Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18-04-2024

APNU-controlled City Council lacks capacity to manage city’s infrastructure

–– President Ali says after section of Stabroek Market collapses due to years of neglect –– injured persons get prompt medical attention; Benn says site, section of facility still an accident waiting to happen –– Central Gov’t forced to step in to clear collapsed site, chart a way forward

APNU+AFC ‘short-sighted’ economic policy resulted in hardships for Guyanese

–– Vice-President Jagdeo says; points to the restoration of incentives, improvement of the quality of life under PPP/C Gov’t

IMFprojects33.9percenteconomicgrowthforGuyanathisyear Preparations ongoing to ensure smooth integration of ‘power ship’ into GPL grid

–– through company’s energy infrastructure at Everton, Nandlall says

–– affirms intention to be very rigid in the battle against ‘rumours’ and false narratives

Walrond, Hamilton expose Hughes’ inaccuracies at Geneva forum

–– point to his deliberate distortion of facts to peddle untruths about the gov’t

A full-scale clearing operation is underway after the western section of the Stabroek Market’s roof collapsed early Wednesday morning, resulting in minor injuries to four vendors and one fisherman (Delano Williams photos)

Walrond, Hamilton expose Hughes’ inaccuracies at Geneva forum

–– point to his deliberate distortion of facts to peddle untruths about the gov’t

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who is leading a delegation at the Third session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland, on Wednesday, exposed the inaccuracies presented by the representative of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) at the forum.

During a live broadcast on Wednesday, Minister Walrond noted that there were troubling things that were made in the presentation by Nigel Hughes who represented IDPADA-G at the forum.

She referenced a specific quote that Hughes mentioned in relation to the Guyana’s presentation to the human rights committee, and the quote that the committee was concerned about the absence of anti-discrimination legislation that may extend beyond discrimination in employment.

Walrond said: “This is absolutely not so, that report and that specific quote were mentioned in relation to purported discrimination against the LGBTQ community.”

She related that the human rights committee

made a point that Guyana has yet to extend anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ persons, and noted that that is the quote that was lifted and used inaccurately.

“This is what the quote was lifted and meant to apply to, not to the fact

that we don’t have antidiscrimination laws for afro-Guyanese and to use that as a basis for that argument was incredibly disingenuous and very disappointing,” Walrond added.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton who was part of the delegation, said that Hughes deliberately utilised the report inaccurately.

“I think he deliberately did that to hoodwink the people who were at the conference,” Hamilton said.

The Minister of Labour said that the organisation and its representatives believe that they are making the government look bad but do not understand that they make the country look bad in turn.

However, he added that Guyana is far removed from the type of discrimination and casting aside of people of African descent displayed in other parts of the world, and it has been so for decades.

Hamilton went on to

note that in every sphere of activity, Afro-Guyanese participated at all levels since the country became independent.

“Development as regards present day development, people of African descent are participants in the development, but these guys, the only thing they know to do is the fan the flames,” Hamilton said.

of

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond

Minister

Labour, Joseph Hamilton

APNU-controlled City Council lacks capacity to manage city’s infrastructure

–– President Ali says after section of Stabroek Market collapses due to years of neglect

–– injured persons get prompt medical attention; Benn says site, section of facility still an accident waiting to happen –– Central Gov’t forced to step in to clear collapsed site, chart a way forward

By Cindy Parkinson

A FULL-scale clearing operation is underway after the western section of the Stabroek Market’s roof collapsed early Wednesday morning, resulting in minor injuries to four vendors and one fisherman.

In response to the collapse, President Dr. Irfaan Ali visited the scene, assessed the situation, and directed government officials to take action.

President Ali, expressing concern over the lack of maintenance of City infrastructure, instructed Minister within the Ministry of Public

“This is the problem with some of the infrastructure in the city that are not being maintained and are left in a state that is dangerous to the citizens. And we have to decide how we are going to address those issues,” he said.

Works Deodat Indar and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Sonia Parag, along with teams of engineers, to clear the debris.

The Head of State criticised the Mayor and City Council’s leadership, citing their inability to manage such a critical infrastructure, which was left derelict for years.

“I have instructed Minister Indar and Minister Sonia; the engineers are already here to clean up... The City is not in a position, technically, from a management perspective. And we have to be honest, from a leadership perspective, too,” President Ali said, adding:

“The Mayor needs to work closer with the councillors in a collective way, because, from a leadership perspective, there is no capacity to manage some of these key infrastructure and investment in the city.”

A such, he tasked his two ministers to assess the damage and chart a way forward in rebuilding the section of the market.

“That is why we are discussing how to manage the situation. So, Minister Parag and Minister Indar will look at and make a total assessment so that we can see what must be done in clearing up, but also what must be done in moving forward safely and rebuilding,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister Indar, who was among the first officials to arrive on the scene, informed the media that as soon as he heard the news, he, along with Minister Parag and the Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, rushed to the scene to mobilise and dispatch emergency services to the location.

“From walking on the site,” he said, “I can tell you from observation, and from talking with the persons who normally vend there, some folks actually live there. They told us that, initially, there were four persons who got injured; one guy slipped a shoulder, and some had minor injuries, but they had been given medical attention.

“There was a fifth person who emerged just now, and he had a little laceration behind his neck, and he has gone to get medical treatment. So, what we have seen and heard is that five persons, and all of them are seeking medical attention.”

Minister Indar also related that from the reports he received from eyewitnesses

when they heard the “cracking” of the wooden structure, they jumped overboard to save their lives.

He also said that the area is currently a fire hazard, which is a threat to the market.

attention to the deterioration of the structure,” Minister Benn said.

Considering the current danger of the site, Minister Benn asked that the City Council work with the gov-

that wharf at the time.

“I know it was a wharf that was condemned because I heard that from several vendors who were here. People actually brought it to my attention because people were

‘AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN’

In an invited comment to the media, Minister Benn said that the collapsed site, as well as another part of the market, “is an accident waiting to happen”.

“It is under the operational and administrative control of the City Council, and since several years ago it was a disused site, and persons were prevented from coming onto it. Pending a decision by them (the City Council) for repairs to the facility, and that hasn’t happened yet.

“Obviously there has been a lack of control as to the use of the site and paying

ernment and the firefighters to get the debris cleared.

Minister Parag said that she recently visited the Stabroek Market during a walkabout and was left to question the use of the wharf after seeing the deplorable state that it was in.

According to her, the deteriorated state was due to the lack of “checks and balances” by the City Council, who were supposed to ensure that no one occupied the area.

“I was here two weeks ago on a walkabout as the Minister of Local Government… I noted and expressed publicly the dangers of people that were traversing on

there, and it was potentially dangerous, and today we saw the effects of that,” Minister Parag said.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Olanza Evans, who was one of the five persons who were injured, said he heard a cracking noise seconds before the roof collapsed.

“We were just sitting down, and we heard a cracking sound, and the roof started to come down, and we ran; some just jump overboard. I was a vendor here for years, and now everything is covered,” a distraught Evans said.

ASSESSMENT UPDATE

In keeping with President Ali’s commitment, following an assessment of the collapsed structure a few hours after, Minister Parag revealed that her ministry and the Ministry of Public Works, and teams of other government officials, such as MARAD, firefighters, engineers, and others have developed the requested plan to clear the rubble.

According to her, the clearing has begun, and will be done in a Phase One approach.

This will be followed by a Phase Two approach, which will ensure the removal of the other dilapidated building,

which is still standing and is hazardous.

Meanwhile, Minister Indar said that due to the narrow pathway to get through the market, it would be challenging for heavy machinery to get to the designated location, and as such, the teams are operating manually to clear the debris.

He also said that for the safety of the workers, a walkway is being built so that they can clear the area without the risk of anyone getting hurt.

Minister Indar further disclosed that they have resorted to using a barge, an excavator, and trucks that will collect and dispose of the debris.

“This operation is all manual; we will take all the debris manually onto a pontoon, and an excavator will load it onto trucks to take to a waste site,” Minister Indar said.

The Government of Guyana is asking that persons stay away from collapsed sites so as to prevent any further injuries to others.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the scene of the Stabroek Market collapse (Cindy Parkinson photo; others by Delano Williams)

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar; Local Government Minister, Sonia Parag; and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn on the collapsed western section of the Stabroek Market

Olanza Evans, one of the vendors who received a minor laceration to his neck

Mervyn Sealey (fisherman), who received a fractured hand due to the collapse

The western section of the Stabroek Market that collapsed Wednesday morning

‘No one left behind’

–– Minister Hamilton tells UN Forum Guyana prioritises equal access to education, opportunities

IN a declaration of commitment to equal opportunities, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to advancing education as a cornerstone of inclusive development, setting a commendable example for nations worldwide.

Minster Hamilton on Wednesday addressed the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on Peoples of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland.

Focused on the theme, “Ensuring Equal Access to Educational Opportunities regardless of Race, Colour, or national origin”, Minister Hamilton underscored Guyana’s steadfast dedication to providing education as an inherent right for all its citizens.

“Access to education is an inherent right of every individual,” Minister Hamilton affirmed as he highlighted to the UN Forum Guyana’s government’s unwavering stance on safeguarding this fundamental right.

Amidst evolving realities, he stressed the importance of ensuring that changes do not hinder access to quality education.

