Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-12-2023.pdf

10th DECEMBER, 2023

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See Inside No.107290

Presidents Ali, Maduro to meet - President Ali reiterates border controversy remains squarely before ICJ and not up for discussion

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GDF to regroup and continue to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity - Chief of Staff affirms - Civil Aviation Authority, Guyana Police Force to spearhead investigation

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The Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan and his team visited troops on the border regions on Saturday (Photo: Guyana Defence Force)

First of its kind ‘We want to ‘There’s no Venezuelan flag $60M Mangrove keep the region of peace’ on our border’ Centre launched a-zone PM Gonsalves sees value in SEE PAGE

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- Chief of Staff says

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at NAREI

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Presidents Ali, Maduro meeting

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

Presidents Ali, Maduro to meet 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

- President Ali reiterates border controversy remains squarely before ICJ and not up for discussion

By Trina Williams STANDING firm on his consistent position that Guyana’s land boundaries are not up for discussion, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has agreed to meet with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro in the spirit of keeping the region a zone of peace.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 10:00 hrs in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will be hosted by that country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. In attendance will be Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva, Heads of State of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a United Nations Under-Secretary General, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

Calling for both Presidents to meet with the aim of promoting peace within the region, Dr. Gonsalves, in a letter sent to both Presidents Ali and Maduro, wrote, “Given the recent events and circumstances attendant upon the border controversy, the leaderships of CELAC and CARICOM have assessed, in the interest of all concerned, including our Caribbean and Latin

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr. Irfaan Ali American civilisations, the However, he has made urgent need to de-escalate it clear that Guyana will not the conflict, and institute deviate from and will strictly an appropriate dialogue, adhere to the process of the face-to-face, between the International Court of JusPresidents of Guyana and tice (ICJ) in the resolution of Venezuela. the border controversy.

“Both of you have conAnd the Head-of-State curred with this assessment reiterated this view on Satin the quest of peaceful urday on the social media co-existence, the application platform, X. and respect for international He wrote, “We are comlaw, and the avoidance of mitted to peace in this rethe use or threats of force. gion. The ICJ will deterBoth of you are on public mine, finally, the controverrecord of committing to sy in the Guyana/Venezuela the Caribbean as a Zone of borders.

“We are uncompromisPeace and the maintenance ing on this and the respect of international law.”

Dr. Ali has consistently for international law. We reiterated that Guyana has have made it clear we are always been committed to unopposed to conversations international peace and se- and meetings as a responsicurity and the promotion of ble people and country.” good-neighbourly relations.

Meanwhile, a statement

from the Office of the President in Georgetown on Saturday noted that President Ali was first approached to engage Maduro in dialogue during an emergency meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM on Friday.

But he stood firm on his position that Guyana’s land boundary is not up for discussion, as it is currently before the ICJ, and when adjudicated, will be fully respected by Guyana.

But on Saturday, he was approached again by Dr. Gonsalves.

“President Ali was approached [on Saturday] by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on a meeting with President Maduro on Thursday in St. Vincent & the Grenadines to be observed by Brazil, CARICOM, and a UN Under-Secretary General. President Ali has since agreed to have this meeting,” the statement highlighted.

In the statement, President Ali vowed to continue engaging Guyana’s bilateral partners on defence cooperation works, as well as the on-going range of political, social and economic arrangements.

“Guyana is clear that the advancement of our

development agenda will not be compromised. Our development partners and investors can be assured that there will be no changes nor alterations to existing arrangements,” the government statement noted.

ICJ RULING The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the land boundary between the then British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela.

Despite the historic arbitration, tensions have persisted, with Venezuela repeatedly challenging the validity of the Award.

In 2018, Guyana took a decisive step by approaching the ICJ, seeking affirmation of the Award’s legitimacy.

But despite regional and international pleas for the Venezuelan administration to abide by international law, the Spanish-speaking country defied these calls and went full speed ahead with its December 3 sham referendum.

The ICJ recently granted Guyana provisional measures to prevent any action

by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of Guyana’s territory.

The decision was hand-

Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro ed down by the President of the ICJ, Justice Joan E. Donoghue, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, in The Netherlands.

The court ordered that pending the decision of the substantive case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails with the territory, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over the Essequibo.

As an additional measure, the court also ordered that “both parties refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.”

GDF to regroup and continue to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity

- Chief of Staff affirms - Civil Aviation Authority, Guyana Police Force to spearhead investigation

By Trina Williams EVEN in the face of adversity, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will continue fighting to safeguard Guyana’s territorial sovereignty and integrity, according to the Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan.

Amidst the tragedy that has plunged the nation into a pit of sorrow and mourning, Brigadier Khan during a press conference on Saturday, said the sacrifices of the five senior GDF ranks who died in a horrific accident on December 6 will not go unnoticed.

“While this tragedy of the incident has hit us hard…

Expect us to regroup and prepare to continue with the mission of protecting our country.

“This is the life of the military. We join, we train

and we live to serve selflessly and we do so even after we would have served. We will honour the sacrifices of the officers and other ranks who would have perished in this incident,” the Chief of Staff firmly stated.

The remains of the five long-standing servicemen who perished: Brigadier Gary Beaton- Project Engineer; Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commander of 1st Infantry Battalion; Lt. Col. Michael Charles, Pilot; Lt. Col. Sean Welcome, Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan of 31 Special Forces Squadron, were brought to Georgetown on Friday.

The two survivors, Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford, were also successfully extracted from the crash site and are receiving medical attention in the capital city.

The GDF’s Medical Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Langhorne told reporters that the servicemen are in “good general condition” and not suffering from any major injuries. “…They are all in good general condition.

“They’re all in good spirits, their families are alongside them,” the Lieutenant Colonel said.

Meanwhile, the army head said the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be conducting an investigation into what caused the 8R-AYA, Bell 412 helicopter to crash.

The GDF will also be conducting its own investigation via a board of inquiry.

“In this period, I want to remind that we have an imminent threat to our territory and this particular

flight to our border was a command operation to visit our troops,” Brigadier Khan said.

Speaking more on the operation, the GDF noted that the seven-member crew departed Olive Creek for Arau and Pilot Charles deviated from the normal flight path to the right or north.

The team was on a mission to visit troops stationed on the ground at the country’s western border with Venezuela.

During the past few weeks, military presence has been multiplied at that location due to Venezuela’s escalated aggression in the ongoing border controversy with Guyana.

Brigadier Khan could not say when the crashed helicopter will be extracted, noting that a decision will be made soon. It was also noted that the helicopter

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan among other senior ranks during Saturday’s press conference (Delano Williams photo) was badly burnt, primarily north when it crashed. in the fuselage, with “few The rescue team located remaining pieces.” the crash site on December L i e u t e n a n t C o l o n e l 7 about nine miles southCharles with over 40 years east of “Blake Slater’s” airof experience, was flying strip, Ekereku Top, Cuyuni the aircraft over mountains River and then confirmed and dense jungle in Region that five crew members perSeven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). ished in the accident.

The GDF noted that the According to GDF, apcrew departed Olive Creek proximately 60 persons for Arau and Pilot Charles from various agencies codeviated from the normal ordinated the search-andflight path to the right or rescue operation.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

Maduro’s distorted map is illegal - VP says REJECTING Nicolas Maduro’s distorted rhetoric, Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday stated that Guyana does not recognise any new map which alters the current border with its Spanish-speaking neighbour, as it would stand in contradiction with the 1899 arbitral award.

During a press conference at the Office of the President, Jagdeo stated, “We don't recognise any extension of their map; to do so would be to admit that

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo the 1899 Award was flawed, and so our position is that it's illegal.”

Amidst Venezuela’s re-

cent actions, the Vice- President stood firm on the position that Guyana will not allow belligerent powers to

threaten its territorial integrity.

The Vice-President said that every movement that the western neighbour makes is tracked.

On December 5, Maduro announced a slew of actions to be taken by his government to implement the result of the sham December 3 referendum, despite the judgement handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

As he openly defied the ICJ’s ruling, he announced seven actions that they plan

to take on the Essequibo region, including a new map of Venezuela that includes Guyana’s Essequibo region for distribution in schools, high schools and universities of the country.

In response, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reported Maduro’s latest actions to the United Nations (UN) Security Council and the ICJ. “We will not allow our territory to be violated nor the development of our country to be stymied by this

desperate threat,” the Headof-State affirmed.

He further said: “We urge President Maduro to rethink these missteps, and to act and behave in accordance with the international law. All our actions and anything we do in Guyana are aimed at ensuring this region remains a region of peace. Our only ambition is for this region to remain a zone of peace; we ask for nothing more or nothing less.”

Trinidadians call out Venezuela’s ‘greed’, reiterates support for Guyana WHILE condemning Venezuela’s recent actions and maintaining that they are a display of the nation’s greed, numerous Trinidadians have voiced their unequivocal support for

Guyana.

Speaking to Loop T&T, Trinidadians did not hesitate to slam the Bolivarian Republic for trying to take advantage of their sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

nation.

One man firmly stated: “I think we, Trinidad and Tobago, need to stand with Guyana and support them against a bigger power,” while underscoring that with Guyana becoming a star in both the regional and international realm, all eyes are on the nation.

Anand, whose wife is Guyanese, condemned

Venezuela’s recent actions, and called for the zone to remain one of peace.

“When you have unity and strength for the people, you [should not] fight for land, oil and money. You have to fight for peace and togetherness,” he told the interviewer.

Furthermore, another Trinidadian described

A Trinidadian who spoke out against Venezuela’s aggression

Venezuela as “greedy”, and called on all to pray for peace.

Additionally, another individual spoke of the fundamental principle of international law to one to respect the sovereignty of other states.

“I think it’s a very distressing issue, and it isn’t nice that Venezuela wants to invade Guyana, because I think that every country deserves to have their own sovereign right,” he said.

For context of the ongoing Guyana-Venezuela controversy, the International Court of Justice (ICJ0, on December 1 granted Guyana provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of Guyana’s territory.

