Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14-01-2024

14th JANUARY, 2024

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See Inside No.107323

Budget 2024…

Policy framework established through careful, meticulous, methodical planning - Dr. Singh - emphasises administration's people-centred approach to development

SEE PAGE

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President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Fire Service launches first ‘Kids Camp’

SEE PAGE An officer of the Guyana Fire Service demonstrating to children how to use a fire extinguisher (Delano Williams photo)

‘We have moved from rubble and ruins to prosperity and pride’ SEE PAGE

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- President Ali says at commissioning of US$30M marine facility

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Agri. Minister pledges support for Bare Root, Enterprise farmers SEE PAGE

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Suddie Hospital boosted with modern NICU SEE PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

‘We have moved from rubble and ruins to prosperity and pride’

- President Ali says at commissioning of US$30M marine facility - Wales Development Zone to have manufacturing and industrial hub

First Son, Zayd, cuts the ribbon to commission the marine facility while First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali; President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Singhs family and other officials look on

By Trina Williams THOUSANDS of ‘west-siders’ are set to benefit from a number of opportunities that will stem from GAICO’s US$30 million marine facility which was commissioned by President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday at Nismes, West Bank Demerara.

The site is located approximately three kilometers from the Demerara Harbour Bridge and consists of four acres of land with full access to the Demerara River. Over the last eight years, the site was used as a wharf facility to moor company vessels and for discharging and storing equipment and construction materials. Drydocking and

maintenance work is also being done for company vessels.

GAICO, a local company, had noted that the facility is expected to create new opportunities for the international transport of materials and goods. It is also expected to generate much-needed employment opportunities for laid-off workers of the depressed Wales Sugar Estate since its closure.

The project is expected to create 100 full-time jobs during operation.

Meanwhile, the Head of State, in his feature address, reflected on the drastic transformation of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) under his administration.

For instance, Wales, which was neglected under the previous coalition government and which suffered due to the closure of the sugar estate, will soon have a manufacturing and industrial hub.

“Today, every single person wants to buy a piece of land in Wales. That is a difference between two governments. That is a difference between two different policies. You have moved from rubble and ruins to prosperity and pride and that is a simple truth. That is the unavoidable truth,” President Ali told a large gathering of private sector players, Opposition members and the diplomatic corps.

He then spoke on how the government’s policies are

aimed at bolstering income and creating an array of opportunities.

In order to expand Guyana’s local capacity, the President called for maximisation of the local capital and local capability that exists within the country.

“So, in the coming months, you will see many massive, transformational investments being announced and being commissioned.”

Furthermore, he stated that the investments that are being rolled out across the country is as a result of the confidence the private sector is placing in the policy framing matrix of the government.

Speaking on how the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government is always striving to propel development, the President underscored that more than $30 billion of investment was held up by the previous government and his administration tackled this head on, shortly after assuming office.

DEVELOPMENT As Guyana remains steadfast on the developmental path, Dr Ali did not hesitate

President Dr Irfaan Ali

to point out to naysayers that Guyana does not revolve around oil and gas but uses it to diversify its economy. “…Guyana is not about oil and gas, oil and gas is a catalyst, which will expand all other aspects and segments of our economy to be strong, resilient and sustainable. That is what we are creating an economy that is strong, resilient and sustainable,” the Head-of-State told the large gathering.

Additionally, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GAICO, Komal Singh, who is also the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), called on the business sector to be more proactive.

Singh stated that development and investment is not scarce because the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government continuously strives to open new doors of opportunities.

Reflecting on how he got to this moment, Singh stated, “We only got the permission to develop this facility in 2020 December; I want to thank His Excellency and his entire team for seeing the

vision that we have seen to develop this facility.”

As the market continues to grow aggressively, Singh said that the project will complement all the other proposed developments for the West Bank Demerara area, including the Gas-to-Energy project.

“In two years from now the power plant will be up and running. We need to make sure we have our industry prepared and ready to capitalise on this opportunity. We need to make sure we have a robust logistic regional hub to make sure that our goods and services can reach the region on a timely manner,” he asserted.

For the project, GAICO had said, in a project summary, that it would have two phases; the first completed saw the construction of the dry dock, a reinforced concrete wharf, and a laydown yard to be upgraded to handle heavier loads using geotextile fabric along with white sand, loam and first-grade crusher run.

The second phase saw the construction of finger piers.

A section of the marine facility (Photos: DPI)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

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Budget 2024…

Policy framework established through careful, meticulous, methodical planning - Dr. Singh - emphasises administration's people-centred approach to development

By Trina Williams AS Guyanese wait in anticipation for Budget 2024, the government has maintained that it is steadfast on the path to bettering the lives of all Guyanese, through a people-centred approach to policy-making.

On Saturday, President Dr Irfaan Ali visited the Ministry of Finance where the staff is working around the clock to present the budget tomorrow.

The President stated, “Planning for a budget is a lot of work. When many people enjoy their Christmas holidays, the Minister of Finance and his team would normally work through [that] period to get us ready for the national budget.”

Furthermore, as the President met with the team, he gave a breakdown of how the profile serves as a management

project’s duration, the type of funding, among other key elements.

Against this backdrop, he stated that the profile is essential for the Auditor General because when he is conducting his checks, the profile indicates the purpose of the project.

He then expounded on the challenging job of distilling the policies in figures, which is a responsibility that lies at the feet of the team at the Ministry of Finance.

Even though each year Guyanese sit in anticipation to hear the budget speech, Dr Ali related that it is just a summary of highlights.

Hinting at what’s to come, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, stated that the budget will be rolling out the government’s fiscal plans for 2024 coupled with the ongoing implementations that were laid out in the People’s

tinuity. We don’t make policy in a hazard manner…we are careful, meticulous and methodical in setting out our policy framework,” he said while explaining that not only is the government transparent and consultative but also consistent with implementation.

“What you will here on Monday is a wide range of interventions… all of which are aimed to improve people’s lives… and to create opportunities for personal upliftment,” the Finance Minister said.

PEOPLE-CENTRED APPROACH During the Pre-Budget 2024 interview on Friday, the minister stated that unlike the previous coalition administration, the PPP/C government always stays committed to having a consultative approach to policy-making.

“Our tune is not dif-

President Dr Irfaan Ali greets staff at the Ministry of Finance

tool.

“Each project has a very detailed profile.

Now there is an important reason also,” the President said while explaining that the profile gives insight into a

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) 2020 manifesto.

“We as a government, we pride ourselves on the clarity of our policy objectives and on our policy con-

ferent in government from when we were in Opposition. The things that we said we will do in opposition are the things we said we will do when we get into government and when

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

we got into government are the things that we implemented,” Dr Singh asserted.

He added, “Unlike the APNU+AFC, we don’t formulate policies in our conference rooms, or in our offices. We listen to people.

We have a President who is constantly on the ground listening to people. We have a cabinet that is constantly on the ground listening to people.”

Deeming it a “hallmark” for this government, the Finance Minister said that policy continuity is something that they are proud of since they do not “hop and skip” from policy to policy or abandon them.

“The things that we implement in our budget, our successive budgets are things we promised in our manifesto and are the things that people voted [for]… and expected [us] to deliver.”

He also stated the government is methodical in its approach to policy formation and always takes the time to analyse the global economy to frame the policy response accordingly.

“If you were to dissect everything we have said and everything we have done and every major policy document that we have issued, you will see that the consistent objective underline all that we have done is improving the well-being of all of the Guyanese,” he related.

Diversified growth and bettering citizens’ lives are at the top of the list of objectives that the PPP/C aims to produce.

Moreover, he stressed on the efforts being rolled out to not only ensure that the environment is one that can provide jobs for the people but also put money back into their pockets.

“In every sector of government operations, there’s a consistent approach and that consistent approach is always aimed at improving people’s lives,” Singh remarked.

He then went on to say: “So maintaining strong economic growth is an important policy objective for us, not because economic growth is an end by itself… but because economic growth can and does

translate into economic well-being and the well-being of communities and households, etc…”

Pointing out the false hope and the effort to attract votes, Dr Singh expounded on how the APNU+AFC administration did not deliver on any of their promises in their 2015 manifesto.

For instance, instead of creating more opportunities for Guyanese, in 2017, the former APNU+AFC Coalition Government announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country, leaving thousands of persons without jobs or a source of income. The move saw four sugar estates being closed and over 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs.

The Rose Hall Estate, prior to its clos u re , w a s “ h o m e ” to some 2,500 sugar workers, but 1,181 of those were retrenched.

The remaining workers from the Rose Hall Estate were transferred to Blairmont Estate over in West Coast Berbice and Albion Estate on the Corentyne.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

Windsor Forest Primary School gets kitchen and conference hall

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and other officials inside the new facility

A pupil of the Windsor Forest Primary School cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the commissioning of the new facility

THE pupils, teachers and staff of the Windsor Forest Primary School will now benefit from the newly constructed kitchen and

Pupils of the Windsor Forest Primary School performing at the event

conference hall.