Drawing attention to

Guyana’s policy priorities, Minister Hamilton highlighted the nation’s pursuit of universal secondary education, with a target to achieve this by 2026.

Notably, he outlined the government’s provision of annual vouchers worth US$200 to every school child, regardless of the institution they attend.

Further, in a changing world, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is of even greater importance than before.

Minister Hamilton used the opportunity to shed light on Guyana’s significant investment in TVET programmes to bridge the skills gap in the job market, and empower its youthful population.

Among the initiatives showcased by Minister Hamilton was the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) TVET programme, designed to nurture local workforce and entrepreneurship for sustainable economic diversification.

He pointed out the programme’s inclusivity, with approximately 48 per cent of enrolled students being women, engaging in non-traditional technical areas.

Hamilton also refer -

enced the success of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative, which surpassed its target of offering 20,000 tertiary-level scholarships by 2025.

Over 60 per cent of the participants in GOAL are female, reflecting Guyana’s commitment to gender inclusivity in education.

Highlighting the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), Minister Hamilton celebrated the empowerment of over 8,000 women through training for self-employment opportunities since its inception in 2022.

He also reiterated Guyana’s dedication to its transformative development agenda, underscoring the vision of leaving “no one behind” and fostering a highly skilled, competitive, and diverse workforce to meet the demands of a changing global landscape.

Guyana’s commitment to advancing education is evident through its efforts to address the challenges caused by global crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, its focus on inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy schools, and its commitment to collaborating with teachers to identify and address

various challenges within the education system.

The government’s allocation of $135.2 billion to education in Budget 2024 also reflects its commitment to advancing higher education and fostering expertise in critical fields.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) in Guyana has focused on capacity building

for teachers in student-cantered methodology related to STEM education, literacy across the curriculum, distance education engagement, and teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to improve their delivery of the curriculum

The MOE has also supported learners’ physical return to school and stu-

dent welfare through academic and non-academic extra-curricular activities, social services support in the form of cash grants, worksheets, and care packages for students, and provisions given to dormitory students and school feeding programmes for primary and secondary school students.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton during his address at the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on Peoples of African Descent in Geneva

Preparations ongoing to ensure smooth integration of ‘power ship’ into GPL grid

–– through company’s energy infrastructure at Everton, Nandlall says

By Feona Morrison

PREPARATIONS are underway to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Guyana, with the arrival of a power-supply vessel.

The vessel, which is scheduled to dock in about three weeks, is expected to play a critical role in increasing the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) power supply.

Authorities have been diligently coordinating with relevant stakeholders to streamline the logistics associated with the vessel’s arrival.

Head of the Executive Management Committee of GPL, Kesh Nandlall, has indicated that officials overseeing the vessel have been actively collaborating with pertinent stakeholders to streamline the logistical aspects of its arrival.

Additionally, he said engineers are on standby to facilitate the integration of

‘We

the vessel into the existing energy infrastructure at Everton, Berbice, seamlessly.

“We have a project plan to ensure that the site is in a ready state. And we have built the interconnection from the power ship onto the national grid. We are working on getting all of that done to be ready when the vessel arrives,” he told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

The power supply vessel will be connected to GPL’s Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System at Everton in Berbice, providing support to the generation capacity of the power company.

Under an agreement between the government and UCC Holdings of Qatar, the power ship will supply 36 megawatts of power to Guyana for a duration of 24 months.

Additionally, GPL has been working at its Columbia, East Coast Demerara

(ECD) substation to increase its electricity-delivery capacity, with the installation of 15 of 17 generators. The remaining generators will be installed by the

end of this week, bringing the total power- generation capacity at that substation to 23 megawatts.

Nandlall related that once all the generators are operational, the plan is to gradually increase the load on them to maximise output.

The US$27 million worth of generators, acquired from Apan Energy Services, is expected to add an estimated 30 megawatts to the national grid.

The persistent power outages, attributed to various factors, including aging infrastructure and increased demand, have underscored the urgent need for infrastructural upgrades within GPL’s network.

The utility company is also actively exploring renewable energy options as part of its long-term strategy to diversify the energy mix, and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

want to make sure industries grow’

–– Gossai says; points to importance of ‘local content legislation’ in driving growth across all sectors

SENIOR Petroleum Coordinator at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Bobby Gossai, on Tuesday said that the country’s localcontent legislation has been driving growth across sectors since its enactment.

He made those remarks at the second annual Local Content Summit during a panel discussion which focused on local content for the oil and gas sector, as a driver of economic expansion.

According to Gossai, looking at where the industry is, officials are seeing the integration of local content and the benefits that are being derived from the legislation.

While he noted that the lateral linkages can be seen, there are things on the financial side that can be improved upon as alluded to by President, Dr Irfaan Ali.

“From the MNR’s (Ministry of Natural Resources) point of view and the Local Content Secretariat’s point of view, we want to make sure that industries grow, not just the oil and gas sector,

that we can provide goods and we can provide services and we want to improve on that.”

With that, he added that there are many businesses that want to be added to the local content register and reach the requirements for local-content certification, so they could tap into the oil and gas industry and be locally certified and reap the significant benefits.

Gossai said too that the country retaining hundreds of millions of dollars shows that the Local Content Law itself is driving economic benefits to Guyana.

GPL recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InterEnergy, a Dominican Republic power company to enhance the management of its electricity services.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had expressed deep concern over the state of Guyana’s power infrastructure, which is significantly impacted by aged generators, some over 30 years old, compounded by a five-year period of maintenance neglect between 2015 and 2020 under the APNU+AFC government.

With an exponential increase in demand anticipated due to the rapid economic development taking place in the country, President Ali revealed projections of an additional 35 megawatts of new demand this year alone,

reaching approximately 220 megawatts overall by yearend.

However, the current generating capacity stands at around only 165 megawatts, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by infrastructural constraints, including difficulties with transportation for construction and accidents affecting the network, President Ali stressed the critical need to address human resource gaps by recruiting more engineers, technicians, and linesmen to strengthen the workforce.

The government is also actively pursuing the gas-to-energy project to supply around 300 megawatts of power.

because the oil and gas sector is not an island, the oil and gas sector is not a sector that stands on its own, it is driven by linkages,” Gossai added. He related that whether it be food supply, transportation, logistics or financial services, authorities are looking to improve on that. The petroleum coordina-

tor told the gathering: “So, what we have focused on from the time we created the policy and then the law, into measuring local content, is looking at those 40 areas but then reflect it back on the new sub-economic sectors. Normally, we say the carvedout areas but I like to say the beneficial economic zones

Meanwhile, during the discussion, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said that the government realised early on that the only way to get more out of the sector for the country was by having a local-content policy.

This, he said, is here now and with the legislation, the proof is in the pudding, as Guyanese are now benefitting significantly from that sector.

Head of the Executive Management Committee of GPL, Kesh Nandlall

Senior Petroleum Coordinator, Bobby Gossai (left) and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar (right) during the panel discussion on Tuesday (Delano Williams photo)

Governing for All

IN the intricate tapestry of Guyana’s societal landscape, the Afro-Guyanese communities stand as pillars of cultural heritage and resilience.

Amidst a global discourse on racial justice and equality, the Government of Guyana has emerged as a beacon of support and empowerment for its Afro-Guyanese populace.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond’s recent statements at the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva shed light on the tangible strides made towards fostering inclusivity, preserving cultural identity, and rectifying historical injustices.

Contrary to assertions of neglect or prejudice, Minister Walrond underscored the government’s steadfast dedication to uplifting Afro-Guyanese communities.

The allocation of significant funds

to the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana (IDPADA-G) groups exemplifies a concrete step towards tangible progress.

By disbursing nearly $70 million in 2023 alone for community projects, training programmes, and cultural initiatives, the government demonstrates a commitment to equitable development. Moreover, Minister Walrond’s mention of substantial financial contributions towards Emancipation Day activities reflects a nuanced approach to cultural preservation.

By incentivising cultural performances and promoting awareness of African heritage, the government fosters a sense of pride and belonging among Afro-Guyanese and the wider population. Such initiatives transcend mere symbolism; they serve as catalysts for social cohesion and mutual understanding in Guyanese society.

Addressing allegations of victimisation, Minister Walrond unequivocally asserts the government’s stance against discrimination. The call for evidence and swift action against any form of prejudice underscores a commitment to justice and inclusivity.

In a nation where diversity is celebrated as a cornerstone of identity, such assurances are crucial for fostering trust and unity among all communities.

Furthermore, Guyana’s endorsement of reparations for the descendants of enslaved Africans reflects a recognition of historical injustices and a commitment to rectifying them.

President Irfaan Ali’s unwavering support for reparative justice underscores Guyana’s leadership in the global pursuit of racial equity.

By establishing a national reparations committee and advocating within CARICOM for international repara-

tions summits, Guyana demonstrates proactive engagement in addressing the legacy of slavery and its enduring effects.

As discussions unfold regarding the extension of the International Decade for People of African Descent, Guyana emerges as a staunch advocate for continued progress. Minister Walrond’s affirmation of Guyana’s support for the Decade’s extension reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development and social inclusion.

By pledging to craft and implement programmes benefitting Afro-Guyanese communities, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to building a more equitable society for all its citizens.

