Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-03-2024

‘Voices of a loud, well-financed few cannot determine the fate of a country’

––– Minister Teixeira tells UN Human Rights Committee to consider ‘all’ civil society views

–– says interventions of ‘leaving no one behind’ is a reality the government is striving for in all sectors

Guyana, World Bank officials discuss potential areas for co-operation

–– ongoing projects, country’s development trajectory

GTU VP admits ‘financial issues’ were discussed with MoE –– union’s credibility under scrutiny as ‘meeting minutes’ dispute deepens in court

Guyana recommits to deepening bilateral relations with Brazil, Saudi Arabia –– as new ambassadors accredited American Foundation for UWI to honour President Ali

–– other upstanding persons

ERC exposes PNC’s uncooperative spirit

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, held discussions with the World Bank’s Vice President for the Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo at the Office of the President. Discussions surrounded Guyana’s development trajectory and projects being executed with support from the bank. Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh; World Bank’s Director of the Caribbean Region, Ms. Lilia Burunciuc and World Bank country representative for Guyana and Suriname, Ms. Diletta Doretti were also present at the meeting (Office of the President photos)

American Foundation for UWI to honour President Ali ––

other upstanding persons

The following is the full text of a statement from the American Foundation for UWI:

“

THE countdown is on to the 27th annual American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) fundraising gala, set for Thursday, April 18th, from 6:30 p.m. at the

dreams of pursuing higher education.

“The AFUWI annual gala awards has been a significant funding source for the scholarship program, giving us the finances urgently needed to assist with tuition expenses for many young, talented, and ambitious Caribbean nationals who would not

classy 583 Park Avenue venue in New York City.

This year’s gala, presented under the theme, “The Legacy Continues,” will build upon the history of providing hundreds of scholarships over the past decade. These scholarships have opened doors for Caribbean students from underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to achieve their

be able to fulfill their aspirations of a college education because of their dire financial circumstances,” said Ann-Marie Grant, executive director of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies, (AFUWI).

“We are so thankful to all our donors who, by contributing to this

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Guyana, World Bank officials discuss potential areas for co-operation ––

ongoing projects, country’s development trajectory

AS the World Bank continues to be one of Guyana’s most active development partners, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Sin -

eas for cooperation. Country Representative of the bank, Diletta Doretti was also present at the meeting.

The meeting with Minister Singh served as an opportunity for dialogue on Guyana’s Low Carbon

the private sector footprint of the IFC (International Finance Corporation).

Elaborating on Guyana’s exemplary climate credentials, Dr Singh highlighted the important role of Guyana’s forests in national development and in

such credits.

In 2022, after being awarded the first jurisdiction, Guyana sold 37.5 million carbon credits for US$750 million, to be paid during 2022-2032 (a third of the credits Guyana will receive over 2016-30), one

good learning practices that Guyana has to offer on climate efforts. He also reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to working with Guyana in promoting economic and social development.

The World Bank is

sector in Guyana.

gh, on Wednesday met with the bank’s VicePresident for the Latin America and Caribbean Region, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, and Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, at the Ministry of Finance.

Vice-President Jaramillo and his team also met today with President Dr Irfaan Ali for discussions surrounding Guyana’s development trajectory and projects being executed with support from the bank.

The visit aims to reaffirm the World Bank’s commitment to Guyana, and to assess future ar -

Development agenda, human capital development and opportunities for partnership between the government and the financial institution in other areas in line with its expanding and evolving capacity.

Dr. Singh used this opportunity to place on record that the government is very pleased with the ongoing engagement with the World Bank and reiterated that Guyana values immensely the support of the bank.

Minister Singh also highlighted the rapid growth being achieved by the private sector and urged for an increase in

combatting climate change globally, and in serving to mobilise resources from domestic assets.

He said that Guyana’s first Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) led to an agreement with Norway in 2009, earning the country US$220 million for climate services provided.

The second-generation LCDS 2030, which prioritises the evolution of sale of forest climate services, saw Guyana being the first country to be issued jurisdiction-scale carbon credits, followed by the announcement of the world’s first sale of

of the largest transactions in the world.

More recently, Guyana made the world’s First Paris Agreement Corresponding Adjustment for ART-Issued TREES Carbon Credits, allowing for the authorisation of carbon units for use in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Vice-President Jaramillo commended the Government of Guyana on its global leadership in forest conservation and for supporting global climate change mitigation, noting that the bank continues to be interested in the

one of Guyana’s main development partners, especially in Human Capital Development, with over US$70 million invested in human capital development through several projects, including strengthening the Human Capital Project and enhancing policies.

Other loans and grants include a US$20 million loan for the Guyana Petroleum Governance and Management Project to support the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks, and the strengthening of the capacity of key institutions to manage the oil and gas

Additionally, the bank loaned US$6 million to Guyana under the Guyana Payments System Project to improve Guyana’s national payments system, while another US$13.3 million was loaned for the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project to improve students learning outcomes through reform of curriculum and teaching practices, US$37.9 million under the Flood Risk Management Project, and US$12.5 million towards the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project.

Following Wednesday’s meetings, the World Bank team, guided by officials from the Ministry of Finance, is slated to inspect various developmental project sites which form part of the World Bank’s project portfolio in Guyana. (Ministry of Finance)

As the World Bank continues to be one of Guyana’s most active development partners, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, on Wednesday met with the bank’s Vice-President for the Latin America and Caribbean Region, Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, and Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, at the Ministry of Finance

American Foundation for UWI to honour ... ‘Utter ignorance’

endeavor, help to create their own impactful legacy.”

This Year’s Distinguished Honorees Are:

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, and current Chairman of the Caribbean Community, (CARICOM).

Mr. Don Christian, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with a 35-year career in technology, aerospace, defense, and more. He is also a trustee at Howard University and the McDonogh School and the founder of the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network, (J-1 or JHUAN), which has raised over $250,000 for Jamaican students.

Mr. Anthony Mark Desnoes Hart, the executive chairman of Caribbe-

an Producers Jamaica Ltd. and a key figure in its establishment. He previously served as CEO, and is also a founding shareholder of the company, which is currently listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, (JSE).

Attorney Darren Skinner, co-general counsel of the Washington, D.C. office of Arnold & Porter, a law firm that provides sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional representation to nearly half of the Fortune 100 and many other clients.

Ms. Michele ChowTai, the managing director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners, where she spearheads strategic planning and client strategies to enhance the firm’s private equity and venture capital endeavors. Ms. Chow-Tai is also actively involved in several boards, including

the National Association of Securities Professionals - New York Chapter and the Greater New Haven Chambers of Commerce.

Rev. Patrick Perrin, who from Jamaica to New York, has dedicated most of his life to guiding his congregation and youth. Rev. Perrin recently retired as a United Methodist Elder after serving St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont in Valley Stream, New York, ending 32 years of service to the United Methodist Church.

Each ticket, table, sponsorship, or donation helps to fund education in the Caribbean and create the next generation of leaders in a region that struggles with a lack of access to capital. Get your tickets today for the AFUWI 27th annual gala at https://www.afuwi.org/

ABOUT AFUWI

The American Founda-

tion for The University of The West Indies, (AFUWI), a US-based non-profit, seeks to transform the lives of exceptionally talented young women and men who are in dire financial circumstances by providing access to higher education so they can break the cycle of generational poverty and make an economic impact in their local communities and throughout the Caribbean region. During the past 10+ years alone, AFUWI has provided approximately 600 tuition scholarships to students across the Caribbean region, donated $7.5M in goods, and brokered multiple relationships with other tier-one institutions.

All contributionscash or in-kind - are tax-deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws. Donate to support education today at afuwi.org”

–– Attorney-General says; challenges integrity of UNCHR claims of ‘public frustration’ over allegations that have become a ‘non-issue’

IN a scathing clap back, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. has rebuked certain sections of the media for sensationalising a non-issue regarding allegations against Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, which have already been dismantled.

On Wednesday, Nandlall called out sections of the local media for seizing any opportunity to portray the government or its leaders negatively, even if it means blowing a minor matter out of proportion.

“Whenever it is possible to put the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government or its leaders in a negative light, certain sections of the media never fail to deliver. Even when it requires them to magnify a non-issue and report it as prime news,” he said

He referenced a “lead story” from a local media outlet emerging from the UN Commission on Human Rights hearings.

During the hearing on Monday, the US Candidate to the Committee pointed to supposed concerns over “public frustration” regarding the government’s alleged “failure” to investigate reports of corruption involving the Vice-President, the Judiciary, and the Guyana Police Force.

However, Nandlall pointed out that no specifics or details were provided regarding these allegations.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, who is leading the Guyana delegation, had shot down the allegations.

The minister dismantled claims of corruption in her response to questions posed by UN Human Rights Committee Member, Laurence Helfer.

Regarding the Vice News allegations, Teixeira immediately clarified that the matter did not even merit a police report, as the claims did not meet the basic threshold for pursuing such recourse.

“There was no follow up because there was no police, there was no report made by Vice News or anybody else. And so the police cannot investigate without some form of report or complaint.

“However, the Vice President has answered this issue several times publicly in the same media that

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

‘Voices of a loud, well-financed few cannot determine the fate of a country’

––– Minister Teixeira tells UN Human Rights Committee to consider ‘all’ civil society views

–– says interventions of ‘leaving no one behind’ is a reality the government is striving for in all sectors

GIVEN the vast number of civil society organisations active in Guyana, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira expressed concern over what she described as the “tyranny of the minority,” given the focus on the positions of a few “well financed” NGOs by the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations.

