Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-02-2024.pdf by Guyana Chronicle

SATURDAY 10th February, 2024

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107350

US$13M oil and gas training facility commissioned at Port Mourant SEE PAGE

- President Ali says multi-discipline campus will provide world-class certification, put economy on firmer footing

(Japheth Savory photos)

GTU has found Gas-to-Energy Project will move forward itself in a box, cannot be extricated despite attempts to halt - Minister Hamilton says massive development - Commercial Registry records show SEE PAGE

union last filed returns for 2004

SEE PAGE

- Vice-President Jagdeo affirms

‘Have patience… don’t be political pawns’ SEE PAGE

- President Ali urges teachers, says continuous efforts being made to upskill, improve lives of all workers

Gov’t to make investments to ‘upskill’ sugar workers

SEE PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Chinese Spring Festival Greetings in the New Year of the Dragon from Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana

FEBRUARY 10, 2024, marks the Chinese Spring Festival in the Year of the Dragon. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, I’d like to avail this opportunity to extend our warmest greetings and wishes to all Chinese compatriots and Guyanese friends. Spring Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the oldest and the most important traditional festival in the Chinese culture. It’s a holiday featuring family reunion and good wishes for the coming year, which carries the common values of humanity such as harmonious family, social inclusiveness, world peace and sound coexistence between man and nature. It’s celebrated in China and around the world. Some

rough estimates suggest that Spring Festival is a public holiday in almost 20 countries, a UN floating holiday and celebrated in various ways by about one-fifth of humanity. Spring Festival activities have been organised in nearly 200 countries and regions, bringing joy to people around the world. Spring Festival is no strange for Guyanese friends. Last year, the Chinese community held the Guyana 2023 Chinese Spring Festival Temple Fair in National Park, Georgetown, where more than 2,000 friends from all walks of life, including Hon. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, attended the celebrations. Tomorrow, the Chinese Association of Guyana and the Confucius Institute at the University

of Guyana will hold the 2024 Chinese New Year Gala, which is highly anticipated by local friends. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Last month, the word “Chinese dragon” was included in the Oxford English Dictionary. Unlike the winged, fire-breathing evil dragon in Western mythology, the Chinese dragon symbolises auspiciousness, fertility, wisdom and strength, and serves as the totem of the Chinese nation. Last year, the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe from China visited Guyana and performed a wonderful dragon dance in the National Cultural Centre, winning numerous rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. The year 2023 has been a uplifting and fruitful year for the Chinese people in terms of overcoming difficulties and making progress. China achieved a smooth transition in its COVID-19 response efforts. With a GDP growth of 5.2 per cent in 2023, the Chinese economy has sustained the momentum of recovery, providing a strong impetus to the global economy. China has made major

breakthrough in science and technology. The China-made C919 large passenger airplane entered commercial service. The Chinese-built large cruise ship completed its trial voyage. The Shenzhou spaceships are continuing their missions in space. Products designed and made in China such as mobile phones and new energy vehicles, are highly popular with consumers. We successfully held the Chengdu FISU World University Games, the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation among other diplomatic events. The Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) proposed by President Xi Jinping have gained broader support, uplifting China’s enhanced international influence, enhancing China’s capacity to steer new endeavours, and boosting China’s moral appeal in the new era. Guyana is also highly commendable. In 2023, Guyana has not only maintained rapid economic growth, but also made significant progress in infrastructure development, betterment of people’s lives, and social security, etc. Holding the rotating presidency of the

United Nations Security Council and CARICOM concurrently, Guyana’s international visibility and influence has been further enhanced. As Foreign Secretary Hon. Robert Persaud wrote, small states can be meaningful actors in global governance. China supports Guyana in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and stands ready to work with Guyana to contribute to world peace, security, prosperity and progress. Last year was also a year in which China and Guyana continued to consolidate relationship and expand co-operation. President Xi Jinping met with President Ali on his visit to China, ushering in a new chapter in China-Guyana friendship. Exchanges resumed, co-operation accelerated, and projects such as highway, bridge, hospitals and hotels progressed smoothly. Last year we also celebrated the 170th anniversary of the Chinese arrival in Guyana and the 30th anniversary of the Chinese Medical Team in Guyana. As the saying goes, “A year’s plan starts with spring.” Recently, the Guyanese government unveiled ambitious development plans, launched several new projects and will host the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2024 and the

46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government CARICOM this month. These busy schedules signify a good momentum of Guyana’s advancement of its development and diplomatic agenda in 2024. For China, 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and a critical year to fulfill the goals and tasks in its 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. Next month, the Chinese government will unveil its development goals for 2024 at the Two Sessions, which is highly anticipated by the world. In terms of our bilateral relations, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana, which is an important milestone in cultural exchanges between the two countries. Guyana is China’s good friend and important partner. In 2024, China is willing to work with Guyana, to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state in Chengdu, expand exchanges and co-operation in various areas and build a more close-knit China-Guyana community with a shared future. Finally, I wish you all a Happy Year of the Dragon!

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

US$13M oil and gas training facility commissioned at Port Mourant

–– President Ali says multi-discipline campus will provide world-class certification, put economy on firmer footing By Naomi Parris PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, commissioned Guyana’s first state-of-the-art oil and gas training facility – The FacTor (Facility Simulator) – at Port Mourant, Berbice, Region Six. The US$13 million (GY$2.6B) project is the first phase of the wider Guyana Technical Training College Inc. “This is not about oil and gas. This is about the transformation of our country and the building of world-class facilities that will not only train and equip our human resources with the skill set, but give them world-class certification that they will get anywhere else in the world. That is what is critical,” the Head of State said during his address to a large gathering of residents and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry. The project was constructed through an alliance with the Government of Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Hess and CNOOC. “It will be the first multi-discipline campus built to cater for the future needs of the country’s economy,” President Ali said. The facility was conceptualised just two years ago to offer technical and competency-based skills training for young Guyanese.

“We have carefully calculated what we want to achieve here to ensure that quality infrastructure, quality human resource trainers, quality development partners…it is bringing quality together to give us the output that we’re celebrating today.” He stressed the importance of empowering people and building capacity, noting that the government is making investments in training and upskilling its populace, especially the young people. The facility is said to be the first-of-its-kind in the region. Meanwhile in further stressing the importance of empowering people and building capacity, Martin Cheong- General Manager, SBM Offshore said the facility will play a major role preparing the industry for the challenges and opportunities ahead. “This state-of- the art training facility marks not just an achievement for SBM Offshore Guyana, but a significant milestone for the industry and the nation, Cheong said, adding: “This facility will play a pivotal role in preparing our workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the oil and gas industry. It will ensure that our trainees are not only equipped with theoretical knowledge but also with hands on experience and the confidence to excel in their respective fields.”

According to Exxon Mobil’s lead country manager, Allistair Routledge, The FacTor is one of less than ten facilities across the world, which he said speaks to the country’s commitment to advancing the industry. “We are committed to bringing people giving them the opportunity in the country to be part of the development of the of the nation’s resources. And not just the people that live in Region Six, but there will be an accommodation facility as part of this development. So whichever part of the country you come from, you have that opportunity on an equal footing to come and get that training,” Routledge said. The FacTor training site consists of classrooms, workshops and the FacTor module. The facility is designed to provide practical training for multiple programmes, enabling trainees to execute practice operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities in an environment that mirrors real-life plant conditions. Mediums such as water and air will be used at the facility. This design is considered safe for training. Several major pieces of equipment to simulate the process conditions on an FPSO in a safe and controlled environment is also featured.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Friday, commissioned Guyana’s first state-of-the-art oil and gas training facility The facility can accomIt is expected that the anese who meet the entry modate up to 24 trainees facility will generate a requirements. for each batch, with four positive impact on the To enter the SBM trainers across four disci- local oil and gas sector by Offshore Trainee Techniplines - mechanical, instru- providing trained techni- cian Program, individumentation, electrical, and cians who will have the als are required to hold a production. The facility relevant competencies and minimum qualification of is designed to recognise skills to execute their roles a two-year Technical and industrial standards used offshore. Vocational Education in the oil, gas, and energy Recruitment applica- and Training (TVET) industry worldwide. tions are open to all Guy- certificate.