As Guyana navigates the complexities of a diverse society, its leadership in advancing the rights and opportunities of Afro-Guyanese communities set a commendable example for nations worldwide.

I look forward to a real FBI inquiry soon

Dear Editor,

RICKFORD Burke sent letters to Guyanese-American community leaders, inviting them to a “Special Meeting US Member of Congress.”

Burke was emphatic that: “This meeting is strictly confidential and by invite only. Consequently, this invite is for the addressee only, is not transferable to any other person, and should not be shared with anyone else or disclosed publicly”.

As with all good Guyanese secrets, the letter immediately leaked, along with the gossip that a sum of money was requested as a “donation” should the invitee take up the invitation.

I published the letter unaltered,

though I did highlight relevant sections and grammatical errors; the proverbial cat was let loose among the pigeons and it did not take long for the squawking to begin.

Burke’s first response was that following my social media post (FB) he (Burke) received death threats from a US number; how Burke connects the two unrelated events is beyond me and for more experienced minds to figure out.

Burke’s second response was more telling, however, he (Burke) claimed the letter was a fabrication and that I (Robin Singh) was the one calling people in the United States Diaspora and soliciting funds for meetings with Members of the US Congress, including Hakeem Jeffries

(a known Burke associate), Yevette Clarke and Gregory Meeks and I was under investigation by the FBI!

This balderdash was carried by a pseudo-online news outlet, The Village Voice. I found it amusing as I am, like most Guyanese, used to Burke’s fantasies. Remember he was assaulted by the marshal serving a warrant until the video surfaced that proved otherwise; then I got to thinking.

It would seem that Burke has been caught arranging a “pay to play” meeting for his friend Hakeem Jeffries. At this point, I am unclear if Jefferies was an active participant but the right federal (not state) investigation would sort that out quickly.

New York is too corrupt for a state

investigation. Prosecutors like Letitia James are Democratic Party cronies of Burke and Jeffries and are more likely to be engaged in “Lawfare” trying to suppress Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump than in finding real lawbreakers.

I will be making a formal legal complaint against Burke for his fabrications and defamation in the US Justice System and, informing the Republican Leaders in Congress of Hakeem Jeffries’s associations and possible misconduct.

I look forward to a REAL FBI inquiry soonest.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

Sydney King at 99: Freudian notes

I DON’T have the mental capacity to refer to Sydney King (he is 99) by his adopted name of Eusi Kwayana.

Given how Sydney King reared his racial head after March 2020, I just don’t have the mental readiness to refer to him as Eusi Kwayana. I prefer Sydney King. I think March 2020 showed that in Kwayana, Sydney King was always there and never went away.

The man the post-war generation knew as Sydney King who preached racially inspiring doctrines in Guyana never was Eusi Kwayana but was always Sydney King, the partitionist who wanted Guyana to be split into an Indian half and an African half.

My mother and mother-in-law who knew about a racial preacher in the 1960s named Sydney King, always said to me that he will always be Sydney King. I use to defend him when they told me to be aware of Sydney King. But those old people without any fancy education knew what they were talking about. They are long gone but once the name Eusi Kwayana comes up, I always remember their warning to the young misguided, idealistic idiot that I was.

Sydney was a perfectionist in the Freudian methodology of repression of the expressions of the ID. Freud explained that we escape the over-powering presence of the ID through the defence mechanism of repression. We block out the compelling drives that we do not want to be part of our reality so we repress them.

But Freud, in a brilliant way, explained that there comes an incident or an event or a moment when repression fails and the ID brings to the conscious mind the things we repressed for so long. This is where Freud equals Karl Marx in Marx’s fantastic discovery of surplus value. For Marx, there will always be a surplus that the employer takes from labour which should be

shared with labour. Inherent then in capitalism is exploitation. Central to understanding the mind is repression. It is central to psychoanalysis.

Freud argues that in that though we can achieve permanent, successful repression, there will come a time, no matter how long in the life of an individual, that something triggers the release of the repressed instincts.

I saw a movie when I was very young named X, Y and Zee with the power couple of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Though made in 1972, there hasn’t been a movie made since then that shows how irrepressible is the ID and that the repressed ID may rise to the surface one day and reveal who we really are.

The racial instinct inherent in King was repressed for almost 50 years in which Eusi Kwayana replaced Sydney King. Freud also refers to the mechanism of sublimation. Humans sublimate the repressing impulses in the ID by transferring them into a reality that we want to have in our mind. We are all escapists according to Freud because we repress the ID and sublimate it into a new existence. Freud calls this “higher social valuation.” Higher social valuation can take countless forms.

Kwayana repressed then sublimated his racial instincts by losing himself into multi-ethnic organisations of which the Working People’s Alliance stands out. From 1974 onwards, Sydney King repressed and sublimated his subconscious instincts into a plethora of pro-democracy organisations from which a solid legacy was born. His denunciation of Forbes Burnham and his embrace of Walter Rodney were high moments in the sublimation process.

As in the movie, X, Y and Zee, a moment comes when the EGO and SUPER-EGO are unable to prevent the ID from coming to the surface. Most humans live successful lives which the mecha -

nisms of repression and sublimation allow them to do. But some people have their moments when what was repressed for so long comes to the surface.

In Sydney’s case it was the March 2020 election. He couldn’t control himself. He could not put the genie back in the bottle. The loss of power in 2020 by a predominantly African party triggered the long repressed racial instinct. He came up with one silly excuse after another to avoid acknowledging that the election was free and fair and that the PPP won. The anti-PPP hatred was always there some of it Sydney transferred to Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnaraine.

As the March moved

into April and the ensuing months ticked off, Sydney’s acceptance of rigged election was backed up by some awfully silly reasoning. In a series of exchange with me, he replied saying he cannot comment on things in Guyana from

far away as if he did not know about live-streaming. To this day, at age 99, Sydney cannot bring himself to accept Indians in government.

And since the ID now dominates the EGO, he never will.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

APNU+AFC ‘short-sighted’ economic policy resulted in hardships for Guyanese

–– Vice-President Jagdeo says; points to the restoration of incentives, improvement of the quality of life under PPP/C Gov’t –– affirms intention to be very rigid in the battle against ‘rumors’ and false narratives

By Trina Williams

GUYANESE faced severe hardships because of the “short-sighted” economic policy pursued by the former APNU+AFC administration, Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Contrary to the situation under the coalition, Dr Jagdeo, during a community outreach and simple ceremony at the Sophia Primary School on Tuesday, highlighted the numerous measures and programmes that are being rolled out by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to improve the lives of all Guyanese.

Reflecting on his brief stint as Opposition Leader, he recalled Guyanese from all walks of life coming to him and talking about the hardships that they were facing under the APNU+AFC administration.

“If you look at the period before COVID, we lost about 35,000 to 40,000 jobs. If you walk around in 2019, a lot of people used to come into my

office on Church Street there and talk to me. These are miners, people coming from Linden, the taxi drivers, the shopkeepers, they said to me [that things] are slow.

“Nothing was happening in the economy. People were losing jobs. We lost a lot of jobs and I used to explain to them that this is a consequence of a short-sighted economic policy. Because instead of creating incentives for the industries in Guyana, what APNU did was [take] away the incentives,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Additionally, he said that even those who had overwhelmingly supported the APNU+AFC faced many challenges within their respective sectors.

“So every industry suffered, we lost lots of jobs. Things were slow,” Dr Jagdeo said, adding that the PPP/C, however, is very “deliberate about national development.”

He went on to say: “We mapped out a plan for the development of our country.

It’s been a plan that has been there for a very long time. It started with the crafting of the national development strategy.”

Reflecting on Guyana’s transformation from bankruptcy to solvency and then to dynamism, the Vice-President noted that nation’s external debt today is significantly lower than what it was in the 90s.

“That’s why we are arguing that in the outer years we can do much more for public service salary,” Dr Jagdeo said while highlighting how much the government has invested thus far in the sectors.

For instance, the budget from 2020 to now, in education has increased by 162 per cent from $54 billion dollars to $135.2 billion.

INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE

While pouring cold water on claims by detractors of development, the Vice-President assured residents that the oil resources are being managed in a way that will transform the lives of everyone.

He said that contrary to what is being peddled, money from the oil resources have only been utilised for two years.

Dr Jagdeo added that in the outer years, by 2027, when a lot of the amortization of the investments take place, the country will start seeing revenue of a greater magnitude.

Addressing those who criticised the government for investing in infrastructure, Dr Jagdeo said that the government is pursuing a balanced development objective.

“They say don’t build infrastructure, the government [is] focusing on infrastructure too much. But you tell that to the man who has a dirt road in front of his yard that we can’t build that, we must use the money and spend it on consumables. So I spoke about plan-balanced development and that’s what we are about, we were investing in our people through more scholarships...,” Dr Jagdeo said.

While underscoring that the PPP/C does not “drift in the wind,” he highlighted that

health care in Guyana will be also be transformed, as 12 hospitals are under construction nationwide.

He went on to call out the Opposition operatives for feeding Guyanese untruths for a number of years.

“Our support is growing because we are working. From the initial establishment of our party, in spite of all that you hear about us...,” he said.

Dr Jagdeo said for a number of years, the other side has accused the PPP/C of being racist. In response to this, the Vice-President said: “That’s the only thing that the other side can campaign on, because they can’t campaign on track record.

