Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 20-04-2024

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No. 107418

GTU court case ruling…

Salutary principle in industrial relations has been dismantled

-‘no work no pay’ concept must be upheld, gov’t says

President Ali ‘talks up’ collaboration with prestigious NY Hospital

‘False and Baseless’

- Gov’t rejects IDPADA-G’s claims of discrimination against Afro-Guyanese, Minister Walrond tells UN forum

President Ali calls for leveraging of ‘Guyana’ brand for economic growth

Guyana’s ocean is just as important as its forests – Minister Edghill - underscores its potential to drive climate change action, national development

$45.5 million in imaging equipment handed over to Regions 3, 4 and 5 - training for ultrasound technicians to begin soon

Denzel Southwell is Guyana’s first homegrown offshore driller

Guyana’s president received a warm welcome when he visited Kings County Hospital and other parts of Brooklyn, New York, on Friday

Kaieteur News flayed for miscalculations again

KAIETEUR News is once again under fire for their usual publication of miscalculations, this time in relation to the 36-megawatt (MW) power ship.

Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin on Friday highlighted the inaccuracies within the newspaper’s Friday edition.

Printed bold on their front page was, “36MW power ship to cost Guyana US$2.4M annually, minus fuel”, and within the article,

it was falsely calculated that “A 36MW capacity plant is expected to generate some 315,360,000-kilowatt hours per year, which would mean an annual bill of $2,087,683,200. This, in addition to the 0.98 US cents maintenance fee, will add an additional US$309,052,800, or cumulatively US$2,396,736,000.” Bhagwandin has exposed the publication’s usual miscalculations on Facebook, by stating: “According to

KN's calculation, it will cost US$2.4b, and in the headline they have US$2.4m... simple calculation (multiplication) they can't do correctly.... 315,360,000 kwh X US$0.0776 = US$24.471m...NOT US$2.4b (KN calculation)

... That is one year's oil revenue... (US$2b).”

On April 13, Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) signed a contract with Urbacon Concessions Investments, W.L.L (UCI) to

charter a power ship with a total installed capacity of 36 MWs for a period of two years.

The contract includes the provision of operation and maintenance services as part of the agreement. UCI is a subsidiary of UCC Holdings, a company incorporated in the State of Qatar. UCC Holdings has a strategic alliance with Karpowership International, a Turkish company.

GPL issued a press statement on Thursday outlining the terms of the agreement, stating that the contract requires it to pay UCI a monthly charter fee of 6.62 US cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the power ship, as well as a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh, based on electricity generation.

According to the power company, the power ship is expected to operate at 96 per cent availability. The GPL said that it is not required, under the contract, to pay a demobilisation fee.

SERIES OF FALSE PUBLICATIONS

Last Friday, the Kaieteur News was forced to apologise to the government for a false publication.

The newspaper had issued a retraction and apology, which was tucked away, for an article headlined: “Guyana borrowed to buy two airplanes for the price of

four”, which appeared in its April 5 edition.

In the article, it was reported that “The Government of Guyana has borrowed a US$23.27 million loan from India to buy two Dornier 228 airplanes from an Indian Aeronautics Company when they could have gotten four for the same price.”

It then stated that the Indian government purchased six similar planes for its air force from the same company at a price of US$31.9 million.

The newspaper then quoted the Economic Times as stating: “The Defence Ministry on Friday (March 10, 2023) sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure six Dornier aircraft at a cost of Rs 667 crore for the Indian Air Force”, and then posited that Rs 667 crore is equivalent to US$31.9 million. This means that the Indian Government purchased six of the same aircraft from the same company at a price of US$5.3 million for one.

Utilising a conversion tool, it was, however, easily determined that Rs 667 crore is equivalent to just over US$80 million.

During a press conference last week, People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo responded to several allegations from the Opposition surrounding the purchase of the aircraft, and made it clear that the aircraft were not bought by the Government of India and sold back to the Government of Guyana.

He informed the media that the two aircraft were bought from the Indian government and were new. They cost $8 million each and government purchased $6.23 million worth of spares for each of them, including reserve engine, propellers among other things and then spent about another million on the training of 19 persons, including the pilots, engineers and technicians flying the aircraft to Guyana.

The PPP General Secretary also addressed the Kaieteur News’ article which had the computation error, and other sensational stories.

Just last month, the newspaper was forced to apologise to the government and the GPL for false publication.

Furthermore, on several occasions, Dr. Jagdeo has had reason to call out the Kaieteur News for its frequent “distortion” of facts.

President Ali ‘talks up’ collaboration with prestigious NY Hospital

DURING a visit to the Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali disclosed potential areas of collaboration with the specialised care facility, which will help to enhance Guyana’s health sector.

Dr. Ali, during a tour of the health facility, met several medical personnel from the Guyanese Diaspora.

During those engagements, he touted the idea of doing quarterly missions in Guyana, thereby enhancing training of local medical personnel, and focusing on specialised medical care.

“Soon as I go back, we should really plan through the mission here and engagement first with the Diaspora unit, and get a register of all the healthcare professionals that we have here; all the nurses, technicians, and then see how we could integrate you guys in what we are do-

ing,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

He emphasised that Guyana should “really make use of this asset”.

Kings County Hospital Centre is a 627-bed municipal hospital in the East Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York City, providing a wide range of specialised care. It is owned and operated by NYC Health + Hospitals, a municipal agency that runs New York City's public hospitals.

Currently, massive investments are being made to transform Guyana’s healthcare sector, with specific focus being placed on strengthening infrastructure and human resources.

Back in January, the sod was turned for the US$161 million facility in New Amsterdam, which is set to be equipped with all modern facilities to conduct transplants and other major surgeries.

At that ceremony, President Ali had said that training will be a major component of the hospital.

The new hospital will feature five operating theatres, one specifically for cardiac surgery, and advanced digital X-ray, and CT scan machines. It will be the second public facility to house

an MRI machine and will be equipped for transplants.

Two additional buildings will be constructed within the compound – one for a teaching facility and another for a modern psychiatric facility.

Once completed, the new facility will be linked to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), which

will be connected to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, and other major hospitals around the world in telemedicine.

Meanwhile, the University of the West Indies (UWI) has signalled its support to collaborate with the Government of Guyana in establishing a medical school at

New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six.

The establishment of a medical training facility here has been on the cards for the government since an agreement was signed for the construction of a new, modern level-five hospital at New Amsterdam.

GTU court case ruling… Salutary principle in industrial relations has been dismantled -‘no work no pay’ concept must be upheld, gov’t says

THE following is the full text of a statement issued on Friday by the Government of Guyana on the ruling in the Guyana Teachers’ Union Case:

“THE law, and indeed industrial relations in Guyana, in both the public and private sector, have been turned upside by a decision of High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon today [Friday] in the GTU case. This ruling is reminiscent of the decision that thirty-three (33) is not a majority of sixty-five (65). No doubt, like that decision, it will be appealed to the CCJ, if necessary, where that decision was reversed. The public is very much aware of these struggles endured in pursuit of justice.

“In the ruling today, the High Court has completely dismantled a salutary principle which has struck a vital balance between the employer and the employee in industrial relations for centuries. The Court ruled that the ‘no work

no pay’ principle no longer applies to Guyana - a position that does not obtain either in the Commonwealth Caribbean or indeed this hemisphere. The repercussions that will flow from this ruling will have devastating impact on industrial relations both in the private and the public sector. Workers now can strike with impunity and they will have to be paid. In so ruling, and in an effort to find a constitutional right for the worker, the Court simultaneously is depriving the employer of his property (wages). By this ruling, the employer will have to pay for work not done and value not received. That payment constitutes the employer’s property which is also constitutionally protected as a right.

“In arriving at this conclusion, the Court failed to recognise the difference between a freedom to strike, which is provided for by the Constitution, and a right to strike, which is not provided

for. The Court has conflated these two different concepts, ignoring the profound repercussions. The exercise of the freedom would have allowed the principle of ‘no work no pay’ to apply, hence the drafters of the Constitution using the term freedom to strike. However, assuming that it is a ‘right’, no right is absolute. Every right is subject to the rights of others. By converting this freedom into a right, the Court has now made strike actions subject to payment of wages, as the exercise of a right cannot attract an adverse consequence. In so doing, the Court has ignored the provisions of the Labour Act and the very Constitution, both of which recognize wages as a reward for work done or to be done. Thus, protecting the fundamental right of the employer to his property.

“In short, the Court has not only ignored existing legislation but has trespassed upon the lawmaking power of Parliament by making new

law rather than interpreting existing law, violating the essence of the separation of powers doctrine.

“Similarly, the Court has ruled that the Government’s decision to terminate a gratuitous agency service that it has offered the Guyana Teacher’s Union by the deduction of union dues from teachers’ salaries and remitting same to the Union as arbitrary, unlawful and unconstitutional. “This service by the Government is undisputably not grounded in law. It forms part of the Executive’s policy and decision making and ought not to be reviewed by a Court.

