–– US$45M Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (CARes) project signed
Technology key to reducing Guyana’s road accidents –– rising road accidents spur enhanced enforcement actions, Traffic Chief says Guyana’s mortgage rates decline even as global interest rates increase –– Dr. Jagdeo outlines how home ownership has become easier for Guyanese FITUG: Opposition Leader’s statement harmful to workers and their families
Guyanese linemen have joined their counterparts in Jamaica to assist in restoring transmission lines and power following Hurricane Beryl
Traffic Chief: Technology key to reducing Guyana’s road accidents
IN recent weeks, a dark shadow has fallen over Guyana’s roadways—an alarming spike in road accidents.
The situation has grown dreadful, with daily reports of collisions, injuries, and tragically, fatalities. The recent spate of accidents has left families grieving and has underscored the critical need for immediate intervention.
Reports from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) show that there has been a noticeable uptick in accidents involving speeding, drunk driving, and reckless behaviour.
In response, the Police Traffic Department is aggressively pursuing efforts to curb this surge and restore safety on the roads, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, has assured.
When contacted by the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, he provided a detailed account of the extensive measures being implemented to address this alarming trend, along with the challenges encountered.
According to him, the police handle traffic management and enforcement on a daily basis.
The primary focus of these efforts is to monitor and apprehend drivers who engage in speeding, drunk driving, and other hazardous behaviours.
He said that the police use their available resources to conduct targeted enforcement every day, in addition to deploying foot and vehicle patrols.
“We analyse where these
accidents are more prevalent.
And what are some of the contributing factors, apart from the drivers’ actions...”
The absence of road signs, markings, and lighting are among the contributing factors, according to the Traffic Chief. He declared that a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Works and the police would be initiated to address this issue, should it be identified.
Singh explained that one of the most effective tools in the police’s arsenal was technology, alluding to the state-of-the-art 24-hour sur-
veillance cameras on major roadways in Georgetown.
Earlier this month, Parliament approved amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to allow for the use of the cameras. In order to facilitate the ap-
plication of this new law, traffic lights will be equipped with road-intelligent camera systems.
The police will oversee the system. Vehicles breaking seatbelt and speeding regulations will be photographed. Following that, a notice of the fine and the photo will be mailed to the address of the vehicle’s owner and forwarded to their mobile phone number.
Currently, the cameras are situated along Mandela Avenue, connecting Georgetown to Eccles on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) highway. Singh stated that due to the accessibility of advanced technology, law enforcement now has the ability to monitor ongoing events in
real-time, enhancing their accident-investigation capabilities. Once this project is replicated nationwide, road users will no longer be able to allege bias by the police.
“Technology is now supporting the prosecution of traffic offenders. It will help persons to be more compliant, to use the road more safely and to observe the rules of the road and to support shared space with other road users,” he added.
Nevertheless, he underscored the importance of complementing this technology with traffic- calming measures such as speed humps and speed bumps, which employ distinct methods to reduce traffic speed.
The implementation of advanced technology has yielded favourable outcomes, facilitating ongoing surveillance and resulting in a substantial decrease in both traffic infractions and accidents.
Furthermore, these cameras have played a crucial role in the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of wrongdoers.
All year round, the police carry out robust public awareness campaigns to educate road users about road safety. The campaign includes outreaches to schools, bars, bus/car parks, and communities and the distribution of educational materials and helmets.
“Community relations is a big thing for us,” the Traffic Chief noted. “We target school-aged people. On the road, we target the drivers of all classes of vehicles and we
even go [to] the bars.”
According to the Traffic Chief, law enforcement will make visits to bars to emphasise to the owners the prohibition on serving alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age of 18 or those who are intoxicated.
He mentioned their intention to educate patrons of bars about the hazards associated with driving under the influence.
The Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act 2022 mandates liquor licence holders, among other obligations, to refrain from selling, providing, or exchanging intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated individual.
In the early hours of Monday, a devastating accident occurred at Kiltern Public Road in Corentyne, Berbice, resulting in the tragic death of an 18-year-old woman and severe injuries sustained by her 24-year-old husband.
The speeding car, PAF 6330, was being driven by the husband who was suspected to be intoxicated. The car collided with a parked crane before landing in a nearby canal.
On Sunday, 16-yearold Julio Joseph of Pomona Housing Scheme, Region Two, lost his life after the driver of the vehicle he was in lost control and crashed into the concrete fence of a private residence at Fairfield, Region Two.
The 20-year-old driver is hospitalised with life-threatening injuries.
Gov’t ramps up efforts to strengthen Guyana’s flood resilience
— US$45M Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (CARes) project signed
AS the government continues to ramp up efforts to strengthen the country’s flood adaptation and resilience, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday signed a US$45 million agreement with the World Bank, for the Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (CARes) project.
Signing on behalf of the World Bank was its Resident Representative, Diletta Doretti. The CARes project marks the latest and the second largest investment to date being financed through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) established by the Government pursuant to the Guyana-Norway partnership, under the original Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), utilising the remaining portion of the over US$220 million earned by Guyana for its forest climate services.
This US$45 million CARes project will see the rehabilitation, or complete replacement of more than 45 kokers/sluices across Guyana, and builds on Government’s efforts to enhance flood-risk management.
This intervention will increase Guyana’s resilience and adaptive capacity to prevent, manage and mitigate flooding across its coastal regions, safeguarding lives and livelihoods, and building on the extensive investment that the Government has made in strengthening its coastal resilience.
The Ministry of Agriculture will be the project's executing agency, while the World Bank will act as a partner entity, bringing its
As the government continues to ramp up efforts to strengthen the country’s flood adaptation and resilience, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday signed a US$45 million agreement with the World Bank, for the Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (CARes) project
technical expertise on flood risk resilience and its fiduciary, social and environmental safeguards.
Minister Singh, while delivering remarks, highlighted that under the leadership of His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, the Government has been significantly ramping up investments to address the strengthening, expansion and rehabilitation of the country’s Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) infrastructure, which lays the foundation for rapid growth in agriculture, and improvement in quality of life being enjoyed by the citizens who live in all of the areas that will now be better protected from the risk of
flooding.
Dr. Singh further detailed that the CARes project is financed under GRIF, which has its origins in the original LCDS 2009, when the then-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, called for new global models for low-deforestation development pathways.
This culminated in the 2009 Guyana-Norway Agreement, under which Norway paid Guyana over US$220 million for its forest climate services for the period 2009 to 2015. The new and expanded LCDS 2030 builds from an original vision set out in 2009, and now provides for Guyana to receive revenues for forest
climate services from global voluntary carbon markets.
On December 1, 2022, the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions announced the issuance of 33.47 million TREES credit to Guyana for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020. On December 2, 2022, the Government of Guyana entered into an agreement with the Hess Corporation for the sale of carbon credits for a minimum of US$750 million between 2022 and 2032.
During brief remarks, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said that the project is in keeping with the Government’s continuous vision in enhancing the
country’s D&I infrastructure. This will contribute significantly to the country’s goal of becoming a lead food production hub and exporter of agricultural produce to the Caribbean Region. He further noted that with the utilisation of the oil and gas revenue, all sectors are being developed and modernised to be made more resilient and competitive.
Diletta Doretti, World Bank Group Resident Representative for Guyana and Suriname, during her remarks said that the project is also a critical component of Guyana’s LCDS aligning with the country’s broader vision for climate resilient
growth.
Under Component One of the CARes project, the rehabilitation and replacement of kokers will benefit an estimated population of 320,000 people and assist in protecting approximately 130 sq. km of urbanised area and 1,270 sq. km. of agricultural land in the connected catchments.
Under Component Two, the investments will continue to enhance the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority’s (NDIA) capacity and capability to manage and operate drainage infrastructure assets and apply flood risk management principles in spatial planning of new developments.
So far, funds earned through the Guyana-Norway partnership under the original LCDS have been invested in 18 projects, and are being implemented under different thematic areas including socio-economic development, climate resilience and adaptation, hinterland development, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Of the 18 projects, six are still under implementation: the Amerindian Land Titling Project; the Sustainable Land Development and Management Project; the ICT Access and e-Services for Hinterland Poor and Remote Communities Project; Support to the National Toshaos’ Council; the recently launched Guyana Solar Energy Project for 33 MW of renewable energy across Berbice, Essequibo and Linden; and now the Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (CARes) Project.
‘Guyana’s future not dependent on oil’
–– gov’t modernising, investing in traditional sectors, Dr. Ali reiterates
WHILE Guyana’s vast oil resources could catapult the country to new heights of prosperity, the government is modernising and investing in its traditional sectors.
“Guyana is not hedging its future on oil; we are modernising and investing in all our traditional and new sectors to make these sectors more competitive, and to ensure that these sectors can be successful.
“If you look at the growth profile of the country, you will see every sector has achieved significant growth over the last two years, and we are ensuring that we build the viability,” President Dr. Irfaan Ali said recently while engaging regional stakeholders.
The government, he said, is building a competitive economy, backed by dynamic and diverse investments that create an investor-friendly environment.
“Guyana is open to investment, and has a very friendly investment environment. Guyana offers very generous and fiscal invest -
ment incentives; Guyana has an open foreign currency market, low inflation, and stable financial system,” he added.
Speaking extensively on the agriculture sector, President Ali noted that Guyana could produce and supply enough sugar to meet the demands of the Caribbean region.
Reiterating that the government is not depending heavily on the oil-and-gas sector, he pointed out that attention is being given to traditional sectors.
Earlier this year, the President announced that the Enmore Sugar Estate is being converted into a sugar refinery.
