Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-10-2023 by Guyana Chronicle

22nd OCTOBER, 2023

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No.107241

Leading the way again -Guyana to become first country in CARICOM, Latin America to cultivate zinc bio-fortified rice

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Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (left) and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha tasting the new variety of rice (Delano Williams photo)

MoU inked to boost honey production in Guyana

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Small and large businesses ‘bloom’ at ‘Agri Expo’ SEE PAGE

Over 250 companies featured in ‘Who’s Who’ business directory

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Leading the way again

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

- Guyana to become first country in CARICOM, Latin America to cultivate zinc bio-fortified rice

By Trina Williams WITH Guyana launching its first-ever bio-fortified rice, enhanced with zinc, the country’s agriculture sector is definitely setting itself apart from the others. Outlining the fact that Guyana is well on its way to tackling food insecurity, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, lauded the revival of the rice industry and the launch of the rice variety GRDB IICA 17. Owing to this new achievement, he proudly remarked: “Guyana will become the first country in CARICOM and Latin America to cultivate bio-fortified rice.”

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha speaking at the launch sector by the People’s launching this variety, Progressive Party (PPP) which will become a vagovernment. riety for the farmers to By 2025, according to cultivate,” he said. the Prime Minister, rice Additionally, with production in Guyana this new variety of rice, is projected to grow by the Agriculture Minister 847,000 metric tonnes. said this will bring relief to farmers because it will have a higher price, compared to regular rice, owing to the nutritional value that is in the zinc bio-fortified rice. With food insecurity grasping almost every corner in the world, Mustapha said that he has high hopes for this variety, in terms of becoming high-yielding. Even though Guyana is working on expanding its traditional areas, efforts are also being made The new rice variety: GRDB IICA 17

The official launch occurred at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), on Saturday during the ongoing Agri-Investment Forum and Expo. This significant project forms part of an effective partnership between the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Fondo Latinoamericano para Arroz de Riego (FLAR) and CARICOM, among others. Prime Minister Phillips also said: “[Rice] production in Guyana is expected to increase by 12 per cent from just under 560,000 metric tonnes in 2021 to 625,000 metric tonnes in 2023,” adding that this is a result of the massive investments being injected into the agriculture

“The now government has made tremendous investments in improving the capability of the Guyana Rice Development Board to conduct the appropriate research to keep the industry on the competitive edge,” he further stated. Also, he commended the sector for not only focusing on productivity and grading but now it is taking into account the health of citizens. “Agriculture is now transitioning into [crafting] nutrient rich food crops,” the Prime Minister said. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the launch of the bio-fortified rice is a milestone for Guyana. “Today is a day, for all of us in Guyana to be proud. Guyana is the only country that is

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (left), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha (centre) and IICA Country Representative Wilmot Garnett at the launch of the new rice variety to produce new crops, in order to cope with the global food production crisis. “I hope we continue to develop new varieties because around the world, now, there are demands for rains and these here will attract preferential prices,” he said. Notwithstanding the economic benefits that are emerging from this new bio-fortified rice, the Agriculture Minister said

that since rice is a staple, not only in Guyana but in the Caribbean, the fact that this variety is enriched with zinc means it will also have a number of health benefits. “We in the Caribbean have the expertise, we have the skills [to] develop, [and] we should not wait for people from other parts of the world to come to Guyana come to the Caribbean…We have the skills right here.”

Meanwhile, IICA Country Representative, Wilmot Garnett, remarked that the organisation will continue to assist financially and with their technical expertise, the work of the GRBD, bio-fortified rice, and other projects. Speaking on the future collaboration, he said that the next step is work on aromatics.

A section of the gathering at the launch of the new variety of rice (Delano Williams photos)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Teachers, children edified on fire prevention, safety

Firefighters and stakeholders were able to educate visitors and students on fire safety and prevention (DPI photos) STUDENTS and teachers of several schools in the Georgetown district benefitted from fire safety talks and witnessed firefighting

and rescue simulation exercises. This forms part of a series of activities being hosted to mark 49 years of fire pre-

vention observances in Guyana themed, “For the Future of Our Nation, Practice Fire Safety and Prevention.” Firefighters and stakeholders were able to educate visitors and students on fire

safety and prevention as well as provide information on ways to keep their lives, homes, and businesses safe and protected. Additionally, modern firefighting equipment including a water bows-

er, hydraulic platform and ambulances were on display. Fire Prevention Officer, Sheldon Sauns echoed the importance of fire safety and prevention as he enlightened visitors on some of the demonstrations that were conducted. “ To d a y w e s a w t h e demonstration of a new technology in Guyana, the fire extinguisher ball. Persons were able to see how it is being used, some persons were allowed to use the fire extinguisher ball,” he relayed. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally paid a visit to the fair, where he interacted with students, visitors and firefighting personnel at the Guyana Fire Service headquarters, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. Speaking with media operatives on the sideline of the

exhibition, Ally reiterated the ministry’s commitment to promoting fire prevention and safety in the country. He also warned citizens to desist from setting fires illegally, which could potentially cause property damage and endanger lives. “One of the major pushes at the ministry is to help sensitise persons on the importance of fire prevention and that is exactly why we have an entire month of activities,” he stated while informing persons that the repercussions for setting wildfires are dire. Companies such as Guyana Power & Light, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., Demerara Distillers Limited, Smart Tech Solutions & Construction and the Ministry of Labour participated in the fair. (DPI)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Hundreds of Trinidadians rush for jobs in Guyana

(Trinidad Express) – Over a thousand Trinidadians showed up at the C3 Centre in Corinth, San Fernando, yesterday, seeking jobs in Guyana from a company operating in the oil and gas and construction sectors. They crowded the C3 compound for hours, hoping they would be able to secure employment. But a manager at Pass Tech Ltd, which hosted the event, later explained that it was a job fair and not a recruitment exercise. Pass Tech is based in San Fernando and is the parent company of Global Tech Properties, which has operations in Guyana. The company says it has years of experience in the oil and gas, construction, marine and import sectors. A 48-second video advertising the event circulated on social media earlier this week. Jamaal Marcano, manager at Pass Tech, told the Express at the job fair: “We are not here to fill buses and take people over to Guyana, which is what some persons were thinking. Guyana has their local supply of labour. “Where our contracts are concerned, we also have Guyanese employees and this same event is going to take place in Guyana. “Today is more about gathering information and we’re going to sift through everything and then do our call-backs and our short-listing from this… It is to widen our candidate pool for persons interested in both the oil and gas and the construction industry… The objective is to see who is out here, what skillset they have to offer and what opportunities may be available for them.” Marcano explained that the event was geared not just for work in Guyana, but also in this country. “We’re looking for persons who have the qualifications and the experience to fit both our local and foreign companies and clients,” he said. Speaking to the Express after 3 p.m., Marcano said yesterday’s response had been overwhelming. “We started the morning with 300 forms. We have since copied about 300 more,” he told the Express. The event was advertised to begin at 2 p.m. but instead started at 11 a.m., as Marcano said when they arrived to set up yesterday morning, people told them they had

been there since 9 a.m. Vehicular traffic heading to the mall was also heavier than usual, the Express observed. By the end of the day, more than one thousand people had shown up at the event. Of the response, Marcano said, “I think it’s a direct reflection of the unemployment rate… Unemployment seems to be very high. You have persons here who are not only unemployed, but those who are dissatisfied with where they are, in terms of their wages… “One thing we want to assure persons, and we’re being very transparent with them—coming here today does not mean that you’re leaving with a job. It means that you are now listed with us so that when the opportunity arrives, we can then pull from that.” Guyana has discovered huge quantities of oil and gas in the past few years, and now boasts reserves of about 11 billion barrels. That puts it in the top 20 in terms of its potential, on par with countries such as Norway, Brazil and Algeria, a BBC report noted last month. The small country currently boasts the fastest-growing economy in the world, the report said. Regular work hard to find The Express spoke to many people who came looking for jobs at the fair yesterday. They said opportunities in both the oil and gas and construction industries were slow now. A 28-year-old pipe-fitter from Palo Seco said he was seeking a difference, as work for him had not been regular. Three men, ages 22, 23 and 24, from Chaguanas, who have been working in the construction industry, also said work for them had been “on and off”. They said they were seeking job opportunities and did not mind if it was in Guyana or here at home. A 42-year-old man from San Juan, who gave his name only as Bernard and who works in the south of the country, said he was seeking a new opportunity and was hoping it could be in a different country. He has a 13-year-old daughter and admitted that working abroad was a “sacrifice for her and the family”. Bernard previously worked in Suriname. Petra King, 57, previously worked in a gold mine

in Guyana and was looking for another job in the South American country. “It’s a nice place to work. The people are nice, the work experience was nice,” she said. Speaking about the oil and gas industry, King said: “The market is very, very tough. Who have it right now need to hold on to what they have.” A couple form Arima, seeking to transition from the manufacturing industry to oil and gas, saw the fair as an opportunity to speak to those involved in that area. While they said they did not have the experience in oil and gas, they said they will be dropping off their resumes at the company. A 21-year-old scaffolder from Moruga, who has an eight-month-old child, left his jobsite to attend the fair yesterday. He arrived late and said it should have been hosted for a longer period to cater for those who work later hours. Higher demand for jobs Pass Tech’s Marcano said currently, with the rapid rate of development in Guyana, there is a higher demand for jobs than what is available, especially in the oil and gas