The US$150,000 facility, which was constructed by CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL), was on Friday

afternoon commissioned

by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand.

The project, which commenced in August 2023, was completed in four months. Aurora Gold Mines donated $2.1 million to furnish the building with amenities such as air conditioning units, projectors and laptops. Power China also donated televisions, a refrigerator and fan for the building.

During her remarks, Minister Manickchand noted that the commissioning of the facility coincides with the 171st anniversary of Chinese Arrival in Guyana. She highlighted that over the years, the Chinese community has contributed significantly to the development of Guyana in various aspects.

The education minister noted that the Government of Guyana has been investing heavily in the education sector to enhance the delivery of education across the country. She expressed

appreciation to the companies which contributed to the project.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Gou Haiyan noted that the commissioning of the kitchen and conference hall at the Windsor Forest Primary School demonstrates that Chinese companies provide important and constructive support in supporting Guyana’s development and transformation.

Meanwhile, the Headteacher of the Windsor Forest Primary School, Ms. Leela Inderdeo thanked the companies for their donations. She noted that the facility will benefit not only the pupils and teachers of the school, but also the wider community.

In observance of the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Guyana, the audience were treated to traditional Chinese performances in the form of a dragon dance and a song.

GWI assesses water supply projects in Region Nine

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

A TEAM from the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), led by Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh, recently visited Region Nine to assess the progress of water supply and other related projects in the area.

The aim of the visit was to ensure the efficient distribution of clean water to the residents of the region.

During the visit, the team inspected several water supply systems in villages, including St. Ignatius, Nappi, Quarrie, Quiko, Kumu, Baitoon, Hiowa, and Parishara, as well as Lethem.

In Quarrie, the drilling of a well is currently underway, while in Quiko, the drilling has been completed, and water distribution is set to commence in two weeks.

Furthermore, the village of Nappi will witness the completion of the distribution network and storage facility in the first quarter of this year. This project is being funded by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

In Parishara, the drilling of a well has been completed, and construction has commenced on the storage facility. Ad-

clined.

The GWI is now focused on building climate-resilient infrastructures to better serve the residents in the region. As a gesture of support, Mr. Baksh handed over a new Toyota vehicle to GWI's Regional Manager, John Yow. This vehicle will aid in the provision of better water service to residents of Lethem.

GWI’s Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh recently visited Region Nine to assess the efficiency of the water supply there

ditionally, a well is currently being drilled in Hiowa. During the visit to St. Ignatius, residents expressed their need for another well, as plans are afoot to have a housing area developed there.

In Baitoon, two wells

have been successfully drilled, and the team also assessed the water supply in Cumu.

Baksh expressed his satisfaction with the completion of these projects, which will significantly benefit the residents of

the region. He also highlighted that all the wells are currently distributing water at a normal level of service, since, despite the drought conditions affecting the region, the production of water from GWI wells has not de-

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

Staying the course

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP), from its very inception as a political party 74 years ago, embraced an approach to governance that is pro-working class. Both in an out of office, it fiercely defended the rights of ordinary citizens to live a life of dignity and prosperity, having regard to the question of affordability and sustainability.

This governance approach has been evident from the budgetary emphasis of all PPP/C budgets which were heavily skewed in favour of the

social sectors such as education, health, housing and water, all of which impacted directly on the standard of living of the Guyanese people, in particular the poor and the vulnerable.

This upcoming budget estimates to be presented by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday promises to be no different. According to Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, emphasis will again be placed on human and infrastructural development.

According to him,

there are two fundamental pillars which will shape the administration's fiscal plan, namely the implementation of mechanisms aimed at injecting additional disposable income into the economy and, secondly, the development of the country's economic and social infrastructure.

This, he said, will lay the foundation for future growth which will bring prosperity to all Guyanese. Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the positive impact these initiatives will have on the economy as a whole such as employment creation,

improved delivery of social services, tax reductions and enhanced remuneration for public servants.

These are not isolated or fragmented developmental initiatives but are situated within a much broader philosophical outlook which are embodied in the PPP/C’s manifesto. According to the Vice President, who is also General Secretary of the ruling PPP, “these are macro-elements, goal elements that are consistent with our manifesto. But they would find themselves

reflected through a series of projects, policies and programmes that will be enshrined in the Budget.”

And on a similar note, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said that several measures will be rolled out in the new fiscal year such as salary increases for public sector workers, increased spending in the security sector and the country's defence capability, improved delivery of social services and infrastructural development consistent with the pro-people orientation of the PPP/C

administration.

Guyanese are eagerly awaiting the budget presentation which from all indications will continue to build on the solid foundation laid in the past years. The PPP/C must be commended not only for bringing out a national budget on a timely basis but also for staying the course of a pro-people approach to national development as envisioned by its leaders over seven decades ago.

Justice delayed is justice denied!

Dear Editor,

AFTER three long years, the cases against the Guyana Elections Commission ‘mercenaries’ are yet to be heard in our Courts. In one loud voice Guyanese must call on the Chancellor of the Judiciary to please intervene and let the “elections” fraud cases be herd expeditiously.

Former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, his former deputy Roxanne Myers, along with Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and the PNC all-powerful woman at that time, Volda Lawrence, are before the

Courts for electoral fraud.

F u r t h e r, G E C O M clerks Denise Babb- Cummings, Michelle Miller, Sheffern February, Enrique Livan and opposition member Carol Smith-Joseph were all charged in 2020 for the un-pardonable roles they played in an attempt to rig the 2020 National and Regional Elections in favour of the APNU+AFC. The procrastination and continuous delaying of these trials must stop.

The whimsical and ridiculous reasons given to avoid these trials are utterly unacceptable. We as Guyanese must never forget how the same Judi-

ciary hauled the eminent Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Council Anil Nandlall, Winston Brassington, and many others in chains before the courts. There was no case against these prominent ‘political’ persons who were dragged disgracefully through the courts. Thank God that Justice prevailed, and they are all free today.

Our democracy is on trial. Guyana’s history of ‘rigged’ elections must come to an end. Of great concern is the mysterious disappearance of the documentation of the forty-seven Boxes of votes.

This is a serious matter because the ‘rigger’ in-

structed those ‘Presiding’ Officers not to place the documents in the boxes.

The public must be informed of the elements of the concocted plot. The CEO proposed candidate for RO in Region Four was vigorously opposed.

Hence, Clairmont Mingo was catapulted from Region Five to Region Four as RO. On the morning of March 2, 2020, the vicious riggers advised the faithful GECOM staff to get involved in their immoral skullduggery. Those who co-operated completely ignored their training and blatantly flouted the instructions in the GECOM

training manual.

In today’s technologically advanced world, it is unthinkable that ‘riggers’ could remain hidden or go unpunished.

Let this nation ask in one voice “Where are the hidden Statements of Poll”?

Where did Mingo and Lownfield obtained their figures from in respect to Region Four false votes that they were using before the re-count. Let those who kept their knees on our nation’s neck for five long months be brought to justice.

Those who are found guilty must be held accountable with substantial penalties. The Attorney

General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall SC, strong call on our Chancellor is indeed mostly and must lead to the completion of these cases.

However, it should be noted that there were some individuals who were intimidated into co-operating under duress. Our certain to return, President Dr. Irfaan Ali will have the choice to pardon those victims in the interest of our ONE GUYANA. Long live our democracy!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

‘Deceitful and misleading headline’

Dear Editor,

THE article published on Friday, 12 January 2024,

by Demerara Waves news outlet, with a large photographic image of “Figueira” and what, to my mind, was the most deceitful and misleading headline, “Figueira admits Norton’s performance assessment correct; pledges support for Nima Flue-Best,” was crafted with the dubious aim of inducing alarm and mislead the population.

The only truth in that piece had to do with my commitment to work with and help my colleague MP Mrs Nima Flue-Bess.

I was initially caught

off guard with the writer’s scheming tactics. However, I’ve come to learn that the writer is a close associate of (Opposition Leader Aubrey) Norton. The writer, no doubt, seized the opportunity presented by the trending nature of the Shadow Cabinet debacle and negative backlash Norton is receiving, to give credence to the party leader’s baseless, witless, inept and daft analysis of my performance and decisions on his pre-budget, pre-elections, political moves.

To play with words is an art that was surely on display in this colourful and deceptive piece published by Demerara Waves.

Editor, I put the following

to you to reinforce my point.

1. A woman without her man is nothing?

2. A woman, without her man, is nothing.

3. A woman, without her, man is nothing.

The play of the identical words connotes three different ideas.

My truthful ideas were not captured in this piece, intentionally so.

Editor, I do understand and can appreciate that in some instances, newspapers and social media platforms use sensational headlines to grab the attention of readers and entice them to buy or read their publications.

In today’s competitive media landscape, attention is

a valuable commodity, and sensational headlines are a way for newspapers and other media entities to stand out from the crowd. Additionally, sensational headlines can generate buzz on social media and attract clicks to online articles and shares, which can drive traffic and increase advertising and sales revenue.

