Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15-01-2024 by Guyana Chronicle

MONDAY 15th January, 2024

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‘We are building a new Guyana’

VAT INCLUSIVE

No.107324

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–– Finance Minister says; affirms Budget 2024 will serve as a vehicle to carry out plans

Late Sunday night, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh (left) and his team were in their Main Street office finalising Budget 2024 which will be read today at 14:00 hrs in the National Assembly (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

Trinidad and Tobago’s Galleons Passage will be operating between Guyana and Trinidad and later Barbados. The vessel can accommodate 400 passengers and 60 cars. On-board facilities include a cafeteria, a bar, and a VIP lounge (Office of the President photos)

Gov’t seeks proposals for natural gas development 02 PAGE

Swift action will be taken to Continued development fix water woes, land issues facing Coverden residents expected in Budget 2024 –President Ali

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–– Private Sector representatives say 04 PAGE

boats, vehicles, farming PAGE Carbon-credit funds: Significant improvements made to ––materials among items bought; block-making 14 factory, other facilities built lives of Imbaimadai, Lake Capoey, Whitewater residents

Gov’t seeks proposals for natural gas development

AIMED at discovering new avenues to develop and monetise its natural gas, the government has launched the Request For Proposals (RFPs) for the designing, financing, construction and operation of the required gas infrastructure. This was disclosed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday during the commissioning of US$30 million marine facility. He said: “We’re going out with an RFP tomorrow [Sunday] to have proposals coming into our country to look at how we’re going to utilise our gas to stimulate wealth and create opportunities in positioning Guyana as an important capital in the energy-security matrix of the region.” According to the RFP, the requirements include: the developer’s capability and

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

credibility to execute such a project, clear written agreements among the parties, and if a consortium, evidence of consortium agreement for this project, the site plan for the project, a summarised and detailed project schedule, the project costs, the project structure diagram, business plan, list of legal agreements and the proposed capital structure. It was also stated that this project will be strictly financed and owned 100 per cent by the private sector. Moreover, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has made it crystal clear that the government has a clear strategy for advancing investment in gas development. During a recent press conference, Dr Jagdeo related: “We will take into account the Exxon gas-utilisation strategy, but we’re not going to be bound by that

strategy. We could have differing interests and I’ve outlined that from the beginning and what those differences could be. Even conflicting interests. “Our strategy, our goal is clear. We want to advance investment in gas development as early as possible. And so, clearly that has to be. We’re going to put out the final government gas strategy.” The natural gas strategy will be one of several areas where the government is collaborating with the Government of India. Bilateral agreements on the development of Guyana’s remaining offshore resources continue to be considered. According to a press statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources, this strategy is part of a pivotal roadmap for managing the nation’s significant gas resources. It also serves as a vital tool for Guyana to make informed decisions regarding the utilisation of its gas resources. The Stabroek Block, along with the Corentyne

Block, holds substantial gas resources. Ongoing exploration and appraisal activities are underway to determine the full extent of Guyana’s gas resources. To date, the sanctioned projects in the Stabroek Block are exclusively oil-focused, including the Whiptail project currently under review. At Pluma, Haimara, and other discoveries with condensate, reviews are ongoing. Along with the discovery of over 11 billion barrels of oil offshore, Guyana has a substantial amount of associated natural gas. Though some amount of the gas is being reinjected into the wells, there is a considerable amount that could be utilised for other purposes. Moreover, the gas-to-energy (GTE) project currently being developed by the government is one area in which it has already devised use for some of the natural gas that is offshore. Under this project, a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day

(mmscfd) will be transported from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will be built in Wales, on the West Bank of Demerara. The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity, is a key component of the government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and hydro power. Aside from the natural gas being used to fuel the power plant, Guyana could generate between $70 – $100 million from the sale of cooking gas produced by the NGL facility. Though the government has an arrangement with ExxonMobil for the supply of 50 million mmscfd, the 12-inch, 220km long pipeline, which will be used to channel the gas to shore, will have the capacity to push as much 120 mmscfd.

‘We are building a new Guyana’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

–– Finance Minister says; affirms Budget 2024 will serve as a vehicle to carry out plans By Trina Williams

AS Guyanese itch in anticipation for Budget 2024, which will be revealed today, Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, has given all the assurance that it will serve as the vehicle in bettering the lives of Guyanese. As the face of the country changes for the better, the well-being of the citizens is at the focal point for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. During the Pre-Budget 2024 interview on Friday, the minister, though teasing at the massive fiscal plans in store for 2024, stated that the government is not a stranger to ensuring that development reaches every inch of Guyana. Therefore, this budget will be a continuation of that work. “It has to be understood that we are building a new Guyana here. The face of the country is changing as we speak. Whether it’s the physical infrastructure, whether it is public infrastructure, or

privately financed infrastructure…the face of our country is changing,” Minister Singh said. He then went on to say: “Budget 2024 will continue that work and in building a new and more prosperous Guyana. We are building a Guyana in which every single Guyanese and their family will be better off, that in which their well-being will be improved.” While there are some naysayers who use the narrow perspective of criticising the government for executing the construction of numerous infrastructural projects, the minister elaborated on how these projects from roads and bridges to hospitals will benefit everyone. In the short term, these projects can aid in improving convenience, but in the long term, it creates an environment that is conducive to investments, according to him. Peeling off the shallow layer of how people only analyse the short term benefits, the senior government official

used the gas-to-energy project to put things into perspective. As Guyana’s energy infrastructure continues to expand, this project stands on the pedestal of revolutionising the lives of all. The project will help households and businesses enormously by cutting the present high costs of electricity and it will play an integral role in reducing the plague of blackouts in the country. Aside from this, the minister shifted his attention to how the 12 regional hospitals that are currently under construction will serve as a great aid to citizens. As the PPP/C administration remains steadfast on fostering quality healthcare, the government is also ensuring that these services reach all Guyanese, in the various regions. According to Minister Singh, even though one can sit and say these hospitals serve no use to them, if that citizen or one of their relatives gets sick, the hospitals will be there to treat them and ensure

that their well-being is in good shape. He also briefly underscored that the government will continue to invest in social services, health and education to produce a better tomorrow for all Guyanese. He said, “It may look like an investment in a road but it goes to the core of a well-being of the people. It may look like hospital and [you can say] it has nothing to do with you but it has everything to do with you.” ‘WE LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE’ Reflecting on the drastic development that Guyana has undergone since the PPP/C took office in August 2020, the minister stated that unlike the previous coalition administration, this government always stays committed to having a consultative approach to policy-making. “Our tune is not different 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 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

Senior Finance Minister, Ashni Singh [us] to deliver.” He also stated that 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,” Dr. 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 hopes 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 closure, was “home” 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.

Continued development expected –– Private Sector representatives say in Budget 2024 By Shamar Meusa

REPRESENTATIVES of various private sector bodies in Guyana have noted that they expect to see the continued development and growth of the country through measures that will be included in Budget 2024, which will be unveiled today. This was disclosed during an airing of ‘Outlook: Budget 2024’ on the National Communications Network (NCN) where former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Paul Cheong, Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin, and President of the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) Ramsay Ali spoke on their expectations. Cheong stated that this administration has set a pattern in past budgets of focussing on development, and he

expects this to continue. “The pattern has been set, and we expect to continue in the same vein; continue developing the infrastructure, continue to invest in health and agriculture,” he said. Further, he indicated that they also expect to see some relief measures announced in the budget for businesses, as has been done in the past. Additionally, Cheong stated that while they are looking forward to this, the trend is there, and they expect growth to continue while seeing businesses flourish, expand and develop. Meanwhile, Bhagwandin stated that budgets must be balanced, and should be one for the people, which also builds a country. He said: “The goal is to build a country; ensure that there is sustainability, ensure that there is prosperity, and that there is opportunity.”

