Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 02-09-2023

100 Amerindian communities receive funds to upgrade community grounds

Big plans unveiled for Amerindian communities

- Toshaos to be thoroughly engaged as part of preparations for Budget 2024 - priority areas for development include delivery of thousands of solar units, upgraded infrastructure, improved education delivery, high-speed internet

Cultural extravaganza kick-starts Amerindian Heritage Month festivities

Guyana undergoing rapid development

- Ambassador Lynch acknowledges; points to advancements in infrastructure, education and health

Clearer pathway for development of Indigenous communities

- as Toshaos record successful NTC conference

Attorney-General exposes APNU’s ‘constitutional atrocity’

- as opposition faces accusations of hypocrisy

Veteran journalist Godfrey Wray passes away

Amerindian Heritage month was on Friday launched at the National Park under the theme, “Sustaining our cultural heritage and identity while contributing to One Guyana”. The night’s proceedings took the form of a cultural extravaganza which featured just around 127 performers from various indigenous villages across the country and showcased true Amerindian culture. During the evening’s proceedings, acting Prime Minister, Gail Teixeira affirmed that the government remains committed to empowering Indigenous communities across the country by making significant investments in critical areas. (Delano Williams photos)

Attorney-General exposes APNU’s ‘constitutional atrocity’

-

–– as opposition faces accusations of hypocrisy

ATTORNEY

GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S C., has raised serious concerns about what he calls a “constitutional atrocity ,” related to the appointment of former Police Commissioner ( ag ) Nigel Hoppie by the then APNU + AFC government

Nandlall took to Facebook on Friday, highlighting what he perceives as a glaring violation of the country’s constitution by the opposition while the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change coalition ( APNU + AFC ) was in government

He accused the coalition of posturing as champions of constitutionality and the rule of law, while turning a blind eye to what he considers a severe breach of the constitution

Nandlall’s revelation follows questions from the opposition over the extension

of Clifton Hicken ’ s tenure as acting Commissioner of Police by President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Opposition member Carol Smith - Joseph , acting as the Chief Scrutineer for the PNC-led APNU opposition, filed a Fixed Date Application ( FDA ) challenging this extension. Smith-Joseph argued that there is no legal basis for the Head of State to prolong the term of an acting Police Commissioner

In her legal filings , Smith-Joseph contends that Hicken is currently serving in a temporary, acting capacity in accordance with Article 211 (2) of the Guyanese Constitution, not as a substantive Commissioner of Police

She argued that Hicken’s appointment as Police Commissioner was initially based on necessity due to the absence of a duly constituted Police Service Commission (PSC) and a Leader of the Opposition However, these

circumstances no longer exist

In his Facebook post , Nandlall wrote : “ Yet this same APNU+AFC continues to masquerade as champions of constitutionality and the rule of law Paul Slowe and Clinton Conway write excessively in the newspapers on legal issues concerning the Police Force But to date, they have not uttered a word about this horrible constitutional atrocity!”

Nandlall ’ s remarks revolve around the appointment of Hoppie to act in the Office of Commissioner of Police on July 30, 2020, by the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security following the retirement of Commissioner of Police, Leslie James Nandlall reminded the nation that this appointment by the APNU was a clear violation of Article 211 of Guyana’s Constitution, which mandates that such

appointments must be made by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission

At the time of Hoppie’s appointment, Bharrat Jagdeo held the position of Leader of the Opposition, while Slowe served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission

According to Nandlall , neither the President made

the appointment nor were any of the required consultations conducted, as stipulated by the Constitution

With the evidence of the appoint letter, Nandlall exposed a glaring inconsistency in the APNU+AFC’s purported commitment to upholding constitutionality and the rule of law

Notably, Slowe and Conway, who are renowned for their vocal stance on legal matters concerning the police force , have remained conspicuously silent on this issue, he said

The issue comes after Chief Justice ( ag ) Roxane George, SC, affirmed President Ali ’ s appointment of Hicken as acting Police Commissioner in August of the previous year

She had labelled the challenge to his appointment filed by Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones as “vexatious and an abuse of the court process.”

Justice George ’ s ruling asserted that the President had acted “out of necessity” and legitimately exercised his judgment in choosing someone to serve as the acting

Commissioner of Police in the absence of an Opposition Leader and the PSC.

Nandlall had previously affirmed that President Ali acted in complete accordance with the laws when extending the tenure of Hicken as acting Commissioner of Police beyond his age of retirement

Nandlall recently addressed criticisms raised by Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton, and Conway, which were centred on the legality of the extension

According to Norton, the appointment was deemed unlawful, owing to the belief that the Office of the Commissioner of Police could only enjoy an extension if the office holder had a substantive appointment

Nandlall, however, countered this argument by asserting that there is no provision in the Constitution or any other law that restricts the extension of tenure solely to substantive appointees

He said that regardless of if the appointee is acting or is substantive, they enjoy all the powers , facilities , and privileges of the office.

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

President Ali announces big plans for Indigenous people

- says priority areas include delivery of 30, 000 solar units, upgraded infrastructure, improved education delivery, high-speed internet

By Naomi Parris

WHILE assuring the Indigenous community that the government plans to address all of their needs, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that billions of dollars will be allocated to them in the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles.

The Head of State made this revelation at the closing of the National Toshaos Conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara where he disclosed that for the first time, the Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John will meet with Minister of Finance during the budget consultation process.

“…the Toshaos Council will sit with the Minister of Finance in consultation …because we believe strongly in your voice. We believe strongly in your ideas but more importantly, we respect your voice, and we respect your ideas. As you're aware, we operate in budget cycles, and we have to plan carefully within those cycles to understand and to reflect your priorities and your needs,” Dr. Ali told the gathering of over 200 toshaos.

He noted that there are several issues that the government will work to address swiftly before taking requests from communities.

“There are a few things that we must commit to fix and fix rapidly, and there are some things before I get into your requests that I want to assure you of,” he said.

According to him, these include the delivery of 30,000 household solar units. This distribution is expected to begin shortly and will see a government minister assigned to specific communities to hand over the units which are part of the first phase.

President Ali further revealed that an additional $16 billion will be invested this year to upgrade infrastructure in hinterland communities. Out of that sum, $6 billion will be spent on community roads.

Aside from infrastructure, the government will also embark on an aggressive programme to improve the delivery of education in hinterland communities. This programme will see

improvements in teachers’ living quarters and hostels and the construction of new schools.

While this is being done, President Ali disclosed that officials will also address the slow WiFi delivery in hinterland communities.

“So, we are going to work with you on a programme for the remainder of this year and next year where we’ll accelerate our investment. We will look at newer technologies, faster technology,” he added.

Over the next three years, the government will also make massive investments to improve health care in the hinterland regions, building new hospitals, and new health centres

and expanding services such as telemedicine.

In addition to the aforementioned, President Ali assured the indigenous community that investments will also be made in human resources.

“In the next three years including the remainder of this year, you will see the most intense investment in

us the names, the qualifications and we are going to enroll you and pay for your training and development to become nurses,” he asserted.

Investments will also be made in agriculture and tourism. Training in these areas will be done to ensure that Indigenous youths can benefit from the ongoing

al new hotels across the country.

Indigenous leaders from across the country attended this year’s conference. The forum offered them the opportunity to meet and interact with government officials and to make critical decisions regarding the livelihoods of their people and devel-

health care.”

