Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-03-2023

Massive US$3.5M Lakeside Hotel for Anna Regina –– to create over 50 jobs

RECOGNISING the massive tourism potential that exists in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, two overseas-based Guyanese investors have initiated plans for the construction of the US$3.5 million Lakeside International Hotel at Anna Regina.

The multimillion-dollar facility will have 45 luxurious rooms with all the necessary amenities that will match international standards.

This project was conceptualised by Dr Dave Sawh and his cousin Rishi Chinapen. Dr Sawh is an accomplished general and

family physician practising in London, United Kingdom, for the past 20 years.

He is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) and Royal College of Physicians (MRCP).

Chinapen is a young and aspiring real estate developer based in Queens, New York in the United States of America.

Both Dr Sawh and Chinapen decided to explore this investment, since they want to invest in their birth country and also give back to society through humanitarian projects.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr Sawh said the hotel will be situated at Lot ‘A,’ Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

“This was conceptualised many years ago primarily due to nostalgic reasons… the decision to choose the local name as opposed to an international brand is purely based on local content and national pride,” Dr Sawh said.

The hotel will boast five floors which will include a lobby area, office and conference/banquet hall.

Three floors will consist of 45 rooms and there will be a dedicated floor to accommodate private functions and conferences. There will also be a bar and a restaurant that promises to offer the finest cuisine to visitors.

“The aim is not to provide accommodation alone, but also to offer other amenities which are not prevalent in Essequibo such as a swimming pool, gym, restaurant, salon, party venue, conference centre, as well as a

potential eco-tourist package which will be linked to land owned at Lima Sands,” Dr. Sawh said.

Lima Sands which is a beautiful settlement, will be used to develop a mini resort with benabs, outdoor facilities for cooking, fishing, bird watching, swimming, camping, among other things, to supplement the features of the hotel.

EMPLOYMENT

The facility, in addition to its special features, will also create employment for residents of Essequibo. According to Dr Shaw, at least 25 direct and 25 indirect jobs will be created through this project.

“The indirect employment relates to the supply of goods and services to the hotel such as fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry meat, and seafood, so there will be a spin-off economic benefit for the entire region,” Dr. Sawh said.

Both Dr Sawh and Chinapen are excited about the project that is deemed to be viable and will benefit all Essequibians and visitors.

One-card system, new data legislation soon

President Ali announces; says advancements will enhance efficiency, transparency and further create a modern environment

THE government is partnering with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and international companies to continue to pursue the development of a one-card system in Guyana, similar to the Aadhaar card implemented by the Emiratis.

The card is just one of a number of measures the government is moving to implement in order to develop Guyana into a technologically-advanced space.

This was related by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday, as he delivered remarks at the opening of the new Teleperformance location at Middle and Thomas Streets, South Cummingsburg, in down-town Georgetown.

“Very soon, we’ll be launching work that would drive everything on a data management platform; a lot

of these developments came out of what is known as the Aadhaar Card. The UAE has the ‘one-card’, and we have now been able to partner with the UAE and international companies to bring the same technology to Guyana, so that we will have the one card that will drive all transaction,” the President explained.

He said: “We’re building a country; an environment in which there is greater efficiency, advanced transparency, accountability, one that is modern, one that is futuristic, and one that speaks to the ambitions and aspirations of the Guyanese people.”

The vision will eventually see the migrating of government, banking, and insurance services to digital platforms, which will also see the advancement of a modern governance architecture, Dr.

Ali added.

With advancements already being made to mainstream the use of technology in health, national security, education, and economic improvement, President Ali underscored, once again, his government’s vision to build a technology and data-driven nation and economy, which could also see some of Guyana’s ‘tech’ services being exported.

Data centres is one area where the government is putting in the work to make the country a hub for this type of business, and the necessary legislative framework is being worked on to allow for this.

“By the time we get up to 2027, I’m convinced that we will have the most modern legal architecture to support any type of development in

the region and around the world. That is because we are building a system that is taking the best available legislations regulations,” the President said.

Among technological developments on the cards in the health sector is the development of a patient-management information system, and a health-management information system driven by data and electronic forms of data management.

“That work has started, so that will help patient management information system that is global in nature. All your health data; your health information, everything will be on this one card,” the President said.

Work is also ongoing on the development of the first mental health management platform to enable a da-

ta-driven electronic platform that could identify hotspots, and guide the placement of counsellors, and dissemination of human resources to targeted areas.

The government is also looking at the use of drone technology as a delivery system that can particularly be used to reduce the costs of delivering medical supplies to the hinterland regions. For this, the government is looking to partner with private delivery companies.

“If we all come together, we can then buy into to this technology that allows parts of the movement of small amounts of resources, checks, everything to be launched through this infrastructure. That will save time tremendous time, reduced tremendous cost of doing business,” the President said.

On the security side, the government is looking at a project that will use technology to assist in intelligence gathering and intelligence police work.

BUSINESS process

out-sourcing (BPO) company, Teleperformance (TP) is looking to add another 1,000 persons to its staff, with the launch of its second office in Georgetown at Thomas and Middle Streets, Georgetown.

The company currently has an office at the corner of Camp and Robb Streets, where it employs some 1,500 persons.

Delivering the feature address at the launch of the new office, President, Dr Irfaan Ali said that Teleperformance’s expansion was made possible by the technology-driven ecosystem being created by the government to allow for advantageous competitiveness in the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) sector in Guyana

Dr Ali called the BPO sector a major branch of the economic transformation in the country, which the government is building out for 2030 and beyond.

“It is very important for the sector that Teleperformance is operating in that way… we have a very competitive environment for them. Because their business operates on a model where competitiveness is essential for them in gaining clients and in competing against others in the world,” the President said.

He added: “We are building a country and sectors that must be able to compete globally. Our markets must not be confined to Guyana and the region.”

Headquartered in France, with operations in 91 countries and serving 170 markets,

Teleperformance provides customer care, technical support, customer acquisition, digital solutions, analytics, back-office and other specialised services.

The President said that businesses such as Teleperformance depend on the state to create an ecosystem that allows them to be competitive; hence, that is an area that the government has been trying to put much focus on. Some of the factors that were a hindrance in the past have since been removed. Dr Ali pointed to liberalisation of the telecommunications sector as being one of the first steps in this direction.

The government liber -

alised the telecommunications sector in Guyana in October 2020, some two months after assuming office that year.

According to Dr Ali: “Your cost of data is coming down because we have been able to develop the environment that creates this level of competitiveness. And this is a positive outcome and a direct benefit of the liberalisation.”

The government is developing an electronic, data-driven decision-making system that improves service delivery, governance efficiency, stimulates job creation, and improve the country’s global footprint in terms of

Health Ministry commences disbursement of dialysisassistance funds

SOME 84 hemodialysis patients have received cheques valued at $600,000 each to help subsidise their treatment expenses, as the government rolled out its dialysis treatment initiative for the Year 2023.

Of the 84 beneficiaries, 15 were new patients, according to the Ministry of Health in a press release.

The first payout exercise of more than $50 million commenced Monday at the Ministry of Health on Brickdam.

The government has allocated $863 million in Budget 2023 to support those in need

of medical treatment.

According to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, this initiative is geared at providing financial support to persons suffering from kidney failure, and require dialysis, a much-needed treatment for the management of their condition.

“Last year we introduced a programme where persons who are affected by kidney failure and have end-stage kidney disease receive an annual subsidy of $600,000, and I am very pleased that we will soon be paying out over $50 million, which will benefit some 84 patients,” Dr. Anthony said.

While appealing to the general public to get registered if they require dialysis support, the minister indicated that more persons are expected to benefit during the course of the year.

“As far as I am aware, the reaction from most of the patients is that this has been quite helpful to most of them, because, with the amount of money we are now giving them, they can now access dialysis treatment in the various regions,” Dr. Anthony said.

The Health Minister highlighted that through close collaboration with private sector agencies, dialysis services have

been expanded to Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) compared to previous years, where patients requiring dialysis were forced to travel to the city to seek care and treatment.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Christopher Sukha was pleased to have uplifted his cheque from the Health Ministry’s accounts department.

“This $600,000 will help me out a lot, because I lost both my parents, and I currently live with my aunt, who cannot support me because this is an expensive procedure,” Sukha said.

Another dialysis patient, Neville Porter, 56, credits the kind gesture from the Government of Guyana for his still being alive today.

“This subvention is a major help; I feel without this, I would have already been in my box

1,000

new jobs to be created ...

From page 3

technology.

“Beyond just focusing on BPO, Guyana also has its sights set on becoming involved in the business of data centres, and a lot of the work on the legislation,” the Head of State said.

