Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-02-2023

On-the-spot solutions to age-old problems

Over

for

Multi-agency effort underway to address ‘alarming’ increase in drugsmuggling attempts

Adrian Narine and Office of the President photos

House clears historic, transformational $781.9B budget

THE National Assembly on Thursday approved the landmark $781.9 billion budget for the fiscal year of 2023, thereby clearing the way for continued social and economic transformation.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh wrapped up the Consideration of Estimates, and reported to the National Assembly that the proposals were thoroughly scrutinised by the Committee of Supply.

Following the passage of the budget, Dr. Singh commended his colleagues as well as members of the Opposition for meticulously examining the Estimates and

posing questions to government ministers on various line items under each sector, and by so doing providing an opportunity for the public to get a better understanding of what is in the budget.

Since January 23, both sides of the House participated in five days of debates, following which there were four days of Committee Supply meetings.

Budget 2023, the country’s largest to date, is the fourth budget to have been presented by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration since being elected to office in August 2020.

It was presented this year under the theme: “Improving

Lives today; Building Prosperity for Tomorrow.”

This year’s budget is the largest ever, and despite being 41.4 per cent bigger than Budget 2022, it is fully financed, and has no new taxes.

It is the second budget that will benefit from financing from the proceeds of Guyana’s new and emerging oil-and-gas sector, following the historic passage of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act, which addressed the most “offensive deficiencies” of the predecessor Act.

Budget 2023 also benefits from continued financing through projected withdrawals from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) of US$1 billion this year, the equivalent of G$208.9 billion, to finance developmental priorities.

This year’s budget has placed Guyana on the world stage as being the first country to receive such a payment, valued at US$75 million under an agreement that will be worth a minimum of US$750 million up to 2030.

Two more payments of US$37.5 million each will bring the total amount appropriated in this year’s National Budget to US$150 million.

The payment came about as a result of the government’s continued recognition of the important role of the country’s forests in the development of Guyana, and combatting climate change globally.

On December 1, 2022, the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions Environmental Excellence Standards(ART-TREES) announced the issuance of 33.5 million credits to Guyana for the period 2016 to 2020.

Dr. Ashni Singh, during his presentation last month, said: “Budget 2023 strikes a balance

between addressing the pressing needs of today and the critical investments needed for tomorrow, ensuring that both are attended to.”

As he went on to say: “Budget 2023 also reflects a number of measures that are geared towards providing further stimulus to economic activity and the productive sectors, as well as to bring relief to households and individuals.”

PAVES THE WAY

The passage of this budget paves the way for the government to continue working towards achieving the vision of worldclass standards of education and healthcare.

The sum of $84.9 billion is for the health sector, and $94.4 billion for the education sector, so as to ensure that the country’s young people are prepared for the future.

More importantly, within these, there is an allocation of $13.1 billion to advance work on the paediatric and maternal hospital, and six regional hospitals at Lima, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village, as well as $12.4 billion to improve education infrastructure countrywide.

This year’s Budget also caters for a number of large projects that will transform the country’s energy supply, including provisions for the construction of an integrated natural gas liquids plant, and a 300 MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant within the Wales Development Zone.

Dr. Singh had said that this project “represents the single largest investment made in the electricity sector, and the single largest Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract undertaken.”

Among other large infrastructural projects is the upgrade and widening of the Corentyne Highway, from Palmyra to Crabwood Creek, for which $27.7 billion has been allocated.

The sum of $16.6 billion has been allocated for the upgrading of the East Coast Railway Embankment Road into a four-lane highway, from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau, continuing to the Mahaica River Bridge.

It will also continue the upgrade of the East Coast Highway from Belfield to Orange Nassau, and the construction of a second bridge across the Hope Canal.

A further $10.3 billion was also successfully allocated for

the construction of the East Coast - East Bank Road linkage from Ogle to Eccles (the first phase of a four-lane highway intended ultimately to link the East Coast of Demerara and the Soesdyke-Linden Highway).

Another major infrastructural project under the landmark budget is the New Demerara River Bridge, the first high-span, fourlane permanent hybrid concrete and cable-stayed structure, for which $5.2 billion has been allocated to advance works.

BACK INTO POCKETS

The people-centred budget also places a sum of $50 billion back into the pockets of citizens through the proposed increases in old-age pension, public assistance and the income-tax threshold, along with other cost-of-living measures.

The income-tax threshold has been increased by another $10,000, taking it from $75,000 to $85,000.

As a result of the adjustment in the tax threshold, over 12,000 persons will be removed from paying income taxes, while every single taxpayer will benefit one way or another.

Public assistance has also been increased from $14,000 to $16,000. Over 29,000 persons are set to benefit from this initiative, which will provide over $700 million in additional disposable income to these individuals.

The low-income mortgage ceiling has also been increased to $20 million, up from $15 million, reducing the cost of borrowing within this range from the commercial banks, and further incentivising home ownership.

Also, in support of the government’s aggressive housing drive and efforts to reduce the cost of home ownership, the 14 per cent VAT with respect to the sale of residential properties has been removed.

In making vehicle ownership cheaper, the government has reduced the duty from 45 per cent to 35 per cent on the importation of new motor vehicles below 1500 cc, which will reduce the cost of importing such a vehicle by approximately $200,000.

In relation to used vehicles below 1500 cc, the government will be replacing the current tax rate with a flat rate of taxes of $800,000, which will reduce the cost of importing such a vehicle by $300,000 on average.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and members of his budget team on Thursday (DPI photo)

On-the-spot solutions to age-old problems

— as President kicks off nationwide outreaches with engagement in Region Six — reiterates the government’s commitment to being accessible to every Guyanese

By Tamica Garnett

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has reiterated the government’s commitment to directly engage Guyanese and work closely with them to resolve issues they may have and craft measures that would effectively enhance the lives of every citizen.

“We are not a government that is distant from the people,” President Ali declared on Thursday as he opened Day One of a two-day government outreach at State House in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The outreach, which is the first of a countrywide effort that will touch every region across the country, is geared towards taking the services of the Office of the President and other government ministries and agencies directly to the people in their respective administrative regions.

“We are not a government that operates in a vacuum or a locked compartment; we operate with you. We take your concerns and realities into consideration,” the Head of State said.

He added: “The full Office of the President will operate out of every region in a different month. The entire office will be situated here; operating from here so we can be in touch with you, so you can feel the highest office at your disposal, and have easy access to the highest office.”

The President highlighted

that this initiative is part of the government’s continued commitment to bring the services of the government to every single region.

“Since we assumed office, we’ve been working in every single community. We’ve been going to you; we’re not waiting for you to come. The ministers and the Cabinet has been out to every community,” the President said.

Other agencies participating in the outreach included the Ministries of Human Services and Social Security, Agriculture, Education, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), the Guyana Revenue Authority

(GRA), Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), the and Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), as well as the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and other regional departments.

“This is the level of seriousness we are taking in dealing with your issues; it’s not about passing the buck, but bringing the agency heads here, so they can work with you,” President Ali said adding:

“When you have various initiatives, sometimes you have teething problems at the local level and regional level as relates to these services. So, we are going to be taking your concerns and issues, and putting you onto the various agencies to have

those concerns and issues sorted out.” Direct contact with the various agencies will allow citizens to have their issues resolved expeditiously, with many of the heads of most of them being present at the outreach.

SOLVED IN MINUTES

In the case of 73-year-old Agatha Ramjohn, she was able to see the resolution of her eightyear-old fight to obtain the transport for a parcel of land she owns, and what took her years was resolved in a matter of minutes, and she walked away from the outreach with her transport in her hands.

Ramjohn expressed her gratitude to the President, noting: “The President is doing an ex-

cellent job. He’s a man of action; he gets it done. He told me [the transport would be here] before 12 o’clock and look it’s here before 12 o’clock.”

She related that she had purchased a piece of land in Tain since 2014, and despite her every effort to obtain the transport, she was not making any headway.

“It’s always one thing or another. This month, they want this piece of paper; that piece of paper… It’s been going on like that. In 2017, I spoke to the Chairman and he said bring all the documents; then he said go back to [the Ministry of] Housing, they will take care of you. Subsequently, from 2017 to now, I’ve been calling and no results,” Ramjohn said.

Given the long wait she has

had, Ramjohn could not stop smiling to see her issue finally resolved.

Praising the initiative as a fantastic one, Ramjohn said:

“I appreciate this outreach so much; I appreciate the President’s intervention. This is like a blessing and a miracle; I have to thank him so much.”

Several other persons were able to get their issues dealt with on site, while many others were told of follow-up steps that will be taken to ensure their issues get finally resolved.

Noting that sometimes it is the issues that are not money-related that sometimes make the biggest difference, President Ali said that what the government is doing is part of a wider initiative to transform lives.

Apart from the outreach, the President hinted that there are number of big announcements for the region in the coming days, and work will soon commence.

“This region will be transformed; we have some big announcements coming. You will see actual work commencing on some major initiatives in this region,” President Ali said.

The Office of the President’s outreach comes as the government has unveiled Budget 2023, which contains a number of measures for the economic, infrastructural and social development of the country over the next few months.

