Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 31-12-2023

31st DECEMBER, 2023

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See Inside No.107310

Region One becoming major centre for food production SEE PAGE

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- Agriculture Minister says; points to significant cultivation of spices in the region

Prime Minister commissions solar farms in Annai and Karasabai SEE PAGE

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Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (centre) and residents during the commissioning of the solar farms in their communities

First ship docks at Friendship Port Facility

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- state-of-the-art wharf to play key role in oil & gas sector

Massive 28 per cent increase in sugar production in 2023 3

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Construction of US$161M stateof-the-art NA hospital to begin in January 12

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Region One becoming major centre for food production 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

- Agriculture Minister says; points to significant cultivation of spices in the region

By Cindy Parkinson REGION One (Barima-Waini) continues to make significant strides towards becoming a major centre for food production, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said.

Having achieved all of the targets set out in the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)'s Manifesto for the agriculture sector, Minister Mustapha said that he is pleased with the overall success and performances within the sector.

During his year-end press conference on Saturday, he said that while the agriculture sector is praised and recognised for the integral role it plays in the production of livestock, cash crops, rice, and sugar, the production of spices in Guyana will be a game changer for the country as well as the region.

He related that although other farmers are cultivating spices in the various regions, the residents of Region One

have been significantly concentrating on the production of spices on a large-scale basis, which, according to him, has put the area in a position to be called the 'spice region’ of Guyana.

Minister Mustapha told the Sunday Chronicle: “Even though we were faced with some challenges, such as El Niňo during 2023, I was pleased that my ministry was able to accomplish all of our Manifesto promises and commitments towards the people of Guyana.”

In 2023, there was a significant increase in the production of spices, and the delivery of approximately $30 million in planting materials to farmers from Regions One and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who have invested in the cultivation of spices, specifically turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and nutmeg.

“In the other crops also, we have seen a significant increase in ginger production, especially in Region One and

some parts of Region Three.

To date, we have a total of 250 acres of ginger, which was cultivated between August 2022 and May 2023.

Over 216 farmers benefitted from planting materials for turmeric, and we will continue to increase production of the spice as well,” Minister Mustapha said.

The agriculture minister further related to the Sunday Chronicle that the Government of Guyana is not just focusing on the coastal plain of the country, but that they are also working to ensure that all Guyanese contribute and play their role in building the food basket of the Caribbean.

“When I took office from the previous administration, the agriculture sector was in a deplorable state; farmers had to take money out of their pockets to buy materials. I am pleased to say that under His Excellency President Ali's leadership, we are ensuring that farmers are given the help that they

require to make their lives better. They are given lands for plants, and grants are facilitated by the government. We are ensuring that plant nurseries are placed in almost every region of Guyana,” Minister Mustapha said, adding: “Going into 2024, we will continue to meet with our farmers to make their lives easier, and I would like to encourage more of our young people to get involved in the sector. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic can say in full confidence that

we will work with you and see you grow, and together we will once again become the breadbasket of the Caribbean.”

Earlier this year, President Ali had revealed during the commissioning of the M.V. Ma Lisha that Region One is capable of producing all the high-value commodities that the ‘Twin Islands’ may use, such as cage-culture fish, cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, ginger, and turmeric.

According to President Ali: “This vessel opens

up opportunities for food production, value-added food production, and economic opportunities for the people of Region One. We are celebrating the launch of a vessel that will serve the people of Region One, but we are launching a vessel that will serve the economic transformation and modernisation of Guyana; one that will serve the building out of Guyana as a major centre for food production.”

plant 52 per cent more lands in 2023, which is a total of 4,020 hectares as compared to 2,640 hectares in 2022.”

The government will continue to focus heavily on mechanisation and con-

version projects across the industry.

While explaining that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is witnessing a decrease in funding due to its robust policies, he said, “We will be seeing less and less dependency from the government in terms of GuySuCo revitalising and bringing itself back to that point that we want it to achieve. We have seen a 22 per cent decrease of funding that we have requested from the government in 2023 as compared to 2022.”

Guyana has also witnessed a further 54 per cent of sugar production, which was marketed as packaged

sugar in 2023, as compared to 48 per cent in 2022. The government has also commenced the construction of the Albion and Blairmont Packaging Plants to increase the production of value-added packaged sugar.

“We have launched two new value-added packaged brands. One is the Albion Gem, and the other is the Demerara Gold Sugar Stick Sachet,” said Minister Mustapha.

To date, the government has employed 4,692 new employees in the sugar industry.

The total number of workers in GuySuCo at the end of 2023 is 8,294 persons.

Over the next two years, Minister Mustapha said that the government will convert over 5,000 hectares of land to have mechanisation being conducted in terms of harvesting and mechanical loading.

Added to that, he reemphasised, “We are seeing clearly a revitalisation of the sugar industry, and we are seeing more and more people are benefitting.”

The government continues to build a strong agricultural sector that will enhance livelihoods as part of its ambitious goal of ensuring food security. (DPI)

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Massive 28 per cent increase in sugar production in 2023

WITH an investment of $8.1 billion in 2023 to advance the revitalisation efforts of the sugar industry, Guyana saw a massive 28 per cent, or 13,155 tonnes, increase in sugar production, as compared to the 47,049 tonnes in 2022.

This was highlighted by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during the ministry’s year-end review on Saturday. In keeping with the government’s promise in 2020, one of the major achievements for sugar was the reopening of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate in September 2023.

The agriculture minister

underscored, “Sugar production in 2023, we closed at 60, 204 tonnes, a 28 per cent or 13,155-tonne increase in production when compared to 47,049 tonnes in 2022.

The industry was able to re-

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Sheriff Security offers free, comprehensive health and life insurance plan to employees

By Cindy Parkinson

IN order to assure the families of their employees that the welfare of their loved ones is safe and secure, the Managing Director of the Sheriff Group of Companies Ameir Ahmad says the company will introduce a comprehensive health and life insurance plan, offered at no cost to their workforce, starting January 2024.

Ahmad asserted that although nobody aspires to be a security guard,

many have to work along that line to ensure that they provide a better life for themselves and their families.

“I have a number of employees in my company, and while I may not get to say this to them as often as I would like to, I understand that they are working tirelessly to make sure that they provide the best life for their families. Sometimes that’s not easy, but they do it; they put their lives on the line every day, and I see that,” Ahmad told

Some of the employees of Sheriff Security Service

this newspaper.

He continued, “I am proud to announce a significant step in enhancing our team’s well-being.

Starting January 2024, we are offering our dedicated security officers a comprehensive health and

life insurance plan, at no cost to them. They are the backbone of our growth across Guyana, and this is a big leap forward for our Sheriff Security Service family. When I decided to do this for my employees, I thought of the dangers

that they are faced with, and should something go wrong with them, I want their families to know that they are taken care of.

Many times, people don’t have that ease of knowing that their families and loved ones are going to be okay, and that they are taken care of.”

He also added that the core of this programme is to ensure Sheriff Security’s unwavering commitment to creating a supportive and welcoming environment.

Ahmad said, “The newly introduced Free Health and Life Insurance Plan encompasses a wide range of medical services, ensuring that all employees enjoy unhindered access to top-tier healthcare services without the burden of financial constraints. SSS stands proudly as the leading security service provider across all regions of Guyana. As such, it recognises the importance of taking proactive measures to champion the holistic well-being of its workforce.”

Ahmad hopes that this initiative will inspire others in the private sector to go the extra mile for their employees, especially at a time when Guyana is moving forward.

“Listen, I am happy to be able to do this for my employees and their families, but I am hopeful that my fellow colleagues from the private sector will be able to introduce similar initiatives for their employees as well. As we progress as a country in all sectors, we have to play our role in ensuring that our people are taken care of as well.

“In my opinion, it's all part of our role in building this country. As I can recall, President Ali said in one of his speeches that we, the private sector, must play our part in the development and growth of our country, and since I am in a position to do so, then I will,” he explained.

One of the security officers, James (only name given), told this newspaper that he is beyond happy that the company has taken this step.

“It makes me feel good that my boss has shown us how much he cares by contributing to our health. They say health is wealth, and I am thankful that we are covered by health insurance. It is not every day that a boss does this for his employees, so I am thankful to Ameir and Sheriff Security for this gift going into 2024.”

New Church’s, DQ outlet opened at Diamond 5

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

CAMEX Restaurant Inc. has added a new outlet to their international franchise with the commissioning of the Church’s and Dairy Queen (DQ) building at Diamond, East Bank Demerara on Saturday.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Camex Restaurant Inc. Lisa Insanally, told the Sunday Chronicle that this is just a small step in what the corporation hopes to achieve moving forward.

With numerous locations across the country, the opening of the new outlet marks the company’s eighteenth Church’s Chicken as well as their tenth Dairy Queen.

This milestone is accompanied by the employment of approximately 400 hundred Guyanese countrywide.

Insanally explained that the company’s biggest driving force is their customers, as well as the people they have trained and employed.

“We are the only fastfood franchise that has ventured out to places like Bartica and Berbice. We went years ago where nobody was going. We are the biggest

fast-food company and we have the most stores,” Insanally told this newspaper during an interview.

According to her, expansion plans are in the pipeline.

“We are continuously expanding. We just opened Leonora and we have opened here and we are going to be opened in Soesdyke soon. We also plan to renovate our old stores. We have been around for 17 years.”

Insanally has high hopes for the new location at Diamond.

“I think this new location will have a huge impact.

Because if you look around since we started working people have been passing and asking daily. In Diamond, there are several thousand people living in there alone.”

Also speaking at the launch was the Director of training and staff development, Dawn Braithwaite, who emphasised the company’s continued dedication to service.

“We are franchise holders, because of that we have to keep in line with what the franchise is worth. We

The new Church’s and Dairy Queen (DQ) outlet at Diamond, East Bank Demerara

take persons on; you do not have to come with any sort of experience because we

Some of the employees at the new location (Japheth Savory photos)

will teach you everything.

What we ask you to do is to come with a pleasant

personality, a smile and an interest in people and deal-

ing with people.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Renewed optimism

THE dawn of a new year always brings with it a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The year 2024 is no different. Such optimism is rooted in the continuing economic growth and prosperity which had characterised the preceding years which saw the country's economy experiencing one of the highest growth rates in the world.

