Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-12-2023 by Guyana Chronicle

SATURDAY 23rd December, 2023

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Demerara Bank adds to national development 03 No.107303

PAGE

–– President Ali says as multimillion-dollar branch opened at Leonora

–– emphasises government’s commitment to expanding local banking sector

(Office of the President photo)

First Lady Arya Ali and First Son Zayd Ali, joined scores of persons on Friday night for the Christmas Tree light-up at the Kingston Bandstand (Japheth Savory photos)

Five low-income 09 Multimillion-dollar quarry Some 15,000 Guyanese US officials signal 11 support for Wales families receive core to be constructed in benefit from part-time gas-to-energy project homes for Christmas Potaro Mining District 10 job initiative– Jagdeo 13 PAGE

wPAGE

–– gov’t optimistic multimillion-dollar loan will be approved to support works, Jagdeo says

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Demerara Bank adds to national development

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

–– President Ali says as multimillion-dollar branch opened at Leonora –– emphasises government’s commitment to expanding local banking sector

President Ali and Minister Singh with bank officials shortly after the financial facility was commissioned (Office of the President photo) By Naomi Parris HUNDREDS of Region Three residents will now have access to easy banking services following the commissioning of Demerara Bank’s $485 million branch at Leonora. During a feature address at the commissioning ceremony, President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted that the government has been creating an enabling environment for the local banking sector to expand. Reflecting on statistics from 2018, the President said: “Banks do not become successful by themselves. It is the policy framework, it is the government, it is the fiscal planning and if you look at one indicator in September 2018, our non-preforming was almost 12 per cent; our non-performing loan now is just three per cent.” He noted that Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has

positioned itself as a part of the collective whole that will advance the economy. “I want to congratulate the board and management of this bank for their responsiveness to national development. Every time I throw an idea to the management of this bank, the first response is, ‘We’re coming over.’ And my policy is very open. Once it’s for development, the door is open,” President Ali said. He further urged the bank’s management to continue advancements through innovation, reorientation and integration. “These are three things that are elements of success in today’s business. If you cannot innovate, you are going to fail. You have to continuously do what you’re doing better; more efficiently, less costly and easy for the See page 4

Demerara Bank’s newest branch (DPI photo)

Demerara Bank adds ...

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023 From page 3

people, but you can’t innovate without reorientating yourself.” Turning his attention to integration, the president said: “With the modernisation of the financial sector, Guyana must become a major hub for financial services.” The President noted that in the coming years, the buildings established to support the banking sector will be known as ‘back offices’ as the country pursues newer technologies. “Two [to] five years from now, these buildings will be converted into what will be known as back offices. You’ll have faceless banks, but you’ll have the people in there; you won’t see them, but they will be doing the important back-office work. But much more important than that, this building will be providing more jobs, because we

will create the infrastructure for near-shoring and financial services,” President Ali explained. Meanwhile, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said Demerara Bank’s franchise has been on the forefront of private response to the government’s call in creating a booming economy for Guyana. “You have partnered with this government on every major initiative, whether it be our low-income housing programme, whether it be our forestry revolving fund, whether it be encouraging you to roll out investments to bring banking services to communities that are underbanked,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “Demerara Bank has been at the forefront of the private sector response to the environment President Ali and his government are creating.”

Region Three residents now have additional access to financial services with the opening of Demerara Bank’s location at Leonora (DPI photo) In brief remarks, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pravinchandra Dave spoke about plans for greater expansion, as the bank will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024.

With innovation at the centre, the bank will be perusing advance technology to upgrade its services and provide greater efficiency to its customers. Founded in 1992 and opened

for business on November 12, 1994, DBL is the first indigenous private sector bank in Guyana. At the moment, DBL has nine strategically placed branches around the nation, including a Corporate Office

that serves the Bank’s corporate clientele. It also has nine ATM locations, and provides a comprehensive array of commercial banking services.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Heroes Highway improving access, increasing property value and creating opportunities – citizens THE newly-commissioned Heroes Highway, stretching across four lanes from Eccles to Great Diamond, is instrumental in alleviating traffic congestion and catalysing development along the East Bank Corridor. The Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday engaged citizens, who shared their appreciation for the groundbreaking infrastructure project. Heman Ramphal, a proud Grove resident, lauded the project as a monumental step in easing the traffic buildup. “That is extremely excellent, in my opinion, because I am a born Grove man; it is a

wonderful gesture, and there is a lot of traffic that has been eased off,” Ramphal said. Neil Rafeek hailed the highway as a gateway, not just for faster commute, but also the expansion of housing and land development within the Grove/Diamond area. “The new bypass road from Georgetown to Grove/Diamond is an excellent initiative. It is not just for the commuters to reach their destination, but it is also opening up a lot of lands; housing development within the Grove and Diamond area,” Rafeek said. He further stated that development can be seen throughout Guyana. “It does take Guyana

Heman Ramphal

to a different height; it is nothing about thinking, we were never there, we are there today so it is a great initiative,” he said. Lydia Basdeo shared that, “It’s very convenient for me, because I got to take my grandson all the way to Sheriff Street to school. I live at 18th Street, so we just drive down at the back there, and we go straight; we reach

faster.” Shameika Henry expressed similar sentiments, saying: “It’s a lot of development, and also it is a great initiative for all the citizens and residents that is living within Grove/Diamond, and even along the East Bank. And also, it is more easier to travel to Georgetown, and more easier to get access to Georgetown.” For Shantie Brumm e l l - B u m b u r y, t h e highway is not just a timely tribute to the ‘Fallen Heroes’, but also lends added value to the communities through which it passes. “Well, in any aspect, when we have development it is always for the betterment. The bypass in itself serves us, and