Over $10B in investments for Palmyra — with housing development, stadium, other transformational projects underway

A STADIUM, a hotel, creation of a housing development, the construction of a call centre and a business centre for persons living with disabilities are among the planned infrastructural works that will see well over $10 billion of investments being injected into Palmyra, Region Six.

This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali as he discussed planned developments during a visit to the East Berbice-Corentyne area on Thursday evening.

The Head of State is currently in the region for a twoday Office of the President outreach at State House, New Amsterdam.

“In Palmyra alone, when you look at the public-private investment this year, very easily you will see investments well in excess of $10 billion

in this area. Imagine what that could do for the local economy and the regional economy here,” the President said.

Already under construction, the call centre and business centre for PWD are scheduled to be completed by March this year, while over 700 houses are planned for the housing development, which will include a mix of young professionals, moderate and low-income houses.

Approximately $7 billion is expected to be spent to build the houses, while another $3 billion is expected to be invested in other infrastructure. And that is only on part of the government’s investment.

The stadium is expected to be completed at least by the end of 2025, and to have a minimum seating capacity of 10,000, with the possibility

of a motor-racing track on its outskirts.

An entire ecosystem is being built out around the stadium, with it all being part of an important urban hub that will form part of the overall transformative trajectory that

the country is on, with development in every region.

The development taking place in Palmyra is part of a public-private sector mix of investments.

President Ali firmly believes that the private sector

is being encouraged to invest because of the government’s development policy that is creating the conditions for greater profit margins in the medium and long-term future.

“It’s a combination of confidence in our planning the type of organisation and ubanisation that is taking place; the transformative agenda of the government, and their own conviction of where the country is going,” President Ali said, adding: “I don’t want to talk for them, but I think that must be a part of what is driving the decision-making.”

Addressing development in the region, Vice- President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Ryan Alexander said that the planned progress for the

Palmyra area, and Region Six on a whole, has done wonders for breathing life back into the communities.

Not too long ago, many of the communities were left economically decimated by the closure of the Rose Hall and Skeldon sugar estates under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government.

According to Alexander, it is not just in the Berbice area that business has been reinvigorated and is burgeoning.

“What we hear from everybody in the different regions is that things are moving; things are moving from where it was and that is significant for us. There is tremendous opportunity; different sectors are being mobilised,” Alexander shared.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reiterated the government’s commitment to directly engage Guyanese and work closely with them to resolve whatever issues they may have and craft measures that would effectively enhance the lives of every citizen (Adrian Narine photo)

The outreach, the first of a countrywide effort, is intended to take the services of the Office of the President and other government ministries and agencies directly to the people in their respective administrative regions (Adrian Narine photo)

A stadium, a hotel, creation of a housing development, the construction of a call centre and a business centre for persons living with disabilities are among the planned infrastructural works that will see well over $10 billion of investments being injected into Palmyra, Region Six (Office of the President photo)

First Lady, officials tour Guyana’s third FPSO

FIRST Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, on Tuesday, toured Guyana’s third Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) – the Prosperity – at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore where it will depart for Guyana soon.

Mrs. Ali was accompanied by Jon Gibbs, President of ExxonMobil Global Projects; Bruno Chabas, Chief Executive Officer, SBM Offshore; Chris Ong, CEO of Keppel Offshore & Marine; Tim Chisholm, Vice President for Guyana and Suriname, Hess Corporation; Tian Lixin, President of CNOOC International; and other officials.

The tour followed a dedication ceremony, during which, the First Lady was named “godmother” of the vessel which is expected to arrive in Guyana during the

first quarter of this year. Lead by Prosperity’s Manager, Nadia Stampes, Mrs. Ali was afforded the opportunity to observe several sections of the vessel including the oil, gas and water processing and offload

metering modules.

“It was a special moment being able to explore and learn about a vessel that will bring greater prosperity to the people of Guyana. Not only that, I was happy to be able to personally meet and thank

some of the workers who made this possible,” the First Lady said.

The tour of the mega-facility also afforded the First Lady an opportunity to meet several Guyanese who have been working on the vessel.

The Prosperity will work on ExxonMobil’s Payara development, located roughly 200 kilometres offshore Guyana. The Payara project will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels. The

project startup is expected later this year.

The FPSO is designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, with an associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and a water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

It will be moored in a water depth of about 1,900 meters and will be able to store around two million barrels of crude oil.

Once operational, the Prosperity will increase production to an estimated 560,000 barrels of oil per day.

The vessel, which measures 342M in length, 60m in width, and 25m in height, has a minimum lifespan of 20 years. Roughly 4,000 persons have been working on the FPSO which weights 110,000 metric tonnes. (Office of the First Lady)

Prices of livestock, non-traditional agricultural items remain stable, available countrywide

AVERAGE market prices over the three-week period, January 4 to 24, 2023,

for selected livestock and non-traditional agricultural commodities, projected

by the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), show an easing in prices at some of the major markets across the country.

The GMC carried out checks at Kumaka, Anna Regina, Parika, Vreed-en-Hoop, Diamond, Stabroek, Bourda, Mon Repos, Mackenzie, Rosignol, and Skeldon markets.

Price checks on beef saw a reduction of 20 per cent in

Regions One and Six, while in Region 10, the price of beef decreased on average by 11 per cent for the corresponding period.

In addition, the price for pork again was reduced by 20 per cent in Region One, while in Region Ten it was 14 per cent lower and 29 per cent lower in Region Six.

Meanwhile, chicken notably was reduced by 26 per cent in Region Four; 30 per cent in Region One, and 20 per cent in Region Six.

Staple produce such as cassava, eddoes, plantains, potatoes, and yams remain unchanged or have reduced significantly at the markets.

Notably, seasonal vege-

tables such as bora saw a 43 per cent reduction in cost per bundle on average compared to what it was in December 2022.

Overall other vegetables remained under $500 per

Continued on page 9

A front view of the Prosperity FPSO which is docked at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore and will soon depart for Guyana where it will be producing 220,000 barrels of oil per day (Office of the First Lady)

Prosperity FPSO Manager, Nadia Stampes, escorts First Lady Arya Ali and other officials during a guided tour of the Prosperity FPSO at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore (Office of the First Lady)

ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. launches Suriname Business Directory

THE ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., in partnership with Creative Tech Hub Caribbean, on Friday, launched the first edition of the Who’s Who in Suriname Business Directory at a reception hosted at Hotel Torarica, Paramaribo.

According to a press release from the company: “Having gathered dignitaries and special invitees within the public and corporate circle, these key stakeholders were engaged on the sustainability of relationships that the Who’s Who business directory facilitates, through developing connections across private sector and investor confidence.”

President of Creative Tech Hub Caribbean, Anuskha Sonai, said that Who’s Who has amassed a following in the Caribbean region over nearly two decades. With this, she lauded Ac -

tionINVEST Caribbean Inc.’s launch of the fourth edition of the Who’s Who in Guyana in November 2022.

Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc., Dr. Vishnu Doerga, reflected on the versatile ways the Who’s Who in Suriname Business Directory may be used, as this is an all-encompassing tool for investors who are presented with credible company profiles surrounding 14 industries across Suriname’s economy.

Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation of Suriname, Rishma Kuldipsingh, referred to the Who’s Who as a “business guide,” which will present Suriname as a key international partner among trade and investment, achieving visibility.

Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin, marvelled at the use of the Who’s Who

which creates ease for the integration of markets.

“When you think about investing in Suriname or Guyana, or together, you are accessing not only the two markets; you are accessing 650 million people,” he said.

The cover of the directory boasts the Hypermodern Assuria Hermitage High-Rise, Suriname’s first smart building, untouched greenery, and the country’s beloved Srefidensi “I love SU” Monument.

Alongside the Who’s Who in Suriname Business directory was the reveal of the updated whoswho.sr website, equipped with an interface designed to navigate company profiles as part of the gateway to build and invest in Suriname, and the new, readily accessible e-directory.

Advanced infrastructure, agricultural projects for Region 10

— as $5.9B allocation approved by House

THE sum of $93.2 million will be expended in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) for 2023 to improve roadways.

Residents of South Amelia’s Ward, Retrieve, Coomacka and Nottinghamshire are slated to benefit from this allocation.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall made the disclosure on Wednesday evening in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, during the consideration of the 2023 budget estimates.

These roads are in addition to the 30 roads that

will be undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works, the minister explained.

“Most of which, if not all, will be in the town

Continued on page 7

Creative Tech Hub Caribbean, ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc. and dignitaries

The sum of $93.2 million will be expended in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) for 2023 to improve roadways

Prioritising Education

WHILE growing up, we were always told that to be successful in life, we must educate ourselves. Education does not only mean going to university and getting a master’s degree or even a doctorate.

One’s educational enhancement can also come in the form of skills training.

Not everyone is a ‘book worm’. Some people are good with their hands and do not like being in a classroom setting for too long.

Some people may have met unfortunate circumstances which forced them to drop out of school and returning to a classroom, years later, may be a challenge for them. They may be more inclined to take up a four-week course in an area that interests them or some training programme that lasts for a few months.