“I am making it clear now to you, very, very clear, that every single young person from your community or not so young, with the basic qualifications to enter the nursing programme, send

developments such as the establishment of sever -

opment of their communities.

President Ali interacts with a toshao on the final day of the conference

More than 200 Indigenous leaders attended the five-day conference which concluded on Friday (Delano Williams photos)

110 road deaths in eight months

- President Ali instructs police to take urgent action

A TROUBLING report released on Friday by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has revealed that a staggering 92 road accidents have occurred from January to August this year, resulting in 110 fatalities including three children.

Against the backdrop of a concerning surge in road accidents and fatalities, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has taken decisive action by instructing the police to launch an expansive road safety campaign nationwide.

The President recently expressed his unwavering commitment to tackling the root causes of the problem, emphasising that drinking and driving, as well as excessive speeding, must be

urgently addressed. He urged citizens to view road safety as a shared responsibility and called for a united front in curbing the alarming increase in road accidents.

The President disclosed that he has requested specific statistics on early morning accidents, among other data, to inform the development and implementation of more effective safety measures. The need for visible road markings and other visual aids to enhance safety were also highlighted as part of the comprehensive road safety campaign.

The urgency of these actions is underscored by two recent accidents which resulted in the death of four teenagers and a baby.

The driver of the car the teenagers were in was reportedly speeding when he collided with a parked truck and a concrete fence at Canal #2 Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three.

The victims of this devastating accident were identified as the driver, 17-yearold Daveanand Singh, 19-year-old Amiesha Jaikaran, 18-year-old Divyanie Narine and 19-year-old Daniel Tirbeni.

Earlier this week10month-old Zainad Boyer died in an accident at Dennis Street, Sophia, Georgetown. The infant’s father was reportedly speeding when he collided with another car.

In July 2023, a "Respect the Road" Road Safety Awareness Campaign was launched by the GPF in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and

Impressions to address the rising number of road fatalities.

During the campaign launch, the acting Commissioner of Police revealed that over 4,000 traffic tickets had been issued in 2023, and more than 2,000 individuals had been charged with traffic offences.

Additionally, a new regulatory framework for the use of electric bikes was recently passed by the National Assembly. It will address the alarming increase in road fatalities and incidents involving electric bikes.

Based on data from the police force, 11 persons were killed, and 14 others suffered significant injuries due to the use of electric cycles from 2021 to 2023.

Recently, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, said that the police force has been tasked with producing an updated traf-

fic plan and implementing more aggressive measures to maintain safety on Guyana's roadways.

He said that the government is very concerned about the rise in deaths caused by road accidents.

"We are concerned about inconsistencies, aberrations in the way people behave. We have been requiring, demanding more to be done in respect of speeding, drunk driving, impaired driving, whether it's drugs or cellphone use," he related.

Minister Benn said that one stark statistic is the number of motorcyclists and pillion riders who have died as a result of road accidents. Those road users will be

given particular attention as the police ramp up their efforts.

Other statistics show that accidents occur mostly at nights and from Thursday to Monday.

"I think our statistics have already been destroyed on the trend for this year. I don't think we will achieve the less than 100 road deaths which we achieved last year. But we recognise that there is an increased number of vehicles on the road. We recognise that there are persons who still insist on driving while drunk, or just speeding for the joy of it," Minister Benn related.

The police force has revealed that 110 persons including three children have died on the roadways this year

Region needs to produce over 1.4 tonnes of commodities

– to achieve food security goals by 2025

President Ali says no room for ‘paralysis of action’, calls on nations to persevere

FOR the Caribbean Community ( CARICOM ) to achieve its ambitious food security targets by 2025, it will need to produce in excess of 1.4 million tonnes of commodities over the next two years.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is the lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture in CARICOM, during the launch of this year’s Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) activities on Friday

Ali, who joined the event virtually, said that while the region has made significant strides in expanding production to reduce its hefty food-import bill, much more needs to be done

The Ministerial Task Force, which is chaired by Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, has partnered with the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) to identify commodities for concentrated regional policy support

According to President Ali, these commodities include poultry meat , corn , soybeans and rice for feed production; meat (beef, pork

and mutton); niche vegetables; and coconut products

Already, the region has achieved 57 per cent of the production target towards reducing the food - import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, however, stakeholders have to produce 1.4 million tonnes of these commodities

“

We have the political will, and, more importantly, we have the capacity within CARICOM to achieve this, and to produce quality food for our people ,” President Ali said

Noting that the Caribbean Week of Agriculture is an important forum for leaders to review their success and address the remaining targets, the Guyanese Head of State said , “ Vision 25 by 2025 represents a tipping point for the Caribbean. Failure must not be contemplated; we must persevere Paralysis of action will be fatal.”

He further reiterated Guyana ’ s commitment to providing leadership and support to other countries

Notably, Guyana, in the first half of 2023, cultivated over 3,000 acres of soybeans, and over 1,200 acres of corn The country has also increased its coconut

production, with over 5,000 newly - established acres of coconut cultivated from 2021 to January to June 2023 with new coconut nurseries.

Meanwhile, the production of high-value crops such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower is being promoted with the establishment of shade houses across the country

The country has also undertaken several massive projects to increase the production of rice , meat , and dairy products Investments are also being made to expand the aquaculture sector

Dr Ali further urged regional leaders to formulate implementable actions on issues such as resilient food production systems , trade solutions ( such as Online platforms, facilitating financial flows, block chain applications , and transportation solutions), new agri-business opportunities (such as youth and women involvement ), marketplace and product development, and secure innovative funding and agri-food investment opportunities

At the 33rd Inter - Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, held

in Belize back in 2022 , it was announced that Guyana would host the region’s first agriculture Regional Agri - Investment Forum and Expo The second such event was held in Trinidad & Tobago later that same year

This year , in Guyana , the conference will be held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre from October

20-22

At the launch of the ‘expo’ held in August, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister

revealed that US$7.5 billion in investments is needed for the region to achieve its goals

FLASHBACK: President Dr. Irfaan Ali (left) engaging fellow CARICOM leaders at the 2022 Agri Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Office of the President photo)

Empowering Amerindian Communities

AMERINDIAN Heritage Month holds a special place in the hearts of Guyanese people as it commemorates a pivotal moment in history the election of Stephen Campbell as Guyana’s first Amerindian Member of Parliament on September 10, 1957

This landmark occasion laid the foundation for recognizing and celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Guyana’s indigenous communities Fast forward to 1995, when Prime Minister Cheddi Jagan officially designated September as Amerindian Heritage Month, thereby reaffirming the government’s commitment to honouring the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana

The significance of this month has been brought to life once again as the government allocates a substantial budget of $4.7 billion towards enhancing the livelihoods of Amerindian communities

This commitment extends beyond financial support , encompassing crucial sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and social services.