“We don’t want to see the 21st century Jacobinism where those who shout the loudest, and those savvy on social media, are the ones who determine the fate of any country or any issue that is being dealt with.

“This will lead to the dismantling of democracy. We have fought too long to build it and therefore we accept that we haven’t reached where we want to go yet, that there are many challenges – but we are a small developing country with less than 800,000 people,” the minister said.

Her comment came on Wednesday, during the final day of the review of Guy-

ana’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) report, by the Human Rights Committee, under the auspices of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) at its 140th Session, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland, this week.

Guyana was asked in 2020 to submit its third International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights report and the report was submitted in 2021.

Minister Teixeira said: “Democracy and freedom of expression, the right to freely express your views, is not isolated to one group of people. Every citizen, and the government, and the opposition – everyone –has a right to express their views – political views, criticism, etc. But it cannot be a situation where a small group of people seem to be wielding tyranny of the minority, who believe that they alone are the conscience of Guyana – regardless what the government says; regardless of

what any other NGO says.

“Any NGO that does not agree with them then gets labelled as pro-government which is unfair to them. So, we want to build a democratic nation, but we don’t want anarchy. We will not allow anarchy because what would have been called gossip years ago has now become –thanks to the social media and different websites – it has become now, fact.

“And so we are not referring to anything particular, any committee member

said, but the national stakeholders of Guyana and the civil society organisations are hundreds of organisations – not three or four, not five. There are many more that play a valuable role in societies, whether it is through charities or their work with children…they are important too. Their views are important too.”

During the session which began on March 18, 2024 and concluded on March 20, 2024, Minister Teixeira pointed out that some of the questions

asked by the committee members appeared to be “odd,” as they were either outside the mandate of the committee or about ongoing process before other UN agencies.

“We find this a rather odd question that the committee would ask us regarding an appointment of a person that’s appointed by a statutory board…we found it strange,” Minister Teixeira remarked, whilst responding to a question asked about the legal appointment of the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The minister added: “… we accept and have always accepted the Treaty bodies and reviewing, but it is difficult. I find it difficult to be asked here to answer on an issue regarding IACHR and Isseneru when as far as I know we have not concluded the process with IACHR on the Isseneru issue, and so I am not even aware that certain documents are public or in the public realm. So, I cannot answer and will not answer on that.”

According to her, Guyana as a small, developing country, has made significant strides and is currently pursuing a transformational development agenda.

“We wish to reiterate what we have been saying here about the advances made in Guyana and the progress we have made in our country –that the interventions of leaving no one behind is a reality we are striving for in all the sectors, social sectors, etc.

“The transformation in our country, in its physical infrastructure, is to improve communication, access, and transportation and reduce the cost for people from various parts of the country and, of course, to enhance business and economic activities, jobs, etc. This is what is our responsibility,” the minister said.

The Human Rights Committee meets three times a year for sessions lasting three weeks at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

‘Utter ...

carried the report,” Teixeira said.

Despite this, Nandlall said that certain media outlets chose to focus solely on Vice-President Jagdeo, ignoring any semblance of balance in their reporting. The Attorney-General criticised the impression created by the media that Guyana was “grilled” over corruption allegations against the Vice-President.

He questioned the validity of the supposed “public frustration” cited, suggesting it may be politically motivated.

Nandlall defended Jagdeo, stating that he had publicly addressed and dismantled the allegations multiple times.

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“Vice-President Jagdeo faces the public in Guyana on a daily basis. He faces the press once weekly. A hostile press.

These questions are not asked. In fact, the public record will reflect that the only grouping that pursues this line in the public domain is the APNU+AFC, driven by their own political self-interest,” Nandlall said. He reminded the public that legal proceedings have been initiated against the individual who implicated Jagdeo, with default judgement imminent.

Nandlall went on to clarify misconceptions about the government’s role in investigations, noting that investigative powers lie with

different state agencies, not the government itself.

“Just imagine, if the government is to announce that it will investigate the Judiciary, the rancor and ruckus that will erupt and rightfully so. But yet the government is being accused of failing to investigate the Judiciary at a high international forum. Utter ignorance,” he said.

Nandlall also dismissed the allegations against Vice-President Jagdeo as nothing more than a “storm in a teacup,” implying that the issue was blown out of proportion by certain media outlets for their own agendas.

“I guess one can conclude that the Vice-President cannot stay out of the news. Even if he desperately tries. In the end, it is nothing but a storm in a teacup!” he said.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

Tyranny of the Minority

IN the hallowed halls of global diplomacy, where nations convene to discuss matters of human rights and governance, a small but pivotal voice rang out from Guyana. Gail Teixeira, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, articulated a sentiment that strikes at the heart of modern democratic discourse: The perils of the "tyranny of the minority."

At the 140th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, Minister Teixeira raised a critical con-

cern regarding the undue influence wielded by select, well-financed non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

These organisations, she cautioned, risked becoming modern-day Jacobins, shaping the destiny of nations through the sheer force of their vocal presence, amplified by social media prowess and financial backing.

Her words resonate deeply, not just within the corridors of power in Guyana, but across the globe, where the delicate balance between democratic expression and mi-

nority domination hangs in the balance.

Teixeira’s assertion that democracy cannot be held hostage by the vociferous few is a clarion call to safeguard sacred principles.

In the context of Guyana, a nation in the throes of transformational development, the challenges are manifold. With less than 800,000 inhabitants, every voice matters, yet none should drown out the chorus of democracy itself.

The minister rightly underscores the importance of diverse perspectives, not just from the

select few, but from the mosaic of civil society organisations that dots the landscape of Guyanese society.

The minister's concerns extend beyond the confines of NGO influence to encompass the very framework of international scrutiny.

She rightfully questions the mandate of the Human Rights Committee in probing matters that lie beyond its purview, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of national contexts and ongoing processes.

Indeed, Guyana's

journey towards progress and development is commendable. From infrastructural advancements aimed at fostering inclusivity to the tireless pursuit of leaving no one behind, the nation's trajectory is marked by a commitment to transformative change.

Minister Teixeira's steadfast defence of these efforts underscores the imperative of respecting sovereign agendas, while engaging in constructive dialogue within the global community.

As the Human Rights Committee convenes thrice yearly to deliberate

on matters of importance, it behoves all stakeholders to uphold the principles of mutual respect and dialogue. For in the crucible of international discourse lies the promise of progress, but also the peril of overreach and undue influence.

In Guyana and beyond, the path to a more equitable future lies in embracing the cacophony of voices that define our shared humanity, while steadfastly defending the principles that underpin our collective aspirations for a better world.

Stop the race hate and work towards development

Dear Editor,

I LISTENED to the APNU/ AFC meeting on Saturday afternoon, which was held at the Old Palm Tree Cinema Area on Burnham Drive. Well if that is the presentation of the APNU/ AFC which mismanaged Guyana during the 2015 to 2020 period and going around the country and trying to mislead people, let them think again.

Imagine your first priority when you got in office in 2015 without any performance was to raise your salaries over 50 per cent, secondly to close down the sugar industry and send over 7,000 sugar workers on the breadline, dismiss almost 2,000 Amerindian CSOs, cause the call centre to shut down in Linden putting over

100 young Lindeners out of a job, cause the Rusal Bauxite to close down, sending over 1,200 workers packing, cause over 30,000 persons, overall, to lose their jobs during its tenure in office, and impose over 200 taxes on the Guyanese people.

It was your coalition party which took away the children’s cash grant, it was your coalition party which disrespected the Constitution of Guyana, first by electing Retired Justice Patterson as chair of GECOM; second, failed to adhere to the no-confidence motion, based on the constitutional requirement, and was sitting in government illegally, and made several attempts to steal the 2020 elections in front of the eyes of the world.

Now fetching a small crowd of your supporters from Georgetown and

coming to Linden to talk a bundle of trash. All PNC camp could do is criticise Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali and to spread race hate, and continue trying to mislead and divide our people, while the President is working hard to bring our people together for the best interest for Guyana.

Let me set the record straight, which I believe all should know this. It was the vision and skillfulness of President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo that moved this country from being the poorest country in this hemisphere to a middle-income country.

Here again it is the excellent and transformative leadership by our beloved President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the cabinet that is transforming the nation and driving devel-

opment that is taking place in our country, making it the fastest growing economy in the world.

Just Last week, the Secretary of State of the USA, the greatest economy in world, congratulated Dr. Ali for his outstanding leadership.

Look at what the PNC/ APNU/AFC leader gone to, imagine Aubrey Norton now the Leader of the opposition, was not be considered for a PS position much less a ministerial position under President Burnham, President Hoyte and even under President Granger and now wants to be President of this country.

He has neither haven’t shown nor demonstrated leadership qualities and he does not have the majority support of the Guyanese people to become President.

Just imagine you cannot understand the OLE, and trying to mislead your supporters that the list is bloated.

Let me again educate you Mr. Norton, of what Dr. Jagdeo was telling you. He was saying that the Official List of Electors have on it all Guyanese who are qualified to vote, which included persons who are living overseas who are registered under GECOM but they can only vote in Guyana.

“Dead people cannot vote.” Mr. Norton, your supporters know very well that your party is losing support to the PPP and that the APNU/AFC would not win the 2025 Elections. Everyday people are approaching us wanting to join the PPP; this we welcome.