So they campaign on racism and that has kept a lot of people away from us.

“So we’re breaking down all those barriers.

We’re breaking down those barriers now because in the past, we didn’t spend enough time addressing these rumors enough and they took hold, and we suffered for it and so we’re going to be very vigilant and vociferous in our battle, very rigid in our battle against these rumors.”

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Corn trials for cattle feed commence, infrastructural works moving apace

–– as DDL eyes successful construction of multibillion-dollar dairy farm

CONSTRUCTION works for the establishment of the Demerara Dairies Incorporated’s multibillion-dollar dairy farm at Moblissa, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, are moving apace, Project Manager Wesley Kirton has said.

Kirton, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said at least 50 acres of land are currently under cultivation for the farm to produce its own local feed. The facility is anticipated to boast new technology and the capacity to house over 900 heads of cattle.

“It is progressing well, we have done some seeding of corn and grass, some experimental plots and the response has been quite encouraging. Works will begin on the drilling of our first well. A contract was awarded a few weeks [ago] and the mobilisation of that would have started,” the project

manager said.

Ultimately, the aim is to cultivate 500 acres of corn and other legumes, which will be processed and converted for cattle feed.

Already, construction works have been completed on a new concrete bridge, improving access to the construction site.

Rehabilitation works are scheduled to commence on a large section of the main

access road to Moblissa, through the support of the Ministry of Public Works.

“We are now waiting for them to do an additional five kilometres of road which we hope they will do as soon as possible, because we expect a lot of the heavy containers and so on to come in for the structure; they will arrive in two weeks. So, we are hoping that some work can begin on that road to [facilitate] the

IMF projects 33.9 per cent economic growth for Guyana this year

WITH the highest project growth rate in the Latin American and Caribbean region again this year, Guyana remains on course for exponential advancement.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest report, Guyana’s Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 33.9 per cent in 2024.

The IMF had previously reported that Guyana’s economy would record a 26.6 per cent growth.

In its December 2023 Article IV Consultation Report published last December, the IMF had stated that the Guyanese economy has tripled in size since the start of oil extraction (end- 2019), from one of the lowest GDP per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean in the early nineties.

In 2023, the country recorded a significant economic growth of 33 per cent, with a “stronger-than-expected” expansion in non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 11.7 per cent.

During the presentation of the country’s fiscal package for the year 2024 back in January, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh had said that the growth recorded last year significantly outstripped the 25.1 per cent growth and 7.9 per cent nonoil growth that was initially

projected for 2023. “The expansion of the overall real economy in 2023 can be largely attributed to continued growth in oil-andgas activity, with the notable achievement of first oil at the new floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel, Prosperity, in November,” Dr. Singh had told the National Assembly.

Additionally, while growth in the non-oil economy was mainly driven by expansions in the construction and services sectors, notable increases were also observed in all subsectors within agriculture, forestry, and fishing and manufacturing, as well as in the other mining and quarrying sub-sector.

“Our government’s policies continue to be focused on supporting growth in the traditional pillars of the economy while managing the oiland-gas sector effectively,” Dr. Singh said.

In February, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) had also revealed that the region’s economy is well on its way to making a full rebound from the shocks brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic and other international crises, with Guyana’s increased production of oil and gas being “a significant driver” of regional growth.

CDB’s Director of Eco -

smooth movement of those heavy containers and other equipment to the site,” Kirton said.

Simultaneously, works have begun on cattle pens and an onsite veterinary hospital. The idea is for the facility to be fully self-sufficient.

In the first phase of its operation, there will be some 915 animals: 500 milking cattle and 415 heifers.

Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen dairy production in Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

According to statistics

provided by DDL officials, Guyana spends about US$35 million a year on the importation of powdered milk, while the region spends about US$180 million.

EXPLORING NEW TECHNOLOGY

In exploring new technology, Kirton disclosed that discussions were held with a foreign company to examine the possibility of using drones for seeding, fertilising and irrigation.

He said: “That is an option we would probably look

at…we are proceeding with our wells and our irrigation system that we have designed, but it is always good to look at novel ideas and novel technology.”

The project introduces to Guyana a new and unique method of dairy farming, in that instead of allowing them to graze, the cows will be fed a diet of nutritional food grown on the farm, pens will be temperature-controlled to ensure their comfort, and each animal will be monitored, electronically, to ensure its health.

nomics Ian Durant had stated that global trade and supply challenges, compounded by international geopolitical crises such as the Russia and Ukraine war, and the most recent conflict in Palestine saw the increase in international commodity prices; however, the Caribbean region has remained resilient and continue to rebound from the economic shocks.

According to Durant, the CDB estimates that the region grew by 6.7 per cent, with higher oil production in Guyana being a large contributor to the average regional growth in 2023.

According to the CDB, the country’s production increased by 35.2 per cent, and this influenced growth in non-oil sectors, contributing to the overall expansion of the country’s economy by roughly 32.9 per cent.

The CDB forecasts that an average growth of 8.6 per cent for its 19 borrowing countries in 2024, increases in commodity exports by 18.2 per cent, and an increase in service exporters by 2.1 per cent will contribute to further growth.

The further growth of the region, Durant said, will be “largely attributable to increased oil production in Guyana and continued expansion of the [regions’] tourism industry”.

Back in January lands were being cleared for the cultivation of corn, legumes and other grain to supply the farm with its own locally made feed (Delano Williams photo)

Minister Sukhai calls on countries to redouble efforts in advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights

–– on behalf of Group of Latin American and Caribbean States

ALTHOUGH progress has been made globally in advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, many challenges remain.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC) called on countries to renew their commitments to protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The minister made those remarks at the high-level event to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the outcome document of the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

The following is the full text of the speech by Minister Sukhai:

“In Latin America and the Caribbean today there are over 45 million people who identify as Indigenous Peo-

ples, more than 826 distinct Indigenous Peoples. As such, our region´s roots are deeply indigenous as it is a large part of our identity.

At the outset, GRULAC expresses gratitude to you for convening this commemorative meeting which allows us to reflect on the progress made and challenges which remain since the adoption of the outcome document at the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, held in 2014.

Many commitments were made by Member States in 2014. Importantly, we reaffirmed then our support for the UNDRIP and the role of the United Nations in promoting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We also collectively reaffirmed our commitment to strategic partnerships with Indigenous Peoples to address the challenges which disproportionately affect them.

GRULAC acknowledges

that progress has been made globally in advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including on land issues, access to appropriate platforms to assert their rights and preserve their culture, and putting in place the relevant international framework including the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

However, progress has been uneven and many challenges still remain. Indigenous Peoples are amongst the poorest globally, representing just six per cent of the world’s population but accounting for 19 per cent of the extreme poor. Their life expectancy is up to 20 per cent lower than that of non-Indigenous peoples. Disparities continue to exist in areas such as education, health and economic opportunities, and discrimination. Sexual harassment and violence, particularly for women and girls, remain a problem. Their close rela-

tionship and interdependence with the environment make them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards.

Yet, Mr President, it is apt to underscore that the story of Indigenous Peoples is far more than the challenges and discrimination they face. It is also about the resilience they continue to demonstrate and their important contributions to sustainable development. GRULAC recognises the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Peoples in maintaining a balanced and resilient ecosystem. They are true guardians of the environment, protecting more than 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. They also possess

critical ancestral knowledge and expertise on adaptation, mitigation and reducing climate risks. It is therefore imperative that their land and resource rights are recognised and protected, and their cultural heritage preserved.

GRULAC believes that this meeting, held in the margins of the 23rd Session of the Permanent Forum is timely to renew the commitments made a decade ago in the UNDRIP and the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples’ outcome document. We must also begin to collectively look towards the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in 2027, as a key moment to take stock

of its implementation and build on the outcomes of the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples.

In this sense, let us redouble our efforts to surmount the challenges that remain, to commit the resources needed, to ensure the national policy and legislative frameworks are in place, and to always ensure that Indigenous Peoples are part of the decision-making processes at all levels, in matters which affect them.

By doing so, we can guarantee a world where Indigenous Peoples thrive, their human rights are respected and protected, and their contributions are recognised.”

Collapse of section of ‘Stabroek roof’ end result of years of neglect by APNU-led City Council

–– Councillor De Armas says; calls out city Mayor for ‘dragging his feet’ on crucial issues

IN the aftermath of Wednesday’s incident at the Stabroek Market, City Councillor, Alfonso De Armas of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has pointed a finger squarely at the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-controlled Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for the deterioration of the ancient, significant market.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, De Armas criticised the M&CC for what he described as neglect and incompetence in maintaining crucial infrastructure.

He highlighted the council’s failure to take action despite repeated warnings and visits to the market area.

According to De Armas, the lack of progress in addressing the market’s deteriorating condition is a testament to the council’s and Mayor Alfred Mentore’s lack of urgency in addressing crucial issues.

He said that responsibility for the collapse lies with the Mayor and Council, rather than with external factors such as budgetary constraints or interference from central government.

“It is really unfortunate

because just a few weeks ag,o we [PPP/C councillors] visited the area and saw many of the things the City Council has neglected, including this facility,” De Armas said He added: “They have done no work; they have done nothing to address any of this thing. They blame the central government for attempting to starve the city of resources. That’s not the case, City Hall is very neglectful. I’m fearful that more ageing infrastructure

that is meant to be maintained around the city will follow and will collapse.”