The decision was handed down by the President of the ICJ, Justice Joan E. Donoghue, at the Peace Palace in The

Hague, in The Netherlands.

The court ordered that pending the decision of the substantive case which concerns the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that defines the boundary between the two nations, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails with the territory, which Guyana administers and exercises control over.

As an additional measure, the court also ordered that “both parties refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.

Owing to Venezuela’s actions, while Guyana maintains its commitment to peace, the Guyanese Head of State said the nation is taking various steps to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

First of its kind $60M Mangrove Centre launched at NAREI

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

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By Cindy Parkinson

AS evidence of Guyana’s continuous leadership in forest management and climate change, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday launched the first of its kind Mangrove Centre (Knowledge Centre) in the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) compound at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Recognising that mangroves are an asset to Guyana and the rest of the world, Prime Minister Phillips explained that they are essential for reducing the effects of climate change because of their distinct ecology and outstanding ecological significance.

According to him, they absorb and store enormous volumes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which acts as a natural carbon sink.

Citing global estimates, the PM said that the two hundred million tonnes of carbon will be mitigated if mangrove loss is prevented by even 1%, which, according to him, means preserving and safeguarding the mangroves in Guyana.

“We actively contribute to global efforts, striving to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Recognising the importance and valuable contribution of these unique ecosystems to coastal protection and climate change mitigation, the Government of Guyana has committed to their protection, sustainable management, and restoration, and this has been articulated in the transformative LCDS 2030 and the new National Mangrove Action Plan,” he added.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the combination of our natural mangroves and artificial sea defences lessen the vulnerability of Guyana's low-lying coastline, which he said is home to over 90% of our population and our productive agricultural fields.

He stated, “This greengrey infrastructure approach to securing our coastline by combining hard ‘engineered’ sea defences with the restoration, conservation, and management of mangroves is a strategy that provides climate resilience for vulnerable coastal communities."

Prime Minister Phillips also stated that the Government of Guyana is dedicated to the sustainable management and preservation of the environment as the country navigates revolutionary economic growth and development. With the government's ongoing acknowledgement

The newly commissioned Mangrove Information and Conservation Centre of the vital role that the na- Management Action Network, tion's forests play, the PM will develop interventions that added that Guyana has gained seek to integrate mangroves notoriety as the first nation into the landscape as the natuto receive a payment of this ral regeneration of mangroves kind for the historical sale of linked to the movement of carbon credits through ART mudbanks along the GeorgeTREES to HESS Corporation. town coastline continues to “Globally, mangroves are transform the seawall.

“The conservation and estimated to be worth at least US$1.6 billion annually in sustainable management of ecosystem services. These mangroves in Guyana is not blue-carbon ecosystems are just a local issue; it is a global therefore an important re- imperative. By protecting our source to be protected and mangroves, we contribute to restored. As Guyana con- international commitments, tinues to make significant striving for a sustainable and strides in the protection of resilient future. As we open mangroves, restoration ef- the Mangrove Centre, which forts will intensify, and work will serve as a hub for the to explore the blue carbon dissemination of information potential in Guyana through on the fundamental importhe LCDS 2030 will focus on tance of mangroves, I urge all Guyana’s mangroves in the Guyanese to let us champion initial stages. This mangrove the preservation of these incentre will serve as a critical valuable ecosystems, ensurhub for researchers to pool ing a legacy of prosperity their knowledge and advance and environmental harmony knowledge in this area," the for generations to come,” he PM explained. concluded.

Additionally, Prime MinMeanwhile, the Minisister Phillips said that in order ter of Agriculture, Zulfikar to ensure that all Guyanese Mustapha, explained that the can continue to enjoy this opening of the centre is not valuable recreational space, just to mark the inauguration the Government of Guyana, of a building. According to through the soon-to-be insti- him, it is an embodiment of tuted multi-agency Mangrove the Government of Guyana’s

Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, and t h e B r i t i s h H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r t o G u y a n a , J a n e M i l l e r, w i t h commitment to the preserva- explained. against sea levels rise and tion of the invaluable manWith the increase in cli- flooding, resulting from cligrove ecosystem. mate change in the Southern mate change.”

“Today, we are seeing that Hemisphere, the Minister of Finally, Minister Musmore mangroves are being Agriculture further empha- tapha thanked ExxonMobil planted across the coastland, sised the importance of man- Guyana, NAREI, Iwokaraand we have seen almost two grove trees and the significant ma, and the Environmental hundred percent increase in roles they play in protecting Management Consultants budgetary allocations over the people of Guyana. Ac- (EMC) for their unwavering the last three years for this cording to him, "Today, when support in making the cenimportant sector." climate change is real, we tre a success.

He further stated that in this part of the world are the centre is evidence of the seeing it constantly affecting government's dedication to us...mangroves play a very protecting the nation's natu- important role in safeguardral resources, preserving the ing us.” mangrove ecosystem, and Reflecting on one of the ensuring a secure future for most devastating floods in Guyana and its citizens. He Guyana’s history in 2021, also explained that the gov- Minister Mustapha stressed ernment's recognition of the that mangroves play an indismangroves' enduring world- pensable role. According to wide significance and our him, “they are the nurseries commitment to their preserva- of our fisheries, the buffer tion are embodied in the Man- in coastal erosion and serve grove Information Centre. as our first line of defence “The mangrove information centre symbolises the government's acknowledgement of the mangrove's persistent global importance and our dedication to its conservation. The centre is a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the mangroves, preserving the country's heritage, and securing the future of Guyana and its people,” Mustapha

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

Pro-people administration

Even as the country mourns the passing of five of its finest servicemen, and threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Maduro administration, the country continues to accelerate the pace of economic development aimed at an overall improvement in the quality of life of the citizens of Guyana.

This people-centred approach to development is manifested in manifold ways, not least of which is putting more money in the pockets of Guyanese workers through enhanced salaries and cash grants, including that of the more vulnerable segments of the Guyanese people such as pensioners and those living with disabilities.

Only recently, Senior

Minister of Finance within the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced an across-the-board salary increase for public servants of 6.5% with an additional one-month tax-free bonus for the disciplined services.

The salary increases will be granted retroactively from January 1, 2023.

According to Minister Singh, the salary adjustments will benefit over 54,000 persons and will place an additional $7.5 billion dollars in disposable income in the pockets of public sector employees.

These salary adjustments come on the heels of another recent announcement by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of a oneoff $25,000 bonus payable in December 2023 to all public servants and old-

age pensioners. Persons living with disabilities will benefit from a cash grant of $35,000. These grants will benefit over 72,000 pensioners and another 19,000 who are registered on the public assistance register.

These are substantial sums of money that will go directly in the pockets of public servants, pensioners and the differently-abled especially as the festive season of Christmas and the New Year approaches.

It will certainly allow for a higher level of consumer spending at a time of the year when the propensity to spend is more pronounced.

One direct consequence of such increases is what economists refer to as the ‘multiplier effect' on the economy. Greater consumer spending has an acceler-

ator effect on the broader economy which is now at an advanced stage of takeoff as the economy soars to a much higher levels of growth and resilience.

These increases are all the more significant in an environment of price stability and low inflation rates which translates to higher disposable earnings. Put differently, the increases are not simply money increases but are tantamount to real increases. Guyanese workers are all too familiar with the time under the PNC regime when salary increases were devoured by the monster of double-digit inflation.

Because of sound macro-economic policies and fiscal discipline exercised by the current PPP/C administration, inflation rates

are kept below the rate of salary increases. This allows for real increases and a bigger basket of consumer goods and services. All of this translates into a higher standard of living for the Guyanese people.

President Ali has repeatedly said that his administration is pro-people.

The upward adjustments to salaries of public sector employees and the vulnerable groups in our society is a clear manifestation of this policy orientation of the PPP/C administration.

Guyana's spending on social sector development such as housing, education and health services are also indicative of this people-oriented approach to development especially against the backdrop of enhanced revenue flows from oil.

Apart from spending on extensive infrastructural development projects, billions of dollars are also being spent on social programmes. As pointed out by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, there is increased spending on social programmes such as education cash grants, school uniforms, government's parttime employment project and cash grants for the elderly and disadvantaged groups in our society.

The PPP/C administration must be commended for the menu of measures it has taken to ensure that the patrimony of the state is shared in a manner that is beneficial to all Guyanese, in keeping with its philosophy of people-centred development.

AFC leader’s use of a national tragedy to score political points is insensitive, unpatriotic

Dear Editor,

IN the wake of the devastating loss of five servicemen from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), it is imperative that we honour their sacrifice and extend unwavering support to their grieving families.

Now more than ever, this is a time for national solidarity, setting aside political differences, and standing as one in reverence to those who dedicated their lives to our nation's defense.

It deeply troubles me to witness the reckless and insensitive actions of Khemraj Ramjattan from the Alliance For Change (AFC). At this critical juncture, when unity and respect should prevail, Ramjattan has opted for a deplorable path, spreading baseless accusations and malicious falsehoods via social media platforms like a WhatsApp group, the Guyana Forum.

I will refrain from repeating the post shared by Ramjattan.

Regardless of one's pro-

fession or political stance, ethical conduct and respect for due process should be upheld. Ramjattan's rush to judgment and his willingness to propagate unsubstantiated claims only serves to further divide our nation during this period of mourning.

His attempt to exploit this tragedy for political gain by concocting a narrative without the facts undermines the integrity of not only his profession as a lawyer but also his commitment to Guyana's best interests.

In Ramjattan's misguided

attempts to peddle divisive falsehoods, he displays a profound lack of patriotism. His words not only dishonor the memory of those we've lost but also erode the fabric of our society by sowing seeds of discord and mistrust.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the cause of the tragic crash must be determined through a thorough investigation, rather than succumbing to the temptation of politicising a national tragedy.

Jumping to conclusions without the full understand-

ing or evidence can be detrimental, especially when dealing with matters that demand precision and accuracy. A good lawyer, indeed, should comprehend the importance of evidence and the integrity of an investigation before making any statements or judgments.

