Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-01-2024

FRIDAY 5th January, 2024

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107314

Development model geared to generate sustainable wealth for Guyanese SEE PAGE

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- President Ali defends gov’t initiatives - outlines more plans for economic growth through strategic advancement agenda

Work continues on new Demerara River Bridge

The 2.6-kilometre crossing, which is being constructed by China Railway Construction (International) Limited (CRCL), will link Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara with La Grange on the West Bank. It will have four lanes, with a total width of 23.6 metres that includes the median, shoulders, and the four lanes; providing sufficient room for safe and effective traffic flow (DPI photos)

Jagdeo rubbishes claim NRF interest revenues could fund higher salary increases

SEE PAGE

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350,000+ Guyanese benefit directly from $70B in oil 7 revenues in 2023

SEE PAGE

- Dr. Jagdeo says; highlights 1,500 companies profited from Local Content Act

Gov’t engaging five potential investors on oil refinery

Significant gaps in Cemetery Road expansion project to be addressed

SEE PAGE

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SEE PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Development model geared to generate sustainable wealth for Guyanese

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- President Ali defends gov’t initiatives - outlines more plans for economic growth through strategic advancement agenda

By Naomi Parris DEFENDING his government’s economic strategy to create wealth for Guyanese and further develop the country, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Thursday said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has a “skillfully crafted” development model.

The Head of State, during a live broadcast on Thursday evening, in response to recent criticisms of the government’s methods of economic development, said the development model is one that is built to meet the needs of the country’s social and economic transformation.

“The type of analyses that I’ve been seeing are self-created to convey a message that the transformational benefit of the investment by the government is completely ignored in the propagandistic messaging of those editorials and those analyses,” he said.

Within the development model, the government has

crafted a considerate plan to manage the country’s finances.

“We cannot just say that we have projected finances in the future so that we are going to spend in a way that is not sustainable. So we are creating a resilient approach to managing our finance; a careful and considerate approach to ensure that our current expenditure does not become bloated, and to ensure that our capital investment itself is adding value and creating value to the population in general,” Dr. Ali said.

He gave as an example the recent completion of roads along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

“Because of the infrastructural investment, we are making in these communities the net present value; I’m not even calculating the future value, the net present value of some of these properties would have increased by 2530 per cent, some areas its 50 per cent, some areas is more 100 per cent,” the Head of

State said.

These investments, the President said, benefit the ordinary man. “When you look at that person owning a low-income home that would have cost $6.5 million, and because of the investment in housing and the investment in infrastructure,” he said, “the net value of that house now $10 million. We are talking about an increase in value, immediately, within one year.”

The government, he said, is building wealth through a support system that is impacted by policies and programmes.

And many people, Dr. Ali said, have capitalised on these to realise their full financial potential.

“You can use that money now to invest in a small business. Some buy a taxi; some buy a truck. And that is how you grow wealth; that is how the transformation is linked to wealth creation,” the Head of State said.

He reiterated that wealth creation and growing wealth

President Dr. Irfaan Ali is a key component of the government’s model to advancing the economy and supporting Guyanese.

“When you look at the investment; when you look at the billions of dollars that would have been released in the system to bolster income in December, that is billions of dollars that went into the local economy that helped to create wealth at the local level; create wealth at the regional level,” the President

related.

He added: “When you take the initiative of the grant, or the dialysis; when you look at the grant for people living with disabilities, when you look at the investment in the healthcare system, when you look at the grant for the school children all of this removing a direct expenditure from your income pool.

“At the family level, if you have someone with di-

alysis instead of budgetting $600,000 for the dialysis, the government subsidised that $600,000, if you’re a low income… This is how the benefit is translated into helping people; delivering to people.”

He further referenced the removal of more than 200 taxes to put back billions of dollars into the pockets of ordinary people.

Gov’t engaging five potential investors on oil refinery - Dr. Jagdeo says VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that an oil refinery remains a possibility for Guyana and the government is currently engaging five potential investors in this regard.

He said this during a press conference at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, on Thursday (January 4, 2024).

“We’ve been having discussions with a number of people who have expressed interest. That group has [been] narrowed down to about five,” he said.

Last year, during a state visit to The Dominican Republic (DR), President Dr

Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Dominican President Luis Abinader signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to address consideration of The Dominican Republic setting up a refinery in Guyana.

On Thursday, the vice president explained that the five groups include the DR group that signed this memorandum.

However, he said that the discussions have seen some divergence from the parameters originally established by the government.

“The parameters we established at the beginning, people want to change those parameters. So, if you change the parameters, you often

change the nature of the project and you’re wondering whether it would be fair to the other people. So, clearly, the need for energy security is vital,” he explained.

Along this vein, the VP reminded that the government is simultaneously exploring the possibility of

strategic reserves, which may negate the economic viability of an oil refinery.

According to the VP, the government is exploring all options to ensure that the investment is one that is economically viable, sustainable, and will bring added benefits to the country.

“This is not something that we are just going to do on a whim. We are looking at every option, and all the studies, and numbers, because often it’s the numbers that will ultimately influence the decision. These things have to be viable and good for our country in the long run, because an investment of that nature is about 30, 40 years, so you have to think it through carefully,” he said.

A Request for Proposals was issued in 2022 for the designing, financing, and construction of the refinery at Crab Island, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

An oil refinery is an industrial processing plant where crude oil is refined into marketable petroleum products such as gasoline,

asphalt, and kerosene.

The plan for the refinery’s construction ties into the government’s vision of promoting value-added production and securing energy security, both for Guyana and the Caribbean.

The proposed refinery is expected to produce 30,000 barrels of oil per day, with the aim of meeting the regional demand.

With the operationalisation of a local oil refinery, Guyana would be able to market crude- oil components to various industries for a broad range of purposes, including fuels for transportation, paving roads, and generating electricity and raw materials for chemical manufacturing. (DPI)

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Budget 2024 to be presented this month BUDGET 2024, the government’s fiscal plan for the year, will be presented to the National Assembly this month, according to Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference at the Office of the President, on Thursday.

Dr. Jagdeo told reporters that this year’s budget will focus on several major projects.

In 2023, the government passed a $781.9 billion budget, and owing to the rate of development, requested additional supplementary funding to carry out projects.

Dr. Jagdeo had pre-

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

viously said the budget will also focus on two key elements: providing more disposable income to citizens and advancing

the economy through a slew of policies and programmes.

“Disposable income can come from several ways; it can be increased salaries, reduced taxes, more people being em-

ployed, and all of these measures would be catered for in the 2024 budget; so you can expand employment and get more disposal income at the gross level, that is the national level, because more people are working,” the Vice President had said.

NEW HEIGHTS During a recent event, President, Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that 2024 will be a significant year for all, as more initiatives will be rolled out to better everyone’s lives.

The Wales Development Authority (WDA), he said, will be among the projects Guyanese can see moving to implementation.

“Guyana will be ag-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

gressively positioning itself globally in the energy, food, climate and environmental services, ecological and biodiversity services. We’ll be unloaded on global focus areas as pillars of the economy moving forward,” Dr Ali said.

With the nation aiming to continue making a name for itself, the President emphasised that developmental works will be pursued and all citizens can expect a more enhanced Guyana.

On the subject of infrastructure, come 2024, the President said that Guyanese will see the Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam Highway completed and works commencing on the Buzz Bee Dam to Soesdyke Highway.

“This is bonus… the programme that

we were elected on did not have this,” he said, while underscoring the massive road works that his administration has pursued.

In addition to this, the Schoonord to Crane four-lane by-pass will be completed. Moreover, the signing and commencement of the Corentyne River Bridge that will connect Guyana to Suriname will occur.

