Issuu

SATURDAY 26th March, 2022

No.106674

8,000 more jobs for citizens 03 countrywide –– as gov’t moves to further cushion impact of rising cost of living

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Strengthening Guyana’s democracy a priority 03 PAGE

–– Vice-President Jagdeo tells U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday met with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara Feinstein and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch. Several issues were addressed. Also present at the meeting were technical officers from the US Embassy (Photo credit: Vice-President’s Facebook page)

Emirates Future Group Guyana, Abu Dhabi Fund $2.1B in contracts inked eyes local livestock industry to intensify economic, 04 for ‘Agri’ Ministry’s –– shares common vision with work programme 19 Guyana in achieving food security 02 investment co-operation PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Emirates Future Group eyes local livestock industry — shares common vision with Guyana in achieving food security

THE Emirates Future Group, one of the largest Emirati companies working to achieve food security globally, has expressed an interest in investing in Guyana’s livestock industry. According to information from the Office of the President, Emirates Future Group has intentions of investing in red meat, the trade of livestock and related fields. Their interest ranges from raising livestock on farms, building and managing slaughterhouses and logistics services, all the way to the stage of red meat reaching consumers. This plan was shared with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and other senior officials while they were in the United Arab Emirates this week for the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2022), and the Global Business Forum LATAM. The President and team met with Director of Investment Projects at the Emirates Future Group, Jalal Suleiman Abu Sa-

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

meer and the company’s Deputy General Manager, Yasser Muhammad Ali. Their presence was on behalf of the General Manager of the group, Eng. Hussein Ghosheh. At the meeting, the investment opportunities available in Guyana were discussed, and many promising opportunities

were reviewed, which in turn would achieve the vision of the South American nation and the UAE in the field of joint food security for the two countries. Food security has become the focus of attention of governments around the world, especially after the COVID-19

The Emirates Future Group has outlined its intention to invest in Guyana’s livestock industry

pandemic, which has put supply chains to great and unusual challenges. The Emirates Future Group has decades of experience in the field of food security, in addition to its huge capabilities in supplying the countries of the world with basic foodstuffs. It is considered one of the largest international

companies working in the field of livestock, in addition to having the largest livestock transport fleet around the world. Sameer expressed his thanks to the leadership and government of Guyana for providing the opportunity for leading Emirati companies to be a strategic partner in de-

veloping the agriculture and livestock sector in Guyana, and for extending bridges of co-operation between the two countries. This, he said, serves the vision of the interests of the two brotherly peoples and develops the co-operation to high levels that achieve the goals of food security.

‘We’re open to working with all CARICOM countries’ —Vice-President says, but affirms that authorities will not allow others to displace Guyanese in their homeland

EVEN as Guyana continues to implement measures and policies that would enhance the lives of every citizen, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the country remains committed to working with all of its CARICOM counterparts to help enhance the outlook of those nations, and foster better relationships. The Vice-President said this remains the case even though he has heard many disparaging things about Guyana and Guyanese. And while he affirmed that Guyana remains com-

mitted to its treaty obligations, Vice-President Jagdeo made it clear that authorities will not allow others to displace Guyanese from their resources in their own country. “We’re open to working with all CARICOM countries; it must be an equitable sort of relationship that both countries benefit from,” Vice-President Jagdeo said during a press briefing at the Office of the President on Friday. Trinidad and Tobago, he underscored, is valuable in this sense, since they have the capital and expertise,

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Adrian Narine photo

especially in the oil-and-gas sector.

“…They have capital; they have expertise, and we can benefit from that. But people have to understand we’re on equal footing,” Vice-President Jagdeo said. Part of the benefits from Trinidad and Tobago, however, also includes learning from its experiences with oil resources. To this end, Vice-President Jagdeo said the government intends to tailor its policies differently, so that Guyana does not become reliant solely on revenues from oil and gas. Dr. Jagdeo said the topic of Trinidad and Tobago’s

utilisation of oil resources for the management of the economy is nothing new; that it has nothing to do with the current Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, but rather the fact that Trinidad’s economy, for over a long period, relied only on one sector. “There is a theory that that shouldn’t happen... Theoretically, the danger has been pointed out, and it’s called the Dutch Disease. And, practically, it has consequences for your country, too; and we’ve seen it happen,” the Vice-President said.

According to Dr. Jagdeo, he recalled reading one of Trinidad and Tobago’s earlier budgets where the country had reported a loss of 80 per cent of its revenue due to a change in oil-and-gas prices and a fall in production. He added: “To organise a budget when you have such a big economic shock, it is difficult; things will fall apart, whether you like it or not. And so, I said we are determined in Guyana to avoid going down that path, which has happened not just in Trinidad and Tobago, but in many countries in the world.”

8,000 more jobs for citizens countrywide GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

— as government moves to further cushion the impact of rising cost of living

By Tajeram Mohabir GOVERNMENT will this year provide some 8,000 temporary jobs to Guyanese countrywide in an effort to further assist them to cope with the increase in cost of living due mainly to the effects of COVID-19. This is according to Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, who rolled out the temporary jobs programme on the Essequibo Coast on Tuesday. There, some 800 persons will be employed in the next three weeks. Persons on the programme are expected to work three to four days per week and will be employed at government offices and institutions. The programme is geared at supplementing income at the family level as government works to structurally change the job markets outside of Regions Three and Four. “We are trying, struc-

turally, to change it by co-investing; setting aside money in this budget to co-invest with business so you have a more private sector investment in jobs and creation of jobs… and the reason we have to do so is that we have to incentivise private capital to move to these regions outside of just everyone wanting to come to Regions Three and Four now. We got to get them to move to Regions Two, Five, Six, and 10 and the hinterland regions,” he said. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had promised to create 50,000 jobs in its first term in office and since its assumption of power in August 2020, the party has been working diligently to fulfil its Manifesto commitments to the people, Vice-President Jagdeo said. On assumption of office, the PPP/C Government was confronted

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

with the situation where some 30,000 persons had lost their jobs under the APNU+AFC Government and another 40,000 more when the Coalition Government closed the country at the advent of COVID-19. The country, at the time, Mr. Jagdeo also pointed out, was illequipped to tackle the virus and the Dr. Irfaan Ali Administration had to move quickly to build capacity for testing, buying protective gear, masks,

expanding ICU capacity and acquiring vaccines from available sources. And it did so while opting to keep the economy open. Today, Mr. Jagdeo said, the COVID-19 restrictions have been removed and thousands who lost their jobs are now employed. SITUATION CHANGED From searching for employment, the situation has now changed to the extent that there are short-

ages of skilled and unskilled labour in Regions Three and Four, Jagdeo said, while pointing out that Guyana has managed the pandemic better than many developed nations. Government, this year, he said, has also set aside money to help small businesses as well as granting scholarships to train more citizens to prepare for the job market. On that note, he made it clear that the APNU+AFC has no credibility to talk about cost of living. Under the APNU+AFC Government, VAT was placed on electricity and water. The PPP/C Government, on assumption of power, scrapped this policy of the Coalition Government. “Although all these costs have gone up, and fuel prices have gone up, we made a commitment as a government to keep water and electricity prices at the same rate that they are now today,” said Vice-President Jagdeo,

who contended that these are a massive subsidy from the government to cushion the impact of rising cost of living. Aside from these measures, he noted that the government has increased old age pension by 40 per cent, returned the children cash grant, increased it, and extended it to private schools; increased the grant for school uniform and removed a slew of burdensome taxes on mining, agriculture, education and other sectors of the economy implemented by the APNU+AFC Government. These interventions, the Vice-President emphasized, are targeted to supplement income at the family level, and even noted that due to the polices and programmes of the government, more people are employed today than under the APNU+AFC Government.

Strengthening Guyana’s democracy a priority — Vice-President Jagdeo tells U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary

THE government’s intention to strengthen Guyana’s democracy was among the main topics Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo discussed with United States Deputy Assistant Secretary for Caribbean Affairs and Haiti, Barbara Feinstein. Dr Jagdeo represented the government at the meeting with the U.S. government official. During the discussion, he said the administration is committed to working with all of Guyana and the international community to strengthen the country’s democracy.

“This is not an alien value to the PPP. We have, consistently from the beginning of the party, fought for and defended democracy. I pointed out the track-record of the PNC on this matter. I pointed out that from the period in 1964 to 1992 they stayed in office through rigged elections and that the United States did not have to take my word for it, they can find evidence of this in many reports issued by U.S. successive governments,” Dr. Jagdeo said during a press briefing at the Office of the President, on Friday. The comments by

Vice-President Jagdeo comes on the heels of the Opposition Leader releasing speaking notes to the media following his meeting with the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary. However, Dr Jagdeo said the position of the opposition should not be taken as gospel. The Vice-President related that during his meeting with the Deputy Assistant Secretary, he highlighted that the ways of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) have not changed. Further, the claim by the opposition that the voters list on which the

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won the 2020 elections was bloated, was dismissed by the Vice-President. He said the same notion was not being peddled by the opposition when they won by a “slight margin” in the 2015 elections, pointing out that their notion is blatantly false. Dr Jagdeo also highlighted the hypocrisy of the PNC and their concerns about the residency requirement to vote in Guyana. He said in the early 2000s, the PNC sat with the PPP/C and agreed to remove the residency re-

quirement from registration and voting. He explained that prior to that, for an individual to vote, they had to be Guyanese and be resident in Guyana. “So, this whole issue about a bloated voters list is a smokescreen for their attempt to rig the elections. I pointed out that we are going to work with the international community and all the parties, including APNU, in the parliament to strengthen the laws surrounding the conduct of elections, to remove discretion and the room for capricious behaviour by any elected official,” Dr Jagdeo said.