Chief Executive Officer of Teleperformance Middle America Region (MAR) Andres Bernal, described the opening of the new office as a logical step forward in a long partnership between the company and the people of Guyana.

“Today begins a new chapter in the story we are writing, together with a shining future in front of all of us. This new space will help our dream for 1,000 more Guyanese, will take the country talent and competencies to many corners of the planet,” Bernal said.

According to Bernal, since TP opened in Guyana in 2016, the company has become an important player in the global structure that render services to the United States market

“From the ‘get go’ the Guyana Teleperformance team has proven the many qualities and top- class services it possesses,” Bernal said.

Country Manager Luis Barreto shared that he is proud that the Teleperformance offices are staffed by 100 per cent Guyanese employees, aside from himself.

The company has plans to further grow outside of Georgetown, particularly in Berbice and Linden.

“Guyana has the skillset, the knowledge and the ability to expand.

Teleperformance Guyana has now been recognised as one of the top delivery offices in the region. Part of that comes from our ability to sell a product, which is the country, the people, the technology and the services that we offer,” Barreto said.

(dead) already,” Porter said. For Rajdai Rafikan, a 69-year-old widower, “the money is needed because the cost of taking dialysis is very expensive.”

This initiative, Rajdai said, will ease the burden on her only daughter, from whom she would usually solicit financial assistance to meet her weekly dialysis needs.

If a person has Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), this means that the kidneys are unable to filter the blood to remove harmful waste products and excess fluids which are turned into urine to be passed out of the body.

Dialysis treatment then becomes an alternative procedure to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. It is a process that involves diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.

Last year, some 327 patients benefitted from the annual $600,000 payout. Persons requiring support for dialysis treatment can contact the Ministry’s Medical Treatment Department on 225 0113 for more information on how they can receive financial assistance.

US remains committed partner in Guyana’s transformation

— President Biden says in Republic Day message

UNITED States President Joe Biden has said that his country will remain a committed partner in Guyana’s efforts to transform its economy.

President Biden, for the third consecutive year, has sent congratulatory messages to President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana on the occasion of the country’s Republic Anniversary.

“The United States deeply values our close relationship

with Guyana and our shared values of democracy and resiliency will continue as cornerstones for our partnership,” Biden said in the letter.

He said that the US will remain a committed partner in Guyana’s efforts to transform its economy.

“We know that Guyana is on the front lines of the climate crisis, and we reiterate our commitment to partnering with you to address the region’s energy

security and climate adaptation and resilience needs under the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030).

“The United States also looks forward to continuing our collaboration to counter transnational organized crime, combat illicit firearms trafficking, and promote regional security cooperation.

I wish you a wonderful year ahead and offer best wishes to

the

Local Democracy

AFTER several attempts by APNU to stall the holding of Local Government Elections, a date for the elections has finally been announced.

The PNC, it should be noted, has never been comfortable with the holding of elections in general, but more particularly Local Government Elections.

During its term in office during the period of rigged elections which spanned a period of 28 years, only once did it hold Local Government Elections, which, like all national elections were massively rigged to ensure its control over local government bodies.

The PNC, which is still to indicate definitively as to whether or not it will contest the elections, has

been making all manner of “objections” and shifts in arguments regarding the fairness of the poll.

Its political side-kick and junior partner in the APNU+AFC alliance has already indicated that it will not be contesting the elections on the spurious grounds that the list is “bloated.”

The more likely reason is its anticipated poor performance at the elections especially at this time when the party is losing a significant number of its members and supporters.

Despite the unfounded positions taken by the political opposition, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has already commenced preparations for the holding of Local

Government Elections, following the announcement by Minister of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall of June 12, 2023, as the date for the elections.

It will be recalled that the minister had earlier announced March 13, 2023, as the elections date but that date was rescinded following objections raised by the PNC over the demarcation of constituencies and the Voters’ List.

The previous APNU+AFC administration did everything possible during the previous Local Government Elections to gain an electoral advantage through boundary manipulation or what is known as “gerrymandering” tactics.

According to Minister Dharamlall, some of

the constituencies were collapsed or in some cases merged to prevent the PPP/C from winning. Measures are now taken to have the situation remedied which will allow better representative democracy at the local level.

According to the minister, in 2018, there were 1,192 councillors across the country in 596 constituencies, which, for the June 2023 elections, could increase to 1,220 and 610 respectively. This alteration of boundaries was done following extensive consultations with communities, National Democratic Councils, government officials and regional stakeholders.

As pointed out by Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil

Nandlall, S.C., the Elections Act empowers the Minister of Local Government not only to announce the date for elections after being so informed by GECOM of its readiness to conduct the poll, but also to make any adjustment to local government areas if such adjustments are considered necessary to enhance citizen participation and strengthen local democracy.

The importance of local democracy cannot be overemphasised. This is an integral part of democratic governance, something which the PPP/C administration has been taking very seriously.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali had earlier called on all Guyanese

to work towards renewing efforts to building the local governance system, building and strengthening our communities and building a system that delivers to our people.

According to President Ali, the local government system is an essential part of the country’s governance framework.

As for GECOM, a decision was recently taken to suspend the cycle of continuous registration to facilitate the inclusion of all eligible persons who have registered thus far. The deadline for the Claims and Objections exercise has also been extended in an effort to ensure greater transparency in the elections processes.

Major APNU+AFC procurement breaches exposed

under coalition government

THE Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) did not procure COVID-19 supplies in an efficient manner, which led to major breaches of procurement laws under the APNU+AFC government, a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting heard on Monday.

Speaking as a member of the PAC, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira joined her fellow Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise serious concerns over non-monitoring of the performance of contracts.

The Auditor General in his 2021 procurement, storage and distribution of COVID-19 supplies report, concluded that the Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Defence Commission did not procure COVID-19 supplies in an efficient manner.

“There was no monitoring of the performance of contracts, which resulted in millions of dollars of supplies being delivered close to a month after the delivery dates had expired. In addition, the entities prepared Purchase Orders after receiving supplies. These findings made us conclude that the entities did not

procure COVID-19 supplies in an efficient manner,” the report detailed.

The report found that from March to August 2020, the APNU+AFC government did not allocate a specific amount to meet COVID-19 expenditures. The Ministry of Public Health and the CDC met such expenditures from monthly releases under the line items.

As stated, the two entities spent over $1 billion to acquire COVID-19 supplies. In addition to the amount expended, both agencies received a significant amount of donations or gifts from local and international organisations.

Meanwhile, the CDC received cash donations totalling $45 million for the period. Suppliers delivered close to $400 million worth of goods a month late. In one instance, the ministry did not deduct penalty fees of close to $5 million.

During the PAC hearing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Malcolm Watkins, and the CDC’s Director-General Colonel (Ret’d) Nazrul Hussain were questioned about the contents of the report.

Watkins took up the post in October 2020, while Hussain

was appointed last year. Their predecessors were not present at the PAC meeting.

Teixeira said that she found it “strange” that the MoH and CDC had failed to follow the guidelines of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board when preparing contracts.

She pointed out that contracts lacked key, essential elements such as start-and-end dates of the contracts.

The AG’s report found that nine contracts prepared by the CDC did not have such infor-

mation which resulted in the CDC being unable to legally bind suppliers to a stipulated delivery period, resulting in delays on the part of suppliers.

In response to a question about this, Watkins said that among the reasons given was that due to COVID-19 “they were forced to be lenient with the delivery periods in order to get the product or service versus being too aggressive…”

He said that during that time, the issue was compounded by “circumstantial” issues and “poor management” of

the contacts. The CDC Director-General conceded that the procurement laws were breached, but later noted that that situation was corrected.

MP Sanjeev Datadin questioned Hussain regarding the purchasing contract of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from China in March 2020.

“We haven’t seen a contract of purchase,” Hussain said in reply.

Teixeira, in commenting on this revelation, said: “But that’s a major breach of the procurement rule. In other words, it wasn’t single-sourced.”

POOR MANAGEMENT

Datadin later asked Watkins if any “due diligence” was done before the purchase from the suppliers.

Watkins in response said that there were a few instances when the ministry had engaged the supplier to deliver before engaging the tender board.

“We found no evidence of due diligence or any form of checks being done to properly evaluate the suppliers. But we would have to go case by case, but from my research, we did not find any first layer of due diligence,” Watkins said.

Teixeira said that she does not buy the argument that because of the emergency, they went “willy-nilly” purchasing all over the place without NPTAB approval.

“I do not think that reason is good enough and I think the PS (Permanent Secretary) has made it clear that there was poor management of the entire process of procurement that affected the supplies being available to the medical practitioners in the public hospital and other hospitals,” she said.

