Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-06-2023

Guyana, Dominican Republic strengthen diplomatic ties

APNU faces major ‘internal problems’

- Dr. Jagdeo points to growing evidence of party members having ‘no faith’ in Norton

- commit to pursue greater collaboration in areas of energy, agriculture, tourism, trade, ICT, infrastructure, industry - officials sign agreements on political consultation, air services and energy co-operation

Over 9,000 Joint Service members set to cast votes today

St. Angela’s Girl’s Hostel Fire: Four teens confess to arson

- GPF investigation reveals threats were made prior to the fire

-

GECOM says all set to execute smooth process

- President Ali affirms, as 11 Mahdia fire victims laid to rest

- no injuries reported, students to be temporarily housed in village hostel

Police report death of ‘Smallie,’ accomplice in Region Seven

‘Their lives will be marked with a legacy of positive change’

Over 9,000 Joint Service members set to cast votes today

- GECOM says all set to execute smooth process

SOME 9,093 members of the Joint Services will today, June 2, 2023, cast their votes for the candidate/ party of their choice for the Local Government Elections (LGEs) at 84 polling stations across the country.

In an interview with this newspaper on Thursday, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, said that all preparations are in place to facilitate a smooth process.

“We are expecting everything to run smoothly. We've adequately prepared for the activity. Over the last few months, we've been engaged with officials from the various forces, and we've been able to compile that list of ranks from the Discipline Forces that will vote at these 84 balloting stations that have been identified across the country,” Ward said.

She related that approximately 9,093 ranks from the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and

Guyana Prison Service are expected to cast their votes.

“All our systems are in place since the ballots arrived, they have already been extracted and envelope and all of that. The staff has been appointed to conduct that exercise. So, we are anticipating a very smooth day, all our systems are in place for the poll to be opened promptly and ensure we conduct the activity in a timely manner,”

Ward added.

In February, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall wrote to GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, appointing June 12, 2023, as the date for the conduct of the polls.

The date was chosen based on the work plan that was submitted by GECOM to the minister.

Guyanese have been anticipating the hosting of LGEs for some time now. It is at the LGEs that Guyanese are given the opportunity to vote for the councillors that

will constitute their Local Authority Areas (LAAs). Guyana has 70 NDCs and 10 municipalities, inclusive of Georgetown.

The LGEs were legally due in 2021, and the funds were budgeted to facilitate this; however, several issues facing GECOM at the time prevented the holding of the elections, including the non-appointment of a Chief Election Officer (CEO).

The LGEs could not be held in the absence of a CEO, a position which was later filled by Vishnu Persaud in December 2021.

With the appointment of a CEO, preparation for the conduct of LGEs had commenced in 2022, and, last October, the GECOM Chair wrote Minister Dharamlall, naming March 13 as the earliest date for the holding of LGEs. The minister subsequently ap-

pointed this date for LGEs, with Nomination Day set for December 12, 2022.

This decision was, however, postponed after GECOM ratified a proposal submitted by Persaud for the hosting of another round of “claims and objections” for a new register of voters to be produced.

As part of the government’s commitment, some $2.9 billion has been allocated to GECOM for pre-

paratory works to ensure the successful planning and execution of the elections.

The local government system is an essential part of the country’s governance framework. The election is contested by political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are desirous of winning seats on the councils of the NDC and municipalities.

‘Their lives will be marked with a legacy of positive change’

- President Ali affirms, as 11 Mahdia fire victims laid to rest

THE final eleven Mahdia fire victims were, on Thursday afternoon, laid to rest in their hometown, Micobie.

The children died as a result of a fire that ravaged

the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School on May 21, 2023, claiming the lives of 20 children.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and several cabinet members

paid final respects to 11 of the students, according to a Facebook post.

President Ali said the lives of the children who died in the Mahdia Secondary

School dormitory fire will be remembered through the implementation of positive changes in their communities.

“I recommit to all of these families our love and our continued support. We are going to ensure that these

girls and our little boy, that their lives are marked with a legacy of positive change in these communities,” he related.

The last 11 children, all girls, who were laid to rest, are Natalie Bellarmine, Andrea Roberts,

Lorita Williams, Nickleen Robinson, Sherlyn Bellarmine, Lisa Robert, Cleoma Simon, Tracil Thomas, Delecia Edwards, Arianna Edwards and Sherana Daniels. The nine others were laid to rest earlier.

FLASHBACK: A senior prison officer drops his ballot paper in the box during the 2016 LGE

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Yolanda Ward

(Office of the President photos)

Guyana, Dominican Republic strengthen diplomatic ties

THE following is a joint statement by Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Mr. Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic:

THE President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, welcomed President Abinader and his delegation of high-level government officials and members of the private sector to Georgetown, on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

The Presidents engaged in discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed their commitment to pursue greater collaboration, particularly in the areas of energy, agriculture, tourism, trade, ICT,

infrastructure and industry.

They hailed the establishment of a Dominican Republic Embassy in Georgetown and the accreditation of the resident Ambassador, Ernesto Torres Pereyra as a tangible step in relations which will augur well for enhanced co-operation and facilitate opportunities for further engagement in the advancement of the bilateral agenda between Guyana and the Dominican Republic.

President Ali welcomed the keen interest of the private sector from the Dominican Republic in Guyana. Both Presidents recognised the important contribution which the private sectors of the two countries could make in advancing this agenda and encouraged increased collaboration

- commit to pursue greater collaboration in areas of energy, agriculture, tourism, trade, ICT, infrastructure, industry - officials sign agreements on political consultation, air services and energy co-operation

and partnership between businesses of Guyana and the Dominican Republic including increased investments by companies from both countries.

In this regard, they looked forward to the early commencement of commercial flights by Skycana which would provide the opportunity for increased tourism and greater ease of travel in and out of Guyana.

The Presidents also discussed issues of mutual interest and concern on the regional, hemispheric and multilateral agendas and undertook to strengthen their resolve to collectively work on advocating in the interest of Small Island Developing States to address challenges including food security, energy security and the impact of climate change.

They expressed concerns over the great risks posed to their economies by sargassum and agreed to work together to find measures to mitigate the impact.

They reiterated the rule of law, protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect for democracy, the promotion of human rights and sustainable development of their countries as paramount pillars for the maintenance of peace and security in the region.

They noted each other’s post-COVID economic recovery efforts and underscored the value of continued engagement and advocacy at the international level for an enabling environment to facilitate the sustainable development of their countries.

In reviewing the po -

litical situation in the Republic of Haiti, the Presidents agreed that Haiti is an important member of the Caribbean family of nations. They, therefore, welcomed the establishment of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group on Haiti to be supported by a technical team. They pledged the full support of their governments towards the achievement of political stability in Haiti.

The two Presidents lauded the efforts of their Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the conclusion of three bilater al Agreements and witnessed their signing.

• Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the Co-operative

Republic of Guyana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic.

• Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the Dominican Republic.

• Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Co-operation between the Government of Guyana and the Government of the Dominican Republic. Further, the two Presidents agreed to establish a high-level working group to advance and monitor the various areas identified for co-operation.

President Ali committed to paying a reciprocal visit to the Dominican Republic by the end of June 2023.

‘We listen, we analyse and we act’

–President Ali unveils ambitious development plans for Eccles

on community spirit and well-being.

The government's plan to develop the recreational centre aims to provide residents with state-of-the-art facilities and recreational activities for all age groups.

President Ali further underscored that the government's national development agenda extended beyond Eccles.

proactive approach of the administration, which focuses on long-term vision and the well-being of future generations.

As President Ali's government continues its commitment to Guyana's development, communities like Eccles could expect

to witness transformative changes that align with the country's growth trajectory.

The President's unwavering determination to create a unified Guyana reflects his administration's dedication to fostering a prosperous and inclusive nation for all.

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday evening, engaged residents of Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on the government's transformative plans to further develop the community.

The President highlighted Eccles's strategic location at the centre of development along the East Bank Demerara corridor, emphasising its pivotal role in the region's progress.

Addressing the gathering, President Ali assured

residents that his administration was going above and beyond the promises made in its manifesto.

"We are implementing projects that are 10 and 15 years ahead of our time, surpassing the expectations outlined in our initial plans," Dr. Ali said.

The President expressed his commitment to prioritising the community's needs and laying the groundwork for the future generations of Guyana.

"We are a listening gov-

ernment. We listen, we analyse, and we act. That is what sets us apart. All our efforts are focused on building a Guyana that embodies our motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny," President Ali said.

One of the notable developments shared by the President was the advancement of the community's recreational centre.

He highlighted the importance of recreational spaces and the positive impact such facilities have

His administration has been tirelessly working to address the priority needs of the people and lay the foundations for sustainable development across the country.

Through comprehensive analysis and strategic action, the government is actively shaping Guyana's future.

Residents of Eccles expressed appreciation for the President's engagement and his government's dedication to their community's progress.

They commended the

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali engaging with residents of the Eccles (Office of the President photos)

(Office of the President photos)

Vote for the party that best safeguards your interests

Dr. Jagdeo urges Joint Service ranks as they head to the polls today

MEMBERS of the Joint Services vote today as part of the Local Government Elections (LGEs), and General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has urged those persons to vote for the party that best safeguards their interests.

The General Secretary outlined the advancements which the current administration has made in safeguarding the well-being of members of the Disciplined Forces.

Dr. Jagdeo said that the A Partnership for National unity (APNU) not only undermined members of the Joint Services, but it also completely disregarded them by taking away the onemonth tax-free bonus that the PPP/C had implemented.

“I wish to, as General Secretary of the PPP, urge members of our Disciplined Forces to think carefully before you vote and also to take a journey back into the past,” the PPP/C General Secretary related.

He referenced a report

published on November 10, 2018, when the former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had blatantly accused the PPP/C, which was in opposition, of distributing the one-month tax-free bonus in order to “suppress opponents.”

“So, that is how APNU saw the one-month bonus that you used to receive under the PPP, that they discontinued,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He added: “So, this is why in opposition, we made a commitment that we shall restore the one-month tax-

free bonus, and we have done that faithfully since we got into office. Today. this onemonth tax-free bonus costs $1.3 billion.”

Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that had the Opposition still been in power, the Disciplined Services would have been robbed of this.

The General Secretary further said: “For those voting tomorrow, I urge them to support a party that looks out for their welfare and that has kept its promise to them.”

He also urged those persons to throw their support

behind the party that did not undermine their integrity and perceive them as “bribe takers.”