This growth rate, according to the most recent Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) report is expected to continue with a projected growth of 39.2% in 2024,

making the country one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy regional economic growth forecast.

This year commenced with Guyana assuming the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This is indeed a positive development especially at this time when the region is playing a key role in the preservation of peace and stability in the region especially in face of threats to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity by Venezuela.

As pointed out by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali who now as-

sumes the role of President of the CARICOM, peace in the region remains a top priority, even as emphasis will be placed in ensuring that the region becomes food and energy secure.

“As the incoming Chairman of the CARICOM I extend warm New Year's greetings to all citizens across our beloved Caribbean Community. May 2024 be for all of us a year of good remembrance,” said President Ali. From all indications, 2024 promises to be a good year both for Guyana and the region as a whole. Much progress

has been made in the area of food and nutrition, security, and also in terms of the creation of a single market and economy. The free movement of people and skills is a work in progress and according to the President will be intensified this coming year.

On the domestic front, the prospects look good.

Several major infrastructural works are likely to commence including the new bridge across the Corentyne River, linking the two neighboring countries of Guyana and Suriname. Mobilisation works on the four-lane bridge across the Demer-

ara River in Wismar, Linden is expected to begin in 2024.

The new four-lane bridge across the Demerara River is picking up momentum. The gasto-shore project has already started which when completed will reduce the cost of energy by nearly half. New hotels are under construction.

The physical landscape of the country is undergoing significant changes.

But, as pointed out

by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the social landscape will also see significant changes in 2024 with a significant

injection of disposable income and other interventions such as tax reductions and increased employment opportunities.

The year 2023 has not been without its challenges but we have as a nation risen to the challenges and emerged stronger and better. We owe a debt of gratitude to our leaders President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips; indeed, the entire PPP/C administration for steering the ship of state safely to land, despite some rough waters.

For too long persons abroad have acted as though they are beyond our laws

Dear Editor,

As local lawyers, Roysdale Forde and Darren Wade continue to defy logic and common sense in asserting that the ‘service’ of Guyanese court summons cannot be effected in the United States, I found a more modern method ordered by the courts in Canada and would hasten to advise our local judiciary to adopt the precedent soonest; in Pieters v Guyana National Newspapers Limited, 2020 CanLII 107882 (ON SC), (https://canlii.ca/t/jcnpr) the court ordered: “AND WHEREAS it

would be impractical to require personal service on the defendants individually.

ON BEING advised that this order is to be made ex parte, in writing, 1 . T H I S C O U RT O R DERS that service of the motion upon the parties is hereby dispensed with and the motion may proceed ex parte.

2 . T H I S C O U RT O R DERS validated/substituted service order with respect to the Defendants Mark Devonish (email: markdevonish@yahoo.co.uk and Mark.Devonish@nuh.nhs. uk) and GNNL by email (gm@guyanachronicle.com, m_ramotar@yahoo.com

and yogmahadeo@gmail. com) effective June 19, 2020 and October 20, 2020, and dispensing further service thereof.”

This Order was made during the pandemic period but given that we live in the internet age, and persons have ‘verified’ social media accounts, we can even make court orders that posting the summons on their ‘page’ be considered effective service.

In the end, service is simply informing an individual of a court action that has been filed against them, it is an imperative in any just system, and quibbling on the means of service stands in the way

of justice.

The cost-effectiveness of new methods would also serve justice in Guyana well, for too long persons living abroad have acted as though they are beyond the scope and reach of our laws and enforcement.

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that Guyanese are now informed and able to file criminal and civil charges against persons who use social media platforms to extort and/or malign. Persons with criminal complaints can approach the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to move on their complaints, file private criminal charges, and/or bring civil suits against the previously

untouchable foreign-based ‘influencers’.

Guyana’s justice system has withstood the test of time; it is not controlled by any political party, and one need not fear that ‘free speech’ will be under attack, for example; in January 2023 Sherod Duncan was arrested and charged with calling a GECOM employee a ‘Jaggabat” and ‘Trench Crappo’ and by September Duncan was acquitted.

The system works. Lawyers should advise clients seeking to lay libel matters before the courts to exercise caution so as not to waste the courts' time.

Extortion, on the other

hand, is endemic on social media platforms and it behooves the GPF to act swiftly to end the scourge.

Defendants, once served, can opt to lead defenses or risk conviction in the absence thereof, either way; this will lead us all to the saga of extradition warrants for the convicts. At that point, we will all learn more about treaties, agreements, and cooperation among states. The world has suddenly and certainly gotten smaller and the arms of the law longer; fun times ahead.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

The Natural Resource Fund Act is crystal clear Dear Editor, THE bold assertion making waves in the press that the Natural Resource Fund is overstated by several billions is one that is grounded in a shocking misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the intendment, policy and express provisions of the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021, as well as, a misconception of certain elementary principles of law. It would be a grave omission to leave such legal fallacies untraversed on the public record.

It is significant to observe, after careful reading, that the author of this assertion is not alleging any act of corruption or unlawful haemorrhaging of the petroleum revenues, although the tone in which he wrote and the sensational prominence he’s accorded, may have very well conveyed that erroneous impression to the unsuspecting reader, but then again, that may be by design.

He contends that the fund contains taxes leviable on petroleum production that should be remitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). As an aside, even if

the contention possesses a scintilla of merit, it would be of academic importance only, since whether the monies are paid to GRA as taxes or are paid into the Natural Resource Fund, they are in the State’s coffers and by operation of law will eventually be deposited into the Consolidated Fund.

On the 29th of December 2021, the Parliament of Guyana enacted the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021, Act No. 19 of 2021. The principal objectives of this legislation were made clear by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) several years before its enactment.

The intent was to create a special fund, embracing the Santiago Principles and Practices regarding Sovereign Wealth Funds, into which all government revenues derived from the petroleum sector would be deposited, oversighted, managed, invested, withdrawn, spent and audited. These objectives are what guided the draughtsman in crafting forty-seven provisions spanning some thirty-two pages as the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021.

The Natural Resource

Fund Act defines “Petroleum Revenues” as “all Government revenues specified in section 15”. Section 15 (1) provides: “Petroleum revenues shall be directly paid into a bank account denominated in United States Dollars and held by the Bank as part of the Fund.” Section 15 (2) explains what Petroleum revenue shall include. These are royalties; government’s share of profit oil; any petroleum income tax, additional profits tax or any other future tax levied on the profits of companies or individuals undertaking production operations; any signature or other bonus related to production operations or the award of a petroleum licence; and any other current or future fiscal instrument levied solely or mainly on companies or individuals involved in production operations.

It is excruciatingly plain that Section 15 (1) and (2) authorises petroleum revenues to be paid directly into the Fund. This obviously includes whatever taxes are leviable in relation thereto.

Cardinally, once deposited, the Act strictly and rigidly prescribes how monies are

to be withdrawn from the Fund, by what process and for what purposes. For example, by Section 16, “all withdrawals from the Fund shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and shall be used only to finance - national development priorities …” and “essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effect of a major natural disaster.”

There is absolutely no provision in the Act which permits or authorises deduction of taxes for on behalf of the Guyana Revenue Authority. In fact, any unauthorised withdrawal from or interference with monies from the Fund constitutes an Offence, upon conviction, is liable to imprisonment and several million dollars in fine. In short, the author, out of ignorance, is encouraging the commission of criminal offences.

Section 15 (4) of the Act specifically and scrupulously exempts from “Petroleum revenues” certain types of taxes. These include value added tax collection on inputs or outputs from production operations; customs duties collected on inputs

into production operations; and withholding tax on payments made to contractors by companies or individuals undertaking production operations. These are revenues that are not deposited into the Fund, and the relevant taxes therein mentioned are levied and received by GRA. In other words, the draughtsman’s mind was alive to what taxes are to be paid directly to GRA. The author places great reliance on the infamous 2016 Petroleum Production Agreement, as that Agreement imposes upon the Minister, a number of obligations in respect of the payment of taxes to the GRA on petroleum production. Those provisions of that Agreement have obviously been overtaken by the Natural Resource Fund Act. It is a very rudimentary principle of law that if a contract conflicts with a Statute, the Statute shall prevail. Moreover, the Natural Resource Fund Act itself has a supremacy provision. It is Section 45. It provides: “in the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Act and the provisions

of any other law on fiscal matters and financial management, or between the provisions of the Act and the terms of a petroleum licence, the provisions of this Act shall prevail.” This section is intended to and shall override every other taxing Statute on the matter.

Additionally, when the 2016 Agreement was secretly executed, it is public knowledge that there was no fiscal framework to regulate petroleum revenues and therefore, the extant framework at the time would have applied.

That regime is what is set out in the Agreement. A new one has now been created. It finds expression by legislation. It must prevail as the law of the land. No Agreement can stand in its path. If there is any conflict or inconsistency, even with existing legislation, the draughtsman has put that to rest by the crystal language of Section 45.

Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC MP Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Dear Editor, I REFER to a highly inaccurate and inflammatory letter by Vincent Alexander in the media under the title “Spouting the rule of law and good governance but observing them in the breach,” (12/30/2023).

Anyone familiar with modern world history, and specifically with the history of fascism, will either squirm or laugh aloud at Mr. Alexander’s claims about the emergence of a “fascist state” in this country. The diplomatic community will no doubt feel a sense of informed discomfort because so many come from countries where their

families and communities paid with their lives defending democracy against fascism.

Ironically, the claims in the letter under consideration have a lot in common with real fascism and rightwing populism, namely, a diabolical disregard for the whole truth, combined with a sinister industrialisation of half-truths, innuendos, and emotional coercion.

Here is Vincent Alexander – “Our constitutional commissions and even other deliberative organs of the state are constituted in such a manner, and vested with such procedural autonomy that enables the ruling party

to determine how, and what, decisions are made without reference or deference to the rule of law or the principles of good governance.” There is a lot of cloaking here, where nonsense is hidden behind constructs like “constitutional commissions,” “deliberative organs,” “rule of law,” and “principles of good governance.” What specifically does “…in such a manner…” mean here?

What is “…vested with such procedural autonomy”? State the “manner;” provide details about the “procedural autonomy.”