Hundreds of job seekers showed up yesterday at Pass Tech Job Fair 2023 at C3 Centre, San Fernando, seeking employment in Guyana’s oil and gas and construction industries (Photo: TREVOR WATSON) industry. With regard to the construction sector, he said Guyana has its own workers but his company is offering smart housing, which is a new form of construction on the market. During the event, people were allowed to take the escalator in groups to an

upper floor, where a Pass Tech team answered their questions. Potential candidates also filled out a form and included their credentials. Marcano said those who spoke to him understood the event. “Nobody who dealt with me walked away

feeling I should pack my bag, automatically going to Guyana,” he said. The fair ended at 6 p.m. Those who arrived after this time told the Express that they were advised to either e-mail their documents or drop them off at the company’s office.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Modernising Guyana In a ‘Letter to the Editor’ entitled ‘President Ali is on a mission to modernise Guyana’ in the October 15, 2023 edition of this newspaper, Asquith Rose posited: “By now, it should be obvious to everyone that [His Excellency, the Executive President of the Republic] Dr Irfaan Ali is committed to building a new and prosperous Guyana so that all Guyanese can prosper and live a happy and comfortable life.” Confidently predicting he’ll be re-elected in 2025 on the basis of the performance of his PPP/Civic administration’s performance during the current term, President Ali was also quoted as having already prom-

ised “to work tirelessly, over the next seven years,” to ensure that by 2030 (and beyond), “Guyana will become digitised, its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be among the highest in the world, and its economy will be sustainable, resilient, competitive and diversified.” The President has called on Guyanese, at home and abroad, to “end petty grievances and worn-out dogmas that for far-too-long have hampered the political system, disadvantaged and weakened the resolve of the people and stifled the development of the country.” He called too for support for his government’s efforts “to modernise the country and make it a better place

where every citizen can have a bright future and live in harmony.” The President is confident that in the next few years, “Guyana will bolster its position as a world leader on the international stage, on issues like climate security, energy security, food security, fair trade, and human rights, among others…” Guyana, he’s promised, “will invest heavily in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health care, tourism, especially eco-tourism, but most importantly in human development and social services with the aim of changing the attitude, culture, and behaviour of the people…” This President has clearly demonstrated he’s un-

afraid of using his executive powers wisely, to cut redtape and bureaucracy in the public services to solve every day people’s problems. Take Rose’s references to his recent decision to eliminate the huge backlog of over 5,500 passport applications by directing that the Passport Office work 24-hour shifts to end the enormous backlog in seven days; likewise, his instruction to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to establish a Special Secretariat to handle the more than 10,000 outstanding queries by pensioners and other contributors and to resolve them by the end of the year. President Ali continues to lead CARICOM’s campaign to increase agriculture

production and reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, as well as Guyana’s drive to become a global leader in food production and security. The President recently revealed that Guyana will work with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to develop and establish a technological food hub for the entire region to ensure adequate food supply for the people. As Rose’s letter pointed out, “Guyana is destined to become a country known for innovation not only in the production of food or the oil and gas sector, but it will acquire the best technology in the 21st century.” If previous administra-

tions were unwilling, or willing but unable, this one is both willing and able to continue forging ahead with Guyana’s development, fueled by its new resources and husbanded by a careful, caring and forward-looking government. President Dr Ali has demonstrated his government can and will continue to deliver on old and new promises to continue developing and modernising Guyana – which is why the ruling PPP/Civic alliance so handsomely won the last two national and mid-term electoral polls, leaving the opposition alliance in such national disarray that it’s spinning itself giddy and out of sensible control.

Goolsarran’s letter provides an interesting synopsis of his career, Guyana’s history

Dear Editor, It is a damning indictment of the PNC administrations 1980-1992 that its Deputy Auditor General Anand Goolsarran can defend the absence of audited accounts by simply saying, “The fact is that the Government did not submit draft financial statements to the Auditor General. Therefore, in the absence of these statements, there could not have been audited accounts.” Interestingly, it was during this period that Goolsarran was promoted from deputy to the top job which he accepted with full knowledge that there would be no audits to perform. Here is where the first question of personal integrity enters and one can ask how many years

it takes to decide that you are being paid from the public purse for doing nothing and on top of that ‘earning’ a promotion. Goolsarran’s letter provides an interesting synopsis of his career and a snapshot of that period of Guyana’s history as we transitioned from decades of dictatorship to democracy; from being classified as a heavily indebted poor country (HIPIC) subject to IMF monetary regimes to exiting HIPIC in 2006. As Auditor General, Goolsarran was interested in earning a better salary; President Cheddie Jagan referred to officials who earned more than US$5,000 per month in the public service as ‘super salaried’; there were other public officials who were

paid US dollar salaries under loan programmes - the Finance Sector Programme 956 and the Public Sector Technical Assistance Credit 3,726. These included Winston Jordan, Winston Brassington and, Khurshid Sattaur; it is to these ranks that Goolsarran aspired. Jagdeo declined his request on ethical grounds. At the time, local commentator Lallbachan ‘Chris’ Ram said: "How can they borrow to pay some privileged elite and not pay the ordinary employees?" Goolsarran subsequently got an offer while representing Guyana at an international conference and, the government facilitated a six-month leave period that allowed Goolsarran to earn

commensurate with his qualifications and experience; in the end, Goolsarran was gone for four years. The Guyana Goolsarran returned to in 2004 was a vastly different place; we were no longer a country where paint was only available in white. Guyana was progressing economically to the point where we would exit the HIPIC classification and corresponding IMF regime in 2006. Goolsarran says: “Four months later, I demitted office, following the Government’s reaction to the “dolphin scam” (Stabroek 19.10.23); in other places Goolsarran states that he delivered the Audit report on the 31st December 2004 and left the country that night and

stayed away in fear for his life. The attempt to export dolphins and other protected species through waiver or special permit was indeed a scandalous affair, good for a round of laughter in Georgetown circles but certainly not serious enough to cause an Auditor General to flee for his life. I suspect Goolsarran had gotten used to the consultant life (described as a man who borrows your watch and then charges you to tell time) and was finding that the Audit office had changed to a hardcharging work environment in his prolonged absence; he had become a nowhere man, a common affliction among expatriate professionals. Goolsarran’s next incarnation was as a transparency

advocate; if he were to be listened to, we would have no bridge over the Berbice River, no Marriott Hotel. Goolsarran, and others so clouded the Amalia Falls issue that the investors pulled out and that vital project never went forward. Goolsarran made numerous allegations of corruption and without a doubt, corruption exists; what Goolsarran and others did not provide was actionable evidence of specific instances. As Auditor General, Goolsarran was in the statutory position to unearth this evidence; he was no layman bystander. Name withheld

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Satire for the buyer

Dear Editor, Well, how yu all doing na? Yu all see what Maduro get he soldier bais doing? De man trying all sorts of thing to gain attraction, from he moustache to he uniform and now, he soldiers busy rumbling and rambling to show he doing something so that he can influence he people to vote for him next year. But de senor is no different from de Kabaka. Both a dem got one ting in common, that is to take control of de country at any cost so that they can wield power. All dem generals believe dem big, bad and brave. Dem live like kings in palaces while dem poor people braking dem back to live. Yu see what happen to Saddam? While de Kabaka mek hundreds of thousands of people flee Guyana, many ended up in Venezuela, Maduro mek millions flee from he country, many ended up in Guyana. Both of dem like dictatorship and they both run dem country into ruin. Under both of dem, dem supermarket shelves look empty. People out of jobs, money dry up and dem countries can’t develop no more. Both of dem try nationalization but every ting back fire. Foreign currency become foreign. Both Generals see dem foreigners pack up and run and then both make dem army buddies into administrators.

Back in de ancient county, Berbice getting more modern every time de Big Guy visit de people on his regular meet de people tour. I tell yu, de man giving we nuff nuff headace. We can’t keep up wid he pace so we had to slack up wid de race. De more yu try to ketch he, de more de guy increase de distance. By de time 2025 come around, we gon be no where around de ground with we blow blow sound! I tell yu, dis man priceless and restless in de place where we invest less. Bai, I tell yu all, we can’t fool dem people like we did in 2015. JanJat better stay far like he padna. No wander de people don’t want see we fo noting, but dem hug up and kiss up and dance up and laugh up wid de Pressy. Pressy mek dem people fall all over him and now dem worship de man and de ground he walk pon and dem can’t remove dem smile. De man leff Baracara and dem people still rejoicing. Is like Christmas Fada come early dis year. De Ranger never had it so good. As a matter of fact, dat man didn’t know what it means to bond wid de people. Dem believe is okay to mek one two visits during election time, mek lots of promise and believe dat de people gon buy everything dey say. Dis time time na lang time and de Govment really on top of de game.

Yu see how all dis he say and she say story turning out to be. Dese days, yu don’t know where to look and read for the news if yu really want to know de truth. Who aint hiding half of de story, turn de other half de other way around. De Audit story with de US$214M hot more than tiger teeth pepper. Yu see how people does get blame fu noting? Look how dat Troy story playing out. Is who been in powa when dem let de horse out of de stable? Now we want somebody else to close de door when it too late. As usual, we can’t clean we own mess. Now de poor govment get blame fu de high prices of greens and vegetables and fruits in de market. But is dem middlemen and dem sellers who cockroach eat out dem conscience is de real culprits. Dem vendors know dat de Navratri season start so all dem thousands of people who staying away from fish and meat are forced to buy the products at exorbitant prices. Imagine, wan bigan fu $500 and pine now fetching $1,000. Yu get some people really greedy and gon take full advantage of de situation. But is a culture ting. Don’t put all de blame on those people. Is we who teach dem to be so. When ever we in powa, all we do is grab what we can put we hands

on and don’t think or care about de other person. As lang as we packet full, we alright. Other people got to look out for demselves. And right now I got dis bowl and no body looking to put anything in-

side. Is a touch of we own medicine. Do fo do na obeya. I now see how much we hut some people feelings wid we barefaceness. I like de parsad but I can’t wear de kurta like Pressy and go visit de mandir. I feel

too guilty. Later banna, I got to make up me Christmas list fu Fada Christmas. But I scared of de Big Guy question, “Loo, have yu been a good boy?” Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Gaza tragedy: The Judeo-Christian oneness ONE of the unique situations in the history of the world is the story of the global influence of one of the world’s smallest countries with a small population. Israel is 8000 square miles (a tiny enclave of Guyanese territory) with nine million people. Yet, there has been no parallel in world history where such a small state is covered with phenomenal solidarity, protection and sentiments by all of the world’s powerful White, Christian countries. How do you explain that? The answer lies in the Bible. All of the White countries of the world – Europe in its entirety except Albania, Bosnia and Turkiye; Australia,

