesday another 37 students were poi-

soned at the Khayyam Girls’ School in Pardis, near the capital Tehran.

The poisoned girls have reported the smell of tangerine or rotten fish before falling ill.

Earlier this month, at least 100 people protested outside the governor’s office in Qom.

“This is a war!” declared a woman. “They are doing this in a girls’ high school in Qom to force us to sit at home. They want girls to stay at home.”

Some parents have said their children were ill for weeks after the poisoning.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Parents are afraid to send their girls to school and are calling for online lessons

Peru announces US$9B injection to boost economy amid protests

Peru’s Government announced on Tuesday the launch of more than 30 public-private projects worth nearly US$9 billion, hoping to revive the economy hit by violent anti-government protests.

The projects, involving road infrastructure, energy and sanitation, are set to begin between this year and 2024, according to the Head of the State’s agency for investment promotion Jose Salardi, speaking at an event with investors.

“The key is to regain confidence,” Salardi said, adding the Government is simplifying processes, standardising contracts

and coordinating with the private sector.

Anti-Government protests have gripped the country since the Dec 7 ouster of Former President Pedro Castillo, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces leaving dozens dead.

Private investment in Peru fell 0.5% last year, while it posted a 37.4% growth in 2021, according to Economy Ministry data.

In the same conference with investors, Economy Minister Alex Contreras stated protests affected the economy of the world’s second largest copper producer in December and January, but early econom-

ic indicators are showing a recovery in February.

“The goal is for private investment to increase 3% this year,” Contreras told the conference.

“The need for reactivation is urgent ... and it is not easy for an economy to recover from an (attempted) coup,” he added.

Peru’s economic growth stood at 2.68% at the end of 2022, a steep decline from the 13.61% climb recorded the year before.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended Peru earlier in February to implement “targeted, temporary” fiscal stimulus given the slump in economic activity.

Protests in Peru sparked after the ousting of Castillo, with demonstrators ask-

ing for President Dina Boluarte’s resignation, the closure of Congress, a new

Constitution and early elections. (Excerpt from Reuters)

WI Tour of SA 2023: Test 1 of 2…

Joseph leads West Indies’ fightback

- after Markram century

Aiden Markram celebrated his return to Test cricket in style, notching up his sixth century; but Alzarri Joseph's pacy three-wicket burst helped West Indies storm back into the contest late in the day. South Africa ended day one of the first Test on 314 for 8.

Playing his first Test since August 2022, and on a surface that had something for the bowlers all day, Markram put on a cover drive masterclass en route to 115. But West Indies restored some parity by inducing a collapse, picking up seven wickets for 79 runs in the final session.

Temba Bavuma won the toss in his first assignment as full-time Test captain, and elected to bat first with the hosts getting in two debutants - top order batter Tony de Zorzi and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee. Kemar Roach came in for West Indies in place of Gutakesh Motie, who was out due to a back injury.

Dean Elgar and Markram held their own in a near-perfect morning session for the hosts, adding 99 runs in 28 overs. West Indies did have a chance to get that early wicket, with Elgar edging a straightforward catch to Jermaine Blackwood at third slip off Kyle Mayers, but the fielder made a mess of it.

Shannon Gabriel troubled Elgar with the short ball, including a shoulder-high

delivery that drew a top edge over the wicketkeeper's head. There was also a leg-side trap in place for him, but the former captain survived all that, and brought up his 23rd Test fifty off 84 balls.

Markram, at the other end, back with renewed confidence after recently leading Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the SA20, played a couple of stunning cover drives to signal his intentions early. He was largely untroubled with whatever the West Indies bowlers threw at him, as the duo went into the break unscathed. Markram started the second session from where he left off in the first, driving Jason Holder in the gap through covers, which also brought up the hundred for South Africa in the 29th over.

Gabriel continued with the short-ball ploy, but Elgar, now more confident, brought out the ramp over the slip fielders. Then it was Markram's turn to bring up his half-century, his tenth in Test cricket, with a push through covers. Elgar ramped Joseph over slips again, but the very shot brought about his downfall two balls later. Joseph moved the fielder to deep third, and went for another bouncer, closer to Elgar's body. He arched back, trying to ramp him again, but ended up hitting it straight to Blackwood, who took a stunning catch after a bit of misjudgment.

With de Zorzi in at #3, West Indies had harboured hopes of some sort of a comeback. The debutant, however, quickly put those thoughts to bed, adding 78 runs for the second wicket off 127 balls.

South Africa went into tea on 206 for 1, and eyeing a big first innings score with Markram unbeaten on 97 and de Zorzi largely comfortable on 22. However, things unravelled rather quickly in the final session, and Markram had a scare on 99 when a caughtbehind decision was sent upstairs, but the on-field decision of not out was upheld. He did not waste much time, crashing Joseph's short-of-alength ball past point to bring up his first Test century since February 2021.

However, a combination of an excellent piece of fielding and lazy running brought about the fall of de Zorzi's wicket, and

opened the floodgates. De Zorzi's cut was intercepted well at deep point by Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The duo ran two, but for some reason, de Zorzi came back searching for a third, only to be sent back. Chanderpaul fired in a wide throw that Joshua Da Silva palmed back onto the stumps, catching de Zorzi by surprise, with him being found inches short.

Two balls later, Joseph pinned Bavuma bang in front of the stumps for a duck, before a pinpoint yorker on the base of off-stump left Markram's stumps in a mess. From 206 for 1, the hosts had slipped to 236 for 5.