De Armas further upbraided the mayor’s delay in presenting a budget, which he cited as a major obstacle to allocating funds for essential maintenance and repairs.

He lamented the lack of transparency regarding the city’s financial state, which has left councillors in the dark and hindered their ability to plan for the future.

“The blame lies at the mayor’s feet because he has dragged his feet on many things -- presenting the budget for example. Without an approved budget at the City Council level, it’s difficult to disperse [sic] funds and expend funds and that is why it was meant to be presented since the beginning of the fiscal year, we are now halfway through April.

“We have no budget as yet to address any of these things. The financial state is a mystery; we don’t know how much money is coming in, what it is being spent on,” De Armas said.

Despite potential attempts by the mayor to shift blame onto the central government, De Armas remained steadfast in his assertion that

accountability rests squarely with the local authorities.

“I know the mayor will attempt to blame the central government for whatever, but the blame is squarely at the mayor’s feet, and he has been dragging his feet. He’s been procrastinating on so many issues and nothing has been done,” he said.

DeArmas posited that there must be urgent action to address the neglect and prevent further disasters in the future.

The Stabroek Market has experienced multiple roof collapses over the years, posing a threat to the lives and limbs of vendors and

customers.

In 2015, a section of the roof of the Stabroek Market stelling collapsed, followed by another collapse in 2018, which affected the Stabroek wharf vendors.

The condition of the roof of the Stabroek Market is derelict to say the least and has constituted an eyesore and a threat to human lives and property for several years.

In 2017, during a meeting at City Hall, it was announced that approximately G$400 million was to be spent on rehabilitating the dilapidated Stabroek Market

wharf. Then Town Clerk Royston King had noted that the unsightly structure was to be torn down and replaced with a mall-like facility, complete with a boardwalk and entertainment area.

However, despite collecting millions of dollars over the years, this venture is yet to materialize, much to the displeasure of vendors.

The portion of the stelling which faces the Demerara River has, for years, been an eyesore for the thousands who use the speedboat service every day.

A portion of the roof covering a wharf aback the Stabroek Market which collapsed on Wednesday morning (Cindy Parkinson photo)

City Councillor Alfonso De Armas of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

Plant health governing body meets on further measures to curb pests, diseases

— Commission on Phytosanitary Measures “indispensable” amid changing weather patterns, FAO Director-General says

The FAO Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), a key body aimed at curbing the risks posed by plant pests and diseases that threaten agriculture and livelihoods and damage our ecosystems, convened today to discuss further measures to stop their spread.

“The consequences of unchecked pest and disease outbreaks are far-reaching and can inflict irreversible damage on ecosystems, trade, and the global food supply,” QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), said in his opening address to the 18th Session of the Commission.

The CPM is the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC),

convening annually to assess the global state of plant health and review progress towards achieving the Convention’s objectives. In 2023, IPPC welcomed the Federal Republic of Somalia as the 185th contracting party to the multilateral treaty.

ASSESSING CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON PLANT PESTS

Changing weather patterns and rising temperatures across the world have changed the geographic distribution and intensity of plant pests and diseases. This makes the work of the CPM in facilitating international co-operation and information exchange on early detection, rapid response, and coordinated control efforts indispensable, Qu underlined.

One example of a destructive plant disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4). The extensive damage it inflicts on banana crops was highlighted at the World Banana Forum’s 4th Global Conference, recently hosted by FAO. Exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, yield losses due to TR4 affect more than 400 million farmers, producers and rural households who depend on this staple crop.

The IPPC is working together with FAO to help banana-producing countries combat TR4.

The IPPC Secretariat coordinates the global efforts to prevent the entry and spread of TR4. In addition to raising awareness on TR4 and conducting simulation exercises in various countries, IPPC has pro-

duced a guide to effectively prevent, prepare for, and manage TR4.

At the COP28, FAO launched the “Global Roadmap for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) without Breaching the 1.5°C Threshold“. One of the domains of action identified in the Roadmap is the protection of crops using integrated pest management to reduce reliance on chemical products. The FAO Director-General underlined the important contribution made to the FAO initiatives by CPM’s work on managing the impact of climate change on plant health.

PLANT HEALTH: A CRITICAL COMPONENT OF ONE HEALTH

Among the topics on the agenda at this week’s

CPM meeting will be positioning IPPC within the One Health approach, which brings together international organisations working on plant, animal and human health.

Participating countries are also expected to adopt amendments to phytosanitary standards, including criteria to determine host status of fruit to fruit flies, the requirements for establishing pest free areas, and cold treatment for a pest called false codling moth.

CPM is further expected to endorse the Africa Phytosanitary Programme, designed to empower national governments and stakeholders with the scientific evidence and state-of-theart technology necessary to effectively manage plant pests of regulatory, environmental, and eco-

nomic significance.

The IPPC ePhyto Solution has proven that safe trade can be expedited through digital phytosanitary certification. By December 2023, more than five million (5,000,000) ePhyto certificates were successfully exchanged by 88 active user countries, while the total number of registered countries has increased to 128.

Although there is a strong global focus on food safety and animal health standards to ensure food security, “we must remember that it all starts with plant health standards,” the FAO Director-General said, describing them as the “guard rails” against the impact of plant pests and diseases. (FAO)

Gov’t investment transforming Better Hope\LBI infrastructure, enhancing residents’ lives

RESIDENTS of the Better Hope\La Bonne Intention (LBI) Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) are reaping the benefits of improved infrastructure, as the government injected billions of dollars to improve facilities along the East Coast corridor.

Significant progress has been made on the construction of 18 roads to the tune of over $537 million, with approximately 90 per cent of them now completed.

Key areas undergoing construction include Panther and Six Cross Streets in Better Hope, School Road in Vryheid’s Lust, as well as Second and Fifth Streets in LBI, among others.

On Wednesday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) conducted a walk-through in several villages within the NDC, where residents expressed gratitude to the government for accelerating development in their communities.

A resident of North Better Hope, Deborah Mahadeo reflected on the significant changes in the area over the past three years.

“Since I’ve been living here in Better Hope we have been promised to have this road made and I just want to thank the government for coming into office and delivering its promise. This road is a benefit for all of us,” the woman expressed.

According to Mahadeo, the improved roads will facilitate the operations of more businesses, enabling individuals to generate additional income within the area.

Another resident of Better Hope, Sukdeo Ramkishun, highlighted the transformative impact of the road upgrades, especially for elderly residents who previously faced challenges due to poor conditions.

“President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his team have been working really hard to bring development and transformation to our area and overall the country. We are appreciative of the roads that are being built in this constituency because it is improving

our lives,” Ramkishun stated. A resident of Broad Street Montrose, Shelly Singh expressed gratitude for the road upgrades, noting their importance in maintaining vehicles and facilitating safer transportation, particularly for school children.

“I am thankful for the PPP Government for doing the roads in Montrose because it is helping me as a grandparent and also helping my children and grandchildren, especially those that go to school,” she expressed.

The rehabilitation of many of these roads is a joint effort between the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and the Ministry of Public Works.

Deputy Chair of the Betterhope\LBI NDC, Haroon Khan, emphasised the positive impact of road rehabilitation on local schools, making it easier for parents to drop off and pick up their children.

“This road that we are standing on…Just as the government came into office in 2020 it would have refurbished it. It is used by children of both the Montrose Nursery and Primary School. So, this road is improving the lives and traffic within this village,” Khan told DPI.

Chairman of the NDC, Zaman Shaw, underscored the commitment to continued development in every village within the council under the PPP\C Administration.

Shaw highlighted the significant progress made since 2020, attributing it to the government, which prioritises the needs of the people.

“In 2016 when the government changed a lot of the communities were underdeveloped such as Montrose, Success, and North and South Better Hope. However, coming back into office in 2020 we have been fortunate to see the new wave of development within these communities,” the chairman stated.

Shaw assured that these developments are all made possible through collaboration with a government that takes the needs of the people very seriously. (DPI)

One of the roads that have been completed and helping to improve the lives of residents Deborah Mahadeo, Resident from North Better Hope Chairman of the Better Hope\La Bonne Intention (LBI) Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Zaman Shaw

Gov’t emphasises commitment to preservation, advancement of Indigenous People’s rights

–– Minister Sukhai tells UN Permanent Forum

GUYANA’S Indigenous Peoples (Amerindians) are enjoying the same fundamental rights and freedoms as all Guyanese and the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the further advancement of their privileges.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, reiterated the commitment when she addressed the 23rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, USA, on Monday.

Culture, Environment, Education, and Human Rights.

Deliberations centred on the theme ‘Indigenous Peoples in a Greening Economy.’

The discussions primarily focused on the UN Six Mandated Areas of the Permanent Forum, including Economic and Social Development,

Minister Sukhai emphasised that the government is actively implementing inclusive policies with transparency and through consultation with the country’s Indigenous

communities. Their collective and specific rights are safeguarded under the landmark 2006 Amerindian Act, which ensures secure governance, land rights and ownership of natural resources, while preserving their cultural heritage.

“Guyana recognises and recommends that more must be done to ensure the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected and protected worldwide. We reiterate our commitment to the full realisation of their rights, while sharing our experience and learning from others,” she stated.