“We’ll see substantive completion or completion of the New Demerara Bridge…continuation of Ogle-Eccles bypass to Providence…,” the President said while expounding on the plans in progress for easing traffic woes.

Guyana, this year, will also be the host of several high-level meetings.

‘Innocent inadvertence’ 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

- St Vincent Prime Minister responds to criticism over photo with controversial Venezuelan map with Guyana’s Essequibo

By Clestine Juan PRIME Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has said that a picture capturing him alongside other officials posing with a papier-mâché map of Venezuela which includes Guyana's Essequibo region, was an “innocent inadvertence.”

Gonsalves, in a letter addressed to Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, on Thursday, clarified that the photograph in question was taken in December 2022 during an event commemorating the life and work of Simon Bolivar, the great Liberator, at Villa, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I have been advised that the event at which this photograph was taken was one commemorating the life and work of the great Liberator, Simon Bolivar; the place was at Villa, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on the grounds of the residence/ office of the Chargé d'Affaires of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“I do not recall ever seeing this photograph before its current circulation. I am informed that photographs were being taken in front of flags of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela and a bust of Bolivar.

While the photographs were being taken, I am advised that someone attached to the Venezuelan Embassy placed the "papier-mache" depiction of the said map in front of us. I did not look at what the depiction was. I

assumed that it was about Simon Bolivar,” Dr Gonsalves said.

Acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, Gonsalves referred to the incident as an "innocent inadvertence" on his part, as he explained that this inadvertence had been exploited by some.

The photograph had been circulated on a Venezuelan Twitter account known for posting propaganda related to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

“It is unfortunate that

this innocent inadvertence on my part has been used by some to drum up, unnecessarily, antipathy of one kind or another. I understand all the emotions attendant on this controversial issue; and from time-to-time there will be flare-ups,” the Vincentian PM said.

Gonsalves added that he recognised the emotions surrounding the controversial matter but urged leaders to maintain patience and calm, emphasiing the need to apply The Joint Declaration

at Argyle for Dialogue and Peace Between Guyana and Venezuela.

The Prime Minister, in his role as Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Pro Tempore President played a crucial role in recent face-to-face talks between Guyana and Venezuela which culminated with the “Argyle Declaration.” Both leaders are set to meet soon in Brazil for a second scheduled talks.

Gonsalves revealed that following the circulation of the controversial photograph, he had discussed the matter with President Ali and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, expressing hope that the issue had been laid to rest.

The Vincentian Prime Minister said suggested that the incident should reside among the assorted ghosts from the past, emphasising the importance

of not letting historical issues dictate the present.

Vice President Jagdeo, while speaking at a press conference on Thursday, said that the Vincentian Prime Minister’s explanation was “credible.”

“I don’t think that Ralph Gonsalves would knowingly pose in a picture with a Venezuelan map that shows Essequibo as part of Venezuela.

Ralph and every other Caribbean leader have expressed some strong solidarity with Guyana,” Vice President Jagdeo said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Commendable Efforts

FROM the beginning of its term in office, the Irfaan Ali-led government indicated its strong commitment to the development of Guyana’s housing sector. In fact, it set what some had described as an ambitious goal of allocating 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by the end of its first term.

Now over the half way mark, 30,468 lots have already been distributed to elated Guyanese of all ages and walks of life, who are now one step closer to one of the most sought-after life achievements – home ownership.

Many have dreamt of having their own homes and

because of various circumstances, including lack of financing, could not get it in the past. However, the PPP/C administration and those at the Ministry of Housing and Water have pulled all the stops to turn this dream into reality.

The expansion of the housing sector involves a multifaceted plan and many stakeholders, including various ministries, banks and utility companies.

Working together as a team, they have all done their part to ensure that thousands of Guyanese families now have the opportunity to not only improve their living circumstances, but also to increase their net worth and

financial status.

With the impressive numbers recently revealed, the PPP/C government is well on its way to achieving its 50,000 goal with some suggesting that it will be surpassed before the term ends.

A perusal of the list of allottees reveals government’s genuine desire to uplift women and provide youths with a foundation for a productive life. Access to housing is only a small part of the plans as government has tailored a number of programmes that are geared towards upskilling youths and women, providing them with opportunities to become self-sufficient and to contribute to Guyana’s growing economy.

All of this comes together perfectly as these persons are being given an avenue to earn more so that they can afford mortgages and meet the financial requirements of banks and other lending institutions.

Among the initiatives that made owning a home easier for Guyanese are the steel and cement subsidies, the reduction of interests on low-income loans, the credit facility for low-income persons to build their homes, and the core homes project.

According to the numbers coming from the Ministry of Housing, 15,119 or 53.3 per cent of the house lot allottees were 35 years old or younger.

Additionally, for the

first two years, there was a consistent 40 per cent allocation to women only.

For 2023, that percentage soared to around 43 per cent.

Further, approximately 90 per cent of allottees were between low- to moderate income, another indication of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Guyanese, particularly those of low economic status.

The remarkable success of the housing programme is a reflection of a promise kept and how the government of the day has been able to fix the mess left behind by the APNU+AFC, who during their time in office (20152020), allocated only 7,534 house lots; this is a number

that is far less than what the PPP/C administration had allocated in 2023 alone.

The year 2024 is a promising year for potential allottees and those who can now commence building their homes.

It is clear that the PPP/C government has no intention of stopping its aggressive housing drive as its ultimate goal is to ensure that all house lot applications are granted and that every Guyanese can be a home-owner.

These commendable efforts have not gone unnoticed. They have given us all hope that greater things are in store for all Guyanese.

TWICE I read where Vice President, Bharat Jagdeo urged PPP supporters to use the press and social media to expose people that spread fictions, propaganda and damnations (my word) against the government. There is a simple reason why he said that. There is a school of relentless critics out there that need to be confronted because there are facts to confront them with.

In 2023, so many wrong, nasty, ugly, decayed, and immoral things were publicly tossed around in this country that I wondered what happened to the rich, political and intellectual country I grew up in. That horizon has evaporated making Guyana’s climate of intellectual freedom precarious.

In 2023, the terrible things that occurred here should never have gone without a fight because the ambience of debate frees people’s mind. Intellectual discourse frees people’s mind. Af-

ter 35 years in the media, I don’t know where to start to tell readers of the occasions when people have met me or telephoned me or sent emails with the following words: “I did not know that happened.”

If we continue to be unresponsive to nasty agendas within society, oil money is not going to save us.

Look what happened in the US to the first Black Haitian-American president of an Ivy League University – Harvard. Because of her response to right-wing Republican in Congress about anti-Semitism, she was hounded out of her job. This is the danger facing free speech in the US. Read her explanation why she was harassed.

The largest indication of the danger that awaits us in 2024 is our silence on issues that are crucial to democracy in Guyana, and the threats are not coming from government but people with an intense anti-government agenda. And these people are not from within the op-

position parties but from the private media and civil society organisations.

Let’s offer examples in the hope that it can provide clarity for those who need to understand what happened in 2023. Let’s start with the private media. In which part of the world, a newspaper would openly tell a presidential adviser that it cannot carry his letters to the editor if they are critical of certain civil society groups?

When Dr. Randy Persaud told me that, I immediately rang the editor-in-chief of the Stabroek News, Mr. Anand Persaud. Here is what one of the country’s leading newspapers told one of the country’s leading columnists –“I will not discuss that with you.”

Do you know there was complete silence from the persons who write in the Stabroek News, many of whom would criticise the government on some policy matter or governmental mistake?

Some of the names included

Dr Baytoram Ramharack, Dr. Tarron Khemraj, Dr. Percy Hintzen, Vishnu Bisram, Ravi Dev. Why were they silent? Because they feared the Randy Persaud treatment.