This is the nature of the world we live in. This is a

reality of life. The Government of Guyana recognises this and as some would say, they have decided to act smartly and create opportunities for all of us to thrive.

Since being elected to office, the government has shown that it is deeply focused on educating this nation; giving each citizen an opportunity to qualify themselves so that they can earn a decent living and can take care of their family, while contributing to the development of Guyana.

Not everyone can work in the oil and gas industry. There are many other sectors that require persons who are knowledgeable and skilled. And perhaps, it is for this reason that educational opportunities are being spread across many sectors.

Opportunities for local and overseas studies whether physical or virtual are plentiful and many must have

great difficulty choosing.

There are many things the government has done to publically show that education is a high priority. It has shown that it is willing to pull all the stops to make this possible.

For instance, the Ministry of Education was given the lion’s share of the 2023 National Budget. This is important as it shows that efforts are being made to ensure citizens get the proper foundation.

The Ministry of Education is primarily responsible for nursery, primary and secondary education, as well as the education of trainee teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). It also has some oversight of the University of Guyana (UG).

Though many would argue that a sizeable portion of the $74.4 billion approved for education sector will

go towards rebuilding and rehabilitating schools, they have clearly failed to see the importance of proper infrastructure being in place.

Children cannot learn under cramped or any other unfavourable condition. The learning environment must not only be children-friendly, but it must motivate one to become educated.

Further, the reforming of the school curriculum and the expansion of the teachers’ training programmes are integral to the education process. These are catered for in the 2023 budget.

In addition to continuously focusing on providing the ministry with all the resources it needs, the government has created the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which offers scholarships. So far, thousands have benefitted from this initiative which falls under the Public Ser-

vice Ministry.

This year, the government has set aside a large sum to ensure many more can benefit.

According to subject minister, Sonia Parag, the beneficiaries include around 894 persons in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 191 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 46 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 143 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 527 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Many more in Georgetown and other regions including Region Four would have benefitted as well.

Previously, thousands of Guyanese completed free Coursera online programmes. The government, through the Ministry of Education, collaborated with the Commonwealth of Learning to provide free access to online courses offered by Ivy

League and other reputable universities through Coursera. Many persons, in capitalising on this opportunity, signed up for several courses and were able to successfully complete them.

Another sign of the government’s commitment to ensuring Guyana’s citizens are educated and can earn a living, is the provision of resources to the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) which falls under the Ministry of Labour. There are dozens of training programmes in fields such as building, engineering, home economics and information technology that are available. They can be found on BIT’s website.

The education of children and adults should be every country’s highest national priority. After all, an educated nation is without a doubt a prosperous nation.

Modernisation of health sector to continue

— as National Assembly approves $67B allocation

CLEARING the way for

the continuation of the modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare sector, the National Assembly on Thursday approved the sum of $67 billion for the Health Ministry to continue its mandate.

This sum was approved as the National Assembly dissolved into the Committee of Supply for Day Four of the consideration of estimates for Budget 2023.

As Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony stood before the committee to defend the allocation made to his ministry, he revealed that the various sums cater for the continuation of the technological transformation and expansion of services offered at various health facilities among other things.

Answering questions on a specific allocation of some $754 million, he not-

ed that the sum at reference caters for the procurement of software for the ministry’s information department, which includes one from India, called COWIN, that will be used not just for COVID-19 vaccination management, but all vaccines that are used in Guyana.

Additionally, there is a sum for the system that is used at the Materials Management Unit (MMU), along with the licensing fees. Additional software to be purchased includes a Delta Dynamics Facilities management software.

However, the minister indicated that in the same line item concerning the $754 million allocation, there are sums set aside for the consultancy services that are being provided to the Ministry of Health, through an agreement with the Mount Sinai group.

“Those services would include the improvement in the efficiency and management of the Georgetown Public Hospital,” Dr. Anthony said.

In the circumstances, it was stated that it will also help to develop new oncological services, cardiovascular services and more.

“We are also looking at upgrading national guidelines in terms of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovas -

cular diseases… And they have been helping us to do the electronic health records system, and so a provision has been made here for that consultancy,” Dr. Anthony said. Meanwhile, the budgeted sums for his ministry also cater for the procurement of equipment and reagents to strengthen laboratories, improve the country’s cold-chain system, and even equipment for fa-

cilities to treat COVID-19 patients.

And, to further bolster the programmes carried out at health centres across the country, the minister announced that some $22.6 million has been set aside for programmes to target the prevention of cervical cancer, which includes the rollout of the HPV vaccine.

Sums of money have also been set aside for the procurement of insulin to cater for a number of diabetic patients, inclusive of some 183 children. Added to this, $6 million has been set aside for the treatment of persons with kidney diseases, while $12.9 million has been set aside for respiratory management programmes.

In relation to the improvements to be made on the health science education front, Dr. Anthony noted that there are intentions

in this budget to move the current registered nursing programme from a regular classroom space to an Online one.

He added that the ministry will be partnering with the Coursera platform. Additionally, he said that included in the $620 million set aside for the provision of nursing schools are the construction of a nursing school at Anna Regina, and the retrofitting of existing facilities like the New Amsterdam Nursing School.

With the planned move to an Online platform, he mentioned that there will be a need for simulation centres to give those in training the practical experience they need as part of their learning.

This is aimed at boosting the human resource capacity within the country’s health sector.

Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony (DPI photo)

Advanced infrastructure, agricultural projects for...

of Linden. This has never happened before, Mr. Chairman, never happened before and a lot of these projects are built by the community, people get employed,” he highlighted.

Minister Dharamlall also informed the committee that this is in addition to the roads that will be rehabilitated in keeping with commitments made by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a visit to the region recently “We are working to complete the development of Region 10 and our track record in Region 10 is proud in terms of the development of people in the region …. We will build the roads; we will also build the drains…. the priority now is to build the roads…. these roadways and carriageways will be constructed for the first time, using asphaltic concrete” the minister pointed out while responding to questions posed by the

opposition.

According to the 2023 Budget Estimates, $11 million will also be expended for the rehabilitation of a bridge at Hururu.

Also, $36 million is earmarked to upgrade drainage systems at Mackenzie, providing improved access and drainage systems.

To improve education services, $55 million will be spent to procure equipment for primary and nursery schools in this region.

Some 50 laptops will be purchased and provided to 20 primary schools and 18 nursery schools in the region.

A further sum of $391 million has been approved to complete construction of Bamia/Amelia’s Ward Primary School. It is expected to be completed by July 2023.

“Mr. Chairman, we would like the school to be completed on time and I can assure you, as we have been doing, that any

contractor who is gone behind the contract period especially these massive and sensitive projects, they will have to pay liquidated damages,” he underscored.

Additionally, a boat and engine, as well as school furniture will be purchased to improve the delivery of education.

In the agriculture sector, $40.2 million was approved for several agricultural initiatives.

The farm to market road will be upgraded and, “Shade houses in Ituni, Kwakwani and Rockstone …construction of aquaponics farms in Linden and in Kwakwani, the rural agriculture relief initiatives in Rockstone, Hururu, Nottinghamshire, Speightland and the acquiring of agricultural tools,” will also be catered for, the minister revealed.

Meanwhile, to ensure health care is being delivered equitably, $29 million will be expended to procure ambulances and outboard engines to ben-

efit hundreds of residents.

“Mr. Chairman, this budget of Region 10, in excess of $5.9 billion,

is the most that Region 10 has received through the RDC since the establishment of the Re -

gional

Democratic Council,” Minister Dharamlall highlighted. (DPI)

Prices of livestock...

From page 4

parcel and/or lb; for example, cabbage is four per cent less, while pumpkin dropped by eight per cent and carrots by five per cent respectively at the various markets.

In the recent 2023 budget presentation government allocated $2 billion towards food security as it moves ahead with plans to increase food production to become a regional food hub.

In addition, $200 million has been earmarked for innovative agriculture that will improve food production – a correlation can be drawn that improved food production is having a marked positive impact on price reduction at the markets.

Guyanese can look forward to the continuation of this stable trend as farmers encounter more favourable weather conditions and improved policy execution in the coming months, which is expected to incentivise production.

In 2022, food production received some $38 billion which saw an increase in climate-smart agriculture, as well as an increase in agro-processing facilities and training.

Moreover, food security continues to be a paramount policy initiative for the Government of Guyana, which holds lead responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification, and food security in CARICOM – spearheading the regional body’s quest to reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

According to the World Bank: “Guyana’s economy is expanding at an extraordinary rate, and is expected to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing economies in the medium term.”

Multi-agency effort underway to address

‘alarming’ increase in drug-smuggling attempts

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), over the past few months, has observed an alarming increase in efforts to smuggle refined narcotic drugs and other such illicit items through personal consignments (barrels, boxes, packages, and containers) at all ports of entry into Guyana.

Recently, the authority and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) seized quantities of cannabis and refined marijuana found in personal effect consignments and suitcases, which have led to several persons being arrested and placed before the court.

Owing to the situation, GRA said it intends to intensify collaborative efforts with CANU and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to pursue and minimise all such illicit trade/activities.

