Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-12-2023 by Guyana Chronicle

MONDAY 11th December, 2023

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VAT INCLUSIVE

Guyana’s position is non-negotiable

No.107291

–– President Ali reaffirms; says there will be no compromise on country’s position on border controversy with Venezuela –– ahead of Thursday’s talks with the Bolivarian Republic’s Head of State

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Heroes Highway…

Critical EBD highway named in honour of fallen heroes 02 PAGE

–– road an important link for country’s three counties, President Ali says

Trade between Guyana, UAE rises significantly 05 PAGE

–– nations agree to extend cooperation in areas of food security, energy, technology, capacity-building, cultural and social exchanges

Opposition maintains Consecutive salary increases have boosted border controversy properly before ICJ 15 disposable income of public servants 09 PAGE

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–– says meeting between Guyana, Venezuela good opportunity for dialogue on issues outside of matter before the court

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Heroes Highway…

Critical EBD highway named in honour of fallen heroes –– road an important link for country’s three counties, President Ali says By Naomi Parris THE Eccles to Great Diamond Highway along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor was, on Sunday evening, commissioned and named the Heroes Highway in honour of the the five long-standing servicemen who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash last week. The new road, which will eventually serve as a critical component of transport infrastructure that links Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara, features a massive roundabout. At the centre, the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s pride and national flag, stretches broadly on the foundation with a replica of a giant anteater mounted atop. Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away, a monumental structure was erected with the names of the five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers who lost their lives: Brigadier Gary Beaton- Project Engineer, GOG; Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commander of 1st Infantry Battalion; Lt.

A section of the highway Col. Michael Charles, Pilot; Lt. Col. Sean Welcome, Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan of 31 Special Forces Squadron. Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who commissioned the major road network,

declared that it will be named the “Heroes Highway” to honour the men who perished. “We have lost physically some of our finest and when I tell you some of our finest, I mean some of our finest…I’ve known many of them before. But over the

last few years, I’ve developed an intense bond with the men and women who serve in the Guyana Defence Force,” the Head of State said in an emotional address. Last Wednesday, news broke that a GDF chopper Bell 412 went missing near the Venezuelan border; immediately search and rescue teams were mobilised. On Thursday, it was confirmed that five of the seven servicemen onboard the aircraft had perished. “These men and women are rarely celebrated in our country. For a matter of fact, to be honest with you, they’re rarely acknowledged. It is painfully sad and I found myself over the last three years developing a special kind of bond and respect for them because I know what they do, I know what they sacrifice,” President Ali said. Family members of the servicemen and ranks of the Joint Services attended the ceremony. While fighting back tears, the Head See page 4

Guyana’s position is non-negotiable 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

WITH talks scheduled with Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, President Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering stance in the border controversy with the Bolivarian Republic, maintaining that the matter remains “non-negotiable” and there will be “no compromise” on the issue, since the case is still before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In a live broadcast to the nation on Sunday, President Ali outlined the steps that led to his decision to engage in a conversation with President Maduro, while underscoring Guyana’s commitment to the ICJ as the rightful channel for resolving the controversy. The meeting will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 10:00 hours 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 members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). From the outset, President Ali has made it clear that there is no room for compromise on the border issue which is currently before the ICJ. “This matter is before

President, Dr Irfaan Ali the ICJ and that is where it shall be settled. There is no negotiations on this, there’s no compromise on this. As you’re aware, the ICJ has already issued orders that called on Venezuela to ensure that the status quo remains,” the Head of State said. He referenced the orders issued by the ICJ, calling on Venezuela to maintain the status quo and reiterated Guyana’s dedication to international law. The President pointed out that Guyana’s allies and partners continue to show unwavering support. “We are tremendously proud of the level of partnership, the expanded partnership, the strength of our partnership,” President Ali said, assuring that collaborative activi-

ties, training programmes, and exchange initiatives with allies will proceed as planned. He expressed gratitude for the continued support, highlighting Guyana’s commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. “Guyanese are committed to peace; we are committed to every action that will ensure that this region remains a region of peace and a region of stability. We have a commitment to this region to work together to ensure the prosperity, the stability of our region. We have no objection to any conversation with Venezuela with the aim of ensuring the stability of our region,” he said. However, he added that that the issue of the border

controversy was explicitly laid out in the 1899 Arbitral Award, and through the Geneva Agreement of 1966, the ICJ was designated by the UN Secretary General as the appropriate body for the resolution of this issue. Dr. Ali underscored Guyana’s commitment to the ICJ process and its outcome. Acknowledging recent requests from Brazil, CELAC, and CARICOM, President Ali clarified that Guyana has no objections to conversations with Venezuela on matters outside of the border controversy. POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS In the interest of regionalism, peace, and good neighbourly rela-

tions, that Head of State said that Guyana is open to actions fostering positive relationships between the two countries. “I made it very clear to them that we have no objections to a conversation, but on the issue of the border controversy, our position is very clear. In the interests of regionalism, in the interests of peace and stability and good neighbourly relations, the coexistence of two countries sharing a border, Guyana is always up for any actions that will enhance relationships,” President Ali said. Following an emergency meeting of CARICOM heads, a proposal for a meeting with President Maduro in St. Vincent was presented. President Ali said he consulted with stakeholders, including legal and technical teams, agents, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition. Subsequently, he agreed to participate in the meeting on Thursday. Standing firm on the non-negotiable nature of Guyana’s position on the border controversy, President Ali anticipates a rational discussion with President Maduro. “I made it very clear that on the issue of the border controversy, Guyana’s position is not negotiable… we expect that good sense will prevail and the commitment to peace and stability will be maintained, and the threat of disruption will cease. “And I assure all Guyanese, all investors, our

development in all administrative regions, all three of the counties will continue unimpeded. [We will] continue to push our investment or investors to work aggressively to bring prosperity to our country and by extension to our region,” the Head of State said. The Commander in Chief reassured the nation

Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro that the peaceful protection of Guyana’s borders is paramount, highlighting that development, security, peace, and advancement in all regions will persist. He encouraged unity and trust in global institutions, particularly the ICJ, as they review the merits of the case. “Let us understand that as a nation, as people, once we stand on the side of principle and stand for what is right, with our good friends and allies, who we also pray for, we will always be victorious,” President Ali said.

Critical EBD highway named in honour ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

From page 2

of State noted that the work and dedication of the five servicemen will be recognised and honoured. “These men are nothing short of national heroes … these men lived in honour and sacrifice for this country.

Their children must grow up to know that their fathers paid the ultimate price for all of us, every single Guyanese. They must know this sacrifice was not in vain,” the Commander in Chief said. Meanwhile, in offering

comforting words to the families of the fallen soldiers, President Ali assured the commitment of the government and the GDF. “As the Commander in Chief, you are my family. I will stand by you, stand by their children. As long as I’m here. “The only way we can show this sacrifice was not in vain is if we collectively come together as Guyanese and realise the one truth, when the storm is against us, it is all of us together who must ride the shipwreck,” he added. The seven-man team was on a mission to visit troops stationed on the ground at the country’s western border. During the past few weeks, military presence had been multiplied at that location due to Venezuela’s escalated aggression in the ongoing border controversy with Guyana. Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson who were also on board the aircraft survived the crash. A night of honour and reflection will be held this evening at the National Stadium, Providence. Meanwhile, flags across the country are being flown at half-mast until further notice.

The Giant Anteater is featured on the massive roundabout on Eccles to Great Diamond highway

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Trade between Guyana, UAE rises significantly –– nations agree to extend cooperation in areas of food security, energy, technology, capacity-building, cultural and social exchanges

THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana have both agreed to extend cooperation in key areas of development, including food security, energy, technology, capacity-building, as well as cultural and social exchanges. This followed the meeting of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which is currently being held at Expo City, Dubai. During a tour of Guyana’s pavilion, the UAE President commended the endeavours of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana in achieving sustainable development and implementing a green strategy. He stressed that COP28’s UAE presidency aims to lead

global endeavours in the field of climate action to protect the planet and future generations, highlighting that the UAE maintains a steadfast commitment to sustainability when addressing global climate action. The two sides also agreed to fortify their bilateral partnership across a wide range of areas concerning socio-economic and cultural development. The two sides commended the bilateral ties that have been ongoing since 1995, reiterating the importance of promoting diplomatic relations through the joint commitment to open embassies in each of the respective countries. The two sides praised the prosperous economic and investment relations between the countries, where nonoil bilateral trade reached US$826 million in 2022, a 20 per cent increase compared to 2021, which reflects common

efforts in reinforcing investments and economic relations in recent years. The two sides have also agreed to open a UAE embassy headquarters in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in the near future, embodying the countries’ respective ambition to reinforce their bilateral relations which will serve their mutual interests and development goals. The two sides also agreed that high-level visits represent substantial opportunities to strengthen and enhance diplomatic relations, referring to the visit by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Guyana on September 30, 2023, and the visit of Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, to Guyana on June 11, 2023. Furthermore, a contribution of US$500,000

President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates to build a school for children of determination was announced. For his part, President Ali expressed his appreciation

for the warm welcome by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President. The two sides agreed to

support ways to enhance bilateral cooperation to accomplish further prosperity and well-being in both countries.