It is a testament to the government’s pledge to safeguard the rights and well-being of Amerindians, as outlined in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto for 2020-2025

The positive impact of this budget allocation is already being felt in Guyana’s hinterland regions Derrick John, Chair of the National Toshaos Council, has lauded these efforts, particularly the substantial investment in infrastructure , education , and health Improved transportation infrastructure, including road construction and upgrades, will facilitate the movement of goods and services to remote communities, fostering economic growth and development

Education is rightly recognized as a key driver of progress, and the increased budgetary allocation will enable more Amerindians to access quality education, contributing to both personal and national development The provision for water-supply systems and the completion of dormitories and extensions in various regions

highlight the government’s commitment to improving living conditions and access to essential services

Hinterland development has become a hallmark of the current administration, with initiatives ranging from electrification programmes to agricultural development, all aimed at empowering indigenous communities Furthermore , the initiation of the revenue-sharing process from carbon credit sales to indigenous villages and local communities underscores the government’s dedication to equitable development

With $4.7 billion earmarked for investment in village priorities, indigenous communities are poised to benefit directly from their contributions to environmental conservation This revenue-sharing mechanism, as outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy ( LCDS ) 2030 , ensures that the benefits are shared fairly across villages and communities on the basis of factors such as population and size

A transparent process has been put in place, allowing communities to identify

their priorities and submit village plans for endorsement, thereby ensuring that the funds are used effectively to meet their specific needs The commitment to inclusivity and community involvement is evident in the open decision-making processes outlined in the Amerindian Act and LCDS 2030

As Guyana continues on its path of sustainable development, these investments in Amerindian communities are not just a budgetary allocation; they represent a promise fulfilled and a commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous nation

The empowerment of indigenous communities is not just a government initiative, it is a testament to the collective vision of a Guyana that values and celebrates its diverse heritage

This Amerindian Heritage Month , let us recognize the strides made and continue working together for the betterment of all Guyanese, embracing the rich tapestry of cultures that makes our nation unique.

Granger was defrocked, and GHK Lall is forever forlorn

Dear Editor,

IT is sad that a high-level guy like GHK Lall is always so fearful His last column (9/1/2023) indicates he is afraid that Guyanese cannot speak freely What could be more contradictory than that – an article written and published without any fear of reprisal, speaks about the fear of speaking freely! The absurdity is staggering. Lall and many like him, have near hegemonic control of two of the most widely circulated broadsheets in this country. No fear on this score.

Not a day goes by in the Guyana hegemonic media without letters writers and TV personalities airing anti-government views, ranging from the absurd to the patently dangerous

Many of these people are media insurgents as defined by the US counterinsurgency manual The central aim is to ruin the legitimacy of the democratically elected government Many of them are faculty members in Canada and the United States

Mr Lall is a former Gold Board man, and this is why he can be so dismissive of the $40,000 per month income earned by

part-time workers He is oblivious that many people who have children cannot work fulltime, and this is because of simple, rational economic calculations.

GHK Lall is so removed from daily working-class life that he is unaware that these part-time jobs also serve a conduit to full time employment for those who do not have the education or skills to work in a modernising economy

GHK Lall seems to be oblivious to the fact that one of our most pressing problems in Guyana is labour availability This is a good problem to have A tight labour market has pushed up wages dramatically

If GHK Lall could find a construction worker willing to work for less than $5,000 daily, he should get a medal Does he know that many truck drivers in Guyana earn $ 10,000 -$ 15,000 daily ? Is he aware that there are literally hundreds of scholarships for those who want to further their education or develop their technical skills?

I wonder if GHK Lall is aware that per capita income in Guyana has risen by 131.53 per cent since 2019 I wonder if he knows that the money taken away from school children by his APNU-AFC folks have been

restored

Go tell the parents of school children that the restored money is PPP domination I wonder if he knows that the hundreds of taxes and fees levied on the population by the APNU-AFC have been removed

What GHK Lall should be fearful of is the return of the APNU or APNU-AFC to high office

They signed a bad oil deal, drove the economy into the ground, gave away state property as happened in the worst days of the PNC dictatorship, and then, to top it off, tried to steal an election in the most brazen manner That is what Mr GHK Lall should be afraid of daily

Some cursory research reveals the real reason GHK Lall is so obsessed with Jagdeo You must go back to the months before the March 2, 2020 elections Days before the vote, GHK Lall came awfully close to calling Granger a God

Here he is in his own words: “I believe that the coalition [APNU-AFC] intends to deliver on some — some — of the promises made by its leader If I am wrong about the man [i e., Granger], then this society is doomed I take this stand for the man

[Granger] (hence my “X”) because I sense that the man [Granger] himself stands for something different, comrades notwithstanding, lack of flair and fury and fullness of self notwithstanding I detect that he stands for God, family, and country; and if a man does not have those things, then for what does he exist? Unlike opponents, and rather ironically, the man [Granger] from the PNC does not have the dark ambitions, the incomparable viciousness and vindictiveness present elsewhere” (Guyana Chronicle, 2/27/2020).

Within days of this pontification, Granger, and his military team (called advisers) set about to defy the electoral voice of the people, as well as the voice of the international community that came to the rescue

Dr Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo defeated Granger, and Lall’s local Pope was defrocked Now GHK is left forlorn, fearful, and frightened

He is so afraid that he sees working families receiving $40,000 for part-time work as a grave threat. Go, tell it to the mountain!

Sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Tullow to get green light to sell oil block shares to Eco-Atlantic

–– decision to be made on new licence for Repsol

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday announced that approval will be granted for Tullow Oil to sell its shares in the Orinduik Block to Eco-Atlantic.

During a press conference at the Office of the President, he said: “The Orinduik issue, we have in principle agreed that approval will be given for Tullow to sell its share to Eco and to exit that block.”

The Orinduik Block offshore Guyana is owned by the oil and gas company, Tullow Oil, which recently signed a deal to sell Eco-Atlantic its assets As part of the deal, Eco Guyana, a subsidiary of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas, will purchase the entire stake in Tullow Guyana

In a press release, Tullow said: “Tullow’s decision to exit the Orinduik licence is in line with its strategy to focus on its high-return production assets in Africa, and infrastructure-led exploration around producing hubs and delivers its objective to unlock value in emerging basins.”

It was reported that Eco-Atlantic will pay $700,000 in cash upon the transfer of Tullow Oil’s 60 per cent equity and operatorship of the Orinduik licence to Eco

Also, Eco had told reporters after the sale that it will look to craft a “farm-in” agreement with another company in the aftermath of Tullow’s departure

Farm-in deals allow small companies such as Eco (Atlantic) to sell part of their equity to a larger company with experience and manpower to drill offshore That new partner will likely take on Tullow’s mantle as operator and lead exploration and development

With the green light for this deal imminent, Dr Jagdeo said discussions are also underway regarding the issuance of a new exploration licence to Kanuku Block operator, Repsol

“So, in May, effectively, the property was back with the Government of Guyana So, the Government of Guyana has had discussions with them over this week,” he said, adding that although there has not been any policy decision made at the Cabinet level, the application for a new Petroleum Prospecting Licence will be favourably considered

Dr Jagdeo also added that if the government decides on a negotiated position, then the company must comply with certain conditions such as the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), new fiscal agreements, and signing bonus, among other things.

While addressing naysayers, the Vice-President said that one must take note that if the company does not get back the oil block, then the US$500 million expended within the area will be lost, since the exploration activity is done at the risk of the investor

The Kanuku petroleum agreement indicates that the licence should have expired naturally in May, 2023

Under the licence, Repsol holds the operatorship of the Kanuku block, with a 37.5 per cent working interest. Tullow holds 37.5 per cent and Total Energies/Qatar Petroleum (TOQAP) holds 25 per cent.

Vice - President , Dr Bharrat Jagdeo ( Adrian Narine photo)

Why some Guyanese do the things they do

AS long as 15 years ago , I decided that I would respond to questions I received on specific columns.

I never proceeded with the project for two reasons

Once you start, you don’t know where it will end because the questions can increase greatly.