The authority said anyone who fails to adhere to the laws of Guyana and found guilty of any illicit act will be condignly dealt with in accordance with the respective laws.

“The authority once again advises all such persons dealing in or in contemplation engaging in such illegal activities to cease and desist therefrom,” GRA said.

In keeping with its efforts to work with the public to ensure compliance with the nation’s tax, trade and border laws, GRA has encouraged persons to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, Extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3211, 3212, or 3408.

All information provided therein will be handled with strict confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:0.

Engaging the people, enhancing

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali took the Office of the President to Berbice to engage with residents and find solutions to their problems, as part of an effort that will extend to regions across the country in the coming months. The President, following the engagements with residents at State House, New Amsterdam, inspected several projects that are ongoing in Berbice. (Adrian Narine and Office of the President photos)

enhancing communities

Road projects, bridges, agricultural development on the cards for Region Eight

THE Committee of Supply has approved hundreds of millions of dollars in budgetary allocation under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development for Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Residents in the region are set to benefit from major infrastructural works, agriculture, improved education delivery, health and other services.

The committee approved the amount of $940,445,000 to complete public works and other interventions in the region.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, during the consideration of the budget estimates on Wednesday, highlighted that the ministry had commenced an extensive road

programme in the region.

Maintenance works will be conducted at Maikwak to Chenapau, Paramakatoi to Karisparu, Kopinang to Kamana, Monkey Mountain to Taruka, Taruka to Yawong, Kurukabaru to Itabac, Tusening to Bamboo Creek, Kato to Kawau Bridge (the shortcut), and Kurukabaru

to Kamana.

As it relates to improving access in the region, maintenance of bridges will be done in several areas which include Tusening (two bridges), Itabac, Bamboo Creek, Chenapau, and Paramakatoi.

The minister added that more road works will be con-

ducted in Campbelltown this year.

As it relates to the status of the road project from Wrong Turn to the Airstrip, Minister Dharamlall said: “The PPP/C Government will complete the road despite all of the challenges the last government placed on the people of Mahdia.”

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, and outboard engines will also be procured to improve transportation in the region.

EDUCATION

Education delivery will be accelerated with the amount of $325.5 million in the region.

As government remains committed to education delivery regardless of location, Kato Secondary school will be

completed and provisions will be made for schools and educational facilities.

Additionally, the minister stated that meals are being provided to students at the three dormitories at Kato, Paramakatoi, and Mahdia.

HEALTH

Some $196,500,000 was also approved to enhance the health sector, to complete maintenance works at the Taruka health post, Kopinang Health Centre, Maikwak Health post, Paramakatoi’s staff quarters for the doctor, Monkey Mountain Health Centre, staff quarters at Kanapang, staff quarters within the compound of the Mahdia District Hospital, and the Regional Health Officer (RHO)

staff quarters. Provisions will also be made for the oxygen supply system at the Mahdia District Hospital.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture remains a priority of the PPP/C Government to reduce the food import bill and increase food productivity; as such, a shade house will be constructed at the Mahdia Secondary school.

Some $15.7 million was approved to enhance regional administration and financial services which include buildings, furniture and equipment (staff quarters), land and water transport, and furniture and equipment (administration). (DPI)

‘It’s late for me, but the star is still shining brightly’

- says new local actress, Priya

THE acting career of Indranie Heranandan Alli, known as Priya, may have gotten off to a late start, but this by no means diminishes the passion that she comes with and her quest to do well and move ahead in the field.

As a child, she enjoyed stage acting, dancing, and singing, but she had never been given the opportunity beyond her home to perform at any major activities to showcase her talents.

“Due to many unfortunate reasons, I was never trained professionally,” she shared in a recent interview with Buzz Most of the skills that she has today, she learnt them on her own.

“…coaching and mentorship by some very important

players have transformed my shattered dreams into reality in 2023 because of Shades of Brown,” she added.

Shades of Brown is a brand new show that seeks to portray the Guyanese culture in the keenest way possible through a plot that showcases an interracial couple and their struggles to be together. It was written

and produced by Anastacia Shako-Van Tull.

“My love for local drama has led me to accept the role pitched to me in Shades of Brown. I believe that in our country we need to remove stigma within our society in respect to racism. Shades of Brown is very informative and is aimed at uniting the citizens of Guyana. If I can use my hobby of acting to help our State heal and unite, then why not choose the role in Shades of Brown as the platform to showcase this,” Priya reasoned.

The first role she had done was in Brown Sugar Too Bitter for Me part 2, by Mahadeo Shivraj.

Due to COVID-19, however, the release date was pushed back to February 19, 2023.

“This is the first major role I am playing in this Guy-

anese interracial series. Playing the character of the Indian mother, ‘Preity,’ was very exciting for me. I enjoyed being that character very much.”

Priya feels great to know

that even at this late stage, her talent is being acknowledged.

“Getting into the industry was hard for me. It’s late for me, but the star is still shining brightly. Some people have shunned me when I approached them to showcase some of my talents; maybe I was not up to standard. But, I never gave up. I continued to pursue and thanks to a few people like Mr. Shivraj, Ms. Sonia Yarde, Ms. Dowding, Paul Budnah, Annie, Kazim, and few others, who believed in me and my magical touches.”

Offering a word of advice, Priya says that irrespective of your age, you should pursue your dream.

“Do not crumble them, no matter how many failures and disappointments you may have encountered. Continue to grow stronger from the failures and the criticism and

aim for the sky. You will get there with strong determination.”

She would especially like to see more resources being added to the drama industry

to encourage local young talents.

“We have great talents that can take us high places once we can get the necessary resources and support,” she said.

Pragz22 to hold packed entertainment event for second anniversary

PRAGZ22 Runway and Brunch, a much anticipated event coming up on February 19, will mark the second anniversary of the opening of Pragz22, which is owned by local model, Hadiyah Clarke.

The 25-year-old has also opened a second business, Pragz Cater Too that will provide all the food for the anniversary celebrations at the Out Door Lounge at MovieTowne, on the Rupert Craig Highway.

While Pragz22 has always been about female clothing, Hadiyah will

be launching a men’s line on the anniversary so that both male and female models will be walking the runway on that day.

For the fashion show, she will also be giving other boutiques the opportunity to display some of their pieces on the runway. The three boutiques that are on board are: Frances & Co., La Rose Boutique, and Beyond The Alley Boutique. The boutiques will also have their own models on the runway.

“I have been modelling for years and have been a part of several shows. Because fashion is something I have always been into, I thought that this would be the perfect way to celebrate; incorporating both my businesses and also my love for the fashion industry,” Hadiyah shared in a recent interview with Buzz.

Just recently, she participated in the prestigious Moonlight and Posh event.

The models that she selected are familiar faces in the industry. “They’re some of the favourite faces,”

Hadiyah shared noting that this will add to the ‘A’ game that she plans to bring to the event.

According to her the dress code is “high fashion.”

For those wondering what this means, she provided an explanation.

“Whatever it means to you. It’s getting dressed up in your best outfit and coming out. Because there’s a fashion show as well. We’re not limiting what anyone wants to wear and there’s no colour code.”

As part of the event, she will also be hosting a brunch and an after party.

“For the brunch, my second business will be catering. We pro-

vide charcuterie boards and boxes for events,” she said.

The ticket, costing $10,000, will cover the brunch, fashion show and after party, and is available at 14 locations in Georgetown, on the ‘West Side’ and even in Linden. Purchasing five tickets online at eventbrite. com will provide an opportunity to get one free.

The successful businesswoman advised that in starting up a business, it’s essential to have the right support system.

While everyone may be quick to offer advice, she’s realised the importance of evaluating what’s best for her and knowing exactly what she wants.

She also wished that she had acted sooner on her business ideas.

“Just start.

Growing up, I always loved the idea of having a business someday but I kept thinking about how much work will

be involved and I didn’t start but because I am surrounded by so many encouraging people, I was encouraged not to keep talking but to act,” she shared.

“Once you start, there is no going back. Start and remain focused,” she advised, adding, “It has to be more than money. You should be in business for more than money; you must be passionate about what you are doing.”

Writer/Producer of Shades of Brown, Anastacia Shako-Van Tull

Priya in Shades of Brown

Indranie Heranandan Alli

Proprietor Hadiyah Clarke

A charcuterie board that was put together by Pragz Cater Too

WORD on the street is that Barbadian mogul, Robyn Rihanna Fenty is expanding her Fenty empire.

The busy new mom, who is slated to perform for the first time in six years at the Super Bowl this February, might soon be launching a children’s line.

RiRi has reached billionaire status with Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin and the Savage x Fenty lingerie brand, and she shows no signs of stopping.

Rihanna trademarks children’s clothing brand

The entrepreneur filed a trademark for “Fenty Kids” on January 20.

A heavily pregnant Rihanna, in February 2022, while on the red carpet with beau A$AP Rocky hinted she would love to do a Fenty baby line in the future.

“It would be a dream but who knows. It is the obvious next step to everyone, but I haven’t started working on anything yet,” she told EXTRA while at the Fenty Beauty Universe Event in Los Angeles.