GMSA President Ramsay Ali As was done in past budgets, Bhagwandin said that he is certain that the solid ratio of the budget, which ensures that 70 per cent caters for investments in projects which is meant to sustain future growth and 30 per cent caters for expanded social services, will be maintained again. “Using the 2012 census, you have about 70 per cent of the population who are within the age range of 40 and below 40. That means

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Former PSC Chairman Paul Cheong you have a young population; that means you have to build a future for this 70 per cent of the population,” he noted. He went on to say: “The other 30 per cent of the population are those who would need social welfare services; the pensioners and so on. If you look, and I did this in 2023, if you take and disaggregate the budget based on that, look at all the investments on capital projects, investments that are meant to sustain future growth and

Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin those in social, that are expended on social services, the ratio of the budget is 70:30.” Meanwhile, Ali noted that he expects and would like to see the continued support of the government for businesses, more specifically small businesses, as, he noted, small businesses are very important for the development of any country. “Small businesses are very important for the development of any country; many of the metropolises

of the world were built on small business, and history has proven that. This government has shown that there is good or increased recognition of small business,” Ali remarked. To this end, he indicated that they had sent a detailed submission to the Finance Minister’s office, which was received and some amount of discussion was had. He said that more attention should be paid to the small businesses to see where they are in terms of their level and scale, so it can be known how they can be supported in simple things like attending trade fairs overseas. “So, I would like to see the continuation; the government has been doing that… so we asked them you know if they can keep the support, or even increase that kind of thing,” the GMSA president iterated. Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh will be presenting Budget 2024 to the National Assembly at 14:00 hrs today.

What the people say

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

- Expectations ahead of Budget Day

TODAY, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, will be presenting Budget 2024. Guyanese across the country anticipate measures that will further improve their lives. Here is what some of them had to say: Geeta Bisnauth

“I can say that the government did a lot in 2023 in the form of infrastructure, schools, roads and bridges,” Bisnauth said. She related that in this year’s budget she is hoping for more development based on what she has seen so far. “We have seen the cash grant pay-outs, the increases for old-age pension, public servants and the differently-disabled[sic],” she said. Bisnauth added that there is a lot more to expect and in the 2024 Budget the government will fulfil all the promises made to the people. Nicola Matthews In her predictions for Budget 2024, she highlighted that there were a lot of capital projects in 2023, for example, La Harmonie Secondary School which was in a deplorable state. She said that it has since been upgraded and students and teachers are now in a more comfortable environment. She reported that other capital projects were executed, allowing for the expansion of the Department of Education to ensure that staff were no longer in a clustered environment. She opined that the aim was to make them comfortable, so that there would be better output. “We also had participation in some of our villages. Berbice sub-region community work projects done, the intervention of cash grants pay-outs was welcomed to cater to the needs of teachers.” Matthews disclosed that literacy was boosted via the reading intervention programme in primary schools among other means. She added that a lot of positive things happened in 2023 and she is looking forward for more in 2024. Margaret Benjamin “For me the government has done well in 2023 and as a female small contractor, I gained employment and provided employment for others in my community,” she said.

Benjamin added that the year has been good and living standards for herself and others have been improved. “In the 2024 Budget, I am looking forward for more projects and where I worked in Green Valley and Blueberry Hill, Linden, the lives of the people have been significantly enhanced as a direct result of the projects completed by this administration,” she said. Ramsundar Phagwah

“In 2023 we have seen major transformation in many villages and the NDC in terms of development and in our area Fort Ordinance, where a new housing scheme is being constructed. We are grateful.” he said. Phagwah stated that in Palmyra, roads have been built and major projects are taking place simultaneously. “I would like to see the same pace of development in 2024 and it will happen,” he said. Phagwah referred to the recent sod-turning for the construction of the new New Amsterdam Regional Hospital and other major projects, such as the synthetic track, the stadium and other projects at Palmyra. Phagwah noted that these projects are a significant boost for the region and the people and he is very happy for them. Tejpaul Adjoya He pointed out that since the PPP took office, they have seen major development across the country, a remarkable transformation in Guyana,

like never before. “Last year we had a big budget and I envision this year, we will have the same because the government is on the right path to transform Guyana and that is what we want to see,” Adjoya said. He stated that he was of the view they were left behind, but these past few years it has been different. Adjoya reported that he has seen major development, human development in training and capacity building. He related that this government will ensure that disposable income for the working class of people increase. “We have seen massive expansion in Region Six, big boost with state-of-the-art hospital for New Amsterdam improving better healthcare and investment in schools to uplift education standards,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Paved roads and happy homes Editor

IN another promising stride towards sustainable growth, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, will today present the much-anticipated Budget 2024. Reflecting the vision of President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the budget outlines a comprehensive plan to build sustainable wealth for the people of Guyana. A key highlight of the announcement is expected to be the commitment to continued infrastructural development, education advancement, and sustained improvements in healthcare. These initiatives aim to uplift the overall welfare of every Guyanese

Navendra Seoraj

citizen, fostering a future of prosperity and well-being. The strategic allocation of funds underscores the government’s dedication to holistic development, addressing critical sectors that directly impact the lives of the nation’s inhabitants. A noteworthy aspect of Budget 2024 is the absence of any new taxes, a stark difference from the approach witnessed during the APNU+AFC government’s tenure from 2015 to 2020. Under that administration, over 200 taxes were instituted, burdening the pockets of Guyanese citizens, leading to job losses, and eroding investor confidence to an all-time low. The stark contrast in fiscal policy demonstrates the PPP/C government’s commitment

‘Lindeners are not anti-development’ – Opposition MP Figueira

NOT being afraid to praise the PPP/C government for aiming to better the lives of all Guyanese, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira, has lauded the US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge project and highlighted the array of opportunities that it will bring for the residents of Region 10. “We in Region 10, most definitely welcome development. We are not anti-development. We welcome every aspect of development,” the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) executive member recently stated. For context, on January 5, a US$35 million contract was inked between the Government of Guyana and the China Railway Construction Corporation Limited for the construction of the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge in Region 10. The new four-lane, concrete, 220-metre-long bridge

will establish the region as a major hub for logistics, connecting not only the regions in Guyana but neighbouring and Caribbean countries. Figueira, during an interview on ‘Community Talk,’ said that this project will pave the way for Lindeners to get involved in trading. “It provides the opportunity for regional trade provides a lot of opportunity for Lindeners to get involved in trading, because a lot of goods will be coming from Brazil,” he said. He added: “And I think with such a bridge being built, more opportunities will be provided for commerce here in the community, and something that we believe that helped boost the economy of Linden and by extension Region 10.” Figueira stated that the bridge will also serve as a major aid in easing traffic woes because of the increasing number of vehicular

APNU MP Jermaine Figueira crossings in the mining town of Linden. During the sod-turning ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said there were about 768,000 vehicular crossings over the existing bridge in 2020. Last year, that figure almost doubled with crossings increasing to about 1.5 million. The Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) built the current bridge in 1967. Its purpose was to facilitate the transportation of bauxite ore from surrounding mines to a Mackenzie processing facility.

to a more sustainable and equitable development path. The PPP/C’s approach instills confidence in the nation’s economic future. By steering away from the tax-heavy strategies of the past, the government aims to stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and create a conducive environment for job creation. This drive towards building sustainable wealth rather than imposing financial strain on the populace paints a reassuring picture for the trajectory of Guyana’s development. Furthermore, the emphasis on education and healthcare in the budget reflects a commitment to human capital development, acknowledging the pivotal

role of an educated and healthy populace in driving long-term prosperity. Infrastructural projects, in tandem, promise to create a robust foundation for economic expansion and improved quality of life for all. As Guyana strides into a new era with Budget 2024, the government’s dedication to prudent fiscal policies, coupled with a comprehensive development agenda, paints a hopeful picture for the nation. The promise of sustainable wealth creation, coupled with strategic investments in key sectors, positions Guyana on a trajectory towards prosperity, fostering confidence in both citizens and potential investors alike.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Ethical Issues in Audit Practices, External Auditors Independence, Audit Assurance Quality, & Tax Implications:

The Case of Ram & McRae & Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited KEY HIGHLIGHTS