Watkins told the committee that they corrected the situation before the report was even published. He said he agreed with the AG’s conclusion.

The Audit Office had recommended that the MoH’s PS and CDC Director-General include a penalty clause in each contract and enforce the clause against delinquent suppliers.

It had also been recommended that the MoH and CDC engage the Minister of Legal Affairs and other stakeholders to have the Procurement Act 2003 amended to include emergency-procurement policies and procedures.

Region Four Chairman attempts to propagate PNC’s bullying tactics

Dear Editor, BROTHERS and sisters, the Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Four acted very inappropriately by attempting the PNC’s bullying tactics by trying to hijack a regional event and dictate what he wants and who must speak.

It is sad that it had to be done like that in the public, where the REO had to take steps to ensure that the said event was not hijacked by

the PNC Regional Chairman.

I am sure the Regional Chairman was made aware of the agenda for the said activity. But I know of this party’s tactics to gain low political points, whereby he will be pressured to say that he never knew of the agenda but was given minutes before the programme got underway.

Mr Chairman, if that will be your claim, then you had minutes to ask the REO for a consultation with him as to what you are

suggesting as to who and who should be included as speakers for the event.

But instead of that, you tried to use your party’s bullying tactics by trying to “throw away” the original programme and do what you wanted to do by inviting whom you want to the microphone to speak, although the person was not slated to do such at the event.

You, Mr Chairman, had no right to disrespect the REO and all persons at the event by calling who

you want to speak without notifying the chair of the event or those responsible for putting the programme together.

But yet again that’s the way that your party works because I can recall that from 2015 to 2020, the APNU, which is basically the PNC, while in government, hijacked all of the national and regional events by imposing who should speak and who should not.

As a former RDC councillor of Region Five, I can recall that the then REO and a councillor on the government side said the RDC was not allowing the PPP regional chairman, vice-chairman or coun -

cillors to be part of any national events committee meetings or event to take part at regional events as head and members of the RDC.

That was not just done regionally, but also nationally by the then PNC government by rejecting the former opposition members of the PPP to be involved in our national events and celebrations.

The chairman, at no time, said he was assaulted by the REO, but later made that allegation against the individual and went further by reporting the matter to the police. The reason behind this couldn’t be more obvious.

The Region Four RDC chairman had no authority to change the agenda for the regional flag-raising event without notifying anyone, especially the REO who did the right thing by ensuring that the PNC Chairman did not hijack the programme to fit his party’s agenda.

I want to applaud the REO for standing up against the PNC’s Regional Chairman’s bullyism and or hijacking, and want to remind the PNC that there is a saying that goes “duh fuh duh nah obeah.”

Yours respectfully, Abel Seetaram

VP Jagdeo continues to pioneer LCDS on global scale

THE Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) of Guyana continues to be used as a template for preserving forests worldwide and reducing climate change.

During his visit to India, the Vice President of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, took advantage of the opportunity and shared Guyana’s success story in obtaining carbon credits by maintaining over 99 per cent of the country’s forests.

Vice President Jagdeo encouraged world leaders to avoid the extremes that often define the global debate in his presentation at the inaugural session of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2023 in New Delhi, India. He said that nature should be developed and protected regardless of its effects on people. In between those two extremes, Dr. Jagdeo believes that some solutions and answers can be found if countries are willing to work together for that common goal.

During his official visit to the motherland, Dr. Jagdeo stated in one of his main presentations, “We’d never achieve Net Zero or a 1.5 degree without bringing forests as part of the mitigation

forestation. Now, forests can remove nearly 10 gigatons of CO2 equivalent every year by 2050,” according to him.

Dr. Jagdeo emphasized: “It could provide more than 25 per cent of the solution to keep the world on a 1.5 trajectory by 2030. So, clearly the case has been made that forests are important for climate.”

He lamented that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) discussions historically need to be more reflective in a way that will help preserve these forests and create incentives so that countries with forests can maintain them.

The Vice President also informed the audience, leaders and other officials that

solution,” adding that “deforestation alone would cause about 15 percent of global greenhouse gases.”

“It’s important that we find solutions for this nature-based problem of de -

Guyana, since 2009, earned from the country’s forest carbon credits at a price of $5 per ton under the Guyana-Norway Agreement. He also stated that $220 million had been earned by Guyana and was used to support indigenous land titling, climate adaptation and mitigation measures, as well as other initiatives.

In 2009, Jagdeo, the former President of Guyana and current Vice President, recognised that though Guyana

is a small country, because of its vast forests, it is strategically positioned to contribute tremendously to showcasing how forests can be part of the climate solution.

Dr. Jagdeo played an integral role in being the pioneer in developing and advancing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by ensuring that Guyana had a strategic leadership role in global environment ‘politics.’

President Ali engages officials of Canada-based aerospace, defence solutions company

SENIOR officials of PAL Aerospace, an aerospace and defence solutions company based in Canada, on Tuesday met President, Dr Irfaan Ali and a high-level team at State House, Main Street.

According to a post on the President’s official Facebook page, Dr Ali met Roger Mombourquette and William Walton from the Canada-based company.

According to PAL Aerospace’s website: “Our mission at PAL Aerospace is to help clients solve their challenges and meet their needs with innovative, custom aerospace and defence solutions.

“We’ve logged hundreds of thousands of safe, successful flight hours, engineered aircraft into state-of-the-art surveillance systems, delivered highly reliable in-service support and much more to clients around the world, including in Canada, Eu-

rope, the United Arab Emirates and the Caribbean. We also offer a range of special-missions operations, including specialized patient transportation, search-and-rescue support, maritime border enforcement and environmental monitoring.”

The company’s website stated too: “With our broad range of services and expertise, we give our clients a single, end-to-end point of accountability for their aerospace solutions.”

Also present at the meeting on Tuesday was Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, and Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia Nadir-Sharma.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mark Berman, and Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner at Global Affairs Canada, Jake Thomas, were also present.

China’s position on political settlement of Ukraine crisis impartial, constructive World insights…

CHINA released a paper stating its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis on Friday, as the world marked one year since the full escalation of the crisis.

In the paper, China proposes a solution to the crisis that addresses both the symptoms and root causes, affirming that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the position paper by China represents “an important contribution”.

Observers believe the peace plan serves the interests of both sides in the conflict, and responds to the common concerns of the international community, demonstrating China’s commitment to objectivity and fairness, as well as its role as a responsible major country in times of grave global challenges.

PEACE FORMULA AT CRITICAL MOMENT

“In the face of war flames, all you need is to pour water, not fuel,” Marcos Cordeiro Pires, a professor at Brazil’s Sao Paulo State University told Xinhua.

One year into the Ukraine crisis, the conflict seems nowhere near over. Behind the prolonged, magnified conflict is incessant Western military aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Now spillovers of the crisis are taking a toll on the world: A costof-living squeeze, a massive migrant flow, and more.

In the paper, China urges the resumption of peace talks, and the avoidance of further escalation of conflict, and opposes the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons, which is crucial to global security and the sustainable development of humanity, Pires said.

The Ukraine crisis shows that in today’s world, it is impossible to win with weapons, much less achieve peace with weapons, said Croatian political analyst Drago Horvat.

Zoltan Kiszelly, director of the Centre of Political Analyses at Hungary’s Szazadveg Institute, said the position paper by China on the Ukraine crisis is a very important contribution to preventing a new global Cold War era from forming.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said the position paper is an example of China’s pursuit of a foreign policy of peace, as well as “a new and original measure” that will have far-reaching significance.

Former Croatian Deputy Prime Minister, Ante Simonic said that the position paper issued by China is of great significance not only to Russia and Ukraine, but also to the international community.

Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, also a former Egyptian ambassador to China said that the paper reflects a policy and a clear vision on international relations that China has always adopted throughout its history.

Meanwhile, many expressed appreciation for China’s constructive role in pushing for a peaceful settlement of the crisis since the very start, believing that the position paper issued by China shows the right path, and calls on the international community to pay attention to China’s proposal and make joint efforts to promote peace talks.

“The paper is certainly an important contribution,” El-Hefny said.

China’s position paper is a very good solution to the crisis, Horvat said, hoping that the international community will put China’s peace plan on the agenda as soon as possible.

Rabia Akhtar, director of the Centre for Security, Strategy and Policy Research at the University of Lahore in Pakistan, said that China, as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council, has issued a position paper that prioritises advocating world peace. Akhtar urged the world to heed China’s call, and join forces to bring all parties to the conflict to the negotiating table.

IMPARTIAL, OBJECTIVE POSITION

Addressing a high-level Security Council briefing on Ukraine, Dai Bing, charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations, expounded on China’s position, saying that China has always taken an objective and impartial stance, based on the merits of the issue, and is ready to continue to play a responsible and constructive role in resolving the Ukraine crisis.