Minister Sukhai further highlighted the approval and endorsement of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy by the National

Toshaos Council ─ the legally established body for Indigenous Peoples.

The strategy seeks to transform the economy, while combatting climate change through a low-carbon approach.

In addition, Guyana made history in 2022 when it became the first region to be issued jurisdictional carbon credits under the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions.

Notably, 15 per cent of all revenues earned from the sale of carbon credits are allocated to the first people, who account for 10 per cent of the population and legally own 16.4 per cent of Guyana’s land mass.

“This represents an addition to [the] government’s budgetary allocation for in-

vestments to improved access to education, healthcare, social-protection services, infrastructure and increased opportunities for economic empowerment of Amerindians,” Minister Sukhai emphasised.

She noted that as the country focuses on the green economy, the protection and preservation of the environment must be done in tandem with meeting the sustainable development aspirations of Indigenous Peoples.

The permanent forum is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council established by resolution 2000/22 on July 28, 2000.

The session runs from April 15-26, 2024, at the UN headquarters in New York. (DPI)

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, delivering remarks at the 23rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, on Monday

$1.4B expended to upgrade roads, bridges in Region Seven

THE township of Bartica and surrounding communities in Region Seven are currently undergoing significant road infrastructure developments totalling $1.4 billion.

These infrastructural upgrades are vital to miners and residents, given Bartica’s pivotal role as one of the gateways to the hinterland.

Executed under the Ministry of Public Works’

Similarly, Kanhai’s Engineering is executing the rehabilitation of 3000 meters of roads in the Three to Four Mile area to the tune of $284.2 million.

Contractors, C. Babolall and Jemcorp Engineering are responsible for the 250 miles of rigid pavement concrete road upgrades.

Furthermore, Howard Road in Byderabo is undergoing a major overhaul, with 150 metres being upgraded to rigid pavement concrete by K and K Enterprise for $61.8 million.

AG Mining and Construction is enhancing

The township of Bartica and surrounding communities in Region Seven are currently undergoing significant road infrastructure developments totalling $1.4 billion

Hinterland Roads Programme, the upgrades aim to improve accessibility and connectivity and stimulate economic development within the mining community.

One of the key projects underway is the rehabilitation of the Dagg Point Main Access Road by Builder First Choice Construction Company, with a budget of $152.9 million.

This project involves the construction of rigid pavement concrete spanning 380 metres, with completion currently at 50 per cent. The project commenced on November 27, 2023 and is scheduled for completion by September 27, 2024.

Currently, 800 metres have been completed, representing 40 per cent of the project. Steel and formwork are currently underway in preparation for scarification, with the project expected to conclude on November 27, 2024.

Additionally, the rehabilitation of internal roads from Mile 68 to 75 in Kaburi Village is being undertaken by Charles Ramlagan Contracting Service to the tune of $67 million. That project is 30 per cent.

Chrome Construction Inc is executing sectional repairs on a one-kilometre stretch of the One to Four Mile Road at $96.5 million, scheduled for completion by July 27, 2024.

Upgrades to Newton Road and Roxanne Road in Byderabo are valued at $103.4 million and $101.4 million, respectively, promising significant improvements to residents’ daily lives.

ART Supplies and General Construction and S and A Investment are upgrading Fourth and Seventh Avenue to rigid pavement concrete at costs of $25.3 million and $24.9 million, respectively.

MAM Trading is undertaking the upgrade of Mora Point Main Access Road to an asphalt road, with works valued at $494 million initiated on November 27, 2023.

Additionally, G and F Construction and Furniture Supplies are executing concrete works on the Agatsah Main Access Bridge, with an allocated budget of $49 million.

(DPI)

16.5 kilometres of the Issano Main Access Road, slated for completion by May 27, 2024, with a budget of $91.8 million.

Pedestrian walkways and road markings on First Avenue Bartica, sections one and two, are being constructed by DD Construction and General Supplies and Michelle’s Trading, amounting to $40.7 million and $41.8 million, respectively.

Internal roads in Bartica’s sections one, two, and three are undergoing asphalt upgrades by Kanhai’s Engineering, B and S Contracting Service, and Day Clean Shop Supply and Service, totalling $178.6 million.

Food for the Poor donates industrial sewing machines to six city schools

FOOD for the Poor (Guy) Inc. has donated industrial sewing machines to six secondary schools in Georgetown to enhance their Home Economics Management programmes.

The handover ceremony took place at the Festival City Complex, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives in the community.

According to a press release from Food for the

Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc. has donated industrial sewing machines to six secondary schools in Georgetown to enhance their Home Economics Management programmes

Poor, the six schools that received the industrial sewing machines are Tucville Secondary, South Ruimveldt Secondary, North Ruimveldt Secondary, Lodge Secondary, Brickdam Secondary, and Charlestown Secondary.

These machines are intended to bolster each school’s Home Economic Management- Clothing and Textile programme, providing students with practical skills and resources for their future endeavours.

Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor Andrea Benjamin expressed the organisation’s enthusiasm about partnering with schools in the community.

She outlined the strategic focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), emphasising the importance of empowering individuals to capitalise on the country’s rapid development and available opportunities.

“We all know the country is rapidly developing, and you need skill-based students to move the country forward and take advantage of the opportunities that are available. So, we are committed not only to working with schools, but also with communities and families to equip them; to empower them so in the long-run they can take care of themselves,” Benjamin said.

Gifts-In-Kind Manager

Tabitha Barnwell also expressed Food for the Poor’s satisfaction in collaborating with the schools and commended them for their positive response.

She highlighted the importance of instilling a work ethic in students, emphasising the value of vocational training. Barnwell thanked the schools for their collaboration, and expressed a desire for continued partnership.

The teachers of the respective schools expressed

their gratitude to Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc. for their generous donation, recognising the invaluable impact it will have on the students’ educational journey.

Outside of the six schools in Georgetown, two schools in Region One (Barima-Waini), and three schools and one practical centre in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are expected to benefit as well.

“Food for the Poor (Guyana) Inc. remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting educational initiatives that empower students and contribute to their holistic development.

Through this donation, the organisation aims to foster creativity, innovation, and practical skills among students, preparing them for future success in various fields,” the organisation said.

THE Guyana Police Force has confirmed the death of two Guyanese, Oswick Bazilio, called “One Foot”, and Jerimiah Smith.

According to information from Suriname’s Waterkant news, the two men were shot dead while “chilling” at Rubensstraat in Paramaribo.

The report stated that two men on a ‘moped’ stopped at the spot where Bazilio and Smith were liming and fired machine guns in their direction.

The assailants subsequently made good their escaped, according to Waterkant. Re-

ports are that the matter is being investigated by Surinamese authorities.

Body found at Belladrum foreshore

POLICE are investigating the discovery of a body at the Belladrum foreshore, West Coast Berbice, on Wednesday.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), police at the Weldaad Station were notified about the discovery by an unknown caller around 11:20 hrs.

A party of police led by a sergeant visited the scene, and on arrival, the decomposed body of a male of East

Indian descent was seen lying face down in the mud along the foreshore. The body was clad in a red t-shirt and short pants with no footwear.

The scene was processed and photographed, and the body was examined. However, due to the advanced state of decomposition, no marks of violence could have been detected. The body was then taken to Bailey’s Funeral Parlour, where an autopsy will be conducted.

Around 15:10 hrs, Har-

dai Samlall, a 74-year-old pensioner residing at Lot 14 Harbon Spoon Dam, Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, accompanied the police to the Bailey’s Funeral Parlour in an attempt to identify the body.

She identified the body to be that of her brother Ramdeo Samlall called ‘Monk’, a 49-year-old fisherman, who had gone missing at sea since April 12, 2024. Investigations are ongoing.

James leads Lakers into NBA play-offs

LeBron James scored 23 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 110-106 to reach the NBA playoffs.

James, 39, also chipped in with nine rebounds, nine assists

and three steals to help the Lakers seal the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers face defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, in the first round of the play-offs.

"We've got a good

group going right now," James said.

"We understood after how we had played the last game that they were going to give us everything they hadthe whole kitchen sink and the toolbox - and they did that.

"So it was a gritty win for us and we punched our ticket to the post-season."

James is set to feature in the play-offs for the 17th time in his 21-season career.

Stephen Curry topscored for the Warriors with 22 points but Klay Thompson - who has averaged

17.9 points a game this season - failed to score in 32 minutes.

The Warriors have now missed out on the play-offs three times in the past five seasons.

Keegan Murray hit eight three-pointers and ended the match with 32 points and nine rebounds for the Kings, while De'Aaron Fox added 24 points.

The Kings meet the Pelicans on Saturday, with the winner securing the eighth seed and the final play-off spot in the West. (BBC Sport)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Krunal Pandya (MI)

(2) Ben Stokes (RPS)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who struck most runs in the tenth IPL season (2017)?

(2) Who claimed most wickets?

RACING TIPS

AMERICA Racing Tips

KEENLAND

Race 1 Mineyshot

Race 2 Ultima Grace

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LeBron James scored 23 points for the Los Angeles Lakers

West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews has been named Wisden’s Leading Twenty20 Cricketer for 2023, as she topped all and sundry, including her male counterparts.

Alan Gardner looks at the remarkable performances of this outstanding player – a T20 World Cup champion.