Secondly , time did not allow me (yes since 15 years ago right up to now) to devote columns to readers ’ queries because each day, the past 15 years, necessitated an analysis on cascading events

This is Guyana where indeed the events are uncontrollably cascading People ask me all the time how I manage to do a column every day and I would laugh and ask them which country they live in

In Guyana, things move with supersonic speed that you can do two columns a day If another newspaper

asks me to do a daily piece for it, once they pay, I will do it and of course keep my Guyana Chronicle page

In this society , there is immense atrocities , immoralities and mischief that emanate from the private anti-government media, civil society groups , women ’ s groups, the opposition parties and their surrogates , the usual suspects ( TUS ), the lunatic fringe (TLF), the Mulatto/Creole class (MCC), the political nouveau lumpen (PNL). For more of the PNL, please see my column of May 17, 2022 titled, “A creeping dictatorship since August 2020: The political nouveau lumpen.”

Then there are the comical yet dangerous daily outpourings from the letter pages of the two anti-government newspapers and certain anti-government online publications and finally there is

the irritating anti-oil lobby

When you take all of this into consideration, a columnist in this society can do two daily pieces

Today , I will answer questions from emails I got as a reaction to two columns

The first is last Wednesday’s analysis in which I looked at the position Dominic Gaskin and Timothy Jonas took on the five month election rigging and suggested that people and organisations like Eusi Kwayana, Moses Bhagwan, Red Thread, the WPA, etc should have emulated Gaskin and Jonas . That is they should have supported free and fair election in 2020 and if the PPP won and they did not want that, then they could have offered unrelenting opposition to the PPP government

The other column was last Thursday’s on Mr Glen Lall forming a political party

very soon from now The inquiries on why I think people like Kwayana, Bhagwan, Nigel Westmaas, Red Thread did not come out against the rigging, I will answer after I dealt with the queries I got as to why Mr Lall is forming a political party.

I don’t have the answer for that My thoughts on the issue are contained in the column itself I can repeat myself in different words I believe in the mind of Mr Lall, he thinks people admire him, sees him as a savior and would like him to be in the next government You can describe Mr Lall ’ s entry into electoral politics as CN Sharma, part two

Mr Sharma thought that his television station made him so popular that people would vote him into power. What I can definitely pronounce on at this stage is that

once Lall forms his party, it will be morally incumbent on me to write about his ineligibility for office And I think he is trillions of miles away from achieving eligibility for office

I got several emails in which readers solicited my view on why long-standing pro-democracy activists like Bhagwan and Kwayana did not do the right thing and allow the election to be fair then if the PPP did not govern to their liking they could have come out against it

I was asked that if newcomers like Gaskin and Jonas could have seen the tragedy rigged elections bring , then, stalwarts like Bhagwan and Kwayana ought to have known better

In several columns since April 2020, I have analysed the terrible falling down of the individuals and groups

named above I will briefly describe the landscape again but space will not permit elaboration I think those individuals and organisations I named above have deceived an entire generation in this country

Their fight against Burnham was to remove Burnham and form the government They wanted power not democracy and free and fair elections They wanted the government for themselves and they wanted to make sure the PPP and Cheddi Jagan are kept out

This vividly and spectacularly explains the revelation of Mr Ralph Ramkarran that WPA did not want to inform the PPP about what the WPA was doing in 1979 when it tried to topple Burnham

All of them were betrayers who were never multi-racial democrats.

TSA’s audit validates CJIA security standards

THE Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States Department of Homeland Security has successfully audited the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The audit was conducted from July 31 to August 4 and was aimed at evaluating the security measures implemented at CJIA as well as the airlines’ compliance with TSA guidelines for flights to the United States

The audit process included on-site inspections, interviews with staff, and a review of security documentation, including training records and standard operating procedures. The audit verified that CJIA has implemented robust security infrastructure and advanced technologies to maintain high - security standards This includes modern baggage screening systems, CCTV surveillance, access control mechanisms, and trace detection equipment

In their ‘outbrief’, the team commended the airport and its stakeholders for being compliant with international standards and recommended practices

Chief Executive Officer , Mr Ramesh Ghir, said, “These audits are always welcomed and serve to gauge the airport’s performance in this highly regulated industry.”

Mr Ghir added, “We are always looking

for ways to enhance our security measures and are grateful to TSA for their feedback and guidance We will continue to work closely with TSA to ensure that CJIA remains a safe and secure airport for all passengers.”

The successful audit conducted by TSA at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport confirms its commitment to maintaining high-security standards This audit success reflects positively on the overall security record of CJIA, law enforcement and the airlines The TSA agents were accompanied by staff of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority during the audit

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport is the main entry port into Guyana and a significant hub for international air travel regionally and further afield

Aircraft Operations at CJIA

Clearer pathway for development of Indigenous communities

MOST challenges, concerns, and issues raised at the National Toshao Council (NTC) Conference 2023 have been addressed and resolved , according to several Toshaos and a Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on the closing day of the conference, Orlayn Williams, Toshao of Mallali, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice ), said he is thankful to the Government of Guyana for all that they have done for his community and the other communities in the region

“Coming to this conference, I have gained a lot and I am thankful for everything I have learnt here,” he said

Williams’ community received a cheque of $1 million for a playfield from the Ministry of Culture , Youth and Sport , which, he said, will greatly benefit his community since they are a victim of flooding

“ Our playfield has flooded out, so we move to higher ground, and this million dollar will boost sports in our community,”

he said. Another beneficiary of the $ 1 million grant from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for works on their playground is Santa Cruz, Region One (Barima-Waini).

Oswald Brescenio , Toshao of the community, said that it was his first time attending one of the conferences and he never expected it to transform his community members’ lives in such a way

“I never expected this meeting would be that transforming, because my life is transformed I am going back to my village with news and more news and I never expect to get $ 1 million for my playground I am so happy,” he said

Additionally , Eve Samuels, Toshao of Saint Monica Karawab, Region Two ( Pomeroon - Supenaam), said that the conference was excellent and expressed her willingness to further support the government

“ We did not waste our time Most of our challenges we had in the community, I think they were answered by the President and I think we

are going at a good pace for development of the communities, and we look forward to supporting the government because they are supporting us ,” she said

Another Toshao , Alvin Joseph of Tasserene Village , Region Seven ( Cuyuni - Mazaruni ), related that the NTC conference 2023 was one of the best ones he had ever attended during his several years of being a Toshao

Further , CDC Chairman of Swan Village, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Finton Ragoneuth, said that he is grateful for whatever transpired during the five-day conference

“

Based on President Ali ’ s address , it states very clear the development for every community, so as I am standing here today, I am leaving with something that was promised already towards youth and sport I received $ 1 million towards the playground,” he related

The chairman said that he believes that by the next conference, they will have most of what they requested for this time around

Toshaos and others at the closing of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), on Friday

“ For example , at the last conference , I had made some representation and we received everything we had requested such as two streets, five

streets were finished before I came back here,”

he said

in his community such as the construction of a deep well and a health centre , as well as the extension of a primary school

Guyana undergoing rapid development

Ambassador Lynch acknowledges; points to advancements in infrastructure, education and health

IN a recent online interview the outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana , Sarah - Ann Lynch , said that Guyana’s infrastructure , education system , and health care system are all experiencing significant growth

“ New roads are being built, there are new buildings going up, and there’s a lot happening in the infrastructure area but there’s a lot happening in the education and health areas as well ,” she said

Ambassador Lynch related that while it might take some time for persons to actually see the development, they must be cognisant that development and changes do not happen overnight