In an effort to outline an example of their deafening “don’t care” attitude, the General Secretary remarked that APNU did not utter a single word about the fact that members of Joint Services’ were expected to vote on June 2.

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had announced that members of the Joint Services will be voting on June 2, 2023, as part of the LGEs.

According to a GECOM advertisement, persons would have from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs to cast their votes.

In February, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, wrote to

GECOM Chairperson, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, appointing June 12, 2023 as the date for conduct of the polls.

The date was chosen based on the work plan that was submitted by GECOM to the minister.

Guyanese have been anticipating the hosting of LGEs for some time now. It is at the LGEs that Guyanese are given the opportunity to vote for the councillors that will constitute their Local Authority Areas (LAAs). Guyana has 70 NDCs and 10 municipalities, inclusive of Georgetown.

The local government system is an essential part of the country’s governance framework. The election is contested by political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are

APNU faces major ‘internal problems’

- Dr Jagdeo points to growing evidence of party members having ‘no faith’ in Norton

riously as a country,” he said, noting: “How can one expect an Opposition Leader of a country to be truly involved in

policymaking if they are making “far-fetched” assertions while being aware of the facts.”

THERE is growing evidence that Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, does not enjoy the support of his members who appear to have “no faith” in his leadership ability, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

Dr Jagdeo, during a press conference at Freedom House, referenced a viral video of Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson, engaging a businessman of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, and even telling him that Norton will not be the Opposition Leader for much longer.

Jagdeo said that outside of frivolous claims and promises, Norton has more important things to worry about because even his own party is “turning against him.”

After addressing Norton’s lack of knowledge on the oil and gas industry, the General Secretary said: “I think he has bigger concerns now,” adding: “Last week we saw one of the Members of Parliament, who said that Norton will not be there much longer.”

According to Dr Jagdeo, Ferguson’s statement is visible to everyone that there is a major internal problem in the party.

Stressing that such a bold statement was said during a quiet moment, the General Secretary remarked: “This is a feeling among many of the others...many of them are not much better than Norton, but they’re also vying for leadership in that party.”

Dr Jagdeo also called

out Norton for his “hypocrisy,” and the constant attempts to misinform the citizens of Guyana.

Using an example, the General Secretary asked how could [they] afford

$1 million per household if they could not keep up with a $10,000 cash grant for the kids?

“It is this sort of economics, I don’t know if you could call it eco-

nomics, but it’s a sort of rambling that leads people not to take us se-

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

The Brasilia Consensus

GUYANA’S participation in the May 30 summit of 12 South American nations was both timely and historic.

It followed similar summits by G7 leaders in Hiroshima, Arab leaders in Jeddah and Central Asian leaders in Beijing, and it preceded Thursday’s emergency European leaders’ summit in Moldova.

The leaders represented the interests of over 400 million South American citizens in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam and Venezuela.

World leaders have been busy discussing current pressing global events, including the Ukraine and Sudan wars, tensions in the Korean Peninsula, increasing threats to peace between Palestine and Israel, reper-

cussions of recovery from inflation and looming recession on both sides of The Atlantic, rising tensions in Kosovo, new global health threats, increasing hunger and worsening Climate Change.

The North is uniting to assert its global dominance and the South is healing old wounds, as between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the return of Syria to the Arab League and other similar developments that can contribute to the ending of the wars in Yemen and Syria.

The South American leaders ended their meeting with a “Brasilia Consensus,” through which they committed to boost trade and investment and strengthen regional value chains.

The Presidents “reaffirmed the common vision of South America as a region

of peace and co-operation, based on dialogue and on the respect for the diversity of our peoples, committed to democracy and human rights, sustainable development and social justice, the upholding of sovereignty and non-interference.”

They concurred that “the world is facing multiple crises, in a context of climate crisis, threats to peace and international security, pressure on food and energy chains, the risk of new pandemics, increase in social inequalities and threats to institutional and democratic stability.”

They also agreed that “regional integration should be part of the solution to the common challenges of building a peaceful world, strengthening democracy, promoting social and economic development, fight -

ing poverty, hunger, and all forms of inequality and discrimination and promoting gender equality.”

The presidents agreed on “managing migration in a safe, orderly and regular manner as well as “tackling climate change, including through innovative financing mechanisms for climate action, fostering ecological and energy transition through clean energy,” while also “strengthening health capacities and combatting transnational organised crime.”

The South American leaders committed too, “to work towards increasing trade and investment among the countries of the region, improving infrastructure and logistics, strengthening regional value chains, effectively implementing trade facilitation and financial-integration measures,

reducing asymmetries, eliminating unilateral measures and increasing market access through the network of economic complementation agreements…”

They together “recognised the contribution of the different South American integration mechanisms, including UNASUR,” and “reaffirmed the shared objective of having an inclusive, effective and permanent South American platform of dialogue and co-operation, capable of promoting and maintaining the South American integration process and projecting the voice of the region in a multipolar world.”

The presidents “decided to establish a High-Level Contact Group,” to “evaluate the experiences of South American integration mechanisms and draft a roadmap

for the integration of South America.”

They also agreed “to promptly promote South American co-operation initiatives open to the participation of all interested parties, with a social and gender approach, in areas that concern the immediate needs of citizens, in particular the most vulnerable, including Indigenous peoples, such as health, food security, food systems based on traditional agriculture, the environment, water resources, natural disasters, infrastructure and logistics, energy interconnection and clean energy, digital transformation, defence, border integration and security, and cybersecurity.”

Surely, this Brasilia Consensus will boost South American continental co-operation.

PPP/C is the only party in Guyana that consistently addresses economic, social policies

Dear Editor, POLITICAL parties are different by virtue of their conditions of emergence, and the social and historical forces upon which their support rests. Most Caribbean political parties emerged out of the struggle for independence.

Most also have deep connections to and are supported by trade unions. While the historical origins of a political party do not per say create path dependence, history does matter. In fact, as I show below, the contemporary foci, practices, and conduct of PPP/C, PNC/R, and AFC are not accidental.

The AFC emerged out of a situation of ‘external guidance,’ and concomitantly, without any social basis in Guyana.

This is why they can’t compete in the LGE. They are the product of mere rhetoric as in the fantastic claim that they are the only multi-racial party in the country. Readers would know that this same claim had previously been made by the WPA, when in fact the modern WPA is purely a party of race-baiting with no chance of ever winning a seat in the National Assembly on its own.

The PNC also emerged

out of “external guidance.”

The difference with the PNC is that it was delivered during the Cold War, and because of that, no matter how incompetent and dictatorial it became, the providers of “external guidance” kept them in power. This much occurred to the detriment of Guyana. Moreover, the PNC also developed a one-man strong man party, (some would say charismatic). Mr. Burnham was a “total leader,” meaning that he commanded every, and all aspects, whether party life or state life. He was the “maximum leader” with a political party that directly

controlled state institutions, viz, party paramountcy.

The PPP/C developed as a party out of a civic (PAC) culture, while at the same time grounded in the independence movement, the latter itself indivisible from trade unionism and working-class militancy.

Today, we see some connections between their past and the present. The PNC/R is hardly interested in matters of economic and social policy. Could anyone really say what the policies of the PNC/R are regarding agriculture, infrastructure, oil and gas, or education?

Mr. Norton’s press con-

ferences are all about obstructionism, for instance, attempting to prevent the Local Government Elections.

Instead of engagement with macro-economic policies, and economic issues such as labor shortage, PNC/R leader Aubrey Norton is all about race, and only about race. Nothing else matters. Consistent with its origins, the PNC/R is more about grabbing and holding on to state power for the sake of it.

The AFC is worse than the PNC/R because like the WPA, it is leaderless. It is never engaged in policy discussions. When last did

the AFC speak on public policy issue? Most of their commentary utterances are taken from the letter sections of two newspapers that are known to be PPP/C.

The PPP/C, on the other hand, is steeped in substantive policy engagement with regular press-conferences, outreaches, public policy statements, and regular updates from the Department of Public Information. President Ali is quickly earning the reputation of the president who does not rest, a kind of twenty-four hour ‘workhorse.’ He is always on the move, if not in Guyana, then

The Truth Hurts

Dear Editor, “So, I see this summit, not as a crisis of ideology but this summit is at a time when we have a crisis of humanity, and I urge us to focus on the crisis of humanity and not a crisis of ideologies.”

Those were the words of our dear and beloved President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, during his address to Heads of State at the Summit of South American Leaders hosted by Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Itamaraty Palace, the headquarters of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Brazil.

He may as well be addressing heads of all organisations in Guyana, be it political, cultural, social, religious, business, sports, humanitarian, labour, legal, academic, medical, governmental, non-governmental, private, public, peaceful or otherwise, not as the tenth President of Guyana since being legitimately and legally elected, and not installed in 2020, but, more-so, as the leader and sixth person of the People’s Progressive/

Civic Party to be sworn in as President of the Republic of Guyana.

At such a forum, with an agenda to promote harmony and happiness for humanity, his words would echo the worries Guyanese are currently, unnecessarily and provokingly confronted with.

The PPP/C (since 1.1.1950) has always been, is and will be a Party denouncing, desisting and deviating from the usage of any form of violence, be it physical, mental or psychological. Being people oriented, the party under all their leaders have always protected the interest of the people primarily, over the ideology of the party.

President Ali said, “We must support common interests and not work towards a common ideology but work towards the establishment of a common platform through which we can promote our common interests.”

The Party has always chosen to exercise patience and caution, while settling any issue or dispute amicably, peacefully and without resorting to the usage of du-

ress or threatening behaviour.

This has been its DNA from inception and this trend has gravitated from Dr. Cheddi Jagan to Dr. Ali.

This concept of non-violence has molded the Party and members to respect the law and abide with the constitution, and not to step aside of this discipline.

You can easily identify other parties and individuals who cannot comply with this policy and who openly and unashamedly resort to the reverse of this preference. No wonder President Ali emphasised that, “Everything we do, must secure this Region as a zone of peace, as a Region that upholds democratic values and promotes the rule of law.”

Quoting Dr. Cheddi Jagan in the 1970’s, "It behooves us all, whether Christian or non-Christian, whether theist or atheist, to work for world peace; to recognise representative institutions, the free expression of the people's will, and the principles of non-intervention, sovereignty and national self-determination, in the conduct

PPP/C is the only...

FROM PAGE 6

in the international arena.