China’s position paper stated the basic principle that “universally recognised international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld” in dealing with the crisis.

Filipe Porto, a researcher at the Brazilian Foreign Policy Observatory, said the paper reflects China’s consistent objective stance in dealing with the Ukraine crisis.

Mohammad Reza Manafi, editor-in-chief for the Asia-Pacific news desk of Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, agrees, saying China’s position paper is comprehensive and complete, and fully respects the UN principle of national sovereignty, in particular the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both sides to the conflict.

China has not taken sides in this conflict, but is actively and sincerely seeking a

peaceful solution to the crisis, he said.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan released a statement, saying the country welcomes China’s position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which deserves support as contributing to the cessation of bloodshed on the basis of territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of states in accordance with the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Sunday, saying that Iran supports China’s position, and “believes that the elements reflected in this document are sufficient for commencing negotiations on developing a mutually-agreed framework for ending the military activities in Ukraine, stopping unilateral measures, and restoring the situation in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter”.

The continuation of the conflict is the result of the intensification of long-accumulated contradictions in regional security. China’s position paper reiterated that all parties should, following the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and bearing in mind the long-term peace and stability of the world, help forge a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. It also noted that all parties should oppose the pursuit of one’s own security at the cost of others’ security, prevent bloc confrontation, and work together for peace and stability on the Eurasian Continent.

China’s position paper is a powerful contribution to the project of building peace in Europe.

While not taking sides, the paper highlights the crucial elements required for this terrible crisis to be brought to a conclusion, said British political commentator Carlos Martinez in a written interview with Xinhua.

RESPONSIBILITY OF A MAJOR COUNTRY

The protracted crisis has affected the cause of world peace and development.

Though not a party to the crisis, China, as a responsible major country, has not stood idly by but played a responsible and constructive role in easing the situation and defusing the crisis.

China’s position paper covers all aspects of the conflict, and not only emphasizes the basic principles of opposing the threat or use of nuclear weapons, and stopping abusing unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” against other countries, but also puts forward specific solutions to the global food crisis and humanitarian crisis, said Pakistani scholar, Akhtar.

This comprehensive paper urges all par-

ties to the conflict to rethink their positions and turn to seeking a diplomatic solution, Akhtar noted.

Many observers have noticed China’s special status as a non-party to the Ukraine crisis, arguing that the more “pragmatic” and “non-biased” Chinese solution offers a new path that differs from the West.

In Zoltan’s view, most regions and countries in the world are not involved in conflicts and remain neutral, and it is very positive progress that China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, and an important economy in the world, has proposed a constructive plan with peace as the goal, representing the voice of most regions and countries in the world.

To build a safer world is the strong aspiration of all peoples, and the unswerving pursuit of China. On Feb. 21, China released The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper, which, together with the position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, demonstrates China’s responsibility to work with the international community to safeguard global security and propose more feasible measures to solve the current security dilemma.

The two documents are practical initiatives and ideas put forward by China to safeguard world peace and security, helping to inject more stability into the international community plagued by various disputes, and therefore widely supported by peace-loving people worldwide, said Kwon Ki-sik, head of the Korea-China City Friendship Association.

British expert Martinez said both papers reflect a profound desire for peace and global prosperity, and demonstrate a clear understanding that peace and prosperity require a reorientation of international relations towards multilateralism, cooperation, non-interference, respect for sovereignty and respect for diversity.

In the face of emerging global challenges, the international community is more aware that human beings live in the same global village and belong to a community with a shared future.

Porto believes that the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the position on the political settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, which are concrete manifestations of this vision, are major contributions of China’s diplomacy to the world.

They offer Chinese solutions to global issues, telling people that security must be guaranteed through development, and development must also be guaranteed through security, rather than through war or hegemony. (Xinhua)

The 133rd Canton Fair scheduled to open on April 15

THE 133rd Canton Fair is scheduled to open on April 15! The coming Canton Fair will be full of highlights and create infinite global business opportunities.

China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and organised by China Foreign Trade Centre, is an important channel for China’s foreign trade sector

and a demonstration of China’s opening up policy.

It plays a key role in advancing the economic and trade exchanges between China and the rest of the world.

With its newly launched venue expansion, the exhibition scale of this Canton Fair will be the largest in its history, reaching 1.5 million square meters. Further optimised exhibition sections will facilitate businessman’s one-stop sourcing.

The Fair this year will be held both online and offline.

The initial schedule of the physical Fair:

PHASE ONE: (April 15-19, 2023) Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances; Lighting Equipment; Vehicles & Spare Parts; Machinery; Hardware & Tools; Building Materials; Chemical Products; Energy Resources

PHASE TWO: (April 23-27, 2023) Consumer Goods; Gifts; Decoration

PHASE THREE: (May 1-5, 2023) Textile & Garments; Shoes; Office Supplies, Cases & Bags and Recreation Products; Food; Medicines, Medical Devices & Health Products

The Online platform is open for half a year (From March 16 to September 15, 2023).

Please visit www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US (Official Website) or contact eccogy@gmail.com for more information. (Canton Fair, Global Share)

GPF calls out wanted man Rickford Burke for verbally attacking Commissioner Hicken

SOCIAL media commentator Rickford Burke has again come under fire from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), this time for the “vacuous” attack on Acting Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday night, the GPF said it has taken note of Burke’s “reawakening” and his “relevance-seeking” attacks on the agency and its senior ranks.

Burke, in a social media post, had said that Hicken was being a “political operative” to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during his community outreaches and was abusing the GPF’s resources.

“As the head of the organisation, it is the protocol to escort the Head of State whenever they make community visits, and this has been the norm for the life of the GPF,” the statement said.

It explained that the 2022-2026 GPF’s Strategic Plan seeks to reduce crime via partnerships with communities at all levels. It has resulted in a robust anti-crime strategy that has significantly reduced serious crimes for 2022 and almost zero criminal activities

during the most recent Christmas period, due to strategic policing and partnerships.

The force said that thanks to this plan, there was a 19.5 per cent reduction in serious crimes in Guyana.

“It is no secret that the GPF through its Community Relations Department, has held several successful youth engagements, including sports, career guidance, pageantry and skills training that allow young people to be meaningfully engaged and to eschew crime.

“Indeed, just a mere social media announcement saw hundreds of Guyanese from all walks of life joining the Guyana Police Force’s Mashramani band, thereby making the organisation the largest and most prominent band on the road.,” the statement added.

In disputing some of the accusations against the CoP, the statement said that Burke seeks to paint several unfortunate examples which occurred long before the current CoP ascended to the position.

“Members of the public should not be distracted by the misguided utterances of a wanted fugitive. Policemen and women out

there are from civil society, and they have parents and families too.

According to the statement, the GPF is cognisant of the fact that persons like Burke “will always be agitated whenever positive strides are being made by law-enforcement officials in pursuit of achieving its mandate to enhance the safety and security of respective communities.”

It noted that Commissioner Hicken is calling on all right-thinking Guyanese, civil society organisations and the general public to rebuke everything Burke is saying and not to encourage him to make such utterances.

“We reiterate that Guyana is on a trajectory of development, and the Guyana Police Force will continue to position itself to provide service and protection to the people of Guyana, while moving from the ‘Guyana Police Force’ to the ‘Guyana Police Service.’

In this regard, this is the last time the GPF will respond to such mischief from Burke, unless any matter of a criminal nature needs to be addressed,” the statement said.

The GPF last year issued a wanted bulletin for Burke, in relation to a case of extortion

in which two reporters have already been charged.

According to the bulletin, Burke is wanted for “conspiracy to commit a felony to wit, the publication of a defamatory libel in order to extort money.”

Burke was implicated by the two reporters – Gary Eleazar and Alex Wayne – who were released on bail following their court appearance.

He is also wanted for incitement of hostility or ill-will on the grounds of race in violation of the Racial Hostility Act, sedition, use of a computer system to intimidate in violation of the Cyber Crime Act, seditious libel, inciting the provocation of the breach of peace, and inciting public terror.

Burke’s last known addresses according to the bulletin are Brooklyn, New York and Bartica.

Anyone who has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the police on 225-6949, 225-8196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 225-8196, 227-1149 or the nearest police station.

–– urges public not to be distracted by the ‘misguided utterances’

GRPA becomes newest HIV care, treatment site

THE Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) has launched new HIV care and treatment services.

ACCORDING to a press release, with this, the GRPA joins a host of other healthcare entities across Guyana that are HIV care and treatment sites.

This, according to the association, was made possible with support from the Ministry of Health’s National

AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS).