Jasodra Appallsammoy

it serves a great purpose. It couldn’t have been in a more timely manner to pay respect to our fallen heroes. Two, it also adds value to our area,” she told the DPI. Jasodra Appallsammoy said: “For all the persons traversing the East Bank. Less traffic, faster to your journey, easier access to the en-

tire east bank for each and every one of the drivers.” As citizens embrace this significant advancement, the Heroes Highway emerges as a beacon of hope, linking communities, unlocking development, and paving the way for a brighter future along the East Bank Corridor. (DPI)

Editor

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Navendra Seoraj

CARICOM’s Resilient Journey

AS we bid farewell to 2023, it is a moment of reflection and celebration for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which has navigated a year of significant progress in advancing its integration movement. The pinnacle of this journey was the jubilant celebration of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the signing of the original Treaty of Chaguaramas, a historic moment that laid the foundation for our united path forward. Under the resonant theme, “50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build On,” we paused to reflect on the monumental achievements since 1973. This introspective pause served as a reaffirmation of our commitment to the visionary ideals of our Founding Fathers for a prosperous and unified community. A momentous decision was made at the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government

in Trinidad and Tobago in July. The commitment to work towards the free movement of all CARICOM nationals within the Community and the advancement of measures to establish a regional capital market demonstrated a collective determination to deepen integration. The “25 by 2025” food security initiative gained momentum, with several Member States implementing crucial measures to reduce our food-import bill and enhance food and nutrition security for our people. The Caribbean Week of Agriculture, held in The Bahamas in April, facilitated focused engagement with the private sector, and a crucial Memorandum of Understanding with the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture promises further strides in combating food and nutrition insecurity. The challenges of regional security were met head-on as we faced esca-

lating threats to our borders. Intensive efforts, including interventions by the CARICOM-appointed Eminent Persons Group (EPG), demonstrated our commitment to finding solutions to the multi-dimensional crisis in Haiti and restoring peace and stability. The Framework Agreement, arising from five consultations with stakeholders, provides a transitional governance arrangement for Haiti, with consensus on several draft aspects. The transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency received a boost with a $20 million funding injection from USAID through the Caribbean Climate Investment Program. A Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Climate Change and the Climate Finance Agenda now coordinates and oversees preparations for international climate change and finance negotiations.

CARICOM’s pursuit of targeted regional and international partnerships yielded a significant outcome with the opening of the CARICOM headquarters of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Barbados. This development aims to expand Africa-Caribbean trade and investment relations in critical economic sectors. The challenges and triumphs of the past year underscore the importance of acting collectively to make the impactful strides needed for CARICOM’s integration movement. Gratitude is extended to Heads of Government, leaders throughout the Community, and the CARICOM Secretariat staff for their invaluable contributions to our mandate. Fellow CARICOM citizens, our collective will and action will pave the way for a prosperous, healthy, and safe “Community for All.” As we usher in the New Year, let us renew the commitment to this goal.

President, First Lady want the best for Guyana and Guyanese

Dear Editor,

IN Guyana we say, “Good things come to those who wait.” In the midst of the festive season, Guyanese are much relieved as they go about in their preparation for the holidays. Guyana’s “Father Christmas,” President Dr. Irfaan Ali, has managed to give the precious gift of love as he shares it with the invaluable package of peace and non-violence. These priceless ingredients have encouraged the generosity of giving and sharing after our goodly neighbour had threatened the peace and sanctity of the holiday. President Ali, the ever considerate and thoughtful person, has pledged to ensure that the safety, security and success of this nation is guaranteed and will always be treated with priority since he was sworn into power in

2020. The welfare of Guyanese is forever close to his heart. Christmas was stolen in 2018 and 2019 by the “Grinchier.” President Ali brought back cheers in 2020 to allay the fears and wipe off the tears of Guyanese. After Scrooge had removed bonuses from the shelf, bonus is again part and parcel of the PPP/C Party and Government holiday package. The going was rough, but the tough fought a cruel battle to come out victorious. Guyanese say, “Easy lesson good for dunce.” The month of December is synonymous with election in the minds of Guyanese. One of CARICOM’s “Three Wise Men” that brokered the 1998 Herdmanston Agreement after the impasse of the December 1997 General Elections in Guyana, Sir Shridath Ramphal, a former Commonwealth Secretary-Gener-

al and Guyana’s Attorney-General, had written, “ It is utterly regrettable that, despite the highest-level agreement between the political leaders of Guyana and five CARICOM Heads of Government acting for the Community, the invited CARICOM team to oversee the recount of the votes has had to withdraw. Guyana is being deprived of regional and international approval and the opportunity for global respect at a time when it matters most.” The dark hours of Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections still haunt the sobered ones. President Ali kept his cool and the hot-tempered losers lost their calm. The battle of brain over brawn was eventual and eventful and became evident and eminent. After the Election Petition No. 88 appeal was dismissed by the Guyana Court of Appeal this week, will the arrogant advocates of lurid lawlessness, facetious frivolity and vicious vexation learn

any legal lesson? Another Guyanese saying has merits, “If you cannot hear, you must feel.” Guyana always has a plaster for every sore, especially since the new Health Minister took over in that daredevil year of 2020 when, this country was held under siege by a band of outlaws led by a sanctimonious gangster for five agonizing months! A year when nefarious delinquents ran amok knowing that the sad reality was that, they were convincingly trashed and lost the general election, those poorly schooled mathematicians tried numerous times to swear in a president who was “fit and prapa” to rule by foul means and not fair means. Those squanderers reluctantly then decided to scrape the bottom of the barrel, See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

President, First Lady ...