General Secretary (and Vice President) Bharrat Jagdeo is the quintessential ‘policy wonk,’ to borrow an American expression. As General Secretary, Jagdeo hosts a press conference every Thursday at the PPP headquarters.

Although he speaks a great deal about party issues and political matters, he does address public policy issues at length. These press conferences are usually over two hours, and Jagdeo answers every question in detail.

Of recent, both President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo have addressed policy issues including but not restricted to biometrics, campaign finance, the integrity of local government elections, the Wales gas project, the reconfigured PSAs for future oil and gas partnerships, food security, GOAL scholarships, part-time employment, the challenges of labor shortage, the Local Content Act, issues related to “unlimited parent company guarantee” by Exxon, and most recently the devastating fire at Mahdia.

President Ali has been directly involved (and in person) with providing relief, assistance, and care for the patients and for families who lost their children in the fire set by a teenager.

The engagement with public policy issues by President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo are invariably situated in the larger development framework of the LCDS 2030.

The central focus of the 2030 vision is to pursue environmentally sound development with continuing diversification of the economic base of the country. The regional 25/25 food security policy is a good case in point because it speaks to a specific strategy of warding off threats of the “resource curse” and “Dutch disease.”

The ART-TREES deal between Guyana and Hess Corporation is another instance of pursuing environmentally sound policies, while diversifying our sources of foreign exchange.

The PPP/C Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 is also geared towards the economic transformation of

of international relations. Only by the observance of these principles can there be progress on a foundation of lasting peace.”

The PPP/C was conceived, created and construed as a multi-ethnic party from its cradle, supported by workers and intellectuals and has continued to confirm to this concept. Interestingly, the Party was formed from the amalgamation of Forbes Burnham’s, “British Guiana Labor Party” and Cheddi Jagan’s “Political Affairs Committee,” noting the merger of an Afro and Indo Guyanese, both of whom wanted to fight the colonial masters for a common cause and united as a team for a “One Guyana,” with the motto of “peace, progress and prosperity” for all Guyanese.

It was Burnham’s split from the PPP Party in 1957 which seeded a racial division and birthed the Afro-Guyanese dominated “People’s National Congress,” led by a calculated, callous and cunning Burnham, who went on to indoctrinate the members to ‘suppress for survival’ and

‘rig for retention.’

As they say, the rest is history and to date, after crossing the floor, many are joining the PPP/C for obvious reasons. The current Leader of the PNC Party would do well in resonating with the advice of the country’s leader, Dr Ali, “Guyana stands committed to the values of ensuring our Region remains a zone of peace, in upholding democratic values and traditions, and promoting the rule of law.”

The world at large, including peace-loving Guyanese who are often led astray by devious, deceitful and daunting leadership, will never forget the barefaced attempt to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Election by the PNC Party in order to retain power at any cost.

This is not a broken record or an out-of-tune song but a golden oldie which will forever remain a favourite to all except the key players who desperately tried to orchestrate the stealing of an election, and by extension, an entire country.

After selling out Guyana

for two per cent royalty and 12.5 per cent profit sharing in the most grossly unfair and lopsided agreement with Exxon, it was paramount and pertinent that the PNC must win that mother of all elections.

That precarious and problematic election would have sealed a life time in power for the PNC and their stakeholders would have really enjoyed “the good life” as long as they could have breathe. But, by putting “ideology in front of humanity,” they did put the cart before the horse. Guyana was saved in the nick of time, thanks to so many key players. As that pillar of conscience and protector of democracy Mia Mottley, Barbados Prime Minister and prime witness to PNC’s skullduggery said, “The truth hurts….I have nothing more to say. The truth hurts but what we must never do in CARICOM is to avoid the truth and avoid our principle.”

Yours faithfully, Jai Lall.

Guyana. The policies pursued under LCDS 2030 have been positively reviewed.

Only yesterday, (SN, 1/6/2023), the past president of the Caribbean Development Bank noted that “[a] ll things considered: Guyana is on the right path to economic transformation.” Professor Bourne specifically noted that “[t]he importance of the massive investment programme currently being undertaken in economic and social infrastructure cannot be overstated as a fundamental component of a holistic programme for Guyana’s economic transformation.”

There are huge infrastructure and human capital challenges in Guyana, but according to Dr. Bourne “[t]he production and marketing of its offshore energy resources enables Guyana to finance its economic transformation at a rate previously unimagined. Revenues derived directly from the oil industry has substantially augmented fiscal resources.”

Sincerely

Dr. Randolph Persaud

Tragedy for political mileage

Dear Editor, THERE is an interesting blunt question and answers published in the Kaieteur News which stated as follows: “How do we dignify our dead and emphasise our humanity? How do we respect them, reflects how we respect ourselves. We pause for a poignant moment for these children. We hurt for their hurting parents. We reach to support, family community, and people.”

This is exactly what the President and the Guyanese people and others abroad in other countries have done in response to the Mahdia tragedy.

Unfortunately, a handful of publicity and power seekers have sought to translate this national tragedy into their own personal benefits,

disrespecting the victims and their families, blaming the government and calling for resignations.

How has the PNC ever responded to the pains and sufferings of the families of victims of any type of disaster? How have they responded to the pain and sufferings of the Guyanese people? What tangible contributions have they ever made to ensure that this Nation heals?

They have always used these tragic events as the basis for their dirty politicking and to unleash the only strategy they know-violent street protests, wreaking havoc and multiplying the agony of the people, resulting in loss of lives and property.

Is there any honesty of purpose for those attacking the government and calling for resignations? How do we

anticipate that someone will intentionally put a building on fire? How do we anticipate that someone will kill another?

It is most tragic that as we weep for the loss of 20 precious lives there are those who like vultures are bent on turning this national disaster into a sumptuous political meal.

On one hand, the opposition is calling on the public to allow the grieving family space to mourn but on the other hand they are the ones who are most vociferous on social media and behind the scenes encouraging protests, kindling hate and racial strife and division.

It is no secret that the political opposition in this country cannot make any tangible contribution to nation building. Their brains

are wired to give every issue a political twist to fulfil their quest for power.

The President, on May 25 made it known of the government’s intention to establish a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the tragic fire at the Mahdia dormitory.

Unfortunately, some have already performed the duties of judge, jury and executioner. The Opposition called

for a COI but is unwilling to await its outcome which will entail culpability as well as recommendations to avoid such disasters in the future.

In these times, the Opposition will continue to expose their lack of competence to govern this nation, and its members and supporters will continue to move further away from them. Let us continue to pray and support the families of these beautiful

souls.

This government has already committed to the task of supporting the families, and I have full confidence in the Irfaan Ali administration to courageously move this nation forward to becoming One Guyana, ushering a sustained period on peace and prosperity.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf.

Dear Editor,

THERE is a letter in today’s Stabroek News (June 1, 2023) which attacks me. It says: “The deafening silence of the Private Sector Commission and their oft times spokespersons like Gerry Gouveia and Kit Nascimento,” on the subject of the Mahdia tragedy and the Mazaruni prison escape.

The letter goes on, quite wrongly, to claim that we are quick to comment when we “are ready to praise this government.”

The letter writer has withheld his/her name and address, not having the courage of his/her convictions. Wherefore their credibility?

In fact, the Stabroek News is editorially irresponsible for publishing a letter publicly attacking any person while withholding the name of its author.

No sane Guyanese can be anything but horrified at the death of the children in the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory.

As a result, there has been a plethora of letters, the great majority of them choosing to lay blame at the feet of the government, while ignoring that those children would be alive today had it not been for the fact that the fire was deliberately and criminally started in the first place.

Now, there has been a long letter signed by a

large group of persons, the majority of whom are known for their political animosity towards the government and some others who should know better, demanding that the student who lit the fire should not be prosecuted for murder.

I must ask, has that group consulted the parents of the children who have lost their lives on how they feel about that? I have lost a son, though much older than those children. I have some idea of what they may feel, the anguish, the trauma, the disbelief, in this case the anger, that their child is no more, a victim of a fire which was deliberately set.

The Director of Public Prosecution has made it clear that this charge has been brought in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act, that the hearing of this case will be in the Juvenile Court and that the rule of law will be respected and applied.

I have not commented on this matter because it is much too early to do so sensibly, other than to offer my sympathy and my prayers for the loss of these young lives, because the facts are not yet known and, unfortunately, the media, without exception, have indulged in and encouraged widespread and ill-informed speculation.

The children, we know, were imprisoned from escape from the fire by the

fact that the windows of the dormitory were heavily grilled. We know that the grilling was done as much to prevent these girls from leaving at night to meet with men who prey upon them, as much as to keep criminals out.

Nevertheless, we also know, myself included, that we bar our homes with grillwork, which itself endangers our lives in the event of a fire in our homes. We know that the fire service inspected the dormitory and identified this fire hazard. We do not yet know, however, what official notice, if any, was taken of this warning.

I strongly hold the view that in any society, incompetence thrives in an administrative environment when no one is held accountable, and much of that obtains in our country, but blame for incompetence cannot be apportioned, and rectification of it cannot be achieved without full exposure of the facts which lead to the incompetence.

This is precisely why the President has announced his intention to appoint a Commission of Inquiry to obtain the facts, to apportion accountability, if and where it belongs and, hopefully, ensure that what so tragically went wrong will not happen again.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Full exposure of the facts is necessary before making any definitive conclusions

Applying a famous play to the usual suspects

I have a confession to make that makes me guilty. I hope today’s Chronicle is not read by one of the most talented theatre personalities in Guyana that I am a fan of – Mrs. Gem Madhoo Nascimento (GMN).

The regrettable truth is that I have seen only one of her plays – The Vagina Monologues. From that one play, I have concluded that GMN is indeed a talented director.

The play is one of the best and most successful plays to have come out of Broadway the three decades. It is a difficult play to direct and GMN succeeded. And along the way there were no stumbles. GMN’s husband I think, though I am not sure, Kit Nascimento, is a communication consultant to the government.

Now that the usual suspects (TUS) have gone completely insane and want the state to render all types of guidance and counseling to a student accused of mass murder, this may be the right time for GMN to put on again this politically astute work, seeing that her husband’s political stance would compel him to be disdainful of TUS.

Here in this column, I will

politicize the monologues of what the play is about and desexualize the story-telling by substituting political themes. But the relevance remains intact because the monologues in the play are about people’s experience, derived from the journeys of life.

