Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-10-2023

President Ali determined to cut Caribbean food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025

- President Ali tells IICA; outlines country’s plans to involve more youths and women

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday visited the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica (ICAFE) in San José, where he had a first-hand view of the various processes from cultivation to the mixing of the blends. During his engagement with officials there, President Ali spoke of efforts to revitalise the local coffee industry and said that Guyana will look to Costa Rica for support, especially through technical expertise

Chief Justice throws out ‘flaring’ case

By Clestine Juan

FINDING that the application lacked evidence and merit, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, on Tuesday threw out the case filed by three Guyanese women activists against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put a stop to flaring of gas offshore by ExxonMobil.

The case, which was filed on January 24, 2022, by Sinikka Henry, Sherlina Nageer, and Andriska Thorington revolved around allegations that the EPA had acted in violation of the law when it modified Environmental Permit 20160705-EEDPF on May 15, 2021.

The applicants had also argued that the EPA’s decision to impose a $30.00 USD per tonne charge for carbon dioxide equivalents emitted, as stipulated in the modified permit, contradicted the polluter pays principle.

They were represented

by attorneys Melinda Janki, Seenath Jairam, SC, and Ronald Burch-Smith.

In response, the EPA argued that the modification was necessary because the original permit prohibited only routine flaring and did not address “non-routine” flaring.

The EPA maintained that the modification aimed to establish clear conditions for regulating non-routine flaring.

Additionally, the EPA

— rules in favour of EPA concerning Liza 1 project

justified applying the polluter pays principle to hold ExxonMobil Guyana Limited accountable for maintaining an environmentally acceptable state, as required by the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05.

The applicants, however, contended that the EPA’s decision deviated from the EP Act and would lead to additional adverse effects. They sought the quashing of the modified permit and the reinstatement of its previous

version.

In her ruling, Chief Justice George meticulously examined the evidence presented in the case and found in favour of the EPA, emphasizing that the applicants had failed to adequately substantiate their claims.

She noted that the evidence provided was confusing and primarily comprised opinions, either from the applicants themselves or from their legal representatives.

The court also acknowledged that during the course of the proceedings, the applicants had abandoned several

requested reliefs due to a lack of evidential basis.

Moreover, the remaining reliefs sought by the applicants were unsupported by any compelling evidence.

Addressing the polluter pays principle, the Chief Justice pointed out that the Environmental Protection Act (EP Act) recognized that there might be adverse environmental effects for which the polluter would need to bear the cost.

However, she did not specify the exact amount or timeline for such payments, leaving that determination to

the EPA.

The EPA, represented by attorneys Frances Carryl, Shareefah Parks, and Niomi Alsopp, welcomed the Chief Justice’s ruling, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to carrying out its responsibilities in accordance with the law.

The EPA encouraged the public to participate actively in its decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of meaningful and informed contributions to safeguard Guyana’s environment and natural resources sustainably.

Fire prevention, safety recommendations made months before deadly Mahdia fire

By Shamar Meusa

THREE months prior to the deadly Mahdia dormitory fire which claimed the lives of 20 children, several recommendations were made by the Sub-Officer attached to the Guyana Fire Service, following an inspection of the dorms in Mahdia.

This was revealed on Wednesday during the fourth day of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Mahdia fire when Sub-officer Ryan Scott, who is attached to the Guyana Fire Service and serves as the officer in Charge at the Mahdia Fire Station presented his testimony.

According to Scott, he was alerted to the fire on May 21 after hearing the loud blowing of a

- CoI hears

horn signalling an emergency. Subsequently, he was alerted by someone that the dorm was on fire.

the Sub-Officer noted they encountered difficulties, which included the build-up of a crowd along the route, air in the vehicle and vehicles

Immediately, he noted that he and the crew donned their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and proceeded to the scene of the fire.

As they were making their way to the scene,

being parked along the roadway to the scene.

Upon arrival at the scene, he noted that the building was fully engulfed in flames while

Continued on page

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Officer in Charge of the Mahdia Fire Station, Ryan Scott, while giving his testimony on Wednesday before the ongoing Presidential Commission of Inquiry

Guyana adopting newer technologies to advance agriculture

— President Ali tells IICA; outlines country’s plans to involve more youths and women

By Naomi Parris

BOASTING holistic plans to advance Guyana and the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) agricultural sector, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday highlighted a number of ongoing initiatives to include more women and youth in the sector and adapt to newer technologies.

During a discussion with the directors of the Inter-American Institute on Cooperation in Agriculture, (IICA) including Director-General Manuel Otero, the Guyanese Head of State said the country has already embarked on a programme to ensure that 35 per cent of the newly established farms are operated by women and youth.

“We have already launched a programme in Guyana where we said we want 35 per cent of all the new farms to be owned by women and young people and we are already on target with this.”

He added: “All the new agro-phonics, shade houses that we are doing young people are involved, the marine cage project, not only young people but the indigenous communities. Teaching them how to apply technology.”

Back in 2022, President Ali launched the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP).

More than 100 young graduates of the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture are engaged in shadehouse farming, growing crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and romaine and

iceberg lettuce.

Initially, about 25 shadehouses were to be established for the cultivation of three high-value crops. However, the success of the programme prompted the government to invest further in the initiative.

By the end of 2022, 120 shadehouses were constructed to support the production. The administration aims to engage a further 100 new young ‘agri’ entrepreneurs and increase production of the crops by 50 per cent.

Aside from this project, the government also launched a poultry project which will see the rearing of black belly sheep in Guyana.

This project will target 20 per cent of women farmers and 35 per cent of young people under the age of 35.

Meanwhile, in the aquaculture sub-sector, the government has invested in marine cages to assist farmers across the country.

A marine cage is a system set up in lakes,

reservoirs or ponds to confine fishes. It allows water to pass freely between the fish and the surrounding water, thus maintaining good water quality and removing waste.

This project was rolled out in hinterland communities and both women and youths are the beneficiaries of this project.

Already, farmers have reported an increase in fish catches following the implementation of the project.

In August, farmers reported a successful catch of Tamaqui fish.

Speaking further on the initiative, President Ali said: “Years ago indigenous children would use half of the day to go hunting or to go fishing to get food, now we can make marine cages; you can give them not only the food in a more profitable way but make it a livelihood opportunity for those communities.”

EARNER

The President further touted plans to transform the country’s agricultural sector as a major income-earner for men, women and especially young people.

He explained that government is working assiduously to position Guyana’s agricultural sector along with the food-production system into a business market for citizens.

The President said:

“Agriculture is not just the production of food. For us agriculture is a business; it must be able to be competitive, it must be able to earn, it must be able to be profitable [and] it must be able to generate proposals that are bankable and make sense for the private sector.

The aim is to make the sector more attractive for women and youth.

He also reiterated

Guyana’s current role in reducing the CARICOM Region’s high food-import bill.

President Ali, along with Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, currently hold leadership roles in advancing the Region’ss food security.

The duo are currently in Costa Rica attending IICA’s 2023 conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas.

Tamaqui fish that was recently harvested at Lake Capoey, Essequibo Coast. The fish were grown in marine cages, a recent initiative implemented by the government to improve catches and support farmers

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali along with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Director-General Manuel Otero (Office of the President photos)

Hinterland schools to see brighter prospects

— as President Ali tackles issues head on

By Trina Williams

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali assured teachers that his administration will address the human resource shortage in Hinterland schools and other issues affecting learning.

Acknowledging the importance of teachers in society and their well-being, the President, on Monday, had a consultation with headteachers and their deputies from the country’s 11 school districts at State House.

During this meeting, teachers from hinterland schools raised several issues, particularly surrounding a shortage of teachers.

The President advised the gathering that the Minister of Education informed him that 2300 teachers will graduate in November and the actual shortages will be addressed.

Monday’s consultation was held in keeping with Dr. Ali’s promise to meet

with educators to address a number of issues within the sector.

Teachers from both the hinterland and coastland regions raised a plethora of issues, among them salary and allowance adjustments for teachers, better school infrastructure, the need for more qualified teachers, improved Internet access, better transportation for children, especially those living in the hinterland

region, implementation of more innovative programmes, and overcrowding in several schools.

In response, the President said: “We are going to complete the infrastructure audit of all the schools and all the education facilities, including the recreation facilities across the country, so we will have a gap analysis as to what has to be done, and prioritise where we are going to definitely address those issues.”

Regarding overcrowding, specifically, the president noted that the government will prioritise the extension of schools affected by overcrowding in the upcoming budget cycle.

Existing anomalies affecting minimum-wage teachers will be corrected in their salaries this month.

In the coming weeks, the government will develop a holistic approach to address all the needs of the country’s teachers.

“Now that I have a full understanding directly from you,” President Ali said, “I am in a better position to come up with a holistic approach as to how we will deal with the welfare of students and teachers

together.”

Executive representatives from the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and other government officials such as Education Minister Priya Manikchand, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and the country’s Labour Minister were in attendance.

In June, the President announced that more funds will be injected into the education sector to enhance more institutions and make room for more advancements in this area.

“Outside of the massive investments that we are already making in new facilities and the rehabilitation of existing facilities, it is estimated that to bring all of the facilities throughout Guyana, in every single region, to minimum standards, retrofitting, maintenance, and renovation projects will be at a cost of 11 billion Guyana dollars for education alone.

“We considered this conditional survey and this assessment, and we have decided that, notwithstanding the tremendous resources that we already have in the budget this year, we are going to go for supplementary provisions so that we can start an acceleration of this 11 billion dollars investment,” Dr. Ali said.