Guyana open to scrutiny, assessment by credible international bodies –– Minister Teixeira says country has made significant progress in enhancing anti-corruption efforts

GUYANA is committed to strengthening its anti-corruption framework and welcomes international scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. This was the key message delivered by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, during the opening ceremony of the Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Expo held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Saturday morning. Minister Teixeira empha-

sised that Guyana has made significant progress in its anti-corruption efforts, implementing robust measures. “We have been opened to be assessed, to be examined by these international bodies, we are in the process of the second assessment by the UN Convention Against Corruption and the in situ visits will take place next year, we are in the sixth cycle of examination under the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and that will conclude in February-March next year,

and we have just concluded the assessment by CFATF in regards to anti-corruption, anti-money laundering etc. We are waiting for the final report. “In addition to that we have made strides so much so that it looks as if EGMONT will approve us in January 2024 which is a big step forward in terms of our relations with financial institutions, intelligence units across the world,” the minister stated. Minister Teixeira also outlined measures such as

the formation of the National Coordinating Committee Against Corruption, to address the country’s treaty responsibilities under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, the Lima Commitment, the UN General Assembly Political Declaration Against Corruption, among others. She stressed the importance of building institutional capacity within the 17 agencies comprising the National Coordinating Committee. “We are trying to build

institutional capacity, collaboration, transparency and accountability in what we’re doing and to look at the steps we need to take to continue making progress in the anti-corruption fight and I think that we have been able to show improvements and progress,” the minister highlighted. The activity is being held under the theme: “Connecting the Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Agendas: Guyana’s Progress.”

It features an exhibition of approximately 42 booths, panel discussions, and interactive quizzes. The event continues on Sunday and is open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00 hours. It coincides with two significant international observances; United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9) and Human Rights Day (December 10). Several ministers of government and other officials were present at the expo. (DPI)

Guyana is committed to strengthening its anti-corruption framework and welcomes international scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in governance

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Keeping the economy ticking Editor

ONE essential responsibility of every government is to ensure the nation’s economy continues ticking, come what may, and to this end, this Government of Guyana continues passing that test with flying colours. Example: Take the way this newspaper, like never before, is able to report, every single day, about positive and progressive steps being taken by this People’s Progressive Party PPP/ Civic (PPP/C) administration to bring better to the populace by making things much better for all Guyanese, and together. Take, too, the latest projections of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which, in its 2023 Article IV Consultation Report (published on Monday), commended Guyana for its economic management, including its implementation of policies and initiatives that keep transforming the economy. As reported by the Guyana Chronicle, the findings were published after an official IMF mission visited Guyana in September, and highlighted that the nation’s real Gross Domestic

Navendra Seoraj

Product (GDP) is expected to continue to grow rapidly. The IMF Mission pointed out that at 62.3 per cent, Guyana achieved the highest real GDP growth in the world in 2022. Further, the Guyana economy has tripled in size since the start of oil extraction (end of 2019), from one of the lowest GDPs per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean in the early 1990s. It is estimated that Guyana’s economy will record a 38.4 per cent real GDP growth rate this year, while the country’s growth will continue with an expansion of an expected 26.6 per cent in 2024. Oil production is growing, with a third oil field – Payara – coming online. And growth in the non-oil sector is supported by the implementation of a fast-paced public investment programme focused on providing transportation, housing and flood management infrastructure, and raising human capital. Moreover, spinoffs from oil and construction are supporting growth in

the services and supplies sectors. Meanwhile, in relation to inflationary pressures, the IMF noted that the government introduced a suite of measures in 2022 and 2023, which have contributed to a decline in the inflation rate in 2023. The external current account recorded a large surplus in 2022, of 23.8 per cent of GDP, and another large surplus is expected in 2023. The IMF reported, too, that banks in Guyana are well-capitalised, and continue to improve their loan portfolios. Guyana is also poised for continued rapid expansion, with on average growth of 20 per cent per year during 2024-28. The IMF projects that non-oil GDP growth will be sustained at 5.5 per cent, as the government continues its plans to address the country’s developmental needs. As is becoming increasingly clear, Venezuela’s latest revival of its continuing claim to Guyana’s Essequibo in 2023 is rooted in discoveries of oil and gas in volumes that naturally

water the mouths of those who feel the Bolivarian State, already with more crude oil reserves than Saudi Arabia, also needs to have what’s flowing out of a Guyana region it’s never controlled, but now wishes to forcibly annex. National attention is on peaceful defence diplomacy, and ensuring Guyana maintains all of its 83,000 square miles, all three counties and all ten administrative regions, yielding “Not a Blade of Grass” to those dreaming of making Guyana’s Essequibo a Venezuelan state. Guyana continues to post positive economic and developmental results at all levels, in keeping with the government’s implementation of deliberate policies aimed at ensuring Guyanese continue to benefit from the latest projections that the national economy will triple in size in the brief period from 2019 to 2023. The IMF report also reiterates, once again, without a doubt, that Guyana’s present and long-term future continue to be in very good hands.

The opposition is suffering from amnesia

Dear Editor,

THE statement from the Leader of the Opposition regarding the 6.5 per cent salary increase demonstrates that the opposition is suffering from amnesia, is hypocritical, and is trying to insult the intelligence of Guyanese by scoring cheap political points. Only a few years ago, the PNC, which was the most dominant party in the APNU+AFC Government, had the opportunity to prove it was genuinely interested in improving the well-being of public servants and vulnerable groups.

The PNC did not only squander this opportunity but, as a partner in the APNU+AFC Government, deliberately pursued initiatives that severely harmed the well-being of public servants and pensioners. Some of the initiatives that have permanently lacerated the memory of every Guyanese, especially public servants, and would be easily remembered, include the decision by the APNU+AFC to force public servants to move to the permanent establishment rather than remain on contract whereby they benefitted from contract gratuity. This single initiative reduced the

emoluments of public servants on contracts by 22.5 per cent and robbed them of the opportunity to utilise their gratuity to acquire assets, including land, which has inter-generational implications. More importantly, the 22.5 per cent reduction in these public servants’ emoluments was significantly more than the absolute and relative salary increases they received under the APNU+AFC Government. The public servants on the public establishment also suffered from the salary increases granted by the APNU+AFC Government. In 2015, the APNU+AFC government offered an across-the-board

increase of five per cent to all public servants and members of the Disciplined Services. However, the salary increases between 2016 and 2019 varied across salary bands. It is important to note that many public servants on the higher salary bands received salary increases equivalent to six per cent and below. Apart from creating anomalies, the manner in which the APNU+AFC Government granted the salary increases penalised the senior public servants for being on See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