What the playwright, Eve Ensler has done that has made it easier for me to satirize the monologues and apply them to TUS is that over the years when the play was first staged in 1996, she has changed a number of monologues, substituting newer ones for older ones.

I have been absolutely shattered at what the core group in TUS has become because I have known many of them since I was a scrawny, over-zealous, Marxist youth at UG in the first half of the 1970s.

I will never come to grips psychologically with TUS personalities that I functioned with in interlocking complexities of camaraderie who have now become people who hate East Indians and refuse to accept East Indian citizens ruling Guyana. That is pathological hatred that will always dilute the quality of the human spirit.

I still retained an emotional letter one of the TUS personalities wrote to me after she migrated from Georgetown in 1976 to live in the deeper recesses of the interior. I want to return that letter to her because even looking at it drives uncontrollable chagrin in me.

It is like the book Moses Bhagwan sent me that he authored about his family tree. I will describe in a forthcoming article what I did with the book after Bhagwan became a figure of hate for me.

Briefly, here are a few satirical notes patterned after the play that I have I attributed to TUS. I remind you, the parodies are about politics and othyer subjects because TUS have become such evil people that there is need to bring out the Mephistophelian danger of these haters. TUS’ interpretation of the Mahdia inferno constitutes the vulgarization of an immense tragedy that may have no parallel except in Rwanda and Nazi Germany.

Please note, M is for monologue and each speaker from TUS is relating why he/ she does not like the PPP, Indian Muslims and Hindu and want people from the Mulatto Creole class to rule Guyana.

Police report death of ‘Smallie,’ accomplice in Region Seven

TWO weeks after his escape from the Mazaruni Prison, police have reported that convicted murderer, Mark Royden Williams called “Smallie” and an accomplice were killed during a confrontation with police during a Joint Services operation at 33 Miles in Region Seven.

William’s accomplice has been identified as former murder accused Odel Roberts or Delon Williams called “Gully Side” formerly of ‘C’ Field Sophia.

Police confirmed that the men were shot dead during a confrontation with members of the Joint Services at 33 Miles Bartica on Thursday morning. Police confirmed that a rifle was recovered at the scene.

Roberts is no stranger to the law. In 2020, he was freed of a murder charge which alleged that he murdered a Sophia shopkeeper Shawn Anys in 2015.

However, in 2019, he was sentenced to three years in prison for smuggling cannabis into the Camp Street Prison. At the time, Roberts was on remand for the capital offence of murder

Last Sunday, police shot and killed another alleged accomplice, Neon Howard called ‘Taxi,’ a 33-year-old Friendship, East Coast Demerara resident.

He was fatally shot when he opened fire on ranks of the Joint Services along a trail leading from St Mary’s Quarry, Essequibo River in Region Seven. According to the police, Howard was wanted for aiding in the escape of Williams.

Last week, the prison’s head of security, Alexander Hopkinson; prison officers Omar Whitherspoon, Conroy Hosannah, and Oldfield Romulus; Frangeliz

Jugandry Flores Perez of Alexander Street, Kitty and businessman Rajmohan Autar called “Chico” were charged for their alleged

And a big reminder- this is just satire. But there are underlying Freudian meanings.

M1- “I have no sympathy for Indian politicians who are not Christians. My great, great, great grandfather was set upon by some Hindu boys who beat him up in the village because on Christmas day he wore a huge Christian cross around his neck that they ripped off. When my great, great, great grandmother tried to intervene, they knocked her spectacles

off her face and yelled out, “Putagee devils.” I only respect Indian politicians who are Christian.”

M2- “My great, great, great uncle tried to teach the Indian owner of the shop he supported the correct pronunciation of English words. The owner became annoyed and yelled out; “redman, redman, go away and look for your white father and black mother.” My uncle explained that what he saw as red was in fact far

superior to the colour the Indian on his skin, a belief subsequent generation in my family believed in and I am not ashamed of it.”

M3- My great, great, great aunty passed on a belief that up to this day, our family members still accept. Leave business to Indians and never allow them into government because they will never be our equal in the finer spheres of life.”

role in the escape.

It is alleged that on May 19, they conspired with each other and persons unknown to assist Williams to escape.

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced to death when a jury found him guilty of eight counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre, in which a dozen persons, including three police officers were shot dead.

Several months later, in July 2017, Williams escaped from the prison at Camp Street, Georgetown during a riot. It is believed that he was the mastermind.

However, he was nabbed on October 9, 2017, at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice (WCB), while travelling in a public minibus.

In 2013, Williams was acquitted after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the charges against him in relation to the 2008 Lusignan massacre, which claimed the lives of 11 persons, including five children.

Last year, he was sentenced to death for the 2008 murder of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer, Ivor Williams.

Mark Royden Williams called ‘Smallie’

Gov’t refutes claims of involvement in private dispute with squatters at Hill Foot

THE government has categorically dismissed the malicious attempts

to link it to the demolition of property and eviction of squatters at

Hill Foot, Soesdyke. There has been an ongoing dispute between

squatters and property owner, Lawrence Almeem. Following a civil

court ruling, action was taken on May 31, 2023, by the landowner to demolish one of the structures on the land.

Two months ago, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, met with the squatters and provided a commitment that the government would fasttrack existing land applications for those facing eviction.

The government has since taken note of the spurious attempts by the PNC to attribute blame to the government for the eviction of the squatters.

“This assertion is blatantly false and is indicative of the modus operandi of a failing opposition to fact-check national issues,” the government said, adding: “In their

haste to score political points, PNC MP Nima Flue-Bess and Simona Broomes descended on the community seeking to fuel antagonism and hatred to further advance the opposition’s false narratives.”

This, the government said, is an unconscionable approach by the opposition, which continually seeks to accumulate political dividends from tragic events at the expense of the pain and suffering of Guyanese.

The government, however, continues to appeal to the residents affected by the eviction to conduct themselves civilly and desist from engaging in further illegal activities such as blocking the Linden/ Soesdyke highway.

Gov’t, PAHO advance talks on mental health, NCDs

THE Ministry of Health’s Chronic Disease Unit has advanced discussions with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to strengthen collaboration at the country level, in addressing mental health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The latest consultation was held at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, Georgetown on Wednesday where the Minister, Dr Frank Anthony acknowledged that, while work was being done within the department to combat NCDs and mental health, more effort was needed, particularly in the area of chronic diseases.

“Chronic disease is one of those areas that has generally been neglected. We have plans in place to control and hopefully reduce them as public

health threats, but when you look at what’s being done with chronic disease, it’s done by doctors at clinics and not with any strategic vision in mind… and based on our mortality/mobility profile, eventually, as we’ve seen from the presentations, the burden is really on the chronic disease,” the minister said.

Dr Anthony highlighted the need for aggressive implementation, expansion, data coverage, projections for the HEARTS technical packages, and the strengthening of medication logistics for diabetic care.

The health minister also emphasised the need for an effective and comprehensive data collection system for NCDs and other improvements in the area of NCDs and mental health. Minister

Anthony thanked PAHO for its ongoing support in advancing the nation’s health sector.

PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr Luis Codina; Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO Regional Office, Washington DC, Dr Anselm Hennis; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh; Specialist, NCDs and Family Health at PAHO/ WHO, Karen Roberts; Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr Latchmie Lall; Mental Health Programme Coordinator, Dr Timothy Morgan and other staff from the ministry and PAHO were also present at the meeting. (DPI)

Opinion poll shows PPP/C way ahead of APNU for LGEs

THE findings of the latest ongoing opinion poll being conducted by Dr Vishnu Bisram for the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) on the upcoming Local Government Elections, puts the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) way ahead of the opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Other opposition aspirants (entities) including independents have very little support. The election is being contested mainly between the PPP and PNC/APNU.

As surmised in earlier NACTA polls, the PNC is not fielding candidates everywhere, handing a no-contest PPP victory in many seats. The poll finds PNC (APNU) struggling in its traditional strongholds to fend off stiff challenges from the PPP/C, which is making gains in every NDC and municipality held by the PNC.

The ten municipalities and 70 NDCs have varying numbers of seats depending on population size. Each has two types of seats -- equally divided into constituency (first past the post) and Proportional Representation (or top up) seats.

The present poll is consistent with earlier tracking polls that project a landslide victory for the PPP/C.

Based on filed nominations, the PPP/C has already won several NDCs, as it was the only party to field candidates.

In several other NDCs and municipalities, it has also won seats because there are no opponents. The PPP/C is the only party fielding candidates in all seats and all municipalities and NDCs. In total, the PPP/C has already won 291 seats in the local government elections because of a lack of an opposition.

The poll reveals PPP/C has made gains everywhere including in PNC strongholds. The poll finds ethnic cross-over support to the PPP/C, but virtually none for the PNC.

Thus, the PPP/C is expected to win seats previously held (2016 and 2018) by PNC. However, the Party still trails in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Linden, Mahdia, and Bartica. The PPP/C is winning large majorities in other municipalities and in an overwhelming majority

of NDCs.

Local Government Elections are constitutionally held every three years. The last LGE was in 2018. Elections were due in late 2021 but was put off because of the COVID-19 pandemic and personnel issues at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The local elections were delayed to now in order to hire a CEO and deputy CEO, and to hire and train personnel to conduct the elections.

The PPP/C is seeking its third consecutive victory and the PNC, its first since local elections re-appeared in 2016, 22 years after it was held in 1994.

This local election follows the March 2020 general elections in which the PPP/C was returned to office after a five-month impasse and after more than five years of APNU+AFC rule.

Almost every poll said the PPP/C will win the local elections in terms of garnering a greater proportion of local authority areas (LAAs), seats, and total votes received.

Voters also feel that the APNU will likely retain municipalities it currently is defending but with a reduced majority of seats. The poll finds several constituency seats in these five municipalities are very close and can go either way.

The biggest hurdle for the PNC seems to be leadership, as party supporters lack faith and confidence in their leader and prefer someone else, suggesting the party would do much better if it has a more likeable leader.

It must be emphasised that opinion polls in general are only a reflection of support at a particular time. Surveys also have margin of errors. The current poll has a margin of error of four per cent. Frequently repeating a survey over a long period of time may help to reduce the margins of error. Also, polls conducted around the same time should have similar results. It is not known if other polls are being conducted.

Brazilian companies express interest in ‘Amaila Falls Hydro’ project

AT least two Brazilian companies are interested in bidding to construct Guyana’s much-anticipated Amaila Falls Hydropower station (AFHP).

