Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-11-2023 by Guyana Chronicle

THURSDAY 2nd November, 2023

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No. 107252

$1.047B awarded for rehabilitating miscellaneous roads in Region Two

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Commonwealth stands with Guyana - Secretary-General condemns Venezuelan referendum decision

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President, Dr Irfaan Ali accepted the Letters of Credence from the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Barbados, David Comissiong at State House on Wednesday. President Ali said he looks forward to building on the bilateral foundation already established with Barbados while strengthening relations in agriculture, trade and commerce, housing, among other areas

‘The system is failing us’

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- President Ali says, bemoans division in calls for a cease-fire amid Gaza tragedy - highlights ‘hypocrisy’ in aid given to Haiti during crisis

Guyana could surpass global targets on 3 gender equality SEE PAGE

- President Ali believes in country’s potential as benchmark for other nations

Venezuela’s actions pose ‘We shall not be direct threat to Guyana’s found wanting’ sovereignty, territorial integrity - PM Phillips tells OAS

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- President Ali commends Guyana Defence Force on 58th anniversary

Mayor’s proposed tax amnesty lacks legality - AG Nandlall

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Commonwealth stands with Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

- Secretary-General condemns Venezuelan referendum decision

C O M M O N W E A LT H S e c r e tary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC has expressed deep concern at the September 21 decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to undertake a referendum on the status of the Essequibo region, part of the sovereign territory of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana set for December 3. Speaking on the escalation, the Secretary-General said: “The Commonwealth stands with the Gov-

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC

ernment and people of Guyana and with our partners in CARICOM in expressing our concern over the questions in the planned referendum. “And the Commonwealth continues to stand for the rule of law and, reaffirms its firm and steadfast support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereign and territorial integrity of Guyana, and the unobstructed exercise of its rights to develop the entirety of its territory for the benefit of its people”. The five questions approved by the National Electoral Council to be included in the referendum und e r m i n e G u y a n a ’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and their intent is contrary to international law. Question 5 proposes the creation of Venezuelan state of Guyana Essequibo and an accelerated plan for giving Venezuelan cit-

izenship and identity cards to the Guyanese population. International law prohibits the seizure and annexation by one country of the territory of another. The language in these questions contributes to heightened tension and is a threat to peace and stability in a member state of our Commonwealth Family and indeed in the wider Caribbean region. At the last meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana, held on 17 September 2023, the Group “reaffirmed its unwavering support for the judicial process underway before the International Court of Justice, chosen by the Secretary General of the United Nations under the 1966 Geneva Agreement and the Group continues to encourage Venezuela to participate in the said process.” The International Court of Justice (ICJ) determined in April of this year that it had legal jurisdiction over this longstanding issue and the Commonwealth supports the use of the ICJ to adjudicate on the matter. The referendum, to be held one month before Presidential elections in Venezuela goes against the spirit of peaceful dispute resolution.

Guyana could surpass global targets for gender equality

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

- President Ali believes in country’s potential as benchmark for other nations

By Naomi Parris GUYANA is well on its way to surpassing global targets on gender equality and empowerment with the implementation of several strategic policies, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said. The Head of State, while addressing a regional ministerial forum on

on establishing policies that will support women and girls, ensuring that they are included in the country’s development. “We have gone far beyond the 2030 agenda in Guyana and it’s not by accident. By the time the world sets a 2050 agenda, we will achieve the 2050 agenda because we are building a Guyana to

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

gender equality and empowerment held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, on Wednesday, said Guyana has been focusing

function in a world 2030 and beyond,” Dr. Ali said. The aim is to build a Guyana that is competitive, resilient, and sus-

tainable to provide global leadership. To achieve this, much focus has been placed on improving access to education and training for women and girls, and according to statistics provided by the Head of State, the country has made a tremendous headway. Women make up 70 percent of the participants in the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, which consists of over 20,000 individuals. This was a programme introduced by the government to provide more access to training and tertiary education to the populace In addition to this, 74 per cent of scholarships that were granted to women through the Ministry of the Public Service were women. Additionally, it should be noted that women are currently holding leadership positions in both municipalities and regional democratic councils (RDCs) throughout the entire country. In pursuit of this ob-

jective, nearly 50 percent of the composition of the municipality of the country consists of women. “These are numbers you don’t see anywhere else,” the President said. “We must set an example, we must set the benchmark,” he added. When discussing the accomplishments of Guyana, the President acknowledged that further efforts are required, particularly at the regional level. “The world we live in is becoming more and more complex. And that is why on the issue of empowerment and equality we have to reshape the dialogue from actionable to systemic.” Leaders, as he pointed out, will need to scrutinise budgetary frameworks to ensure the successful implementation of policies. Additionally, upon deeper examination of the initiatives and policies executed by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and under the guidance of Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud, it was observed that Guyana has successfully formu-

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

lated programmes aligned with the global objectives established by the United Nations and the European Union. The programmes encompass the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) initiative, which has successfully trained over 12,000 women. Additionally, the COPSQUAD initiative has provided training to police officers to enhance their understanding of handling vulnerable women and children. Aside from these programmes, other initiatives to provide legal support and other forms of assis-

tance were rolled out. Minister Persaud highlighted the potential for further progress from her ministry, expressing the intention to incorporate several of these initiatives into the national budgetary framework. The regional ministerial forum brings together several human services and protection ministers from the Region. Over the next two days, frank discussions and closed-door meetings to establish robust frameworks and policies will take place here in Guyana.

Venezuela’s actions pose direct threat to Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity - PM Phillips tells OAS

PRIME Minister Mark Phillips addressed the Organization of American States (OAS) on Wednesday during an Extraordinary Special Session of the Permanent Council. This session was convened at the request of the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to provide a crucial update on the ongoing controversy with Venezuela, which poses a persistent threat to Guyana’s sovereignty. Prime Minister Mark Phillips emphasised the di-

rect threat to Guyana's sovereignty and territorial integrity posed by Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo region. The Essequibo region remains a focal point of contention in the ongoing dispute between the two nations. During the Special Session, Secretary-General Luis Almagro of the OAS reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution of the controversy. He stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of international law

and reiterated the OAS's dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region. The international community showed its support for Guyana and the pursuit of a peaceful settlement. Several members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joined the United States and Brazil in expressing unwavering and unequivocal support for Guyana. They all emphasised the need for resolving the controversy in strict accordance with international law, underlining the global commit-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips addressed the Organization of American States during an Extraordinary Special Session of the Permanent Council ment to maintaining peace and security in the region. The Extraordinary Special Session served as a platform for diplomatic discussions and reaf-

firmed the international community's commitment to upholding the principles of international law in resolving this long-standing dispute between Guyana

and Venezuela. The Co-operative Republic of Guyana remains dedicated to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing challenges.

‘The system is failing us’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

- President Ali says, bemoans division in calls for a cease-fire amid Gaza tragedy - highlights ‘hypocrisy’ in aid given to Haiti during crisis

By Naomi Parris PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has bemoaned the division in a global call for a cease-fire over the ongoing tragedy in Gaza where thousands of women and children have been killed. The Guyanese Head of State while addressing a regional forum on gender equality and empowerment held at the Marriot Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, on Wednesday, said it is ‘unacceptable and heart-wrenching’ that women and children are being ‘slaughtered’ in Gaza, ‘killed’ by crim-

inal violence in Haiti, and the war in Ukraine, while some leaders remain mute on these matters. “Our women and children are being s l a u g h t e r e d . Wo m en and girls are being raped, killed through criminal violence in Haiti. And women and girls suffer in the war in Ukraine. Yet some of the most powerful voices in the world lay silently,” he said somberly to a silent gathering. “I make that point knowing full well that many arrows may be pointed, but knowing full well that I stand

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

on the ground of truth. There cannot be much more hypocrisy in the world.” the president further added while zeroing in on the current crisis in Gaza. According to several international news agencies, an armed conflict between Hamasled Palestinian militant

groups and Israeli military forces began on October 7, 2023. Since then thousands have been killed and displaced, among these are women and young children. Just, last week, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favour of a resolution for

an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas. Guyana voted in favour of this resolution. “Many leaders across the world. Many, many leaders, many powerful voices across the world live silently…there is absolutely no justification for terrorism and what it brings to society. There is absolutely no definition for terrorism, no defence.” He noted that there is no space globally for anyone to be considered a leader who presides over the suffering of men, women, and children. “The system is failing us and if we don’t recognise the system is failing us, then we are in a serious problem.” The Head-of State

also spoke of the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where there are reports of women and children being killed, raped and displaced during unrest in the country. “At a bare minimum, why can’t this world collectively call for a ceasefire? Why can’t we collectively call for a ceasefire?” the president questioned. He stressed that there is no defence or justification for terrorism. Further highlighting what he believes to be ‘hypocrisy’, the president said “They [leaders] lie silent when they are harmed in Haiti and I am happy that they are loud about the suffering in Ukraine as we all should be.” But he added: “ T h e re c a n n o t b e much more hypocrisy in the world.”

Solar panels now benefit over 788 Region One households

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

AS part of the government's ongoing initiative to distribute photovoltaic (PV) systems, more than 788 solar panels were distributed to households in various communities within the Moruca sub-district, Region One on Tuesday. Over 8,500 solar panels are expected to be delivered to the region by the conclusion of the exercise. Approximately 261 panels were distributed to Kwebanna, another 30 panels were handed over to Seven Miles, 196 to Waramuri and Para, over 80 to Huradiah, 120 to Santa Rose and Islands, and 102 panels to Cabora. The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to several beneficiaries who were elated to receive the systems. Rosanna Garrido of Kwebanna explained that the solar panel will benefit her family, specifically her son who is in Grade Six and has

Former Toshao of Kwebanna, Paul Beneficiary, Monessa Edwards Pierre children will benefit. They great step in the direction of nents of the entire electricity underscored. to study in the evenings. “Due to the condition of can do their homework and helping community mem- scenario. I see this as a big The minister also disbers…With development thing happening in the hinter- closed that other major dethe weather right now, I am study more.” thankful to the government K w e b a n n a ’s f o r m e r happening across the coun- land,” Pierre explained. velopments in areas like Before receiving the so- infrastructure, healthcare, for the solar panels. We can Toshao Paul Pierre high- try and the world, electriclar panel, Evelyn Thornhill potable water, and the conexplained that it was difficult struction of modern secfor her to do her work. ondary schools will also “I thank the president have a positive impact on because I can now do my the region. work in the nights…Life is “We want your children going to change because I to make use of the opporcan see the children are going tunities. You don’t have to to study more in the nights,” go anywhere else; we are Thornhill expressed. spending in the region. We Meanwhile, Minister of are equipping the region. Housing and Water, Collin We are training the teachCroal stated that the $1.4 ers…All we want you to do billion investment will en- is to work with us,” Minissure that all hinterland and ter Croal noted. riverine communities have About 30,000 solar panaccess to solar power. els will be distributed to “Part of our commit- rural, riverine, and hinterAn ongoing demonstration of how to use and upkeep the solar systems ment is to fast-track com- land regions under the Solar munities in making a better Home Systems Project. now use it and we will ben- lighted that the introduction ity is something important livelihood for yourselves. Regional Vice-Chairefit from it a lot,” Garrido of solar panels will further for everyone. It is not only If you are talking about a man, Anansha Peters, othdevelop the community, as where light is concerned but better quality of life, it also er officials, and technical added. Another beneficiary, Sa- it will be beneficial to many now, they can have a fan and means that we must be able officers were also present you can charge your phone. to access potable water and during the distribution hiram Adams said, “We were hinterland communities. in darkness…But today, our “I think this here is a These are important compo- electricity,” Minister Croal exercise.