Blatantly attributing blame without evidence is not only irresponsible but also disrespectful to the memory of our fallen heroes.

At this moment, let us unite as Guyanese, rising above political affiliations,

and commit ourselves to supporting the grieving families and honoring the service and sacrifice of our brave servicemen.

Together, let us condemn such reckless behaviour and strive for a Guyana where integrity, unity, and respect reign supreme in all aspects of our discourse.

Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

The Guyanese know who the internal enemies are

AS a political analyst, I put substantial importance on the local government elections (LGEs) results, particularly the Georgetown municipality voting last June. I argued on this page that the result showed that there is widespread acceptance for the Ali presidency and his government throughout Guyana. Please see my two columns analysing the results with a statistical comparison between the LGEs in 2018 and 2023.

The PPP’s performance could be described as superb or phenomenal. What should have been a resounding defeat for the PPP turned out to be a fantastic electoral achievement. Why the PPP should have been defeated?

Because from August 2020 when Dr. Ali assumed the presidency, an over-zealous army has been relentless.

How could any ruling party could have won the 2023 LGEs with that kind of army at the gate? The war began in September 2020 with the Cotton Tree murder of two cousins. Since then, the war continues to be waged against the government.

Do not take my word for it- just

examine it yourself. Since Ali became president, the daily editorials of the Stabroek News (SN) have been critical without exception.

The daily column of Glenn Lall’s sycophant with the pen name of Peeping Tom, has been critical without exception. One day I am going to get so angry with Peeping Tom that I am going to eventually do what I haven’t done over these long years and tell tale out of school.

All the columnists with SN, except Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, who is not an SN columnist, have been condemnatory of the PPP government since August 2020. You have to throw in the comedy of Glenn Lall; GHK Lall; David Hinds; Mark Benschop; Rickford Burke; and others like them. You have to throw in the anti-government journalism of the Guyana Press Association, Gordon Moseley, HGBTV, the usual suspects, the anti-oil lobby. And of course, there is the official opposition.

I ask in all sincerity; how did the PPP win the 2023 with the war that was waged against it? The PPP doubled its votes and seats in Georgetown. It won

in several places where African Guyanese voted traditionally for the PNC. The answer is important to note.

First, Ali’s style of presidency is encouraging. Secondly, Guyanese know they have in their midst people that are irrational and driven by hate. In other words, Guyanese people know who is who.

We have the identical situation with the Venezuelan threats.

Those that have been harassing the government since August 2020 are silent. Have you seen a letter in SN since the Maduro madness with 40 signatures be-

low the letter denouncing Maduro? It is as barefaced as this.

Rickford Burke is silent.

Mark Benschop wrote in favour of Venezuela. GHK Lall wrote in favour of Venezuela. Peeping Tom keeps denouncing Jagdeo three times a week. Glenn Lall’s comic show spoke words that were sympathetic to Venezuela.

Now remember at all times, these are the people that since August 2020 have been frenetically condemning every aspect of governance. It is a non-stop show.

Do you think the Guyanese people have not noticed

these people’s hatred even in times when Guyana’s sovereignty is being threatened? Five brave patriots lost their lives and someone called into the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show Friday night to say that Mark Benschop blamed the government.

The Guyana Human Rights Association is so driven by anti-PPP hate that it has hibernated but you can bet your last dollar, SN is going to resurrect it.

These anti-government haters are so far gone that they cannot see that the other side of the coin is increasing sympathy for the Ali presidency. I believe

the Maduro madness and the death of those five heroes are the last nail in the coffin. Guyanese know who the enemies within are.

I have been told by former APNU+AFC official in Berbice, Gobin Harbajan that Glenn Lall is forming a political party and has been frequenting the Berbice area. Remember this column after the 2025 election results.

Only two persons will vote for Lall – Lall himself and the man who writes under Peeping Tom. His sidekick GHK Lall will vote for the PNC. My thinking is that there is going to be a huge increase in the votes for the PPP 2025. Is there a possibility that the PPP can obtain a two/thirds majority? This year is almost over and as we climb deeper into 2024 with election fever creeping in, I would suggest you closely examine the 2023 LGE results.

With the battle against the PPP so intense, the PPP won the war in June 2023. It is going to repeat itself in 2025 because the Guyanese people will remember that in 2023, who the enemies within were.

$15.3 billion impact: Government’s comprehensive initiatives elevate public servants' disposable income

Dear Editor,

The 6.5 per cent acrossthe-board salary increase announced by the Senior Minister yesterday, when examined within the context of all the initiatives implemented this year, confirms that our government is people-centered.

As the Minister of Finance pointed out, the acrossthe-board salary increase will benefit 54,000 public servants and boost their dispos-

able income by $7.9 billion.

The Minister also announced a one-month tax-free bonus that will benefit 12,000 members of the Disciplined Services and exceed $1.6 billion, thereby fulfilling the government's promise.

These announcements come on the heels of other significant measures announced earlier this year and benefitted our teachers, healthcare workers, members of the Disciplined Services, pensioners, and persons with

disabilities.

Editor, teachers would have enjoyed a boost in disposable income, approximating $1.9 billion, from the adjustments to teachers' salaries to address anomalies in their salary scale, increases in allowances, and salary increases granted to graduate teachers.

Meanwhile, public servants, pensioners, and persons with disabilities would see their disposable income enhanced by $1.7

billion, $1.8 billion, and $650 million, respectively, from the one-off cash grant announced by the President last month.

When combined, the total impact of these initiatives on the disposable income of public servants and vulnerable groups is approximately 15.3 billion. It is important to note, Editor, that the 6.5 per cent salary increase does not match but surpasses the overall annual inflation rate and food inflation. In this

regard, the salary increase nullifies the general price increases and puts public servants in a better position in real terms. This reflects a people-centered or caring government that is conscious of public servants' prevailing challenges.

Additionally, the salary increases offered to public servants will serve as a significant incremental step towards bridging the private-sector and public-sector wage disparity that may

emerge from the new oil and gas sector.

In closing, I wish to point out that increasing public servants' real income cannot be done in one shot.

Over time, however, these incremental increases will pay dividends by continuously enhancing real wages in the public sector. The effective increase between 2021 and 2023, was 23.07 per cent.

Regards, Kevin Persaud

the gauntlet thus, “On behalf of many concerned citizens, I will offer a public apology to the Minister and Board of Directors if the industry makes this 60,000 tons of sugar as stated by the Hon. Minister in Parliament this week.”

Undoubtedly, the words of an elder bore a high degree of persuasive influence since his words are deemed to be

the truth based on credible evidence. But in this case it was just a wild speculation, more malicious than of any substance.

At this point in time, the corporation has produced 60,106 tons of sugar, and the ‘public apology’ promised

by Mr Green is in order and should be made with haste.

This nation has suffered im-

mensely from the lies and deceit being peddled by the Opposition and a few of its sympathisers. Only recently the opposition made a wild claim of chicken being smuggled into the country, another wild claim debunked by the Ministry of Agriculture.

This country is in good hands under the leadership of Dr Irfaan Ali and so is the

Guyana Sugar Corporation under the astute and competent leadership Chief Executive Mr. Sasenarine Singh, who has defied the prognostication of the naysayers and has delivered beyond expectation which would include the rehabilitation of the Rose Hall Estate. Green and his cohorts can only destroy, they cannot build.

In conclusion, let me say this, I am of the firm belief that Guyscuo will achieve viability and will surmount all odds in so doing.

Congratulations GUYSUCO.

Time for Hamilton Green to apologise

Dear Editor,

I REFER to a letter penned

by Mr Hamilton Green in the media dated 11th August captioned, ‘No one really knows how these billions of dollars are gobbled up by Guysuco.’

It behooves me to reply since the elder boldly threw

Yours sincerely, Angelita Karran

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

Another Palestinian Catastrophe in 2023:

No Christmas in Bethlehem!

IN all the ‘impossible’ things that have happened in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel from Gaza and the Jewish state’s homicidal response over the next 50 days, postponement of Christmas in Bethlehem has to rank among the most unbelievable, but true.

For the first time in living memory (or if ever), annual celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ will not take place where the supreme Christian figure was born, in the Church of the Nativity, forcibly canceled because it’s surrounded by the stench of rotting bodies buried below Gaza’s hundreds of thousands of blasted and bulldozed buildings.

Spending Christmas sleeping out in the streets and winter’s cold is a 2023 reality Christians elsewhere will find hard to fathom or compute, far less swallow.

But it’ll also surely harden the world’s more-human hearts against the sustained disproportionate bombardments and killing of thousands of Palestinians unleashed by Israel through collective punishment in Gaza.

Christian or not, just to imagine: no Christmas ads or movies on TV; no one singing carols or playing holiday music; no Christmas cards or online greetings posted; no lighted trees, jingling bells or holiday parties; no Midnight Mass on December 24; no leaving home on Christmas morning and no Boxing Day on December 26; and worse, no food, water, electricity or fuel; no hospitals or medicines; no telephone or online communication; nowhere

to shelter from bombs raining down day and night and nowhere safe to go.

In the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), always highly-dependent on food imports for the usually-long Christmas season, average citizens everywhere this year worry deeply about whether they’ll be able to afford the costs of imported food and holiday items that seem to rise every time they go to the supermarket these days.

But not in Bethlehem, where the only reminder of Christmas this year is winter, with no one alive spared from the resumed bombardments after a brief ceasefire that followed six weeks of relentless Israeli bombardment that had by then already left over 14,000 Palestinians dead in Gaza (including 6,150 children and 4,450 women), way-over 30,000 injured and 7,000 missing -- most feared dead below over 234,000 homes reduced to rubble by Israeli bombs, of which over 46,000 are unhabitable.

Christmas is the last thing on the minds of the nearly two million forcibly-displaced Palestinians in their homeland -- and especially the 600,000 sleeping on streets in Khan Younis in Southern Gaza, where they’re still being bombed in a zone they were told (by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) was ‘safe’.