RAM and McRae has been the external auditor of RBGL for at least more than 16 years. This, however, is a desecration of one the codes of conduct set out by the International Accounting and Auditing Standards Board (IAASB), which requires that “key audit partners of public interest entities to change (or “rotate”) after seven (7) years. With respect to RBGL’s provisions for bad and doubtful loans, the Independent Auditor ought to, in their “Independent Auditor’s Report”, make certain disclosures, which is evidently badly lacking. It was found that the Independent Auditor may have overlooked the FIA Act (Supervision Guideline No. 5) in relation to the treatment of restructured / modified loans. Altogether, the findings derived from the review conducted herein by this author, revealed a number of alarming issues of concern in relation to the Independent Audit―such that the objective quality of the audit is demonstrably poor. Further, the independence of the Auditor, Ram & McRae is seriously questioned in view of the gross violation of the IAASB code of ethics which states that “key audit partners of public interest entities to change (or “rotate”) after seven (7) years (maximum). With these in mind, discernibly there are a number of unethical considerations that have emerged. It is imperative, therefore, that RBGL seeks to bring the institution in compliance with the IAASB code of ethics as regards the rotation of Independent Auditors, to not exceed more than seven years. INTRODUCTION Readers would recall that this author challenged chartered accountant, Mr. Lalbachan Chris Ram, on many occasions, such that he was described as a once prominent public commentator, who is now discredited and controversial. In this essay, this author presents reasonably compelling evidence to corroborate the view that his professional credibility as an auditor, is now highly questionable. This is a serious cause for concern for many public stakeholder groups and entities, particularly considering that he (Ram) enjoys discharging all sorts of careless, reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous public commentary or aspersions in some cases―that often have no basis in fact. Yet, no one holds him accountable, neither does he subject himself to any degree of public scrutiny and accountability. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS In this exposition, a critical analysis of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited (hereinafter “RBGL”) audited financial statements for the period 2007-2023, focusing specifically on the Independent Auditor’s Report. In so doing, a number of concerns and issues were identified in respect of the quality of the audit conducted by the external auditor, Ram and McRae, a firm principally owned and operated by Mr. Lalbachan Christopher Ram. The review of RBGL’s 2023 Annual Report revealed the hereunder mentioned findings. The “independence” of the external auditor (Ram and McRae) is questionable. In this regard, it was found that Ram and McRae has been the external auditor of RBGL for at least more than 16 years. The precise date/year of appointment by RBGL is unclear because the annual reports that are publicly available on the bank’s website are only for the period 2007-2023. As such, it is likely that Ram and McRae may have been serving as RBGL’s external auditor prior to 2007. This, however, is a desecration of one the codes of conduct set out by the International Accounting and Auditing Standards Board (IAASB), which requires that “key audit partners of public interest entities to change (or “rotate”) after seven years. The IAASB is the body that issues the International Standards on Auditing (ISA), which is the standard adopted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of

Guyana (ICAG), that governs the external auditing standards in Guyana. This is an important requirement as its intent is to avoid the potential loss of objective quality and/or independence of the audit, which appears to be the case involving RBGL and Ram and McRae. A key audit matter highlighted in relation to taxation noted that the bank received Notices of Assessments from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in respect of disallowed provisions for bad and doubtful debts for years of assessments 2011-2022. It was reported that RBGL filed an appeal to the High Court challenging those assessments. Notwithstanding the bank’s confidence of a favorable outcome in the appeal, it has made the full provision for the taxes in dispute. Nevertheless, it is this author’s considered view that the GRA may well have a more favorable or stronger position despite the bank’s expressed confidence of a favorable outcome. This may be attributed to the weakened quality of the audit conducted by the external auditor over the years (as discussed hereunder). Licensed Financial Institutions (LFIs) are required to maintain provisions to absorb losses associated with the credit portfolio. The provisioning requirements are to be made in accordance with the Financial Institutions Act No.1 1995 (FIA Act), inter alia, Supervision Guideline No.5 issued under the Authority of Part IX, Section 61 of the Financial Institutions Act (1995); and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 9. Under the IFRS 9 requirements, institutions are to consider past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions when measuring expected credit losses (ECL), in order to adequately provide for the risk undertaken. With respect to RBGL’s provisions for bad and doubtful loans, the external auditor ought to, in their “Independent Auditor’s Report”, make certain disclosures, which is evidently badly lacking. To this end, the external auditor only reported on the provisions for ECL pursuant to the IFRS 9 requirements. There was no report on the provisioning requirements made in accordance with the Financial Institutions Act 1995, which is the principal Act. This lack of disclosure on the part of RBGL―and―more so the Independent Auditor since it is the auditor’s responsibility is alarming. The mandatory compliance with two different reporting requirements in respect of the bank’s provisioning for bad and doubtful loans, naturally necessitates variances when applied. Recognising this, the FIA Act, viz-á-viz, Supervision Guideline No. 5 (Guideline # 33) establishes that… “the amount of provisions booked shall at all times cover the regulatory provisioning requirements. If the provisioning on the books is less than the regulatory provisioning requirements, the institution shall immediately book the deficiency”. This means that the regulatory provisioning requirements precedes the IFRS 9 requirement, simply because the regulatory requirement is in accordance with the law as against the IFRS 9, which is not. Noteworthily, unlike the regulatory provisioning requirement which is “prescriptive”, the IFRS 9 requirement enables more flexibility on the part of the LFI. In other words, IFRS 9 allows the institution to exercise judgement in their provisioning as opposed to a prescribed formula pursuant to the FIA Act. This is why it is especially important that the “Independent Auditors” report on both the IFRS 9, as well as the regulatory provisioning requirement. For the reason that, under the IFRS 9, there is room to either deliberately overstate or understate the provisioning requirements. This, in turn, exposes the institution (in this case RBGL) to potentially a tax implication or a regulatory implication. Accordingly, an over-provision implies a tax implication, whereas an under-provision implies a regulatory implication. In strict accounting terms, this practice is referred to as “window dressing”, an unethical practice often

Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin

designed to accommodate “tax avoidance”. In RBGL’s 2023 Annual Report, it was reported that the total impaired loan portfolio stood at $2 billion, with a total provision for ECL of $638 million. However, it is impossible to determine whether the allowances for ECL were in compliance with the FIA Act. This is at-

tributable to, in part, the Independent Auditor’s failure to report on the disaggregated portfolio as per the FIA Act Supervision Guidelines. For ease of reference, the prescribed provisioning requirements as per the FIA Act, inter alia, Supervision Guideline No.5, are stated as follows

Restructured/modified loans. Citing note (e) of the audited financial statements, it is stated that… “the Bank occasionally makes modifications to the original terms of large commercial and corporate loans as a response to the borrowers financial difficulties…”. This note is a cause for concern as it suggests that the Independent Auditor may have overlooked the FIA Act (Supervision Guideline No. 5) in relation to the treatment of restructured / modified loans. In this respect, the regulation expressly states that “a commercial credit shall not be renegotiated more than twice over the life of the original loan, and mortgage or personal loan not more than twice in a five-year period”. Therefore, to state that the bank “occasionally” makes modifications or restructure facilities does not provide the necessary comfort to external stakeholders, in terms of whether RBGL is practicing strict adherence to the regulatory requirements therefor.

CONCLUSION The findings derived from the review conducted herein by this author, revealed a number of alarming issues of concern in relation to the Independent Audit―such that the objective quality of the audit is demonstrably poor. Further, the independence of the Auditor, Ram & McRae is seriously questioned in view of the gross violation of the IAASB code of ethics which states that “key audit partners of public interest entities to change (or “rotate”) after seven (7) years (maximum). With these in mind, discernibly there are a number of unethical considerations that have emerged. It is imperative, therefore, that RBGL seeks to bring the institution in compliance with the IAASB code of ethics as regards the rotation of Independent Auditor, to not exceed more than seven years.

When a newspaper becomes an opposition party

TODAY should have been the first column analysing the world in the year just gone by, but when I saw last Saturday’s editorial in the Stabroek News (SN), I believe all my dedication to democracy over 56 years would have been wasted, if I did not attempt to bring to people’s knowledge the absolute political degeneracy of that editorial. This is a vicious, vituperative, venal spewing of hatred for the Government of Guyana, written by someone whose emotional overdrive and irrational hatred should never find its way in an editorial of a newspaper. Read that commentary, and you’ll see that SN has literally become an opposition platform. What kind of humans this country has produced that they can criticise the government about anything under the sun, except one of the gravest threats facing democracy in any country, the descent into open politics by the media. Only one other country in the entire world is facing a similar situation: The United States with the unbridled political propaganda of Fox News. When I read that editorial, knowing that it will not be met with even one word of condemnation by those who sermonise us each day with their criticism of the oil contract and the oil industry, I know which direction my politics should go into. I ask again, how people in this country could find the temerity to lecture the government on the oil contract, gas-to-shore project, inclusiveness, accountability etc., and remain silent when they see the open, vulgar political descent of a major media house in this country.