The companies have already submitted proposals to the government, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during his weekly press briefing at Freedom House, on Thursday.

He addressed the bilateral interactions between Guyana and Brazil at the recently concluded Summit of South American Leaders, which was hosted in Brazil by the nation’s President, Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva.

The Brazilian companies interested in AFHP will add to a number of US and Canadian investors, which have

also indicated interest in the AFHP.

“They were very interest-

ed in the hydro. We have now gotten at least two proposals from companies in Brazil

to do the hydro, and some other companies out of the US… so soon you would see

us going back out to another [tender] process in that regard,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

The government had indicated since last year that it would have to go back to tender for a company to construct the project, after it was forced to terminate a contract with China Railway Group Limited (CRGL).

The termination happened after CRGL had difficulties honouring its commitment to the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) contract that it signed on to.

After winning the bid for the BOOT contract, the company had requested to change the BOOT contract’s arrangement to an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract.

Under an EPC, CRGL would be responsible for all the engineering, procure -

ment, and construction activities and deliver the completed project to the government within a predefined time and cost. However, that would require the government to source the financing, whereas under the BOOT model the project is financed by the contractor.

The AFHP project had been expected to commence construction in 2022 and be completed in 2025, and when completed, add 165 megawatts (MW) of energy to the national grid.

The AFHP was first identified in 1976 by the Canadian company “Monenco’ during an extensive survey of hydroelectric power potential in Guyana. Various studies have since justified and strongly supported the construction of the AFHP.

St. Angela’s Girl’s Hostel Fire: Four teens confess to arson

mitory, so we were awakened by the screams of some of [the] persons, my family and I woke up to the screams.

“We went to the scene, but by the time we got there, the fire was out of control and had taken over that entire section of the building; by then the students would have [sic] escaped,” Edwards said.

Quick action by the dorm mothers and villagers resulted in all of the occupants of the building being evacuated.

By Naomi Parris

HOURS after a fire ravaged a section of the St. Angela’s Girl’s Hostel, in Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Thursday morning, four male teens have confessed to planning and setting the fire. According to information provided by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), prior to the fire which occurred between 02:30hrs and 03:30hrs, four male students had threatened to set fire to the building that housed 17 female students

and two dorm mothers.

Although the girls were able to exit the building unscathed, the Guyana Chronicle understands that the threats were made after the boys were chased from the premises by the caretaker. It is alleged that no security guards were stationed at the hostel at the time of the fire.

The alleged suspects were interviewed by the police in the presence of the Regional Police Commander, the Regional Education Officer and their parents when they all confessed to planning and executing the crime.

The teens will remain in police custody as the investigation continues. The building which was constructed by community members and the Catholic Church, was commissioned only a year ago to accommodate girls from six communities in the South Pakaraimas.

In an interview with this publication, Marlon Edwards, a councillor at the Regional Democratic Council and resident of Karasabai, who lives nearby the hostel, recalls hearing the horrific screams of the students.

“I live nearby to the dor-

Additionally, residents used a bucket brigade and managed to contain and prevent the fire from spreading to other nearby buildings.

Following reports of the fire, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, along with other officials from the Joint Services and the Ministry of Education, formed a task force which led risk- assessment efforts in the community.

Other regional officials along with firefighters from the Lethem Fire Station were in the community to carry out investigations and ensure that the fire was completely extinguished.

Temporary housing has since been established at the village hostel; security has

also been provided there. Replacement furniture, and care packages are being prepared to be sent into the village.

Just over a week ago, Guyana was plunged into mourning after a fire, which authorities have since determined was maliciously set, ravaged a secondary school’s girls’ dormitory in Mahdia, killing 19 girls and one boy, and leaving several injured.

Several of the survivors were airlifted to the capital city for emergency care. One critically injured girl was since medevacked to a New York health facility for further treatment.

Over the past few days, funerals were held for those who perished in the devastating blaze.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old student was remanded to a

juvenile facility on 19 counts of murder.

Guyana’s Head of State, Dr. Irfaan Ali has since promised that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will be established to prevent the reoccurrence of such a tragedy, since questions have been raised about the building’s safety.

IMPROVED EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Reflecting on the recent tragedy in Mahdia, Edwards said that authorities now have to revisit the construction of many buildings in the hinterland communities, especially those that house children.

“All the buildings must be properly equipped along with fire extinguishers, some smoke detectors; also, there needs to be very good security systems in place,” he said.

The artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project

he ravaged remains of the St Angela’s Hostel in Karasabai (GFS photo)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn led a risk-assessment task force to the community, where he engaged residents (GFS photo)

Veteran actor/dramatist Godfrey Naughton keen on passing on his knowledge

GODFREY Naughton has been in the entertainment industry for well over 50 years, having done some 250 major productions since making his debut as a youngster on May 22, 1966.

He wrote some of the plays, most of which were grand productions staged at the National Cultural Centre, and today, even at 70, Naughton is not ready to back down any time soon.

In fact, with so many years of experience, he has just what it takes to lend a helping hand to those interested in the field.

In a recent interview with Buzz, he joked that it would take an entire day to relate all of the details of his life.

Born in the Pomeroon, and with an affinity to the countryside, he has a focus on helping to build the talents

in those locations. So, almost like a pioneer in getting things done, he would have already made his rounds in Linden, Berbice, Essequibo, and other locations.

“I was chosen by the Ministry of Culture to be the first director of festivals. So we ended up with a National Drama Festival, which turned out to be the largest in the

Caribbean ever,” Naughton, who is also part of the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama, reflected.

With vast experience in teaching drama, production, stage management, and other aspects of the performing arts, the past years he has been focusing on “transferring my knowledge; to pass on to younger people and make it easier for them to build on what we’ve done.”

And he’d usually have no problem doing this because

he certainly enjoys telling a story and knows how to make his listener enjoy it as well.

“I grew up in a household with a father who was very talkative. He was a pork knocker, a trade unionist, politician (he left all those things before he died)…he was very entertaining, so I found it easier to tell people a story in an entertaining manner,” he shared.

It was related that even though the story line in Makantali, which is one of

his latest productions, was told countless times before, and the play done over and over again, he worked to make his latest production a little more “colourful” to cater to the younger folks who have a shorter attention span. He would conduct workshops and teach classes with persons who need his assistance.

“The Ministry of Culture is doing a lot of work with hundreds of young people in youth groups across the country. I am predicting that there will be a huge explosion of talents in many different areas. They are going to break out because I see the amount of work that’s being done,” he pointed out.

As such, he said one of his future plans is to get the drama school formalised again so that there can be regular batches of people being taught throughout the country.

“So we can take care of all the talents we have around us, not only in Georgetown. We have to reach out. Guyana is not only Georgetown and Demerara, and that’s why I’m going to put my last ounce of strength into it.”

‘Stinging Nettles’ satisfied Soca lovers

“SOAKING wet, up in every fete,” were the lyrics many patrons were reminded of when the rain came down over the Marriott parking lot during the recently held ‘Stinging Nettles’ concert which was headlined by Trinidadian Soca star, Kes.

‘Stinging Nettles’ has made its name as the quintessential Soca show for Guyana Carnival.

This year’s concert was held on Independence Eve, May 25, and stretched into the wee hours of Independence morning.

With a star-studded lineup, which included Guyanese songstress, Timeka Marshall

and Barbadian sensation, Rupee, the show was hailed as a must-go for soca lovers around the country.

Bringing a feeling of nostalgia to the show, Rupee came on belting out hits like, “If I Can't Have You” and “Insomnia” which the crowd sang word for word as they gyrated to the sweet sounds that filled the air.

In the middle of his set, Rupee paused to reflect on the devastating fire that occurred in Region Eight just days prior to the concert. He used the opportunity to encourage fete goers to continue to spread love, positivity and light, while adding that the show was the

perfect opportunity to lift the spirit of Guyanese during this difficult time.

He then sang one of his hits, “You never know” as he belted out the words which encouraged patrons to give thanks and to enjoy the good times.

As the night went on, headliner Kes burst onto the stage in pomp and flare to his 2023 soca hit, “Fuh Spite”.

The crowd as was known in previous years of the show, immediately came to life as Kes went through his set list of groovy hits, putting patrons in a trance as they sang along to the music.

Continued on page 15

Actor/Director/Producer/Dramatist Godfrey Naughton With a career spanning well over 50 years, Naughton has a focus on passing on his knowledge to the younger generation

Nine advance to Miss Jamzone semi-finals

NINE beauties were, on Sunday last, announced as the semi-finalists for the upcoming Miss Jamzone Guyana Pageant.

Aliya Wong, Ashanti Corlette, Carolann Correia, Judell Price, Laquana Johnson, Rayshana Gillis,

Shaquana Holder, Tisean Harry and Trevlind Harry gained the highest scores which guaranteed them a spot in the next round of the competition.

This announcement was made at Genesis The Band’s Soca and Wine event which

was held at the Guyana Marriott parking lot where all 17 delegates were on stage for the first time.

After applications opened in April 17, the delegates were selected out of 80 applicants as quarter-finalists. To narrow down the

number to the nine semi-finalists, fans and supporters had to take to social media to show their support for their favourite delegates and give them a chance to move forward.

At the Soca and Wine

‘Stinging...

From page 14

As was expected, heat filled the packed venue as attendees kept their eyes focused on the stage. Midway through his set, just after 01:00 hours, a burst of rain came from the cloudy sky, cooling the atmosphere.

The rain did not scare some patrons as they continued to enjoy the show dripping from head to toe, while others who came prepared, pulled out their umbrellas. From all appearances, the rain brought extra energy to the attendees.

Though soaked, patrons helped Kes sing hits like “Endless Summer,” “Hello” and “Liki Tiki” during which featured singer, J. Perry out of Haiti, joined him on stage to perform in Guyana for the first time.

As has become a norm for Kes whenever he performs in

Kes entertains his fans

Guyana, he expressed his love for his fans and for the country as he held up the Golden Arrowhead during a segment of

his performance.

One lucky fan was even given an opportunity to sing on stage with the “Jub Jub” singer and helped him sing his track “Workout” which featured Nailah Blackman. The young woman who was called on stage and sang Nailah’s part of the song was given a stamp of approval by Kes and the crowd.

The concert truly embodied the lyrics of one of Kes’ 2023 hits, “Mental Day” as it provided some relief and a much-needed escape from the terrifying headlines that have been dominating the media.