“In order to derive a jurisdiction to review it, the Court found that the deduction and remittance of union dues by the Government is an integral part of the trade union’s constitutional right and that stopping this gratuitous service would deprive the union of their ‘lifeblood’ – a quantum leap! It is common knowl -

edge that there are several trade unions in Guyana collecting their own union dues. Millions of unions around the world are collecting their own union dues, surviving without any government collection service of their ‘lifeblood’.

“Worse yet, without any evidence on the record, the Judge found that the Government has not terminated this service in respect of other unions. But, in fact, as the Nanda Gopaul case against the Public Service Union illustrated, a case put before the Court, the Government actually terminated the very service in respect of the Public Service Union, twenty-four (24) years ago. That union is still functioning.

“Based upon reports received, the Government is appalled at the intemperate and injudicious language used, by the Judge, in particular in respect of outstanding public officers who are simply discharging their public duties and only became part of the

case in the performance of those duties. Judges enjoy legal immunity on the bench and must be cognizant that they cannot be sued for what they say or write. Language befitting of the prestige and nobility which attach to the office of a judge is therefore a prerequisite. “It must be within the realm of the Executive and the public to demand such probity from our judges. They owe the citizenry no less.

“The Government wishes to make it clear that pursuing the recourse of an appeal is not in any way whatsoever intended to detract from its unwavering commitment to address all the reasonable and legitimate concerns of our teachers and indeed, all of our workers. The appeal will be pursued for the larger implications the decision will have on the industrial climate in our country and to attempt to restore the law to its proper course.”

President Ali engaging medical personnel during his tour of the Kings County Hospital, in Brooklyn, New York on Friday (Office of the President photos)

Minister Edghill dispels ‘premature conclusions’ on GDF helicopter crash investigation

- urges media to await final report

The following is the full text of a statement issued by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill on Friday in response to an article published on Caribbeanlife.com:

“Having read the article, I am compelled to respond to it, as the article sought to prematurely draw conclusions on an investigation that is still ongoing.

“Under Section 71 of the Civil Aviation Act 2018, the Minister for Civil Aviation is entrust-

“I learned of an article headlined, “Pilot error to be blamed for worst military crash in Guyana”, allegedly authored by Bert Wilkinson and published on the Caribbeanlife.com website on April 18, 2024.

ed with the responsibility of investigating all aviation accidents, and incidents in or above Guyana. In keeping with the provisions of the Act, on December 9, 2023, I appointed an Investigator in Charge to investigate the unfortunate crash of the GDF’s Bell 412 helicopter, registration 8R-AYA, that occurred on December 6, 2023.

“Consistent with international standards and best practices, no one can conclusively pronounce the cause of an accident

until the investigation is completed, and the Final Report is available.

“Given that the investigation is still ongoing, it is surprising that the author of the article prematurely concluded that “Pilot error will more than likely be blamed for the horrific early December crash of a Guyana Defence Force helicopter…” The author’s claim of speaking “to three separate high-ranking Guyanese government officials, who all blamed pilot error as the main cause of the crash” is nothing short of sensationalising the outcome of the investigation.

the investigative process.

“Since the investigator was appointed, I have not made any public statement on the accident, as I want to respect

“I urge the media to wait for the official final report to be published before making any assumptions. Let’s exercise caution, and refrain from jumping to conclusions until then.”

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill

Denzel Southwell breaks barriers as Guyana’s first homegrown offshore driller

DENZEL Southwell's journey is one that defies expectations. Hailing from the small village of Sandvoort in Berbice, Guyana, this 27-year-old has shattered glass ceilings to become the first Guyanese Auxiliary

“In January 2021, Southwell embarked on a life-altering odyssey when he stepped onto the Noble Tom Madden drillship.

Starting as a Roustabout, his talents were quickly recognised. A promotion to Rig Administrator followed,

(EDO) team.

At EDO, he contributes his expertise at the forefront of the nation's oil boom. Today, he stands as Guyana's first Auxillary Assistant Driller, a pioneering achievement.

“The road to success wasn't without

was a significant hurdle. Adapting to a new field and overcoming language barriers presented additional challenges. Yet, Southwell drew strength from his parents' words: ‘Your attitude determines your altitude.’ This mantra fuelled his re-

Denzel Southwell has been recognised for his hard work and dedication at El Dorado Offshore Inc. He recently received an award from Thalia Wilson, a member of the EDO team

Southwell's accomplishment transcends personal triumph and ignites hope for aspiring Guyanese in the oil and gas sector.

According to the release, he said: "This journey as a driller has been a blessing for my family and I know it'll make a great impact on my fellow Guyanese… Being the first Guyanese to be a Driller shows that we as Guyanese can do anything as long as we work hard and be willing to be dedicated."

talent thrives within the oil and gas industry.

A passionate advocate for increased local content, he encouraged his fellow countrymen to make their contribution to the development of Guyana. "The oil is here, the time is now...So that together we all can develop this beautiful country we call home."

Assistant Driller on an offshore drillship.

According to El Dorado Offshore Inc., Southwell's story transcends personal achievement; it embodies the aspirations of a nation on the cusp of an oil-fuelled future.

“Southwell's foundation was built at local schools, Sandvoort Primary and Tutorial Secondary. Armed with eight CXC subjects, he pursued a technical path at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, specialising in Electronics and Electrical Insulation. He began his working life as a clerk at the New Amsterdam municipality, but his ambition yearned for a more dynamic career.

where his meticulous nature and work ethic shone brightly. When the Operations Management Development Programme (OMDP) was launched, he was a prime candidate. The programme demanded an intricate understanding of drilling operations, prompting Southwell to dive into the heart of the action on the drill floor.

He began as a Floorhand, then steadily progressed to Shaker Hand and Drilling Fluid Operator,” El Dorado Offshore Inc. said in its press release.

It added that this relentless pursuit of growth culminated in January 2024 when Southwell joined the El Dorado Offshore

its trials. Being away from family, especially his newborn daughter,

solve and helped him conquer every obstacle,” the release added.

Southwell's success paves the way for a future where Guyanese

Denzel Southwell's story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of the Guyanese spirit, El Dorado Offshore Inc. said.

Denzel and his proud family (El Dorado Offshore photos)

Moving in the right direction

OUR Constitution is evolving to higher levels of inclusivity and participatory democracy. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that our Constitution is among the most advanced in the region, after having gone through, over the decades, a series of iterative amendments.

The foregoing notwithstanding, no Constitution is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. This is especially so in multi-ethnic societies such as ours, where political behaviour is so often influenced by ethno-cultural considerations.

It is in the above context that the decision by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to swear in members of

the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) is so important. Despite repeated promises by the previous Granger-led administration to activate the Commission, very little was done, and the constitutional reform process was, for all practical purposes, aborted.

As noted by PPP General Secretary and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the Party, while in opposition, had promised to put in place a constitutional reform commission to replace the one done earlier by the Granger regime, but which, as it were, failed to see the light of day.

The model used by the current administration, according to Dr. Jagdeo, was the same that was used in the

late 1990s, which was five members from both the government and the combined political opposition, and another ten from civil society. This allows for stakeholder participation involving the broad spectrum of the Guyanese society, including political parties, labour, religious organisations, the business community, women and youths.

“We are aware that issues concerning constitutional reform, particularly in relation to a national, inclusive governance model, management of elections, fiduciary accountability, enhancing rights of Guyanese and ensuring constitutional language is simple have been raised and discussed in the

public domain. However, we believe that these, as well as other issues, must be part of a process of widespread consultation with the people of Guyana before being acted upon,” the Vice-President noted.

This is indeed a forward-looking move which conforms with the democratic character of the PPP and the PPP/C administration. The Party, in its 2020-2025 Manifesto, said that it is committed to continuous revision of the Constitution, and will ensure that the Committee on Constitutional Reform will pursue nationwide consultations.

This model of stakeholder participation is an advance on what obtained under the

previous PNC regime when the 1980 Constitution, which replaced the Independence Constitution, was literally imposed on the Guyanese people, with the main objective of instutionalising PNC dictatorial rule. The 1980 Constitution gave extensive powers to the President as the Head of State with Supreme Executive Authority, much of which have since been reduced by the PPP/C administration after it came to power on October 5, 1992.

In his remarks at the swearing in ceremony of the new members of the CRC, President Ali underscored the pivotal role of the Constitution as a foundational law. A Constitution, he said, “must remain a living doc-

ument, and not become archaic. It must possess the capacity for adaptation to be relevant, and to effectively address new challenges, societal changes, and emerging issues while upholding its core principles and protecting the rights of citizens”. This is indeed a step in the right direction, for which President Ali and the PPP/C administration must be commended. In the final analysis, however, whatever the form or shape of the Constitution, for it to be meaningful and serve its intended purpose as the supreme law of the land, it must be respected and not trampled upon.

PM Phillips is committed to end/ reduce the power outages in Guyana

Dear Editor,

Since his appointment as the 9th Executive Prime Minister of Guyana on August 2, 2020, the Honourable Brigadier Mark Phillips was assigned several portfolios by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Included in his responsibilities are the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Information Sector, the Telecommunications Sector and the Energy Sector in areas such as the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), The Hinterland Electrification Company Inc (HECI)

and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). GPL is a publicly owned utility company which is the official supplier of electricity to the residents of Guyana. Its franchise area covers the entire three counties of Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice. Due to the recent constant power outages in the country, Prime Minister Mark Phillips has made GPL his primary focus. Despite his hectic schedule, especially his week end outreaches, he promised the people that he will do everything in his power to end or signifi-

cantly reduce the blackouts that have and continue to disrupt their lives.