The Ali-Maduro meeting is basic to understanding world politics

BEFORE I move into the discussion proper, it should be mentioned that though Guyana’s profile in the world has been elevated by a substantial oil find, Guyana still was not known by many countries in the world, the way many small nations are, like Jamaica for example. In countries where cricket is craved for such as India, Pakistan and Australia, Guyana is still not that known and former High Commissioner to India from Guyana, Charrandass Persaud explained why. I asked him in his last appearance on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show how well is Guyana known in India. He said it is hardly known. So, I ask him that in a cricket-mad country such as India would they not know Guyana because Shimron Hetmyer is an explosive player in the Indian Premier League. Charran says that the Indian population knows the cricketers from this part of the world as West Indian players but not sportsmen from the individual countries of CARICOM. He is absolutely right. If a West Indian cricket star explodes on the international scene, sports journalism in all the reports, without exception, describes him as West Indian and it does not and never carries the name tag of the individual country. With Maduro’s threat to invade Guyana, the possibility of war in South America, the denunciation of Venezuela by all the important world leaders and the world media reporting on Maduro’s behaviour, I think it is a fact that Guyana’s profile has

been further elevated around the world. People who didn’t know who or what Guyana was, now know it because all over the world, there are reports about Maduro’s aggression against a county named Guyana. Let’s move on to the scheduled meeting in the CARICOM region between our president and Maduro on Thursday, December 14. The traditional method in international relations is for leaders to meet to defuse tensions between their two countries, and history has shown that the dialogue is always at the initiative of a leader or a group of leaders who have good standing with both countries. It is called a win-win situation because nothing ventured, nothing gained. No one loses because there is nothing to lose by talking and there are all sorts of possibilities that can emerge that can lessen tensions. In the case of the Ali-Maduro meeting, President Ali has shown political astuteness by asserting before the dialogue begins that he will not agree to the border issue being on the agenda. President Ali will be carrying the sentiment of every local and diaspora Guyanese, the security forces, the opposition and the government that there is no border controversy that needs to be ironed out. An international agreement accepted by the international community way back in 1899 settled the boundary line between the two countries. It is Venezuela that in the 1960s, said it wants to discuss the 1899 award. Guyana said if you want to

do so then there is a mechanism for so doing; let the World Court examine your claim which we will dispute. That is where the situation is at the moment. We know what the Guyana delegation will assert Wednesday in St. Vincent. Can we anticipate what the Venezuelans will put on the table? I think Maduro will ask for one thing and one thing only. Whether the referendum was valid or not, he will ask for a concession of land from Guyana and he will cite the referendum. Guyana at the meeting cannot stop Maduro from putting anything on the table. At a meeting, the parties can advance any topic. What we are sure of is that anything Maduro requests which relates to a relook at the 1899 award cannot be accepted by Guyana because Guyana has committed itself to the World Court’s intervention.

The opposition is suffering...

From page 6

the higher salary bands. Indeed, many of these public servants received salary increases that ranged from five per cent to 0.5 per cent. The PNC, now presenting itself as a champion of public servants, also denied the members of the Disciplined Services the one-month bonus they were accustomed to receiving under the PPP/C Government. By restoring this bonus, the PPP/C Government increased the disposable income of the members of the Disciplined Services by $1.2 billion in 2021 and $1.4 billion in 2022. The bonus payment in 2023 will place $1.6 billion into the pockets of the ranks and officers of our Disciplined Services and could hardly be described as “pitiful.” Editor, the facts regarding the treatment of pensioners by the APNU+AFC Government are well-known. However, it appears the Oppo-

sition Leader needs to be made aware of these facts. As a responsible Guyanese, it is therefore important for me to remind the Leader of the Opposition that the APNU+AFC Government failed to deliver on its promise to double the Old Age Pension and make it equivalent to the minimum wage if elected in 2015. The Leader of the Opposition is probably unaware that the APNU+AFC Government, whose party was a key member, removed the electricity and water subsidies and compounded the problem by introducing a Value-Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity. The PPP/C government has restored these subsidies and is fulfilling its promise to increase the Old Age Pension. The PPP/C Government has also provided pensioners with one-off cash grants and boosted their disposable income by billions. In 2022, the pensioners were given a cash

grant that enhanced their disposable income by $1.8 billion. This year’s cash grant will place an equivalent amount into the pockets of our pensioners. Editor, development cannot be viewed as a one-track process as reflected in salary increases alone. It is a necessary condition for keeping pace with inflationary pressures, but certainly not sufficient. It remains an important element in the wide array of essential things that the PPP government is rolling out to benefit its public servants and the workforce directly. The GOAL scholarships that target thousands of public servants as part of the government’s programme of rapidly building capacity in the workforce, as well as this government’s massive housing drive, which again targets ordinary Guyanese and, indeed, young professionals in the public sector, are all programmes

Maduro has to know by now that Guyana will not approve of even a tiny reference to the border controversy at the meeting on Wednesday. He should show statesmanship by eschewing any mention of the topic. But Maduro can be expected to raise it because he is not in recognition of the codes of international diplomacy. How it plays out, we will have to wait on Thursday to know. But what is certain is that the dialogue will fail if Maduro brings up land concession because Guyana will not accept even a momentary glance at the mention of the subject. Present at the meeting will be one of the most loved and respected world leaders, President ‘Lula.’ Nothing is guaranteed in life but it is expected that President ‘Lula’ will bring pressure to bear on Maduro and tell him to respect international laws.

that significantly contribute to raising the level of welfare of thousands of public servants. Based on the policies and programmes of the PPP/C Government, it is clear that the party is conscious that there is no political gain from impoverishing any segment of our society. I am sure it is for this reason that the PPP/C Government has been pursuing policies and programmes that improve the well-being of our citizens, including public servants and pensioners. I wish to encourage the Leader of the Opposition to carefully review the press statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, which outlines some of the programmes and policies implemented by the PPP/C government since it returned to office in 2020. By doing so, the Leader of the Opposition can make a more informed pronouncement regarding the 6.5 percent across-the-board salary increase announced by the Minister of Finance. Regards, Kevin Persaud

Heroes: A week of death

THIS week, the nation was thrown into deep mourning. Notably, we lost five brave soldiers. Apart from Colonel Mike Charles, who captained at least two flights I happened to be on, I can’t recall ever meeting or interacting with any of our other GDF soldiers who fell. Despite not knowing them, the deep sorrow and despair we shared as a nation was unimaginable. For those who knew these men personally and those who lived with them, I’m sure the sorrow is unfathomable. I saw images of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr Irfaan Ali crying; this must have cut deeply. The events relating to this tragedy will forever be etched in our memory. Nothing but sympathy for the

family and loved ones. Before the statuses of the survivors were known, it was touching to read the social media post made by the wife of Staff Sergeant Jason Khan. It spoke of a brave and courageous person with the will to survive in adversity. She spoke of a husband who is deeply loved, a husband who is dedicated to his family, a man dedicated to his work. Though his death created a chasm in her heart, and the hearts of those who knew him, I feel as if her words are words of comfort for the rest of us; his personality suggests that he didn’t just lay down, he fought. This nation thanks Mrs. Khan for giving her husband to us. Sincere condolences. The back stories of the last moments of each of the

fallen may never be heard, and maybe we don’t even need to hear them, but as a nation, we take comfort in the character and personality of men like Sgt Khan who gave everything in service to his nation. Farewell, countryman. And to the survivors, your country stands with you, we wish you full recovery. This week, we also lost the great Guyana and West Indian cricketer, Clyde Butts, to a tragic road accident. Condolences to all those touched by his life. His contributions are unquestionably robust. Butts met his death on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) after an accident with a truck. This exact line could be written dozens of times over the last few years. Just substitute Butts with the names of numerous John

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

and Jenny Does who have perished through being rammed by trucks. I have also been the victim of truck tragedies on the East Bank public road. I lost two cars in three years to these out-of-control trucks. In 2020, I was travelling with my entire family on board, when we were rammed from behind by a humongous “sand-truck.” It’s nothing short of a miracle we made it out alive and unhurt; I am a believer in the graces of God. Earlier this year, another person was driving my car and was rammed and “written-off.” Yes! You guessed it, by a truck on the East Bank of Demerara. This accident occurred on the same day the police commander with responsibility for the East Bank was also rammed by a truck. Thankfully, on that day, there were no fatalities. Just two weeks ago, the car I now drive was rammed by a truck, while someone else was driving; I was in the back seat. The truck in front of us was driving so fast at night that it ran right into a heap of sand on the side of the road. We came to a stop, the standard driving distance, behind the truck. Without consideration for whatever vehicle may be behind him, the driver reversed at high speed into the front of my car. I am still driving around with a wrecked bonnet, grille and bumper. Yes! On the EBD. Almost every person who has utilised the roads of the EBD can recount stories of near misses and close shaves by speeding trucks. It is high

What do you make of it ?

time that strong, creative measures and rule changes be taken to regulate the movements of trucks on the public roads of EBD. We should probably consider a points system for drivers and owners, new insurance rules, speed control and monitoring systems, among other measures. Tragic lorry stories are innumerable. The authorities can’t continue to sit and ignore the problem; it cannot just be wished away. On a related note, considering the number of vehicles on our roadways and the number of expanding and new networks of roads, it is time to create a Department of Transportation and Road Safety. Bring all matters related to road transportation under one roof. Driving competence, licensing, fitness and all other matters relating to road safety, traffic studies and road-use policy. The current fragmented system has outlived its real effective purpose. We currently rely on a fragmented system that catered to the nearly 100

by Leonard Craig

cars on the less extensive roads of the 1970s. It’s time to upgrade. This week, we also laid to rest Justice Prem Persaud who served this nation with distinction. I first met Justice Persaud in 2014 when I brought a case against Digicel to the Public Utilities Commission. Prior to that, I’d only read of him in the press. I believe Justice Persaud was impressed with my lawyer-less presentation and the arguments put before the PUC where he sat as chairman. A ruling was made in my favour. To this day, the result of that ruling benefits all customers on all mobile networks. Since that time and until the end of his tenure at the PUC, Justice Persaud called me personally on numerous occasions to seek my perspective on many complaints and cases brought before the PUC. May his family find comfort in knowing that he was a humble soul, who left a legacy of commitment to excellence. We salute you Prem.