New Zealand, Canada and the US – are Christian in religion and culture. It is not only the bond between Judaism and Christianity that holds these nations together, it is also the belief among Christians that Jews are a special people because God sent a Jew in Jesus Christ to save civilization. Christians then believe that it is from within the womb of Jewish scriptures Christianity was born. Christians regard the Bible as part of their lives and within that holy book lie the sacred tenets of Christianity that are derived from Jewish ethics. Jews and Christians share an inseparable bond that will last forever because at the

centre of that union is a Jew- Jesus Christ. Israel offers a fascination to Christian countries because it sits on what Christians regard as the Holy Land. Understanding the almost insane protection of Israel by the US and the West, lies not in the realpolitik of international relations but culture and religion. Researchers tend to view the White countries as following the US lead in treating Israel as special because of international security. This is a misleading tenet in international relation studies for over 80 years. American and European embrace of Israel is driven more by culture and philosophy than re-

alpolitik in international politics. If the US wanted to control the Middle East for oil and as part of global domination it did not have to get close to a country with 8000 square miles and nine million people. The US always had willing Arab surrogates whose economy, population and land space made them more of an asset to the US than Israel. The US never treated their Arab surrogates with the sentiments that it showered on Israel. This is because of cultural and religious bonds. The present crisis that the world is being burdened with is Israeli expansion to take over the Holy Land which the US and Europe encouraged for reasons of religion and not international realpolitik. The flow of Western leaders from both the US and the EU to Israel after the crisis broke out last week has more to do with emotions than the realities of international relations. White, Christian leaders view any military attack on Israel as an attack on

the Holy Land, as an attack on Christianity itself. The rush of Western leaders to Israel is dictated by philosophy not only by Israel’s role as a guarantee of Western security interests in the Middle East. The military protection of Israel over the past 80 years is to preserve the Holy Land in Jerusalem. The encouragement of Israel by the West to take over Palestinian lands has to do not with anti-Palestine racism (though that is a factor) but to keep the Holy Land in the hands of Israel which represents the land of Jesus Christ. Two points need to be included here before we conclude. One is how do you account for the “White” Christian countries in the developing world not in support of Israeli aggression and how can this configuration of Israeli hegemony be changed? The “White” Christian countries in South America and Mexico are not purely White. They consist of mixed races and accept the tradition of the Aboriginals which has a substantial influence

on Latin culture. Also, the fact that geographical fate put these “White” Christian, Latin countries outside of Europe makes for a lesser appreciation of Israel. Brazilians are descendants of Europeans but they see themselves as Latin. The Christian countries of the Third World do not embrace Israel in an emotional vortex as Europeans do. The Columbian President is definitely mad at what Israel is doing in Gaza. Of course, post-colonial Christian countries in Africa and the Caribbean have absolutely no emotional attachment to Israel. Finally, how can the domination of Israel be diluted? That can only be done by a new world order and the Chinese and to a lesser extent India and the BRICS are likely to bring that about. This new world order is likely to weaken the global hegemony of the US and the EU. For this reason, the world needs a superpower in the form of China.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Hopeless and helpless

IN a recent article about a young woman who very publicly died by suicide – posting her intention and several messages over social media – I asked what depth of depression would lead someone to carry out such an act? The complex nature of suicide means that there are varied answers to this question, but Guyanese, Shirvington Hannays, a licensed counselling therapist, based in Canada supplied the fundamental answer. “People don’t commit suicide because they want to die,” he says, “it’s that they get to a point of hopelessness.” And, in conjunction with this hopelessness, is a feeling of helplessness, which really forms the

basis of all suicides. Hannays explains, in a recent interview, that persons who take their own life are seeking to end the pain they feel when they arrive at a place of hopelessness. “There is a feeling that the situation, whatever it is, will never change,” the therapist says, adding, “you’re doing something and getting the same result over and over (and) nobody can help.” He also clarifies that panic attacks, so often cited in discussions on mental health, are caused by “anything you think you don’t have the capacity to deal with,” and so it can happen to anyone. A fight, flight or freeze reaction is triggered and signals a dis-

order when the attacks become chronic. The feeling of helplessness occurs in this and other situations because the person then feels utterly incapable of changing their circumstances and this in turn leads to pain, which can almost seem physical in its intensity. It is in order to end this pain that the individual may resort to suicide. It is seen as the only option. As someone who is trained in running interventions and providing a ‘safe place’ for people to talk, Hannays comments it is not enough, nor is it advisable to simply tell people that suicide is not a way out. “You have to acknowledge that suicide is an option, but then

quickly follow up by telling them it is not the only option.” In his position as counsellor/therapist, he provides a forum for individuals to tell their stories and then encourages them to consider other options, candidly saying this may only be for a while until they can get further help. This strategy is part of the larger sphere of rational emotive behaviour therapy, aimed at helping individuals view their situation rationally. “Many view their life and what is expected of them irrationally,” he points out, noting that these unrealistic goals then become unattainable and quickly lead to despair. Part of his job is to change this perspective and get people

to the point where they will revise their thinking and consider alternative pathways forward. It is a task for which he too has to be both physically and mentally prepared, hence he urges, “We need to look honestly at ourselves and then we can deal with our mental wellness.” As the US National Institute on Mental Health says, “Mental

health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being…Mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness – it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life.” And Hannays was s u re l y e c h o i n g t h e words of the 14th Dalai Lama, who said, “When there is too much stress or worry look within.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Tracking the industry: Local content strides being made by oil and gas players THE emergence of the oil and gas industry in Guyana brought with it several norms and practices from the global industry, and among those was ‘local content’. The topic has become one of not just private sector interest, but public attention as well. The utilisation of Guyanese manpower and services is of crucial concern, as it is tied to the returns

that the country receives from the sector, apart from the profit oil share and royalties. Over the last eight years or so, there has been continuous significant growth in local content development and utilisation in Guyana—a pattern which developed even before the establishment of local content legislation. ExxonMobil Guyana recently released its local

content performance update for the first half of 2023 and a perusal of the figures indicated that Guyanese are meaningfully engaged at all levels of the industry. By June, approximately 5,900 Guyanese workers were supporting the company’s activities which represent 69 percent of the overall workforce in the oil operations, with 1,700 Guyanese currently offshore. Some 1,300 Guyanese women are also supporting the Stabroek Block Operator’s onshore and offshore activities. Notably, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Guyana’s unemployment rate has significantly decreased as the economy continues on its upward trajectory, with the oil and gas sector credited for this feat. The oil giant also revealed that, along with its contractors, it has engaged over 1,500 unique Guyanese suppliers, with more than US$280 million spent with them during the first half of this year alone. This represents a 45 per cent increase in the same period when compared to 2022. In fact, another notable

accomplishment was the issuance of another round of contracts for local fabricators to provide fabrication services related to a Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. Three companies— Industrial Fabrications Incorporated (INFAB), Zeco Group of Services Incorporated and Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Incorporated (GOGSSI)— were contracted to fabricate fittings for the One Guyana FPSO earlier this year. INFAB and GOGSSI were previously contracted to provide similar services for the Prosperity FPSO. The benefits of the industry are far-reaching. They go beyond employment and contract opportunities. In fact, several developmental projects and programmes that are in sectors outside of mainstream petroleum activities have been led by oil and gas players. The Greater Guyana Initiative, a US$100 million fund by Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Exploration Guyana Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, on Fri-

day, October 20, launched a US$4 million sustainable farming project that will benefit Regions Two, Five and Ten. This will see the development of hydroponic farms which will benefit the agriculture sector and positively impact employment while furthering food security goals. It is the largest hydroponic project in the Caribbean. A similar project was launched by ExxonMobil Guyana’s Prime Contractor, SBM Offshore, with the company supporting the establishment of the country’s largest hydroponic farm at Dora, along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. This was done through a partnership with Plympton Farms and resulted in employment creation in the area and a reduction in food imports for the industry. Companies like CNOOC, and prime contractors of ExxonMobil, like SBM Offshore Guyana, Schlumberger and Guyana Shore Base Incorporated, have introduced a number of scholarship and training opportunities for Guyanese to receive both

local and overseas training to upskill them for employment in the industry. The Centre for Local Business Development has also recorded impressive statistics as it relates to its objectives of preparing Guyanese businesses for the industry. Over 750 persons, from over 500 businesses, have benefitted from their business courses, while over 5,000 persons have participated in the oil and gas introductory course. Over 513 businesses have also participated in the Centre’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) training. The industry continues to develop at an unprecedented rate, with G u y a n a ’s e c o n o m i c growth mirroring this trajectory. With this continued growth, it is anticipated that Guyanese will continue to benefit tremendously—both business and skills-wise. A crucial part of this expectation is the importance of Guyanese keeping abreast with the industry’s development and the opportunities that are made available.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Ramjattan’s ‘lapdog’ politics

Last Thursday, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo told the nation that he never believed the Alliance for Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) were no longer in a coalition. He simply did not believe the announcement or story about the divorce. Though the AFC, through the party’s leader Khemraj Ramjattan, said the party walked away from the coalition to pursue other political objectives, Jagdeo was suspicious and still did not believe. The AFC would eventually have its members Ramjattan, David Patterson, Cathy Hughes, Juretha Fernandes, Vincent Adams and others share their views on a myriad of issues apart from the PNC/APNU body. It would have its programme ‘Alliance on the Move’ weekly that basically shows them working and apart from the coalition and the PNC/R. It has its press conferences and meetings as normal. That independence did not convince the Vice President of their divorce. For him, Ramjattan’s presence at the Leader of Opposition, Aubrey Norton’s press conference in the role of a “lapdog” was all that was needed to prove the ties were still very strong. In fact, Jagdeo de-

scribed Ramjattan’s attitude and demeanour during that press conference as pathetic, subservient and in full “lapdog mode.” Firstly, no one in Guyana’s political circle pays the AFC any significant attention. The AFC exists and breathes because of the PNC/ APNU. It is holding on to life because of the electoral strength and showing of the PNC/ APNU. Had it not been for the coalition, the AFC would have seen its numbers dwindle at the level of the Parliament on par with its membership and support base. This support base, which three years ago numbered thousands, now shamefully fizzled into scores for every region. This is true because Ramjattan and his loyal members have taken the party down the road of shame by coalescing with PNC/ APNU, remaining silent while attempts were afoot to steal the 2020 general elections. After all, the AFC could be described as ‘bloodsucking vermin’, drawing its relevance and what is left of its importance from the PNC/ APNU. Without that alliance, the AFC would be reduced to nothingness when compared to the glory days of Sheila Holder and Raphel Trotman in the early 2000s. Secondly, there is no doubt, in the minds of