Beyoncé announces Renaissance world tour, as fans brace for ticket rush

This won’t be Rihanna’s first attempt at launching a clothing line. In May 2019, she launched a ready-to-wear brand, Fenty, under the luxury fashion group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton). This made Rihanna the first woman and also the first POC [person of colour] to be added on the LVMH group. Despite a rousing start, the label closed shop in February 2021. With bated breath and twiddling thumbs, we wait to see what Rihanna releases next! (Loop News)

Film starring Bermudian actress, Lana Young, nominated for NAACP Award

BERMUDIAN actress, Lana Young, has a chance to create history as she’s been nominated along with the cast of “A Jazzman’s Blues” for a National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) Award in the United States.

A Jazzman’s Blues, which is a Netflix film directed by Tyler Perry, was nominated for the Outstanding Ensemble in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Motion Picture categories.

Netflix says the film tells a “tale of forbidden love and family drama unravels 40 years of secrets and lies against a soundtrack of juke-joint blues in the Deep South.”

Young, who plays Ethel in the film, celebrated her career high.

“SWEET MILESTONES

- let’s celebrate each and everyone, big and small. I’m very

excited to share this nomination with my Uber talented AJB family who worked from the heart on this one,” she wrote on Instagram.

The 52-year-old actress has had a number of roles in big films and televisions series such as

“Law and Order”, “Greenleaf”, “Wanda Vision” and “The Blacklist” over the years.

The 54th NAACP Awards is set to take place on February 25, 2023, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, in California. (Loop News)

Michael Bolton for Issa charity concert

COME May 27, American

Grammy-winning singer, Michael Bolton, will be the headliner for Issa Trust Foundation for the Children Charity Concert slated for Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, St Ann. Proceeds from the concert are earmarked for the construction of the Mary Issa Health Centre, a pediatric and adolescent care facility, near Richmond, St Ann.

Diane Pollard is president of the foundation. She said it took some effort to get the R&B singer on local soil.

“As you know, Michael Bolton is a multiple Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter and social activist, who has sold more than 65 million records globally and continues to tour the world. When I reached out to his manager approximately over five years ago, they...felt the Issa Trust Foundation focus on children and families was a great fit. The challenge was finding the right time that fit within his schedule. I stayed connected over the years with many discussions. Then COVID stopped all tours and really shook the industry. We stayed in contact and then once the industry opened again, talks began and we were thrilled we

were able to confirm the date of Saturday, May 27. Working with Michael Bolton’s team has been a great experience,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

Pollard promises that the concert will be nothing short of memorable, due to the magnitude of planning that went into it.

“We have an amazing team of people who are doing this from their heart including myself, Paul Issa, Sean Edwards, Alex Ghisays, and Jan Polack. Music brings people together and we know how much Jamaicans love Michael Bolton, and Michael Bolton loves Jamaica. We hope everyone comes out to not only enjoy the music, From When a Man Loves a Woman to How Am

BEYONCE has announced a 43-date world tour in support of her critically-acclaimed Renaissance album, including five nights in the UK.

The shows will kick off in Sweden on May 10, before landing at Cardiff’s Principality stadium a week later.

Further UK dates will take place in Edinburgh on May 20, Sunderland on May 23 and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 29 and 30.

Ticket demand is expected to be huge for her first solo tour since 2016.

A series of pre-sales for the star’s UK shows began at 10:00 GMT on Thursday before tickets then go on general sale next Tuesday.

In North America, fans are being asked to register for Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan process - which the company says will filter out touts - before ticket presales open next Monday.

Those who have registered will be entered into a “lotterystyle process” if demand outstrips the number of available tickets.

Politicians in the US, who are already investigating Ticketmaster over the fumbled sale of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, will be keeping an eagle eye on how the systems cope with Beyoncé’s concerts.

Last week, Beyoncé performed her first headlining con-

cert in four years at the opening of a luxury hotel in Dubai, but did not play any of her new material.

She was reportedly paid $24 million (£19.4 million) for the one-off show, but faced criticism for performing in a country where homosexuality and gender reassignment are outlawed.

Critics said that contradicted the message of her latest album, which explicitly celebrates black and queer dance culture.

Beyoncé conceived the album as “a place to dream and to find escape” during the pandemic, layering her songs with multiple samples and references to club music, from Nile Rodgers’ Studio 54 disco grooves and Grace Jones’ imperious soul, to less-celebrated movements like bounce and dancehall.

Exclaim magazine called it “the sound of a once-in-ageneration superstar performing at her peak”, while the Guardian

described it as “a breath-taking, maximalist tour de force”.

Unusually, Beyoncé has avoided making music videos for the album, meaning the Renaissance tour will be fans’ first chance to see her visual interpretation of tracks like Break My Soul, Alien Superstar and Cuff It.

The former Destiny’s Child star may reveal further details at this weekend’s Grammys, where she is up for nine awards, including album of the year.

The singer previously hinted at plans for a world tour in October, when she raffled tickets to a show during the fifth annual Wearable Art Gala.

Images shared from the auction suggested the “unique” prize, valued at $20,000 (£16,200), included first-class plane tickets, a three-night hotel stay, two concert tickets and a guided backstage tour from Beyoncé’s mother. (BBC)

Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jafaar Jackson, to play him in biopic

MICHAEL Jackson’s 26-yearold nephew has confirmed he will portray the singer in a new big-screen biopic.

Jaafar Jackson’s perfor -

I Supposed to Live Without You and more, but also know they are helping to impact the lives of the children knowing all proceeds will go to the Mary Issa Pediatric and Adolescent Health Centre,” she said.

According to Pollard, the design and drawings for the health centre have been completed.

Born in Connecticut, the singer made his Jamaican debut at the Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay in 2007. He won the Grammy Award for Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1990 and 1992.

His other hit songs include Soul Provider, Said Loved You... But I Lied, and Miss You Now.

The Issa Trust Foundation has previously held three fund-raising concerts to date. In 2017, Air Supply and Tessanne Chin were headliners, while two years later, Air Air Supply, Third World, and Koffee were the billed acts. Both were held at Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

In November 2022, Third World was headliner at a charity gala held in New York for the same cause. The foundation raised $US417,000 surpassing the US$200,000 goal. (Jamaica Observer)

mance in the film, titled simply Michael, will mark his first major film role.

Announcing the news on social media, the young actor said he was “humbled and honoured” to have been cast.

Jaafar is the second-youngest son of songwriter and Jackson 5 member Jermaine Jackson, Michael’s older brother.

Michael will become the latest in a string of big-screen musical biopics, following the release of movies which have charted the careers of Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Queen and Elton John.

The film is being made with the cooperation of the Michael Jackson estate. It is unclear whether or not it will reference allegations of child sexual

the most well-known singers in music history, from shooting to fame with his family band the Jackson 5 to becoming one of the most successful artistes of all time.

His most popular solo singles include Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Bad and Rock With You, while Thriller remains the best-selling album ever.

Fuqua said Michael “explores the journey of the man who became the King of Pop”, while the film’s studio, Lionsgate, said it would include “his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time”.

One of the producers of the new film is Graham King, who also produced the Oscar-winning Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

abuse which were made against Jackson during his life and after his death.

Jackson always maintained his innocence, and was found not guilty of child molestation in 2005.

Michael Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, said: “Jaafar embodies my son. It’s so wonderful to see him carry on the Jackson legacy of entertainers and performers.”

Antoine Fuqua, who helmed Training Day and Emancipation, Will Smith’s recent film for Apple, will direct the biopic.

Michael Jackson is one of

King said the team behind the film had searched widely for an actor to play Jackson, before ultimately settling on Jaafar.

“I met Jaafar over two years ago and was blown away by the way he organically personifies the spirit and personality of Michael,” King said.

“It was something so powerful that even after conducting a worldwide search, it was clear that he is the only person to take on this role.”

The screenplay for Michael will be written by John Logan, who also wrote Gladiator, The Aviator and the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre. (BBC)

Actress Lana Young (Photo taken from actorlanayoung on Instagram)

Michael Jackson’s sister, La Toya Jackson, pictured with her nephew Jafaar Jackson in 2019 (GETTY IMAGES)

Nandu joins elite group of Guyanese with century...

FROM BACK PAGE

dos at Bourda before scoring 131 in his next game against the Leewards, also at Bourda in 1987 and Carl Hooper, who scored a majestic 126 as an 18-year-old, also against Barbados at the Kensington Oval

in 1985.

Guyanese Stephen Camacho scored 106 on his regional first-class debut against Trinidad & Tobago at Queen’s Park Oval in February 1966 for British Guyana after making his first-class debut against Australia.

Camacho’s hundred was made in the first year of the Shell Shield. Shell Gas company sponsored the Regional frist-class tournament until 1987.

Back in 1956, Joe Soloman made 114 not out on his Regional first

class debut against Jamaica at Bourda before making 108 against Barbados at the same venue in his next match.

There were a few others who scored debut hundreds for British Guiana before May 26, 1966, when Guyana be-

came a sovereign nation; gaining Independence from the British.

The talented Nandu now has the opportunity to join Soloman and Dhaniram with centuries in their first two matches at this level.