The proposed Enmore sugar refinery is expected to refine 180,000 tonnes of sugar annually, and according to President Ali, the government may be looking at importing more.
“Whatever we can supply, we’ll supply, then we’ll have to fill the gap so refining will occur here,” he had said.
Dr. Ali said that the private sector is expected to
play an active role in spurring this progress, as the refinery will present additional demand for transport and logistics services to fuel its operations.
In 2017, the then APNU-led government had closed several major sugar estates across the country, leaving thousands of persons without jobs.
Over 40,000 persons had either directly or indirectly lost sources of income when the estates were closed, and investments were stymied.
At the last general and regional elections, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government vowed to reopen these estates, and upon assuming office, major investments were made to fulfil the Manifesto pledge of rehiring sugar workers and increasing sugar production.
According to recent statistics provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, over 8,000 persons are now employed across the sugar belt.
‘Lula’ ‘scared’ by Maduro rhetoric, urges respect for
BRAZIL’s President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva, on Monday urged Venezuela’s government to respect the result of next Sunday’s presidential election, saying he was “scared” by incumbent president Nicolas Maduro’s threat of a bloodbath if he loses.
The vote pits Maduro against opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.
“I have told Maduro that the only chance for Venezuela to return to normality is to have a widely respected electoral process,” ‘Lula’ told international news agencies.
Venezuela election
“I was scared by Maduro’s remarks that Venezuela could face bloodshed if he loses,” Lula said. “Maduro needs to learn that when you win, you stay; when you lose, you leave.”
‘Lula’ said Brazil will send two members of its electoral justice service to observe the election, as well as his top foreign policy adviser, former foreign minister Celso Amorim.
“I will see if the lower house of Congress and the Senate can also send people to follow the election,” he added. (Reuters)
President Dr. Irfaan Ali
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva
Guyana’s mortgage rates decline even as global interest rates increase
–– Dr Jagdeo outlines how home ownership has become easier for Guyanese
By Trina Williams
EVEN as global interest rates increase owing to key policy interventions, mortgage rates in Guyana have significantly decreased, making home ownership affordable and easier for citizens.
People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, disclosed this during a press conference last Thursday.
The General Secretary’s comments come at a time when, according to him, the government’s long-term investments and key cost-ofliving interventions are not being adequately acknowledged.
He highlighted that although Guyana is a way smaller country than the United States of America (USA), the PPP/C government has kept inflation relatively stable with its prudent management.
With the US being in election season, Dr Jagdeo said that at the Republican convention, the impacts of cost of living were highlighted and the claim was put forth by the speakers that the issue is “devastating” large sections of the population, owing to the major upsurge in prices.
The General Secretary, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice-President, decided to place focus on how home ownership has been bolstered under this current administration.
He said: “If you look at mortgage rates in Guyana, they have come down in spite of global increase in interest rates; it’s more affordable to get a loan now and take out a mortgage if you want home ownership and a lot of people are finding this out when they go to the banks.
“It’s a steep decline and largely because of, again, a government policy intervention that loans below income arising from loans below a certain threshold, US$40,000, which is $8 million that we removed the corporate tax from the income arising from those loans.”
Apart from this, the government has made tremendous injections into the housing sector. According to Dr Jagdeo, the government has developed some 33,000 house lots.
The Vice-President said: “We are building young professional homes. We are increasing the supply of homes. So, a Guyanese person now, even if they didn’t
get a house lot yet knows that once they apply, they will get a house lot.”
He further said that by the end of this year, the PPP/C administration would have completed some 40,000 more house lots since it assumed office in 2020.
Dr Jagdeo emphasised that while the cost of living continues to burden many, including those in large economies such as the US, there are policy implementations within Guyana’s context that are making the lives of Guyanese easier.
“But in Guyana’s case, every young person who applies for a house lot or anyone knows that some time if they don’t get it today, they will get it in the future. They know also that the government is building homes so that those who don’t have the resources to start, they don’t have the collateral, can get one of those core homes, because when it’s built, we take you to the bank and then you get the mortgage, and the mortgage rates now are so low that it’s affordable from the income,” he said.
A total of 30,406 house lots were distributed within three years since the PPP/C Government assumed office, Minister of Housing and
Water Collin Croal said earlier this year.
For 2023, there were 8,578 residential lots allocated. These revelations were disclosed at the ministry’s end-of-year news conference. Out of the 30,406 house lots allocated, 28,368 of them were residential.
According to the Housing Minister, youths and women made up a significant portion of the allottees. In fact, it was recorded that
53.3 per cent were youths. That is, 15,119 of the allottees were 35 years old or younger.
Additionally, over the last three years, there was a consistent 40 per cent allocation to women only; however, for 2023, this percentage soared to around 43 per cent. Moreover, approximately 90 per cent of allottees were between low to moderate income.
As the government con-
tinues to pursue its promise of providing affordable housing for all, the minister remarked that there are ongoing works to establish housing areas in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10.
Notably, in 2023, some 7,128 were distributed in Region Four. For 2023, another 1,079 lots were allocated in Region Three, 125 in Region Five, and 192 in Region Six.
Countless Opportunities
WITH the significant growth in Guyana’s oil- and-gas industry, and the PPP/C government’s realistic outlook on development and prosperity comes countless opportunities for locals, the Guyanese Diaspora and foreigners.
Every sector has benefits for all, but it is up to us to find those opportunities and put them to good use.
This was previously highlighted by Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and President of oil giant ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge. Their inputs gave the reassurance that Guyana is indeed the place to be, and brought into focus the exciting road that is ahead for all those who choose to partake in Guyana’s growth, and what surely has all the makings of a success story.
The Government of Guyana has always made it clear that while oil is wealth, the intent is to also focus on what is beyond this industry. It is for this reason that emphasis is being placed on creating new opportunities, boosting traditional industries, and creating new ones.
The government has opened its arms to foreign investors in several areas, among them tourism and hospitality, and construction, and the members of the diaspora, particularly those who have the skills to transform Guyana into the country that future generations can be proud of. Many have answered the call, and are proudly contributing to Guyana’s success. ExxonMobil, on the other hand, is also doing its part to support local contribu-
tion to the country’s development.
Adhering to Local Content laws, the Houston-headquartered company has some 1,700 local companies supporting its oil operations here, as well as local personnel within its various departments.
With US$55 billion in investments here, and having already spent around US$30 billion, ExxonMobil had repeatedly stated its commitment to not only providing the country with revenue that can transform it, but making employment opportunities available to Guyanese, so that they can be assured of a more secure future, and an improved standard of living.
The oil-resource money has been, and will continue to be used to transform the various non-oil sectors. Some
$240.1 billion of the oil money that is securely in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) will be used to cushion the 2024 trillion-dollar budget.
This sum represents a 91.9 per cent increase over the 2023 figure. This is certainly good news for the country, as it means our oil money is being sensibly utilised and incorporated into the development of the country.
We can already see improvements in several sectors: Public infrastructure, education, health and agriculture.
In the coming months and years, as oil production increases, Guyanese living within these shores and abroad can be assured of many more good things. Guyana represents success; a land of opportunity and prosperity in gigantic proportions.
President Ali, the PPP/C have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, vision over the past four years
Dear Editor,
AS we approach August 2, 2024, marking four years of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration, it is fitting to commend the President and his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for the unparalleled development that Guyana has experienced since August 2020.
Under Dr. Ali’s visionary leadership, Guyana has undergone a remarkable transformation, with advancements evident in every facet of our nation.
The 2020 elections were a critical juncture in our history. President Ali and the PPP/C bravely led the fight to preserve our democracy, thwarting attempts by the APNU-AFC coalition to undermine the will of the people.
The struggle to ensure a free and fair election was arduous, but it highlighted the President’s unwavering commitment
to democratic principles and justice. This dedication laid the foundation for the prosperity and stability we now enjoy.
President Ali’s leadership extends beyond national borders, making a significant impact in the Caribbean and on the global stage. His proactive approach to governance is reflected in his constant presence in communities across the nation.
Whether in bustling urban centres or the most remote villages, President Ali has made it a priority to connect with the masses, ensuring that development reaches every segment of society. This hands-on approach has fostered a sense of unity and inclusiveness, epitomised by his One Guyana Initiative.
One of the most commendable aspects of President Ali’s leadership is his focus on food security. By diversifying agriculture and implementing policies aimed at
reducing the Caribbean’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, he has positioned Guyana as a key player in regional food security. His administration’s emphasis on sustainable agriculture not only enhances our economic security, but also contributes significantly to the well-being of the entire Caribbean region.
Furthermore, the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is a testament to President Ali’s commitment to sustainable development. This strategy balances economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that Guyana’s natural resources are utilised responsibly.
The prudent economic management under his administration has led to robust infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities across the country.
President Ali’s dedication to the ho-
listic development of Guyana is evident in his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare, education, and social services. His policies have created an environment conducive to investment and innovation, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Guyanese.
In conclusion, President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision over the past four years.
Their achievements have set a high standard for governance and development, making Guyana a beacon of progress in the Caribbean.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us acknowledge and commend the President’s tireless efforts to build a united, prosperous, and sustainable Guyana.
Yours
Anson Paul
Truly,
Is Kamala Harris the ‘Trump card’ for the Democrats?
Dear Editor,
WILL Kamala Harris, in the Home of the Brave, be given the opportunity to break the glass ceiling and become the first female to preside over the United States of America? Is America, the Land of the Free, ready to be ruled by a woman, more so, by a Black woman, or, an Asian?