The Prime Minister, His Excellency and the Vice President have stated that much of the problems with GPL were inherited from the previous government which they claimed did very little to maintain and upgrade the electric grids to meet the growing demands of the massive development across the country. However, Prime Minister Phillips is adamant that he will leave no stone unturned and that every action will be taken to

bring an end to the blackouts. With his extensive military background and training, and as the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), PM Phillips has a reputation as a problem solver in the army and he has brought those skills to his leadership role in the government. He is action driven and is sincere and genuine.

In tackling the persistent frequent power disruptions in the country, Prime Minister Mark Phillipps reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to trans-

form the nation’s power infrastructure, boost its generation capacity and improve service delivery to the citizens of Guyana. He underscores the fact that extensive work is currently underway on GPL transmission and distribution system including the installation of additional generators to enhance the power company overall functionality and efficiency and hence the reduction of blackouts.

According to PM Phillips, significant investments both in the short and long term are ongo-

ing as part of the government’s broader efforts to remedy the situation. This initiative he said is part of a much wider government-funded project aimed at enhancing GPL’s capacity throughout the country. However, he cautioned the citizens to be patient, because it will take time to improve and expand the power grids and install new generators to meet the growing power needs of the country.

The energy sector, particularly GPL, the Prime Minister explained, is the

Class changes in Guyana, 1970-1990

THIS is my fourth installment in the analysis of social classes in Guyana beginning from the period of Forbes Burnham’s totalitarian domination.

The three parts are in the November 22 and 23 and December 29 editions of the Guyana Chronicle. In part 2, I made the following observation: “There have been four periods that saw profound changes in Guyana’s class structure. 1- Burnhamite state hegemony. 2 Hoytean capitalist restoration. 3- Jaganite elevation of the peasantry. 4- petro-dollar economy.”

In part 3, I looked at the first period listed above. Today, I will examine the dialectics of class changes for the period 1970-1990. After the 1968 rigged election when the PNC formed the government without its 1964 coalition partner, the United Force, the political economy of Guyana underwent profound transformation, resulting

in sociological features not seen in the British Caribbean before.

Forbes Burnham pursued the path of “socialist” transformation in which novel economic directions undermined Guyana’s traditional class structure. Burnham brought the economy under the control of the state so by the time the new president succeeded Burnham after the latter’s death in 1985, between 80 to 90 per cent of the economy was under complete state hegemony. A body named the External Trade Bureau regulated trade thereby guillotining the urban-based petty bourgeoisie. The Acquisition of Land Act and the Land to the Tiller Act severely reduced the peasantry particular the Kulak stratum of the peasantry. The politicisation of the totality of the public sector including the education system from primary to tertiary led to the mass exodus of the professional section of the

middle class. The final nail in the coffin for the middle class was the assassination of Walter Rodney.

The landscape of Guyana’s class structure from 1976 when nationalisation took hold of the country and economics and politics were transported from a capitalist system in the colonial period to an authoritarian, state-dominated structure looked like this

1- The disappearance of the foreign bourgeoisie. Foreign companies engaged in manufacturing and limited industrialisation were consumed under nationalisation and thus left the country. Guyana had not even a small capitalist class left except one huge, local manufacturing company, Banks DIH.

2- The extreme miniaturisation of the petty bourgeois. The Portuguese petty bourgeoisie that dominated the import-export trade, other commercial activities and banking and finance were

substantially reduced due the mass exodus of the Portuguese out of Guyana after the acrimonious split between their United Force (UF) and the PNC.

The External Trade Bureau literally devastated Portuguese commerce. Even if some Portuguese had intended to stay in Guyana, the arrest of the UF leader, Peter D’Aguiar over the Rupununi uprising and the suspicion by the government that sections of the Portuguese petty bourgeoisie were involved hastened the migration of the Portuguese. What was left of the Portuguese presence were the sewing machine company, Singers, insurance firms and the major Portuguese family business named John Fernandes Ltd.

3 -The decrease of the peasantry and Kulak class and the expansion of the rural, Indian proletariat. Because of state control of agriculture, very wealthy rural landowners and rich rice farmers migrated out of Guyana. In

the 1980s, these people still had huge amount of lands they owned but they were left in disuse. Because of nationalisation of the sugar industry, there was an expansion of the rural proletariat because sugar workers had nowhere to go and had to preserve their existence by staying in Guyana.

The government ushered in a large agricultural scheme named the MMA and that together with the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Canje Bridge did allow for the preservation of the peasantry but the numbers were enormously reduced because of state ownership of the economy. A creation of a ubiquitous coop system, the establishment of the Mortgage Finance Bank and the Co-op bank helped to expand the rural, African peasantry.

4- The diminishing urban middle class. These were the descendants of the house slave system and opposed Burnham after he descended into the

abyss of totalitarianism. With the assassination of Rodney, they joined the foreign bourgeoisie, the petty bourgeoisie and the Kulak class and left Guyana.

5 -Expansion of the urban proletariat. The gargantuan expansion of the state-owned economy saw a huge increase in the urban proletariat who also found ready employment in the militarisation of the society.

6 -The birth of a statist middle class. Critics of Burnham called state managers, a state bourgeoisie. This was misleading. The bourgeoisie is a capitalist class that owns property. The vast school of state managers owned nothing. They managed the state assets.

7 -Finally, the breakdown of economy and politics produced a rampaging lumpen proletariat that terrorized Guyana in the late 70s and early 80s in a crime spree referred to as kickdown-the-door banditry.

PM Phillips is committed to end...

FROM PAGE 6

lifeblood of the nation’s development. It is the bedrock upon which the country’s economic prosperity, social progress, and the wellbeing of the people depend. Brigadier Phillips acknowledged that without the energy sector, and in this case GPL, there will be no development and no progress will be made and the nation will be doomed.

He said that over the past three years, tremendous improvement has been made by GPL and it is slated to add more megawatts to the electricity grid to stem the black-out woes faced by the nation. PM Phillips

stressed that for Guyana to move to the apex of its development, there has to be an energy mix, such as the US$1.9 billion Gas-to-Energy Project to augment the country’s energy reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and overall economic development.

The Prime Minister’s dedication to the citizens of Guyana is limitless and never-ending and “come hell or high water” he is committed to end or significantly reduce the power outages in the country which is an annoyance to the citizens.

Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

Government to appeal ruling deeming teachers’ strike ‘legal and justified’

- AG says labour relations, fate of future strikes now at stake

THE government has announced plans to appeal Friday’s ruling that declared the recent teachers' strike “legal and justifiable”.

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, told reporters following the ruling that the contentious decision highlights the delicate balance between the rights of educators, and by extension all workers, and the responsibilities of the State.

In an oral decision lasting nearly four hours, Demerara High Court Judge Justice Sandil Kissoon held that the teachers' strike was legitimate since collective bargaining between the Ministry of Education and the union had not been properly undertaken.

The Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU)’s action against the government, in which the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) was added as an intervener, was centred on whether teachers can legally refuse to work while still being paid, as a form of protest or negotiation.

As the legal battles heat up, the Attorney- General has stated that the fate of future strikes, as well as the larger landscape of labour relations, are at stake. He insists that the ruling is bad in law.

The stage is now set for a lengthy judicial battle that could reach all the way to the country’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), as the government prepares to challenge Justice Kissoon's "erroneous" ruling.

“In my view, the judge has committed grave and substantial errors in large numbers,” said the Attorney-General when asked by reporters for a reaction to the ruling.

In his decision, the judge stated that there was evidence to show that the government failed to engage the union in collective bargaining, unilaterally forced salary hikes on teachers, and snubbed or rebuffed the union's "every attempt" to negotiate collectively, as envisaged by Article 147 (3) of the Guyana Constitution, which states that neither an employer nor a trade union shall be denied the right to enter into collective arguments.

FREEDOM VERSUS RIGHT

He argued that Justice Kissoon’s judgement is deficient, because it failed to address the distinction between the “right to strike” and a “freedom to strike”.

“I began this case by saying that striking is a legitimate form of expression in our law. It was once illegal, but now it is legal. But whether it has reached and has been elevated to a right as opposed to a freedom is where a distinction has to be drawn,” Nandlall said.

According to Nandlall, the Constitution refers to a "freedom to strike", and that a freedom, by definition, includes options. “So, you have options to do things. And why that is important? Because those options carry with them, when you exercise them, certain consequences.”

The Senior Counsel reasoned that a consequence of the exercise of one’s right to freedom is the corollary of not being paid for the exercise of that freedom.

He added: “What the judge has found is that you have a right to strike. In doing so, he has misread the Constitution. He has equated the term freedom

with right, but he has not addressed the other repercussions, because now you will have striking working who are going to be compensated for work not done. What [he] has done there…is that [he] has turned the law upside down…”

Nandlall stressed that the government's decision to deduct and send union dues was voluntary, not legally binding.