However, some journalistic ethics are expected. In this regard, I specifically wish to express umbrage to one of the country’s least read and circulated social media outlet, ‘Demarara Waves’, for its deliberate and misleading headline and play of words, with the sole aim to invoke a certain response and feelings

Roopnaraine's falsehoods Dear Editor,

There was a letter in the KN of Saturday, January 13 from a Leyland Roopnarine, highly critical of me. It is revealing that Roopnaraine had nothing to say about what I had written on free speech since I assume he could not disagree with what I had to say. But he was angry that I wrote in defense of Bharrat Jagdeo.

First and foremost, Bharrat Jagdeo does not need me or anyone to defend him and to polish his considerable stature in Guyana, the diaspora and globally. In this note, I will not respond to any name-calling that the anti-Jagdeo usual suspects apply to me. In any case, name-calling is not my forte and I usually leave it to those who need that approach, instead of dealing with facts.

I have better things to do, working every single day in the various communities of the country of my birth that I love so very much. Many of the usual suspects when they need me, they know where to find me, they usually find me in one of the communities working

and I am always respectful and always offer my help, something none can dispute.

As promised, I will only deal with the falsehoods Roopnaraine referred to. He wanted to know what happened with the specialty hospital money which the PPP Government mobilised when I was Minister to build the specialty hospital. Actually, he is asking the wrong person. Mostly, the persons that he need to direct that question to are his friends in the former David Granger-led APNU/AFC Government which include Leyland’s friends, such as Ramjattan, Nagamootoo, Jordon, Volda Lawrence, George Norton and Karen Cummings.

In 2010, on a trip to India, President Bharrat Jagdeo had requested me to prepare a concept note for a specialty hospital. It was agreed that the Indian EXIM Bank would fund the project at a cost of $US54M. It took a while to finalize the agreement and with various budget cuts and rejection in the Parliament when the APNU/AFC used it’s one-seat majority to sabotage the project and the development agenda, a contract was not signed with Surendra until

2013, at a time when I was then the Minister of Agriculture. In 2014, clearing of the land, just east of where MovieTowne is presently located, and site preparation began. The funds for site preparation in 2014 was from the regular budget.

In 2015, all Leyland’s friends were now responsible for the project. In fact, the new government, with Leyland’s friends, terminated the contract and abandoned the project. They then negotiated a different use of the EXIM Bank’s funds, focusing on primary health care. To this day, we cannot determine how they used those funds because there is no visible evidence of improvement or

building of any health centre, no improvement in any of the various district or regional hospitals that occurred between 2015 and 2020. No specific project was developed that targeted the EXIM Bank Fund. Most of the work they started in the health sector were incomplete in 2020 and most could not be completed for the proposed construction started. Almost $300M was expended to build a maternity wing at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

In August 2020, the building was a shell, windows, doors, floors, still to be completed.

The operating room area needed total redesigning and new construction because each

in the public domain. Hence, my deliberate sarcastic assertion “Mr. Norton was right”, could not be further from the truth.

I can assure the editor that some of his intended purposes with such a headline and word play was achieved, to cause confusion, accusations, speculations and much gossip because most who rush to judge and made the wrong conclusion didn’t take time to read what was posited in the true positions of my articulations.

It is a sign of maturity when one can read not only what is on the lines but between the lines. I will continue to speak truth to power for the betterment of our country

and its people.

I will resolutely continue to offer ideas I believe can bring about positive change or spark the conversations that will lead to change and engender national unity and development for all Guyanese, knowing that some may not agree with me at times, and that is ok. In a democratic and civilised society, that is welcomed.

No unscrupulous actors with malicious and wicked intentions, nor interlopers wielding the pen of ‘semantic tyranny’ will deter me.

of the rooms had pillars spreading across the middle of the room, leaving no place to fit functional operating room tables. In Suddie, they started building a $45M suite that was never designed for an operating room that was incomplete and leaking badly. On January 12, 2024, Minister Anthony commissioned a new NICU in that space. In August 2020, after spending more than $1.5B, and after commissioning the former Ocean View Hotel as a new Infectious Disease Hospital for COVID-19 twice, we discovered an unfinished building, with major sewer problems, no beds, no equipment, no oxygen, with incomplete electrical work.

This is the kind of disarray that Leyland’s friends foisted on our people that should make all of

us angry. Those who defend the 2015 to 2020 record in health are callous and have no interest in the welfare of our people.

In October 2020, President Irfaan Ali agreed that the EXIM Bank money would be added to funds which will go toward building new hospitals to replace West Demerara, Suddie and Bartica Hospitals. To our great chagrin, we discovered that the APNU/AFC government had squandered most of the money, with just $US15M remaining.

This money is what is being supplemented to build the new Bartica Hospital, the design of which has been completed, with construction starting before June 2024. I encourage Leyland to take some time and ask his friends in APNU/AFC to

Yours truly, Hon. Jermaine Figueira, MP

Continued on page 8

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

Roopnaraine's...

From page 7

account for how they expended almost US$40M. I left the Ministry of Health in December 2011. Even his friends in the PNC/APNU/AFC conceded that my leadership was transformative, stating openly that “one must give Jack his jacket”. We gained national, regional and global recognition for the work we did in health.

Everything Roopnaraine stated was false. Far from being in disarray, the health sector was being transformed, resembling nothing we had before.

The statement that the sector was suffering from major medicine and medical supplies

shortage is appropriate for 2015 to 2020 when his friends were in charge. At the beginning of 2012, the sector was providing reliable supplies to all health facilities between 95% and 100%.

From an essential medicine list with about 140 medicines in 2000, the essential medicine list bulged to almost 1,000, with no developing countries matching our list. Cancer medicines, antiretrovirals for HIV, hepatitis, heart disease, medicines were all being provided for free. From a time when Guyana could not guarantee people a simple HB test result, Guyana was providing at GPHC and all regional labs diagnostic testing that included all the regular tests

that doctors requested. In 2020, none of this was any longer true.

Shortages had returned with reliability at only 35%. In August 2020, we were forced to dispose of $11B of expired medicines and estimated that about $50B of medicines and other supplies had accumulated over the five year period. This is the legacy of Leyland’s friends.

The number of surgeries increased. In fact, from the cataract backlog which was about 20,000 in 2001, Guyana eliminated the total backlog and by 2006, we were searching for patients to help for free cataracts in Suriname and the Caribbean. We also introduced, for the first time, modern cataract surgery, such as phaco-emulsification and laser surgery. Surgery for glaucoma was introduced, for the first time

in Guyana. Laparoscopy which is a minimally invasive surgery technique, moving away from large incisions (cuts), was introduced also before 2006. Today about 30% of our surgeries are using laparoscopy at GPHC, New Amsterdam and Linden.

Open heart surgery at GPHC was introduced in 2006. Dialysis was introduced in 2005. Radiotherapy, CT and MRI were brought in between 2002 and 2004 via a public/private partnership.

New training programmes were developed. Guyana had no post-graduate training programme when I became Minister of Health. The first post-graduate programme was in general surgery, together with McMaster University and with support from several top US universities.

Today, Guyana offers training

in 18 different specialties for doctors and five for nurses.

More than 300 specialist doctors, children of fishermen, cane cutters, farmers, miners, children coming from all 10 regions, are our specialists. We have our own cardiologists, our own neurosurgeons, our own hip and joint specialists, our own burns care doctors. We have become the transplant centre for CARICOM, using totally Guyanese staff.

These represent only a short list of our accomplishments.

The results speak for themselves. In 2001, life expectancy was 64. In 2011, it had reached 69, almost touching the elusive 70. Maternal mortality which was over 200/100,000 in 2000 had fallen to 80/100,000 by 2008. Child mortality which was about 48/1,000 in 2000 had

fallen to 27. HIV overall rate which had reached 3% of the adult population and 8% among pregnant women had dropped to less than 1% overall, including among pregnant women and mother-to-child transmission had almost disappeared. From more than 120,000 cases of malaria, by 2010, we were recording less than 10,000. From between 170 to 200 suicide deaths, were between 140 and 170 by 2010.

Incidentally, in 2023, it was 129.

There is a long story to tell. But I will resist the temptation. It does not bother me what names the usual suspects apply to me. But I do hope, as an intelligent person, people like Leyland Roopnaarine are better informed.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

The Greater Guyana Initiative: Upskilling young Guyanese to take their place in the oil and gas industry Late last year, it was announced that some 6,000 Guyanese workers support the oil and gas industry in Guyana, directly and indirectly. The growing number of locals employed by the industry is reflective of increasing efforts to upskill and build the capacity of Guyanese to occupy roles in the sector. It also shows that Guyana has come a long way from 2015 when the first oil discovery was accompanied by the concern that Guyanese did not have the skills to service the industry.

Over the last several years, young people across Guyana have been benefiting from initiatives by both industry players and local institutions to prepare them to work in the lucrative sector. One such effort is the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), which is providing Guyanese with the tools needed to tap into the sector.