At best, Alexander’s letter is disingenuous. This is so because he is rail-

ing against the same Local Government Commission that the APNU+AFC fully accepted during their tenure 2015-2020 tenure.

Further, Mr. Alexander has forgotten or is denial that the Local Government Commission Act of 2013 made it through the National Assembly when his APNU+AFC held a one seat majority. The design and competencies of Act No 18 of 2013 made it through the National Assembly during that APNU+AFC majority.

Mr. Alexander’s party was happy with the passage of that Bill.

A highly placed source in the AFC confirmed with

me earlier today that the APNU+AFC saw the Act No 18 of 2013 as a “conjoint” effort. Vincent Alexander, therefore, has it wrong.

Finally, Mr. Alexander treats contemporary historical memory with scorn. His palpitations about GECOM appointments come dangerously close to a form of political bullyism. This is because he has completely jettisoned from memory the extrajudicial October 19, 2017, unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson as Chair of GECOM

by President Granger. Even TIGI criticised the appointment.

Guyana today is governed on the bases of the nation’s Constitution. The National Assembly, the judicial system, security and law enforcement agencies, the banking system, and other institutions of transparent governance are all functioning well. The basic fact is that the right to free speech, freedom of worship, and the protection of life, property, and liberty, are intact. Mr. Alexander has made full use of that right, even though what he claims cannot be sustained by evidence.

Sincerely Dr. Randy Persaud

Vincent Alexander has it wrong on governance

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Guyana’s president: A global comparison

LET’S survey the democratic world to ascertain which prime minister or president has greater democratic credentials, political courage, integrity of character, accommodating leadership style, popular appeal than Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana.

Narendra Modi of India cannot be compared to Dr. Ali. I wrote during the 2014 election in India that I did not like Mr. Modi for suspected anti-Muslin attitude when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. As a practising social scientist, I am convinced deeply in my academic soul that Modi is going to damage the democratic greatness of India.

I will cite two examples and move. Can you imagine that the Guyana Parliament expelling the Opposition Leader because he lost a libel case against the President? The Indian Parliament expelled Opposition Leader, Rahul Gandhi, after he lost a libel writ Mr. Modi brought against him. If you know the reason why Modi sued you will get stitches laughing.

The second example – The Citizen Amendment Act

of 2019 grant Indian citizenship to minorities of other countries seeking residency in India before 2014 except Muslims. Google it if you think I am wrong. For a fine analysis of Modi’s drift towards authoritarianism, see the superb study of this trend

by Professor Nitasha Kaul published by the Australian Institute of International Relations.

In the UK, two Acts have seriously curtailed the right to picket and protest. The first one is the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court Act of 2022 and the Pubic Order Act 2023. Both Bills have been critically assessed by most of the leading media houses around the world.

The UK Supreme Court recently deemed as illegal the plan to send refugees to Rwanda. The ruling Conservative Party has tabled legislation to get around the decision of the court.

United States President, Joe Biden, went to Israel shortly after Israel bombed a hospital in Gaza killing more than 500 human beings.

This is what Biden said to Israel’s President, Benjamin Netanyahu at a meeting with

the media present about the hospital bombing: “It is not you guys that did it; it is the guys from the other side.”

This was before there was not even one expert on the ground to examine the site.

The New York Times’ position is the cause of the strike is yet to be determined.

All over the U.S., there is protest against Mr. Biden for his support for Israel’s genocidal conduct. Mr. Biden’s rating is so low that it looks he will be beaten if Trump contest. A poll in Guyana will find Dr. Ali achieving approval rating by over 80 percent.

Are there European leaders that have a greater track

record of democratic governance than Dr. Ali? Which one? Name me the European leader whose democratic instincts exceeds Dr. Ali’s?

Is it the German Chancellor that flew over to Israel to praise a Prime Minister whose army has been bombing a defenseless population and who has been charged with corruption?

Didn’t the UK, Canadian and Dutch Prime Ministers go the identical route? Didn’t the German Chancellor and French President do the identical act? Are these countries more democratic than Guyana? Italy has a semi-fascist woman Prime Minister.

France is an interesting

case-study in democratic hypocrisy. President Emmanuel Macron went to meet Netanyahu. When he went back to France, he suggested a military coalition of countries to confront Hamas. He uttered this nonsense at a time when the helpless women and children were being killed by the thousands.

The EU has its own government called the EU Commission. That body that condemned Russian bombing of hospital and schools in Ukraine has flatly refused to say the same against Israel even though more women and children have been killed in two months by Israel than the first two months of any

war in human history.

What is taking place in Canada, the U.S, the UK, Australia and the entire EU, except Ireland, is a dangerous trend that will have disastrous consequences for free speech and democratic tolerance in those countries. Journalists, columnists, academics, entertainment personalities, actors and writers face tremendous acts of vendetta for supporting Palestine or condemning Israel.

Which country in South America has a president whose governance style is more democratic than President Ali’s? President Lula is very popular in Brazil and around the world. What about Africa and CARICOM? Which leader, apart from Mia Mottley, can be said to be in front of Dr. Ali in terms of democratic rule? Some of them, of course, were elected and maintain a democratic government but is Guyana behind them? Which one is in front of Guyana? I will have more to say about the superb leadership of a democratic president in the Republic of Guyana.

New Year resolve starting today

IF we consider each day to be the start of the rest of our lives, then how much more momentous is a day such as today, which marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter in our lives.

As we reflect on the past year, with its triumphs, disappointments, laughter and tears, we look forward to the new year and all the promise it holds.

Many of us, acknowledging that much of what happens stems from the actions we take, make new year resolutions aimed at improving our outlook. We resolve to do better and be better.

But then we are told that we must set definite goals that we want to achieve because being vague simply allows us to avoid any significant change. Setting particular targets requires more thought, less talk and in

some instances establishing a timeline.

The extent to which we do this is very often an indication of how serious we are in our resolve and determines how successful we will be in getting positive results. Our goals should also be attainable and realistic, otherwise failure is certain.

A cigarette smoker may decide to give up smoking in the new year. However, planning how this will actually be done – by gradual reduction daily/weekly, with a target date in mind – is likely to yield greater success than just declaring, ‘Ah gun stop smoke this year’.

Once our resolve is set then there should be no turning back, for the very nature of a resolution is an intent to, as Nike says, ‘Just do it’, but we can allow ourselves a certain flexibility, so that if we ‘fall short’ we for-

give ourselves and resume the process with renewed vigour. We ‘get back on the horse’.

We can decide on small improvements that will make us feel happier about ourselves. It may be the simple challenge of going for a short walk each morning, or just taking control of our thoughts by daily positive affirmations.

Of one thing we can be sure. The time to start making a positive change is now. For tomorrow is promised to no one, but we can determine what we do today.

We c a n m a k e t h e choice to be happy and so ensure our mental wellness. We can eat a more nutritious meal and make the first move towards a

healthier diet. We can take some time for ourselves – meditate or just sit quietly and breathe deeply.

We can do all of this right now, although it may be easier for us to put it off, telling ourselves, ‘Ah gun start all a duh tomorrow’.

Those of us who have lost loved ones in the past year surely know the truth in the saying, ‘Tomorrow never comes’. There is no guarantee.

I remember fondly the last exchange I had with my son who died last year.

He urged me to carry an umbrella against the sun – something I rarely didand asked me if I had my phone which I often forgot and had indeed forgotten that day too, as I was about to leave the house.

It was our ‘standing’ joke and we both laughed and hugged, not knowing that that would be our last moment together.

What I do know, more clearly than ever before, is that what matters is the present. If you want to do a kind deed or say a kind word to someone, do it now, if at all possible.

Whatever it is you wanted to do in the past year and did not get around to doing – get going now.

Make some move, however small, to ‘set the wheels in motion’.

And bear in mind the words of actor, Michael O’Neill, of Transformers and Grey’s Anatomy fame, who said: “It does no good to worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow; nor does it do any good whatsoever to dwell on mistakes you might have made in the past. We can only learn from past mistakes and modify future behaviour for the better.

The only day that matter is the one before you.

Today.”

Who vex lose!

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

THE combined opposition in Guyana cannot seem to wrap their little heads around what Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo was saying at his end-of-year press conference Thursday last. Even more so, if one looks at the rubbish that APNU+AFC MP, Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde wrote in the media, one will lose respect for lawyers of his ilk and standing in the profession. One will even begin to realise the reason behind him losing case after case which should be easy to win when one is certain that the law, facts and truth are on one’s side.

But it is not so for the opposition and Forde who dishonorably continue to spread their alternative facts and propaganda, riding on a high created by the Kaieteur News, Gordon Moseley, Travis Chase, and a plethora of social media ‘influencers’ who are disingenuously spreading the false narrative that the government has the intention of coming after the social

media critics.

This is not what Dr Jagdeo said or implied during the press conference. They, especially, the journalists, should know that spreading this narrative is wicked, nasty and reeks of desperation as it is no doubt going to backfire if the government ever changes foot in this country.

Firstly, Jagdeo was speaking at a Peoples Progressive Party media conference as its general secretary. At no time, did he ever say that the government was considering “going after” any political critics. In fact, he was giving his own take on the summons that Rickord Burke was served.

The media knows this.

The viewing public know this is so true but some wicked and sensational opposition media provocateurs wanted to play the victim. They wanted to enmesh Dr Jagdeo into another supposed media battle and paint a picture that ‘big bad Jagdeo’ is coming for them.

This is quite foolish and it must be condemned

because the PPP, which Dr Jagdeo represents, has made it clear that it believes in a free media, free speech and freedom of all media workers in Guyana. In fact, the party has a track record of protecting “the pen” and the voice of journalists, public commentators and all Guyanese in this country who speak out against injustices, miscarriage of justice and for truth. Just, look at the periods of 2015 to 2020, 1964 to 1992, and 1994 to 2000 for examples.

Secondly, what was said by Jagdeo is that he is particularly in favour of responsible journalism and free speech that is based on the facts, truth and wholesome information. He did take a swipe at the social media commentators and influencers like Rickford Burke and others who use their platforms to sow seeds of discord, divide our country, spread alternative facts and tell outright lies that harm families, individuals and businesses unduly and unjustly.

Free speech can never mean harming or defaming

people for likes and views.