“It’s not grounded in the Constitution, it’s not grounded in contract, it’s not grounded in any other obligation. So, is it that the government for the rest of its life must continue offering this gratuitous service?” he asked.

As such, the Attorney General questioned the basis for the Judge’s declaration that the government’s decision to halt the deduction and remittance of those dues were arbitrary.

DUTY

Meanwhile, the judge stated that under the Constitution—the supreme law of the land—and the Trade Union Recognition Act, the government had a duty to engage the GTU in collective bargaining.

As a result, the judge concluded that the teachers' strike was "legal and justified" because their employer (the government) denied them the right to collective bargaining.

The judge so confirmed the “fundamental right to strike" as a means of demanding better working conditions, remuneration, and other benefits. Justice Kissoon did so by citing established constitutional protections, Commonwealth case law, legal passages, international conventions, and labour standards.

Nandlall had argued

that the government, as an employer, has the legal authority to withhold money from pay cheques in cases where labour is not provided. He had reasoned that this rationale was founded on the common law principle of “no work, no pay”. However, Justice Kissoon rejected this argument, citing the fact that it is irrelevant to the case at hand.

According to the judge, a common law principle cannot "abrogate, erode, or undermine" the constitutional right to strike. Justice Kissoon ruled that the government's intention of deducting money from striking teachers' salaries and stopping the deduction of union dues from educators' salaries and sending it to the GTU were illegal, arbitrary, unilateral, unconstitutional, and discriminatory because, given the circumstances case, there was a legitimate right to strike.

Justice Kissoon further determined that the government's intent to end deductions was illegal and that this decision must be quashed because it was intended to undermine the union.

“The right to strike is a union’s ultimate weapon”, the judge so declared, stating that “wages and salaries cannot be deducted or withheld” from teachers who participated in the strike.

The judge, in granting corresponding declarations against the government, said that “teachers lifted their voices and they asked for bread and they were given stones.”

GTUC’s lawyer Roysdale Forde, SC welcomed Justice Kissoon’s ruling stating that it has expanded workers’ rights and pushed the boundaries of what is

known as labour rights in Guyana.

Describing Friday’s ruling as “significant” and “landmark”, he said: “I can’t underscore it enough but this is a significant win for labour and workers in this country.”

He expressed confidence that the ruling would withstand any appeal.

GTU was represented by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade.

The government was ordered to pay the GTU $500,000 in costs and GTUC, $750,000 in costs.

COURT-ORDERED MEDIATION

Teachers began a nationwide industrial action for better wages and salaries and other benefits on February 5, 2024. Teachers were on strike, according to the GTU, because the government would not meet with the union on several issues, including negotiations on wages, salaries, allowances, and other benefits for teachers. The strike was eventually called off of March 4, 2024 as a result of court-ordered mediation conducted by two Senior Counsel, Edward Luckhoo and Robin Stoby.

The teachers went on strike despite the fact that the Ministry of Education has satisfied more than half of the 41 proposals made by the GTU for better working conditions in just three years.

Government officials had also challenged the union’s claims by highlighting that discussions were ongoing to satisfy the other requests. Since the requirements for conducting a strike were not satisfied, the government had declared that the strike action was illegal.

From left to right: Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C.; Justice Sandil Kissoon, and GTU’s attorney, Darren Wade

$45.5 million in imaging equipment handed over to Regions 3, 4 and 5

- training for ultrasound technicians to begin soon

THE Ministry of Health on Friday handed over imaging equipment to the tune of $45.5 million to the health departments of Regions Three, Four and Five to further improve the services being offered to the public.

At the handing over ceremony, which occurred at the ministry’s Brickdam office, Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the ministry has been working over the years to improve the quality of imaging services across the country.

This, he noted, has been done by providing digital x-rays and other equipment as they continue to phase out

the use of analog equipment.

As part of Friday’s handing over, it was noted that two ultrasound machines will be going to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), one to Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and two to Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

“These portable machines, we can take them out when we are doing various types of outreaches, and it would assist us to give better diagnosis,” the minister explained.

He said that while this is being done for these three regions, the ministry has also procured additional machines for other regions, so that all

can benefit from having new equipment.

Further to this, Dr. Anthony said that a training programme for ultrasound technicians will be done with the Mohawk College in Canada.

“We have already identified 16 persons from all regions. So, as it is right now, ultrasounds are done by doctors, and what we want to do now is train technicians to do ultrasounds, so we can free up the doctors,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer for Region

Four Dr. Gavinash Persaud welcomed the move, and the effort to expand the quality of care and services, and indi-

Also pictured are several Ministry of Health officials

cated that the equipment will be put to use immediately at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

Added to this, the Re-

gion Five RHO, Dr. Theresa Sarju said that it will add to the institutions’ care, but specifically noted that the portable ultrasound will

add to the region’s capacity to go into remote areas and provide better services for the communities there.

PAC launches National Park Zoning Plan in observance of Earth Day 2024

THE Protected Areas Commission (PAC) on Friday launched the National Park Zoning Plan in observance of Earth Day 2024, which will be celebrated on April 22 under the theme, ‘Planet vs. Plastics’.

The Commission will also be engaging stakeholders as part of efforts

the launch was Chairman of the PAC and Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Robert Persaud, who said: “The objective of the Zoning Plan is to allow different users to understand that we have various sections for various activities, so there is not any level of conflict or any level of competition

has given its unwavering attention to upgrading and ensuring that the ‘green’ spaces within the capital city and along the coast are maintained and provided with the necessary type of infrastructure and resources so that all Guyanese, especially the youth, can benefit from the many uses of those spaces.

to get them to contribute towards the development of the National Park as a ‘green’ space that promotes family, recreation, fitness, health and wellness.

The park was divided into eight zones, with 27 areas for the public to utilise. These zones are: An activity zone, concession zone, dancing school zone, fitness zone, free zone, management zone, Burrowes School of Art Jewellery Shop, and a parking zone.

Delivering remarks at

this way, but we all know which are the designated areas for different activities.”

He noted that they want the public, (especially the loyal and the active park users) to not only understand what these areas are and what types of activities are available to them, but to go beyond that and take care of the facility. He emphasised that the National Park belongs to the People of Guyana.

Persaud shared that the Government of Guyana

He stated that the Zoning Plan shows how concerned and interested government is in ensuring that the ‘green’ spaces are developed to allow for various activities to take place.

Meanwhile, PAC Commissioner Jason Fraser stated proudly that there are many changes and additions happening at the National Park, with the help and support of stakeholders, and with strategic guidance from the Commission’s Board of Directors.

“This event is in line with our theme, ‘A Park for the People’ and how best we can use our spaces to satisfy the need of the stakeholders. Provide the space for exercise, for wellness, or just relaxation [or] to come walk, to come run, on a day-to-day basis.” he said.

One of the many new things persons can look forward to includes the presence of trainers to guide persons on how to safely utilise the machines/

equipment provided in the fitness area of the park.

In the absence of the trainers, Fraser mentioned that the use of technology will come into play, providing users with video guidance while there.

He added that the fact that everyone has a smartphone makes it easier for technology to be used.

Notably, it was said that in time, a partnership with Brava, a rebranded Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT+) Business

Solutions network will make free WiFi access available around the park, so that users can log in at any time and have access to their favourite videos, while also exercising, or listening to an audio book while they do so.

Fraser noted that this initiative also ties into the many initiatives they plan to roll out to enhance user experience at the park.

Measuring 56 acres, the National Park is filled with vibrant biodiversity.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony (third left), along with Region Three RHO Dr. Erika Forte (first left); Region Five RHO Dr. Theresa Sarju (second left), and Region Four RHO Dr. Gavinash Persaud (fourth left).

Protected Areas Commission Officials at Friday’s launch (PAC photo)

Guyana’s ocean

is just as important as its forests

– Minister Edghill

- underscores its potential to drive climate change action, national development

Minister

BISHOP Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works presented Guyana’s statement at the first Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting that was held in Paphos, Cyprus from April 18-19, 2024. The summit sought to establish the principles, priorities and actions for a Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, as outlined in the Communiqué of the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Under the theme 'Our Resilient Common Ocean: from Cyprus to Samoa', Commonwealth Ocean Ministers met to establish a roadmap and timeframe to pave the way for the adoption of the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration during the forthcoming CHOGM in Samoa in October 2024.

Guyana’s statement by the Honourable Minister of Public Works expressed gratitude to the host Government of the Republic of Cyprus, and commended the Commonwealth Secretariat for its determination and leadership in taking decisive action to coordinate and advance initiatives focused on protecting the world’s oceans.

Minister Edghill reiterated the shared sentiment that the health of the oceans and seas is inextricably linked to the health of the planet and all living things thereon. Thus, the importance of the conservation and protection of the global common space cannot be overemphasised. Further, he stated that in the interest of the survival of all the peoples of the world, and the development of each country, decisive action must be taken. This includes concrete steps to achieve shared objectives such as; the protection of vulnerable ecosystems, the management of fisheries, reduction of pollution, and the cleaning up of plastic waste.

