Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-03-2023

will always welcome him with open arms’

- Residents of Agricola moved by President Ali’s visit, intrigued by his ‘listening ear’

By Tamica Garnett

FOR residents of Agricola, the visit by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali last Sunday meant a lot for many different reasons, but all agreed that it was a significant occasion that meant something positive for the community.

“He made an impression. When you see the President come in here you feel good. You said the President is here and things are going to happen; things are going to be done because when the President gives his word, you expect that with the President, his word is his bond,” commented 66-yearold vendor Ingrid Cadle.

Scores of residents

warmly welcomed President Ali.

“We respect [President] Ali for coming into Agricola and he can come again; we would welcome him with open arms because he is looking for what condition

we are living in and what he can do for us,” commented 57-year-old Laurix Johnson.

“This is not about politics. We have to come together as one and to make things successful. When the previous government was

in power, before they go in power the President used to come here. When he go in power he never ever come here, so the President could come in and ask us what is our problem in Agricola because [former President David] Granger never do that,” Johnson said.

Eager to speak with the Guyana Chronicle, resident Ena Persaud, who has been living in the community for the past 21 years, said she had a vision about President Ali coming to the community and was happy to see her vision come true.

Residents believe that having the person with the highest office in the land coming into Agricola will help the image of the village and they hope that it will change the way people see the community.

“We all know the stigma Agricola carries, so his visit, it shed a different light on Agricola,” says a 22-year-old shopkeeper, Meola Jacobs.

A mother of one, Jacobs has lived in Agricola all her life. Asked about some of the improvements she hopes to see done in the community, Jacobs called for the establishment of training facilities for youths to learn technical skills and be able to receive

stipends to help them start up their own businesses.

“We need more places for young people to train. You have a lot of persons with skills in here but is the opportunity we don’t really get. Even if it’s a little course to do floral decor, or cosmetology. Lots of girls with skills but we just need the opportunity to go a little bit further. And we really need a computer hub,” the young mother of one said.

Located some three kilo-

metres outside of Georgetown, Agricola is one of Guyana’s earliest villages and though it was once a thriving community, over the years the relatively tiny village began to experience unemployment and crime. The village developed a reputation of being a high crime area, but villagers like Jacobs want the world to know that there is more to Agricola than just a bad reputation.

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Ingrid Caple

61-year-old Neville Innis Ena Persaud

Agricola

‘We

US$12M Mazaruni Estates condominium project underway

- to address the need for more living spaces as Guyana’s economy continues to flourish

LAND clearing activities have begun at a site along the new four-lane Mandela-Eccles Road, where the US$12 million Mazaruni

kitchen, two baths and a balcony.

Amenities will include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a basketball court,

It will come with a concierge service in each of the tower to tend to the needs of the respective guests. There will also be a car park that

Preliminary pricing for the condominiums will be US$255,000 each. Interested persons could find out more by contacting mazaruniestatesguyana@gmail.com.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in addressing such developments, had said: “The facts are that the development trajectory of our country is forward-looking. It is upward, it is dynamic, it has diversified and it is bearing potential, not only for investors but now for the creation of the jobs that we talked about. These developments are not isolated, they’re strategically aligned to a goal of a government.”

create is a national environment that gives you a national standard.

“We want people to be proud of the environment in which they live and work. We want the environment to be reflective of the growth trajectory of the country. We want the environment to tell the story of the transformation that is taking place.”

Estates condominium will be built by Innovations Investment Inc.

The condominium, which will sit on 2.7 acres of land, will be located next door to the 150-room Four Points by Sheraton–Marriott hotel.

“We decided to enter this venture to answer the call for the need for more living spaces for expatriates and returning Guyanese, to support the overall development of Guyana and to continue in line with the government and the President’s initiative of transforming the country’s infrastructural landscape,” investor, Lorenzo Alphonso, shared in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

Construction of the facility will see a high level of local content, he said, adding: “Other than the engineering, everything else will be done by locals. From architecture, to rendering, to MPE, to design, to installation, the total construction will be done by locals.”

The project is expected to last approximately around 16 months. The first phase will see the construction of two towers which will each be five storeys tall, and have 25 two-bedroom condos within each tower. The condo spaces will include two bedrooms, living room,

tennis court, jogging trail, country club, restaurant, bar, retail centre and shops. The complex will also have 24hour security.

will be able to hold up to 130 vehicles. Each condo will come equipped with one reserved parking and one visitor parking spot as well.

He went on to say: “We’ll have a heavy focus on community development, the internal roads, and communities, ensuring that the credit systems are working. Because what we want to

According to a study by Oxford Economics, accommodation operations and guest spending, support eight million jobs across the US alone. The same study found that a typical hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year. And the nation’s hotel and lodging industry brings other important benefits to local communities.

Those businesses are a cornerstone for local

economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, capital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship. Those benefits are also expected to accrue to Guyana, as the country continues to function as an investment magnet.

March marks the 105th birth anniversary and 26th death anniversary of the late former President of the Co-operative Republic of

Here is a popular quote from Dr. Jagan in 1992: “I am the son of sugar workers who hasn’t forgotten his roots. Many politicians like me have forgotten where they came from but Jagan will never forget and you can be sure of that!”

This

Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan

Artist impression of the Mazaruni Estates condominium

Investor, Lorenzo Alphonso

APNU+AFC opted to commit procurement breaches

- no deficiencies or weaknesses in the law exist, AG says

THE significant breaches of procurement laws under the APNU+AFC government raises serious concerns about the failure to monitor the performance of contracts which were awarded during their time in office.