THE Pomeroon-Supenaam region is poised for further development following the allocation of $1.047B for miscellaneous road projects. The awarding ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council where contractors from the region gathered. The project involves the restoration of 33 roads that cover a distance of 11.563 km, with a total cost of GY$1,047,099,025. The projects typically range in duration from 1.5 to six months. The construction of the roads will involve either asphaltic concrete or rigid pavement. The Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) will provide benefits to the following areas: Charity/Ursara, Evergreen/Paradise, and Good

Hope/Pomona. During his address to the contractors, Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar, stressed the significance of producing work of exceptional quality. He noted that the projects were awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) with the goal of enhancing the lives of residents in different communities. Indar said that the Ministry of Public works has rolled out a massive road programme in various regions and Region Two was not excluded in that programme. Minister Indar urged contractors to adhere to project specifications and called on NDC officials to oversee and monitor the same. He strongly encouraged contractors to initiate

Beneficiary, Rosanna Garrido

Beneficiary, Sahiram Adams

Over $1B awarded for rehabilitating miscellaneous roads in Region Two the mobilisation of raw materials and took the opportunity to extend congratulations to them. Contractors were urged by Vladim Persaud, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, to finish the works within the designated timeframe. He informed the contractors that the Ministry has commenced the procurement of crusher run in significant volumes. Additionally, he assured them that if there is a need for crusher run on the Essequibo Coast, the Ministry can readily supply it at designated stockpile locations. Persaud stated that there exists a number of asphaltic supplies in the region. The Ministry has the capacity to reimburse the supplier for the raw materials on behalf of the contractors, with the amount

being later deducted from their payments. Contractors will receive a mobilisation advance to initiate their work. Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva has mentioned that Region Two is currently experiencing a massive transformation, and the construction of the road will further facilitate the development of the region's infrastructure. De Silva stated that more than 200 roads have already been constructed, and she expressed satisfaction regarding the additional roads. The contracts were signed in the presence of Permanent Secretary Vladim Persaud and Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madhanlall Ramraj, along with regional officials.

A contractor signing in presence of Vladim Persaud, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, as regional officials and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar look on

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

More Food, Less Costs

GUYANA, a lush and resource-rich nation on the northern coast of South America, has embarked on an ambitious journey to strengthen its agricultural sector and reduce its high food-import bill. The government's commitment to promoting high-value crops, in addition to the establishment of model hydroponics farms, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing food security, not only for Guyana, but for the entire Region. For decades, Guyana has faced the challenge of a significant food-import bill. The country has relied heavily on the importation of food items to meet the dietary needs of its population.

This over-reliance on foreign markets not only threatened the country's food security, but also drains valuable foreign exchange reserves. In a move to address this issue, the Guyana government has prioritised the cultivation of high-value crops as a means of increasing domestic food production. High-value crops such as exotic fruits, spices, and specialty vegetables, have the potential to generate substantial revenues in both domestic and international markets. This approach not only helps to reduce the food-import bill but also boosts the incomes of local farmers and contributes to the diver-

sification of the agricultural sector. One of the key initiatives in this endeavour is the establishment of the model hydroponics farm at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). Hydroponics, a soil-less farming technique, offers a sustainable and efficient way to grow crops in controlled environments. The NAREI model farm serves as a blueprint for Guyana's agricultural transformation. It showcases the possibilities of producing high-value crops with significantly higher yields and quality, while using fewer resources and less land. The advantages of hy-

droponics are numerous, especially in a country such as Guyana, where arable land is limited, and traditional farming methods are subject to unpredictable weather patterns and climate change. By adopting hydroponics on a larger scale, Guyana can secure a consistent supply of high-value crops, regardless of external factors. Moreover, hydroponics allows for year-round cultivation, reducing the nation's vulnerability to seasonal fluctuations in food production. To further extend the benefits of this innovative approach, the Government of Guyana is planning to replicate hydroponics farms across the country, as an-

nounced by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. By encouraging farmers to adopt this technology, Guyana aims to bolster its food security and encourage economic growth in rural areas. This expansion is not only about improving Guyana's self-sufficiency, but it is also about contributing to regional food-security efforts. The initiative to promote high-value crops and hydroponics is not just a national endeavour; it is a regional solution to a common challenge. Many Caribbean countries face similar issues of high food-import bills and vulnerability to external factors that affect food supplies. Guyana's success

in diversifying its agricultural sector and promoting efficient farming methods can serve as a model for the entire Caribbean. As Guyana leads the way in promoting high-value crops and hydroponics, it is crucial that the nation shares its experiences, knowledge, and technology with its Caribbean neighbours. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing can strengthen regional food security and reduce dependence on expensive food imports. The road to reducing food-import bills and achieving food security may be long, but it is a journey well worth taking.

President Ali, PM Phillips are confident the ICJ will settle the border controversy peacefully

Dear Editor,

Recently, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips have been pre-occupied addressing the border controversy and briefing the opposition on the false and illegitimate claims by President Maduro of Venezuela. Regarding the border controversy, both countries have been involved in a long-running controversy over their borders. However, in April, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that it had jurisdiction over the issue and will set a date to hear the case and hopefully, settle it. The latest claims by the Maduro regime over Guyana’s territory was reactivated recently after the discovery of oil and gas near the maritime border. As a result, President Maduro has scheduled a referendum for December 3, 2023, for the citizens of Ven-

ezuela to vote on whether their government should annex Essequibo, which constitutes two-thirds of Guyana’s territory including the potentially oil rich areas. Critics have described the vote as a foregone conclusion, and as a way for the ruling Maduro party to measure its strength ahead of planned elections next year, and to encourage the ICJ to give it full rights over Guyana’s territory. The former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Prime Minister Phillips has made it clear that as far as the government is concerned, Guyana’s 83,000 square miles belong to the people of Guyana and not Venezuela, and that the border controversy was settled in the 1899 Arbitral Award—a decision accepted by the United Kingdom on behalf of its colony, British Guyana, and assented to by the United States on behalf of Venezuela.

According to PM Phillips, these are the facts and Venezuela must stop its malicious and intimidating threats and abide by international law, and allow the ICJ to settle the controversy peacefully. He continues to speak truth to power by stating that it has been the long-standing position of Latin American and the Caribbean countries, including Venezuela, that the region must remain a zone of peace, therefore, any attempt by Venezuela to use force will threaten the peace and stability in the region. (Speaking truth to power is a phrase coined by activist Baynard Rustin—the main organizer of the march in Washington D.C on August28, 1963). However, in a terse and powerful statement, President Ali has maintained that the controversy raised by Venezuela must be settled at the ICJ and that Guyana remains committed to peace and the Rule of Law. This was reiterated in a

joint statement by the government and the opposition in which it was made clear that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and that no one should make the mistake and take the nation for granted. From the outset, both President Dr. Ali and Opposition Leader Mr. Aubrey Norton have insisted that Guyana’s sovereignty is paramount, and all Guyanese are completely united on the issue. Both have strongly condemned the flagrant violation of the Rule of Law by the Maduro regime, and that no effort would be spared to resist Venezuela’s persistent exertions to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders assured the nation of their firm and unfaltering commitment to the current judicial process that is being conducted under the aegis of the ICJ, and are convinced that the high court would finally resolve the

question raised by Venezuela over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award. Since then, the governments of Venezuela have treated the 124 years old Arbitral Award as the final settlement of the border between the two countries. And have consistently recognized, affirmed, and relied upon the 1899 Arbitral Award as a full, perfect, and final settlement of the boundary between the then British Guiana and Venezuela. As if this was not enough, President Ali has courageously declared that Guyana will not yield a square inch of Essequibo to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The declaration was made during his address at the launch of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual Agro and Trade Expo at the Anna Regina Secondary School ground in response to the latest actions by Venezuela in pursuit of its false and fraud-

ulent claim to the Essequibo region. He thanked the international community and every right-thinking country, and especially CARICOM for its pointed statement that the Referendum proposed by Venezuela has no validity, bearing, or standing in international law and declared its support for the International Court of Justice, which has the jurisdiction to determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which Venezuela questions. CARICOM also reaffirmed that international law strictly prohibits the government of one State from unilaterally seizing, annexing, or incorporating the territory of another state. President Dr. Ali and PM Phillips are confident that the ICJ will settle the border controversy peacefully and that Venezuela will accept the decision. Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Remaining truthful is beneficial in progressive discussions Dear Editor, Not long after the tragedy that happened at the Mahdia dorm, pursuant to a question asked by the press, I said to a full media corps that the Report that was done on school dormitories was commissioned by the Ministry of Education, done by Deen and Partners, paid for by UNICEF and “shared with the relevant parties.” I explained the different roles of the various ministries and indicated that said roles came about because the law mandated the decentralization of Government. Not long after that, I said that it would be helpful to leave the questions surrounding who received the Report and what actions were taken to the COI that had by then already been announced by the President. The SN covered and carried in its publications the above utterances by me in their pages. Repeatedly; in their columns, as well as in more than 17 editorials written on the matter from then to now. Even though I said that the Report had been shared with the relevant parties and even though the SN reported same, the SN editorials opined frequently that the Report had not been shared with anyone and that nothing had been done with it since I received it. Apparently, I had gone to the trouble of determining we needed a holistic study of the dorms in Guyana, finding an agency to fund the Report and then expending my time in sitting with the consultants to indicate the purpose and value of the Report and what was expected from them, all knowing that I would do nothing with the Report once I received it. This is what the SN would have their readers believe. SN covered the testimony given at the COI on 10th October 2023 by Saddam Hussain, the country’s Chief Education Officer and reported on the same. In his testimony, the CEO said clearly, “… The dorms did not become what they are in 2020. It was a long series of neglect which positioned the dorms to where they are. This neglect which made us say that look, one of the first things we are going to do in 2021 to 2025 as part of our education sector plan is, we are going to look at what the dorms are. We are going to first of all, get a minimal set of standards of what they are and we are going to find out how far we are from