“We are pleased to do our part to support the World Health Organization’s Sustainability Developmental Goal to eliminate the HIV/ AIDS epidemic by 2030,” the GRPA said.

Essentially, through this initiative, persons who are newly diagnosed and are ready to commence treatment, and persons who have been diagnosed and would

like to join the private and family-oriented clinic, could now access treatment services at the GRPA.

The HIV care and treatment service will be accessible through appointments and walk-in visits from Monday-Thursday, 08:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs and Friday 08:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs.

Persons were encouraged to contact 227-4743 or 225-0731 for more information.

Vendors record good returns despite rain on Mashramani Day

THE 2023 Mashramani

extravaganza generated a substantial economic impact for Guyana, considering the country had no celebrations for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United in celebration, Guyanese did not hesitate to use music, dance and other fun activities to bring the streets of Georgetown to life while supporting vendors and their businesses.

The Guyana Chronicle contacted some vendors along Vlissingen Road, Georgetown and the seawall areas. Despite the heavy downpour, they expressed their satisfaction with how business was going for them.

A chip vendor, Odessa Premo, said she looked forward to this year’s Mashramani.

According to her, even though the weather wasn’t the best, it didn’t stop herself and other vendors from “doing good business” and “enjoying” themselves.

“The atmosphere was good; I loved that we all enjoyed ourselves as one people without any fights or issues and that was a beautiful thing to see too,” said Odessa.

In regard to business, Odessa said she could not complain; people were out with their families and they walked about and supported the vendors. Odessa said she was a bit concerned when the rain wasn’t stopping, but she realised it wasn’t stopping most people from “mashing.”

Odessa also said vendors were happy to see the float parade and thanked the government for organising such a beautiful event, “Guyana is feeling and looking good right now.”

Donna (the only name given) said that she went out on the road to sell beverages, which she said were “very good for sale even though it rained,” but at the same time, she had a wonderful time too.

She noted that it had been a while since Mashramani was held, and not even the rain could have stopped them from enjoying themselves.

“Guyana is on the map now with oil and gas, but Mashramani and the unity of the people are what the world sees, too,” said Donna. “It is about uniting as one people, and we are demonstrating that. I like how we are all living, it’s nice. And we have a president who is there for all of his people, so we are good.”

Several other vendors also shared the same sentiments about the recent Mashramani.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle last week, the director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baskh, said, “this year, the GTA expects

the season of festivities, the country usually records its highest percentage of tourists. “Over the years, the Guyana Tourism Authority has recorded a steady increase during these festive seasons or months. “

Baksh continued: “Festivities and events play a sig-

a much more significant increase in visitor arrivals for the festive season, starting with Mashramani, Phagwah, Rodeo, Easter, Regatta, Emancipation, Indigenous Heritage, Diwali and Cricket Carnival, which are just some of the special events that are being actively promoted.”

He also stated that, during

nificant role in the travel and tourism sectors for several reasons. Of those reasons, attracting tourists to a destination takes precedence.

Guyana is positioned as a premier events destination, capitalizing on unique and amazing events throughout the calendar year.”

Smoother flow of traffic with expanded road at Grove

FOLLOWING months of continuous and extensive infrastructural works in the Grove, East Bank Demerara area, drivers could now effortlessly pass through the once heavily congested area.

The Ministry of Public Works successfully completed the widening of this section of the East Bank

Demerara Highway, with the construction of covered concrete drains.

“I think everybody in Guyana would have experienced some kind of discomfort and delays on this road, simply because of two things, the road was too narrow, and secondly, the encumbrances at the edges of the road were multiple, and the traffic was

too much passing through here,” Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, said on Sunday evening, during an inspection of the works completed.

He went on to say: “Eventually this entire road will be resurfaced having been built to a particular quality, but the good news is that the traffic is flowing, day and night in the

Diamond/Grove area, and, for the first time in years, traffic is moving smoothly through this area.

“If you would recall President Irfaan Ali would have visited and the Ministry of Public Works would have responded. I would like to thank the business owners as well as the citizens because in order for us to get this thoroughfare as wide as you are seeing it now, a lot of people were inconvenienced, businesses had to take temporary access while construction was going on, but along the entire carriageway, those 16 contractors were able to execute the work.

“We have a wider surface which means people are able to park off the road so that at all material times, we have two lanes of flowing traffic.”

The works done are part of a broader government initiative to improve traffic efficiency, reduce congestion and enhance safety for all categories of road users along the Diamond/Grove,

East Bank Demerara corridor.

The Ministry of Public Works is also upgrading main streets within the Diamond and Grove Housing Schemes to function as an alternative bypass of the Grove area.

This is to accommodate the upcoming Inter-American Development Bank (IDB’s) Diamond/Grove to Timehri road project, which will see an upgrade to the East Bank Highway from Grove to Timehri, similar to that of the Sheriff/Mandela Road.

The alternate projects are being supervised by a team from the Ministry, headed by the Senior Project Engineer in charge of Traffic Safety and Maintenance, Kester Hinds, who explained the scope of work to be undertaken, which has already started.

He said: “These projects include the upgrading of Backstreet Diamond, Third Avenue Diamond, and First Bridge Access Road at Grove Housing Scheme. It will include widening of the existing roads/streets, construction

of concrete drains and pedestrian walkways along the identified sections of roads.”

Additionally, Hinds said the Ministry is constructing a bridge at the end of the First Bridge Access Road in the Grove Section, to connect Old Grove to New Grove Housing Scheme. While other roads within Grove will see similar upgrades.

He related: “Communities in Grove, such as Samatta Point will become accessible from the soon-to-be-developed accesses.”

The Ministry will be spending approximately G$1 billion on these critical works that will significantly improve the commuting experience.

On the announced IDB Grove to Timehri road project, US$100 million has been given to commence this project. This loan was requested through the IDB’s programme to support climate resilient infrastructure development.

Chinese Medical Brigade: Over 150 Lethem residents receive treatment

HUNDREDS of Lethem residents received free specialist health care last weekend when the 18th Chinese Medical Brigade conducted a two-day outreach exercise.

The medical brigade included medical officials from general internal medicine departments, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology and obstetrics, ophthalmology, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pediatrics, radiology, and anesthesiology.

The Chinese doctors gave each participating resident a complete physical examination and answered questions about blood glucose, blood pressure, and B-scan ultrasonography examination services, amongst others.

The medical brigade provided medication and treatment to the patients

and free health leaflets on diabetes, hypertension and diabetic retinopathy prevention to all the participants.

Over 150 residents participated in the outreach; over 20 people were treated with Chinese massage and orthopedic manipulation therapy, while many others were treated with other medical methods. The medical brigade was welcomed and praised by the locals.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Region Nine Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Bryan Allicock, who participated in the outreach, was grateful for the service of the Chinese Medical Brigade in Lethem.

He also wanted the medical brigade to continue providing further medical support to Region

Nine.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, also participated in official activities, visited the site to support the medical team members, and communicated with the local participants.

The Captain of the 18th Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr. Chu Xuehui, said, “2023 is an important year, which marks the 30th anniversary of the Chinese Medical Brigade’s service to the Guyanese. The 18th Medical Brigade has carried out outreaches in communities of Region Five, Six and 10, along with Region Four. In the coming months, the 18th Medical Brigade will provide more free health services in remote areas on weekends and holidays.”

EFFORTS are currently being made to trace the mother of a newborn baby boy who was found in a gift bag with the afterbirth still attached, near the seaside at Mahaicony on Monday.

Police said in a press release that around 14:45 hours, an anonymous call was made to the Mahaicony Police Station.

Acting on the information received, Sergeant

Williams and a party of police ranks went to Recess, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

“On arrival, a group of persons were seen gathered at an area by the seaside. Sergeant Williams went [into] the bush and picked up a newborn baby boy with the ‘after-birth’ still attached. The baby was in a multi- coloured gift bag,” police said.

The baby was then

wrapped in a towel and escorted to the Mahaicony Public Hospital where he was examined by the doctor on duty, who stated that he was in good health.

Police said that the baby was admitted in the hospital’s Maternity Ward under observation.

Contact was also made with the Child Care and Protection Agency.

Authorities looking for mother of newborn abandoned near Mahaicony seaside

Venezuelan man drowns in boat mishap while en route to Guyana

ORVIN Persaud, a 25-year-old of San Felix, Bolivar, Venezuela, drowned on Saturday while he was on his way to Guyana to celebrate Phagwah with relatives and start a new life.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Persaud, whose parents are Guyanese, left his homeland early Saturday morning. Several hours later the boat he was in began taking in water. It eventually sank and his body was later found floating in the river by his brother and other searchers in the Tucupita area in Venezuela.