“I think change doesn’t always happen overnight , Some of these things that are being put into place will take years actually It’s going to be with a lot of hard work too, and I think citizens need to know that they need to be a part of it,” she said

The US Ambassador related that Guyana has a small population, so every citizen

matters

She urged persons to get educated and improve their skills so that they can adapt to the development that the country is experiencing

“…take advantage of this new day in Guyana ,” she said

Additionally, Lynch said that during her time in Guyana, she, along with her team, has done solid and commendable work in three key areas: Security cooperation, governance and prosperity

“ I think with the great work of my team, which I’m so proud of, I have been able to do that And we’ve really worked in three key areas: governance, prosperity and security co-operation And I think we’ve done quite a bit,” she said

The US Ambassador related that on the governance side, they have been able to help strengthen institutions such as the Guyana Revenue Authority ( GRA ) and help Guyana to become a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Regarding prosperity ,

she said that the embassy has brought a lot of US businesses to Guyana and urged them to explore Guyana and all the opportunities available

“We’ve gone from having a handful of US companies in Guyana to over a 100 Some of them are big, but a lot of small and medium So, really kind of the engine of change here for Guyana and they’re all working with local firms, cooperating with

them,” she said.

On the security front , Lynch said that they have deepened security co-operation , while working with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) offering oppor-

tunities for them to enhance their capacity

Additionally , she mentioned the courses offered to the Disciplined Services, which would have helped to address issues such as corruption , trafficking and financial crimes

When asked about the visits to Guyana by two Secretaries of State and whether the agreements signed are being fully enforced, she said that whatever was discussed during Mike Pompeo ’ s visit has been built on, and some are still in process.

“Like the catfish agreement you might be getting to That is still under review with the department, the US Department of Agriculture, and specifically the Food Safety and Inspection Service, FSIS,” she said

Lynch added : “ What we’ve been able to do… is be able to put them , FSIS

and the appropriate counterpart here in Guyana in a dialogue, so they can get the right paperwork across the finish line But these things take some time There was a military agreement that was signed, the Ship- rider Agreement that’s in play as well.”

Further , the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office, she related, is fully functional

“We have a full-time attaché and just this week , another agent arrived, so we are very happy,” she said

The US Ambassador said that Guyana has been asking for additional help in the area because the country would like to get a handle on being a transit country for drugs

“I know aerial interdiction is important to Guyana… [so is] marine interdiction . So having a full DEA unit is terrific and we are very happy about that,” she said

Outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch

GTT, UGSS launch initiative for UG students

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company ( GTT ), in collaboration with the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), on Thursday, launched an initiative that provides students with access to all things UG.

This initiative called , ‘ GTT ’ s UG Student Plan ’ enables students with the power to engage with not only each other, but the wide UG experience

Speaking at the launch, UGSS President, Shaquawn Gill expressed that this initiative is one of the many projects that the UGSS believes the students of the University of Guyana will benefit from for years to come

He said that this was less

about setting up a ‘data’ plan for students of the University of Guyana , and more about ensuring that when they would have left office, students would say that they have projects that last them beyond that period

Gill noted that it was a difficult task to negotiate with senior officials at GTT; however, “Once that started in April or May, we held fast to the task . We wanted to make sure that everything we start, everything we promised, we deliver on.”

He said briefly that the UGSS, before being in office, committed to playing a role in bridging the digital divide at the University of Guyana He said this was a problem faced by students of

UG and larger geographical audience

The UGSS President underscored the need for bridging the divide by saying, “We have students who live in the Hinterland, who may never, because of their programme, or their project, may never come to Turkeyen Campus unless they ’ re coming for graduation ; and they have to ensure they are always in classes. And if we want to be serious about bridging a digital divide, if we want to be serious about improving, not only the quality of education, but the access to education, the UGSS felt like there was something we had to do.”

Additionally , the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor

Paloma Mohamed - Martin , in her remarks said that GTT was the first company to come forward during the rise of COVID-19, aiding in the delivery of online services to students of the University

Professor Mohamed - Martin boasted of the increase in programmes being offered online, from around four or five to over 155 programmes This is totalled up to over 2000 courses

Moreover, GTT’s Public Relations Officer, Diangelly Singh , said this platform offers an affordable and comprehensive offering for students to continue their education

This initiative offers 75 gigabytes of data , unlimited

Students welcome this initiative to save more money on data services through GTT (Faith Greene photo)

social messaging and browsing, unlimited GTT minutes, and a great deal more This they said, is offered at a price of GY $3,750

According to Singh , this can only be accessed through the UGSS, or from their social media pages (Facebook and Instagram), where a digital form

can be filled The form requires students to input their names, Unique Student Identifier or USI number, and provide proof of Identification and proof of either their academic profile or student ID card

Students can also visit gtt gy / UG50 for a direct link to the digital form

THE Ministry of Labour’s Central Manpower and Recruitment Agency (CRMA) said that 252 persons have gained employment in the public and private sectors through the recruitment agency

This is, even as, the agency aims to facilitate the placement of some 500 job seekers in both sectors this year, as part of the government’s endeavours to address labour shortages

This was underscored by CRMA’s Assistant Chief Officer, Shandell Glasgow during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Thursday

For this year, some 554 persons have registered with CRMA to be employed so far

“We try to reach job seekers and employers from all walks of Guyana. We try to place job seekers into all categories of jobs, and we try to assist the employers by submitting the suitable persons for their vacancies,” Glasgow said

She explained that employers can also connect with potential employees through the National Job Bank Since the launch of the employment-seeking platform in March 2022, approximately 1,786 persons have been registered

Meanwhile, the agency commenced its sensitisation campaign on Friday at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, to sensitise the public about the services offered by the agency

“We want to see more registrants using the job banks If persons have difficulties registering, they can feel free to come to us and we will be there to assist them in any issue they are having,” the assistant chief officer noted

Due to the resounding success of the job fair in 2022, a similar event will be hosted later this year

The CRMA is required to find competent candidates for open positions, search for open positions to consider hiring job seekers, keep an accurate record of notified vacancies, and offer advice, career assistance, and counselling to job searchers. CRMA’s job bank website is accessible at https://jobs.gov.gy.

Over 252 persons gained jobs to date in public, private sectors

100 Amerindian communities receive funds to upgrade community grounds

ON the final day of the 2023 National Toshaos Council ( NTC ) Conference , 100 Amerindian villages received $1 million each from the Ministry of Culture , Youth and Sport to offset upgrades to community grounds following the announcement made by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday.