This is a US$100 million, 10-year investment made by the Stabroek co-venturers – ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess and CNOOC. It is geared

towards developing the local workforce, building human capacity, enhancing education and improving healthcare, to promote sustainable economic diversification in Guyana.

Among some of the impactful projects that GGI has been executing are the partnerships with several technical institutes across the country, through which funding is being provided for programmes such as Electrical Installation and Welding and Fabrication.

The institutes include the Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden Technical Institutes. These collaborations allow Guyanese to access training that would position them to work in the oil sector. Only recently, it was reported that the Valedictorian from the 2023 graduating class at the Linden Technical Institute was among the 69 graduates who completed the Electrical Installation programme which was sponsored by the GGI. The University of Guyana is another institution the GGI collaborated with

to assist in building the capacity of Guyana’s human resources. Millions of dollars have been invested to support curriculum development, provide technical support and construct facilities that will aid the university in expanding its workforce development efforts.

Most recently, the sod was turned for the construction of a state-of-theart science and technology building at the University’s Turkeyen campus that GGI is funding. The support also includes retrofitting of labs in the faculty and the addition of three new labs into the existing Faculty of Engineering building.

The facility is expected to double the number of engineers that graduate from the University. The increase in engineers means Guyanese will be able to capitalise on the career opportunities created by both the government and the private sector.

Just this week, Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin revealed that international companies, including Continued on page 9

My best politicians for 2023 remain the same 9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

THIS is my final column assessing the contents of Guyana for 2023. This is the 11th article in the series and I hope I have been able to make a modest contribution to opening your eyes in a country where there is a relentless crusade by a certain fixed mind or a certain mind set to deny any accomplishment by the government.

From Tuesday, I will look at the world in 2023 and as a human rights activist of over 56 years, I say regrettably that 2023 has been one of the worst years in the world in recent memory based on what happened in Gaza and the world’s inaction to stop it as I write.

I noted that my review will begin on Tuesday rather than Monday because I want to use my Monday column to respond to a vicious anti-government editorial in the Stabroek News on Saturday.

Anyone who is concerned with the danger of the media descending into the arena of politics need to respond to that editorial to protect democracy in Guyana. That editorial was written by

someone driven by anti-PPP frenzy.

Most columnists around the world tend to look back at the pieces they have done and make a selection of the items they consider the chosen ones. Here is my choice of the column I am glad I did as a political analyst and as a human in 2023. It is titled, “My best Guyanese politician”, Sunday, July 2, 2023.

I listed Anil Nandlall, President Irfaan Ali, EMG Wilson of the PPP in the 1970s, Cheddi Jagan, Desmond Hoyte and Boyo Ramsaroop of the PPP. Mr. Nandlall and Yesu Persaud have done more for me than my own father has ever done. I am thankful to President Desmond for cancelling the fatwa President Burnham issued against me when I returned to Guyana after serving the Maurice Bishop Government in Grenada.

If Hoyte had maintained Burnham’s edict, maybe I would have taken my wife and seek existence elsewhere (I got an offer from Sweden and Barbados was an option) and my life would have evolved differently. Maybe I

would have left Guyana and never be called Freddie. It was UG lecturer Kwame Apatha that named me after the Trinidadian playwright, Freddie Kissoon, on the first day of my class with him when he thought literature at UG. All the students laughed and kept shouting in the class, “Freddie, Freddie!” from that day in 1974 at UG, I lost my real name, “Frederick.”

I met EMG when I was a “youth man” in the PPP. Every person in the PPP called him Willo. EMG taught me to respect myself and never to be someone other than myself. He taught me always

The Greater Guyana Initiative: Upskilling young Guyanese to take their...

From page 8

SBM Offshore Guyana and CNOOC have been absorbing the engineering students even before they graduate.

There has also been a conscious effort by the GGI in collaboration with the University to target students entering secondary school in its career awareness initiative. This is done via the Regional Accelerator for STEM Students Readiness (RASSR) programme.

Targeting 100 students, RASSR exposes them to a cutting-edge curriculum built around core concepts, problems and applications for Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Integrated Science, Technology and Engineering. RASSR gives students insight into possible career paths they can

explore. Given the direction the country is heading, moulding the minds of young people is crucial in meeting the need for having specialised talent, if the country is to continue its accelerated growth.

The GGI is also supporting the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme which will see the expansion of hydroponics farming in Regions Two, Five and Ten. The hydroponics farming programme aims to empower hundreds of young people, while at the same time significantly increasing the output of agricultural produce. They are expected to be provided with agricultural skills using hydroponics technology that will assist CARICOM to reduce its

food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

I n 2 0 2 3 , G u y a n a ’s economy grew by 38.4 per cent and is slated to further grow by 20 per cent on average from 2024 to 2028 according to the International Monetary Fund. The production of oil offshore Guyana was credited for the accelerated growth.

While the Government of Guyana is doing its part to develop its human resources, the programmes funded by the GGI are strategically positioning Guyanese to recognise the opportunities ahead and to take advantage of what the future holds.

to speak my mind no matter how large is the personality in front of me. I will always remember some words of his reaction in relation to a huge PPP leader at the time.

We were all in the leadership of the East-German-Guyana Friendship Society and this huge figure in the PPP leadership, Maccie Hamid, who was close to Dr. Jagan and was a PPP parliamentarian, instructed me how to vote for the selection of a delegate to go to East Germany. I did not like his choice.

It was wrong. So, I went to

Willo and told him. Willo said: “Comrade go and tell him no.” I told Willo; “you know who Maccie Hamid is? And Willo said, “Go and tell him no, that is what you have to do.”

I think he was definitely one of the persons who shaped my life. I will always love EMG Wilson. I met Boyo Ramsaroop during my youthful days in the PPP and he took me under his wing and brought me into the East-Germany-Guyana Friendship Society. In those days food was scarce in my

home and Boyo fed me. If there wasn’t Boyo in my life, I think I would have gone to waste, never would have become Freddie Kissoon, and never would have my saviour, Janet Kissoon.

Finally, there is Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana. We got off to a wonderful start when we were both in the Council of the University of Guyana. Dr. Ali is genetically a “cool”, modest fellow with no ears about him. We struck up a friendship since those days but I lost contact with him over the years.

No president in Guyana has ever sent for me to acknowledge that I made a contribution to Guyana.

He said to me: “tell me in what ways you would like to continue serving Guyana.”

I graciously declined citing age and preference for a younger person. I sense Dr. Ali is going to be the greatest leader Guyana and the Caribbean has produced.

He has my support and I told him that he can call on me anytime.

10

Norton will be the end of PNC/R THIS week, the public learnt of some vexing decisions that were made under the cover of secrecy and clandestinely by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton. We were informed that Norton decided on a Shadow Cabinet reshuffle that would affect varying personalities in the opposition benches after the National Budget is presented.

We were told that the reshuffle was discussed widely as there were consultations with respective parliamentarians before the decision. As a matter of fact, Norton was quoted in the media as saying that “the reshuffling is to ensure MPs are more effective and efficient…and provides an opportunity for MPs to do more work in their regions.”

In the days that followed that announcement, the public was again surprised and caught off guard when APNU+AFC Parliamentarian Jermaine Figueira said he was disrespected by the decision to not receive a call, text or meeting to discuss the changes. It turned out that he was not reshuffled from his former shadow portfolio but

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

was kicked out completely.

The poor MP, who had been crying and begging allegedly, sought to write the Central Executive Committee, hoping for a reversal of Norton’s decision. After all, Figueira thought that he was doing a great lot for the party socially and had done well with representing the Culture, Youth and Sport portfolio both in and out of Parliament.

He quizzed if it was his decision to shake the hand of President Dr Irfaan Ali or his cordialness with the PPP MPs. Other MPs, who were affected by Norton’s quick blow, did not speak up in the media but would join the whispering squad to criticise Norton sharply.

What happened to Figueira is just the beginning of the havoc and turmoil that Norton will create in the PNC, and the wider opposition parties in Guyana. Norton knows fully well that it was pure revenge and puerile internal politics that made him strike at that parliamentarian now at the beginning of the year. He knows too well that the handshake that was seen across the world, depicted

that he was not in control of all the MPs and there were cracks in the leadership of the party.

So, trying to spin the narrative that the reshuffle was to ensure effective representation is nothing short of a lie.

Ok. Let’s analyse Norton’s selection of Nima Flue-Bess as the shadow for the portfolio. Norton boasts of her qualifications but fails to list one in the area of Culture,

Youth or Sport. Is it because she is from Mocha which is a PNC/APNU stronghold? No. Figueira is from Linden.

Is it her interaction with youths in the sports arena?

No. Figueira knows the innerworkings of all sports at the level of youths and young adults. He is far more competent than Flue-Bess in a debate or in that portfolio.

Anyways, if it comes down to who “naturally” would have been the selection using Norton’s selection and appraisal, any sensible or sane person would have chosen MP Christopher Jones not Flue-Bess. Recall, he was the Director of Sports in the previous APNU+AFC administration. Or is the Chief Whip and lead politician not competent, qualified, or naturally experienced to lead? It does not make sense. What makes sense is that Norton has a score to settle with both Figueira and Jones and is willing to use Flue-Bess to get his ounce of political blood before his time is up as the party leader and the opposition leader.