those standards. That is what the Ministry of Education’s Report, funded by UNICEF (not a UNICEF report). It is a Ministry of Education report, funded by UNICEF. ……. This Report is more than 15 years in the making. This is not something new. We are very fortunate in that we have the particular Minister of Education right now, the Hon. Priya Manickchand. What had happened is in Minister’s previous capacity as the head of social services, she had done a similar report to look at the minimum standards for orphanages and care-giving homes. When she came to the Ministry of Education, when the Hon. Minister came to Education, she wanted to look at the same thing in terms of dormitory facilities. It started between 2011-2014. Of course, there was a change in Government, and that was not a part of the priority of that Government. It then resuscitated. The idea resuscitated in August, 2020. I am aware, in November, 2020 we sat in a meeting and the Hon. Minister said, as a priority she wants part of our education sector plan for the next five years, we are going to look at dormitory facilities. What we did, and you will find in my statement, I quoted from the education sector plan, the objective and what we intended to do. We wanted to know two things. We wanted to know the current standard of the dorms and we wanted to know what we needed to do, and the costing as well of getting there. Once it was in the sector plan and it was in the budget for the consultancy, the consultant began working on it in late 2021. ….. Following that Report, immediately systems began to be put in place for the implementation and the subsequent renovations to the dorms. What has to be understood is, the costing of this Report is close to about three billion Guyana dollars, that had to be found in order to fix all of the dorms. This was middle of 2022. Budget had already passed and so there was not a $3 billion lying around that you could just pull and renovate…. I think this is something which is missed. Let us say, for the sake of argument that in September, 2022, we began the process of renovating all the dorms. What do I do with the occupants of the dorms? This was the professional decision which was tendered to the Minister and the Government of Guyana. You cannot take out all the

students from the dorms and just let them be. We felt it was a better option to gradually repair the dorms…. …. That very Report says that Mahdia was not one of the top priorities to be addressed. In fact, Mahdia had one issue and that is with a constant supply of electricity and water….. I am advised through two sources that the Report was shared with Cabinet – one, I attended a number of budgetary meetings. And so, from those meetings, I gathered that this document was laid to the Cabinet. I also …. was copied to an email which suggested to me that the Report was made…was laid…was copied to the Minister of Finance, as well as to the Minister of Local Government and from that, I gathered that it was laid in Cabinet…it was laid to the Cabinet. I also gathered from the email that there was immediate…there was an immediate decision by Cabinet to move ahead with the correction of those things that needed to be done. I can say at this point…. I could add at this point, up to today, $882 million has been expended on dorms from 2022 to current. By the end of the year, we expect to touch a billion dollars because we are still awaiting a number of awards for these dorms…” Yet the SN, through its editorial of 31st October 2023 yesterday, continues to say that “… That Report sat with Minister Manickchand for a year with no evidence that it had been actioned…. Will anyone ever now discuss the Report or should it be taken for granted that any report done in the future by any agency – foreign or local – should be simply discarded or considered wasted money?... An examination of the Minister on the Report would have established two important pieces of the puzzle. Did she and her Ministry take it seriously? If so, what did the Cabinet, including President Ali and the rest of the Government, do with it? Did the Minister, for instance, reach out to the Minister of Finance for information on what funding could be immediately found to revamp the dormitories?...” That the Report was actioned and how it was actioned is apparent in Mr. Hussain’s testimony. All of the questions asked in this latest editorial and more were answered in the CEO’s testimony, which was public and at which the SN was present. Why, then, would this newspaper continue to posit as above?

To avoid doubt, I say, as I have publicly said before, the last such time was on the Gildhari/Kissoon show on Wednesday. Making sure school dormitories are comfortable was an endeavour we were pursuing during the 2011-2015 period. What we found then was that dorms, which fell under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development because of the statutory (by law) decentralization of the country, were doing their own thing. There was no standardization. One Region would treat dorms one way, and another would treat them another way. One Region would have adequate toilets and no fire extinguishers, and another would have adequate fire extinguishers but inadequate toilets. One would have an organized games/ after-school program, and one would have none. Funding for dormitories through the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development also depended on how the particular Region treated dormitories and what they sought in their annual budgets. This resulted in children not receiving the best accommodation that was possible. This status quo was very similar to the status I found with the then privately run orphanages and care homes in Guyana while I served at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in or around 2006/2007. Each orphanage was doing its own thing, and while they were neither Government-run nor government-funded because they were dealing with the nation’s children, we commissioned and published the Minimum Standards for Orphanages and Care Homes. This was reported in the Stabroek News on 19th June 2008: “For the first time in

Guyana, managers of orphanages would have regulations to comply with as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has set out some 25 standards in a booklet. Launched yesterday, the booklet titled ‘Minimum Operational Standards & Regulations for Children’s Homes in Guyana’, was compiled following consultations with a number of stakeholders including persons who operate orphanages, with the support of UNICEF. Compliance with the standards and regulations by the homes is voluntary. However, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, told Stabroek News that non-compliance would see her Ministry taking the necessary steps even if it meant moving to the courts.” There, too, the Ministry did not have direct responsibility for the subject of the report. There too the Ministry did not have the funding to commission the Report by itself and sought the help of UNICEF. After this was shared with said Orphanages and Care homes and compliance was encouraged and supervised, we saw a massive improvement in the service offered at the said homes. People (managers, caregivers, users of the system) then knew what was required, in what quantity and for what reason. It is with knowledge of how that worked that we attempted to do the same thing for school dormitories in Guyana in commissioning this Report. However, the Ministry of Education had neither direct responsibility for the same nor the budgetary allocation to implement. After I received said Report (early July 2022) I shared immediately with the Ministers of Finance, and Local Government and Regional Development. For obvious reasons.

The Ministry of Finance would have to provide the budgetary allocations needed to heed the Report, and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development would receive said money and have responsibility for the maintenance, upkeep, repairs, renovations, etc, of dorms in accordance with said Report. Additionally, the Ministry of Local Government could advise its officers of the contents of the Report and the changes necessary. Not long after I shared same, I laid said document before the Cabinet (August 2022), where the Report was considered, and decisions were made, to wit, that there would be an inclusion in the budgets over a few years, an appropriate sum that would see the eventual compliance with the recommendations in the Report. Later, but prior to the fire (April 2023), in yet another deliberation of the said Report, decisions were taken at the Cabinet that all the recommendations would be implemented. Alongside that decision were the decisions that all schools would get grants, all teachers’ quarters would be built, teachers’ salaries would be regularized, etc. Teachers’ salaries were regularized this month. Grants were given in September 2023. A supplemental was appropriated in the National Assembly in August for repairs of dorms, building of teachers’ quarters, etc. Subsequent to that, the Cabinet, in another deliberation of the said Report after the fire, decided that each dorm would be immediately outfitted with fire prevention and fire-fighting tools and equipment, that doors would not be grilled, that each dorm would have adequate dorm parents and security personnel, adequate beds and working

Continued on page 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Defend Guyana from Venezuelan aggression

Dear Editor

We the Guyanese people do have our differences. Yet, through thick and thin, we have managed to not only survive, but to also be on the verge of dramatic forward movement. Whatever these 83,000 square miles have given us, we have made the most out of it. This is despite centuries of conquest, slavery, indentureship, colonial rule, imperial interference, the toxic dramas of the Cold War, and the gyrating vicissitudes of a world economic order defined by structural inequality between the North and South. These 83, 000 square miles are not only the material source of all we are as a people, but also as the

symbolic referent of ancestral courage, of fortitude, of national unity, and of a future that will be the product of our own choosing. Nowhere does this apply more than to the great Guyanese citizens of Morawhanna, Mabaruma, Juanita, Arakaka, Port Kaituma, Muruwawe Village, Awarabati, Paruima Mission, Baramita, Arau Village, Arawi, and Kikan. And given the rapacious territorial greed of Nicholás Maduro and his collection of generals and politicos that are responsible for a failed state, the people of the Essequibo Coast from Hackney, Charity, Dartmouth, Anna Regina, Queenstown, and all the way down to Supenaam, are also resolved to stand strong against the Bolivarian aggression. So are the folks of Wakenaam, Hogg Island,

Leguan, and then across the massive mouth of the Essequibo River to Parkia, and down to the Boeraserie Creek. I was up the Pomeroon River at Wakapou yesterday and can tell you that the people of the hinterland areas are proud of their Guyanese heritage and history and want nothing to do with the failed state run by Maduro and his generals. What the people of Guyana should know is that despite their massive oil reserves, President Nicholás Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and president of the National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez, are bent on using Essequibo, which is integral and indivisible part of Guyana, as a political scapegoat for electoral reasons. Nicholás Maduro’s United Socialist Party of

Venezuela has mismanaged his country’s economic and political affairs so badly that now he must rely on creating a foreign enemy to help him survive. The opposition parties in Venezuela have also caved in to territorial bullyism. Venezuela has 300 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. This is against Guyana’s 11 billion barrels. Yet Nicholás Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and president of the National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez are so “Big Eye” that they want ours. The sad thing is that despite having 30 times our reserves, we are producing more oil that Venezuela. Why is that so? The answer is simple Nicholás Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Jorge Rodríguez world-class incompetents who spent de-

cades promising things to the Venezuelan people but failing to deliver. Even worse, what they did give away, they could not afford. The Bolivarian Revolution has been run into the ground by this trio who believe that ideology and free giveaways can substitute for an economy based on solid management of macro-economic fundamentals. The Bolivarian Revolution has no one remotely competent to our own President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, or Senior Minister in the Office of the President Responsible for Finance, Ashni Singh. These four stalwarts, along with a superbly qualified Cabinet, would make Venezuela into an economic miracle if they had access to 300 billion

barrels of oil! [It is] … the time for Guyanese from across the country to stand together against Venezuelan aggression. This includes the dozens of critics who live off division and distrust, and who might be tempted to use Venezuela’s drive for territorial robbery, for their own domestic political gains. To date, we have managed to stand as one. Let us consolidate this conjuncture of threat against our national sovereignty to forge a way forward. Let us defend Guyana from Morawhanna to the Boeraserie, and against all enemies, domestic and foreign.