It must not be seditious or border on criminality like hate speech, harassment, illegalities or pose a true threat. No. This is not what is meant by freedom of speech either in Guyana or further afield. One cannot criticise a government policy or private individual and use alternative facts or lies for clicks and views and expect that they will get away with it. The law is not an ass but is blind when it comes to protecting the wronged and innocently accused.

So, it is this point that caused Dr Jagdeo to express satisfaction that citizens will now have the power to come after those that sit in houses and basements behind the safety nets of computers and location, that spreads the lies, misinformation and spurious information about people and businesses.

It is a good thing arguably that some attempt is being made through the law to reign in the media, particularly some of the social media influencers

who have become like a runaway train, and ‘gods’ according to themselves.

If this does not offer the control or oversight, then we will be doomed in 2024 because the world is going digital, telecommunication, internet, and the World Wide Web is taking over how we see things, how we feel about things and what we do.

Thirdly, any fool would analyse the points made by the opposition and dismiss it if they know the facts and the truth of the matter. Likewise, the garbage that was put forward by the opposition MP Forde that saw him trying to ‘kerfuffle’ the public with his sesquipedalian and supreme vocabulary is just a divisionary tactic used in law school when the student failed to comprehend the subject matter.

He said nothing that made sense, or could be worthy of a serious debate, and was just clutching at straws.

Basically, 758 words

and nothing made sense to the reader. Now, that is what is ‘unsettling’ about an opposition MP. The people have real business and matters to attend to in Congress Place and in Guyana than the conduct of one man that they are counting on this politician to represent.

Finally, if one preaches hate and racism on social media whether in Guyana, Florida or Queens in the US, Canada or Africa, they should face the long arm of the law. One cannot hold media people to one standard and hold another group to a next standard.

Fair is fair.

If one does not have a fact, credible information or the truth, one should not talk as though one does. In fact, one should shut up or wait until one knows for sure. Who vex, lose!

A happy New Year to you, may your New Year be a pleasant and goal-accomplishing one.

GNNL committed to Minister Parag pledges to help develop Low Wood community zero tolerance policy ‑ donates computers, electronic tablets and backpacks to students

LOW Wood is a small riverain community on the Demerara River in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) not far from Timehri on the East Bank Demerara.

The residents there rely solely on solar energy for electricity and there’s no potable water. As a result, Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag has pledged to oversee the community’s development.

During a visit to the area on Saturday, Minister Parag engaged residents and promised to ensure their electricity and water issues are resolved.

She ventured into the community as part of a programme organised by one of the villagers. She presented the children with two computers, six electronic tablets and 10 backpacks. The items were donated by a number of different companies in an effort to aid in the

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag presents an electronic tablet to one of the children

education of the children.

In her address, Minister Parag reiterated the importance of education, as she pledged her ministry’s willingness to continue to support the community.

“I know that you have been doing and donating

on your own. So next year, I will be pitching in my piece; because there is nothing better than being able to support kids.”

Members of the community also took the opportunity to express a few of their concerns to the minister. It was noted that

the community's school houses just 19 children.

A teacher at the school, Alston Gentle, expressed that although equipped with solar lights, the school is in great need of a battery. “We have panels on the roof but they have no batteries.”

Another issue raised was the matter of the community’s well, which is in dire need of repairs.

“Another matter we have been trying to get addressed is the well. There is the hole and there is water in the hole, but we cannot do anything to get the water out of the hole,” Gentle said.

In response, Minister Parag explained that she will make contact with the relevant authorities, ministers and personnel to ensure that the village issues are dealt with.

The teacher also expressed the need for sports equipment.

for any form of harassment, assault

The following is the full text of a statement issued by the Guyana National Newspapers Limited: “THE Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) expresses profound concern regarding the recent reports of sexual assault from a female staff member against a male employee of the company.

“GNNL considers such reports with utmost seriousness, and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful working environment for all employees.

“The alleged incidents, which are reported to have taken place on December 22, 2023, and on December 27, 2023, were brought to the attention of the company's management on the afternoon of Friday, December 29, 2023, after a police report was made at the Alberttown Police Station. The lodging of a formal

complaint led to the arrest of the male employee.

“On becoming aware, GNNL promptly initiated an internal inquiry. Furthermore, the company has fully cooperated with the Guyana Police Force in their investigation. Additionally, the male employee was immediately sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the police investigation.

“GNNL places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of our employees, and we are dedicated to conducting a comprehensive and equitable investigation into this issue.

“The company remains dedicated to nurturing a workplace culture that prioritizes respect, equality, and safety for all employees.

“We will maintain our commitment to full cooperation with the authorities.”

--ends--

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Prime Minister commissions solar farms in Annai and Karasabai

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips commissioned two solar mini-photovoltaic (PV) farms in Annai and Karasabai

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips commissioned two solar mini-photovoltaic (PV) farms on Friday in the hinterland communities of Annai and Karasabai located in the northern sub-district of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

During his address, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised the importance of energy in community development and highlighted the Government's dedication to bridging the energy and digital divides in Guyana.

“Energy means everything to us, the more energy we have, the more we can develop your community.

So, from the Government standpoint, I am really happy to be here today to be part of the development of your community. Our government is committed to bridging the energy divide, in the sense that we want to bring energy to every community in Guyana.”

The Solar PV Mini-grid installed in Annai is a 41.5kW (ground-mounted) PV Array comprising 83 – 505Wp solar PV modules. The system

has 5–12kW hybrid inverters which control the charging of the 125.3kWh battery energy storage system.

Prime Minister Phillips also reopened the newly rehabilitated Annai Community Centre ground, which was completed at a cost of $5 million through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, as well as the newly built ICT hub under the Office of the Prime Minister's ICT Access and E-Services for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities project.

He committed to having the ICT hub fully functional to assist residents in advancing their education through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and other development avenues offered by the government.

Moreover, Prime Minister Phillips assured residents of the government's commitment to working closely with regional and village councils to ensure continuous development in the region. He stressed the significance of ICT connectivity and internet access for all communities, promoting the idea of "One Guyana" with prosperity for

all.

“We are committed to bringing development to your communities; we are committed to bridging the digital divide because we feel that every community must have access to the internet, because the greater the access to the internet is the greater the possibility of integration of all our peoples into as I said before, ‘One Guyana’ One People, One Nation, One destiny.”

In Karasabai, the Prime Minister reflected on the government's comprehensive approach to development and noted that the focus is on “bringing development to the people of Guyana”.

“Our programmes and projects are aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of all people.”

Further, he encouraged residents to utilise the new energy source to develop the cottage industry and increase production.

“You can invest in equipment that will utilise the energy to produce goods not only for your community but to sell. Whatever you want to produce in your village,

so with increased energy resources, you can now increase your production to earn more money.”

The newly commissioned Solar PV Mini-grid installed at Karasabai is a 46.5kW (ground-mounted) PV Array comprising 93 – 505Wp solar PV modules. The system has 5–12kW hybrid inverters which control the charging of the 141.41kWh battery energy storage.

Prime Minister Phillips also listened to the concerns affecting residents from both communities.

The head of the Guyana Energy Agency (lead agency for implementing solar farms), Dr Mahender Sharma, provided an overview of the projects and spoke of the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

This shift, he said, aligns with Guyana's Low Car-

bon Development Strategy (LCDS) as he urged responsible usage of the new Solar PV Mini-grid systems.

The mini-grid systems are configured as off-grid solar PV systems with battery energy storage systems with an associated electricity transmission and distribution network to link the communities’ public buildings.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

First ship docks at Friendship Port Facility — state-of-the-art wharf to play key role in oil & gas sector

AS Guyana’s maritime infrastructure continues to develop, the Friendship Port Facility at Plantation Friendship, East Bank Demerara, welcomed its first ship recently, effectively commissioning the transformative project.

The company’s director, Dhaneshwar Shiwram, told the Sunday Chronicle that the construction of a stateof-the-art wharf, mooring facility, and the establishment of a protective revetment was recently completed allowing for docking of ships and vessels within the range of 100

of the wharf facility is to cater to the onloading and offloading of cargo, in addition to serving as a docking point for ships during routine maintenance,” Shiwram told this newspaper during an interview.

A noteworthy aspect of the Friendship Port Facility project Shiwram explained is the strategic alignment with the booming oil and gas sector in Guyana.

Recognising the country's emergence as a key player in oil production, he said that the facility aims to play a crucial role in supporting the

The first vessel recently docked at the Friendship Port Facility at the Plantation Friendship, East Bank Demerara

the land and its wharf, the Friendship Port Facility will be opened for business from January 2024.

He said two mobile offices will be installed on the site, and the wharf will be actively used to facilitate the replenishment of goods and services for the company-owned vessel and others.

The services provided will include small maintenance works carried out by vessel personnel, offering a safe A view of the Friendship Port Facility

to 150 metres.

He explained that the scope of the project is extensive, with a revetment along the western boundary adjacent to the Demerara River, and fencing to secure the northern, southern, and eastern boundaries.

Inside the compound, there is a reinforced concrete road that facilitates a smooth operation.

“The primary purpose

increased traffic of vessels associated with this vital industry.

Speaking on the potential impact, Shiwram expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We see this project as a great opportunity to serve the fledgling oil and gas sector and the increased traffic of vessels that service the other sector of our economy. Having a project such as this would be beneficial to the country,

its government, and the citizens.”

He said the MV Atlantic will be a key user of the new facility, utilising it for docking, maintenance, and other essential support services.

The vessel, with a maximum draft of 5.5 metres when loaded and 3.5 metres when unloaded, boasts a gross tonnage of 2199.

Further, he noted that in the event that there is no viable candidate for leasing

berth for ships, and supplying groceries to vessels.

“The company is also looking forward for government and the Craig Good Success NDC to intervene and assist in solving a security gate issue that is affecting progress within the company parameters that also affects achievement of International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) certification,” he highlighted.

He explained that the Friendship Port Facility is

poised to become a crucial hub for maritime activities, offering a range of services that support both routine operations and the burgeoning demands of the oil and gas sector. With an estimated project lifespan exceeding 100 years, this development signifies a long-term commitment to the growth and sustainability of Guyana's maritime infrastructure.