Scenes from the opening of the US$13M training facility at Port Mourant, Berbice, Region Six (Japheth Savory photos)

GTU has found itself in a box, –– Minister cannot be extricated Hamilton says

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

–– Commercial Registry records show union last filed returns for 2004 By Shamar Meusa

MINISTER of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, on Friday said that the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has found itself in a box with its ongoing protests and is now hoping that the Labour Ministry will extricate it. The minister made these remarks as the union and other political actors moved the protest to the ministry’s head office on Brickdam. According to the minister, if one is to observe the events that transpired in front of the Labour Ministry on Friday, they would see that politicians were part and parcel of the protest. “The first set of people that arrived at the ministry were [the] PNC type;

some of them in their green APNU t-shirts and a lot of them that are known professional protestors so to speak. So, it was more PNC/APNU+AFC dominated …controlled protest activity,” Minister Hamilton said. Further to this, he said that this is the point that the government was making. He pointed out that the GTU has to decide whether they are representing their members or they are doing the political biddings of the opposition. “So far everything they have displayed suggest that this strike is not about the negotiations and them and the Ministry of Education,” he said. The minister noted that he suspects that they are

now seeking to have the Ministry of Labour brought into the conversation to mediate. However, he emphasised that the ministry’s position remains the same as they cannot facilitate such a process since the two parties are still having discussions. Additionally, he indicated, “They will start to focus on in my view the Ministry of Labour because I suspect the GTU they have found themselves in this box and they would be pushing to have hopefully the Ministry of Labour and the chief labour officer to extricate them from there.” The minister further added that that process cannot be rushed even though they believe that if they continue long enough in front of the ministry that such action will be taken. To this end, he stressed that the ministry will not take action as it is firmly believed that the activity

was political in nature. “It might have started where teachers indeed were prosecuting their grievance but this now is political,” he added. The minister went on to note that members of the union have again told untruths and indicated to other publications that their financials are up to date. This, he said is contrary to the reports at the ministry and he noted that the last financial report at the ministry was from 2004. Hamilton warned that any trade union that fails to submit their financials can be “struck off from the books.” Meanwhile, the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority on Friday confirmed the ministry’s information, noting that the annual returns required under the Trade Unions Act should be filed annually. “Amidst queries raised in and posted by the media, this is to clarify that

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton an examination of the relevant records at the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority discloses that Annual Returns required by Section 35 of the Trade Unions Act, Cap. 98:03 to be filed annually by registered

trade unions was last filed by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) for the year ending 31st of December, 2004, on the 31st of March, 2005,” a brief statement signed by the Registrar of Commerce said.

‘Have patience… don’t be political pawns’ 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

–– President Ali urges teachers, says continuous efforts being made to upskill, improve lives of all workers

EFFORTS are being continuously made to improve working conditions for all categories of public servants, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has assured, while urging teachers to exercise patience amid a Guyana Teachers’ Union-led countrywide strike. While addressing a gathering at the commissioning of the Guyana Technical Training College Facility at Port Mourant, Berbice, the Head of State said: “Everybody believes that all our resources are available now. In 2027, that is when the real revenue growth would be seen in the country. And I have said to our teachers, nurses, and public servants that we are committed to giving them the

best life possible.” For the past five days picketing action has been consistent outside the Ministry of Education’s head office at Brickdam, Georgetown. The strike action began on Monday and saw educators taking to the city streets both in Georgetown and other parts of the country. “You have to give a bit. You have to have patience to not let yourselves be used as political pawns…coming on to the end of this year, we are going to have a total evaluation by category of workers so that we can have an intervention that is even more structured and that will bring more benefits,” President Ali said. In Guyana, the govern-

ment he said is prioritising education and workforce development, pursing initiatives to upskill educators and revolutionising the delivery of education. “We are working now to see how we can have a duplicate system that will allow a more robust workforce in the teaching profession. Highly skilled and trained group of teachers with a standard of student-to-teacher ratio that is world class.” “I urge our teachers to understand that you need not to push against the hurricane. The wind is blowing with you and we are with you and we are committed to improving the welfare of every worker in our country,” he added.

Last year, President Ali had held consultations with several educators. During that engagement, the Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni were present and heard the concerns of teachers (Ministry of Education photo)

we are going to invest in them to upskill their competency to transform them into skilled operators and workers …we want them to earn better, we want them to have a better life, a more honourable life a more dignified life. And we do so by investing in training, upskilling, retooling, and bringing them into the modernised frame of what the industry would look like,” the President posited.

Owing to critical investments, the sugar industry is estimated to have grown by 28 per cent in 2023. GuySuCo produced 60,204 tonnes in 2023, compared with 47,049 tonnes in 2022. At the last general elections, the PPP/C government vowed to reopen the closed estates and upon assuming office, major investments were made to fulfil the manifesto pledge of rehiring

Gov’t to make investments to ‘upskill’ sugar workers –– President Ali announces

MASSIVE investment plans are in the works to ‘upskill’ sugar workers as the government works to create a more competitive and profitable sugar production industry. This was on Friday revealed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who was at the time speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the art oil and gas training facility, just next door to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre in Port Mourant, Berbice (Region Six). “We’re in the process of mechanising the sugar industry and modernising the sugar industry. The next couple of years of investment is critical in building a competitive and profitable sugarcane industry here in Guyana and I assured we’re going to build a competitive and profitable [one].” In the 2024 fiscal package, $6 billion was set aside for GuySuCo to improve the future production and operational efficiency of the sugar industry.

President Ali noted that while this is being done, investments will be simultaneously made to advance the industry’s workforce. “Important to this task is our human resource asset. This facility will have to be upgraded in keeping with what we want to achieve…

workers and increasing sugar production. Thousands of persons have since been rehired and, to date, according to

recent statistics provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, over 8,000 persons are employed across the sugar belt.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Attractive investment destination OVER the past four years, Guyana has experienced a remarkable surge in business and company registrations, indicative of the country’s evolving commercial landscape. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, disclosed during his recent budget presentation that from 2020 to 2023, over 59,000 new businesses and nearly 5,000 companies were incorporated, reflecting a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit and robust economic expansion. This unprecedented growth underscores the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s commercial laws, a sentiment echoed by Nandlall. With the economy rapidly evolving,

propelled in part by the emergence of sectors like oil and gas, the outdated Companies Act requires modernisation to accommodate these new realities. Acknowledging the necessity for reform, the government is poised to enact sweeping legislative changes aimed at fostering a more modern, transparent, and secure business environment. Key initiatives include revising the Companies Act and the Securities Council Act, with a strategic focus on bolstering the stock exchange market in collaboration with Jamaica. Moreover, efforts are underway to update regulations pertaining to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and to accommodate technological advancements in laws governing evidence, demon-

strating a proactive approach to staying abreast of global standards. The economic ramifications of these reforms are substantial, with Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, highlighting their transformative potential. The government’s policy agenda has catalyzed entrepreneurial opportunities, leading to increased investment, job creation, and enhanced disposable income, particularly benefiting small businesses. To further support small business development, significant investments are being made in industrial estates, coupled with financial initiatives such as the Small Business Development Fund

and robust training programmes. These efforts aim to integrate small businesses into the economy’s mainstream, fostering growth and resilience. As Guyana stands at the threshold of a new commercial and economic era, fueled by strategic reforms and investments, the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment is commendable. By aligning its legal and corporate framework with international standards, Guyana is poised to attract more investment, stimulate economic growth, and enhance its position on the global stage. This historic phase of economic revitalisation heralds a promising future for the nation and its citizens.

Protection of our national security, integrity of our borders is not a matter for political gamesmanship

Dear Editor,

RETIRED Rear Admiral Gary Best has been provided space by Dennis Chabrol, who publishes Demerara Waves, to express a series of opinions on the matter of Guyana’s national security. In earlier days I knew and worked with Gary Best in the world of rugby and, even then, I knew him to be unpredictable, controversial and self-centred. He hasn’t changed. He always was and remains a hardcore supporter of the People’s National Congress and, in fact, sits on the Central Executive Committee of that party. He was, however, appointed to serve as Chief-ofStaff, the Head of our Defence Forces, by the PPP government from September 2007 – September 2013. Given that fact, for him to now attack the recent budget for failing to provide sufficient funds “to secure the nation-state of Guyana and its citizens” in the context of the Maduro government’s declared threat to annex the Essequibo is not only sheer nonsense, but reckless and irresponsible as a former defence chief. In doing

so, he plays to the propaganda of Maduro. Our national security, the integrity of our borders and their protection is not a matter for political gamesmanship, and Gary Best should be ashamed of himself because he’s knowledgeable enough to know better. It can be argued that in recent years, previous governments, including that of the APNU+AFC, have neglected to budget enough money for the country’s security forces, both GDF and the police, perhaps because we are a nation of peace with no aggressive intentions towards our neighbouring countries, but that is not now the case. In fact, the budget has doubled, that is, increased by 100 per cent the funding for the Guyana Defence Force for purely defensive purposes because we are the target of aggression from the current Venezuelan government and have been from Suriname. It’s worth remembering that the only actual border war we have ever fought was in removing an attempted Surinamese occupation of the New River Triangle at which my late brother Martin was the