Homes reduced to rubble and entire families wiped-out in their sleep, at dinner or prayers, at United Nations (UN) shelters or major hospitals in north, central and southern Gaza, over 1.9

million have more to think about at the start of the traditional Advent of the Christmas season.

Millions of Palestinian children left to mourn for ‘martyred’ parents, relatives or friends, are going to grow-up in constant fear of not seeing tomorrow – or the next minute – and can’t even think of playing with toys in a land where they get shot and killed while playing football.

Palestinians lucky-enough to have had loved ones released from Israeli prisons cannot celebrate having them home for the holidays this year, lest they be rearrested and jailed again indefinitely.

Besides, many are forced to live in the wreckage of homes they worked hard and long for years to build, only to be blasted to bits in minutes while they slept.

Palestinians in the occupied territories will spend Christmas this year continuing to mourn more lost ones by the day, extracting bodies (and body-parts) from rubble with bare hands, to belatedly bury and bring closure to their long periods of psycho-

Help needed THERE comes a time when we realise that our friends or family members are unable to help us with our emotional or psychological issues.

“Dey gat deh own problems,” as we like to say.

They may not have the time or the inclination to sit and listen to feelings we sometimes cannot properly verbalise, knowing that they can offer little assistance. They may recognise, even before we do, that the problem is “too big.”

And this is something we ourselves have to come to terms with, realising that we can no longer cope on our own. We can see no

way out of our situation and it is becoming increasingly hard to function.

This is when we need to seek out someone trained to help us out. Someone who will listen to what we have to say patiently and without judgement. Someone whose job it is to work along with us in finding solutions to our problems.

This is what a counsellor does. With the growing discussion on mental health, both locally and globally, more people are seeking professional help and many are also entering the profession.

In fact, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local and international institutions, recently

concluded a four-day conference on mental health and well-being.

Several mental health professionals took part in interactive sessions discussing topics which included suicide, injury and personal trauma prevention. This is an annual event attended by counsellors and therapists, who looked not only at conditions affecting others, but also at their own mental health.

This year, Guyanese Psychotherapist, Shane Tull addressed the need for self-care for mental health professionals. These practitioners have to take care of themselves so that they can take care of others.

logical terror.

Instead of planning for Christmas, Palestinians are praying for peace through a ceasefire that will allow them to count their losses and pay deserving tribute to their lost loved ones, before the year ends.

The Arab organisers of annual Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem announced earlier this week that will be no Christmas celebrations at the Church of the Nativity in 2023; and the Israeli government gave permission to a far-right anti-Islamic group to hold a protest march at the Al Aqsa Mosque – Islam’s third holiest -- where Palestinians had already been forbidden from worshipping since October 7.

Meanwhile, only 10 per cent of the aid needed is being allowed to enter Gaza, while grandmothers are losing sons to bombs, bullets or disappearances and having to care for grandchildren; mothers are losing sons and daughters and children are losing both parents.

On Wednesday (December 6), another Al Jazeera corre-

Those of us living with mental health challenges certainly need to turn to those who are properly trained to deal with these matters, such as the attendees at this conference.

If we visit a psychologist, we will likely receive a detailed diagnosis and assessment in a medical framework. Hence psychologists tend to deal with those who have more

spondent lost 21 members of his family while reporting from Khan Younis, after an earlier colleague lost 19 family members and yet another lost his wife, son, daughter and grandchild -- and in all cases they were families sheltering in places they thought safe.

Christmas 2023 will be the most-deadly-ever, not only for Palestinian Christians, but also for many Islamic and Jewish citizens who observe the annual internationally observed and heavily commercialised season.

But Jews in Israel and worldwide on Thursday (December 7) launched the first day of their annual Hannukah celebration, highlighted this year by the presence of the Berlin launch at the Brandenburg Gate of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who lit the first candle in the land of The Holocaust.

And Christian-oriented Israelis, war or not, will be able to celebrate Christmas on December 25, even if Christian Arabs and others will not be able to make the usual trek to Bethlehem to celebrate the

severe mental health problems.

Counsellors, on the other hand, adopt a more “person-centered” approach, according to counselling psychologist, Dr. Tristan Bell. He also explains that “counsellors are experts in listening and helping people achieve their personal goals” and will support those with mild to moderate symp-

birth of Christ in the location The Bible says he was bornin in, a manger and visited at birth by ‘Three Wise Men’ bearing ‘Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh’.

This year’s Yom Kippur – described as one of Israel’s two ‘High Holy Days’ and also known as ‘Day of Atonement’ and observed on October 7 -- was supposed to have been a holiday when ‘Jews reflected on their sins and asked for forgiveness from God and those they have wronged’ and ‘also believe that God will decide if they will live or die in the year ahead…’

Instead, that day saw the costliest battle ever launched by Palestinians in the continuing 75-year War on them by Israel, in their own land and homes, as the occupying force continues pursuing its mission impossible of ‘eradicating Hamas forever’, while treating every civilian in Gaza as an armed Palestinian soldier.

But it certainly won’t be a Merry Christmas either for the families and thousands of supporters in Israel concerned about the safety of the 137 citizens and soldiers still held in Gaza (of whom over five dozen have reportedly died, but haven’t been identified).

They’re demanding a ceasefire (until their relatives return home) from a very-reluctant Israeli government bent on continuing its bombardment at whatever cost, including lives of Israeli captives.

And all of that while the rest of the world gets ready for Christmas 2023.

toms of mental illness.

So, it strikes me that when we need to talk over our problems we can visit a counsellor, who may refer us to a psychologist/ psychotherapist. However, as there is overlap, we can also go directly to the therapist.

Counsellors help people experiencing varying emotional and psychological problems – depression, stress, anxiety – and help bring about effective change. They hold sessions with individuals or groups in safe and confidential settings.

So, it is not a case where, ‘everybaddy gun know yuh business’ or where you should feel as if you are on trial.

It is a safe space where you can examine your choices and find your own way to make positive changes.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

Guyana’s oil wealth resurrects Venezuela’s illegal claim to Essequibo and its resources

Venezuela’s recent increased aggression in seeking to annex the Essequibo region has come at a time when Guyana is experiencing immense success in its offshore oil and gas industry. The moves by President Nicolas Maduro to occupy Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) can only be seen as an attempt to reap the benefits of the work put in to explore and develop the basin, while simultaneously attracting investor interest in the area.

The border dispute between British Guiana and Venezuela was legally settled on October 3, 1899, via the Arbitral Award in which both countries participated and were equally represented.

About 67 years later in 1966,

the year Guyana gained its independence, Venezuela defied this award and illegally occupied Ankoko Island located in the Cuyuni River.

Since 2013 when Venezuela’s Navy seized an oil exploration vessel offshore Guyana and the Venezuelan government sought to stymie offshore development, there has been no annexation attempts by the Spanish-speaking neighbour. That is until ExxonMobil discovered commercial oil offshore Guyana in 2015. So, for more than a century following the Arbitral Award, there were no attempts by Venezuela to occupy Guyana nor to obtain its lucrative offshore resource.

Maduro’s aggression seems to have intensified with the newfound wealth in

IF one takes a careful look at the news, one would reasonably think that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro may be suffering from a bout of insanity and may be living a dangerous fantasy when he declared that Guyana’s territory, the Essequibo, belongs to that country.

This fantasy has even led Maduro to declare the creation of a new Venezuelan state with an appointed governor and defence department. Not only that, but Maduro said all Guyana’s residents in the Essequibo will undergo a census, and be offered Venezuelan identification cards. Following the sham, fame and padded referendum which took place in Venezuela on Sunday last, Maduro said the National Assembly in that country is expected to pass a law to formally set out the structure of Guyana’s Essequibo.

Maduro has done and said everything that clears the way to the annexation of Guyana’s territory, declaring instability in the Caribbean,

Latin America and South America.

Guyana’s government, however, is playing the game sensibly, and is proving smarter than the world will ever know. The government seems to be skillfully using diplomacy to handle the situation by relaying its case to the world clearly. The government is also carefully making the point that the aggressor is Maduro and his government in the manufactured conflict with Guyana. It is making sure the world knows that it is only interested in peace, but would not cede any territory that belongs to it to Venezuela or any other country.

This seems to mean that the government knows that there is no question surrounding the ownership of the County of Essequibo, and if there was a question, it was settled by virtue of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

The government is adopting the posture that it will be vindicated again at the International Court of Justice, where it has an active case against Venezuela

Guyana’s waters and the fact that his country is experiencing an economic crisis. Since 2015, there have been more than 30 discoveries offshore Guyana, amounting to some 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources.

ExxonMobil and its co-venturers have since invested a whopping US $19.4 billion to develop Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara where three FPSOs are operating, producing close to 500,000 barrels of oil per day. Guyana's resources have allowed it to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The International Monetary Fund's latest report projects Guyana’s economy to grow by 38 percent at the end of 2023, after expanding by 62.3 percent in 2022

representing the highest real Gross Domestic Product in the world for that year. Investors from across the world have since been flocking to Guyana, investing large sums to capitalise on the opportunities available.

While major companies are looking to invest in Guyana, Venezuela is seeking to cause panic. Guyana is currently seeking the assistance of international partners and the International Court of Justice to have the controversy being stirred up by Venezuela, settled through peaceful means.

President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in a recent address to the nation, said to investors, “Our message is very clear, your investment is in a safe, dem-

ocratic country in which the rule of law prevails. Our international partners and the international community are ready to support us, they have assured us of our support and all we want is for these missteps to be corrected by President Maduro.”

President Ali’s comments follow the Venezuelan President's statement on December 5 which included a directive to Venezuela’s state-owned companies to immediately explore and exploit the oil, gas and mines in Guyana's Essequibo region. Maduro’s utterances stemmed from a referendum that was held on December 3 to infringe on Guyana’s territorial integrity.

President Ali also noted that he has spoken to the UN Secretary General and several

leaders, alerting them to these “dangerous developments and the desperate actions of President Maduro that fly in the face of international law and constitute a grave threat to international peace and security.” The matter was also taken to the UN Security Council for appropriate action to be taken by that body.