Or, in the Land of Milk and Honey, will history repeat itself as déjà vu for Donald Trump? Despite winning the popular vote in 2016 by almost 2.9 million votes, the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, lost to Donald Trump in the Electoral College Vote. Is America ready for a second stint of the ‘Mogul’ who, instead, wanted a code name ‘Humble’?
All these eventualities became possible when President Joe Biden retracted his candidacy for the US Presidential 2024 election over the weekend and endorsed his Vice-President to be the Democratic presidential candidate.
Will the aging and feeble 81-year-old 46th US president continue to serve out his full term, or, will he resign and allow Kamala Harris to become the next US President by way of default? A precedent would be created in the US of A. The “States” was known as Turtle Island and “Sleep Joe” was changed to “Crooked Joe” by the Republican 2024 presidential candidate, Donald Trump. Biden, now considered too old to be selected, was once too young to serve. He was
29 years old when he won a US senate seat in 1972. From being former President Barack Obama’s vice-president, he weathered the storm to defeat the incumbent Donald Trump from holding a second presidential term in 2020.
Despite his disastrous debate performance with Trump, Biden still outraised and outspent Trump in last month’s campaign. President Biden raised US$64 million and spent US59 million to leave US$95 million in the bank. Trump managed to raise US$21 million while spending US$10 million to leave US$128 million at the end of June.
The walls caved in as President Joe Biden’s loyalists and influential Democrats, namely, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, doubted his viability and expressed frustration over the Democratic criticism in Biden’s ability to beat Trump. His slips, spills and stumbles did not help as his age caught up with him and he was unable to jog with his VP.
Recently, he proved positive for COVID and had to rest. Unable to briskly board Airforce One, his physical declension showed as he slowly climbed the stairs. At a social event, he looked lost among dancing people and on another occasion, Barack Obama held his arm to lead him off the stage.
He even fumbled when he named Trump instead of Kamala Harris as his vice president, after calling Ukraine’s president “Putin” and quickly correcting himself. Being a grown man who wanted to finish the job, he
told Trump, “Make my day pal.”
The 77-year-old Donald Trump is not a happy camper with Biden out of the race. He now has to face a potential Kamala Harris, the current seasoned VP, a brilliant attorney younger than him.
He cannot side stepped by pointing flaws at age and agility or ability. His cognitive abilities are also questionable as he got the name of his own doctor wrong, seemed to think Obama was the current president and even mistook his arch Republican rival Nikki Haley for Nancy Pelosi.
Trump, the felon, has been convicted in the damaging Stormy Daniels case. President Biden told Trump, “You have the morals of an alley cat.”
Republicans are shielding Donald Trump of any wrong doing on the January 6, 2021 attack on Capitol Hill. Ironically, he is making this a cornerstone on his bid to return to the White House. Five people died, many injured and some 1,200 people have been charged and many have been fined and sentenced to jail.
He promised to pardon them the first day he returns to office. Jason Stanley, a philosophy professor at Yale, said in history the question comes up over and over again: “When a coup against the democratic regime happens and it’s not punished, that is a very strong indicator of the end of the rule of law and the victory of that authoritarian movement,” said Stanley, the author of “How Fascism Works.”
The attempted assassination on Donald Trump has helped to unify his party and reinvigorated him as he clenched his fists shouting, “Fight, fight, fight.”
At the Republican’s Convention, presidential candidate elect, Donald Trump, warned of his vision which includes harsher immigration laws, tougher stands on foreign adversaries and rallying against electric vehicles as he pledged to, “Drill, baby drill.” Trump once described climate change as a “hoax” and said that, “he will take America out of the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat climate change and support greater use of declining fossil fuels such as coal.”
Kamala Harris, a product of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, is yet to be fully endorsed by the Democratic Party. The ‘ugly truth’ is that, being far younger than Trump, she is a breath of fresh air and a sigh of relief for the younger generation.
She will appeal to the colored population and her “stance” on border policy may influence the Spanish community. Being of a mixed descent, she will reach out to the colored population. Trump is known as a flirtatious woman grabber, his attack on women, shady business deals and other negativities. Women overall, may be more sympathetic with Harris.
Is Kamala Harris the “Trump” card for the Democrats?
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.
What should we expect from Maduro?
Dear Editor,
PRESIDENT of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, is contesting elections in that country, due to be held on the 28th of this month; that is, this coming Sunday, for a third time in office.
All the independent reports from Venezuela indicate that he will lose a free and fair election, but, already, Maduro is taking steps to fraudulently manipulate the elections and prevent the opposition leader, Maria Corino Machado’s party from contesting by the fraudulent manipulation of the electoral process.
Maduro, for instance, has recently ordered the arrest of 24 members of Machado’s campaign team, including her personal bodyguard. In turn, the US government has intensified its pressure on the Maduro government to hold a free election or suffer the consequences of across-the-board sanctions on its oil industry exports re-imposed in April.
Nevertheless, the Reuters News Agency earlier this month reported that “the Biden administration remains open to dialogue with the Venezuelan government” after Maduro said that “he had agreed to restart direct talks” with the US government.
We know that Machado was earlier banned by Maduro’s government, upheld by the Venezuelan Supreme Court, who is now represented by a former Venezuelan Diplomat, Edmundo Gonzalez, to lead the opposition.
We also know from a statement made by US State Department spokesperson, Vadent Patel, that behind the scenes the US government continues to leave the door open for Maduro to hold a free election. Patel is quoted as saying “we are clear-eyed that democratic change will not be easy and certainly requires a serious commitment”.
We also know that Maduro will not hold an election which will result in him being removed from office. So, what should we expect from Maduro?
Maduro has not withdrawn nor backed down from the Resolution passed by the Venezuelan National Assembly on 21 st September, 2023, calling for a Referendum approving “the creation of the Guayana Esequiba State and that an accelerated and comprehensive plan be developed for the present and future population of that territory” namely, the Essequibo region of Guyana.
This is in defiance of the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 1st December, ordering Venezuela to “refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control of that area”.
The Referendum was also condemned by the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth and CARICOM. When Maduro signed on to the Resolution passed by the Venezuelan National Assembly, his words were “sooner rather than later we will recover Venezuela’s right to Guayana Esequiba. So I swear and so it will be”.
Maduro was then, at the intervention of CARICOM and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), required to meet with President Irfaan Ali in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; this was a meeting which led to the Joint Declaration of Argyle, binding Venezuela to refrain from threatening or the use of force against Guyana and binding Venezuela and Guyana to act in accordance with international law, including respecting the 1966 Geneva Agreement.
Maduro, however, had already violated the commitment he made at Argyle,
including illegal overflights of Guyana, minor incursion of the Venezuelan military across the border, causing Guyana, on April 9, to request a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which resulted in a statement from the Security Council urging both Venezuela and Guyana to respect their obligations and comply with the provisional measures issued by the ICJ, and commending the Argyle Declaration requiring both countries to resolve any differences in accordance with international law and the United National Charter.
While all of this has effectively given pause to Maduro pursuing further aggression against Guyana, he now faces the choice of either conducting a free and fair election and being thrown out of power with all of its probable unpleasant consequences for him or the imposition of severe sanctions by the US government denying Venezuela access to its major market for the sale of its oil and the financial implications thereof.
Neither is an acceptable choice for Maduro. He is, in fact, in an increasingly desperate situation of his own making and desperate people are prone to desperate action.
Our government is well aware of this fact which is why Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on 16th May, 2024, announced the fact that our government had “notified all of the relevant partners, both of a multilateral and bilateral nature about the continued attempts by Venezuela to build up a presence (military) at our border in a threatening posture” and that “we are very vigilant; while watching the development; we have been working with our allies on this matter and our primary preoccupation is the retention of our territorial integrity and sovereignty”.
It is not by accident, in fact, it is with specific intent, that just this week the Senior Di-
rector for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the US government, Daniel Erickson, reaffirmed the US support for Guyana in the border controversy with Venezuela and, of considerable interest, is the fact the Erickson pointedly said that he was speaking on a directive from US President Joe Biden himself.
Earlier in April in a phone call with President Ali, the US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor, John Finer, had also underlined the US’ “unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty in light of threats from neighbouring Venezuela”.
In February, Finer had paid a one day visit to Guyana, accompanied by Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council’s Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere.
Question is, given the clear and unequivocal message from the US government and equally strong messages coming from the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom along with the fact that Maduro signed on to the Argyle Agreement in the presence of most of the CARICOM Heads of Government, Brazilian President Lula’s Special Advisor and Personal Envoy, the Chef de Cabinet of the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Security Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Columbia and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Honduras at the Declaration of Argyle, would a desperate Maduro dare to attempt to impose his government’s declared intention to formally annex the Essequibo region by military means? We shall know in a matter of days, unless, of course, Maduro decides to cancel or defer an election he cannot win fairly.
One thing is certain, we must be prepared to the fullest extent possible for any eventuality.
The PNC and AFC are accumulating impurities
GUYANA’S current opposition is lethargic, uninspiring and drossy at best. Aubrey Norton, since his ascension to party leadership, has as his biggest success story, pure and utter isolation of literally all party stalwarts of note.
As I write these lines the Tradewinds song, “Where are your heroes” comes to mind. Aubrey retired not only Granger but seniors such as Basil Williams, Amna Ally, Joe Harmon, Carl Greenidge, Richard Van-West Charles, Winston Felix, Ronald Bulkan and more recently Dawn Hastings-Williams.