An excerpt from Minister Edghill’s statement is as

follows:

In Guyana, we recognise the potential of harnessing our ocean resources to contribute even more to both climate change action and national development. Therefore, as a nation we are embracing the further development of our marine resources along a blue economy pathway which embodies all the principles outlined in our economic development model: low carbon, resource efficiency and social inclusion. We view the ocean as being just as important as our forests. They are both carbon sinks, both significant to the sustainable development of our national economy and reflected in our Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to responsibly managing all the economic sectors of the country for the benefit of all Guyanese, to ensure that the people achieve their legitimate development aspirations. The LCDS 2030 therefore aims to enhance governance readiness to ensure the development of the ocean economy and the relevant regimes concerning compliance and enforcement to support the principles of sustainable management. Supporting and developing the tools for sustainable management of the ocean economy will entail:

-Enhancing knowledge and bridging the science-policy interface through research;

-Strengthening collaboration efforts among the Government, private sector, and relevant institutions for data sharing to generate research and expand our knowledge of the dynamics of the ocean;

-Leveraging investment via a plan to support the growth of various sectors relevant to the ocean;

-Support capacity development to ensure inclusiveness in the ocean economy through all stages;

-Establish and integrate Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to support the growth of all sectors, simultaneously addressing any possible resource use conflicts, and

-Develop a national system, as well as, seek to partner with existing regional systems to undertake real-time ocean monitoring and surveillance to prevent and mitigate pollution-related issues and to operationalise ocean forecasting.

In addition, Guyana’s Maritime Economy Plan was launched in January 2023 under the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, embracing the further development of our marine resources along a blue economy pathway. We are currently working towards the development of a National Ocean Policy, Integrated Marine Management for Land-Based Pollution, a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) and promoting the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

The landmark Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction represents a significant and timely enhancement of the global ocean governance framework. Having participated in the negotiations leading up to the finalisation of the Agreement within the CARICOM grouping, a decision on its signature and subsequent ratification, is now under active consideration by the Government of Guyana.

The Government of Guyana is fully committed to working with the international community to strengthen ocean stewardship and promote policies for managing the ocean space in a sustainable and responsible manner, to serve the greater good of humanity. (MoPW)

Edghill attended the first Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting that was held in Paphos, Cyprus from April 18-19

‘False and Baseless’

- Gov’t rejects IDPADA-G’s claims of discrimination against Afro-Guyanese, Minister Walrond tells UN forum

THE Government of Guyana has staunchly rejected the allegations of discrimination against Afro-Guyanese that were made by representatives of International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly Guyana (IDPADA-G).

In a spirited response at the 3rd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland, Minister of Tourism Oneidge Walrond, who is leading the Guyana delegation chided this claimed as “false” and “baseless.”

Minister Walrond highlighted the importance of providing a platform for marginalised communities, stating, “We recognise the right of all to come here and to speak their truth.”

She vehemently denied the claims put forth by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes regarding discrimination faced by Afro-Guyanese in Guyana. Hughes was at the time representing IDPADA-G.

“As the Government of Guyana, our truth is that we reject entirely as false and baseless the allegations made at this session by representatives of IDPADA-G,” Minister Walrond asserted.

She highlighted the government's efforts to support African Guyanese organisations, noting concerns raised about the distribution of funds provided to IDPADA-G.

“Our truth is that African Guyanese organisations under the IDPADA-G’s umbrella complained to us that they were not receiving benefits from the $500 million government provided to IDPADA-GY,” Minister Walrond explained.

She elaborated that the government found that a significant portion of the allocated funds were consumed by administrative overheads, prompting a change in financing procedures.

“We therefore opted to provide financing directly to the beneficiary organisations who, in turn, are free to pay over to IDPADA-G if they think IDPADA-G worthy of their confidence,” Minister Walrond stated.

While expressing regret that her remarks were dominated by these matters, Minister Walrond reiterated Guyana's commitment to the forum's objectives and the human rights of people of African descent worldwide.

“I would have preferred to focus on our collective objectives as persons of African descent. Despite this, please remain assured of the unwavering commitment and support of the Government of Guyana to this forum,” she affirmed.

Minister Walrond while urging the United Nations and its institutions to be objective and impartial observers, stressed the importance of maintaining the confidence of all legitimate stakeholders, including member states and representatives of civil society.

In December 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/237, by which it proclaimed the years 2015 to 2024 to be the

International Decade for People of African Descent.

STATE FUNDS

Funding was allocated within national budgets to support this initiative. In 2018, the sum of $68.4 million was allocated to the IDPADA-G. Subsequently, funding was increased to $100 million annually, for 2019 through 2022.

IDPADA-G received approximately $500 million of state funds during the period 2018 to 2020. In the year 2020, the organisation received $100 million, of which approximately $42 million was paid as salaries and allowances, while only $343,000 was actually disbursed by way of grants.

However, only a small proportion of the said state funds had been disbursed as grants to ordinary Afro-Guyanese.

Government had received numerous complaints from persons in Afro-Guyanese communities and intended beneficiaries about being unable to access funds from IDPADA-G, and excluded from any and all decisions regarding the use and allocation of the sums.

Among the projects presented and approved by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport for funding are Agriculture ventures, including shade houses; cash crops, and livestock.

Other projects include training in areas such as drumming, craft, garment construction, culinary arts, and women’s empowerment, while educational initiatives focused on the teaching of history and literacy.

In 2023, the government allocated another $100 million to support a total of 55 groups, a part of which is IDPADA-G. Out of these groups, only 35 submitted project proposals to access funding.

However, in the last three years alone over $1.8 billion in financial support has been distributed to Afro-Guyanese organisations and communities to promote and preserve culture and also develop sport infrastructure.

In August 2022, the Guyana Rastafari Council took a swipe on social media at leaders of IDPADA-G and questioned the methodology used to select groups to benefit from the funding they had received from the Government of Guyana since 2018.

In the statement, the Rastafari Council said that there are 40 “black groups” in the assembly but alleged that the only three signatories to the organisation’s bank account are all from one group, Cuffy 250 Committee.

The group further claimed that it refused to join the “political bandwagon” of IDPADA-G leading up to the 2020 General and Regional Elections (GRE), which, the council said, caused them to be side-lined by IDPADA-G.

“IDPADA-G was basically hijacked by Cuffy 250 and funded by the former gov [sic] to campaign during the last election. Because we didn’t join their political bandwagon, they sidelined us and we had to leave,” the Rastafari Council had said on its Facebook page.

The organisation is registered as a private limited liability company, with two principals.

The organisation consists of the General Assembly, a Co-ordinating Council, a Secretariat and Sub-committees, and is expected to promote economic advancement and empowerment of Afro-Guyanese.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond during her address at the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on Peoples of African Descent in Geneva

Solar farms to be constructed at Charity, Onderneeming

By Cindy Parkinson

AS part of regional developments across the country and to ensure that every resident benefits from a more comfortable and enhanced lifestyle, the Regional

She added that the new Charity solar farm is expected to produce 3 megawatts (MW) of power for the area, which is expected to complement the other facility in Onderneeming that is set to

Chairman of Region Two, Vilma De silva, along with other regional officials and representatives from the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), recently met and discussed the construction of a solar farm in Charity.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, De Silva explained that the construction of the solar farm is part of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision of ensuring that residents of the area are not affected by the power outage.

According to her, “to develop the solar farm, we will have to invest in heavy equipment to get the job done. So, the main aim of the site visit yesterday (Thursday) was to look at the area and decide where we will build a bridge that will be constructed over the canal and sturdy enough to hold the weight of these machines."

produce 5MW.

"So, we will be having two solar farms in the region to add to our grid; the one at Charity will produce 3 MW, and the second one that will be built in Onderneeming will produce 5 MW. So, that will give us 8MW that will be added to the grid in Anna Regina,” she added.

Due to the massive housing developments that are being done in the region, De Sliva explained that the primary goal of these solar farms is to make sure that the locals have access to additional electricity.

The Regional Chairman said: “As part of the president's mission to make sure that his people are not at a disadvantage due to the massive, ongoing developments that are happening, in the area of Charity alone, we have the expansion of a new housing area, which

The Regional Chairman for Region Two, Vilma De Silva, representatives from GUYSOL and regional officials at the solar farm site at Charity

Solar farms...

FROM PAGE 12

will accommodate over 400 house lots, and in Onderneeming, we have works that are ongoing there as well. These types of investments are not just for Region Two, but they are happening across the country.”

RECEPTIVE AND HAPPY

De Silva also noted that the residents are very receptive and happy about the new developments with the solar panels.

“The residents of these areas are very happy with what is happening. These ideas, we can say, started with them, the people, on our outreaches. These are some of the concerns that were raised, and now they are very happy that we are delivering on what we promised. During last year, we experienced constant power outages. Even though we had an addi-

terment motivates me and my team, knowing that we can make a difference in the lives of so many people,” De Silva added.

Earlier in March, the Government of Guyana signed contracts totalling US$38 million to acquire 18 megawatt-peak (MWP) of solar power capabilities, marking a major step towards the adoption of renewable energy.