He added: “That is why the Representation of the People Act has been out in the public domain for several months now. We have received recommendations, we are in the process of looking through those recommendations, redrafting the recommendations to be tabled in next sitting of the parliament and that legislation will be debated there.” He said reform of the RoPA legislation will help to determine transparency around the conduct of the elections, tabulation of the results and announcement of results. (DPI)

Guyana, Abu Dhabi Fund to intensify economic, investment co-operation

ECONOMIC and investment co-operation between Guyana and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is expected to intensify following an engagement between President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and ADFD Director-General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi. This discussion took place during President Ali’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week for the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF2022), and the Global Business Forum LATAM. During the engagement with Al Suwaidi, President Ali pointed to the need to strengthen ties to achieve greater prosperity between the two nations. President Ali, his team and the ADFD side, which included senior officials, discussed the strategic relations

and future opportunities that will serve their interests. The President praised the UAE leadership for the country’s extraordinary development, and said that the strong bilateral relations, as well as cooperation with ADFD, would enable Guyana to achieve his nation’s vision of prosperity. “We see the UAE not only as a strategic trade and investment partner, but also as a global model of sustainable development, stateof-the-art technology, infrastructure and governance. A stronger strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Fund would greatly facilitate our own developmental ambitions,” Dr. Ali said. ADFD is a leading national financial entity owned by the Abu Dhabi government. It was established in 1971 with an aim to help de-

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ADFD Director-General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi veloping countries strengthen their economies by providing concessionary loans for development projects as well as through long-term investments and direct contributions. In addition to managing development grants given

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by the Abu Dhabi government, ADFD has adopted a policy of supporting the national economy by driving private-sector investments, financing national exports and enabling exporters to expand into global markets, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE economy. Apart from the Fund, President Ali said the UAE, in general, has shown the world how to build a well-diversified economy with a robust infrastructure. “That is exactly what we want to achieve in Guyana through our partnership with ADFD and key stakeholders in the UAE,” the Head of State said. He also related that Guyana is already working closely with ADFD on infrastructure projects, including clean energy, and that a stronger collaboration would accel-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

President Dr. Irfaan Ali erate the country’s economic transformation and climate efforts. Al Suwaidi, in return, expressed his gratitude to the Guyanese President, saying that the engagement would go a long way in strengthening the ties through a more robust economic and investment cooperation. “Abu Dhabi Fund for Development enjoys strong strate-

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gic relations with Guyana; we are already engaged in developmental work in the country. The visit of Dr. Irfaan Ali reflects the eagerness on both sides to take the developmental partnership to new heights,” the Director-General said. He also pledged ADFD’s full support for Guyana’s developmental aspirations and efforts to achieve its sustainable goals.

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How India achieved $400 billion exports target 5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

India achieved its ambitious target of crossing $400 billion exports on Wednesday, with nine days remaining in the current financial year 2021-22. This is the first time ever that exports have crossed the $400 billion-mark. The previous best was $331.02 billion that was achieved in 2018-19. India added around $25.19 billion worth exports in the month of March so far and may finish at about $410 billion by the end of this fiscal. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on March 14, India’s merchandise exports for the period April-February 2021-22 stood at $374.81 billion as against $256.55 billion during the period April-February 2020-21, registering a growth of 46.09 per cent. In February 2022, merchandise exports surged to $34.57 billion, registering a year-on-year growth of 25.1 per cent. ‘MAKE IN INDIA BLOCKBUSTER’ Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal called this achievement a “Make in India blockbuster”. “India achieved this milestone despite all adversities including COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war, if this was a movie it would be called a Make in India blockbuster,” he said at an official briefing. He added that closer interaction with states and districts; engagement with exporters; faster resolution of their issues; actively engaging

highest ever and was driven by commodities like rice (other than basmati), marine products, wheat, spices and sugar.

with different export promotion councils, industry associations and other stakeholders have helped in reaching this milestone. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the country’s success via a tweet and said that this is a key milestone in India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ journey. ROBUST PERFORMANCE Exports is one of the key factors driving India’s economic growth. Merchandise exports for FY22 are poised to finish well beyond the target set by the Centre. The sector was one of the very few to revert quickly to pre-pandemic levels once the government started relaxing COVID-related curbs. In spite of the devastating second

wave of COVID-19 in AprilMay 2021, exports showed a positive sign. It has remained over the $30 billion-mark since March last year. In terms of monthly exports, December saw 38.91 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) rise to $37.81 billion, the highest-ever figure. The trend continued in 2022 as well with exports amounting to $34.6 billion in January and $34.57 billion in February -- a jump of 23.4 per cent and 25.1 per cent, respectively. Interestingly, India’s merchandise exports had never crossed $30 billion-mark, except for once in March 2019. In fact, merchandise exports for April-February 2021-22 period witnessed a 36.25 per cent jump as compared to a year ago.

KEY DRIVERS The surge in exports during April-February was fuelled by higher shipments of engineering, petroleum and chemical goods. According to the latest data released by commerce ministry, exports of engineering goods, petroleum and chemicals in February increased by 32 per cent, 88.14 per cent and 25.38 per cent to $9.32 billion, $ 4.64 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. Pharmaceutical exports, however, slipped by 1.78 per cent to $1.96 billion in February. Export of engineering goods saw a sharp jump and increased by 50 per cent as compared to last year. The volume of agricultural products exported in FY22 was

WHAT LED TO THE SURGE One of the major reasons for jump in exports is rise in pent up demand, which had fallen as the Covid pandemic forced nations to remain under strict lockdown, thereby impacting global trade. Beside, boost in domestic manufacturing due to production-liked incentive (PLI) schemes and implementation of some interim trade pacts have also led to surge in exports. In its mission to promote locally made products in global market, the Centre implemented a series of steps to promote exports of both goods and services and that includes the introduction of Refund of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) and Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Schemes, the launch of Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin to facilitate trade and increase FTA utilisation by exporters, promoting districts as export hubs by identifying products with export potential in each district and addressing bottlenecks, and promoting ease of doing business. In a press conference, the government of India high-

lighted that the $400 billion target was generated through bottom up approach and the trade potential for different countries was assessed based on past trends. Exports were examined by product and also by state and 200 countries and territories were targeted by the government, they said. Special emphasis was laid on new and existing markets and products, lost markets, low hanging fruits where the country has strength, faster resolution of exporter’s issues. Besides, MSMEs and startups were used as a vehicle for exports, the government saidExports are one of the fundamental drivers of growth for any economy. It can influence a country’s GDP, exchange rate, level of inflation as well as interest rates. A robust export data is beneficial as it leads to increase in job opportunities, enhances foreign currency reserves, boosts manufacturing and also increases government’s revenue collection. (The Economic Times)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Expanding frontiers of development PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali continues to blaze the trail of accelerating and broadening Guyana’s development. During a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he participated in a panel discussion on the Global Business Forum LATAM (Latin America) held under the theme ‘Lessons in Diversification’, President Ali emphasised the importance of learning from other countries, while at the same time sharing with the rest of the world Guyana's own success stories in its quest to create a prosperous society. According to President Ali, “We are not in competition with anyone, and we don't want to be in a race with anyone; we just want to use the best examples, best practices to do the best we can do for the people of

our country and the people of the region, giving them a better shot at life, a better shot at prosperity, and ensuring that revenues help to build an economy that reduces inequality and disparity.” This is not only visionary thinking on the part of the President, but it is also one that is grounded on the high and lofty principles of growth with equity; of development with a human face, something that is worth sharing with the rest of the world. It is about the idea of a common prosperity; one that will, as it were, lift all boats not only in Guyana but the region as a whole. There can be no doubt that Guyana is now progressing along the lines of becoming a regional powerhouse, thanks in large measure to oil and gas. The country is now ranked

among the fastest-growing economies, not only in the region but in the world. This is indeed a humbling experience for Guyana, especially when seen against the background of a country once ranked among the poorest in the western hemisphere, thanks to nearly three decades of PNC authoritarian and incompetent rule. The tide has changed, and we are now in a position to be a global leader in terms of our embrace of a development model that has won international acclaim. Our low-carbon development strategy, the first country to embrace such a model of development, is now becoming a preferred model, especially in the context of existential threats emanating from climate change. This is not to suggest, by any means, that we know it all, and that there is no need for learning from the

experience of others. As the President correctly puts it, we are not in a competition with other countries; we are still in the learning curve, and there is much that we can learn from countries like the UAE on how to manage our petroleum resources to diversify our economy and create high levels of prosperity. From a desert economy in the 1960s, the UAE now ranks among the most prosperous in the world in terms of per capita income and infrastructural development. And that is exactly what Guyana is seeking to do; to use the resources that we will gain from oil revenues to build an economy that is resilient and diversified. President Ali highlighted that Guyana is collaborating with the UAE in several areas, including infrastructure development, improving efficiency in

governance systems and technology transfer. He also underscored the need for technological advances and higher levels of efficiency in transparency and accountability in governance. The Guyanese President also said that the two countries are collaborating on an investment agreement that could make it easier for investors from the UAE to invest in Guyana. Among the areas identified are the development of a Deepwater Harbour Port with Abu Dhabi ports, in collaboration with Brazil that will result in easier access to the Atlantic, a visa-free waiver programme, and a double taxation agreement. These are all substantial agreements that could create a platform with which investors would be comfortable, and could make it much easier for people-to-people and government-to-gov-

ernment collaboration and cooperation. The fact is that we live in an increasingly interconnected world, characterised by globalisation and free and open trade. As noted by President Ali, Guyana, and for that matter the Caribbean, is open to free trade, and there can be ‘no pushback against globalisation'. And, in his contribution to the discussion forum, President Ali took the opportunity to praise the tolerance and diversity of Guyana's population, in terms of culture and diversity, something that both countries have much in common. Guyana, President Ali said, could be a great example “of how we can demonstrate, globally, to build the levels of tolerance and inclusiveness, and to share a model in which people can all prosper”.