From page 6

scrap the search for a ‘might is right’ take over and secretly surrender, much to the annoyance of their compadres in disagreement. A losing party, soured and bruised, licked their wounds and cowered, knowing that they will not enjoy the Presidential post anytime in a hurry or the near future. A Guyanese proverb shines the light at the end of the tunnel, “moon a run til day ketch am.” This doctors the doctrine of “the arm of the law is long.” The former administration tried a lot of “jiggery pokery” methods but their methodology of “Burnham Magic” didn’t work. The US sanctions finally shook them up and awoke them to a sudden, sad and severe reality. Their desperate days were numbered and their sleepless nights couldn’t hide their disappointment! The heavy booths kicked in and a begrudged league of dauntless participants caved in to subdue to the result of a long, lasting and legitimate battle. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali was sworn in on August 2, 2020 as Guyana’s tenth President to lead the administration of the PPP/C Party to govern this land for the next term. All hell broke out for the bewildered party who fell flat on their face. The battle was won but the war continued. Guyanese warn, “When bird fly too fast, he does pass he nest.” Selfishness dominated the rulers from 2015 to 2020. Dubbed the “Iron Lady,” by a Soviet journalist, the United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister who ruled from 1979 to 1990, Margaret Thatcher, had remarked “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” The PPP/C party faced an uphill battle when they began to administer in 2020. A raped, ravaged and ruined Treasury was the sad reality. Missing records added to the chaos and confusion. The spread of the hate and race disease poisoned a society nurtured by greed and grouse by a grotesque party, who had vengeance on their agenda because they were left out in the cold. The ugly face of violence instigated by opportunists, surfaced to disrupt peace and stability. But President Ali survived and reigned in law and order to curb the ambitious band of rebels. The presence of the then US Secretary of State, Mr. Powell, helped to restore faith and confidence in Guyana, relying on a youthful administration presided by a matured and seasoned leader, Dr. Ali. In Guyana they say, “You can’t keep a good man down.” President Dr. Irfaan Ali rose to international prominence and became the “Man for all Seasons.” It was the good will of integrity, the reputation of honor and the prevalence of dignity on which the PPP/C Party rode out the storm embroiled in lies, propaganda and tongue-twisting by dangerous dementors. Favourable weather fathoms the fashion of Dr. Ali whose familiar face has been featured to make him famous and a welcoming personality to grace any occasion. In Guyana, peace, progress and prosperity will always prevail to light up the spirit of the festive season as long as you have a few good men and women like President Ali and the First Lady, Arya Ali, who will forever want the best for Guyana and Guyanese. Season’s greetings and do have a safe and happy holiday Guyana. Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

I did not know that was Colonel Shahoud’s mother

ON Thursday evening, while I was on the seawall, a man and a woman approached me, asked if I was Freddie Kissoon, then, the lady identified herself as Colonel Shahoud’s aunt, his mother’s sister. She said she and her husband came for the funeral and will be leaving early Friday morning (yesterday). The resemblance to the fallen Guyanese hero was uncanny. Before I go further let me describe for you what happened on the esplanade of the newly renovated seawall that evening. Most humans accept that the donkey, goat, sheep and cow are completely non-aggressive and they do not respond to attacks. My dog was sniffing in the grassy parapet next to the esplanade when the Colonel’s aunt said: “That cow is attacking your dog.” I looked around and said cows are harmless but the colonel’s aunt insisted that the cow was going to attack my dog. I never saw anything like it and this will remain a rarity anywhere in the world in the animal kingdom. The cow charged my dog, and my scared dog kept moving and the cow kept going after my pet. I ran in front of the cow and snatched my dog away from the jaws of death. I am contending that such an encounter involving the aggression of a cow is rare in the world. My witnesses are the aunt and uncle of the Guyanese hero, Colonel Michael Shahoud. The cow went away and both aunt and uncle began to describe the Shahoud family background. She told me Colonel Sha-

houd is Portuguese from his mother side who had a tinge of Amerindian blood and his father, Michael Senior was Syrian. The colonel’s father worked at the Graphic newspaper as a journalist. At that time, the editor-in chief of the Graphic was Ricardo Smith. I did not know Mr. Ricardo Smith was alive until I met his daughter, Melanie, at the cremation of Andaiye at Good Hope in 2019. I ran into Melanie a few months back at GBTI’s seawall head office and asked her if her father would appear on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show. She told me he was in his mid-nineties with full faculties so she can’t see why he wouldn’t. Melanie gave me her mobile number, but I am unable to reach her. If you are reading this and you know Melanie Smith please ask her to make contact. My cell is 614-5927 and email is fredkissoon@yahoo.com. I would like to talk to Mr. Smith about Michael Shahoud Senior. When I was growing up in Wortmanville there was a Syrian man named Shahoud

that lived at the junction of Vlissengen Road and D’Urban Street. His house was second on Vlissengen Road on the western side next to a bakery which sat right at the junction. Mr. Shahoud was quiet and did not mix and objected to any small child playing on his bridge. I had that encounter with him. Could that have been the brother of Michael Shahoud Senior? I spent about 40 minutes chatting with the aunt and uncle. As the conversation continued, I discovered that I knew Colonel Shahoud’s mother through a particular incident. The sister told me that the colonel’s mother’s married name is Pierre and she is the manager of GCIS. That is my car insurance company. About seven years ago, GCIS wrote me to say that my policy was past the deadline. I went into the office with the notice and they informed me that they were out of printed documents and I will have to return. I complained about the timing – if they did not have printed policies then they should not have called

me to come in plus there was the headache of finding parking. A Portuguese woman came up, introduced herself as Mrs. Pierre, the manager. She apologised and told me in a few hours’ time, she will ask one of the drivers to deliver the document to my home. That was done. I would never have known that the lady I met seven years ago at GCIS is the mother of army hero, Michael Shahoud if it wasn’t for the encounter with her sister on the seawall last Thursday night. I asked if I can meet with Mrs. Pierre but was told she is not in good health and has taken leave from GCIS. Her sister told me she has gone back to her family roots in New Amsterdam to recover. Mrs. Pierre had two children, the colonel and his sister. The sister died a few years ago. She was a nurse. Now with the death of the colonel, Mrs. Pierre is heart-broken. I wish the colonel’s mother everlasting good health. She gave Guyana a fantastic hero for a son.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Residents of Kamwatta, Parakeese benefitting from first-time electricity access

