Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27-10-2023

FRIDAY 27th October, 2023

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUSIVE

No. 107246

Local hydroponics farm could support region’s food-security efforts

SEE PAGE

3

- set to supply high-value crops, help to reduce imports

President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday visited the hydroponics farm at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, Mon Repos (Office of the President photos)

Cybersecurity Women-owned local Dr. Jagdeo condemns company secures must be politicisation of two oil blocks strengthened Guyana, Venezuela amidst increase border controversy - says he’s pleased governin business ment, opposition were able to SEE PAGE

SEE PAGE

4

5

SEE PAGE

9

- Prime Minister Phillips says

Lancetfish-2 exploration in Stabroek Block yields positive results 2 SEE PAGE

put aside differences to share one position on this issue

GPHC now offering free knee, hip-replacement surgeries

SEE PAGE

3

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Lancetfish-2 exploration in Stabroek Block yields positive results

The Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that the Lancetfish-2 appraisal well in the Stabroek Block has produced significant results THE Ministry of Natural Resources has announced that the Lancetfish-2 appraisal well in the Stabroek Block has produced significant results.

According to a press release from the ministry: “This marks the fourth offshore discovery in Guyana for the year 2023 and brings the total number of discov-

eries from 2015 to date to a total of 46.”

The earlier discoveries made in 2023 include Fangtooth SE-1 and Lancetfish-1 in the Stabroek Block, as well as the Wei-1 discovery in the Corentyne Block.

The Lancetfish-2 discovery in the Liza Petroleum Production License area has unveiled an estimated 20

meters of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir, along with approximately 81 meters of additional hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone.

This newly discovered reservoir will undergo a comprehensive appraisal process, which aligns with the ongoing appraisal activities for other discoveries in the region.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Local hydroponics farm could support region’s food-security efforts

- set to supply high-value crops, help to reduce imports

WITH a regional goal of reducing the food-import bill of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by 25 percent by 2025, Guyana has made significant strides to boost the production of various crops to do its part in this effort.

AS part of achieving this goal, a hydroponics project was recently launched by the National Agricultural and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

On Thursday afternoon, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, conducted a site visit to the farm where he received updates on the ongoing project.

During his walkthrough of the facility, the Head of State was informed of the current capacity at the farm’s nursery, which has a capacity for 100,000 plants. As it is now, there are only 25,000 plants in the nursery which includes kale, lettuce and pak choi, among others.

When he enquired as to when the farm would meet the full capacity of 100,000 plants, he was informed

President, Dr Irfaan Ali conducted a site visit to the hydroponics farm at NAREI where he received updates on the ongoing project (Office of the President photos) that within two weeks that goal would be achieved.

Dr Ali said that a capacity of that scale if done in the traditional way would have taken up approximately 15 acres of land; however, with this way it's being done on less land and there will be consistency in the produce.

It was revealed that in total there were 15 herbs being cultivated on the farm including mustard, basil, chai, thyme, and local and foreign varieties of pak choi.

The Head of State said

that planting crops that are usually imported will replace the need for that import and further provide export for other countries.

“The intention of this facility is to build additional facilities like this one to meet the entire CARICOM needs for these crops and export from here,” he said, adding that the next phase includes introducing modern aquaculture tanks.

Further, youths who are part of the project said to the President that the farm is being run on a nutrient film technique which uses

nutrient solutions to grow the plants without the need for fertilisers.

It was further disclosed that the environment is also one that is pest-free, as it is a controlled one which in turn means there is no need for the use of fungicides and pesticides on the crops.

Meanwhile, in early September, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha told members of the media that the high-value crops cultivated in the hydroponics system would be evaluated.

At that time, he noted

GPHC now offering free knee, hip-replacement surgeries THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is now offering knee and hip- replacement surgeries free of cost.

This was according to Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Robbie Rambarran, during a press briefing on Thursday.

According to Rambarran, several discussions were held and the board of the hospital gave approval for the hospital to offer these services for free.

“We came up with a proposal, took it to the board, had several discussions and the board has now approved for us now to offer knee and hip replacement and revision free of cost,” he said.

GPHC CEO Robbie Rambarran (Shaniece Bamfield photo) Against this backdrop, he revealed that there are currently around 30 persons who need revision surgery for their knees or hip re-

placements, but previously there was no system in place and as such new prostheses and supplies would have to be procured.

With all the deliberations, they thought it best to go with the decision that was made for these operations to be free.

“It is many times difficult for the patients to find that money and we talked about it and those fees were removed,” he said.

Previously, patients would have had to pay some $200,000 to have the kneeor hip-replacement surgery done.

This sum, he said, was a burden to many, especially the elderly to have that surgical intervention, and added that while these replacement joints have a lifespan, they would need revision operations.

that the first phase of the project a 2000-square-metre, cutting-edge system would be set up. The system comprises a cold room, packaging space, harvesting tools, irrigation controllers, a water recycling system and emergency

water storage.

The project uses a three-phase hydroponics production system based on nutrient film techniques and soilless production systems, and was estimated to cost some US$15.750 million.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Cybersecurity must be strengthened amidst increase in business - Prime Minister Phillips says

By Naomi Parris BUSINESSES in Guyana have been embracing technology as a way to remain competitive and expand their services, and with this, cybersecurity is now being prioritised to safeguard against threats that might emerge.

At a technology conference organised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Thursday, Prime Minster, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, said that the adoption of technology by the local business sector will see endless opportunities being created; however, cybersecurity will have to come into focus.

“It is crucial to imple-

ment robust cybersecurity measures to protect data, maintain operational integrity, and ensure the safety and privacy of individuals and organisations in this new era of technological innovation,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

From the government’s standpoint, he related that officials have been establishing the framework to support the expanding use of technology.

He referenced the recent efforts to establish and update several pieces of legislation.

“Two of the most recent examples can be seen in the passing of the Data Protection Bill 2023 and the Digital Identity Card Bill 2023, which seek to protect personal data and privacy rights while empowering citizens to navigate the digital space securely,” the Prime Minister said.

He further stressed that

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

GCCI Treasurer Orson Ferguson

with the expansion of technology, each connected device and system in companies can become a potential entry point for cyber-attacks.

Prime Minister Phillips said too: “We are now also operating in a landscape that involves collecting and analysing vast amounts of data, including sensitive information. Data privacy is, therefore, essential, as breaches can have legal and financial repercussions. Compliance with data protection regulations also becomes critical.”

At a previous meeting between the GMSA and In-

formation Communications Technology (ICT) sub-sector members in September, key matters related to the local ICT industry, including the government’s ICT Master Plan 2030 were discussed.

The plan is designed to ensure that Guyana operates on the most efficient digital platform, spanning every sector and stakeholder.

According to Prime Minister Phillips, the government’s plan encompasses security and technology sectors and covers implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes.

“It will address critical issues such as cybercrime, healthcare management, education delivery, and others.

Additionally, the plan aims to identify weaknesses in our digital systems, increase accountability, introduce "smart policing," and deploy cutting-edge security technologies to enhance online safety and fortify our nation's cybersecurity,” he said.

The government, Phillips added, is committed to constructing the essential infrastructure and fostering a conducive environment for technology’s widespread adoption throughout Guyana.

He said that technology and by extension ICT remain driving forces for economic and social empowerment.

The government, as reported, is working to bridge the digital divide and disparities for all Guyanese.

“I urge each and every one of you to take proactive measures to enhance your online security- be it at a

personal, business or policymaking level. Let us work together to build a more secure and resilient digital environment for our nation and the world,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

M e a n w h i l e , G C C I ’s Treasurer Orson Ferguson, said that technology is needed now more than ever before to help local businesses here in Guyana be competitive on the international landscape. So, as businesses here continue to expand, cybersecurity will have to be a main focus.

“Unless local businesses become more and more competitive, we are going to get eaten up by our global competitors,” Ferguson said, further emphasising the importance of protecting data in the digitization process.

GCCI, he said, aims to increase economic activity in Guyana by supporting local businesses in digitizing their operations to improve competitiveness.

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Jagdeo condemns politicisation of Guyana, Seven successful scoliosis Venezuela border controversy operations conducted at GPHC - says he’s pleased government, opposition were able to put aside differences to share one position on this issue

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday condemned attempts by known elements of divi-

“I want to condemn their attempt to politicise this matter and to distort anything to do with our border,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He stressed that the

and comprehensive public relations programme, and a proactive and robust diplomatic effort aimed at blunting Venezuelan propaganda and misinformation

- through partnership with World Paediatrics Project

SEVEN successful scoliosis operations were recently conducted at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in collaboration with the World Paediatrics Project (WPP).

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC Robbie Rambarran, during a press briefing on Thursday, told members of the media that GPHC’s partnership with WPP began some time back.

Rambarran said that GPHC and WPP also collaborated with the Office of the First Lady of Guyana.

The WPP, he said, has

was extended as there was a need for this.

According to the US’ National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine.

Everyone has normal curves in the spine, and when looked at from behind, the spine appears straight. However, children and teens with scoliosis have an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped curve of the spine.

Giving a background of how candidates were chosen for the surgeries, Rambarran said that GPHC began by placing an ‘ad’ in the daily

need surgical care are able to access it at little to no cost.

While he, too, said that there is generally a cut-off age of about 21 years old, he added that if that patient is in the system, and is unable to access care, the WPP would extend the limit to about the age of 23.