A recurring theme of my columns since the PPP/C formed the government in August 2020 is that the government leaders are not going to concede any criticism and reshape a criticised policy if it comes from people that the government perceives as being irrationally anti-PPP and lack credibility. You are a moron to believe that the government will alter a course of direction because the Stabroek News, the Guyana Human Rights Association, the Kaieteur News, Red Thread, Christopher Ram, Lincoln Lewis, Isabelle DeCaires, Dr. Alissa Trotz and a school of people like them have advised that the policy is wrong. The government is not going to listen, because the government perceives these people to be driven by anti-government hatred and not the intellectually driven, independent mind. Why should any Guyanese listen to these people, when these people have not an ounce of fair-mindedness in them? I assert, without hesitation, that there are vulgarities, indecencies and irrationalities in that editorial that no opposition party would display. Let me cite from that editorial, the stupidest comment against the Guyana Government that anyone can make: “The oil money has obviously gone to their heads, and convinced them that suddenly they are geniuses. What they really are, is plain lucky. It is worth recalling that in 2015, ExxonMobil had two options for its first well here – Skipjack or Liza. It was a toss-up. They chose Liza. If it had been Skipjack, which, in fact, was dry, Exxon would have probably packed up shop and gone home. The likelihood

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

would have been that no oil would have been discovered here up to now, and these four might have been in photos sitting down with the IMF on another round of post-Covid debt restructuring.” Guyana discovers oil, and the leaders of an elected government must consider themselves lucky because that is all they are; lucky because oil was found. Is Stabroek News a journalistic entity, or was it plain lucky? It was just plain lucky that Burnham died, and President Hoyte gave it a licence to open the Stabroek News. If it wasn’t for Hoyte, there would have been no David De Caires and Isabelle DeCaires and Anand Persaud. Can anyone fathom the logic that luck is what the present government owes its elected power to? The editorial says that the PPP won the by “a mere 8000 votes”. The UK Prime Minister

was not elected by the electorate. The Canadian Prime Minister has a minority government. The American and French presidencies have opposition majority in their parliaments. No party won a majority in the last German election. What is wrong with Guyana’s ruling party that has a majority parliament? Read this from the editorial: “So it is only correct such expansive and fundamental plans require all of our input.” May I ask what is meant by “all of our input”. I thought I was educated, but I honestly need an explanation of what those words mean. Here is my understanding. By “all”, it includes the Stabroek News and the hater who wrote that editorial. If the PPP government ever includes the Stabroek News in policy input, I will be very disappointed. More on that editorial later.

Conversation to end stigma By Vanessa Cort

IN this new year, it is important that we foster and continue the dialogue on mental health, with a view to breaking the stigma that prevents so many from seeking help. While in recent years greater attention has certainly been paid to those with mental health challenges, we are still a long way from openly admitting our problems, recognising these issues when we see them and taking the necessary steps to get treatment. Particularly in this part of the world, we are still guilty of labelling anyone showing signs of mental illness as ‘mad.’ Hence, we are reluctant to admit to any mental health issue we may experience or notice in a family member or friend, and so we

take no action. We often use derogatory language even when we do observe someone displaying uncharacteristic or odd behaviour, commenting ‘he head ain good,’ or something wrong wid he.’ We show little empathy, preferring to avoid that person, or in the case of a family member, hide them away from the public. Our very attitude to mental health in fact causes us to try to hide or ignore any symptoms we may detect in ourselves for fear of being seen as insane or ‘running mad,’ but much of our discomfort around the topic stems from a lack of understanding of the causes and this in turn fuels our intolerance of those who may be sufferers. We also tend to fear what we do not know, so clearly

we need to learn as much as we can about mental health in order to promote a more relaxed atmosphere where people can feel free to talk about their issues and even offer a helping hand to others who may have similar challenges. An interesting move, taken by the Ministry of Health in Guyana to address the mental health of school students, was the ‘Let’s Talk Green Bench’ initiative, which began last year. Launched by the Adolescent Health Unit to mark World Health Day, 25 benches were installed at an equal number of schools across the country. Equipped with a bar code that students can scan and get information on mental health, these benches are intended as safe spaces where students can sit and talk about their problems without feeling

stigmatised. The colour green was chosen symbolically as a go-ahead to students to discuss their issues, while also signalling moving forward on mental health awareness. The initiative is also reflective of the global shift towards handling mental health at the level of the community, in keeping with the broad policy of primary health care. In a pertinent comment at the time of launching, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, noted that if people feel stigmatised they will neither seek assistance nor access services available to them. The minister acknowledged that stigma and discrimination are the major barriers faced by those with mental health issues. In this new year, 2024, our goal as a nation should definitely be focused on

destigmatising mental health and promoting conversation and education on the topic. As actress, Glenn Close, remarked, “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor and more unashamed conversation.” And Kerry Washington, of television series,

Scandal, had this to say: “I think it’s really important to take the stigma away from mental health. My brain and heart are really important to me. I don’t know why I wouldn’t seek help to have those things be as healthy as my teeth.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Budgetting for a Better Guyana, and all of CARICOM!

FOR the first time in living memory, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are offering differing projections on the growth rate of a fast-growing developing country, as is the case of measuring Guyana in 2024 as the world’s faster-growing oil-rich economy. Assessments by the two entities rarely collide, but in December 2023, the IMF forecast 26.6 per cent growth for Guyana’s economy in 2024, following a 38.4 per cent projected expansion for 2023. But the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report, published not much later in January 2024, projects Guyana’s economy will grow 38.2 per cent in 2024, not only surpassing the IMF December forecast, but also significantly improving the overall growth prospects for the Caribbean region. As indicated in two successive related reports by OilNOW (on January 8 and 10, 2023 on the IMF and World Bank reports, respectively), the latter has pointed out that without Guyana, the Caribbean region will see a growth rate of 4.1 per cent in 2024, but nearly double at 7.6 per cent with Guyana. OilNOW says Guyana’s growing “economic surge” is largely attributed to “commencement of the Payara project in November 2023, anticipated to hit 220,000 barrels per day (bpd) early this year, and boost total oil production capacity to around 620,000 bpd in the first quarter. Following substantial growth in 2022, the World Bank last year upgraded Guyana to a ‘high-income economy’ (the very top of four income groups (low, lower-middle, upper-middle and high), based on their gross national income (GNI) per capita. At the end of 2022, Guyana ranked 67th from 196 economies, and its rating, according to OilNOW, “is expected to climb considerably-higher following the inclusion of growth numbers for 2023”. However, the IMF also warned that the economy “could become overheated, leading to inflationary pressures and appreciation of the real exchange rate beyond the level implied by a balanced expansion of the economy” and “risks of highly-volatile commodity prices, adverse climate shocks and governance con-

cerns”. Guyana’s overall oil production is expected to surge by 35.1 per cent in 2024 (thanks to the Payara project), and is now anticipated to reach its peak output of 220,000 bpd early this year. OilNOW noted, too, that Guyana’s “non-oil gross domestic product (GDP)” is expected to grow by 6.6%, following a 9.1% increase in 2023, “propelled by the ripple effects of the oil sector’s expansion, increased government spending from rising oil revenues and growth in the construction and hospitality sectors.” Average oil production in Guyana for 2024 could exceed 600,000 bpd -- up from approximately 380,000 bpd in 2023 – and in light of this, according to OilNOW, “the IMF’s growth projection for the oil sector may be conservative.” These are simply mind-boggling figures for those who simply refuse to accept that poor nation can manage new wealth well. Guyana has also demonstrated it not only intends to defy the doom-and-gloom predictions of a supposed “Dutch Disease’ curse on its new wealth through guaranteed bad management and corruption. The Guyana government has instead shown its capacity and demonstrated its ability to so-manage the nation’s new oil wealth as to defy the negative predictions, yearafter-year since 2020. Domestic naysayers will forever exercise their democratic right to freely claim, even argue, that better should be done, but have not yet provide the verifiable facts and figures to fuel their claims that Guyanese aren’t yet benefitting from the nation’s oil wealth. Apart from flaring-up new oil and gas fields, Guyana has earned huge sums from its innovation of Carbon Credit sales, with set portions of the vast earnings going to development of hundreds of indigenous villages and funding sustainable climate change mitigation, while a national gas line will make electricity and cooking gas cheaper and new developments are being financed across the 83,000 square mile (616,000 square-kilometre) nation, including a brand-new Demerara Harbour Bridge, continuous upgrading of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, major multi-lane highway construction, building of new schools, hospitals

and health centers, distribution of tens of thousands of new house lots – and every other measurement of progress that people can see and feel behind the positive figures being belted-out in the last three years by the World Bank, IMF and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The government hasn’t allowed the revived controversy over Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region to distract from continuing to manage the economy in ways that take benefits directly to people, in their pockets and communities. The 2024 national budget will surely include more direct benefits for more Guyanese and will also naturally attract the expected opposition refusal to acknowledge anything by way of positive achievements spelt-out in the estimates of revenue and expenditure.