This is according to At-

torney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C., who upbraided the former government on Tuesday during his weekly Facebook programme, Issues in the News.

The AG used a part of his programme to address the disclosure made on Monday during a Public Accounts Committee

(PAC) meeting that the Ministry of Public Health and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) did not procure COVID-19 supplies in an efficient manner.

The Auditor General in his 2021 procurement, storage and distribution of COVID-19 supplies report, concluded that there was no monitoring of the performance of contracts, which resulted in millions of dollars of supplies being

delivered close to a month after the delivery dates had expired. Additionally, the entities prepared Purchase Orders after receiving sup-

plies.

It had been recommended that the MoH and CDC engage the Minister of Legal Affairs and other stakeholders to have the Procurement Act 2003 amended to include emergency-procurement

policies and procedures. Members of the PAC had also called for those amendments to be made.

However, on Tuesday, Nandlall said that the “breaches that were identified by the Auditor General really had nothing to do with deficiencies in the law.”

“It had more to do with the government of the day, failing to comply with the existing regime of statutory processes and also the government’s failure or inability or omission to enforce contracts that were flagrantly breached during the procurement period.

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Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.

PNC ‘squatting’ in building earmarked for health centre in Region Nine

THE People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is currently ‘squatting’ in a building that is owned by the state and earmarked to be used as a health centre for Lethem and the wider Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall said on Thursday.

“I have been advised by regional officials that consistent Auditor General

Reports have cited the nonapproved use of government buildings in the region,” Minister Dharamlall said.

Efforts were made recently to have the PNC operation in Lethem removed from the space that is under the care of the government.

“In the case of the building under occupation by the PNC, I have been advised that numerous efforts and notices were sent to PNC officials in Region Nine to vacate a government building which they occupied

for political purposes and they have refused to do so,” Dharamlall said.

The location of this site is slated to have a health facility to serve the people of Lethem and the wider Region Nine. The illegal occupation of the building has stalled the construction of the facility.

It has been confirmed that the materials removed from the building have been secured and stored by the regional authorities.

‘We will always...

FROM PAGE 2

Her sentiments are shared by President Ali who has been on a drive over the past two years to show that every village in Guyana is a treasured part of the country. And with the country on an aggressive developmental campaign, President Ali is determined to ensure no village gets left behind.

Although she did not personally get to go out on Sunday to meet with and speak to the President, Jacobs was heartened by what the visit means for her community.

“If the President can come, anybody can come. People will see Agricola in different way. It’s nice to see that persons got to talk to him, share their different views and he talked to them,” Jacobs remarked.

During the visit, the Head of State told residents that they are part of the government’s transformation plans for Guyana, and in his usual style, took the time to listen to individual concerns before sharing his message of the government’s eagerness to work with residents to find solutions to their respective issues.

For some, seeing the President come to not just speak but to also listen, left the biggest impression.

“We don’t get that opportunity often, other Presidents used to come but they would do the talking. They never used to give you a chance to open floor for you to talk to them,” commented 61-year-old Neville Innis.

The President, during the visit, was accompanied by a contingent of government officials which included

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd. Acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, members of Men on Mission, private sector representatives and several sporting personalities were also present.

After speaking with the residents, President Ali said that officials will be coming back to the village to follow up on concerns raised.

During the discussions, the need for infrastructural work on the drainage and roads, and the desire to see more done for the youths in the community, were some of the leading concerns.

Guyana’s Gold

OIL is not the only thing that has increased Guyana’s popularity. The country’s gold and diamonds are among its most sought-after resources.

Tourists and overseasbased Guyanese love to boast and brag about the piece of Guyanese gold that they own. They wear the unique designs with pride for all to see. If a Guyanese is going to visit a relative abroad, high on the list of Guyanese ‘prags’ is a pair of gold earrings or a gold chain; in some cases, the request would be a ring with a coloured stone. The map of Guyana pendant is also very popular. The designs tell a story. They also reflect workmanship which, in most instances, wasn’t learnt in a classroom setting but rather from observation and years of practice or

it was passed down from generation to generation.

In Guyana’s current economic climate and with the influx of foreigners who no doubt would be very interested in our gold jewellery, whether it’s because of the designs or the reasonable prices, there is an increasing need for the final product to be impeccable.

To achieve this, it is imperative that jewellery is made by qualified and skilled persons who are using the right tools and equipment and are working under the best conditions.

Last year, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley signed the St Barnabas Accord to deepen the bilateral connections between the two countries in a number of areas.

The agreement, in part, paves the way for the es-

tablishment of a jewellery hub in Bridgetown, Barbados, that would see up to 15 Guyanese jewellers establishing stores at a prominent mall, which is in the heart of the tourist shopping district.

The plan was formulated out of the high demand for gold on the island, and the high-quality jewellery produced in Guyana, which has piqued the interest of Barbados’ residents and tourists.

Such a development signalled an urgent need for Guyana to tie up all the loose ends which included the proper certification of jewellers and goldsmiths.

In most of the populated regions of Guyana, there are many jewellery stores. There are also many neighbourhood goldsmiths who often get jobs through word of mouth and good reviews from their cus -

tomers.

The government’s development plans leave no room for error. No effort should be spared in ensuring that jewellery of the highest quality is in as many stores around the world as possible.

As expected, the government had a master plan and through the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, it was set in motion. Steps were taken almost immediately to fill whatever gaps existed in the jewellery-making sector.

Soon after the signing of the agreement, under the watchful eyes of Minister Bharrat, the country’s first jewellery-making course was held. That batch comprised 30 persons who over several weeks were taught essential skills related to jewellery-making processes and techniques.