Guyanese who are objective and impartial, that the AFC would have been lying on its deathbed due to its record in the Executive Arm of Government and its performance politically. In government, regardless of what they may say, those members of the public know the worst-performing ministries under the previous administration were Public Security, Agriculture, Tourism, Telecommunication and Public Works. Former President David Granger could tell you his government toppled and scored low in the public’s books because of them coupled with the haughtiness, heavy-handedness and poor financial oversight given by his own PNC/ APNU Ministers. Not one project is standing today as an imprint that the AFC left that was not there when they took over. Politically, the AFC failed in Government and out of office now, to connect with the masses and the electorate. They could not even muster up a handful of support to compete in this year's Local Government Elections. Were the public to do an analysis of the AFC MPs walking and

doing political work in the villages and regions of the country, the party would be found seriously lacking and its overall performance, as a political unit, would be underwhelming. In Parliament, the MPs' contribution is lukewarm most times unless Sherod Duncan or Patterson stands to speak then it's boisterous and entertaining. Thirdly, the AFC is still lurking around APNU. It has not distanced itself enough or part ways from PNC/ APNU. It is still married to the PNC/APNU but it is seemingly battling with the separation phase. It is, as Ramjattan and Norton have admitted, coming back to its matrimonial home and union for the upcoming 2025 elections. If it is indeed divorced, then appearing at that OLO press conference was in bad taste and does not do the AFC

much good but rather makes people think more of the AFC party as a lapdog. Ramjattan offered nothing at the press engagement but was there cosigning, albeit carefully, everything that Norton wanted to allege about the Venezuelan issue here. Sadly, instead of following clout and popularity, the AFC missed out on a chance to show itself as a genuine political unit had it stood alone, with the Government or all three sides on the issue. Finally, though it is still managing to breathe on the outside, the AFC as a political unit is dead and decaying externally. If Ramjattan and his loyalists continue this charade then the public may

turn its dwindling attention and support away from the party faster. The public knows from experience when politicians are cherry-picking issues and seeking to pull the wool over their eyes. The AFC needs to clean its act up, separate itself totally from the PNC/APNU, and seek to save whatever life it still has left. The party has to do a complete 360 to clean out the bad political elements and come back to the Guyanese public. When one is pleased with being referred to as a lapdog in politics, then the end is clear and the writing on the wall is cemented. The end is sooner than one thinks.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

China’s modernisation offers big lessons for the world Part 2: Between ‘trickle down’ and ‘ripple effects’

The People’s Republic of China (PRC), taking into account its own national realities, says it has promoted “development of the whole society” through the two following successful practices: (1) Allowing some to get rich first and then help others get rich; and (2) Making a bigger pie -- and sharing it better.

It’s easy to say that’s akin to the failed ‘trickle-down’ theory of modern capitalism, which holds that by making the rich richer, the poor will automatically get richer at the bottom of the ladder, from an expected increased expenditure by investors richer. But that hasn’t worked in the traditional citadels of capitalism, if only because of the

nature of the highly-unequal free enterprise system, where the bottom line is always higher profit. Traditional investors have grown applying the theory that ‘Greed is Good’ (as in Michael Douglas’ epic film ‘The Firm’ that properly depicts why Wall Street welcomes greed). In China, however, those

who earn more operate in a system where they know they are expected to contribute more to society’s development and the trickle-down effect is replaced by a ripple-effect across the system, where contributions from increased earnings don’t all go only to investors’ accounts, but some will surely go to the betterment of the community and the wider society. Chinese media houses routinely publish related figures that the Western press has traditionally ignored, sitting on irrefutable information that can easily alter already altered global images of China today. But the figures are available everywhere online – and they don’t count well for those still bent on presenting China and Chinese citizens as what it isn’t and they aren’t. Here are some raw facts and figures: • Over the past 40plus years since the launch of reform and opening-up of its economy, while integrating with the rest of world, China has now lifted over 800 million people out of poverty • China has also enlarged its middle-income group to over 400 million • On the other hand, thanks to the growing and revolving crises facing the rest of the world, the United Nations (UN) has registered that over 821 million people worldwide go to bed hungry every night • But with poverty virtually eradicated, today, the PRC is the main trading partner of over 140 countries • China is earning US $320 million from its direct investments around the world every day • China is also attracting over 3,000 foreign businesses every month • In the past decade, China has contributed more to global growth than all the G-7 countries combined • In its first 73 years, the PRC’s per capita disposable income increased from RMB 49.7 in 1949 to RMB 37,000 in 2022 • China has today built the world’s largest education, social security, and healthcare

systems • China also today has 43 items included on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a forerunner in the world; and • Today, 1.4 billion people are living a well-off life, up to the standard of a moderately-prosperous society. With the continuous improvement of living standards and the growing size of the middle-income group, China’s huge population also provides a huge market and enormous development opportunities for the rest of the world. Interestingly, modernisation featuring ‘Material Abundance’ is not new to China, as, during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 B.C.), China’s economy was already among the world’s largest. China entered the modern era as a semi-colonial and semi-feudal nation, due to the corruption of the Qing Government and foreign invasions. But, living in a country of poverty and backwardness, Chinese rose to the challenges of the times and established a new China, as of 1949, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Beijing says the realisation of Chinese modernisation today and tomorrow will bring about a fundamental change in the world’s modernisation landscape, with new approaches to human advancement and even-more opportunities for more -- and better -- global development. It’s is also being pursued along what Beijing calls ‘Material and Cultural-Ethical Advancement,’ with ‘stronger confidence in ideology and culture.’ As China continues to modernise in its own way and according to its own characteristics, new businesses -- mostly involving rural tourism and local specialties -- are driving the development of rural areas, firming-up the progress in poverty alleviation. Such changes are well-captured in the much-publicized case of Xihaigu, a mid-western region in China, where the Juncao tech-

nology of mushroom farming enabled a 29-time growth in per capita income in two decades -- and ecotourism added more ways for locals to get rich. Beijing is quick to correctly point out that modernisation through ‘Cultural Abundance’ starts with the fact that Chinese civilization is the only one (worldwide) that’s never been interrupted. Modernisation featuring ‘Mutual Learning among Civilizations’ has seen China enable a transition from “Made in China” to “Smart Manufacturing by China” with 5G technology facilitating communication, high-speed railroads and other transportation solutions connecting the world. Similarly, new-energy vehicles are also going into production overseas and cross-border e-commerce is driving digital transformation. China has (thus far in the 21st Century) hosted the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and launched the Ancient Civilizations Forum, contributing to the cultural exchanges among countries. A recent Global Civilization Initiative by China calls for “respecting the diversity of civilizations and addressing global challenges through exchanges,” as well as “mutual learning and coexistence,” also “reflecting the cultural aspect of Chinese modernization” and “providing important international public goods that help promote humanity’s cultural-ethical advancement.” All in all, China’s modern modernisation drive is neither new, nor (allowed ever to get) old, as every step of the way is planned long in advance, with implementation also always tweaked according to circumstances, if and when necessary, to achieve the ultimate set objectives. As the PRC’s approaches its 75th birthday next year, modernisation continues as a key component in the process leading to eventual implementation of a national system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, in 2049.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Venezuelans busted with guns, ammo, drugs DILIGENT efforts by Police ranks in Arakaka, North West District, on Friday afternoon, led to the arrest of three Venezuelan nationlals who were found with three unlicensed firearms, ammunition, 66.4 grams of cocaine and 64.7 grams of marijuana. The suspects have been identified as Eliyer Vera Venez, Romel Masim and Jiminez Rojas. A statement from Police Headquarters noted that, about 17:27 hours, ranks of the Arakaka Police Outpost in Region One received information that three “Spanish-speaking individuals, suspected to

In response, ranks proceeded to Melville's home and upon arrival, he was contacted and informed of the purpose of the Police's presence. It is alleged that the ranks requested permission to conduct a search in and around his home, to which he agreed. “The ranks entered the house, where they found three men lying on the floor, communicating in Spanish,” the release noted. A search was conducted on the premises during which three firearms – a Glock 19 pistol and two Beretta 92 A1 pistols – were found; the cops also discovered a quantity of matching

The three Venezuelan arrested by the Police

nationals. The bag was opened, and a quantity of a 'creamish' substance suspected to be cocaine and a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis Sativa were found. Again, the individuals were informed of the

The guns, ammo and other items found by the Police (Photos released by the GPF) be Venezuelan nationals,” visited a shop to charge their phones and were seen with what appeared to be firearms in their waist. Shortly after, Reny Melville, known as 'Pony Tail', arrived at the shop and picked up the men. They left on an ATV in the direction of Melville's residence at Waterfront, Arakaka, North West District.

ammunition in a haversack under a bed in the room. The men were informed of the offences committed, but they remained silent. Further searches were conducted on a wooden table near the bed, where a bulky black plastic bag was found in the presence of Melville and the three suspected Venezuelan

offences committed but remained silent. Subsequently, the three Venezuelans were escorted to the Arakaka Police Outpost where they remain in custody pending further investigation and charges. The Police are currently looking for Melville, who managed to escape the scene while the search was being conducted.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

More Honey: Guyana, Cuba ink agreement to boost honey production

GUYANA and Cuba on Saturday further s t re n g t h e n e d t h e i r bond with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the production of honey in Guyana. The signing took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) during the ongoing Agri-Investment Forum and Expo; the agreement seeks to form a framework of co-operation between the Agriculture Ministries in both countries in the areas of forestry, beekeeping, the production of animal and livestock products, agriculture and vegetable