Fernandes, Pollard win in Men’s 30-44...

World Masters over-35 Champion, who won back-to-back Sportswoman of-the-yearAwards in 2000 and 2001 and again in 2005 and 2022, beat a determined Rodrigues who seemed satisfied with just playing against Guyana’s greatest female Squash player.

Nicolette, who never left the Court during the three games, won 11-4, 11-0, 11-6.

Meanwhile, Pollard, who did not have things so easy, eventually triumphed 11-5. 11-9, 11-3 over van Dirk

While van Dirk seemed the fitter of the two, there is no substitute for experience and Pollard executed several drives and well placed drop shots which van Dirk could not reach.

van Dirk enjoyed his best moments of the match in the second game when he stitched

together three unanswered points with some nice cross-court shots and good rallies.

van Dirk threatened to take the game with the score on 9-10 but Pollard prevailed and won the game 11-9 before winning the next game 11-3 to take the match.

In other Men’s 30-44 games, Javid Rahaman beat Dane Pereira 11-2, 11-2, 11-5, Javid Ali lost to Nicholas Narain 11-4, 5-11, 5-11, 7-11 and Lee

Fung-a-Fat was beaten by Jonathan Antczak, 13-15, 4-11, 4-11.

In the 55-65 age group, Barbadian Peter Harris, a former National Hockey player, disposed of Guyanese Brian Edwards 11-5, 115, 11-8; Guyana’s Lloyd Fung-a Fat beat Bajan Dean Straker 11-6, 116, 11-7; Bajan Sanjay Amin won 11-5, 11-3, 11-8 over Ron Edwards while Guyanese Narendra Singh got a walk -

over from T&T’s John Astleford.

In the 0ver-65, Guyana’s Dennis Dias beat Winston Findley from the British Virgin Islands, 10-12, 11-6, 11-5, 11-2, 11-2, and Orson Simpson lost to Tony Roach 12-10, 116, 11-2, 2-11, 2-11 in an all Barbados matchup.

In the Women’s Over-35s, Fraser won against Tian Edwards 11-6, 11-3, 11-2

Packed February and March for...

weekend).

The third development meet is scheduled for March 5th at the NTFC and it will be followed by the highly anticipated Jefford Classic Mile on March 12.

Organiser of the Jefford Classic Mile, Edison Jefford, shared that, “If you are familiar with the history

of athletics in Guyana, you would recall the great rivalries of the 'Golden Mile' race around the circuit of the National Park.

“I am pleased to announce the rebranding, resuscitation and return of this historic event, and the confidence of the national association reposed in me and my organisation to un-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday February 03, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 209* vs ENG, Nottingham, 1966

(2) 7 centuries Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the most runs scored in a Test series by Basil Butcher?

(2) When and where did he play his final Test?

in tomorrow’s issue

dertake this project.”

“We have not had such an event to the detriment of the middle distance athletes who do not have an event to call their own and I thought it would be a great initiative.”

Jefford, a veteran journalist and organiser of the popular Jefford Classic track meet, will not be able to host

Athletics competition this year due to the host venue, the MSC ground, still undergoing renovations.

The Golden Mile has been conceptualised not only as a way for middle-distance athletes to get healthy competition but for a way for them to earn. Each race category will have a total prize purse of $100,000

with the winners pocketing $50,000; second place $30,000 and third $20,000. Events slated include Open Male and Female, Masters’ Male and Female, under-20 Male and Female, under-18 Male and Female, and under-16 Male and Female. There will also be a novice event for non-competitors.

FROM BACK PAGE

Dress code dropped at Jockey Club racecourses including Aintree and Cheltenham

FORMAL dress codes are being dropped with immediate effect at all 15 racecourses owned by the Jockey Club, including Aintree and Cheltenham.

The move is part of a drive to make horse racing more "accessible and inclusive".

Spectators will be encouraged to dress as they feel "most comfortable and confident".

Replica sports shirts or "offensive" clothing of any kind will still not be allowed.

The changes will apply to a total of 342 fixtures, including the Grand National meeting.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stand at Epsom on Derby Day will continue to require either morning dress, including top hats for men, or formal daywear on Derby Day.

Royal Ascot is not covered by the Jockey Club, and there have been no changes announced to its traditional dress code.

'Enforcing a dress code seems rather outdated'

The debate over dress codes on British racecourses resurfaced last year when two racegoers were initially refused entry to Sandown's most expensive enclosure in April because

England Test record holder Ahmed gets nod for Bangladesh whiteball series

holders in ODIs and T20Is, and Ahmed will be joined by a fellow uncapped player after Somerset batter Tom Abell was also included.

Lancashire paceman Saqib Mahmood features in the ODI squad as he returns to the England fold after recovering from a stress fracture of the back, while Jos Buttler captains the teams.

The series will see the teams play ODIs on March 1, 3 and 6, and T20Is on March 9, 12 and 14.

they were wearing trainers.

Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale said: "It's really important to us to be accessible and inclusive.

"We hope that by no

longer placing an expectation upon people of what they should and shouldn't wear we can help highlight that racing really is for everyone.

"When we reviewed this area of the raceday experience, it has been clear to us that enforcing a dress code seems rather outdated in the 21st Century in the eyes of many of our racegoers.

"Of course that doesn't mean we are discouraging people from dressing up for a day at the races if they want to.

"This is about giving people a choice and the opportunity to come racing dressed however they feel most comfortable and confident, while also bearing in mind the challenges regularly presented by the British weather."

Truesdale said there

have already been a significant number of fixtures where dress codes have not been in place.

He said: "It is a common misconception that a day at the races has always required you to dress in a certain way, regardless of the fixture.

"In fact, even at really high-profile days like the Cheltenham Festival, that has simply not been the case and our only recommendation has been to dress appropriately for the weather."

Jockey Club racecourses: Aintree, Carlisle, Cheltenham, Epsom, Exeter, Haydock, Huntingdon, Kempton, Market Rasen, Newmarket (Rowley Mile & July Course), Nottingham, Sandown, Warwick, Wincanton.(BBC Sport)

Lillard hits 42 points as Portland Trail Blazers beat Memphis Grizzlies

DAMIAN Lillard scored 42 points for the second game in a row as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 122-112.

Lillard, who also had 10 assists and eight rebounds, now has 49 40-point career games.

ENGLAND's youngest male Test cricketer Rehan Ahmed will have a first chance to shine in whiteball internationals after being called up for next month's ODIs and T20I matches against Bangladesh.

The Leicestershire spinner was 18 years and 126 days old when he played against Pakistan in Karachi in December, taking seven wickets in the match as

England completed a Test series clean sweep at the National Stadium.

He was left out of the squad heading to New Zealand for two Tests in February, but Ahmed will have the chance to make his debut in both short formats in March after being selected for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, which is followed by three T20I games.

England are World Cup

England ODI squad: Jos Buttler (captain), Tom Abell, Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

England T20I squad: Jos Buttler (captain), Tom Abell, Rehan Ahmed, Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

He is tied with Shaquille O'Neal in 19th place on the list of players with the most 40-point games in NBA history.

Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics beat the Brooklyn Nets who remain without the injured Kevin Durant.

Jayson Tatum scored 31 points and Jaylen Brown added 26 as the Celtics overwhelmed their Eastern Conference rivals 139-96scoring 46 points in the first quarter alone - to remain top of the table.

Kyrie Irving had 20 points, four rebounds and four assists for the Nets, who have now lost their past 10

games against Boston.

Latest NBA results

The Philadelphia 76ers earned swift revenge for Monday's surprising defeat by the Orlando Magic, beating the Florida side 105-94 in Wednesday's rematch.

The Sixers had gone into Monday's game on the back of seven straight wins but let a 21-point advantage slip as they lost 119-109.

But Joel Embiid scored 28 points while James Harden added 26, including six

three-pointers and also had nine rebounds and 10 assists.

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Golden State Warriors 119-114 in overtime while there were also wins for Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks but the Detroit Pistons' home game against the Washington Wizards was postponed with the Pistons stuck in Dallas because of an ice storm.((BBC Sport).

Officials say racegoers will not be discouraged from dressing up.

England’s youngest male Test cricketer Rehan Ahmed called up for whiteball matches.

Damian Lillard was a dominant figure for the Trail Blazers against the Grizzlies.

London Marathon 2023: Mo Farah prepares for ‘emotional goodbye’ at home race

By Harry Poole BBC Sport

MO Farah is preparing to say an "emotional" London Marathon "goodbye" to his home support after confirming his participation in April's race.

The four-time Olympic champion, 39, expects 2023 to be his final year of racing before retirement.

But he is unsure if the marathon will be his last competitive event, saying he will take it "one race at a time".

Commonwealth Games

10,000m champion Eilish McColgan will make her marathon debut in the event on 23 April.

"Without the fans I don't think I would have ever achieved what I have," said Farah.

"It is just nice to say goodbye and I think it will be quite emotional."

Both Farah and McColgan were due to run in 2022 but had to pull out because of fitness problems.

The London Marathon returns to its pre-pandemic spring

slot for the first time in three years and will be broadcast live on BBC TV, iPlayer and online.