With the signing of these contracts, the country is taking a significant step towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions by strengthening the sustainable energy infrastructure in Regions Two, Five, and Six. SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Company Limited and XJ Group Corporation (the contractor) are working together to implement

tional generator, we also discovered that we had an overloaded system on the coast due to the weather. A lot of residents also installed air conditioning systems and other appliances. So, again, with these solar farms, these issues will be taken care of.”

Recognising that Region Two continues to be one of the fastest-growing and developing regions in Guyana and in all the sectors, De Silva credits President Ali for playing an integral role for them to emulate.

“We are grateful to have a leader that we can look up to for guidance and leadership. The development of this region is the result of hard work from the government, regional officials, and our president. Looking at President Ali and his drive for improvement and bet-

the 18-month project. The Guyana/Norway partnership is providing funding for it, with an estimated $83.3 million invested. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is in charge of overseeing GUYSOL.

In explaining the scope of the project, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, said: “Those are significant additions to electricity-generating capability, and they represent a significant step forward in our transition to renewable sources of energy. They represent the single largest installation of solar capability in our country’s history thus far and the single largest investment in energy to date.”

Engineers Bill to be ready by year-end – Nandlall

ATTORNEY-GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., has assured the public that the Engineers Bill will be ready for implementation before the end of this year.

During his programme “Issues in the News,” on Tuesday, Nandlall specifically pointed to the government's commitment to ensuring the completion

of the bill despite the intricate process involved in legislation drafting.

The Engineers Bill is a crucial piece of legislation for Guyana, aiming to regulate and standardise the engineering

profession. Its implementation could positively impact various sectors, including infrastructure development and construction.

Nandlall disclosed that the mechanism is in

place for bill scrutiny before it reaches Parliament and he later pointed out the pivotal role played by the legislative subcommittee of cabinet.

“There is a mechanism within our government that treats with bills before they reach Parliament. In both the cabinet and from cabinet, there is a legislative subcommittee of cabinet that examines the bill once cabinet sends it to that committee,” he said.

Detailing the journey of the Engineers Bill, Nandlall highlighted its recent examination by the cabinet subcommittee, where recommendations were made specifically regarding its governance structure.

He explained that that subcommittee has asked that that governance structure of the bill be refashioned and modified to make it more transparent and to make it more accountable.

To address these recommendations, a consultant was enlisted, tasked with implementing the directives of the cabinet subcommittee, which Nandlall said is a work in progress.

Acknowledging the delays in the process, Nandlall highlighted the complexity of legislative drafting, describing it as “a very time-consuming exercise.”

He underscored the significance of meticulous scrutiny, stating, “Every word has to be scrutinised and looked

at in a particular context to ensure that the intent of the drafter is clearly reflected or is reflected as clearly as possible.”

Despite the challenges, Nandlall assured that the Engineers Bill would be ready for parliamentary consideration before the year's end.

“It will be ready certainly before the end of this year,” he reassured

The bill aims to register and regulate the engineering profession in Guyana, ensuring high standards and ethical practices. Members of the Engineers Association have been calling for the bill citing its significance.

Recently, there have been concerns about contractors' bids matching engineers' figures identically, raising questions about potential collusion or irregularities in the bidding process.

This issue highlights the need for proper regulation and oversight in the engineering and construction sectors.

The Government of Guyana is also focusing on developing infrastructure for parking industrial and heavy-duty machinery, recognising the potential of the country's natural resources.

This initiative could benefit from the implementation of the Engineers Bill, as it would ensure that qualified professionals oversee such projects, maintaining quality and safety standards.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

30,000 persons benefitted from GOAL programme in three years – President Ali

SOME 30,000 Guyanese have benefitted over the past three years from free, quality education through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme.

This was disclosed by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, as he addressed those gathered for the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies’ 27th Annual Awards Gala in New York on Thursday.

In his address, the Head of State said his government has been working assiduously to enhance access to quality education, ensuring that universal access is achieved countrywide.

The effort has produced notable results, as the government continues to surpass its goal of providing 20,000 scholarships during its tenure.

“Today, under the GOAL scholarship programme, we have over 345 programmes from 19 universities. More than 30,000 students are on this programme in just three and a half years, 75 per cent of whom are women,” the President said.

Of this amount, some 2,229 graduated from the UWI programmes.

“This is testimony to partnership and I believe that we in the region need to find more innovative ways

in which we can help UWI by incentivising studying there,” President Ali encouraged.

In this year’s budget, a sum of $6 billion was allocated for the GOAL programme to support 6,000 new students and 3,967 continuing students.

In 2024, GOAL will introduce 160 new programmes in general and vocational, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The programme was launched in 2021 to offer Guyanese an opportunity to advance their education through online and distance learning.

The president also pointed to the UWI School of Medicine that will be constructed in Guyana.

This plan aligns with the government’s vision of crafting a world-class healthcare system, providing advanced training and upskilling opportunities.

Meanwhile, President Ali was bestowed the Legacy Award from the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) and was commended for his commitment to nation-building.

The Head of State was hailed as a regional cooperation ‘champion’ by Guyanese-born American actress, CCH Pounder. (DPI)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Guyana surpasses rice production target

- as first crop for 2024 shows high acreage cultivation

THE Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday disclosed that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has surpassed its production target in the first crop of the year with approximately 209,000 acres of rice being cultivated.

These figures come at a time when the country is also experiencing warmer than usual weather conditions.

According to the ministry, subject minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday also met with stakeholders in the local rice sector.

During that meeting, senior officials from the

ministry’s website, social media pages, television, and daily newspapers.

In 2023, the rice sector recorded an increase of seven per cent with a production of 653,706 metric tonnes. This signifies an increase in the production of 43,111 metric tons in 2023 as compared to 610,595 in 2022.

Guyana earned approximately $45.2 billion in exports in 2023 over $3 billion more than in 2022.

Minister Mustapha back in January had disclosed that the ministry had projected that rice production would increase to 710,000 metric

GRDB disclosed that critical and timely interventions made by the body saw the successful cultivation of the first crop for the year.

Meanwhile, the ministry stated that land preparation has already commenced with approximately 150,000 acres receiving dry land preparation.

According to the ministry, The GRDB has also commenced sensitising farmers about the advised sowing periods for the second crop. Extension officers are currently hosting awareness sessions with farmers within the rice-growing regions.

In the coming days, advisories will also be shared via the agencies and the

tons in 2024.

“We set a target of 710,000 tons to increase production from 653,000 tons. That is the progress I am talking about. We brought out a new variety which is called the zinc-enriched, biofortified rice. Today, those varieties are being given to farmers. That variety will attract preferential prices around the world. That is the kind of thing we are doing,” Minister Mustapha had said.

This year, $1.3 billion was budgeted to be expended by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to support increased production and productivity of the rice industry.

President Ali calls for leveraging of ‘Guyana’ brand for economic growth

By Clestine Juan

RECOGNISING the potential of Guyana's reputation as a “major player” in global markets, local businesses must harness the country's brand for economic advancement and help shape the national trajectory in the years to come.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali made this call while speaking at this year's Local Content Summit, which was held on Wednesday at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown.

Addressing the stakeholders, President Ali underscored the importance of seizing the opportunity to position Guyana favourably in international markets.

With an impressive average economic growth rate of 10 per cent over the past three years, Guyana stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies globally. The heart of Guyana’s economic success lies in its strategic management of its burgeoning oil industry.

As such, President Ali stressed the need to capitalise on investments to develop competencies and scale, thereby creating a ripple effect that benefits local businesses.

“We are now having this opportunity to position ourselves in that market, utilising this investment we are making to build the competency and the scale, how do we now create that knock-on effect, where we

work on building companies that can now position itself into these opportunities? You have a country that gives you an advantage now because the country is known. We are known to be a major player.

“The country automatically is helping you to create a network. The country automatically gives your company a brand position. You have to love Guyana more and more every day because it's giving all of you a new brand position,” President Ali stated.

Highlighting Guyana's growing prominence on the global stage, President Ali emphasised the inherent advantages that come with the country's reputation.

However, he cautioned against undermining the brand’s value and called for concerted efforts to strengthen and promote it.

“Erase all the noise that we have here locally. This country,

this brand ‘Guyana’ is helping to position all of you differently. All of us differently even as leaders. We have to help the brand also. The brand can't do all the work for us.

“We have to help the brand, just as the brand is opening up the opportunity for us. Guyana is our brand. So, if you think knocking on the brand every day is in your interests, then God help all of us. Because this is the brand that would have to secure us. This is a brand that would have to position us,” he warned.

Touching upon specific sectors, President Ali outlined his vision for healthcare and education, citing examples of worldclass services and collaborations with prestigious institutions like MIT and the University of the West Indies (UWI).

“You want to create worldclass healthcare? President Ali questioned before urging stakeholders to seize the opportunity to develop sustainable health-

care ventures.

“Start selling the brand that's world-class healthcare. Start celebrating all the accomplishments we are having at Georgetown Public Hospitalsecond to none at a rapid pace. Some of the finest surgeries, and finest doctors we have. Start celebrating with each other. Celebrate the brand. Celebrate the accomplishment of the brand.