GPHC’s CEO said that there is a clear intention to have this project continue, along with additional subspecialties, as discussions are currently ongoing.

He said: “We intend to have this project continue as well; this project also will

The government and the opposition have signalled a united stance on Venezuela’s claims of two-thirds of Guyana’s Essequibo territory (Office of the President photo) sion to politicise the decades-old border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

Dr. Jagdeo, during his weekly press conference, reiterated that the government and the opposition has presented a united stance regarding claims of two-thirds of Guyana’s territory by its western neighbour.

Earlier this week, a delegation of officials led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton met to discuss Venezuela’s upcoming referendum over Guyana’s Essequibo Region.

“I am happy that we could put our politics aside and focussed on our country and sovereignty. The meeting went extremely well,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He, however, said that there are elements attempting to politicise the situation within the public and distort the facts.

matter requires national consensus, noting: “This is bigger than all of us; where it concerns our country, our sovereignty, our people as a whole, that is something outside of politics.”

According to a joint statement from the opposition and government, both parties have agreed that Guyana’s sovereignty is paramount, and is a matter on which the Guyanese people are all completely united.

As such, they have condemned Venezuela’s flagrant violation of the Rule of Law, and agreed that no effort should be spared to resist its persistent endeavours to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The officials further agreed that the preservation and protection of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be subserved by a vigorous

as they relate to the territorial controversy, generally, and the Geneva Agreement in particular.

In its most recent claims, the Spanish-speaking country stated that it will hold a “consultative referendum” on December 3 ahead of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s ruling on the matter.

Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between the then British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo Region belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

GPHC CEO, Robbie Rambarran (fourth left) and WPP Programme Director Sigmund Wiggins (third left) alongside WPP and local doctors (Shaniece Bamfield photo) over 20 years of experience, so GPHC was happy to collaborate with the team of ten doctors from the mission who came to Guyana.

“This first mission we did seven patients. I think there were two males and five females; they were between the ages 14 to 21,” Rambarran said.

The project for conducting these scoliosis surgeries had a cut-off age limit, but

newspapers for persons who were diagnosed with scoliosis and had no avenue for surgical treatment or intervention.

To this end, some 30 persons came forward, and screening was done, which subsequently led to the first seven persons receiving surgical intervention.

WPP Programme Director Sigmund Wiggins said that the goal of the project is to ensure that children who

have a cardiac mission well not just a cardiac mission to it, there will be several other specialities as the needs arise and the discussions are ongoing.”

Rambarran said that GPHC remains committed to venturing into partnerships that will bring relief to the people of the country in terms of healthcare and other needs as well.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

The Ideal Model

THE United Nations Resident Representative Yesim Oruc recently issued a call for other nations to replicate Guyana’s development model. Among the highlighted achievements is the improved access to fresh and clean water.

According to what has been publicised, prior to August 2020, the hinterland coverage was only 46 per cent of the population. Fast forward to the end of 2022 under the PPP/C administration, that percentage has increased to 75. The projection by the end of 2023 is 85 per cent.

Many communities in the hinterland have been without access to portable water for decades. The PPP/C has

provided them with a resource that is critical to their existence; for them to live comfortable, healthy and long lives. In many of these communities, villagers have to walk miles to get to the nearest water source which is either a river or a creek.

Over the last three years, the country’s march towards the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has accelerated tremendously. The delivery of water and sanitation which includes access to fresh, clean water is one of those 17 goals which Guyana has committed to achieving by 2030.

There are signs of much effort and commitment in the other 17 areas. Among

the standouts are the delivery of quality education, gender equality, the promotion of good health well-being, food security, energy and combatting climate change.

Oruc went as far as to say that this country has a development model that is “very well pinned by a very strong budgetary and planning framework on the Global Goals [and] presents a lot of lessons learned for other countries.”

The government has repeatedly explained its commitment to turning Guyana into an economic powerhouse that enriches its people and brings all services into the modern era. It is for this reason that state-of-the-art schools and

hospitals are being constructed. It is for this reason that farmers are getting lots of support to increase their yields and improve the quality of crops they sell to the public.

Additionally, billions of dollars have been spent and will most likely be sent over the next few years to construct farm-to-market roads and road networks which will not only improve access to isolated parts of the country, but will boost commerce, both locally and internationally.

Business between Guyana and two of its neighbours, Brazil and Suriname, will soon become easier with the construction of a road that links Linden and

Lethem and the Corentyne River Bridge respectively.

The construction of the new Demerara River Bridge will also play a critical role in Guyana’s development as it will boost a number of sectors and improve the lives of those who rely on it on a daily basis.

The revenue that Guyana is receiving from oil sales is partly responsible for the praises received from Oruc. The government has already indicated that this money would be used to address national development priorities and has given its commitment that it will continue to invest in initiatives geared at expanding the economy, and improving the overall

welfare of citizens.

Thursday’s announcement of the fourth offshore oil discovery for 2023 and the 46th since 2015 is a major boost for the country as it puts the country in an even better position to be one of the wealthiest nations in the hemisphere.

The government of the day has not allowed the growing oil wealth to sidetrack it from its development plans. The trajectory remains on course.

It has shown how one can use such natural wealth to lift the image of a country, turn it into a global competitor, expand its economy and improve the lives of citizens.

Guyana’s carbon credit sale remains intact

By Naomi Parris

GUYANA’S carbon credit sale to oil giant Hess Corporation will remain ‘intact’ amid the purchase of the company’s shares by Chevron, an American multinational energy corporation.

This was revealed by General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at a press conference on Thursday.

He told reporters that Chevron will be a great addition to Guyana’s oil and gas sector, noting that the company has been “examined carefully” and the agreement between Hess and Guyana on the sale of carbon credits will remain the same.

The Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), in December 2022, issued the world’s first TREES credits to Guyana.

This paved the way for a historic agreement between Hess Corporation and the Government of Guyana, whereby the oil giants opted to purchase about one-third of all Guyana’s credits (issued and anticipated) up to 2030.

MAJOR OIL COMPA-

- Dr. Jagdeo says amid Chevron’s takeover of Hess; affirms oil giant has been ‘examined carefully’

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo NIES “We are pleased that there are two major oil companies here,” Jagdeo said, adding: “Recently I have seen a lot of public reports globally and here locally about the recent takeover of Hess International by Chevron… the fact that Guyana is mentioned in almost every one of those international news reports demonstrates how far we have come and the importance of our growing importance of our country in the global market supply for crude oil,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He reiterated that Guyana is becoming an attractive destination for investments with ExxonMobil already operating in the country, and Chev-

ron now looking to enter the country’s lucrative market.

“You have seen globally now a move by Exxon and Chevron, two of the biggest companies in the United States of America, moving to consolidate and also to grow their crude assets, and they are doing so and investing more substantial sums of money in acquiring new assets because they are calculating that the global demand for fossil fuel will stay with us for a long time in the future,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

ExxonMobil initiated oil and gas exploration activities in Guyana in 2008, collecting and evaluating substantial 3D seismic data that led to the company safely drilling its

first exploration well, Liza1, in 2015. Fast forward to 2023, production is ongoing and more projects are expected to come on stream in the lucrative Stabroek Block.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator and holds 45 per cent interest. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest.

On Monday, Chevron announced its strategic move

to purchase the outstanding shares of Hess Corporation in an all-stock transaction.

The acquisition marks a significant upgrade and diversification of the company’s portfolio, and includes Hess’ holdings in the Stabroek Block in Guyana; this is considered as an asset of immense value characterised by industry-leading cash margins and low-carbon intensity.

This acquisition is set to position Chevron for substantial production growth in the coming decade.

The acquisition offers a

strong strategic fit for the company, granting the company 30 per cent ownership in the Stabroek Block, which represents more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

This move promises high cash margins, robust production growth, and potential exploration opportunities. The transaction is also anticipated to boost Chevron’s cash flow per share in 2025, driven by synergies and the start-up of a fourth floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel in Guyana.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

China donates cash, supplies for Guyana’s El Niño preparedness and response IN an effort to help Guyana deal with the El Niño conditions being experienced across the country, the Chinese government on Thursday donated US$100, 000 and a quantity of preparedness and response resources to the

that its priority focus is on the El Niño outbreak and the impact that this hazard has on the population.

With the reduced rainfall, there is an extreme lack of water resources which is affecting crops.

The unfavourable weath-

Director General of the CDC, Colonel (ret’d) Nazrul Hussain (left) and China’s Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan at the handing-over ceremony (Adrian Narine photo)

Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

During a simple ceremony at the CDC headquarters on Thomas Lands, China’s Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan handed over the donation to the Director- General of the CDC, Colonel (ret’d) Nazrul Hussain.

In his remarks, Hussain said the CDC is aware

er conditions have also caused an increase in grass fires, among other issues.

Hussain stated that the CDC’s job is to rise above these challenges and with the help of the Chinese government through the Chinese Ambassador, this will be done.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ambassador said: “Under the framework of China-Guyana, Chi-

na-LAC and China-Caribbean cooperations, China is willing to deepen cooperation with Guyana in climate security, disaster prevention and poverty reduction to enhance the friendship and well-being of the two peoples.”

On behalf of the Government of China she provided US$100,000 for this initiative which was made possible through a commitment that Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs in China, Hua Chunying, made to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries while at a CARICOM meeting in July.