This indicates the government’s continuous dedication to pushing development initiatives in the hinterland regions, specifically for the sports sector

The Department of Public Information (DPI) caught up with some Toshaos at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) who collected their cheques from the ministry on Friday

One such Toshao was Jermaine Welcome of Kaburi Village located in Region Seven who said the village boasts of great athletes Now that funding has been secured , these athletes will now have a proper ground for their activities

He commended the government for this beneficial initiative. “I would say the government, they are really entrusted in us because they would have given us funds now so that we could upgrade our grounds and I really want to thank the government ,” according to Welcome

Ricky Moses – the Toshao of Kwatamang Village , Region Nine also explained that the support comes at the right time since the village will be hosting the annual inter-school competitions in 2024

As such, “I really appreciate the cheque and it will benefit my community This is very good we have it in time So, I am very grateful,” Moses expressed

Meanwhile, Basil Pablo, leader of Kopinang Village, Region Eight informed DPI that the village utilises a strip of land on the airstrip for sporting events and, with the $1 million he received on

Veteran journalist, Godfrey Wray, passes away

VETERAN journalist, publisher and writer, Godfrey Wray, passed away on Friday

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) in a release on Fridaysaid that it is saddened by the passing of Wray and extended its condolences to his family and friends, especially those in the media

Wray’s career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark in the field of journalism in Guyana and beyond

His work at prominent publications such as the daily Chronicle and Guyana Graphic during the 1970s was instrumental in shaping the country’s media landscape Also , his expertise also extended to editorial roles, where he served as a Sunday Editor at the Guyana Chronicle and as Editor of The Citizen

Wray’s contributions to the world of sports journalism were substantial He served as both a sports reporter and sports editor, with a notable tenure as Sports Editor at the Guyana Chronicle during the 1980s

Even beyond his editorial roles, Wray’s dedication to sports was evident as he managed Guyana’s table tennis teams during Caribbean Championships While he was a skilled table tennis player, he chose not to compete at the national level

In the early 2000s, Wray emigrated and continued to make an impact in the field of journalism, working for Caribbean Impact, a fortnightly newspaper based in New York

His global reach extended beyond print, as he travelled extensively to cover major assignments, including Olympic Games, Heads of Government Conferences, and state visits, as detailed in his biography for his book, “Beyond Revenge.”

Wray’s journey in journalism commenced in the early 1960s at what is now the Guyana Chronicle, where he laid the foundation for his illustrious career

Despite his globe-trotting adventures as a journalist, his heart remained firmly rooted in the village of Albouystown.

Friday, a safer ground will be constructed

“

A new sports ground for the youths will be constructed I am very grateful to receive this cheque so that it would benefit the youths of Kopinang ,” the Toshao said Vice-President Jagdeo during his presentation on Tuesday noted that an additional 100 villages will receive the same support to enhance their grounds in 2024. (DPI)

On the final day of the 2023 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, 100 Amerindian villages received $1 million each from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to offset upgrades to community grounds, following the announcement made by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday

The late Godfrey Wray

Royals recover to beat Tallawahs by six wickets

Barbados Royals returned to winnings ways in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a six-wicket victory over the Jamaica Tallawahs.

The Royals won the toss and opted to field first and it proved to be an inspired decision in the early passages of the game.

The Tallawahs innings imploded inside the PowerPlay with the loss of three wickets but good recovery batting at the back end led by Shamarh Brooks ensured the Tallawahs set a tricky 161 for the Royals to win.

In reply, the Royals faced a similar problem to the Tallawahs, losing key wickets in the PowerPlay, but Alick Athanaze’s

statement knock of 76 was the foundation for a successful chase that saw the Royals home with an over to spare.

The Tallawahs attempts to set a competitive total were dealt a huge blow inside the PowerPlay. Losing King, Mckenzie and Hales in quick succession left the Tallawahs teetering at 25/3 at the end of six overs.

Shamarh Brooks and Raymon Reifer consolidated after the initial drama with a 54-run partnership but Qais Ahmad cleaned up Reifer to keep the Royals well on top.

Brooks was not to be denied, however, and his 78 from 40 balls proved crucial in keeping the Tallawahs in the game. This was supplemented by Imad Wasim’s late-order hitting to get the Tallawahs up to 160/7 at the end of their 20 overs.

161 was a tricky chase for the Royals to navigate and when they lost both Rahkeem Cornwall and Kyle Mayers in the PowerPlay, the game looked set for a tight finish.

However, Athanaze and Laurie Evans’ partnership of 89 ensured the Royals entered the final five overs with a gettable equation to navigate.

Chris Green removed Laurie Evans in the 16th over and Salman Irshad got Alick Athanaze to top edge one to the fine leg boundary for 76 with 12 balls to go but Rovman Powell and Jason Holder saw the Royals home to put them right back in the playoff race.

Brook and Bairstow dismantle New Zealand

(ESPNCRICINFO) Harry Brook ensured the conversation about his 50-over World Cup omission would continue to bubble under, as he and Jonny Bairstow dismantled New Zealand's attack during a century stand at Old Trafford. Gus Atkinson then confirmed his arrival as a fast man of international pedigree with the best figures by an Englishman on T20I debut as New Zealand were brutally dispatched in the second T20I.

Bairstow batted through the England innings for 86 off 60 balls but it was Brook's audacious strokeplay that had

the crowd off their feet while adding 67 from 36, with five fours and as many sixes, as England powered to a commanding score after choosing

to bat first.

Atkinson, clocked at 95mph/152kph during the Hundred last month, claimed a wicket with his fourth ball

in international cricket before returning to blast out the final three in the space of an over. Atkinson finished with 4 for 20, New Zealand plummeting from 72 for 3 to 103 all out - only three batters managing double-figures - as England consigned them to their third-heaviest defeat in T20s, and a 2-0 series deficit.

Atkinson quick off the mark

"He's got extra pace, and pace can create wickets," Jos Buttler said at the toss, when asked about England's newest quick bowler, Atkinson of Surrey (or Oval Invincibles in new money). Few outside the county borders knew much about the 25-year-old at the start of the season, even though he had been on the club's books since 2017, but impressive returns and, more importantly, a propensity to push the speed gun well above 90mph, had seen him rocket up the pecking order

and into England's 50-over World Cup squad despite being uncapped in any format.

The first cap duly came, having been given an extra couple of days to recover from his exertions in the Hundred final, and it didn't take long for pace to create a maiden international wicket. His start was tight, the wheels in evidencesecond ball, 92mph/148kph - and Devon Conway duly attempted to hit his way out of trouble, only to flick another 90mph/145kph delivery down the throat of deep backward square leg.

New Zealand crumble in steep chase

With both openers gone for single-figure scores and Glenn Phillips hitting an Adil Rashid full toss straight to long-on - Brook again on the scene with a precisely judged leap - New Zealand were 44 for 3 and struggling to keep up with a required rate of almost 10 an over.

Mark Chapman crashed Liam Livingstone's first two balls for six and four but fell in the same over, and when Brydon Carse's deck-hitting approach had Daryl Mitchell caught behind first ball, the jig was as good as up.

It was still a tame ending, as Will Jacks bowled Mitchell Santner for a maiden T20I wicket, Adam Milne reversed Rashid straight to slip - a fine reaction catch from Moeen Ali - and Atkinson returned to end it in the space of five balls. Tim Seifert, who battled gamely for 39 off 31, top-edged a bouncer straight up, before Tim Southee was lbw attempting to scoop and Atkinson's yorker thudded into the base of middle and off stumps to dismiss Lockie Ferguson first ball. As at Chester-le-Street on Wednesday, the game was done with six overs to spare.

Perez crashes as Ferrari lead second practice in Italy

him, despite the accident.

It was the latest in a series of errors by the Mexican, whose hopes of a title challenge to team-mate Max Verstappen faded earlier this year.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz was fastest, by 0.019 seconds from McLaren's Lando Norris, with Perez third.

Verstappen's best lap was wrecked by traffic and he ended the session only fifth, behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

Perez's crash, from which he emerged unhurt and did only relatively light damage to his car considering the high speed at which he lost control, blotted what had otherwise been a strong day for him.

Perez was actually faster than Verstappen on the race-simulation runs in the last part of the session by about 0.1secs on average over the few laps they managed before the crash.