Instead of you supporting Dr. Ali in working towards bringing our people together,

you and your colleagues are trying to divide Guyanese, which is not good for Guyana at this time or no time.

The records would show that Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian and all Guyanese are far better off under a PPP/C Administration. What did APNU/AFC do for the teachers when they were in office?

“Nothing”, now suddenly you all so love our teachers. Since the PPP/C returned to government the teachers are better off, and I know that teachers and other workers will get better benefits from this government, So, I urge the teachers don’t be misled by the APNU/AFC.

Thank you, Andrew Forsythe

The Bar Association, and the story of a cow and her baby

THERE was a letter in this newspaper yesterday, and all Guyanese should read it because the content of it tells a sad story about the sad mentality that is embedded in many persons in this country. I have spent an enormous amount of column space in my media career on the judiciary from magistracy to judgeship.

I will continue to do so because the foundation of my argument is that after the Cabinet, the next receptacle of power (yes, more than the legislature), the exercise of which can be far-reaching in society is the judiciary.

On Tuesday last, the US Government had condemned a judgement by the Federal Supreme Court in support of the Texan governor’s decision to deport illegal immigrants. One can clearly see the power of judges when the White House press secretary can say that the Supreme Court decision is a violation of the US constitution. Imagine that!

If judges can render deci-

sions that go beyond even the jurisdiction of elected executives of the state, then those authorities paid by the public purse, must be cognisant that they have an obligation to society. But are magistrates and judges accountable to the society and if they are not what purpose the Guyana Bar Association serves?

The letter referred to above is about the Barbados Bar Association’s condemnation of judges who fail to comply with the constitution to give timely judgements. I quote from the opening paragraph: “I write to commend the Bar Association of Barbados for calling out judges who fail to give decisions within the time stipulated by the Barbados Constitution. This demonstrates that the Barbados Bar Association is an organisation that is cognisant of its duty to protect the rule of law and the public interest without fear.”

In Guyana what does the Bar Association do in relation to the protection of the rule of law? I will offer you

one nightmarish example for which they must be an exigent intervention by the Chancellor and the Bar Association. But I expect no action and I say that unapologetically. Should a judge sue a member of the media rather than the customary use of contempt of court?

It is a messy situation for a judge to sue the media and the trial could be a spectacle that could only bring irreparable damage to the judiciary in this country. I wrote about an incredibly light sentence where a gang invaded the home of a visiting expatriate, shot and killed him and on pleading guilty, the accused got two years. At the trial there was no impact statement from the relatives.

The judge sued without asking for an apology. Then the nightmare began. No lawyer agreed to take the case even those who are my friends and that I trust. They all said they are afraid to do so because their future clients may be victimised by the judge. Three lawyers pre-

pared my defence and Glen Hanoman who lives in Europe agreed to take the case.

No doubt knowing what will happen to the image of the judiciary, Justice Sandra Kurtzious declined to hear the case and sent it to mediation in front of attorney, Teni Housty. At the hearing, the judge told Mr. Housty that the matter could have ended from day one if I had apologised. I am saying boldly, that was misleading. I was sued rather than given the opportunity to apologise.

Should judges sue the media for libel? Thousands of Guyanese in and out of the land will read this column. Will that galvanize the Bar Association and Madam Chancellor to pronounce on this question?

I have written about this case two times before. The same Bar Association with all its executives present staged a picket exercise outside the Eve Leary police station over a five-minute detention by the police of a lawyer.

The story of a magistrate in Berbice and a starving cow and her calf imprisoned in the compound of the Springlands police station did not receive the attention of the Bar Association and Madam Chancellor. Berbice social activist, Gobin Harbhajan, informed the Attorney-General, the Minister of Home Affairs and me about a cow tied up for two months at the station awaiting a civil case trial.

I called the magistrate to ask if the case could be fast-forwarded to stop the

cruelty to the two animals.

That was all I asked the magistrate for which I thought was a perfect request. The magistrate refused to talk to me and put down the phone. This situation was made public yet Madam Chancellor and the Bar Association have not acted. I don’t know if it is true but there are allegations in Berbice that the cow and her calf starved to death last week.

Jagan's dream became Burnham's nightmare!

Dear Editor,

THIS year, the month of March is dedicated to many events, both past and present.

The famous March 2 (2020) is automatically remembered for the infamous PNC attempt to rig the General and Regional Elections.

Despite winning the election, the PPP/C’s ascension to office was delayed and there was a call for a CARICOM recount process which confirmed the affirmative.

However, during the villainous five-month period where we saw delay tactics by APNU+AFC and its affiliates, the coalition harangued the Guyanese public on morality, integrity and decency, harassed the world about interference, independence and democracy; harnessed the last lap of spoils, gains and perks while conducting other skullduggery activities before acceding to the international community’s demand (in particular the US Government), to demit office and agree for the PPP/C to form the legitimate government with Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali being sworn in as the legal President. This disgruntled date may

perhaps demonstrably denote the most embarrassing, ambitious and provoking moment in the history of the PNC, when the party made their most desperate, dangerous and determined risk to defy all odds in their daring attempt to execute their legendary election rigging legacy.

Their formidable and notorious attribute was finally and firmly fumigated when the US Government placed formal visa sanctions on them and their friends, families and favorites. There was even incursion of dissent as dissatisfied PNC members internally exercised a “manicured Coup d’état,” trying to manipulate uncompromising co-operation within a gang of sanctimonious rebels.

To date, many of their members are in the court facing charges but, the case is still in limbo and awaiting trial. A classic case of “justice delayed is justice denied,” is being played out with the impeding obstructionists preventing the process of a fair and free trial being delivered. This tune is being amplified by the Barbadian counterpart but amputated by the Guyanese protagonist.

Be it an accident, incident

or coincidence, March month is meticulously mesmerized with the monumental memories of the illustrious Jaganites! March 6th commemorated the 27th death anniversary for Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan, Guyana’s first democratically elected President to rule after the first fair and free election since 1964.

During the dictatorial days of a 28-year span, Guyana was ruled by leaders who rigged all the elections in order to gain and retain political power. Dr. Jagan was a beaten victor after being relinquished from power through collated collusion, consolidated corruption and conspired co-operation. This corroboration was created through the instrumentality of an integration between the PNC and the UF Parties, the intrusion of a US/ British financed inundation and the infiltration of the “divide and conquer” intricacy. The intention was to replace the premiership of the decent Dr. Jagan with the devious Burnham. Thus, a dream was converted to a nightmare.

Jagan, via a controlled PNC mechanism, was unable to regain power and had to settle for the role of Opposition Leader.

Guyana became a disaster for development for the 28 years of dictatorship under the PNC, riddled with discrimination, corruption and impoverishment.

Not until Dr. Cheddi Jagan won the 1992 election through fair and not foul means and became President with the help of the Carter Centre, did Guyana blossom to become a country free from economic bankruptcy and fortunate to favour economic development once again. Dr. Jagan survived for another five years to remold the PPP/C to political vibrancy and power the way for Guyana’s growth with a solid foundation for sustainability.

Despite being in the wilderness of a political but polluted arena for 28 years, Dr. Jagan was still a forefront runner for truth, honesty, dignity and peace. He was an ambassador for decency, simplicity and humility. His accumulated and impeccable characteristics as a fighter for the poor and middle class, a believer in equal treatment for all and a contributor to the upliftment for human dignity globally, will irrefutably superimpose the ambition of any serious challenger. He did author four books and his

remarkable writings will continue to find solace in the minds of friendly readers.

March 22 heralds the 106th birth anniversary of the founder of the People Progressive Party, Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan. A Berbician, he was born to a struggling family in the proud village of Port Mourant. A Dutch county known to make Guyana famous for their hospitality, had given birth to a QC boy who fought the prejudice of a “country boy come to town” stigma, became a US trained dentist and led the battle to fight the British imperialism and paved the way for a British Guiana to rid itself of colonialism to fly the flag of independence.

His lifestyle was pampered with charismatic charm, the irrevocable approach for openness, the opulence of friendliness and understanding, the emphasis of empathy, the dexterity of seriousness and determination and the crave for peace, progress and prosperity for Guyana and Guyanese.

March 28 is the tail to the trunk of the Jaganites’ trail on trial! The date traumatises the tenderness of Mrs. Janet Rosenberg Jagan’s 15th death anni-

versary, the first American born woman to rise to presidency!

Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s unfulfilled dream was a troubled continuity with the advent of his Jewish American wife, Janet Jagan, who succeeded him as President in December 1997. She resigned reluctantly after reigning for a clipped 20 months duration, fatigued by the failed, frail and fragile Guyanese society, fermented with violence from the PNC and marred by the fanatics in a ferocious Opposition Party, creating mayhem.

In the month of March, there is also a marriage of cohesion and not convenience for peace, bliss and happiness as the Christians cement the advent of Lent, the Muslims maintain the sanctity of fasting for Ramadan and the Hindus herald the colorful festivities of Holi. Others are overwhelmed with the overpowering element to live life with positive vibrations. Let us mark the month of March with mentored memories.

Yours respectfully,

Blackwater Adventures showcases majesty of the Demerara River, Sakaika Falls

–– with experiential tourism product

By Cindy Parkinson

GIVEN that Guyana is among the most stunning tropical travel destinations in the world, the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) continue to provide support to locally licensed tour operators to foster growth and the promotion of sustainable tourism across the country.