12

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Negotiations for awarded oil blocks -VP Jagdeo says still underway VICE PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, said negotiations with companies recently awarded oil blocks offshore Guyana are still in progress.

After the international licensing round in 2022, six different companies and groups secured eight oil blocks in deep and shallow waters in October. The initial step of formally notifying and communicating with the companies about the negotiations has been completed by the government.

At a press conference on Thursday last, Dr Jagdeo responded to queries as to whether the government has completed negotiations which it was aiming to wrap up before year end.

“No, they have not been completed,” he said in response.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during a recent press conference, said that the government hopes that negotiations will go well, and all the companies could be awarded the blocks, provided that they are in a position to pay the

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

signing bonus.

There is a minimum of US$10 million for the exploration licence for shallow-water blocks, while in the deep-water blocks, there is a minimum of US$20 million for the exploration licence.

Guyanese-owned company, Sispro Inc. was awarded oil blocks S3 and D2; TotalEnergies EP Guyana B.V. in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas SDN BHD was awarded S4.

Additionally, S5 was awarded to International Group

Investment Inc. Liberty Petroleum Corporation and Cybele Energy Limited got the S7 block while ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited were awarded S8.

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

The 'S' denotes blocks in shallow water, while 'D' sig-

Oil blocks offshore Guyana

nifies blocks in deep water.

There were 11 shallow water and three deepwater blocks available.

Minister Bharrat had said that the companies have submitted their work programmes, but further discussions are needed to determine the resources and strategies for programme execution.

Despite optimism about the negotiations, the Minister

cautioned that companies unable to effectively execute their work programmes would face “stiff penalties.”

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.

Construction of US$161M state-of-the-art NA hospital to begin in January

An artist impression of the US$161M state-of-the-art New Amsterdam Hospital

THE much anticipated construction of the US$161M state-of-the-art New Amsterdam Hospital in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is expected to commence in January 2024, marking a significant advancement

in the region's healthcare infrastructure.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony announced on Saturday that the project, initially in the conceptual stage, is now progressing toward implementation.

“Construction work on the hospital is set to commence in January 2024, starting with the laying of the foundation,” Minister Anthony announced.

The contract for the New Amsterdam Hospital was signed in July between the Ministry of Health and VAMED Engineering, an Austria-based company.

The New Amsterdam facility will have approximately 220 beds with five operating theatres, along with a cardiac suite and a section for training to be conducted on site for healthcare professionals.

Additionally, the new facility will have approximately 120 beds for psychiatric patients as the current facilities that exist in New Amsterdam will then be closed.

The existing hospital is the most advanced in Region Six and it is the biggest hospital in Guyana after the Georgetown Public Hospital, which is the country’s main referral hospital.

“The hospital is expected to be a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, offering a wide range of medical services to

the residents of New Amsterdam and its environs. This development is a significant milestone in the healthcare sector, and it is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the healthcare infrastructure in the region,” the Health Minister said.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) back in June, Regional Chairman of Region Six David Armogan had mentioned that a newly constructed hospital in New Amsterdam will be furnished with cutting-edge technology, enabling the provision of critical medical procedures, including open heart, kidney transplant, and pancreatic surgeries, which are currently unavailable at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital.

Committed to its promise to build a world-class healthcare system in Guyana, the government is moving ahead with the construction of seven new hospitals that will deliver quality health service to Guyanese in all regions.

The Irfaan Ali-led administration has presented a host

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

of proposals for the health system and said this project is part of a larger $37.2 billion initiative that will modernise the regional healthcare system in Guyana.

The new facilities will be built at Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Diamond and Enmore, Region Four; Bath, Region Five, and Skeldon, Region Six. Each of the new regional hospitals will be 65,000 square feet.

Over the next few years, according to President Ali, the government wants to train and attract a significant number of healthcare professionals to provide not just health care,

but the best, world-class medical services to the people of Guyana.

I n R e g i o n s Tw o a n d Three, contractors have already begun site preparation for construction of the hospitals there, Dr Anthony stated.

The hospital for Region Three will be constructed in De Kinderen and will provide adequate healthcare for residents within the Parika – Tuschen catchment area; which has seen increased population growth.

In Region Four, a new hospital is being constructed at Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara and another at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

Moreover, the government, since 2020 has moved to continuously upgrade primary care access at more than 240 facilities across the country, including health centres, local area hospitals, and health posts.

According to Government, the health sector will continue to see massive infrastructural and human resource development in all regions as Guyana continues its upward trajectory.

13

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Canawaima Ferry made 538 trips between Guyana, Suriname – Min. Edghill

THE M.V. Canawaima Ferry Service, a vital link between Guyana and Suriname has executed some 538 round trips from January to November 2023.

This achievement was disclosed by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, during a year-end press conference at the ministry’s headquarters on Friday. “This is more than just once daily and they have moved 14,466 vehicles across the Corentyne River,” he said.

The service facilitates seamless transportation for travellers and essential cargo

across the Corentyne River. Some 88,005 passengers have utilised the vessel throughout the year.

F i n a n c i a l l y, t h e Canawaima Ferry Service has proven to be efficient and profitable. Expenditures stood at $140,159,764, resulting in a substantial profit of $46,214,782. Such financial stability underlines the service’s robust operational framework.

Additionally, the introduction of a new duty-free shop in August has further elevated the services offered, enhancing the overall experi-

ence for travellers.

Plans for 2024 include the procurement of a new marine engine for the ferry, ensuring enhanced reliability and efficiency.

Renovation works are also slated for the loading ramp, with repairs and the replacement of wooden rails with galvanized iron to enhance safety and durability.

Added to this, a new washroom is set to be constructed to accommodate incoming passengers upon arrival, providing comfort to travellers. (DPI)

Over 11,000 nursery aged children screened for underlying conditions

OVER 11,000 first and second-year nursery children have been screened for underlying health conditions as part of the Ministry of Health’s Comprehensive Child and Young Health Programme (CYHP).

The ministry has screened 7,995 first-year nursery children with 5,000 remaining to be screened. Additionally, 3,210 second-year nursery children have been screened, and another 10,000 are yet to be screened. Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

– Health Minister says

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

of Education and seeks to ensure that children undergo preventative checkups to detect any underlying illness or conditions. It is part of a holistic approach undertaken by the ministry to stem the high number of chronic non-communicable diseases in Guyana.

The CYHP programme is being supported by the Mount Sinai Health System and Hess Corporation, who have donated equipment and materials towards the initiative.

The ministry intends to screen 27,000 nursery-level children after which it will be expanded to the primary and secondary levels.

“We have started this year; we started with nursery [and] next year we’re going to complete nursery and we’ll start with primary,” the minister relayed.

A unit in the ministry has been established to monitor the CYHP programme’s implementation.

(DPI)

provided these statistics at the ministry’s year-end press conference held at Brickdam, Georgetown to highlight the numerous successes in the health sector.

The CYHP initiative aims to screen each child for hearing, dental, and general health complications. After screening, the children will be provided with the necessary aid to help them improve their daily lives.

“With school health, what we’ve been doing is screening children going into school and this screening involves a general check-up and we would check the child’s eye to make sure that they’re seeing properly and if they need spectacles to correct that,” the health minister pointed out.

The CYHP programme has been established in collaboration with the Ministry

million mark very soon, and that will come as a result of us boosting our tourism potential, and us continuing to use Guyana as a hub to connect the Caribbean and South America,” the minister told reporters.

Additionally, over 11 million tonnes of cargo have been processed at the airport this year, representing a 25 per cent increase from last year’s figure.

Cargo imports increased by 25 per cent, while exports saw a 45 per cent increase.

“This is as a direct result of shipment of agro-industrial supplies.

port, owing to the adThe government’s agri- ed. cultural plan is making To date, there have dition of new airlines. its impact even in the been 4,316 landings (DPI) export sector,” he add- managed at the air-

Over 729,000 passengers processed at CJIA this year

PASSENGER movement at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) continues to increase as 729,680 commuters have been processed for this year.

This represents an increase of 11 per cent, compared to the 657, 249 passengers processed last year. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, made the disclosure at a year-end press conference at the ministry’s Wight’s Lane office on Friday.

The CJIA reported that there has been a notable increase in air travel to Guyana

over the past two years.

These increases reflect the transformational impact of the government’s programmes and policies in positioning Guyana as a premier tourism hub.

The government’s heavy investments into developing the country’s infrastructure and services, coupled with the continued growth of the oil and gas sector have seen a massive influx of traffic, and government is aiming for 1 million passenger arrivals by 2025. “ We ’ r e s e e i n g growth, and we are looking forward to the

14

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

25 more telemedicine sites to be established in 2024

TWENTY-FIVE additional communities in the hinterland and rural areas will benefit from the implementation of the telemedicine programme in their health facilities, signalling the government’s aggressive push to ensure that quality, efficient health services are delivered to all.

This was revealed by

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony at the ministry’s year-end press conference at Brickdam, Georgetown on Friday.

Telemedicine is a twoway, real-time interactive communication between a patient and healthcare provider at different sites. It is supported by audio and video equipment and integrated

medical devices that empower clinicians to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients remotely and is beneficial in Guyana’s case.

“Next year, we have identified at least another 25 areas; it might be more because we’re working on some streams of funding that might allow us to do more sites,” Dr. Anthony disclosed.

The telemedicine prog r a m m e w a s o ff i c i a l l y launched in 2022 with four Amerindian communities in Region Nine piloting the programme. It was later expanded to 25 communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 with an allocation of $1.8 billion in the ministry’s $84.5 billion budget in 2023.

A health worker in Region Nine demonstrates how the telemedicine project works

“This has been helping us to reach every remote community and the equipment that we have and the training that we have been giving to the healthcare workers would include them being able to set up the equipment to do ECGs and to also do ultrasound,” the health minister further highlighted.

Each telemedicine site will be equipped with the requisite technological devices, which provide Community Health Workers (CHWs) stationed in the respective villages with 24-hour access to specialists from the

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

These include a digital stethoscope, pulse oximeter, infrared thermometer, blood pressure monitor, mobile ultrasound, and exam cameras among other technological devices that will be used in the delivery of this service.