SOME 80 households in Kamwatta, and 25 in Parakeese in the Moruca sub-region, are now benefitting from electricity supply for the first time with the commissioning of generators costing $13.5 million each. The systems were on Wednesday evening officially commissioned by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, the parliamentary representative for Region One, Vice-Chair Annansha Peters, and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Shem Cuffy. Minister Croal officially turned on the switches during a visit to the communities. In Parakeese, some 25 households are connected on the system, which has the capacity to power 80 homes. Minister Croal urged the residents to properly maintain the equipment, so that they can maximise the benefits.

Minister Croal switches on the generating system at Parakeese

“This is part of the continuation of government’s programme for electrification for communities; this is about a $13.5 million invest-

ment, 75 KVA, and so the current households that you have now, the generator is expected to power everyone,” he told residents.

The power generating system

Residents in Amerindian communities all across the country

continue to benefit from solar panels, as the government ad-

vances the hinterland electrification programme. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Five low-income families receive core homes for Christmas

ON Friday afternoon, five low-income families received the gift of a new Core Home for Christmas. The keys to the homes, as well as Electrical Certificate and Completion Certificate, were handed over by the Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, alongside Deputy Director of Community Development Mrs. Donell Bess-Bascom and staff. The new homeowners are Tandasey O’Neil, Lot 4451 Lust-En-Rust; Candase Wrights, Lot 4433 Lust-EnRust; Burton Kelly, Lot 4083 Lust-En-Rust; and Antonio Alexis, Lot 4062 Lust-EnRust in Region Three; and Hilbert Pilgrim of Lot 1641 Section ‘B’ Block ‘X’ Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara in Region Four. The homes, constructed

under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), are funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and executed through the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Central Housing and Planning Authority. Priced at nearly $5 million each, these homes offer two bedrooms, a kitchen, and washroom facilities. Minister Croal emphasised that this initiative is part of the ministry’s broader programme to assist vulnerable households in achieving homeownership. The minister stated, “This is another testimony of what we’ve been doing at the Ministry of Housing and Water, as part of our programme. It’s not just about the allocating of lots but also to

encourage homeownership and also address a niche, in terms of society and those in different categories”. Within the AHUAP framework, Minister Croal highlighted that more than 75 homes have already been handed over. In Region Three alone, nearly $1.2 billion was expended toward home construction, essential infrastructure like roads, drainage networks, and street lights, and the disbursement of Home Improvement Subsidies. Moreover, plans were unveiled for rehabilitating a community ground and constructing a multipurpose facility in the region. Simultaneously, over $60 million has been utilised so far on the East Bank of Demerara for Core Home

Burton Kelly received the keys to a new house on Friday

Tandasey O’Neil (right) receives the keys to her new home from Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal (centre), in the presence of Deputy Director of Community Development, Mrs. Donell Bess-Bascom (left) construction and the distribution of Home Improvement Subsidies. One of Friday’s beneficiaries, Mr. Burton Kelly, expressed his gratitude, stating that the new home is a significant upgrade from the small wooden makeshift dwelling he once occupied. “Today is a new phase in my life. I am so thankful,” Mr. Kelly said as he expressed his appreciation to the Government and the IDB. Ms. Candase Wrights, a mother of five, shared her joy at being able to provide a better home for her family.

Coming from humble beginnings, she spoke of the relief from the financial burden of rent. “This would be a big step that you don’t have to worry about this part anymore, about rent paying and you gon’ have current so that the children could study more effectively at night,” she said. Another beneficiary, Ms. Tandasey O’Neil, described the home as a true Christmas miracle. “It’s a Christmas present, it came just in time for Christmas and it’s really a blessing…I have three bio-

logical children and it will be very nice for us to have our own home and one of the best things about it is that it’s debt-free,” said Ms. O’Neil. The AHUAP boundary encompasses, the La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Development in Region Three, Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara, Region Four; from Georgetown to La Bonne Intention and nineteen other select communities up to Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara, Region Four. (Ministry of Housing and Water)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Multimillion-dollar quarry to be Labourer remanded over killing of domino opponent constructed in Potaro Mining District

SOURCE One Supplier/ÁLYA Construtora S.A plans to construct a multimillion-dollar quarry in the Potaro Mining District, which, when completed will offer employment to 60 persons. Recently, a project summary was given to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review. The $32,501,421,713 project aims to support the Linden to Mabura Road Hill Upgrade and, according to the summary, approximately 500 people will be part of the entire project. It was also stated that the quarry material produced by this operation will help to reduce imports of the material. Additionally, the document said that the quarry project is being developed over a five-year period; this life span is based on the extraction of

reserves both above and below nominal elevation. “Both companies will be Owners and operators of the Quarry Operations within the Licence, under the supervision of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and other regulatory agencies,” the summary read. The project is expected to generate approximately 80 jobs during construction and 60 jobs during operation. Building on the progress made in 2022

through increased public and private investments, Guyana’s vibrant construction industry has expanded even further in 2023. This growth is linked to massive government investments in new and improved roads and bridges, housing developments, educational and health facilities, agricultural infrastructure, and private sector investment in the oil and gas and hospitality industries. Notably, Guyana’s

economy has seen vast development in both the oil and non-oil sectors. The Ministry of Finance’s mid-year report disclosed that the Guyanese economy continued its growth momentum with a real oil GDP growth of 59.5 per cent and non-oil GDP growth of 12.3 per cent. The mining and quarrying sector recorded output growth of 89.9 per cent, primarily from the petroleum and gas sector and the other mining sector, which includes sand and stone declarations, recorded higher output. Moreover, the construction sector experienced sustained and robust growth, increasing by 44.1 per cent at the end of June this year. This outturn reflects a continued increase in government infrastructure projects, along with rapid private sector development initiatives.