We’ve all heard the one about the globe-trotting, six-hitting West Indies all-rounder bestriding the T20 stage. But this tale comes with a twist: a first female winner in this award’s seven-year history. Hayley Matthews has long been a star of the game – aged 18; she inspired West Indies to victory in the 2016 World T20 final – but in 2023, she produced an unprecedented red-hot run of form.

Between February and her final game of the year in October, on three different continents, she won eight consecutive T20I match awards. The previous best was four in a row. During that sequence, she averaged 88 with the bat, at a strikerate of 144, and 12 with the ball.

The pièce de résistance came at North Sydney Oval,

game seven in the Matthews Supremacy. Set 213, West Indies were powered to a record chase in women’s T20Is by her buccaneering 132 from 64 balls, including 110 in boundaries. Her score, a West Indies record, was the first century in the second innings of a women’s T20I; and it came after she had been the pick of the bowlers, with 3-36 for her off-breaks. That the side on the receiving end was the world champions, playing in their own backyard, added only luster.

If 2023 was a banner year for the women’s game, with the inauguration of the Women’s Premier League in India, then Matthews rode the crest of the wave. She was a WPL title-winner with Mumbai Indians, the fifth-leading run-scorer in the competition, and captained Barbados Royals to victory in the Caribbean Premier League, scoring 82 from 59 and taking 2-38 in the final. She was also a high-profile pick in The Hundred and the Big Bash. Her feats could only sporadically lift West Indies, whom she had captained for the first time in 2022, though she credited the job for helping her, “take responsibility

Hayley Matthews named Wisden’s leading T20 cricketer in the world

for my game”.

The first in her streak of match awards came against Ireland at Cape Town during the T20 World Cup, where West Indies ended a run of 15 defeats. She followed that with another all-round display, against Pakistan, though two group wins could not put her side in the semifinals. Ireland were again on the receiving end in July, as West Indies won 3–0 in St Lucia, before their tour of Australia confirmed her status as the ICC’s number one all-rounder. In five days, she smashed 99 not out, 132 and 79 – a total of 310 off 178 balls, with 43 fours and 13 sixes – and took five wickets.

Her overall T20I record for the year read 700 runs from 14 matches at 63 (strike-rate 132) and 19 wickets at 16 (economy 6.84). Across men’s and women’s T20 – domestic and international – her tally of 1,551 runs was topped only by Jos Buttler. Unlike Matthews, though, he was not the leading wicket-taker in the format. The Caribbean had produced another game-changer. (Article provided by the Editor of Wisden).

West Indies Women’s Captain Haley Matthews

Windies ‘super up for challenge’, says Captain Matthews

KARACHI, Pakistan, (CMC) – West Indies Women’s batting, along with their One-Day International form, will come under the spotlight when they clash with Pakistan Women in a three-match series bowling off here today.

The Caribbean side have not beaten any top tier opposition in the shorter format since sweeping a similar three-match series against their hosts here three years ago, their only series win in that period coming over minnows Ireland at home last year.

In the interim, they suffered series defeats to Australia, India, New Zealand and South Africa, managing to win only two of the 14 games involved.

And with the Pakistan series part of the ICC Championship, Captain Hayley Matthews said it was important her side cashed in.

“I think we had pretty good results that time [against Pakistan three years ago] and looking for nothing

different here,” Matthews told a media conference here Wednesday.

West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews speaks during a media conference on Wednesday.

“Obviously some points up for grabs in the ODI series which is super crucial for us.

I think this series is really important for where we’re going

to stand in the championship come the end of the games.

“We know Pakistan is definitely going to be a huge challenge as they always are when we come over here to play in their conditions, and I think if you look at Pakistan over the last year you’ve definitely been able to see a lot of improvements.

“But at the same time, our

girls have been working really hard and we’re super up for the challenge to be able to go out there and hopefully win all three games and take it home.”

West Indies Women’s batting has been a major deficiency in the ODI format. In their series Down Under last year, they were dismissed for 83 and 103 in the two com-

pleted matches, and were 107 for eight when the other game was rained off.

In their three-match series against England a year earlier in the Caribbean, the home side never got beyond 165 in another underwhelming effort with the bat.

Matthews, her side’s batting leader, said while performances had not been up to scratch of recent, work was being done to address the shortcoming.

“I think it’s been evident in the past year or two that we probably haven’t scored as many runs as we would’ve wanted to,” she explained.

“But at the same time, it’s something that we’ve been working on a whole lot throughout our regional competition and throughout training camps as well.

“I think when you look at the teams we’ve faced in the championship as well, we’ve had a lot of the higher ranked teams to play against.

“So I’m hoping we can go out there and really put up some good performances and

be able to gain some points off of the teams that are more closely ranked to us.”

The opening ODI gets underway at 9:30 am (12:30 am Eastern Caribbean time) at National Bank Stadium, with the series followed by five Twenty20 Internationals in a tour which runs until May 3.

SQUADS:

PAKISTAN – Nida Dar (Captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hassan, Umm-eHani, Waheeda Akhtar

WEST INDIES – Hayley Matthews (Captain), Shemaine Campbelle (Vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Chedean Nation, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Jannillea Glasgow, Karishma Ramharack, Kate Wilmott, Qiana Joseph, Rashada Williams, Shamilia Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James.

Malteenoes Sports Club benefits from ‘Project Cricket Gear’

MALTEENOES Sports

Club, located at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, is the latest cricket club to benefit from “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anil Beharry of Guyana. The club was the recipient of six white balls and three red ones. Malteenoes has a rich history of producing several national junior and senior players, including Clayton Lambert who went on to play for West Indies senior team. The club is in the process of going through a rebuilding process and the project is happy to be part of this process.

The initiative also encouraged the club to work on its youth development programmes to also strengthen its nursery. The balls were received by former national youth player Shaquille Williams. Williams, who plays for Malteenoes and Young Warriors CC in Ber-

bice, was very thankful for the balls and promised that the management of the club is working hard to return it to its former glory.

Total cricket-related items received/purchased so far: $460 000 in cash; 13 coloured cricket uniforms; two trophies; 20 pairs of cricket shoes; 33 pairs of batting pads; 35 cricket bats; 30 pairs of batting gloves; 25 thigh pads; three pairs of wicket-keeping pads; six arm guards; two chest guards; two boxes; 11 cricket bags; six bat rubbers; six helmets; one softball cricket bat and 13 boxes of white balls.

To date, 72 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from eight gear bags; two trophies; four arm guards; 31 bats; three boxes; six helmets; 27 pairs of cricket shoes; 18 pairs of batting pads; 24 thigh pads; one bat rubber; 31 pairs of batting gloves and

three pairs of wicket-keeping gloves.

Many other youths have benefitted indirectly, too. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each; Cold Fusion Cricket Club, 13 coloured uniforms while RHCCCC received three boxes of balls; 15 white cricket shirts; one pair of junior batting pads; one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails.

Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem and youth coach, Travis Persaud, softball teams in the Upper Corentyne area, No.65 Young Titans, Just Try CC, Wakenaam Cricket Academy, National fast bowler Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple and the

Cricket-related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent.

Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs, with a youth programme, will also benefit.

We take this opportunity to thank the latest donors and the media for the role they are playing in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue.

Anyone who wishes to make a contribution can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Leguan Cricket Committee, Essequibo.

Anil Beharry, left, hands over the balls to Shaquille Williams

West Indies Women’s Captain Hayley Matthews speaks during a media conference on Wednesday

Delhi Capitals humble Gujarat Titans in low-scorer

DELHI Capitals put on a stellar show with the ball to bowl Gujarat Titans out for a paltry 89 before finishing off the chase with ease. It left Gujarat with their third loss in their last four games.

Gujarat Titans just couldn't break free from the chokehold that Delhi Capitals had them in since asking them to bat. The tone was set by the pacers - Ishant Sharma had Shubman Gill chipping to cover and Mukesh Kumar cleaned up Wriddhiman Saha. So regular were they with the breakthroughs that the highest partnership Gujarat managed through the innings was just 18.

Sai Sudharsan's run out, a double-wicket over for Tristan Stubbs all contributed to DC's relentless excellence with the ball on a pitch that was on the stickier side.

Adding to the bowlers' accuracy was Rishabh Pant's excellent wicket-keeping. It kickstarted with a brilliant

diving catch off Ishant to get David Miller and the quick stumping of Abhinav Manohar, followed by another to get Shahrukh Khan. Pant's

four dismissals was the jointmost for a Delhi franchise wicket-keeper in IPL. No one stayed in long enough to create an impact

Zimbabwe hire Windies legend, Courtney Walsh, to help Women's T20 World Cup bid

ZIMBABWE has brought in former West Indies fast bowler, Courtney Walsh, as a coaching consultant as its women's side bid to reach a maiden World Cup.

The Lady Chevrons are targeting one of two qualification spots at the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Qualifier, which begins in the UAE on April 25.

Walsh, who took 519 Test wickets, is assisting head coach, Walter Chawaguta, ahead of the tournament.

The 61-year-old previously served as head coach of West Indies women’s team.