Chronicles of a Chronic Guyana Chronicler By Earl Bousquet

Guyana started 2024 in the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and as the lead government for Agriculture and Food Security, will also be able to share its wealthy experiences in being the only member-state that now produces over-half of its own food. It will also help accelerate the pace of regional progress towards the laudable goal of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent in 2025. In the meantime, Guyana

has chosen to stay out of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) and instead guide its own way through the current thick but smooth oily waters, mindful of growing global efforts to replace fossil fuels with green energy. Guyana’s international economic ties have grown in the past three years to include interest by other major global public and private oil and gas interests in investing in the growth and expansion of new discoveries and

growing prospects for continuing growth at least over the next decade. As such, the nation’s future – and CARICOM’s too, by related expansion – continues to shine brighter. How-long Guyana’s new energy wealth will continue is unknown to anyone, but for as long as it continues to be managed like it is, prospects will continue to look good and feel better with every budget, including 2024 and 2025.

Dead Meat, Dominic Gaskin and a major reason for the failed Coalition experiment

EARLY 2014, David Granger publicly discussed his desire to invite the AFC to become part of APNU. In the run up to the AFC’s December 6, 2014 National Conference, Khemraj Ramjattan publicly exclaimed that AFC will become “Dead-meat” if it ever joined forces with the PNC, in whatever format or under whatever appellation. This was Ramjattan’s way of saying that political trust and support for the AFC will wither, resulting in little to no electoral returns, especially among Indo-Guyanese. This simple concept is at the heart of the failure of the coalition. A deeper understanding of “Dead-meat” is necessary to unlock the foundations of why Granger presided over a

one-term government from the very moment he was sworn in. “Dead-meat” can be dissected using three main conceptual considerations. First, the healthy East Indian support the AFC received will be lost to the PPP/C, given that the AFC’s own analysis showed that Indo-Guyanese held strong non-convertible electoral resentment for the PNC. Besides that, the greater part of the AFC’s support base came from those who subscribed to the original promise that it will not team up with either of the two big parties. Second, an APNU partnership will hand-deliver Afro-Guyanese, many of whom harboured deep resentment for the PPP, back to the PNC, on a platter. Third, if AFC is sub-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

What do you make of it ?

sumed as another party in APNU, it will lose its “third-force” identity and its very brand, its stock in trade, contained in its name. Change! The back story of the genesis of the Coalition is long and may need several chapters of a book. The major catalyst came through the AFC’s October 2014 No Confidence Motion against the Donald Ramotar presidency. This required coordination, consultation and frequent cooperation talks between high-level players in APNU and the AFC. By the time the AFC’s National Conference rolled around in December, Ramjattan’s firm and set position was a bit softer. Other leaders were cozy to the idea and a resolution to empower the National Executive to discuss coalition possibilities was passed. Items in the Coalition agreement were largely developed to prevent “dead-meat.” I will mention some of them briefly. In an attempt to mitigate Indian attrition, Ministries of Agriculture and Home Affairs went to the AFC to address some major political concerns near and dear to East Indians. Next, the AFC decided its own lists and specified exactly who it wanted to fit whichever portfolio or function. This, together with the Leader of the List being a neutral person, in a way, gave AFC greater control and manoeuvrability over its own membership. Lastly, using the name APNU+AFC attempted to maintain the AFC’s identity and brand words. The agreement also required regular interparty political dialogue. Here is where Dominic Gaskin comes in. On the Gildarie-Kissoon show about two weeks ago, Gaskin said that there were several administrative and conceptual issues that the AFC did not agree with, but the AFC wanted to protect APNU, it wanted to do everything to ensure that the coalition experiment worked. Gaskin further admitted that, in so doing, the AFC allowed its own principles and those contained in the Accord to be compromised. One major item being the lack of interparty dialogue at the political level. In Gaskin’s opinion there was no single earth-shaking issue that should’ve caused the AFC to walk away from the partnership. Gaskin also believed that if the AFC walked away, APNU would’ve ruled alone. There is a lot to unpack from Gaskin’s postulations. His analysis is shallow and reflects the manifest lack of depth and political

by Leonard Craig wits that existed within the top tier of the AFC’s leadership. I wish to state categorically, that this posture was almost exclusively held by those with ministerial portfolios and was, for the most part, at odds with other executives, members and financiers. This is at the heart of why Nigel Hughes resigned as party Chairman. That said, due to space considerations, I will deal with only one issue. The moment Granger was sworn in he set about to dismantle all forms of party-to-party dialogue. He substituted it with executive power, in that, weighty matters were dealt with through the Cabinet mechanism. Granger rebuffed every effort to convene interparty summits. Not a single one was held. That was the beginning of the slide towards a one-term existence. This singular action effectively negated the terms of the entire Cummingsburg Accord; it dismantled the AFC’s negotiated guardrails. This meant that, in practice, the AFC was essentially another party in APNU, ruled by one Ayatollah. That is why Gaskin and his cabinet colleagues could’ve only envisioned a singular outcome to challenging Granger to maintain the canons of the Accord. It would have broken up the coalition and the PNC would rule alone, so they fell in line. They were unperturbed, even though the major tenets of the Accord were being dismantled before their very eyes, just for the taste of power. One example will suffice: when the Accord was negotiated, the Ministry of Home Affairs, as existed at that time, was to be administered by the AFC. Granger’s first action as president was to strip the ministry of several functions without any utterance of dissent from the AFC. In essence, they consented to dupe the electorate that the Accord was functional when it was not. Executive action was substituted for real hardcore politics. As a result of the over reliance on administrative process, the government as a whole, and the AFC in particular, became detached from the electorate and its support base. Their political antennae were lowered, their political senses deadened, their community feelers numbed. By the very nature of the political relations established by Granger, coupled with the tacit collusion of the AFC, it is not surprising that the experiment ended in failure.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Elections fraud case comes up for report today

TODAY, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly is set to schedule a date for a case management conference (CMC) regarding the high-profile elections fraud case, following which a trial date will be fixed. This case has remained stagnant for years due to its intricate nature and the extensive amount of evidence involved. The case involves former District Four ( D e m e r a r a- M a h a i c a) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; former People’s National Con-

gress/Reform (PNC/R) Chairperson, Volda Lawrence; PNC/R activist Carol Smith-Joseph and four others. The trio, along with Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings and Michelle Miller, are before the court for allegedly defrauding the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes for the 2020 General and Regional Elections. At the last court hearing in December, the

state handed over, again, flash drives containing certified copies of Statements of Polls (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) along with video interviews. Several bundles of documents were also submitted. Special Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, is currently awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack, who had written to the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings regarding the possibility of appointing a special magistrate or

Top row, from left: Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller. Bottom row, from left: Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph court to adjudicate the case. In August 2021, Mingo, along with Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, and his deputy, Roxanne Myers, had their employment terminated by GECOM. It is alleged that the defendants inflated or facilitated the inflation of

results for Region Four, the country’s largest voting district, to give the APNU+AFC coalition a majority win at the polls when, in fact, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had won by 15,000 votes. Those who rejected the results filed several legal challenges which

ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s highest appeal court. A lengthy recount of the votes eventually declared victory in favour of the PPP/C, and Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the President of Guyana on August 2, 2020.

Swift action will be taken to fix water woes, land issues facing Coverden residents –President Ali

TO address community concerns, President Dr. Irfaan Ali last Friday visited the Dr. Charles Housing Scheme in Coverden, East Bank Demerara, highlighting his commitment to understanding and resolving the challenges faced by residents. During the community engagement, President Ali interacted directly with residents, responding to issues related to water scarcity, land ownership complexities, and infrastructure deficits. One resident raised the pressing issue of the absence of running water in the area, prompting the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Shaik Baksh, to clarify that the area operates as a private scheme and the proprietor is responsible for its man-

agement. With over 500 residents in the scheme expressing their grievances about water shortages, the complicated matter of ownership arose due to multiple individuals assuming control since the original proprietor’s passing. President Ali swiftly addressed the complexities surrounding land ownership by instructing Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Coral, to investigate who is the true owner of the land and work towards a resolution. He urged Minister Coral to engage with the current owner to explore possible arrangements, such as selling house lots to residents, with the government subsequently investing in the necessary infrastructure. “We have a lot of problems here. We have to establish the ownership of the

GUYANA CHRONICLE, monday, jAnuARY 15, 2024

land. We have to work with the private owners to come up with an arrangement for the community. “Then, we have to get the public health people to come in here… to see how we can find a way to deal with the public health issues because that is a major issue,” President Ali expressed during the meeting. Residents also highlighted concerns about improper drainage systems and appealed to the President for assistance in obtaining black tanks to aid in water storage. In response, President Ali empathised with the community’s challenges and pledged to look into providing water tanks, prioritising low-income families. “I don’t think at this stage we can address the issues because we have a land problem,” President Ali said before assuring residents that Minister Coral will obtain all the necessary

President Ali engaging residents of Dr. Charles Housing Scheme in Coverden. Also pictured are Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Shaik Baksh (right) and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy (left) (Office of the President photo) details about the area within one week. Based on the outcomes, President Ali committed to returning to the community within two to three weeks to implement further solutions. “Once we have a solution to which the owner agrees to pass on the title… then the government will come with a

plan and a plan to put up the water [systems],” President Ali told the residents. President Ali explained to the residents that his visits exemplify his hands-on approach to engaging with residents of various communities, listening to their concerns, and taking decisive action.