The ambassador added that like China, Guyana has also been negatively impacted by unusual weather conditions.

Guyana has been experiencing dry-weather conditions since July this year.

The ambassador remarked that it is under the guidance of the CDC’s Director General that the CDC plans to quickly use the money to purchase more water tanks, dispensers, water bottles, pumps and hoses, fire extinguishers and other items.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

The PPP has finally acquired the impeccable response

BEFORE the outbreak of the Israeli bombing, if President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had gone to Japan and defended hunting of whales, the usual suspects, the Stabroek News, the opposition parties, and the predictable civil society groups would have climbed the highest mountain in Guyana and shouted - consultation! Consultation! Consultation!

I doubt the President will face that same cry if he does that whaling thing right now.

Why? Because the consultation creature has been run over by a big truck since the Israeli bombing. Four western leaders, days after Israel began to bomb Gaza, travelled to Israel. Of the four, only one has a parliamentary majority – Prime Minister Sunak of the UK. Biden in the US does not have a majority in the House of Representatives. Macron in France does not have a parliamentary majority. The German Chancellor by way of a coalition has a parliamentary majority, but there is a large

parliamentary opposition.

Biden was the first to visit while Israel was bombing Gaza. But he did not consult the House of Representatives about the necessity of the trip. If he did, he would have received permission because the Republican Party is an insane supporter of Israel. I follow world news and I am not aware that Biden consulted any major American constituency before he went to Israel.

Let’s go to the UK. Scotland is an integral part of the UK. Scotland has a First Minister who is married to a Palestinian woman. His inlaws are trapped in Gaza. The ruling Scottish National Party has 43 seats in the UK parliament, making it the second largest opposition party in the UK parliament.

Did PM Sunak consult the Scottish First Minister and the 43 MPs before he visited Israel? The answer is no. Scotland and the British Government have different views on the Gaza conflict.

The Scottish government

wants the British government to call for a ceasefire in the Israeli bombing.

Macron flew off to Israel but he did not appear in front of France’s parliamentarians to discuss his trip with them.

The German Chancellor did not either. The Colombian president made caustic statements condemning the Israeli atrocities in Gaza, but he issued his position without consulting the Colombian parliament.

The most emotional support for the Palestinians has come from the Malaysian Prime Minister. He even said that he spoke to the leader of Hamas. On such a huge foreign policy decision, he did not seek the approval of his parliament.

So what is consultation?

Consultation is not an immeasurable process. It has its contextual limitation which electoral success allows for such limitation.

I am against what Israel is doing in Gaza and in one of my columns last week I asked why no signatory to

the International Criminal Court has not requested an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. But I do not think that the heads of governments of the US, UK, France and Germany that went to Israel violated democratic norms.

I do not think that the Colombian president and Malaysian Prime Minister had to proceed with societal consultation before they condemned Israel. All of these heads were elected to lead their countries and they must be given democratic space to make decisions, even if there are constituencies in their respective countries that disagree with the policy decisions.

This is what elected democracy is all about – the legal, legitimate right to govern. In Guyana, the usual

suspects, the Stabroek News, so-called civil society groups and the opposition parties use the mechanism of consultation to deny an elected ruling party its legal mandate to administer the affairs of the nation.

What we have seen in Guyana since August 2020, is barefaced activism by sections of society to deny the ruling party its legal right to govern, using the pretext that government must consult.

In such a scenario where is the space of an elected ruling party to make its own decision?

In late 2020, the Stabroek News published a number of editorials criticizing the PPP government for removing Dr. Vincent Adams as head of the EPA. At the time, and at the moment, Dr. Adams

sits in the hierarchy of the opposition party, the AFC. There is no country the last 200 years or more in which a practising opposition politician heads a sensitive governmental institution.

Co-owner of Stabroek News, Isabelle Decaires, described Guyana as a dysfunctional democracy because the government decided the composition of the board of the National Resource Fund.

This country is going to hear more demands and cries for consultation on any and everything the government does. But now after the war crimes committed by Israel, the PPP can ask its critics – “show me a democratic government that consults society as a cornerstone of its rule?”

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Women-owned local company secures two oil blocks

GUYANESE-OWNED company, Sispro Inc., which is led by four women, was able to secure two oil blocks following the conclusion of the International

Licensing Round 2022.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday during a press conference at Freedom

House, commended the local company for their efforts in the competitive oil and gas market.

The company was awarded oil blocks S3

Founders of Sispro Inc. (from left to right) Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, Abbigale Loncke-Watson, Dr. Melissa Varswyck, and ‘Dee’ George

and D2. Sispro Inc. was founded by Dr. Melissa Varswyk, Ayo Dalgety-Dean, Abbigale Loncke-Watson and Omadele ‘Dee’ George.

TotalEnergies EP Guyana B.V. in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas SDN BHD were awarded S4. Additionally, S5 was awarded to International Group Investment Inc. The S7 block was snagged by Liberty Petroleum Corporation and Cybele Energy Limited, while oil giant ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited,

and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited were awarded S8.

Additionally, S10 was awarded to International Group Investment Inc. and Delcorp Incorporated, while Watad Energy and Communications Ltd and Arabian Drilling Company won D1.

According to Dr. Jagdeo, the companies have already confirmed that they have the resources to pay the signing bonus which is US$10 million for each shallow-water exploration blocks, and US$20 million for each block in the deep-water exploration.

He said: “Now that

the award has been made, we now have to meet with the parties to which the blocks have been awarded to have a negotiation on the contracting that is to move towards the completion of the award.”

The country had planned to open its auction in May of this year; however, this was extended to September to allow it to critically examine the regulatory framework, which included a new production-sharing agreement which sees it benefitting more.

Still, the new contract will ensure that TURN TO PAGE 11

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Women-owned local...

FROM PAGE 9

Guyana “remains one of the most competitive countries in the world,” even with these changes.

Guyana’s economy has undergone a radical transformation after ExxonMobil Corp.’s 2015 discovery of massive tranches of oil offshore.

From producing no crude at all, Guyana produces an average of some 400,000 barrels of oil per day. This is expected to increase to 600,000 barrels per day by 2024.

Guyana’s total recoverable oil reserves stand at more than 11 billion barrels of oil,

with crude oil reserves ranking at number 17 in the world and third in Latin America and the Caribbean.

PSA STAYS THE SAME And as Guyana moves ahead with its lucrative resources, Dr. Jagdeo reiterated the government’s position of not changing Guyana’s new Production Sharing Agreements (PSA).

The fiscal terms of the PSA for the Stabroek Block have been the subject of debate and contention for some time. There has also been considerable misinformation – some wilful and intentional –

around profit-sharing, royalty rates cost recovery, Guyana’s obligations, and those of the Stabroek Block co-venturers, to advance the narrative proffered by some that Guyana is getting a bad deal.

But the government despite some of the challenges that come with a rapidly expanding oil sector and economy, has heeded the advice of experts, bi-lateral partners and consultants in and outside of Guyana to create a framework to maximise the gains from production for Guyanese.

11

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Private sector bodies, FITUG denounce Venezuela’s attack on Guyana’s sovereignty

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has condemned Venezuela’s flagrant violation of the rule of law in its most spurious attempt to lay claim to Guyana’s territory.

In a press statement, the PSC also pledged its support for the joint declaration by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Aubrey C. Norton, Leader of the Opposition of Guyana, in condemning Venezuela’s action.

“The Commission condemns, in the strongest possible terms, this most recent sinister threat launched by the Government of Venezuela against the integrity and sovereignty of some two-thirds of our country, in violation of a Treaty of Arbitration and final Award of 1899, in place some 124 years ago, which settled, for all times, as a full, perfect and final settlement,

the boundaries between Venezuela, and what was then the colony of British Guiana and is today the independent country of Guyana,” the private sector body said.

The PSC went on to remind the government and people of Venezuela that, on January 30, 2018, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, pursuant to his mandate under the Geneva Agreement of 1966, chose the International Court of

Justice (ICJ) as a means of settlement of the controversy.

The Private Sector Commission, speaking for the entire business community of Guyana, reaffirmed its endorsement of the government having placed this matter before the International Court of Justice, and commitment to abide by the judgement of the court on the validity of the 1899 Award as binding on both Guyana and Venezuela.

Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, also weighed in on the issue, emphasising the importance of remaining vigilant amidst these developments.

He highlighted that the country's authorities are actively monitoring Venezuela's heightened military activities along its border and have conveyed this information to international partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Khan said all Guyanese, especially the Region Three population are taking all reports seriously as although Venezuela had initially claimed that their actions were aimed at curbing illegal mining operations in the border area, it is now questionable given the announcement by Venezuela of a December 3 referendum over Essequibo.

“This unsettling situation unfolds against the backdrop of a long-standing territorial controversy between Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has yet to issue a verdict on the matter, Venezuela has persisted in asserting its claim over Guyana’s territory,” Khan said.

In April of this year, Khan underscored that the ICJ made a crucial ruling by declaring Guyana’s case, which sought

to affirm the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award settling the boundaries between Guyana and Venezuela, as admissible.

This allowed the court to proceed with hearing the substantive case, which aims to determine the validity and binding nature of the 1899 arbitral award regarding the boundaries between the two nations.

Guyana is resolutely seeking a final and binding judgement from the ICJ, asserting that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela, remains valid, and that the Essequibo region rightfully belongs to Guyana.