Bess is being used, but visibility and the promotion is seemingly acting as jaundiced in the eye. She is a yes-man to Norton’s political game. The MP is not respected and is often laughed at, and viewed as a racist and ‘division-ist’ in Parliament.

How could Flue-Bess whose political career which is not impressive lead the seniors in the opposition in Culture, Youth and Sport? Norton needs to know that this is not kidde’s sports or a political game for selected amateurs.

This is the lifeblood and lives of young people and adults we are talking about.

He has not learnt from his over 40 years in and out of the political wilderness. Norton has not learnt from the Granger Administration and their toying with the sector.

He has not learnt from his time as an unwanted Advisor on Youth that he must not underestimate the youth, and meritocracy and experience is the way to go in the selection of a person for a portfolio or job.

Norton is making a boldfaced mistake by selecting Flue-Bess four years into the game. Surely, she cannot make a difference in the portfolio or offer up good representation and leadership.

Guyanese know the truth that Norton and the opposition apologists are trying hard to make the public forget.

The truth of the matter, is that no amount of reshuffling will make the PNC or the opposition appear as whole or seem to the general public as ‘people who could get it right’. They cannot do the things that the PPP is doing in Youth, Culture and Sport.

In 23 years, plus three years in office presently, the PPP has built several major sporting facilities across the length and breadth of Guyana, including the National Racket Centre, Leonora Track and field Facility, the Guyana National Stadium, Gymnasium, and the Aquatic Swimming Centre to name a few.

In comparison to 28 years, plus five full years, when the opposition had built the eyesore Durban Park and National Sport Hall. Norton needs to answer for the APNU+AFC’s unspeakable assault on the sector and quiz his former colleagues who have gone mute about the $600M from Durban Park’s $1.6B. Before Minister Charles Ramson Jnr took over the portfolio in 2020, there was no significant investment in sporting facilities done countrywide. As a matter of fact, there was no sector and it was relegated to a department with three former

ministers passing through and none doing anything to help the sector which was on its knees. Nothing for culture, youth, and certainly not sport.

Reshuffling the shadow minister for the portfolio will not make Guyanese forget that.

Additionally, the PPP increased its spending on the community grounds over the past three years. Norton should find out why the APNU+AFC Administration cut expenditure on community grounds by more than half from $300M to $100M down in 2018.

There is constant development of the cultural policy, youth policy and focused interventions in Guyana.

There was not any initiative or change of the status quo during the tenure of the previous administration. There could hardly be anything said about the 28 years of PNC rule. Flue-Bess does not know the inner workings of the portfolio. She cannot grasp simple concepts such as inflation and development but Norton has confidence in her to shadow Minister Ramson. Tell the public, it isn’t so.

Also, the reassignment of Geeta Chandan- Edmond from the portfolio of Home Affairs to Governance is symptomatic of confusion and will not auger well.

Moving Khemraj Ramjattan, Coretta Mc Donald, Vinceroy Jordan and rewarding these opposition parliamentarians with Home Affairs, Education and Agriculture is wild and in poor judgement as none are seen as performers or delivering any competent representation.

Finally, Norton’s decision simply indicates that he has no vision and no capability to read the mood of people or portfolios they are representing. This reshuffle of the shadow cabinet certainly is not leadership and representation of the opposition or people.

It is saying to the body politic in Guyana and beyond that Norton is hoping that his last stroke will keep him alive as they are too many scheming opposition politicians and snakes around him; his back is against the wall and he is panicking so he has no choice but revenge and reshuffle.

But Norton missed a salient point, he cannot reinvent his image or the party’s image again, people see who they are! Norton will be the end of the PNC and the opposition if they do not rescue their party from the edge of the cliff.

11

Agri. Minister pledges support for Bare—Root, Enterprise farmers says agriculture will not be neglected,

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

— talks integrated farms, other developmental works to boost production

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while engaging a farmer from Bare Root

AGRICULTURE Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday met with farmers from Enterprise, Bare Root, and other surrounding communities along the East Coast Demerara to listen to issues and discuss developmental plans for the agricultural sector.

During the meetings, farmers commended the government for the work done so far to develop Guyana’s agriculture sector and sought the ministry’s assistance with projects to expand and further develop their activities.

Farmers from Bare Root disclosed that there are hundreds of acres of land available in the backlands for farming but the lack of access and critical infrastructure were preventing them from utilizing those lands. Farmers also made requests for a series of drainage and irrigation works to be done within the current cultivation areas.

Minister Mustapha while responding to the issues raised said that the Ministry would work with the farmers to promote integrated farms in the area.

This, he explained, would see farmers benefiting from assistance to do crops and livestock farming simultaneously.

“We have to look at ways to fully utilize all of the lands you are using now. If we are serious about producing on a large scale, we need to adopt integrated farming. That way you can plant and rear livestock simultaneously. With that, you will be able to maximize production,” Minister Mustapha explained.

He also said that the ministry would work to have the necessary infrastructural work done so that farmers would have better drainage as well as access to new lands in the backlands.

“We’ll do all the drainage for you. A team from the NDIA will be back here in the week to do an assessment and then we’ll start those works. When those works are completed, once farmers can identify their plots, we’ll assist you with preparing those lands to do farming. Through NAREI, we’ll make planting materials available to you, free of cost. The extension officers will come back and meet with you so that they can know what you want to plant. The backlands that are said to be heavily vegetated, we’ll work with you to develop those lands. We are always ready to work with farmers to bring more lands under cultivation so that when I come back, you will tell me that those lands are now productive,” the Minister explained.

Minister Mustapha also committed to assisting the community with a mobile pump to assist with irrigation needs. He also told farmers that the ministry will work to find lucrative markets for their produce through the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

Meanwhile, during the meeting at Enterprise, farmers sought clarity about the ongoing housing development projects and how these activities would impact their cultivation.

Minister Mustapha noted that while developing new housing schemes for

Some of the farmers at Enterprise during the meeting

citizens forms part of the government’s overall developmental agenda, he reassured farmers that agriculture will not be neglected.

“I have been engaging the Ministry of Housing on this. We have to work together. Some persons may have to be relocated to lands that we will work to develop for agricultural purposes. We have to take into account the fact that this is a developing country so we have to ensure all sectors develop. We will work with you to find lands that will be used specifically for agricultural activities.

GLDA is currently working on a plan to develop pasture for cattle rearing in this part of the region. Planting materials and inputs will also be made available to farmers free of cost,” Minister Mustapha explained.

A team comprising extension officers from NAREI, GLDA, and NDIA are also expected to meet with farmers from the community in the coming days.

Minister Mustapha was accompanied by several senior officers from within the ministry as well as community representatives.

Fire Chief: ‘Alarming increase in fires’

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

— talks up prevention at launch of first Kids Camp

Children taking part in the stop, drop and roll demonstration at the Kids Camp

By Shaniya Harding

Children from various schools poured into the Lusignan community centre ground, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday for the Kids Camp initiative hosted by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

A first of its kind, the event kicked off with the goal of raising awareness among children about the dangers of fires. The camp included a presentation which saw members of the fire service engaging the children on the measures that should be taken in the event of a fire.

The correct way to use a fire extinguisher was also demonstrated to the crowd of onlookers. Although the program was developed in December of last year, it has only become a reality in January of this year.

Moving forward, the Guyana Fire Service hopes to set up camps across the country. This

comes almost a year after the Madia fire that claimed the lives of 20 children and sparked numerous campaigns and initiatives by the GFS. In an interview with this newspaper, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham addressed a few concerns, including the way forward with similar initiatives and statistics regarding the recent rise in fires.

He acknowledged that there has been a rise in the number of calls to the fire stations. He explained that when compared to January 2023, there is an alarming rise in the number of fires and well as lives lost.

“There is an increase in fires. For a year we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of fire calls. Added to that, today being the thirteenth day of January 2024, we would have lost two lives by way of fire. Those are alarming figure for us because we want to prevent any outbreak of any fires.

Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, addressing children at the event

One of the fire trucks at the Kids Camp (Delano Williams photos)

Some of the things that trigger these kinds of situations, are the same statistic that shows the rise in the number of fires. And so here we are today educating the children and their parents or guardians so that we can have a reduction in the number of fire calls.”

In an effort to form stronger bonds with the Guyanese people and emphasise the message of fire safety, the GFS

will be taking a personal approach. Wickham shared that the fire service is hoping to engage all Guyanese in one-onone discussions.

“Apart from this, we have also launched a campaign, where we are going on a one-on-one.

Firefighters are advised to engage at least one person a week, with the message of firefighting.

And we have 800 plus firefighters, so you can

imagine one person taking one person a week, that is 800 persons per week. And we are going to be doing that until we are satisfied that we have reached almost everybody if not everybody.”