Consecutive salary increases have boosted disposable income of public servants

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh says the government takes a holistic approach to enhancing the lives of Guyanese, which involves consecutive salary increases and other financial support. The government on Friday last announced another 6.5 per cent across-the-board retroactive salary increase for public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, constitutional office holders, as well as government pensioners this year. During a live broadcast Saturday evening on the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister Singh emphasised that the more impactful approach involves improvements and upgrades to essential services. He stated that persons should evaluate the numerous policies and plans the administration has subsequently put into place, as well as those resuscitated when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020. Some of those measures include the reviving of the ‘Because We

Care’ cash grant for school children, pensioners’ water subsidy, the removal of taxes on various materials, and the one-month tax-free bonus for

have also adjusted upwards a number of specific categories of public sector employees. Some as high as 50, 60 and 70 per cent. We have recently an-

the Disciplined Services. “When you speak about disposable income you have to speak first of all about adjustment to salaries…We

nounced the cash grant of $25,000 to every single public servant,” Minister Singh underscored. The implementation of these mea-

sures has notably enhanced overall well-being, encompassing initiatives such as the housing project. Further, the minister highlighted that since assuming office, the PPP/C Administration has allocated house lots to nearly 30,000 individuals, predominantly benefitting public servants. He alluded to the reduced interest rates at various commercial banks to help persons build their houses at affordable costs. “We take a holistic and comprehensive view of well-being. We look at the things everybody wants. They want to earn a better income of course. And so, our aspiration is to make sure that people are able to earn a better income over time. “But people also want other things, other aspects of well-being. Like being able to live in a community that has decent roads, being able to access good quality healthcare, having your elderly parents be able to access a decent pension,” the senior minister explained.

Healthcare workers benefit from billions in monetary initiatives in three years

HEALTHCARE workers have benefitted from billions in salary increases and monetary support geared towards cushioning the effects of the high cost of living and improving their livelihoods. The adjustments were executed by the PPP/C Administration since it took office on August 2, 2020, thereby demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to improving the working conditions for public sector employees. Even when the nation was grappling with the extreme economic effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced a series of measures for public servants, including medical professionals who were at the frontline during the challenging times. This was the $25,000 one-off cash grant for each worker in the entire public sector, thereby injecting $2 billion in disposable income into the pockets of these workers. In 2021, the government announced a seven per cent across-the-board retroactive salary hike and a one-off, two-week, tax-free bonus for frontline workers, totalling some $612 million. Around 9,200 employees in the country’s

public health sector benefitted from the payout, thereby injecting more disposable

income into their pockets. Clerk II attached to the Matron’s Office

at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Chandrawattie Sawh, welcomed the gesture, stating, “We didn’t expect this… thank you to the government for doing this for us.” Meanwhile, later in 2022, another 5,000 healthcare workers were announced to benefit from salary adjustments, which ensured better healthcare was delivered and workers enjoyed improved salaries and a better standard of living. The move increased disposable incomes by over $1.5 billion annually. The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with a few healthcare workers who were excited to start the new year with an increase in their salaries. General Medical Officer (GMO) at the (GPHC), Dr Nathel Quinn, said: “This has been a long-awaited announcement for us…I really appreciate this increase announced by the President.” The adjustments were in addition to the eight per cent retroactive salary increase announced by the government in 2022. Healthcare workers will now benefit from a 6.5 per cent retroactive increase in 2023.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Guyanese join in prayers to pay homage to country’s fallen heroes GUYANESE across the country joined in prayers to pay homage to the five long-standing servicemen who lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Wednesday.

The men who died in the crash were Brigadier Gary Beaton, Project Engineer; Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commander of First 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.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Two dead, several injured after accident at Friendship

AN accident involving three motor vehicles along the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara, has left two persons dead and sev-

Mei’s vehicle. The bus pushed the car into the rear of motor car PXX 5169, before colliding into the front right bumper of the said

ted for further extensive treatment. The Guyana Police Force has since confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

Scenes from the accident that took place on Sunday morning eral others injured. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the accident which occurred around 08:30hrs on Sunday, involved a mini-bus #BYY 7440 owned and driven by Keon Chandos Edwards of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway; motor car #PXX 5169 owned and driven by 45-year-old Kevin De Jonge of Timehri; and motor car #PAD 3102 owned and driven by 36-year-old Jason Ramnauth Mei of Alliance Road, Timehri. According to information from the police, the mini-bus was proceeding north along the western carriageway of the road, allegedly at a fast rate of speed, when the driver attempted to overtake a line of traffic, but swerved west into the lane of vehicles and crashed into

motor car. As a result of the collisions, the driver of the mini-bus lost control, causing the bus to topple several times. Passengers were flung out of the said mini-bus before it came to a stop on the western parapet of the road facing west. The passengers were picked up and taken to the Diamond Hospital, where they were seen and examined by doctors on duty. One of the passengers of the bus, Alvin Jones, 51, of Lot 4287 Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and Edwards were pronounced dead at the scene by EMTs who responded to the accident. Other passengers of the bus suffered minor to severe injuries, and have either been treated and sent away or admit-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Heroes H

Critical EBD highway named

THE Eccles to Great Diamond Highway along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor was on Sunday evening commissioned and nam

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Highway…

d in honour of fallen heroes

med ‘The Heroes Highway’ in honour of the five long-standing servicemen who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash last week.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

New Hayven Merchant Bank launches $25M fund for small businesses

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

THE New Haven Merchant Bank (NHMB) is poised to amplify Guyana’s economic trajectory through the launch of its $25 million Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) fund. This initiative aims to empower both investors and entrepreneurs, offering opportunities for capital investment and business growth. Floyd Haynes, owner of NHMB, emphasised the bank’s role in unlocking Guyana’s economic potential. Speaking recently to the Department of Public Information (DPI), he said: “We are getting ready to launch a small medium Enterprise fund, we are looking to start at $25 million…so investors can either invest through the fund, which in turn will invest in the business or you can invest directly into business.”

Haynes highlighted the pivotal role that financial institutions such as NHMB play in facilitating strategic investments and providing a gateway for global investors to participate in Guyana’s diverse economic sectors. He further mentioned specific sectors demonstrating promising returns, particularly agriculture, where government policies and initiatives under the PPP/C administration are creating fertile ground for growth. Haynes expressed confidence in Guyana’s potential to reclaim its title as “The bread basket of the Caribbean.” Guyana’s stable political environment and significant oil discoveries are attracting attention from both local and international players seeking lucrative opportunities. “Guyana represents your best opportunity at

this point in time. If you are in North America, the markets are very saturated… but if you are looking for what we call a ‘hockey stick return,’ where you can invest today and expect an exponential growth at a rapid pace, there is no place other than Guyana… It probably offers you a better return than you can get any other place in the world,” Haynes posited. NHMB’s commitment extends beyond Guyana’s borders. Through a signed memorandum of understanding with the AFRIEXIM bank, NHMB aims to expand investments beyond Africa,

Opposition maintains border controversy properly before ICJ –– says meeting between Guyana, Venezuela good opportunity for dialogue on issues outside of matter before the court

THE following is the full text of a statement from the Parliamentary Opposition on the upcoming meeting between Guyana, Venezuela: “THE Parliamentary Opposition welcomes the action being taken by the international community to ensure there is peace between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. “The Parliamentary Opposition wishes to make it quite clear that we are not opposed to dialogue or discussions with the President of Venezuela as this could lead to better relations between the governments and peoples of our two countries. Indeed, paragraph three of the Geneva Agreement recognises that “closer cooperation between British Guiana and Venezuela could bring benefit to both countries. “That is why since independence Guyana has sought and promoted bilateral relations with our western neighbour across a spectrum of issues including health, education, and other relevant areas of development. It must also be recalled that during the parliamentary debate on the territorial controversy that the opposition insisted that

the door should always be open to dialogue. “We believe that the meeting should seek to ensure the two states recommence bilateral discussions since they will open new vistas for good neighbourliness, and peace between our two states and peoples. “It is the considered view of the Opposition that the two leaders could continue to explore the expansion of bilateral issues, which could improve the lives of the peoples of our two countries and contribute to the peaceful development of the Latin American and Caribbean region. “The opposition believes that there must not be any discussions of the territorial controversy between our two countries as this matter is properly before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and this process must be allowed to take its course, so that it is settled within the confines of international law. “The Parliamentary Opposition remains committed to playing its role in the ongoing relationship between Guyana and Venezuela, and will always work towards the protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our nation.”