And he said that, overall, it had been a good day for

Perez said: "I understeered off on the exit and tried to keep it nailed. I thought I had it under control, but then I touched a little bit the gravel and that was game over.

"It doesn't look too bad, the damage. The hit was fairly small. I don't think we lost anything at the end.

"The positive is the car is performing well and I'm feeling comfortable with it and I think we're in a good position for the rest of the weekend, I really felt we had a very strong Friday. This has been the best Friday in a while for us."

Norris said his McLaren was flattered by his fastest lap, on the softest tyres.

"Really the only run we look competitive was this final run, which makes us look very good," Norris said, "but I would say we are not as good as it looks.

"With the medium and hard (tyres), we struggled quite a bit more and also on the race runs we struggle quite a bit more than on the one-lap soft.

"It's a C5 (the softest

tyre in the range) so it is a soft tyre and provides a lot of grip for one lap which is a good thing for us, it brings the balance closer towards us. It gives us what we almost wish we had from the car itself.

"But as soon as we lose that extra grip and go to high fuel and on different tyres, our performance relative to others decreases quite a bit. I'm happy, we made some improvements but definitely still not in a competitive-enough place.

"It's clear where we're still losing, the major is on the straights compared to a few cars, the Ferrari is unbelievably quick on the straights. We expected Ferrari to be quick here, they have a good balance in slowspeed corners and are always slippery in the straights."

Verstappen, who can win a record-breaking 10th consecutive race this weekend, said he still had work to do to fine-tune the car, and his best lap was ruined by traffic, but he said: "I've no doubt we'll get there."

(BBC) - Sergio Perez crashed his Red Bull at the famous Parabolica corner in Friday practice at the Italian Grand Prix.

England’s fielders celebrate as Gus Atkinson claims Devon Conway for his first international wicket (AFP/Getty Images)

A ninth edition of the Digicel Schools Football tournament seems well on the cards following the success of the 2023 edition organised by the Petra Organisation.

During the prize-giving ceremony for the winners

of the eighth edition of the tournament, the title Sponsors, Digicel, through their Communications Director, Gabriella Chapman, hinted at the possibility.

Meanwhile, at yesterday’s ceremony which was attended by sponsors, the

organisers of the PETRA organisation and the winning teams, a combined total of over two million dollars were handed out.

Carmel Secondary claimed the top prize of one million dollars while the runner-up, St. Ignatius Second-

ary, carted off the $500,000 second place prize.

The third-place finisher, Desrey Caesar- Fox Secondary, won $300,000 and fourth place holder, Waramuri Top, received $200,000 for their efforts.

All monies awarded will

go toward a school initiative.

Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, who spoke briefly, was very appreciative of Digicel and all those involved in every aspect of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Highest Goal Scorer, the Most

Valuable Player and the Best Goalkeeper were also handsomely rewarded.

It was further disclosed that a ninth edition of the impactful tournament is already being discussed by the sponsor.

2023 Digicel Schools’ National Football Championships... Winners presented with prizes; ninth edition hinted at Marsh, Short, Abbott sparkle as Australia seal series

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The southern hemisphere's equinox is still three weeks away but September 1 is celebrated as the day the seasons change in this part of the world, and it was Australia who left with the spring in their step after they wrapped up the T20I series in Durban. After defending 226 in the first T20I, they

experienced bowler, Lungi Ngidi, has conceded the most runs in the series so far and his variations have not threatened enough, while the back-up seam options do not have the discipline to hold their own. In contrast, Australia's pace pack was impressive and incisive and kept South Africa under control for most of the innings.

Temba Bavuma moved on from duck in the first match with an aggressive 17-ball 35 in the first three overs before he skied Abbott to Josh Inglis. It opened the door for Australia to take the early honours. Abbott could have had Rassie van der Dussen in the same over when he beat him on the flick and struck the pad but Marsh decided it was too high to

which he was given out lbw. He then had Dewald Brevis reaching for a full ball that shaped away

and was caught behind. His hat-trick delivery almost found Stubbs' edge but the batter pulled out

of the shot in time and South Africa went from 36 without loss to 46 for 4 in 18 balls.

chased down 165 with more than five overs to spare in the second to suggest their depth is far stronger than that of their hosts.

The standout player in both fixtures was Australia's new captain, Mitchell Marsh, who is yet to be dismissed in this series. He followed up his unbeaten 92 with 76 not out in the chase and shared a century stand with Matthew Short to leave the inconsistency in the South African attack exposed for the second successive match.

South Africa's most

Sean Abbott conceded at 5.50 runs an over and Nathan Ellis and Jason Behrendorff at 6.25 as Australia made run-scoring difficult for South Africa upfront. A 51-run fifth-wicket stand between Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram steadied them through the middle-overs before 41-runs between Markram and Gerald Coetzee gave the innings some late impetus but after the way Australia batted on Wednesday, it was never going to be enough.

Australia's edge ahead in the powerplay

review.

Australia did not have to wait too long to see the back of the South African No.3. In the next over, van der Dussen was out lbw to Behrendorff and reviewed the decision but replays confirmed the ball would have gone on to his middle and off.

Then it was over to Ellis who closed out the powerplay with a double-wicket maiden. He tested Reeza Hendricks with a full and then shorter delivery before the length ball hit him under the knee roll, for

Sean Abbott celebrates with his team-mates (Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Deosaran (84 not out) spurs Leguan Warriors to lop-sided victory

Already assured of the T-20 Regular season and T-15 titles, Leguan Warriors added the B Division T-10 crown to their collection, following a lop-sided 84-run victory over opponents, Ramblers, at the Ellesmere ground, Scarborough, Ontario, last Sunday in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL)-organised tournament.

Led by a boundary-studded unbeaten 84 from former Guyana Youth player, Krishna Deosaran, who slammed three fours and nine sixes off a mere 36 balls, Leguan Warriors reached a challenging 125 for one in their allotted 10 overs. In reply, Ramblers could only manage a paltry 41 for six when their overs expired.

The left-handed opener dominated a first-wicket stand of 69 with Simon Persaud (15) and a further unbeaten 56 for the second

with Sheik Parsram (11 not out). Monty Dass took the lone wicket to fall, conceding 25 runs in his two overs. Ramblers were never up to the task and surrendered meekly with Dass (13) being the only player to reach double figures.

Parsram finished with the impressive figures of three for 10 from two overs while there was one wicket apiece for Javed Gaznabie, Manbahal Doodnauth and Rajin Singh.

Both teams were awarded trophies, compliments

of sponsors,, Norman Sue Bakery, while the respective Most-Valuable-Player awards went to Deosaran of Leguan Warriors and Mokeem Sattaur of Ramblers. Both the A and B Division tournaments were

played in honour of the late Vish Jadunauth, who served with distinction as an executive member of the OSCL.

Meanwhile, Leguan Warriors are firm favourites to cart off the B Division T-20 Playoff title when the final takes place

at the same venue on Sunday, September 10. They will be aiming to complete a clean sweep of all the titles, thereby ending their B Division stint on a resounding note. They are set to compete in the A Division in 2024.

Andrew, Weir half centuries fail to secure series for West Indies U19

a superb hundred from opener Pulindu Perera, and West Indies Under-19s

were beaten by 52 runs in the series-deciding third ODI against hosts Sri Lanka Under-19s on Friday.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Andrew, batting at six, hit the top score of 80, and Weir, opening the batting, supported with 52, and the Caribbean side were bowled out for 253 in 40.3 overs, replying to the Sri Lankans’ 304 for eight off 50 overs at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

The result meant that the hosts won the three-match series 2-1, after Sri Lanka took the first Youth ODI by six wickets at the same venue, where West Indies won the second Youth ODI by 195 runs.