on-site Commander and, fortuitously, there was no loss of life on either side. Best goes on, in his opinion, playing politics by accusing the PPP of having “‘wished away’ this existential danger to Guyana for 23 years while in office,” while forgetting the fact that it was the People’s National Congress, under Prime Minister Forbes Burnham that signed on to the Geneva Agreement, which, to this day, is conveniently misinterpreted by the Maduro government. To be fair to Burnham, however, it was in response to the Venezuelan government in 1962 unilaterally declaring the 1899 Boundary Award to be null and void on the eve of Guyana being granted independence, that the British government, which had responsibility for British Guiana’s external relations, in 1966, which entered into the Geneva Agreement with the concurrence of the government of British Guiana, to seek what was described then as “satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom.” Not satisfied, Best then attempts to

emphasise what he calls the “frailty of the Argyle Declaration.” For Best to seriously believe, never mind argue, that the result of the meeting at Argyle could have been an agreement entirely in favour of Guyana, suggests that he lives in cloud coo-coo land, or displays a degree of naivety in the business of negotiating controversial international agreements that is not expected from a former Chief-of-Staff. Before the Declaration of Argyle, the likelihood of a Venezuelan invasion of the Essequibo was very real indeed. At Argyle, Maduro agreed that “Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, will not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two states” and “with any controversies between the two states will be resolved in accordance with international law.” Further, Guyana’s commitment “to the process and procedures of the International Court of Justice for the See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Protection of our national security, integrity ...

From page 6

resolution of the border controversy” was placed on record and recognised by the Declaration. Best behaves as though our government is not perfectly aware that Maduro was promised, in Barbados last October, the withdrawal of US government sanctions on Venezuela’s oil exports on the condition that he conducts free and fair elections but, instead, he has manipulated a Venezuelan Supreme Court ban on his major political opponent, Opposition Leader, Maria Machado, and is now faced with the immediate shutdown of US government support and may well, therefore, be driven to violate all of the commitments he has made in the Argyle Declaration. In fact, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, said as much at his press conference last week when journalists asked his opinion on Maduro’s violation of his Barbados pledge, in warning, the Trinidad & Tobago government to be very cautious in dealing with Venezuela on the Dragon oil deal. For Best to suggest, therefore, that millions of dollars must suddenly be poured into building the Defence Force in order to go to war with Venezuela is unbelievably foolish. Guyana’s primary defence against Venezuela is the exercise of diplomacy, reliance on international law and commitment to the ruling of the International Court of Justice. Best must recognise that all but one South American nation has declared its unqualified opposition to Venezuela’s claim to Essequibo. The United Kingdom and, indeed, the Commonwealth community, and the

government of France, have all declared their active support for Guyana. When British Minister for the Americas and the Caribbean, David Rutley, visited Guyana in December last year he was unequivocal in declaring that “the UK will continue to work with partners in the region, as well as through international bodies, to ensure the territorial integrity of Guyana is upheld.” Best must recognise that the US government has made its position pellucid. In January, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Western Hemisphere at the US Department of Defense, Daniel P. Erikson, responsible for US Defense and Security Policy for the Region, including Canada, Mexico, South and Central America and the Caribbean, in his first trip overseas this year visited Guyana underlining the US government’s defence and security partnership with our country. Last Sunday (4th February) US Deputy National Security Advisor, Jon Finer (described as a heavyweight in the Biden administration), emphasised the fact that the US and Guyana were “deepening our defence cooperation” to preserve Guyana’s borders and for Guyana to be able to defend its territorial integrity. The message is clear and represents the policy position of the Biden Democratic administration. But, what of the US Republican party? US Senator, Marco Rubio, a powerful Republican voice of the US Senate on Foreign Relations on Latin America matters has declared his support for the Biden administration’s joint military operations in Guyana after having met, last September with President Ali. Rubio has called Maduro a “narco dictator” and the Maduro Referendum to annex the Essequibo as a

“sham.” And what of Guyana’s own preparation to defend itself? It’s clear from the recent meetings between Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan and US Southern Command Air Force Commander, Major-General Evan Pettus, that we are well advised and well prepared to utilise the detection technology of modern warfare to be forewarned and forearmed against any attempt by Venezuela at a military invasion of our country. Gary Best is well aware of all of this, yet he indulges in the puerile political foolishness of claiming our government “has no policy for the defence of Guyana.” Let me conclude by reminding Gary Best that in furtherance of the Argyle Declaration, the Foreign Ministers of

Guyana and Venezuela have concluded their first meeting held under the auspices of the government of Brazil in Brazil, when Foreign Minister Hugh Todd underlined the fact that Guyana, at that meeting firmly “reiterated our support and commitment to the UN Charter, with the respect for international law, and the 1966 Geneva Agreement” and later in a following statement reaffirmed that “Guyana maintained that the settlement of this controversy was properly before the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement.” Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

The good and bad in a next Trump presidency

IT will be Biden versus Trump and Trump will win because I think the downward slope for Biden will get far more embarrassing as the months go on. A Trump president will do terrible things but will pursue policies that may positively alter international relations. In relation to the terrible things; he will be inflexible in his quarrels with other counties. He will defund the United Nations. He will drastically curtail aid to countries that need it. He will use visa and trade sanction against nations he does not agree with. His presidency will assault the very foundations of liberalism of American society.

It is in the area of international relations that Trump will leave an everlasting legacy as president. Mr. Trump has a profound Brexit belief that runs deeply inside of him. Trump knows why Britain left the EU and he shares that Brexit sentiment at an emotional level. The EU is 27 countries but the EU is Germany and France. The ideologues in the Conservative Party of the UK believed that a great country like the UK had lost its sovereignty not to the EU but to Germany and France. It felt insulted that Britain should play second fiddle to Germany and France. So it left the EU. Interestingly, the Labour Party accepts this position but Labour

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

chose to be silent on it. Labour has gone further than the Conservatives with the belief that the EU Commission is a huge, uncontrollable, capitalist undertaking. This explains why as head of Labour, the dye in the wool, left-winger, Jeremy Corbin did not oppose Brexit. Both the right-wing and the left-wing in the Labour Party are against the UK being in the EU. Trump believes that the EU has been using American might to perpetuate European hegemony in the world. The Republican Party accepts this Trump doctrine and even if Trump was not president, another Republican president would have adopted the same attitude towards Ukraine. When he was president, Trump said the EU was created to compete with the US. It is more complicated than that. In fact, the EU relation with the USA is a very complex situation that calls for profound analysis. After Christianity conquered the Roman Empire and the empire became a Catholic project, Europeans accepted their racial, cultural and religious superiority over the world. The purpose of the Holy Roman Empire was to Christianize the world and to perpetuate European eugenics. One of the theories for the Nazi persecution of the Jews is that Nazi ideologues believed that the Jewish race was flippant about Christianity and thought they were a superior race to the Germanic people. The first and second world wars removed European conquest of the world that began with the Holy Roman Empire. After World War II, the USA became the world’s only superpower, but for Europe, the American empire was a European civilisation nonetheless. What the EU did after 1945 was to become the vicarious world conqueror through the hegemony of the US. The EU’s mission then is to remain true to what the Holy Roman Empire was. President Macron is the flag-bearer for this. The only difference is that the EU

is maintaining their racial and religious quest through US physiology. Trump and the Republican Party know this. It explains why Trump and the Republican Party will end the war in Ukraine if Trump wins. Trump and the Republican Party hold the position that the Ukraine war is an EU project. But the EU is Germany and France. Germany seemingly wants a war with Russia and, when it happens, it will not be a NATO engagement but an American battle. Trump will have none of it. Despite the EU’s closeness to America, Republicans do not trust the German character. That was made plain in the memoir of Mrs. Margaret Thatcher. Once Germany is the dominant actor in the EU, Russia will be isolated. The German hatred for Russia runs deep. It is ironic that the minister in Germany that wants a NATO confrontation with Russia over Ukraine is from the Green Party (the Foreign Minister) How does this explain the frenetic Biden assistance to Ukraine at the moment? Herein lies the difference between the Democrats and Republicans. The Democrats are generally war prone and nurture the dream of American global control. It was Bill Clinton that extended NATO close to Russia’s border. Mrs. Clinton is the most pro-war politician in the American establishment. It was a Republican president, (Trump) that took the decision to downsize American presence in Iraq and pull out of Afghanistan, a decision Obama refused to take. The current Republicans are introverted leaders who believe America is for America and the US should be concerned with the US only. This thought frightens Germany and France. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Gas-to-Energy Project will move forward despite attempts to halt massive development In December 2022, the Government of Guyana and US-based integrated energy solutions group, LINDSAYCA, in partnership with a local firm – CH4 Group – signed a US$759 million contract