The President also related that government had decided that it will separate the investment in a multi-year/multi-programme agenda for education, so that appropriate action can be taken.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali with some of the teachers at the consultation

At the meeting, teachers were given an opportunity to raise some of the challenges they are facing

President Ali: Guyana, Costa Rica discuss eco-tourism, climate change co-operation

By Naomi Parris

GUYANA is hoping to collaborate with Costa Rica to advance its eco-tourism industry, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced on Tuesday.

Dr. Ali recently travelled to the Central American state to receive an award from the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA) for his leadership in Food Security.

He also met with Costa Rican President, Rodrigo Chaves Robles. The two Heads of State held a press briefing, where President Ali expressed Guyana’s interest in collaborating with the country.

In fact, President Ali noted that Guyana was modelling its eco-tourism industry after Costa Rica’s.

“In positing Guyana

as a major destination for eco-tourism, we have identi-

fied Costa Rica as our model…We are embarking on a

programme to work closely with the government of Costa

Rica in helping us develop our eco-tourism product in Guyana.”

Back in April the two countries signed a Letter of Intent and Collaboration to explore investment opportunities, exchange knowledge, and provide technical support. The agreement was signed by Guyana’s Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Costa Rican Minister of Tourism, William Rodriguez Lopez.

This collaboration had marked a significant step towards expanding Guyana’s tourism product through international partnerships.

Further, Guyana is hoping to collaborate on climate change and forestry preservation with the country.

In November, Guyana is expected to host a side

event at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference/ Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC also known as COP 28.

The country has also been appointed by the Commonwealth secretariat to develop a framework on climate change and forest preservation.

The country will be presenting on key issues, which include climate services, climate financing, advancing on development of the carbon market, and advancing operations in the loss and damage fund.

Speaking on several international forums, President Ali revealed his intentions to further lobby for more financing for the region, especially as it relates to the ongoing works to preserve its forested lands.

Procurement, Tender Board stresses commitment to transparent process

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has reaffirmed its commitment to following the established systems, processes, and procedures outlined in the Procurement Act and its regulations when awarding contracts. In a statement issued Wednesday, the NPTAB clarified several key aspects of its procurement process:

Public Advertisement and Transparency: The NPTAB publicly advertises all tenders and conducts the public opening of bids, both in person and virtually. Bids are opened and read in full view of bidders and the public. The evaluation of bids is carried out by a three-person independent evaluation team.

Evaluation Criteria: Bidding documents contain specific criteria for assessing the winning bidder. These criteria do not consider factors such as gender, race, religion, or political persuasion. Evaluators are required to base their recommendations solely on the established evaluation criteria.

Administrative, Technical, and Financial Criteria: Each bid is subject to administrative, technical, and financial criteria outlined in the tender document. Administrative compliance includes valid business registration, compliance with tax and insurance requirements, bid

security, and other specified documents. Non-compliance results in the bid not proceeding to further evaluation.

Arithmetic Check: An arithmetic check is conducted to correct any discrepancies in bid prices, ensuring accuracy.

Technical and Financial Capacity: Bidders must demonstrate specific construction experience and financial capacity. They are also required to meet equipment and human resources requirements outlined in the bid document.

Outstanding Contracts: Bidders with three or more outstanding contracts from any public sector agency, where more than 20% of the contract value is not completed by the original deadline, are not considered for award.

The NPTAB provided a specific example related to the construction of the Belle Vue Pump Station project, where 26 companies submitted bids. Thirteen bids were deemed non-responsive, and the lowest priced responsive bid was awarded the Meeten-Meer-Zorg Pump Station. The second lowest responsive

bid was awarded the Jimbo/ Grove Pump Station, while Tepui secured the Belle Vue Pump Station contract.

The NPTAB emphasised

that the lowest bid price alone does not determine the winning bidder. Responsiveness to the stated criteria in the bidding document is the key factor considered. The NPTAB also stated that there is no evidence of any mis-procurement.

The board clarified that any bidder has the right to appeal an award, following the specified procedures outlined in the Procurement Act. As of now, the NPTAB

has not received any appeals regarding contract awards, and any appeals received will be addressed in accordance with the law.

The NPTAB concluded that recent criticisms of the

evaluation process and contract awards lack merit and are politically motivated without factual basis. The board remains committed to transparent and fair procurement practices.

President Irfaan Ali (left) in forefront with Costa Rican President, Rodrigo Chaves Robles (Office of the President photo)

Transforming Agriculture

IN a world characterised by rapid urbanisation and technological advancement, agriculture often takes a backseat in discussions about economic development.

However, during a recent discussion with the directors of the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA) in Costa Rica, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasised the pivotal role agriculture can play in transforming economies and livelihoods. His call to make agriculture attractive to everyone highlights a crucial path towards

sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.

President Ali’s vision underscores the need to break away from traditional stereotypes of farming as a low-income, labour-intensive sector. Instead, he envisions agriculture as a major income earner and a dynamic career choice, especially for the youth. Achieving this transformation requires multifaceted efforts and a change in perception about the sector’s potential.

Firstly, investment in modernising agriculture is paramount. Technological advance-

ments, such as precision farming, data analytics, and automation, can significantly increase productivity and reduce the drudgery associated with traditional farming practices. President Ali’s commitment to leverage technology to make agriculture more efficient aligns with global trends toward precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

Furthermore, developing robust support systems is crucial to attract individuals to agriculture. Access to finance, affordable agricultural education, and training programmes are essen-

tial components of this framework. President Ali’s advocacy for these elements shows his commitment to fostering an enabling environment for agricultural entrepreneurship.

Besides modernisation and support systems, President Ali recognises the importance of sustainability in agriculture. Promoting sustainable farming practices not only safeguards the environment but also ensures the long-term viability of the sector.

Moreover, President Ali’s emphasis on inclusivity is a key aspect of his vision. By making

agriculture attractive to everyone, he aims to overcome the gender gap prevalent in the sector. Encouraging women to take part in farming and agribusiness can lead to greater gender equality and economic empowerment.

His call to action is not just about transforming agriculture; it is about transforming societies. By reimagining agriculture as a vibrant, high-income sector, he envisions a future where rural areas thrive, unemployment rates plummet, and food security is strengthened. This vision is particularly relevant

in today’s world, where challenges like climate change and food scarcity loom large.

Dr. Ali’s vision aligns with the global imperative to revolutionize farming for the 21st century. By modernising the sector, creating supportive ecosystems, promoting sustainability, and fostering inclusivity, we can unlock the immense potential of agriculture as a major income earner. It is a vision that holds the promise of transforming not just economies but also the lives of millions across the globe.

Largest gymkhana planned for New Year’s Day at Brighton, East Corentyne

Dear Editor,

The Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a non-profit organisation in collaboration with Brighton Turf Club (BTC) will usher in the New Year (January 1, 2024) with the largest Gymkhana extravaganza at Brighton Park Racetrack, East Corentyne.

For decades, Brighton Turf Club had always had horse races on New Year’s Day as a form of entertainment for the residents in the various villages in the Macedonia Joppa district and beyond.

It was a tradition that the residents look forward to every New Year’s Day to celebrate and have fun, but the tradition ended in the mid-1990s due in part to the passing of several executive members of the Brighton Turf Club and the lack of finance to maintain the track, and the pavilion which eventually collapsed about a decade ago.

But as time went by, most of the new executive members of BTC did not carry on the tradition because they became less interested in horse racing and concentrated their efforts on other sporting

events, including soccer and cricket. Therefore, the tradition of having horse races on New Year’s Day at Brighton Park Racetrack did not continue.

However, after a respite for almost three decades, Brighton Park Turf Club will return to its traditional horse racing agenda on New Year’s Day 2024. The all-day gala event will commence at 11:00 AM and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of horse racing and games fans not only from the Macedonia Joppa district, but throughout Corentyne and as far as West Coast

Berbice and elsewhere.

There will be five regular races and one thoroughbred race; different breeds of horses are expected to vie for the top prizes, and the winners in each category will be awarded cash and trophies. Also, several other activities, including side attractions, are planned for the extravaganza such as trampoline and bouncy castle for children, greasy pig, bag race and a donkey race, and many others.

With the weather permitting, the gymkhana, which will be a spectacular event, is the

only one of its kind on New Year’s Day in East Corentyne where horse racing has always been the second most popular sporting event after cricket. However, in the last two years, its popularity has soared to new heights due largely to the thrilling combination of speed, strategy, and the connection between horse and jockey which has captured the hearts of horse race fans throughout Corentyne.

It is a unique blend of both sport and entertainment that brings people together to enjoy an ar-

ray of some of the best tasty local dishes such as barbeque chicken, roast pork, fish and chips, jerk chicken, cook-up, fried rice, and roti and curry among others and the lively and customary, Hip-Hop, Soca and Reggae music supplied by the lively, dynamic, and popular YARD VYBZ Sound. It will be a day of merriment and all are invited.

Sincerely,

Dr. Asquith Rose, MJVC Chair

Ms. Vanessa Ross-Albert, MJVC Public Relations Director

From past to present: The politics of power in Guyana's energy sector

Dear Editor,

The energy sector is under severe constraints owing to the lack of capital investments over the years, coupled with strong growing demand. As a consequence, the country is experiencing a spate of power outages. The government understands that it is critical that the necessary intervention is made with alacrity focusing on short term remedy, while pursuing the longer-term energy transformation agenda, inter alia, the gas-to-energy project, hydropower (Amaila), and investment in other renewable energy sources over the medium to long term.