This type of course not only targeted aspiring and practicing jewellers, but anyone who was interested in learning this craft and creating a revenue stream for themselves.

The second training programme is expected to start on March 20 and will run for 12 weeks. It is being spearheaded by the Guyana Mining School in collaboration with the E. R. Burrowes School of Art

Minds will be stimulated and participants will get the opportunity to learn the craft while certifying themselves. Other opportunities will come when the jewellery-making school which is an idea formulated by former West Indian cricketer and jeweller, Steven Jacobs, opens.

Jacobs came up with the idea following his recent visit to Indore, India

where he was part of a contingent led by President Ali to attend the Global Investors Summit.

The upskilling of youths appears to be the central focus of this school. Once it becomes a reality, young people will have another means to earn an income. This will contribute to the country’s economic growth and ensure the viability and expansion of the jewellery industry.

The free courses and the opening of a jewellery-making school in the near future will create opportunities for all stakeholders. It will allow them to be creative and innovative and hopefully, this will result in many more hubs showcasing Guyana’s gold jewellery being established in other parts of the world.

APNU+AFC opted to commit...

“It has nothing to do with the law being deficient, or there being any gaps or weaknesses in the law. It is that the law was not complied with. The law is there, and the law remains there. But if you don’t obey the law, if you don’t follow the law, you can’t fault the laws,” the AG said.

The report found that from March to August 2020, the APNU+AFC government did not allocate a specific amount to meet COVID-19 expenditures. The Ministry of Public Health and the CDC met such expenditures from monthly releas-

es under the line items.

As stated, the two entities spent over $1 billion to acquire COVID-19 supplies. In addition to the amount expended, both agencies received a significant amount of donations or gifts from local and international organisations.

Meanwhile, the CDC received cash donations totalling $45 million for the period. Suppliers delivered close to $400 million worth of goods a month late. In one instance, the ministry did not deduct penalty fees of close to $5 million.

Recently, the AG’s chambers managed to secure a judgement against

Trinidadian company, Davis Ecolife Limited to repay the $6,159,325 deposit it received from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) in 2019 for the supply of two prefabricated enclosures to house ICT hubs.

The said agreementmade under the coalition government- had a completion date of January 25, 2019. However, Davis Ecolife Ltd. failed and/ or neglected to perform the contract in accordance with the agreed date.

The AG’s chambers had commenced legal proceedings against several companies to recover monies that were paid

out in contracts under the APNU+AFC Government, where goods or services were not delivered.

One of the cases currently before the court is against NevPro Realization Limited of Jamaica, and Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, over a breach of contract that was entered into almost seven years ago.

The matter at reference has to do with the non-delivery of three mobile motion scales bought by the APNU+AFC government for a whopping $72.264 million back in December 2016.

In the Statement of

Claim, the AG has also named former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Balraj Balram, and the ministry’s former Head of the Special Projects Unit, Lawrence Mentis as respondents.

On behalf of the state, Nandlall is seeking $50 million in general damages from the Jamaican company for loss and damage suffered as a result of the breach of the contract, dated December 6, 2016, for the supply and delivery of three scales.

He is also claiming for liquidated damages in the sum of $7.245 million calculated at 10 per cent

of the contract price for breach of contract by the said company.

Alternatively, the AG is also seeking an Order of Restitution against the company for all monies received as full payment under the contract which was breached.

Last year, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) was sworn in.

The PPC is responsible for the oversight of the public procurement of all goods and services, along with the monitoring of all infrastructural works to ensure that they conform to the relevant laws and guidelines.

The Caribbean’s role in the transformation of agri-food systems

By Mario Lubetkin, Assistant DirectorGeneral and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean.

THE global food security crisis reveals an increase in the undernourishment prevalence, reaching higher than in 2015, when countries first agreed to eradicate hunger by 2030 as one of the SDG targets.

In the Caribbean, between 2014 and 2021, hunger increased by 2.3 percentage points, affecting 16.4 per cent of its population by 2021. Moreover, the Caribbean is a net importer of almost all the main food groups such as cereals, dairy products, fruits and vegetables (except the Dominican Republic), meat and vegetable oils. This region is highly vulnerable to extreme events, climate variability and climate change. Increasingly extreme weather events, shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, recurrent drought, and floods, among others, pose an unprecedented threat that can cause substantial socio-economic and environmental loss and damage.

The recent FortyFourth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), chaired by the Bahamas, highlighted some of the main challenges affecting food production in the region. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has strengthened

a special focus to implement joint strategies to support the Caribbean countries’ priorities and discuss new ways for the Caribbean to transform agri-food systems.

For the first time, FAO was invited to address this important discussion during the 17th Special Session of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR). FAO recognised CARICOM’s great efforts to implement the agrifood systems strategy in member states to help achieve the reduction of the Caribbean´s large food imports bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

The Organization is supporting the development of priority value chains to contribute to reducing the region’s food import bill. It is doing so by working with governments and key stakeholders in designing and upgrading strategies, as well as good practices and opportunities for attracting investment to help boost intra-regional trade.

In this frame, the Heads of Government of CARICOM have also supported the project proposal “Building Food Security through Innovation, Resilience, Sustainability and Em-

commitment to guarantee food security, supporting agricultural and rural development.

This high commitment of the main government structures of the region will contribute to an effective preparation for the next FAO Regional Conference in Georgetown, Guyana, which will take place in March 2024, disclosing

the importance of an effective engagement of the Caribbean in the decision-making process to transform the agrifood systems.