There was not one voice or pen from inside of Guyana or in the Guyanese diaspora that denounced what the Stabroek News did to Dr. Persaud.

At the beginning of 2023, a group within the anti-oil lobby wrote a letter demanding that the government get out of the fossil fuel industry and one of the harms they listed is the life-threatening effects carbon emissions have on the people of Africa. They actually mentioned Africa and named no other race or continent.

Such a statement is pregnant with racial preferences.

When I was a UG student in the mid-1970s, there would have been swift condemnation of that statement. In Guyana and at UG there would have been fulminations against this letter which was written by prominent non-Indian Guyanese including university lecturers at foreign institutions.

The act of naming only African people as victims of the emissions from the fossil fuel industry tells you about the Freudian mind of those who criticise the government and you ask yourself if these people have any moral compass as social activists.

More worrying is that to date, there is no denunciation from those whose moral duty is to do just that.

In 2023, there was the irony of hilarity and depravity rolled up into one ugly

package. A group came here from the US to investigate racial discrimination. I asked them why not Israel when more of their tax dollars go to Israel than Guyana. For every American dollar, Guyana receives as aid Israel gets 10 million dollars, why were they coming here?

Finally, in 2023, we were told by the opposition PNC and AFC that there was a creeping apartheid in Guyana. In denouncing such political degeneracy in my column for the Kaieteur News, the owner of the paper, Mr. Lall called me to ask me if I am blind; if I am not seeing apartheid in Guyana.

That brought an end to my 30-year-old relationship with Kaieteur News. The anti-government bandwagon was silent.

Guyana in 2023: Danger signals

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

350,000+ Guyanese benefit directly from $70B in oil revenues in 2023 - Dr. Jagdeo says; highlights 1,500 companies profited from Local Content Act

By Trina Williams IN keeping with the government’s commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said that last year alone, over 350,000 Guyanese benefitted from almost $70 billion in oil revenues, and 1,500 oil- andgas companies benefitted significantly from the Local Content Act (LCA).

During a press conference at the Office of the President on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo said that $70 billion out of the budgetted $200 billion in oil revenues was spent on public servants, children, pensioners, those receiving public assistance, and parttime workers.

Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that it was over 200,000 children, 74,000 pensioners, and 54,000 public

servants who benefitted from those funds. Also, roughly 15,000 persons benefitted from the part- time jobs.

He expounded on a number of initiatives that the government has been pursuing, noting that thousands of Guyanese are briskly pursuing a rapid developmental path in all avenues.

“Under APNU, a scheme [was launched] where ministers had a private healthcare arrangement where the government paid not 50 per cent but 100 per cent of the premium for them to take themselves and their families abroad for health care,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Within the PPP’s Manifesto, the upgrading of health facilities across the country, including the expansion of diagnostic services at key regional hospitals as well as improved ambulance ser-

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Delano Williams photo) vices, were among the several fordable homeownership, promises delivered. the Vice-President emphaFollowing through on sised that over 30,000 house their commitments, there are lots were distributed within 12 new regional hospitals be- three years under the PPP/C ing constructed nationwide, government. This is a drastic along with the upgrading increase when compared to of health centres to further the 7,534 that were allocatenhance healthcare for all ed under the previous APGuyanese.

NU+AFC coalition during its Further, regarding af- entire five-year tenure.

“We are saying if you have applied before 2019; even if you applied under APNU, you're eligible for distribution. It is not like you have to go there with like a party card, or you have to be connected,” Dr. Jagdeo said, while adding that the government is not discriminating against anyone.

Dr. Jagdeo also reflected on the education sector, and the limited number of opportunities for citizens under the previous APNU+AFC government. However, under the PPP/C government, thousands of Guyanese from different walks of life are able to access GOAL scholarships.

“If you go around the country, there are tens of thousands of Guyanese who are making progress; they're getting more jobs. They're getting more income; they

now own a house lot; they are building a home. Many have started a business. A lot more people are in the oiland-gas industry, working directly or indirectly for that sector,” the Vice-President remarked.

Additionally, Dr. Jagdeo addressed naysayers who have heavily scrutinised President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s New Year’s address to the nation.

While highlighting the evident double standard, the Vice-President said scrutiny must be done in an “even” manner.

“So, we can easily factcheck these issues, and then if we were to do that, you would find that the New Year’s address of the Leader of the Opposition was all talk…,” Dr. Jagdeo remarked.

Jagdeo rubbishes claim NRF interest revenues could fund higher salary increases

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has debunked the Opposition’s contention that an APNU+AFC government would have been able to grant citizens higher salary increases, using interest earned from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

This argument for using interest earned from the NRF was made at an Opposition press conference earlier Thursday when the opposition economic adviser contended that the interest on the NRF could cover the cost of an increase higher than the 6.5 per cent afforded to public servants in 2023.

“So, how much money was in the NRF in 2022 before the transfer for 2023? There was about US$270 million.

Now this year, another sum would have been added to that, and the money is invested in safe instruments and [that] gets, on average, interest of about 5 per cent. So, if you invest that US$270 million, you would get just over US$13 million in interest, which is about G$2.7 billion,” Dr. Jagdeo explained at a press conference at the Office of the President on Thursday.

Safe instruments in this instance are secure bonds that earn interest; this aspect is managed by the Central Bank of Guyana, which is mandated to manage the NRF.

Dr. Jagdeo added that even with the total receipts in the Fund, interest earned would still not be able to meet the total amount required to pay public servants.

According to the VP, the 6.5 per cent salary increase that the government implemented costs G$ 7.9 billion.

“The interest on the NRF would only give you G$2.7 billion. Yet, [opposition member indicated] today that they would fund a higher increase from the interest alone on the NRF. This is the sort of policy we can expect from APNU+AFC; just wild rhetoric,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He reminded that the Opposition’s approach to policy had led Guyana on a downward spiral in the past.

“They [the opposition] don’t know the purpose of an NRF; it’s not to take every cent you earn on interest. We have, in the restructuring of the NRF, removed any direct charges on the NRF, because that could lead to corruption.

All expenditures from oil money must go through parliament, must be debated in Parliament, and appropriated in Parliament. You can’t spend off book as would have been allowed under the old NRF, the APNU Natural Resources Fund Act that they passed,” he added.

Dr. Jagdeo continued, “That is the philosophical

underpinning of the APNU. Why do you think this country ended up with paying every cent of tax dollars we collected to service debt? It’s because of the same philosophy in past PNC governments; they spent what we didn’t have, and a whole generation, all of us here suffered because of that, from lost opportunities.

We had to pay back, get some written off, etc. but every cent we paid back in debt that was wasted or unwarranted, we lost an opportunity for development, either better health care or education for our people.”

In 2021, the government amended the Natural Resource Fund Act to bring greater transparency and accountability in the management of Guyana’s oil resources, including the requirement of the government to seek annual Parliamentary approval for withdrawals from the NRF as stated in Section 19 of the NRF Act 2021.

Under that provision, as part of its consideration of the Budget Process, Parliament approved US$1.002 billion (the equivalent of G$208.9 billion) to be withdrawn from the NRF in 2023.

Per the NRF Act 2021 and the approved Budget 2023, the government made its eighth and final transfer, totalling US$152.1 million (equivalent to G$31.6 billion) from the

NRF on December 27, 2023, to the Consolidated Fund.

This transfer brings the accumulated withdrawals

for 2023 to US$1.002 billion (equivalent to G$208.4 billion), in line with the total of US$1.002 billion (equivalent

to G$208.9 billion) approved to be withdrawn in 2023.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Significant gaps in Cemetery Road expansion project to be addressed

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, on the instruction of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday visited the Cemetery Road widening project site to ensure that the project moves apace.