Offer PhD scholarships in STEM in return for serving the nation Dear Editor,

GUYANESE and West Indians in general are awed by ‘doctor politics’ and doctor titles, the concept of which is that ‘Dr’ in front of a name carries knowledge, expertise, respect and prestige. The ‘doctor’ is treated with reverence. This laudable recognition by the public leads to some Guyanese pursuing a doctorate. However, some Guyanese have questionable credentials. Others, like me for example, pursued it for a skill to make a meaningful contribution to society, or to earn an honest living as I did as an educator. Government should offer scholarships to youngsters to pursue doctorates in STEM subjects to serve the nation. People tend to be awestruck with those who are

referred to as ‘doctor’, seeing them as brilliant, even if they are not. Some mistakenly believe that ‘doctor’ equals medicine or dentistry. Some local Guyanese came to me for medical advice; I am not a medical doctor. Anyone can be conferred the title doctor if the successfully pursue a course of study at an accredited university. It is a title earned from a course of academic studies (like Biology or History or Engineering or some other subject) or through lifetime achievements for contributions towards society. The latter is called an honorary doctorate conferred by an accredited university on selected well known figures. The public tends to show deference for those with doctorates, regardless if earned from academia or honorary. The public is

supportive of and admire those with the title of doctor, and tends to gravitate towards them in politics or community affairs or other aspects of life as they did towards Cheddi Jagan, Eric Williams, etc. But having a doctorate does not make someone smarter or better than those without it. Not everyone with the doctor title is actually a doctor (medical, technical, science, academic, etc). There are fraudsters who call themselves doctor to impress or deceive the public. There are some who buy the title, as separate from those who studied a particular academic subject at graduate school at a recognised accredited university. There are some who have been conferred honorary doctorates for lifetime achievement, and, deservingly so; among the latter are

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Dr. Yesu Persaud, Dr. Vishnu Bandhu, etc. Among those who studied for a doctorate are Tarron Khemraj, Ashni Singh, Irfaan Ali (President), David Dabydeen, Ramesh Gampat, Clive Thomas, Omowale, Tara Singh, Somdat Mohabir, Ganga Ramdass, Gary Girdharie, Lomarsh Roopnarine, Leslie Ramsammy, Swami Aksharananda, Baytoram Ramharack, Paloma Mohamed, myself, and so many others. Then there are the medical or dental doctors like Bobbie Ramroop, Clive Jagan, Reyad Rahman, etc. There are also divinity doctors — granted a doctorate in bible studies. And some have doctorates in Education EdD). Then there are those who purchased degrees at universities without walls; they paid several thousand

American dollars for a diploma from a diploma mill with a university name. It does not mean that those who purchased degrees are not talented or lack abilities and skills. Some are very bright, articulate, and skillful, and have the ability to pursue a course of study for a PhD. I know of fake degree holders who write extremely well, and or own or manage successful businesses. Some also do well in government office. A purchased diploma is not recognized, although some gullible businesses may unknowingly accept such a diploma for hiring and promotion. There are several Guyanese who fake doctorates, using it to fool a gullible public. No university in Guyana is accredited to award a doctorate except for UG’s medical

school. Private universities in Guyana are known to issue degrees, including medical degrees and PhDs that are not recognised in many places. Some are linked to other Online universities awarding degrees; they don’t have a course of study. Universities in America and many other countries tend not to accept them for admission into higher degree programmes. There are students who pursue Online degree courses of study; they are not taken seriously by other regular academic colleges, although the degree is recognised. Many Guyanese, as a result of ‘COVID’, are now enrolled in Online courses. Some Indian universities are offering scholarships Online for a degree course of study; Continued on page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Local school-feeding programmes creating OP-ED opportunities for female farmers

By Gillian Smith, Resident FAO Representative

THE school-feeding programme in Guyana dates as far back as 40 years ago and continues to positively impact the nutrition and health of children and adolescents receiving nursery, primary or secondary education, which represents some 48.6 per cent of the total learner population in the country. In Guyana, the National School Feeding Programme is divided into four sub programmes. These are: the Peanut butter and Cassava Bread Snack Programme, the Community-Based Hot Meal Programme, the Juice and Biscuit Snack Programme, and, more recently, the Breakfast Programme. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s School Feeding Programmes provided school meals to about 388 million school children in 161 countries, making these programmes the most extensive safety net worldwide. The school meal programme in Guyana is providing healthy and nutritious meals for students while linking female smallholder farmers to local procurement and market initiatives to ensure that they have access to consistent income-generating

opportunities.

BLUE FLAME WOMEN’S GROUP AND SCHOOL FEEDING The Blue Flame Women’s Group is a women-led, community-based agro-processing operation based in Hosororo Region One (BarimaWaini). The group has benefitted from the school-feeding programme. They produce cassava, cocoa, coffee and cassareep and, with the use

farmers in the community and are then processed at the group’s factory to make various products. These products are then packaged and sold throughout the country but, primarily, cater to the Breakfast School Feeding Programme for four schools in Mabaruma. Christina James, Chairperson of the Group, said: “[They] have been supplying the schools with our locally made cassava bread and our

cassareep and seasoning and they were able to purchase some vegetables as well from us. This has been a great help

Offer PhD scholarships... From page 6 Online courses don’t provide the same level of discipline and knowledge as in-person education. Those with a genuine (academic) doctorate tend to purse a lengthy course of study that takes a minimum seven years full-time and many more years part-time. I studied full-time as did several others like Ramharack, Khemraj, Ramsammy, Mohabir, etc. In my case, I did multiple doctorates. In the USA, one gains admission into a doctoral programme after completion of an undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree) in a chosen subject of specialisation. Some universities require admission and completion of a Master’s Degree before acceptance into the doctoral programme for the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy),

as was the case with me and so many other Guyanese. The undergraduate degree is four years full-time course of study, with specialisation in a subject; in my case, it was Bio-Chemistry. The Masters is minimum one year fulltime, plus a comprehensive exam and a thesis; that could take up to another year. And the PhD is minimum two years full-time, plus two written comprehensive exams, two oral exams, a lengthy (of some 300 pages) dissertation. Some dissertations are known to be up to 500 pages. And a defence of the dissertation is mandatory, called a viva. The dissertation is not a term paper; a fifty-page paper is not a thesis or dissertation. A dissertation must be on a new, original concept not previously studied. There is a methodology that must be followed in research and

writing. Students are known to fail the dissertation; in the writing, or research, or oral presentation. The student body is invited to the defence, and can ask questions. The faculty team of minimum three examiners and an outside campus examiner decides on pass or fail, and whether to recommend granting the PhD. The faculty could require revision of the dissertation and re-examination. To pursue a degree in the USA, students take courses, with each worth a number of fixed credits. If they pass the course, with Grades A thru D, credits are awarded. One course is three or four credits; ‘D’ is a bare pass, and too many Ds lead to expulsion from the university. An overall ‘C’ grade is needed for a degree. A total of 128 to 132 credits (some 32 in a

Chairperson of Blue Flame Women’s Group, Christina James

to our group to market our products. The school-feeding programme has benefitted me as well as my grandchildren, members of the community and especially all the women in the group who are also farmers.”