Service affixed the various tools and implements, includ-

ing but not limited to exit signs, extinguishers, fireballs, and smoke alarms, in quantities they deemed appropriate. Additionally, the following dorms have been/are being

repaired/renovated in accordance with the Report: Santa Rosa Dorms in Region 1; Anna Regina, Aurora, Charity and Wakapao Dorms in Region 2; the Mahaicony Dorm in Region 5; the Skeldon Dorm in Region 6, The Aishalton Dorms in Region 9, Linden Foundation Dorms in Region 10. Paramakatoi Dorms in Region 8 and 3 Miles Dorms in Region 7 have been assessed, and the bills of quantities for the work done, but in both cases, the contractors will require several months to do what is required. The officials in various Ministries (Education, Local Government, Amerindian Affairs, Human Services and Social Security) are currently contemplating what would be the best way to get that done, given that the experience is that if these dorms are closed for long periods of time, children are lost to formal Education. The APNU/AFC had an entire COI into the education sector in Guyana. The Hansards will show that I asked at least on three occasions in the National Assembly for that to be laid over so that the nation could see where we were. We never got access to that Report. Either in the National Assembly or elsewhere. As soon as I went into office in 2020, I asked for the Report, hoping to be guided by it as far as dorms were concerned. This was to continue the work that we had started pre-2015 on getting dorms more adequately ready for students. The Report identified that dormitories

were inadequate but did or said nothing more regarding dormitories. In 2021, a report (the Deen and Partners Report) was commissioned and shared with all the relevant parties. This evidences a recognition that all was not well with the dorms, and without more, in and of itself, evidences a desire and intention to correct that circumstance. But more was done. Subsequent budgetary provisions made before the fire to fix the dorms (in order of priority, which the writers of the Report identified) give the clearest indication that the Report would always have been implemented. Why would one ask for minimum standards of dorms to be drafted, for a report on the status of each dorm vis-a-vis those standards, for an approximate cost of fixing accordingly, if one were not going to pursue its implementation forcefully? I ask readers to ask that question. Now that the SN has this information all in one place, which I contend they had before, it would be interesting and telling if editorials and/ or articles were to continue to peddle that nothing had been done for dorms and/or with the Report after it had been received. Scrutiny of Ministers is necessary. I wouldn’t want to live in a country where that didn’t exist or isn’t allowed. Similarly, newspapers have to be responsible and accountable and must be wedded to truth and fact. They cannot

be allowed to push an agenda without regard for truth, fact or even consideration for what they themselves have written and published before. Ironically titled ‘Accountability and Governance,’ one of the editorials about the Mahdia fire sought to make an obvious point on 29th May by saying that “…A year later, when the entire prison burnt down ….. the PPP/C unsuccessfully moved a motion in Parliament where speakers – including the current minister of education,… – called again for Mr Ramjattan to go….” The Hansard, the official record of Parliament of that day, shows that I said, “I am NOT going to offer an opinion on whether I believe my learned friend Mr Ramjattan should resign, he is here and he seems happily ensconced in that ministerial office…” what I actually said is diametrically opposed to what the editorial boldly claims I said. We cannot make up facts and/or skew the reality to make our point. Even as we demand better for our country and her people, we must stay wedded to the truth. Editorials and articles can be just as interesting with reasoned and factual content. And, in fact, staying wedded to the truth is useful and has great value in progressive conversations about the development of our country.

Remaining truthful is... From page 7

bathrooms. The Guyana Fire

Sincerely Dr Randy Persaud

Sincerely, Priya Manickchand

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

AG Nandlall commends Chief Education Officer's Mahdia CoI testimony

ATTORNEY-GENERAL (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, has lauded the testimony of Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain at the Mahdia dormitory fire inquiry. Speaking on his weekly TV show, Issues in the News on Tuesday, AG Nandlall addressed what he described as the “relentless pursuit” by sections of the media of recommendations made in a report commissioned by the Education Ministry and

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC

funded by UNICEF. Hussain testified earlier this month that the report identified the need for a constant supply of electricity at the Mahdia dormitory and an expansion of the facility, but did not raise any concerns about the availability of firefighting equipment. “It’s a very big report and it has to be reviewed. The technical people have to determine whether they will accept all or some of the recommendations. Once that

process is completed, then one has to budget to implement the recommendations, and all of that evidence was given by the chief education officer. And yet, I see this relentless pursuit that seems to convey the impression that there is some other motive at play, the AG stated. He pointed out that, “The chief education officer spoke at length about the fact that it was our government that requested that report, that the report was reviewed, and that it was

only received in the year 2022,” the AG said. The attorney general stressed that he did not want to prejudge the inquiry or its outcome, but said the reporting of the issue in the local media had not been objective or impartial. “This particular instance here presents in my respectful view, alarming evidence of an intention to secure a particular outcome from the commission of inquiry and an expression of great disappointment that this

particular outcome is not forthcoming,” he said. The Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Mahdia dormitory fire has been granted a one-month extension to compile evidence and formulate its report. The commission is led by Chairman Major-General (Retired) Joe Singh, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council Derrick John, and Attorney at Law Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas.

Gaza by numbers! Part Three: Three weeks of carnage and promises of a long war

THE carnage continues in Gaza as Israeli bombs continue raining down on residents in every corner of the small strip where thousands of women, elders and children continue to die in darkness while the world watches in shock and awe. This week started with Israel cutting off all telephone and internet communications across Gaza while dropping leaflets on targeted areas warning Palestinian civilians that their homes are about to be bombed from air, land and sea. Last weekend was the most horrific, as Israel launched the promised ground invasion and pummeled Gaza with indiscriminate bombing and Israeli settlers increased deadly attacks against Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank. Millions took to the streets in protests worldwide, including Jews abroad and families of captives at home demanding an end to the fighting and supporting negotiations for prisoner exchanges. With increasing calls for a ceasefire and allowing humanitarian aid (food, fuel and water) into Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also facing cracks in his emergency National Unity government and his War Cabinet. The Israeli leader is being increasingly blamed for the ‘security lapse’ that caught Israel’s border guards sleep-

ing on the morning of the holiest day of the Jewish calendar and last weekend Netanyahu forcibly and quickly retracted a public statement on ‘X’, after trying to shift blame to the security forces. Hamas said it was ready for a prisoner exchange – all Israelis for all Palestinians held in Israeli prisons – but PM Netanyahu, as the man calling all the political and military shots, has shown no inclination to negotiate. In the meantime, Hamas and Iran have already started talks with Russia regarding its citizens in Gaza, while the UK is pressing for safe passage for its citizens. But while wide cracks are starting to appear in the Israel government over who is ultimately responsible for the current dire straits that have both Israelis and Palestinians living in limbo, Hamas continues to get support in its unequal fight as a nonstate actor against a heavily militarised state with nuclear warheads. Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan told a huge rally in Ankara last week that Hamas ‘is not a terrorist group’, but a force fighting against illegal occupation -- resulting in Israel recalling its ambassador to Tel-Aviv. The United Nations (UN) was also attacked by Israel last weekend and described by government spokespersons as ‘irrelevant’ after the General Assembly voted in favor of a non-binding reso-

lution calling for humanitarian relief – including water – being held up at border crossings to be allowed into Gaza. The UN’s Refugee and Works Agency (UNRWA), World Health Organization (WHO), Human Rights Agency, Red Cross and Red Crescent, Human Rights Watch, the US-based Committee for Protection of Journalists (CPJ) and other relief and human rights agencies continue demanding an end to the war on Gaza, but with no end in near sight. Israeli has long been losing the propaganda war and Cabinet ministers last week continued demonising Hamas, claiming hospitals bombed in Gaza were ‘Hamas command centres’ and its combatants were ‘using civilians for water…’ Desperate Gazans raided warehouses for food last weekend, while Israel continued using water, fuel and food as weapons of war. But the international pressure continues to mount from all quarters for a ceasefire

and for aid flows into the besieged strip, where almost half-a-million people have been forcibly moved to Khan Younis in the south -- only to be bombed on the way, or on arrival. Turkey continues calling for a united Arab response -and on Israel to ‘Listen to the world’ -- while Qatar wants maximum global pressure on Israel to implement the UNGA’s resolution. Egypt and Hamas (together) also again loudly opposed plans to relocate surviving Gaza victims to Egypt’s Sinai region last weekend. With the world pressing for a ceasefire, Israel has embarked on a clear mission of maximum destruction in minimum time, with the stated aim of ‘destroying Hamas completely’ and literally razing Gaza to the ground, while treating all its citizens as ‘Hamas supporters’. ‘Destruction of Hamas’ is practically impossible, however, as both Hamas and Hezbollah (the latter based in Lebanon and considered ‘ten times more lethal…’) have

grown stronger after every previous war with Israel. Vengeance rules the roost in Tel-Aviv, but by killing an average of 2,000 Palestinians per week (thus far), Israel is actually investing in prolongation of the continuing fight for creation of a liberated Palestinian state. After the first three weeks, it’s crystal clear to the entire world that Israel has absolutely no intention of stopping the bombing and killing, with PM Natanyahu quoted on Monday as insisting he ‘will not resign’ and ‘will not negotiate a truce’ – and promising Israelis the war will be ‘long and difficult...’ Meanwhile, after the first three weeks of the War on Gaza (October 7-28), the numbers continue to consume Palestinians and overwhelm the world: • 8,306 Palestinians killed, including 3,200 Children • 1,600 Gazans still under rubble, including 700 children • 110 doctors and medical workers killed • 110 Palestinians killed

by Israeli settlers in the Occupied West Bank • 1,950 Palestinians injured in the West Bank • 64 UN staff killed • 24 journalists killed • 230 Israelis in captivity in Hamas captivity • 50 captives killed during Israeli bombing • 60,000 Gazans seeking shelter around Al Shiva hospital • 15 of Gaza’s 35 hospitals forced to close • 600,000+ Palestinians are sheltering at UN facilities • 300,000 Israeli reservists on standby to be deployed to Gaza • 200 nuclear bombs available to Israel’s army • 6,000,000 Palestinians live in exile worldwide • 4,500,000 Palestinians live under occupation • 2,300,000 Gazans are imprisoned within 365 square-kilometers • 1,400,000 Gazans besieged in Khan Younis; and • 490,000 Israeli settlers have built illegal settlements in Palestine Meanwhile, children who’ve lost family members (among them one who lost 21 and another who lost 41) continue drawing pictures of death and destruction, while the carnage continues relentlessly -- and world leaders talk, diplomats discuss and Israel continues trying to eliminate an entire people in their own homeland.