However, it is important for the nation to be aware of the background that led to the situation the sector is in today. Indeed, it is not just the lack of timely investments in the sector over the years. One would recall that the incumbent government in its previous term (pre-2015) proposed the Amaila falls hydro power project in 2011 (12 years ago) aimed at increasing the power generation capacity as well as reduction in the cost of energy. Unfortunately, the government at that time was a minority government, whereas the combined political opposition controlled the National Assembly by way of a one-seat majority. Notably, the challenges

experienced under this political dispensation led to snap elections in 2015.

The chart illustrates the capital expenditure and budgetary allocation for power generation for the period 20112023. For the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015, the original budgetary allocation for capital expenditure were as follows:

FY 2011 - $11.1 billion,

FY 2012 - $18.5 billion,

FY 2013 - $27.7 billion,

FY 2014 - $21 billion, and

FY 2015 - $2.3 billion.

These allocations were then reduced via cuts imposed by the political opposition to the following:

FY 2011 - $8 billion,

FY 2012 - $6.8 billion,

FY 2013 - $6.7 billion,

FY 2014 - $4.2 billion, and

FY 2015 - $732 million.

Altogether, the budgetary cuts amounted to $52.6 billion to the capital budget towards power generation for the period 2011-2015, by the combined polit-

ical opposition using their one-seat majority in the National Assembly. These allocations were largely associated with the proposed Amaila falls hydro power project that was introduced in 2011.

Following the snap elections in 2015 which resulted in a change of government, that government that was responsible for the imposition of budgetary cuts for the period 20112015 as the political opposition, also failed to make any major capital investment in the energy sector. To this end, the capital budgets for the period 2016 – 2019 were as follows:

FY 2016 - $3.3 billion,

FY 2017 - $3.4 billion,

FY 2018 - $2.9 billion, and

FY 2019 - $4.3 billion.

In 2020, the capital budget by the incumbent administration towards the sector amounted to $12.6 billion, nearly three times the 2019 budget, and in 2022 and 2023, the capital allocation amounted to $24.3 billion and $50.6 billion respec -

tively. These allocations were largely in relation to the transformational gas-to-energy project, the longer-term investment, which is projected to be completed by 2025.

Evidently, the entire country is now suffering the adverse

effects of the irresponsible actions of the combined political opposition over the last 12 years, including when they were in government during this period for five years.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

Supporters of election rigging go to Washington DC, asking for democracy

A DELEGATION from the opposition APNU+AFC met members of the Black Caucus in the US to complain about alleged state discrimination in Guyana. Anyone who studies politics would know that was a PR stunt on the part of Hakeem Jeffries who has to placate Rickford Burke because Jeffries’ constituency is predominantly Black.

What we don’t know about the delegation is if they appeared in front of media houses that cater to the West Indian diaspora while they were in Washington. It would be interesting to know that if they did so if they were asked about the March-July attempts at electoral fraud in Guyana.

At the time of writing, one does not know if they have returned to Guyana, but if they do, one hopes they will face the media and field questions about election rigging. Everyone of that group that went to the US denies

that there were monumental attempts to rig the 2020 election so that they themselves could remain in power illegally.

A woman who is part of the delegation was adamant that Granger should not have conceded to election defeat. This middle class elitist politician is someone you would never believe would have behaved like this. She was relentlessly aggressive that Granger should not demit of-

fice and the APNU+AFC will face whatever consequences it has to, but it will not concede defeat.

Before 2020, these middle class elites came across as cultured folks who embraced the values that underpin the existence of civilization, but March-July 2020 exposed them as dangerous people. We in the world grew up with the indoctrination that it is low income crowds that would take to the streets and

help the riggers to stay in power. We expect the educated middle class folks to set an example of higher behaviour. That did not happen in the general elections of March 2020. One of the lessons that was learnt from March 2020 is that the racist, middle class elites in this country are far more “low-life” in their psychology than the rowdy crowds we expect to misbehave.

It is indeed another humongous irony tumbling down in Guyana where opposition politicians that reject legal election results went to the US to complain about bad governance in Guyana. I hope Jeffries was decent enough to advise them that since they accept an election contest in Guyana as a legitimate and legal form of seeking political power and

in which they participate, therefore they must accept the legitimate results.

In the meantime, it is silly for anyone in this country to think that the US government is going to ask the Guyana Government to accede to the agenda of the visiting delegation. It is stupid for anyone in this country to think that a sovereign, democratic government in Guyana would accede to the request of another government to accept and implement what the opposition party in Guyana wants.

If the Guyana Government does that, then what is the point of having election? Why not invite the opposition to share power? It will not happen because research data must substantiate claims of discrimination. Which US official is going to approach the President and advise him to desist from discrimination without producing a dossier on ethnic bias in the exercise of power?

One must understand the realpolitik behind that opposition delegation. It is the realpolitik of Hakeem Jeffries. He chaperoned this delegation because Jeffries needs Burke for his constituency politics. It begins and ends there. The US administration will not intervene to tell the Guyanese president what to

do. The Black Caucus will not as well. It is interesting to note that the Black Caucus has not, in the past, issued a statement about any aspect of Guyanese politics. And there is no statement from them about the recent Guyanese opposition entourage that went to Washington, DC last week. The visit was about Jeffrey and his own narrow politics.

For all the so-called closeness Burke has with Jeffries why Jeffries don’t use his so-called American power to get the charges against Burke dropped here in Guyana. For all the power Burke thinks Jeffries has, why he doesn’t ask Jeffries to get the charges removed? If Burke thinks that he and Jeffries run things in Guyana then, Burke should touch down here at the airport.

In the meantime, the anti-oil lobby and the usual suspects are silent on the opposition’s visit to Washington, DC. One thought that the anti-oil lobby would have asked the delegation to include fossil fuel issues on its agenda. And one was expecting the usual suspects to write their letter with forty signatures asking the Black Caucus to demand inclusiveness in Guyana. Maybe the letter is still coming.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Projects Department took a significant step forward by conducting site visits to the proposed construction sites in Leonora and Meten-MeerZorg

Agri-expo has over 100 local agro-processors registered

AS preparations for this month’s Agri-Investment Forum and Expo gain momentum, over 100 local agro-processors have already registered to participate in the event.

The update was provided by Coordinator Cathy Martin during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday, at the Ministry of Agriculture’s head office, Regent Street, Georgetown.

The expo will run from October 20 – 22, 2023, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) under the theme: “Achieving Vision 25 by 2025.”

Martin told the DPI that anticipations are running high, with this year’s expo and forum poised to surpass the success of the previous year’s event.

“We want to give the local producers the opportunity to exhibit their products. In terms of the other exhibitors, we have over 50 exhibitors that [sic] have registered so far. This includes local and international exhibitors,” she stated.

The coordinator highlighted that one of the key aspects of the expo is to strengthen the connection between investors and exhibitors.

This year, a broader spec-

trum of topics will be addressed through additional panel discussions, compared to last year, which saw focus being placed on several presentations.

Specialists will be available to provide crucial information on financing, women, and youth involvement in agriculture, agro-processing, and fertilisation among other topics.

A business-to-business pavilion will be established where entrepreneurs, investors, and private sector representatives from other countries will meet to consult.

“If you are an investor looking to finance some proj-

ect in agriculture, you can definitely sign up and we will match you with potential entrepreneurs. If you are an entrepreneur and you are looking for an investment, we want to take a look at what you have. Even if you are looking to get into the CARICOM market, we will facilitate that,” Martin pointed out.

Meanwhile, the agro-processing section has approximately 150 spaces. The pavilion section will have 70 booths and will be divided into two areas to cater to the local and international exhibitors.

Of the eight executive

Another200 low-income...

From page 8

Department of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) took a significant step forward by conducting site visits to the proposed construction sites in Leonora and Meten-Meer-Zorg.

The initiative, aimed at providing affordable housing options to those in need, has gained momentum as the CH&PA takes proactive measures to ensure quality and timely delivery. The site visits conducted on Wednesday marked a crucial phase in the project's execution.

To guarantee the construction meets the highest standards, the Projects Department will maintain vigilant oversight

throughout the project's duration. This commitment to monitoring includes continuous assessments and inspections of the construction process.

The decision to expand low-income housing in the West Coast Demerara region reflects the government's dedication to improving housing conditions for vulnerable populations.

By addressing the pressing need for affordable houses, these initiatives aim to enhance the overall quality of life for citizens and contribute to the country's development.

As contractors prepare to mobilise for construction, the CH&PA and its engineering team remain

steadfast in their mission to create a brighter future for low-income families in Guyana.

The Housing Ministry noted that the upcoming housing project is expected to bring relief and improved living conditions to many who have long awaited affordable housing solutions.

Back in July 2022, an MoU was inked between the Ministry of Housing and Water-Central Housing and Planning Authority for the construction of 500 low-income housing units in Region Three. The units are being constructed at Anna Catherina, Edinburg and Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

booths available, only four are currently available.

“We want to give companies who want a more executive style of exhibiting

their products and where people can come in and have one-on-one meetings there,” Martin stated.

Registration for the

expo closes on October 5. Persons desirous of attending the forum or would like to be an exhibitor can register via www.agri.gy.

Coordinator of the Agri-Investment Expo and Forum

A glimpse of some of the booths established at the upcoming Agri-Investment Forum and Expo

‘Fabricated and Concocted’ - AG challenges opposition to prove discrimination claims

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has once again challenged the opposition’s claims of ethnic discrimination and victimisation by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government.

During his programme, ‘Issues in the News’ on Tuesday, Nandlall called upon the opposition to provide concrete evidence to support their allegations, asserting that their claims lacked substantiation.

Nandlall said, “They have nothing. They don’t have anything, because they fabricate and concoct. I have given them a million opportunities to come forward and bring evidence of racial discrimination.”