SEEING THE RESULTS Over the past year, the FAO, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Human Ser-

Cocoa production ongoing

of a shade house, they are growing herbs, tomatoes and vegetables. Cocoa and other raw materials are purchased from

vices and Social Security has been implementing a global project titled “Enhancing production and access to nutrition-dense food through so-

specific subject) are required for a Bachelor degree. (Some forty courses are needed for a BA degree; some ten of which must be in a specialised subject like Economics or Politics or Chemistry, etc). I completed my degree with 172 credits, 40 in excess. And an additional 30 credits or ten courses are required for the MA, and 60 credits or 20 courses for the PhD (MA credits included if in same subject). Guyanese should desist from pursuing ‘kak’ degrees, as it does not lead to meaningful learning or acquisition of technical and academic skills. The government should encourage youngsters to pursue doctorates, giving scholarships with a commitment to serving the nation. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

cial protection programmes”. Through this project, FAO –Guyana, together with our partners has been working to deliver on the following products: - A rapid assessment on the state of the national school-feeding programmes in Guyana - A policy framework for the development of the school-feeding policy of Guyana - Pilot design for a homegrown school-feeding programme - An assessment of the status of agricultural production of smallholder farms in Regions Five and Nine - Development of farmer field-school curricula - Coherence study and policy paper on agriculture and social protection programmes in Guyana The results from these initiatives are promising and show great potential for in-

creased access to healthy and nutritious food produced locally to the most vulnerable in the country as well as creating sustainable market outlets for smallholder farmers and groups such as the Blue Flame Women’s Group. THE WAY FORWARD Interest in the school-feeding programme has grown tremendously and, with the development of a National School-Feeding Policy Framework, we will be able to advance to a multi-sectoral involvement of various actors, including governments, international organisations, private sector, and civil society as well as the integration of smallholder farmers and groups into the school-feeding programme supply network. For more information on the project, please email us FAOGY@fao.org.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

PNCR should foster race relations, not spout propaganda Dear Editor, TO mark UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in March, the “PNCR declares intent to build good relations”, Stabroek News 21/03/2022. This leaves one to cogitate on whether these people are serious about race

relations or is it gimmickry to garner votes for the upcoming local government elections and early campaigning for the 2025 general elections. They have declared their intent to build good race relations and fairness. Wonders never cease. Is the Reform in PNCR now kicking in after a still birth for

decades? The PNC has never had a good track record of improving race relations. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, meaning that you can only judge the quality of something after you have tried, used, or experienced it. Good race relations have never been practised by the PNCR, so pontificating now needs to

be manifested by genuine practise. In the 1960s, PNC operatives carried out mayhem and racial-cleansing of Indians in Linden, because they wanted to oust the PPP government. Burnham brought Guyana down to an improvised country, next to Haiti, as the second poorest in the Third World, where even today our currency has little value internationally. Just a few months ago, two PNC supporters argued with me that no one starved in Guyana. I posited that there could be sufficient availability of foodstuff, but lack of variety and malnutrition, and its concomitant disastrous effects, co-existing. People were told to “produce or perish”. By the way, have you seen the food and beverage list on Burnham’s plane when he visited Mexico in his quixotic purple attire? It included assorted scotch whiskey, imported salmon, caviar, expensive wines and an endless variety of luxury items not available to others, even the wealthy. And while Burnham was grandstanding on the world stage about apartheid in South Africa, he was hypocritically practising apartheid in Guyana. See my letter, “The Order of the Companions of O R Tambo should be given to the Guyanese people, not Burnham”, published in Stabroek News of March 15, 2013. The then pro-Burnham editor of Kaieteur News refused to publish it. Where were PNC advocates, if any, of good race relations when people had to flash PNC cards to get jobs, contracts and other opportunities? Just as recent as the last Coalition administration, people told me that they show their

party card at PNC headquarters to get attended to. Paramountcy of the party was still practised. In Region Two, one PNCR REO bypassed the personnel department responsible for hiring, and unilaterally employed his villagers; 16 of them. Additionally, contracts were given to PNCR brown-nosers, at the disadvantage of other deserving bidders. I wrote the former Prime Minister about unfair, racially implemented policies, and he requested a list of the names of the employees, which I forwarded to him. As expected, the list was garbaged, and nothing resulted. The next REO implanted the Region Two PNCR Secretary on the panel of the personnel department to influence recruitment to benefit their supporters. Editor, any little gain by the former Ministry of Social Cohesion in relation to racial unity was set back light years when PNCR leaders instigated Afro-Guyanese in Region Five to beat, rob, vandalise vehicles and traumatise Indo-Guyanese road users. Except for one former PNCR leader, the rest of them were silent by consent, comatose, or clandestinely egged on the gross injustice. Even now, people from predominantly one race, some operating with cycles, rob, snatch bags, jewellery, phones, cash and other valuables from people, predominantly of other races (they seldom commit crimes on their own race) to the extent that residents feel unsafe to go about their legitimate business. There is nothing wrong with being ethno-centric — liking and supporting one’s ethnic group or race, but publicly advocating that

one race should boycott and not patronising other races spawns division and disunity. The ‘Black pudding Man”, an “academic”, was raving over the fact that an Indo-Guyanese lady was selling black pudding, and Afro-Guyanese were buying from her even as we live in a free market economy, based on supply and demand, and choices. Then, a PNCR Minister made a controversial statement at a PNCR event on November 25, which included that `jobs would only go to PNC people’. Who is she referring to, when the support base of her party is mostly Afro-Guyanese? How has the PNCR responded to these utterances? Their silence was deafening. The leader is now saying that they have intention for good race relations? This political pitch sounds good, but rhetoric does not replace pragmatism. All of us, I think, have good intentions for many things, but where is the practise and implementation? For good race relations, we need equity, fair practices, proper socialisation and habits of mind (at home, school and the community), good role models, motivation and guidance, education and cultural competence, training and employment and other opportunities for all races. Finally, there needs to be reconciliation, dropping the burden of baggage, and sincere and genuine acceptance of others. Lip service and rhetoric alone does not cut it. Yours respectfully, Karan Chand Region Two resident

Jagdeo: Coalition’s multibilliondollar cash relief motion unrealistic

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

A MOTION by the APNU+AFC calling on the government to provide a $200,000 cash grant to all adults on a quarterly basis has been shot down by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo as unrealistic and a gimmick by the Coalition. Through the motion, the Vice-President estimates that the Coalition is seeking to get the government to shell out around US$500M to US$600M or billions of Guyana dollars in cost-of-living relief, an amount close to the some US$700M has been sitting in its Natural Resource Fund. Mr Jagdeo said he found it strange that the APNU+AFC when in government, took away the education grant from children and mandated old age pensioners pay VAT on electricity and water, but is now asking that citizens be given just under US$1,000 per year. “I can’t imagine any sane person, any sensible person falling for that. That same philosophy, living above your

means that same philosophy caused Guyana to collapse economically by 1992 when we became the second poorest country in the hemisphere, just below Haiti,” Mr Jagdeo reminded in reference to PNC Government in the pre-1992 era. Aubrey Norton, the Leader of the PNC/R, he also reminded, is from that era. However, the amount proposed by the Coalition in their motion is significantly less than the US$5,000 proposed by elements of the Coalition when the Coalition was in government. But Jagdeo maintained that no one or no country should try to live above their means and the motion is reflective of the PNC/R’s consumption philosophy with little or no vision or plans for the future. Honouring the Coalition’s motion, he said, will put Guyana in a position where it will hardly have money to spend on training of its people to transform the country, build schools, hospital, roads and other

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

vital infrastructure to improve services and create wealth for the country. According to Mr Jagdeo, the government will only do realistic things and pointed out that it has moved Guyana from a state of insolvency in 1992 to the most viable economy in this part of the world today in terms of stock of debt and debt servicing as share of budget revenue. Guyana, he said, will plan for the future and will do all it can to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other nations as a result of poor economic policies and injudicious spending of their oil revenues. The government, he

Pistol used in robbery found in Parika Police Station compound

A .32 Taurus pistol without ammunition was found at the Parika Police Station on Thursday by a man who was cleaning the compound. According to the police, the discovery was made at about 23:36hrs when the cleaner observed a black object on the ground between two garbage bins. He then picked up the object, which appeared to be a firearm, and immediately brought it to the attention of a police rank who was close by. When checked, the weapon turned out to be the .32 Taurus pistol that was reportedly used in the execution of a robbery under arms. The matter is under investigation.

The firearm that was found in the Parika Police Station compound

said, is concerned too about the rising cost of living and since coming into power in August

2020, it has doubled old age pension, increased school children’s uniform allowance, removed scores of burdensome taxes implemented by the Coalition and restored the education grant. The education granted was increased to $25,000 and extended to private schools. It will be further increased to $50,000 by the end of the government’s first term in office, said the Vice-President. All these interventions, he said, was done

without spending a cent from the oil money in the Natural Resource Fund. The motion to give Guyanese $200,000 every quarter is a gimmick to “excite people,” said Mr Jagdeo, who added: “It is not realistic, practical or wise to do that, we cannot fund it, it will put us in more debt.” Guyana cannot build a future spending its oil money this way, said the Vice-President.