A 27-year-old labourer was, on Friday, remanded to prison for the murder of 27-year-old Dwayne Byass, called ‘Eddo’, who was fatally stabbed during a brawl at a Middle Street, Paradise, West Coast Berbice shop, after a game of dominoes went sour. Nascio Allen, called ‘Buck Boy’, appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court. Allen was not required to plead to the capital offence which alleged that, on December 19, 2023, he murdered Byass. He was remanded to prison until January 5, 2023. This publication had reported that, on the date in question, at about 12:50 hours, Byass and Allen were at a shop playing dominoes when a heated argument occurred, which caused a fight to ensue between them. Allen then allegedly pulled out a knife, stabbed Byass in the left abdomen, and ran out of DEAD: Dwayne the shop. Byass called ‘Eddo’ He made good his escape, leaving Byass bleeding on the ground. Byass was picked up by his cousin and rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. Byass’ body was examined, and one wound was seen on the left side of the abdomen with the intestine protruding. After committing the act, Allen went to the Weldaad Police Station and stated that Byass attacked him with a piece of wood. He further claimed that Byass “run into” the knife, which he was holding in his hands at the time.

‘Santa’ distributes over 200 toys at Bethany EXCITEMENT was evident on the faces of children as Indrawattie Natram called ‘Reema’ hosted her third toy distribution exercise at Bethany, Region Two. Natram, a popular Radio Broadcaster and

journalist in Region Two ensured that the young residents of the indigenous community got early Christmas presents on Friday. Over 200 toys and party bags were distributed by Santa and his helpers

to the children at Bethany Primary School. Toshao of the community, Sonia Latchman, extended gratitude to Natram and her team for bringing joy and the festive spirit to the community.

Latchman said that the children were very excited when they learned that Santa would be visiting. Meanwhile, Natram in brief remarks said that the toy drive was made possible through the kind donations of relatives and members of the business

community. “Nothing is more rewarding than giving back to children. It’s the holiday season and it’s the least I can do. I love children and I am compelled to do it,” Natram added. She extended gratitude to businessman

Navin Singh from N&S Contracting and Supply Services, Joe Jagmohan, Shareeda Mohamed, Multicare Pharmacy, Bargain Shopping Centre, Essential Electrical Services and Supplies and all her relatives for the support given.

The children of Bethany received their Christmas presents early this year

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

US officials signal support for Wales Gas-to-Energy project –– gov’t optimistic multimillion-dollar loan will be approved to support works, Jagdeo says

THE Government of Guyana is optimistic that a multimillion-dollar loan will be approved for the Wales Gas-to-Energy project, according to Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. Dr. Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference, told reporters that United States (US) officials have signalled their support for the project which aims to decrease the country’s energy cost. “Every US agency, including on a bipartisan basis [and] members from both sides of Congress assured us that this project is a great project. It will receive their full support so it is just that you have to go through the technical process. Jagdeo said. Earlier this week, VP Jagdeo, along with the country’s finance minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, met with executives of the Export–Import Bank of the United States. Dr. Jagdeo said that technical officials are currently processing all the necessary approvals needed. “Normally when you apply for a loan, the agency does its own internal assessment of the engineering. It’s like if you borrow money from any bank, if you go to the World Bank, IMF, etc., they have to be assured that it’s a sound project.” He noted that consultants have been hired and are con-

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo tinuously working. “The consultants were hired by EXIM Bank. They have been doing their work; they are about to complete their work most likely in January. Thereafter, it has to go through a process. It will have to go to the board and then it will go through. I think it’s about 45 days of notification of Congress and then thereafter, they can have the final board approval. So, it is a process; people think that when you make an application, it’s immediate. These internal processes take some time.” The gas-to-energy project will see a 200km 12-inch diameter pipeline channelling natural gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Pro-

duction, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will be built in Wales, on the West Bank of Demerara. ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) - the operator in the Stabroek Block, and its co-venturers are constructing the pipeline. That pipeline will be landing on the West Coast Demerara shore and will continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL and power plant facilities. It has an estimated cost of US$1 billion and is cost-recoverable. The power plant and NGL facilities will be funded by the government. Last December, the Government of Guyana and USbased integrated energy solutions group – LINDSAYCA – in partnership with a local firm – CH4 Group – signed a US$759 million contract for the construction of the facilities. The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity is a key component of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent, through an energy mix which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and ‘hydro’ power. Meanwhile, the oil and

gas giant, ExxonMobil, has made significant strides in installing the infrastructure that is needed to support the

ambitious project. The company has successfully undertaken site clearing and preparation

of a substantial 100-acre area, which will serve as the foundation for the integrated plant.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Appeal Court reduces rape convict’s sentence

Omadat Persaud OMADAT Persaud, called In his appeal documents, “Roshi”, who is currently the convict claimed that the serving 45 years for rap- trial judge erred in law and ing a five-year-old girl, on that the sentence was excesThursday, had his sentence sive and too severe. reduced to 25 years by the As such, he asked the Guyana Court of Appeal. court to reserve and/or set In January 2018, Persaud aside his conviction and had been found guilty of sentence. sexually penetrating a child The appeal was heard between August 1 and 31, by Chancellor (ag) Yonette 2015. Cummings-Edwards, and The jury had returned Justices of Appeal Dawn the unanimous guilty verdict Gregory and Rishi Persaud. after a little more than two The court affirmed Perhours of deliberation, and saud’s conviction but rethe 45 years’ sentence was duced his sentence to 25 imposed by Justice Simone years with the possibility of Morris-Ramlall at the De- parole after serving 15 years. merara High Court. It was ordered that The Judge also ordered the time Persaud spent in that Persaud serve 35 years pre-trial custody will be before he could become eli- deducted from his sengible for parole. tence.