-Vice-President Jagdeo affirms

VICE-PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed optimism that the government will secure its request for a loan from the Export–Import Bank of the United States (U.S. Exim Bank) to fund Guyana’s monumental Gas-to-Energy Project being developed at Wales, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). Dr. Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference held at the Office of the President on Thursday, told reporters approval for the loan could be expected by the second quarter of this year. The country is seeking a US$646 million loan from the U.S. Exim Bank to advance works on the premier project which is expected to contribute to the country’s energy transition and promote sustainable practices. Despite the overarching benefit of the project, there have been consistent attempts to stop it from moving forward. International Lawyer, Melinda Janki, wrote to the United States Export Import (US-EXIM) Bank to withhold funding for the project. Janki, on behalf of

public-interest litigants, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes and Vanda Radzik, wrote to the bank on January 12, 2024. However, Dr. Jagdeo said the government remains committed and “despite every attempt to kill this project” the government will forge ahead with its plans to see the project’s success. “We have a great working relationship with the U.S. Exim Bank. We’ve had bipartisan support on this loan…the gas to energy will be built,” the Vice-President said. He further explained that the bank is doing its due diligence, noting: “With each funding agency, they hire their own consultants to come and review the project…we had great meetings, they review everything on the project, environmental design, everything.” It is the Vice-President’s firm view that many of the “naysayers” do not comprehend these processes. The Vice-President had previously told the media that Guyanese stand to save over US$100 million per annum as a result of the reduction in electricity prices

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo

after the Gas-to-Energy Project comes on stream. The Gas-to-Energy Project will see a 200km 12-inch diameter pipeline channelling natural gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will be built in Wales. ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the operator in the Stabroek Block, and its co-venturers are constructing the pipeline. That pipeline will be landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, and continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL and power-plant facilities. It has an estimated cost of US$1 billion and is cost-recoverable.

for the construction of the power plant and NGL facilities. The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity is a key component of the People’s Pro-

gressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix, which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and “hydro” power.

‘We are a people-centred, people-oriented government’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

–– Minister Edghill reaffirms during engagement with West Bank Demerara residents

DURING post-budget community meetings with residents of La Retraite, Stanleytown, and Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara, on Wednesday afternoon, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, outlined and explained the measures in this year’s $1.146 trillion national budget, placed strategically to increase disposable income. Minister Edghill reminded residents of the income tax threshold being increased to $100,000 monthly, the old age pension increasing to $36,000 to benefit some 76 thousand persons across the country, and the monthly public assistance payment being increased to $19,000 to benefit vulnerable persons. Minister Edghill said

those measures were in keeping with the PPP/C Government’s commitment to ensuring prosperity for all Guyanese. “We are a people-centred and people-oriented government,” he told the residents. Among the other measures announced during the budget are a $3,000 voucher for eye tests for school children and pensioners, and a $15,000 voucher for spectacles for those who may require it. The Minister also reminded the residents that in keeping with the government’s vow of empowering women, a special provision of an $8,000 voucher has been set aside for women aged 21 to 65 to get tested for cervical cancer. The minimum National

Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension has also been increased from $35,000 monthly to $43,075, while the survivor’s pension, which is payable to the dependents of an insured person, increased from $17,500 to $21,537. There is also an invalidity pension for insured persons who may be incapable of working due to an employment injury. This has been raised from $35,000 to $43,075. The minister touched on several other measures in the budget, highlighting that while the opposition has been trying to paint a negative image to citizens, the government will remain steadfast in its quest to create a society that is free, prosperous, socially just, globally competitive, and one which serves

During post-budget community meetings with residents of La Retraite, Stanleytown, and Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara, on Wednesday afternoon, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, outlined and explained the measures in this year’s $1.146 trillion national budget, placed strategically to increase disposable income every Guyanese equitably. “Every Guyanese must have a chance for a good education, access good paying jobs, be able to raise and provide for a family and own their own homes. If you followed the budget, you would also know that we reduced freight charges, given additional support to small businesses by lowering interest rates, as well as removed the duty and value-added tax (VAT) on sports equipment, technology, and fire extinguishers. The government has also given more support to University of Guyana graduates,” he said. Meanwhile, in his sector, Minister Edghill happily

reported that since coming into office in August 2020, his ministry has rehabilitated over 4,200 community roads. He said this programme will continue in keeping with the administration’s national buildout plan. Minister Edghill urged residents not to be distracted by false claims by anyone, instead, he urges persons to examine for themselves, reach out through their Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), and ask questions. He said the government is there to serve and is working towards delivering greater prosperity, and enhancing the livelihoods of citizens.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Koko, Wallaba health posts reopen to residents PERSONS residing in the villages of Koko and Wallaba in the Moruca sub-district, Region One, are now enjoying improved access to health services, following the official reopening of the upgraded health posts in both areas. Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, visited the Barima-Waini district on Wednesday to spearhead the groundbreaking ceremonies. Dr Anthony noted that, with the medical facilities now upgraded and services expanded, more persons will now be trained to complement the workforce. Against this backdrop, the health minister urged people to take up training opportunities in the health sector to become community health workers, nursing assistants, or professional nurses. “We want to improve

Persons residing in the villages of Koko and Wallaba in the Moruca subdistrict, Region One, are now enjoying improved access to health services, following the official reopening of the upgraded health posts in both areas health in our country. We want to improve health in Region One, and so we want to spend our resources on upgrading all the facilities that we have in Region One,

regardless of how small it is. We want to make sure that it is upgraded so it can serve the community,” he stated. The minister also urged parents to ensure their chil-

Bath Settlement resident nabbed with 92 lbs of suspected cannabis ACTING on intelligence received around 20:30 hrs on Thursday, police ranks from the Mahaicony Police Station intercepted a motor car (PVV 1495), parked on the southern side of Now or Never Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, facing west. The driver and registered owner, Ramlall Ramdihal called ‘Jack’, a 38-year-old field supervisor of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, was the lone occupant in the car. According to a press release, he was questioned and could not provide a reasonable answer for being there. The ranks then conducted a search of the vehicle in his presence and found three bulky white salt bags in the car trunk. The bags all contained parcels wrapped with suspected cannabis. According to the police, one bag contained eight parcels, another contained four, and the

Ramlall Ramdihal and the suspected cannabis

final bag contained three parcels. Ramdihal was told of the offence committed, arrested and cautioned. He claimed that he was told to pick up the three bags at No. 30 Village and take them to Georgetown where he will be paid. However, he refused to disclose whom he collected the bags from.

Ramdihal, along with the bags of suspected narcotics and motor car were escorted to the Mahaicony Police Station. On arrival, the 15 parcels of suspected cannabis were weighed in his presence and amounted to 92 lbs or 41.768 kgs. Ramdihal remains in police custody, as investigations continue.

dren take advantage of the comprehensive School Health Programme that targets school children. The initiative is designed to protect and promote the health and well-being of learners and staff which traditionally included health services, a healthy school environment, and health education. “Nursery school children, primary school children, we want to check their eyes, we want to check their hearing, we want to check their mouth to make sure they don’t have any rotten teeth and of course, we want to do a general checkup so that if we find anything early, we can fix it early” he empha-

sised. Teams will also be in the communities to conduct eye tests and vouchers will be given for persons to test their eyes. “We want to ensure that people’s health is taken care of and that we bring the services closer to you,” Dr Anthony asserted. Meanwhile, Regional Vice Chairperson, Annansha Peters, noted that the school in Wallaba will also be repaired and a water system will be installed soon, as the government continues to deliver its promises to the people. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Global South must intensify calls for reform of global ‘financial architecture’ – PM Phillips says

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, affirmed that the “Global South must am-

plify its voice in calling for the reform of the global financial architecture to make it fit for

purpose to meet the realities of the twenty-first century and beyond”. Prime Minister Phil-

lips made that assertion during his remarks at the High-Level Ministerial Session on Leadership for