86 Region Five residents graduate from BIT programme

SOME 86 young persons from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) graduated on Friday from the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE). As a result, those persons now have skills in commercial food preparation, garment construction, cosmetology and agro-processing. At the graduation ceremony held at the Hurricane Harbour, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton told graduates that the event is testimony to their ambition to be fully equipped with the req-

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton

uisite skills and knowledge to become better versions of themselves. “This graduation is not for me, commander or the head table, but this graduation is yours. Importantly, you can say to yourself that

I started something and I finished it. It is very important, especially in a world filled [with] all kind of issues; you must compliment yourself that you started and you finished,” he said. Deputy Commander Guy

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Nurse said the programme has assisted in reducing the region’s crime rate by over 40 per cent. Minister Hamilton said the programme will continue in the region, and so will a partnership with the police. The approach, he said, is in keeping with the government’s manifesto promise to provide opportunities for citizens to learn life-long skills. The minister said: “We are looking to you to help us to intervene in communities, which based on your statistics, you think that there is some need for people to be guided and trained.” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Richard Maughn, told graduates that education and training are key pillars to improving one’s marketability in today’s society and as such, they need to be determined about what they want for their future. “I charge you to envision your future, to plan for your

future and keep moving forward with the plans and vision you have, as well [as] to revise and reform when needed, so that you can achieve the things you want for your life,” he said. Umadevi Blakarn, a single mother of two, was among the cheerful graduates in Region Five. She told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that her journey at times was challenging. “I had to take my children sometimes with me which was very hard, but I went through it by the grace of God and I am very happy to graduate today, because I feel proud as a single mom to do it, and so if you want this, then you just have to be yourself and go for the goal that you want,” Umadevi said. Another graduate, 21-year-old Dharanpaul Seecharan, who was the lone male among 34 females in his cosmetology course, said that make-up, manicure

and pedicure have been his passion for some time now and so participating in the course was a “no-brainer.” “It felt a bit stressful at first, but I got over it and so I would tell other males who may want to join to follow their dreams and do what they love to do the most. Never listen to the negativity, but the positive things and you will move forward in life,” he said. Now certified in commercial food preparation, Vanessa Persaud said she learnt about the programme from a friend. She said: “They were selling it pretty good and I got hooked. It was such a great experience and I am so privileged to be given this opportunity.” Also present at the ceremony were Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal; Regional Vice-Chairman, Rion Peters, and BIT Senior Technical Officer, Bevon Shepherd, among others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

East Coast Demerara housing infrastructure evolving

— Minister Croal says

THE housing infrastructure along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) is evolving rapidly, according to Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal. The minister recently

visited infrastructural projects sites along the ECD corridor to inspect several developing schemes. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA).

According to the Housing Ministry, the areas visited were Annandale, Vigilance, Strathspey, La Bonne Intention and Goedverwagting. The schemes visited have already been allocat-

ed, and the ongoing works will ensure that allottees could access their lands and commence construction soon. In the new week, Minister Croal will be meeting with contractors who are

working on those schemes to get an update on the status of the works, and to address any issues that may be causing delays. The minister used the opportunity to remind persons who have been

allocated lands in the schemes that the ministry is working assiduously to have those plots of land ready. Works being executed include the construction of access roads, bridges and culverts.

The Strathspey Housing Development

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal (Extreme right) and other officials inspect a bridge under construction at the La Reconnaissance Housing Development

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Financial assistance for dialysis patients available from next week — Health Minister calls on persons to get registered

PERSONS who undergo dialysis will from next week be able to access financial assistance to fund their treatment. The government has set aside $180 million in Budget 2022 to alleviate the burden of expensive dialysis treatment for persons with chronic kidney disease. Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, on Friday announced that the initiative will be rolled out in the coming week, providing $600,000 annually to patients on dialysis treatment. “Right now, there are a number of persons who require dialysis and generally

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony

these persons would have end-stage renal failure…the challenge, however, is that persons are not able to pay for their dialysis treatment.

The Health Minister said even with a number of non-governmental organisations providing dialysis to patients and subsidising the cost, it remains a challenge, especially for persons receiving dialysis three times per week. He is calling on persons to visit the Ministry of Health and get registered for this assistance as soon as possible. “We’re right now in the process of registering those patients, so anyone who

knows of anybody who needs dialysis, you can get them to register with the ministry,” Dr. Anthony said. He added that a medical document and the person’s biodata will be required, to confirm that person is on dialysis or has been recommended for the treatment. “We of course will have to validate that that person is actually on dialysis or was recommended for dialysis, so a medical document to verify that will have to be

produced and once we have that and the person’s biodata, then we’re able to put them on a database and we’ll be able to issue them with the funding,” Dr Anthony said. Additional information on this initiative could be accessed through advertisements in the newspapers, social media, the Health Ministry’s Facebook page, along with telephone numbers for further queries on the initiative. (DPI)

“So, we want to start sometime next week to start distributing the cheques to these patients,” Dr. Anthony said.

A dialysis patient receiving treatment

Region Four Chairman fails to attend court

CHAIRMAN of Region Four, Daniel Seeram, has been charged for allegedly threatening his father-inlaw with a gun but was a no-show when his case was called at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Friday. His absence was noted by the prosecutor and the matter was subsequently adjourned until the March 31, 2022. According to a police report, on March 6, Seeram and Shaheed Hamid allegedly had a heated argument at MovieTowne, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, which later turned grim after Seeram reportedly cranked his firearm on his father-inlaw. Both men are licensed firearm holders. Their 9MM pistols were seized as part of the police investigation. Reports indicate that Hamid, 50, of Ganges Street, Prashad Nagar, visited the

Region Four Chairman, Daniel Seeram

Turkeyen Police Station shortly after the incident and reported that his life had been threatened by his 31-year-old son-in-law, who reportedly cranked a gun on him during an exchange of words. The incident reportedly occurred amongst family members and friends at the entertainment complex. The

police disclosed that the altercation caught the attention of security personnel at the establishment who intervened and escorted the Regional Chairman out of the building. On the same day, Seeram visited the Alberttown Police Station where he made a report that Hamid drew a black handgun from his pants waist during an exchange of words. Police said that Hamid was asked to report to the Alberttown Police Station where both parties were questioned. “Mr Seeram stated that he went to the establishment to speak to his wife about an ongoing issue between them and Mr Hamid intervened and they had an exchange of words and Hamid drew his firearm. They were arrested and told of the allegation and both parties denied the allegation,” the police report added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing duties of President, on Friday, joined High commissioner of India, Dr KJ Srinivasa; UK High commissioner, Jane Miller; Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman and President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Juman Yassin, to welcome the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Baton to Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

GECOM says not conducting impromptu house-to-house visits — in response to reports of alleged impersonators in various communities

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has said that there is no ongoing exercise which requires impromptu house-to-house visits by officers to gather information. According to the elections commission, it has received reports of persons visiting houses seeking information under the pretext of being GECOM employees.

“In this regard, it is imperative that we make it abundantly clear that GECOM is not currently engaged in any such exercise, nor has the

Commission authorised anyone, employee or otherwise, to collect information from any person for any reason whatsoever through house-to-

house visits,” the Commission said. Further, the elections body related that although an important component of the ongoing continuous registration exercise requires that scrutineers and registration staff visit the residential address of applicants for verification, this is done only after there is a mutual agreement between the resident and the verifica-

tion officers on date and time. Even so, GECOM employees and scrutineers are required to display their respective identification and accreditation badges throughout all such visits. “Accordingly, the general public is hereby cautioned not to recognise any person(s) without GECOM identification as being representatives of this Commission,” the

elections body advised. In view of the foregoing, citizens are urged to be extremely cautious, and not to provide any information to those persons purporting to be GECOM representatives, as their motive is unknown. Persons are asked to contact GECOM on telephone numbers 223-9653, 225-5808, or 225-5868 to report or clarify any concerns.

Guyana’s vision for food production to be presented at upcoming FAO conference GUYANA will be represented at the 37th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO)’s Regional Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC) in Quito, Ecuador, which will commence on March 28 and conclude on April 1, 2022. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, will be leading Guyana’s delegation and will have discussions, deliberate, reach consensus and make recom-

other Heads of Government to find joint solutions to the challenges of food, agriculture, and climate change. “This conference here will help to brainstorm ways and means on how we can improve as [a] region, how we can ramp up food production and at the same time make sure that everybody gets enough food to eat for the next few years,” he added. Last November, Minister Todd presented Guyana as a candidate to host the 38th Session of FAO’s Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

mendations on how the region can become more sustainable. Minister Mustapha, during an invited comment to the media on Friday, said that he was looking forward to representing Guyana and addressing a number of issues in relation to food production in the region. “At this conference, a number of issues will be discussed there - food production, looking at the measures to improve food production - because with the pandemic for the last two years and now with the war in Russia and Ukraine, the FAO predicted that we may have a short fall [of] about 20-30 per cent in food production,” he said. At the conference, Minister Mustapha will have the opportunity to share Guyana’s vision, while discussing technological, institutional and organisational innovations with

in 2024. The voting and announcement of the next host country will take place at the conference in Ecuador and Guyana is hopeful that, with the support of several Latin American and Caribbean countries, it will be selected to host LARC 38. Every two years, the FAO brings together the governments of its 33 member states in Latin America and the Caribbean to establish the regional priorities of the organisation for the next biennium. All 33 countries are expected to attend the upcoming conference so as to deliberate, reach consensus, and set the agenda for FAO’s work in the region. Ultimately, the countries will determine the necessary actions that will lead to efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Baramita residents to soon benefit from –– as construction of $25M improved water supply well nears completion THE community of Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini), will soon benefit from improved access to potable water, with the construction of a new $25 million well nearing completion. The new well will add to the existing water distribution system in the community and will see approximately 90 per cent of central Baramita residents having access to potable water to their homes. Currently only 15 per cent of the community has access

to water. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, along with Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Director of Hinterland Water, Ramchand Jailall and other regional officials visited the site in the Matarkai sub-district, where the well is being drilled by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). “We started to drill the well and we weren’t successful, so we had to change the location and so, we have started there

and within a matter of weeks that should be completed,” the minister said during his interaction with the residents. He said his ministry has a mandate to ensure potable water is delivered to residents across the country, including the hinterland. Currently, only 50 per cent of communities across Region One has access to potable water. As a result, Minister Croal announced that five wells will be drilled in the Matarkai