Guyanese, foreign investors, neighbours and the world at large are paying keen attention to every action of Venezuela. They can be assured, as the government has stated, that every effort is being made to ensure that Guyana’s sovereignty is respected, and that the country remains a stable investment destination.

industry.

There is no domestic issue for Maduro to stand and campaign on, so he sheepishly makes the Essequibo the scapegoat. He knows if he can have the nationalistic and patriotic sentiments of Venezuelans running high, they can be distracted from the real domestic issues like the basic food shortages and the worrying social circumstances.

Maduro thinks he is smart, but Guyana and the right-thinking people of Venezuela are smarter; they know this is Maduro’s political diversion.

He is making a big mistake, and this incident could cost Venezuelans much more than it will Guyana.

Afterall, Maduro will not win the elections if it is free and fair in Venezuela.

Thirdly, this fantasy he has with the islands is similar to one that Argentina had with the Falkland Islands.

There are many similarities in this historical drama, and Maduro should know how it ends. He must stop at this point, or he will be political-

ly ruined, because Guyana, like Britain, will defend every inch of the Essequibo.

It is carefully watching and gauging Maduro’s next step.

Finally, Maduro must reassess the situation. He must end this aggression towards Guyana, and cease making claims about the Essequibo.

If he cannot afford a complete U-turn on this issue, he must go to court and join the proceedings at the ICJ. He will gain much more respect regionally and internationally if he does this while focusing the attention of his government on the state of the Venezuelan people. He will be seen as a stable leader in this hemisphere if he respects international law, and tones down his dialect towards Guyana.

In the modern age, there is no place or justification for going to annex another state’s territory; it is reminiscent of the imperialist mentality and brutish. It should be frowned upon and treated with scorn. Whichever way, Guyana is prepared!

Maduro’s last political game underestimates Guyana for this very matter.

This does not in any way mean Guyana is not going to defend itself in the face of aggression while it waits on the outcome of the court case.

Firstly, Maduro is underestimating Guyana’s posture and size. He thinks that Guyana is weak and helpless, but he is dead wrong.

Guyana seems to clearly understand when and how to act decisively.

The government is playing the game carefully, and is demonstrating restraint and responsibility. It is also exuding political maturity and sense in this conflict.

Guyana has adopted the right posture, and its dependence on diplomacy is justified. It must avoid a war

with Venezuela at all costs as Maduro seems to want. It should remain calm but assertive and confident when responding to the baseless utterances of Maduro.

Secondly, Maduro seems to be desperate in his attempt to snatch the Essequibo ahead of the court ruling and the Venezuelan Presidential Election in 2024. Maduro knows he is not popular in Venezuela; his policies have plunged that country into poverty and economic crisis, where inflation, migration, unemployment, and hopelessness are eating away at the moral and economic fabric of the society. Under his government, corruption and mismanagement are the order of the day; just look at what is happening in the oil

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

‘We want to keep the region a zone of peace’ - PM Gonsalves sees value in Presidents Ali, Maduro meeting

PRIME Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, has maintained that in order to promote peace and security, it is vital for leaders in conflict to be engaged in dialogue.

He made these remarks on Saturday night during an impromptu press conference, hours after he brokered a meeting between Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, amid rising tensions on the ensuing border controversy.

“Today, I can’t answer what is going to be the

outcome [of the meeting].

What I do know with certainty is that it is better for people in conflict to be talking,” the Prime Minister said.

On Friday, during an emergency meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, they urged President Ali “to explore the possibility of a meeting with President Maduro,” to discuss the border issue.

But President Ali made it clear that the border controversy is squarely before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final and binding ruling.

Subsequently, on Sat-

u r d a y, t h e C o m m a n d er-in-Chief was approached

by Dr Gonsalves to meet with President Maduro on December 14, in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

President Ali has since agreed to have this meeting.

The meeting will be hosted by Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Heads of State of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a United Nations Under-Secretary General and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

At Saturday’s press conference, Dr Gonsalves said, “It is very easy in a

matter like this for persons to vent… but that does not aid a solution. The fact of the matter is, our region has been and is a zone of peace and we would like to keep it like this. If opened to conflict…the implications are horrendous…”

He highlighted that the disruption within the zone of peace would negatively affect everyone even in the “most distant villages in our Caribbean and Latin America” regions.

“I don’t think I can put it any higher than that, so we are making all the requisite preparations to host this meeting…” he stated.

Asked about the value of the meeting given President Ali’s stance, Dr Gonsalves said, “Many things need to be addressed and the matter of the commitment to international law, the commitment to maintain the region as a zone of peace and not to go to open conflict, all are of great importance and I’m sure when leaders sit down, they will search for modalities to maintain the peace.

“I see great value for the communication.”

Dr Ali has consistently reiterated that Guyana has always been committed to international peace

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves and security and will not deviate from and will strictly adhere to the ICJ process in the resolution of the border controversy.

More being done to improve inclusivity, accessibility for PWDs

THE National Commission on Disability (NCD), on Saturday, collaborated with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, to paint new disability signs at the ministry’s main offices at Lamaha and East Street, and at Cornhill and Water Street.

This initiative forms part of the government’s 16 days of activism campaign aimed at bringing awareness to violence against women and girls. The campaign also highlights the importance of supporting vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.

The ministry also col-

Painting of the disability sign at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security office laborated with the Disability Community during their week of activities to commemorate the International

Day of Disability where they banded together to make their workplace more inclusive.

On November 24 and 25, 2023, the Disability Community hosted its annual National Youth with Disability Conference where some 54 participants in attendance aided in the development of a declaration that highlights the key areas youth with disabilities need changes in.

One of the topics discussed was accessibility.

Participants acknowledged the need for relevant legislations and policies, including the Guyana Disability Act, to be amended and strengthened to ensure that all public buildings are accessible for persons with disabilities.

They also outlined the

need for built environments (sidewalks, roadways and, others) be modified or made accessible in compliance with the universal design to ensure full accessibility and independence of persons with disabilities.

In their efforts to improve inclusivity and accessibility, the Ministry of Housing and Water- Central Housing and Planning Authority recently opened a new parking space, designated to persons with disabilities.

On December 6, 2023, the NCD painted three disability parking signs in front of their Croal Street secretariat.

Moreover, accessibility for persons with disabilities includes public information dissemination which should be accessible for persons who are deaf, blind, as well as those with learning disabilities. Websites, as well, should be accessible and in compliance with international guidelines.

Textbooks among other reading or learning material should be available for persons with disabilities in accessible alternative formats; This includes braille and audio books, sign language and close captioning videos.

Parents, guardians urged to equip children with fire safety, prevention skills The Guyana Fire Service is urging parents and guardians to ensure children are not left unattended, and that matches and lighters are kept out of their reach.

This comes after the Fire Service responded to a number of fires within the past week during which the alleged cause was as a result of children playing with lighters and matches.

Two of these fires, according to a press release, occurred a week apart, with the first being on November 29. Firefighters responded to the call about a fire at Lot

19 Public Road Agricola, East Bank Demerara, that was allegedly started as a result of a child playing with a lighter on a mattress.

The mattress was subsequently ignited leading to the destruction of the structure. The property was two storeys high and made of wood and concrete.

Meanwhile, on December 06, firefighters responded to the call about a fire at Lot 10 Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara. The single flat, wooden and concrete building was ablaze after the children there began

playing with a lighter.

It was reported that the flames caught on to nearby combustible materials then ignited the house.

“The Fire Service calls on parents and guardians to teach their children about the dangers and consequences of playing with items such as lighters and matches that can easily start fires,” the release noted.

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham implored that it is important to teach children the dos and don’ts of fire safety and prevention.

He made the remarks during the Fire Service’s inaugural kids’ camp on

November 25, 2023.

This camp was geared at promoting fire safety.

Just around 50 primary and secondary schoolaged children from the community of Lodge and surrounding areas were in attendance and benefitted from the camp.

Furthermore, in November, the Fire Service also conducted several fire prevention training and awareness sessions with the aim of empowering citizens to better protect their homes and surroundings from fires during the Christmas season.

The aftermath of one of the fires

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

‘Fresh Start’ beneficiary granted opportunity to enhance skills

THROUGH its ‘Fresh Start’ initiative, the government recently granted a juvenile beneficiary an opportunity to reunite with his family, following the successful completion of his prison sentence.

According to the Home Affairs Ministry, this milestone marked a significant achievement in its mission to curb recidivism and foster professional growth.

The ‘Fresh Start’ initiative was developed by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and has proven to be instrumental in providing opportunities for occupational training, and establishing pathways towards financial independence.

The young man has successfully completed courses in electrical installation and was presented with an electrical installation toolkit by Minister Robeson Benn and Permanent Secretary Andre

Ally.

Moreover, the toolkit serves as an important asset in enabling the young man to further hone his craft and skills while also striving for self-sufficiency.

He has since extended a heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) for their unwavering support throughout his transformative journey.

The 'Fresh Start' initiative stands as a testament to the government's commitment to rehabilitation, offering second chances and empowering individuals to embrace a future filled with promise and opportunity.

Since being rolled out in 2022, this initiative has provided dozens of inmates with golden opportunities to better be able to reintegrate to society on completion of their sentences.

Minister Benn (third from right) presenting the toolkit to the young beneficiary (blurred) at the Ministry of Home Affairs

Canadian Minister confirmed to speak at 2024 Guyana Energy Conference ANDREW Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology of Newfoundland has been confirmed as a speaker for the highly anticipated third edition of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.

A press release from the agency on Saturday noted that, “The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is thrilled to announce the participation of the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology of Newfoundland, as a distinguished speaker at the upcoming event.

Minister Parsons will share insights and expertise on sustainability and diversification, offering a valuable perspective on the global energy landscape.”