linking foreign investors to the vibrant Guyanese economy. “When AFREXIM held their investment conference in Guyana this

year, we (NHMB) have been talking about putting in place a facility and we have been talking with AFREXIM bank. We came to an agreement that was announced at that conference that they will provide us a facility at $15 million which we can then lend to local businesses in Guyana,” Haynes noted. Haynes emphasised the importance of strong

financial statements, a proven track record, and a capable management team for businesses to be eligible for these loans. Meanwhile, according to a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, Guyana is projected to grow about 59.5 per cent this year with the potential to surpass this prediction due to achievements to date.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Climate finance for ‘agri-food’ systems in sharp downward trend –– despite critical role in reaching climate goals, FAO report highlights

THE amount of climate finance flowing to ‘agri-food’ systems is strikingly low, and continues to diminish compared to global climate finance flows, a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) warns. This is happening at a time when more financing is urgently needed to help reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, and support the implementation of the United Arab Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action signed by over 150 world leaders. Climate finance refers to local, national

or transnational financing - drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing - that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate change. Between 2000 and 2021, climate-related development financial support for agri-food systems amounted to $183 billion, with more than half of the funding delivered after 2016. However, in 2021, contributions plummeted to $19 billion, a 12 per cent decline compared to 2020. The most affected region was Asia, with a sharp drop of -44 per cent compared to 2020. Africa and Europe experienced a

mild increase of four per cent, while Latin America and the Caribbean saw a modest increment of six per cent. Although there has been an overall global increasing trend, in absolute terms, since 2000, doubling from $9 billion allocated in 2010 to $19 billion in 2021, the growth rate of climate-related development finance towards agri-food systems falls significantly short of the average growth rate of three to four times observed in climate-related development finance overall. Climate-related development finance going to the transport sector, for example, has increased almost four-fold in the same period. Amid worsening climate impacts and slow progress on reducing greenhouse gases, embracing sustainable agri-food systems practices – covering production, distribution and consumption – can help nations adapt, build resilience, and cut greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring food security and protecting biodiversity. “The unique potential of agri-food systems to tackle the climate crisis can only be realised by scaling up investments in agri-food systems solutions and actions. The diminishing trends of both agri-food and adaptation investments is a missed opportunity to equip farmers around the world with the knowledge, the much-needed technologies and innovation to enhance their resilience and adapt to climate change impacts,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo. Agriculture is one of the sectors with the highest adaptation finance needs for implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (or national climate plans), but climate finance for adaptation is also on a downward trend. The report mentions that according to a recent analysis from the Climate Policy Initiative, only four per cent of global climate finance went to agri-food systems between 2019 and 2020. To transform agrifood systems and achieve not only climate action but all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), nations would need to mobilize about $680 billion a year until 2030. OTHER KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS In 2021, bilateral resource providers (entities or countries that provide financial support or resources directly to another specific country or entity) were the primary contributors to climate-related development finance for agri-food systems, making up 59 per cent, while multilateral providers contributed 35 per cent, and the private sector a modest five per cent. Sub-Saharan Africa was the primary recipient of financial support for climate-related initiatives in agri-food systems. The region secured a significant 53 per cent of these funds, primarily from bilateral donors, notably Germany and the European Union. The report highlights the increasing popularity of blended finance, which combines public and private funds to encourage climate-smart agricultural projects with

significant financial, environmental, and social benefits. It emphasizes that effectively addressing climate change in agri-food systems requires a comprehensive and customised financing approach that aligns with the specific needs and priorities of different regions and sectors. To accomplish this, the authors stress the importance of understanding the most suitable financial instruments and the appropriate allocation of climate finance to different sectors, a crucial step in pursuing global climate objectives while also responding to local needs and contexts. The strategic allocation of resources across various aspects of agri-food systems can contribute to achieving climate change mitigation and adaptation goals, promoting sustainable food production, and ensuring food security, the report argues. INTO THE FUTURE Within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) there is a financial mechanism aimed at helping countries tackle the harmful impacts of climate change on their agri-food systems. This includes support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). According to the authors, the recent establishment of a new fund specifically for Loss and Damage signifies a commitment to assist developing nations, especially those highly susceptible to climate change impacts. A report launched earlier in the week by FAO underlined that this development should signal growing opportunities for agri-food systems to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis on agriculture and food security. FAO is working to help address the financing gap through the Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation Partnership, known as FAST Partnership. Stemming from a COP27 Initiative, FAST highlights the importance of collective efforts to improve the quantity and the quality of climate finance, ensuring that climate investments reach the most vulnerable, particularly family farmers who often face the impacts of climate change. The inception meeting of the FAST Partnership took place today at a Presidency Roundtable on the Food, Agriculture and Water thematic day at COP28 and saw the participation of Ministers and High-level representatives of FAST Partnership Member countries and organisations. FAO will facilitate the FAST Partnership through a Task Force serving as a Secretariat at its headquarters in Rome, supporting its activities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

COP28: Women and climate advocates driving forward change together

TO combat the disproportionate impacts of climate change on women, advocates at COP28 on Monday said decision makers must not only enact more policies that meet their specific needs, but recognize the unique knowledge and expertise women can offer that can be used to support effective climate action. This year’s UN climate conference, underway in the United Arab Emirates’ largest city, Dubai, opened its second full-week hearing a diverse cross-section of women leaders and activists raise their voices to call for ending existing gender gaps and mitigating the worsening impacts of climate change on women and girls. Prevailing gender norms, existing inequalities and their unequal participation in decision-making processes often prevent women from fully contributing to climate solutions. Worryingly, a report launched today by UN Women suggests that by 2050, climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into poverty and see 236 million more face food insecurity. But there is hope, however, as women can – and do – play an important role in climate solutions, as was highlighted on ‘Gender Equality Day’ at COP28, where women changemakers showcased how they are driving the action. A panel discussion on the ‘Women Rise for All’ platform was organised by the UN Office of Partnerships at Creator Hub, underscored the leadership of women in scaling up sustainable solutions aligned with the Paris Agreement. WOMEN LEADING CLIMATE ACTION “Women stand at the forefront of the climate battle. Whether as the scientists, legislators, indigenous leaders, and youth activists, they are fighting to keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius target alive,” UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said in her video remarks. Echoing that sentiment, Jemimah Njuki, Chief, Economic Empowerment at UN Women said: “In spite of them not having the resources, we are also seeing a lot of actions led by women and girls and if we can give them the resources – including the financial resources – to do more, I think our world is going to be better for it.” Women panelists pointed out they will be closely tracking the progress in climate negotiations at COP28, particularly on the issue of fund-

natural nurseries for fish, protective barriers against storm surges, providing sources of wood for building and cooking, and offering (“green”) solutions for climate- mitigation measures. Speaking to UN News, Ms. De la Rosa observed that the pressure on mangroves due to agriculture and cattle ranching was immense in her community, and people

ing for just energy transition, ‘phasing out’ of fuels and ‘phasing in’ of clean energy. “Women continue to drive ambitious climate action more than everywhere, including in their communities, cites, countries and regions,” the deputy UN chief underscored. In line with the theme of the day, events highlighted how women are bringing solutions, saving lives, and protecting livelihoods, and some of these solutions are driving change thousands of miles away from the conference venue. UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous said: “The rights of women and girls must be at the centre of climate action, including here at COP28. We must ensure that women have a seat at the decision-making table.” “We must strengthen inclusive decision-making so that the voices of feminists, youth, indigenous and other grassroot movements can be heard loud and clear from the local to the global level,” she added. CLIMATE CRISIS ‘NOT GENDER-NEUTRAL’ Greg Puley, climate lead for the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, head told delegated that it was a “grave injustice” that people on the frontlines of the climate crisis who were least responsible for it, too often found themselves “at the back of the line” for climate funding. The climate crisis is not gender-neutral, he added, urging donors and humanitarians to remain “laser-focused” on the differentiated needs of women and girls in the aid response. PUSHING FOR REAL EQUALITY Ignacia de la Rosa, a leader of the San Antero community in the Cispatá region of Colombia, has been working for several years on a ‘blue carbon’ project aimed at conserving and restoring coastal mangrove forests in Colombia’s Sinú River basin. Mangroves habitats are

were also cutting them down for construction and building materials. So, a key challenge for her managing the forest in a sustainable way so that her community can continue receiving the benefits it offers, keep the people connected to their forests, and make sure they are living and maintaining livelihoods there. With a mix of sustain-

able practices of use of mangroves, she has not only protected a natural resource, that resource now also provides lucrative tourist revenue from birdwatchers and environmentalists who visit the area. But this was not her only challenge. Speaking through an interpreter, she described how she faced racial and gender discrimination and how often in a meeting of 200

men, she would be the only women struggling for actions that could ensure conservation of mangroves. Ms. De la Rosa lamented that things are still far from being perfect on the gender front. Indeed, while more women are represented, gender and racial discrimination persist. “There is a still a lot that needs to be done to reach real equality” (UN News)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Lakers win debut NBA Cup Dominant performances from James, Davis