The successful transformation of the agri-food systems in the region will require ownership, political commitment, and action plans. It is necessary to coordinate a

joint effort to reinforce technical assistance in the field and more investment and partnerships to support food security, climate change fight, sustainable production, and international fair commerce to protect livelihoods and smallscale producers and guarantee our food security.

powerment” presented by Guyana; and FAO is working closely with the Member States to promote a climate finance mobilization strategy to fund innovative initiatives such as novel animal feed, optimizing greenhouses, soil, and land mapping.

FAO supports governments and communities in building capacities to comprehensively manage multi-hazard risks to enhance the resilience of livelihoods and value chains.

It is crucial to increase and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investments across the agri-food system. In this regard, FAO, together with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, agreed to pursue collaboration to enhance intra-regional trade and private sector investment in the Caribbean to trigger agriculture sector growth.

On the other hand, the last Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), whose current protempore presidency is held by St. Vincent and Grenadines, concluded with a declaration from 33 member states, which emphasizes a regional

Preservation of democracy essential to business development

A STABLE political environment coupled with the protection of property rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law, and a skilled workforce are all essential elements of an environment that is conducive for businesses.

This is according to the Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, who reflected on March, 2020, and the notorious events that followed, resulting in a five-monthlong process in one of the most blatant attacks on democracy.

During those five months, Khan, an elections observer under the

Private Sector Commission and a part of the recount process, said he witnessed the glaring attempts by the then APNU+AFC coalition government to snatch the elections and deny the will of the Guyanese people.

It was not until August 2020 that the true results of the elections were released and Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the ninth Executive President of Guyana.

Although he inherited a country with a tainted image, Dr. Ali was able to quickly repair the nation’s reputation on the international stage and rebuild confidence in Guyana,

- Region Three Private Sector Inc. Head says, calls for ‘democracy monument’ to mark the successes in rebuilding a democratic society

Further, he related that in a democratic country, property rights are protected by the law, which encourages individuals and businesses to invest in the country.

“This provides an incentive for entrepreneurs to start businesses, knowing that their investments will be protected by the law,” Khan said.

which is now one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and a key investment and tourist destination.

Khan, in an exclusive

interview with this publication, said because of democracy, development can be seen throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

“A democratic government provides a stable political environment that encourages investment and economic growth. Investors are more likely to invest in a country with a stable political environment because it reduces the risk of sudden policy changes and instability,” the R3PSInc head said.

He continued: “Democracy ensures that individuals and businesses have the freedom to express their opinions without fear of retaliation. This allows for open and constructive dialogue about business policies and practices, which can lead to innovation and improved business practices while democracy also ensures that the rule of law is upheld, which provides businesses with a predictable and transparent legal system. This allows businesses to operate with confidence, knowing that the legal system will protect their

interests and enforce contracts.”

Additionally, he said democracy also encourages investment in education and training, which creates a skilled workforce.

“A skilled workforce is essential for businesses to compete in a global market and to innovate and improve their products and services,” Khan related.

He said there must never again be a period in this country when a political party/coalition tries to subvert the democratic process, and the government must ensure all the necessary laws are in place to ensure it never reoccurs.

Praising the assistance of the regional and international community, Khan called for a democratic monument to be built to ensure the past is never forgotten, and the future generation also understands Guyana’s crossroads.

R3PSInc Head, Halim Khan

$86M Den Amstel road works to be completed in two months

- Minister Indar

WORKS have commenced on internal concrete roads in Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

According to a post on President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s official Facebook page, the works valued at $86 million, are being executed by residents of the community.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, during a telephone interview, told Guyana Chronicle that the works are expected to be completed in two months.

In November last, President Ali had visited the community to engage residents and ascertain the issues affecting them.

During that visit, Minister Indar had said that some $86 million would be allocated for the construction of concrete roads along the southern section of Den Amstel.

The residents, in 2022, were also updated on the government’s agenda which includes plans to improve the infrastructure in Den Amstel.

President Ali, fol -

lowing concerns highlighted by residents, noted that a $10 million contract had been awarded for the rehabilitation of the community ground.

“We’ll be doing back the ground, the pavilion, and put in a basketball court. Some work will be done on the bridge,” President Ali said.

President Ali, as part of his “One Guyana” vision, continues to visit communities across Guyana, meeting with residents and addressing their concerns.

Road works ongoing by residents of Den Amstel. (Photos courtesy of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s official Facebook page)

APNU+AFC left gov’t with lawsuits, unpaid settlements

- AG says

ATTORNEY General Anil Nandlall, S.C., has called out the APNU+AFC for failing to compensate the families of those who perished in the horrific accident at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) in 2019.

The accident involved an escort car that was part of former President David Granger’s security entourage and a private car transporting several persons.

AG Nandlall addressed the matter on Tuesday during his weekly Facebook

programme, Issues in the News. He used the opportunity to update the public about several legal issues.

On October 15, 2019, five persons – policeman Ronnel Barker; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Leon Tucker; Lovern Stoby, a special constable attached to the Guyana Police Force; and Herbert Josiah and his wife Denise Josiah were killed in the accident while two persons survived.

Barker was the driver of the police vehicle at the time of the accident, while Tucker was driving the private car and was in the company of his aunt, Stoby and the Josiahs.

Surveillance footage captured motorcar PPP 515 moving at a moderate pace when a police vehicle slammed head-on into it.

The police vehicle spun several times before coming to a halt in a nearby drain.

Hours after the accident, Granger had ordered that an inquiry be held to determine the circumstances of the accident.