The Third Annual

Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Technology of Newfoundland (Photo credits: Glen Whiffen)

Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is billed for the Guyana Marriott Hotel from February 19 – 22, 2024, under the theme ‘Fuelling Transformation and Modernisation.’

Parsons will be joined

by President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Row-

ley and Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis along with several others to be announced at a later date.

“His participation highlights the international significance of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo as a platform for fostering collaboration and sharing best prac-

tices,” the release stated.

A discussion of the essential components of sustainable energy practices and the significance of diversifying energy sources for long-term resilience will be covered in the session with Minister Parsons.

Additionally, Minister Parsons's participation as a speaker advances the conference's standing as a centre for insightful discussion and leadership by giving participants distinct viewpoints and useful advice for managing the changing energy industry.

The conference and expo is the premier platform for industry experts, policymakers, stakeholders, and operators to cultivate their networks, gain insights for projects (both public and private), and engage with international inves-

tors.

After the success of two previous events in 2022 and 2023, the secretariat saw it necessary to broaden its platform to include the focus on a number of industries for potential investment, such as health, information and communication technology, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and mining.

The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo facilitates the expansion and establishment of strategic partnerships among corporations and industry professionals. Participants will engage in networking opportunities with key stakeholders, such as operators, international service companies, government agencies and government officials.

The conference and

expo will again provide a unique platform to discuss pertinent issues about Guyana’s development and the industry’s global best practices.

It seeks to build new business relationships and strategic alliances; provide updates on projects in Guyana; give insights on critical developments; link companies to all major purchasers and develop timely and useful information to help businesses strategise.

With a projected attendance of over 1,200 individuals, 60 speakers from both international and local backgrounds, 180 exhibitors, and 30 sponsors, the upcoming event in 2024 is anticipated to exceed previous achievements.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

‘There’s no Venezuelan flag on our border’ - Chief of Staff says

WHILE dispelling the propaganda being peddled by the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier, Omar Khan affirmed that there is no Venezuelan flag flying on Guyana’s border.

Amidst a time of heightened tensions, the Chief of Staff sought to provide this key information during a press conference on Saturday at Base Camp Ayanganna.

“There’s no Venezuelan flag on our border, none,” the Chief of Staff told reporters.

Additionally, last Thursday, while standing firm on the position that Guyana will not allow belligerent powers to threaten its territorial integrity, Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said that every movement that our western-neighbour makes, is tracked.

“I can assure you that we’re watching, carefully, everything that is going on.

“Every single movement that the Venezuelans make, particularly the proximity of our borders, is tracked,” the Vice President affirmed.

Additionally, the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, stated that Guyana will not stand idly and allow Venezuela to act on its intent to take control of the Essequibo region, but instead, the nation will remain on high alert.

“We have to be at a high state of alert,” he said, adding that Guyana’s first line of defence has always been diplomacy.

As the President of Guyana and the Commander-in-Chief, Dr Ali said he has to be vigilant and take the statements and actions emanating out of Venezuela with the utmost seriousness.

Despite unanimous pleas for the Venezuelan administration to abide by international law, the Spanish-speaking country defied these calls and went full speed ahead with its December 3 sham referendum seeking to seize two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

In December the ICJ granted Guyana provisional measures to prevent any action by Venezuela that could lead to the annexation of Guyana’s territory.

The decision was handed down by the President of the ICJ, Justice Joan E. Donoghue, at the Peace Palace in

The Hague, Netherlands.

The court ordered that pending the decision of the substantive case, Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action that would modify the situation that currently prevails with the territory in dispute, whereby Guyana administers and exercises

control over the Essequibo.

As an additional measure, the court also ordered that “both parties refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the court or make it more difficult to resolve.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

World Human Rights Day: ERC pledges to uphold Human Rights

AS the world marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on World Human Rights Day, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) pledges its unwavering dedication to promoting and safeguarding fundamental human rights for all citizens.

The United Nations designated December 10th as World Human Rights Day to commemorate the proclamation of the UDHR in Paris on the same day in 1948.

The UDHR asserts the inherent rights of every individual, irrespective of factors such as race, color, religion, sex, language, political opinion, or other distinctions.

Embedded in Article 212D of the Constitu-

tion of Guyana, the ERC holds a crucial mandate to advocate for and protect these fundamental human rights. Recognising the historic significance of the UDHR’s 75th anniversary, the ERC underscores the importance of continued efforts to protect vulnerable groups, eliminate racism, and uphold human rights principles globally.

In a statement released on this occasion, the ERC reaffirms its commitment to fostering tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity within Guyana’s multi-ethnic society.

The Commission emphasises the need for ongoing initiatives to ensure the protection of all citizens, emphasising that while human rights have gained recognition worldwide, there is a persistent duty

to guarantee these rights universally.

The ERC outlines its strategy to empower individuals and communities through awareness campaigns about their rights, actively combating discrimination, and promoting social harmony. This multifaceted approach involves education, monitoring, research, and proactive conflict resolution to address and rectify instances where human rights may be jeopardized.

On International Human Rights Day, the ERC aligns itself with national, regional, and global voices in championing the cause of human rights. The Commission reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the inherent dignity and fundamental

CIOG commends Health Minister for exemplary work in health sector THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) extended its sincere gratitude to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, and his ministry for their exceptional contributions to the health sector in Guyana.

The CIOG acknowledged the minister ’s commendable efforts in implementing specialist doctors, upgrading and installing new equipment, and conducting awareness programs on various health issues.

“The recent openings of new hospitals and clinics have significantly improved healthcare access, bringing relief and benefits to citizens across the country,” the CIOG noted in a press release.

Expressing admiration for Minister Anthony and his ministry, the CIOG highlighted their outstanding dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing quality healthcare. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the organisation commended the entire team for their significant contributions to the well-being of the Guyanese population.

Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad, the President of

the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, reassured the Health Minister that he will continually have the organisation’s unwavering support and blessings in the execution of his duties for the betterment of Guyana and its people.

The CIOG wished them continued wisdom, humanity, excellence, patience, endurance, and commitment in the execution of their duties.

rights of every individual, thereby contributing to the global endeavor to create a world where human rights are universally respected and protected.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

Concacaf women’s Gold Cup

Lady Jags to clash with Dominican Republic for place in Group Stage

FRESH from their historic qualification to the preliminary round of the first Concacaf women’s Gold Cup, Guyana’s Lady Jags will square off with the Dominican Republic at Dignity Health Sports Track and Field Stadium, Carson, California on February 17, 2024.

The other two matches, set for the same venue will see Haiti battling with Puerto Rico and El Salvador clashing with Guatemala.

After single-match elimination play, the winning team in each match will advance to the Group Stage.

A 12-national team Group Stage will follow the Prelims and will be played between February 20-28, at Dignity Health Sports Park

(Group A), Snapdragon Stadium (Group B), and Shell Energy Stadium (Group C).

After round-robin play, the group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-place finishers will advance to the tournament's Quarterfinals.

The Knockout Stage will commence with the Quarterfinals at BMO Stadium on March 2 and 3, followed by the Semifinals and Final at Snapdragon Stadium on March 6 and 10, respectively.

On Monday, Concacaf will conduct the official Draw for the Gold Cup. The event will start at 7:00 pm ET and will be widely available for fans across the region to follow and enjoy through the Confederation's TV partner networks, including CBS | Paramount+

(USA-English) and ESPN (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and South America).

Based on the Concacaf Women's Rankings as of December 2023 and the results of the 2022 CONMEBOL Women's Copa America, the 12 teams participating in the Group Stage will be distributed in four Pots as follows (three teams per pot): Pot 1: United States (highest-ranked Concacaf team), Brazil (2022 CONMEBOL Women's Copa America winner), and Canada (second highest-ranked Concacaf team) Pot 2: Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama (three next-best-ranked Concacaf teams) Pot 3: Colombia, Ar-

Flashback: Lady Jags celebrate their win versus Antigua & Barbuda last Sunday in Suriname

gentina, and Paraguay (second, third, and fourth place finishers of the 2022 CONMEBOL Women's Copa America).

Pot 4: Three teams that will qualify for the Group Stage from the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup Prelims

Furthermore, following the regulations governing the draw, the three teams in Pot 1 will each be pre-seeded into a group as follows: Group A, position A1: United States Group B, position B1:

Brazil Group C, position C1: Canada The draw will begin by placing the three pre-seeded teams in pre-assigned group positions. Once confirmed, the draw will continue by drawing the spheres from Pot 2 and placing each team in sequential order in Groups A, B, and C, with no more than one team from each pot in each group. This procedure will be replicated for Pots 3 and 4.

The draw will conclude once all national teams have been assigned a group.

The 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup is sponsored by Modelo, Qatar Airways, Toyota, and Valvoline.

Andre Russell recalled to Windies

T20I squad after two-year absence ..Selectors name 15-man squad featuring Forde and Rutherford, with Hope as vice-captain

ANDRE Russell has been named in West Indies' T20I set-up for the first time since the 2021 T20 World Cup, as part of a 15-man squad to face England in next week's five-match series in the Caribbean.

Russell, 35, has spent the past month in the UAE, where his Deccan Gladiators team lost to New York Strikers in the final of the Abu Dhabi T10 on Saturday. He will link up with the squad in Barbados this week, with the first T20I getting underway at Bridgetown on Tuesday.

Matthew Forde, the

Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell are both back in West Indies’ T20I squad for the England series • Abu Dhabi T10

uncapped 21-year-old allrounder, has also been named in the squad after his maiden call-up to the ODI set-up this month, while Sherfane Rutherford

is also back in the T20 reckoning for the first time since 2020.

Gudakesh Motie, who impressed with his leftarm spin in the second

ODI against England in Antigua, has been recalled to the squad after missing the recent India tour through injury. Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder, both of whom have been unavailable for 50-over selection in recent months, also return.

The five-match series against England, the defending T20 World Champions, is an important staging post for West Indies ahead of their co-hosting of the next T20 World Cup, alongside the USA, in June and July 2024.