Alleged phone snatcher granted

$50,000 bail

Chad Shivrattan A 20-year-old Stabroek Market vendor, who allegedly stole a woman’s cellphone, was released on $50,000 bail on Friday. Chad Shivrattan of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that, on November 12, 2023, at Regent Street,

Lacytown, Georgetown, he stole a $89, 000 Samsung cellular phone from Elaine Norton. Shivrattan who was unrepresented told the court that he was innocent and that the charge was trumped-up. With no objections raised by the prosecutor, Magistrate Daly released Shivrattan on $50,000 bail and adjourned the case to February 2, 2024.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Some 15,000 Guyanese benefit from part-time job initiative - Jagdeo

APPROXIMATELY 15,000 Guyanese have benefitted from the government’s parttime job initiative, according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. He made this disclosure during a press conference at Freedom House, on Thursday. The PPP General Secretary explained that many GOAL scholarship recipients gained fulltime jobs after completing their studies. He related: “…We've had some people leaving and a few others that came on. So, that's the purpose basically of it, to give people like, you know, like a stepping

stone to a more permanent type of job.” The part-time job initiative was launched in 2022. According to Jagdeo, special focus is being placed on the expansion of this initiative especially in the rural and hinterland areas where persons usually encounter difficulties in sourcing regular jobs and generating income. In May of this year, persons residing in the hinterland regions benefitted from an additional 2,000 job opportunities with the introduction of the government’s parttime jobs initiative there. In Budget 2023, the government earmarked $10 billion to expand the programme.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

The well-crafted employment initiative allows one person per household to work in public agencies for 10 days per month, and earn $40,000. JOB CREATION Since assuming office in 2020, more than 50,000 people have become employed.

With this goal coming sooner than expected, it marks a tremendous accomplishment for the PPP, which in its 2020-2025 manifesto, promised to provide 50,000 new jobs by the end of its first term in office. It was also reported that unemployment rates

in Guyana have been on a downward trajectory since 2021, and the government’s efforts to uplift the workforce are bearing fruit. This is according to a recent report published by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), titled ‘Regional Overview: Global and regional economies at a crossroads.’ “The unemployment rate declined from 15.6 per cent in 2021 Q1 to 14.5 per cent in 2021 Q3, driven mostly by declines in the unemployment rate of men, which dropped to 12 per cent in 2021 Q3 compared to 18.4 per cent for women. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates further declines in

the unemployment rate in 2022, falling to 12.4 per cent, (11 per cent for men and 14.4 per cent for women),” the report highlighted. The government has been on an aggressive drive to target the unemployment rate in Guyana, and this has seen rapid implementation of initiatives, such as the part-time jobs initiative, to assist persons in generating income. Additionally, the implementation of Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programmes and the provision of over 20,000 scholarships for Guyanese have proved highly effective in enhancing the skillsets of Guyanese to increase employability.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

UNICOMER Group rolls our Christmas Revolution Campaign

AS the festive season envelops communities with joy and cheer, the Unicomer Group is making a substantial impact with its heartwarming initiative, "Christmas Revolution Campaign - D o u b l e t h e J o y. " Through its retail outlets RadioShack, Lucky Dollar, and Courts, the campaign is not just a celebration but a mission to illuminate the lives of children in need across the community.

the contribution, effectively doubling the impact on charity. The official handover to various organisations across the country, including the children of the "Tiger Bay" Community, is scheduled for December 23rd, 2023. JOIN US IN SPREADING THE JOY Eldri Ferguson-Mackey, Director of Merchandising and Marketing, emphasised, "Every child deserves a moment of happiness, especially during

DOUBLE THE TOYS, DOUBLE THE HAPPINESS This unique campaign extends a warm invitation to customers to participate in a special toy drive. For every toy purchased, patrons receive another one for free. However, the generosity doesn't stop there. Customers are encouraged to donate the extra toy to dedicated toy chests located in all branches of RadioShack, Courts, and Lucky Dollar. YOUR GIFT, MATCHED WITH LOVE In a true embodiment of the Christmas spirit, RadioShack, Courts, and Lucky Dollar will match every gift donated. This means that every single act of kindness will be doubled, ensuring even more children receive a reason to smile this holiday season. The promotion, which commenced on December 8th, featured a compelling toy offer: Buy one toy, get another free! Customers are invited to either donate the extra toy or make a specific purchase for donation purposes. MATCHING DONATION: SPREADING JOY ACROSS COMMUNITIES For every toy donated by customers, RadioShack, Courts, and Lucky Dollar will match

the holiday season. This campaign is more than just a promotion; it's a call to action for everyone in our community to come together and make a significant impact. We're inviting you to join hands with us in this noble cause. Share the news, visit our stores, and let's collectively ensure that the joy of Christmas reaches every corner of our community." CUSTOMER APPRECIATION AND CHRISTMAS CHEER DAY This Friday, December 22nd, the Mega store will host an overall Customer Appreciation and Christmas Cheer Day starting from 1 pm. The event will include the announcement of the big 1M spin and win winner from the '12 days of Christmas' campaign. Additionally, Christmas wishes will be granted as part of the 'make a wish' campaign for both customers and influencers. In a spirit of giving, the day will also witness several charitable donations to various organisations. As the Unicomer Group spearheads initiatives that reflect the true essence of the season, the "Christmas Revolution Campaign - Double the Joy" stands as a shining example of the collective effort to bring happiness to those in need.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday December 23, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Alzarri Joseph (2) Matthew Forde Today’s Quiz: (1) Which ENG players were in the third but not the fourth T20 Int’l in the recent WI series? (2) Who were there replacements? Answers in tomorrow’s issue …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