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips Sustainable Development in the time of Polycrisis, at The Energy and Resource Institute’s (TERI) 2024 World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), being held in New Delhi, India from February 7-9, 2024. He underscored the importance of financing for sustainable development and the challenges that exist in relation to “vulnerable developing states’ inability to access development financing, concessional financing and Official Development Assistance (ODA) due to a unidimensional measure of development that is inefficient and insufficient as well as the lack of access to climate finance”. Prime Minister Phillips also reiterated that as we approach the mid-point of the Decade of Action, in order to guarantee a sustainable future for current and future generations, bold leadership and urgent and transformative actions are essential to ensure that no one is left behind. “The world is off track with respect to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our progress has been hampered by multiple factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, food insecurity, energy security and the increase in conflicts across the world,” the Prime Minister stated. He also emphasised the importance of leadership, as being vital “to enable effective response to present and future crises, and to get the world

back on track towards inclusive and sustainable development, – leaving no one behind”. Addressing the triple planetary crises related to climate, pollution and biodiversity loss, Prime Minister Phillips stressed that bold leadership and a shift in mindset, characterised by the “willingness to explore new and innovative solutions to the world’s problems, which includes the re-thinking of systems, institutions, processes and mechanisms to make them fit for purpose and premised on the principles of inclusivity, good governance, democracy, rule of law, equality and respect for human rights and justice” are imperative. In this regard, the Prime Minister highlighted the strides Guyana has made in being a global leader in climate action and sustainable development in keeping with our international commitments to becoming a global model for the world in deploying forests for climate services, “with carbon credits sales for the period 2016 to 2030 already earning Guyana US$750m, fifteen per cent of which goes directly to Amerindian villages. Moreover, he noted that “Guyana is playing a leading role in food security within CARICOM in supporting regional efforts to achieve the 25 x 25 initiative with the objective of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025”. (DPI)

Anti-Trafficking training empowers childcare, protection officers

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

IN a proactive move to combat human trafficking and empower frontline workers, the Ministry of Human Services and Security’s Counter Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit recently organised a

the Childcare and Protection Agency in attendance, the training session provided a platform for in-depth discussions, practical insights, and the exchange of invaluable knowledge. To p i c s c o v e r e d

A section of the attendees at the recent Anti-TIP Training

comprehensive oneday training session. The event, held at the Ministry's Boardroom located at Cornhill and Water Street in Georgetown, aimed to equip Childcare and Protection Officers with essential tools and knowledge to effectively address this pressing issue. Led by facilitators Marina Thomas and Travis Persaud, the training session underscored the crucial role of frontline workers in identifying, preventing, and responding to cases of human trafficking. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prema Roopnarine, emphasised the significance of such initiatives in strengthening Guyana's capacity to combat human trafficking effectively. With 24 dedicated participants from

included identifying trafficking indicators, victim support, legal frameworks, and collaborative strategies for combating trafficking networks. Highlighting the Ministry's commitment to combating human trafficking and safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals, the training session exemplified a proactive approach towards addressing this pervasive crime. This marks the first training session for 2024, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and preparedness of frontline workers in the fight against trafficking in persons. The initiative serves as a testament to the Ministry's unwavering dedication to promoting human rights, protecting vulnerable populations, and strengthening

Guyana's capacity to address the challenges posed by human

trafficking. Through collaborative efforts and continuous train-

ing initiatives, stakeholders aim to create a safer and more re-

silient society for all citizens.

Members of the head table at the launch of the $600 million programme, on Wednesday evening

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

$600M programme launched to advance sustainable development plans

A M U LT I - Y E A R programme valued at $600 million (US$3 million) has been launched to strengthen the capacity of Amerindian Villages, including the National Toshaos Council (NTC) to develop and implement effective long-term sustainable plans which are aligned with national development priorities. On Wednesday, the multi-year project was inaugurated at NTC’s Secretariat Headquarters with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Ryan Toolsiram, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Guyana, Odd-Magne R u u d , a n d N T C ’s Chairman, Toshao Derrick John and others attending. This project will allow the NTC to provide technical assistance to villages in developing their 10-year Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs) with emphasis placed on improved environmental management, increased climate resilience, and enhanced sustainable livelihood opportunities. Training programmes and workshops will be conducted to enhance the knowledge and skills of vil-

lage leaders, community members, and NTC staff on relevant topics. It will also foster collaborations amongst villages, the relevant government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. Moreover, a system will be established to monitor, evaluate, and improve VSP implementation through learning and knowledge sharing. I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e project will allow the NTC and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to be more institutionally equipped to support effective VSP planning, implementation, and monitoring. This programme is necessary as 242 Amerindian and remote villages across Guyana will see flows of revenues from 2023 to 2030, through Guyana’s REDD+ Programme. However, for villages to access this fund, they are required to develop VSPs through a process of village consultation and autonomous management and identify actions to develop village livelihoods. In 2023, $4.7 billion was disbursed to these villages, leading to over 500 projects being implemented. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

GOGEC conducts oil, gas training for secondary school students THE Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), on Wednesday, through a collaborative effort with the G u y a n a Te l e p h o n e and Telegraph Co. Ltd (GTT) conducted an oil and gas training seminar for students from Diamond Secondary, Friendship Secondary, and Cummings Lodge Secondary Schools. During the seminar, which was held at the GOGEC’s Training Centre, the students were given a presentation by a team from AA Maritime and Offshore Training Institute Guyana; Mr. Asif Hamid, Executive Director; Mr. Nareshwar Sankar, Marine Navigation Officer, and Mr. Asif Khan, Marine Engineering Officer. They learned about the various courses offered by the institute, the definition of an FPSO

and its types, the roles of a marine navigation officer and marine engineering officer as well as the various practical training methods that are conducted along with their pros and cons. In addition, Mr. Joel Bhagwandin, Financial Analyst and Director of GOGEC, lectured on the economic overview of the oil and gas sector. The students were also encouraged to pursue their dreams and to challenge themselves as they are the future of Guyana. “This is real local content for the future. This seminar was well received by the students as they were very interactive with the respective presenters. At the end of the seminar, they were presented with a certificate of attendance,” GOGEC said.

The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), on Wednesday, through a collaborative effort with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co. Ltd (GTT) conducted an oil and gas training seminar for students from Diamond Secondary, Friendship Secondary, and Cummings Lodge Secondary Schools

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Getaway rider jailed for 16 years for butcher’s murder PATRICK Felix Smith was, on Tuesday, sentenced to 16 years in prison for killing a butcher during an early morning attempted robbery back in February 2020. The sentence was handed down by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall of the Demerara High Court. During his arraignment before the Judge in Janu-

Murdered: Otredis Duarte Campos ary, the 28-year-old man pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder. The indictment he faced was that he murdered Otredis Duarte Campos, 35, a father of two on February 20, 2020. Smith expressed his regret to the family of the deceased during his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, saying, "I never meant to take their loved one's life." Te r i q M o h a m m e d , Smith's defence attorney, pleaded with the presiding Judge to temper justice with mercy. State Prosecutor, Rbina Christmas, asked the Judge to consider the serious nature and prevalence of homicides, describing Smith’s action as an “unprovoked, premediated and senseless” killing. A c c o r d i n g t o h e r, Campos posed no danger to Smith and his accomplice. She said that, since Campos is no longer with us, his two children have been "robbed" of their father's affection. A deterrent to potential criminals should be the primary goal of sentence, she argued, considering the high rate of unprovoked homicides. Smith did not fire the shot; rath-

er, it was his accomplice. Smith was the getaway rider. Ultimately, the Judge determined that the crime warranted a 16-year prison sentence. She instructed the Prison Service to subtract from the 16year sentence the period of time the offender had been detained pending trial. Campos of 321 East Street, Georgetown was killed during an early morning attempted robbery while he was walking to his workplace– the Rosignol Butchery– located on Church Street, Georgetown. The Police had identified his killers as “known characters”. Campos was walking along Cummings Street, between Middle and Quamina Streets, when two men on a motorcycle rode up beside him and attempted to snatch his haversack. It was said that Campos put up a fight with the two men as he refused to

Jailed: Patrick Felix Smith let them take his belongings and, as a result, was shot three times before the bandits escaped on the motorcycle. He sustained gunshot wounds to his right wrist, upper chest and under the chin. The bandits were unsuccessful in the robbery as all of the Cuban’s valuables were found in his possession. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Teachers, students urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence - at AI4Education Conference launch

By Feona Morrison

WITH the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the position of the teacher in the educational system has undergone significant change. Furthermore, although AI can undoubtedly improve education, it cannot replace teachers, who are essential in

countries are investing billions of dollars in learning how to apply AI. He said that as the world enters the Fourth Industrial Revolution, investing in AI is an investment in the future. “We are moving into an unchartered future. The future that you guys will be growing up in is going to look radically