During the launch of an experiential product, the Sakaika Falls tour, and

Demerara Sunset Cruise between GTA and Blackwater Adventures, the Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh, commended the founders of Blackwater Adventures, Stephanie and Dillon Ross, for revamping the Demerara Sunset Cruise with better reliability and improved accessibility.

According to Baksh:

“I would like to congratulate Dillon, his wife, and the team at Blackwater Adventures for taking the initiative and having the

vision to repackage the sunset cruise. To be able to have no minimum is a first for Guyana; one of the challenges of a cruise is that you need a certain number of people to commence the tour, but by eliminating that, it makes the tour much more accessible.”

He further said that the accessibility of the Blackwater trip will augment and improve the experience of being in Guyana, given the increased volume of business travel

occurring in the country due to events such as the FAO meeting.

“Apart from making the tour accessible to tourists, Dillon is one of the few operators that sells on commissions. One of the challenges in the industry is having a higher level of participation in the industry, working on commissions, and understanding those concepts. That is something we want to drive home with our partners this year to ensure that more operators are working on commission so that all can benefit from the influx of visitors that

we have in the country,” Baksh added.

Additionally, the GTA Director also emphasised that even if many operators have great ideas on what they would like to do, they are also faced with the issue of financial difficulties.

“Many operators and individuals have great ideas, but we may not be able to take on all the costs associated with them, so what we did was partner with licensed operators; we only support licensed operators. That simply means you would not be able to benefit from the

grant if you’re unlicensed, and with every initiative and every project that the tourism authority and the ministry take, we always link it to licensed businesses so that we can drive more benefits to licensed businesses. That will of course improve the insurance for the visitor in terms of safety and quality,” Baksh said.

Emphasising the wonders of the tourism product, Ross said that while Kaieteur Falls is admired for being the highest single-drop waterfall in the

See page 9

A view of the Guyana Marriott Hotel (right), the Old Pegasus (centre), and the New Pegasus (left) from the Demerara River provided by Blackwater Adventures (Delano Williams photo)

The director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh (facing), and one of the founders of Blackwater Adventures, Dillion Ross, talk about the tour to a couple of influencers (Delano Williams photo)

Flocks of birds preparing for a night’s rest next to the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown, Guyana (Delano Williams photo)

Works progressing on Kumaka, Morawhanna stellings

INFRASTRUCTURAL works on the new Kumaka and Morawhanna stellings in Region One are progressing and aim to provide safe transit points and enhanced transport services to residents.

The works on the $2.163 billion Kumaka stelling are currently 25 per cent completed. The site is cleared of vegetation and obstacles, and progress has been made in placing and compacting backfill materials.

Additionally, long-lead items have been successfully procured, and the site office constructed. Works commenced in August 2023.

Similarly, the stelling at Morawhanna is undergoing some basic adjustments to the tune of $1.9 billion. That project is also

Infrastructural works on the new Kumaka and Morawhanna stellings in Region One are progressing and aim to provide safe transit points and enhanced transport services to residents

being executed by R. Bassoo & Sons Construction Company and is 35 per cent completed.

Blackwater Adventures showcases majesty ...

world, the Sakaika Falls and the journey to get to the Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) destination equally, if not more, create a lasting impact on one’s mind.

The route to the fall entails taking an aircraft from Georgetown to the Blake Slater airstrip, travelling 15 miles by boat, taking a tractor to Karaku bottom, and walking for 17 miles to reach Sakaika Falls.

According to Ross, while getting to the destination may seem like a long and laborious journey, the experience is once in a lifetime.

He said: “The journey to Sakaika Falls is breathtaking; what makes this place so special is the experience of getting there. One of the beautiful things about Sakaika that

we noticed is that you have various different vantage points as far as you want.”

While the aim is to enjoy the adventure, Ross related that in the case of an emergency, they are fully equipped to handle the situation or contact help via satellite phones for a helicopter to be flown in.

“We know that this is in the remote areas of the forest, so in the case of an emergency, we have an arrangement in place to get in a helicopter to you...if it’s not as major, we have a few people with ATVs and tractors, and we could coordinate that to get you to the airstrip and work on getting you a flight out as fast as we can,” he said.

Ross also added that he and his tour guide are both medically equipped with the right training to handle a situation if the

need arises.

The Sakaika Falls package for four persons includes four days and three nights, all-inclusive (round-trip flight from Ogle, stocked backpack, camping gear, meals, and a guide), at a cost of GD$250,000. While the Demerara Sunset Cruise has a set price of $15,000 per person and $8,000 per child.

Blackwater Adventures is a family-owned eco-tourism business that is based in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

They offer fishing charters, boat-based tours, and trips to Fort Nassau, which is up the Berbice River.

Like the director of GTA, Ross also emphasised that they offer a daily tour at no minimum.

were done.

project is expected to be completed in August this year.

The facilities will significantly ease the transportation burden and ensure the prompt delivery of goods to the region while bolstering economic development in the NorthWest area.

It will also provide docking to the new and recently operationalised Indian roll-on and roll-off vessel, MV MA Lisha that traverses between Georgetown and Region One.

In 2023, the Ministry of Public Works was allocated a sum of $33.3 billion for the enhancement of wharves and stellings under the supplementary fund.

Of that sum, $2.5 billion was earmarked for advancing works at the Kingston Goods Wharf and the Kumaka, Morawhanna, and Port Kaituma stellings.

The site office was constructed and temporary revetment works

The procurement of long lead items has also been made. This

GTU VP admits ‘financial issues’ were discussed with MoE

–– union’s credibility under scrutiny as meeting minutes dispute deepens in court

THE credibility of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is facing intense scrutiny as more doubts emerge regarding the existence of crucial minutes of meetings purportedly held between the union and the Ministry of Education (MoE).

The latest developments unfolded after it was revealed that the ministry stands as the sole possessor of documentation pertaining to these meetings.

On Tuesday, GTU President, Mark Lyte, asserted to Justice Sandil Kissoon that the union possessed minutes of meetings held with the ministry from 2019 to 2023.

However, when questioned by the judge on Wednesday, it was revealed that no such documents could be located, casting serious doubts about the reliability of the GTU’s claims.

The Ministry of Education handed over all documents related to meetings with the GTU from 2020 to February 2024, in compliance with court orders.

Justice Kissoon pressed on with the hearing on Wednesday, 24 hours after he had proposed that minutes from both parties be examined to form a “statement of agreed facts.”

“The burden of proof is with the applicant. The applicant has indicated they are in possession of minutes.

“The applicant is saying, however, that those minutes do not reflect what the representative of the respondent is contending,” Justice Kissoon said during the hearing.

He further explained that the court even ordered Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain to assist the judicial review with copies of all of those documents that support the performance contained in his affidavit for the case.

“The court is proposing that all of the minutes that are in possession of the applicant and the respondent be part of the bundle of documents before this court, to be examined by all

parties within a stipulated time… And a statement of agreed facts be prepared by the parties flowing from the contents of those documents. And any facts that are disputed, we set out separately,” Justice Kissoon posited to the parties.

GTU’s attorney, Darren Wade, agreed with this new approach and told the judge that his proposal was a “sensible” one which could advance the case faster.

However, when Justice Kissoon asked him if he had copies of the GTU’s minutes which he claim tells a “different narrative” from the MoE’s, he said: “It is not available. There may have records that they took personally, but there have never been actual minutes.”

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde who is also on record for the union, however, said that the minutes of the meeting submitted by the state tell the false narrative that financial matters were discussed, which was contradictory to what the GTU is contending.

In response, Justice Kissoon reminded Forde that the respondent is contending that discussions took place and are still ongoing and pointed out that the latter is of no concern to him.

“The continuing aspect is no concern to the court. But, the legitimacy of the industrial action, or the circumstances leading up to that are relevant to the issues that have to be determined,” the judge said.

BEWILDERED

While all of this was unfolding, Nandlall was clearly taken aback.

“I want to begin by professing my bewilderment in the way this case has been unfolding,” he said before dissecting what was being proposed by the court.

He added, “If the facts are not established then they are not established. That’s part of my bewilderment.”

Nandlall seized upon the absence of GTU’ minutes, stating that this was a critical blow to the union’s credibility as he emphasised the fundamental importance of factual evidence in substantiating claims brought before the court, particularly in a case of such significance.

Justice Kissoon, however, told him that if he believed that the court was failing to get to the root of what constituted the substance of the discussions or whether financial matters were under consideration or negotiation, he was free to seek redress.

“I regret that you are bewildered. But that is what the court will attempt to do to get as much assistance and to get all of the documents that are available to assist me in rendering a decision that is just and fair and being fully informed with the assistance of all of the parties,” Justice Kissoon told Nandlall.

Nevertheless, with the absence of any other doc-

ument, both parties agreed for the case to proceed and GTU’s Vice President (VP) Julian Cambridge was called to the stand to be cross-examined.

Under cross-examination, from MoE’s attorney, Darshan Ramdhani KC, Cambridge acknowledged that the government implemented some salary increases without engaging in collective bargaining.

He conceded that various financial considerations, including duty-free concessions, housing funds, and scholarships, were discussed between the GTU and the Ministry of Education.

Benefits such as travel allowances and increased salaries for certain teachers were addressed during the meeting, with some exclusive benefits to union members.

Discussions also revolved around scholarships, contingent on programme accreditation from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

While 3,800 GOAL scholarships were made available during talks in 2024, Cambridge couldn’t recall the exact number of meetings held between the union and the ministry since 2020.