Subsequent to an inspection of the ongoing works alongside the contractor and engineers from the Ministry of Public Works, significant gaps were discovered that have led to delays in the works.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Public Works, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) was flagged for its failure to splice its fibre cable in the project zone, which has led to a delay in the civil works on the concrete bridge at the head of Princess Street.

Outlined are a number of tasks identified by the Ministry of Public Works to be executed on the project: PRINCESS STREET TO SUSSEX STREET -Completion of the southern bridge abutment to facilitate the diversion of

traffic to the western lane that was recently completed.

-Removal of all reinforcements not in use from the work site.

-Completion of the medians and general cleaning of the work site.

-Commencement of the

construction of the eastern lane from January 4, 2024.

This includes a full-depth reconstruction of the shoulders.

-To facilitate the widening of the existing culverts at the Sussex Street intersection.

prevent the ongoing displacement of the carriageway due to excavated areas being left open.

-Completion of the road widening of the eastern lane that was abandoned.

-Completion of the medians and general cleaning

to drain walls to prevent the road structure from moving under vehicular loads. This work must be done at a fast rate to alleviate the inconvenience caused by the contractor to the residents within the area.

-Outline various meth-

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, on the instruction of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday visited the Cemetery Road widening project site to ensure the project moves apace (Ministry of Public Works photos)

-Outline various methodologies to enhance the speedy completion of this project. (Acquiring and stockpiling of materials, ways, and means to progress at various phases).

SUSSEX STREET TO MIDDLE ROAD: -Completion of the reinforced concrete block walls of the drain on the western lane.

-Completion of the road widening and curb wall on the western lane. This is to

of the work site.

-Outline various methodologies to enhance the speedy completion of this project. (Acquiring and stockpiling of materials, ways, and means of how to progress at various phases).

FRONT ROAD/STREET TO MANDELA AVENUE: -Completion of the reinforced concrete block walls of the drains for both eastern and western lanes.

-Structural backfilling

odologies to enhance the speedy completion of this project. (Acquiring and stockpiling of materials, ways, and means how to progress at various phases).

The Ministry of Public Works assured the public that its engineers will continue to monitor the project and provide guidance to the contractor to address the identified gaps, and ensure the project is completed in a timely manner.

Telepathology lab coming soon to GPHC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is currently undergoing renovations to establish a telepathology laboratory, which will result in a quicker turnaround time for obtaining results from pathology samples.

This was disclosed by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, at a recent press conference, where he stated that the equipment has been procured and the space is currently being prepared.

Telepathology employs remote pathology using telecommunication links, which

enable the transmission of digital pathology images electronically.

During the conference, the minister noted that, in 2023, they have been able to reduce the turnaround time in terms of diagnostics, as he indicated that in the past, in some cases, biopsy results would take about three months and sometimes even longer.

Last year, he said that they have been able to reduce that waiting time to less than a week for results and added that in the first quarter of this year, telepathology

will be introduced.

This, he said, is a project that the hospital has been working on in collaboration with Mount Sinai, as he indicated that the equipment has been procured.

“We have started the renovation of a section of the Georgetown Hospital to accommodate this new lab and, once that is completed, we will install the equipment,” he revealed.

Furthermore, the hospital staff have already received training in the respective field and will seamlessly transition into working once

it becomes operational.

The laboratory will establish a direct link with Mount Sinai's lab in New York, enabling them to capture high-resolution images of the samples and involve their pathologists in making a diagnosis.

Simultaneously, the health minister has emphasised the inadequacy of the current two pathologists.

As a result, the introduction of this technology is anticipated to enhance diagnostic turnaround times for cancer and other patients.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

Police investigating alleged murder at Arimu Backdam

INVESTIGATIONS are ongoing into the alleged murder of Jimmy Edward Ashby, a 58-year-old Miner of Barima River, in the North West District, Region One. According to a statement from the Police, Ashby was reportedly murdered by a suspect identified as “One Hand Loyde”, between January 02, 2024 and January 03, 2024, at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

A 69-year-old businessman of Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, who is familiar with Ashby and the suspect as they both visited his shop regularly, stated that, around 12:00 hrs on January 02, 2024, while at the back of his shop, Ashby and the suspect, who were both consuming alcohol in his shop, got into a heated argument.

The businessman then ventured to the front of his shop to enquire what

had happened, when Ashby responded that the suspect stabbed him in his chest.

Ashby allegedly told the businessman he was “okay” and did not want to seek medical attention.

At 06:30 hrs the following day, the businessman was on his way to make a call when he saw a motionless Ashby on a bench alongside Arimu Trail.

The businessman called the Bartica Police Station and made a report, and Police ranks subsequently visited the scene and discovered Ashby’s body, which was clad in a red and white sweatshirt, grey vest and blue short pants.

On closer investigation, a single stab wound was seen at the centre of the man’s chest. His body was later transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, and efforts are currently being made to arrest the suspect as the investigation continues.

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Quarterly, annual training for TSU ranks

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

-Top Cop says; emphasises importance of conduct, appearance in accordance with international standards, best practices COMMISSIONER of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, along with Deputy Commissioner “Operations,” Ravindradat Budhram, and Officer-in-Charge of the Tactical Services Unit, Superintendent Brian Lowenfield, held a muster with ranks from the Tactical Services Unit at the Tactical Services Unit, Drill Square, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary on January 4, 2024.

The objective of the muster held was to ensure that the actions of the ranks align with the Force's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

According to a press release from the Police Force, during the session, the Commissioner emphasised the importance of maintaining appearance and conduct along with the need for adherence to international standards and best practices.

Commissioner further emphasised the importance of punctuality and discipline and reminded the ranks that service to the nation is a fundamental duty of the Force.

Additionally, the muster was also focused on the role and responsibilities of the Tactical Services Unit, professionalism, training for excellence, and ethical standards.

The Commissioner expressed his gratitude to the ranks for their involvement and commended them for

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken addresses the ranks

Aerial of TSU ranks at Thursday’s muster their good work.

Finally, the Commissioner charged those in

attendance to ensure that the Tactical Services Unit returned to its original stan-

dards.

He added that such would aid in the further

development of the Unit and the Guyana Police Force, through training,

which would be conducted quarterly on an annual basis.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Rice remains major player in Guyana’s economy

By Cindy Parkinson WHEN reflecting on the achievements in the agriculture sector for last year, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, expounded on the fact that, despite a seven per cent increase in rice production, the industry still retains its status as one of the country’s key national sectors.

Minister Mustapha, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, articulated the government's satisfaction with the upturn in production between 2022 and 2023.

According to him, “I am pleased to report that, due to the excellent weather conditions for last year, [there was an] increase from 6.2 tonnes per hectare in 2022 to 6.3 tonnes per

hectare in 2023. In 2023, export revenue totalled $45.2 billion (US$210 million), an increase of more than $3 billion from 2022.

I am also pleased to say that Sierra Leone is one of our new markets for

THROUGH the US Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme, more than 100 women from four regions across Guyana have received the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses.

According to a post on the US Embassy’s official Facebook page, during the month of December, a group of AWE alumni stopped by the embassy to showcase their AWE-branded products.

“By giving women the tools and the confidence they need, the AWE programme is generating income and creating jobs in women-led businesses, driving local prosperity in more than 100 countries worldwide,” the embassy said.

According to the US State Department, the US Government Women’s Glob-

al Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) initiative is designed to empower women worldwide to fulfill their economic potential and, in doing so, create conditions for increased stability, security, and prosperity for all.

“The target is to reach 50 million women by 2025 by promoting an enabling environment that reduces barriers and facilitates women’s participation in the economy,” the department said.