Up-and-coming politi -
cians who are coming into their own such as Roysdale Forde, Amanza Walton-Desir, Chris Jones, Annette Ferguson, Jermaine Figueira, Sharma Solomon, James Bond, Vanessa Kissoon, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Ubraj Narine and many others have faced isolation and castigation and are currently not in any arc or sector of the decision-making circle of the PNC.
I will set my response to the Tradewinds to the tune of folk song “Where have all the flowers gone.” The duet goes like this: Singer 1: “PNC, where have all your heroes gone?” Singer 2: “Aubrey cut them every one”, Singer
1: “When will he ever learn, when will he ever learn?”
If we extend this to APNU, Aubrey has essentially cut the ground from under the feet of at least two parties in the APNU configuration.
He uttered words to the effect that a person can’t just go and register a party with one man and expect to be treated as equals within APNU. That is serious isolationists’ shade being thrown at the parties being led by Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Jaipaul Sharma.
Then drive-by political shots were fired at the Centre for Change, word on the street is that AFC’s Nigel Hughes’
bubble was burst and he is seriously wounded. Aubrey insisted that no amount of star power outside of the PNC would ever be eligible to lead a ticket that includes the PNC, as long as he is leader.
As is evident, Aubrey’s best quality is neutralisation of any and all forms of institutionalism, growth, challenge and frankly speaking - brain power. So, he has surrounded himself with quasi professionals who have no history of the rough and tumble of hardcore politics. His cadre includes people such as Elson Low who cannot put forward a single cohesive thought much less policy positions, and to think that he is the chief Economic Adviser to the Leader of the PNC.
At the last party congress, Aubrey neutralised all and any form of open contest for 2025 presidential candidate for PNCR and by extension APNU. An Aubrey-instigated motion was passed, which makes him the presidential candidate and gave him sole discretion to determine the candidate if for any reason he is unable or unwilling to run.
Bye-bye to any ambitions either Roysdale or Amanza may harbour. I really did take a liking to that catchy campaign song, “Its Amanza for me,” but now, po Amanza, she will have to rent protective storage space on Google drive and save that song and try again in 2030.
Aubrey is not capable of unity in his own party, apart from the hurricane Beryl-ish
aftermath that has overtaken the party at home, many diaspora groups, in various countries, are in disarray and disunity. Given his most overriding standout qualities, why must we, at the national level, trust Aubrey Compton Norton to unite Guyana in any way form or shape? It is indubitably clear, if Guyanese have even a fleeting illusion of national unity, Aubrey is a proven nonstarter. We clearly have to look elsewhere.
Enter the smooth orator, Clarence Antony Nigel Hughes, with a gentle sheen and soft shellac political glow. The thing with this type of sheen, it accumulates dross, dreg and scum pretty quickly.
As a result, it will require constant polishing and waxing. The first sign of dross appeared when we were reminded that Nigel’s law firm represents major oil interests in Guyana. Nigel Hughes was heard uttering words to the effect that, he will recuse himself from all or any party deliberations on oil and gas policy, and if there is a conflict, he will certainly treat his clients as priority.
The AFC will be busy for a long time, Terry-cloth in hand, trying to polish that stance via its oil and gas committee. I will also argue that Nigel’s more recent form of activism, over the last quadrennial, takes in a lot of
African activism, repetitive accusation of black subjugation along with the fact that many considers it a war trumpet, that 34 members were needed to make an absolute majority in our 65-member parliament – will make him unattractive to fringe PPP supporters who may contemplate other options.
On top of all that, Nigel, like Aubrey, presides over a party top brass that is all African, old henchmen who lack other forms of diversity. These things are dreg that Nigel and the AFC will have to constantly attempt to buff away to try to keep the lustre and attract “cross-overs.” As it stands, the AFC will have to accumulate a lot of cleaning fluids, Chamois and turtle wax because the party is accumulating scum much faster than it is currently able to clean.
While this is not unsurmountable, I don’t believe the image and stature of Nigel Hughes is enough to make an impression on the electorate beyond its current handful of captive support base in time for the 2025 General elections.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
OGGN: An ogygian irrelevancy
FOR the enlightenment of the OGGN based somewhere in a place named Hollis (I don’t know where that is or care to know), the adjective, “ogygian” means ancient or primeval. And this is the most appropriate adjective to describe an aging group of diasporic Guyanese who left these shores as we say in common parlance, “donkey years” ago and from their base in Hollis want the Guyana Government to confront Exxon (EMGL) to renegotiate the oil contract.
So why this obscure cabal can be described as ogygian? Because it has no clue as to what international relations look like in the 21st century. It is doubtful any of these men had any training in international relations, thus their ideas about what the world is like is based on ogygian thinking. We need to remind this cabal that we are living in the 21st century.
I have seen powerful academic arguments why Guyana cannot renegotiate the oil contract. I have done a column on that subject using international realpolitik as my basis. I have read where lawyers and businessmen in Guyana have argued that demanding EMGL to renegotiate is not possible in the real world we live in. The latest position that renegotiation cannot be forced upon EMGL is the Gen-
eral Secretary of the opposition party, ANUG. Kian Jabour said on the Freddie Kissoon Show that an international contract should be respected. I am not going to regurgitate the arguments against forced renegotiations because it will not make any difference to the ogreish group under the name OGGN. They are looking for relevance and will cling irrationally to the thing that brings them alive. What I will do in the rest of the column is examine a letter in the opposition-aligned private media in which Joel Bhagwandin was heavily criticised by OGGN. I will fare better than Joel because I have no consultancy with any person, organisation or government. I do not work for any entity in Guyana and I have no political attachment. I write for the Chronicle in an unpaid capacity and that was my decision and I am not unhappy writing for free. I don’t know if OGGN share two negative descriptions about me.
One is from the Editor-in-Chief of the Stabroek News who referred to me as a lap dog for the PPP. The other is from Dr. Nigel Westmaas, perhaps one of the darlings of OGGN that describes me as an attack dog for the PPP. I don’t know if OGGN accepts the exclamation of one of their favourite Guyanese, Kaieteur News owner Glenn Lall who said on his show that I am in receipt of millions of dollars from Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo. I don’t know what you will think of me, but based on how many millions are offered, I may take it if it is really offered.
Now for the letter attacking Joel Bhagwandin. One of the signatories is Andre Brandli from Germany. Dr Brandli is still to respond to me about the German state’s harassment and victimisation of speeches, written words and physical protest in favour of the Palestinians. The German Government has officially stated that Israel is Germany’s reason
of state. Does Brandli know what that means? If he doesn’t, he should look it up and when he does, leave Germany for Guyana immediately. It is a frightening statement.
Next is a function OGGN will be having in Hollis and will be inviting two opposition personalities from Guyana to address the gathering – Dr Vincent Adams from the AFC and Christopher Ram. But why hold the event in New York and not Guyana, where a local hotel, a local food caterer, local PR firm and local security company could benefit? This is what I mean by OGGN being an ogygian entity.
So really who are these ogygian personalities who will be holding a function to press for the renegotiation of the oil contract, but will be doing so in a foreign place named Hollis?
Next is one of OGGN’s guests – Vincent Adams. He symbolises the power of the adjective, ogygian. Dr. Adams returned to Guyana as a retiree at age 70 after living in the US all his life.
But he has something going for him that the ogygian personalities in OGGN do not have – he has returned. When are they going to follow Adams and come and live here? Finally, a few brief questions for the ogreish OGGN:
can they ask Dr Adams who is the person in the AFC who advocated in July 2020, the racial separation of Guyana to which Adams objected. Should such a person not be exposed? Secondly, what does OGGN think about the journalism of the private media? Isn’t professional journalism more important to Guyana’s stability than renegotiating the oil contact?
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
Labour Ministry certifies 112 graduates in vocational skills training
THE Ministry of Labour, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), certified 112 individuals at a graduation ceremony held over the weekend at the Herstelling Assembly of God, Global Outreach Centre, Vocational Skills Training Institute, East Bank Demerara.
This cohort included 10 male and 102 female graduates who completed programmes in various fields
such as floral designs and event décor, information technology and office administration, commercial food preparation, elementary sewing, cosmetology, and automotive electrical level one.
During his feature address, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton congratulated the graduates and emphasised that while their certificates are significant, the skills they have acquired should not remain static. He encouraged them to continue advancing their skills, seize opportunities for further development and pursue additional training that complements their current expertise.
Minister Hamilton highlighted the importance of BIT’s collaboration with the Herstelling Assembly of God, noting that it involves financial investments and the application of best practices to ensure all beneficiaries receive effective training in technical and vocational skills that keep them in demand. He stressed the importance of continuous learning and improvement in their respective fields.
BIT reported that its partnership with the Herstelling Assembly of God, led by Reverend Dr. Ravindra Shiwandan and Dr. Michelle Shiwnandan, began in 2009. Since then, the collaboration has trained approximately 1,374 individuals from Regions Three and Four. This long-standing partnership reflects a commitment to enhancing the vocational skills of the community.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn, and the Technical Officer responsible for the East Bank District, Rima Rohee. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the ongoing support for vocational training initiatives in the region.
The graduation ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the graduates, but also underscored the Ministry of Labour’s dedication to providing valuable skills training that empowers individuals and meets the evolving demands of the job market.
Seated from left: Dr Michelle Shiwnandan, Reverend Dr Ravindra Shiwandan, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, CEO of BIT Richard Maughn and Technical Officer responsible for the East Bank district, Rima Rohee with some graduates of the programme (BIT Photo)
Gov’t takes Deeds, Commercial Registry services to Port Kaituma
THE Attorney-General’s Chambers took its Deeds and Commercial Registry services to Region One, this time to Port Kaituma.