Relatives told this publication that he was coming to Guyana for a better life when he met his demise. His relatives in Guyana said that the news was tragic as they were eagerly anticipating his arrival which would have coincided with the Phagwah holiday.

His relatives at Golden Fleece in Region Two said that they were awaiting a call to go and collect him. However, they were told that the boat he was in capsized and he could not be found.

They were told that the body was later found and was taken to a mortuary in Venezuela.

Authorities invite bids for stelling repairs in preparation for M.V. MA Lisha

THE M.V MA Lisha has already set sail from Kolkata and is set to arrive in Guyana soon.

The ship will be travelling the Barima/Waini-Georgetown route and is designed to operate in special conditions, meeting the needs of persons in Region One.

In preparing for this US$12.7 million vessel, the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, has embarked on several infrastructural projects.

To this end, the ministry has extended an invitation for bids for the construction and rehabilitative works on several stellings to accommodate the incoming vessel.

Estimated to cost an overall $2.6 billion, the advertisement invites tenders from contractors for upgrades to the Morawhanna and Kumaka Stellings, located in Region One.

The Morawhanna upgrades are expected to cost approximately $784 million, while the retrofit at Kumaka is estimated at $1.9 billion.

Bids will be opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) on March 15, 2023.

Recently, the ministry sent 10 employees from the Transport and Harbours Department to India to participate in the Major Equipment Training Session. This training has equipped them with first-hand knowledge to maintain the vessel over time.

The vessel was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, as part of the Indian government’s line of credit cum-grant project.

Additionally, the ministry is planning significant upgrades to the Kingston and Port Kaituma wharves. (DPI)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS

ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83

GARNETT STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE, GEORGETOWN (TEL: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Shiv Chanderpaul-23 Tests

(2) Mark Boucher & Jacques Kallis-24 Tests each Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first WI batsman to hit a Test century against South Africa?

(2) Who is the first SA player to register a Test hundred against the West Indies?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

New Zealand beat England by one run in a Test thriller

ENGLAND became just the fourth team in Test history to lose after enforcing the follow-on, with New Zealand’s Neil Wagner dismissing last man James Anderson to seal an unforgettable one-run win in Wellington.

In a match that is sure to go down as one of the most gripping contests ever seen in the grand old format, it was England who stumbled at the line with Anderson feathering Wagner down the leg-side to leave England 256 all out chasing 258.

The only other previous onerun victory was by the West Indies against Australia in Adelaide in 1993 when No.11 Craig McDermott was the last man out caught behind off Courtney Walsh.

There were similarities in Wellington, with James Anderon the last man out, caught out by Kiwi wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who took a fantastic grab down the leg side, off the bowling of Neil Wagner

It was a staggering conclusion to proceedings and saw Ben Stokes’ men join the Australian classes of 1894, 1981 and 2001 as the only sides ever to suffer defeat after sending the opposition straight back in to bat.

Stokes made that decision after racking up a 226-run first innings lead, but lost control of the game as the Black Caps batted with brilliant resolve to take things deep into day five.

England looked to have the game won a couple of times, when Joe Root (95) led a 121-run partnership with Stokes and when Ben Foakes’ measured 33 took the chase to within seven runs of success. But New Zealand refused to lie down, scrapping relentlessly to take the

game into the nerve-shredding denouement.

Wagner was hero with figures of four for 62, dismissing both Stokes and Root in the space of four balls, then show nerves of steel to have Anderson caught behind when one misjudgement could have cost him everything. He was also on hand with a tough catch that did for Foakes, just as the Surrey gloveman seemed to be rising above the drama.

It was just the second defeat England have experienced in 12 games under the leadership of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum and, like almost everything they have done since taking the reins, it came in jaw-dropping fashion.

The seeds of England’s defeat were sown by the top order, who contributed some wayward and loose dismissals, but they were almost bailed out by Foakes and Leach

There were 43 needed when they came together, putting the ball firmly in New Zealand’s court, but Foakes was outstanding in guarding the strike and chipping away at the target.

Leach was happy to reprise the role he made famous at Headingley in the 2019 Ashes, when his one not out from 17 balls allowed Stokes to conjure an amazing win.

Foakes went about things in steadier fashion as he took the required runs into single figures and it was a major shock when he erred, dragging Southee to fine leg.

When Anderson snapped the thick atmosphere with a flourish of a boundary, leaving one to draw and two to win, everyone in the ground knew the result was just one ball away

Winning a Test after being made to follow on: Just four teams have done it

New Zealand scripted a dramatic turnaround in the second Test against England in Wellington, where the hosts came back from being asked to follow on to win in a thrilling fifth-day finish by just one run.

It not just helped the Kiwis draw the two-match series 1-1, but also added them to a select list of teams that have won a Test match after following on.

It is only the fourth such instance and the first since 2001, when VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid staged India’s remarkable

That ball fell in New Zealand’s favour, leaving Anderson barely able to drag himself away from the crease. He did not even call for DRS, accepting his and England’s fate as the Black Caps celebrated riotously.

Leach, who had batted for 71 minutes and 31 deliveries for his one not out, stared into the distance at the end having now been in the middle of one of England’s most enthralling wins and one of their most draining defeats.

A debate will surely take place over the wisdom of the follow-on

decision, particularly given Stokes’ knee problem and his inability to offer more than two overs in the match. England’s remaining bowlers were certainly run ragged by New Zealand’s dogged second-innings resistance, but even so they will regret the way they failed to kill the game on day five.

Questions might also be asked about umpire Chris Gaffaney, who opted not to call Wagner for a wide as he dragged one way down the leg side immediately before dismissing Anderson

At any other point of the match

a margin call like that would barely register a flicker of attention but, at a point when the extra run would have tied the scores, it may not be forgotten quite so easily.

England will reflect that things might have been more straightforward – albeit less exciting – had it not been for a sloppy first hour that cost them four wickets for 27.

Nightwatchman Ollie Robinson lasted only three overs, opener Ben Duckett flashed to slip with his feet in concrete and Ollie Pope was wholly unconvincing for his 14. But most

costly was the loss of in-form Harry Brook without facing a bal

He was tempted into a crazy single by Root, left for dead at the non-striker’s end. With four centuries in his last five Tests, including 186 in the previous innings, his unintentional sacrifice was a body blow.

Root went a long way to making amends before he followed Stokes’ lead in falling straight into Wagner’s short-ball ploy. That set up a blockbuster finish, with England bested at the decisive moment. (PA)

comeback to beat Australia at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Here’s the list of teams that have achieved this rare feat:

2023 : New Zealand won by one run against England on February 28 in Wellington

2001: India won by 171 runs against Australia on March 11 in Kolkata

1981: England won by 18 runs against Australia on July 16 in Leeds

1894: England won by 10 runs against Australia on December 14 in Sydney

..Just the second one-run margin in the history of Test cricket, and only the fourth side to win after being asked to follow on, New Zealand triumphed in a classic in Wellington

Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss IPL 2023

NEW DELHI: Jasprit Bumrah’s long-awaited return to cricket was dealt another blow with the Indian pace spearhead all set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, ESPNCricinfo reported on Tuesday.

Mumbai Indians pacer Bumrah, who has been out of action at the international level since September 2022, has been given the option of undergoing back surgery. There is a possibility that Bumrah could also miss the World Test Championship final (subject to India’s qualification) scheduled to be played from June 7 onwards at The Oval

Bumrah missed the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh tour and the home series versus Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He is also not part of either the Test or the ODI team for the Australia series.

he medical staff of the Board of Control for Crick-

Shades of Kolkata in 2001 as New Zealand pull off unlikely Test victory

HISTORY was made in Wellington on Tuesday as New Zealand became just the fourth team ever to win a Test match after being forced to follow on when they pulled off a thrilling one-run victory over England in a classic final-day contest.

Lion-hearted pacer Neil Wagner (4/62) was the hero for the Kiwis as he had James Anderson caught behind down the leg side to clinch a famous victory for New Zealand at Basin Reserve.

The hosts’ hopes had looked forlorn when they were asked to follow on after being dismissed for just 209 in their first innings in reply to England’s 435/8 declared, but Kane Williamson’s 26th Test century on the penultimate day of a topsy-turvy contest gave New Zealand some hope.