It has certainly cemented itself as one of the most anticipated annual shows for Soca lovers in Guyana. (Shamar Meusa)

event, it was explained that 35 per cent of the score came from training, 10 per cent from the pageant committee, 45 per cent from the judges and 10 per cent represented the social media buzz.

The competition’s finals will take place during the

annual Jamzone Summer break.

This year’s queen will drive away with a brand new car, while the first and second runners-up will each receive cash prizes amounting to over $3 million.

‘Baderation’ concert did not disappoint

THE most anticipated dancehall show of the season, ‘Baderation’, came off without a hitch last Saturday and was very different

from the one held in 2022.

Hundreds flocked the Guyana National Stadium to see this year’s headliners: Jamaican singer Jada Kingdom,

rising star Byron Messia and the man himself, Alkaline.

The choice to have the event at a bigger venue this year was a smart move on the

part of the organisers as they anticipated a much larger crowd. With this larger venue, there were many noticeable differences in the set-up which showed that organisers learned from the mistakes that were made last year.

Some of the new features included having separate entrances for the General and VIP sections, greater separation between the sections and a heightened security presence at the venue.

As the show began, the first international act, Jada Kingdom wearing a mini skirt, matching top and teddy bear shaped backpack, emerged onto the stage singing, “Which Gyal freestyle”.

As she made her way through her list of songs, which included hits like, “GPP” and “Feelings” she captivated the crowd with her dance moves as she sang the lyrics, “It ah shake” while the ladies in the crowd sang along word for word.

Jada then made way for rising dancehall star, Byron

Messia, who burst onto the stage to the backing track of his hit song, “Talibans” which patrons sang all on their own for his entrance.

The large audience knew the words to all his hits and sang along with him as he kept the crowd entertained. He made use of the entire stage even at points stepping down onto the speaker boxes and giving fans in the VIP section an opportunity to sing on the mic.

As the morning progressed, there was a brief break period to allow the DJs for headliner Alkaline to setup to come on stage.

During this time, the DJs paused for a moment to remember the victims of the Mahdia fire and played the song, “We Are the World” to express their sadness and to pay tribute to those who had perished. The stage lights were dimmed and the DJs asked patrons to put their phone lights up.

A sea of lights filled the air as the crowd turned into

a choir to belt out the lyrics.

In keeping with this sombre tone, the man himself, Alkaline hit the stage just around 02:30 hours to his 2015 hit, “Gone Away” and he paused to say, “Mi sing da song ya fi all ah who lose somebody.”

As the dancehall artiste made his way through his set, it was a nostalgic moment for many of the patrons. His lengthy set featured hits like “How it Feel,” “Spoil yuh” and “Ocean Wave” just to name a few.

Alkaline’s stage presence was captivating; however, the song that seemed to get the biggest crowd reaction was the 2013 hit “Live Life”. The crowd again became a choir to belt out the lyrics, “Low me mek me live me life!”

As he left the stage about 03:10 hours, the show ended with no incidents, proving that organisers were keen on not having a repeat of the 2022 experience. (Shamar Meusa)

Jada Kingdom

Queen B features 'Skatta's' Coolie Dance on her Renaissance World Tour

RECORD producer and music executive Cordel "Skatta" Burrell is in celebratory spirits after his Coolie Dance Rhythm was featured during Beyoncé's ongoing Renaissance World Tour.

Skatta took to Instagram on Tuesday to express gratitude for the achievement, while giving insight into the beat that was created over two decades ago.

"Great music can never be silenced. Respect to the Queen of Music @beyonce who chose music I own and created to be part of her #RenaissanceWorldTour," he wrote.

"This adds to many accolades I continue to garner from my works. I created this beat in 2002 with headphones on my MPC2000 on a NY trip in my friend @ chapschaps [Oneil "Chaps" Webb] living room in Yonkers. #cooliedance."

He also shared clips of the moment which saw international sensation Beyoncé, as well as her backup dancers, performing a routine to Nina Sky's Move Ya Body which is featured on the rhythm.

Other artistes who were

featured on the rhythm include Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Wayne Marshall, Vybz Kartel, Sizzla, T.O.K, and Predator.

Beyoncé has continually dabbled in dancehall culture throughout the years. Her 16-track Renaissance album, released in July 2022, featured collaborations with iconic singer Grace Jones and Tyshane "Beam" Thompson, son of veteran dancehall gospel deejay Papa San.

Nigerian singer Tems was also featured on the project, which was released via Beyonce's Parkwood Entertainment label and Columbia Records.

Jones and Tems are featured on the track Move, while Beam is featured on

Energy, which was co-produced by Skrillex.

Skrillex is best known for producing the hit Make it Bun Dem featuring Damian Marley.

In 2003 Beyonce teamed up with dancehall star Sean Paul for the mega hit, Baby Boy, off her Dangerously In Love album, while Mr Vegas is featured on the remix of her Standing in the Sun single, which was featured on her 2014 box set Beyonce: Platinum Edition.

The Renaissance World Tour will make stops at more than 40 cities, including London, Paris, Barcelona, and Toronto before wrapping up the tour on September 27 in New Orleans. (Jamaica Observer)

Gayle makes waves in India

RETIRED cricketer

turned recording artiste, Chris Gayle, is celebrating success in India after the track

‘Oh Fatima’, on which he is featured, reached millions of ears in just a week.

"The video has reached over four million views on YouTube in its first week and we went on some really big platforms to promote it. We went on the Kapil Sharma TV show in Mumbai, India, which reaches 45 million people in India on Sony TV," Gayle, who is still in Asia, told the Jamaica Observer.

‘Oh Fatima’ stars Indian singer Arko. It was produced by Nishant Dayal, while Rammji Gulatii directed the official music video which premiered on May 22. Meanwhile, Gayle said that the Jamaican brand has helped tremendously in promoting

his work in the East.

"The song, Oh Fatima, is a fusion of Indian styles of music. So, the marketing strategy is to use the popular Jamaican culture to hit the Indian and Middle Eastern audience so we shot the video in the UAE [United Arab Emirates]," he said.

Back in December, Gayle broke the ice for his music career in Asian market when he headlined the Tropical House

Cruises To Jamaica: The Asian Edition. He said the momentum he gained from that project has steered his career in the right direction.

"The album I headlined for Contractor helped to get me and Jamaican culture more noticed in Asia, and I would love to take Jamaican culture to Bollywood which is the world's largest film industry," Gayle said.

(Jamaica Observer)

Cordel "Skatta" Burrell

Chris Gayle

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 01, 2023)

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RACING TIPS

CSK captain is looking at a period of extensive rehab as he tries to see if he has one more IPL in him

MS Dhoni underwent surgery on his left knee in a Mumbai hospital on Thursday.

Dhoni, who led Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title, had flown to Mumbai from Ahmedabad after the final on Monday and consulted renowned sports orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who is also on the BCCI medical panel and has performed surgeries on a number of top Indian cricketers, including Rishabh Pant.

"Yes, Dhoni has had a successful knee surgery at the Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by PTI. "He is doing fine and the surgery

happened in the morning. I don't have details. I am yet to get all the details about the nature of surgery and other things."

MS Dhoni undergoes knee surgery in Mumbai St Kitts and Nevis Patriots keep Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher among seven retentions for 2023 CPL

According to PTI, Dhoni has already been discharged from the hospital after a keyhole surgery was performed for "arthroscopic repair".

"He has already been discharged from hospital and he has gone back to Ranchi," a CSK source was quoted as saying. "He would be resting for a few days at home before his extensive rehabilitation starts. It is now expected that he would have enough time to get fit to play in the next IPL."

Dhoni had played the entire IPL season with a heavily strapped left knee and although he looked absolutely okay while keeping, more often than not he batted as late as

No. 8 and didn't look swift while running between the wickets. After leading the side to their fifth IPL title, though, Dhoni had said he would return for "at least" one more season for the fans, if his body allowed it.

"If you circumstantially see, it's the best time to announce retirement." Dhoni had said. "The easy thing for me to say is thank you and retire. But the hard thing to do is to work hard for nine months and try to play one more IPL season. The body has to hold up. But the amount of love I have received from CSK fans, it would be a gift for them to play one more season.

"The way they've shown their love and emotion, it's something I need to do for them. It's the last part of my career. It started over here and

full house was chanting my name. It was same thing in Chennai, but it will be good to come back and play whatever I can. The kind of cricket I play, they feel they can play that cricket. There's nothing orthodox about it and I like to keep it simple."

On Wednesday, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan had said that it was "completely Dhoni's call" when asked if the captain will decide against playing next season and thus free up a purse of INR 15 crore for the mini-auction.

"Frankly, we are not even thinking along those lines as we haven't reached that stage," Viswanathan had said. "It will be completely Dhoni's call. But I can tell you, in CSK, we haven't entertained those thoughts.

Man Utd desperate to stop Man City's treble march in unique FA Cup final

By Martyn Herman

LONDON, (Reuters)

- All roads from Manchester lead to Wembley Stadium on Saturday for the first ever FA Cup final between the city's arch-rivals -- a fitting climax to the domestic season and a clash loaded with significance for both clubs.

For Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, a first FA Cup triumph since 2019 would put them one game away from repeating Manchester United's treble of 1999 -- to date the only season in which a club won the English title, FA Cup and Champions League.

For United it represents the chance to add the FA

Cup to the League Cup they won in February -a domestic cup double they have never achieved before. Having also finished third in the Premier League, would represent an impressive first season at the helm for Dutch coach Erik ten Hag.

Another trophy is motivation enough for United, but stopping City's march towards a treble that could be sealed a week later in Istanbul against Inter Milan will fuel their hunger.

"We will give everything and, when I say everything, it's everything... the fans can rely on that," Ten Hag, who has blossomed after a tough start at Old Trafford, said in the wake of his side's semi-final win over Brighton and

Hove Albion.

City have won a treble before under Guardiola -sweeping all the domestic honours in 2019 when they thrashed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final. But repeating United's 1999 feat would rubber-stamp City as the best football team in the world.

It would also make redundant a favourite anthem of United's fans, one they gleefully sing to remind City's faithful that they have never won the historic treble that Alex Ferguson's side completed 24 years ago.

City's domination of the English landscape is such that United's bragging rights are severely diminished these days, although in terms of FA

Cup wins there is still a chasm between the clubs with United seeking a 13th and City a seventh.

United have also won five of their last six FA Cup meetings with City but the last of those came in January 2012.