All Guyanese locally and internationally, Khan said, have reiterated their dedication to the current judicial process led by the ICJ, as it is their firm belief that it will provide a final resolution to the controversy.

“Under international law, no government or people have the right to seize, annexe, or conquer another country’s territory.

They called for the international community’s continued support to protect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the private sector official said.

Additionally, President Ali and Opposition Leader Norton criticised the questions posed in Venezuela’s upcoming December 3, 2023, referendum, labelling them as violating the sanctity of treaties and disregarding international law.

They condemned the deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and the violation of international law regarding the creation of a new Venezuelan State.

CLEAR VIOLATION The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of

Guyana (FITUG) has said that Venezuela’s actions are in clear violation of several international treaties subscribed to by both Guyana and Venezuela.

“It is equally important to emphasise that we do not support any attempts which seek to claim Guyana’s Essequibo region as Venezuelan territory. We are aware that international law prohibits such actions, and we kindly urge the Venezuelan Government to respect such prohibitions and Guyana’s sovereignty.

“The Federation is of the unflinching view that the referendum process underway in Venezuela has no basis nor can withstand any scrutiny. We believe it wise that this course of action no longer be pursued and that both parties confine their representations to the process triggered by and consistent with the Geneva Agreement,” FITUG said.

The federation went on to say that it fully supports the government in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and protecting its borders.

“We firmly oppose any attempts to impose Venezuelan authority over our land and seas.

We urge Venezuela to participate actively and fully in the ongoing deliberations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and work towards a peaceful and final resolution. We also remind of the commitment of maintaining the Caribbean and Latin America as a ‘Zone of Peace’. We trust that Venezuela will honour its commitment to this cause, and there is no resort to military or other forms of force that will shatter the peace and tranquility which characterises the region,” FITUG said.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

AG calls on Inter-Parliamentary Union to condemn Venezuela’s actions - demands that the country respect the legal process of the ICJ

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, on Thursday invited the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to condemn the actions of the Republic of Venezuela, and demanded that the country respect the legal process of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Time is of the essence,” he said, during his address to the IPU General Assembly in Luanda, Angola.

The IPU is one of the oldest and largest associations of parliaments in the world. It comprises 180 parliaments across the world.

The Bahamas was accepted as the 180th member of the union at the 147th meeting of the Assembly currently taking place in Luanda, Angola, under the theme: “Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,” pursuant to Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the United Nations.

After addressing a number of

issues, including the importance of the Rule of Law to Justice and Democracy, Guyana’s Attorney General connected the theme of the conference to Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela.

“Much has been said about the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza and conflicts elsewhere.

However, I wish to place on the record, a situation which is evolving in my country, Guyana, where the Republic of Venezuela proposes to pass a referendum on the 3rd of December, 2023, seeking to annexe more than two thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory.

“This reckless and unlawful move is intended to further Venezuela’s baseless claim to Guyana’s territory -- a dispute long settled by Arbitration in 1899.

Venezuela perseveres with this illegal conduct despite that this issue is pending between the two nations at the International Court of Justice upon the direction of the UN Secretary General.

“Actions like these not only undermine public institutions but engender conflicts and violate the very thematic fundamentals of this conference.

“In the circumstances, I call upon the IPU to condemn the actions of the Republic of Venezuela and demand that Venezuela respect the legal process of the International Court of Justice.

Time is of the essence,” the Attorney General said.

The delegates from many countries have expressed their support for and solidarity with Guyana in respect of its border controversy with Venezuela.

Efforts will be made to have these expressions of support formalised.

The Attorney General is part of Guyana’s parliamentary delegation attending IPU’s 147th Assembly this week in Angola.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Ronaldo Alphonso elected new President of GGDMA

RONALDO Alphonso was elected the new President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) at the 39th annual meeting held on October 25.

According to a press release from the association, he will be supported by the newly elected management team, which includes Marcus Dabria as Vice President; Azeem Baksh as Secretary; Patrick Harding as Treasurer; Gerald Alphonso was as Organizing Secretary while Vi s h a n t i B a l g o b i n , Terrence Adams, Terry Singh, and Shawn King were elected members of the management committee.

Outgoing President of the GGDMA, Andron Alphonso, in his outgoing speech thanked the membership for their faith in him for the last two years, and called upon the association to continue to work to advocate for miners’ rights, and to remain relevant in the face of the oil and gas sector.

He called on members to work together to ensure that the sector, which has helped build Guyana, continues to have a long and bright future.

The new president, Ronaldo, in his acceptance speech thanked the membership for their support and confidence in him.

The new management committee of the GGDMA, from left to right: Avalon Jagnandan, Administrative Manager; Azeem Baksh, Terry Singh, Shawn King, Ronaldo Alphonso, Marcus Dabria, Vishanti Balgobin, Terrence Adams, Geraldo Alphonso and Patrick Harding

“The gold and diamond industry holds great meaning for me, and I am deeply passionate about its success. With over two decades of experience in mining, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by miners of all scales.

This knowledge fuels my determination to advocate tirelessly for the advancement of our industry and to represent the interests of our dedicated miners,” he said.

Alphonso also called on the government to take serious action against the raiders in the gold sector and those responsible for smuggling. He also called on miners to increase their gold production and declarations.

The incoming president announced too that he will be holding an “open day” for miners to come in and share problems that they might be experiencing in the industry.

Alphonso also told

miners: “Gold mining is like the good wife, we must not be distracted by this new “girl” called oil and gas. Gold mining has always been with Guyana and it is here to stay.”

At the meeting, Jagnandan, the administrative manager, highlighted several of the achievements made in the last year including the concessions gained by government and the benefits the association has been able to negotiate for miners.

He also disclosed that there will be a new GGDMA identification card issued to miners, and this will allow members to access special discounts and privileges at selected companies.

Jagnandan said that the new executive will have to address the revised investment direction with the government, the continued transition to mercury-free mining and the issue of raiding.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

15

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Eddy Grant praises work of talented artist Ransford Simon

GUYANA’S musical treasure and cultural ambassador, Eddy Grant, has expressed admiration for talented local artist, Ransford Simon, who, earlier this year, painted the global superstar’s portrait on a Trans Guyana Airways plane.

Grant spoke with the Buzz moments before he signed his name on the image and interacted with the young artist.

He noted his sheer admiration for the outstanding work done by Simon, and remarked that after seeing the painting, he could not believe that it was him. He praised Ransford’s work saying that the artist has that “it factor”.

Simon, over the years, has been publically recognised for his creativity. Born in Region Nine, he developed a passion for drawing and painting at a young age.

A product of the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, Simon has produced some unique

Eddy Grant (right) and artist Ransford Simon speak to members of the media moments before Eddy signed his name on the aircraft alongside his portrait (Yohan Savory photo) pieces that are breathtaking and a reflection of the work of a creative genius.

Meanwhile, Grant, over the last few decades, has captured global attention through his captivating music. He continuously works to portray and share positive vibes about Guyana.

In highlighting the love for his country, Grant, who

has enjoyed a successful career that spans almost 60 years, told Buzz that he always advocates for and showcases Guyana wherever he goes.

“People didn’t know Guyana. People actually knew Demerara because of the sugar (Demerara Gold). They didn’t know anything about Guyana. From the time I

came about and I started to make music, I started to talk about Guyana. There were times where people from outside were trying to paint this country negatively,” he remarked.

The Plaisance native added that he is always doing work for his community. He stated that even with his immense success over the years,

it has never been about him.

“It’s not me alone that’s doing anything. I encourage others to come along and let’s all make it better. And we will be better. Everything about Guyana will be better,” he said.

The musician noted that, as predicted, Guyana will do better economically than it ever has.

Furthermore, he disclosed that, as his love for music continues to burn, he is currently working on two albums.

Eddy’s induction into the Camden Music Walk of Fame on September 7, is another reminder of the outstanding contributions he has made to music and culture.

He began pioneering multi-racial British group, The Equal, in the 1990s and later found solo success with his hit song, “Electric Avenue”, which was a response to the 1981 Brixton riots.”

Among his notable ac-

complishments was his role in the freeing of Nelson Mandela with the release of his seminal hit, “Give me Hope Joanna”.

Since the start of his singing career, Eddy Grant has amassed a sizeable following across the globe, released 15 studio albums, 13 compilation albums and 19 singles.

His album “Killer on the Rampage” peaked at Number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States of America and was certified as gold.

His single “Electric Avenue” received Platinum accreditations and “I don’t wanna dance” topped the charts in five countries including Belgium, Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 2000, his Ring Bang remix of “Electric Avenue” reached Number Five on the UK Singles Chart.

His other popular hits include “Mash in Guyana”, “Living on the Frontline”, “Romancing the Stone” and “Walking on Sunshine”.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Timehri Film Festival to feature 34 ‘aware’ films with a range of emotions

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE seventh edition of the Timehri Film Festival, which runs from October 26 to 29, will feature 34 films organised into 14 screenings, 16 of which are from different countries with Guyanese and Caribbean heritage.

The festival has seen more films this year compared to previous ones with 13 being from Caribbean

form of filmmaking - which is what we love,” she expressed.

The festival will host the Guyana premiere of ‘Just 3 People Talking’ by Guyanese activist and artist, Joan Mayfield-Cambridge as ‘The Procession’

by Hew Locke, a renowned Guyanese visual artist.