The board of inquiry report, which was compiled by former Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Williams with support from then Senior Superintendents Calvin Brutus and Linden Isles, addressed the use of sirens by police and other emergency vehicles.

The inquiry also confirmed that speeding by the police was a major contributing factor to the accident.

With no satisfaction, the victims’ families have filed multi-million dollar lawsuits against the State.

“You know, they left those matters unattended. They never attempted to even compensate those persons. [Now] This government is burdened with settling those matters.

“The compensation that the people are asking for, running into millions, they left those people to die on the road and never met with the family, never offered them even their sympathies more so compensation,” the AG said.

He said that the current government is left to shoulder the responsibility of defending lawsuits filed against the State and is now

forced to settle the matters because there is no evidence due to the timelapse.

“This is the type of lawlessness that permeated the country…. And now this government has to use taxpayer dollars to settle all his outstanding cases,” he said.

The AG said, what is even more surprising is that the APNU+AFC lawyers are representing the claimants in the lawsuits.

Similarly, in 2021, a 56-year-old Jamaican woman was awarded a $3.1 million judgement against the state after being unlawfully detained and kept in inhumane conditions at the East La Penitence Police Station in 2018.

Sandra Russell’s attorney, Darren Wade, in 2019, had filed a lawsuit in the High Court against the Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police and the Chief Immigration Officer for wrongful imprisonment and inhumane suffering.

Wade had contended that Russell was falsely imprisoned by the police and immigration authorities, and that whilst in custody, she had no proper bedding, the food she was given was inadequate, the lock-ups had inadequate space and lighting, and ventilation was poor.

In 2018, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court had sentenced Russell to eight months in prison after she pleaded guilty to a drug-trafficking charge. She was also fined $135,000.

The case against her was that on June 25, 2018, at Omai Landing, she had 70 grams of marijuana in her possession.

She was released early from the New Amsterdam Prison after her sentence was reduced by half.

On November 10, 2018, she was released and placed in the custody of a female immigration officer after being informed that preparations were being made for her deportation back to Jamaica.

However, she was taken to the East La Penitence Station and kept in custody for eight months. Finally, on July 7, 2019, Russell was released on $10,000 bail.

From left: Herbert and Denise Josiah, Ronnel Barker, Leon Tucker and Lovern Stoby

Man dies in West Bank Demerara accident

A MAN is now dead after the white Toyota Axio vehicle, PAB 1939, he was driving collided with culvert then flipped over into a trench at Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

of speed, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a culvert on the western side of the road.

As a result of the collision, the motor car toppled and ended up in a trench

examined by a doctor and pronounced dead on arrival. Mahaice’s body is at Eziekel Funeral Parlor awaiting a post-mortem examination.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Mahaice’ father, Asif Mahaice, said that he had last seen his son the night before when he came home.

Asif related that he had left early in the morning to pick up items for the family’s chicken business, and it was when he returned home that he got the news of his son’s demise.

“I went right home here when I get the news. My neighbour call me and tell me that Romesh run in some trench with the car. Is come home me come home with me chicken in me canter, and me and me wife ah talk and cleaning and the neighbour said Romesh get in accident,” Asif shared.

“It’s real sad to see… he’s so strong, he’s not a sickly person, healthy and strong and to get a news that he dead that’s not easy,” Romesh’s father said.

Dead is 38-year-old Samlall “Romesh” Mahaice of Lot 23 Stanleytown, WBD. The man died just a short distance away from his home.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that Mahaice was headed home at the time of the accident.

According to a police report, the motor car was proceeding north along the western side of the road, reportedly at a fast rate

on the western side of the road.

The vehicle was later pulled out of the trench by public-spirited citizens with the assistance of a motor lorry.

Mahaice was taken out of the vehicle in an unconscious state with visible injuries to his head and body.

He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was

Samlall ‘Romesh’ Mahaice with his mother Pam

The car being fished out of the trench

The vehicle after the accident

Aishalton residents now accessing free internet

STUDENTS and educators in Aishalton, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine, now have access to internet connection after officers from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) facilitated the deployment of cost-free, high-speed internet service to the village.

connect to the network.

“We were paying for a service that didn’t meet the needs of the village,” Thomas told the Department of Public Information (DPI) in an invited comment.

He explained that recently, teachers and educators who are part of the Guyana Online Academy of Learn -

Guyana’s open-market system prone to fluctuations based on demand, supply

tor the usage of the internet, and priority will be given to persons who require the internet for education purposes— submitting assignments and so forth. So, this will be a big move for Aishalton in terms of attaining internet access,” Thomas said.

The village’s proposed Information and Communica-

- BoG clarifies, says GCCI has mistaken impression of Central Bank’s role regarding currency availability

Aishalton received internet access for the first time

The equipment was installed at the Aishalton Village Office on Thursday morning. Village Toshao, Michael Thomas expressed profound gratitude for the service, noting that it was the first time the village was receiving Wi-Fi service. While the village had previously received data service from Digicel as part of a Ministry of Education plan, difficulties arose when more than 15 persons attempted to

ing (GOAL) and Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) were unable to connect to the internet.

Some of those persons were forced to travel to Lethem for a reliable and stable internet connection to attend their classes, submit assignments and write their examinations.

Others who could not travel were forced to drop out.

“So, with this new system, the village council will moni-

tions Technology (ICT) hub will be located at the village office.

Thomas said the village had considered attaining internet connection previously, but it proved to be costly.