He continued, “Put them on Facebook; those who are discriminated against in relation to how they say, put them on Facebook. Those who did not get the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, put them on Facebook and let them speak.”

Nandlall pointed out that

despite numerous opportunities, the opposition had failed to produce any tangible evidence to support their allegations of ethnic discrimination.

“[When] they’re in the parliament…they always have a phantom story of discrimination, but it can produce the people,” he said.

As such, Nandlall challenged them, again, to provide

the names and stories of individuals who had purportedly faced discrimination.

The Attorney General went on to criticise the opposition’s actions, particularly their recent visit to Washington, D.C., where they met with Congressional Leaders and discussed their claims.

Nandlall noted that during the meeting, the Congressio-

nal Leaders had requested evidence of the alleged discrimination in Guyana.

The Attorney General questioned the opposition’s inability to provide such evidence and suggested that their claims were baseless.

“They (APNU) were requested to produce the evidence, any form of evidence. They say that they don’t have any, they came empty-handed. They went to complain, imagine they went to complain about the rigging of elections that the PPP/C rigged the elections; that they won and the people themselves said ‘Give us the evidence of your victory’… But you know what they asked them for the Statements of Polls and that’s the end of the matter.”

He continued: “Once they’re asked about that Statement of Polls, that Aubrey Norton says he has, that’s the end of the matter. They can’t produce and that is the same type of narrative that they inculcate, and they regurgitate, and they spin.”

Expressing his view of the opposition’s tactics, he said, “They drink the Kool-Aid, and they get invigorated and intoxicated with it. And you have to have a level of gullibility before you can drink the ‘Kool-Aid.’ When they go to the real world, they get a jolt because they can’t produce anything to support what they say.”

Led by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, a team of Members of Parliament (MPs) APNU and Alliance For Change (AFC) travelled to Washington, D.C. where they met with the Congressional Black Caucus recently.

Among the Opposition parliamentarians, there was Shadow Attorney General and PNCR Executive Committee Member Roysdale Forde, who

revealed during a subsequent conference that the Congressional Leaders requested evidence of the alleged discrimination in Guyana.

According to the Opposition Leader, while Congresswoman Waters accepted some of the Opposition’s positions during the meeting, she also pointed to the fact that there are two sides to a coin.

However, the Government has categorically rejected the claims made in the petition and dubbed it as an unpatriotic attempt by the Opposition to undermine the Government’s commitment to the betterment of Guyana.

“It is evident that the document in question is engineered by the Opposition APNU+AFC and is designed to present a one-sided perspective that does not accurately represent the actions and policies of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government of Guyana,” the government said in a statement.

While the Government recognises the importance of addressing the concerns and grievances of any group of citizens, it is disheartening to witness the deliberate APNU+AFC-led smear campaign aimed at poisoning the well of public discourse both locally and internationally.

This approach does a disservice to the democratic principles that Guyana upholds, and the tireless efforts of the Government to build a united Guyana under its ‘One Guyana’ policy, which actively promotes inclusion, engagement, and consultation at all levels of our society.

Recently, the General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has raised questions about the credibility of claims made by Norton, highlighting that those

accusations could be easily disproved.

During a recent press conference, Dr Jagdeo addressed the outcomes of Norton’s press engagement, where the Opposition Leader had raised concerns about ethnic discrimination and the alleged marginalisation and victimisation of a “significant portion” of the Guyanese population.

Norton, during a public meeting held at the Stabroek Market Square, had unleashed a scathing attack against the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) for summoning him to address comments he made against the First Lady, Arya Ali.

The APNU has been facing backlash over comments made by an executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), David Hinds, who disparaged a number of PNC/R Indo-Guyanese members for speaking out against racist and incendiary remarks made by the WPA.

Hinds had said that the PNC/R Indo-Guyanese members were only there to attract Indo-Guyanese voters.

Hinds referred to Indo-Guyanese PNC/R member Geeta Chandan-Edmond as a “slave catcher” for having condemned remarks made by WPA member Tacuma Ogunseye, who made racially charged remarks against East Indians at a public meeting at Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Hinds had also directed comments at PNC/R Parliamentarians Ganesh Mahipaul and Natasha Singh-Lewis; Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram, and Mayor Ubraj Narine, who had issued a joint statement condemning the remarks of another WPA member, Rhonda Layne.

The APNU/AFC Opposition Members of Parliament at Capitol Hill, where they met with the Congressional Black Caucus recently Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

Agriculture ministers ‘converge’ in Costa Rica for hemispheric partnership

THE Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2023 commenced Wednesday in San Jose, Costa Rica, with the participation of presidents from Guyana and Panama, as well as other high-ranking officials from 32 nations. In light of ongoing climate and economic crises, they emphasised the need for a more robust agriculture sector to guarantee global food security and environmental sustainability.

The Presidents of Guyana and of Panama, Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Laurentino Cortizo, were speakers at the opening ceremony, along with the Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) – the organiser and host of the meeting.

Ali and Cortizo were both recognized by IICA for their commitment to the development of the agriculture sector and the role of farmers in their countries and in the Americas.

Also participating in the ceremony were Chilean rural leader, Alfredo Carrasco; Brazil’s Minister of Agricultural Development and Family Farming, Paulo Teixeira; Costa Rica’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Victor Carvajal; the CEO of the World Food

Prize Foundation, Terry Branstad; Costa Rica’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alejandro Solano; and the Representative of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Costa Rica, Milagro Martínez.

Mariam Bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of the Environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), host country of the upcoming COP28 meeting, delivered her message via video.

The biennial conference will continue until Thursday, October 5, bringing together ministers from 34 countries, private sector representatives and farmers from various countries in the region, under the slogan, “A Hemispheric Partnership for Food Security and Sustainable Development”. The title reflects the consensus that will be essential in driving collective action and providing technical cooperation of the highest quality to strengthen agricultural production, while protecting the natural environment.

Also present at the ceremony were approximately 200 invited guests, among them the ministers of Agriculture of the hemisphere; the 2019 Nobel Prize winner for Economics, Michael Kremer; and the 2020 World Food Prize recipient,

Rattan Lal. Kremer and Lal will be keynote speakers in the technical forums of the Conference, and there will also be a meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), IICA’s highest governing body, comprised of its 34

Member States.

Guyanese President, Irfaan Ali, stressed: “The countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have set ourselves an ambitious target to reduce our food imports 25per cent by 2025. We will only meet

this target with sizeable investments and extensive use of technology. We are making headway in achieving a sustainable and resilient production system”.

The head of state thanked IICA for “its outstanding work in resolving

problems in the agriculture sector”, pointing out that the Institute’s actions facilitate technology transfer and the integration of the region’s agrifood systems.

“In the last four years, leaders across the world

Continued on page 14

The biennial Conference of Ministers of Agriculture will conclude today bringing together ministers from 34 countries, private sector representatives and farmers, under the slogan, “A Hemispheric Partnership for Food Security and Sustainable Development”

President Ali aims to cut Caribbean food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan

Ali has stated that Guyana and other Caribbean nations are steadily progressing towards their goal of reducing their multi-million dollar food-import bill by 25% by 2025.

“This task will require effort, commitment, policy coordination and access to capital to topple the barriers that are impeding access to new technologies and to allow us to achieve resilient and sustainable food production. We are making continuous progress in that direction”, said Ali at a press conference at the Headquarters of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in Costa Rica.

The head of state came to the Central American country to be one of the speakers at the opening ceremony of IICA’s Conference of Ministers of Agriculture 2023, which will continue until Thursday, October 5. The meeting, which will seek to reach a consensus on strengthening agricultural production and regional food security in harmony with

the environment, will also be attended by the President of Panama, a Nobel Prize laureate for Economics, a World Food Prize recipient, ministers from 32 countries, private sector representatives and rural leaders from the hemisphere.

Ali, who is the head of state with responsibility for Agriculture and Food Security in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), provided details on a South-

South co-operation project that Guyana is implementing with the state of Roraima in Northern Brazil. The project is working to establish a regional food-distribution hub, which will play a pivotal role in supplying the Region. It will also attract millions of dollars of private sector investment, which has already begun in sectors such as aquaculture, dairy production and vegetables.

“We see Brazil as an

important partner for assistance, especially Roraima and that is why Guyana and the state are already undertaking extensive co-operation, which will involve and benefit all CARICOM countries”, he said.

Ali also stressed the role of IICA’s technical cooperation in building food security in Guyana and other Caribbean nations, remarking that, “IICA assists with technical resources, significant financial contributions and science and technology to assist agriculture in the Region and create resilience and sustainability.

Thus, he said that the agency for agricultural and rural development of the Inter-American system has an important responsibility to be the bridge that assists the Region to close existing gaps between countries in terms of access to technologies for agriculture, resources and human capacities.

The head of state also commented that agriculture implies more than food production, remarking that, “For us, it is also an economic

activity that has to be competitive, profitable, and must also [be] worthwhile for the private sector and attractive to women and youth. We must position agriculture along those lines.”

He also reported that Guyana was making headway in achieving its objective to ensure that 35% of agricultural establishments are headed by women and youth; and the country is also providing extensive training for indigenous communities in new technologies. “Just a few years ago—he reported—indigenous children would spend half of their day hunting or fishing to get food. That is changing now.”

The President explained that Guyana is aiming to become a country that is rich in food production and that also refers to the nutritional value of its food and care for the environment in the production process.

He indicated that, “We are going to participate in all the debates on food security and also attend the roundtables on energy and climate change. Guyana has

the lowest rate of deforestation in the world and our forests, which are the size of England and Scotland combined, store a huge amount of carbon.”