There will also be an environmental/indigenous segment with films from Dominica and by Guyanese

Festival Director, Romola Lucas countries and seven being created by Guyanese.

Associate Director with responsibility for marketing, Melissa 'Vanilla' Roberts, shared with Buzz that the programme this year is made up of a mix of films submitted to the festival via film freeway, and programmed from the festival's partner organisation, Third Horizon.

According to her, it reflects the ethos of politics, love, reality, happiness, sadness and other emotions.

“We consider them aware films that push the

has been drawing positive reviews over the years.

It was started by Romola Lucas, Executive Director of the Caribbean Film Academy (CaFA), a New York-based not-for-profit, in partnership with Alysia Christiani of the Caribbean-American culture blog, Rewind & Come Again (RACA).

“Romola Lucas is our festival director. While she may not be a popular name

Associate Director with responsibility for marketing, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts

filmmaker Alex Arjoon.

Historical films - ‘It is Not Past’, which is about the December 1982 political killings in Suriname and a film about those enslaved on sugar estates in Guadeloupe will also be featured.

“We are also showing well-regarded Yao Ramesar's latest film as well as the film that will likely be the most popular, Chee$e

by Trini filmmaker Damian Marcano,” Roberts disclosed.

The festival started in 2015 during Guyana’s independence celebrations and

The festival runs during the period October 26 to 29

on Guyanese tongue, she is a lawyer by profession, a business owner, film producer and a great contributor to film and the creatives as a whole,” Roberts, Guyana’s nine-time Road March Queen and film producer, expressed.

The team also includes Technical Director Yaphet Jackman, who is a Cinematographer of the BET Christmas movie ‘Christmas 4 Sale’.

As part of the festival, the films will be played at several prisons across Guyana and at the Sophia Juvenile Centre.

Lucas had told Buzz in a previous interview that CaFA’s mission is to support the work of Caribbean filmmakers. “One way we do that is by creating platforms through which we encourage film production and share films by Caribbean filmmakers.”

According to her, when the festival was started, there was no real distribution of films in the Caribbean and films made in other Caribbean countries were not really being seen in Guyana.

“That is changing now with MovieTowne and Caribbean Cinemas showing

films by Caribbean filmmakers, but Guyana’s industry is still lagging behind other Caribbean countries. So, the purpose of the festival is to first create a platform for

the Guyanese filmmakers who are making films despite the challenges in Guyana to showcase their films, as well as bring some of the best films being made in other

Caribbean countries, to share with Guyanese audiences,” Lucas said.

The films this year will also be played at Castellani House in Georgetown.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

‘Shadyville’ podcast on Guyana’s bar culture available from Nov. 3

SHADYVILLE Outside Edition, a lively and engaging podcast intended to celebrate the spirit of bars and hangout spots in Guyana, is coming on board from November 3, according to its popular social media personality host, Jocelle Archibald.

This podcast brings together a charismatic host and a diverse range of guests, including industry experts, mixologists, musicians, and local personalities, while offering a unique opportunity for businesses in the industry to reach their target audience.

“It's the perfect platform to promote your

bar or hangout spot to a captive audience while highlighting the benefits of advertising with the show,” Jocelle told Buzz this week.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic eased and people became more comfortable returning to the outdoors, there’s no doubt that many new bars have been popping up all across the country.

Jocelle said she took note of this fact and saw that there was a niche market that she can tap into. While heavy focus is on who has the best restaurant and food, there’s no one really promoting the bar culture.

“Being someone up

to the times socially, I’ve seen that that’s a market; no one is focusing on that aspect of our culture; who got the best drinks, cocktails, and a lot of bars are upping their game because we are seeing an increase in tourists,” Jocelle pointed out.

As much as bars and drinks will be promoted though, she said that certain personalities, including the police, will be invited on the show to talk about being responsible in these areas and the health effects of consuming too much alcohol.

While the high end bars will be featured, Jocelle said they will

also be looking for the little cozy, hide out spots which offer equally great service. The first shoot of the show will be at Cigars and Cognac at Melanie, East Coast Demerara, and will be aired on Facebook live.

Meanwhile, for the past five years, Jocelle ‘Shady Mayor ’, has been hosting the “The Shadyville Show” on social media which she said is not the average talk show but a weekday programme which discusses taboo topics and issues that are hardly talked about in a public setting.

“Shadyville is a place where the viewers can get their daily dose of

Host of ‘The Shadyville Show’, Jocelle Archibald

‘edutainment’ on relationships, women empowerment, gender and life issues,” she said, adding, “Where can Shadyville be found?

Make a left onto Face-

book two corners away from WhatsApp, we are right next to gossip.”

The viewership is usually over 3,000 per show.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

The Beatles to release emotional ‘final song’, Now and Then, next week

MORE than 50 years after The Beatles broke up, the band has announced the release of their "last song".

Called Now And Then, it is based on a 1970s demo recording by John Lennon, and was completed last year

by Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo Starr.

Sir Paul teased the song in a BBC interview this summer, saying AI technology had been used to "extricate" Lennon's vocals from an old cassette.

The track will premiere at 14:00 GMT on Thursday, November 2.

It will also feature on newly-remastered versions of The Beatles' Red and Blue albums, due on November 10.

Originally released in 1973, the career-spanning compilations have been described by Rolling Stone magazine as "arguably the most influential greatest hits albums in history".

Featuring everything from Love Me Do to The Long And Winding Road, the two volumes are essentially divided between the band's early mop-top days (the Red Album) and their more experimental and expansive late period (the Blue album).

In a press release, the surviving Beatles said completing the song had been a surreal experience.

"There it was, John's voice, crystal clear," said Sir Paul. "It's quite emotional.

And we all play on it, it's a genuine Beatles recording.

In 2023 to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven't heard, I think it's an exciting thing."

"It was the closest we'll ever come to having him back in the room so it was very emotional for all of us," added Starr. "It was like John was there, you know. It's far out."

'RUBBISH' RECORDING Now And Then was originally written by John Lennon after the Beatles' split up in 1970, and has circulated as a bootleg for years.

An apologetic love song, it is addressed to an old friend (or lover), to whom Lennon declares: "Now and then, I miss you / Now and then, I want you to return to me".

After Lennon was fatally shot outside his New York apartment building in December 1980, his widow,

Yoko Ono, gave the song to Sir Paul.

It was on a cassette labelled "For Paul" that also contained early versions of Free As A Bird and Real Love - which the remaining Beatles polished up and released as singles in 1995 and 1996, as part of their Anthology project.

The band also attempted to record Now And Then, but the session was quickly abandoned - with guitarist George Harrison saying the quality of Lennon's recording was "rubbish".

Sir Paul has wanted to complete the song ever since - and advancements in audio technology have finally made that possible.

The story began with the release of the Beatles' Get Back documentary in 2021.

Director Peter Jackson and his team developed new software that allowed them to "de-mix" mono recordings from the 1970s to isolate individual instruments and vocals.

That same technology was used last year to create a new mix of the band's album Revolver. Producer Giles Martin told the BBC the software used elements of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to separate overlapping sounds.

"It has to learn what the sound of John Lennon's guitar is, for instance, and the more information you can give it, the better it becomes," he said.

That process has now been applied to the original tape of Now And Then, removing tape hiss and electrical mains noise while preserving Lennon's performance.

Sir Paul and Sir Ringo set about completing the song last year, adding new vocals, drums, bass, guitar and piano; as well as electric and acoustic guitar parts recorded by Harrison in 1995, before his death, Giles Martin, son of legendary Beatles producer George Martin, also added backing vocals from the original recordings of Here, There And Everywhere, Eleanor Rigby and Because, creating an extra layer of nostalgia.

The release of Now And Then will be preceded by a documentary about the making of the song, which

will premiere on Wednesday, November 1.

To tie in with all of this, the BBC has announced a new six-part podcast on the story of the Liverpool-born group.

The first five parts arrived on Thursday, including a recently re-discovered interview from 1964 which has not been heard since.

The final part will come out on November 2, along with the record, and will include exclusive interviews with Sir Paul and Sir Ringo Starr - the two remaining Beatles - about the new material. (BBC)

From left to right: Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Sir Ringo Starr and John Lennon of the Beatles (PA MEDIA)

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday October 27, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Devon Conway-152* (NZ vs ENG) (2) Mitchell Santner-5/59 (NZ vs NED) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the ENG/ AFG game in the current World Cup? (2) Who was voted Man of the Match in the SA/ NED match in the ongoing World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue …………………………………………………………… ……………………………………

ENGLISH RACING TIPS DONCASTER 08:45 hrs Woven 09:20 hrs Teraabb 09:55 hrs Beeley 10:30 hrs Fast Response 11:05 hrs Bust A Move 11:37 hrs Hafeet Alain 12:11 hrs Wintercrack

CHELTENHAM 08:35 hrs Afadil 09:10 hrs Jetronic 09:45 hrs Mel Monroe 10:20 hrs Ginnu’s Destiny 10:55 hrs Kamsinas 11:20 hrs Mole Court 12:05 hrs Serious Operator WOLVERHAMPTON 11:45 hrs Volcanology 12:15 hrs Zayina 12:45 hrs Golden Phase 13:15 hrs Initio 13:45 HRS Aratus 14:15 hrs On The Right Track 14:45 hrs Nazca 15:15 hrs Dark Side Prince IRISH RACING TIPS DUNDALK 12:00 hrs Chestnutter 12:30 hrs Exquisite Acclaim 13:00 hrs Wooden Head 13:30 hrs Milliethe Mollie 14:00 hrs Bouttemont 14:30 hrs Pagan Sun 15:00 hrs Keeper’s Heart 15:30 hrs Shrewsbury Road SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS FAIRVIEW 08:20 hrs El Romiachi 08:55 hrs Demigod 09:30 hrs Twice A Saint 10:05 hrs Quasimood 10:40 hrs Gold For Africa AMERICAN RACING TIPS BELMONT Race 1 Eliminate Race 2 Royal Meghan Race 3 Snowy Evening Race 4 Run Curtis Run Race 5 Bustin Bay Race 6 Ozara Race 7 Miss Dracarys Race 8 Cowan

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Cricket World Cup 2023:

England facing early exit as Sri Lanka inflict latest sorry defeat

By Matthew Henry: BBC Sport in Bengaluru

ENGLAND’s World Cup is all but over after a shambolic eight-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.