“So now that NDMA has provided this service, it’s going to benefit us greatly. I would like to give a big thank you to them, and the Government of Guyana for providing this service,” he expressed. (DPI)

THE Bank of Guyana (BoG) has clarified that the law stipulates that the Guyana Dollar is a freely floating currency, traded in a market in which prices are determined by prevailing market conditions, that is to say demand and supply.

Responding to a press release from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the matter of availability of foreign currency, the Central Bank said: “The GCCI appears to be of the mistaken impression that the BoG exists to ensure that foreign currency is available to their

membership at the times that they demand and at prices that they demand.”

The BoG went on to state: “This is simply not how an open market economy operates, and is simply not how foreign currency availability and pricing are determined where floating currencies are concerned.”

In clarifying its mandate, the Central Bank said it is an independent institution with a clear mandate defined by law and in keeping with international norms and standards for central banking. Its objectives include fostering domestic price stability through the promotion of

stable credit and exchange conditions.

“The GCCI’s energies would be better spent engaging either the banks or the bankers association, who are also members of the private sector, with a view to better understanding the factors that influence the availability and pricing of foreign currency in the domestic market,” the Central Bank said, adding: “The BoG remains committed to discharging its mandate and to engaging with the private sector on matters of concern to them in a mutually respectful manner.”

1,200 tonnes of soya bean to be harvested soon

IN keeping with efforts to reduce Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, some 1,200 tonnes of soya beans will soon be harvested.

Agriculture Minister,

climate-smart agriculture to achieve this goal.

“ We are seeing new crops that we have started this year. That shows our commitment to diversification in the sector. We are seeing a revolution, a change

Further, the minister related that production will continuously increase to cover at least 25,000 acres.

Over $1.2 billion was allocated in this year’s budget for infrastructural development in Tacama, where soya

of road, with the remaining seven kilometres to be completed this year.

In a previous interview with this newspaper, Mustapha explained that if the government is able to further expand production within the next three years, the country will not only become a sup-

plier to the regional market, but will also be self-sufficient in producing its own feed for livestock.

The construction of the first storage and drying facility for corn and soya bean is expected to be completed within the first quarter of this year.

Some $150 million will be invested in the construction of a wharf at the Tacama foreshore, to provide critical access to the area under cultivation. Moco Moco in the North Rupununi is also earmarked for the production of corn and soya bean.

Zuflikar Mustapha, during a meeting with farmers on Wednesday, said the government will continue to invest in the cultivation of new crops and varieties, value-added production, and

in the agriculture sector, not only rice and sugar have been dominating our country’s agriculture sector. But we are seeing growth in all of the other sectors,” Mustapha said.

is being widely grown. Guyana imports close to US$30 million in feed materials annually.

Access to the area was improved in 2022 with the construction of 40 kilometres

Corn and Soya bean farming in the Tacama area

Cricket Carnival 2022 ‘tip of the iceberg’ of Guyana’s tourism potential

THE massive success recorded, after Guyana hosted the 2022 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) semifinals and finals in an explosive cultural fest, is just a taste of all that Guyana has to offer as a tourism destination.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, made the statement during an interview on the sidelines of a recent event.

This came just days after Hero CPL announced the major economic impact the first-ever Cricket Carnival, a brainchild of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, had on Guyana; with the finals dubbed the league’s most successful one yet.

The total economic impact for Guyana in 2022 was US$84,425,587, which represents a 186 per cent increase on the figure from the last time the country hosted Hero CPL matches in 2019.

Businesses across the country benefitted from the significant improvement in inbound tourism during September last year, as people travelled to be part of the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’.

The ripple economic benefits of the event’s success were not only limited to sponsors and facilitators, but a number of businesses, restaurants, and hotels.

“It was our first time hosting CPL semi-finals and finals. And I think a lot was expected. There was a lot of responsibility, and a lot of pressure… There is a lot of background work that goes into that, and a lot of very late nights just to get everything in order. And that’s why it’s so important that people get to appreciate the kind of effort that we put towards seeing Guyana’s image really excel,” Minister Ramson said.

He highlighted the amount of effort put into improving the field at the Guyana National Stadium among other facilities.

The minister also said that while hosting CPL finals has always been an aspiration for Guyana, it is not an easy task, as a lot of behind-the-scenes work is involved.

However, he joined Hero CPL in lauding President Ali for his visionary leadership, and his success in showcasing the enormous appetite that exists for an event like Cricket Carnival, that encapsulates days of festivities that persons are willing to travel to enjoy.

“We have a lot of built-in idiosyncrasies and successes here, from a social standpoint that many countries have constant challenges with. Other than during the election period, we are probably the most united and hospitable people in the world, and there are many times when foreigners come, and they tell me this is the most hospitable environment, or the most hospitable country they have ever come to.

“But that’s just one thing. We also have a number of products—tourism products, that a lot of the world has only ever read about in magazines. We were able to double the number of persons who came to our country [in 2022], compared to our highest year. Now, we just need a portion of those to explore our ecotourism products,” Minister Ramson expressed.

He explained the trickledown effect tourism has on the country—impacting not only large businesses, but taxi drivers, small-scale realtors, hair salons and vendors— noting that this was exactly what the government would like its citizens to benefit from.

While he skillfully avoided giving any spoilers for the

upcomi ng Cricket Carnival this year, he did note that it was going to be an equally—if not more—impressive experience for everyone involved.

“What I can tell people is, it’s going to be bigger than ever, it’s going to continue to grow and snowball—and I’d like to use Mashramani as an example. Despite the rain, we had people coming out in their tens of thousands, saying ‘we have a great product here, we are here to enjoy ourselves’, and that is what we want to offer to the world, a safe place for people to come and have a great time,” he said.