Ramdhani put to Cambridge that financial matters were discussed during a meeting held between MoE and GTU on January 31, to which he replied “no”.

“It is my understanding that this process was that

the Ministry of Education was trying to improve financial awards that were being given to teachers in the system. Isn’t that what this was aiming to do,” Ramdhani asked Cambridge, which replied with “yes.”

Cambridge later acknowledged that financial matters as proposed by the union were discussed in the statutory meetings with the Education Ministry.

Wade maintained that collective bargaining between the two parties was not done.

“While you may say collective bargaining was not done, if the parties engage in discussions about specific matters, that may fall under the head of the welfare and improvement of the members of the union, then the argument may be raised that it forms part of collective bargaining in the ordinary context,” the judge put to Wade, which he conceded to.

STRONGLY REJECTED

Hussain was later called to the stand where he was questioned about something Cambridge had said.

Cambridge had earlier told the court that allowances for educators engaged in teaching practice at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) were unpaid.

“I would have to refute that, that position. In preparing this affidavit, I got the figure of $15,511, 149; I

got those from the payment vouchers,” Hussain said as he strongly rejected Cambridge’s claim.

The matter stands adjourned until Thursday at 13:00 hours, with Hussain returning for cross-examination.

On March 4, following a court-appointed mediation, the GTU called off the illegal protest and agreed for the striking teachers to return to their classrooms.

However, on March 12, talks between the GTU and the MoE broke down again, after the ministry upheld the government’s position that discussions surrounding salary increases should be from 2024 onwards.

The GTU had asked for a 20 per cent increase and indicated that they are interested in discussing only salaries, particularly between the period 2019 and 2023, and nothing else.

The union maintained its determination to discuss only salary matters concerning the prior years and refused to address the other 25 matters which were identified for discussion by both the Ministry of Education and the union.

This resulted in the representatives of the union abandoning the process and walking out of the meeting.

On Tuesday, GTU withdrew its application seeking to force the MoE into discussions regarding teachers’ salary increases for the period 2019 to 2023.

From left: Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, Justice Sandil Kissoon and GTU attorney, Darren Wade

Attorney-at-law Darshan Ramdhani, KC GTU President, Mark Lyte

More innovative, modern training to be offered by BIT –– Minister Hamilton says

By Faith Greene

THE rapid growth of the local economy has resulted in an increased demand for innovation in every area, especially labour, where new skills are required to drive development in new and diversified sectors.

will be able to train persons and upgrade their skills to participate in welding in the oil and gas sector, trainees will need to be introduced to metal work engineering so they could do the designing of products.

“Perhaps intertwining

explore new ways to enhancing local labour force.

Next week, a new training programme will be launched for Guyana Power and Light (GPL) technicians in fibre optic installation and repairs.

Notably, Minister Hamilton revealed that they have

To ensure that Guyanese are well equipped to satisfy this demand, the Ministry of Labour is constantly upgrading the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to include new and innovative programmes, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, said during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

The minister said, holistically, the ministry’s aim is to elevate the training programmes beyond the traditional areas.

He related that in the welding and fabrication programme, while they

IT in this matter, because now doing that work, a lot of information technology includes designing… the furniture that now is in style, is a fusion of steel and wood, so how do you run a programme, taking that into consideration?” Hamilton said.

Further, he highlighted that, in areas such as garment construction, he believes that trainees should be more exposed to innovative designing to further enhance their skillset.

Those are some of the considerations on the table, as the ministry continues to

commenced the construction of a number of training facilities across the country. And, according to a breakdown of those projects, one is being constructed in Region Four at Unity, and two in Region Six, while the facilities at Annai and Lethem, Region Nine, are being upgraded.

Additionally, funds were budgeted for the construction of a training facility in Region Three at Canal Number One.

He said: “One of the ideas is to do that project jointly with the First Lady’s Foundation. And then in Re-

gion One, a new building is to be built in Port Kaituma. Land is to be allocated there for technical training. So that is new.”

Additionally, Minister Hamilton said that collaborations for training opportunities with other ministries, government agencies and

the private sector organisations will also be pursued throughout this year to equip Guyanese with the necessary skills to do their jobs.

Over the past three years, BIT has certified about 11,275 persons in various areas. The agency offers a range of courses,

including fibre optic installation, building construction, boat building, welding and fabrication, cosmetology, electrical installation, heavy-duty equipment operation, early childhood development, and commercial food preparation, among others.

Over the past three years, BIT has certified about 11,275 persons in various areas

FAO impressed with Guyanese youth involvement in ‘agri’ sector

Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr Qu Dongyu, expresses admiration for the significant participation of young people in driving the modernisation of Guyana’s agricultural sector

DIRECTOR General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Dr Qu Dongyu, has expressed admiration for the significant participation of young people in driving the modernisation of Guyana’s agricultural sector.

On Wednesday, the director general engaged with students from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) during site visits to the hydroponics project and Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AEIP), at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Dr Qu Dongyu is currently in Guyana for the 38th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean Ministerial Session in Guyana

He told the students, “You are lucky because, in your country, you have a great leader and a good opportunity for the economy due to the natural resources… water, soil, gas, forest and others just offer you preconditions.”

H continued, “So, that is why we need the qualified generation who are willing to be engaged in modernisation. You have to prepare yourself.”

Dr Qu Dongyu also encouraged the budding agriculturists to use their training opportunities to elevate their skill sets. “You have to change your mindset…I wish all of you success,” he emphasised.

During the site visits, the FAO Director General was briefed on the impact of the cultivation of high-value crops due to increased demand and lucrativeness, locally and regionally.

Various crops, such as pakchoi and premium herbs, are being cultivated as part of the hydroponics project to fulfil the demands of the expanding tourism sector.

A variety of crops, including pakchoi and highend herbs, are being cultivated as part of the hydroponics project to meet the needs of the growing tourism industry. Through AEIP, these shade houses remain instrumental in supporting aspiring agri-entrepreneurs.

Already, 70 per cent of the young people involved in this initiative are successful agri-business owners.

At NAREI, 54 shade houses are cultivating various high-value crops such as lettuce, cilantro, kale, cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, parsley, and chilli peppers.

Almost 300 shade houses have been constructed to date. Nearly 13 per cent of all the shade houses constructed were distributed to schools nationwide, 17 per cent went to farming groups, and 50 per cent to farmers.

Approximately 15 per cent of the shade houses are being utilised for the youths who are involved in the AIEP.

As part of this visit to NAREI, the FAO Director General handed over a plaque to NAREI’s CEO Jagnarine Singh, for all the agency has been doing to drive the agricultural sector in Guyana.

Accompanying the DG were Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat; NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jagnarine Singh; FAO Country Representative, Dr Gillian Smith and other officials. (FAO)

ERC exposes PNC’s uncooperative spirit

–– says party hopscotching around opportunity for a meeting

–– Commission investigating 80 complaints

THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), since its reconstitution in 2023 - approximately one year ago - has been trying to solicit the support of leaders of the various political parties to assist in the execution of its mandate, but has consistently failed so far to come to an agreement with the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Since the new commissioners were sworn in last year March, the ERC has written to all political parties seeking to secure such meetings with the leaders, but so far, only the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) have responded positively.

As for the PNC, though, it’s not that they have not responded to the ERC, but there has been a constant “back and forth” when it comes to setting a date for a meeting, Chief Executive Officer Gomin Comacho told Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday.

The ERC engaged with members of the media at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown, to provide an update on the work and initiatives of the Commission as it marks one year since its reconstitution. The life of this Commission runs from 2023 to 2026.

In addition to writing to political leaders, the ERC wrote to all Members of Parliament, urging them to build on the united front that was evident during the recent period of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and reminded them of the influence they have on their respective supporters, as leaders were encouraged to lead by example.

Furthermore, the Commission, over two months, convened 10 stakeholder engagements with repre-

sentatives of the various constituency groupings, namely, African, Indian, Indigenous, Islamic, Hindu, Christian, Women, Youth, Private Sector, and Labour, respectively.

It also visited and engaged the regional officials and residents of communities in Regions One, Two, Six, Seven, Nine and 10. “The Commission solicited the concerns of each demographic and gained feedback and insights into areas in which the ERC could work towards addressing them. The contributions from the various engagements were considered in the drafting of the Strategic Plan, which is being finalized,” ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack said in delivering his official statement.

For the past year, the ERC has acidulously pursued its mission to address and investigate ethnic and racial discrimination complaints that fall within the purview of the Racial Hostility Act and the Prevention of Discrimination Act.

With 80 complaints received, the Commission’s Investigative Unit has been instrumental in navigating these complex issues, achieving varying degrees of resolution: 11 complaints were withdrawn, indicating some disputes could be settled informally; seven investigations concluded, and three cases closed; meanwhile, 23 cases remain actively investigated.

Additionally, five cases required police intervention, and another 10 were directed to external agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each complaint.

Twenty-six cases are awaiting investigation, with two resolved

ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack addressing the audience in the presence of commissioners and other officers of the ERC (Delano Williams photo)

ERC exposes PNC’s uncooperative...

From page 13

through conciliation.

Regarding those that require police involvement, Head of the Investigative Unit at ERC Faroud Khan told this publication that the Commission has concluded its investigations in all five cases which have been in relation to racial discrimination meted out on the internet.