Yesu Persaud’s autobiography, vol.2: A review

I HAVE done two interviews with Hamilton Green that are in the public domain. One for Kaieteur News (KN) and the other for the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show (GFKS). I will not interview Green again. At the end of the KN’s session, I asked him if he regrets anything in his 28 years of being in power with the PNC. He said absolutely nothing. I remember Andaiye telling me that she found that response incredible. In the GFKS interview, Mr. Green was unmoved about any of the atrocities committed by him and Forbes Burnham. Mr. Green will once more deny the accusations Yesu Persaud made against him in Yesu’s second installment of his memoir “Reaching for the stars: The Life of Dr. Yesu Persaud,” released on October 18. In this second book, Yesu roams over the political terrain with revelations that will now pass neatly into Guyana’s historiography. Yesu documents the bullyism, violence and intolerance of Hamilton Green as the de facto second in charge

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

after Burnham. In July, 1979, a nation-wide general strike was called. Walter Rodney had much influence over the urban African proletariat at that time and was involved in the strike call. I was in the national archive which is directly opposite Guyana Stores. I saw Green aggressively engaging striking workers. When I asked him in the KN interview, if he regretted that, he said he did not assault anyone but was there to protect non-strikers. Yesu describes that as the strike spread to the private sector including DDL, Green sent an army of scabs to take over operations. Yesu wrote that when he told Green that the scabs had no specialised knowledge of how to operate a distillery, Green shouted out, “Are you with the strikers? Why are you telling me my people can’t take over the operation? Don’t you know the Guyana Government owns this place?” When Green reads this, no doubt he will deny that ever happened. The release of the second volume of Yesu’s autobiography comes at an interesting time. For the past six months

in these columns of mine, I have been doing a class analysis of the Stabroek News and the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC). Up comes Yesu’s biography and handed me more material on this class. Yesu’s account of a particular story is simply a description of the event without any analysis. But it is for the academic to put his/her interpretation. He tells the story of the oldest trust company in Guyana owned by the Royal Bank of Canada. When the bank left Guyana in 1984, it sold its trust company shares to David DeCaires and Miles Fitzpatrick, the two founders of the Stabroek News.

Now it is interesting to note that when the Stabroek News was born, DeCaires noted that its purpose was to help in the resuscitation of the business climate. This explains why the newspaper has a weekly supplement devoted to business in Guyana. Is it any accident that the newspaper founded and funded by wealthy members of the MCC has always used its journalism to champion the politics of the MCC? I have argued several times in my columns that if we had a free and fair election in 1973, Guyana’s history afterwards would have been completely different.

Dr. Jagan would have won that contest and the Jagan government would not have bullied the University of Guyana to reject an application by Walter Rodney. Yesu’s second autobiography has many lessons for young Guyanese to learn and it should evoke thoughts in Guyanese as to what happens when a country cannot change its government. Yesu went at length to describe the extreme methods President Hoyte went to destabilise DDL and its related arms and the physical danger the Hoyte Government put him through. An absorbing part of the book is the role the Private

Sector Commission (PSC) played in 1997 in saving Guyana’s democracy, when the PNC rejected the results of the 1997 general elections, a role the PSC reprised in 2020. During the debate on who should be on the board of the Natural Resource Fund, the Stabroek News in an editorial denounced the nomination of anyone from the PSC, the reason being the PSC is close to the government. After the board was constituted, co-owner of the Stabroek News, Isabelle DeCaires described Guyana as a dysfunctional democracy. The management of the paper and Ms. DeCaires need to read Yesu’s second memoir right away. The most fascinating section of the book in terms of the mystery of human psychology is Yesu’s ruminations of how President Hoyte went at length through the initiative of Stanley Ming and Eric Phillips to have Yesu run as Hoyte’s prime ministerial candidate in the 1992 election. Yesu murmured: “After all he did to me.”

Distinguished Service: Inspector Chisholm retires after four decades with Special Constabulary By Odellis Dos Santos

INSPECTOR Jacqueline Chisholm, a stalwart of the Guyana Police Force's Special Constabulary (SC), has retired, leaving behind an indelible legacy of service and dedication spanning more than four decades. With over 41 years of unwavering commitment, Inspector Chisholm has been a cornerstone of the SC, upholding her duty without malice, favour, or ill will. In a remarkable career that began on October 11, 1982, Inspector Chisholm joined the SC with regulation number 6122, and her journey within the force has been marked by exceptional accomplishments. Initially stationed at the SC Headquarters Enquiries Office from 1982 to 1990, she was promoted to the rank of corporal during this period. Her dedication led to her subsequent assignments, including service in the Police Finance Office, where she worked for three years. After the merger with

Flashback: Inspector Jacqueline Chisholm executing her duties at SC Headquarters

the National Guard Service in 1994, she was reassigned to the Operations Room at Princess Street, Georgetown, until 2004. Over the years 2004 to 2012, she served as the subordinate officer in charge of the operations room and the arms and ammunition section,

Jacqueline Chisholm

ultimately rising to the rank of sergeant. Her responsibilities expanded when she took on the role of recruitment officer from 2012 to 2019, and in 2021, she was further promoted to the rank of inspector. Inspector Chisholm's contributions extended beyond her official duties, representing the Welfare

Flashback: A young Jacqueline Chisholm with a group trophy for one of the route marches she participated in where the Special Constabulary won first place

Section of the Special Constabulary and the Association of Women Police. Her dedication to her work was fuelled by an unyielding

focus on her goals and an unwavering commitment to being herself. Throughout her career, Inspector Chisholm undertook specialised training courses offered by the Guyana Police Force, including Supervisory Management, Station Sergeant, Disciplinary Procedure, Train the Trainers, and Occupational Health and Safety. These courses bolstered her expertise, particularly in supervising her subordinates. N o t a b l y, I n s p e c t o r Chisholm faced the challenges of a female officer in a field traditionally dominated by men. However, her relentless dedication and discipline remained a constant over the years, earning her admiration from her peers. Sergeant Shevon Blackman praised her zeal and principled approach, highlighting her mentorship qualities. Corporal Patrena O'Brien lauded her leadership skills, professionalism, and genuine camaraderie. In her parting words, Inspector Chisholm urged all females in the Special Constabulary to maintain

self-respect, discipline, and authenticity, emphasising the importance of being one's true self. Deputy Superintendent Fredella Boyce, the officer in charge of the Special Constabulary, acknowledged the significant contribution Inspector Chisholm made to the force. Her vast experience and dedication at a senior level have been instrumental in the success of the Constabulary. Both the leadership and the subordinate ranks will undoubtedly miss her presence. Inspector Jacqueline Chisholm expressed her gratitude to the Commissioner of Police, the officer in charge of the Special Constabulary, and all officers and ranks who offered unwavering encouragement and support throughout her distinguished career. As she bids farewell, her remarkable journey continues to inspire generations of officers and stand as a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and authenticity in policing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Mayor’s proposed tax amnesty lacks legality - AG Nandlall

ATTORNEY General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has asserted that a proposed tax amnesty by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council lacks legal standing. The amnesty aims to raise funds to pay a judgement owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Attorney General Nandlall made this statement during his ‘Issues in the News’ programme on Tuesday evening. He explained that the Minister of Local Government, Anand Persaud, requested information from the Town Clerk after learning of the proposed amnesty. He said the minister

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

sought to determine if the amnesty complies with financial regulations governing the council. “Those requirements or that request, which were made of the town clerk are

all requirements of the law contained in the relevant provisions of the Municipal and District Council Act by which the Georgetown Mayor and City Council is bounded.” he said.

Mayor Alfred Mentore

However, Mayor Alfred Mentore has accused the government of trying to bankrupt the city council and purportedly sell city properties to government supporters. Attorney General Nand-

lall dismissed the claims as “asinine” and "divisive,” labelling them baseless as he criticised the mayor for making such allegations. The AG said the government was seeking full compliance in accordance with the law. “Every agency of state and of government and every individual in the country must comply with the laws of the land. The city council is not above the law.” Against this backdrop, he said: “But if he wishes, he can go ahead and violate the law and grant the amnesty. And then the law will have to take its course because someone will be held responsible for all the monies waived.”

Alfred Mentore, Mayor of Georgetown, threatened to take the Central Government to court on Saturday for obstructing an amnesty that the municipality had hoped to use to raise funds to pay off income tax debts owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This comes after the Local Government Minister earlier instructed the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to halt its decision to grant amnesty to defaulting tax payers to demonstrate whether its decision is in accordance with Section 163 of Municipal and Local Government Act. (Credit: Melissa Gordon)

Donated benches bring solace to elderly at Providence Post Office Mohamed Enterprise also donated five new electric bikes to assist with mail delivery process EBD, are set to benefit from the benches at the Providence Post Office on the first and second days of each month.

Proprietor of Mohamed’s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, with some of the pensioners, staff, and police officers sitting on the donated benches at the Providence Police Station

NAZAR Mohamed, the founder of Mohamed Enterprise, has extended a helping hand to the senior citizens of Providence by donating benches to the Providence Post Office. The initiative aims to provide relief and comfortable seating for elderly citizens who visit the post office to collect their pensions and public assistance. The thoughtful donation came after Sergeant Griffith and Inspector Lyte, both stationed at the Providence Police Station, noticed that senior citizens had to wait in the station's compound or along roadways while await-

ing their benefits. Recognising the need for better accommodation, Nazar Mohamed swiftly responded to the situation, making arrangements to provide the necessary benches for the post office. Azruddin Mohamed, the son of Nazar Mohamed, expressed his family's gratitude to the officers who brought the issue to their attention. He explained, “They saw that these elderly people needed help, and even though they could not have rendered it themselves, they sought out someone who they knew would help them.”

Mailwomen on the electric bikes donated to the post office to ease their mail delivery processes

This act of generosity is not the first time that the Mohamed family has offered assistance to those in need, and they hope that their actions will inspire others who can afford to make similar gestures in their communities. Azruddin personally delivered the benches on behalf of his father, witnessing the smiles on the faces of the pensioners as they comfortably awaited their assistance. He reflected on the importance of kindness, stating, "I thought that these people are someone's parents, and our hope is to get to their age one day. I am sure that we would want others to be kind to us as well." In addition to the bench donation, Azruddin also addressed the challenges faced by the post office staff in delivering mail. He learned that they found it difficult to navigate the route from the Providence Post Office to Bagotstown, then to Prospect Village, and back to the post office. In response, he pledged to donate five brand new electric bikes to the post office to ease their mail delivery process. Approximately 400 pensioners from the village of Providence and the surrounding areas of Bagotstown to Prospect,

This generous gesture not only offers physical comfort to the elderly but also serves as a reminder

of the power of compassion and community support in Providence.