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Educator, Nick Brown fostering students' intellectual and personal development. Nick Brown, the founder of the Caribbean AI Institute and CEO and founder of Camille's Academy, Camille Deokie-Gorakh, shared this view on Thursday while speaking at the launch of the institute’s AI4Education Conference. The conference, being conducted in partnership with Camille's Academy, is dubbed the first-of-its-kind in the Caribbean and will take place in Guyana in April. The AI world has blossomed in the previous years, he remarked, referencing the thousands of tools available for different purposes. Today, he noted, the number of publicly available AI tools which exceeds 5,000. Brown said the application of AI and cutting-edge technologies is gaining traction in the Western World. Whether it is in their governments, their educational systems, or their industries. He said Western

He also urged attendees to prepare themselves by incorporating as much technology as possible into their daily lives. In this way, he urged educators to lead by example. “It is important for educators to lead the way in adopting technology. The students learn through observations and teachers are the greatest role

CEO and founder of Camille’s Academy, Camille Deokie-Gorakh

different than the way the world looks today,” Brown told the gathering of mostly teachers and students of Camille’s Academy. According to him, the mission of his organisation is to provide developing nations like Guyana with AI development tools so they can stay up to date with the swift pace of technological progress. He said that by 2030, artificial intelligence is expected to replace many white-collar jobs. “A lot of the jobs that we currently aspire to as future university graduates…call centres, BPO (Business Process Outsourcing). Those jobs are very likely to be replaced by Artificial Intelligence.” Brown advised attendees to brace themselves by utilising as much technology as possible in their daily lives, even though we cannot precisely foresee where technology will go in the next three decades. He exhorted educators to set the example in this regard.

models. So, the more teachers and educators in this country who can adopt to using AI in their workflow, for curriculum design, for developing assignments… the more students will be empowered to use technology,” he posited. While some individuals concur that using AI in the classroom amounts to cheating, Brown begged to differ. “But I disagree fundamentally. I think it is the obligations of teachers to change the way they teach to accommodate the new technology that is there. Banning your students from using AI is probably one of the worst things educators can do…” Though he alluded to the "resistance and fear" about the use of AI in the education sector, he encouraged students to use AI to enhance their school work rather than to entirely rely on it since they could rob themselves of the learning experience. Meanwhile, CEO and founder of Camille's Acade-

The launch was held at Camille’s Academy’s Lusignan, East Coast Demerara campus and was attended by educators and students

my, Camille Deokie-Gorakh, predicted that artificial intelligence would change students' lives as well as the educational system. According to her, the school system has shifted away from the "traditional classroom" in light of advancements. But she, however, assured: “The programme

we are launching today is not to replace humans. We know that in a school environment socialisation… having that personal experience is very, very important. Hence, the human element will also be the key in ensuring that we produce quality leaders and we continue to provide quality education.”

The Caribbean AI4Education Conference intends to stand as a beacon of innovation and progress. It desires to harness the unparalleled potential of AI to enhance educational outcomes and empower both teachers and students with cutting-edge tools and methodologies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Machine operator gets eight years for killing drinking buddy A CORNELIA IDA, West Coast Demerara (WCD) machine operator who had pleaded guilty to killing his drinking buddy, was handed an eight-year prison sentence on Monday. Deonarine Seetaram, 51, who was charged with the capital offence, opted to enter a guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter when he appeared before Demerara High Court Judge, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, in January. Mohammed Shameem Hassan, 53, was fatally stabbed on February 9, 2019, during a drinking spree at his home in Cornelia Ida, WCD. Seetaram, a father of three, who had been on remand since March 2019, was brought back to the courthouse on Monday for his sentencing hearing. His lawyer, Teriq Mohammed was also present. A probation officer told the court that Seetaram left school at an early age and was forced into child labour. The now-deceased man's sister said that because Seetaram was regarded by

her family as a "family friend," the entire situation has been terrible. For his part, Seetaram’s lawyer pleaded with the Judge to temper justice with mercy. The attorney said that rather than wasting the court's time with a trial, his client "owned up" to his wrongdoing and entered a guilty plea as soon as possible. He made the observation that drinking could have clouded his client's judgment and made him behave that way he did. Prior to his incarceration, Mohammed said his client was a “productive” member of society and assured the Judge that he will return to “normalcy” when he goes back into society. State Counsel Caressa Henry, the prosecutor, noted in her remarks that Seetaram's behaviour left Hassan's children fatherless and without his affection and protection. Furthermore, she pointed out that Hassan was killed while in the “comfort and sanctity” of his home. She said too that Seetaram left Hassan’s house without re-

Dead: Mohammed Shameem Hassan

porting the stabbing to the police. Prosecutor Henry noted the frequency of unprovoked murders brought on by binge drinking, and said the court needed to take action by imposing a sentence that would serve as a deterrence to make it clear that such behaviour would not be tolerated. She said that drunkenness is no excuse for taking a life. Seetaram should have been aware of the consequences of his actions, according to Judge Sewnarine-Beharry, given his age at the time of the crime. She subsequently handed down an eightyear prison term, with less time served, after taking

into account the submissions from both parties. The Prison Service was ordered by the court to see to it that this offender was enrolled in vocational programmes to aid in his rehabilitation and smooth transition back into society. Among other things, Seetaram told the police in a caution statement that he went to Hassan’s residence that day and saw his father and the now-deceased drinking. He claimed that he joined them and soon after his father requested to borrow a pair of scissors from Hassan so that he could cut his hair. After returning from upstairs, he told the Police that Hassan had given his father a pair of red and black scissors. He related that his father later left and went to a nearby shop to purchase alcohol and during that time, Hassan started to curse him and made a derogatory comment about his wife and daughter. Seetaram said that he became enraged by Hassan’s remark, so he picked up the scissors, and “juck” him. The scissors were

left in Hassan’s chest, and he was left lying motionless in a hammock. Upon seeing Hassan’s state, Seetaram said he panicked and picked up his bicycle and rode away. Perforation of the heart due to a stab wound

was listed as the cause of death. Hassan had lived in Venezuela with his family for some 25 years before returning to his homeland, Guyana, in March 2018.

Jailed: Deonarine Seetaram

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Youth sentenced to eight years for role in killing of Karasabai man

YURI Paul Nicholas has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the 2019 fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Elton Leonard at Karasabai, South Pakaraimas, North Rupununi, Region Nine. Before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara High Court, Nicholas, 23, was arraigned for the capital offence. He, however, opted to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, admitting that he unlawfully killed Leonard on May 3, 2019. Reports indicate that Leonard left home at about 19:00 hours on May 2, 2019, while under the influence of alcohol, and, just after midnight, he was in a heated argument with three men. Leonard, a father of four, was stabbed to the left side of his chest and collapsed and died and the perpetrators fled the scene, as he lay dying in a pool of blood. His cause of death was listed as perforation of the heart due to stab wounds. According to court records, Nicholas led his friends to attack Leonard and took part in the altercation as well. He had told detectives in a caution statement that he was not friends with Leonard and that the nowdead man had a history of cursing him whenever he [Leonard] was under the influence of alcohol. He claimed that Leonard was stabbed by a man named "Bruce”. During Nicholas' sentencing hearing on Monday, it was disclosed that he had left school in seventh grade and started smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Attorney-at-Law Teriq Mohammed told the court during a plea in mitigation that, considering Nicholas’ youthful age, his client has a strong chance of rehabilitation. The attorney submitted that his client has saved "precious” judicial time by entering a guilty plea and putting himself at the mercy of the court, rather than choosing to proceed with a trial. “He is not known to be a violent or bad person,” said Mohammed as he implored the Judge to “temper justice with some mercy.” The defence attorney further stated that immediately after his client was arrested, he assisted the police in their investigations and had even given detectives a caution state-

Jailed: Yuri Paul Nicholas ment outlining his role in the incident. He stated that Leonard's fatal wound was not caused by his client. Meanwhile, Nicholas, seated in the prisoner's dock, apologised to the court and the deceased's family members when he was given the opportunity to speak. Directing his remarks to the Judge, he said: “I'm pleading with you, my worship, to forgive me.” In their address to the court, State Counsel Caressa Henry and State Counsel Joy Williams, on behalf of the prosecution, pointed out that although the confessed killer did not inflict the fatal wound, he was the one who “instigated the fight”. They said that Nicholas fled the area after stabbing Leonard and went into hiding after he heard the police were looking for him. In considering a punishment fit for the crime, the prosecutrixes also asked the court to consider the serious nature of the offence and the prevalence of unlawful killings in society. They contended that considering the frequency of homicides, the primary goal of sentence ought to be to deter future crimes. Justice Sewnarine-Beharry began the sentence at 21 years after taking into account the submissions from the prosecution and defence. She then deducted years for Nicholas's early guilty plea, his time in pre-trial custody, and mitigating circumstances. His sentence was reduced to eight years, less time served, when these adjustments were made. The Prison Service was ordered by the court to see to it that this offender was enrolled in vocational programmes to aid in his rehabilitation and smooth transition into society. According to records from the Guyana Police Force Records Office, Nicholas had previously been found guilty of assault and given a $10,000 fine by a magistrate.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