THE NBA Cup has its first champion. The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural In-Season Tournament on Saturday night, beating the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the final in Las Vegas. LeBron James took home the debut NBA In-Season Tournament MVP award after dropping 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the final. Anthony Davis dominated the title game, recording 41 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks in 41 minutes. Austin Reaves contributed 28 points off the bench. James complimented Davis'

performance after the game, comparing him to Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal. "I think AD was inspired ... multiple blocks, multiple steals," James said. "AD was dominant, big time." The Lakers withstood a late push from Indiana in the fourth quarter but outscored the Pacers 33-27 in the final frame. "We made history," said James about the title win. "Any time you're on the right side of the history, you'll take it. The first In-Season Tournament belongs to the Los Angeles Lakers, and that will never be topped." For the Pacers, Tyrese Hali-

burton and Bennedict Mathurin led the team in scoring, dropping 20 apiece. Mathurin came off the bench, and the only other starter to contribute at least 13 points was Obi Toppin. "This makes me want to play in more games that have some meaning to them," said Haliburton postgame, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. L.A. dominated in the paint, scoring 86 points compared to the Pacers' 44. The Lakers also controlled the boards, bringing down 55 compared to Indiana's 32. They did, however, struggle from three, shooting 2-of-13 as a team.

Los Angeles beat the Phoenix Suns in the quarterfinals and the New Orleans Pelicans in the semifinals. Indiana handled the Boston Celtics in the opening round, while taking care of the Milwaukee Bucks in the next stage. The semifinals were also played in Las Vegas. Players on standard contracts for the Lakers will receive US$500 000 in award money for the victory, while Pacers players get US$200 000. Players on two-way deals will receive half of those amounts. The Lakers were also presented medals after the win. (theScore)

Inaugural NBA In-season champions, Los Angeles Lakers

Man City ‘must prove doubters wrong’ after win

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called on his players to prove their doubters wrong after his side ended their four-match winless run in the Premier League with a come-from-behind victory over Luton Town. Guardiola's side were facing back-to-back league defeats for the first time since December 2019 when Elijah Adebayo gave Luton the lead in first-half stoppage time, rising highest at the back post to head in Andros Townsend's cross. But Bernardo Silva latched on to a loose ball in the penalty area and equalised with a fine curling effort. Three minutes later City completed the turnaround when Jack Grealish converted Julian Alvarez's low cross. "Four games we didn't win - we are not used to that," Guardiola told BBC Match of

the Day. "People say 'City is over already'. This is the challenge that we have ahead of us. Prove them wrong and still be there." Victory means the defending champions stay fourth, four points behind leaders Liverpool, while third-from-bottom Luton are now four points off safety following Everton's win over Chelsea. City record first league win in five weeks City came into Sunday's fixture on the back of their joint-longest run without a win under Guardiola. While key players Rodri and Grealish returned after missing Wednesday's loss to Aston Villa through suspension, leading scorer Erling Haaland was absent having picked up a foot injury in training. At half-time there was a real sense of jeopardy for City,

Jack Grealish scored the 50th goal of his club career

who would have been seven points off Liverpool with a loss. But in the second half, despite not having Haaland's imposing presence up front, City returned to their ruthless selves. Just before their goals they hit the bar through Ruben Diaz's thunderous shot following Nathan Ake's cutback. And once they took the lead they held Luton at arm's

length to record their first league win since beating Bournemouth 6-1 on 4 November. "The way they run and fight coming here and behave like we behaved, I am really, really, really proud," said Guardiola. "We were seven points behind before the game. Now we are four, so we are a little bit closer. In my experience in this country the Premier League is so long, so it never ends."

new spell, getting Duckett to pick out Brandon King at mid-wicket in the 26th over and he struck again in his next over when Livingstone holed out to Sherfane Rutherford at mid-on. Following a break for rain at 161 for seven after 33 overs, Joseph quickly knocked over Rehan Ahmed (15) and Sam Curran (12) on the resumption to leave England floundering on 171 for nine in the 36th over. However, the last pair of Atkinson (20 not out) and Matthew Potts (15 not out)

put on 35 in a gutsy stand to get their side past the 200run mark. In reply, West Indies suffered an early setback when King (1) drove loosely at Atkinson and provided cover with a simple catch, with two runs on the board in the second over. Athanaze led the West Indies rebuild with a typically breezy knock, the 25-yearold striking seven fours in a 76-run second wicket partnership with Carty who counted five fours and a six. Dominican Athanze was

Luton slip further adrift Luton have faced last season's top two in the space of five days and have taken the lead in both matches only to be stung by second-half comebacks. It is a testament to how far the Hatters have risen up the football pyramid in recent seasons, and a bouncing Kenilworth Road was again witness to Luton going ahead against a powerhouse of English football. However, outside of Adebayo's goal, the hosts were limited to half-chances. And, despite two promising performances, Edwards' side have lost their past three matches and won only one of their past 10. Luton were also fortunate not to have been reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Jacob Brown caught Phil Foden above the English-

man's ankle. But, after a video assistant review, the Scotland forward went unpunished. "We can take confidence; we are playing well, performing well," Luton manager Rob Edwards told Match of the Day. "We tried to not let them get their rhythm, get their game going. The goal was an excellent example of that. "(Defeat) is frustrating, especially when you go 1-0 up. Full credit to Manchester City that's what top teams do." A gap is re-emerging between the bottom three and the rest of the division. At halftime on Sunday Luton were a point above the relegation zone in the as-things-stand table. But their loss, coupled with Everton's win, means they ended the day further adrift in the bottom three and in desperate need of points.(BBC Sport)

Forde, Shepherd earn WI historic ODI series...

FROM BACK PAGE Will Jacks’ (17) edge, wicketkeeper Hope completing a straightforward catch. More tragedy followed for England in the tenth over. First, Harry Brook was run out by Joseph’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end for one, the six-foot, five-inch Antiguan pivoting on the follow through and throwing down the stumps with the batsman short of his ground in the hunt for a quick single. And two balls later, Joseph rushed Jos Buttler into an ill-advised pull, the En-

gland captain holing out to Motie at fine leg off the first ball he faced. Duckett and Livingstone then came together to pull their side off the ropes in an 88-run, sixth wicket partnership, laying the foundation for a competitive total. The left-handed Duckett struck half-dozen fours and a six while Livingstone, a right-hander, clobbered a brace of fours and sixes, as England surged in the middle overs. Shepherd broke the stand with the first delivery of a

eyeing his second fifty of the series when he perished lbw to a full length delivery from Atkinson, his dismissal triggering a slide which saw West Indies lose five wickets for 57 runs. Hope (15) put on 21 for the third wicket with Carty before pulling leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to mid-wicket in the 17th, Shimron Hetmyer (12) slashed off-spinner Jacks (3-22) to point in the 22nd before Rutherford (3) holed out in the deep, also off Jacks in the 24th. Much rested on Carty’s

shoulder but the right-hander departed two balls after chalking up his second ODI fifty, clipping a return catch to Jacks, leaving West Indies in a deep hole with 53 runs still required off 50 balls for victory. But Shepherd arrived to belt three fours and three sixes while Forde played the supporting role, the pair frustrating England in the critical stages of the encounter to earn West Indies their first series win over England in 16 years.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Phillips reveals winning mantra that helped clinch Mirpur Test

NEW Zealand batter Glenn Phillips, who played two crucial knocks in their Mirpur victory, laid bare the thought process that helped master a tough chase. After losing the first Test in Sylhet by 150 runs, New Zealand fought back to take the Mirpur Test by four wickets. Having been set a target of 137, the tourists were in dire straits at 69/6, but Phillips effected a turnaround. Phillips (40*), who had already played a crucial knock of 87 in the first innings and picked three important wickets, joined forces with Mitch-

ell Santner (35*) to stitch together a match-winning 70-run stand. The duo overcame the guile and turn of Bangladesh spinners, and took the attack to the opposition. Phillips revealed that he stuck to the plan that had worked for him in the first innings of the Test. “I think at the end of the day, I was sticking to my plan; it worked in the first innings,” Phillips, who hit nine fours and four sixes during his first-innings knock, said. “We made adjustments from the first game as well, so it was sticking to that, and keeping my processes calm and clear.