“The Investigative Unit’s unwavering commitment to resolving discrimination issues has been clear throughout the year. Through meticulous investigations, resolution facilitation, and strategic collaborations, the Commission is dedicated to promoting an equitable society where every individual’s rights are safeguarded, highlighting our ongoing commitment to justice and the dynamic nature of our work in fostering an inclusive community,” Hack expressed.

Meanwhile, Comacho told Guyana Chronicle she believes that dealing with the backlog of cases has been the single most difficult challenge of the ERC.

On the bright side, she noted the most impactful initiative of the ERC over the past year has to be related to public education.

For one thing, the Commission has undertaken an intense campaign to tackle racism in its early stages through school engagements by instilling in the younger generation the values of tolerance, respect, and appreciation for diverse ethnicities, according to Hack.

“Through a myriad of school outreaches, the ERC has taken its message of harmony and good relations to dozens of primary and secondary schools. Over the past year, we have reached over 8,000 students from coastal schools in the first phase, and this year the model will be extended to all other regions of Guyana,” he shared.

“These school visits have provided a crucial opportunity to engage with the next generation of leaders and change-makers, equipping them with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to create a more harmonious and cohesive society. By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding from a young age, we ensure that diversity is celebrated and embraced,” Hack added.

Apart from the Chairman, Deputy Chairman Charles Ogle was present at yesterday’s meeting. The Commissioners who make up the ERC are: Neaz Subhan, Chandrowtie Sarran, Ashton Simon, Dwayne Adams, Krishna Sharma, Norris Witter, Rodwell Porter, Deon Dick. Dwijendra Rooplall serves as the Public Education Awareness Officer; Shemuel Fanfair as the Head of the Media Monitoring Unit; Nirmala Persaud as the Finance Officer; and Oma Devi Sukhu as the Administrative Officer.

Guyana recommits to deepening bilateral relations with Brazil, Saudi Arabia

–– as new ambassadors accredited

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan

Ali, on Wednesday, reiterated Guyana’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with Brazil and Saudi Arabia during separate accreditation ceremonies for new ambassadors at the Office of the President.

The President accepted the Letters of Credence from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria De Castro Martins, and Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Guyana, Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam.

President Dr Irfaan Ali received the Letters of Credence from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria De Castro Martins, at the Office of the President today.

During the first ceremony to accredit the Brazilian Ambassador, President Ali underscored the special relationship between Guyana and Brazil, and their common values and principles, especially in relations to people-centred development.

The Head of State also

spoke of collaborations in areas such as energy, agriculture, forest management and infrastructure and about the “ever-deepening relations between the two nations”.

Ambassador Martins said that her mission is to work on ensuring that the agendas of both countries are fulfilled. Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations on December 18, 1968.

Subsequently, during the ceremony to accredit Ambassador Ghulam, President Ali said that he looked forward to a vibrant and expanding relationship between the two countries.

On the agenda was the establishment of bilateral trade in food production, energy, and oil and gas. He added that, with the Kingdom preparing to establish an embassy in Georgetown, there are many opportunities for the countries to deepen their bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Ghulam signalled his readiness to work on advancing the bilateral agenda of the two countries.

Guyana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established diplomatic ties in 2012.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, accepted the Letters of Credence from Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Guyana, Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, accepted the Letters of Credence from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria De Castro Martins

Work progresses on Cummings Lodge Water Treatment Plant

MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, on Wednesday, wrapped up a site visit to the Cummings Lodge Water Treatment Plant, where construction is progressing well.

The minister and team visited the site to check on the progress made so far on the facility and to ensure the contractor was staying on course.

Minister Rodrigues ex -

pressed her satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that the completion of this facility will mark another significant contribution to improving the quality of life for thousands of citizens.

Once completed, the treatment plant and well will serve over 25,000 residents in Cummings Lodge, North and South Ruimveldt, Festival City, and Lamaha Park. This project falls under the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastruc-

ture Programme (CWTIP) and is funded by the government through the Ministry of Housing and Water.

The CWTIP aims to increase treated water coverage to 90 per cent by 2025 at a cost of 40 billion dollars.

The CWTIP is currently constructing seven new large water treatment plants, 15 small plants, upgrading 12 existing plants, and installing 200 km of transmission mains to improve water qual-

ity, continuity of service and level of service in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. The Cummings Lodge Water Treatment plant is one of three new plants being constructed in Region Four. This plant is designed to treat 12 million liters per day (MLD) and is 50 per cent completed. The plant is

being constructed by Sigma Engineers Ltd at a cost of 1.3 billion and is on schedule to be completed in November 2024.

Additionally, a new well is being constructed currently, and a second well will be drilled to supply the new treatment plant.

Contracts valued at G$600 million have been

awarded for the construction of 13.5 km of new transmission mains from the plant in the New Cummings Lodge housing scheme and other surrounding communities. These works will commence in April 2024 and are expected to be completed by September 2024.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, on Thursday, wrapped up a site visit to the Cummings Lodge Water Treatment Plant

Sinclair 50 frustrates leaders; Red...

From page 32

Sinclair got support from Kevlon Anderson who made 48 and tailenders Gudakesh Motie (46) and Veerasammy Permaul (30), both of whom chipped in with valuable knocks to help counter leg-spinner Darel Cyrus’s (5-67) second five-wicket haul of the season.

In the four overs available before the close, Volcanoes reached 12 without loss, to trail by 296 runs heading into Thursday’s day two at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Choosing to bat first, Harpy Eagles got a solid, if not spectacular start, when

left-handers Matthew Nandu (25) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (13) put on 40 for the first wicket.

When the innings declined to 77 for three, Sinclair anchored two key stands to get his side out of trouble. First, he posted 53 for the fourth with Anderson who struck half-dozen fours and a six in an 83-ball knock, before adding a further 63 for the sixth wicket with Permaul who faced 29 balls and belted a four and a couple of sixes.

Sinclair, better known for his off-spin, faced 102 deliveries and struck 10 fours and a six before he was seventh out, bowled by pacer Shamar Springer (2-75) playing down the wrong line.

The right-hander, who hit a 50 in the last round and an unbeaten 100 in the third round, now has 412 runs for the season.

Motie then played with abandon, smashing three fours and three sixes in a 43-ball cameo to engineer a 51-run, eighth-wicket stand with Nial Smith (20 not out), to further frustrate Volcanoes.

At Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force rebounded after being bundled out for 172, to reduce Barbados Pride to 99 for four at the close.

Opting to bat first, Red Force were held together by a defiant unbeaten 93 from Amir Jangoo, the 26-year-old left-hander left stranded just

short of a maiden first-class 100.

He faced 159 deliveries and struck 14 fours, and pulled the Red Force innings around after it had crashed to 27 for four and then 83 for seven, putting on 29 for the eighth wicket with Bryan Charles (12) and 38 for the ninth with Anderson Phillip (15).

In reply, Pride were flourishing at 84 for one before left-arm spinner Khary Pierre (2-18) triggered a slide that saw three wickets tumble for just 15 runs.

Zachary McCaskie struck 46 off 93 balls with five fours, inspiring a 55-run first wicket stand with captain Kraigg Brathwaite (30) and a further 29 for the second wicket with Raymon Reifer (12).

But Reifer played back and was adjudged lbw to Pierre, McCaskie edged low to first slip off the same bowler and nightwatchman Jomel Warrican (6) feathered a catch behind off pacer Anderson Phillip.

Pride trail by 73 runs.

At the Frank Worrell Memorial Ground at UWI St Augustine also in Trinidad, 20-year-old Carlon Bowen-Tuckett struck his second 50 in as many rounds as CWI Academy piled up 300 all out after being sent in by Combined Campuses Colleges Marooners.

Bowen-Tuckett topscored with an unbeaten 76

11:58 hrs Harvey's Point 12:33 hrs Aodhan May 13:08 hrs Scarbrook 13:40 hrs Mozzies Sister

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

AQUEDUCT

Race 1 The Delware Boyz

Race 2 Red D G P

Race 3 Montauk Mystique

Race 4 Z Dancer Race 5 Sadlands Ruler

off 120 balls with 10 fours, and was joined by last-man Johann Layne who made a scintillating 63 off only 43 balls, with five fours and five sixes.

Joshua Dorne had earlier made 36 and opener Rashawn Worrell, 27, but the Academy were still slumping at 129 for seven until number six Bowen-Tuckett added 56 for the eighth with Joshua Bishop (32) and a brilliant 96 for the last wicket with Layne.

Marooners ended the day on 11 for one after fast bowler Layne trapped Kamil Pooran lbw first a first-ball ‘duck’ with the second ball of the reply.

At Sabina Park in Kingston, hosts Jamaica Scorpions laboured to 173 for six after being sent in by Leeward Islands Hurricanes, as rain allowed only 51.4 overs.

With the innings reeling at 59 for five after seamer Jeremiah Louis tore through the top order with a spell of three for 34, opener Carlos Brown held things together with an unbeaten 68 off 137 deliveries with 10 fours.

Crucially, he added 66 for the sixth wicket with Romaine Morris who lashed a swift 42 off 56 balls with five fours and two sixes, before putting on a further 48 in an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership with Abhijai Mansingh (15 not out).