“We are meeting with every community, meeting every resident so that we can better understand what some of your challenges are... We want to listen to you to hear what some of your priorities are and to see how we can work together…,” the President said.

said that his government is committed to acquiring state-of-the-art assets for the Guyana Police Force. This includes establishing a marine division capable of utilising river assets for crime fighting and proactive intelligence work. Additionally, plans for an aviation division involved in building air capacity and capability integrated with the Guyana Defence Force. “We are going to move a lot of our air capacity and capability to the new hangar at Ogle that the Guyana Defence Force is constructing and rehabilitating right now. “We hope in that hangar to not only add to the air capability and capacity of the Guyana Defence Force, but to add two modern pieces of equipment to support the air division of the Guyana Police Force,” Dr. Ali said. President Ali elaborated, “In the Guyana Police Force, for example, we will have an integration between the chopper, the sea craft, what I call sea craft capability, the air capability and land

capability, of course, in the land capability, we are already investing heavily in bikes, motor vehicles, buses, ATV’s” In addition to biometric facial recognition, Guyana is employing various other technologies to combat crime. These include Smart City Surveillance Cameras in which the government has operationalised high-tech surveillance cameras capable of performing face and car licence recognition. This system is aimed at enhancing the capacity of the police and ensuring prompt and efficient public security services Another one is implementing the Smart Policing Systems, which involve the use of information technology to assist police planners in mapping crimes and utilising analytics as a crime-fighting tool. Additionally, one of the major undertakings in the smart policing systems is the implementation of a digital platform for ticketing which is directly related to law enforcement efforts.

Gov’t to use facial recognition to track criminals

– Jagdeo

IN a holistic approach towards enhancing national security, the government will soon be rolling out a comprehensive biometrics project aimed at tracking and locating criminals in Guyana through facial recognition. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent press conference disclosed that this initiative, which forms part of the government’s master plan for improving security, signifies a strategic shift towards technology-driven crime prevention and law enforcement. VP Jagdeo outlined the multifaceted approach to modernising security in the country and said that a pivotal component of this plan is the construction of a state-ofthe-art Brickdam Police Station which draws inspiration from renowned institutions like Scotland Yard. The new 12-storey building, with a price tag of US$28 million, will serve

as the nerve centre for crime fighting across Guyana and will be equipped with cutting-edge facilities and technology. Addressing the need for an integrated security infrastructure, Jagdeo said: “It is not just a building we’re putting up; it is a plan we are rolling out. “So, that has to be done, as well as upgrading all of our police stations across the country, as well as better equipping them and ensuring that we use technology for better security in our country. It’s part of a security plan.” The announcement comes on the heels of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new central police station, which is set to be constructed over a 30-month period by R. Bassoo & Sons Construction Company in collaboration with Qingjian Group Guyana Limited. The modern facility will feature advanced fire prevention mechanisms and earthquake-resistant capabilities, showcasing the government’s commitment to a resilient and

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo cutting-edge security infrastructure. Furthermore, Vice President Jagdeo shed light on the ongoing efforts to bolster security measures, including the implementation of security cameras with facial recognition software. Presently the government is actively working on a biometric project that aims to track every individual with a criminal record in Guyana, utilising facial recognition technology. “We’re already putting in

security cameras with facial recognition software. We’re working on a biometric project that would allow us to know every, every criminal in Guyana who has a record we can pinpoint where they are at any moment in time. “Through facial recognition software, we’d be able to track every person who comes into our country, who overstays their visa or anything else,” Jagdeo said. Against the backdrop of the biometrics project, President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Carbon-credit funds: Significant improvements made to lives of Imbaimadai, Lake Capoey, Whitewater residents – boats, vehicles, farming materials among items bought; block-making factory, other facilities built By Michel Outridge

THE $4.7 billion that government has received from Hess Corporation for the sale of 30 per cent of Guyana’s forest has contributed significantly to the development and prosperity of hundreds of Indigenous villages across Guyana. Recently, the Guyana Chronicle was informed of how the disbursements to three of those villages have transformed the lives of res-

Toshao of Imbaimadai, Delph Hunter

Toshao of Lake Capoey, Ralph Hendricks

Toshao of Whitewater, Deon Adams idents. Speaking to this publication via telephone, Delph Hunter, the Toshao of Imbaimadai, a remote village in Region Seven said that the lives of the locals have been significantly improved with the carbon-credit funds which were received from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in 2023. He said that half of the $24 million sum was used to purchase two 40-horsepower outboard engines, two 40foot boats and one All-Terrain vehicle (ATV) for the community. He explained that while they have not yet received the ATV, they are optimistic that the wait will be over soon. He said that this vehicle will help solve transportation woes in the community. According to the toshao, the remaining $12 million is in the bank and will be used in various ways to advance the development of the village where most of the 700 residents rely on farming, fishing and hunting to earn a living. Ground provisions and other traditional and non-traditional vegetables are grown by the residents. He disclosed that with the ATV, they will be able to venture further into the swamplands to establish more farms. Because of the swampy conditions, getting to the farmlands is often difficult. Noting that they have titles for the lands in the village, he said that due to the soil composition, only certain crops can grow. This has increased the need for fertilisers to help farmers boost their production and

protect their crops. The village leader explained that the remaining money will be used to establish an ICT hub, boost farming and construct a dining hall for the school children. Hunter reported that the only educational facility in the village is a primary school which houses about 100 pupils. He added that the nearest secondary school is at Waramadong, which is two days of travel by vehicle. LAKE CAPOEY Meanwhile, Toshao Ralph Hendricks of Lake Capoey in Region Two told the Guyana Chronicle that they too received a disbursement in 2023. So far, a multi-purpose hall and a block-making have been built and the construction of a pavilion and a sanitary block has commenced. He related that the hollow block-making facility provides employment for two persons and the villagers no longer have to buy blocks from outside the community. Hendricks added that they were in dire need of a multi-purpose hall for meetings and other events and through the carbon-credit funds, they now have one. He disclosed that they have also purchased a bucket for the village tractor which will aid in various community enhancement projects. The toshao said he and the residents are very grateful for monies received. According to him, for the past 21 years, Lake Capoey has seen its fair share of development and they remain optimistic that more will follow. Hendricks reported that with the COVID-19 cash grant, the village council constructed a walkway from the guesthouse to the lake top and they are hoping to expand the three-room guesthouse. “ Wi t h o u t t h e c a rbon-credit fund, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve so much and it is beneficial for us all here in Lake Capoey. Our lives have been im-

proved considerably,” he said. WHITEWATER Toshao of Whitewater, Deon Adams said that $17.5 million of the $35M received in 2023 was used to purchase two minibuses and a one canter truck for transportation purposes for residents. Adams said the vehicles are being used to transport vendors and others to and from Kumaka Market in Mabaruma and also school children. He stated that the remainder of the money is in the bank Adams told the Guyana Chronicle that the new vehicles have provided permanent employment for five persons (drivers and conductors) and residents no longer suffer the burden of having to walk long distances or pay high prices for transportation. The village leader added that they also completed a project in August 2023 where a road was constructed through swamp lands stretching from Central Whitewater to Blackwater. Additionally, farmers received planting materials, chickens and feed and they also did repairs to some dwelling houses in the village. Adams pointed out that the entire community is very happy to have received the money as a lot has already been done to improve their lives and the community. “With the purchase of the buses and canter truck, the lives of the locals have been improved by 90 per cent and we are very thankful. It is much easier for commute,” he said. Adams reported that it takes half an hour by vehicle when the red loam road is in good condition from Central Whitewater to Kumaka Market. Whitewater has eight satellite villages which comprises of Whitewater Central, Arakuru, Blackwater, Western, Sickumaka, Bamboo Landing, Kurasima and Whitewater Mouth.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