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, arriving in Region One and is greeted by Region One’s Regional Health Officer, Dr. Steven Cheefoon

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, speaking with residents during an outreach to the Matarkai sub-district, Region One sub-district this year. In other issues affecting the the need for strong leaderaddition to the well at community including the ship within the communiBaramita, construction of demand for Carib-speaking ty in order to address the water distribution systems teachers and the fencing many social ills plaguing is underway in Matthews of the primary school, and the village. Ridge, Arakaka, Port Kai- improved healthcare de“We have a responsituma and Oronoque. livery. These matters will bility to work together to Additionally, GWI recent- be directed to the relevant provide the opportunities ly acquired a PAT drilling rig agencies, however, the re- for the people and more to be utilised in hinterland gional administration has importantly, the children and riverine areas. The utility committed to constructing who are the future generacompany has plans to drill at the school fence within a tion,” he said. least 30 new wells in 2022 month. Baramita is the largest and more than 140 wells over Minister Croal assured Amerindian settlement the next three years. residents that greater at- in Guyana with a popMeanwhile, Minister tention will be placed on ulation of close to 4,000 Croal took the opportunity Baramita, since persons people spread across 22 to address a number of also raised concerns about satellite areas. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

CXC team in Guyana for stakeholder engagement sessions

REPRESENTATIVES of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) are in Guyana conducting stakeholder engagement sessions. The purpose of the

sessions is to discuss the council’s operational imperatives, specifically the e-transition framework and to share the territorial performance both at the subject and school-based

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

assessment levels. According to a press release, these engagements will also allow the Ministry of Education to hear from its stakeholders, and form part of the CXC’s Director of Operations Examination Services, Dr. Nicole Manning (second from left), with representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union inclusive of the union’s President, Mark Lyte (first from left) input for the efficiency audit of the local registrar’s operations which will be conducted by the CXC team, during their time here. “This collaboration with our stakeholders is focused on gaining improvements across Guyana with the critical involvement of the Ministry of Education and equal participation of secondary schools,” the Education Ministry said. The engagement sessions and the efficiency audits will be conducted by CXC’s Director of Operations Examination Services, Dr. Nicole Manning, and CXC’s Internal Auditor, Denise Holden-Pierre in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Meetings have so far been held with the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Alfred King; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel

Hutson and senior officers from the Ministry of Education, head teachers, deputy head teachers – Georgetown, senior masters and mistresses, and IT personnel. The CXC team has also met with representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union. Students preparing to write the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination from Georgetown, Regions Three, Four and Five have also been engaged by the CXC team. Meetings are being held using the face to face and online modes. The team will also be visiting Regions Six, Nine and Ten. This visit to Guyana aligns with one of the Council’s strategic objectives to improve stakeholder satisfaction.

Director of Operations Examination Services, Dr. Nicole Manning, engaging representatives from all of the secondary schools in Region Six

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

$2.1B in contracts inked for Agri. Ministry’s work programme AS the Ministry of Agriculture forges ahead with plans to transform the sector, 32 contracts totalling $2.1 billion were inked on Friday. According to subject minister Zulfikar Mustapha, the contracts are part of the ministry’s 2022 work programme which aims to enhance services and better serve agriculture stakeholders across the country. Of the 32 contracts, four were inked for the procurement of lab equipment, a precision row planter and six all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute. Meanwhile, two contracts were inked for the supply and delivery of HDPE pipes for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) sugarcane fields. One contract was inked for the supply and delivery of agro-processing equipment for the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), while the remaining contracts were inked for the construction and rehabilitation of several

pump stations and drainage structures, the procurement of critical machinery, and the maintenance of several canals across the country under the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). During the signing, Minister Mustapha said that the projects were critical and urged the contractors to execute the works according to the contractual specifications. He also said following the ministry’s successes last year in terms of completing 94 per cent of its work programme, it is expected that contractors will put the same amount of emphasis on these new projects in a timely manner. “I want to ask you here this afternoon that like last year, let us continue to execute our work in a timely basis, let us continue to ensure that our work is executed to contractual specifications,” he said. The minister stressed the need for contractors to ensure works are carried out according to specifications in order to reflect positively on the lives of the beneficiaries.

Bond attendant remanded for firearm- related, attempted bribery offences

Terrence Williams SENIOR Magistrate Sunil Scarce, on Friday, remanded a 22-year-old storage bond attendant to prison after he denied having guns and ammunition in his possession and attempting to bribe a police officer. Terrence Williams, a father of four and resident of Farm, East Bank Demerara, was hauled before the Diamond/ Grove Magistrates’ Court on four firearm-related charges and one bribery-related charge. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison until April 28, 2022. Williams is being represented by attorneys-at-law Dexter Todd and Dexter Smartt, while the state’s case will be presented by police prosecutor, Hemchand Sukhna. The attorneys asked the court for reasonable bail arguing that several other persons had access to Williams’ motor car where the alleged guns and ammunition were found. However, prosecutor Sukhna strongly objected to the granting of bail citing the seriousness

and prevalence of the offence. According to a police report, on March 21, 2022, ranks acting on a ‘tip-off’ following a simple larceny report committed on the Ministry of Health’s Diamond Bond, visited the said bond to conduct investigations. Williams, who is an attendant at the storage bond, was arrested and his motor car, PAB 3032 was searched. Ranks found a duffel bag that contained a 9MM Luger pistol without magazine and two rounds of 9MM ammunition. Police also found one .380 pistol with a magazine containing seven matching rounds of ammunition and a large quantity of cash. The side pocket of the said bag had 20 rounds of .380 ammunition. It is alleged that while under cation, Williams, admitted to the crime and said, “Officer leh we deal with this before it reach de station.” Williams was arrested and taken to the Golden Grove Police Station where it is alleged that while being questioned by an officer, he offered the rank $1,750,000.00 cash to forego the said charges. At this point, Williams was told of the new offence committed - corrupt transaction with agent - cautioned in accordance with the judge’s rules and he replied “Well sir tek de whole bag a money all I want is me freedom.” A total of $4,580,000 cash including US$5,760 was found. The investigation into the simple larceny allegation is still ongoing.

“We have some very critical programmes that people depend on so when an agency executes a programme, there are a number of persons who benefit.,” he said adding: “These projects are critical…people depend on these projects for their livelihoods and I want you to ensure that you execute these projects on time.”

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials of the ministry with persons who signed contracts

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Man remanded for alleged theft of UG solar lights A 37-year-old man who allegedly stole 11 solar lights from the fence bordering the University of Guyana’s Science Centre at John’s, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared on Friday at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court and was remanded to pris-

Nazeem Khan

on by Magistrate Alex Moore. Nazeem Khan was not required to plead to the simple larceny charge which was read to him during the Skype hearing. It is alleged that on March 21, 2022, Khan stole the solar lights which are

together valued $115,000. According to reports, a university official made a report to the Whim Police Station after being informed that the lights were missing. Police, during their investigation, were reportedly informed that the accused

had approached someone asking if they knew of anyone who might be interested in purchasing solar lights. At that time, Khan reportedly had the lights in his possession. Based on this information, a detective corporal

and ranks from the anti -crime patrol unit arrested Khan who was found hiding inside a covered car, which was parked under his home. He will make his second appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on May 9.

Man found guilty of raping, assaulting Venezuelan sex worker

Thurston Semple

A 12-member jury, on Friday, found Thurston Semple guilty of raping and brutally assaulting a 30-year-old Venezuelan sex worker in 2021. Semple was on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara High Court. The matter before the court was that, between February 24-25, 2021, he allegedly committed the rape which led to an assault causing