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd (front left), and Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberon Luis (front right), during the signing of the MoU (Delano Williams photo)

products, among other areas. Director General at the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, reiterated Guyana’s

long-standing relationship with Cuba. He noted that Guyana is developing co-operation with countries that have some of the best ag-

ricultural practices, listing Cuba as one of those countries. He remarked that Guyana first had great potential for apiculture. If exploited, apicul-

ture (the maintenance of honeybees), could provide employment and a sustainable incomes for the population in hinterland communities. Several hectares of land loosely observed, with respect to beekeeping, can provide tremendous potential for the expansion of beekeeping. He said, “It will allow for an increase in the production of honey to meet [the] 25, by 2025 initiative, allowing Guyana to be an exporter of honey.” This newspaper had previously reported that Guyana is already preparing to increase its domestic honey production with the assistance of Cuban specialists. Beehives will be established in Regions Nine and One as Guyana hopes to produce honey on a large scale. As such, Ramraj noted that Guyana will sign a technical assistance agreement with a Cuban company, which will allow for these activities to boost the production of honey in Guyana. These activities include but are not limited to, develop training as technical assistants for beekeeping producers, degree management, advice on monitoring bee population, and the training of veterinary technicians in the branch of beekeeping. Some other topics of interest in the agreement include, urban and sub-urban agriculture,

genetic improvement and seed production of rice and poppy grains, the training of farm producers on the control of pesticide use in agriculture, advice on plant health and safe and effective use of pesticide production among others. Meanwhile Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberon Luis, remarked that Guyana’s main goal in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is in the area of food security and food production. He noted that Cuba is a part of that effort, and will be making their relevant contributions in that area. According to a recent article published in the Bee Culture -- the Magazine of American Beekeeping -- Cuba produced more than 10,500 tonnes of honey in 2021. The publication’s figures indicated a total of approximately 500 organic beekeepers in the country. Supported by the government, Cuba’s honey-making industry has continued to grow, with record exports of 8,500 tonnes in 2021, mainly destined for markets in Western Europe, Canada, Japan, The Bahamas, and Martinique. In 2022, Guyana produced over 3,700 gallons of honey and the Ministry of Agriculture here has vowed to support bee farmers. (Faith Greene)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Help & Shelter seeks to expand advocacy to end domestic, genderbased violence HELP and Shelter, one of Guyana’s longest standing non-governmental organisation (NGO), continues to advocate for the elimination of domestic violence (DV) and gender-based violence (GBV). With over 14 staff employed at their crisis centre, the organisation is the epito-

and girls. The centre is currently involved in two projects; one under the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in four schools and the other under the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Regions One and Nine. She added that they are

forward with reports of domestic and gender-based violence. In Indigenous communities, awareness of violence in these forms has grown significantly. Help and Shelter, as stated before, was built on volunteerism, and for the past 20 plus years,

me of advocacy for change. As they embark on their 30th year as advocates for victims of DV and GBV, this newspaper was able to speak with consultant and board member of Help and Shelter, Pamela Nauth. Help and Shelter was born in 1995 with a group of volunteers who are now the organisation’s directors, and today they span to two locations with two departments. Nauth stated that their shelter is equipped with the necessary amenities for victims as well as a shelter manager, manager for the weekends and nights; a resident counsellor; cleaner; security and trained childcare providers. With only one shelter, it can accommodate up to 35 persons comfortable, however, sometimes there are 43 persons depending on the needs of the victim at that time. Nauth said the centre also caters for boys between the ages of 12 and 17; there is no age cap for women

seeking to establish a safe space for those who need their services in Region One, and are considering an expansion to Essequibo and Region 10. Nauth pointed to an increase in women being murdered by their partner, noting that men, members of the LGBTQ communities and persons with disabilities have also been coming

the organisation survived because of it. Nauth said volunteers need to be passionate and willing to give back. Anyone can come on board and be a volunteer with Help and Shelter, by uplifting a volunteer form from the organisation, or by downloading form from their website.

Over 250 companies featured in ‘Who’s Who’ business directory

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Dr. Peter Ramsaroop speaking at the event ACTIONINVEST Caribbean Inc., on Friday, launched its fifth edition of the Who's Who in Guyana Business Directory at a reception held at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, which was attended by dignitaries, special invitees and representatives of well-known Guyanese corporations. Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., Dr. Vishnu Doerga, said the

publication was inspired by private sector investments. As a result, this directory provides valuable insights into over 250 companies and the various industries that make up the Guyanese economy, along with a wealth of information on businesses that provide goods and services. “We started Who’s Who because we needed better business-to-business connections to be made in

Guyana considering the many investors that are coming into the country. Having served the business support organisation now for 21 years, I have come to the realisation that business support organisations play a role. “They do have a mandate to advocate and to work on a broader and general level across cutting issues, but they do need business support organisations like ourselves that can actually work directly with companies to get them connected and get them the type of resources that they may need to be able to really move their organisation forward,” Dr. Doerga explained. While noting that ActionINVEST is continuously looking at ways of evolving, he was pleased that a company which started with just three persons, two of whom were males, is now run by 83 per cent females, who, according to him, do the majority of the work. Meanwhile, with the help of the shareholders of ActionINVEST and the

board of directors, the team will no longer be working out of a rented office space; they unveiled the banner to their newest facility, which is labelled the ‘Caribbean Trade Centre’, located at Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara. According to Dr Doerga, “We have been in operation since June, and we have been delivering the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women at this location. We have trained 160 women, of whom 131 were able to graduate with their certificate in business management.” Currently, ActionINVEST is training 100 persons in the tourism and hospitality programmes. He also noted that companies from Suriname, Trinidad, and Guyana are already occupying the new facility. While the new location aims to become a 'one-stop destination' for unparalleled business support as well as commercial spaces, the intent is to open centres across the Caribbean. This is expected to first occur in Suriname and then

Dr. Vishnu Doerga (centre), Mrs. Davitri Doerga (immediate left), and the team from ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc (ActionINVEST photo)

Dr. Vishnu Doerga and the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, at the launch (ActionINVEST photo) Trinadad. gratitude to their distribDr. Doerga expressed utors, the Centre for Local Business Development, the Guyana Office for Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Guyana Tourism Authority for supporting them by distributing the Who’s Who Directory to the world. Also speaking at the event were the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, and the Chief Investment Officer of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop. High Commissioner Miller said, “The United Kingdom (UK) is really happy to be associated with this...for me, it's really exciting as it demonstrates Guyana’s story of growth. Just having a look at the Who’s Who Directory to see the number of businesses that are happening is phenomenal. I was at the Agri Expo earlier today [Friday], and that is another example of the incredible growth of this country and in so many sectors.” Dr. Ramsaroop reflected on his childhood with his grandparents and the differences between Guyana then and now. He also reminded and encouraged the young people to make use of the opportunities that are currently available to them. (Cindy Parkinson)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Small and large businesses ‘bloom’ at Agri Expo

By Trina Williams

PLACING a smile on the faces of consumers and producers, the array of opportunities being rolled out at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo has been definitely raising the bar for Guyana’s agriculture sector.

management, it is now seeing brighter prospects. Present at the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo was Hakh Group, which seeks to support Guyanese by providing top-ofthe-line rice products, according to its representative, Reyad Mo-

Some of the products by the Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (Trina Williams photos)

As the atmosphere came alive on the opening day, Friday, and people flocked the booths to become more knowledgeable on what Guyana has to offer,

hamed. Ranging from white rice, rice bran and paddy, to name a few, the local company is aiming to contribute to Guyana’s growing economy and even col-

Some of the products produced by Hakh Group

the Sunday Chronicle had the privilege of speaking to some of the participants. Although the rice industry has undergone a number of challenges due to previous sub-par

laborate with regional and international investors. “We’re looking forward [to having] more business. [It] would [not only] be better for the company but also

the community because once we get business, we’ll be able to employ more workers,” he stated. Standing in tune with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s, ‘25 by 2025’ vision, Sean Ramdeo from Agro-In, welcomed the initiative and

stated what is required to attain the overall goal. He said, “We do get a lot of exposure while we're here. Whereas trying to do this on our own it is a little bit more difficult [especially] to bring all these types of people in one

place. “To have access to this type of group and this type of crowd is [an] amazing opportunity for us [and] for everyone in the agri sector to connect and grow. It's something that is definitely needed if we are to achieve the

government's and the region's vision of 25 by 2025.” Also, the Guyanese company supplies a line of certified organic products, which are helpful in reducing the synthetic and chemical impact on the environTURN TO PAGE 18

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Small and large... FROM PAGE 17

People flocking Agro-In Booth (Trina Williams photo)

ment and the produce. “Our aim and vision is to be of use and of help to our farmers, our frontline growers. We are also very interested

that while the opening day did not bring in the large crowd they were expecting, the overall goal of WADN was to bring light to the mission of the organisation.

Ashdel’s booth and its products (Adrian Narine photo)

in companies that are looking to invest and expand into Guyana with the vision of assisting our Guyanese farmers and helping organic farmers prosper and grow,” Ramdeo told the Sunday Chronicle. Furthermore, he said that the company was also working on providing better and diverse technologies in the agricultural sector. Ta r g e t t i n g t h e enhancement of the livelihoods of women in rural communities, Rosamund Benn, from Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (WADN) was elated to be present at the event, owing to the vast number of opportunities that were present. “It is a very good initiative because persons look forward to it,” she said adding that the event brings hope to many small companies seeking recognition. “Benn asserted

“We know for the first day we might not have a large crowd but we’re expecting to see between tomorrow and Sunday, lots of people [to] come out and support local,” Benn related. Meanwhile, Ashton Parris from Ashdel’s said that he was grateful for the platform because their sole objective was to grow and expand on the local scale and then try to attain new heights in the international realm. Ashdel’s is a brand that crafts products such as instant soup, instant porridge and instant pepperpot. Unique to Guyanese culture, Parris told this publication that it was his mother, Grace Parris, who came up with the venture. “So our idea is that in a busy day in our busy working lives, we should be able to go because [we] always grab on [and] make things fast,” he noted.