City win FIFA club world cup (BBC) - JULIAN Alvarez scored twice as Manchester City won the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time by beating Brazilians Fluminense in Saudi Arabia. Pep Guardiola's side, taking part in the tournament after winning last season's Champions League, made the ideal start as Alvarez struck after 40 seconds, chesting in from close range after Nathan Ake's long-range strike hit the post. They added a second in the 27th minute when Nino turned Phil Foden's cross into the back of his own net. England's Foden then got on the scoresheet himself in the second half when he darted through the middle to prod in Alvarez's cross, before the Argentine forward got his second

in the 88th minute with a clinical strike into the far corner. Success meant City emulated Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea in lifting the Club World Cup, but became the first English side to win five trophies in a calendar year. The Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season was followed by the UEFA Super Cup in August. "It was an incredible year," said Guardiola. "Today we closed the chapter. We won everything we could. Now time to try again." But some of the shine was taken off their victory by the sight of Rodri - so influential for the side - going off injured towards the end of the second half.

Meanwhile, Egyptian side Al Ahly claimed third place with a 4-2 win against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.

City seal another title to round off memorable 2023 City's win in Jeddah completed a trophy-laden and unforgettable year for the club. Although winning the Club World Cup has often carried less importance for English sides, Guardiola had spoken of his determination to "close the circle" and lift the trophy he believed would complete City's collection. While this was their first appearance in the tournament, Guardiola had won it before with Barcelona and Bayern Munich and underlined his desire to triumph again by naming a

Manchester City have won five trophies in 2023

strong line-up. The outcome was a dominant display by the reigning Premier League champions, with goalkeeper Ederson largely untested aside from a Jhon Arias header just before halftime, and a late John Kennedy strike. "We were a little lucky at the start, we got the ball and scored early and then they had

an incredible 10-12 minutes that made you realise how tough it would be," added Guardiola. "The second goal helped us, but maybe we didn't deserve it. We adjusted something in the second half and we were much, much better." City will celebrate before switching focus back to domestic

matters, with their next game an away trip to Everton on Wednesday, 27 December. With one win in their last six Premier League games, they will hope to use the momentum of their confident victory, and accolades of being crowned world champions, to get their title defence back on track.

performances led to him being voted the league's best player. But the two-year contract he signed with Gremio in 2022 was ended early because Suarez felt he could not play another full season in Brazil with a knee problem and the travelling distances for games. Miami - part-owned by former England captain David Beckham - signed Messi, Busquets and Alba during the 2023 season, with the trio helping the franchise win a first trophy with the Leagues Cup in August.

"I'm very happy and excited to take on this new challenge with Inter Miami," added Suarez. "I can't wait to get started and I'm ready to work to make the dream of winning more titles with this great club a reality. "I'm optimistic about what we can achieve together with our shared ambition." Suarez, who is widely considered one of the best strikers of his generation, won four La Liga titles at Barcelona alongside Messi, Busquets and Alba between 2015 and 2019.

The quartet were also an instrumental part of the Barca team that won the Champions League and Fifa World Club Cup in 2015. Inter Miami finished second from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference last season. They made a poor start under the management of former England international Phil Neville, who was sacked in June, before a resurgence followed Messi's arrival.

Suarez joins Inter Miami

(BBC) - Uruguay striker Luiz Suarez has joined MLS side Inter Miami for the 2024 season, reuniting him with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Suarez, 36, joins as a free agent after leaving Brazilian side Gremio. "I look forward to reuniting with great friends and players," said Suarez. Inter Miami chief business officer Xavier Asensi described the ex-Liverpool striker's signing as "another monumental moment" for the club.

Luis Suarez has won trophies with Nacional, Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Gremio

Suarez, who has also won league titles with Nacional, Ajax and Atletico Madrid, scored 17 goals in

33 games as Gremio finished second in Brazilian Serie A in the 2023 season. The veteran forward's

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

Powell believes West Indies need to work on bowling

CMC – WEST INDIES captain, Rovman Powell, believes improvements need to be made to his side’s bowling, if they are to seriously challenge at next year’s Twenty20 World Cup. Pointing to the third and fourth Twenty20 Internationals of the just concluded fivematch series against England, Powell said his bowlers had not executed properly, leading to totals in excess of 200 runs on both occasions. “We are prepared

[for the World Cup] but we still have areas where we need to sharpen up, especially our bowling,” Powell told reporters after West Indies won the final T20 International by four wickets to clinch the series. “Two games backto-back England beat us badly as a bowling group, [scoring] in excess of 220 back-toback, but there’s a lot of work for us to do, so, hopefully, over the next few months we can sharpen up and get those areas sorted.”