Perera hit 17 fours and four sixes in 155 from 140 balls to be the rock upon which the hosts’ built their total after they decided to bat.

No other Sri Lanka batsman matched his authority or durability, and he dominated an eighth-wicket stand of 80 with Vihas Thewmika, not out on 28, before falling in

the 47th over with the 300run mark in sight.

Nathan Edward was the most successful West Indies Under-19 bowler, taking three for 66 from nine overs, while Deshawn James and Tarrique Edward supported with two wickets apiece.

West Indies Under-19s scored quickly, but they lost their captain Stephen Pascal for five in the third over before Weir and Joshua Dorne

came together to put on 72 for the second wicket to keep the momentum going.

Weir fell in the 12th over, and Dorne made 34 before he departed three balls later to precipitate a period of instability in which the visitors lost four wickets for 41 in the span of 49 balls.

Andrew anchored two tidy stands of 42 with Nathan Sealy and 45 with Tarrique Edward before they too de-

parted.

Sealy scored 20, and Edward added seven and his dismissal triggered a slump in which West Indies lost their last four wickets for 33 in the space of 26 balls.

The two teams will now contest two Youth Tests with the first starting on Monday at the same venue, where they play the second match, starting on September 12.

SAF/WIS-CSA confirms series against West Indies “A”

CMC – Fringe and emerging players will have an opportunity to impress the selection panel when the West Indies “A” team embarks on a rare tour of South Africa later this year.

Cricket South Africa confirmed on Friday that the Caribbean side will tour for a series of three “Tests” only against South Africa “A” in late November and December.

The trip will be another opportunity for the selection panel, led by former opener and captain, Desmond Haynes, to continue building depth within the pool of players available for international matches.

The series starts from November 21 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, with the second match to be contested at Buffalo Park in East London from November 28 before the series wraps up in

Bloemfontein at the Mangaung Oval from December 5. The “A” team tours are a key part of bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket for boards around the world, and West Indies will be looking to send a strong contingent as they prepare for the 2023-24 Test assignments that include trips to Australia, Pakistan, and England, and two home Tests against the Proteas.

(CMC) - Half-centuries from Jewel Andrew and Adrian Weir failed to top

The victorious Leguan Warriors and supporters pose with their winnings. OSCL President Shiv Persaud is at extreme right

Devine’s century overhauled by Barbados women

Barbados Royals kicked off the 2023 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) with a thrilling final-over chase at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Amazon Warriors produced a record-breaking innings on their route to 166/2 from their 20 overs.

Sophie Devine became the second New Zealander in as many days to hit a CPL century, following on from Martin Guptill’s knock with 103 not out from 64 balls, bringing up the landmark score on the final delivery of the innings with a six over long-off.

Facing a difficult task, the Royals appeared to lack power until Laura Harris took the 15th over for 24 to put the game in the balance.

One Guyana Basketball Premier League

Three matches on today at Gymnasium

The One Guyana Basketball Premier League continues today at the National Gymnasium's newly renovated courts on Mandela Avenue with round four action that will feature three matches.

Tip off time is 17:00hrs and Stabroek Eagles will come up against the Leonora D-Up Rising Stars in the first match before Cummings Lodge Bounty Colts matches skills with Cummings Lodge UG Trojans at 19:00hrs.

Kitty/Campbellville Ravens will battle North Ruimveldt Black Caimans in the feature and most anticipated match of the night.

This tournament sees 14 teams divided into two conferences -- the Harpy Eagles Conference and the Jaguars Conference.

The tournament will see the teams from the Jaguars Conference and Harpy Eagles Conference playing the teams within their conference twice, with the top four teams

qualifying for the playoffs.

The number one-ranked team plays the team ranked fourth, and the number two team plays the third-ranked team. The winners of the play-off games will then advance to their Conference Finals, when they will play the best two-of-three games to determine who advances to the National Finals.

The champions of the One Guyana Basketball Premier League will receive $1 million, along with trophies,

while the runners-up will receive $500,000 plus trophies. The tournament has

With 43 still required from five overs, Erin Burns and Chinelle Henry saw the hosts home with two balls to spare.

With Devine leading the way a day before her 35th birthday, the Warriors kept wickets in hand throughout their innings while maintaining a strong run rate as they ended an explosive PowerPlay 50/0.

Royals captain Hayley Matthews used 12 overs of spin consecutively in the innings in an attempt to slow the visitors through the middle overs, before the Amazon Warriors blasted 62 from the final five overs to break the WCPL record for highest total.

Amanda-Jade Wellington should have had Devine out for 41 in the ninth over when a false shot brought a straightforward chance for Afy Fletcher at short cover

which was dropped, while the score was still wicketless.

The Royals were facing an uphill battle chasing 167 in the early stages; Matthews’ dismissal for 23 was a setback after a steady powerplay at a-run-a-ball.

Gaby Lewis played a superb 360-degree knock which brought hope for the Royals which was backed up by Harris’ spectacular 30 from just 12 balls.

Shabnim Ismail produced a brilliant 19th over, conceding just three runs but with just nine runs to win from the final over, Suzie Bates couldn’t stop an in-form Erin Burns from closing out the chase.

Barbados Royals are in action again on Saturday as they face defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders.

been made possible by sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport; G-Boats Guyana;

National Sports Commission, and the Georgetown Basketball Federation.

Anandjit takes over as ECCB head

The Annual General Meeting of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) was held last Thursday at the LBI Facility where Davteerth Anandjit was elected unopposed as the President.

Anandjit has vast years of administrative experience with the ECCB since the mid 1990’s; with the DCB as secretary, and the

GCB as assistant secretary.

He is also a former regional first-class umpire who served as president of the Guyana Umpire’s Council.

Anandjit will be responsible for overseeing the sport in the ECCB for the next three years.

Outgoing ECCB president, Bissoondyal Singh, who did not seek re-elec-

tion, highlighted the efforts made by the GCB to restore the sport to its rightful place in communities across Guyana with its achievements over the past two years since getting into office and the developmental plans for the future. He expressed confidence in the new executives elected as they have working knowledge

of everyone as players, administrators, and professionals.

The election was conducted by the Cricket Ombudsman, Malcom Peters, who was assisted by Arnold Sookraj and Javed Saywack,

The full committee reads, Vice-President (Administration) - Suresh Budhu; Chairman of

Competitions Committee

- Yeuraj Khemraj; Secretary - Clarence Brotherson; Treasurer - Poorendra Jaigobin; Asst.Treasurer

- Omadat Samaroo; Marketing Manager - Yogeshwar Bishun; and Public Relations Officer - Vishnu Ramjit.

The Trustees are Bissoondyal Singh and Parmanand Dindyal.

Peters, at the conclusion of the elections, wished the Executives well and emphasised that it takes hard work to achieve success.

The Executives will meet within the next week to appoint members of the different sub committees and to plan the way forward.

Sophie Devine of Guyana Amazon Warriors hits a 6 to bring up her century during the Women’s 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 1 between Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors at Kensington Oval on August 31, 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Opening round action featuring Pepsi Sonics

Alick

(Photo by Randy)

The top four teams pose for a photo during the prize-giving ceremony for the 8th Digicel Schools Football tournament (Adrian Narine Photo)