Woman dies in NA fire

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

The remains of the house following the fire

AN early morning fire at Lot 2137 St. Magdalene Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, on Saturday, claimed the life of 58-year-old Sharon Austin. The Guyana Fire Service, in a press release, said it received a call around 04:19 hours and was alerted to the fire; water tenders #74, #78, and #87 and water carrier #7, with their respective crews from

the New Amsterdam fire station, were immediately dispatched to the location. The structure was a two-storey wooden and concrete building owned by 58-year-old Felix Austin, which he occupied with his family of six. “The fire started after an energised electrical fan overheated and came into contact with nearby combus-

tible materials which ignited,” the Fire Service said. While the other adults and children managed to escape, Sharon was not so fortunate. The ground floor of the building was slightly damaged, while the first floor was severely damaged and the contents were completely destroyed.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Sheriff Construction invests $2.5 billion in dump trucks A replica of one of the dump trucks bought by Sheriff Construction Company WITH the aim of capi- all the unpleasantness that talising on the country’s people are being faced with, economic boom and giving and look at us. We are living back to Guyanese through in a country that is developjob creation, the Sheriff ing at a rapid rate, a country Construction Company where all the sectors are is poised to transform its blooming, a country where operation by acquiring 100 we have a leader for all of state-of-the-art 2023 Howo its people. Of course, the NX 6x4 dump trucks from aim is to make money with Elite Peak Inc. these large investments, but Speaking with the Sun- we are also contributing to day Chronicle, the owner of other people’s development Sheriff Construction Com- as well. How can we not pany, Ameir Ahmad said, support that?” “2.5 billion dollars is a major Furthermore, Ahmad investment, but in my opin- pleaded with his fellow priion, it shows our dedication, vate investors to invest in Sheriff's unwavering dedi- the nation and its people cation to our nation, and the by providing employment development of our resourc- opportunities for them. es so that we can help with “That is essentially the the larger initiatives that are core driving force behind still to be undertaken.” Sheriff Companies, and it According to him, with is one of the key reasons this type of investment, we invest because we are Sheriff Construction is proud of the fact that we are poised to completely trans- advancing Guyana's growth form its operational capa- and adding to the legacy of bilities. development in the country.” “These trucks are He added, “In addition equipped with state-of-the- to improving operational efart features and are known fectiveness, this large-scale for their superior perfor- fleet addition for Sheriff puts mance. Like every invest- the business in a better poment, we need to ensure that sition to take on even more we are wise about what we challenging projects in the are investing in. We must region, and these trucks are think about the pros and set to be delivered in phases, cons for ourselves, but, more starting in December 2023 importantly, we need to en- and concluding in December sure that we consider the 2024.” ways in which it will benefit The strategy, according our country and its people,” to him, is to ensure that Ahmad related. there is a smooth integration With the continuous ex- of assets into the compapansion of Guyana’s econ- ny's operation, which will omy, he added, “I have guarantee their optimal use continuously said that even across a diverse range of though President Ali and his projects. government are doing an exMeanwhile, the Direcceptional job by creating job tor of Projects at Sheriff opportunities for Guyanese, Guyana, Hayma Singh, especially the young people, told the Sunday Chronicle we have to also remember that, “this investment sigthat they cannot move the nifies a monumental leap country forward alone. As forward for Sheriff Cona part of the private sector, struction. These trucks I know that we need to, represent more than just and can do, more for our vehicles; they are a testaeconomy. ment to our unwavering “Let us take a moment to dedication to delivering consider all that is currently world-class construction happening in the world, solutions.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Walsh fireworks take Hurricanes to second win P O RT O F S PA I N , Tr i n i d a d , ( C M C ) – Leg-spinning all-rounder Hayden Walsh starred as Leeward Islands Hurricanes marched to their second win of the Regional Super50 Cup with a 66-run victory over West Indies Academy.

With his side stumbling at 157 for six in the 35th over, Walsh arrived to top-score with an unbeaten 60 from 55 deliveries, and get his side up to 239 all out in the penultimate over at Queen’s Park Oval. Then, with WI Academy galloping along at 64 without loss in the

16th over, the 31-yearold intervened with a five-wicket haul to send the innings tumbling to 173 all out off 40 overs. Openers Kimani Melius (37) and Matthew Nandu (29), along with Teddy Bishop (27) and captain Nyeem Young (25) all got starts but failed to carry

on, as the WI Academy run chase came apart spectacularly at the seams during the middle overs. Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh. (file photo) Sent in here Saturday, Hurricanes recovered from the loss of Kofi James for three in

Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh

the second over with six runs on the board, courtesy of a 58-run, second wicket partnership between Keacy Carty (37) and Kieran Powell (33) Both looked in good nick, Carty facing 55 balls and striking four fours and the left-handed Powell counting five fours in another breezy 36-ball knock. When both perished as Hurricanes lost three wickets for 37 runs, Justin Greaves (39) and Jahmar Hamilton (27) put on 33 for the fourth wicket, to stabilise the innings. Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop, who finished with four for 27, knocked over Hamilton and Rahkeem Cornwall (14) to leave Hurricanes stuttering

but Walsh rallied the back end well, lashing three fours and three sixes in a critical 66run, seventh wicket stand with Greaves. I n r e p l y, M e l i u s stroked five fours and a six in a 53-ball knock while Nandu punched four fours off 45 deliveries, the pair posting an impressive 64 for the first wicket to put Hurricanes under pressure. Wa l s h ’ s i n t r o duction changed the course of the run chase, however, the out-of-favour West Indies white-ball star (5-48) combining with left-arm spinner Daniel Doram (3-33) to wreck the innings, WI Academy losing four wickets for 13 runs off 40 balls.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday October 22, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Ricky Ponting (2) Ricky Ponting Today’s Quiz: (1) Who led his team to the 2007 World Cup title? (2) Who was declared Man of the Match in the final? Answers in tomorrow’s issue …………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………… …………………………………

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Cricket World Cup 2023:

England crushed by South Africa in dismal defeat

England's World Cup defence is hanging by a thread after a horrible 229-run thrashing by South Africa in Mumbai. The world champions can still qualify for the semi-finals but will likely have to win all five of their remaining group matches to guarantee doing so. In one of their all-time worst defeats, England struggled with illness and injury in sweltering heat and the Proteas crashed 399-7 - the most England have ever conceded in a 50-over game. Heinrich Klaasen hit a 61-ball hundred and Marco Jansen 75 from 42 balls as England lost all control. Having been battered in the field, England's batters were then blown away in what became an increasingly ugly night. They were 68-6 and then 100-8 - only some slogging from Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson preventing an even more humiliating margin of defeat. Still, it is the largest in their history in terms of runs in one-day international cricket, with Jos Buttler's side 170 all out in 22 overs. Their floundering campaign continues against Sri Lanka on Thursday before meetings against India and Australia that could end

their chances. England hammered in the heat England came into this game needing a statement win to resurrect their campaign. Instead, it has been left in a sorry mess after one of their all-time lows on this stage. They won the toss and rung the changes - Chris Wo a k e s , S a m C u r r a n and Liam Livingstone all dropped and Ben Stokes finally fit - before Reece Topley had Quinton de Kock caught behind with the second ball. (BBC Topley went off with an injured finger on his bowling hand in the seventh over, Adil Rashid battled admirably through illness for 2-61, only for their problems to deepen when David Willey, one of the three replacements, went down with cramp after 36 overs. The result was a team that looked utterly frazzled. The last 10 overs went for 143 runs, including 84 from the final five, as Klaasen and Jansen brutally combined for a partnership of 151 in just 77 balls. That left England needing to pull off their highest chase in ODIs and the highest by any team at a World

South Africa batter Heinrich Klassen slammed a 61 ball century Cup - but, faced with a wave of momentum, they did not get close. Unless they can produce one of the most unlikely turnarounds, their reign as world champions will be over before the tournament really hots up. Batters blown away England's slide started as early as the third over when Jonny Bairstow, having flicked one leg-side six, was caught at fine leg after sending the ball high into the night sky off Lungi Ngidi. When Joe Root flicked Jansen into the hands of leg slip and Dawid Malan was caught down the leg side on review to start the left-armer's next over the writing was already on the wall. Stokes was playing his

first match of the tournament after hip injury. Even he could not pull England out of this mess. He drove straight back to Kagiso Rabada and was caught and bowled for five before 23-year-old seamer Gerald Coetzee nicked off Buttler for 15 and pinned Harry Brook lbw for 17 in the space of three balls. Wood and Atkinson had some fun in their partnership of 70 in 32 balls. Wood was dropped on 10 and hit five sixes in his 43, while Atkinson struck seven fours in a 21-ball 35. But defeat was confirmed when Atkinson was bowled by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, with Topley not able to bat because of his injury. Afterwards, England coach Matthew Mott said early indications are Topley has suffered a broken finger and added travelling reserve Jofra Archer will not be considered for selection, with any potential replacement for Topley to be flown in. Klaasen inflicts carnage South Africa actually made a careful start after the loss of De Kock by reaching 18-1 off six overs. Reeza Hendricks, who was called in on the morning of the game to replace ill captain Temba Bavuma, took 13

balls to get off the mark. But the injury to Topley, suffered fielding a drive off his own bowling, proved to be the catalyst, as measured aggression became all-out attack. His next two deliveries were hit for four before Root had to complete the left-armer's over. Hendricks struck 85 from 75 balls before being bowled by Rashid as the Proteas reached 200-3 in the 31st over. Topley eventually returned after lengthy treatment and when he had Aiden Markram caught at deep mid-wicket and David Miller taken at mid-on there was a chance for England to limit the damage. Klaasen, though, took 21 balls to go from 50 to 100 by crashing anything short and driving high down the ground while also struggling with the heat and humidity. Willey, by now battling the effects of cramp, bowled a waist-high full toss that was thrashed for six while Topley conceded 26 from the 49th and Wood's seven wicketless overs went for 76. 'It felt like a bad dream' - reaction Player of the match, South Africa batter Heinrich Klaasen: "That hundred is up there with my best ever.