West Indies squander Kings’ ransom in first test (CMC) - WEST Indies squandered a high-octane half-century opening stand to crash to an 11-run defeat to Australia in the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series here

Friday. With the Caribbean side in pursuit of a challenging 214 at Bellerive Oval, Brandon King lashed 53 off 37 and his opening partner Johnson Charles, a pulsating 42

off 25 deliveries, the pair putting their side in command of the contest in a stand of 89 off 51 balls. However, once both perished within the space of 14 balls with 11 runs added,

West Indies lost wickets and ultimately momentum, Jason Holder’s 18-ball 34 at number nine overshadowed by a burdensome asking rate of 17 off the last three overs. “In the middle we struggled to get a partnership but it was still a good game of cricket. We’ve just got to back ourselves a little bit more,” said captain Rovman Powell. Veteran left-hander David Warner had earlier top-scored with 70 off 36 deliveries in his 100th T20 International as Australia piled up 213 for seven off their 20 overs, after being sent in. The 37-year-old struck a dozen fours and a six, laying the foundation for the hosts’ total in a 93-run, opening stand with Josh Inglish, who counted five fours and a six in a 25-ball knock. Like West Indies, once the pair departed, the innings fell away somewhat, with only Tim David counter-punching with a 17-ball unbeaten 37, which included four fours and two sixes. Seamer Holder broke the opening stand in the eighth

over when they got Inglis to hole out to mid-off and Warner added a further 36 for the second wicket with Mitchell Marsh (16) before becoming one of four wickets to tumble for 30 runs, leaving the innings stumbling on 159 for five in the 16th over. Warner was third out, gloving a leg-side pull to wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran in the 13th over, off Joseph (2-46). David then propped up the innings in a sixth wicket partnership, posting exactly 50 off 24 balls with Matthew Wade (21). Medium-fast Andre Russell grabbed three for 43, two of his wickets coming in the final over as West Indies managed to limit the Aussie scoring to 61 runs from the last five overs. I n r e p l y, K i n g a n d Charles put the hosts’ bowling to the sword, West Indies galloping to 74 without loss off the first power-play. King belted seven fours and a six in his ninth T20I fifty while Charles carved out half-dozen fours and a six before picking out Warner on

the ropes at deep cover in the ninth over. King followed soon after, pulling medium pacer Marcus Stoinis (2-20) to Sean Abbott on the ropes at deep square and when Powell (14) holed out to deep cover off off-spinner Glenn Maxwell, West Indies were stuttering at 115 for three at the end of the 12th. Former captain Pooran (18) and One-Day skipper Shai Hope (16) tried to revive the chase in a 26-run, fourth wicket stand but Stoinis struck again in the 15th, getting Hope to sky to backward square – the right-hander becoming one of five wickets to tumble for 22 runs as leg-spinner Adam Zampa (3-26) ripped through the middle. With his side stalling on 163 for eight in the 18th over, Holder flexed his shoulders to clobber three fours and two sixes in a 44run, unbroken ninth wicket partnership with Akeal Hosein (seven not out), but the 27 runs required from the final over proved out of reach.

AMERICAN RACING TIPS AQUEDUCT Race 1 Eliminate Race 2 No Surrender Race 3 M B's Munning Race 4 Sweet As Sugar Race 5 Geopolitics Race 6 Tommy Gun Race 7 Big Save Race 8 Silo Ridge Race 9 Saddle Up Jessie

NEWBURY 08:55 hrs Making Headway 09:30 hrs Emitom 10:05 hrs Protektorat 10:40 hrs Edwardstone 11:15 hrs Lookaway 11:50 hrs Inch House 12:25 hrs Royal Infantry

Stand 15:30 hrs Wiseacre 16:00 hrs Liseo 16:30 hrs Isle Of Wolves

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS TURFFONTEIN 08:25 hrs Darling Harbour 09:00 hrs Marauding Horde 09:35 hrs Barbaresco 10:10 hrs I Am Giant 10:45 hrs Kotinos ENGLISH RACING TIPS

NEWCASTLE 11:35 hrs Explorers Way 12:10 hrs Sea Grit 12:45 hrs Flash The Dash 13:15 hrs Ribal 13:45 hrs Twirler 14:15 hrs Chapman 14:45 hrs Cover Up 15:15 hrs Bossy Parker 15:45 hrs Pop Favorite WOLVERHAMPTON 13:30 hrs English Spirit 14:00 hrs Keystone 14:30 hrs King's Reign 15:00 hrs One Night

IRISH RACING TIPS NAAS 09:20 hrs Lark In The Mornin 09:55 hrs Captain Cody 10:30 hrs Union Station 11:05 hrs Whiskeywealth 11:40 hrs Riviere D'etel 12:15 hrs It's On The Line 13:50 hrs Buckaway Freddie A R A B E M I R AT E S RACING JEBEL ALI 08:30 hrs IL Introvertido 09:00 hrs Makfoul

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Champs Bounty Colts face Kobras in series finale One Guyana Basketball League- playoffs

GUYANA’S club champions Bounty Colts led by national point Guard Shelroy Thomas and centre Shane Webster will have to pull out all the stop this evening against Kobras in game 3 of the One Guyana basketball league. The league is taking place at the National Gymnasium’s Hard Court on Mandela Avenue. In their best of three playoff series, Bounty Colts produced an allround performance to dominate their opener against Kobras, winning 66-51. However, game two saw Kobras returning with some grit and fight to force a game 3, edging Colts 78-73 despite Thomas dropping 25 points. Colts, who won the last club championship in

2018 saw their only loss in the ongoing league come in the first game of regular season in the Jaguar conference. Meanwhile over in the Harpy Eagles Conference Ravens and Kwakwani Untouchables are set to clash in the first match-up of their conference finals after dispatching Mambas and Pacesetters in their respective first round playoff series. Kwakwani Untouchables had prolific numbers from Domair Gladstone with a combined 60 points in the playoff. The Kwakwani team which has also been led by Rayon Short, Jamal Gilkes and Kadeem Dover in offence, clean swept their series with Mambas after winning 70-64 in the first game and a 104-76 hammering to close out

Bounty Colts point Guard Shelroy Thomas

the series in game 2. Ravens also had a road paved with success to the conference finals as they stopped Pacesetters 74-65 and 62-52 in their best of three series. Untouchables and Ravens will now lock horns for a chance to reach the Inaugural final of the One Guyana League. On February 17, the most impressive team in the Stabroek Eagles, captained by national player Travis Belgrave will look to keep their flawless

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday February 10, 2024) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) AUST: 3/WI: 0 (2) Xavier Bartlett (AUST) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest score made by a WI batsman in the recent ODI series against AUST? (2) What was the highest score made by an AUST player in the recent ODI series against the WI? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

record from the regular season and playoffs alive when they battle the winner of Colts versus Kobras playoff series. Eagles qualified for the playoff as the number 1 side from the Jaguar’s conference before taking on the University of Guyana Trojans in the first round of the playoffs Belgrave and Denzel ross on the offensive end showed pedigree to get the better of UG Trojans

72-59 in their first game before eliminating them in game 2, 68-59 to reach the Jaguars conference finals. The tournament which bounced off in august 2023 will see 2 million up for grabs with a million for the winner and half a million for second place. The league is sponsored by Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, G-boat Guyana and the National Sport Commission.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