Shai Hope, West Indies' captain and standout batter in the ongoing

ODIs, has been named as vice-captain to Rovman Powell, while Johnson Charles, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith and Oshane Thomas all miss out on selection having featured against India in August.

"This will be the final home T20I series for the West Indies in 2023, as they prepare to be one of the two host teams for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA in June 2024," Desmond Haynes, CWI's lead selector, said.

"We have selected a squad that we think gives us the best chance of success in that tournament.

We will continue to assess in the lead up to the competition."

The selection panel has the opportunity for squad adjustments ahead of the final two matches of the series, in Trinidad on December 19 and 21.

West Indies squad Rovman Powell (capt), Shai Hope (vc), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder,Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

NZ equalise Test series after thrilling run-chase

NEW Zealand equalised the two-match Test series 1-1 after ripping through the Bangladesh batting, and despite some top-order alarms, chasing down the target of 137 just after Tea on Day 4.

Devon Conway was the first to be dismissed in the run-chase that began minutes before the lunch break, trapped LBW by Shoriful Islam. Kane Williamson attacked Taijul Islam in order to up the ante, but was even-

tually stumped off the bowler, sending the Bangladesh team into a frenzy.

Henry Nicholls was the next batter to depart, struck in front and playing for the spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and also burned a review as he headed back to the pavilion. Latham survived an LBW appeal against Taijul, but eventually fell, caught at slip to Mehidy. The procession continued as Tom Blundell nicked one to the keeper, and after some resis-

tance, Daryl Mitchell nicked Mehidy to slip, to have New Zealand on the rope at 69-6.

However, it was then that Mitchell Santner joined Glenn Phillips, and despite some some close LBW shouts and a dropped chance, the two anchored New Zealand to victory with a 70-run stand after Tea on Day 4.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh collapsed from 71-2 to 144 all-out on Day 4 morning, courtesy a combined nine wickets picked up

by New Zealand's left-arm spinners Ajaz Patel (6-57) and Mitchell Santner (3-51).

Mominul Haque and Zakir Hasan started fluently, but the spinners skittled through the line-up, other than Zakir Hasan, who scored a crucial fifty before he became Ajaz's fifth scalp.

New Zealand wrapped up the innings for 144, setting themselves 137 in the final innings, which they chased down after an alarming start, levelling the

ON Friday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) mourned the loss of two esteemed former Guyana and West Indies cricketers. Joe Solomon, renowned for his exceptional batting prowess in the 1950s and 1960s, passed away at 93. Clyde Butts, the former off-spinner and Guyana captain in the 1980s, passed away at the age of 66 due to a motor vehicle accident.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, paid tribute, saying, "the remarkable contributions of Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts will be remembered not only by those in their native Guyana but also by many across the West Indies."

He continued, "Joe Solomon stood among the he-

roes of West Indies cricket. His iconic play – the pick-up, throw, and run-out of Ian Meckiff in the tied Test – remains an indelible moment in our history. His dedication to the game was evident in mentoring numerous players, showing his commitment to the sport's development. He was a true servant of the game."

President Shallow noted, "Clyde Butts, a stalwart figure in West Indies' first-class history, displayed extraordinary adeptness as an off-spinner and captain for Guyana. His legacy extended beyond the field, earning him recognition as a statesman and ambassador for the game in Guyana and the region. In retirement, his unwavering commitment to coaching reflected his dedi-

cation. He tirelessly invested hours, nurturing young talent and passionately fostering their development within the sport."

He further remarked, "he served with distinction as Team Manager for the West Indies Under-19 team.

His exceptional leadership as Chairman of Selectors notably resulted in forming the triumphant team that won the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, a victory that brought immense pride and glory to the people of the West Indies."

Joseph Stanislaus Solomon played 27 Test matches from 1958 to 1965. His debut in 1958 against India in Kanpur showcased impressive scores of 45 and 86, including a partnership of 163 with Garfield So-

bers. He gained fame for his run-out of the last Australian batsman, leading to the famous tied Test in December 1960 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Clyde Godfrey Butts made his Test debut in 1987 at Bourda Oval and played seven Tests during West Indies' dominant era. He stood among the leading bowlers in the West Indies first-class championship in the 1980s, concluding his career with 348 first-class wickets. After retirement, he served as an administrator, chairing the West Indies Men’s senior selection panel during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup win in 2012 in Sri Lanka under Darren Sammy's leadership. (Sportsmax)

Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner put on an unbeaten 70-run stand to close the chase series 1-1 and getting on the World Test Championship

board for the 2023-25 cycle.

(Cricbuzz)

Cricket West Indies pays tribute to Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts

Narine trumps Russell as Strikers winT10 title

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Sunil Narine produced a brilliant spell to trump a Andre Russell cameo as Kieron Pollard’s New York Strikers beat Deccan Gladiators by seven wickets in the final of the Abu Dhabi T10 final here Saturday.

Sent in at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Gladiators mustered 91 for five from their ten overs with Russell blasting an 18-ball unbeaten 30 with two fours and two sixes.

With Strikers languishing on 57 for five at the start of the eighth over after the West Indies pair of Nicholas Pooran

Off-spinner Sunil Narine claimed two for six (15) and Fabian Allen (1) both failed, Russell put on 34 in an unbroken sixth wicket stand with David Wiese who struck an 11-ball unbeaten 20.

Off-spinner Narine, who

claimed two for six from his two overs, had earlier made key strikes to hurt the innings.

In reply, Strikers chased down their target with four deliveries remaining, Man-of-

the-Match Asif Ali top-scoring with an unbeaten 48 from 25 deliveries with two fours and four sixes.

With the game in the balance at 38 for three, Asif combined in a match-winning 56-run, unbroken fourth wicket partnership with Pollard to see his side over the line.

Pollard lashed a four and a six in scoring 22 off 13 deliveries.

West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who took a hat-trick in a five-wicket haul on Friday, was adjudged Man-of-theSeries after taking another wicket on Saturday to end the series with 12 scalps.

The late Clyde Butts (left) and Joe Solomon

GCB saddened by sudden passing of Clyde Butts The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is saddened by the passing of former Guyana and West Indies Off-spinner, Clyde Butts, and sends its condolences during this time to the family, friends and entire cricket fraternity.

Butts, who was 66 years old, died on Friday (yesterday) afternoon following a vehicular accident on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), with details surrounding the unfortunate incident still hazy at this time.

Nicknamed Mr 5-Fer, the spin stalwart played 87 1st class games for Guyana with 7 Test ap-

pearances for the West Indies between 1985-88.

The spinner also won 3 first class titles for his country during his active days, finishing with 380 scalps.

Butts was also Chairman of the West Indies Senior Selection panel for a few years before focussing more recently on commentary where he was a regular voice during the Regional season.

The GCB sends its condolences to the family of the late Mr. Butts, as the cricket fraternity mourns one of its fallen comrades.

21

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

SVC DCB inter association T20 tournament

Chandrika’s highlights poor opening day as G/T and E/Coast win

By Sean Devers

Former West Indies Test opener Rajendra Chandraka’s 54 highlighted a substandard opening of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Senior T/20 Inter Association /Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc./ Precision Service Center Inc tournament at GCC, Bourda as East Coast and Georgetown registered first round wins yesterday.

After a minute of silence was observed for the five GDF soldiers who died in a Helicopter crash and former Test players Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts, who passed yesterday, the tournament began after a 30-minute delay due overnight and early morning showers.

East Bank opted to field in a game which was reduced to 18 overs and the 34-year-old Chandraka led the way with 54 for East Coast, who reached 118-6 from their allotted 18 overs, on a lush green outfield and a slow track.

Chandraka’s half century lasted 48 balls and was decorated with four boundaries but only Vishwanath Ramlakhan (21) and Krishna

Deosarran (16) of the other batters reached double figures.

Leon Swammy (2-19) and Sagar Hatiamani (2-15) were the main wicket takers for East Bank who were bowled out for 92 in 14.4 overs.

Swammy top-scored with 47 from 23 balls with three fours and four sixes but once he threw his wicket away with an impetuous pull to deep mid-wicket off Andrew Samaroo at 83-5, East Bank, without inter county left-hander Shamar Yearwood, who arrived after the toss, lost their last six wickets for nine runs in pathetic batting display with lacked shot-selection and common sense.

Only Hatiamani (13) off the other batters, reached double figures as spinner Samaroo bagged 4-14. He was supported by Neeran Bani (3-26) and Sachin Singh (2-23) to give East Coast a 26-run victory.

In the afternoon game, which was watched by good size gathering and played in bright sunshine, Georgetown beat West Demerara by seven wickets in another low scoring encounter.

Rajendra Chandrika collects his Man-of-the-Match Trophy from GCA Official Shawn Massiah (right) West Demerara were restricted to 90-9 from 20 overs with National 50 overs player Richie Looknauth, who hit a six in his 31-ball 25 and Narendra Persaud whose 22 included a six and four, reached double for West Demerara.

Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed had 3-20 and got support from Carlos LaRose (2-11) and Jonathon Van Lange (2-12) Georgetown began their chase of the small target inauspiciously when former

A minute of silence was observed for the five GDF soldiers who died in a Helicopter crash and former Test players Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts, who passed yesterday First-Class opener ShemHowever, that would 15 while Perez’s carefully roy Barrington (3) fell to be last success for the lads constructed 42 came from Navindra Persaud at 7-1 from the West side, as Perez 52 balls with two fours.

The second round is while Adrian Hinds (6) was continued to impress with removed by Aryan Persaud some delightful shots and set for this week end with at 22-2 in the fourth over. along with 17-year-old Van Georgetown facing Upper Raymon Perez continued Lange who has represented Demerara from 09:00hrs to show his consistency in Guyana in both Table Tennis and East Coast opposing local cricket with several and Cricket, put together West Demerara at Lusigfluent drives and was quick 43 in an unfinished fourth nan on Saturday while on to pounce on the bad deliv- wicket stand.