The public engagement was held at the Port Kaituma Community Centre on Monday, delivering on a promise made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a previous visit.
Residents accessed a range of services under the Registry’s gamut, including business registration, powers of attorney, and notarisation.
One resident, Shirley Narine, welcomed the outreach, asserting that her transactions were completed swiftly.
“The service was great. We just came here, waited a few minutes, and got through. It wasn’t difficult. We are very much grateful to everybody who provided the service; it’s much better than going to Georgetown,” Narine explained.
Pensioner, Alvin Obermuller, who resides in Oronoque, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he is happy to have been able to register his small business without the hassle of travelling to Georgetown.
“It is wonderful that they brought it here; I feel very happy, because I don’t have to pay as much. They brought it right here for us,” he said. Obermuller lauded the
government for its responsive approach to the issues being faced by the residents.
“I want to thank the president because he kept his promise. It was nice to register my business right here,” the resident expressed.
Also sharing his views on the outreach, Mr. Sampson (only name given) said, “It is a wonderful thing; it is convenient for us, because we don’t have to leave here to go to Georgetown to get this kind of service.”
He noted that travelling to Georgetown for these services often meant a significant time commitment, sometimes requiring multiple trips to the office on different days.
“Sometimes you can get frustrated. But you see, there are people here that we can talk to; they help to speed up the process of getting your documents. I appreciate the outreach; it is a very good thing the government did, and I’m quite satisfied with it,” Sampson divulged.
Another Port Kaituma resident, Oric James said he was able to address a long-standing business registration issue in just a few minutes, thanks to the outreach.
“I came here, and I got through. I want to thank the president for his cooperation, and for keeping his word,” James said.
Mary Poliah was also able to have a long-standing land issue addressed, and she is relieved that she did not have to travel to Georgetown to get this done.
“From here to Georgetown is a lot of money,” Poliah explained. “I really like this; I’m glad for the people who are here. I got through fast,” the woman added.
According to Sub-Regional Chairman Keith Parker, the outreach was a much-needed operation in the Matarkai sub-region, and has even opened doors for persons to expand their businesses.
He explained that several impediments hinder business owners from accessing loans at commercial banks, noting that the business registration process being brought to the region addresses this, bringing greater ease to the business owners.
“This is a welcome initiative. We had a lot of unregistered businesses here, so now that we had this outreach, persons were able to get their registration, so there would be greater compliance, and if any opportunity arises from any loan or any other process that they need, they can get it,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, reaffirmed the government’s commitment
to establishing a permanent Deeds and Commercial Registry office in Mabaruma.
This is in keeping with another promise made by President Ali.
The government also plans to open similar offices in Bartica, Mahdia, Lethem, and Linden.
“Many of you would recall that last June, President Ali led an outreach programme in Region One, and in his outreach, he made a number of promises and commitments. [He committed] that this outreach would be held and led by me, comprising of this team, to initiate your engagement with this agency, as well as to hear your complaints, your problems of a legal nature and
attempt to work with you in addressing those problems,” the AG reminded.
He added that the effort forms part of the government’s agenda of modernising the country’s landscape, ensuring that adequate legal and commercial services are available in all ten administrative regions.
“We often speak about bringing government to the people and what you are part of here is an initiative that is bringing government to the people. That means that wherever you are located in the country, you don’t necessarily have to travel to Georgetown to get services of the government. The government has committed to delivering those services to you
in your locality, and what you are witnessing here is that principle at work,” he said. Representatives from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, General Register Office, and Guyana Elections Commission were also present.
Moreover, recognising the volume of cases involving registration of birth certificates, a team from the General Register Office Guyana (GRO) is expected to return to the region to expand its services in several communities.
During last week’s outreach programme in Mabaruma, over 100 transactions were completed, with 77 new businesses registered on the spot. (DPI)
Gov’t warns against illegal housing transactions amid
By Cindy Parkinson
THE Government of Guyana remains resolute in its mission to ensure that every citizen benefits from the housing development initiative, continuing its efforts to allocate house lots across the country.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, emphasised in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle that while approximately 34,000 house lots have already been allocated, the ministry is currently finalising agreements of sale for individuals in several key locations.
Minister Croal highlighted areas such as Great Diamond Block One Section One, Great Diamond Blocks
Three and Five, Golden Grove Blocks Nine and 13, Cummings Lodge, La Reconnaissance, Non-Pareil Phase One, and Enterprise Phase One as focal points for the current allocations.
He also addressed inquiries from individuals allocated to Block 18 Golden Grove, assuring that engagement and agreement-signing for this area will begin by the end of the week.
“By the end of this week, we will be calling the persons who have been allocated to Block 18 Golden Grove. We will begin our engagement, and due to the voluminous work, we will begin to see them in clusters. Following our engagement and signing, we will have a showing of their land,” Minister Croal
stated.
He explained that some shifting around the area was necessary due to ongoing infrastructural work, aimed at better accommodating the Block 18 allottees.
The minister further noted that while most allocations were made in 2022, some continued into 2023. With the first phase of infrastructural work completed, the ministry is now in a position to finalise agreements. Residents in these areas have been invited to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to sign their agreements.
Additionally, Minister Croal issued a stern warning against conducting business with individuals claiming to have contacts or positions within the ministry’s regional
and head offices.
“Any transaction regarding payments can only be done at the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, and at the Regional Offices. The only exceptions are during our dream-realised activities. Any other transaction outside these offices is illegal,” he stated.
Minister Croal also addressed rumours about land allocations at Mocha-Arcadia on the East Bank of Demerara, clarifying that while there are no ongoing allocation exercises for that area, the ministry is exploring possibilities for regularising squatters in a portion of the area.
He encouraged citizens to exercise caution and report
any suspicious activities related to house lot allocations.
“Some people know what they are getting into, but when they are duped, they expect our help. The government and the Ministry of Housing do not operate like that,” he added.
In a recent interview, Minister Croal highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts in house lot alloca-
tions, revealing that nearly 34,000 lots have already been distributed. The upcoming Building Expo will see at least 2,000 more lots allocated. By the end of 2024, the government aims to intensify allocations to meet the target of 50,000 house lots. For 2024, the ministry has allocated close to 4,500 house lots, with plans to allocate an additional 6,000 to achieve their annual goal. Minister Croal also mentioned that approximately 1,750 houses have been handed over, with many more in various stages of completion across Regions Three, Four, Six, Seven, and Nine. Preparations are also underway to commence projects in Region 10.
The government’s housing initiative continues to make significant strides, ensuring that more Guyanese citizens gain access to affordable housing.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal
The Attorney-General’s Chambers took its Deeds and Commercial Registry services to Port Kaituma, in Region One
GDF Staff Sergeants charged with drug trafficking
remanded to prison
STAFF Sergeants Adisa Higgins and Colvis Sam of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were formally charged with drug trafficking during their arraignment at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.
They appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. Higgins was represented by Attorney Bernard Da Silva. Da Silva appeared in association with Attorney Patrice Henry for Sam. Higgins and Sam pleaded not guilty to the joint allegation.
Bail was denied, and both soldiers were remanded to prison.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for August 12, 2024 for disclosure.
The police apprehended the Joint Services members during the early hours of July 18, 2024, following the discovery of 22 large bags containing approximately 154 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle they were occupying. In accordance with an official statement released by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the detection occurred during a coordinated police operation, driven by intelligence, involving members from the Special Branch and Regional Division 4 ‘B’. They conducted a search of the GDFowned vehicle, DFB 1786. The vehicle was stopped at Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Both men are stationed at GDF’s Camp Ayangan-
GDF Sergeants Adisa Higgins and Colvis Sam standing next to the marijuana they were allegedly caught with
na in Georgetown.
Simultaneously, the GDF has released a statement confirming their investigation into the drug seizure. The Force highlighted the detrimental effect of such actions on the public’s trust and confidence in their authority.
“The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is investigating an incident involving the transporting
of marijuana in a service vehicle by two Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNOCs), Staff Sergeant Adisa Higgins and Sergeant Colvis Sam.
“The GDF is committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct among its ranks and does not condone any behaviour that undermines the trust and confidence reposed in the Force by
the public. The Force is fully collaborating with the Guyana Police Force to address this matter.
“The Force wishes to reassure the public that this incident is an anomaly and does not reflect the character and dedication of
the men and women who serve.
The GDF remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve the people of Guyana with the highest level of professionalism and integrity,” a GDF release said.
NAPS launches innovative ‘Lash Bags’ to combat HIV
By Faith Greene
THE National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS), under the National HIV Strategic Plan, is intensifying its efforts to eliminate HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among Guyanese, particularly those most vulnerable to contracting HIV/AIDS. NAPS has launched a series of initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and promoting sexual health through tailored prevention services.
As part of these efforts, NAPS is implementing differentiated services, customising their HIV/ AIDS and STI prevention strategies to meet the needs of specific populations. This community-focused approach involves raising awareness about sexual health and encouraging preventative mea -
sures to reduce the risk of infection.
One notable initiative is the introduction of the PrEP for Sex bags, popularly known as “Lash Bags.” National STI Programme Coordinator Dr. Keisha Chin explained to the Daily Chronicle, “It was actually coined our ‘lash bag’ based on
a social media competition... asking persons what name they would feel most comfortable with and what would help them understand the service we provide.”