“I was still taking the attack to the bowlers when they missed, but at the end of the day, it was about knocking down one run at a time. Take it as deep as possible.” He lauded the challenge presented by Bangladesh spinners, and ascertained how the scoring opportunities increased as the innings progressed. “Bangladesh bowlers were really good with the new ball. Some [balls were] skidding on; some [were] spinning. It was tough for our batters; it became a bit more predictable as the ball got older. Thankfully for us, it presented some more

scoring opportunities.” Phillips also praised his partner in the seventh-wicket stand, Santner, for his quick thinking. “They were bowling really well at the time. It was a real blessing for us to get to tea; we had a bit of chat, [and] talked a bit about tactics. He [Santner] has got incredibly fast hands. I let him in on my gameplan, about staying leg-side of the ball and using my hands and bats to play the ball. “He thought it was a good option for him as well. The way he came out after tea and really took it to the bowlers, the way he played the offies

Franklin Wilson

corporate Guyana a plan to develop football from school, clubs, right up to international football as our manifesto states. No part of our plan was for the government to take over football but instead create a tripartite approach with the GFF, government, and corporate Guyana to take the game forward. Our approach to football for all was genuine but

New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips as well, it was incredibly impressive. It took the pressure off myself.” The 27-year-old also impressed with the ball, and was the third-highest wicket-taker in the series. He picked eight wickets at an average of 16.37. He thanked his skipper, Tim

Southee, for the support. “Timmy had the confidence to go to me despite knowing that I don't have the experience behind me, but thankfully the conditions were favourable to spinners.” (ICC Media)

ambitious. We feel no shame in having lost and we accept the election result and pledge our continued allegiance to the development of Guyana football. We congratulate Mr. Wayne Forde and his slate and hope that none of the members who supported our slate become the targets of any witch hunt. The biggest hero in

this election process has been FIFA, in the way they stepped in and restored the voting rights of members when the GFF Secretariat sought to illegally debar them from voting. FIFA’s efforts give tremendous hope to the democratic process and their vigilance we appreciate and applaud.

Wilson congratulates Wayne Forde - clears the air following GFF elections in letter

IT was not the result that I nor the members of the slate expected because certain members had assured us about their vote. Especially since these members were the ones who complained about the GFF administration. The narrative ban-

died around by the incumbent that ours’ was a PPP slate was false and very skillfully initiated to mislead the football fraternity. Our slate was not about race or partisan party politics instead we planned to demonstrate to the government and

Pakistan leg-spinner ruled out first Test against Australia

THE knee injury that Pakistan legspinner Abrar Ahmed sustained during a tour game earlier lasts week has ruled him out of the first Test against Australia on Thursday and created doubts around his participation in the two matches that follow. A press release from the PCB on Sunday said Abrar will stay with the team and undergo treatment in Perth. Then he will undergo "conservative rehabilitation" and will have to be reassessed before the Boxing Day Test to "ascertain his availability on this tour".

The PCB hasn't ruled him out of playing in Melbourne or Sydney just yet, but has called up Sajid Khan to bolster the spin stocks. On day three of the warmup match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, Abrar went off the field after bowling 27 overs "due to severe pain in his right leg around his knee". Following an initial assessment by the PCB medical team, he was sent for an MRI scan which revealed the extent of the damage. Abrar, who has picked up 38 wickets in his six Tests

so far, was shaping to be the lead spin bowler for Pakistan as they attempt to win their first-ever Test series in Australia. If he is to spend an extended period of time on the sidelines, that will put the onus on Noman Ali to lead the spin attack in conditions that may not suit his style of bowling. The left-arm orthodox bowler has typically thrived on slow and low pitches, picking up 47 wickets in 15 Tests. Sajid, meanwhile, has 22 wickets from seven Tests, the last of which came in March 2022. He was the joint-12th-

highest wicket-taker in the 2023 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's first-class competition, with 18 strikes in six games. Agha Salman, the spin-bowling allrounder in the squad, may be pressed into spin service as well. Pakistan have plenty of seam options to call upon with Shaheen Shah Afridi as their spearhead and Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf and the uncapped duo of Khurram Shahzad and Aamer Jamal coming in as support.

Abrar Ahmed has picked up 38 wickets in six Tests for Pakistan • (Getty Images)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

Clyde Butts gone but not forgotten Butts has played a big role in my Cricket and Commentary career

By Sean Devers The late Clyde Godfrey Butts was born to Euston and Lucille Butts on July 8, 1957, in the Village of Perseverance (the village with the halfway tree) on the East Coast of Demerara in Mahaicony. He died on Friday, December 8 due to a vehicular accident. The former Guyana and West Indies off-spinner is the youngest of 10 siblings and attended the Zeelandia Primary School. “Clyde was very humble and always loved playing cricket. He and his cousins and friends played the game every afternoon after school. He was always kind, courteous, and respectful. He used to help his dad in the garden (which is a passion he carried on till his death). Clyde was a happy child, cheerful with an infectious spirit of love, kindness and joy” disclosed his sister Verney Hopkinson. Butts, Kenneth Wong, Neil McGarrell and present ‘A’ team pacer Shamar Joseph are the only Guyanese who never represented Guyana at the youth level to play for West Indies at any level. Butts was reportedly taken to DCC by Lance Gibbs, the first bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, but while the ‘old stagers’ at DCC confirmed that he started at DCC, they can’t remember who brought him. Butts, who joined the Guyana Police Force in the early

1970s, played a few matches for the Police before joining Everest. He later played for East Coast when that team played in the Demerara first-division tournament along with East Bank and West Demerara and the city teams. When GNIC was granted first-division status Butts moved to that club and remained a member until his unfortunate death and played competitively until he was 61. Many felt that he never played for Guyana at youth level because of where he resided. It’s an interesting story how he made his First-Class career debut in January 1981 when after not being picked for the Barbados game, he had 3-60 against T&T; dismissing Larry Gomes, Derick Murray and the late Rangy Nanan. The trials had been washed out and he bowled to Test batter Alvin Kallicharran in the nets. Kallicharran was so impressed with the then 24-year-old Butts, that he picked him in the Guyana team. “I was in the GCC pavilion getting ready to go home when I was told to turn up the next day with my cricket clothes. I turned up and was picked for the team. I was a bit nervous being in the same room with Clive Lloyd, Colin Croft and Kallicharran” Butts had disclosed. Butts played in three tournaments where Guyana won FirstClass titles: 1983 under Lloyd, and 1987 and 1993 under Roger Harper. In 87 and 93 Guyana

Sean Devers on his Radio Commentary debut at Blairmont with Clyde Butts doing the job as comentsman won both the First-Class and 50 overs titles. In the 1993 Red Stripe Cup, Butts achieved his most successful season with 34 wickets with two five-wicket hauls with a best of 7-90. This was the sixth season, in a First-Class career that spanned between 1981-1994, that he had taken more than 20 scalps. Back only five matches were played in a season. In the 1994 season, which was his last Butts took three four-wicket hauls in 18 wickets with a best of 4-38 before he retired from First-Class and Inter-County cricket at the age of 37. Butts played the first of his

seven Tests at Bourda against New Zealand in 1985 and while he failed to take a wicket he got married to his first wife on the rest day of that game and the entire West Indies team attended the Wedding. Butts played 87 First-Class matches between 1980-1994 and finished with 348 wickets with a best of 7-29 including 23 five-wicket and two 10-wicket hauls. He also managed two First-Class fifties. He had 10 of those wickets in Test cricket, 270 for Guyana at the Regional level, and 30 for Demerara at Inter-County between 1981 and 1989 when the final was given First-Class status.