Race 6 Sun Nombre

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

TURFFONTEIN

08:15 hrs Royal Mazarin

08:50 hrs Feeping Groovy

SOUTHWELL

IRISH RACING TIPS CORK

10:23 hrs Jeslaniearoney

10:53 hrs Big Stage 11:23 hrs Moinlight Getaway

09:25 hrs Golden Pavilion

10:05 hrs Parsley Park 10:40 hrs Gocekwithlove

(Thursday March 21, 2024)

Answers in tomorrow’s issue ENGLISH

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) WI vs NZ, Auckland, 2006 (2) Shiv Chanderpaul & Stephen Fleming

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first player to hit a T20 International hundred?

(2) Who is the first bowler to claim a five-for in a T20 International game?

Project Cricket Gear

USA-based Guyanese boosts ‘Project Cricket Gear’

USA-based Guyanese, Kumar Dindial, is the latest person to contribute to “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising Guyanese,” the joint initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and GuyanaCricket Board (GCB) executive, Anil Beharry.

Dindial recently donated one gear bag, one bat, one pair of cricket shoes, one thigh pad and a pair of batting pads to the project. He expressed delight in contributing to the initiative which has been helping several young cricketers across Guyana. The project is happy to partner with Dindial and oth-

ers to make these cricketers’ dreams come through.

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $370 000 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 10 boxes of white balls. In addition to the above, over $60 000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket-keep-

er/batsman.

All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

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 would have benefitted indirectly too. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received

two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each; 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 Leguan Cricket Committee,

Essequibo.

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.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Australia pull out of Afghanistan T20 series due to continued Taliban restrictions on women and girls

AUSTRALIA have withdrawn from their men's T20 series against Afghanistan in August because of continued restrictions on women and girls in the country under the ruling Taliban.

The three-match series was scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.

(UAE)

Cricket Australia (CA) says government advice is that conditions for women and girls "are getting worse."

It is the third time Australia has declined to play Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

A one-off Test match in

September 2021 and a threematch men's one-day series in March 2023 were also cancelled.

Australia will continue to

THE 2024 season of the IPL will maintain the current domestic cricket playing condition of granting bowlers two bouncers per over, marking a major departure from previous seasons when only one short ball was permitted.

Earlier this year, the BCCI introduced the second bouncer rule in the playing conditions of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), an inter-state national T20 championship in the BCCI domestic calendar. The Board has now decided to persist with this rule for the IPL as well.

For context, in T20 Internationals, the International

Cricket Council (ICC) allows only one short ball, whereas two bouncers are permitted in the Test and One Day International (ODI) competitions.

"It's an excellent move," remarked Laxmipathy Balaji, a former India pacer and a former bowling coach of the Chennai Super Kings, speaking to Cricbuzz. "It will be a good addition to the armoury of fast bowlers and will provide bowlers, captains, and coaching staff with something to strategize and work with for a particular batsman. It will also make the contest between bat and ball much more balanced."

play Afghanistan in tournaments, having beaten them by three wickets at the Cricket World Cup last November.

A CA statement said:

"Following consultation with the Australian Government, CA previously postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March, 2023, after a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls in Afghanistan.

"Over the past 12 months CA has continued to consult with the Australian Government on the situation in Afghanistan. The government's advice is that conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan are getting worse.

For this reason, we have maintained our previous position and will postpone the bi-

Balaji stressed that the second bouncer could become more crucial during the latter stages of a match. "Bowlers often resort to yorkers in the

lateral series against Afghanistan."CA continues its strong commitment to supporting participation by women and girls in cricket around the world and will continue to actively engage the International Cricket Council and work closely with the Afghanistan Cricket Board to determine what actions could be taken to support the resumption of bilateral matches in the future."

Key moments in the crushing of Afghan women's rights

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 and have placed

restrictions on the rights of women to work and study.

Girls in Afghanistan are only allowed to attend primary school. Teenage girls and women have also been barred from entering school and university classrooms.

They are not allowed in parks, gyms and pools. Beauty salons have been shut, while women must dress in a way that only reveals their eyes. They must be accompanied by a male relative if they are travelling more than 72km (45 miles.)

death overs. Now they have one more option. With worldclass fast bowlers participating in the IPL, it will be exciting to witness the contests," added Balaji.

In another notable playing condition, the BCCI will continue with the rule of checking for a catch while a referral is made for stumping. Typically, stumping calls are reviewed by the on-field umpire's referral. This playing condition differs from ICC regulations, but BCCI officials believe that not checking for a catch before a stumping would be unfair on the fielding side.

"There could be a situation

that while checking for stumping it may appear that bat had touched the ball. As per the ICC rule, the third umpire cannot give the batsman out. That would be unfair. Hence the BCCI has opted to persist with the old rule," a board official explained.

The teams will continue to have two referrals and will be allowed to review wides and no balls, as introduced last year. However, there will be no stop clock rule in the IPL, a recent change in the ICC playing conditions which has been made permanent in white-ball international games. (Cricbuzz)

USA-based Guyanese Kumar Dindial

Australia beat Afghanistan by three wickets when the sides met at the Cricket World Cup in November 2023

Bowlers will be allowed two bouncers per over starting from IPL 2024

CWI T20 Blaze

Barbados, Jamaica and T&T secure wins in round two of CWI T20 Blaze at Warner Park

BARBADOS, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago all secured wins in the second round of the 2024 CWI Women’s T20 Blaze at Warner Park in St. Kitts on Tuesday.

In the day’s early game, Barbados secured a 19-run win over the Windward Islands.

The defending champions first scored 123-5 from their 20 overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat.

Opener Trishan Holder led the way with a 54-ball 68 including eight fours and a six while Aaliyah Alleyne provided good support with 28 off 27 balls including three fours.

Zaida James was the best bowler on the day for the Windwards with 2-28 from her four overs.

Erin Deane (2-12 off four overs) and Alleyne (2-17

off three overs) then starred with the ball for Barbados to restrict the Windwards to 104-8 from their 20 overs. Captain Afy Fletcher tried her best with a top score of 28 while Namiah Marcellin hit 19.

In the day’s second game, Trinidad & Tobago dominated the Leeward Islands on the way to a comfortable nine-wicket win.

Jahzara Claxton, Divya Saxena and Shebani Bhaskar were the only batters to reach double figures with 25, 17 and 13, respectively, against 1-6 off four overs from Steffi Soogrim and 1-13, each, from Karishma Ramharack and Samara Ramnath.

T&T then needed only 11.4 overs to reach 79-1 and secure the win. Shunelle Sawh and Djenaba Joseph were the not out batters with

20* and 22*, respectively. Captain Britney Cooper also contributed 21.

The day’s final game saw Jamaica get their second win in as many games with a five-wicket win over Guyana.

After winning the toss, Guyana were only able to muster up 107-7 from their 20 overs.

Mandy Mangru and Captain Shemaine Campbelle

Gayle wants Shamar Joseph in West Indies World T20 squad

FORMER captain Chris Gayle said fast bowling sensation Shamar Joseph should be fast-tracked into the West Indies squad for the home T20 World Cup in June.

Joseph burst onto the scene in his debut series in Australia earlier this year, scoring five wickets in his maiden test in Adelaide.

He followed that up with a magical display in Brisbane where, bowling with a broken toe, the pacer claimed 7-68 to help West Indies record their first Test win in Australia in 27 years.

The 24-year-old has played only two domestic T20 matches but Gayle says West Indies need Joseph’s firepower at the World Cup.

“He’s strong, he should be in the squad,” Gayle, who launched the T20 World Cup trophy tour in New York on Tuesday, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“We already have Alzarri Joseph, so to have the two Josephs there (will be great).

“Both might not play at the same time, but we would need him in this squad just

in case anybody picks up an injury.

“It’s a good headache to have for the selectors.”

West Indies failed to make the Super 12 stage of the 2022 World Cup in Australia but have registered series victories against South Africa, India, and England over the past year.

In Daren Sammy, they have a coach who knows what it takes to win a global trophy having captained West Indies to T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016.

Gayle was happy with

the “all-round” look of the group under captain Rovman Powell.

“With Andre Russell back in the squad, Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran have some more experience,” Gayle said.

“Those guys will have a big part to play for West Indies to lift the trophy.”

A T20 pioneer whose entertaining batting made him a sought-after name in franchise leagues, Gayle said 20-overs cricket had made other formats a lot more result-oriented.

“You watch test cricket these days, it’s played a bit faster than a couple of years back. Teams scoring 300 within a day with ease, that’s because of T20 cricket,” he said.

“It’s the same in 50-overs cricket. Teams can score and chase down 400 as well. Everything has changed in the game, thanks to T20 cricket.”

Gayle, who smashed the first hundred in T20 Internationals at the 2007 World Cup, was pleased to have played his role in the growth of the format.

“Being the first person to score the first T20 century, that was fantastic. I think from there, the game actually blossomed,” Gayle, who played 103 tests and 301 one-day internationals, said.

“When that happened, it just opened the door for other players to realise that there’s an opportunity to get centuries there.”

The World Cup will be played in West Indies and the United States between June 1-29. (Reuters)

led the Guyanese batting with 36 and 33, respectively.

Jamaica Captain Stafanie Taylor was excellent with the ball on her way to 2-12 from her four overs while Chinelle Henry also bowled well for her 2-22 from four overs.

Rashada Williams then followed up her 52 from the first game with 42 to help Jamaica reach 108-5 with

eleven balls to spare.

Taylor provided good support with 33 as Nyia Latchman took 2-15 from 3.1 overs for Guyana.