India sees off Afghanistan

(ESPNCRICINFO) Scintillating half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube helped India beat Afghanistan by six wickets in the second T20I in Indore, and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. This win also extended India's unbeaten streak in bilateral T20I series at home to 15. The last time they lost a home T20I series was in 2019, when Australia beat them 2-0. After being sent in, Afghanistan rode on Gulbadin Naib's 57 off 35 balls, before India applied the brakes. But a late assault from Karim Janat and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who scored a combined 41 off 19, lifted the visitors to 172. During the chase, Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled Rohit Sharma for a firstball duck. Rohit was out without scoring in the first T20I as well, where he was run out off his second ball. Virat Kohli, playing his first

T20I since the 2022 T20 World Cup, also looked to attack right away. He was a lot more successful than his captain, scoring 29 off 16. The stars of the match, though, were Jaiswal and Dube. The two seemed to be competing against each other, with the Afghanistan bowlers looking incidental. Jaiswal reached his fifty off 27 balls, and Dube off just 22 as both tried to send every possible ball to the boundary. As a result, India chased down their target in just 15.4 overs. NAIB LEADS THE CHARGE Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a quick start, hitting the first legal delivery of the first over for a four, and the first one of the second for a six. But his stay was short-lived as he fell to Ravi Bishnoi for 14 off nine. No. 3 Naib ensured Afghanistan did not lose their momentum. He hit back-to-back fours off

Introduced in the sixth over, he turned one past Ibrahim Zadran's outside edge to hit the off-stump. Then, in the 12th, he bowled one from well behind the popping crease, thus changing the length without a change in action, to have Naib caught at short midwicket. Bowling his four overs in a single spell, Axar finished with 2 for 17. Naib's wicket put the brakes on the scoring rate; Afghanistan managed just 27 in five overs from 12 to 16. AFGHANISTAN’S STRONG FINISH Najibullah Zadran was on 6 off 15 before he got stuck into Bishnoi. In the 17th over, he hit the legspinner for two sixes and a four. When he departed, Janat and Mujeeb took over and smashed Dube for 20 in the penultimate over of the innings. Despite Arshdeep Singh giving away only eight in the final over, which included four wickets (including two via run-outs), Af-

ghanistan scored 55 in the last four. ROHIT-KOHLI WATCH Rohit was run out in the first T20I when Shubman Gill did not respond to his call for a quick single. Tonight, in his 150th T20I, his early dismissal owed less to misfortune. Facing his first ball, he moved towards the leg side in an attempt to pull Farooqi. He missed and Farooqi hit the top of off stump. Kohli, who had missed the first game for personal reasons, opened his account by smashing Mujeeb over extra cover. In the same over, he swept a similar delivery to the deep midwicket fence. In all, he hit five fours in 16 balls. When he was caught at mid-off off Naveen-ul-Haq, the crowd was disappointed, but this might have been exactly the approach the team management wanted him to adopt.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal made a fluent 68 off 34 balls • BCCI

Mukesh Kumar, before topping it with 6, 4, 4 off Bishnoi in the next over. He ended the powerplay with yet another boundary, taking Afghanistan to 58 for 2 after six. At the other end, Shivam Dube castled Azmatullah Omarzai with a back-of-the-hand slower ball. But Naib took a liking to him, hitting the medium-pacer for two sixes in his next over, the ninth. Between those two hits, he had a slice of luck as well, when Kohli, charging in from long-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday January 15, 2024)

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on, shelled a difficult low chance. Naib was on 41 then. He brought up his fifty shortly afterwards, off just 28 balls. AXAR APPLIES THE BRAKES Axar Patel has looked a far more complete bowler since his return from the quadriceps strain that had ruled him out of the 2023 ODI World Cup. During the forced break, he worked on slowing down his pace, and is now reaping the rewards.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Olympic Solidarity Archery Coaching Course to be hosted in Guyana

ARCHERY Guyana will stage an Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course from January 17, 2024 to Sunday January 21, 2024. The five-day Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course will be held under the auspices of Olympic Solidarity with Archery Guyana’s Board of Directors commending the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association for the guidance and making this

possible. World renowned World Archery Coach Trainer, Ms. Ludys Carina Tejada, is a Dominican, who actually started archery as an athlete in 1978-2008, has been selected as the facilitator of this course. She is the recipient of numerous awards and has medaled in a number of events. She is now an Archery Coach who is also a member

of the World Archery Development Committee from 2010 to date. Currently, she is a Coach of Santo Domingo Archery school and Pedro Henriquez Ureña University, a position which she held since 2014. The course will be attended by 20 participants, both male and female, who are all local archery coaches of various levels and work with various schools throughout the various re-

gions. Ms. Tejada has tailored a programme to include the basics of coaching juniors right up to the team tactics of senior level competition. President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, in giving an update on planning of the event, expressed special thanks to President of the Guyana Olympic Committee, Mr. Godfrey Munroe, Mr. Garfield Wiltshire and

Executive Committee members for the provision of an Olympic Solidarity grant, Director of Sport Mr. Steve Ninvalle and the National Sports Commission and the Unit of Allied Art, Ministry of Education. M r s . Vi d u s h i P e r saud-McKinnon stated that among the topics to be covered in the proposed Agenda are Code of Ethics/WADA, Introduction to what is Archery and what is coaching,

the Beginners Award Programme, how to build an Archery session, preparatory movements/ stance and nocking among others. The course will be conducted at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown. There will be theory and practical sessions twice per day beginning at 8:30 hours to 12:00 hours and then again from 13:00 hours to 16:30 hours.

West Indies trying to restore pride in ‘brand’ – Joshua CMC – Wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva said West Indies hopes to use the two Tests against hosts and world champions Australia to try to restore pride in their tattered brand. The 25-year-old Trinidadian is one of only five players in the 15-member Test squad of the Caribbean side that has returned ‘Down Under’ for the series that opens on Wednesday at the Adelaide Oval, before moving to the Gabba in Brisbane on January 25. West Indies were beaten convincingly in two Tests in late 2022 in Australia, and with several established players making themselves unavailable, including former captain Jason Holder and fellow all-rounder Kyle Mayers, because of Twenty20 franchise playing commitments, the Test squad

includes seven uncapped players. At least three of the uncapped players are likely to make their debuts during the first Test, but Da Silva, who requires only two dismissals to reach 100 in the format, said the squad was keen to prove the doubters wrong. “Last year is last year, and we’re here to try again,” he told reporters on Sunday when West Indies stepped up preparations for the Frank Worrell Trophy series with a training session at the iconic match venue. “We’re going to give it our best effort; we have a few new faces, so there’s going to be a bit of new blood coming in. I know the boys are excited, and I’m definitely excited and raring to go.

West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva does a fielding drill during a training session on Sunday at the Adelaide Oval. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) “Everybody’s really keen. Seven uncapped players. If they haven’t gotten a taste, they’re really raring to go get a taste of it, so the mood in the camp is great,

and we’re really looking forward to it.” West Indies has not beaten the Australians in a Test series at home or abroad in a little more than

31 years, and they have gone 19 matches in close to 21 years without winning a Test against the Baggy Greens, but Da Silva said the series is a chance for them to start rebuilding their fading Test reputation. “ T h a t ’s a l w a y s t h e goal,” he said. “Each and every one of us here is looking forward to making the West Indies a winning team again. That’s the main goal we have. “We talk about it every day; about getting back to those days, but it’s a new era now, and we’re just looking forward to making our own brand, and playing that brand of cricket.” Former West Indies captain and batting maestro Brian Lara will spend the two Tests behind the TV commentary microphone for Fox Cricket, but he at-

tended the training session to share some of his knowledge with the players in his role of mentor, which he assumed last February. “The knowledge he has is second to none,” Da Silva said about working with his fellow Trinidadian, who holds the world records for highest individual Test and first-class scores of 400 not out and 501 not out, respectively. “What he’s done for the game; what he’s done for West Indies cricket on his own, just having him around, just his presence alone speaks for itself. “He’s here to work with everyone; he’s our mentor, so he’s going to be helping everybody, bowlers and batters, because he has so much experience. I think everybody can learn from him.”