Sunday Georgetown play eries and along Chris BarnThe multitalented Van East Bank and Upper well, who hit two boundaries Lange clobbered Mahendra Demerara come against in a cameo 18, took the score Danpaul for a six and a one- West Demerara as the to 51 before Looknauth got bounce four to finish the action shifts to Farm on rid of the experienced Barn- game in emphatic fashion the East Bank. well. as he ended unbeaten on

Cropper, Tain and Fyrish to vie for Berbice’s Future Warriors Tapeball title

THE Berbice edition of the Future Warriors Tapeball Primary commenced Saturday and it was filled with much excitement and an abundance of talent on display at the Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Ground.

Of the 12 talented teams, Cropper Primary, Tain Primary, Fyrish, and Primary are through to Sunday’s finals at Port Mourant from 09:00h.

The aforementioned teams played unbeaten in the two matches, and to lift the title, one side needed to win two more matches in the tournament powered by ExxonMobil.

In the second round, Fryrish was 58-6 in their eight overs, led by Yuvraj Goberdan with 30 (2x4s;2x6s), and they managed to restrict All Saints

Part of the action on day one in the Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament powered by ExxonMobil Primary to 39-2.

Moreover, Tain pilled on 64-2 as Sunil Samaroo made 28* (2x4s; 2x6s), and Lekraj Ramberran got 10.

In response, Bohemia was restricted to 48-4.

Cropper got the highest

score as they posted 763, led by top innings 47 (7x4s;2x6s) from Jayden Gardner, and Timothy Ramsaywack got 17.

While Rose Hall Town Primary battled hard, they fell by 13 runs, reaching

63-4.

The impressive Anthony Shaeed smashed 33* (1x4; 3x6s) and got support from Randy Williams 16*.

The other six participating schools were Belvedere Primary, McGowan

The youngsters celebrate the fall of a cricket Primary, No. 36 Primary, Kildonan Primary, St. Aloysius Primary and Albion Primary.

As part of the festive nature, the organisers, FL Sport, provide bats, balls, and transportation free

of cost to all of the participating schools, along with various meals and refreshments throughout the playing days.

22

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

GFF, Blue Water Shipping sign

agreement for multi-purpose stadium

GFF President Wayne Forde and Blue Water Shipping Sr. Vice President of Sales and Development Richard DeNobrega sign the MOU for the Blue Water Shipping Stadium at Durban Park, Georgetown THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in partnership with Blue Water Shipping have begun the initial steps to create an innovative new muti-purpose sports, educational and entertainment venue.

According to a release from GFF, the project will focus on expanding the ways the stadium serves the Guyana National team as well as the wider community. It said the goal is for the venue to be accessible to people from all backgrounds and will be integrated with Guyana’s art and cultural life.

The release pointed out that Blue Water Shipping has consistently partnered with football in Guyana and put its full support behind the design and construction process. Based on the agreement between the two entities, Blue Water Shipping will hold the exclusive naming rights for the facility for an initial period of five years.

The key features of the design include: exterior terraces and stands with panoramic views of Georgetown that will serve as critical space during event days; open design; good sight lines

for all spectators through diverse viewing experiences and high-tech and sustainable materials throughout the building.

Other features of the stadium complex include a dedicated community space which could be utilized year-round for educational opportunities, youth sport, non-profit events and other community-minded purposes.

Discussions on the possible partnership, the GFF said, began in September 2022 when President Wayne Forde visited Blue Water Shipping

An architectural view of the stadium during its 50 years Jubilee celebrations in Denmark.

According to Blue Water Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Bek, “at Blue Water Shipping, we are committed to be part of the communities where we operate. It is with great honour and respect we enter into this partnership with the GFF as part of the new stadium in Georgetown.

We are looking forward to great football matches and events that can bring pleasure and excitement to everyone in Guyana. Football, sport and culture are deeply rooted in our company values and

we are privileged to be able to strengthen our cooperation with the GFF – beyond our sponsorship for the Under-15 Girls League.”

The GFF President disclosed that “the Blue Water Shipping Stadium will be an imposing landmark in the city of Georgetown and a standard bearer for architectural excellence in this new era of football infrastructure.

This groundbreaking partnership is an unequivocal example of the huge strategic role corporate Guyana can play in the transformation of the sporting landscape across

Guyana.

I am truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to work so closely on this project for the past year with our friends at Blue Water Shipping. This facility, when completed, will not only inspire thousands of boys and girls in the coming years, it will also transform the Wortmanville community.

“I would also like to thank the Government of Guyana for leasing the 7.3 acres of land on which the stadium will be built by the GFF.”

was up to the ODI World Cup which concluded on November 19.

Following the tournament, the Indian team embarked on an eight-game, month-long assignment in South Africa, departing on December 6. It has now been indicated that a decision on the long-term tenure for Dravid and his coaching staff will be made upon their return next month.

Shah also clarified that no assurance can be given to Rohit Sharma regarding his selection in the Twenty20 side. There is a strong belief all-round that he should be picked for the June 3-30 ICC tournament in the Caribbean and the US, and some media reports suggest that the cap-

tain has sought clarity on his role in the Twenty20 side.

Rohit has not played a T20I for over a year, and in Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav has been made the skipper for three matches in South Africa starting Sunday, leaving Rohit out of the side.

“The tournament (Twenty20 World Cup) starts in June. There’s the IPL before that and the series against Afghanistan. We will take a good decision,” the BCCI secretary said. Shah also provided an update on Hardik Pandya’s fitness status. He is being monitored on a day-today basis. He’s at the NCA. He’s working hard. We will let you know in due course.

He can be fit even before the Afghanistan series,”

he revealed. Pandya has been out of action since October 19.

The BCCI official also indicated that Mohammed Shami could participate in the South Africa series.

Currently, the Indian pacer is out of action, nursing an ankle injury that has been worrying him since the World Cup. “Shami should be ready for the South Africa series. He is not at the NCA yet but will go there soon. We are confident he will recover in time,” Shah said. The BCCI previously had said that the pacer is currently undergoing medical treatment and his availability is subject to fitness. (Cricbuzz).

BCCI to talk to Dravid over longterm extension after SA series

THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has indicated that negotiations regarding a Long-term extension of Rahul Dravid tenure as head coach will be decided after the South Africa tour. The current extension, albeit temporary, was granted until the Twenty20 World Cup in June, with the board citing a lack of time for an interim decision.

“We did not have time.

We met with them and mutually agreed that he can continue. Once they return from South Africa, we will sit with him and decide on the tenure,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in Mumbai on Saturday.

Dravid’s original tenure

Rahul Dravid

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

23

Forde re-elected to serve for third term as president of the GFF ..Vows to continue football-centric agenda

24

Wayne Forde on Saturday was re-elected as the president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

He secured his third consecutive term as the head of the football body after a decisive win against opponent Franklin Wilson at the December 9th Extraordinary Congress, setting the stage to continue his development-focused agenda rooted in the ethos of 'Football First.'

The GFF president received 14 votes out of the total 22 eligible ballots, triumphing over Wilson, a former president of the GFF. The Electoral Congress was held at the Federation's National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Following a seamless voting process accompanied

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 10, 2023

by a verification recount, Forde was officially declared the victor just before 1 p.m.

In his post-election press conference, he acknowledged the members who demonstrated their faith in his leadership through the ballot and reiterated that his primary motivation for pursuing a final-term was to finalise ongoing infrastructure projects, notably the NTC and the Durban Park Stadium set to be named the Blue Water Shipping Stadium.

“We also want to go on record thanking the members who expressed through the ballot their faith in us for a final four years. Our motivation was driven primarily by our intention to complete the National Training Centre (NTC), and to embark on a

Wayne Forde monumental project at the Durban Park facility which we signed with Blue Water Shipping.”

He also announced that his administration plans to meet with Wilson and his team within the next three weeks to discuss collaborating for the betterment of football. “ We w i l l b e i n v i t ing presidential candidate Franklin Wilson and his

Wayne Forde and the support staff take a photo-op following the successful elections (Shaniece Bamfield photos) slate in 21 days from this day to have a heart-to-heart discussion with them and to see how best we can bring them into the planning for the future development of our football. I believe that it is important that in our own way we can set an example where while we may have been on opposite sides when we lobbied the members for the office…that we can now come together and reconcile

any differences we may have had and find a way to work together to move our sport forward.”

Head of One Concacaf and Caribbean Projects Howard McIntosh extended congratulations and recognition to both teams for their commitment to serving.

He noted that he was “pleased to see how the congress ran,” and is looking forward to working with the

new administration to “grow football in Guyana.”

Forde's 2023 team comprised Brigadier (ret.)

Bruce Lovell, Rawlston Adams, Dion Inniss, President of the Women’s Football Association Andrea Johnson, Denneze Lovell from Den Amstel Football Club, Alden Marslowe of Bartica Football Association, along with Magzene Stewart and Rayan Farias.

Marian Academy crowned champions of MVP Sports Girls Pee Wee tourney ..Hingh named MVP

Marian Academy last evening got the better of St John the Baptist 2-1 to lift the MVP Sports G i r l s U - 11 S c h o o l s Football trophy for the first time in the tournament’s seven-year history.

Facing a spirited St John the Baptist team, it took a last minute goal (40’) to grasp the title for Marian as Haley Kaber-

GFF President Wayne Forde hands over the trophy to Marian Academy captain Skylar DeNobrega as her teammates look on

korn struck a deflected shot through the legs of the St John keeper to spark wild celebrations from her side’s supporters, coach and teammates.

Earlier in the first half, Skylar DeNobrega had scored her 10th goal of the tournament in the 13th minute to put her side ahead, however, not to be outdone, Shemia Hingh produced a mazy run to walk the ball into the net after she had rounded the Marian

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Academy goalkeeper to equalise for her side.

Hingh ended as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player with a tally of 9 goals while DeNobrega with her 10 won the accolade for the Highest Goalscorer.

Earlier in the day, l a s t y e a r ’s w i n n e r s North Georgetown and West Ruimveldt could not find a deciding goal and North Georgetown won the penalty shootout 5-2 to finish third.

| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2023