The competition will continue with round three today with Trinidad & Tobago facing the Windward Islands, Jamaica facing Barbados and Guyana facing the Leeward Islands.

(Sportsmax)

Windies women to tour Pakistan for white-ball series next month

WEST INDIES Women will tour Pakistan for a limited-overs series comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, scheduled to begin on April 18.

The three ODIs will form a part of the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25, and will take place on April 18, 21 and 23.

It will be followed by a five-match T20I series from April 26 to May 3, which will provide both sides with plenty of time to finalise their preparations for this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

All matches will be played at the National Bank Stadium (NBS) in Karachi.

This will be West Indies women's second tour of the country since 2021. They last visited Pakistan in November 2021 for three ODIs, which they won.

The upcoming ODI series will be Pakistan women’s fourth at home, having earlier hosted Sri Lanka (June 2022), Ireland (November 2022) and South Africa (September 2023).

Pakistan are currently third in the ICC Women's Championship standings with 16 points, while West Indies are towards the bottom at ninth with eight points.

The T20Is will also kick start preparations for both teams in the build-up to the Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Bangladesh in September.

Pakistan's Head of Women’s Cricket Tania Mallick said the series forms part of

a strategic move.

"We extend a warm welcome to the West Indies women's team to Pakistan for the upcoming series. Hosting the fourth women's championship series at home within the 2022-25 cycle is a testament to [the] PCB's commitment to promoting women's cricket and providing our players with opportunities to shine on the international stage," Mallick said.

“The forthcoming series against West Indies is not just about cricket; it's about developing relationships and strengthening bonds between cricketing nations. The current position of the Pakistan women’s team reflects our determination and dedication, and we aim to collect maximum points from the three championship matches at home,” she added.(Sportsmax)

Series schedule

18 Apr – First ODI, Karachi (ICC Women’s Championship)

21 Apr – Second ODI, Karachi (ICC Women’s Championship)

23 Apr – Third ODI, Karachi (ICC Women’s Championship)

26 Apr – First T20I, Karachi

28 Apr – Second T20I, Karachi

30 Apr – Third T20I, Karachi

2 May – Fourth T20I, Karachi

3 May – Fifth T20I, Karachi

Shamar Joseph has played just two Twenty20s but is currently in the Indian Premier League with Lucknow Super Giants

Trishan Holder collecting her player of the match cheque from former West Indies Women fast bowler Shakera Selma

Indoor Pan American hockey cup

Guyana go down after strong fight against USA, Argentina

…Coach Shane Samuels says small errors caused losses

GUYANA’s national hockey men’s team had a tough opening day when they came up against top sides USA and Argentina in the 2024 edition of the Pan American Indoor Cup being played in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

They lost both encounters against the highly ranked teams.

National coach Shane Samuels, who is leading this campaign, believes his charges showed their worth against the teams despite the losses.

‘I think the team performance was great; the first game we came against the highest-ranked team in the tournament in Argentina, who were part of the 2023 world cup…….they basically capitalised on a couple of errors and that is what made the game run away, I thought we caught them by surprise in terms of our performance.’

He said they produced a more improved showing in their second game ‘from the first to second game, the guys realised what their mistakes were, we had more opportu-

nities than the USA, but we didn’t score them; we had around 20 circle entries and several short corners, but we only scored a few.’

On the opening day of the tournament on Tuesday, playing the USA, Guyana was on the back foot early as USA’s Ajai Dhadwal converted a penalty corner in the third minute of play.

USA’s Jeroen Dijkema made it 2-nil with his field goal in the 15th minute as they went into the break leading 2-nil.

After the resumption, American Jack Weitzman added to their lead with another field goal as they made it 3—nil.

The Guyanese started to

get into their own as Shaquon Favourite found the back of the net; 3-1 the score read as Guyana mounted a comeback.

USA’s Dhadwal was not done as he came back to record two more penalty corners in the 30th and 34th minutes after a couple of lapses in defence from the locals as Dhadwal grabbed a hat-trick to leave it 5-1.

USA-based Guyanese Aroydy Bradford then came good for his country with a double after two successful penalty corners to make it 5-3.

The 5-3 score line remained at the final buzzer with the USA picking up the win.

In Guyana’s opener against power houses Argentina, they suffered a heavier loss, as this one ended 9-5.

Juan Eleicegui delivered a goal off a penalty strike after a foul in the opening minute for the lead before Facundo Navarro made it 2-nil in the fourth, in what was shaping up to be a high-scoring contest.

Shakeem Fausette gave Guyana their first goal in the fifth minute, also off a

penalty corner, as the score read 2-1.

Argentina was not done, making it 3-1 after a Nehuen Ayala goal in the sixth.

Robert France would give Guyana their second, a field goal in the 14th minute, followed up soon afterwards by Jamarj Assanah in the 15th as they evened the scores 3-3.

Argentina’s Maximiliano Valdes came to the party in the 19th minute for his first to make it 4-3.

His teammate Nehuen then added to the advantage with his second in the 20th

minute.

France registered a goal upon resumption in the 23rd minute for a double to make it 5-4 with Argentina leading.

Argentina’s Navarro in the 24th and Agustin Ceballos with a brace in the 24th and 27th minutes gave their team an unassailable lead, 8-4.

Assanah then recorded his second for the game as they pushed the needle with their fifth goal, the Guyanese still reeling 8-5.

Ayala would score Argentina’s final goal in the 28th minute for the 9-5 win.

‘We’ve got to hold our nerve and deliver’: Holder

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC)

– Seasoned all-rounder Jason Holder has underscored the need for clinical execution, if West Indies are to make an impact in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

The former West Indies Test and One-Day captain said while the Caribbean hosts had “really good chances” of winning the June 1-29 showpiece, it was critical they “deliver on the day,” in spite of the composition of the squad.

“I think like anybody else in the competition I think we’ve got really good chances,” the 32-yearold said.

“We’ll probably know the conditions better than anybody else. T20 cricket is one of those formats where it doesn’t matter the names on paper, it’s all about what you deliver on the day.

“And it’s really important for us to start the competition well and set a really good precedent going throughout the entire competition.”

“We’ve got mostly two-dimensional cricketers – some three – and it’s a matter for us just to come and just deliver.

“We’ve got to hold our nerve, deliver, and enjoy doing what we’re doing. I think we wouldn’t be a West Indies team if we didn’t enjoy what we’re doing, and play the cricket we know how to play.”

Holder, a veteran of 64 Tests and 138 One-Dayers, has reinvented himself as a key member of the West Indies T20 side in recent times, grabbing 53 wickets at an average of 26 from 46 matches over the last three years.

Last year, he managed 12 wickets from 11 matches as West Indies won series against South Africa, India and England.

And Holder said the team’s form served as a crucial part of their preparation, especially in building confidence.

“I think our prep coming into the World Cup when it comes to a

match-play perspective has been really good,” he said.

“We’ve won the last three out of four series and more than likely we’ll be going into this World Cup with [ourselves] in good spirits.”

He added: “There’s lots of cricket going on, plenty of T20 cricket leading up to the World Cup, which a lot of boys will be involved in.

“For those not involved, there’s first-class cricket going on here in the Caribbean and then I’m sure they’ll have a few camps before the start of the big tournament.

“So I think preparations-wise, I think we’ll be in good stead heading into this competition.”

West Indies, two-time former T20 World Cup champions, have been installed in Group ‘C’ alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and Uganda.

Coach Shane Samuels

Jamarj Assanah going for goal against the USA National hockey skipper Robert France on the go against Argentina

‘Best of the Best’ to compete at Kares CrossFit Caribbean Championship

— grand launch scheduled for today at Amazonia Mall

SOME of the best names in CrossFit are set to descend on Guyana for the Kares CrossFit Caribbean Championships, which will be held on April 6 and 7.

Lead coordinator Jordana Ramsay-Gonsalves is excited about what looms for the fans, given that she is confident it will be grueling action for the high-caliber athletes.

“We know it is going to be a grueling competition; the best of the best has applied, and they are all coming to our competition", the coordinator indicated.

This year’s event has already attracted the attention of top athletes from the Netherlands, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, Bahamas and French Guiana, and interest from Dubai.

By attracting high-caliber athletes, Kares Cross-

West

Indies Championship

Sinclair 50 frustrates leaders; Red Force hit back against Pride

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC )– Test rookie Kevin Sinclair struck his second half-century of the West Indies Championship to push his tally past 400 runs for the campaign, as Guyana Harpy Eagles produced a gutsy fightback against leaders Windward Islands

Volcanoes.

With his side languishing at 142 for five on day one of their fifth-round contest here Wednesday, the 24-year-old top-scored with 74 to lead the Harpy Eagles recovery and carry them to 308 all out in their first innings.

See page 28

Fit has collaborated with Competition Corner, a dynamic registration, planning, and scoring software built for Functional Fitness and Weightlifting competitions globally.

Ramsay-Gonsalves highlighted that this event would be the catalyst for them to be licensed by CrossFit, which will pave the way for significant development in the sport locally.

Athletes are reminded registration closes on March 24, and the fee is US$70. The link to registration is https://competitioncorner.net/

On April 6, athletes will head to the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal for a series of workouts, and they will return to action on April 7 on the National Park tarmac.

General admission is G$1,000, while VIP tickets cost G$7,000 each.

Kevin Sinclair … top-scored with a half-century and now has 413 runs in the season

Some of the best athletes worldwide are expected to compete at the championship on April 6 and 7