The Guyanese head of state explained that the world is showing a great deal of interest in his country today, given its discovery of massive reserves of petroleum and gas in recent years, which are already being exploited.

“Today Guyana features in the plans of all serious investors and we are in the mouths of journalists and policymakers. Given the interest in Guyana, we have access to all the media and this is beneficial for our ecotourism, our climate strategy and our low-carbon development strategy. However, Guyana has always cared for its forests to benefit all of humanity, although that story has never been told. Today we are the same country we have always been, but with greater visibility”, he concluded.

Infrastructure Upgrade Projects: EBD communities engage in public meeting

RESIDENTS of several East Bank Demerara communities, including Herstelling Plot ‘C’, Peter's Hall phase.1, Providence, Perseverance, Farm, Phases 1 & 2, and Covent Garden, recently participated in a Public Disclosure meeting to unveil the findings of a comprehensive Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) Study.

This significant gathering was organised as part of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, designating these communities as the third project site slated for infrastructure upgrades.

Under the mandate of the Inter-American Development Bank, the ESA Study diligently identified and outlined measures to manage environmental, social, health, and safety risks and impacts associated with the upcoming infrastructure development project. The Public Disclosure meeting took place at the

Providence Primary School and was efficiently facilitated by the Central Housing and Planning Authority's (CHPA)

Community Development Department (CDD).

Present during the event were Mr. Sunil Gopaul, Man-

ager of the Projects Department, along with the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager, and Geo -

graphic Information System Consultant, Mr. Enrique Monize.

In a bid to uphold transparency, the external consultant and CHPA's team of engineers and HSE professionals took centre stage, presenting crucial information and addressing inquiries from the engaged audience.

The estimated cost of the GY-L1031 project stands at a substantial US$27M. It has already led to significant housing and infrastructure advancements in several areas, including Sophia Housing (Liliendaal, Turkeyen, Pattensen, Cummings Park, Region No. 4), and the West Bank Demerara region (La Parfaite Harmonie, Schoonord, Lust-en-Rust, Rectdoor-Zee, Onderneeming, and West Minister), Region No. 3.

The Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme is multifaceted, with key objectives including the provision of affordable and sustainable housing through

Home Improvement (HI) subsidies and core home construction. Additionally, the programme aims to consolidate existing housing schemes, encompassing road rehabilitation, climate-resilient drainage systems, street lighting, and community facility construction. It also incorporates implementation support and institutional strengthening, including training and capacity building for project stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Mr. Sunil Gopaul, HSE Manager of Projects, delivered an overview of the programme and provided pertinent updates on the project's status across all target sites. Notably, Mr. Bishram Kuppen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, was also in attendance, underlining the government's commitment to improving housing and infrastructure for the benefit of the communities involved.

This gathering was organised as part of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, designating community sites slated for infrastructure upgrades

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali visited Central America to be one of the speakers at the opening ceremony of IICA’s Conference of Ministers of Agriculture 2023

Private sector faces challenges amidst rapid growth — JSE Conference aims to address issues challenging businesses

By Trina Williams

GUYANA'S private sector is striving to keep up with the evolving nation's demands during its massive growth spurt. But with the first-ever Jamaican Stock Exchange (JSE) Conference being hosted here, in Guyana, prospects are beaming.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GAICO, Komal Singh, while speaking on day two of the JSE Conference on Wednesday at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, said that the private sector is having difficulties keeping up with the fast-paced development.

More so, he said that the private sector does not have enough capacity to contain the demands of the market but, he still encouraged the people to take advantage of the opportunities that are emerging.

“[It] is indeed a challenge for the private sector at large to stay in tune with what is going on,” the PSC Chairman related.

Singh then gave credit to President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s remarkable leadership, which has put Guyana on the map in terms of food, energy, and

climate security.

Announcing that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first half of 2023 surpassed expectations, he reflected upon the growth of the economy. Notably, the real GDP grew by an estimated 59.5 per cent, in the first half of 2023 and, in particular, the non-oil economy

expanded by 12.3 per cent in the first half of the year.

The PSC Chairman further said that the opportunity within each traditional sector poses great potential and starting with the agricultural sector, he stated: “We in the private sector have seen tremendous amount of opportunity, and we have

seen a lot of people being encouraged to get more back into the agriculture sector, but we also have some challenges in terms of access to capital, access to the technical expertise.”

Referencing the ’25 by 2025’ goal set by President Ali, he went over on the abundance that is lying with-

in the agricultural sector and declared that the PSC will continue to leverage their full support towards the government’s initiatives.

Singh further stated: “Now is the time to start preparing…” as he explained that amidst the gas-to-energy project that will be coming on board, the time is ripe to start constructing agro-processing facilities.

Furthermore, speaking on the meat of the matter, the PSC Chairman remarked that business awareness is not prominent as it should be, but he is hoping that the JSE conference will change this.

LEARNING STAGE

Meanwhile, Senior Vice-President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and Country Manager, Guyana, and Suriname, NCB Capital Markets Limited, Richard Rambarran, said that the nation’s private sector still has a long way to go and this conference marks both a learning and building experience for both Guyana and Jamaica.

He said: “In my view, I believe this represents a landmark moment for both countries in multiple dimensions…It is my fervent hope that it represents a continued

forging of relations between the two countries as Caribbean sister nations to drive both economies forward.”

Rambarran also said:

“The rebirth of our private sector over the past three decades implies that our private sector is one that is still very young. Because when you are young, you do have a tendency to make errors. You also do have a tendency to still be going through the learning curve.”

Moreover, President of the GCCI, Kester Hutson, during a panel discussion, spoke about the need for integration of the capital market, and addressed a number of issues standing in the way of Guyana’s development.

“The pressing issue is the inability to bring these related resources together effectively. The urgency of this model cannot be overstated, unlocking the free movement of free resources both in terms of trade and finance is essential for Guyana’s development,” Hutson stated.

Meanwhile, Simon Johnson, Senior Specialist of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), shared similar remarks and spoke on the need for easier access to capital in order to achieve progress.

Rose Hall sugar estate resumes grinding, boosting Berbice’s economy

IN a significant development, the Rose Hall sugar estate has recommenced the grinding of sugarcane, marking a revival in the region's sugar industry. The factory had been closed in August 2020 as part of efforts to “right-size” the industry.

The news of the sugarcane grinding resumption was shared by the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during the commissioning of a model farm at Fort Wellington, on Saturday last.

The reopening of the factory is expected to bring about substantial economic benefits and employment opportuni-

ties in Berbice.

Minister Mustapha revealed, “We have seen a number of punts of canes being crushed at Rose Hall. To date, they have produced just over 130 tonnes of sugar.”

Despite some mechanical issues encountered in the factory, Minister Mustapha expressed optimism about its continued operation.

He noted that the government is actively addressing these concerns, saying, “Many parts in the factory now, we are seeing problems with and as it comes up, we are trying to rectify it. As a matter of fact, the steam problem in terms of the boiler, we are getting leaks and

so forth. So, we have to continue to look at those…That is why we have not started the full commissioning yet. In another couple of days, I am hoping that they can get everything correct and the factory can go to its full capacity.”

This development aligns with the government's broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, ultimately enhancing livelihoods and contributing to global food security.

Minister Mustapha also highlighted that sugarcane workers from Albion are assisting in the harvesting process at Rose Hall sugar estate.

He explained, “As usual, at Blairmont, Al-

bion, and Rose Hall, whenever you have excessive cane, you use cutters from other estates to cut the cane. But they will be entitled to certain payments, and those payments are being executed…and you have harvesters who were employed at Rose Hall are cutting the canes too.”

Approximately 1,100 workers have already been employed at the Rose Hall estate, and the estate is expected to make a positive contribution towards achieving the target of producing approximately 60,000 tonnes of sugar for the year.

Attendees at the Jamaican Stock Exchange Conference (JSE) at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre

The grinding of sugarcane at the Rose Hall sugar estate

Agriculture ministers converge in Costa...

From page 11

have been speaking increasingly about food security and everything is interconnected today: food production, energy security and climate security.

For this reason, Guyana is building an economy to enable us to become world leaders in these three areas by 2030”, said Ali.

On the other hand, President Cortizo reflected: “When we mention the agriculture sector, we are speaking about passion”.

“As a Panamanian”, he said, “I am honored to be here and to receive this recognition. I would like to thank the IICA Director General, Manuel Otero, and his team for their assistance in developing our national agrifood policy, which was built from the ground up and will endure beyond any changes in government”.

Cortizo also highlighted two key topics: international trade and climate change,

maintaining that, “Trade is not fair and we must discuss this with the developed countries. For example, it is not acceptable for them to flood us with subsidized goods during our harvest periods”. In reference to climate change, he warned that, “The developed countries, which are the major greenhouse gas emitters, are the ones who must determine what measures to take with their industries”.

Agriculture, the victim of climate change

Brazil’s Minister of Agricultural Development, Paulo Teixeira, expanded on the country’s programs to guarantee food security and develop family farming. He also emphasized the value of the conference in allowing countries to learn about each other’s successful experiences and to share knowledge.

Teixeira insisted that collective action will be imperative in enabling the countries of the Ameri -

cas to tackle the impact of climate change, which is reflected in increasingly frequent and extreme climate events. “In the Amazon region, we are experiencing drought, whereas in the south we have had to contend with droughts and hurricanes. Vulnerable communities bear the brunt of these phenomena, which have further repercussions for agricultural and food production”, he argued.

Alfredo Carrasco, the mastermind behind and leader of FarmHability— an inclusive project that promotes sustainable, integrative agriculture—pointed out that people with disabilities can work in the countryside and produce food for society.