A statement issued by the CPL just over a week ago detailed that CPL’s direct spending during Cricket Carnival increased significantly, with one metric showing a total of 25,783 hotel rooms filled across the tournament.

This reflects a 236 per cent increase in the figure from 2019. The total viewership for the 2022 Hero CPL also smashed all records as it increased to 721.8 million.

This is the third successive year that the tournament has generated a viewership figure of over half a billion.

“The reception for the Hero CPL in Guyana last year exceeded anything we have seen before, and we are hugely grateful for the vision of His Excellency Irfaan Ali, who masterminded the Cricket Carnival concept and showed how cricket can deliver significant economic value when planned alongside other entertainment initiatives. We are so grateful for the amazing support we continue to receive in Guyana and are thankful that we have been able to repay the country with these fantastic numbers. We can’t wait to make an

even bigger impact in 2023,” Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer, Pete Russell, said.

Last March, at the official launch of the Hero CPL

tournament, it was announced that Guyana will be hosting the league’s final games for three years.

This longstanding agree-

ment creates the opportunity for the Cricket Carnival to continue making its much-welcomed appearance until 2024. (DPI)

The Cricket Carnival saw a unique burst of culture being put on display for local and international tourists

FAO’s data portal shows Latin America, Caribbean have highest cost of a healthy diet

THE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has made public country-by-country indicators on healthy diets that show their cost - including by food group - and the number of individuals unable to afford them.

The data serves as a reminder that even if the world has made progress towards providing enough calories to feed the global population, there remains a long road ahead to sustainably nourishing all people, everywhere.

Recently, FAO did an extensive analysis of how many people can in fact afford a healthy diet, one that offers a diversity of nutrient-rich food, aligned with dietary guidance. The result was sobering: Billions of people in the world cannot afford a healthy diet.

Now the indicators developed by FAO with critical inputs from researchers at Tufts University and the World Bank show, for example, that Latin America and the Caribbean has the highest cost of a healthy diet compared to other regions, at $3.89 per person per day in 2020, followed by Asia ($3.72), Africa ($3.46),

Northern America and Europe ($3.19) and Oceania ($3.07).

Between 2019 and 2020, Asia witnessed the highest surge in the cost of a healthy diet (4.0 per cent), followed by Oceania (3.6 per cent), Latin America and the Carib-

driven by Asia, where 78 million more people were unable to afford this diet, followed by Africa (25 million more people), and to a lesser extent by Latin America and the Caribbean and Northern America and Europe (eight

than one per cent. AVAILABLE FOR ALL

The set of indicators has now been made available for all to view and download on FAO’s easy-to-use data hub.

FAOSTAT is the world’s largest data platform for food and agriculture with around 20,000 indicators covering more than 245 countries and territories.

The computing, monitoring and reporting of the global, regional and country level indicators on the cost and affordability of a healthy diet (CoAHD) is now institutionalised and will be regularly updated by FAO. This provides a powerful new benchmark for tracking global progress towards making healthy diets affordable to all.

bean (3.4 per cent), Northern America and Europe (3.2 per cent) and Africa (2.5 per cent).

Almost 3.1 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2020 – an increase of 112 million more people than in 2019, reflecting the higher costs of a healthy diet in 2020. This was mainly

and one million more people, respectively).

In 12 countries, all of them in Africa, more than 90 per cent of the population cannot regularly afford a healthy diet. The same is true of more than half the population in 53 countries for which data is available. In 26 countries that figure is less

These indicators rely on an integrated suite of data, computed based on variables including the retail prices of locally available foods and food-based dietary guidelines, country household income distribution patterns and the formulas required to establish purchasing power parities.

“Putting an end to hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms (including

undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity) is about more than securing enough food to survive: What people eat must also be nutritious,” said David Laborde, Director of FAO’s Agrifood Economics Division. “Yet a key obstacle is the high cost of nutritious foods and the low affordability of healthy diets for vast numbers of people around the world.”

“Tracking the cost and affordability of healthy diets is a step-change towards recognizing the need to nourish and not just feed the world,” said FAO’s Director of Food and Nutrition, Lynnette Neufeld. “This new methodology also provides us with the starting point to generate locally relevant evidence to guide policy and programmes to make healthy diets affordable for all people, at all times.”

This CoAHD initiative by FAO is part of a larger set of activities that will contribute to achieve one of four of FAO’s objectives within its 2022-31 Strategic Framework – Better Nutrition.

“Measuring and systematically monitoring the cost and affordability of healthy

diets and making progress towards ensuring the affordability of healthy diets is of upmost importance and urgently needed. FAO has stepped up and taken on this task,” said José Rosero Moncayo, Director FAO Statistics Division.

HOW IT WORKS

FAO computes eight indicators on cost and on affordability.

A healthy diet provides not only adequate calories but also the right types of nutrient-rich foods from a variety of food groups as recommended by food-based dietary guidelines. The reference diet is estimated based on a “representative” adult consuming 2 330 kilocalories per day – an approach commonly used for food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs). The lowest cost locally available foods, at recommended portion sizes from six food groups (staple foods, vegetables, fruits, animal source foods, legumes nuts and seeds, and oils and fats) make up the reference healthy diet.

The consumer prices of these foods are obtained from the World Bank Internation-

TURN TO PAGE 19

FAO’s data portal...