Also working to change any negative perceptions that the Guyanese people many have, the GFS has also commenced community outreaches. Chief Fire

Officer Wickham emphasised that the GFS is pushing its best efforts towards getting out into neighbourhoods around the country.

“Each fire truck will be going out within their turn out areas and reaching members of the public. Whether that be a community centre, or mall, a supermarket, a health centre, even at a hospital. We are going out there and we have started the campaign because we want sensitise members of the public. The more we get the information out to them the more it is going to reduce the level of ignorance and people will be better informed as to what we do first to prevent a fire and if there is a fire what to do to prevent the total destruction of property.

And of course, one life lost in fire is too much for us.”

Health sector in Region Two better off under PPP/C Gov’t

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

THE health sector in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has reached new heights under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, according to Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Ranjeev Singh.

In an invited comment, Dr Singh told the Sunday Chronicle, that because of these efforts by the government, the region has seen improvements in health services and as a result, the saving of patients’ lives.

He said the region is now able to traverse patients from one location to

Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ranjeev Singh

another faster and smoothly.

“With that improvement of transportation, we have reduced significantly patient time and loss so that we can save lives even

better; and infrastructure we have improved on every single health facility in this region, especially the waiting areas for patients. They can come and sit comfortable waiting

to see their doctor or to repeat their medications,” the RHO said.

For the first time ever, Suddie and Charity hospitals are able to provide 24hour access to medication.

“We have improved on our pharmacy programme to have a 24 hours [system]. Never before at public hospitals, Suddie and Charity as well, where the people who come in emergency basis in the nights can have access to their medication in the night; it's a 24-hour service.”

As it relates to equipment, the region now has a brand-new digital X-ray machine and no longer do

they have to use an extra film.

Also, they have started training 47 nursing assistants and they will be graduating in July. Notably, he said that 22 pharmacy assistants were trained last year.

On Friday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, turned the sod for an $881 million nursing school in Region Two. The minister during his feature address said: “So, what you’re seeing is a transformation of the landscape, the health landscape of our country.”

Dr Anthony said that the building will be locat-

ed in the compound of the Suddie Public Hospital and will provide training programmes for all categories of health workers.

Reflecting on the numerous efforts that the government has placed on ensuring that Region Two’s health sector not only stays afloat but is one of quality, the minister said that in 2023, approximately $200 million was sent to the region by the central ministry to rehabilitate the healthcare facilities. Notably, in 2022, the region also received $100 million from the ministry.

Suddie Hospital boosted with modern NICU

The Commissioning of the NICU

SUDDIE Hospital has been boosted with a modern Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to enhance services within the region.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who commissioned the NICU on Friday in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), underscored the importance of ensuring that there is quality healthcare

throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

Deeming the unit as a “tremendous improvement,” the Health Minister said that similar improvements will follow in other regions.

The equipment costs about US$500,000, while the facility's retrofitting cost about $38M. This new unit will help save a number of premature

The modern NICU and the equipment

infants and provide enhanced care to children in the region.

For context, premature birth is defined as when a baby is born too early, usually before 37 weeks.

The earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk of death and disability.

The unit now has 10 beds instead of its previous three. It has all the latest technology, including

radiant warmers, incubators, infusion (IV) pumps, neonatal and pediatric ventilators, and backup oxygen lines.

While giving some brief remarks, the minister stressed on the importance of a sanitised area to avoid contaminating the fragile babies.

“One of the things we want to ensure is good infection control. So ev-

erything you do in this space, you have to wash your hands properly; you have to make sure you’re sanitised because the babies that would be in here would be very vulnerable and so those types of practices, we want to make sure they’re at the optimum,” he said.

Furthermore, Pediatrician, Kalesh Latchmarine also gave praise to the

modern facility and stated that it is going to be a major aid to the Suddie Hospital in bettering its services.

While neonatal deaths at the aforementioned hospital are low and they have delivered over 1,000 babies, he said it is their goal to completely eliminate neonatal deaths.

14

East Bank residents to benefit from new well at Covent Garden

RESIDENTS in the community of Covent Garden, and surrounding areas on the East Bank Demerara can now benefit from improved water access.

According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated, Shaik Baksh, the utility company on Saturday drilled a new well in Covent

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

Garden to supply residents of that community, Farm, Herstelling, and Prospect.

Baksh explained that the drilling of this well is critical for the new housing areas to be supplied with water.

“We’re very much concerned that the contractor has been here for a year now, and cannot complete this well.

So, we have to make some

decisions, which we will be doing early next week.

“This well is critical because many of the residents in those areas, cannot receive a water supply. This well will feed the treatment plant at Covent Garden, to give these residents treated water.

So, it’s very important that this well is completed at the earliest possible time.”

CEO of Guyana Water Incorporated, Shaik Baksh at Covent Garden

Furthermore, the CEO revealed that the GWI will commence drilling a well at Grove on the East Bank, to supplement the source of water they have in Covent Garden.

“This will be a second well at Grove to help to provide water to the new housing areas there. And, as you are aware we have completed a well at Diamond. The well

collapsed, a new well was drilled, and that well is performing very admirable.”

Baksh said that persons in that community are receiving better water pressure in their homes, and that the company has not received any complaints about the service.

He noted that the wells at Covent Garden and Grove must be completed and put

into operation at the earliest possible time.

Another new well that has been put into operation is the well in Eccles. This well was put into operation two weeks ago, and Baksh noted that the water pressure is ‘building up’, so residents in that area will be receiving better service shortly.

Opposition does not want examination of their tenure in Gov’t

— Parliamentary Affairs Minister says — Notes questionable practices exposed in 20162019 Auditor General’s reports

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira says the opposition, APNU+AFC wants to skip the examination of the Auditor General’s reports in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for their tenure in government because questionable practices will be uncovered.

The minister made these remarks at her recent 2023 year-end press conference where she noted that though the PAC has met more times than in the previous Parliament, the opposition wants to change the quorum so as to skip past those questionable practices during their tenure.

“There’s a reason why the opposition is in a hurry; they don’t want the examination of their period, their Continued on page 16

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

$5.4 million Aurora health post to boost healthcare services in Region Two

One of the first things that the PPP/C was interested in was increasing the amount of pharmaceuticals in the system. Against this backdrop, Minister Anthony said that when they entered office, the levels of pharmaceutical stock stood at about 35 per cent and there was a lot of

The modern Aurora Health post (Japheth Savory photos)

IN keeping with its efforts to improve healthcare across Guyana, the Ministry of Health has commissioned a $5.4 million health post at Aurora, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The health post will provide health services to hundreds of residents living in Aurora and neighbouring communities.

The one-flat building underwent renovations costing over $5.4 million, after being

out of use for more than five years. Services that will be offered include antenatal and chronic clinics, outpatient, and child and healthcare services.

During the commissioning ceremony for the facility, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony pointed out the state of the art amenities that the health post possesses.

Dr. Anthony previously highlighted that the PPP/C government fulfilled all of

the promises made for the country’s health sector in its 2020 party manifesto.

He said, “When we came to government, we were guided by the manifesto and in the manifesto we had about seven things that the PPP had promised that we would complete in five years in office.

I can say to you that I went back and I looked at those seven things that were promised and we have already achieved all of those things.”

expired drugs.

The stock level has since risen to 92 per cent countrywide. Additionally, there was major progress in the increase of remuneration for health sector workers.

Another promise that government has delivered was giving doctors, nurses

and other healthcare workers, the option of being on the pensionable establishment or on contract. This, he said was a major issue and this was promptly looked at when government took office in 2020.

16

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

45 students enrolled in first-ever medical training programmes in Region Two

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

The large gathering of medical students (Japheth Savory photos)

THE Ministry of Health on Friday launched its first ever medical laboratory technician and post basic midwifery training programmes in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Twenty-three students are enrolled and have started training to become midwives while 22 are striving to become medical laboratory technicians. The training period for each programme is 12 months.

To supply and pay for each student's housing, stipend, and food, about $23 million have been allotted to the region.

According to Dr. Ranjeev Singh, the Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region Two, the current government has greatly improved the region's health services. “We are investing heavily for training of our students, of our people here

in Guyana.”

He said as healthcare professionals, one should reflect on the investments that are being injected not only in the region, but in the country, overall.

“Our goal is to make sure our staff is trained to handle our patients with care; to make sure that we do not put strain on the existing human resource that we have but to ensure that we relieve them of that strain,” the RHO underscored.

Moreover, Deputy Director for Health Science Education Division, Chandroutie Persaud, expressed elation that the programmes are being offered in Region Two. “We need all of you. It’s very important that you stay to the end of the training course,” she said.

With these programmes being the first ever for Re-

gion Two, Persaud said that while challenges will arise, students can count on the strong support from the Health Ministry.

Persaud disclosed that over 100 persons applied to be a part of the medical laboratory technician programme and these students will be engaged by the ministry and be given other opportunities through GOAL. Furthermore, aiming to enhance the lives of all Guyanese, Health Minister, Dr Continued on page 8

Frank Anthony said that the government is committed to providing quality training.