Bountiful first crop harvest at hydroponics farm

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Harvesting at the hydroponics farm

The hydroponics project is one of the most advanced farming structures in the Caribbean

GUYANA’s agricultural technology is advancing rapidly, and on Wednesday, the nation witnessed the first harvest of a wide range of crops at the Victoria Greens Hydroponics Farm. Located at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, the groundbreaking hydroponics project is one of the most advanced farming structures in the Caribbean. During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Greenhouse Operator, Aneisha Azore explained that the primary goal is to supply the CARICOM region w ith healthy, high-quality food, mainly fresh vegetables. “We will begin to harvest lettuce, pakchoi, basil, kale, rocket, and mustard…We will be harvesting 600 heads of pakchoi, and over 650 heads of lettuce. The basil, kale, rocket, and mustard, added together is over 1,000 clusters of those herbs,” Azore highlighted. The fresh herbs and leafy vegetables being grown include lettuce (five types), mini cucumbers, celery, chives, parsley, dill, coriander, spinach, Swiss chard, and thyme, among others. Although some of these herbs and vegetables are relatively new to Guyana’s soil, Azore told DPI there is a high demand for these com-

modities, noting that the farm also facilitates the processing and packaging of the produce. The crops will be available at the local markets and supermarkets. Azore explained that the farm attracts high-end hotels because it cultivates foreign crops from seed to maturity, reducing the need for imports and ensuring competitive prices. Currently, 25,000 of the nursery’s 100,000 crops are under cultivation, with the next harvest expected in about two weeks. Back in December 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the government and the Israeli Company, KARLICO Inc. for the development of the major project. The government is using state-of-the-art technology to modernise the regional agricultural system, boost food production, and ensure food security, thereby lowering the high cost of food imports for the Caribbean. Some of the benefits of hydroponics farming include soil-free, controlled environment, yearround cultivation, optimised nutrient delivery, space efficiency, reduced pest and disease pressure, faster harvest cycles, and water conservation. Director of Operations, Antonio Suarez and other staff were also present at the harvesting exercise.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Guyana, Barbados look forward to deepening trade and agricultural ties

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali welcomed the Non-Resident High Commissioner of Barbados, David Comissiong, and accepted his Letters of Credence in a formal ceremony on Wednesday. In a brief address following the accreditation, President Ali expressed his anticipation of strengthening the bilateral ties already established with Barbados. He emphasised the commitment of Guyana to collaborate with Barbados across various sectors, including agriculture, trade and commerce, and housing, among other areas. P r e s i d e n t A l i r emarked, "We look forward to building on the

President Dr. Irfaan Ali takes a toast with Non-Resident High Commissioner of Barbados, David Comissiong after accepting his Letters of Credence

foundation of co-operation we have with

Barbados. Our nations share common goals

and interests, and we will continue to work

together to enhance our relationship in these cru-

cial areas." In response, the new Non-Resident High Commissioner, David Comissiong, conveyed his dedication to furthering co-operation among CARICOM nations. He recognised the importance of collaboration and affirmed his commitment to advancing the partnership between the Caribbean Community member states. The ceremony marked a significant step in reinforcing diplomatic relations and fostering collaboration between Guyana and Barbados, underscoring the shared goals of the two nations within the CARICOM community.

‘We shall not be found wanting’ - President Ali commends Guyana Defence Force on 58th anniversary

Below is a message from the President and Commander-in-Chief: I am profoundly honoured to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable men

and women of the Guyana Defence Force, as the Force commemorates its 58th anniversary. I express our nation’s gratitude to the brave

men and women who have gallantly served the Force with distinction and out of a sense of duty. I want to assure you that your selfless service and sacrifice

have not gone unnoticed. The people of Guyana are appreciative of your dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding and defending our Motherland. Today, our beloved

Guyana finds itself facing menacing threats emanating from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Guyana has always aspired to and remains unwaveringly committed to peace and the peaceful resolution of disputes. H o w e v e r, n o o n e should misconstrue this commitment as a sign of weakness. We stand resolute in our determination to vigorously defend our country and its people, safeguarding our territorial integrity and sovereignty. In the face of extant challenges, we stand united, steadfast, and unyielding in ensuring the safety and well-being of our nation and its citizens. The Guyana Defence Force remains central to our nation’s comprehensive defence strategy, meticulously crafted to

protect our homeland’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. When summoned, you have never wavered in executing your duties with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. I want to assure you all that Guyana stands beside you. On this 58th anniversary, let me extend, not only on my behalf but on behalf of every citizen of our nation, our sincerest and warmest congratulations to the members, past and present, of the Guyana Defence Force. Happy 58th anniversary! Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali P re s i d e n t o f t h e Co-operative Republic of Guyana; and C o m m a n d e r- i n Chief of the Armed Forces

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Mental Health awareness takes centre stage at Main Street fair By Cindy Parkinson

WITH the aim of fostering continuous public awareness and formally concluding World Mental Health Month, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with their Mental Health Un it , h eld a "Menta l Health and Wellness Fair" on Tuesday along Main Street, Georgetown. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Mark Constantine, the head of the Ministry of Health's psychology department of training and education (Mental Health Unit) and well-known psychologist in Guyana, elucidated that while October is officially acknowledged as Mental Health Month, the Ministry believed it fitting to culminate the month with a commemorative celebration. The head of the Mental Health Unit said, “Mental health is of paramount importance to all of us, and we just cannot overemphasise it, and this wellness fair that we have on Main Street today (Tuesday), I believe, is a very timely and appropriate one, considering that the month of October is designated as World Mental Health Month, particularly because World Mental Health Day, which was celebrated on October 10. At the Mental Health Unit, we were cognisant that there were a lot of activities that were being rolled out during the month, so we saw it fitting to close off the month with the service-oriented health fair.” Furthermore, the psychologist emphasised that the fair on Main Street has a primary goal of promoting and raising public awareness about the services offered by the ministry, government, and non-governmental agencies present at the event. Based on his assertion, specific services encompass psychology, psychiatry, elderly health, HIV/AIDS testing, domestic violence support, migrant support, family planning services, and a multitude of other offerings. In relation to the public's perception of mental health and the attached stigma, Dr. Constantine expressed satisfaction with the increased openness and vocalisation of individuals regarding their struggles, in comparison to

Fair highlights services, breaks stigma

One of the booths displaying the services they offer

Mental Health Unit Head, Dr. Mark Constantine

Guyanese came out to support the Mental Health and Wellness Fair on Main Street

previous years. “More and more, we find that people are calling, and they are coming into our office for the services. This is largely due to the fact that there is a lot of public awareness by the government of Guyana and by our citizens themselves. People are becoming more aware of the importance of their mental health through our services,” he explained. While he applauded those who are seeking help through the different outlets that are provided, Dr. Constantine said that there are others who are still not familiar with the facilities that they can go to, or some are “ashamed” of admitting that they are suffering/struggling with it. He said, “yes, we are happy that a lot of people are aware and are seeking help with their mental health issues; however, we still have a lot of work to do with some people who have a negative view or the perception that mental health is not real, or that it is only for the weak, or whatever their reason may be.” In regard to teenagers, young adults, and school children, particularly those in secondary school, Dr. Constantine urges them to assume the role of their brothers or sisters’ keeper. They should voice their concerns or seek assistance from someone in authority, and provide support to their peers, friends, and acquaintances if they notice them enduring hardship or facing challenging circumstances. According to him, “whatever your challenge might be, do not try to deal with it yourself; sometimes we

may make matters worse by doing so. Reach out to someone professional, someone responsible, someone who you believe will be able to do something or handle your situation in the right manner, or you can always make contact with us at the Mental Health Unit. Even if it’s not you, but someone you know is facing a challenge of some sort, direct them to us, let us help them, and better yet, accompany them so that they can know that they are not in this alone.” Furthermore, he stated that the services rendered are not restricted solely to residents of Region Four, but are accessible to all Guyanese. As mentioned by him, the Ministry of Health has engaged in a partnership with the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and other regional hospitals, and “we are actively pursuing the expansion of our services to all regions throughout Guyana.” In addition to the supplementary services provided for individuals residing outside the coastal region, Dr. Constantine also disclosed their efforts in establishing a mental health hotline. Ultimately, he conveyed to the Guyana Chronicle that the Ministry of Health and the Mental Health Unit have been engaging in regular collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to ensure early awareness of mental health and its challenges among young people. “Tomorrow (November 1), we will be hosting a workshop for the MOE with the student councillors and the welfare officers to continue to build their capacity and to help

them enhance their sense of skills that they need to continue to do the work

that they are doing,” said Dr. Constantine. The mental health unit is on Quamina Street between Camp and Thomas Street (behind the Min-

istry of Amerindian Affairs) and can be contacted on telephone number (592) 225-0804 or on their website at www.mentalhealth.gov.gy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Guyana on a pathway to prosperity By Shamar Meusa

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy

MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, has said that Guyana is on a pathway to prosperity as the current People’s Progressive Party Civic government is keen on keeping its promises. The minister made these remarks as he delivered an address to the East Bank Demerara residents, where contracts to the tune of $4.1

— Public Affairs Minister says — gov’t keeping its promises

billion for community roads were being signed. McCoy told those gathered that since entering office in 2020, the PPP/C government has continuously demonstrated its love, concern, and caring nature to the people of the country. He added, “Every single promise we made to the people we have kept them to the people of Guyana.” To this end, he stated that even in troubling times; the government has not forgotten the people of the country and, as such, will continue to work to ensure that the needs of the people are met. He said that the government is here for the people and will continue to be there, as it was the people of the country that entrusted the government with their votes, and the government will remain grateful and appreciative that the population has expressed confidence in a PPP/C government. “The confidence you express in us is a confidence in which you hold on to the lovely and very impressive track record of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, a track record of delivery,” he said while adding that delivering goods and services to the people is crucial and the government has been working on that from the inception of its term in office.