“And you will create a world-class health service that will bring value, that will create value, that will expand value for us here. That is what we are doing from the level of esteem. We are going for the best,” he said.

The establishment of a medical training facility in Guyana has been on the cards for the government since an agreement was signed for the construction of a new, modern level-five hospital at New Amsterdam.

In January, the sod was turned for the US$161 million facility in New Amsterdam which is set to be equipped with all modern facilities to conduct transplants and other major

surgeries.

Once completed, the new facility will be linked to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation which will be connected to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and other major hospitals around the world in telemedicine.

The Head of State explained that this establishment demonstrates his government's commitment to excellence in building Guyana's healthcare brand and even utilising it to become a “home for nursing.”

HUGE POTENTIONAL

Furthermore, President Ali highlighted Guyana’s potential as a leading destination for ecotourism, highlighting the country's natural beauty and strategic location.

“Why can't we work together to build a world-class ecotourism facility here?” President Ali questioned, urging stakeholders to seize the opportunity to develop sustainable tourism ventures.

Since the country is known for its rich biodiversity and natu-

ral attractions, making it an ideal destination for ecotourism, the President said the time is ripe since all eyes are on Guyana.

The South American nation has been recognised for its efforts in promoting sustainable ecotourism, which balances economic development and environmental preservation.

“Somebody is going to come and open world-class ecotourism facility right in the rainforest with VIP tents at US$5000 per night. And then you'll say if I did know. The knock-on effect is important.

“Our brand has given us the best natural environment to sell not the number two, the number one eco-tourism facility in the world. We can sell six minutes from the capital. A world-class eco-tourism facility,” he said.

As Guyana continues its journey towards becoming a global player, President Ali called on all local businesses to harness the power of the Guyana brand to unlock economic growth and prosperity.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the Local Content Summit (Delano Williams photo)

President Ali gets resounding

resounding welcome in Brooklyn

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Friday afternoon, walked through Brooklyn, New York, engaging with Guyanese living there. There was clear excitement and interest among persons to interact with the President (Office of the President photos)

CMC – Trinidad & Tobago prime minister, Dr Keith Rowley said he was looking forward to the discussions and outcomes of the CARICOM conference on West Indies cricket.

Rowley is the current chairman of the CARICOM prime ministerial sub-committee on cricket, and he has been one of the main proponents of governance reform in CWI.

He will chair the conference, which takes place from April 25 to 26 in the T&T capital and is expected to be attended by “all relevant agencies, organisations, cricketing legends, former and current players, clubs, coaches, and administrators”, including personalities such as Shallow.

Entitled “Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket – A Symposium for Strategic Collaboration and Innovation”, the conference will be jointly hosted by the T&T government and CARICOM, and it will engage topics such as the strategic direction of West Indies cricket, the development of cricket, and cricket and tourism.

“We are hoping that we will have a full blow-out on West Indies cricket,” Rowley said during a post-Cabinet news conference on Thursday. “Hope-

fully, what will come from that is some way forward.

“What we are hoping to do, and I am hoping that this conference can show us the way forward to make sure that the best players play for West Indies at all levels in all the (formats) of the game.”

Rowley drew reference to the news that efforts were being made to coax T&T mystery spinner Sunil Narine to come out of retirement and play for West Indies during the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup in June in the Caribbean and the United States.

Narine is still actively playing in franchise T20 leagues around the world, and he made headlines this past week when he slammed his maiden T20 hundred for Kolkata Knight Riders in the wildly popular and lucrative Indian Premier League.

Rowley said one of the objectives of the conference was to

develop a framework that will make it attractive to have the best players always playing for West Indies.

“What is happening is that we do not have a management or support structure that allows that to happen,” he added. “Cricket nowadays is a multibillion-dollar business, and going through from school to play for West Indies is no longer the single pathway.

“There are a whole plethora of pathways some of which take our best players away from the field of play when we need them, so we have to come up with some kind of arrangement when we have our best players at all times to play for West Indies.”

Hosting the event was one of the decisions arising from the 46th regular meeting of the CARICOM heads of government last February in Guyana.

(Saturday April 20, 2024)

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Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) David Warner-126 (SRH vs KKR)

(2) Andrew Tye-5/17 (Gujurat Lions vs Supergiants)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who hit most sixes in IPL 2017?

(2) Who took most catches (non-wicketkeeper)? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

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Race 1 Lady Aberdeen

Race 2 Princess Is Olivia

Race 3 Mr Skylight

Race 4 Musical Prayer

Race 5 Direct Line

Race 6 Olivia Maralda

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Cyber Trading on board

MUHAMMAD Afzal of Cyber Trading, Georgetown is the latest to throw his support behind the Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

This joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana continues to attract support, with the sports store which also has business in Sialkot, Pakistan donating five pairs of cricket shoes and twenty-eight footballs at a simple ceremony held recently.

The footballs were immediately handed over to the Guyana Police Force for use in their community outreaches.

In handing over the footballs, Beharry said, “We are grateful for your kind assistance and the role played by Ramesh Sunich in the process.

Deputy Superintendent Ronald Ali, who received on behalf of the GPF, echoed the same sentiments.

To date, cricket related items received/purchased so far include $460,000 in cash,

thirteen colored cricket uniforms, two trophies, twenty five pairs of cricket shoes, thirty three pairs of batting pads, thirty five cricket bats, twenty nine pairs of batting gloves, twenty five thigh pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, twelve cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one fiber glass bat, thirteen boxes of white cricket balls and twenty eight footballs.

In addition to the above, gear worth more than $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former

National wicket keeper/batsman.

All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, seventy-two young players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from the project.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana.

Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Banks DIH on board for Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

Beverage giants Banks

DIH Limited is the latest sponsor for the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Race of champions horse race meet, set for Sunday April 28 at the Rising Sun Turf Club. More than ten million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs and eight races are on the cards.

The feature race, which will be open to all imported and locally bred horses running at 1,600 metres, will see the top horse walking away with G$2,000,000. In addition to banks DIH, the other sponsors are AJM Enterprise, Jumbo Jet, Sino Truck and XCMG. Champion horse Spankhurst, rival Bossalina, Easy Time, John Bull, and Stolen Money are among the top horses that will be

igniting Rising Sun. A total purse of G$3,750,000 will be divided for the feature race while the entry fee is G$232,500.

Other races carded include West Indian-bred four-year old West Indies and three-year-old horses at 1,600 metres. The top horse in that race will be awarded G$600,000. The three-yearold Guyana bred horses race will also run at 1,600 metres and the top horse will also be awarded $600,000.

The F Class & Lower & E Class non-earners in last two starters race will be running at 1,400 metres; and the winner of the race will walk away with G$400,000.

H3 & Lower and H 1&2 horses non-earners in their last two starts & first time starter in Guyana – 1,400

metres race will see the top horse cashing in on G$350,000.

The I Class, J Class and West Indian-bred three-year maidens, the K Class horses and Lower and the L Class horses and open to J3 first time starters will complete the provisional programme.

All races will run under the guidance of the Guyana horse racing authority rules.

Races are subject to change and entries for the April 28 Race of Champions will close on April 22. Horses must be properly entered via Fazal Habibula on telephone 611-1141, Buju 658-7037, Shazenna/ Rose on 322-0789, Glen on 1 (868) 368-5192 or Ginjo on 618-7278.

The race will run off at 12:00 hours and admission is G$2,000.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well

managed cricket clubs with a youth program, will also benefit.

Anyone interested in making a contribution can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Muhammad Afzal (left) and Anil Beharry

Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana…

Caribbean Senior TT Championship Singles Competition… Britton stays undefeated, Edghill; Cummings pick up wins

Shemar Britton beat Barbadian Mark Dowell in four sets to stay in a good position to advance from his group in the singles category of the Caribbean Senior Table Tennis Championships on Thursday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

He captured the first two sets 11-9, 11-9 before losing the third 11-9 but came back to win the eliminator 11-9 and pick up his second win on the trot in the Championship.

Shemar Britton picked up Guyana only singles win on Wednesday with a 3-0 stoppage of Aruba Xie Shaofeng 11-7, 11-2 and 11-5.

His country mate Niran Bissu lost to Tyrese Knights 3-0; the sets went 11-6, 11-1 and 11-5.

Bissu who is debuting in the senior competition also went down to Jamaican

Emani McPherson.

National team veteran Joel Alleyne lost his singles battles against Ruddy Raga 3-0.

He also lost out to Oscar Birriel 11-4, 11-8 and 11-3.

Elishaba Johnson also lost his single match against Jamaican Rohan Lewis on Thursday and was also defeated by the Dominican Republic (DR) Abit Tejada.

In the women singles, Olympian Chelsea Edghill beat Cuban Rosalba Aguiar 3-1 only dropping one set that ended 13-10 after a grueling match.

She had loss her first match to the host’s Eva Brito 11-9, 11-9 and 12-10.

Natalie Cummings then beat Trinidad’s Jordan Thong 3 sets to 1.

She won the first set 11-5 before losing the second set 11-8 before winning the remaining two sets to claim

the victory.