In both matches, opener Phil Salt blasted amazing hundreds – an unbeaten 109 followed up by 119 – as West Indies’ bowlers struggled to contain the 27-yearold right-hander. And Powell said it had been important for the bowlers to refine their plans in order to shackle Salt and his dangerous opening partner, captain Jos Buttler. “We sat in our team room and tried to have some one-on-one discussions with the guys and we just tried our

best to come up with collective plans of how to control [Salt] and control Buttler,” Powell explained. “For the last two games, they scored 70 in the power-play – totally [wrote] us off. “Even having said that, I think for the last two games, we haven’t executed properly as a bowling unit. I still think we had good plans but we just didn’t execute.” West Indies raced to a 2-0 lead in the series, winning the opener in Barbados by four

wickets and the second game in Grenada by ten runs before the wheels came off. England subsequently chased down 223 to win the third game by seven wickets and then racked up a record 267 in the fourth T20I to come away with a 75run victory. I n t h e d o - o r- d i e contest here Thursday, West Indies restricted them to 132 and then overhauled their target with four balls to spare. “We played very well [on Thursday]. After England came

back in the series and put us under pressure, I think today the guys responded like champions,” said Powell. “We know the conditions and it would have been difficult for the groundsman to [prepare] two belters backto-back here in Trinidad, because the games are so close. “So you get the first game and it’s a belter and then it (pitch) becomes a little low and slow for the second game.”

CWI selectors concerned about ‘movement away from test cricket’

CMC – CHIEF selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, said there was understandable “concern” among his panel about the movement away from the longer format by key players, and believes a larger pool of players needed to be created to compensate for this. The West Indies legend said the emergence of the global Twenty20 franchise leagues meant players now had choices of format, leaving selectors with the challenge of picking their best squads for assignments. On Wednesday, West Indies announced a 15-man squad for next month’s two-Test tour of Australia minus leading all-rounder Jason Holder and top order batsman

Chief selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes

Kyle Mayers – both of whom declined selection after expressing “a preference to explore T20 Franchise opportunities in January.” “Any panel would be concerned if there is a [choice] for that sort of version (T20) because we would obviously love to have a very strong Test team,” Haynes told an

online media conference. “A lot of people in the Caribbean still believe in Test cricket but it is quite obvious that the players now have got a choice and even though we might love to have them playing in the longer version of the game, some of the guys are making themselves available for the shorter version.

“And we’re hoping that whenever they get the opportunity to play for West Indies that they would be committed but it is very difficult for us to stop the guys from going after the shorter version of the game.” It is the latest in a saga that has seen a plethora of West Indies players transitioning to the lucrative Twenty20 format over the last decade, leaving the Test side often under-strength. As such, the absence of both Holder and Mayers will be a blow for the January 27-29 tour. The 32-year-old Holder is a veteran of 64 Tests, and has already scored three hundreds including an unbeaten double four years ago. He has also taken 157

wickets along with eight five-wicket hauls. The 31-year-old Mayers, meanwhile, came to prominence on the Test tour of Bangladesh two years ago when he smashed a sensational unbeaten double hundred in his debut Test. He followed up with another Test hundred against the same side last year in the Caribbean, and currently boasts an average of 32 from 18 matches. A lively medium pacer, Mayers has taken 34 wickets at 18 runs apiece. Haynes said the focus now needed to be on ensuring there was a wider pool of players to select from, in order to lessen the impact of the T20 lure. “It is a concern, obvi-

ously. You want to know the guys who can do a job for you [are] available,” Haynes continued. “But the guys have got a choice, and if they make a decision, there’s nothing we can do. “What we need to do is to start looking at making sure we put things in place to produce cricketers so that when players are not available then we can still be very competitive in world cricket.” Selectors attempted to recall the likes of OneDay captain Shai Hope and veteran left-hander Darren Bravo, with the hope of adding more experience to the squad for Australia. However, Haynes said both players turned down the opportunity.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

President Ali supports KFC Goodwill Championship

AS a sign of his unwavering commitment to the development of sport, His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, has officially donated the first and second place prize packages for the KFC Goodwill International Football Championship, which concluded yesterday. The gesture totals US$4000, of which $2500 will be presented to the winner and $US1500 will be afforded to the runner-up.

The KFC Goodwill International Championship, which is in its fourth iteration, is an emerging Caribbean Schools Championship that features participation from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. The primary aim of the event is to create and foster a student-athlete culture. Steve Ninvalle, Director of Sports and head of the National Sports Commission (NSC), said, "I'm sim-

ply acting as a humble conduit for His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, who would have wanted to make this donation in his personal capacity but, unfortunately, due to his busy but necessary schedule, was unable to be here.” He further said, “This donation is not an isolated event and is evidentiary of the government’s efforts in the development of sports and, by extension, the human capi-

tal of the nation. From infrastructural development and evolution to tournament support and coordination, President Ali’s administration has displayed an unprecedented and encompassing approach to the development of the sports ecosystem, which symbolises the method and modus operandi in the development of all sectors. Sports is a major part of the ‘One Guyana’ philosophy, as it provides

a common denominator and unmatched value in the unification of its people. His Excellency President Irfaan Ali views this contribution as a significant step in the concretisation of a Guyanese initiative that has the capacity to not only transform the local landscape but the Caribbean region.” Meanwhile, Petra Organisation Co-Dire c t o r, Tro y M e n donca, stated that he was grateful for the

a s s i s t a n c e p ro v i d ed by President Ali, which illustrates his commitment to the advancement of the sports sector, noting that any developmental partnership with the government should be embraced and that the entity will seek to continue the dialogue and maintain the partnership with the government in the effort to expand the competition.

President Ali supports KFC Goodwill Championship

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, December 23, 2023

SEE PAGE

President Irfaan Ali

Powell believes West Indies need to work on bowling SEE PAGE

From left: Petra Organisation’s CoDirectors, Dr. Marlan Cole, Troy Mendonca, Petra’s Secretary Jacklyn Boodie, and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

Andre Russell bowled Liam Livingstone to dent England’s fightback•Dec 12, 2023•Getty Images

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| SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023