Walsh helped them reach a semi-final at the Women's Cricket World Cup in 2022.

with all that could go wrong for them, did. Only Rashidh Khan chanced his arm from the lower-order to score 31 which ended up as the highest

score of the innings. The unabated fall of wickets meant that Gujarat were bowled out for the lowest total in their home ground. This was the

first time a team didn't manage to score 100 since the introduction of the Impact Sub.

Mostly smooth, and very quick. Having already suffered heavy defeats in the tournament, DC's NRR needed a big boost. This presented an opportunity to redeem some of that, and so they came all guns blazing. Jake Fraser-McGurk first set the tone with a 10-ball 20 but with the high-risk approach came the chances.

Spencer Johnson got Fraser-McGurk before Sandeep Warrier struck twice to get Prithvi Shaw and Abhishek Porel despite being picked off for boundaries. Eventually, they finished it off under 9 overs to pick up a massive win

The win gave their NRR a much-needed boost as it went from -0.975 to -0.074, which took them up to sixth on the points table. (Cricbuzz)

Guyana men’s team dominate Aruba to advance in Caribbean Senior Table Tennis Championship

GUYANA’S men table tennis team made up of Elisheba Johnson, Shemar Britton, Joel Alleyne and Niran Bissu have booked their place in the quarter final segment of the annual Caribbean Senior Championship being played in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Britton was the top player, stopping Shaofeng Xie in straight sets in 11-7, 11-5 and 11-2

"We count ourselves fortunate and privileged to be able to bring in Courtney as a technical consultant for our campaign in Abu Dhabi," Zimbabwe Cricket managing director, Givemore Makoni, said. "He is one of the world's greatest cricketers and we believe his experience, at the highest level of the women's game, in particular, will boost our chances."

the top two progressing to the semi-finals and the two finalists securing the last two places at the Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.

Ten teams will participate in the qualifier in the UAE, which culminates on May 7. The sides will be split into two groups of five, with

Zimbabwe will face the hosts, Ireland, the Netherlands and Vanuatu in Group B, while Sri Lanka, Thailand, Scotland, Uganda and the United States comprise Group A.

He also overcame Ruddy Raga 11-6, 11-4 and 12-10

Alleyne had a hard fought loss to Raga, going down in the final of the five-game set for a 3-2 defeat.

Elishaba Johnson also won his match against Bryan Lopes 11-2, 11-9 and 11- 5 .

The other member of the team is Niran Bissu. The men served off their

competition on Tuesday with a 3-0 defeat to Puerto Rico after all three local players lost their matches

The women’s team on the other hand dominated regional rivals Barbados with Chelsea Edghill, Natalie Cummings and Jasmine Billingy picking up straight sets victory.

On the opening day the ladies also went down to Puerto Rico despite Olympian Chelsea Edghill beating Fabiola Diaz.

Natalie Cummings and Thuraia Thomas suffered loss in their matches.

Edghil losing her second game to top Olympic rival Brianna Burgos as the team loss 3 set to 1.

Courtney Walsh had a stint as Bangladesh's bowling coach before taking charge of West Indies women in 2020

Olympic prospect Shemar Britton competing for Guyana

DC pacers set the tone as GT folded for 89

Powell pushes for Sunil Narine's return to international cricket in time for T20 World Cup

FOLLOWING an extraordinary display of batting prowess by Sunil Narine, scoring his maiden T20 century with 109 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders, West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell is making a compelling case for Narine to come out of retirement and represent the West Indies in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to kick off in the Caribbean and the USA starting on June 1.

Powell's Rajasthan Royals clinched a thrilling victory over Narine's Kolkata Knight Riders by two wickets at Eden Gardens on Tuesday, but it was Narine's exceptional century that captured

attention and reignited discussions about his international

comeback.

Just days ago, Narine had been adamant about watching the T20 World Cup from home after announcing his retirement from international cricket in November 2023.

However, his post-match remarks on Tuesday hinted at a potential change of heart.

"It is what it is, but let's see what the future holds," Narine stated when asked about reconsidering his retirement decision after his stellar performance.

Powell, determined to sway Narine's decision, disclosed his ongoing efforts to convince the

West Indies Championship

seasoned cricketer to return to the West Indies squad.

"For the last 12 months, I've been whispering in his ears, but he's blocked out everyone," Powell revealed. "I've asked Pollard, Bravo, Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his code," Powell revealed.

Powell's persistence underscores the value Narine could bring to the West Indies team, especially in a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup. Narine's experience, coupled with his remarkable skills showcased in domestic leagues,

makes him an enticing prospect for Powell and other team selectors.

As Powell and his counterparts continue to advocate for Narine's return, cricket fans eagerly await Narine's final decision, which could have significant implications for the West Indies' T20 World Cup campaign. Will Narine heed Powell's call and make a dramatic comeback to international cricket? Only time will tell as the tournament approaches and team selections are finalised. (Sportsmax)

Hundreds for Louis, Da Silva in decisive round

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Opener Mikyle Louis extended his amazing run of form in his maiden first class season when he lashed his third hundred of the West Indies Championship Wednesday, while Test batterr Joshua Da Silva struck a fifth first class century to bail Trinidad and Tobago Red Force out of trouble.

The 23-year-old Louis carved out exactly 100 to take his tally for the season to 649 runs as Leeward Islands frustrated leaders Windward Islands Volcanoes on the opening day of the final round match at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

With his side slumping at 18 for three early in the first session, Louis struck nine fours and a six in a 193-ball knock to prop up the innings and propel Hurricanes to 300 all out.

In the five balls available before the close, Volcanoes lost left-hander Jeremy Solozano for four, to end on six for one – still 294 runs behind heading into Thursday’s second day.

Fast bowler Ryan John (367) and new-ball partner Gilon Tyson (2-33) made key strikes after Hurricanes chose to bat,

removing the West Indies trio of Kieran Powell (7), Keacy Carty (0) and Justin Greaves (0) cheaply.

Powell clipped a simple catch low to square leg in the morning’s fourth over from Tyson while John trapped Carty lbw playing down the wrong line and then had Greaves brilliantly caught by Alick Athanaze moving to his right at second slip, a few balls later in the same over.

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva … hit his fifth first class hundred.

Louis started the recovery in a 78-run, fourth wicket stand with Jahmar Hamilton who struck 34 off 48 balls with half-dozen fours, before putting on a further 111 with 17-yearold Jewel Andrew, whose 68 came from 107 balls and included half-dozen fours and three sixes.

When both Louis and Andrew perished in close proximity to each other, Jeremiah Louis ensured the tail wagged with a bold 43 off 64 balls.

At Sabina Park in Kingston, the 25-year-old Da Silva gathered 106 as Red Force rebound-

ed from 96 for four to close on 308 for seven against Jamaica Scorpions after being sent in.

However, captain Da Silva put on 80 for the fifth wicket with Amir Jangoo who built on his double century in the last round with 51 off 90 balls with seven fours and a six, before Navin Bidaisee (31) arrived to add a further 92 for the sixth wicket with Da Silva.

The West Indies gloveman, who faced only 140 deliveries and counted 15 fours and a six, also anchored a seventh wicket stand of 36 with Terrance Hinds (21 not out) before losing his

off-stump to left-arm spinner Jeavor Royal (2-76) with the close beckoning.

At the Frank Worrell Memorial Ground at UWI St Augustine, title-holders Guyana Harpy Eagles put their noses out front in the title race when they dominated Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners.

Asked to bowl first, they bundled CCC out for 200 with fast bowler Nial Smith (3-45) and veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (3-51) ending with three wickets apiece.

Wicketkeeper Demario

Richards top-scored with 43 while Romario Greaves got 36 at number seven, the latter posting 44 for the seventh wicket with Avinash Mahabirsingh (23) in the best stand of the innings.

Richards, who hit five fours and a six, had earlier put on 43 for the fourth wicket with captain Shamarh Brooks (16) to pull the innings around from nine for three inside the first hour.

Opener Raymond Perez then led the reply with a fluent, unbeaten 61 off 89 deliveries with nine fours as Harpy Eagles closed on 114 for one – just 86 runs behind.

Perez put on 45 for the first wicket with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (12) before adding a further 69 in an unbroken second wicket partnership with Kevlon Anderson (27 not out).

Barbados Pride, one of four teams in with a chance of clinching the title, were dismissed cheaply for 155 at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua but hit back to reduce West Indies Academy to 111 for four at the close.

Choosing to bat, Pride were coasting at 104 for three at one stage courtesy of a 61-run fourth

wicket partnership between top-scorer Jonathan Drakes (35) and Kevin Wickham (27) but dramatically lost their last seven wickets for just 51 runs, fast bowlers Johann Layne (323) and McKenny Clarke (3-26) picking up three wickets apiece.

Ackeem Auguste then produced an unbeaten 67 to hold WI Academy together, the 20-year-old stroking half-dozen fours and a six in a 98-ball knock.

He put on 48 with Kadeem Alleyne (17) to help pick his side up from a position of four for one, and then put on a further 40 with Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (five not out) in an unbroken fifth wicket stand, after the hosts lost three wickets for 19 runs to slide to 71 for four.

Volcanoes entered the decisive final round on 89.6 points, less than two points clear of Pride on 87.8, with Harpy Eagles (87.2) and Hurricanes (82.6) all in with a shot at the title.

Moving to his right at second slip, a few balls later in the same over.

West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell and INSET Sunil Narine

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva hit his fifth first class hundred