England had to chase down 258 for victory in the fourth innings and they looked to be in control when Joe Root (95) and Ben Stokes (33) were at the crease and less than 60 runs was re -

et in India (BCCI) at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru is treating Bumrah’s case urgently and suggested him to undergo surgery after facing recurring niggles in his lower back which surfaced originally in the form of stress reaction last August. A final decision on the next step is expected to be taken soon by BCCI in coordination with the NCA and Bumrah, keeping in mind the ICC Cricket World Cup, which is set to take place in India from October-November this year. It has been a frustrating wait for Bumrah, who has attempted to make a comeback more than once since suffering a back injury in August which ruled him out of the Asia Cup. Initially, the injury did not seem serious as he was named in India’s T20 World Cup squad in September and even played the last two T20Is against Australia on September 23 and 25. Three days later, Bumrah did not play the first T20I against South Africa and it was learnt that he was taken for scans, which revealed a stress-related injury in his back. He was rushed to NCA and the scans there confirmed that the injury was serious. It ruled him out of the T20 World Cup, in which India achieved a semifinal finish. Bumrah resumed his rehab in November and started to bowl in mid-December. His progress seemed to be positive as he was added in the white-ball series played in January more than a week after the original squad was picked up. Bumrah had performed the match simulation exercises in the NCA, but discomfort resurfaced while taking up higher workloads during fitness drills in January. Scans revealed the development of a fresh niggle, which ruled him out of the Sri Lanka series and Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Indian team management and skipper Rohit Sharma want Bumrah to return back to the side only after gaining full fitness, with Rohit warning against rushing the pacer back into the team.

quired.

But Wagner and Tim Southee (3/45) dug deep during a tense finale to ensure New Zealand picked up a thrilling triumph to level the two-match series at onegame apiece.

New Zealand join three other teams to have won a Test match after being forced to follow on, with the most recent prior to this clash coming back in 2001 when India clinched an unlikely win against Australia in Kolkata.

The Kiwis’ winning mar-

gin of one-run is just the second time in the history of Test cricket that a match has been decided by that narrow margin, with the only other occurrence coming in 1993 when the West Indies pulled off a similar triumph over Australia in Adelaide.

“It’s a pretty special Test win,” Southee told reporters after the match.

“The character that we’ve shown in the last three days has been very impressive and I’m proud of the guys to be able to bounce back after a tough first couple of days.

“It was just a great Test match to be involved in, only four times in the history of the game, so it was a very pleasing Test to be part of.”

The match was not part of the current World Test Championship period, with both New Zealand and England already out of contention of reaching June’s final.

The loss was just England’s second since Brendon McCullum took over as coach ear Lion-hearted pacer Neil Wagner (4/62) was the hero for the Kiwis ly last year, with their next five-day contest coming in a one-off Test against Ireland at the start of June.

England then embark on a five-match series against arch-rival Australia as part of this year’s Ashes series on home soil.

New Zealand host Sri Lanka for a two-match series at home next month, with the Asian side still in with an outside chance of reaching the World Test Championship final should results fall their way.

Teenager Narainsamy benefits from Project Cricket Gear

FIFTEEN-year-old Dakshanarainsamy Narainsamy of Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice and a student of Canje Secondary School, is the latest beneficiary of Project Cricket Gear, an initiative of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) executive and Kishan Das, who resides in the USA.

The aspiring cricketer, who is due to join the successful youth programmme at Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club , is the recipient of one pair of batting pads, one pair of batting gloves, one pair of cricket shoes and one bat. He was presented with the gear at a simple ceremony held recently.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $310,000 in cash, two trophies, 13 cricket boots, 21 pairs of batting pads, 25 bats, 18 pairs of batting gloves, 20 thigh pads, one pair of wicket-keeping pad, three arm guards, two boxes, six cricket bags and three helmets. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear were donat-

ed by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket-keeper/batsman

To date, 51 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from three junior gear

bags, two trophies, three arm guards, 20 bats, two boxes, three helmets, 19 pairs of cricket shoes, 12 pairs of batting pads, one thigh pad, one bat rubber and 17 pairs of batting

gloves. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC received two boxes, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board and the town of Lethem were also beneficiaries.

Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Man-of- the Match Sinclair grabs 6-43 as Berbice beat Demerara by 6 wickets …Singh’s

66 & Barnwell’s match figures of 7-82 in vain

SCOREBOARD:

Dem 1st inns 282, Berbice 1st inns

330

Demerara 2nd Inns (o/n 61-3)

S. Singh LBW b K Sincla ir 66

Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (6-43) is about to dismiss Ashmead Nedd. (Sean Devers photo)

BERBICE began their campaign in the 2023 GCB’s fourday Inter-county tournament auspiciously; well led by a Man-of-the-Match bowling performance from National off-spinner Kevin Sinclair, they beat defending Champions Demerara by six wickets with over a session to spare yesterday at the Providence Stadium.

Scores: Demerara 282 & 157, B’ce 330 & 110-4.

Overnight and early morning rain delayed the start of play by 12 minutes and Demerara resumed on their overnight 61-3 in hazy sunshine.

The home, despite a hard fought 84-run fourth wicket

partnership between opener Sachin Singh, who made 66 from 169 balls, 224 minutes with seven fours and a six and his captain Leon Johnson, who exhibited more fluency yesterday during his 34 from 102 balls and 109 minutes and reached the boundary five times.

Singh, overnight on 37 and fellow left-hander Johnson on one, looked better the more they occupied the crease after a circumspect start against Kevin Sinclair, who followed up his 2-32 in the first innings with 6-43 yesterday as he bowled a lot slower than he usually does.

But Skipper Veerasammy Permaul eased the pressure on the batters when he replaced

Essequibo and Select XI clash from today at Providence Stadium

Essequibo and the Select XI will get their first taste of competitive on-field action in the Guyana Cricket Board’s Senior Inter-County Four-Day competition from today (March 1) at the National Stadium, Providence.

The Guyana Cricket Board on Monday afternoon announced the change in fixture, after the Enmore Community Centre ground, which was originally intended to host the game from Saturday last, was deemed not in condition for play following rainfall over last couple of days.

“The second and third rounds of the GCB Senior Inter-County 4-Day Tournament 2023, will be played respectively from Thursday, March 9, 2023 to Sunday, March 12, 2023 and from Wednesday, March 15, 2023 to Saturday, March 18, 2023,” the Guyana Cricket Board outlined in a press release.

Essequibo squad: Antony Adams (Captain), Kevon Boodie, Sheldon Charles, Kemol Savory, Neland Codogan, Ricardo Adams, Keemo Paul, Quentin Sampson, Ronaldo Renn, Leon Swamy, Avinash Persaud, Malcolm Hubbard, Wazim Mohamed, Ronsford Beaton. The Manager is Yogeshwar Lall and Head Coach is Ryan Hercules.

GCB Select XI squad: Rajendra Chandrika (Captain), Alvin Mohabir, Jeremiah Scott, Carlos La Rose, Zachary Jodah, Rajendra Ramballi, Nathan Persaud, David Williams, Mark Gonzales, Demeter Cameron, Jonathan Rampersaud, Zeynul Ramsammy, Sylus Tyndall and Kevin Umroa. The Manager is Ravindranauth Seeram, while the Head Coach is Clive Grimmond.

L Johnson c Anderson b J. Sinclair 34

R Looknauth c Shepherd b K

Sinclair 0

C Barnwell LBW b K Sincla ir 17 R Ali Mohammed b K Sincla ir 0

A Nedd c&b K Sincla ir 0

5

S Sankar c Foo b Permaul

Q Torrington not ou t 0

Extras: 23 (b-8, lb-8, nb-7)

Total 157 all out 64.4 overs

FoW: 14, 33, 40, 124, 136,147, 147,152, 159,159

Bowling:

Shepherd 6-4-7-0, Smith 8-1-12-1,

Shamar Joseph with off-spinner Junior Sinclair who was plagued by a ‘no-ball’ problem, overstepping seven times yesterday.

Both batters grew in con-

Joseph 5.3-2-13-1, Permaul 14.45-28-1

K Sinclair 19-7-43-6, J Sinclair

10-1-33-1

Berbice 2nd inns (set 110 to win)

J Karim c Persaud b Barnwell 0

A Sukwah LBW b Barnwell 6

K Anderson b Torringt on 1

J Foo c Torrington b Barnwell 31

A Bramble not ou t 51

K Sinclair not out 13

Extras: 8 (b-4, lb-1, nb-3)

Total 110-3 in 14.2 overs

FoW: 2, 3, 9, 61

Bowling:

Barnwell 7.2-1-28-3, Torrington 3-1-21-1, Nedd 1-0-17-0, Looknauth 2-028-0

fidence before Permaul introduced himself into the attack.

The pair, who joined forces on Monday afternoon with their team on 40-3, played with more intent and the 100 was posted in

43 over on the fast Providence sward.

But with the score 124, Johnson played a loose shot and was taken by Kevlon Anderson at slip as Junior Sinclair broke the promising stand.