He was accompanied by the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud, along with other regional officials.

Dr Anthony, during his feature address, said there were no postpartum hemorrhage-related maternal deaths reported in 2023.

According to him, this represents a major turning point in the nation's efforts to lower the rate of maternal death.

While appreciating the vital role midwives play in the birth room, he stressed that the ministry will continue to enhance its training programme.

Opposition does not want examination of their tenure...

From page 14 tenure in government, and we can go into every single PAC, Auditor General report for 2016, 17, 18, 19 and 20 of very, very bad practices, shady practices, very questionable practices under their tenure; they are in a hurry to get to 2021 because they say they want to come to us,” Teixeira said.

She went on to add that those years have to be examined completely before the PAC is to move on to later years.

“Why are they in a hurry to get through their period of government, we know the answer because we know that the skeletons are buried

in those reports. We are not trying to stop 2021 or 2022; that is not in our interest to do that,” she remarked.

Meanwhile giving a comparison of the number of sittings of the PAC that have been held in the twelfth, eleventh and tenth Parliament, she stated that 59 sittings were held during the twelfth Parliament while just over 40 sittings were held during the eleventh Parliament.

Further to this, she indicated: “The issue is that the Public Accounts Committee…there are no differences or vast differences; the other thing they says is that since you have to have a quorum this has led to a decrease, we

can show the numbers that it in fact it has not led to a decrease in sittings.”

Last week, the Minister of Public Works and member of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, Juan Edghill set the record straight and noted that the committee will not gloss over the 2019 and 2020 Auditor General reports which should uncover illegalities and corruption during that period.

He added that the fact that the PAC’s quorum has changed has brought grief to the opposition as the spending of public funds in 2020 during the five-month election impasse is next on the agenda.

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PM commissions mini solar grids at Aishalton and Karaudarnau

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips on Friday commissioned two solar mini-photovoltaic (PV) farms at Aishalton and Karaudarnau in Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Aimed to not only provide electricity, the Prime Minister stressed that these projects are about shared prosperity and the overall enhancement of the hinterland.

The Prime Minister, who holds responsibility for the

nation’s energy sector, told residents at Aishalton that the government is dedicated to equitable development for all Guyanese and will continue to design and implement projects that bring development to local communities.

“We're committed to working with you to improve the lives and livelihood of the people in your community; better housing, better school, better health facility, better infrastructure… And also bringing energy to your community,”

he remarked.

He explained that the projects are part of the PPP/C Government’s Manifesto promise which aligns with Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

The 27.5kW solar PV mini-grid installed in Aishalton comprises a 55-panel, 505Wp solar PV array. The system has 4-12kW hybrid inverters which control the 82.94kWh battery storage system and distribute the renewable electricity to the distribution network.

Addressing the residents of Karaudarnau, Phillips spoke of the importance of reliable electricity.

“The village economy is linked to energy. Life is no longer restricted to what you can do during sunlight.

If you are into food production, craft production, or some form of economic activity with energy now, you can do some extra hours of work. Your children can put in some more hours to study at night, people can prepare for exams, and also for the GOAL scholarship you have electricity now you can study at night.”

The solar PV mini-grid installed in the community of Karaudarnau boasts a 25.5kW (ground-mounted) PV Array comprising 51 – 505Wp solar PV modules.

The system has 4 – 12kW hybrid inverters which control the charging of the 113.53kWh battery energy

Some scenes from the commissioning of the two solar mini-photovoltaic (PV) farms at Aishalton and Karaudarnau in Deep South Rupununi (OPM photos)

storage system.

M o r e o v e r, H e a d o f Guyana's Energy Agency and lead agency for implementing solar farms, Dr Mahender Sharma told res-

idents of the communities that energy serves as an enabler for community development.

He also emphasised the importance of energy con-

servation with the new systems to ensure long-term sustainability. (Modified information from Office of the Prime Minister)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

Duguid, Gustard to stand in ICC U19 World Cup

CMC – West Indian umpires Nigel Duguid and Patrick Gustard have been named to stand in the opening round of the International Cricket Council Under-19 World Cup which gets underway here next Friday.

Duguid, 54, has already stood in one Test 15 One-Day Internationals and 44 Twenty20 Internationals, while featuring as television umpire in 36

men’s senior internationals.

T h e 5 2 - y e a r- o l d Gustard, meanwhile, has never stood in a Test nor a men’s ODI, but has officiated in 29 T20 Internationals and served as TV official in further nine.

Both Duguid and Gustard were among 16 officials announced for the youth showpiece which runs until February 11 across five venues.

“The U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a very important event in the ICC calendar,” said Sean Easey, the ICC’s manager – Umpires and Referees.

“It has long been considered a platform for future stars of the sport to make a name for themselves and for many of the participating players in this year’s edition, it is their first taste of competing on the world stage.

West Indian umpire Nigel Duguid

“Similarly, it is an important development event for the umpire pathway also. A diverse and motivated team of international match officials has been appointed, and I am confident that they will do an excellent job. I wish them the very best of

luck across their time in South Africa.”

West Indies, winners of the tournament eight years ago, will do battle in Group B alongside South Africa, England and Scotland, and will open their campaign against the hosts at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom next

Friday.

I n p re p a r a t i o n , they face New Zealand at Braamfischer Oval in Gauteng on Sunday in their first official warmup, before taking on Nepal at St Stithians in Johannesburg next Wednesday.

on his return.

"I've never experienced this," said De Bruyne. "I worked really hard and had to change a couple of things. When you play all of the time, it's very hard to change things.

"The beginning

[when you get injured] is a big blow but I'm not someone who stands still. I enjoyed myself being able to do things I could never do. I worked hard to come back.

"I know I need to keep working hard and get sharpness."

de Bruyne ‘missed playing football’ (BBC) - Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne says he has missed playing football and influencing games while he has been out with a hamstring injury.

The Belgian came off the bench at Newcastle and equalised for the Blues before an inch-perfect pass set up Oscar Bobb's stoppage-time winner.

De Bruyne, 32, was playing in the league for the first time since the opening day of the season on 11 August.

"I enjoyed myself. It was crazy," De Bruyne told TNT Sports.

"I missed this. I had a big injury and I needed the time."

Of his performance, he added: "I think it was

more willpower than anything else.

"I know I'm not able to do that for 90 minutes at the moment. I can put in a shift for 30 minutes.

I feel it in my lungs, especially with the cold."

De Bruyne made his return from injury in the FA Cup third-round tie against Championship Huddersfield last Sunday, and set up Jeremy Doku as the Blues won 5-0.

He came on at St James' Park with his side 2-1 and scored the equaliser with a superb sweeping finish within four minutes and 35 seconds of coming on.

The former Chelsea man then played a superb lobbed pass into the path for Bobb for the winner, and became

the first City player to score and assist from the bench since Sergio Aguero against Cardiff in January 2014.

De Bruyne has spent spells on the sideline during his City career but has largely injury-free in the past couple of campaigns.

He was forced off the in the first half of June's Champions League against Inter Milan, as his side wrapped up the Treble, with a hamstring injury but returned to fitness for the start of the campaign.

He only lasted 23 minutes at Burnley in the opening game of the season before suffering a recurrence of the injury and has spent the past five months out.

Pep Guardiola has

said City will be cautious with De Bruyne, but in Friday's news conference said he was ready to start games again.

Despite that, he started on the bench and de Bruyne admitted he was not sure what to expect

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday, January 14, 2024)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Curtly Ambrose-33 wickets in 5 Tests (1992-93 in AUST) (2) Clarrie Grimmett-33 in 5 Tests (1930-31 in AUST) Today’s quiz: (1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most Test dismissals against AUST to date?

(2) Which AUST wicketkeeper has effected most Test dismissals against WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue …………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

DCC commends Imlach on West Indies ODI call-up

TRAVELLING reserve on the Test squad when India visited in July 2023 and in the next Test series for West Indies, Tevin Imlach earned a maiden call-up for the tour to Australia, being one of seven uncapped players, also one of five players from Guyana in the squad.

Soon after Cricket West Indies announced the One-Day International squad, Imlach was named one of two players who got their maiden call-up.

In a release to the media on Saturday, Imlach’s boyhood club, the iconic Demerara Cricket Club, commended the wicketkeeper-batsman for his

accomplishments and elevation to the senior West Indies set-up.

“Continue to be a testament to the rewards of hard work and certainly a role model to other young players that success comes when one is discipline and inputs the long hours in training”, the club stated.

Should Imlach debut in either format, he will join an exemplary list of players from the ‘Home of the Legends’ who have played international cricket.

The 27-year-old, who captained the Guyana Harpy Eagles at the recent Super50, has played 17 First-Class and 24 List-A matches.

Tevin Imlach

Smith excited to open against West Indies

CMC – Marquee batsman Steve Smith says he is champing at the bit for his first taste of action at the top of the order, when Australia take on West Indies in the opening Test starting here Wednesday.

The 34-year-old, the country’s leading batsman in the longest format, opted to move up to the opening slot from the middle order, following last week’s retirement of veteran left-hander David Warner.