City, driven by the chance of sporting immortality, will start favourites on Saturday in the 142nd edition of the showpiece final, although Guardiola will be wary of a United side they lost to 2-1 in February, avenging a 6-3 mauling at the hands of their neighbours in October.

The fact they ended the Premier League season with a draw and a defeat, having already wrapped up their fifth title in six

THE St Kitts & Nevis Patriots have retained d big hitters Evin Lewis and Andre Fletcher for their 2023 campaign in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The Patriots will also retain middle-order batsman Sherfane Rutherford, all-rounder Dominic Drakes as well as fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell and wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua da Silva. The Patriots have also brought in Oshane Thomas who was transferred from the Barbados Royals.

The tournament gets underway on 16 August with the final taking place on 24 September. There will be matches in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

The overseas players and draft picks will be announced during the Republic Bank CPL draft show which will be broadcast at the end of June.(Sportsmax).

seasons, will offer United some room for optimism but Guardiola's side will deserve all the plaudits that flood their way if they win their next two games, according to United's treble-winning defender Gary Neville.

"Do I want City to win the treble? No! No! No, I don't. Nobody wants City to win the treble if you're a Manchester United fan," Neville said in The Times.

"For me, (Guardiola) would be a worthy companion to Sir Alex and his players would be worthy companions of our Man-

chester United treble team. Fingers crossed they lose though!"

With tens of thousands of fans descending on the capital and with rail strikes expected, the unique final will pose a logistical challenge, with the Met Police saying on Thursday that 1,000 officers will be on duty.

"Of course this is also a derby match, and we are alive to the added significance -- and challenges -- this may bring," Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said.

Batter Evin Lewis(left) and fast bowler Oshane Thomas

England v Ireland Test: Stuart Broad takes five as hosts dominate first day at Lord's Saturday's game to be last of Messi 'this season', says PSG

Stuart Broad pressed his case for inclusion in the first Ashes Test by taking five wickets as England dominated Ireland on the first of the four-day Test at Lord's.

Broad claimed 5-51 and was supported by 3-35 from left-arm spinner Jack Leach in Ireland's 172 all out.

That represented something of a recovery from the Irish, who at one stage were 19-3 before James McCollum battled to 36, Paul Stirling countered for 30 and Curtis Campher added 33.

On an ideal day for England, opener Zak Crawley ended a run of eight Test innings without a half-century, riding a degree of good fortune to make 56.

Crawley shared 109 for the first wicket with Ben Duckett before being caught and bowled by Ireland debutant Fionn Hand.

Duckett continued his fine form in moving to 60 not out, joined by Ollie Pope, who is unbeaten on 29.

England closed on 1521 from only 25 overs, just 20 behind and already well placed for a ruthless and swift victory.

England start huge summer in ideal fashion

While this is very much a tune-up for the huge summer ahead, England would have been aware of their mixed history against the Irish - beaten in both versions of the World Cup and bowled out for 85 the last time they met in a Test.

But the only sign of a hiccup for the home side came before they even got to Lord's, when Just Stop Oil protesters delayed the team bus for a short period of time.

And, when Ben Stokes won the toss on a cool morning, England's Broadled attack exposed the gulf in class and some uncertain Irish footwork.

It is to Ireland's credit that they did not completely subside - they were bowled out for 38 on their way to defeat here four

years ago.

Still, as the chill wind gave way to warm sunshine, it became apparent that the pitch offers no great pace and holds an opportunity for runs to be scored.

On a glorious evening, England rattled along at more than six runs per over, laying a platform to have Ireland batting again at some point on Friday.

Broad makes Ashes case

Broad will know he is competing with Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood for the two spots alongside James Anderson in England's pace attack for the first Test against Australia at Edgbaston on 16 June.

Here he staked his claim with his first five-wicket haul at Lord's for 10 years and first in a home Test for almost three.

Bowling a very full length, his opening spell at one stage yielded 3-0 in eight balls. Peter Moor was lbw playing across the line, Andy Balbirnie poked to second slip and a charging Henry Tector turned his second ball to leg slip. Broad could have had a fourth in nine balls, but Stirling overturned being given out lbw.

After lunch, Broad returned to have McCollum edge to first slip and com-

He had the chance to return on Friday for a big score, only to chip back to medium-pacer Hand, who held the catch at the second attempt.

In contrast to Crawley, Duckett is entirely at home at the top of the order. In this, his first England appearance in any format on home soil, the left-hander went past 50 for the sixth time in 11 innings since returning to the Test side.

Against an Irish attack lacking pace, Duckett slashed through the off side and clipped off his toes, with his fluency matched by newly-installed vice-captain Pope.

PARIS, (Reuters) - Paris St Germain's home game against Clermont will not necessarily be Lionel Messi's last for the capital side, a club source said after coach Christophe Galtier said on Thursday it would be 'his last match at the Parc des Princes'.

pleted his haul by finding movement up the slope to bowl Mark Adair through the gate.

Leach, playing a vital role in England's attack as all-rounder Stokes manages a knee injury, took advantage of Ireland's eagerness to be aggressive to claim his three wickets.

Matthew Potts' movement was rewarded with two scalps late on, while debutant Josh Tongue touched 90mph, but was too often asked to bowl too short.

Crawley misses chance to silence doubters

With England taking the decision for Jonny Bairstow to return behind the stumps in place of Ben Foakes, the major lingering doubt about their Ashes line-up is the form of Kent's Crawley.

He has been unequivocally backed by Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum but, though these runs were welcome, it was not an innings to silence the doubters.

Crawley's first half-century since the first Test against Pakistan in December came from only 39 balls, yet he was often unconvincing as 15 of his runs came via the inside edge, including two escapes in the same Adair over.

'England have set a marker' - what they said England bowler Stuart Broad on BBC Test Match Special: "It was a nice feeling. I was happy with how we bowled as a group. Conditions were fantastic first thing this morning and that's what you want at Lord's because you have to make the new ball count.

Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher on TMS: "There were moments, but whenever we got on top we didn't prolong those periods. we are disappointed today but we'll come back stronger tomorrow.

"It was a great challenge for our batters. It was a tough, hard day but we showed determination. Broady is a top-class bowler and it is just about limiting them."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on TMS: "You can see England's confidence. They want to do things that no other team has done and they want to win in two days here."

Former Ireland wicketkeeper on Niall O'Brien on TMS: "I expect it is going to be a difficult evening in the Ireland camp. They will be disappointed, especially the batters, because it was a bit tough this morning under the clouds but it was not difficult for batting.

"England have set a marker for the summer there." (BBC Sport).

Messi, who has 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, moved to the French capital from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.

He has not yet renewed his deal with the Ligue 1 champions.

"It will be his last game this season," the source told Reuters.

The 35-year-old, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar and also boasts a record seven Ballon d'Or awards, won the Ligue 1 title in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons with PSG as well as the French Super Cup in July 2022.

"I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of football. This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes," Galtier told reporters on Thursday.

Last month, French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to train with his team following their 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient in the league.

"This year, he has been an important part of the team, always available. I don't think any of the comments or criticisms are justified," Galtier said.

"He's always been there for the team. It's been a great privilege to accompany him throughout the season."

Messi's future at PSG had been the subject of much speculation recently, with a source close to the Argentina captain telling Reuters that he had received a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season.

He has also been linked in the media with a move back to boyhood club Barcelona, with the United States' Major League Soccer club Inter Miami also being touted as a possible destination.

PSG'S TITLE CELEBRATIONS ON HOLD

Saturday's game, however, will not be a joyous affair. Galtier said the club's title celebrations have been put on hold following goalkeeper Sergio Rico's accident.

Rico was involved in a riding accident while participating in an annual pilgrimage in southern Spain, the day after PSG wrapped up the title with one game to spare.

Rico has been in intensive care after suffering "a serious mishap due to a mule cart and a horse that hit him", his family said in a statement late on Sunday. Spanish paper Marca reported that Rico had been riding a horse himself.

"There will be no celebrations, it's been a very difficult week. We're all affected because we went from winning the French title on Saturday to waking up in more than a little pain on Sunday morning," Galtier told reporters ahead of PSG's final league game of the season.

"We're all affected, and we're trying as best we can to take our minds off things through the training sessions... We're very united in sending out lots of positive vibes and energy to Sergio, his mum, his wife and his loved ones."

Stuart Broad takes his 20th five wicket haul in Test Cricket, his 3rd fifer at Lord's, finishing with figures of 17-5-51-5

Lionel Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup

Chanderpaul hits unbeaten 83 as Windies A set Bangladesh A 461 for victory

SYLHET, Bangladesh, (CMC) – West Indies A met resistance from Bangladesh A openers, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan, after another strong batting performance enabled them to make a second innings declaration in the third ‘Test’ on Thursday.

Consistent batting down the order led by Tagenarine Chanderpaul with an unbeaten 83 enabled the visitors to declare on 220 for five in their second innings about an hour before the close on the third day of the fourday, first-class contest at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, setting the Bangladeshis 461 to win.

The Caribbean side failed to make inroads into the Bangladesh A batting in 13.5 overs before bad light stopped play early with Mahmudul not out on 28 and Zakir not out on 14, and the hosts 47 without loss in their second innings.

West Indies A lead the three-match series 1-0 after the first ‘Test’ ended in a

draw two Fridays ago at the same venue, where they won the second ‘Test’ that finished last Friday by three wickets and will be looking to finish off their opponents on Friday to put a seal of approval on a successful trip.

Earlier, Guyana Harpy Eagles left-arm spinner, Veerasammy Permaul, ended with three for 38 from 13 overs, and led the West Indies A demolition of the bottom half of the Bangladesh A batting in the first hour with the hosts bowled out for 205 to concede a first innings lead

of 240.

The only resistance the Caribbean side encountered came from Nasum Ahmed, whose 38 not out was the top score, and helped the Bangladeshis pass the 200 mark after they continued from their overnight total of 157 for seven.

Permaul bowled Tanzim Hasan Sakib for 17 with the last ball of the first over of the day, got Shoriful Islam caught at slip for 13, and held a return catch to dismiss last man Musfik Hasan for a first-ball duck to bring the

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh A first innings to a close.

With the weather a constant threat throughout the series, West Indies A chased quick runs to put themselves in a place to declare before stumps were drawn.

Harpy Eagles left-handed opener Chanderpaul, son of former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, anchored the innings with typically defiant batting that yielded seven fours and one six from 165 balls in a little more than four hours.