The PrEP for Sex or Lash Bags are available free of charge to all Guyanese. Dr Chin emphasised that these bags are espe-
cially beneficial for those at high risk of HIV acquisition, including homosexuals, female sex workers, and transgender individuals. Since its launch earlier this year, over 1,000 people have benefitted from this service in the first quarter alone.
The’ Lash Bag’ includes a free HIV self-testing kit (or oral quick HIV self-testing kit), condoms, lubricants, and educational pamphlets and brochures. Another version of the bag offers PrEP medication, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. Dr Chin explained, “PrEP medication is given to persons who are tested and confirmed to be HIV negative, and if they are at substantial risk for acquiring HIV, they can utilise PrEP medication, which offers 99 percent effectiveness against contracting HIV when used correctly.”
These services are provided at NAPS and various HIV testing and care-treatment sites across Guyana.
In addition, NAPS’ senior trainer conducts educational sessions at secondary and tertiary schools and collaborates with private entities to provide HIV prevention and education.
NAPS also operates a mobile unit for community outreach during the day and night. HIV Counselling and Testing Coordinator Deborah Success
highlighted that the mobile unit offers confidential testing services, ensuring privacy and adherence to guidelines. “We take our services to different communities where individuals can have their tests done within the unit,” she said.
With these innovative initiatives, NAPS continues to make significant strides in the fight against HIV and STIs, working towards a healthier future for all Guyanese.
The vehicle which was used to transport the drugs
The PrEP for Sex / ‘lash bag’ and the PrEP medication available at NAPS and other HIV testing sites (Delano Williams photos)
National STI Programme Coordinator Dr Keisha Chin
HIV Counselling and Testing Coordinator, Deborah Success
EU, IICA sign agreement to further enhance local forest management efforts
THE European Union (EU) and the Inter American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) on Monday signed an agreement to advance support for Guyana’s conservation efforts.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the agreement is in support of the EU funding to advance the EU FLEGT VPA Implementation.
The VPA Implementation is ongoing with the expectation for the first licence to be issued in 2026.
The European Union has committed to providing funds for the implementation phase that runs until 2026.
At the conclusion of the Joint Monitoring and Review Committee (JMRC) meeting in November, 2023, the EU Ambassador to Guyana Ambassador Rene Van Nes announced that the EU will be providing additional funding to assist with the VPA Implementation.
The funding is being provided through a Contribution Agreement signed between the EU Guyana Office and IICA. A work plan and budget was developed by IICA and the GFC FLEGT Secretariat.
The main objectives of the agreement and funding is to support the following key objectives as follows:
1. Improve compliance of the Guyana forest sector governance system with the EU Forest Law Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) requirements including the implementation of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System.
2. Strengthen participation and improve compliance of stakeholders in the VPA process.
3. Enhance information exchange for FLEGT compliance between the EU and Guyana partners and ensure the long-term sustainability of the FLEGT VPA.
4. Support capacities at the GFC and Forestry sector level.
This support is in addition to other support for the FLEGT VPA process, including support for the Digitization of the Timber Legality Assurance System.
GWI advances interventions to improve
Kwakwani’s sanitation, water supply networks
–– over 7,000 persons to benefit from improved services
THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is advancing interventions to ensure better water distribution and sanitation systems in Kwakwani, Region 10, where more than 7,000 persons would benefit from the improved services.
GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh led a technical team on a site assessment in the community over the weekend, where he inspected the water treatment plant and storage facilities and held discussions with the Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated (KUI).
The team also visited several areas where GWI is leading infrastructural upgrades to the sanitation network as part of the Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management+ Guyana Project (CReW+). Approximately G$35 million is being invested in Kwakwani under this project.
The KUI, a subsidiary of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), is responsible for managing Kwakwani’s main utility services, including water and sanitation. KUI’s General Manager Winston Rozario and staff updated the GWI personnel on challenges with water supply and distribution, including blockages in the system that contribute to low water levels in some areas.
Currently, water is supplied to residents for three hours in the morning, and another three during the afternoon. KUI requested GWI’s support to improve these services.
Baksh noted his satisfaction with the existing water treatment and storage system, the environmental upkeep of the facilities, and the existence of a good water source, which are key for continued
service.
He assured that GWI, based on its evaluation, will develop an improvement programme to support Kwakwani’s water quality and supply. However, Baksh emphasised the need for data on the distribution network so GWI’s technical personnel can comprehensively evaluate the needs and identify solutions.
Data is required on production, storage and consumption. The GWI and KUI teams agreed that there is need for greater public awareness on water conservation and storage especially since the community is supplied with non-revenue water.
With regards to sanitation, the CReW project is almost 75 per cent completed in Kwakwani with activities such as the clearing of blockages in the more than 70-year-old sewerage network, upgrades to damaged
chambers, repairs and/or construction of seven septic tanks and adding of tertiary treatment to remove pathogens and nutrients from the waste.
Additionally, the project
will support the community’s secondary school to upgrade its waste-to-energy facility enabling the students to continue using pig manure to produce cooking gas for their home
economics classes. The project is awarded to local contractor, Sachia Jones Construction and Supplies Services of Kwakwani.
GWI’s CEO Shaik Baksh inspects water treatment plant operated by the Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated
GWI’s CEO Shaik Baksh and team, with personnel from the Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated
Prem's Electrical: Setting standard for quality and safety in Guyana
ESTABLISHED in 1992, Prem's Electrical has grown to become one of the leading distributors of high-quality electrical products and services for residential, commercial, and industrial needs in Guyana.
Named after its founder Neelnarine Sukhram, commonly known as ‘Prem,’ the family-operated business is dedicated to improving the supply of reliable electrical items across the nation.
Located on Alexander Street in Georgetown, Prem’s Electrical has committed itself to adhering to stringent national and international standards. As a registered importer and dealer with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), all products undergo rigorous inspection at the ports of entry and additional checks at their Georgetown sales outlet.
This ensures compliance
manufacturers based on extensive research, looking at the global standing and the demand for their products,” Sukhram assured.
In 2019, Prem’s Electrical achieved ISO 9001 certification for Quality Management Systems, enhancing their internal management processes.
with mandatory national standards, which is a cornerstone of the company's operations.
Nirmal Sukhram, Managing Director of Prem’s Electrical, emphasises the importance of meeting these standards.
“For us, it is not only customer satisfaction, but customer safety as well,” he stated. Highlighting the risks of non-conforming products, Sukhram noted that their use could lead to electrical fires, resulting in property damage or loss of life. “A lot of electrical fires have been happening, and we certainly don’t want to be a part of that or a contributor to that,” he added.
To guarantee the quality of their products, Prem’s Electrical meticulously vets manufacturers before procurement. With primary suppliers in the United States, Poland, and the United Kingdom, the company ensures that all fittings and equipment meet the rigorous standards of these countries.
“We have selected our
it wasted. Apart from the product failing, you can also have a loss of property or life, which is very extreme,” he emphasised.
Prem’s Electrical stands among several registered
“It has helped me to get a grasp on what is happening in my internal processes and to manage my business more efficiently,” Sukhram noted.
Sukhram encourages other importers and dealers to register with the GNBS, highlighting the straightforward and beneficial nature of the process.
“They come, they inspect; it is a very simple, easy, straightforward process. We are very happy that it’s being done because it helps us to market our products even better. We definitely meet and exceed all standards for electricals,” he pointed out.
He also advised consumers to purchase from registered businesses and to look for certification marks such as CE and UL on products, ensuring they are visible on the actual items. Additionally, he urged the use of licensed electrical contractors to guarantee proper installation.
“From a personal standpoint, I work hard every day and whatever dollar that I earn, I would hate to see
businesses adhering to mandatory national standards, including Kanhai’s Electrical, S&L Electrical, National Hardware, and Gafoor’s.
Since February 2020, the GNBS has been monitoring
various electrical fittings and equipment based on 31 mandatory national standards. These include decorative lighting products, lamp holders, armoured cables, panel boards, and more.
Importers and dealers are required to ensure that their products meet these standards, promoting safety and reliability in Guyana’s electrical market.
Nirmal Sukhram, Managing Director of Prem’s Electrical
An employee serving a customer at the company's Lacytown, Georgetown location
Opposition Leader’s statement harmful to workers and their families
The following is the full text of a statement from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana:
“THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), the voice of the majority of the organised workforce in Guyana, is deeply disappointed by statements attributed to Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton.
“Several sections of the media reported that Mr Norton contended that subsidies provided to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) should be discontinued. According to the news reports, the Opposition Leader advanced that improvements in the operation of those entities would negate the provision of subsidies.
“It appears that Mr Norton does not fully grasp the situation. This is tragic as a national leader vying for the highest office in the land. While operational efficiencies could play a role, they cannot fully address the challeng-
es these important utilities face.
“To a great extent, the input costs, over which we have no say, have been rising due to global circumstances. Certainly, the Opposition Leader and those who guide him would be aware of the situation. At least, we trust they would be. Heaven forbid [if] they are not au fait with current global market trends and developments.
“Without support from the state, these utilities would be required to pass the increased costs on to consumers through hiking tariffs. This would be a calamity for workers and their families, who would be impacted directly and indirectly by increased electricity and water costs.
“We recognised Mr Norton’s proposal that the subsidies be redirected to increased public servants’ pay and reduced income taxes. On the surface, these sound pleasing to the ears, and the federation endorses any policy that would improve disposable income.
“However, we are mindful that the increased income obtained may more than be consumed just by the increased electricity and water costs. It appears a pointless policy if workers and their families are worse off at the end of it all.
“The FITUG promotes and supports policies that protect and advance the interests of all workers. We cannot and do not subscribe to proposals that endanger workers’ and their families’ well-being and welfare.