To augment the existing slate of projects focused on women and economic empowerment, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) established the AWE in 2019. The AWE provides women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses.

Through AWE, women entrepreneurs participate in a

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha inspecting one of the rice fields in Guyana

2023.”

Minister Mustapha further stated that, in October of the previous year, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB IICA) introduced 17 varieties of Zinc-Enriched Rice as a

result of the groundbreaking research conducted in collaboration with Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

He also noted that “the Burma Rice Research Sta-

tion’s Plant Breeding Lab has been rebuilt by Guyana to allow scientists to carry out additional studies and stay on this course. We have invested heavily in the production of rice, and we will continue to do so in this new year. We are focusing on growing the best in our country, and we are making sure that our farmers have access to the best as well.”

Moreover, the agriculture minister conveyed his great pleasure in stating that Guyana is receiving requests from European nations for new market access. According to him, “we also have to consider that nations that typically produce grains and rice on a large scale are also searching for nations similar to our own.”

Minister Mustapha

highlighted the need for additional drying floors in Region Five and Region Three to cater to the increased demand for rice production.

He explained, “the construction process of the drying floors at Cotton Tree in Region Five and Hague in Region Three are moving along nicely. After their completion, this will bring the number of drying floors to eight, which were constructed by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) since 2020.”

Minister Mustapha, in addition, explained that the Black Bush Seed Processing Facility, which is currently being operationalised, will provide benefits to 600 farmers through the processing of 6,000 bags of premium seeds.

Over 100 Guyanese gain entrepreneurial skills, access resources through US programme

Through the US Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Programme, more than 100 women, from four regions across Guyana, have received the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch and scale successful businesses facilitated entrepreneurship programme supplemented with localised content, as well as networking and men-

torship opportunities.

The AWE is typically centred around the online training programme,

DreamBuilder, developed through a partnership between Arizona State University’s Thunderbird

School of Global Management and global copper mining company Freeport-McMoRan.

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Gov’t initiative brings light, comfort to lower Pomeroon communities

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

- residents grateful for fulfilled promises

By Cindy Parkinson TO fulfil the government's obligations to the residents of Region Two on the Essequibo Coast, solar panels, batteries, fans, and light fixtures were delivered to the lower Pomeroon River last week by Regional Chairperson Vilma DeSilva and other regional officials.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Chairperson DeSilva provided an explanation that involved the distribution of over 1500 solar panels, batteries, fans, and light fixtures to the residents of St. Vincent-Providence, Friendship Backlands, Hackney, Heatfield, Aberdeen, and Jacklow. These recipients expressed satisfaction and excitement as they received the promised items from President Ali and his administration.

She further explained, “The residents from these communities were anxiously awaiting us, and they were

had an officer with us who demonstrated how to set up the panels and the other fixtures. Listening to these residents, especially the wives and mothers, who explained how helpful this initiative from the government will be to them and their families, is very fulfilling and rewarding to be a part of. Knowing that we are helping to make a difference in the lives of all Guyanese is a grateful feeling.”

Alongside conversing with the regional chairperson, the Guyana Chronicle made an effort to reach out to various beneficiaries in the Lower Pomeroon. These individuals expressed their gratitude to President Ali and his government for effectively fulfilling the pledges that were made.

Taren Abrams, a stay-athome wife and mother, explained that she is grateful for the convenience and benefits of the light for her in the kitchen and for her child during her studies at night.

One of the residents thanking the regional chairperson and the other officials on behalf of the other inhabitants of Lower Pomeroon the mornings. This is so good for us, and I want to thank the government and especially our President for making sure that we get what we were promised. We are so thankful.”

Also speaking with this publication, Anika, and Ryan (only names given) related

Some of the residents are awaiting their solar panels, fans, light fixtures, and batteries in one of the areas of Lower Pomeroon beyond happy with our visit.

We have to understand that in these riverine areas, they do not have electricity and only a few persons can afford a generator, which only gives a few hours of light.”

Meanwhile, the regional chairperson also revealed that although the residents were thrilled to get the solar panels, they were even more delighted with the fans, batteries and light fixtures.

According to her, “We

“I grew up without lights in our home; I remembered my parents made lamps for us to use at night to study, and that was the norm for us. Now that I am married and have a family of my own, and I am so happy that my child does not have to go through the same as me and my brothers and sisters.”

She continued: “My daughter can now stay up late and study, and I can see to prepare my husband’s food in

that they were waiting in anticipation for the solar panels and the other items so that they could purchase a television for their home.

“Listen, my wife and I were waiting for so long for this. We were out at Charity Market, and we heard that our relatives in Region One collected their solar panels, and they got fans and so on, so we were hoping that we got the same, and we did. We don’t have children yet, but now that

we have received our panel, fan, lights, and battery, we are planning to buy our television next week.” Ryan told this publication.

“I want to thank our

President and his ministers; if it weren’t for them, we could not have been able to afford all of this. We are thankful, and we appreciate you all. Pomeroon is looking good. We used to feel like

no one saw us, but now we can say that we have a government that is for all, and we thank President Ali for that and all that he does for Guyanese,” Anika said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

‘Sanskriti’ breathes life into soul of Indian dance

THE Sanskriti Foundation of Art and Culture emerges as a beacon, dedicated ardently to the timeless realms of Indian classical dance, music, and arts.

Born in the cultural crucible of 2023, Sanskriti passionately endeavors to not only preserve but to breathe life into the soul of Indian dance art through immersive training and awareness sessions.

At its inception, the luminary behind Sanskriti, Ms. Varsha Jagdish Chaudhari, a lauded Kathak dance artiste, graced the Indian Cultural Centre under the High Commission of India.

Ms. Chaudhari, a virtuoso in Indian classical dancing and mass media, holds the mantle of a scholar with a Master of Performing Arts and a Master in International Arts and Culture Management.

With a dance journey spanning over 25 years, her influence extends beyond the

Founder of ‘Sanskriti’, Varsha Jagdish Chaudhari

stage; her students now pursue master’s degree training under her, shaping careers as classical dancers.

Having mesmerised audiences at state houses and ministries in Guyana, as well as embassies, Ms. Chaudhari, after a successful tenure, chose to remain in Guyana.

Recognising the resilient

bond between India and Guyana, where ancestral culture strives to endure, she envisioned Sanskriti as a catalyst to deepen this interwoven relationship.

Sanskriti's heartbeat echoes in its dedication to promoting Indian dance, art, and music. Through structured

Chaudhari conducting an awareness session

curricula and certificate-based training, the institution nurtures students in various levels of Indian classical dance, including Kathak, semi-classical dance, Bollywood-style dance, and freestyle dance.

The canvas of Sanskriti is adorned with over 25 students, currently immersed in intense training across diverse

courses.

Beyond the realms of tradition, Sanskriti gracefully embraces the global rhythm by providing dance fitness training classes, tapping into the pulse of a world enamored with this flourishing trend.

Sanskriti's influence extends far beyond the cobblestone streets of Georgetown,

with additional batches flourishing on the East Bank, Berbice, and the West Coast.

For those seeking more than a glimpse into this cultural odyssey, they can connect via WhatsApp at +592 6576251 or through email at sanskritifoundationofartcultur@gmail.com.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Gospel Fest 2024 set for ‘Mash’ Day

GOSPEL Fest is set for February 23, 2024, at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, under the theme ‘Glory to Glory.’

One of the coordinators of the event, Pastor Kwame Wilson of the Kaneville Full Gospel Church, in speaking with the Buzz stated that they are expecting persons to attend the Gospel event for an exciting evening of praise and worship come Mash night.