The defending champions are not mathematically out but now must win all of their remaining games, including against unbeaten

for the ages, fuelled by a stunning Kevin O'Brien onslaught.

This was one of England's worst performances in the history of this tournament, saved for a match they had billed as must-win.

The performance was summed up by the comical dismissal of Adil Rashid, who was run out at the non-striker's end,

All smiles in the Sri Lanka camp as Lahiru Kumara picked up three wickets (Getty Images) hosts India on Sunday, and hope an unlikely set of results go their way.

Attempting to respond to a record defeat by South Africa, England's campaign slumped into complete disarray as they were bowled out for 156.

They reached 45-0 before the wicket of Dawid Malan, caught behind off 36-year-old Angelo Mathews for 28, began a miserable slide.

Joe Root ran himself out for a nervy three, Jonny Bairstow swiped to mid-on for 30 and captain Jos Buttler was caught behind for eight playing a flashing drive.

Ben Stokes dug in but holed out for 43 from 73 balls as wickets tumbled around him. England's innings subsided in 33.2 overs.

David Willey dismissed Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis to reduce Sri Lanka to 23-2 inside six overs, but they still eased to victory with 24.2 to spare Pathum Nissanka ending 77 not out and Sadeera Samarawickrama unbeaten on 65.

Sri Lanka, whose only previous win in this year's tournament came against the Netherlands, jump to fifth in the standings while England are ninth, with only net run-rate keeping them off the bottom of the table.

England approaching the end of the road England were famously stunned by Ireland on this ground in the 2011 World Cup. That was a World Cup shock

having carelessly wandered out of his crease after watching a wide bowled to partner Willey.

The result is an era of dominance in white-ball cricket - one in which England have become 50 and 20-over world champions - facing a sorry end after four defeats in five matches to start the title defence.

Even if England can somehow beat all-conquering India in Lucknow, matches against Australia and Pakistan follow, either side of a meeting with the Netherlands which does not look straightforward on this form.

The maths may not say it yet, but England's spell as champions of the world is over.

Another dismal batting day This marked the first time England have been bowled out in consecutive World Cup matches, although against South Africa they at least had the excuse of having to chase 400.

As they had against the Proteas, England made three changes - Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone all recalled but it had little impact.

Bairstow would have been out to the first ball of the match had Sri Lanka reviewed an lbw shout following an inswinger from left-armer Dilshan Madushanka. Failure to do so only delayed England's misery.

Mathews was the first to strike with his trundling medium pace - Malan out caught behind on review to hand the veteran his first ODI wicket since

2020 two balls into his spell. The all-rounder was only called into the Sri Lanka squad as an injury replacement and it was his throw that also ran out Root to end an edgy 10-ball knock.

That put England's slide in full swing as Bairstow played an ugly shot and Livingstone was pinned in front by Kumara for one.

Moeen then tamely cut to backward point on 15 to hand Mathews another wicket, before Woakes was judged to have been caught in the same position off seamer Kasun Rajitha after lengthy checks by the TV umpire to see if the ball carried.

Stokes was dropped on 12 and had to overturn an lbw decision on 13 but was just starting to open his arms when he was caught at deep mid-wicket to give Kumara a third scalp.

After that the final two departed within three overs, leaving the bowlers no hope of defending such a low total.

Willey gave England fans something to cheer with his newball spell before Nissanka, who put on a classy unbeaten partnership of 137 with Samarawickrama, sealed the win with a towering six over long-on.

'We've been short of our best by a very long way' - what they said England captain Jos Buttler: "It's incredibly tough, an incredibly disappointing tournament. As captain, you feel that a lot.

"We've been short of our best by a very long way. I'm disappointed for myself and the boys that we've not shown a good account of ourselves.

"I can't fault the guys' efforts, we're just a long way short of our best. As captain, you want to lead from the front and play well.

I've been a long way short of my best and that's filtered through the rest."

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis: "Net run-rate going up is good for our team. We've done really well, the bowling team did a really good job.

"We have another four games left, I think if we win three games we can make the semi-finals. We can do that."

Former England bowler Steven Finn on BBC Test Match Special: "England have had a less than ideal period of four years. Other forces in world cricket have meant their focus has been elsewhere.(BBC Sport).

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Mayers stunning century keeps Volcanoes winless

TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC )– Opener Kyle Mayers struck a stunning 48-ball hundred as unbeaten Barbados Pride escaped the clutches of the adverse weather to trounce luckless Windward Islands Volcanoes by eight wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system, and storm to the top of the Regional Super50 Cup standings.

With Pride in pursuit of a revised target of 148 off 21 overs at the Brian Lara Stadium here Wednesday, the left-handed Mayers belted a stroke-filled unbeaten 107, helping his side to their target in the 15th over

and to their second win in three matches.

He faced 52 balls and clobbered nine fours and nine sixes, racing to his fifty off 30 balls in the seventh over before bringing up his fourth List A century off only another 18 balls in the 14th over.

“It’s just a matter of staying as still as possible,” said Man-ofthe-Match Mayers.

“The wicket was a good one so just being balanced at the crease and choosing the right balls to hit – that’s my method throughout any cricket I play, so I just tried to stick to it as long as possible.”

Captain Shai Hope chipped in with an unbeaten 29 off 28 deliveries with a four and two sixes, a virtual spectator in an unbroken third wicket stand of 70 with Mayers.

Volcanoes had earlier tallied 241 for eight off their 50 overs with Johnson Charles top-scoring with 59 off 48 deliveries, Jeremy Solozano getting 40 off 58 balls and Kavem Hodge, 34 off 38 balls.

Larry Edwards crunched an unbeaten 32 from 23 deliveries towards the end to rally the innings.

However, the target was revised after a lengthy rain delay at

Left-hander Kyle Mayers hits through the off-side during his hundred against Windward Islands Volcanoes on Wednesday (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

the innings break, leaving Pride with an asking rate of just over seven runs per over, in order to win the contest.

“The team has been suffering [at the hands] of the weather,” said Mayers.

“We really wanted to go out there and get a chance to bat today and we got the opportunity to play 21 overs, and we just tried to maximise and get as much bonus points as possible.

“The weather has been giving us a tough time in this tournament. We haven’t gotten as many bonus points as we would like.

Hopefully today we get some and get up there in the leaderboard.”

The victory propelled Pride to 23 points, with Leeward Islands Hurricanes a point back in second and unbeaten hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force lying third – also on 22 points – but with an inferior net run rate.

Not for the first time in the tournament, Volcanoes started well after being sent in, Charles belting seven fours and three sixes in a 52-run, opening stand

with left-hander Alick Athanaze (22) before adding a further 49 for the second wicket with Solozano.

Trinidadian Solozano, who counted four fours in his knock, put on 49 for the fourth wicket with Hodge before Edwards bludgeoned two fours and two sixes in a 46-run, eighth wicket partnership with Shamar Springer (23 not out), to get Volcanoes up to a competitive total.

Rain then changed the complexion of the game, leaving Pride with a shortened but tricky run chase.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s demise for a first-ball ‘duck’ to the fifth ball of the innings raised Volcanoes’ hopes but they were subsequently dashed once Mayers flexed his shoulders.

He first dominated a 68run, second wicket stand with Shamarh Brooks (8) before combining with Hope to take Pride safely home.

The defeat for Volcanoes was their fourth in as many games.

Young, Bishop inspire Academy to shock win over Scorpions PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Captain Nyeem Young snatched a five-wicket haul and in-form Teddy Bishop struck another half-century, as West Indies Academy shocked title-holders Jamaica Scorpions with a six-wicket victory in a rain-affected contest here Wednesday.

Choosing to bat first at Queen’s Park Oval, Scorpions rallied to 263 for nine off their 50 overs, thanks to Kirk McKenzie’s top-score of 84 from 102 balls and captain Rovman Powell’s 53 off 55 deliveries.

Seamer Young, 23, prevented any real acceleration at the back end of the innings, however, claiming five of the last six wickets to fall to end with five for 49.

Rain then halted play with the Academy well placed on 131 for three after 25 overs and when the skies cleared, the development side found themselves facing a revised target of 236 off 42 overs.

Unbeaten on 37 then, the 20-year-old Bishop marshaled the remainder of the chase with a responsible run-a-ball 67 not out as West Indies Academy comfortably overhauled their target with 27 balls to spare.