“I am [excited]. I like facing the newer ball,” said Smith, who has amassed 9,514 runs from 105 Tests.

“I think you look back to [the] 2019 Ashes, I was in pretty early there most

Australian batsman Steve Smith

of the time where I was facing the new ball.

“I batted number three for a number of years as

well and was in early and did pretty well against the new ball.

“So it’s nothing new

or foreign to me. I enjoy getting in there and getting amongst it and I’m looking forward to that

challenge.”

Smith averages a phenomenal 150 in seven Tests against West Indies,

his best of 200 not out scored in Perth the last time the Caribbean side toured two years ago.

And while former stars have warned against the move, the retiring Aaron Finch backed Smith to succeed.

“When you’ve been one of the greatest players of all time, I think he’ll find it easier than most,” Finch argued.

“Initially when it was floated, I didn’t think it was the right idea. But the more I think about it, the more it makes a lot of sense.”

West Indies have not won a single Test against the Aussies in 21 years and are without a series success against their rivals in three decades.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

Guyana Harpy Eagles begin title defense on Feb 7 in St. Kitts - Johnson’s astute leadership will be missed

By Sean Devers

DEFENDING Regional First-Class Champions Guyana Harpy Eagles will commence their title defense against Trinbago Red Force at the Conaree Ground in St. Kitts on February 7.

Since Rohan Kanhai led Guyana to its first title in 1973, this country has won 11 more titles, including a joint trophy with the Lee-

ward Islands in 1998.

Six of those have been won by the region’s most successful First-Class Captain Leon Jhonson in a dominant spell dating back to the inception of the franchise-based system in 2015.

Guyana, under the leadership of Johnson, won five consecutive titles before the COVID 19 pause; Barbados taking the next two and Guyana returning to win the last installment.

Despite their title de-

fense opening being against a team that has not won a First-Class since Daren Ganga led T&T to their last title in 2005, Guyana will be without Johnson who retired from First-Class cricket last year and has led them for nine seasons.

The 36-year-old Johnson who made his First-Class debut on January 30, 2004, first captained Guyana in 2012 against the Windwards before being appointed Captain for the 2014 season

when he missed the first three matches due to injury.

Apart from Johnson, Guyana will be without Vishaul Singh (retired) and Anthony Bramble (not picked).

Also expected to miss the first games are Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Gudakesh Motoi, Kevin Sinclair, Shamar Joseph and Tevin Imlach (on West Indies du-

ties).

Guyana play their two matches in St Kitts when they oppose the Leeward Islands from February 14 and against West Indies Academy from February 20. All three Guyana games in St. Kitts will be played at Conaree.

Guyana will then travel to Trinidad where they will face off against Barbados from March 13, before battling the Windward Islands on March 20. Both matches

in Trinidad will be played at UWI SPEC. Guyana plays their final two games in Jamaica from April 10 at Sabina Park before taking on CCC at Chedwin Park from April 17.

After the first Trial was washed out with a ball being bowled the second trial game is scheduled from Tuesday to Friday at Bourda as part of preparations for the 2024 regional tournament.

DCB SVC/PSC Inc T20 Inter-Association cricket

GT beat East Bank, West Demerara whips U/Demerara

By Sean Devers

Watched by large and raucous crowd at DCC yesterday, West Demerara Jaguars and Georgetown Panthers registered victories in the final preliminary round of the Demerara cricket board SVC/PSC T20 inter-Association cricket tournament.

Both teams will advance to today’s semi-finals at Meter-Meer-Zorg.

Today’s semis will see unbeaten Georgetown facing East Bank Eagles from 9:am and East Coast Canje Pheasants taking on West Demerara Jaguars from 1:pm In the morning game, West Demerara beat Upper Demerara by 17 runs.

West Demerara elected to bat in sweltering heat on good track and lush green outfield and were dismissed for 186 in 19 overs.

Sheldon Alexander top scored with 45 from 27 balls with a four and five sixes while skipper Akshaya Persaud, who made 43 from 27 balls hit one four and five sixes.

Persaud added 61 with Ushardeva Balgobin who’s quick-fire 29 came from 16 balls and

was decorated with three fours and two sixes.

Richie Looknauth chipped in with 26 from 18 balls with two fours and a six.

Pacer Nicolas Lawson who struck early by removing Narendra Persaud for four at 161, took 4-50 while off spinner Shaquille Williams had 3-19 for Upper Demerara Scorpions who reached 165-5 off 20 overs.

Man-of-the-Match Daniel Ross clobbered five fours and three sixes in blistering unbeaten 55 and added 81 in an unfinished sixth wicket stand with the elegant Romeo Deonarine who hit one four and two sixes in his undefeated 31 from 24 balls.

But their spirited fight back, after joining forces their team in a deep hole at 84-5 after slipping from 71-2, was too little, too late.

Alivn Mohabir (35) Shacquille Willimas (20) Gariel McDonald (13) were the only other batters to reach double figures as Mahendra Danpaul 2-29 and Kishaun Tracy 2-33 helped the West Side team to victory.

Georgetown trumps East Bank The afternoon game saw an increase of the home team supporters.

East Bank electing to bat and were off the flying start despite 31-yearold pacer Carlos LaRose removing Quazim Yusuf (5) at 6-1. The left-handed pair of Ricky Sergeant and Damian Vantull launched in the bowlers with all guns blazing.

Sergeant pulled LaRose when he bowled short and twice drove him for fours past extra cover when overcompensated and over-pitched in an expensive fourth over.

Vantull was not to be left out and lofted Leon Andrews’ off-spin for an effortless six and followed it up with an even bigger one two balls later before sweeping him for four in an over which cost 16 runs.

At the end of the sixover power-play, East Bank were 44-1 but leg spinner Steve Sankar put the brakes on the scoring by inducing Vantull, on 19 with one four and two sixes, to ‘sky’ a googly for the bowler to wrap up a caught and bowled.

Jeremiah Scott hit his first ball to long-on and

Pacer Nicolas Lawson took four wickets for Upper Demerara at DCC yesterday

Sankar was on a hattrick and should have had Shamar Yearwood (8) when the left-hander skied a googly, his own dropped catch costing him to miss the milestone.

Sankar then removed Sergeant who struck four fours and a six in his 28 as East slipped to 63-4.

Chris Barnwell ensured that Yearwood, Barnwell’s team-mate at DCC, did not make G e o rg e t o w n p a y f o r Sankar’s lapse when he trapped Yearwood lbw for 12 at 80-5.

Leon Swamy (12) was the only other batter to

Man-of-the-Match Daniel Ross receives his award for GCA official Shawn Massiah (Sean Devers photos)

reach double figures before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Devon Lord, who took a hattrick; East Bank bowled out for 104 in 18.2 overs.

Lord finished with 4-13 while Sankar took 3-33 for the city side who galloped to 105-1 in just 7.5 overs for an emphatic nine wicket win.

Shemroy Barrington (10) got going with a couple of dismissive drives for boundaries before pulling Swamy, hard, but straight to Yearwood at short mid-wicket at 10-1 in the first over.

But the experienced Barnwell joined the tour-

nament’s leading run scorer Raymond Perez to feature in an unbroken 95-run partnership in just six overs as boundaries rained at the small Queenstown venue.

When the carnage had finally subsided to the delight of a crowd not seen for First-Class matches at Providence, the 37-year-old Barnwell had blasted four sixes and three fours in 24-ball pugnacious 43 to take the Man-of-theMatch award while the classy Perez finished on 43 from 18 balls with seven boundaries with included four sixes.

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DCB SVC/PSC Inc T20 Inter-Association cricket

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 14, 2024

GT beat East Bank, West Demerara whips U/Demerara

SEE PAGE

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Man of the Match Chris Barnwell hits a boundary during 95run stand with Raymond Perez at DCC yesterday

Raymond Perez drives during his unbeaten 43 at DCC (Sean Devers photos)

Modified National Sports Policy to be published in first quarter of 2024

A CAREFULLY modified draft version of the long-awaited National Sports Policy is set to be published in the first half of 2024.

This was disclosed during a press conference recently, led by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr. The Minister noted that he is delighted with the work to modify the existing draft.

“I can’t say enough how proud I am of this document [and] the fact that we have gotten to this stage,” Minis-

ter Ramson stated.

“The reality is that if you are looking at something that is going to help us in a long-term perspective, it is the Sports Policy. Why? Because it now gets to say to everyone in the country and out of the country, how are we developing sport.

What is our intellectual direction of developing sport that is bespoke and unique to Guyana?” the Minister further elaborated.

The Minister highlighted that several persons, headed by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Assis-

tant Director of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson, led a team that developed a comprehensive framework for the policy.

It is understood that before the draft reaches the cabinet level, another round of input from the sports fraternity will be gathered to enhance the policy’s effectiveness further.

T h e p re v i o u s g o v ernment had consulted with Associations, whose members could voice their opinions and suggest what the document should entail.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

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| SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2024