He said: “We want to encourage people of all ages, young people, old people,

everybody to come out and come prepared to worship God. As the theme says we’re going from glory to glory, and we believe that as we come together to give God praise and thanks in preparation for all that God is about to do in the year 2024.”

Pastor Wilson urged persons to attend the renowned local Gospel event and come prepared for a night of praising God 100 per cent.

He reflected that over the years, Gospel Fest has brought big names in the Gospel industry to the local

stage since its inception in 2015. These names include DJ Nicholas, Papa San, Sherwin Gardner and Blessed Messenger to list a few.

Performing at this year’s Gospel Fest are Saiku, Samuel Medas and award winning, Jamaican gospel singer, Marvia Providence.

Gospel Fest has been a big event for the local Christian community over the years and it sought to encourage Christians to experience the excitement of Mashramani with people who support their religion.

Tickets cost $3000 for the early early bird which is available until January 15 and $3,500 for the early bird.

Furthermore, regular ticket prices cost $4,000 as of February 1 and secure parking is included in the ticket cost.

It should be noted that ticket locations will be announced soon; however, persons can WhatsApp 6171617 or 688-5050 to secure theirs. Additionally, persons can visit the Gospel Fest Guyana Facebook page for updates on this exciting and spiritual uplifting event.

Search begins for new Miss/Mrs. / Teen/Mr. India Guyana Those who think they have what it takes to be the next Miss/Mrs. /Teen/ Mr. India Guyana can now submit applications. The requirements for each pageant are listed below. The application process ends on January 31

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Britney Spears: I'll never return to music industry

BRITNEY Spears has said she will "never return to the music industry" after rumours she was planning a return to the studio surfaced last week.

The pop star was responding to claims in the US media that she was lining up songwriters for a 10th studio album.

"Just so we're clear, most of the news is trash!!!" the singer wrote on Instagram.

"They keep saying I'm turning to random people to do a new album … I will never return to the music industry!!!"

Some outlets had suggested that Julia Michaels

and Charlie XCX had been tapped up as collaborators.

But Spears added that she only wrote music for fun and also revealed that she had written more than 20 songs for other people over the past two years.

"I'm a ghostwriter and I honestly enjoy it that way!!!" wrote the singer, known for hits including Baby One More Time, Oops!... I Did It Again and Toxic.

THE WOMAN IN ME The post was accompanied by Guido Reni's Renaissance painting titled Salome Bearing the Head of St John the Baptist.

In August 2022, Spears released her first new music since being released from a conservatorship that controlled almost every aspect of her life.

Hold Me Closer - a duet with Sir Elton John - marked Spears' return to music after a six-year hiatus.

Fans have been clamouring for her to return to music and although she has hinted before that she is wary of returning to the industry, this is the first time she has unequivocally ruled it out.

She published her memoir last year, titled The Woman in Me, which detailed life living under a conservator-

Britney Spears released a duet with Elton John in the summer of 2022 (Valerie Macon photo)

ship and revealed she had had a medical abortion while dating Justin Timberlake.

The artist wrote at the time: "Pushing forward in my music career is not my focus at the moment.

"It's time for me not to be someone who other people want; it's time to actually find myself." (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Elvis Presley to be brought to life through AI for new, immersive show and Suspicious Minds. He died in 1977 aged 42.

In 2018, he was posthumously awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honour a sitting president can bestow on a civilian.

A film about Presley's life, directed by Baz Luhrmann, was released in 2022.

Actor Austin Butler later won a Bafta Film Award for his portrayal of the singer.

Another movie, Priscilla, released in the UK this week, examines the relationship

During his lifetime, Elvis Presley was nominated for 14 Grammy Awards and won three of them (ELVIS PRESLEY ENTERPRISES LLC photo)

SINGER Elvis Presley is set to be brought back to life virtually as part of a new immersive concert experience.

Elvis Evolution will use AI and feature holographic projections of the star, created from thousands of his personal photos and home-video footage.

The show is set to open in London in November before moving to Las Vegas, Berlin and Tokyo.

It follows the success of Abba Voyage, a virtual concert with avatars of the Swedish pop band.

British immersive entertainment specialists, Layered Reality, have secured the global rights for Elvis Evolution. The company has

previously produced immersive experiences including The Gunpowder Plot and The War of The Worlds.

The company said the Presley show will feature a "jaw-dropping concert experience" where a life-sized digital Elvis "will perform iconic moments in musical history on a UK stage for the first time".

Layered Reality's founder and CEO, Andrew McGuinness, said the show would be "a next-generation tribute to the musical legend" and allow people to "step into the world of Elvis and walk in his shoes".

The show will feature a life-sized digital Presley and make use of AI, holographic

projection, augmented reality, live theatre and multi-sensory effects, Layered Reality said.

McGuinness added that the experience would offer the public a "deeper insight into Elvis's life, transporting fans back through the decades to experience his meteoric rise to fame, larger-thanlife persona, and the cultural movement he catalysed in the 1950s and 1960s".

The central London location for the show, which is yet to be confirmed, will also host an Elvis-themed bar and restaurant with live music.

Presley, who would have celebrated his 89th birthday on January 8, rose to fame in the 1950s and is known for hits including Hound Dog

between the singer and his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley.

Virtual concerts and events have risen in popularity since Abba launched Abba Voyage in London in May 2022.

The concert recreates a 1970s-era digital version of the singers who perform in their very own purpose-built 3,000-capacity arena in east London.

It was created by 1,000 visual effects artists and took one billion computing hours to animate the avatars. It makes an estimated £2m per

week and, since 2022, has contributed £322.6m in turnover to the London economy.

In December, rock band Kiss ended its final farewell concert in New York with flying avatars who launched into the hit song God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You. Gene Simmons credited the characters, which were created with the same technology used in Abba Voyage, with ensuring the band could now be "forever young and forever iconic".

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 05, 2024) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brian Lara-2815 runs (30 Tests) (2) Steve Waugh-2192 runs (32 Tests) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has claimed most Test wickets against AUST to date?

(2) Which AUST has bagged most Test wickets against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Caught-behind no longer to be checked for stumping referrals THE new year has ushered in some changes to playing conditions across formats, some of which may not have been formally announced.

Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has addressed an issue that has long been exploited by players.

The rule modification pertains to the umpire's review for a stumping, which will now exclusively focus on side-on replays and will no longer assess the caught-behind scenario.

Since a successful stumping appeal spares the fielding team from using a review, players have frequently appealed for stumping, subsequently ensuring a review for a caught-behind appeal.

In the previous home series against Australia last year, there were numerous instances where the Australian team with wicketkeeper Alex Carey behind the stumps appealed for stumping, leading to a review of the caught-behind appeal without having to use the Decision Review System (DRS). Going forward, a fielding side will be required to utilise a review for a caught-behind appeal, as stumping appeals will only showcase replays from the

The TV umpire will no longer check for a caught-behind when the fielding team appeals for a stumping • ( AFP/Getty Images)

side-on cameras.

Says the new rule: "The change confines a stumping review to only check for stumped, therefore preventing the fielding team a free review for other modes of dismissal (i.e, caught behind) without choosing a player review." The rule change had come into effect from December 12, 2023.

Another rule change is about clarity on concussion replacement. "(It) provides clarity in the regulations to

ensure that a replacement player will not be permitted to bowl if the replaced player was suspended from bowling at the time of their concussion."

Auto no-ball: "The third umpire will have broader scope to automatically check all forms of foot fault no ball in addition to the front foot.

On Field Injury Assessment and Treatment: "Clarifies the time limit (maximum four minutes) allowed for an on-field assessment or treat-

ment of an injury."

As the Ranji Trophy is set to commence on Friday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented several alterations to the playing conditions, with a particular emphasis on the Dead ball situation.