“I come from a rural village and was fortunate to have a father who was a farmer. When I was 17, I sowed my first crops, but in 2017, I suffered an accident that changed my life. I spent two years in rehabilitation and began

writing this new chapter”, said Carrasco, who voiced his eagerness to contribute to the creation of a hemispheric program to foster the labor inclusion of people with disabilities in the agriculture sector.

Carrasco was recognized as a Leader of Rurality by IICA, along with dozens of farmers in the hemisphere who contribute to food security and rural retention.

“Food systems and agriculture must be a top priority in the fight against climate change, for the benefit of the millions of farmers around the world and the millions of people suffering from hunger”, said the Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, Almheiri, who stressed the “urgent need to transition to more inclusive, sustainable and resilient food production methods”.

Farmers: Driving forces for innovation

“Farmers are driving

forces for innovation and it is our job to empower them”, said Terry Branstad on behalf of the World Food Prize Foundation, an institution committed to driving innovation and improving food quality, quantity and availability worldwide. The foundation’s annual award is considered the Nobel Prize for food and agriculture.

The foundation is headquartered in the U.S. state of Iowa, a powerhouse of agricultural production. “Investment in biotechnology and biofuels has transformed the state of Iowa. We have 42 bioethanol and 43 biodiesel plants. We work to be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable”, explained Branstad.

Minister Carvajal, in turn, described IICA as “an organization that supports our populations and governments, in a region whose countries face varying realities”.

“The world is facing

pressing challenges, which we must address as a team rather than individually. We must improve the quality of life of farmers. And resolving poverty in rural areas and preventing migration to urban centers must be a top priority”, he added.

IICA Director General Manuel Otero underscored the fact that the conference is the premier technical and political forum for the sharing of ideas, information and experiences related to the transformation of agriculture and rural life. He added that it allows for building consensus and charting a common course towards addressing the challenges and opportunities of the agrifood sector in the Americas.

“The issue at hand is intensifying the transformation of our agriculture sector, which must become more sustainable, competitive and inclusive. Its improvement will be key to building a better world for everyone”.

Fire prevention, safety recommendations made months...

From page 2

adding that red and blue flames were seen in various portions of the building.

He noted the need for at least five people to respond to the fire, but the Mahdia Fire Service was understaffed.

During that time, the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ret'd, Joe Singh, inquired about the human resources needed at the Mahdia fire station.

Scott pointed out that, at the time, the Mahdia fire station, along with a few others, had not been commissioned, resulting in no fixed establishment for the number of people to be stationed there. As a result, the fire service did not receive a manpower increase to operate those stations.

ON THE SCENE

Scott proceeded to discuss his observations of the scene, noting that upon entering the dorm compound, they saw panicking individuals and a building on fire.

At that time, he said that about 80 per cent of the building was covered in red flames while another 10 per cent had blue flames.

He explained that red flames indicate the burning of normal combustible materials, while blue flames suggest electrical or flammable substances. Additionally, he mentioned that the building's southern roof had already collapsed.

Scott elaborated on his course of action, which involved ensuring everyone's safety.

Upon discovering that 16 persons were located and around 40 were still unaccounted for, he decided to proceed

with rescue efforts and extinguish the fire.

Upon learning that individuals were trapped in the building, he mentioned that a rapid scan of the premises was conducted to determine the most accessible area for rescue.

When a rescue path was finally made by breaking a wall, Scott realised their vehicle's water supply had run out and the fire was still burning.

However, he clarified that he gave the onboard pump to auxiliary firefighters, who used it to extract water from a nearby trench, while he went to refill the tank and return to the scene.

Several hours later, he observed that they successfully put out the fire by pumping water from the nearby trench.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Meanwhile, Scott told the commission that he had inspected the dorm some months prior in February of this year.

During that time, he indicated that there was no placement of any fire extinguishers within the dorm or a fire hydrant around the vicinity of the dorm in Mahdia. However, when pressed by attorney Keoma Griffith as to whether it would be prudent for a hydrant to be placed in that vicinity where over 100 school children are housed, he noted that it was important for one to be there.

He pointed out that the absence of a hydrant in that area was due to a two-inch water main instead of the required four-inch one.

“On numerous occasion, it was brought

to the Regional Democratic Council, REO’s attention, because there is the school dorms, the same army and the police headquarters it’s the same thing leading to that area, so we’re still unable to install hydrants in those areas,” Scott told the commission after he was asked if persons were informed of this.

Additionally, it was discovered that after the February inspection, it was noted that the buildings lacked fire alarm and fire detection systems, and all windows had grills.

Furthermore, it was observed that the building lacked exit signs and smoke detectors.

Several recommendations were made in that report to enhance dorm safety and fire preparedness. Certain suggestions proposed

the installation of outward-opening exit doors and removal of grills.

He agreed that the absence of all these things was a threat to life and safety at the dorm even as he noted that the report was submitted to regional officials and further to the Guyana Fire Service as well.

During questioning, Scott informed the commission that the fire service was understaffed and lacking necessary equipment, working with a 12-year-old fire truck. However, despite the shortcomings, Scott affirmed to the commission that the Guyana Fire Service did its best and was in a position to effectively respond to the fire.

Guyana assumes key role at Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

— to serve as regional secretariat — Minister McCoy served as panelist during conference

THE Parliament of Guyana will serve as the Secretariat of the Region for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) for the next three years.

Also, for this year’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), Minister within Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, served as a panelist for Workshop D: Youth Roundtable–‘Role of the Commonwealth in international security and peacebuilding’ on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

The conference is being held under the theme: ‘The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,’ and commenced on October 1, 2023, and will conclude on October 5, 2023.

“The Caribbean, Atlantic and Americas Region of the CPA is also slated to meet during the CPC, at which time the Parliament of Guyana will formally accept the Secretariat of the Region for the next three years,” a release read.

The 66th CPC is being held in Accra, Ghana, by the CPA and Rt. Alban Bagbin, MP, Speaker of the Parlia-

ment of Ghana.

According to a press release: “The Parliament of Guyana is represented, at the Conference, by the Hon. Collin D. Croal, M.P., Minister of Housing and Water; the Hon. Warren Kwame E. McCoy, M.P., Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister; the Hon. Nima N. Flue-Bess, M.P.; the Hon. Dr. Asha Kissoon, M.P., Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly; Mr. Sherlock E. Isaacs, A.A., Clerk of the National Assembly; and Ms. Carlleta Charles, Parliamentary Executive Officer.”

It also read: “More than 500 Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from across the Commonwealth are participating in this event which is seeing several workshops discussing critical issues such as, inter alia, climate change adaptation, the impact of population changes in small countries, the threat of terrorism, gender quotas in Parliaments, energy poverty and achieving sustainable trade and economic development, youth engagement and e-Parliaments.”

From left to right: Opposition MP, Nima N. Flue-Bess; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Asha Kissoon; Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs and Parliamentary Executive Officer, Carlleta Charles

Cuban agriculture delegation to participate in Guyana’s Agri-Expo

REPRESENTATIVES

from the Cuban Agriculture Sector will be present at the Guyana Agri-Investment Forum and Expo, happening on October 2022. It will comprise high-level representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Cuban Beekeeping Company (APICUBA), the Agriculture Import-Export Company (CATEC), and other agricultural agencies.

In a meeting with Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Halim Majeed, recently, Cuban agriculture officials told the Ambassador that this will be their second visit to Guyana for this year–the first being in June with the Cuban First Vice-Minister of Agriculture, the Honorable Rodolfo Rodriguez Exposito, heading the Delegation to a CELAC Meeting of Agriculture Ministers.

While he was in Georgetown, Vice-Minister Rodriguez Exposito met with Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and agreed to intensify co-operation in agriculture in the context of the

Regional Food Security Programme spearheaded by Guyana.

Given the deep interest in Apiculture by His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, APICUBA’s Director General, Lazaro Bruno Rodriguez, explained that special emphasis will be placed on collaboration with Guyana in developing and expanding the production of honey, propolis, and royal jelly, among other products.

Last Thursday’s meeting was productive, according to Ambassador Majeed, and the Cuban side is looking forward, with great interest, to participating in the Guyana Agri-Investment Forum and meeting other participants and entrepreneurs.

Accompanying APICUBA Director General Bruno Rodriguez to the meeting were Ms. Martha Casanova Camara, Commercial Director, APICUBA; Mr. Julio Gomez Gonzalez, Director, CATEC; and Mr. Orlando Diaz Rodriguez, International Relations Director, Cuban Ministry of Agriculture.

Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Halim Majeed, (centre) flanked by Director General Bruno Rodriguez and Ms. Martha Casanova and other officials

2030 world Cup to be held in three continents

(BBC) - The 2030 World Cup will be held across six countries in three continents, FIFA has confirmed.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco have been named as the co-hosts, with the opening three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

The opening matches in South America are to mark the World Cup's centenary as it will be 100 years since the inaugural tournament in Montevideo.

The decision is set to be ratified at a FIFA congress next year.

FIFA also confirmed only bids from countries from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation will be considered for the 2034 finals.

Following that decision, Saudi Arabia announced it would be bidding to host the tournament in 2034 for the

first time.

FIFA's decision to host the tournament across multiple continents has drawn criticism, with one supporter's body accusing football's world governing body of engaging in a "cycle of destruction against the greatest tournament on Earth".

"[It's] horrendous for supporters, disregards the environment and rolls the red carpet out to a host for 2034 with an appalling human rights record. It's the end of the World Cup as we know it," said Football Supporters Europe.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting.