The conditions were brutal. "The defeat to the Netherlands was a tough loss but one defeat does not make a bad team. This was a fantastic performance." England captain Jos Buttler: "Incredibly disappointing. We came here with high hopes, we wanted to play our best cricket but we were well short of that and really well beaten in the end. Potentially we should've batted first in this heat. "It leaves us with no room for error. We probably have to win every other game we play from here on." South Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram: "A fantastic all-round performance from us. A great way to bounce back from the defeat to the Netherlands. You couldn't have asked for bigger efforts and the skills on top of those efforts, too." England coach Matthew Mott, speaking to BBC Sport: "It is a real low point for us. It felt like a bad dream. "It's really clear for us now. We just need to win every game we're in. "We've got a lot of work to do, we know that. We're not happy with where we are at but we're going to have to turn it around."(BBC Sport)

Cricket World Cup 2023: Jofra Archer not available for England if Reece Topley ruled out By Ffion WynneBBC Sport

JOFRA Archer will not be able to join England's World Cup squad if Reece Topley is ruled out of the tournament by injury, says coach Matthew Mott. Fast bowler Topley, 29, suffered a suspected broken finger in England's 229-run thrashing by South Africa. Fellow seamer Archer, 28, travelled to India this week to continue his rehabilitation from an elbow

injury but is now set to travel home. "Jofra is not going to be considered for selection," Mott told Sky Sports. "He's come out and he's reported to the medical staff, but he's not going to be able to play a part in the end of this campaign." Injuries have limited Archer's cricket career since his starring role in England's World Cup victory on home soil in 2019. He made his international return against South Africa in February after 22

months on the sidelines with elbow and back injuries, only to be ruled out for the summer in May with a recurrence of the stress fracture in his right elbow. Archer was not considered fit enough for a place in the 15-man World Cup squad, but trained with England last month. He took part in his first training session in India on Thursday. England will have to fly out a replacement for Topley if needed. On Topley's injury,

Mott added: "We're still waiting on that but it's very much looking like it's a crack. "Certainly that's the early diagnosis but we'll find out properly with X-rays." Left-armer Topley went off in his seventh over after taking a blow to his bowling hand while fielding a drive off his own delivery. He returned with strapping on his left hand and bowled five more overs but was expensive in conceding 88 runs for his

three wickets. Similarly to Archer, Topley's England career has been hampered cruelly by injuries. Topley made his international debut in 2015 only to suffer four stress fractures in his back in the space of five years. After forcing his way back into the set-up, he was ruled out of last year's T20 World Cup after tripping over a boundary sponge and subsequently dislocated his shoulder upon his return to action in the Indian Premier

League. England opted for a pace-heavy bowling attack in their defeat by South Africa but the quartet of David Willey, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson and Topley were largely unthreatening as the Proteas pummelled 399-7 in 50 overs. Chris Woakes and Sam Curran are the other seam bowling options in the squad, though both have struggled in England's campaign so far that has seen them win just one game in four.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Sir Bobby Charlton: England World Cup winner and Manchester United legend dies SIR Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United legend, who was a key figure in England's 1966 World Cup victory, has died at the age of 86. Charlton won 106 caps for England and scored 49 international goals - records for his country at the time. During a 17-year firstteam career with United he won three league titles, a European Cup and an FA Cup. Charlton's family said he "passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning". In November 2020, it was announced Charlton had been diagnosed with dementia. He died surrounded by his family, who said in a statement they wished to "pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him". "We would request that the family's privacy be respected at this time," their statement added, as the family said his loss was felt "with great sadness". United paid a fond tribute to Charlton, describing him as "one of the greatest and most beloved players in the history of our club". "Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world," the club said. "He was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity as he was for his outstanding qualities as a footballer; Sir Bobby will always be remembered as a giant of the game. "His unparalleled record of achievement, character and service will be forever etched in the history of Manchester United and English football and his legacy will live on through the life-changing work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation. "The club's heartfelt sympathies are with his wife Lady Norma, his daughters and grandchildren, and all who

loved him." His death leaves Sir Geoff Hurst - the striker who scored a hat-trick in England's 4-2 win over West Germany in the 1966 final - as the sole surviving member of the triumphant team. HURST POSTED ON X , formerly Twitter: "Very sad news today. One of the true Greats Sir Bobby Charlton has passed away. We will never forget him and nor will all of football. A great colleague and friend, he will be sorely missed by all of the country beyond sport alone. Condolences to his family and friends." Charlton's older brother Jack, who died in July 2020, and their fellow World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, who passed away in October 2020, had also both been diagnosed with dementia. An Old Trafford legend Born in Ashington, Northumberland on 11 October, 1937, Charlton joined Manchester United as a schoolboy in 1953, turning professional the next year and making his first-team debut against Charlton Athletic in October 1956, aged 18. In February 1958, he was a survivor of the Munich air crash in which 23 people died, including eight of his United team-mates. The accident had a profound impact on the rest of Charlton's life. "There isn't a day that goes by I don't remember what happened and the people who are gone," he said on a visit to Munich many years later. "Manchester United at that time were going to be one of the greatest teams in Europe. The accident changed everything. The fact that the players are not here and are never going to be judged is sad. They'll never grow old." He became a focal point of manager Sir Matt Busby's rebuilding effort. Joined by Denis Law and George Best, Charlton inspired

SIR Bobby Charlton United to a first European Cup win in 1968, scoring twice in the final against Benfica. He had been awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1966 after playing every minute of England's World Cup victory. Charlton went on to break United's scoring and appearance records - netting 249 goals in 758 games to cement his status as one of British football's all-time greats - before leaving the club in May 1973. Those long-standing records were eventually broken, with Ryan Giggs finishing on 963 games and Wayne Rooney scoring 253 goals. After leaving Old Trafford, Charlton spent two years as manager and player-manager at Preston North End before resigning in August 1975. In the following year, he played briefly in the Republic of Ireland before moving into the boardroom at Wigan Athletic, where he also had a spell as caretaker manager. In June 1984, he became a director at his beloved United and 10 years later he was knighted, having previously been awarded an OBE and CBE. Charlton came second in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award in 1958 and 1959. In 2008, he received the Lifetime Achievement award. United renamed Old Trafford's South Stand in his honour in 2016 as it became the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand. The club said Erik ten

Hag's team would wear black armbands in Saturday evening's Premier League game at Sheffield United, with both sides paying their respects ahead of kick-off alongside the planned period of silence for those affected by the Israel-Gaza war. A wreath was to be laid at the United Trinity statue at Old Trafford on behalf of the club, with a book of condolence to be open to fans and the public from Sunday. The bronze statue immortalises Charlton, Best and Law. Talks continue about how best to commemorate Charlton's life ahead of Tuesday's Champions League game against Copenhagen in Manchester. Tributes to 'England's greatest player' News of Charlton's death was met with sorrow across the football world. "It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton," said the Football Association through England's X account. “An integral part of our 1966 FIFA World Cup winning campaign, Sir Bobby won 106 caps and scored 49 times for the Three Lions. "A true legend of our game. We will never forget you, Sir Bobby." England manager Gareth Southgate added: "One of our most iconic players, Sir Bobby Charlton's impact on our only World Cup triumph is there for

all to see. "The privilege of meeting him on several occasions allowed me to understand his personal pride and emotion in having represented England and simply confirmed in my mind his standing as one of the gentlemen of the game. "The world of football will unite in its sadness at losing an undisputed legend." Beckham said: "Today isn't just a sad day for Manchester United and England, it's a sad day for football and everything that Sir Bobby represented. Today our hearts are heavy." Beckham's former club and country team-mate Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, remembered Charlton as "England's greatest player and greatest ambassador". Neville said: "He used to come into the changing room after a match - win, lose or draw. Something when I was a player at the club you maybe would take for granted - this legend would be walking around your changing room saying 'well done' or offering his commiserations. "He was the golden thread through from Sir Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson, two golden eras in Man Utd's history and he was the constant through both of them." European football's governing body Uefa added: "On behalf of the entire European football community, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the game's true greats. Rest in peace, Sir Bobby." Dementia in football Charlton, who made his international debut against against Scotland at Hampden Park in April 1958, just over two months after the Munich air disaster, was the fifth member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning side to be diagnosed with dementia. In addition to his brother, Jack, and Stiles, both Ray Wilson, who died in 2018, and Martin Peters, who died in

2019, had the condition. Stiles, Peters and Wilson were diagnosed with it while still in their sixties. Charlton's wife, Lady Norma, expressed the hope that the knowledge of his diagnosis could help others. Sir Bobby was the best player in the world - Beckenbauer Charlton's stature in Sir Alf Ramsey's England team led to him being given a special role in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley. He was one of the team's key attacking talents - scoring three times in the earlier rounds, including two in a 2-1 victory over Portugal in the semi-final - yet he was asked to man-mark West Germany's playmaker Franz Beckenbauer. "I had waited my whole life to play in a World Cup final and I am asked to manmark, which I had never done before," said Charlton. "But when the whistle went, Franz Beckenbauer came straight to me - he had been given the same instruction." While Ramsey was concerned about the potential impact Beckenbauer might have on the final, the West Germany manager Helmut Schon had the same fears about Charlton. The pair effectively cancelled each other out - Charlton acknowledged that neither player "had much impact on the final". But the tactic gave other England players, such as hattrick hero Hurst, the chance to make their own mark on history. And Beckenbauer saw at close quarters just why his manager had been so concerned. He said: "[Charlton] was the engine of the England game. In this game I realised how difficult it is to follow him and to mark him because in my opinion, in 1966 in the World Cup, he was the best player in the world."