The implementation of the telemedicine programme forms part of the President Ali-led administration’s efforts towards improving Guyana’s healthcare system into a world-class system. (DPI)

15

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Hinterland residents should be more involved in agri, tourism – Min Sukhai

The modern shade houses that are being used in the agriculture sector

MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai urged residents living in the hinterland regions to get seriously involved in both the agriculture and tourism industries which are two of the sectors that the government is working to develop.

Minister Sukhai was at the time speaking to residents of Aishalton Village in Deep South Rupununi, during her recent visit to Region Nine. As it pertains to agriculture, she stated that among the many

diverse careers, having a profession in agriculture such as a farming, should be one of the top priorities for persons who wish not to be enlisted in high-end jobs.

“Agriculture is not painful. It is rewarding and it should be a business. Other countries are adopting agro-business approach to agriculture and that is what young people, especially those in the hinterland should be looking at,” the minister stressed. Minister Sukhai said that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has

been incorporating several modern agricultural techniques to ensure maximum crops are reaped easily.

One of those techniques, she said, has been the introduction of shade houses.

Positing that this technique has been reaping major success, the minister said that the President’s initiative has caught the eye of the Caribbean countries.

Due to this, these countries will also be implementing the said strategy into their agricultural production.

Additionally, this tech-

An indigenous village shop constructed to foster tourism in Region Nine

nique, she noted, will soon become compulsory in all school dormitories so that these institutions can also help to contribute to Guyana’s growing agriculture sector.

“Guyana has the potential to feed the world and His Excellency has recognised that; our government has recognised that. And so, we are moving to be one of the strongest food-producing countries in the world…So, we need you people from the hinterland regions to be a part

of this plan. We are setting the foundation for you as well and we are creating the environment for that agricultural development,” the Amerindian Affairs minister explained.

Moreover, speaking about tourism, she stated that the government has been working extensively on expanding tourism, especially eco-tourism and other nature-based tourism in the hinterland regions.

“There are a number of tourism packages that you can look to develop

now such as agro-tourism, sporting and fishing tourism, among others. The initiative of implementing nature tourism is applicable to our young people and our villages within the hinterland,” Minister Sukhai stated.

She urged the residents in the far-stretched regions to take advantage of Guyana’s forest and the Amerindian people to seriously divulge into their culture so that it could be promoted. (DPI)

‘We are doing everything to win the battle with cancer – Dr Anthony says

THE Ministry of Health is doing everything possible to fight and win the battle against cancer in Guyana, starting with a myriad of strategies to assist the process.

At a press conference on Friday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, noted that the cancer registry was updated and now has more accurate data. There has also been significant improvement in turnaround time from biopsy to diagnosis.

Previously the results of a biopsy took approximately three months. This time has been reduced to less than seven days at the GPHC. “We are going to introduce, in the first quarter of next year, telepathology, which is another project that we have been working with Mount Sinai on. We have already bought the equipment to do telepathology; we have

started the renovation of a section of the Georgetown Hospital to accommodate this new lab and, once that is completed, we will install the equipment. We have already trained the staff of the hospital to be able to do telepathology and they would be directly linked to the Mount Sinai lab,” Dr Anthony stated.

Basically, high resolution images will be taken of biopsy samples which will then be forwarded to a pathologist at Mount Sinai hospital, and a diagnosis made; this will also help improve the waiting time for results.

Breast cancer continues to be a challenge in Guyana, and currently accounts for most of the cancer diagnosis locally.

“When we look at our stats for this year, breast cancer remains the number one cancer in Guyana. This year

we diagnosed 161 persons with breast cancer; this accounted for 17 per cent of all cancers diagnosed this year; this is something we have to work more on in terms of reducing this burden and one way of doing that is we have to encourage people to get screened and get screened

early,” he stated.

The ministry is working to get more women to do mammograms from 40 years and older or between 30 to 40 years, once they have a family history of the disease.

Genetic screening will also be done in the near future. Three more mam-

mogram machines will be added and placed at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Linden Hospital and West Demerara Hospital.

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer with 102 cases diagnosed this year, accounting for 11 per cent of cancers locally.

“There is a very cheap and effective method in preventing cervical cancer; that is HPV vaccination; unfortunately a lot of people are not taking the HPV Vaccine and the new guidelines from CDC are while from 9-15 years of age, you can now get a single dose HPV vaccine, if you are 16 years and older… you can get two doses at a six-month interval, and that can help prevent cervical cancer,” Dr Anthony noted.

Guyana has HPV vaccines in stock and these are available to the public free of cost. The ministry is hoping that more persons will do Vaginal Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), PAP Smears and HPV Testing.

Prostate cancer has seen an increase with 107 persons diagnosed this year. In the new year a programme will be launched to deal specifically with prostate cancer.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Australia withstand Richa’s career-best in last-over thriller

IN a game of roller-coaster emotions, Australia managed to handle Richa Ghosh's valiant 96, her highest score in ODIs, to beat India by three runs in the second ODI at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 259 on a spinning surface, India were cruising at 218/4 with Richa closing on her maiden ODI ton but her dismissal kickstarted a collapse of epic proportions as Australia closed out the series with a game to spare.

Opting to bat on a different surface, Australia got off to a scratchy start with both openers struggling to put bat on ball. With the pitch evidently slower than the opening game and a much tighter opening spell from

India's bowlers, the visitors lacked impetus in the first ten overs.

However, a couple of dropped catches and a review not taken meant that India weren't able to gain the early advantage. Pooja Vastrakar, in particular, bowled with a lot of verve and she deservedly broke the opening stand by cleaning up a struggling Alyssa Healy. The Australian skipper never got going at all.

Phoebe Litchfield, who got a major chunk of the early lives, brought up her second successive fifty of the series along with Ellyse Perry who also equalled the feat. Their 77-run stand wasn't as ferocious as in the previous game but that also had to do with the sluggish nature of the track. Per-

ry was the enforcer once again while young Litchfield worked her way through the innings. However, once the ball got older, there was noticeable grip off the pitch and stroke-making became increasingly difficult. Perry fell to a long hop and that dismissal opened the floodgates for the hosts to sneak back into the game.

With extravagant spin on offer, especially from one end, India's spinners led by Deepti Sharma spun a web around the Aussie batters.

Sneh Rana and debutant Shreyanka Patil played ideal support roles as the tourists' scoring rate dipped considerably in the middle overs.

Only 73 runs came between overs 22-40 for the loss of five wickets as India got into the box seat with

India docked crucial World Test Championship points

INDIA have been penalised for maintaining a slow overrate in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion.

Rohit Sharma’ side has been docked two crucial ICC World Test Championship points in the opening Test against South Africa for bowling two overs short and has also been fined 10 per cent of their match fees.

Chris Broad of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India were ruled to be two overs short of the target.

As per Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Person-

nel, which relates to minimum overrate offences, the players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

After the Test loss, India found themselves at No.5 with 16 points from three Tests and a points percentage of 44.44. However, the deduction of points for the slow-over rate further weakens India’s position in the standings, causing them to slip below Australia to No.6, with 14 points and a points percentage of 38.89.

India lost the opening Test

of the two-match series by an innings and 32 runs. In the first outing with the bat, the tourists put up 245 courtesy of a resilient KL Rahul century. However, South Africa responded strongly with Dean Elgar, who will be retiring after this series, crafting a brilliant 185.

David Bedingham (56) and Marco Jansen (84) contributed with important fifties as the hosts registered a strong first-innings total of 408. India struggled in their second innings, getting bowled out for 131, with Virat Kohli top-scoring at 76. (ICC Media)

some disciplined bowling.

The same, however, cannot be said of their fielding as a plethora of catches went down. It hurt them eventually as Australia got past 250 thanks to a late cameo from Alana King (28 off 17) who was also a beneficiary of a dropped catch. A whopping 18 runs came off the 50th over and it lifted Australia's score to an above par range.

Knowing that scoring would get tougher against the older ball, India started the chase on a positive note with Smriti Mandhana's 38-ball 34 giving the right start to the home side. But Australia held their composure and tightened things up after an erratic initial spell with the new ball. Despite a solid 88run stand between Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa, the

hosts weren't allowed to run away with the scoring rate.

Both batters did play it smart and took calculated risks to take the game forward.

Richa, though, took a lot of time to get going as she struggled to get to terms with the pace of the pitch till later on. But once she did, the wicket-keeper batter made amends with some robust hitting.

Jemimah was her silky self in strokeplay and manipulated the fields effectively to complement Richa's brute power at the other end.

India weren't coasting but still had the base to get the chase covered. But that also meant that Australia were always in with a chance if they broke the partnership and once Jemimah fell, there was an opportunity to bounce

back for the world champions. Richa, now struggling with cramps, opened up with some powerful strokes but her injury meant that strike rotation wasn't smooth. It also didn't help India's cause that Deepti Sharma never found her tempo with the bat in hand.

Australia, like they so often do, squeezed and took the game deep before inflicting a sensational collapse. Richa fell a hit away from a deserving century and her dismissal was just the tonic needed for Healy's girls to turn the tables. Annabel Sutherland had an excellent game with the ball, more so at the death while the spinners all chipped in with timely breakthroughs.

Sandeep Lamichhane found guilty of rape

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday December 31, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 13 T20 Internationals (2) Win 8; Loss 5 Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI batsman scored most runs in 2023?

(2) Which WI bowler took most wickets in 2023?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Sandeep Lamichhane

FORMER Nepal captain Sandeep Lamichhane was found guilty of rape by the Kathmandu District Court on Friday (December 29).

Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal upheld the charges against Lamichhane following a single judge bench hearing

which commenced on Sunday, though the court found that the victim was not a minor at the time of the crime.

Charges were first brought against Lamichhane in September of 2022, but the leg-spinner has continued to represent Nepal while on

bail pending the trial, since a lower court order mandating his detention was overturned by the Nepal Supreme Court in January.

A sentencing hearing is expected to be held early next month. (Cricbuzz)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Hafeez, Cummins offer different views on ‘the better team’ after closely-fought MCG Test

PAKISTAN Team Director Mohammad Hafeez stated that Pakistan were the better of the two teams after the loss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Boxing Day Test match against Australia.

Pakistan were ahead at several points in the Test match in Melbourne, but the hosts kept pulling themselves back into the contest led by their skipper Pat Cummins, who finished an incredible 2023 with a 10-wicket haul.