bodily harm. After a two-hour deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict on each charge. The case has been adjourned to April 29 when a probation report, in favour of Semple, will be presented. Sentencing will follow. Prosecutors Nafeeza Baig, Muntaz Ali, and Latifah Elliot presented the State’s case, while attorney Everton Lammy-Singh is on record for Semple. According to reports, Semple picked up the sex worker from a city hotel and took her to his home after agreeing to pay her $10,000. The now-convicted man and the victim then had sexual intercourse at the home. He became annoyed when the woman told him that he had 15 minutes remaining with her. Semple then walked into the kitchen and returned with a knife. At that time the woman was dressing. He told her that she “wasn’t going anywhere.” In response she told him to keep the money and that she will leave peacefully. However, Semple grabbed her hair, placed the knife to her neck and forced her to perform oral sex on him. When she stopped sometime later, he slapped her. When he turned away to get the water she had asked for, the woman scrambled whatever clothes she could find and jumped through a glass window. However, Semple ran behind her and grabbed her by her hair. The victim recounted that she was naked and that Semple held on to her and stabbed her. She managed to hold on to the knife. The enraged Semple began beating her with a plastic tube filled with cement. The victim said that someone who was walking by, stopped and asked him what happened, and he said “nothing.” However, she cried out for help telling the person that she was a prostitute. The victim said that she subsequently gathered strength and jumped the fence and persons came to her rescue. Sometime after, the police came and arrested Semple. Under caution, Semple had reportedly told the police, “Officer I did had sex with her. I pay her for the service, and she refuse to do what I asked and I assaulted her in her face with a PVC pipe.” Semple has similar matters pending in the High Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday March 26, 2022)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Veerasammy Permaul-3/126 (first innings) (2) Jack Leach-3/36 (second innings) Today’s Quiz: (1) What have been the WI opening partnerships in the first two Tests of current WI/ENG series? (2) What have been ENG’s opening stands? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Lyon five-for strangles Pakistan (ESPNCRICINFO) - Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon resoundingly answered the critics with five wickets on the final day, as Australia's unwavering attack ended Pakistan's resistance late on day five to win the deciding third Test by 115 runs. Lyon claimed 5 for 83, while Player-of-the-Match Pat Cummins finished a brilliant series with 3 for 23, and eight wickets in the Test. Needing 351 to win or batting through 121 overs - both feats never achieved in Lahore before - Pakistan were dismissed for 235 after losing five wickets in the final session. In the historic first series between the teams in Pakistan since 1998, Australia broke the deadlock after draws in Rawalpindi and Karachi. It is the same 1-0 scoreline that Mark Taylor's team famously achieved 24 years ago. After giving Pakistan a sniff with a bold declaration, captain Cummins was vindicated as he led Australia to their first overseas Test series victory since 2016, as they also ended their 11-year drought in Asia. Pakistan's hopes nosedived when captain Babar Azam fell for 55 after tea, when Steven Smith took a sharp catch near his left boot off Lyon. After a

Nathan Lyon took 5 for 83, as Australia won by 115 runs (AFP/Getty Images)

torrid series in the slips, Smith atoned in a big moment to put Australia on course for victory. Australia were relieved after Babar, who had produced a masterful 196 to secure a draw in Karachi, had been dropped before tea by Travis Head at deep midwicket after rashly charging Lyon. He also may have enjoyed some luck moments earlier when Australia chose not to review after he prodded a Lyon delivery that ballooned to a diving Smith at slip. With just one review left, Cummins chose not to pull the trigger but replays showed Babar may have gloved the

ball. Australia's nerves were raised when Babar played fluently against the second new ball but his dismissal sucked the life out of the crowd, as Australia soon claimed their first Test win against Pakistan in Asia since 2002. Cummins was predictably brilliant with the ball and gave Australia a stranglehold with a superb burst before tea to dismiss Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan. He made all the right moves, starting with his sporting declaration late on day four, which dangled a carrot to Pakistan, who had defied the odds during their

remarkable chase of 506 in Karachi when they finished at 443 for 7 from 171.4 overs. Cummins, who remains unbeaten as skipper from seven Tests, knew the slow Lahore surface, marked by low bounce, offered more assistance for bowlers than flat pitches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. Having struggled recently in bowling Australia to victory on the final day, Lyon proved a point with a five-wicket haul as he expertly targeted the rough patches and occasionally made deliveries spit off the wicket. He started his terrific performance by removing Imam-

ul-Haq for 70 with his second ball after lunch when he had the opener inside-edging to silly point. It was a reward for Lyon's accuracy and Cummins' persistence with deploying four catchers around the bat. Lyon had also toiled manfully in the middle of day three to fuel Australia's fightback just when Pakistan appeared set for a mammoth first-innings total. Amid batting friendly conditions throughout, Australia's series victory was built on the back of indefatigable batting, even though Player-of-the-Series Usman Khawaja was their only centurion. Pakistan-born Khawaja enjoyed a remarkable homecoming with 496 runs at 165.33 and two hundreds, while Australia had enough contributors without any other standouts. Pakistan will rue a horrendous batting collapse on day three when they had lost 7 for 20, as they eventually fell short of staving off defeat for the second straight match. They were left to ponder the decision to deploy a five-pronged bowling attack at the expense of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, which left their batting weakened. Even though they faced a daunting task, the hosts entered

the final day with hope. But it soon eroded in the first session after the controversial dismissal of Azhar Ali for 17 following an overturned review. Replays detected a faint edge from an attempted sweep off Lyon that lobbed to Smith at first slip. Smith was absolutely convinced that he had heard a sound, but replays only detected the slightest deviation in the wave. In his 94th Test - and first in his hometown - Azhar's match ended in major disappointment as he trudged off angrily in a blow for Pakistan who had earlier lost in-form Abdullah Shafique for 27. Pakistan were again dependent on Babar, and fans in the terraces still believed he could produce something miraculous on the 30th anniversary of Pakistan's World Cup triumph at the MCG. But those dreams were thwarted by Australia's sustained attack, which never buckled in the series despite flat conditions and formidable Pakistan batting. Fittingly, Cummins claimed the final wicket after comprehensively bowling Naseem Shah to trigger memorable celebrations for Australia who have waited a long time to savour victory in Pakistan.

Saudi F1 race to go on despite missile attacks (BBC) - The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned after a missile attack on an oil facility near the track in Jeddah. Second practice was delayed by 15 minutes after the attack as team bosses and drivers were called to a meeting with F1 president Stefano Domenicali. A significant number of drivers have concerns about the safety of the event, BBC Sport has been told. All drivers' post-practice media sessions were cancelled. Smoke billowed across the track during the first session earlier in the day. Yemen's Houti rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the Associated Press. Domenicali told the teams and drivers that the weekend would proceed as planned and that security for the grand prix has been a priority for the authorities. He said he would keep them updated through the weekend and met them again just over an hour after practice finished to share further

Yemen's Houti rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the Associated Press

information. Domenicali emerged from that meeting to say that F1 had trust in the local authorities and that there

was unanimous agreement from the teams to go ahead with the race. The drivers then went into their regular Friday briefing with the

race director, and have continued discussions among themselves after its ending. An F1 statement said: "Formula

1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today. "The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation." A statement from race organisers, the Saudi Motorsport Company, said: "We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented." FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem: "They are targeting the infrastructure, not the civilians, and, of course, not the track. We've checked the facts and we've got assurances from the highest level that this is a secure place. Let's go on racing. There was a similar attack a week before the race, while F1 was at the opening event of the season in Bahrain.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

GMR&SC Quarter Mile Return …

Surinamese arrive, 89 locals registered

AS the clock counts down to what is building to be the biggest drag-race event of the season, eighty-nine competitors have so far signed up. The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMRSC) Return to Quarter Mile is likely to exceed the hundredth participant barrier according to president Rameez Mohamed. “Up to this evening when I checked, we had just over 80 competitors registered, including both cars and bikes and as we speak, others are coming to get registered,” Mohamed said. “We expect that by race-day Sunday (tomorrow), that number will likely increase.” Mohamed contended that as it stands, 89 was the last count inclusive of bikes but that number excluded the Suriname contingent which is likely to feature at least 10 cars. Up to press time, some of the competitors had made it across to the Moleson Creek port with more expected today.

“Suriname are here and they will be ready to do battle come tomorrow and competition will be stiff. They have said to us that they brought their cars to dominate South Dakota,” Mohamed said “We also still have tickets on sale at our locations so persons who haven’t had a chance to get them can still do so before Sunday.” Tickets cost $2 000 for adults; $500 for kids, and are on sale at the club’s Albert Street & Thomas Lands venue, Mohamed’s Enterprise, 29 Lombard Street, Georgetown; Motor Trend Service Centre, Area L Foulis Public Road E.C.D; West Coast Customs Wash Bay, Vreed-en-Hoop, WCD; Massive Audio, Parika EBE; Homeline Furnishing, 592 New Amsterdam, Berbice; Sukhpaul’s Business Enterprise & Auto Sales, Lot 7-8 Strand, New Amsterdam, Berbice and Sukhpaul’s Service Station, Corriverton, Berbice.

GCA/GISE/Star Rentals/Trophy Stall 1st Division 2-day tourney …

Barry says players eager for cricket

By Clifton Ross

PRESIDENT of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), Neil Barry Sr, said teams and players alike are elated over the return of cricket, as they prepare for the 2022 General Industrial and Supplies Enterprise (GISE) Star Rentals/Trophy Stall 2-Day 1st division tournament. Speaking with the Chronicle Sport yesterday, the GCB boss quickly noted that it was great to see the response from the teams/ players, whom he described as ‘anxious’ when referring to their stance regarding the upcoming competition, which was officially launched last Tuesday. “The teams and players are eager to play some cricket and they are happy we have launched the tournament so quickly”, added Barry, who went on to say that most of the boxes are already ticked but GCA is currently monitoring the position of the respective venues which are expected to host the matches. He noted that some of the venues are not yet fully prepared but are in the process of being fine-tuned - with regard to cutting of any excess grass, re-rolling of pitches and any all-round finishing touches which are needed to have venues cricket-ready. As such, the former Guyana player, now administrator, said he was confident that by April, all systems will be ready for action, as GCA hopes to complete this year’s edition of the tournament, minus any hiccups. With a number of teams set to be involved in this year’s tourney, Barry said he wants to work closely with the other clubs across the city. He noted it was important for clubs to remain engaged while coming up with the

GCA president Neil Barry

necessary moves which will ensure that each club is sustained across all facets. Mr Barry further outlined that this year’s competition will not be going zonal, instead, each team will play 8 rounds of mouth-watering cricket against each other, and something he said will provide a buffer for all the teams/ cricketers involved. As for the ever-looming threat of COVID-19, the GCA boss was adamant that clubs maintain the necessary safety guidelines while calling on players to remain focused on their health while following the rules to ensure a safe environment for all. Further information on the upcoming event, playing conditions or fixtures can be viewed on the GCA’s official website Pitchero.com.