Sealy leads West Indies U19s to warm up win against New Zealand CMC – VICE-captain Nathan Sealy led a notable bowling performance, and West Indies Under-19s got a morale-boosting six-wicket win against New Zealand Under-19s in an ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup warm-up match on Sunday in South Africa. The Barbadian left-arm spinner bagged four for 21 from nine overs and five other bowlers took one wicket apiece, and the Caribbean side dismissed the New Zea-

landers for 131 in 39.2 overs in the match at the Braam Fisherville Sports Complex. Two of Sealy’s victims were trapped lbw and another was bowled to signify the accuracy of his spell after West Indies won the toss and decided to field. Fellow Barbadian Joshua Dorne, not out on 45, and Antiguan Jewel Andrew, not out on 36, then led the run chase for West Indies. They shared an unbroken stand of 58 for the fifth

wicket to get the Caribbean side over the finish line with 25.1 overs remaining after they stumbled to 74 for four in the 17th over. The match is the first of two for the side, led by Stephan Pascal, ahead of their opening match in the World Cup against hosts South Africa this coming Friday at the J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom. They face Nepal on Tuesday at the St Stithians Main Oval.

West Indies never let New Zealand off the hook, taking wickets at regular intervals throughout the innings, and they reduced the Young Black Caps to 75 for five. Tom Jones led the way with 24 for New Zealand and Lachlan Stackpole got 23, but no other batsmen passed 20. West Indies were 19 for two inside the first five overs, and New Zealand pace bowling captain Oscar

Jackson took two for 14 from three overs and had them wobbling further before they reached the halfway stage. Dorne, batting at three, held the innings together with some composed batting and carried them the rest of the way in a stable partnership with Andrew. For their first-round matches – all to be played at the J.B. Marks Oval – West Indies have been drawn alongside the South Africans, Scotland, and England

in Group B in the World Cup. They face the Scots on January 24 and the English two days later. The top three sides from each first round group will progress to the Super Six stage to be played from 30 January to 3 February. The semi-finals, on February 6 and 8, and the final, on February 11, will all be played at Willowmore Park in Benoni.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

Warm-up track to be built at National Track & Field Facility

THE long-awaited warmup track at the National Track and Field Facility, at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, is expected to be constructed and functional in 2024. Speaking Friday at a press conference to reflect on the work of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in 2023, Minister Charles Ramson Jr. said that the

warm-up track will be among infrastructural developments to be expected this year. The Minister did not state when in 2024 the 200m warm-up track is to be completed, but rather noted that the ministry has to synchronise its installation plans with the availability of the experts from German contracting firm, BSW Regopul. According to the minis-

ter, they have procured the necessary materials for the track’s construction, which are understood to come at a cost of G$19M. The same company installed the synthetic material at the National Track and Field Facility in 2014, and, most recently, at the facility at Bayroc, Linden. The West Coast Demerara facility was officially

opened in April 2015. Word is that the total sum needed to construct the first-of-its-kind facility in Guyana is just over G$1 billion. In 2023, resurfacing of the synthetic track was completed at a cost of G$77 million. Additionally, construction has also begun on an indoor facility in the com-

pound, the first of its kind outside of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The facility will boast dimensions of around 120x150ft (similar in size to the National Gymnasium and Cliff Anderson Sports Hall). When complete, the facility will be able to host events such as boxing, volleyball, basketball, and table

tennis. Meanwhile, the minister indicated that construction of the stands, grass mound, and players’ pavilion will continue at Bayroc, and the new Anna Regina stadium, while they have procured bucket seats for the new stand at the National Track and Field facility.

DCB SVC/PSC Inc. cricket…

Panthers to battle Jaguars in Saturday’s final at Bourda

GEORGETOWN Panthers beat East Bank Eagles, and West Demerara Jaguars defeated East Coast Canje Pheasants in the semi-finals of the Demerara cricket board SVC/PSC T20 inter-association cricket tournament. Both matches took place at Meter-Meer-Zorg on Sunday, and the respective winners booked a place in the grand finale next Saturday at Bourda. In the first semi-final,

Georgetown, led by a Manof-the Match performance from off-spinner Dwain Dick, grabbed 4-23, the winners getting past East Bank by 69. The GCA side were bowled out for 133 in 18.2, with openers Shemroy Barrington (25) and Raymond Perez (23) adding 31 for the first wicket. Barrington, a former Guyana batter, hit two fours and couple of sixes in an 18ball innings before he was

MULTI-PURPOSE engineering company, Kascon, has thrown its full support to national youth batsman Adrian Hetmyer for the year 2024. Businessman and owner of Kascon Engineering, Mr Rafeek Kasim has recognised the ultra-talented young Hetmyer, and decided to motivate the lad, who will receive monthly stipends for the entire year. The young Hetmyer also received top-quality cricket equipment, compliments of Kascon, at a presentation ceremony held at the weekend at the company’s office, at Number 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice. At a tender age of 14, Adrian has already scored nine centuries, including three double centuries, and cricket runs deep into his veins. Adrian is the son of Seon Hetmyer, and nephew of Shimron Hetmyer. “We at Kascon Engineer-

ing we have one saying, Test cricket was made for the Gods, average men play ODI and T20 cricket. With three double centuries at the age of 14, with an uncle who played at the highest level, with a father whose name is synonymous with a complete cricketer, and probably the best all-rounder in the Canje district, Mr Adrian Hetmyer, we at Kascon Engineering is [sic] proud to be part of your life for the next 12 months. We are more than grateful to have you [as] part of our family. “We do hope in whatever way we can make your life better, just know we are always here for you,” the influential Kasim explained. Meanwhile, young Hetmyer expressed his gratitude to Kasim and his company. He noted that this sponsorship will benefit him significantly in his career. The 14-year-old who has already

LBW to fast bowler Floy Joseph, the brother of West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph. Perez, on the other hand, extended his in the runs aggregate by hitting a six and four in his 20-ball innings. The multi-talented Jonathan Vav Lange with one six in his 20, and Chris Barnwell, who clobbered a six and a four in 19 reached were the only other double figures for the city side. Buddan Bakash had 4-29, while Joseph and Anand

Barrat took two each for East Bank. In response, East Bank were blown away for 64 in 13.2 overs. Only the left-handed Rickey Sargeant, with 28 at the top of the order with two fours and three sixes, provided a token of resistance before he became the first of Dick’s four wickets. Sagar Hatiamani (16) was the only other remaining batter to reach double

as Barnwell and Steven Sankar with two wickets each supported Dick. Dick had missed the previous game. In the other match, Ushardeva Balgobin stroked an adhortative unbeaten 65 with four fours and a six from just 24 balls, as West Demerara beat East Coast. Skipper and Guyana batter Akshaya Persaud assisted with 14 not out to power West Demerara

95-1 in 8.5 overs, an emphatic nine-wicket win replying to East Coast’s 89 all out (18 overs). Earlier, a fighting 26 with three fours and a six from Viswanath Ramlakhan, and 18 from Vivian Albert, which included three boundaries, were the top scores for the East Coast side. Narendra Persaud had 3-10, while Aryan Persaud supported with 2-13.

Kascon Engineering bats for Adrian Hetmyer

Mr Rafeek Kasim and his family make the presentation to Adrian Hetmyer played for Guyana’s Under-15 team, is aiming to go one step higher in 2024 at the regional level. “I had a bad season in

2023, so I am looking to better that this year,” Adrian said. President of the Berbice Cricket Board Dr Cecil Be-

harry was also present, and he spoke highly of young Hetmyer. Additionally, coach of the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club,

Ameer Rahaman was in high praise for Kascon, for recognising Adrian’s talent. A right-handed batsman, Adrian was recently called up to the Guyana Harpy Eagles senior trials. While in Berbice, he featured in senior and junior club cricket, where he has shown he is a cut above the rest. Additionally, Kasim donated cricket balls to the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club, as he believes that club has shown significant growth in producing quality cricketers. Kascon Engineering is a company in Guyana which specialises in contracting of roads, buildings, and sea defences. Kasim is no stranger to cricket, as he played competitive cricket himself and served as a cricket administrator, where he was at the helm of the Young Warriors cricket club.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday, January 15, 2024

DCB SVC/PSC Inc. cricket…

Panthers to battle Jaguars in Saturday’s final at Bourda SEE PAGE

Balgobin collects his MOM trophy for GCA’s Shawn Massiah

Warm-up 23 track to be built at National Track & Field Facility

Dick receives his MOM trophy from President of the West Demerara Cricket Association Troy Khan

SEE PAGE

A 200m warm-up surface is expected to be completed before the end of 2024 at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora

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| MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2024