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Winners Connection could wrap up championship with win or draw againt New Rockers Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection with six points after two wins, are likely to face an uphill task when they clash with Net Rockers at 18.00hrs in their final group game of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) ‘Road to Elite League’ tournament which concludes tonight (Sunday). That game will be followed with Botafago facing Topp XX from 20.00hrs at the Wisburg Secondary School ground. Last Sunday Nicholas Gentle with a brace in the 7th and 52nd minutes and one each from Malachi Todd (52nd minute) and David

Fiedtkou in the 84th minute accounted for the win by Winners Connection which denied the individual effort by Devon Adams who netted a hat-trick for Topp XX netting in the 14th, 28th and 48th minutes of play as they lost 4-3. In the other game, Botafago, through a single strike by Omar Brewley in the 9th minute, edged past Net Rockers by a 1-0 margin. A win or drawn tonight will result with Haynes and Winners Connection ending on either nine or seven points and in an unassailable position. Winners Connection ‘s opponents tonight, Net Rock-

ers, have one draw and one loss for one point. Botafago, who face Topp XX, are one three points from one win and one loss and a win tonight would see them have six points. As such they cannot afford to draw or lose and hope that Winners Connection lose to stand a chance of ending on similar points and challenge for the top position based on goal difference. The four clubs have played two of their three games in the round robin tournament specially arranged by the UDFA to arrive at a club from Linden to play in the tournament to be arranged by the Guyana Football Federation to have a

club qualify for the National Club championship known as the Elite League. In the first set of results one month ago, Winners Connection defeated Botafago 2-1 and Net Rockers and Topp XX played to a nil all draw. The second round resulted in Botafago defeating Net Rockers 1-0 and Winners Connection overcoming Topp XX by a 4-3 score-line. This evening’s final set of matches will see Winners Connection face Net Rockers from 18.00hrs and Topp XX and Botafago match skills from 20.00hrs. (Joe Chapman)

Photo of Winners Connection goal-scorers against Topp XX (from left), Malachi Todd, David Fiedtkou and Nicholas Gentle

Women’s Big Bash League: Melbourne Stars bowled out for 29 by Adelaide Strikers

Melbourne Stars were bowled out for just 29 as they suffered a record 148run defeat by Adelaide Strikers in the Women's Big Bash League. It is the lowest team total in the history of the competition. Strikers' triumph is the WBBL's biggest margin of victory in terms of runs. It is also believed to be the lowest total in a professional women's T20 league, eclipsing the 47 all out by

WBBL champions Adelaide Strikers started their title defence with a record victory

Velocity against Trailblazers in India's T20 challenge in 2020. Seamer Megan Schutt and leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington finished with figures of 3-3 and 3-4 respectively to finish the Stars innings in 9.3 overs. Defending champions Strikers started their campaign by posting an imposing 177-3 batting first. The total was set up by a 135-run opening stand between South Africa interna-

tional Laura Wolvaardt and Katie Mack, who top-scored with 86 from just 50 balls. Captain Tahlia McGrath chipped in with a valuable 34 from 19 balls as spinner Sophie Day took the only three wickets that Stars could manage. Stars and Australia captain Meg Lanning was dismissed by Schutt in the second over of the reply for just one, before England duo Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey both fell in the third

over. Dunkley's nine was Stars' highest score as Schutt, Wellington and leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe ripped through the line-up, with England's Maia Bouchier falling for a first-ball duck. The previous lowest WBBL total was Brisbane Heat's 66 against Melbourne Renegades in 2017, while the margin of victory eclipsed Perth Scorchers' 104-run win over Renegades in 2022. (BBC Sport).

‘Ambitious plans’ in pipeline for women’s game: Bascombe ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Newly appointed Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said there were “ambitious plans and programmes” in the pipeline to invigorate women’s cricket, after overseeing the launch of the inaugural Women’s Cricket Academy. In a statement Thursday, Cricket West Indies(CWI) said the academy got underway last month at Coolidge Cricket Ground here, terming the development as “a significant milestone for women’s cricket in the region.” The regional governing

body said the main goal of the academy would be the “nurturing and developing” of talent across the region. “This move aligns with Cricket West Indies’ commitment to fostering the growth of women’s cricket and investing in the development of players at all levels,” Bascombe said. “We have ambitious plans and programmes lined up to ensure sustained growth in women’s cricket. “Our investment in talent development and coaching will create a robust foundation for the future success of our women cricketers. “Our approach is to in-

crementally seek to level the playing field, and we have started this process in earnest in other key areas.” Only recently, CWI announced significant increases in prize money for the women’s tournaments, as part of an overall boost in payouts for all regional competitions. Additionally, the Dr Kishore Shallow-led administration moved to align the women’s international travel with their male counterparts, instituting a new policy that will see the side flying business class for long haul trips. Bascombe, who replaced Jimmy Adams as director of

cricket last June, said the new developments had come as a result of direct discussions with women’s players at a recent meeting. “We have had a fruitful engagement with our women players during our recently held West Indies Cricket Players’ Summit in Barbados, and have taken into consideration their views,” said the 37-year-old former Windward Islands batsman, who played a single Twenty20 International 12 years ago. “Such discussions have informed the priority areas for women’s cricket at this point, particularly the devel-

New CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe opment pathway.” Pointing to the West In-

dies Women’s A-team tour of Pakistan which bowls off next week in Lahore, Bascombe said CWI were firmly focussed on continuing to foster such development initiatives. “The trajectory of women’s cricket is one that is very pleasing and that is why we are presently supporting the Women’s ‘A’ Team tour to Pakistan,” he said. “Giving our players international opportunities helps to strengthen our second line and further enhances our competitive chances.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

Twenty-six referees selected for FIFA RAP & Futsal Referee Instructors’ course

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Referees Department has chosen twenty-six referees from various regions to take part in the FIFA Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP) and Futsal Referee Instructors Course which opened last Friday at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Plantation Liliendaal in Georgetown. The five-day training programme focuses on enhancing match officiating in both traditional and futsal football formats. The October 20 opening ceremony was attended by GFF President Wayne Forde, FIFA Referee Development Officer Javier Santos, FIFA referee instructors, Rohan Thobourne, Dianne Ferreira-James and Shane Butler, along with Concacaf Referee Manager, Dave Miekle. The diverse group of participants, including sev-

GFF & FIFA Officials (seated) and referees (standing) take a photo-op en female referees, were selected from Berbice, Linden, Georgetown, and Kamarang to attend the internationally recognised theoretical and practical training programme. RAP has been at the

forefront of enhancing the quality of refereeing through education and assistance, uplifting both traditional football and futsal in the region since 2008. In his opening remarks, GFF President Forde ex-

pressed his satisfaction with the rise in female participants and urged the group to recognise the significant investment being made by FIFA and GFF in their development as game officials, and to give more

than 100 percent. Over the next few days, referees will undergo assessments in game knowledge and receive training on the interpretation and application of traditional football and futsal laws.

Theory sessions will take place at GOA, while field and fitness sessions will be held at the Georgetown Football Club Ground. Certificates will be awarded on October 23.

GCA’s Pepsi 50-over first Division cricket

Jaikarran (132), Barnwell (120) & Van Lange (96) power DCC to record total By Sean Devers

ON a hot day at the small DCC ground, DCC, led by contrasting centuries from Chris Barnwell and Brandon Jaikarran and 96 from Jonathon Van Lange posted a record 456-7 to destroy Everest yesterday. The left-handed Brandon Jaikarran, who hit 17 fours and three sixes in a carefully constructed 147-ball 132, added 149 for the third wicket with Chris Barnwell whose pugnacious 120 lasted just 62 balls and was decorated with 10 fours and nine sixes.

The attacking 17-yearold Jonathon Van Lange, who fell four short of a maiden First-Division century, reached the boundary 13 times and cleared it thrice in his 96 from 64 balls while Nkosie Beaton contributed a cameo 39 from 13 balls with four fours and three sixes. Andre Boyce and Arun Bissu captured two wickets each for Everest who were dismissed for 183 from 34 overs, chasing 481 to win after 24 penalty runs were added to DCC’s total due to Everest only completing 44 overs when completion time expired. With off-spinner In-

derjit Nanan took 4-24, Beaton had 3-48, and Ezekiel Wilson 2-25 Everest never threatened the massive total with only Varun Mangle top scoring with 42 while Denish Mangal (21) and Arial Tilku (20) offered token résistance. The tournament was off to an inauspicious start with the low standard on the field by the Everest team, with eight of their players participating in the super50 while Guyana standby Richie Looknauth was also absent yesterday. There was also just one official umpire and only one scorer.

Jonathon Vanlange on the go at DCC before falling four runs short of a ton (Sean Devers photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

November 17-19 is the new date for the 2023 IGG games

THE 2023 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) will now take place from November 17th to 19th, as officially confirmed by the host nation, Suriname. This confirmation led to Guyana and French Guiana also confirming their participation. Originally scheduled for October 26th to 31st, the historic event was postponed for several weeks due to financial challenges faced by the Surinamese administration. This situation, initially communicated by Suriname's Director of Sport, Gordon Tjouw Ngie Touw, to his counterparts in Guyana and French Guiana, has been resolved. Suriname previously hosted the last edition in 2017 before a five-year hiatus. An inspection of facilities and an official meeting among the sports directors

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 22, 2023

of the participating nations will take place in Paramaribo on Thursday to finalize the logistical arrangements for the games. The eight disciplines to be contested are chess, futsal, football, lawn tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball, and athletics. Table tennis and badminton were removed from the initial list of ten sports due to scheduling conflicts with other international competitions during the same period. Delegations are scheduled to arrive on November 16th and depart on November 20th. The National Sports Commission will hold a meeting with the representatives of the associations and administrators of the competing sports on Monday. Steve Ninvalle, Guyana's Director of Sport, welcomed the confirmation of the IGG,

Flashback to the 2022 games opening ceremony in Guyana emphasizing its significance beyond competition as a unifying platform for culturally linked nations. He highlighted the government's commitment to its development and

social value, particularly in reviving the games after a five-year hiatus. The IGG, first held in 1967, is traditionally an annual event. It was revived

in 2022 after a five-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 400 athletes and coaches participating. The IGG not only showcases young athletes

from the three countries but also serves as a cultural and educational platform, fostering unity, trust, and understanding among the people of the Guianas.

GCA’s Pepsi 50-over first Division cricket

Jaikarran (132), Barnwell (120) & Van Lange (96) power DCC to record total 30 SEE PAGE

Chris Barnwell cuts for four at DCC during his 120 against Everest

Brandon Jaikarran drives during his 132 yesterday at DCC (Sean Devers photos)

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