The right-hander, who

Teddy Bishop cuts during his unbeaten half-century for West Indies Academy at Queen’s Park Oval on Wednesday (Photo courtesy CWI Media). struck three fours and two sixes, found a reliable ally in Kevin Wickham (37) with whom he added 70 for the fourth wicket, before anchoring a match-winning 42-run, unbroken fifth wicket partnership with Ackeem Auguste (15 not out).

Leonardo Julien had earlier struck 52 off 48 deliveries to galvanise the early stages of the chase, laying the foundation for the Academy’s first win of the campaign.

For Scorpions, the loss was their second – keeping them winless in the Regional Super50 Cup – following their 47-run defeat to Barbados Pride last week.

They lost Jermaine Blackwood cheaply in the fourth over for three with 11 runs on the board but bounced back through a series of partnerships, inspired

by McKenzie.

The 22-year-old left-hander, who struck five fours and two sixes, posted 31 for the second wicket with Chadwick Walton (17) , 43 for the third wicket with Andre McCarthy (15) before putting on 102 with Powell for the fourth wicket.

Powell lashed half-dozen fours and a six but fell along with McKenzie in the space of 12 balls, both knocked over

by Young, who then scythed through the lower order.

At 48 for two in the 12th over in reply, the Academy were in need of a boost and received it first through Julien and then the polished Bishop.

Julien, already with a fifty in the tournament, counted half-dozen fours and a six while adding 67 for the third wicket with Bishop, who then took command of the back end of the chase with his second fifty of the campaign

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Guyana, Martinique secure 1-0 victories over Suriname, Nicaragua ..Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda draw blanks in Group A of League B GUYANA moved to the summit of Group A, while Martinique earned their first victory, as the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup qualifiers resumed with three League B encounters on Wednesday.

Dominica also earned their first point of the season with a draw against Antigua and Barbuda. Four goalkeepers came away with a clean sheet, as stout-heart defending was the order of the third matchday.

Dominica vs. Antigua and Barbuda Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda played to a scoreless draw at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia.

The visitors were nearly off to a dream start in the fifth as a cross into the box was on its way into goal from Kevoncia James, but Dominica goalkeeper Celia Gregoire grasped the ball to deny the opportunity.

James set up another dangerous opportunity in the 12th, but Donesha Samuel did not get her preferred hit on the ball to keep the scoreline level.

Antigua and Barbuda goalkeeper Anik Jarvis left her line well in the 27th to deny Le-Myah Forde in a one-on-one situation. A minute later, Jarvis delivered back-to-back saves as Dominica could taste the lead.

Ajahna Martin then tested Gregoire from a distance in the 54th but the goalkeepers continued to star into the second half.

Jarvis registered 10 saves and the clean sheet to help Dominica earn its first point of the tournament. Gregoire ended the day with six saves to help Antigua and Barbuda gain an away point and stay within striking distance of first place.

Suriname vs. Guyana Guyana earned a 1-0 victory over Suriname to move

to the top of Group A at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo.

Both goalkeepers were asked to make timely saves early on. Suriname's Mayra Tjin A Koeng made one of her three critical saves in the 18th, as Stefanie Kouzas looked primed to score from a through ball.

On the other end, Chante Sandiford got her hands to divert a dangerous attempt in the 29th, in what was one of her four saves on the night.

Shanice Alferd broke through for the only goal of the night in the 41st by connecting with a cross into the box from Jalade Trim.

Suriname’s attacking front tried desperately to get the elusive equaliser in the second half, as Andaya Lantveld had one of her team’s best opportunities in the 55th. But Sandiford provided little room to work with and the woodwork did the rest.

Roshawn Clarke’s 47.34 ratified as World U20 record, Jamaica’s national record Roshawn Clarke’s world junior record set during the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest last August has been ratified by World Athletics.

Clarke, 19, enjoyed a phenomenal breakthrough season in 2023, culminating with a world U20 record and a fourth-place finish at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23.

At the start of the year, his PB stood at 49.35, which he set en route to taking bronze at the 2022 World U20 Championships. He broke his lifetime best in mid-May, then made two further revisions at the senior Jamaican Championships in July, clocking 48.91 in the heats and 47.85 in the final on 7 July; the latter equalling

the world U20 record set by USA's Sean Burrell on 11 June 2021.

His progress continued at the World Championships.

– a time that would have been good enough for gold at many past editions of the championships.

In the final one day lat-

Roshawn Clarke’s 400 metres record ratified by World Athletics After advancing through his heat, he went on to finish second in his semifinal in a world U20 record of 47.34

er, Clarke finished fourth in 48.07 and beat some of the best 400m hurdlers in the world.

The encounter was decided by small margins as Guyana and Suriname have now switched places in the standing, separated by goal difference.

Martinique vs. Nicaragua Martinique registered their first victory of the tournament with a 1-0 result over Nicaragua at the PierreAliker Municipal Stadium in Fort-de-France.

Maeva Salomon struck from distance in the opening minute of play and forced Nicaragua's goalkeeper Angela Gutierrez to get a hand on the ball which bounced off the woodwork.

Mylaine Tarrieu continued the menacing start from Martinique with an attempt in the 11th that went just

Guyana and Suriname in action wide of the mark.

Nicaragua’s Nuria Marquez dribbled into the box in the 28th, but her final touch was deflected by the outstretched leg of Emmeline Mainguy.

Ludmila Gaydu pounced inside the box for the opening goal in the 43rd, taking advantage of Gutierrez diving to punch away another attempt a few seconds prior.

Salomon continued to threaten with attempts on goal and service to her teammates, with a 68th-minute attempt from distance that went just wide.

Nicaragua never gave up searching for the equaliser as Niurka Molina had opportunities on goal in the 87th and 90th, but Mainguy maintained the clean sheet. (Sportsmax)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Matthews fails again The sprint icon prepares for in Renegades loss

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s patient path to Paris

one last Olympic showdown

TRACK and field icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has revealed that she is being patient with her recovery as she jump-starts her preparation for what will be her final Olympic Games in Paris next year.

The Jamaican superstar, who will be 37 years old in December, is attempting to win a third Olympic 100m gold medal to add to the ones she won in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. She will

knee, hamstring and other undisclosed injuries that significantly impacted her 2023 season.

“It’s not really my knee alone that has been giving me trouble but at this stage of my career I am trying to be patient in my recovery, making sure I give myself enough time to come back and not to rush coming back,” said the five-time world 100m champion.

“One of the beauties about

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce also be hoping to extend her incredible record of being the only woman to win a medal in the 100m at five consecutive Olympic Games.

It is a tall order, especially when one considers that she will be attempting these history-making feats against possibly the fastest women’s 100m field ever assembled, especially if the likes of world champion Sha’Carri Richardson (10.65), Shericka Jackson (10.65), Elaine Thompson-Herah (10.54), Marie Josee Ta Lou (10.72) and Julien Alfred (10.81) show up in their best form.

However, like the warrior she has been for more than a decade, the self-styled Pocket Rocket remains undaunted.

But first, she has to heal her body that has been showing signs of wear and tear with

me is the fact that I am really tough mentally and I know what the end goal is, what I want to achieve and what I need to do to get there. So, I really want to be patient with myself and trust in my doctors and my team to make sure that next year I am ready to stand on the line first at the national championships and then ultimately, in Paris.

“I know within my heart that there is so much more to come and once I have that belief and that God will give me the strength to get to that point.”

She expressed unwavering confidence that once she is healthy again, she will be capable of taking on all challengers who will likely line up in Paris.

“Without a doubt. It’s athletics, injuries happen,” she

declared. “I have been blessed to not have many throughout my career and I think that is what I am relying on, the fact that I have been relatively good in terms of health; apart from my knee and whatever else is happening, I’ve been good. I am just looking forward to just getting healthy 100 per cent fit and sometimes you won’t be 100 per cent but 90 is good enough for me.”

Fraser-Pryce, who boasts a personal best of 10.60 which makes her the third fastest woman all time, said she will rely on her tried and proven method of success that has seen her win two individual 100m gold medals, five World 100m titles, a 200m title and a chest full of other medals during the course of her career that began 16 years ago as a relay substitute at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan.

“The depth of the sprinters has always been there, for female sprinting. There’s always a host of different athletes that are coming and preparing and for me the focus is staying focused on your own lane, on what you need to do to get to the top, “she said.

“As far as I am concerned having competition is good.

It pushes you, it makes you aware that you can’t just go to practice and think that’s enough. You have to work, you have to be committed to that work and you have to be willing to go the extra mile.

“I don’t think about the depth, really, it’s always been there, it’s not going to change. It is what it is. It’s the Olympics, everybody wants to win an Olympic medal. So I don’t want to spend my time focusing on what others are doing but instead I invest the time and effort in my own craft and make sure that when the Olympics come around I will be ready.” (Sportsmax)

SYDNEY, Australia, (CMC )– Captain Hayley Matthews failed again as Melbourne Renegades continued their stuttering start to the Women’s Big Bash League with an eight-wicket defeat to Sydney Thunder here Thursday.

The right-hander, who scored heavily in the recent Twenty20 International series against Australia, managed only eight in Renegades’ 147 for five off their 20 overs at Cricket Central.

Matthews, also the West Indies captain, now has 40 runs from her three innings in the tournament.