“The proposal advanced by the Opposition Leader does the latter, and we must express our strong denunciation. We, however, must admit that we are not surprised by Mr Norton’s statements.
“We all recall [the]APNU+AFC Government’s slash-and-tax policy that made the Guyanese people worse off and saw us being required to pay taxes on electricity, water, education and health care, among many other hardships.”
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday July 23, 2024) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 2256158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Brian Lara-1,715 runs (15 Tests) (2) Graham Gooch-1,333 runs (15 Tests)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI bowler has captured most Test wickets in England? (2) Which ENG bowler has claimed most Test Wickets in the West Indies
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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Derek Kallicharran and friends continue support for ‘Project Cricket Gear’
FORMER Guyana and West Indies B team all-rounder Derek Kallicahrran and his friends from Kaieteur Cricket Club, Vishnu Dudnauth, Johnno Persaud, Ramjit Singh and Bob Harrischan have once again contributed “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Guyana Cricket Board executive member Anil Beharry.
The group recently presented three boxes of red cricket balls to the project. The balls will be distributed to cricket clubs with youth programmes.
In a joint statement, the friends reiterated the importance of playing the game at the nursery level. They further emphasised the role of structured school cricket, as it was in the past. The balls were
presented by former national senior all-rounder
David Harper who was in New York recently to participate in the annual NY Independence Cup. The joint initiative is thankful for the continued support and continues and is happy to be associated with the development of cricket, especially among
youths.
Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $460,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 25 pairs of cricket shoes, 30 pairs of batting pads, 35 cricket bats, 30 pairs of batting gloves, 25 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm
guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 12 cricket bags, six bat rubbers, six helmets, one fibre-glass bat, 13 boxes of white cricket balls, three boxes of red balls and 28 footballs.
In addition to the above, gear worth more than $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket-keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.
To date, 78 young players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 32 bats, three boxes, six helmets, 30 pairs of cricket shoes, 19 pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat grip, 32 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and three pairs of
wicket-keeping gloves.
Several others also benefitted indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each; Cold Fusion Cricket Club 13 coloured uniforms while RHCCCC received four and a half boxes of balls, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves, a set of stumps and bails.
Other beneficiaries include the Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (one box of red cricket balls), male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, Number 65 Young Titans with 30 t-shirts, youths of Just Try
Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club and Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each).
Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.
Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs with a youth programme will also benefit.
Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
ICC confirm Women’s T20 World Cup expansion to 16 teams in 2030
THE ICC reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of women's cricket in the latest Board meeting, highlighting strategic initiatives to elevate the women's game on a global scale.
The ICC Board has approved an expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams in 2030, aligning with its ongoing commitment to equity between the men’s
and women’s games.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has seen its participation grow from eight in the inaugural edition in 2009 to 10 in 2016. The number will grow to 12 in 2026 in the tournament set to be played in England before expanding to 16 teams in 2030. Additionally, the Board confirmed that the qualification cut-off date for the 2026 edition will be
October 31, 2024.
The Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) has also confirmed the allocation of eight regional qualifying spots for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Under this new structure, two teams each will qualify from Africa and Europe, one from the Americas, and three from a combined Asia and EAP regional final. Previously, Asia was allocated two spots and
Wilkinson top scores in final U-17 trial match
Vikash Wilkinson top scored with 31 in low scoring trial match as Arfraz Ali Budhoo’s X1 beat Parmeshwar Ram’s XI by one in last over in yesterday’s truncated 50-over National U-17 trial game at the MetenMeer-Zorg ground in West Coast Demerara. Ram’s XI were restricted to 105-6 off 35 overs before Budhoo’s XI
reached for 110-9 in final over. In a game that most of the batters struggled to score freely on a damp outfield, he top scorers were Wilkinson (31) and National U15 wicketkeeper batter Shamar Apple (22).
Six bowlers had a wicket each for Budhoo’s X1, who were taken to victory by 25 runs from
Thierry Henry and 22 from Devon Henry as Danesh Persaud took 2-8 and Marcel Nandu 2-9.
Jonathon Van Lange, Riyad Latiff and Rampersaud Ramnauth are in St Vincent with the Guyana U-19 team and will be back to strengthen the National U17 Squad which departs for Trinidad and Tobago on August 11.
EAP one.
The CEC also approved the appointment of Paul Reiffel to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee as the Elite Panel Umpire, whilst Richie Richardson was confirmed as the Elite Panel Referee on the Committee.
The ICC Annual Conference wrapped up in Colombo today, with the ICC Board and Annual General Meeting attended
by all 108 ICC Members. The four-day conference held just days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics, focused on the theme “Capitalising on the Olympic Opportunity” ahead of cricket's inclusion in the LA28 Games.
USA Cricket and Cricket Chile have been formally put on notice. They have been given 12 months to address their non-compliance with ICC
Membership Criteria due to the lack of fit-for-purpose detailed governance and administrative structure and systems.
The ICC Board also confirmed there will be a review of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 overseen by three directors, Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo and Imran Khwaja who will report back to the Board later in the year. (ICC Media)
GCB sends condolences to family, friends of former cricketer Mark Rigby
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) sends its condolences to the family and friends as well as the cricket community, following the passing of former youth player Mark Anthony Rigby. Rigby, who was born in March of 1961, played youth cricket for Guyana during the 70’s. He also represented Police Sports Club for a number of years. His son, former U15 all-rounder Mark
Rigby Jr, was also active in the sport back in the 2000’s. Mr Rigby was also a very good friend of former West Indies player Gus Logie.
Mr. Rigby passed away on Friday last, and the GCB would like to acknowledge along with the cricketing fraternity, and extend support to his family, and friends in this time of bereavement.
Anil Beharry, left, receives the balls from David Harper
Former cricketer Mark Rigby
Pryce shatters records in sensational professional debut at London Diamond League
IN an extraordinary professional debut, Jamaica's Nickisha Pryce stormed into the record books by winning the 400m at the London Diamond League meeting on Saturday. Less than a week before the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Pryce's phenomenal performance has placed her among the top 10 fastest women of all time over 400m.
Pryce's victory was not just any win—it was a record-breaking run that saw her clock a stunning 48.57, making her the seventh fastest woman ever in the event. This time eclipsed her previous national record of 48.89, which had broken Lorraine Fenton's two-decade-old Jamaican record of 49.30 and made her the first Jamaican woman to break the 49-second barrier.
Her impressive time of 48.57 also places her as the second fastest wom -
an from the Caribbean, only behind Olympic gold medalist Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas, who holds a personal best of 48.36. Additionally,
Pryce's performance is the third-fastest time recorded in the last 39 years, trailing only Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser's 48.14 and Miller-Uibo's 48.36, both set
at the 2019 World Championships.
Moreover, Pryce's time surpasses the American record of 48.70 set by Sanya Richards-Ross in Sep -
tember 2006, making her the fastest Jamaican-born woman in the 400m.
Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Pryce took to Instagram to
express her gratitude and joy, writing: "Only two words: GOD DID. My professional debut marked another successful milestone in my career. It was always a dream to showcase my talent in such a prestigious atmosphere and I am utmost grateful for the opportunity. 48.57."
Pryce's incredible run comes shortly after she signed with Puma, following her final collegiate competition at the NCAA National Division One Championships, where she set the collegiate record and University of Arkansas all-time best with her previous national record of 48.89.
As Pryce prepares for the Paris Olympics, her record-breaking debut has not only established her as a formidable contender but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting Olympic campaign. (Sportsmax)
GCF Marks World Chess Day with Blitz tournament
ANTHONY Drayton clinched another Blitz tournament as Guyana joined the world in celebrating world chess day over the weekend.
The event held at the School of the Nations compound saw droves of players turning out to test their mental over black and white pieces for top honours
The one day competition was held by world
governing body FIDE in collaboration with the Guyana Chess Federation to mark the Day observed every year on 20th July.
Fifty-two players battled, as chess players the world over marked the 100th anniversary of the World Chess Federation, FIDE with moves over the board.
The Players battled in rated and unrated categories for the competition.
The blitz section was won by to local FIDE master Anthony Drayton, second place went to Keron Sandiford with Rai Sharma placed third. Blitz is a fast paced version of the game which sees player having 15 minutes in total to move all pieces to complete the game.
In the unrated category, Micaiah Enoe copped first, Prince Dunn came in second and Alek Ubal-
do-Singh brought third.
FIDE certificates of participation were also presented to the players.
The world body for its centenary anniversary (1924-2024) coordinated with member federations around the world to promote the most chess games played world-wide in 24 hours and secure an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Pakistan trio denied permission to feature in Global T20 Canada
Babar Azam is among three players denied permission by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play in the forthcoming Global T20 Canada due to workload concerns.
Fellow all-format players
Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi will also be absent from the annual competition, which begins next week.
Asif Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed,
Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Nawaz have all been cleared to feature by the PCB, who refused fast bowler Naseem Shah permission to play in The Hundred.
The governing body say the players' welfare is at the forefront of their decision.
"After taking into consideration Pakistan's busy and packed cricket calendar... and
following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests," a statement read.
"The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months during which Pakistan will play nine tests, 14 ODIs, and
nine T20Is.