"We played better cricket as a team," Hafeez said after the game.

"I'm proud of that. The way the team had the courage to attack this game in the best possible way. If I

sum up the game, the Pakistan team played better than the other team in general.

"Our batting intent was better, and while bowling, we were hitting the right areas. Yes, we made some mistakes that cost us the game but as a team I believe that there were a lot of positives, enough to win the game but unfortunately at the end we didn't win the game."

Cummins, meanwhile, was happy to concede that the visitors played well, but was glad that the Aussies came out on top to ensure a series victory and grab crucial ICC World Test Championship points.

"They played well. I am glad we got the win," Cum-

Mohammad Hafeez

mins said, adding that it is the "team who wins at the end" that matters.

"As a team, it was just a huge year in all formats. We had a lot of success and to top it off by winning a series at home, which we pride ourselves on doing, is pretty satisfying," the Australian

Pat Cummins

skipper said, stating that he was also very happy with his own bowling.

“Personally, I think I'm really happy for a few reasons. Probably the one main reason is it is the best that I felt like I have bowled for a little while,” Cummins said.

World Cup winning cap-

tain Pat Cummins sits down with ICC Digital Insider Crystal Arnold to dissect the successful campaign in India.

“My rhythm felt really good. I felt like I had good pace. I knew where my wrist was. I could control the seam. I bowled some good

bounces. So I felt really happy with how I was bowling."

Hafeez, on the other hand, admitted that Pakistan made costly errors that eventually cost them the game despite putting up a strong fight.

"This game, we were very close but we couldn't win. We made some mistakes, conceding 52 extras which really hurt us," Hafeez said.

"And then crumbling from 124 for 1 to lose five main batters, that was a crucial moment we couldn't win in the game.

And then Australia were 16 for 4, we dropped a couple of catches that should have been taken.

(ICC Media)

Avesh Khan added to India squad for Cape Town Test

MADHYA Pradesh fast bowler Avesh Khan, who made his ODI and T20I debuts last year, has been added to India's Test squad for the second fixture against South Africa in Cape Town, starting on January 3.

Shami was named in the initial squad picked for

Fast bowler Avesh Khan

the tour, subject to a fitness clearance. That however did not come from the BCCI medical team and he was subsequently ruled out of the series.

After the first Test in Centurion, which India lost by an innings, BCCI named the replacement.

Avesh played in the ODI

series in South Africa earlier this month, picking six wickets in three outings. In first class cricket, Avesh has 149 wickets in 38 matches, including seven five-wicket hauls.

India squad for 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli,

Shreyas Iyer, KL Rah u l ( w k ) , R a v i c h a ndran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Avesh Khan (Cricbuzz)

Broad awarded CBE in New Year’s honours list …Trescothick recognised with OBE for work in area of mental health

STUART Broad, who retired in July as England's second-highest wicket-taker, has been awarded a CBE in the New Year's honours list. Marcus Trescothick, England men's batting coach, receives an OBE. Broad, 37, called time on his storied career at the conclusion of the men's Ashes, signing off with a wicket with his final ball to seal victory over Australia at The Oval - having also hit the last delivery he faced for six.

His final tally of 604 Test wickets is second only to James Anderson for England and fifth overall. Broad also

took 178 wickets in ODIs and 65 in T20I cricket, as well as scoring more than 4000 runs.

"All I ever wanted to do was play cricket, and to have had the career that I was able to enjoy and to receive honours like this is incredibly special," Broad said. "I'm very proud that my contributions to cricket have been recognised, and it means a lot to me and my family."

Trescothick, 48, scored more than 10,000 runs for England but has been recognised for his work as an ambassador for mental health, having helped to open up conversations in

the game by documenting his own struggles since stepping away from international cricket in 2006.

"It's a huge honour to have been awarded an OBE," he said. "I was delighted in 2005 when we were recognised as a team with MBEs but this is very special. I've always wanted to let people know my story and to try and raise awareness to help anyone who may be struggling with poor mental health alongside the Professional Cricketers' Association, so recognition of that work means a lot."

Richard Thompson, ECB chair, said: "As a whole game

Marcus Trescothick

we're absolutely delighted to see Stuart and Marcus honoured in this way.

"They have been fantastic ambassadors for cricket for many years, and they have played a major role in helping build the profile of our game and in turn bringing more people into our sport.

"Stuart has long been an

inspirational figure and will be remembered as a true great of English cricket, and the spectacular nature of his retirement this summer was the perfect farewell.

"It's also so fitting that Marcus has now been recognised both for his achievements on the field and for his bravery in talking so honestly about his own mental health

Stuart Broad

challenges which has helped so many people.

"I would also like to pay tribute to all those hard-working people who have been honoured for their work in cricket. I am delighted to be able to share with them my warmest congratulations, on behalf of everyone in our game." (Cricinfo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Cummins bowls Australia to series win over Pakistan

Pat Cummins finished with 10 wickets in the match as Australia beat Pakistan by 79 runs inside four days in Melbourne to seal a Test series victory.

Captain Cummins took 5-49 as Pakistan were bowled out for 237 in their second innings, chasing 317 for victory.

The match was delicately poised with Pakistan 2195 before they lost their last five wickets for just 18 runs.

The last four batters all fell for ducks, with Mitchell Starc supporting Cummins

Australian Captain Pat Cummins (left) dismissed his opposite number Shan Masood on his way to a 10-wicket match-haul (Photo: Getty Images)

with 4-55.

Victory gives Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final Test starting on January 2 in Sydney.

Australia resumed day four on 187-6 and Alex Carey’s half-century boosted them to a commanding lead, finishing 262 all out with Pakistan seamers Shaheen Afridi and Mir Hamza taking four wickets each.

But the tourists’ chase started poorly with Abdullah Shafique falling for just four in the fifth over, the

day after he had dropped Mitchell Marsh – scorer of a match-winning 96 – on 20.

The experience of captain Shan Masood, with 60, and Babar Azam, who scored 41, appeared to have steered Pakistan out of trouble, before Mohammad Rizwan’s 35 and Salman Agha’s half-century put them in a position to chase victory.

But Rizwan’s dismissal

by Cummins, who also removed the well-set Masood, sparked a dramatic collapse and Agha found no support

from the lower order.

Cummins was named player of the match for his bowling display, which included 5-48 in Pakistan’s first innings, as he finished with match figures of 10-97.

It is the second 10-wicket haul of his career.

The series victory caps a remarkable year for the 30-year-old, who led Australia as they retained the Ashes in England in the summer and then won the World Cup in November.

(BBC Sport)

Aston Villa 3-2 Burnley: Unai Emery admits ‘struggle’ but side happy to win ugly title race

If Aston Villa needed to signal that they are genuine Premier League title challengers, their victory over Burnley fulfilled that requirement.

Not that their 3-2 win over the Clarets was convincing, far from it. It was only sealed in the final minutes of regulation time through a penalty which struck the bar twice.

But it ticked the box of winning ugly, of securing three points even when well below their best. If Villa now level on points with leaders Liverpool - are to stay in the title race, these are the wins they need.

"It was very important after our last two matches without points like we want," Aston Villa manager Unai Emery told Match of the Day. "We did very good work, but we struggled in some moments. I respect Burnley a lot because they are doing a lot of good work."

An action-packed match saw the hosts lead three times, culminating in Douglas Luiz scoring a penalty after Villa academy product

Leon Bailey opened the scoring for Aston Villa in their 3-2 victory over Burnley

Aaron Ramsey - who joined Burnley in the summer tripped Jhon Duran.

Luiz's penalty was itself suitably chaotic - after taking an age to begin his run-up, the Brazilian's shot hit the bar, bounced on the line and hit the bar again, before finally landing in James Trafford's net.

It was the denouement of a game which saw Burnley denied a first-half lead by a narrow offside call, Villa take a first-half lead following a narrow offside call and the visitors reduced to 10 men after two avoidable yellow cards for Sander Berge.

If Villa do produce one of the greatest Premier League title triumphs, this will be viewed as a pivotal win even if it wasn't one of their most clinical.

'Winning in the last moment, sometimes it's important' "The goals, VAR and the red card in the second half - they were close to getting something and we had to push until the last minute but we carried on and in the end we got the penalty," said Emery.

"Winning in the last moment with some emotion, sometimes it is important."

Douglas Luiz’s penalty ensured Villa have rescued three home points late in matches over the Christmas period

This win also caps off a truly remarkable 12 months under Emery, particularly at Villa Park.

Villa have won more home games - 17 - and earned more home points 53 - in the Premier League in 2023 than any other side.

They have now scored in their last 24 home league matches - Villa's longest run since 33 consecutive games scored in between May 1982 and December 1983.

Only goal difference is keeping Liverpool ahead of Villa at present. If the Reds fail to beat Newcastle on New Year's Day, Villa will

be alone at the summit if they beat Everton on 14 January.

There is an awfully long way to go, but especially at home, they look ready for the fight.

"It is very difficult, we are very happy we are being competitive and at home we feel very strong with our support," said Emery.

Villa ahead of Leicester mark The last time Villa had it this good after 20 games of a Premier League season was when they went top of the table on 8 January 1999. This was followed by a 10-match winless run and they ulti-

mately finished sixth.

The lessons of history, plus the unconvincing performances over the present Christmas period, should prevent anyone associated with Villa getting overexcited.

Villa could have been ending an immense 2023 with three games without a win, this match following a draw with bottom club Sheffield United and a defeat at Manchester United where they lost a two-goal lead.

But through a mix of luck, skill and sheer force, Villa continue to barge ahead of the big names around them.

They are also still ahead of where Leicester City were in their historic title triumph of 2015-16.

Leicester were also second after 20 games, but with only 40 points after being held at home to Bournemouth. Villa, thanks to that late penalty, are two points better off.

It's not pretty, but if they keep picking up points, Villa will happily win ugly. (BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

Guyana’s Max Massiah receives Golden Lifetime Achievement from WKU

By Sean Devers

GUYANA'S Maxido system founder Max Massiah who received the Golden Lifetime Achievement at 8th hall-of-fame induction and was appointed an International Board member of World Karate Union (WKU) is scheduled to conduct a seminar at the Action Martial Arts Magazine (AMAM) Convention in January.