Cummings had a rocky start to the singles tournament after she went down to Fabiola Diaz 3-1 in her first match.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Stuti Kashyap defeated Guyanese Thuraia Thomas 11-1, 11-4 and 12-10 racing up her second loss of the singles aspect; the first coming at the hands of Puerto Rico Alondra Rodrigues 3-0.

Thomas also loss to DR’s Yasiris Ortiz 11-3, 11-5 and 11-4.

Jasmine Billingy went down to Trinidad Rheann Chung in straight sets 11-9, 11-4 and 11-3 and also failed to overcome Cuba’s Estela Crespo in her first match.

Guyana will also compete in doubles and mixed doubles division in the coming days.

The championship concludes on April 21st.

Guyana, Trinidad win...

FROM BACK PAGE

figures of 13 for 125 were the fourth best for the side during the same period.

Newcomer Javaughan Buchanan led the way for Scorpions with 33, and opener Carlos Brown made 22, but no other batsman reached 20.

Scorpions had started the day on 159 for nine in their first innings, and the last wicket pair of Jeavor Royal, whose 46 was the top score, and Andrae Dennis, not out on 12, frustrated Red Force for about half-hour to put on a further 30.

Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre brought the innings to a close when he bowled Royal and ended with three for 57 from 24.4 overs.

Elsewhere, leaders Windward Islands Volcanoes require another 304 to beat fellow second-placed title hopefuls Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and clinch the title.

Opener Stephan Pascal was not out on 60 and Johann Jeremiah was not out

on 28, and Volcanoes were 112 for one in their second innings at the close, after they lost Trinidadian lefthander Jeremy Solozano for 18 to left-arm spinner Daniel Doram.

Pascal and Solozano put on 70 for the first wicket to launch the Volcanoes bid for victory after they bowled out the Hurricanes about 15 minutes before the scheduled tea break for 294 in their second innings.

West Indies white-ball batsman Keacy Carty made 65 and led consistent batting down the order for the Hurricanes after they continued from their bedtime total of 111 for two.

West Indies batsman Justin Greaves got 27, West Indies Under-19 wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew supplied 26, fellow wicketkeeper-batsman Jahmar Hamilton added 23, Oshane Thomas made 21, and Colin Archibald gathered 20.

Kavem Hodge was the pick of the Volcanoes bowlers with three for 60 from 19 overs, pacer Gilon

Tyson grabbed three for 91 from 20.2 overs, and pacer Shamar Springer and off-spinner Darel Cyrus took two wickets apiece.

West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite missed out on a hundred, and rain held up Barbados Pride, the other title hopeful, in their effort to force a win against hosts Cricket West Indies Academy at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Only 52 overs were possible because of the adverse weather, and Brathwaite fell for 90 and was the rock upon which Pride have built their second innings total of 228 for five for a lead of 138 so far against the emerging players side.

Out-of-favour West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer was not out on 43, and former West Indies Under-19 batsman Kevin Wickham made 35.

Barbadian left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has been the pick of the Academy bowlers taking three for 43 from 27 overs.

Guyana’s 4x400m Mixed Relay team to compete at World Relays

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has announced its team for the World Relays in the Bahamas from May 4-5.

Guyana will make its first appearance at the Olympic qualifying event since the competition commenced in 2014.

Team Guyana comprises Kenisha Phillips, Tianna Springer, Aliyah Abrams, Daniel Williams, Malachi Austin and Arinze Chance. Abrams, an Olympian, is

also the national 400m record holder, while Chance is the national indoor record holder.

Springer and Austin would have recently won gold in the U-20 400m at the CARIFTA Games in Grenada.

Last August, the quartet of Austin, Narissa McPherson, Javon Roberts, and Springer shattered the Commonwealth Youth Games record in the 4×400m Mixed Relay, which earned Guyana its spot at World Relays.

The previous record (3:25.08s), set in The Bahamas in 2017, was replaced with a time of 3:22.07s.

At the CARIFTA Games in March, Guyana set a new record as the baton moved from Austin to McPherson,

Dh Neilson Gill, and Springer at anchor, resulting in a blistering time of 3:23.51 seconds.

That time is currently the 18th fastest in the world for 2024. Nigeria’s 3:13.26 seconds is the fastest.

KFC Elite League Season Six… Santos score emphatic win over winless Monedderlust

SANTOS fc on Thursday pulled off their most emphatic win of the KFC Elite League Season 6 against Berbice side Monedderlust FC at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC).

It was a one-sided affair as Santos overwhelmed Monedderlust 6-nil to move up three places to fifth in the league table.

Stephan Reynolds got things going the 3rd minute of the clash for the lead before winger Ravi Coates doubled the advantage 20 minutes later.

Ian Daniels also found goal scoring form to register

Milo School Football Championship…

his lone goal for the game and Santos’ third in the 26th minute.

Randy Roberts then converted his goal scoring opportunity in the 40th minute as they went into the break, up 4-nil.

Michael Oie recorded a double in the second half with strikes in the 64th and 80th minute as the Georgetown based side took a comfortable victory.

Meanwhile Guyana Defence Force spends another week atop the point table with 18 points with six wins in six games.

Slingerz also are on 18 points after a flawless six

games contest but are second to GDF on goal difference.

Third is the Guyana police force with six wins in seven outings also on 18 points.

The Western Tigers are fourth on the table with three wins in six outings (nine points), with Fruta Conquerors, Den Amstel, Ann’s Grove United, Buxton United and Monedderlust rounding out the top 10 teams in the league.

The league matches resume on today (Saturday) with Den Amstel playing Slingerz and reigning champions GDF meeting Ann’s Grove.

Thrills anticipated in Sunday’s quarter-finals

THE Milo Schools Football championship is heading into the quarter finals on Sunday with four tantalising battles expected at the Ministry of Education ground.

Organizer Troy Mendonca says these games will surely thrill spectators, telling Chronicle Sport, “Very good quarter finals are on this weekend, I think all the match-ups are going to be scintillating.”

He highlighted that the fact that teams have been

paying coaches has boosted the on-field performance of several units.

“The assistance given by the Ministry of Education by paying individuals that operate as coaches for these teams is great. It’s no longer a teacher giving their time, but person working with the team,” Mendonca said.

Following Sunday’s quarter-final, the semi-final is set for Thursday with the final being on Sunday.

The opening contest this Sunday is expected to feature

defending champions Chase Academy against Bartica Secondary.

The winner of that clash will play the winner of East Ruimveldt Secondary versus President’s College game which kicks off from 14 hours 30.

The days other two clashes features Ann’s Grove playing Waramauri Primary Top for a chance to meet the winner of the other quarter final match up which pits Dolphin Secondary against West Ruimveldt.

The tournament is sponsored by Nestle MILO, sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and approved by

the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Other sponsors include Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Local Government, Yellow Steel Inc, Massy and MVP sports.

The teams are vying for a top prize of $300,000 towards a school project; while second, third and fourth place will receive $200,000, $150,000 and $75,000 also towards a project for their respective schools

Arinze Chance Tianna Springer Malachi Austin Aliyah Arbams

Santos goal scorer Ravi Coates on the ball

Petra Director Troy Mendonca

Banks DIH on board for Jumbo Jet Race of Champions

West Indies Championship 2024

Caribbean Senior TT Championship Singles Competition…

Britton stays undefeated, Edghill; Cummings pick up wins

Guyana, Trinidad win but title still undecided

(CMC)- Half-centuries from opener Raymond Perez and their captain Tevin Imlach enabled defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles to formalise an eight-wicket win against hosts Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners on Friday and fortify their chances of winning the West Indies Championship title for a second year on the trot.

It was one of two wins on the third day in the seventh and final round of matches after a brilliant career-best spell from off-spinner Bryan Charles propelled Trinidad & Tobago Red Force to an innings and 125 runs victory against hosts Jamaica Scorpions.

Perez led the way with an unbeaten 79, Imlach

scored 50, and West Indies Test opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 42, and Harpy Eagles passed their target of 181 against the Marooners about an hour before the scheduled close at Frank Worrell Field on the St Augustine campus of the University of West Indies in Trinidad.

Harpy Eagles were one of four teams that had realistic hopes of clinching the Headley-Weekes Trophy, symbol of West Indies firstclass supremacy, before the start of this round of matches if there are any foul-up, bleeps, or blunders from the other three title contenders.

Earlier, the visitors needed a little under an hour to dismiss the Marooners for 203 in their second innings with pacer Niall

Smith taking two of the last three wickets.

Out-of-favour West Indies batsman Shamarh Brooks finished with the top score of 59 – adding only five to his overnight score –after Marooners started the day on 165 for seven.

Charles bagged seven for 43 from 13.4 overs, and Scorpions, following on 243 behind on first innings, were bowled for 118 in their second innings about 10 minutes before the scheduled tea break at Sabina Park to hand victory to Red Force.

The 28-year-old off-spinner ended with the seventh best figures by a Red Force bowler in the modern era of the West Indies Championship (1966 onwards), and his match

TURN TO PAGE 34

Banks DIH Special events Manager Mortimer Stewart presents cheque and trophy to Jumbo Jet Representative Navendra Ramnauth

Guyanese Shemar Britton remained unbeaten