He shared a few tidy partnerhips along the way, including 69 for the fourth wicket at more than five runs an over with his captain Joshua Da Silva, to give the visitors the momentum to achieve their late declaration.

Da Silva made 47, Tevin Imlach was not out on 28, Alick Athanaze got 27, and Kirk McKenzie added 20; off-spinner Saif Hassan was the most successful Bangladesh A bowler, taking three for 62 from 20.2 overs and Nasum ended with two for 56 from 13 overs.

Sarwan feels nepotism played a role in appointment of new West Indies Coach

Guyanese Ramnaresh

Sarwan who represented the West Indies in 287 International matches between May 2020 to June 2013 feels Daren Sammy’s appointment as West Indies Head Coach ahead of Guyana’s Shivnarine Chanderpaul reeks of insularity.

The 42-year-old disclosed that Chanderpaul is fully qualified with a level III (3) certificate while Sammy has almost zero coaching qualifications.

The former Guyana and West Indies Captain added that shockingly, Darren Sammy was confirmed as coach.

“How is this possible?” he asked

“Is it because Chanderpaul is a Guyanese and Sammy is from Windward Islands? Sarwan wondered.

This is Sarwan’s full Facebook comment:

‘Twenty (22) persons / coaches were interviewed for the white ball coaching position. However, two (2) were shortlisted. The big question is why were the other twenty (20) persons / coaches not made known to CWI directors, and also, why is this a big secret and is being kept away from cricketing public?

In the interest of trans-

parency, those names should have been made available, at least to directors of CWI.

The two coaches shortlisted by the President (headed) committee were Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Darren Sammy.

Chanderpaul is fully qualified with a level III (3) certificate.

Sammy, almost zero coaching qualifications.

SHOCKINGLY, Darren Sammy confirmed as coach.

How is this possible?

The President has a professional and moral obligation to the Caribbean people and, without delay, make public the criteria / method used for the selection of the coach.

Is it because Chanderpaul is a Guyanese and Sammy is from Windward Islands?

If not, WHAT IS IT?

I was always aware West Indies cricket has insularity but what is becoming very prominent with this administration is NEPOTISM.

Wonder who is the front runner to replace Mr Adams?

TAKE A GUESS! MORE TO COME” posted Sarwan who will a guest on the ‘Sean Devers Sports Watch’ radio programme next Tuesday night.

1-25, 2-37, 3-66, 4-79, 5-97, 6-117, 7-138, 8-157, 9-205. Bowling: Jordan 8-2-21-1 (nb2); Reifer 6-0-23-1 (nb4, w1); Phillip 9-2-36-2 (w3); Sinclair 18-3-75-2; Permaul 13-2-38-3.

K. McKenzie c Zakir Hasan b Saif Hassan 20

Z. McCaskie lbw b Nasum Ahmed 2

A. Athanaze lbw b Saif Hassan 27

*J. Da Silva b Nasum Ahmed 47

R. Reifer c wk Nurul Hasan b Saif Hassan 6

T. Imlach not out 28

Extras (b2, lb4, w1) 7

TOTAL (5 wkts dec, 55.2 overs) 220

Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-41, 3-86, 4-155, 5-181.

Bowling: Musfik Hasan 7-3-27-0; Shoriful Islam 6-2-19-0 (w1);

Tanzim Hasan Sakib 8-0-43-0; Saif Hassan 20.2-2-62-3; Nasum Ahmed 13-2-56-2; Mominul Haque 1-0-7-0.

BANGLADESH A 2nd Innings (target: 461)

Mahmudul Hasan Joy not out 28

Zakir Hasan not out 14

Extras (b4, lb1) 5

TOTAL (without loss, 13.5 overs) 47

Bowling: Jordan 5-1-14-0; Reifer 4-2-13-0 (nb1); Sinclair 2.50-11-0; Phillip 2-0-5-0.

Position: Bangladesh need 414 more to win with all second innings wickets standing.

IPL chairman...

From page 24

Jio Cinema, in a statement on Wednesday, said more than 120 million unique viewers had tuned in to watch Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans in a dramatic final, with a peak concurrency of 32.1 million.

"It has been a phenomenal success, and largely because of the sheer competitiveness of this year's tournament," Dhumal added.

"Most of the matches went down to the wire and there were plenty of last-over thrillers. We got a phenomenal response from the fans. Our viewership grew manifold and our broadcast and digital partners both are excited.

"Even the in-stadia experience of the fans has been phenomenal, and going forward it's only going to get better."

The IPL's popularity has remained undimmed since its 2008 inception and the Indian cricket board's (BCCI) policy of not allowing its own players to participate in foreign leagues has helped ensure its preeminence.

Dhumal said the IPL would remain a 10-team event but the number of matches, currently 74 per season, might go up to 94 if it gets a bigger window

in the calendar prepared by the governing International Cricket Council (ICC).

While the IPL offers life-changing money for most of its participants, the global cricketers' association has called for players to receive a bigger share of the league's revenue.

Dhumal, however, said there had been no discussions about increasing the $11.5 million salary cap for each franchise.

"We will have to consult the franchises and team owners before taking a call," he said.

"While we still have 10 months before the next IPL, a lot of discussion will have to take place before anything like that happens."

Dhumal, who is also a senior BCCI official, also dismissed media reports that the IPL was planning to stage matches in Saudi Arabia or to help the oil-rich country set up its own T20 league.

"It's the ICC's job to grow the game outside the traditional pockets," Dhumal said. "BCCI has helped nations in the past but as far as a T20 league in Saudi Arabia is considered, it's all speculation."

Left-handed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul led the way for West Indies A with 83 not out. (BCB photo)

Daren Sammy and Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Hooper among six assistant coaches named for Windies men’s senior team

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday announced the members of the coaching and support staff for the West Indies Men’s red ball and white ball teams.

Former West Indies captains Carl Hooper and Floyd Reifer have been named as Assistant Coaches in the white ball teams to work alongside new Head Coach Daren Sammy. James Franklin, the former New Zealand allrounder is the third Assistant Coach. They have joined the team ahead of the start of the upcoming three-match One Day International (ODI) series against United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking on the appointments, Sammy said, “Cricket is a team sport. Therefore, having the right set of people around you, who share your vision, is extremely important. This is a group of hard-working, passionate men, who have no egos. Our collective desire is to have a positive impact on the players and West Indies cricket.”

Hooper is one of the most successful allrounders in West Indies history – the only player to score over 5,000 runs and take over 100 wickets in both Tests and ODIs. He worked previously

at various levels coaching in the Caribbean and Australia. Reifer also has experience across various levels from regional up to internationals.

The former allrounder from Guyana expressed his desire to see West Indies cricket move forward. Hooper stated, “When I was initially approached by Daren about the potential opportunity, I immediately confirmed my interest, as I really want to help with the challenge and make a meaningful impact. I firmly believe that it is time for West Indies Cricket

to ascend, and I am confident in my ability, knowledge, and experience to aid in this endeavor.”

For the Test Team, former West Indies players Kenny Benjamin and Stuart Williams; as well as Rayon Griffith will be the Assistant Coaches, working alongside Head Coach, Andre Coley. Benjamin and Griffith were part of the coaching staff for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa earlier this year, while Williams has previously worked as an Assistant Coach on various tours.

Coley, who took the team to Zimbabwe and South Africa earlier this year as head coach, is confident that some continuity will be beneficial to the players, stating “We are looking for as much continuity as possible in the preparation for our upcoming assignments. Kenny and Rayon will continue in their roles from the previous two tours, and Stuart Williams is currently with the ‘A’ team in Bangladesh. It is a hard-working group with some clear tasks outlined and we can effectively serve West

Indies cricket as a unit for the upcoming series against India.”

The other members of the Team Management Unit who will work with the WI Men’s teams across all formats are: Rawl Lewis (Team Manager), Denis Byam (Physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Avenash Seetaram (Analyst) and Dario Barthley (Media & Content Officer).

The West Indies are presently in Sharjah for the series against UAE, which bowls off on Sunday 4 June at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The second match is on Tuesday 6 June and the third and final match is on Friday 9 June.

For the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, West Indies have been drawn in Group A, where they will face hosts Zimbabwe, United States, Netherlands, and Nepal in the preliminary round. The ten teams will be competing for the two remaining places at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, to be hosted in India later this year.

All new Assistant Coaches have been appointed on a short-term basis and will be reviewed after the India Series in August 2023.

WI Men White Ball

Team Management Unit

Daren Sammy (Head Coach)

Carl Hooper (Assistant Coach)

Floyd Reifer (Assistant Coach)

James Franklin (Assistant Coach)

Rawl Lewis (Team Manager)

Denis Byam (Physiotherapist)

Ronald Rogers (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

Avenash Seetaram (Analyst)

Dario Barthley (Media & Content Officer)

WI Men Test Team Management Unit

Andre Coley (Head Coach)

Kenny Benjamin (Assistant Coach)

Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach)

Stuart Williams (Assistant Coach)

Rawl Lewis (Team Manager)

Denis Byam (Physiotherapist)

Ronald Rogers (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

Avenash Seetaram (Analyst)

Dario Barthley (Media & Content Officer) (Sportsmax)

IPL chairman sees no threat from new T20 leagues

THE Indian Premier League's (IPL) stature as the world's top Twenty20 competition is secure despite the emergence of similar franchise-based tournaments around the world, its chairman Arun Singh Dhumal told Reuters.

The IPL, with an estimated brand value of $8.4 billion, continues to attract the world's top players and coaches with the kind of money T20 competitions in Australia and England

can only dream of.

The landscape is changing, however, with lucrative leagues starting up in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa this year, while Major League Cricket gets underway in the United States next month.

Even if players now have more choice where to take their talent than ever before, Dhumal was confident the IPL would retain its primacy in franchise cricket.

"We don't see anyone else as our competition, there is none even close to IPL," he told Reuters by telephone.

"Our best wishes to all the boards starting their own T20 leagues, but I don't think any of them can be a threat to IPL."

Dhumal's conviction stems from the strong viewership numbers for this year's IPL, which concluded on Monday, especially from the league's digital partner.

Continued on page 23

Carl Hooper will work alongside Floyd Reifer to assist Daren Sammy in the white-ball formats

Indian Premier League- Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bangalore- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - May 9, 2023. Mumbai Indians' fans celebrate during the match. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/File Photo