Massiah will receive what would be his 7th Hallof-Honour Award - "EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING MARTIAL ARTS" when Action Martial Arts Magazine (AMAM) "ultimate destination" three-day Convention & Hall-of-Honour Awards ceremony hosts the 23rd Annual event from January 26 - 28, 2024, at the Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

S O K E ( Te a c h e r o f teachers) Massiah, 9th Dan, Founder & Chief Instructor of the Internationally recognised MAXIDO Adult "street" self-defence system, launched in Brooklyn New York in 2017, is gaining international respect for its brutal and effective defence

Massiah (7th from right) among the participants at WKU’s training session in 2023

responses against physical acts of aggression, with it's strict focus of limb dislocation and bone breakage of an attacker in under four seconds.

T h e Wo r l d ' s l a rg e s t event of its kind is hosted by World-renowned Wing-Chun Master and CEO of AMAM, Sifu Alan Goldberg (aka the "Godfather of Martial Arts).

The event attracts approximately 2,000 persons, including guests from over 22 Countries, the World's most popular Martial Arts Legends, Actors, Boxing

Champions, MMA and UFC fighters, WWE Superstars, Sportspersons, and, of course Vendors made up of the most notable brand-name products and services.

Throughout the three-day event, there are Seminars, Competitions, Tournaments, Celebrity dance party, Vendors and the cream of it all - the HALL-OF-HONOR awards and Dinner banquet.

"The MAXIDO system is NOT ELIGIBLE for Competition and Sports, is designed for REALISTIC "STREET" situations, where attacks

(in training) are real. If one doesn't block a punch properly, a jaw can be broken.

Of course, the percentage of attacks are increased with the training, beginning at 30 per cent then increasing gradually to 100 p-er cent before the end of the program when each student is "tested" in their proficiency of what was taught/learnt.

It also has nothing to do with size and strength. There are many elderly students in their 60s and 70s, who barely weigh 125 lbs, who would effectively disable a strong

Max Massiah demonstrates a move to ‘take out’ a would-be mugger

young male half their age and twice their size” Massiah, who has taught over 400 students including Cuba's 4-time National Jiu-Jitsu Champion Santiago Hechevarra, explained.

In closing, Soke said his silent glory is that many persons who had previously criticised and doubted the claim of being able to deter a threat of physical harm to disable an attacker in under four seconds are now MAXIDO students.

“My goal is to reduce the number of victims to

mugging physical/domestic abuse bullyism and road rage that exists in our society,” concluded Massiah who is the Guyana President of the World International Self-Defence Association (WISDA) and the International Chinese Martial Arts Federation/International Wushu Sanshou Federation (ICMAF/IWSF).

The Guyanese returns home in February to resume classes and can be contacted on (WhatsApp) +592 609 8132

GFF Elite League promotional playoff

Slingerz FC and Monnederlust to play final

FOLLOWING two exciting matches on Friday evening at the Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC), Eve Leary, the finalists for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Promotional Playoffs has been decided; Slingerz FC and Monnederlust FC. In the opening match, Slingerz FC matched skills with Winners Connection of Linden (Upper Demerara Football Association) and eventually won 3-0 thanks to an early brace from Simeon Moore in the 26th and 45th minutes before Brian Wharton put the game to bed with a 90th minute strike.

Slingerz’ Leo Lovell on the go during his teams 3-0 win over Winners Connection on Friday

In the feature clash, experienced forward Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams continued his purple patch for Beacon FC with the opening goal in the 33rd taking his tally to seven (7) goals in the playoffs from his team nine (9).

However, the advantage in the match was short-lived as Kevon Cottoy equalised for Monnederlust five minutes later. Another five minutes elapsed (43rd minute) when an unfortunate mistake from Dominic Nelson lead to an own goal to send Monnederlust 2-1 up in the first half.

Two second half goals from Terrence Lowe (53rd minute) and Terron Delpets

(83rd minute) secured the 4-1 win for Monnederlust.

The final will be played this Saturday at a venue to be decided. The winning club will be promoted to the upcoming season of the GFF/KFC Elite League, while the runner-up side will be given a second chance to play in the Elite League when they oppose Victoria Kings, the bottom placed team from Season Five.

The GFF Elite League Promotional Playoff commenced on December 17 with nine victorious teams from the Member Associations’ Leagues.

Participating clubs were Beacons (Bartica Football Association), Beacons (Georgetown Football Association), Buxton Stars (East Coast Demerara Football Association), Dartmouth (Essequibo/ Pomeroon Football Association), Herstelling Raiders (East Bank Demerara Football Association), Monnederlust (Berbice Football Association), Slingerz (West Demerara Football Association), Tabatinga (Rupununi Football Association), and Winners Connection (Upper Demerara Football Association).

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

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Windies touch down in Australia

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ADELAIDE, Australia, (CMC) – West Indies arrived on Saturday in Australia to begin preparations for their two-Test series against the hosts next month.

The Caribbean side will blood at least four newcomers in the first Test against the Australians, starting on January 16 at the Adelaide Oval before moving to the Gabba in Brisbane from January 25 for the second Test, after naming seven uncapped

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 31, 2023

players in a 15-man squad for the series.

The uncapped players in the squad are opener Zachary McCaskie, wicketkeeper-batsman Tevin Imlach, all-rounders Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, and Kevin Sinclair, along with pacers Akeem Jordan and Shamar Joseph.

West Indies are eighth in the world rankings and their hopes of ending a 20year losing streak against the hosts appear shaky with former captain Ja-

son Holder and fellow all-rounder Kyle Mayers electing to skip the series to play franchise Twenty20 cricket.

The team, led by

Capital FC and Milerock clash in tomorrow’s million dollar final

Another goal by Tyric McAllister at left for Capital FC against Botafago

uel Atkins, and Mortimer Giddings (Jr.) also contributed goals for Capital FC, while Brewley added five more for Botafago, supported by Buntin's three and Moore's double.

McAllister's remarkable ninegoal performance earned his team a shot at the $1 million prize in tomorrow’s final (New Year's day).

The second semi-final featured Milerock defeating a fatigued Winners Connection side 4-2, with a 3-1 lead at halftime. Allan Halley, Marcus Tudor (two goals), and Jonah

ZÜRICH, Switzerland, (CMC )– Jamaica women’s national team will end the year as the highest ranked Caribbean Football Union (CFU) in the FIFA World Rankings.

The Jamaicans are ranked 40th – down three places – in the latest world rankings from the apex body of the sport, making them the fourth highest ranked team in the Concacaf region, and one of five CFU teams inside the world’s top 100.

After finish third in the Concacaf W Championship with a 1-0 win against Costa Rica in July, the highlight of the year for the Reggae Girlz, as they are known, was a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

Sandwiched between a pair morale-boosting draws

against France and Brazil, the Jamaicans had a 1-0 win against fellow Concacaf side, Panama in the group stage of the World Cup and reached the second round before bowing out when Colombia beat them 1-0.

The Reggae Girlz failed to earn qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, when reigning champions Canada beat them 4-1 on aggregate in Concacaf qualification in September.

Further success eluded the side in the last quarter of the year because of a dispute with the Jamaica Football Federation when a depleted unit attended the Pan Am Games and failed to get them into the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup. Most of the other CFU teams were active in qualification tournaments in the

Fans greet West Indies pacer Akeem Jordan at the airport in Adelaide. (CWI Media photo)

UDFA/Banks DIH/Jai Signs futsal championship

TYRIC McAllister showcased an outstanding performance, scoring nine goals to lead Capital FC to a thrilling 14-10 overtime victory over Botafago in the semi-finals of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) Banks DIH/Jai Signs Inter Club year-end Futsal championship at the Retrieve Hard Court.

In the first semifinal, Capital FC initially dominated, leading 5-2 at halftime and extending their advantage to 7-3 in the second half.

Omar Brewely responded with five goals for Botafago, countering Jashawn Moore’s two first-half strikes. Amaniki Buntin's hat-trick helped Botafago secure a 10-9 lead, but McAllister equalised with less than a minute remaining, sending the game into overtime. McAllister continued his scoring spree, netting four more goals to seal the victory at 14-10.

Duquan Wilson, Emman-

Kraigg Brathwaite with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph elevated to vice-captain for the first time, has also been hit by the absence of emerging fast bowl-

er Jayden Seales with a shoulder injury.

The West Indies selection panel, led by former captain and noted opening batsman Desmond Haynes, also chose to omit stalwarts such as Jermaine Blackwood and fast bowler Shannon Gabriel from the squad.

The least experienced member of the Australia squad that beat Pakistan by 79 runs in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in their three-Test series was wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey with 27 caps.

It is likely that another player may take that honour from Carey with long-standing opener Da-

Simon scored for Milerock, while Andre Phillips and Nicholas Gentle found the net for Winners Connection.

Tomorrow, Capital FC will vie for the top prize against Milerock, while Winners Connection and Botafago will face off in the third-place playoff. The championship is sponsored

by Banks DIH, Jai Signs, Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc., B. Harry Lumber Yard and General Store, and Jermaine and Son Supermarket.

vid Warner set to retire after the final Test of the series against the Pakistanis next month in Sydney, and the possibility of Australia resting members of their pace bowling unit.

West Indies will be trying to avoid an eighth consecutive series sweep against the Aussies on the Tour after the hosts won a two-Test series last year that featured matches in Perth and Adelaide.

The last occasion the Caribbean side won a Test against Australia was two decades ago during a 3-1 home series loss, while their last victory in the country was in 1997.

Reggae Girlz end the year as CFU No. 1

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confederation, and this either helped or hurt their rankings.

The other four CFU teams in the FIFA top 100 are Haiti up one place and ranked at 51st (sixth in Concacaf); Trinidad & Tobago down three spots at 78th (eighth in Concacaf); Guyana down two places at 87th (10th in Concacaf); and Cuba up six spots at 89th (11th in Concacaf).

The CFU top 10 in the world is rounded by Puerto Rico unchanged at 103rd (12th in Concacaf); Dominican Republic down one spot at 107th (14th in Concacaf); Suriname unchanged at 132nd (17th in Concacaf); St Kitts & Nevis down seven spots at 138th (18th in Concacaf); and Bermuda up three spots at 143rd (19th in Concacaf).

| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2023