Khan, Callender leading Chess Grand Prix 2

CANDIDATE Master (CM) Taffin Khan is leading the Open category of the Grand Prix Two Chess tournament, while reigning National Women’s Champion Jessica Callender is leading the female side after four rounds of competition ended on Sunday, February 4th 2024, at the National Stadium. With 25 players in the Open and 14 in the Female Category, the tournament, sponsored by International Import and Supplies Inc., delivered riveting gameplay and strategic brilliance, setting the stage for the remaining rounds of the eight-round competition this weekend. The tournament witnessed some competitive form from National Open Champion Taf-

fin Khan, currently on a hot streak of four points after four games. Khan is one of the few local players who has earned the Candidate Master title. Junior player Sachin Pitamber, in close pursuit with 3.5 points, battled to a draw in his second round with veteran player Loris Nathoo. None of the two players was able to make significant inroads to exploit each other's position and the two opponents agreed to a draw after less than 30 moves. Standing in third positing with three points is FM Anthony Drayton, whose only defeat came at the hands of Taffin Khan. Drayton holds the FIDE Master Title. Also holding strong with three points each are junior player Kyle Couch-

man and newly minted senior Ethan Lee. Junior player Kyle Couchman prevailed with an upset victory over his senior counterpart Ronuel Greenidge in their Round 2 match. Couchman began a series of Queen manoeuvres, assisted by a few pawns to attack and entrap Greenidge's King. Greenidge was unable to save his monarch from checkmate and resigned, giving his much younger opponent the inevitable win. An eventful battle ensued between experienced opponents Loris Nathoo and Ronuel Greenidge in Round 3 after both 'castled' their King on opposite sides of the board. That paved the way for a wild confrontation

Jessica Callender between the two as they both became fixated on invading each other's territory with their forces. Greenidge managed to weaken and overwhelm his opponent to claim the win. The Women's Category was simply a display of exceptional talent, represented by fourteen contenders vying for supremacy. Notably present are Jessica Callender in the lead with 3.5 points, Aditi Joshi, who recently won the Under 14 Girls title and is playing at an advanced level,

CM Taffin Khan (R)

is holding onto her number two spot. Junior player Ciel Clement is in third position, with Sasha Shariff in the number four spot. Shazeeda Rahim is quickly moving up the rankings after a late start in the tournament. The Grand Prix is supported by tournament sponsor International Import & Supplies which provides quality products and superior and sustainable construction services and is committed to the welfare of society and community assis-

tance and development. The Guyana Chess Federation is proud to be associated with them and applauds their efforts and ideals. As the competition intensifies, anticipation mounts for the final rounds scheduled for this weekend at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Stay updated on tournament details and player statistics by following us on Facebook and visiting our website at guyanachess.gy.

West Indies Championship

Day three called off due to wet outfield

CMC – TEST left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican countered Jonathan Carter’s 27th first class fifty with a four-wicket haul to give Barbados Pride command of their firstround encounter against Combined Campuses and Colleges in the West Indies Championship on Friday. The 31-year-old Warrican, who played the last of his 15 Tests for West Indies last July, claimed four for 29 as CCC were dismissed for 185 after resuming the penultimate day at Chedwin Park in Spanish Town, Jamaica on ten for one. Veteran Carter top-scored with 59 while 20-year-old Shaqkere Parris, in only his fourth first class outing, struck 44, but debutant Demario Richards was the only other batsman to pass 20 with 28. Forced to follow on by 159 runs, CCC finished on 96 for two, still 63 runs in arrears heading into Saturday’s final day. Test batsman Shamarh Brooks was unbeaten on 44 while opener Kirstan Kallicharan made 24. Looking to challenge Pride’s first innings total of 344 for eight declared, CCC found themselves floundering on 36 for four inside the

first hour before Carter and Parris came to their rescue in a 53-run, fifth wicket stand. The 36-year-old left-handed Carter struck half-dozen fours off 131 balls while Parris faced 108 deliveries and also counted six fours. When Warrican got Parris to hole out in the deep, Carter added a further 64 for the sixth wicket with Richards, before Warrican intervened again, having the latter taken at short leg to end the resistance. Batting again, CCC lost Parris cheaply but Brooks pulled the innings around, first in a 37-run, second wicket partnership with Kallicharan and then in a 42-run, unbroken third wicket stand with Shatrughan Rambaran (15 not out). At Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts, West Indies Academy secured first innings lead over Leeward Islands Hurricanes thanks to a lower rally from Joshua Bishop. Resuming the morning on 60 for two in reply to the Hurricanes’ first innings of 137, the Academy were dismissed for 177 – an important lead of 40 runs. Bishop, entering at number nine, blasted a cavalier 48 from 47 balls while Mbe-

ki Joseph contributed 42 in the top order, after resuming from his overnight 30. The right-handed Bishop punched eight fours and a brace of sixes while Joseph struck half-dozen fours in a 64-ball knock. Seasoned pacer Jeremiah Louis finished with five for 29 while left-arm seamer Javier Spencer claimed three for 43. Batting a second time, Hurricanes closed on 124 for four, courtesy of Mikyle Louis’s 55 and 35 from Kofi James, as the pace duo of Johann Layne (2-26) and Nyeem Young (2-40) grabbed two wickets apiece. They lost Joshua Grant lbw to Layne without scoring in the fifth over of the innings with four runs on the board but Louis, who struck nine fours off 102 balls, posted 68 for the second wicket with James to repair the damage. Layne and Young then struck key blows as Hurricanes slumped to 102 for four before limping to the close. At Conaree in St Kitts, a wet outfield resulting from rain ruled out play for the second straight day in the match between Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Guyana Harpy Eagles.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

GCB senior Women’s Inter-County 50-overs cricket

Windies girls fire as Demerara beat Essequibo by 186 runs By Sean Devers ON a glorious day for cricket at the lightning fast Malteenoes ground on Friday, Demerara, led half-centuries from the West Indies batters Mandy Mangru and Shelly-Ann Fraser beat Essequibo by 186 in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Women’s 50-over Inter-County cricket tournament. Demerara opted to bat on a flat track and openers Niaomi Barkoye, who hit four boundaries in her 50-ball 27 added 107 with West Indies batter Mangru who reached the ropes seven times and cleared it twice in her responsible 81 from 82 balls before Barkoye was run out. West Indies fast bowling all rounder ShellyAnn Fraser, who smashed five fours and three sixes in a 52-ball 68 shared in a third wicket partnership with the pint size Mangru; the West Indies ladies joining forces after the attacking Tilleya Madramootoo edged veteran Kumari Persaud to the Keeper. However, Demerara, who lost their last five wickets for 45 runs, were dismissed for 273 with 8.1 overs remaining. Yonette Welcome captured 3-48 while Nikesha Narine supported with 2-65 for the ladies from Essequibo bundled out in 22 overs for 88. Opener Lavina Ragobeer with 20, and the pugnacious Analisa D’Aguiar, who hit leg-spinner Niya Latchman for a four and a six in her 16 were only batters reach double figures although extras contributed 31. It was always going to be an uphill task for Essequibo after they lost Lauren Willaims (run out)

balls with five fours and three sixes before she was eventually off D’Aguiar at 228 to trigger a lower

Litesha Jordan (left) and Niya Latchman captured eight wickets between them yesterday

for a duck at 14-1. When the experienced Kumari Persaud (2) was bowled by Nidia Andrews at 27-2, Navika Narine (8) and Ragobeer tried to play out Fraser, arguably Guyana’s fastest female bowler; and their ploy worked to some extent as Fraser went wicketless in her four overs which cost 13 runs. However, with the introduction of leggie Latchman and off-spinner Litesha Jordon, wickets tumbled in a heap with seven wickets falling for 38 runs. When Player-of-theMatch, Jordon bowled the ultra-defensive Narine, who batted for 30 minutes for her eight at 50-3 Latchman (4-24) and Jordon, who celebrates her twenty-fourth birthday today, had 4-16 to slice through the line-up. Earlier, Barkoye, the tall MSC right-hander was looking set for a

big score when Mangru dapped a ball to short third man and took off for a single after the 100 was posted in the 18th over, resulting Barkoye being run out by a direct hit from Williams. Madramootoo was next to go; three runs later, while Mangru reached her fifty from 48 balls with six fours and two sixes but slowed down a bit as the entertaining left-handed Fraser attacked the bowling without too many problems as the 150 came up in 24 overs. But just when Mangru seemed set to join West Indies batter Shabika Gajnabi who scored the last century at this level (165 for B’ce v Selectee X1 at Everest in 2019) she flicked Qzel Sampson to mid-on, to leave to score on 167-3. Fraser continued to play her shots and reached her half-century from 38

order collapse. The tournament continues tomorrow at the Meten-Meer-Zorg

ground in West Coast Demerara with Essequibo facing Berbice from 9:30 Am.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, February 10, 2024

West Indies squander Kings’ ransom in first test

Brandon King made 53 off 37 • Feb 09, 2024 • Getty Images

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GCB senior Women’s Inter-County 50-overs cricket

Windies girls fire as Demerara beat Essequibo by 186 runs

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West Indies batter Mandy Mangru drives during her 81 at MSC yesterday for Demerara

West Indies Championship

Day three called off due to wet outfield

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| SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024