The BCCI has affected some minor changes to the playing condition apart from one about the penalty runs in the event of unfair movement by any fielder once the ball comes into play and before it

reaches the striker.

Says the new BCCI rule: "In the event of such unfair movement, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball and inform the other umpire of the reason for doing so.

The bowler's end umpire shall then: 'award the onerun penalty for Wide or No ball, if applicable'; 'award 5 Penalty runs to the batting side; inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action'; 'inform the batters and, as soon as

practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.'"

Striker's right to play the ball The rule says: "The striker has a right to play the ball, or to make a legitimate second strike, after it has been delivered, without interference from the wicket-keeper or any other fielder.

"However, the striker may only attempt to play the ball if some of his/her bat or person, whether grounded or raised, remains within the pitch, as defined in Law 6.1 (Area of pitch). Should no part of the striker's bat or person remain within the pitch, whilst the striker is playing the ball, either umpire shall immediately call and signal Dead ball."

These changes had come into effect from Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this year and are going to be implemented for the first time in the multi-day red ball championship. The much talked about 'two bouncers an over' rule, which will be implemented in the IPL, was also experimented in the SMAT last October-November. (Cricbuzz)

Mbappe says he has not made up his mind on future

PARIS St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe says he has not made a decision about his future. The 25-year-old France captain's deal with the Ligue 1 champions runs out in the summer and he has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Mbappe told PSG in June that he would not be taking up an option for a further 12 months in his contract.

"First of all, I'm very, very, very motivated for this year. It's very important," said Mbappe.

Speaking after scoring for PSG as they beat Toulouse 2-0 to claim the French

Champions Trophy, he added: "As I said, we've got titles to go after and we've already won one, so that's already done. After that, no, I haven't made up my mind yet.

"But in any case, with the agreement I made with the chairman [Nasser Al-Khelaifi] this summer, it doesn't matter what I decide.

"We managed to protect all parties and preserve the club's serenity for the challenges ahead, which remains the most important thing. So we'll say it's secondary."

Mbappe joined PSG in 2017, initially on loan from Monaco before a 180m euro (£165.7m) move.

Mbappe helped PSG claim the French Champions Trophy with a 2-0 win against Toulouse on Wednesday

He was set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2021-22 season but ultimately signed a two-year contract extension, with the option of a further year.

However, after Mbappe told PSG he would not agree to the additional 12 months of the deal, he was not selected for their pre-season tour to

Japan in the summer.

He subsequently refused to meet with representatives of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who made a world record £259m offer for him.

The striker later returned to first-team training following what PSG said were "very constructive and positive" talks.

Mbappe turned down a move to Real Madrid when he agreed to his current deal with PSG in May 2022 but may not leave a decision on his plans as late this time around.

He added: "I think it was the end of May in 2022 because I didn't know until

May. "If I know what I want to do, why drag it out? It just doesn't make sense."

Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Xavi has said that players like Mbappe are out of reach for the Catalan club because of their financial position.

"I have to deal with the players I have, because right now we are not able to think about those kinds of signings," said Xavi.

"Unfortunately, we are not in a privileged situation economically to do that. I am left with the players I have, and with those players we have to win.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Siraj, Bumrah deliver India's fiery comeback win in the 'shortest Test'

SIX-wicket hauls from Mohammed Siraj (6/15) and Jasprit Bumrah (6/61) were the major highlights in India's comfortable seven-wicket win over South Africa on the second day of the final Test at Cape Town on Thursday. The result, obtained within five sessions, makes it the shortest completed match in Test history.

After a 23-wicket opening day, it was evident that South Africa would have to do something special for the game to stretch into the third day. Aiden Markram certainly seemed in the mood to take up the challenge but found no support from the other end.

Bumrah was at his menacing best as he made full use of the spicy Cape Town surface that had also gotten quicker in comparison to the first day; that meant that the hard length deliveries with steep bounce was tougher to play. However, like Markram showed, runs were also there to be had if batters were courageous enough.

David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne fell in the opening 30 minutes of the second day while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj didn't last long either. All this while Markram was steadily getting into his groove at the other end.

At 111/7, the opener had

India and South Africa players pose with the shared trophy after the series ended 1-1.

no option but to switch to white-ball mode and while that wasn't the easiest of

things to do on that pitch, he pulled it off with aplomb.

Even Bumrah faced the mu-

sic as India's pacers got a bit of stick, none more so than Prasidh Krishna who continued to find his initiation into Test cricket a ‘baptism by fire’.

Eventually, Markram fell playing a shot too many but not before completing a splendid century. In a game where no team went past 200 and only other batters went past 30, Markram's knock was a gem in many ways. But so was Bumrah, who, after playing the supporting act on the opening day, worked up the heat with a fiery spell of pace bowling.

Markram's efforts meant that South Africa had eked out a lead of 78 but even with

the torrid nature of the surface, those were simply too little for the bowlers to work with. India's batters took the aggressive route to gun down the total in 12 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal's 23-ball 28 at the top quashing any glimmer of hope South Africa may have had.

The left-hander's dismissal was followed by the wickets of Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli but the result had already reached a foregone conclusion by then. Rohit Sharma hung around at one end with Shreyas Iyer enduring a few nasty short ones before hitting the winning runs against Jansen. (Cricbuzz)

Pakistan snare Warner, Khawaja on rain-hit second day …Only 46 overs bowled as bad light and rain cut short day's play

By Tristan Lavalette RETIRING opener David Warner rode his luck before falling for 34 as the third Test between Australia and Pakistan was evenly poised after a truncated second day.

Australia made slow progress against a disciplined Pakistan attack, but only 46 overs were bowled in the day's play due to bad light and rain. Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 23 and Steven Smith six not out, and they will get the chance to reset in what should be better conditions on day three.

Even though the SCG's light towers were on, play stopped just after drinks in the second session after Pakistan refused to only bowl their spinners.

(Scores: Australia 116 for 2 (Khawaja 47, Labuschagne 23*, Salman 1-18, Jamal 1-26) trail Pakistan 313 by 197 runs) Play was unable to resume with persistent rain falling in the afternoon as bad weather continues to plague the traditional New Year's Test in Sydney.

But the forecast is for mostly clear conditions for the remainder of the match.

Opener Usman Khawaja fell for a patient 47 off 143 to tireless quick Aamer Jamal in the only wicket of the second session. Australia scored at just 2.46 runs an over and been shackled by an accurate Pakistan attack.

All eyes earlier had been

Usman Khawaja fell three short of a half-century - Getty Images and Cricket Australia

on Warner, who is playing in his 112th and final Test. He survived a tense final over before stumps on day one after receiving a guard of honour from the Pakistan team. He started the innings with a first-ball boundary off spinner Sajid Khan before almost playing the ball onto his stumps in a narrow escape.

Warner again came out to a standing ovation to start day two and shared a hug with his close friend Khawaja before walking to the crease. There was intrigue over whether Warner would come out

swinging, but he appeared to eye the long haul as he played carefully.

Warner did hit a beautiful cover drive off veteran seamer Hasan Ali, who was bowling at pedestrian speeds. Stepping down the crease, Warner was treating him with disdain but he did have another nervous moment when he edged through a vacant third slip and to the boundary.

Pakistan's bid for early wickets with the new ball have been made harder without spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has been contentiously

rested for the match ahead of their T20I tour of New Zealand after a heavy workload over the opening two Tests.

Warner looked likely to bat through to lunch after being badly dropped on 20 at first slip by debutant Saim Ayub off Jamal. But he failed to capitalise and fell when he edged a sharp delivery from offspinner Agha Salman that had bite and turned sharply as Babar Azam took a fine catch at slip.