Further to this, Minister McCoy noted that the PPP/C government is one with a vision and the ability to think and plan for the future and to envision what a society should look like using good judgement and wisdom, and this too has been demonstrated over the past three years. Against this backdrop, he iterated that with the leadership of the government, there is no doubt about where the revenues garnered are going as he noted that these monies are being invested in the people and providing relevant infrastructure and social services for the benefit of the citizens. “I can come back here very confidently… to celebrate with you at another time in the soon future that we would be… constructing more and more roads for the people on the East Bank; health centres, hospitals, clinics, everything that is important for the wellbeing of our communities and for the benefit of our citizens, you can imagine the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic will undertake and will execute with pride and with your support,” he expressed. The government, he added, will continue to come to communities and connect with residents to understand the challenges they face and come up with tangible solutions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Mahdia Fire Station upgrades, support efforts continue

By Clestine Juan

FOLLOWING the tragic dormitory fire at Mahdia, which resulted in the loss of the lives of 20 children and deeply impacted the Mahdia community, substantial efforts have been undertaken to improve fire safety measures and provide assistance to the affected residents. The Commission of Inquiry, led by retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Major General Joe Singh, along with Commissioners Derrick John and Attorney-at-law Kim Kyte-Thomas, conducted an on-site inspection of several crucial locations related to the unfortunate incident. The Commission has undertaken a comprehensive evaluation of various important facilities, including the Mahdia Fire Station. This

into the fire trucks, particularly during the dry season. He highlighted the importance of continuous training for firefighters, acknowledging that “no two fires are the same.” Sub-Officer Scott further highlighted the acquisition of essential rescue equipment, including the “jaws of life,” a disc cutter, a power saw, a sledgehammer, and a fireman’s axe – all crucial tools to enhance their fire and rescue services, added after the fire incident. During the COI’s recent visits, Sub-Officer Scott walked the commissioners through a detailed recount of the tragic night and pointed out the suspected origin of the fire. The male dormitory was also thoroughly inspected, revealing improved safety measures such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, in line

spections, the Commission members have been actively engaging with the affected residents and the families of the victims. These interactions provided crucial firsthand information, personal accounts, and community insights connected to the devastating fire incident. The COI was recently given a one-month extension by President Dr Irfaan Ali, after a request was made by its chairman. During the public hearings, 29 witnesses testified, including the facility’s Dorm Mother and Father, senior fire officials, among others. The CoI had heard the emotional testimony from Steve Jerome, the ‘Dorm Father’ who rescued some of the survivors but lost his son in the blaze. J e r o m e ’s 1 0 - y e a r- o l d daughter was residing in the

The COI commissioners meeting the villagers and affected families station played a critical role during the incident and has since undergone significant enhancements, thereby reducing the likelihood of a similar disaster in the future. After the devastating blaze, the Mahdia Fire Station received a slew of improvements. These include the acquisition of a new fire truck, additional firefighting equipment, a new water well, and ongoing construction work at the station’s building. To facilitate better communication, the station now has dedicated phone numbers, allowing people to swiftly report emergencies. The new fire truck was formally presented the day following Guyana Fire Service Chief Gregory Wickham's testimony before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) last month. Preceding Wickham's testimony, Sub-Officer Ryan Scott, the supervisor of the Mahdia Fire Station, provided his account. SUB-OFFICER RYAN SCOTT’S TESTIMONY Scott’s testimony had revealed a proactive approach taken by the station. He had conducted an inspection of the dormitories three months before the tragic fire and communicated several deficiencies in writing to Wickham. These recommendations led to significant changes at the station, including the installation of a well system, which aids in getting water

with Scott’s recommendations. There were five living quarters for the boys, a storeroom, and his room, which was situated next to the toilet area—a layout that mirrored the female dormitory. IMPACT ON THE MAHDIA COMMUNITY The Mahdia community remains deeply affected by the tragedy, especially the schoolchildren who lost friends in the fire. The COI visited the school, where students expressed their condolences on the walls of the female washroom. The head teacher highlighted the ongoing trauma among the children and advocated for the need for a welfare officer in the region. The COI also visited the Mahdia Hospital, where they met Dr. Newton and Dr. Jeffers, the two doctors present during the tragic night. These brave medical professionals were the first to provide assistance to the victims. They revealed that a psychologist now visits on twoweek rotations to support those affected and travels to the different villages where the girls were from. While the hospital has received more medication and oxygen since the incident, there is an urgent need for an additional doctor to meet the community’s health care demands. In addition to facility in-

female dormitory along with her five-year-old brother, whose mother, Carlette Williams was the ‘Dorm Mother’. Jerome had broken down in tears during his testimony as he recalled battling flames to save the girls’ lives and losing his son in the process. On May 22, the country was plunged into mourning after a fire that authorities said was maliciously set, ravaged a secondary school’s girls’ dormitory in Mahdia. At the time of the fire, 56 of the girls were present, as three had gone home to their families for the weekend. The children housed at the ‘dorms’ came from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapao. Initially, 18 girls from the ‘dorm’ and the five-year-old son of the ‘Dorm Mother and Father’, perished in the fire, but another student who was injured in the fire, passed away a few days later. Several of the survivors were airlifted to Georgetown for emergency care. One critically injured girl was medevacked to a New York health facility for further treatment. She has since returned after a successful round of treatment. The CoI’s Terms of Reference (ToR) outlines that the Commission will investigate and report on the events leading up to the dormitory fire, as well as the fire’s causes.

Additionally, the CoI will examine the actions taken to provide care, medical attention, and support to the injured and their relatives, and the relatives of the deceased, in a timely manner. The Commission is also expected to make recommendations for necessary measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The new fire truck the Mahdia Fire Station received, and its old one

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, November 02, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) (2) Quinton De Kock (SA) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the BANG/NZ encounter in the current World Cup? (2) Who claimed the Man-of-the-Match Award in the PAK/IND fixture? Answers in tomorrow’s issue ……………………………………………… ………………………………………………

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

South Africa demoralise New Zealand

(ESPNCRICINFO) - One of the advantages of a longdrawn league phase is that teams have an opportunity to make up for indifferent starts. But New Zealand are finding out the converse can be true as well. A third straight loss amid a series of injuries in the camp threatens to throw their World Cup campaign off the rails. If the loss to Australia in Dharamsala was heartbreaking, this one to South Africa in Pune was outright demoralising. The bowlers were sent on a leather hunt as Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen plundered centuries, and David Miller added more salt to the wounds with a blistering 30-ball 53 not out as South Africa posted 357 for 4; the last 10 overs alone brought them 119 runs. In reply, New Zealand's top order unraveled against South Africa's quality pace attack under lights. Marco Jansen's extra bounce accounted for Devon Conway

and Rachin Ravindra, Will Young was out nicking behind off Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada had Tom Latham chipping one to cover. Daryl Mitchell kept hope flickering, oozing class and confidence as he played a couple of gorgeous on-drives, but his dismissal while looking to hit out against Keshav Maharaj in the 19th over opened the floodgates. The game became staggeringly one-sided as New Zealand petered to 167 all out, with only Glenn Phillips offering any resistance to make 60. The defeat, and the quantum of it, was massive from a tournament's standpoint, with New Zealand now slipping back to potentially enter a logjam for fourth place, which Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are all eyeing. Few would have expected New Zealand to cave in the manner they did, even after South Africa had set them 358. New Zealand's capitula-

Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen added 200 for the second wicket (ICC/Getty Images) tion was a sharp contrast to how things panned out for South Africa after they were put into bat. Temba Bavuma was the early aggressor, crunching two cover drives off Matt Henry in the fourth over to kick the innings into gear. De Kock was largely subdued and fidgety early on, and even copped a blow to

the shoulder from a Trent Boult bouncer in the ninth over. At that point, South Africa's innings had barely gotten out of second gear. Having roughed up de Kock, Boult had sent Bavuma back with a sucker ball, a full one that had him nicking low to Mitchell at slip. It could have been wickets in back-to-back overs

for New Zealand had Phillips latched on to a screamer at backward point off Tim Southee. That we're even talking about it being a chance was down to his brilliance - anticipating de Kock's cut and taking two steps to his right before flinging himself full-stretch to go one-handed. De Kock was on 12 off 24 at that point.

At the other end, van der Dussen helped himself to a pull to begin proceedings as Southee, coming in for the first game of his fourth World Cup, seemed erratic and down on pace to begin with. For much of the first 100 runs in their 200-run stand, de Kock and van der Dussen were steady and calculating, playing themselves into a position from which they could tee off in the back 15. It's a plan that worked to the T for them, and perhaps much more easily than they may have anticipated because New Zealand had a massive hole to fill midway through. Henry pulled his hamstring halfway through his sixth over, the 27th of the innings, to leave Ravindra, James Neesham and Phillips to bowl 14.3 overs between them. De Kock and van der Dussen accelerated knowing fully well that New Zealand needed to back-load their part-timers.

West Indies Academy thrash Harpy Eagles by 92 runs

CMC – West Indies Academy pulled off yet another coup when they produced a composed all-round performance to thrash Guyana Harpy Eagles by 92 runs in the Regional Super50 Cup here Wednesday. After recovering from 135 for seven in the 32nd over to post a competitive 263 all out off their allotted 50 overs, the Academy then mowed down favourites Harpy Eagles for a paltry 171 in the 36th over, to march to their third win in six games and enhance their quest for a semi-final spot. Matthew Forde, better known for his pace bowling, led the Academy’s courageous effort with the bat, top-scoring with 52 from 55 deliveries while the impressive Teddy Bishop extended his decent form with 48 from 46 balls – just falling

short of his third fifty of the campaign. Captain Nyeem Young chipped in with a breezy 42 from 44 balls while Joshua Bishop (33) and Kevin Wickham (32) lent support, as the Academy dug deep to keep themselves in the game after off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (2-36), left-arm spinners Veerasammy Permaul (2-38) and Gudakesh Motie (2-39) and fast bowler Shamar Joseph (2-59) threatened to undermine the innings cheaply. In reply, Harpy Eagles never really threatened. Sinclair top-scored with 46 from 56 deliveries, Permaul got 32 from 28 balls and Kevlon Anderson chipped in with 27 from 31 balls but they were the only ones to pass 20. The unlikely hero was Ackeem Auguste, the parttime leg-spinner claiming four for 47 while Young

Matthew Forde hits out during his halfcentury for WI Academy on Wednesday (Photo courtesy CWI Media) snared three for 18 from four overs of pace.

Opting to bat first at the Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, the Academy endured a nightmare start, losing opener Kimani Melius and Leonardo Julien without scoring to successive deliveries in the first over from Sinclair, to be two down without a run on the board. However, Bishop led the revival, lashing eight fours and posting 54 for the third wicket with Matthew Nandu (15) and a further 29 for the fourth with Wickham. When he perished in the 15th over, Wickham and Auguste put on 32 for the fifth wicket before three wickets tumbled for 20 runs to leave the innings in strife. Forde, who counted four fours and two sixes, then added a vital 59 for the eighth wicket with Young before posting a further 49 for the ninth wicket with Bishop.