Heinrich Klassen came out with an attacking intent even as Keegan Peterson, back after an injury, struggled for timing. Klaasen's cameo did not last long, though, with Gabriel sending him back for 20 via

a short ball that he pulled to Joseph at mid-on. The West Indies bowlers then stuck to a plan and got the ball to hoop around. Senuran Muthusamy was caught in front shouldering arms to a full-length Roach delivery,

while Mayers ended Peterson's struggle on 14. Coetzee struck two fours off his first two balls in Test cricket before bad light brought about an early close of play, with only 82 overs possible on the opening day. (ESPNCricinfo)

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By Jemima Holmes

In years past, the Chase’s Academy Football Team was one of the most feared outfits on the schools’ football circuit. Having produced a long list of national players, among whom are Jeremy Garrett, Kelsey Benjamin, Curtez Kellman, Ryan Hackett, Raushaun Ritch and Marcus Wilson, Chase’s Academy has always been associated with the best in this business of football.

Regrettably, a decision was taken in 2019 to omit private school teams from the Milo Under-18 tournament, and the Chase’s Academy Football Team has since been missing in action – in public view.

However, in 2023, not only would the 9th edition of the Milo tournament see an expansion from 24 to 48 teams, but the Chase’s Academy team will make their long-awaited return; and, according to Headmaster Henry Chase, the school’s sports programme has kept Chase’s prepared for this moment.

“Obviously, it’s a great feeling. For me, it’s always more than football; it’s a total development of the youths. The

good thing is that, even though we were out of football since 2018, we still continued with the programme, and it worked as an advantage,” Headmaster Henry Chase has shared on his school’s return to this most prestigious tournament.

In an exclusive chat with Guyana Times Sport, HM Chase added, “Moreso, where the

players (are

concerned), instead of playing for school, we encouraged them to play for clubs. So, we have a very good, exciting bunch. We have about 90% of the players, I feel, ready for Milo; and it’s going to be a good tournament, I can tell you that.”

Asked if the school team would be under any pressure to perform, HM Chase was unfazed

as he highlighted the quality of his investment in the team. An example of this investment lies in the recruitment of renowned youth football Coach Vurlon Mills to spearhead the coaching staff.

“It might be [pressure] for the other schools!” the renowned teacher said with a laugh.

Explaining why his team would not be pressured, Chase

GCB Senior Inter-County Four-Day tournament 2023…

said, “But I keep saying, ‘In order for things to grow in this country, you need vision, and the vision lies with me’. Even though we were out of football, I kept the vision alive. So, what we find, we have good players from Form 1 right up. It’s a sad part we don’t have a female tournament to the Milo, but we have had players from Form 1 right up to 6th Form.

“I understand where I want football to go, and football is a sport I have great passion for. So, I will invest,” he added.

Looking to the future, Chase is optimistic about having his team play in the Petra line-up of school football tournaments, but has set his sights on winning Milo first.

“Definitely!” Chase said in responding to Guyana Times Sports’ inquiry on whether he is up to participating in future Petra Organization tournaments.

“We had an invitation for the Exxon last year, but it was kinda late. We didn’t have proper preparation and so on, so we bypassed that. So, the process is now for the Milo, and then we’re going to be preparing for the Exxon, and hopefully the other school tournaments,” he related.

Exuding confidence, Chase expressed an intention for his school to clinch the Milo championship. “The focus right now is to get in back to the Milo, give a good account of ourselves, obviously win the Milo tournament,” a self-assured Henry Chase has declared.

The Milo tournament is set to commence on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

Berbice beat Demerara by six wickets

Berbice off-spinner Kevin Sinclair has demolished Demerara with figures of 6-43 from 19 overs, to give Berbice a six-wicket win at Providence.

On the fourth day of this Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s)

Senior Inter-County Four-Day match, Berbice chased down 110 runs in 14.2 overs to start their campaign in fine fashion.

Demerara had resumed day 4 on 61-3, with a lead of 13 runs.

Overnight batsman Sachin Singh top-scored for Demerara with 66, but the city side lost their last seven wickets for a mere 33 runs.

In the Berbice chase, Anthony Bramble blazed an unbeaten 51 from 26 balls, while veteran batsman Jonathan Foo made 31. Christopher Barnwell, who had four wickets in the first

innings, claimed 3-28 in seven overs in the second innings.

Earlier, Singh and Leon Johnson (34) added 84 runs for the 4th wicket, taking Demerara to 124-4. But wickets crumbled as Kevin Sinclair bowled with control to sweep the city side aside.

Singh's top-score of 66 came off 173 balls in 224 minutes, as the left-hander struck seven fours and one six.

In the Berbice chase of 110, they lost Javed Karim (00), Adrian Sukwah (06) and Kevlon Anderson (01); but Bramble's innings of 51 included nine fours and one six as he and Kevin Sinclair (13) sealed the deal for Berbice.

The tournament will continue today at Providence with Essequibo taking on a Select XI.

Flashback: Headmaster Henry Chase receiving the Milo Championship Trophy on his school’s behalf at conclusion of the inaugural Milo tournament in 2015

Sachin Singh made 66 for Demerara

Kevin Sinclair claimed six wickets

9th edition of Milo Schools’ Football tournament, 2023… Headmaster confident Chase’s Academy would ‘return to winning ways’

Henry Chase, Headmaster of Chase’s Academy

-as Kevin Sinclair demolishes Demerara with figures of 6-43