"As such, and in line with the PCB's workload management policy, it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season." (Sportsamx)
Pakistan batter Babar Azam
Fide Master Anthony Drayton collecting trophy for Blitz competition GCF secretary Marcia Lee
Jamaica’s 400m runner Nickisha Pryce
Richards, Hooper hit back at Lara for 'gross misrepresentations' in his book
— The duo's joint statement called Lara's 'claim' of Richards making Hooper cry categorically false
Viv Richards and Carl Hooper have strongly hit back at former West Indies team-mate Brian Lara for "gross misrepresentations" in his book - Lara: The England Chronicles. In a joint statement released on Sunday, both former West Indies captains have rejected Lara's "claim" that Richards made Hooper "cry once a week", describing it as "categorically false", and asked the latter to "issue a sincere apology for the harm caused."
"Sir Vivian Richards and Mr. Carl Hooper are deeply disheartened by the gross misrepresentations made about them in Mr. Brian Lara's recently released book," the duo said in a statement put out by Hooper. "The allegations presented not only distort the reality of their relationship but also impugn their characters in an unjust and harmful manner."
In the book, an extract of which was run recently on ESPNcricinfo, Lara wrote that Richards' words in the dressing room could
"intimidate" players, though he made clear he always had West Indies' betterment always at heart. "Viv used to make me cry every three weeks, but he would make Carl cry once a week. Viv's tone of voice is intimidating and if you're not strong enough, you can take that personally and be affected by it. Me, I was never really affected by it. In a way I
welcomed it, because I was so much under his arm that I knew abuse was coming and I was a strong personality. Carl? I know for a fact that Carl shied away from Viv Richards."
But Hooper said Richards never caused him any "distress" and always had his back. "The claim that Sir Vivian was aggressive towards Mr. Hooper and
made him cry once a week is categorically false. Such descriptions paint Sir Vivian as a perpetrator of emotional abuse -- an assertion that is not only baseless but also deeply hurtful to both parties. "Sir Vivian, as Mr. Hooper's first captain, has never caused emotional distress to Mr. Hooper. On the contrary, he has always acted as an encouraging mentor and provid-
ed unwavering support. Their nearly 40-year relationship has been founded on mutual respect and camaraderie. The misrepresentation of their interactions in Mr. Lara's book is a grave disservice to the truth and has caused undue distress to both parties and their families."
Richards and Hooper have pulled up Lara for "attempting to profit from such deceit", something they find "inconceivable" considering his stature in global cricket. "We demand that Mr. Lara immediately issues a public retraction of these false claims and offer a sincere apology for the harm caused. It is crucial for the integrity of public discourse and their personal and professional lives that the truth is set right."
Lara and Richards only appeared in one international match together for West Indies, an ODI at Lord's on the 1991 tour of England, batting together briefly in a 20-run partnership - Lara laments not getting more time in the middle with him in
the book, writing that it was "every young man's dream is to be waiting in the middle, watching The Greatest walk through the gate and onto the field where I'm standing."
Lara played much more with Hooper, both leading him as captain and playing under his captaincy. Lara's first international match in 1990, an ODI in Karachi, was in a side that included Hooper and Lara also played in what was Hooper's last international game, against Kenya at the 2003 World Cup. In the book, Lara is fulsome in his praise of Hooper, calling him one of finest talents to have come out of the Caribbean.
"Man, what a player. The ease in which he batted brought out a kind of awe in us, and in all of us, even the senior players. You felt that when Carl went out to bat, they enjoyed it - Haynes, Richards, Greenidge, all these guys would stop what they were doing just to watch him.”
(ESPNcricinfo)
Vurlon Mills kicks off annual summer camp with 130 kids
THE Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) kicked off its second KFC Summer Camp on Monday with 130 kids at the Georgetown Football Club ground. This is the first time that VMFA is working with this many children, and excitement was in the air as their biggest event of the year got underway despite unfavourable weather conditions.
The intention is to introduce the game to kids who are now getting involved, and to enhance the skills of those already involved, and to make it fun and exciting for them. KFC has invested directly into 60 kids and VMFA is grateful for such massive support.
“We are hoping to take this experience to different communities so other kids
and their parents can experience the same,” Founder Vurlon Mills told Chronicle Sport yesterday.
The three hours of the camp each day, during the period July 22 to 27, will see a lot of focus on ball work/ball mastery, technical exercises and other fun activities. The second hour of the morning will see coaches presenting different life skills sessions
and the third hour will be for games.
“First when we started planning it, I thought I wouldn’t be able to manage it. But of course you have to put in the work and I have had support from my team, my coaches, and we have been able to make it a success,” Mills expressed.
Mills’ events provide a good opportunity for kids to
play in an organised environment, be able to showcase their skills, make new friends, and have a blast playing the beautiful game of football.
The VMFA, which usually operates at the St. Stanislaus Ground, Carifesta Avenue, was established in 2019, with the motto, ‘Practice winning every day.’
It is said to have successfully facilitated football
and personal development sessions for hundreds of children between the ages of four and 17 years old with flagship initiatives such as the annual KFC Football Summer Camp, the annual ENet Football Festival and SBM Offshore Guyana Women’s Development Football Programme. (Telesha Ramnarine)
Carl Hooper's joint statement 'demanded a public retraction and sincere apology' from Lara • PA Photos/Getty Images
A group of boys during a game on the first day of the camp
VMFA is working with the largest number of kids to date in this year’s summer camp
Brathwaite makes quick pivot in wake of Trent Bridge defeat
NOTTINGHAM, England, (CMC) – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite on Sunday tried to hastily turn the page on a yet another dismal West Indies batting performance, urging his side to stay “mentally tough”, as he switched his attention to this week’s final Test at Edgbaston.
Stressing that the heavy 241-run defeat at Trent Bridge was now behind them, the embattled Brathwaite said it was important to “look forward to the future”, with the hope his side could show some improvement in the last Test of the three-match series, and those against South Africa next month and Bangladesh in November.
Set 385 to win at tea on the penultimate day here Sunday, West Indies cruised to 61 without loss inside the first hour before losing 10 wickets for 82 runs and collapsing to 143 all out in a single session.
“We wouldn’t have expected it, to be honest, after a decent start but it’s gone, it’s history, we have to look forward to the future,” Brathwaite said.
“Test cricket is never an easy game so my word for the guys is stay mentally tough, stay mentally tough. We still have a number of Test matches this year remaining. It’s not the end of the world. You’ve got to stay tough and keep fighting.”
West Indies competed well over the first three days of the game, leading England by 41 runs on first innings after gathering an impressive 457, with Kavem Hodge scoring a hundred and Joshua Da Silva and Alick Athanaze striking fifties.
However, England responded strongly to pile up 425 in their second innings, former captain Joe Root (122) and Harry Brook (109) leading the way with
hundreds.
With England also piling 416 in their first innings and tending to score freely throughout the match, Brathwaite said discipline remained an area of concern for his bowlers.
“It’s just the discipline, we have to be much more disciplined, and England showed us how to bowl on the wicket – how not to get hit square of the wicket too many times in one over – so we have to get better at that,” Brathwaite pointed out.
“The guys will learn. For example, Kavem (Hodge) scored a hundred and then didn’t get much in the second innings – that’s Test cricket.
“You just have to stay mentally tough and I think
once we learn from this, we’ll be better off for the future and future Test matches.”
He added: “The more you play and the more you’re in these type of situations –pressure situations playing international cricket – you learn and once you’re learning and thinking about how to get better, it can only be beneficial for us.
“My thing for the boys once again is: it’s history, it’s gone – the two defeats are gone. We still have five Test matches remaining for this year.
“So we keep learning and by the end of the year we will be better off, once we have that correct mindset.”
Barbados lift West Indies Under-19 title in drawn final
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, (CMC) – Barbados won the West Indies Under-19 Championship here Sunday after the two-day final against Jamaica ended in a tame stalemate at the Arnos Vale Stadium.
Resuming the final day with the game evenly poised, Barbados restricted the Jamaicans to 127 for eight declared before batting out the remaining sessions to finish on 172 for two in their second innings, and earn their success on first innings points.
Openers Kyle Jordan (62) and Joshua Morris (52) ensured there were no twists, the pair striking half-centuries in a 96-run first innings stand.
Replying to Barbados’
200 for nine declared on Saturday’s opening day, Jamaica started the final day full of promise at 72 for two but the
innings folded quickly as the next six wickets tumbled for 39 runs.
Steve Wedderburn failed
to add to his overnight 39, wafting at a wide delivery from fast bowler Jatario Prescod (3-51) and edging
behind in the first over of the day.
And Jamaica suffered yet another blow a few overs later when Wedderburn’s overnight partner Matthew Morgan perished after adding five to his 28, bowled through the gate by a beautiful googly from leg-spinner Saurav Worrell (3-24).
Wickets fell steadily thereafter, forcing Jamaica’s declaration before lunch, still 73 runs adrift of first innings lead.
Barbados then flourished, Jordan faced 132 balls and counting three fours and two fours and Morris striking half-dozen fours off 95 deliveries, to keep Jamaica without any early success.
By the time Morris edged
an expansive drive at a wide delivery from leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood late in the day, the result was all but decided and Joshua Dorne (29 not out) arrived to add 40 for the second wicket with Jordan and a further 36 in an unbroken third wicket partnership with Zion Brathwaite (22 not out), to keep Barbados on top.
Teams will now turn their attention to the CWI Rising Stars Men's 50-Over Championships starting today.
Defending champions Jamaica will face Guyana at Arnos Vale. The Leeward Islands will face Trinidad & Tobago at Sion Hill while Barbados takes on the Windward Islands at Park Hill.
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite bats on Sunday’s penultimate day of the second Test
Barbados crowned champions of the 2024 CWI Rising Stars Men’s 2-Day Championship