Young struck two fours and two sixes before falling in the 43rd while Bishop blasted two fours and three sixes in a 23-ball cameo. There was no sign of the carnage to follow when Anderson and Chandrapaul Hemraj (16) put on 45 off 43 deliveries for the first wicket, to give Harpy Eagles a strong start. But Young tore through the top order with a three-wicket burst to leave the innings tottering on 69 for four in the 13th over and even though Sinclair and Tevin Imlach (17) posted 33 for the fifth, another collapse soon ensued. Sinclair, who smacked half-dozen fours and a six, carried the fight but the last six wickets tumbled for just 69 runs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Championships on this weekend - Weigh-in today at National Gymnasium

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will officially stage the 2023 edition of the Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Championship from tomorrow to Sunday (November 5th), at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. Participation is expected from notable gyms such as the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Forgotten Youth Foundation, Pace and Power, Rose Hall, Vergenoegen, and Republican for the championship, which commences daily at 18:00 hrs. The medical assessment and weight-in is set for today at the National

Gymnasium from 16:00 hrs. Terrence Poole, Technical Director of the GBA, said, “The intermediate championship is the stage directly after the novices. It’s a more advanced boxing level because there will be boxers who have represented Guyana competing at this level, so there’s a higher quality of competition. This is the stage where you will see the true potential of the fighters. I anticipate a quality exhibition of the talent due to the fact that the competing pugilists are much more experienced.” Meanwhile, GBA President Steve Ninvalle stated, “The GBA’s developmental

Steve Ninvalle

agenda is an excursion rooted in continuity. The Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Championship is a stepping stone, a structured progression from the previously staged Andrew 'Six Head' Lewis National Novices Championships. It is a transitional level, and its importance should not be understated, as it provides a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of the possible future of the sport.” “The GBA comprehends that development transpires and occurs in an organised and systematic manner, as each tournament under the jurisdiction of the association

provides its own particular aim and intrinsic value. As such, this event, which is an annual undertaking, has been tailored to form a pathway for emerging pugilists who harbour national and professional aspirations. This, as a consequence, has always resulted in the exposure of talents, which is the lifeline of the association in its continued dominance of the region.” The championship is staged in honour of the former Commonwealth Champion and world-ranked challenger, who ended his illustrious career with a record of 30 fights, 25 wins, and five losses.

Police Commissioner Inter Branch T20 Cricket

Harris performance gives Officers win over Headquarters

By Sean Devers

A 96-run third wicket stand between Troy Benn and man-of-the-match Steven Harris led Officers to an exciting 11-run victory over Headquarters in the Police Commissioner inter-branch and inter Region T20 cricket tournament yesterday. Officers elected to bat in sweltering heat and Ravindra Budram was run out for a duck at 13-1. With the score on 27, Kawis Gravesande (11) was removed by Pernell London before London trapped Ronald Alli (8) LBW to leave the Officers on 43-3. Harris, who reached the boundary four times and cleared it once in his unbeaten 53, joined forces with Troy Benn, who was bowled by Joel Gilkes in the last over for 53 with five fours and six. Harris, who made 56 against Region Three and featured in an 86-run partnership with Benn's younger brother Trevor, played an array of attractive shots on both sides of the wicket. Troy Benn, who was there from the start, played the supporting role with sensible batting.

Harris brought up his fifty and the 100 with a massive six over cover. Troy Benn soon reached his half-century as the partnership flourished to the delight of the vocal gathering. The pair continued to score freely before Gilkes breached Benn's defence off the third ball of the final over. London had 2-27 with his off-spin for Headquarters who were off to a solid start. Munilall Persaud hit Harris for consecutive boundaries in an over which cost 13 runs. But with the score on 37, Tituss Webster (10) fell to Harris who also removed London (1) to leave Headquarters on 42-2. Persaud fell for 29 before Kanhayia Ramkarran and Ameer Mohamed steadied the ship with a 33-run stand before Mohamed (12) was LBW to Newland at 105 -4 Ramkarran, dropped at long-off on 36 off Micheal Newland, was eventually run out for 53 after hitting six fours and two sixes at 136 before Troy Benn bowled Gilkes for a first-ball duck without addition to the score as Headquarters slipped to 131-7.

Steve Harris took the Man-of-Match after making an unbeaten 53 and taking two wickets for the Officers at Eve Leary yesterday Headquarters were restricted to 138-8 as Benn (2-11), Harris (2-28) and

Newland (2-23) conspired to bowl their team to victory.

Opener Troy Benn scored 53 and added 96 with Harris before he fell in the final over Officers will now clash with ‘B’ Division on Friday with the winners meet-

ing TSU in the Final next Wednesday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

Persaud credits hard work and commitment for latest title A sensational one over par on the final day catapulted Avinash Persaud to his 12th overall ‘Guyana Open’ title when the rebranded event was played under a new name, GTT Business Solutions Invitational Golf Tournament, at the Lusignan Golf Club over the weekend. The 32-year-old, who has won the prestigious tournament in 12 of the last 14 years, had to dig deep after starting Sunday in sixth position, four strokes away from the leader, Vishal Dhani, who made an impressive gross 73 from his six handicaps. Dhani followed up with a solid 79, but he could not stop fellow Guyanese Persaud, who was almost flawless with a gross 71 playing off a three handicap. Third place went to Fiji’s Jalen Raman who played without a handicap. On Tuesday, Persaud said via social media that the win was achieved through hard work and commitment to the sport and through the guidance of God. “To my families and friends who believe in me without any doubt I do appreciate it and to those who did not support me and did all they can so this year

-Dedicates 12th win to late stepfather

1st Arnold Deo 2nd Mahendra Bhagwandin LADIES Gross Day 1 and 2 1st Chloe Adoja 2nd Shanella London 3rd Christine Sukhram Best Net Day 1 and 2 1st Sabi Dhori 2nd Eureka Giddings 3rd Chloe Adoja Other prizes

Avinash Persaud collects his championship trophy from Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson

will not be mine. I did it without you too but it was all motivation for me to be who I am today. Being 12-time Guyana Open Golf Champion in 14 years, I didn't only do it for myself but also for my country in which the championship can stay. I feel truly blessed.” According to Persaud, this year was also bittersweet because he lost his stepfather. “I have competed with 96 players such as scratch golfers from various countries and to win and keep my championship, I am

proud of myself, especially in this year where I lost my stepfather who was mostly a father figure to me, this is for him. I know he would have been so proud too.” The gross tournament also had 18-year-old Trinidadian Chloe Adoja finishing first in the female division. The teen led by nine strokes after day one, and although last year’s champion Shanella London came close on the second day, this year’s female title was Adoja’s from the start.

Chloe Adoja took the female title to Trinidad and Tobago

Former champion Christine Sukhram took third. The competition included players from the United States, Canada, Fiji, Suriname, Barbados, Mexico, and Colombia. The overall results for the tournament were as follows: MEN 0-9 Gross 1st Avinash Persaud 2nd Vishal Dhani 3rd Jalen Raman

2nd Mohanlall Dindanauth 10-18 Gross 1st Miguel Yunes 2nd Ayube Subhan 3rd Seepaul Sukhnanan 10-18 Net Day 1 and 2 1st Miguel Yunes 2nd Ayube Subhan 19-28 Gross 1st Mahendra Bhagwandin 2nd Miguel Oviedo 3rd Bholawram Deo

0-9 Net Day 1 and 2 1st Vishal Dhani

Men Longest Drive Day 1 - Richard Haniff Longest Drive Day 2 - Avinash Persaud Nearest to Pin Day 1 - Maxim Mangra Nearest to Pin Day 2 - Marlon Abena Ladies Longest Drive Day 1 - Shanella London Longest Drive Day 2 - Chloe Adoja Nearest to Pin Day 1 - Norma Yunes Nearest to Pin Day 2 - Shanella London

19-28 Net Day 1 and 2

Archibald through to Santos and Western Tigers 200m final, Aliyah Abrams latest winners KFC/GFF Elite League

LAST Sunday at the Police Progressive Sports Club (PPYC) ground, Santos Football Club clinched their first victory in the KFC/Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League, while Western Tigers Football Club thumped Victoria Kings 4-0 to maintain their lead in Group B. In Tigers’ win, Randolph Wanger found the net twice in the 25th and 39th minutes, while Jermain Beckles added a third goal in the 31st minute, giving Western Tigers Football Club a 3-0 lead at halftime. The final goal of the night was delivered by Daniel Wilson in the 73rd minute. This victory means Western Tigers Football Club maintains the lead in Group B, amassing six points from two matches. In the first match of the night, Santos Football Club clinched a comfortable 3-1 victory against Milerock. Stefan Reynolds opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, followed by Darron Niles, who secured the second goal just before halftime. Milerock pulled one back in the second half with a goal from Quacey Cadogan in the 63rd minute, but Darron Niles struck

fifth in 400m final ...Pan American Games in Chile

Santos on the attack against Milerock

again in the 73rd minute of the game to give the Linden-based club a comfortable two-goal cushion. The KFC Elite League Cup features ten participating teams, which are divided into two groups. Group A includes Guyana Defence Force, Santos, Buxton United, Fruta Conquerors, and Milerock. Group B compris-

es Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, and Ann's Grove. The champion team will earn a prize of $1.5 million, while the second-place team will receive $1 million. The clubs finishing in third and fourth place will also be recognized, with prizes of $500,000 and $250,000, respectively.

National 400m record holder Aliyah Abrams was undoubtedly far from her best as she finished fifth in the final at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, on another extremely chilly night at the Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium. With a season-best and national record of 50.20s, high expectations surrounded Abrams, adding to Guyana’s medal tally, given she entered the race with the second fastest qualifying time – 51.82 seconds. In the final, Abrams clocked 52.66 seconds. The race was won by Chilean Martina Weil (51.48s), followed by Ecuadorian Dayci Caicedo (51.76s) and Colombian Jazim Aguilar (51.95s). More so, Emanuel Archibald will have a chance to add to this 100m bronze when he contests the 200m final today from 20:10hrs. Not his favoured event, Archibald went slower than his season best of 20.69 seconds

Chilean Martina Weil won gold in the women’s 400m final while Guyana’s Aliyah Abrams (at far right) finished fifth (PHOTO: Pan Am Sport) to clock 21.08 seconds, which of the 32 competitors but asplaced him third in semi-final 1. cended to 29 with a cumulative However, his time was still of 611. Today, Hemchandra Pergood enough to progress as one of the two non-direct qualifiers. saud contests Esport football Brazilian Renan Correa from 10:00hrs while Leslain (20.39s) was the fastest qualifier. Baird will seek glory in the Meanwhile, Archer Devin Men’s Javelin on Saturday Paul managed to improve his from 18:59hrs to end Guyana’s ranking, as he was at the bottom campaign at the Games.

Archibald through to 200m final, Aliyah Abrams fifth in 400m final

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 2, 2023

SEE PAGE

...Pan American Games in Chile

Emanuel Archibald (second from right) got third in his 200m heat but still progressed as one of the fastest non-direct qualifiers (PHOTO: Pan Am Sport)

Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate Championships on this weekend SEE PAGE

(Flashback) VBG’s Christopher Moore (left) about to deliver a right hand to GDF’s Orlando Grenville during their junior welterweight contest at the National Gymnasium on Saturday night (Delano Williams photo)

- Weigh-in today at National Gymnasium

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| THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023