"The FIFA Council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay in 1930, in the

most appropriate way.

"In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continents - Africa, Europe and South America - six countries - Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay - welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup."

Montevideo in Uruguay, the city which hosted the first World Cup match in 1930, is poised to stage the opening game in 2030 with matches in Argentina and Paraguay to follow.

The rest of the 48team tournament will then move to north Africa and Europe.

The change of hemispheres means World Cup teams could find themselves playing in two different seasons at the same tournament.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday, October 05, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Australia

(2) England

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which team copped the championship title at the 1992 Cricket World Cup?

(2) Which team was defeated in the final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are the current world champions

CMC – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews was under no illusions about the enormity of the task facing her side in the deciding third Twenty20 International against hosts and World No. 1 Australia Women on Thursday.

Matthews struck an unbelievable 132 in the second T20I on Monday in Sydney, and the Caribbean side levelled the three-match series 1-1, giving them the chance of inflicting a rare home series defeat on the world champions for the first time since England Women beat them in 2017-18.

“It will be huge because Australia have not been beaten at home in a long time, and for a team like us that is trying to learn and grow so

(BBC) - Newcastle United welcomed Champions League football back to St. James' Park in style as Paris St-Germain were overpowered in a highly-charged atmosphere on Tyneside.

The French champions - including superstar Kylian Mbappe - found the atmosphere and intensity on and off the pitch just too much as Eddie Howe's side secured a richly-deserved win in Newcastle's first home game in Europe's elite competition since a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in March 2003.

The Toon Army had already transformed St. James' Park into four walls of black and white even before Miguel Almiron sent them wild by giving them a 17th-minute lead after PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could only palm out Alexan-

much, with so many young players within the squad, it will definitely mean a lot for us,” the 25-year-old all-rounder said.

“It will definitely mean a lot for the people of the Caribbean and those back home supporting us, but it will definitely instill a lot of confidence in this team, and I think it is exactly what we need.”

She said: “Batting-wise, they have batting from one to 10, which is why they are able to play the brand of cricket they do, going hard right down their order. Bowling-wise, their experience speaks a lot. They have so many senior bowlers within their line-up.

“They are the No. 1 team in the world for a reason, but

der Isak's shot, as Marquinhos was punished for carelessly conceding possession.

It was to prove an eventful night for Italy keeper Donnarumma, who tried in vain to claw out Dan Burn's towering header six minutes before halftime. The ball had already crossed the line

from the first day we reached (Australia), we said that we were up for the challenge and looking to play our best brand of cricket, and hopefully the results will fall in our favour.”

The win by West Indies Women was the third defeat for the Aussies in their last four T20Is after they had played unbeaten for 12 matches in a row before hosts England Women shocked them twice in the Women’s Ashes earlier this year.

“For us, we didn’t want to play with any fear at all, even before we won a game,” Matthews added. “I think we all know the kind of quality they have within their team; we try not to be afraid of that and, like I keep saying all the time, be up for

sistant referee check for offside before the celebrations could begin.

Donnarumma was a central figure again as Newcastle went three up five minutes after the break, the goalkeeper's poor attempt at a block allowing Sean Longstaff's powerful shot from an angle to creep in.

the challenge.

“We know that once we are out there giving our all, even if we do go down, once we are competing and moving in the right direction and learning from our mistakes, I think within our dressing room that is one of the biggest things for us, but when we get opportunities to win games, we want to try and grab them with both hands.”

Matthews said increased investment from the leading cricket nations in their women’s programmes was starting to bear fruit, and this has led to a few of the surprising results lately.

“That’s what’s going to close the gap,” she said. “Australia just got way ahead of the game because their board made a pretty

one back after 56 minutes through Lucas Hernandez's headerbut this was Newcastle's night from start to finish.

Swiss centre-back Fabian Schar added the icing on the cake in stoppage time as he curled a stunning shot past Donnarumma from the edge of the box into

early investment, and a pretty big investment into their women’s game and we saw them grow from strength to strength.

“I think the more boards around the world are able to pump more money, more funds, more

investment into their women’s game, we’re going to see that gap closing further. It’s going to take some time for other teams to be able to catch up, but I think it’s good we’re seeing these results thrown up all over the world.”

‘West Indies need to be up to the challenge’ - Matthews Newcastle brush aside PSG 4-1

The three points, added to an opening draw away to AC Milan, meant Newcastle go top of Group F.

The night Tyneside was waiting for Newcastle was alive with Champions League anticipation hours before kick-off as supporters flooded around St. James Park for the first game here in this competition for two decades.

When the draw was made, the meeting with Mbappe and PSG was ringed on the calendar as proof that Newcastle had returned to the big time.

And how the Toon Army relished this as their side delivered the performance on an occasion they had craved to put themselves in a good position with four points from their opening two group games.

colour - well black and white - that unnerved PSG here, Newcastle will have no fears about any opposition who come to Tyneside.

Newcastle tore into PSG from the first whistle, backed by a frenzied support, and once Almiron set them on their way after 17 minutes there was no looking back.

And how fitting it was that two local boys, Burn and Longstaff, were also on target on a night that will live long in the memory for every supporter who witnessed it.

And Schar's scorching finish was a perfect way to round off this glory night.

but Newcastle still had to wait for a video as-

PSG's

Tough tests lie ahead but on the evidence of the wall of noise and

Borussia Dortmund are the next visitors to Tyneside on 25 October - after this Newcastle and their supporters can hardly wait.

threats were rare but they did pull

the top corner to make it 4-1.

West Indies Hayley Matthews

Dan Burn scored Newcastle’s second goal in a superb win over Paris St-Germain

By Sean Devers

Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreria and the late Tony Cozier have been the most recognisable voices for nearly five decades of International Cricket Commentary.

The 84-year-old Reds, born in the Pomeroon, Guyana, has commentated on 152 Test matches and was behind the Microphone in five World Cups after making his debut at Bourda in 1971 when West Indies played India.

Despite his age, he is still a walking encyclopaedia.

The affable Reds, who overcame stammering to broadcast cricket in every Test playing Nation except Bangladesh and Afghanistan, has had many memorable moments in his life and ranks a recent trip to Guyana as a special guest of His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, among his top memorable moments.

The iconic Reds, a former OECS Sports Director who

now lives in St Lucia with his Guyanese wife Zandra, was invited by Guyana’s Headof-State for the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals.

Reds, who has been involved in several sports apart from Cricket, explained how he got the invitation and spoke about the trip to his homeland.

“My invitation to visit Guyana as a guest of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali was initiated by a telephone call from President Ali about me doing a workshop for Guyanese cricket commentators. I readily agreed.

“President Ali said he was enjoying reading my book ‘Living My Dreams’ and invited my wife Zandra and me as his guests for the CPL Final. We arrived on September 17 and departed on September 27 and were accommodated at the Pegasus Hotel after being afforded VIP Status throughout.

“We were provided with a driver throughout our visit

and he took us to all of the matches. My best moment on our trip was the final itself and Guyana winning …the atmosphere was unreal and reminded me of Mexico.”

Reds said the Cricket Carnival, in its second year, is a great idea with Regional Superstars Sean Paul, Machel Montano and Terry Gajraj performing during the Cricket Carnival activities which coincided with the CPL. This Event is a big boost for Sports Tourism in Guyana and received excellent reviews from the regional press.

“Ninety-five percent of my broadcasting life career was describing the red ball game but when watching the shortest format, I focused on the batsmen like Ab DeVillers, Virat Kholi, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, along with West Indians Shai Hope, Brandon King, Kacey Carthy, Alex Athaneze and batters like Haley Matthews and Stefani Taylor, who all play proper cricket shots.

BCB/UCCA/Price is Right 20/20 Tournament…

No. 72 Cut and load defeats

Dukestown Warriors

“President Ali told me of the World Cup plans for Guyana and the infrastructure to go with the Event and updated me on the construction of a 10,000-seat multi-purpose Stadium at Palmyra, in East Berbice.

“I provided some ideas for sports in Guyana in writing, focussing on a stronger club structure. I Provided a club constitution as the lifeblood of national sports associations and a stronger N. O.C.

We were delighted to be invited to the brunch at State House organised for the Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad the day before the CPL final.

We met President Ali at his residence before we departed, to thank him for a visit of a lifetime for myself and my wife. We also want to thank Nancy Ferreira, Col Abrams, Dr Rahman and Corporal Leroy Lindore from the Office of the President, for their assistance during our stay.

The No.69 Vikings Cricket Ground was transformed into a hive of activity on Sunday last when the Berbice Cricket Board and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association hosted the finals of the ‘Price is Right’ 20/20 tournament.

The largest crowd to attend a BCB final in over a decade turned up at the venue to see No. 72 Cut and Load defeat Dukestown Warriors by four wickets to emerge champions of the tournament.

The tournament which started two years ago attracted a sponsorship of over three million dollars from the Management and staff of Price is Right Supermarket of Skeldon. Dukestown won the toss and elected to take first strike and quickly lost Clarence Besford at 8 for 1 when he was caught off the bowling of Davendra Jaggernauth for 4. Jaggernauth also dismissed Kevin Clarke (1) and Budhram Sukhdeo (4) to leave Dukestown struggling at 14 for 3 in the 5th over.

They struggled to 47 for 6 with the departure of Jermaine Reid (5), Clanern Besford (7) and Jamal Byass (6) but a crucial 7th wicket stand of 36 between Errol Byass (17) and Akeem Bawlin (27) enabled them to reach 92 all out from 18 overs.

Bowling for No. 72 cut and load were Jaggernauth 4-110-3, Mukesh Edwards 4-0-23-4 and Davannand Chatterpal 4-0-16-2.