Thunder easily chased down their target with 15 balls to spare, Sri Lankan Chamari Athapaththu smashing a superb 80 off 54 deliveries to earn Player-of-the-

Renegades captain Hayley Matthews Match honours. for 23 to follow up her earlier The 33-year-old left- top score of 47 off 34 balls hander dominated a 99-run, with seven fours.

After Renegades were opening stand with Tahlia Wilson who made 28 from sent in, Wareham put on 24 balls with five fours, to 78 for the fifth wicket with lay the foundation for the Courtney Webb (31) to pull the innings around from 62 successful run chase.

Leg-spinner Georgia for four in the ninth over.

Wareham finished with two

Sport Minister tries to heal rift between women’s footballers and JFF

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a , (CMC) – Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange, said she was working to try to mend the relationship between the Jamaica Football Federation and members of the senior women’s national team.

All of the members of the team, nicknamed “the Reggae Girlz”, who played at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this past July-August in Australia and New Zealand, and in the Olympic qualifiers in September, announced on Saturday a decision to withdraw from two Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers tomorrow and Sunday because of “constant mistreatment” from the JFF. The players indicated in a social media post that they have not received “full and correct” payment for their World Cup performance or bonuses for qualifying for the tournament, and they were only officially informed about the change of support staff three days before they were

to report for duty.

Grange said in a statement on Monday she was concerned about the rift between the players and the JFF, and she was trying to help them resolve the issues that they face.

“As Minister, I have been careful not to say or do anything that could be seen as political interference in Jamaica’s football programme,” she said. “However, like any other fan, I have been concerned about the relationship between the JFF and members of the Reggae Girlz squad.

“I have been in dialogue with both sides in an attempt to bring them together and will continue to do my utmost to facilitate an amicable resolution in the interest of Jamaica.”

According to a statement from the JFF, the protesting players were written individually and advised that they were suspended from consideration for national selection

indefinitely until the two sides could work through the grievance procedures as outlined in the players’ contracts.

“We will work to ensure that we go through the contractual grievance procedure, so that we can have final resolution (with respect to) the issues raised,” the JFF statement indicated. “The JFF always wants to resolve any issues with our stakeholders for a win-win solution.

“We want to again mention that we are grateful for the contribution that has been made to the national women’s programme, and as is evidenced by the amount it has cost the JFF, and our follow-through to pay off all outstanding amounts to the players, this shows the commitment that the JFF has to the programme.”

A depleted Reggae Girlz squad travelled to face hosts Panama on Wednesday before they return home to tackle Guatemala on Sunday.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

MOE & GTU launch ‘Nationals’ at Nat. Track & Field Centre

By Sean Devers

The 61st National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championship, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), was launched with pomp and splendour yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Widely referred to as ‘Nationals’ the Event, under the theme ‘where Champions are born’, will see the participation of 15 Districts and over 1,600 students and Teachers and will begin in earnest on November 26.

..Digicel to provide UG scholarship to most outstanding athlete

Head table (from left) Dr Retish Tularam, Omesh Satyanad, Julian Cambridge, Shenise Fredericks, Nicolas Frazer

West Demerara Secondary School steel Band (Sean Devers photos) The four-day Championships will conclude on December 1 when the closing ceremony will be held at

Leonora.

Apart from speeches by officials from the organizers, there was a cultural presentation from female students

from the West Demerara Secondary School, a display from the Region Three Marching Band, musical interlude from the West Demerara Secondary School’s Steelband, which played the National Anthem to open proceedings while a Universal was said by Caroline Daniel.

National Junior Athletes, 16-year-old ‘Nationals’ 800m record holder Narissa McPherson, and 18-year-old Odida Patterson, who won three Gold Medals in last year’s ‘Nationals’, winning the Boy’s 1,500m U-20, 5000m Male Open and 10k open, who both hail from the West Demerara, told the fairsized gathering of their story of pain and glory during their

short career and both will be running in this year’s event.

MOE’s deputy CEO-Technical, Dr Retish Tularam, speaking on behalf of Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, provided a background to the National Schools Championships.

“The National Schools Championships and competitions leading up to it represents the single largest sporting movement in Guyana.

The Inter-House, Inter-school and inter-zone competitions touch every Primary and Secondary and are essentially a combination of competitions used to select the best talents in swimming. Cycling and Athletics for each district in

Athletes Odida Patterson and Narissa Mc Pherson

the country,” said Tularam.

“The Ministry of Education and the GTU cannot do this alone, and corporate Guyana must get involved and we are pleased to have some of our sponsors here today.

It is a wonderful gesture that Digicel will provide a University of Guyana scholarship to the most outstanding Athlete of there Championships,” posited Tularam who added that each district is allowed to register a team of up to 110 students and teachers.

Tularam thanked all those who assisted in Organising this Championships and extended best wishes to the teams added ‘may the best team win’ while saying

‘we are all winners.

Also speaking at yesterday’s launching was Vice-Chairman of Region 3, Omesh Satyanad, who thanked the Region Three Organising Committee and the business community for their support. He also promised that this year’s Championship will be bigger than last year.

Second Vice President of the GTU Julian Cambridge also made remarks while Gabriella Chapman (Digicel) and Shanisa Fredericks (Banks DIH) also gave brief remarks on behalf of the sponsors at the launching which was chaired by Marti DeSouza

The series will wrap up in Lahore on Sunday.

Shawaal struck four fours off 61 balls while Eyman also counted four fours in a 47-ball knock, the pair putting on 62 for the first wicket.

However, Munisar and Joseph then teamed up to wreck the top order and send five wickets tumbling for 31 balls before Sidra propped up the innings, posting 43 for the sixth wicket with Noreen Yaqoob (19) and a further 32 for the seventh wicket with Rameen Shamim (10).

In reply, West Indies Women-A lost Shunelle

Sawh cheaply for five in the seventh over but recovered through Williams who anchored two critical stands.

The 26-year-old, who has already played 51 internationals for the senior West Indies Women’s side, struck eight fours while adding 44 for the second wicket with Gajnabi and a further 50 for the fifth wicket with James.

Williams perished in the 38th over with her side still 43 runs adrift of their target but number eight Sheneta Grimmond struck a run-a-ball 17 to deny the hosts.

Williams fifty helps Windies Women level series

MURIDKE, Pakistan, (CMC )– Captain Rashada Williams produced a Player-of-the-Match half-century as West Indies Women-A edged Pakistan Women-A by three wickets with a ball to spare, to level their three-match 50-over series here Thursday.

Asked to chase 189 at the Lahore Country Club, the visitors overhauled their target thanks to Williams, the right-hander top-scoring with 71 off 94 deliveries.

Opener Shabika Gajnabi chipped in with 25 from 38 balls while Zaida James got 23 from 58 deliveries down

the order.

Pakistan Women-A had earlier rallied to 188 for nine from their 50 overs after being sent in, Sidra Nawaz hitting exactly 50 off 85 balls with four fours at number six, and openers Shawaal Zulfiqar (32) and Eyman Fatima (25) weighing in.

Off-spinner Ashmini Munisar led the visitors’ attack with three for 21 while left-armer Quiana Joseph claimed two for 30.

The victory was an important one for West Indies Women-A following their eight-run defeat in the opener last Tuesday.

Captain Rashada Williams gathers run behind square on the off-side during her half-century on Thursday (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, October 27, 2023

Bumper to Bumper services partners with Maraj for ENET Clash of Champions

LOCAL automotive company and paint distributers Bumper To Bumper Services has teamed up with Starlet Cup and Group three competitor Nyron Maraj ahead of next weekend’s ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions race meet.

Maraj, who is in the running for the B.M. SOAT Sponsored Starlet Cup trophy will now carry the company’s brand as well as their U-Pol Raptor Guard finish aboard his number 868 Toyota Starlet.

At a brief handing over ceremony earlier in the week, General Manager Bobby David Katwaroo explained that the company has always been involved in motorsport through one avenue or the other.

“We have always been involved in motorsport. This time around we decided to go with one of the guys who we know uses our brand of products and we think from a marketing standpoint,

the race applications of our products will show themselves.

He also explained why they chose to go under the U-Pol raptor guard brand.

“The Raptor Guard, which is a product of U-Pol has many applications which may require an abrasive surface like the wheel wells of cars and others and we think that this is a great place to show its quality.”

Maraj in his in vited comment, said “Bumper to Bumper Services has been an integral part in the development of the car.

This deal is a twofold deal that will encompass both financial and material services.”

So what that means is that in addition to help offsetting the expenses for this event, they are also giving to the team materials to help prepare the car, one of which is the U-Pol Raptor Guard.”

Apart from their U-Pol brand, the com-

Shenell Ornella Rodrigues - Bumper To Bumper Services Associate hands over the sponsorship cheque to Nyron Maraj

pany also distributes PPG Global, Maxmeyer, and Lechler through their 30 Anira Street Queenstown Location.

Set for November 4 and 5 at the South Dakota Circuit, the ENET

Clash of Champions will feature several groups of racing with the BM Soat Starlet cup attracting huge fan support over the last year.

Maraj, whose car

i s a l s o s p o n s o re d

by Team Trini Autoworks, Nedds Bake r y, I - S u n H e a l t h Conscious Foods, Asif Trucking, MACs Tire service and Auto Sales and Sonrize En-

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

gineering sits third in the championship on 74 points, 26 behind second place Steven Nobrega and a further 18 points behind leader Anand Ramchand.

| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023