Butts bowling for GNIC at first division level in his late 50s The rest of his 348 wickets were taken for the Shell Shield X1 (1985), Young West Indies (1983) and the West Indies Board X1 among others. Butts played at a time when there were no ‘big bucks’ T20 leagues and represented Guyana in 32 Regional 50-over games and West Indies banking on a fearsome fast bowing attack which limited his opportunities. During most of Butt’s career for Guyana in Shell Shield cricket he formed a spin trio with Harper and Derick Kallicharran. Butts, regarded as Guyana's best off-spinner after Gibbs, was married twice and has two boys and three girls and eight

grandchildren. After his playing days, Butts was appointed a West Indies Selector in July 2008 and was the Chairman when West Indies won the 2012 T20 World Cup. He was also a Coach and Manager of the West Indies U-19 Team. Butts, whose funeral is pending arrangements, played a huge role in this writer’s cricket and Radio Commentary career as a mentor before I played for Guyana U-19s and was the Coach when I was in Guyana’s First-Class squad in 1999. When I made my debut as a First-Class Commentator at Blairmont in 1995, Butts was the analyst.

Mayers, Pooran decline CWI central contracts ..Chanderpaul, Motie, Carty and Athanaze have been awarded

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Former West Indies Test captain Jason Holder has raised doubt over his future in the longest format, after declining a central contract from Cricket West Indies for the upcoming year. The 32-year-old, who has played 64 Tests and 138 OneDay Internationals, was joined by Test left-hander Kyle Mayers and white-ball specialist Nicholas Pooran in opting out of the list of players awarded contracts for the period which began October 1. In a vague statement, CWI said while the trio had “declined the offer of central contracts”, they had “confirmed their availability for all

West Indies T20 Internationals during the contract year.” The statement made no reference to the players making themselves available for West Indies Test or ODI assignments Holder, who led West Indies in 38 Tests and 86 ODIs, did not feature in the just concluded three-match one-day series against England, CWI saying that he was “prioritising preparation for Test and T20I formats.” Holder ’s international form has waned in recent times, the right-hander averaging only 20 with the bat from eight Tests during the contract evaluation period while claiming 15 wickets at 40 runs apiece.

In ODIs, the Barbadian averaged 32 with the bat and 53 with the ball. However, Holder remains West Indies’ marquee all-rounder, averaging 29 with both bat and ball overall. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, right-handed batsman Keacy Carty, along with left-handed batsmen Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, have all been awarded central contracts for the first time. The 25-year-old Athanaze burst on to the international scene this year and has played two Tests and seven ODIs while Chanderpaul, 27, the son of Test legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul, made an impressive start to life in the

longest format with a double hundred last February against Zimababwe. However, Test vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith and Hayden Walsh Jr have all missed out on contracts. “With a busy year of cricket ahead, in all three formats, we have held several detailed discussions with the two head coaches on the brand of cricket they want to play,” said chief selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes. “We are very clear in the direction we want to go. The players who have been offered contracts are among those who we expect to feature, as we look to build towards challenging for the top spot when we host and compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

2024 on home soil. “We also have away Test Series in Australia and England – these are two major assignments whilst in the 50over format we look to build a nucleus of players aimed towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.” On the women’s side, two players – all-rounders Zaida James and Sheneta Grimmond – have been awarded contracts for the first time. James, 19, has played six ODIs and 10 T20 Internationals while Grimmond, 25, has featured in nine ODIs and 15 T20s. “The selectors have identified a cadre of players who we believe can drive West Indies cricket forward,” said lead women’s selector, Ann Browne-John. “We have placed emphasis

on the development of the younger players, which we view as pivotal in the pathway to the international level.” List of contracted players: MEN – Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd WOMEN – Aaliyah AlleynE, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Hayley Matthews, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, December 11, 2023

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Debutant seamer Matthew Forde sparkled in a Man-ofthe-Match effort while lion-hearted Romario Shepherd once again proved his mettle, as West Indies tasted their first One-Day International series success over England on Caribbean soil in 25 years with a nervy four-wicket win here late Saturday night. Chasing a revised target of 188 from 34 overs under lights in the rain-affected third ODI at Kensington Oval, West Indies looked in danger of defeat when they plunged to 135 for six in

we win, especially on home turf, [is pleasing],” said West Indies captain Shai Hope. “We need to defend our home turf so it’s great to see the guys putting up these performances and hopefully this will give some cheer to the West Indian fans.” The hometown lad Forde had earlier produced a stunning effort with three for 29 to help limit England to 206 for nine, in a game initially reduced to 43 overs per side and then further reduced to 40 overs following another break for rain. Ben Duckett top-scored with 71 from 73 deliveries while Liam Livingstone chipped in with 45 from 56 balls, but England lost wickets in clusters and never really found their stride after being sent in. Fast bowler Alzarri Jo-

Forde, Shepherd earn WI historic ODI series win Fast bowler Matthew Forde celebrates one of his three wickets during Saturday’s third ODI against England the 26th over, despite Keacy Carty’s 50 off 58 balls and Alick Athanaze’s 45 off 51 deliveries. However, the right-handed Shepherd flexed his muscle in an unbeaten 41 not out off 28 balls, in a crucial 56run, unbroken seventh wicket

stand with Forde (13 not out) as the home side sneaked home with 14 balls to spare under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern. The contest was still in the balance with 33 required off the last 24 balls but Shepherd blasted successive sixes

Romario Shepherd flexed his muscle with an unbeaten 41 off 28 balls from the first deliveries off the 31st over from pacer Gus Atkinson (2-58) which leaked 24 runs, to put the game firmly in West Indies’ favour. “There’s so much history in cricket it’s hard to keep up sometimes but any time

seph supported Forde with three for 61 while pacer Shepherd chimed in with two for 50, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie helping to dry up the runs in a stingy eight-over spell which yielded only 23 runs. It was the 21-year-old Forde who blew away England’s top order in a devastating new-ball spell, taking the first three wickets to fall as the visitors slumped to 49 for five in the 10th over after being sent in following a delayed start. He had the dangerous Phil Salt (4) taken at midoff by Joseph with the sixth ball of the evening, got Zak Crawley (0) to glove one which bounced awkwardly to Athanaze at second slip in his next over before getting one to straighten and take TURN TO PAGE 21

Cropper Primary storms to Berbice’s Future Warriors Tapeball title

EYES ON THE BALL! Part of the intense action between Cropper Primary and Fyrish Primary CROPPER Primary surged to the top spot in the Berbice edition of the Future Warriors Tapeball title for primary schools with another smashing performance at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground on Sunday. Cropper Primary, Tain Primary, and Fyrish Primary stood out from the 12 invited schools, and Cropper defeated them both on the final day to lift the title. They opened the day by de-

feating Tain by nine wickets as they aced the chase of 50 in just four of their allotted eight overs. R o y s t o n C r a n d o n J r. smashed 22* (2x4s;2x6s) from 14 balls, while Timothy Ramsarack (19*) and Jayden Garner (11) supported the dominant performance. Tain reached 49-4, compliments of an unbeaten 37 (5x4s;1x6) from Sumit Samaroo, as Ramsarack got 2-10 from two overs.

Cropper then piled on the highest total in the competition by making 98-1 from their eight overs against Fyrish. They were led by Ramsarack, who struck three sixes and three fours in his 38 from 18 balls, and Garner with an unbeaten 33 (2x4s;3x6s) from 19 balls. Crandon Jr. was among the runs with a five-ball 21 (2x4s;2x6s). Tain and Fyrish had a close and exciting battle as the latter

CHAMPIONS! Cropper Primary School celebrates their success along with officials from ExxonMobil Guyana and FL Sport lost by one run in pursuit of 77. Aryan Ali blazed to 39* from 10 balls, striking five massive sixes to put his team on the brink of a stunning victory. Lekraj Rambarran (30) and Keyron Bridgemohan (29) got Tain to 76-2. Tain finished second, while Fyrish was third. Cropper also got bats, balls, and stumps, in addition to their trophies and medals. At the presentation ceremo-

ny, ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Adviser Lashawna Prescott commended the teams for an excellent showing, given the discipline and high quality of play on the field. More so, the co-director of FL Sport John Ramsingh also highlighted the impressive performances of the teams, their organisation, and their knowledge of the sport at an early age. This is the second Future Warriors Tapeball tournament,

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following the inaugural tournament in Georgetown in September. Plans are afoot to expand into other counties in 2024. INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: Most runs: Yuvraj Goberdan (101) Most wickets: Timothy Ramsarack (six) Most Valuable Player: Timothy Ramsarack (98 runs and six wickets)

| MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2023