Fifty Guyanese girls will benefit from professional football coaching and crucial life skills training through the Women in Football Development Programme, launched by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy in partnership with SBM Offshore Guyana.

Selected participant(s) will receive an international scholarship to advance their tertiary or technical education.

The programme will foster development through basic football skills as well as positive self-development traits such as leadership, decision-making, communication, problem-solving and healthy lifestyle choices.

Through this collaboration, the participants, who are between the ages of 13 and 19, will be exposed to the fundamentals of football through training sessions and coaching by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy.

During the launch of the

programme on September 29, SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Mr. Martin Cheong reiterated the company’s support for youth development, saying, “We believe that by investing in young people through sports, education or capacity-building programmes, we can tangibly contribute to Guyana’s upward trajectory towards a prosperous future through its human resources.”

Founder of the Academy, Mr. Vurlon Mills expressed his excitement at the com-

mencement of this new programme, saying, “Football transcends the boundary of a mere sport. It teaches us co-operation, grit and sportsmanship. It bestows upon us the values of self-discipline and respect. By the culmination of this programme, we aspire for our participants to not only master the game but to also embody the life skills essential for leadership and empowerment.”

Head of the Unit of Allied Arts at the Ministry of Education, Mr. Nicholas Fraser

emphasised the role of sports in building self-esteem and confidence, saying, “Having a football programme is very good for self-esteem. Having young females being able to build their confidence, being able to learn something and do it with confidence, that is something that really helps the emotional – as well as the development of females.”

Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation, Mr. Bryan Joseph, extended his support to the team, saying “On behalf of the Guyana Football Federation, I want to congratulate SBM [Offshore], the Vurlon Mills [Football] Academy and all the young ladies.”

SBM Offshore Guyana continues to support projects that nurture the development of Guyanese. The programme is also in keeping with the company’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal Three, Good Health and Well-being.

Needing to score 93 from 20 overs, Cut and Load lost their best batsman Deoprakash Ramdat LBW to Jermaine Reid for naught at 2 for 1 in the first over. A forty-four runs second-wicket partnership between Jameel Assad and Ramesh Omapersaud took them to 46 for 2 when Kevin Clarke dismissed Assad for a patient 12.

Solid batting from Omarpersaud (35) and Vijay Persaud (17*) saw Cut and Load to victory.

The other dismissed batsmen were Seiraj Chatterpaul (7), Devananand Chatterpaul (2) and Kadeer Ajib (7).

The best bowler for the runners-up was Esrol Byass with 2 for 17 from four overs.

Jermaine Rid, Budram Sukdeo and Wayne Garnette each took a wicket apiece for 12, 13 and 15 respectively.

Live cricket commentary was also provided by popular cricket commentators, Anthony Kemraj and Linden Murray.

The winning team took home four hundred thousand dollars and the winner’s trophy while the runners-up took home two hundred thousand dollars and a trophy.

The two losing semi-finalists got fifty thousand dollars while man of the finals Davendra Juggernauth was rewarded with one hundred thousand dollars.

Other prizes shared out included cricket gear.

BCB President Hilbert Foster congratulated the UCCA for organizing a high successful tournament and expressed his pleasure at the massive support by fans. He committed his administration to hosting more finals at the venue once the dressing rooms and sanitary facilities are improved.

Well known Guyanese Neurosurgeon and brain surgeon Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, on hearing Foster’s commitment, immediately promised to donate half a million dollars to the setting up of proper sanitary facilities.

UCCA President Dennis D’ Andrade expressed thanks to the sponsor for the largest ever cash prize purse in the area and noted that the sponsorship included uniforms for all thirty-two teams in the area.

‘Reds’ recounts presidential invite for CPL 2023 ‘visit of a lifetime’

The winning team- No 72 Cut and Load

50 girls to benefit from SBM Offshore Guyana Football Development Programme — participants to receive an international scholarship

Participating students of the Women in Football Development Programme with members of the SBM Offshore Guyana team, Vurlon Mills Football Academy team, Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation, Mr. Bryan Joseph and Ministry of Education representative, Mr. Nicholas Fraser

Knight Riders Ariel All Stars make it three in a row

By Frederick Halley

GUYANA Knight Riders

Ariel All Stars are still unbeaten in their third year of participation in the Open All Stars category of the Prime Minister’s T20 softball tournament.

The tournament climaxed at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground after midnight on Sunday with Prime Minister Mark Phillips in attendance.

In another clinical display, the youthful Ariel All Stars outfit defeated opponents Regal All Stars by five wickets to claim their third title in as many years.

Led by a matured knock of 77 not out from National One-day player Quentin Sampson and some exceptional fielding, the defending champions only needed 14 overs to reach the required 174 for victory after limiting Ariel All Stars to 173 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

Sampson, who earlier in the day represented Essequi-

bo against the Guyana Cricket Board Select X1 at Bourda in the ongoing Inter- County 50-over tournament, still found the energy to compete in the game and led his team to a comprehensive victory.

The hard-hitting right-

hander strolled to the crease following the dismissal of the experienced Zamal Khan in the second over with the score on 24 and was somewhat subdued at the start of his innings.

Opener Bryan Mangar

was, however, at his fluent best, stroking three fours and two sixes in his 31. In the meantime, Sampson, who thumped a record 28 sixes in an unbeaten 225 in the semi-final the previous day versus Name Brand at the

Queen’s College ground, bided his time to perfection before exploding in the 14th over, slamming Sewchand Budhu for 27 to finish the game in grand style. His brilliant innings was decorated with five fours and eight sixes. Delroy Perreira bagged two for 19 and Rohit Dutchin two for 41.

Earlier, Regal All Stars, who were asked to take first strike, found themselves in disarray with some indifferent running between the wickets, complimented by brilliant fielding by Ariel All Stars which saw them losing three of their first five wickets via the run out route.

Staring down the barrel at 31 for five in the sixth over, Regal All Stars were rescued by a fine 112-run sixth wicket partnership between Riccardo Polaram (82) and Budhu (39 not out). Polaram slammed nine fours and three sixes in his fine knock while Budhu’s innings contained four fours. Keyon Sinclair and Johnatan Fernandes took two 27 and

41 respectively.

The winning team carted off $600,000, a trophy and medals for all the players while the runners-up collected $50,000 and a trophy. Sampson was adjudged player of the final and also MVP of the Open category, taking home a 50-inch television for the latter, compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre. All the trophies were sponsored by Trophy Stall.

Prime Minister Phillips congratulated all the participating teams, pointing out that there were no losers, referring to all the players who took part in the seventh edition of the tournament as winners.

The Prime Minister also gave kudos to the organisers, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc for a well-run tournament and to the several sponsors who came on board. He assured that preparations are already in train for next year’s threeday extravaganza.

GRFU begins preparations for Grenada International Sevens next month

The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will be participating in the Grenada International Sevens tournament which is scheduled to ‘scrum off’ from November 30 to December 2, this year.

As part of preparations, the Union had their squad of senior players undergo their first fitness test (beep test) to begin sharpening their tools for the tournament. The activity was initially slated for the rugby pitch at the National Park but it was moved to the tarmac.

Present was head of the GRFU, Ryan Dey and newly appointed head coach of the Sevens side, Claudius Butts.

During brief remarks with Chronicle Sport, Dey noted that, “The tournament (Grenada International Sevens) is a well-run tournament which sees players from the World Sevens Se-

ries come to represent country and club and it will be a great opportunity for our young and developing squad to be exposed to this high level of competition, which will definitely sharpen their skills.”

Dey continued, “The tournament is slated to be three-day affair and we have already begun reaching out for the support of corporate

Guyana to help us to meet to this tournament since we are strapped for cash.

Meanwhile, Butts, who shared some comments with Chronicle Sport as well, gave thanks to the Union for the opportunity to develop this team that he believes will be very competitive in the future.

Pertaining to the activity, Butts shared that,

“First look after the beep test yesterday, I had recorded the average fitness level being between 8.1 to 12.2, which was below the required level that we

would like to be at the end of the first six weeks;

13.5 to 14. The fitness programme was developed with aerobic and anaerobic power. Once the players

commit, we will reach that level 13.5 to 14 which is very competitive. (Calvin Chapman)

The victorious Ariel All Stars players and supporters celebrate their triumph in the presence of Prime Minister Mark Phillips and GSCL President Ian John

The players undergoing a beep test on Monday (Yohan Savory photo)

GRFU men's Sevens coach Claudius Butts (Yohan Savory photo)

‘Reds’ recounts presidential invite for CPL 2023 ‘visit of a lifetime’

Knight Riders Ariel All Stars make it three in a row

Historic Drag race event set for this weekend Some

The Cinderella County will have its first taste of drag racing action this weekend when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club takes an event there.

Set for the Mainstay/Wyaka airstrip in the region, Sunday’s event will make history as the first on record for the county.

GMR&SC has long touted decentralization of the sport, especially the shorter formats like drag racing and this event is expected to be subscribed to by several competitors from both the Georgetown and

Essequibo area.

According to GMR&SC Vice President, Shairaz Roshandin, works have already begun on the venue ahead of Sunday’s event.

He added that on Saturday afternoon, there will be a meet and greet for the drivers from Georgetown in the central town with fans having a chance to meet the drivers.

Tickets for Drag Racing in Essequibo cost $2,000 for adults and $1,000 for children.

The event begins at 11:00hrs

‘Reds’ (first from left) jokes with President Ali as his wife shares the moment during a brunch at State House

Quentin Sampson receives his player of the final trophy from Prime Minister Mark Phillips