'I just want to give myself one more shot' - Farah

A hip injury prevented Farah, who turns 40 in March, from taking part in last year's event and this will be his first full marathon since 2019, where he came fifth.

The British marathon record holder is set to contest

his fourth London Marathon and has a best finish of third in 2018 - the year he would also go on to claim his only major marathon win in Chicago.

"It has been an amazing career and, for me, to take part in London Marathon is a big deal," said Farah.

"I have always said it would be nice to win it one day, but it takes a lot."

The six-time world track

champion, winner of the Big Half in London in September, has raced just seven times since October 2019.

Although he failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics - and surprisingly lost out to club runner Ellis Cross at the London 10,000 last Mayhe admits competing for his country still motivates him.

"I am very proud of what I have achieved and I just want to give myself one more shot and see what I can do. But I have nothing to prove," Farah added.

"I'm not going to go to the Olympics and I think 2023 will probably be my last year.

"At the same time, if it came down to it towards the end of the year and I was picked for the country then I would never turn that down."

Destiny calls for McColgan in 'bucket-list' race

For McColgan, her debut London Marathon appearance feels like destiny.

The 32-year-old, whose

mother Liz won the London Marathon in 1996, claimed a total of four Commonwealth and European medals in a stellar 2022, in which she also broke Paula Radcliffe's 21-year-old British half marathon record.

Although too young to recall her mother's victory 27 years ago, pictures and videos of that day - in addition to a long-held awareness of her own strengths - means her first run on the famous course is an occasion long in the making.

"For me the iconic London Marathon is my mum coming down that last stretch," McColgan said.

"The race is something I remember my mum and dad speaking about from a young age so it feels surreal to be taking part myself. I always thought one day I would do it.

"It's such an iconic race, even people who haven't got an interest in running know about the London Marathon. It's definitely a bucket-list race

for me.

"My mum always told me 'one day you'll be a marathoner'. To be honest that petrified me as a kid but I think deep down I knew that was where my career was going."

The Scot was forced to postpone her debut because of a medical issue called rebound hypoglycemia, which leads to reduced blood sugar levels, and McColgan is hopeful she has found a solution in the form of a carbohydrate drink following tests.

"It's a case of trialling the drink in a few more long runs. If that doesn't work, they have another idea," McColgan added. "It's up to me to be honest and say whether I feel better or worse. Last year, there wasn't the time to trial things."

Also in the men's event for the first time is European cross-country silver medallist Emile Cairess, while last year's first British finisher Weynay Ghebresilasie returns.

Rutherford fifty puts Powell’s Capitals in playoff danger

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Man-of-theMatch Sherfane Rutherford’s rapid half-century helped leaders Desert Vipers sink Dubai Capitals by 22 runs here Thursday, leaving the Rovman Powell-led side’s hopes of making the playoffs hanging by a string.

The left-handed Rutherford, who has not featured for West Indies in two years, struck exactly 50 from 23 balls as Vipers rallied to 182 for seven from their 20 overs at Dubai International Stadium.

Englishman Sam Billings top-scored with a more measured 54 from 48 deliveries while opener Robin Mustafa chipped in with 31 from 21 balls.

In reply, Capitals were limited to 160 for seven with Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza top-scoring with 41 from 32 deliveries and Powell lashing 33 from 25 balls.

Opener Robin Uthappa punched 30 from 21 balls but the innings lacked the

momentum to overhaul the challenging total.

With the victory, Vipers moved to 14 points and guaranteed themselves of a top two finish while Capitals remained one from bottom of the six-team league on seven points, following their fifth defeat in nine outings.

Sent in, Vipers were struggling on 45 for three in the sixth over before Billings led the recovery, adding 31 for the fourth wicket with Hasaranga de Silva (14) and a further 80 with Rutherford for the fifth wicket.

Billings struck four fours and a six while the 24-year-old Rutherford traded only in sixes, lashing half-dozen off them. Both perished in successive overs before Sam Curran belted two sixes in a nine-ball 17 towards the end.

Facing a stiff run chase, Capitals lost George Munsey without scoring at 11 for one in the second over, bowled leg-stump by West Indies left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell (2-36).

However, Raza propped up the innings, first in a 31-run partnership with Uthappa and then in a third wicket stand of 46 with Dasun Shanaka (11) before things fell apart, four wickets tumbling for 30 runs in the space of 23 deliveries with Rutherford pouching two catches.

Powell tried to rescue the

chase with three sixes and a brace of sixes, as he inspired a 28-run, seventh wicket partnership with Australian Adam Zampa (14 not out). The Jamaican’s demise in the penultimate over, bowled by left-arm seamer Luke Wood (2-36) with 37 runs required from nine balls, left Capitals with too tall an order.

NZ selection manager Gavin Larsen hopes Boult will play ODI World Cup

NEW Zealand's selection manager Gavin Larsen is hopeful fast bowler Trent Boult will spearhead the country's bowling attack at the ODI World Cup in India later this year.

Last year, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) agreed to release Boult from his central contract as he wanted to make himself available for T20 leagues around the world. He is currently turning out for MI Emirates in the UAE's International League T20.

Although the 33-year-old has expressed his desire to play in the World Cup, his participation in the tournament has not yet been confirmed.

However, Larsen told SENZ Mornings: "The door is very much open," adding that Boult is in constant talks with head coach Gary Stead.

"Gary and Trent talk on a regular basis. We all know Boulty's pedigree, his experience and just what a great match-winner he is and has been over the years for us," he said.

The left-arm quick, who has the exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways, is one of the best bowling talents in all formats of the game.

Trent Boult has not been contracted with NZC for nearly six months now • (ICC/ Getty Images)

"We want him to be involved, we'd love him to be involved, we understand entirely his situation so we will keep working with him," Larsen said.

"We've got a World Cup at the end of the year and I've got my fingers crossed that if the stars align that we'll have a certain Trent Boult opening the bowling for us."

In the absence of Boult and the experienced Tim Southee, the relatively inexperienced New Zealand pace attack struggled in the recently-concluded white-ball series in India. They were blanked 3-0 in the ODI series which would be a cause of concern for them with the World Cup just months away. New Zealand reached back-to-back finals in 2015 and 2019 but are yet to win the event.(Cricinfo)

Mo Farah has run the London Marathon three times - finishing fifth in 2019, third in 2018 and eighth on his debut in 2014.

Desert Vipers’ West Indies batsman Sherfane Rutherford.

Windies include U19 trio in 15 for ICC T20 World Cup in SA

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Selectors have included the Under-19 World Cup trio of Zaida James, Trishan Holder and Djenaba Joseph in a 15-member squad announced Wednesday to compete in this month’s ICC Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

All three players, who have already made their senior team debuts, will be joined by veteran seamer Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation who missed most of

Under-19 World Cup star Zaida James.

Melius strikes 192 to put Volcanoes firmly in command against Red Force heading into day four

FORMER West Indies

Under-19 captain, Kimani Melius, struck his maiden century in first-class cricket to put the Windward Islands Volcanoes in a strong position against the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force after day three of their West Indies Championship fixture at the St. George’s Stadium, in Antigua, on Thursday.

The Volcanoes began the day on 62 without loss after 16 overs, trailing the Red Force by 10 runs with Melius on 39 and Jerlani Robinson on 20.

Robinson added a further three runs to his overnight score before he was dismissed

an Charles for a 195-ball 80 to end a 209-run second wicket partnership between the pair.

At tea, The Windwards were 282-2, leading the Red Force by 211 runs with Melius unbeaten on 169 and Captain Alick Athanaze on one.

Melius and Athanaze put on a further 43 runs after tea before Melius was finally dismissed LBW by Charles for 192 in the 96th over. His knock came off 269 deliveries and included 18 fours and three sixes.

The Volcanoes ended the day 397-3, leading by 325 runs with Athanaze (49) and Sunil Ambris (42) at the

...sweating on Stefanie Taylor’s fitness

Browne-John.

“Four senior players who have been out through injury have returned –Stafanie Taylor, Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation.

the recent T20 International Tri-Series against India and South Africa through injury.Former captain Stafanie Taylor has been named in the unit but faces a final fitness assessment before her place is confirmed.

“The selectors have opted for a blend of youth and experience for the upcoming T20 World Cup,” said chief selector Ann

“We continue the developmental pathway to grow women’s cricket in the region, hence we feel the time is right to include three of the Under 19 Rising Stars in the squad.”

The left-handed James, with two fifties in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup, made her senior team debut in the final game of the Tri-Series last on Monday.

Holder, meanwhile, played three T20Is last month on England Women’s five-match four of the Caribbean, after making

Regional 4-day cricket Cornwall puts Leeward

TWO late wickets from Rakheem Cornwall put the Leeward Islands Hurricanes slightly in the driver’s seat in their West Indies Championship fixture against the Jamaica Scorpions after Thursday’s daytwo at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, in Antigua.

The Hurricanes started the day on 163-6 with Cornwall on 29 and Jeremiah Louis on 17. Cornwall failed to add to his overnight score when he was dismissed by Abhijai Mansingh in the second over of the day.

her debut for Barbados at last year’ Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Joseph also made her international debut against England Women before playing in the final match of the recent Tri-Series.

“Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder have been making great progress and have been included in the squad,” Browne-John continued.

“Zaida brings both lefthand batting and left-arm orthodox bowling, both of which the team has been missing in recent time.

“Djenaba is a batting allrounder and Trishan a powerful striker and wicketkeeping option. They have all proven that they can hold their own at this level.

Islands

the stretch as the Hurricanes were eventually bowled out for 260 in 118-3 overs.

Marquino Mindley, who recently made his Test debut against Australia, led the way with the ball for the Scorpions with 3-29 from 19.3 overs while Mansingh took 3-47 from 20 overs.

In reply, Scorpions openers Leroy Lugg and Kirk McKenzie saw off the new ball well, reaching 60 in the 14th over before McKenzie became Colin Archibald’s first victim for 18.

“We believe the 15 players consist of a good all-round mix and we expect them to be able to compete in this World Cup.”

West Indies Women, the 2016 champions, will compete in Group 2 alongside England, India, Pakistan and Ireland in the February 10-26 tournament.

SQUAD – Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.

Hurricanes in driver’s seat

At tea, the Scorpions were 97-3 from 23 overs with Lugg on 73 and Palmer Jr. yet to score.

Kimani

struck his maiden first-class century

by Khary Pierre in the 19th over, bringing Kavem Hodge to the crease to join Melius.

The pair put the Red Force bowling to the sword with the 22-year-old Melius bringing up his fifty off 73 balls in the 27th over.

Hodge brought up his 14th first class fifty off 116 balls in the 52nd over. The very next ball saw Melius bring up his hundred off 138 balls.

The 69th over saw Melius bring up his 150 off 190 balls, before, nine overs later, Hodge was finally dismissed by Bry-

crease.

Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 243 off 63.1 overs

(Tevyn Walcott 87*, Sunil

Ambris 55, Bryan Charles 4-46, Terrance Hinds 4-72) & 397-3 off 108 overs (Kimani Melius 192, Kavem Hodge 80, Alick Athanaze 49*, Sunil Ambris 42*, Bryan Charles 2-92).

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 315 off 92.1 overs

(Amir Jangoo 86, Tion Webster 79, Terrance Hinds 52, Ryan John 5-18, Darius Martin 2-80). (Sportsmax)

Louis then continued on, providing some much-needed stability to the innings, eventually bringing up his fourth first class fifty off 140 balls.

Forced to bat with the tail, Louis became more aggressive, making his next 28 runs off just 31 balls to finish not out on 78, his highest score in first class cricket.

Hayden Walsh Jr (13) and Collin Archibald (17) also formed important partnerships with Louis down

Aggressive from the outset, Lugg brought up his second first class fifty off just 39 balls in the 15th over with a huge six off Rakheem Cornwall.

One wicket became two very quickly as Archibald removed Jamaica’s number three, Romaine Morris, for two in the 18th over.

Jamaica lost their third wicket when Cornwall trapped Aldane Thomas in front for four in the 23rd over, bringing Captain Paul Palmer Jr. to the crease.

After the resumption, Lugg was able to add only six runs to his total before Hayden Walsh Jr. tempted him into a false shot and got his wicket.

Palmer Jr. and new batsman, Mansingh, then added 72 runs for the fifth wicket before the skipper became Cornwall’s second victim, falling for 47 in the 57th over. Cornwall got his second wicket of the over when he bowled Jamie Merchant for a duck to leave the Scorpions 185-6.

The Jamaicans added just one more run before stumps, ending the day on 186-6, trailing the Hurricanes by 74 runs. Mansingh ended the day on 34 while Gordon Bryan is yet to get off the mark.

Scores: Leeward Islands Hurricanes, 260 off 118.3 overs (Jeremiah Louis 78*, Jahmar Hamiton 40, Marquino Mindley 3-29, Abhijai Mansingh 3-47).

Jamaica Scorpions, in reply, are 186-6 off 60 overs (Leroy Lugg 79, Paul Palmer Jr 47, Abhijai Mansingh 34*, Rakheem Cornwall 3-47, and Colin Archibald 2-37). (Sportsmax).

Melius

Rakheem Cornwall took 3-47 with his off-spinners

Regional 4-day Cricket Nandu hits 126 on debut to put Harpy Eagles in good position against Pride

FORMER West Indies

Under-19 opener, Matthew Nandu, struck 126 on debut as the Guyana Harpy Eagles ended day two of their West Indies Championship match against the Barbados Pride at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in a strong position.

The Harpy Eagles started day two on 205-5 with Nandu (70) and Kevin Sinclair (28) at the crease.

The pair added 25 runs to the overnight score before Sinclair was dismissed for 43 in the 85th over, bringing Vice-Captain Veerasammy Permaul to the crease to join Nandu.

The pair continued to fight off the Barbados bowling, reaching 273-6 in the 102nd over when Nandu, who represented the West Indies at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies, brought up his maiden first class 100 off 295 balls.

The partnership reached 90 when Permaul was dismissed by Keon Harding for 37 off 95 balls in the 112th over with the score on 315.

Nandu was next to go in the 118th over, eventually falling for 126 off 335 balls after putting on a further 39 runs with Shamar Joseph.

Joseph (20) and Nial Smith (9) were the final

two to fall as Guyana made an impressive 371 off 121 overs.

Pacer Jair McAllister took 3-43 off 18.1 overs while spinner Chaim Holder took 3-72 off 36 overs.

In reply, Barbados openers, Zachary McCaskie and Sheyne Moseley, put on 69 before McCaskie was dismissed by Kevin Sinclair in the 24th over for 26.

Jonathan Drakes joined Moseley at the crease but didn’t last long as he became Permaul’s first victim, for a duck.

Moseley brought up his fifty off 86 balls in the 29th over.

Moseley and Shamarh

Brooks put on a 32-run third wicket partnership to bring the score up to 102 before Moseley went off the bowling of Shamar Joseph for 65.

The Pride ended the day 105-3 with Brooks on 10 and Keon Harding on three. They trail the Harpy Eagles by 266 runs.

Scores: Guyana Harpy Eagles 371 off 121.1 overs (Matthew Nandu 126, Kevin Sinclair 43, Veerasammy Permaul 37, Jair McAllister 3-43, Chaim Holder 3-72) Barbados Pride 105-3 off 39 overs (Sheyne Moseley 65, Zachary McCaskie 26). (Sportsmax)

Nandu joins elite group of Guyanese with century on first-class debut

By Sean Devers

FORMER West Indies

U-19 batter, 19-yearold Canada-born Guyanese, Matthew Nandu, scored a masterful century on his first-class debut against defending champions, Barba-

dos, yesterday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Nandu made a classy 126 decorated with 14 boundaries from the 331 balls he faced before he was eighth out.

The left-hander, who grew up in Canada but

began going back and forth to Guyana since 2017 to play for Demerara in 2018 at the U-17, and in 2019 at U-19 level, was mainly responsible for Guyana Harpy Eagles’ total of 371 yesterday since nobody else reached a half-century.

Packed February and March for Athletics

…Jefford Classic Mile set for March 12

In the 2022 U-19 World Cup in January, Nandu scored 128 against Papua New Guinea in Trinidad in the Plate Quarter Final and came into his debut first-class season on the back of two fifties in the practice matches preced-

ing this tournament.

Nandu, along with Ashmead Nedd, joined their fathers as father/ son pairs to play firstclass cricket when they both made their debuts on Wednesday.

With his ton, Nandu joined an elite group of

Guyana batters to have made three-figure scores in their debut first-class matches for Guyana.

Nandu joins two other Guyanese, Sudesh Dhaniram, who made 102 on his first-class debut for Guyana against Barba -

BCQS Masters Squash C/ships

Fernandes, Pollard win in Men’s 30-44 division

By Sean Devers

THE BCQS Masters Squash Championships

began in earnest at the Georgetown Club on Wednesday evening after Vincentian, Anne Hazel-Sandy, beat Guyana’s Kathy Ten Pow 3-1, and Guyana’s Lydia Fraser defeated Canadian Anna Perreira 11-2, 11-4, 11, the previous day in pre-tournament games.

ATHLETICS Guyana has released its 2023 calendar and it promises a busy year for track & field in Guyana with the near future not being short of any action.

This Sunday, Athletics Guyana will host its second development meet of the year at the National Track & Field Centre (NTFC) in West Demerara. This will be followed by the National

Sports Commission (NSC) Junior League on February 18th & 19th at the NTFC that will serve as the official trials for Carifta Games 2023 (Bahamas; Easter

Playing in the first tournament of GSA’s hectic year for Squash in Guyana, Nicolette Fernandes, playing in the Men’s 30-44 years catorgety, easily disposed of Reagan Rodrigues 3-0

Arjune Nandu hit 126 on first-class debut

while Regan Pollard beat Jason van Dirk 3-0 to set up last night’s clash

between the two. The 39-year-old

Regan Pollard on Wednesday night

Organiser of the Jefford Classic, Edison Jefford

President of Athletics Guyana, Aubrey Hutson