The crowd groaned as Warner ripped his gloves off and berated himself before trudging off to a standing ova-

tion and loud applause.

It was the only wicket of an attritional session. Under gloomy conditions, the surface had been more difficult for batting than on the opening day with variable bounce notable from Salman.

Australia have batted conservatively in a far cry to the manic action on day one when Pakistan rattled along at four runs an over but continually lost wickets.

There was concern for Pakistan straight after lunch when Hasan hobbled off with an apparent ankle injury but he returned shortly afterwards.

Salman continued to threaten and was particularly dangerous around the wicket to left-handed Khawaja as he targeted the rough patches.

Labuschagne, looking to shrug off a lean 2023 where he averaged 35 in Test cricket, looked fluent at the start as he played the ball neatly through his favoured on-side before being tied down by accurate bowling.

Khawaja stonewalled on a ground he has long dominated having averaged over 100 from seven previous Tests with four centuries. Apart from using his feet nicely to bludgeon Sajid in the first session, Khawaja dug in as he closed in on a half-century.

It was slow going until out of nowhere Khawaja tickled a short delivery angled down the leg-side from Jamal. After Khawaja was originally deemed not out, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan immediately called for a review and his confidence was justified when replays showed that Khawaja had gloved it.

Bowling consistently at speeds near 140 kmh, Jamal sought a short-ball tactic against Smith who countered by pulling to the boundary on his second delivery faced as the ball sped past a slew of fielders on the leg-side.

But the intriguing battle was put on hold with the match in the balance.

(Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

One Guyana Sand Football King and Queen Final — Dynamo face Speightand for Queen title — DC Ballers collide with LA Ballers for $1M

DC Ballers scorers Tyric McAllister and Marcus Tudor

`FOLLOWING semi-finals night Wednesday, the finalists for the One Guyana Kings and Queens Linen Sand football championship being staged outside the People’s Progressive Party /Civic, Linden Office compound were decided with DC Ballers and LA

Ballers advancing among the men, and Dynamo FC and Speightland to clash in the women’s championship game set for tomorrow.

The King’s tournament winners will get $800,000 and the losing finalist $400,000, while the third place playoff winners will

receive $200,000 and fourth place men’s team $100,000.

On Wednesday, when the semifinals were played in the first female game, Speightland defeated Hururu 3-1 as Nikita Wayne scored twice and the other by Christina Paul for the winners, as Nikisha Persaud registered the

From left: Jalade Trim, Sandra Johnson and Gjensie Lewis

lone goal for Hururu In the first men’s tournament semi-final DC Ballers won 2-1 versus YMCA as Kendolph Lewis got the double for the Ballers, while Shane Wilson got the lone goal for YMCA. When the second women’s semi-final was played,

Dynamo FC clobbered their way past Aroiama 5-1 as Jalade Trim led the way with three goals as Sandra Johnson and Glensie Lewis netted the other goals for the winners, while Ashanna Williams converted the lone goal for the losers.

T h e s e c o n d m e n ’s

semi-final resulted with LA Ballers outscoring Platinum 5-3 with Marcus Tudor and Tyric McAllister both getting doubles and an own goal responsible for the fifth goal.

Handscomb to lead CA XI against West Indies

MELBOURNE, Australia, (CMC) – Test batsman Peter Handscomb has been named to captain a 12-man Cricket Australia squad announced by national selectors to face West Indies in a three-day match starting next week in Adelaide.

Australia Test batsman Peter Handscomb.

The 32-year-old played the last of his 20 Tests last March against India, and is the only player in the squad with any international experience.

Handscomb’s Victorian teammate, 22-year-old Doug Warren, has been included in the squad

Australia Test batsman Peter Handscomb

while 20-year-old pacer Jack Nisbet of New South Wales will also feature.

Selectors have also opted for the Western Australia trio of Jayden Goodwin, Liam Haskett

and Teague Wyllie and the Tasmania trio of Jake Doran, Bradley Hope and Tim Ward.

“CA XI matches provide an excellent opportunity for some of our up-and-coming players on the domestic scene to face international opposition as well as rewarding consistent performers,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“The mix of the squad combines players who are well established at first class level with those who are also just starting out at the level. The squad selected consists of players currently not playing in the Big Bash League.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for recent Sheffield Shield debutants like Liam Haskett, Jack

Nisbet and Doug Warren to play alongside and learn from established domestic cricketers and against a touring international side.”

West Indies arrived Down Under a week ago in preparation for their two-Test series from January 17-29 in Adelaide and Brisbane.

The tour game bowls off January 10 at Karen Rolton Oval.SQUAD – Peter Handscomb (captain), Jack Clayton, Harry Conway, Jake Doran, Jayden Goodwin, Liam Haskett, Bradley Hope, Jack Nisbet, Liam Scott, Tim Ward, Doug Warren, Teague Wyllie.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, January 5, 2024

Minister Ramson turns sod to launch Timehri Sands Golf Course and Country Club

By Sean Devers

MINISTER of Culture, Youth & Sport Charles Ramson yesterday afternoon turned the sod to officially launch the construction of the Timehri Sands Golf Course and Country Club on 71 and a half acres plot of land just off the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The state-of-the art, ninehole course which is expected to be completed in approximately two years at a cost of three million United States of America dollars, saw investors the DaSilva clan, Canadian bases Golf Architect Jason Miller, Head of the Diaspora Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rosalinda Rasul and the three DaSilva children (Narisa, Kurt & Safiyah) making speeches before Minister Ramson gave the feature address.

Minister Ramson promised government’s support

for what is set to become Guyana’s second Golf Club after the one at Lusignan.

“This investment will cause an economic expansion for Guyana in getting a worn-out sandpit as an excellent site for a golf course.”

The facility, when completed, could become a premier tourist attraction, since many couples get married on golf courses around the world.

“This is an unplanned result since the investment was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and showed great commitment to Guyana by the DaSilvas.

The vibrant minister told the gathering which included family members of the investors and members of the media, that several opportunities could be derived from this investment which could be expanded in an 18-hole course which will be able to accommodate international tournaments.

Minister Ramson hit the

Minster Ramson about to tee off at yesterday’s launch (Sean Devers photo)

first shot while Kurt DaSilva informed the gathering that he had played cricket before leaving for College in Canada with his family, adding that he continued to play for the Kaieteur Cricket Club in Canada.

“However, when the pandemic caused a shutdown in several events, the cricketers decided to play a bit of golf and we fell in love with the sport. My parents decided to come back and open a golf club. And that’s where this idea was born,” disclosed Kurt.

Rasul said after several talks with the Canada-based family by her ministry, the DaSilvas were convinced that the diaspora projects and the system to implement them worked.

“Despte some minor setbacks, the Lands and Surveys Department granted this plot of land here to start the ball rolling for the work to commence,” explained Rasul.

Elite League season six likely to kick off in February

THE Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League is expected to return in February with its sixth season, which should run until early July.

During a recent interview aired on News Room, Director of Competitions, Troy Peters, said the League would form part of a busy 2024 for local and international football.

He indicated the aim is to have the sixth season return to its original format where

Top club football in Guyana should return in February 2024.

the ten teams play each other twice, resulting in 18 matches per team.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, season five of the league had nine matches per team, with the Guyana Defence Force FC winning their second title.

In the new season, inaugural champions, Slingerz FC, or Berbice’s Mondderlust FC, will join the league, given they are in the final of the promotional playoff.

Following the Elite

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League Promotional play-off final on January 6, the GFF will award a preparation grant of G$1M to the club or clubs promoted to the Elite League.

The winning club will be promoted to season six of the Elite League, while the runner-up side will also be given a second chance to play in the League when they oppose Victoria Kings, the bottom-placed team from season five.

| FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 2024