The Surinamese competitors awaiting crossing to Guyana

Queen’s Baton officially begins Guyana journey By Rawle Toney THE Queen's Baton was officially received in Guyana last evening, following a cocktail reception at the residence of the British High Commission. Acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller along with the president of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Kalam Juman-Yassin, joined members of the sporting fraternity in welcoming the Baton to Guyana. The Queen’s Baton is at its 46th stop out of 72 nations. The Queen’s Baton Relay has been a feature since the inaugural Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games. The Relay began on October 7, 2021, with Her Majesty The Queen placing her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton. Acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, took the opportunity to highlight the Government of Guyana's investment in sports. He pointed to the three multipurpose sports facilities in Linden, Essequibo, and Linden. Meanwhile, according to the GOA, during its time in Guyana, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Linden, Iwokrama River Lodge, River View and Annai and

The 2022 Queen’s Baton

will experience historical locations in Region 10, the Canopy Walkway and the Hinterland. During its stay in Guyana, the organisers have planned a busy schedule of activities and events with opportunities to showcase untold stories from Baton-bearers, athletes,

and young people who are striving for change in their community. The Queen’s Baton will be carried by representatives of UNICEF and the British High Commission, athletes, schoolchildren and several persons in the indigenous communities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

Blue Water Shipping provides support for Golden Courts Caribbean Classic campaign BLUE Water Shipping has provided generous sponsorship to support Guyana’s participation in the Courts Caribbean Classic in Trinidad and Tobago, building on its existing strong partnership with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to accelerate the development of football at all levels. The Senior Men’s National Team departed for Trinidad and Tobago yesterday, to compete against Barbados tomorrow and the hosts on Tuesday, March 29, in a three-team friendly tournament as part of preparations for CONCACAF Nations League B fixtures in June. “Football is a big part of Blue Water,” said Thomas Bek, Chief Operating Officer for energy, ports and projects at the Danish-based transportation and logistics firm. “We are proud to have this opportunity to support the Guyana Football Federation on different levels, and we are really looking forward to the partnership for the years to come as well. It’s been a very positive experience so far.” Blue Water, which has a local office in Georgetown, has a long track record of supporting sport, and has partnered with the GFF for a growing range of projects involving the Golden Jaguars and the forthcoming establishment of Guyana’s first national U15 league for girls. “It’s been an absolute pleasure,” said Blue

Blue Water Shipping Country Manager, Richard DeNobrega, presents an undisclosed sum of support for the Golden Jaguars to GFF president Wayne Forde

Water Shipping Country Manager, Richard DeNobrega. “We, at Blue Water, want this to be a long-term partnership and relationship with the football federation. We really are happy to be on board – they’ve done a fantastic job and we want to support and see that it

continues, and see that these players benefit.” GFF president Wayne Forde explained the support of long-term corporate partners was vital to ensure the success of football programmes in Guyana, including the GFF’s ambition to reach the FIFA World Cup this

decade. “We are so happy to have Blue Water, yet again, on board with us, to support the Golden Jaguars,” Forde said. “The national team requires a lot of support from corporate Guyana, and to have Blue Water Guyana supporting the U15 girls and Golden Jaguars is something that we are all very happy with. The GFF thanks the management and staff of Blue Water, here in Guyana, and the folk in the head office in Denmark.” As part of the Golden Jaguars partnership, Blue Water Shipping’s corporate logo will be displayed prominently on the squad’s training and travel attire. Golden Jaguars head coach Jamaal Shabazz, who has named a 23-man squad for the tournament, said that Blue Water had set a shining example to the corporate community in its support for football. “Blue Water Shipping coming on board as a corporate partner at the beginning is saying something very profound,” Shabazz said. “The importance of people coming on board at the start is that they need to be pioneers. It’s a good example as a corporate partner, and we really appreciate it. It gives a great boost to the team to know we are going to Trinidad, and these are games that will help to expose and improve our players.”

3rd Apex Test, West Indies vs England …

Da Silva drags West Indies to 28-run lead (ESPNCRICINFO) - Some 13 000km lie between Lahore and St George's, and a similar distance would appear to lie between the teams that have been taking part in their respective Test series- deciders. If Pat Cummins' Australians have just demonstrated, in their hard-fought series victory over Pakistan, that a side blessed with great bowlers can transcend any conditions, then England and West Indies would appear to be hostages to a less palatable truth. On the face of it, the decisive third Test in Grenada could scarcely be more intricately poised. By the close of the second day's play, West Indies' lower order had chiselled out a precious lead of 28, and every extra run looks set to be vital on a two-paced surface that promises awkward times ahead in even the most nominal of fourth-innings chases. And yet, the evidence of the first two innings has been revealing.

Two flawed teams, battling with their own insecurities, with bat and ball alike, with each facet of their play winning out at alternate moments, with the implacable obstinacy of a ‘push-mepull-you’. On the first day, England collapsed in seaming conditions to 114 for 9, before their tenth-wicket pair cashed in on the softer old ball to ease to a serene 90-run stand. And on the second, West Indies staged a near-replica of their own - a collapse of seven for 78, either side of lunch, as Chris Woakes dragged his length back and with it, fleetingly, his reputation in overseas conditions, then a late-evening revival with Joshua da Silva's diligent 54 not out to the fore, as West Indies' eighth and ninth wickets racked up 104 series-tilting runs. And by the close, England were huffing and puffing as if they were back in Antigua or Barbados - including with the second new ball, which came and went six

anodyne overs with as little malice as the first. And in the contest's final analysis, the combined analysis of 72 for 0 that West Indies have been able to pick off while those balls have been at its hardest may yet prove to be pivotal. For whatever else England may have achieved in the name of their red-ball reset, finding an answer to their toothless-ness up top is not one of them. That said, the most successful of England's bowlers in the innings to date is that man Woakes, although his current analysis of 20-6-483 - already his second-best in 20 overseas Tests - tells only a fraction of his story. Prior to this series, West Indies' openers, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, had not made a half-century stand on home soil since England's last visit to the Caribbean in 2019 - and they've never yet made a century-stand in 35 attempts, the most by a top-order pair in Test history. They have, however, now

racked up three fifty-stands in as many Tests this series, including this latest effort - a disarmingly serene alliance of 50 that, in following directly on from Jack Leach's and Saqib Mahmood's casual progress on the first evening, appeared to confirm that the spice of the first morning had long since been and gone. But just as had been the case with their guileless first innings in Antigua, Woakes and Craig Overton were culpable in floating the ball up too full and wide for a cracked surface that demand-

ed the ball be driven into the deck to extract the uneven bounce, and both men were all too easily thwarted as England's first-innings 204 was made to look grossly inadequate. But then Ben Stokes, inevitably, showed the way with a back-of-a-length shin-smasher to dislodge Brathwaite for his lowest score of the series, and one over later, Campbell got in a tangle to a fearsome visor-smasher from Overton. He carried on after a mandatory concussion test, but

the success of that length was an indication of the threat that lingered, if England were willing to test the facilities. Sure enough, Mahmood was the next to drag his own length back to pin Shamarh Brooks in front of leg-stump, and then, six balls later and in the penultimate over of the session, Overton's aggression into Campbell's body paid dividends, as he scuffed an attempted pull down the leg-side, and was sent on his way after a review.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings 204 WEST INDIES 1st innings

K. Brathwaite lbw b Stokes 17 J. Campbell c wkp. Foakes b Overton 35 S. Brooks lbw b Mahmood 13 N. Bonner c wkp. Foakes b Woakes 4 J. Blackwood lbw b Woakes 18 J. Holder c Bairstow b Woakes 0 K. Mayers c Mahmood b Stokes 28 J. Da Silva not out 25 A. Joseph c wkp. Foakes b Overton 28

K. Roach not out

Extras: (b-1, lb-7, w-2) 10 Total: (8 wkts, 86 overs) 232 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-68, 3-69, 4-82, 5-82, 6-95, 7-128, 8-177. Bowling: Woakes 20-6-48-3 (w-1), Overton 20-1-71-2 (w-1), Mahmood 18-7-39-1, Stokes 16-2-40-2, Leach 12-3-26-0. Position: West Indies lead by 28 runs. Toss: West Indies

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 26, 2022

PAGE

30 Acting President, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (centre), joined British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller (first from left), and president of the GOA, Kalam Juman-Yassin. (Delano Williams photo)

Queen’s Baton officially begins Guyana journey PAGE

The Surinamese competitors awaiting crossing to Guyana

3rd Apex Test, West Indies vs England …

Da Silva drags West Indies to 28-run lead PAGE

31 GMRSC Quarter Mile Return …

Surinamese arrive, 89 locals registered

Joshua da Silva sweeps into the leg-side vs England, 3rd Test, Grenada, 2nd day, yesterday (Getty Images)

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SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2022