Singh used his feet to Kevin Sinclair and deposited him over long-on for six to post his 66 from 129 balls, 175 minutes with seven fours and six but Kevin Sinclair had the last laugh when Singh was trapped LBW at 136-5.

Sinclair, enjoying a surface with a bit of bounce and turn, quickly got rid of Chris Barnwell, who hit a six and four in 17 at 147-6, before bowling Renaldo Ali Mohammed for a duck without addition to the score.

Sinclair, the Rosehall Town Youth & Sports Club all-rounder, induced Richie Looknauth, who scored an unbeaten 67 in the first innings, to go big at a flighted delivery to be caught at mid-off for a duck at 152-8 before he had Ashmead Nedd (5) caught and bowled, a run later.

Steven Sankar hit Permaul to Jonathan Foo at mid-on to end the innings at the Lunch Interval.

After Lunch, Barnwell dismissed Javid Karin (0), first innings centurion Kevlon Anderson (1) and Adrian Sukwah (6) to leave Berbice on 9-3.

However, Foo smashed four fours and two sixes in a T20like innings which lasted just 15 balls, and along with Anthony Bramble, featured in a 52-run stand but just after the 50 was posted in the seventh over, Barnwell removed Foo at 61-4. Bramble was severe on Nedd, who bowled one over which cost 17 runs, while Kevin Sinclair eased Looknauth over cover and posed for the camera. Bramble dumped Looknauth for six to reach his fifty from 26 balls with nine fours and six to finish undefeated on 51 as the game was done and dusted in 14.2 overs.

The tournament continues today at 09:30hrs when Essequibo clash with the GCB Select X1 at the Providence Stadium.

Tiger Rentals’ Under-13 football Coach Mills fancies

Georgetown chances to win

THE points’ standings following matchday five of the Tiger Rentals’ National Under-13 development football league saw Georgetown and East Coast registering victories to continue their unbeaten run in the Inter club/Inter-Association arm of the round-robin tournament. The two teams are currently tied on 13 points each with East Coast ahead on goal difference

Head Coach of the Georgetown, former Golden Jaguar Midfield, Vurlon Mills, during an interview with Chronicle Sport, mentioned that this tournament has been a great learning experience not only for him but other coaches and he thinks Georgetown can emerge champions of this inaugural and historic competition.

“We have to continue to take our chances. We have to play organised and as a team. We need to organise our roles. The Georgetown brand of playing is to keep the ball. Our play is possession - based until we create an opportunity to score and although I believe the lads have done this well, we have become a bit complacent at times”, Mills posited.

Coach Mills, who is also the operator of the popular Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) underlined the importance of this Tiger Rentals U-13 football tournament for the players.

“If we really want to target development and take Guyana to higher heights in the future and if we want to qualify for any

major tournament, this is the age group to target. It’s important for this age group to have games consistently,” Mills posited.

He continued saying that, “Lack of games has hindered football development a lot in Guyana. So these tournaments are good and we need to continue on this pathway.”

Mills expressed thanks to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF ) and more importantly, the sponsor - Tiger Rentals Guyana - for supporting football development in Guyana through this tournament.

The former Fruta Conquerors man also revealed his belief that the Tiger Rentals

under-13 development tournament was super beneficial to the continued development of not only himself but other coaches.

“It is very important to the coaches, just as the players. Every game is a learning process. You get a chance to come back and work on things that your team may be lacking. And, I believe that the more you teach, the more you learn”, Mills highlighted.

Tiger Rentals Guyana has invested $10M for the first Nationwide development under-13 competition to ever be played in Guyana.

CENTURION, South Africa, (CMC) –

Rejuvenated fast bowler Alzarri Joseph led a stirring West Indies resurgence after tea as the Caribbean side dominated the final session, to claw their back on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa here Tuesday.

With the hosts coasting 206 for one at the second interval after choosing to bat first, the 26-year-old Joseph (3-60) struck key blows by removing century-maker Aiden Markram for 115 and captain Temba Bavuma for a two-ball ‘duck’, as South Africa lost seven wickets for 108 runs to limp to the close on 314 for eight.

Joseph had earlier in the second session accounted for former captain Dean Elgar

Windies fightback after Markram hundred

however, Markram and Elgar keeping West Indies without success in the first session, as they guided their side to 99 without loss at the lunch break.

West Indies had a golden opportunity to remove Elgar inside the first hour when medium pacer Kyle Mayers found his edge on 10 but Jermaine Blackwood grassed the catch at third slip.

lowing the resumption, when he punched Joseph to the point boundary.

Things then fell apart. In Joseph’s next over, de Zorzi sprinted a couple to deep cover but in his bid for a third run, found himself short at the striker’s end after being sent back by Markram.

for 71, after the left-hander put on 141 with Markram for the first wicket to punish West Indies at SuperSport Park.

Debutant left-hander Tony de Zorzi got a start with 28 while Heinrich Klaasen chipped in with a breezy 20 but South Africa struggled late on to regain the dominance they had earlier flaunted.

“I think it was pretty crucial we got those wickets in the back end because you didn’t really want the game to get too far ahead of you,” Joseph said afterwards.

“Because then you will have to chase it too much tomorrow or on day three, and you never know how the wicket is going to react.”

The morning belonged to the Proteas,

Markram, in his first Test in seven months, led the scoring for South Africa, lashing 18 fours off 174 deliveries to post his sixth Test hundred while Elgar counted 11 fours in a knock which required only 118 deliveries.

Little changed after lunch, the pair continuing to score freely until Joseph got the breakthrough with the drinks break approaching, Elgar attempting to upper cut a short ball and picking out Blackwood back-pedalling at third man.

The breakthrough proved isolated, however, as Markram found an ally in de Zorzi to post an additional 80 for the second wicket and take South Africa to tea without further loss.

Unbeaten on 97 at the interval, Markram reached his century in the second over fol-

Two balls later, Joseph struck Bavuma plumb in front and the right-armer then claimed the key wicket of Markram when he yorked him sensationally.

Now reeling at 236 for four, South Africa were propped up in a 26-run fifth wicket stand between Klaasen and Keegan Petersen (14) before the floodgates opened again. Klaasen, who struck four fours off 20 balls, was cramped by a short one from Shannon Gabriel and tugged a pull to Joseph running around from mid on, and Senuran Muthusamy followed for three with nine runs added, lbw offering no shot to seamer Kemar Roach.

Petersen was seventh out, lbw playing across to Mayers and Kagiso Rabada edged a straightforward catch to Blackwood at second slip off pacer Jason Holder, to perish for eight in the third over before the close.

Fraser-Pryce still has sights set on 100m World Record

THE automatic qualifiers for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 have been identified after the end of the eighth edition of the tournament that saw Australia win their sixth title at Newlands in Cape Town on Sunday.

As per the qualification process, the top three teams from each group earn direct qualification along with the hosts and the highest ranked team outside of the six direct qualifiers from the 10-team tournament.

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are the teams to earn direct qualification as the top three teams of Group 1 in the league stage while England, India and the West Indies similarly make it from Group 2.

Bangladesh qualify as hosts of the ninth edition of the tournament while Pakistan make it by virtue of being the next highest ranked team in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings as of 27 February 2023.

The remaining two spots will be identified through a Global Qualifier to be held in early 2024. The dates and venues of this tournament will be announced in due course.

From the teams who played in this year’s tournament, Sri Lanka and Ireland are the teams failing to get direct qualification. Sri Lanka are currently ranked eighth in the rankings while Ireland are 10th. (ICC Media)

JAMAICA’S five-time World 100m Champion Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce says breaking the 100m World Record remains one of her goals as she enters the twilight of her career.

The 36-year-old has a personal best of 10.60 set at the Lausanne Diamond League in 2021 and is coming off a remarkable 2022 season that saw her run below 10.7 a record seven times, including a 10.67 to win her fifth World Championships gold medal in Eugene in July.

“I want to run 10.5 or 10.4. I’m working towards that, but I also don’t want it to be the endall, be-all,” the three-time Olympic gold medallist said in an interview with NBC Sports.

“I’ll be satisfied knowing that I gave 100% towards that effort. Being able to push myself beyond something that a lot of people think is impossible has given me wings beneath my feet. I don’t want to limit myself. I want to think about potential and where I can go with that,”

Fraser-Pryce added.

The Women’s 100m World Record currently stands at 10.49 set by American Florence Griffith-Joyner at the US Olympic Trials all the way back in 1988.

Since then, only Fraser -Pryce’s countrywoman, five-time Olympic gold medallist Elaine Thompson-Herah, has run below 10.6 when she clocked 10.54 to at the Prefontaine Classic in 2021. (Sportsmax)

…The visitors restored some parity by inducing a collapse, picking seven wickets for 79 runs in the final session