FROM PAGE 18

al Comparison Programme (ICP) and are updated using national consumer food price indices. For international comparisons, prices are converted into international dollars using purchasing parity (PPP) exchange rates, and national income distributions. The affordability threshold is defined as 52 per cent of the average household expenditures.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

The availability of these

indicators at the global, regional and country level now sets the stage for increased accountability, using timely data on retail prices of nutritious food items in all countries of the world. Future work will accelerate price data updates.

This initiative is part of the broader commitment that FAO has to generate evidence to advise countries on their food and nutrition policies.

The FAO encouraged its members and all stakehold-

ers to expand the computing and reporting of these indicators to the subnational level, thereby contributing to the pursuit of more tailored policies and programmes to have greater impact on the ground. FAO and the Government of Pakistan are already working on such an approach.

The next report on The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World will be launched in July 2023. (FAO)

U.S filmmaker and children’s media writer to host GAN’s second writers’ workshop

PERSONS attending the second animation writing workshop which is being hosted by the Guyana Animation Network (GAN) Inc. and its affiliate, GAN Studios, later this month, will experience a packed two-day masterclass with Emmy-nominated Children’s Media Writer of Netflix’s Karma’s World, Darnell Lamont Walker.

This year, attendees are also being promised three days of application and storytelling preparation for showcase.

“The workshop intends to continue the GAN trend of high quality content and opportunities to engage with world class trainers and fellow creatives from March 27-31, 2023, from 5:30 PM,” GAN has announced.

This workshop aims to create present and future generations of screen and script writers who can recreate Guyanese and Caribbean stories for animated film and the big screen. The first engagement was successfully hosted in 2022.

Walker, a U.S filmmaker and children’s media writer, has reportedly expressed his interest in hosting the workshop for GAN as one way of allowing himself to support communities and cultures that do not see themselves on the current screen offerings.

Darnell is the writer behind popular children’s animated shows such as, “Blues Clues and You”, Netflix’s “Karma’s World”, “Work It Out Wombats” and “Rubble and Crew” to name a few.

Walker has noted that through his talent, imaginative and playful spirits, he advocates strongly for the importance of representation in animation by creating content for children who rarely get to see

themselves on screen.

GAN aims to utilise this 2023 writing workshop to continue its work in training, “developing and empowering a generation of talented writers” who can create global content through animation shaped by their experiences, culture and upbringing as Guyanese and Caribbean people.

With the help of Darnell, and GAN’s team of executives and volunteers, attendees will be exposed to award-winning techniques, tools, direction and examples for crafting scripts that can be used to produce animated content.

“This workshop provides a great way for Guyana to tell its own stories for the big screen. As someone who has always been passionate about seeing a Guyanese hero or protagonist showcased in animated film or shows similar to Cinderella, Mulan or Penny in Disney’s proud family, this workshop brings us two steps closer to making

this dream a reality,” Jubilante Cutting, CEO and Founder of GAN, said in a press statement.

She acknowledged that this is GAN’s second training focused on helping writers to bridge the gap between their own cultural experiences and what they can create for the screen (animation).

As GAN prepares to roll out “a series of animation pipeline training”, its executives acknowledge that writing is just one and arguably the first ingredient in the animation production pipeline.

“Before experiencing a good story, show, film or episode on TV, it all begins with what is written in the script. Characters are born and emerge from a good script that consumers and audiences come to enjoy,” GAN said.

Persons interested in registering can visit bit. ly/gan2023workshops or GAN’s social media pages.

Emmy-nominated Children’s Media Writer, Darnell Lamont Walker (Photo courtesy of GAN)

Darnell Lamont Walker at the U.S Children’s and Family Emmys (Photo courtesy of Walker’s Facebook profile)

Jubilante Cutting (centre) with two participants at the launch of GAN’s Comic Con-themed activity in 2019 (Photo courtesy of GAN)

‘Entertainer Shabda’ working to bring more international recognition to Guyanese music

By Dillon Goring

US-BASED Guyanese, Quinsie Roberts, also known as “Entertainer Shabda”, is doing all that he can to promote Guyanese music internationally and give our musicians the opportunity to have successful careers.

He has acknowledged the vast musical talent that exists in Guyana, noting that many of these talented Guyanese have been recording music overseas for a number of years.

Buzz recently spoke to Roberts, who grew up on the West Bank of Demerara, and is a former student of the Patentia Secondary School.

He began his music career at a very tender age and while he has ventured into other areas over the years, music is where his heart is.

“We used to have a little crew…a DJ boy, we used to be around him. We would get a mic and sing, and then it grew from there. We started doing promotions and invite our friends from Georgetown

whenever we have shows and so forth, and as we grew older, we still kept doing it“, Roberts recalled as he remembered his childhood days.

He was last in Guyana three years ago and is currently making plans to return to his homeland in August.

Roberts said that while he has a great passion for music, he wants to see everyone getting a fair share of the pie. In this regard, he believes that it is important that Guyanese artistes get international exposure.

“My thing is creating a balance and exposing them in a foreign land, somewhere where they will be happy to be exposed”, Roberts said.

He is optimistic that Guyanese music is going somewhere as, according to him, local artistes have gained a good amount of international recognition already.

“The music is just where it is supposed to be. Why I say that is because it is matching up with every other genre of music across the world... We have songs that

sound good and they don’t even know it is Guyanese. This is why it is going places”, Roberts noted during the interview.

Based on his observations, he has concluded that Guyana’s musical landscape has not been fully utilised. He believes that that it is now time for the private sector and the government of the day to step in to not only fix this, but to help promote Guyanese music at home and abroad.

He has been doing what he can to help musicians in Guyana to improve themselves.

According to him, he has been providing financial assistance to studios in Guyana so that artistes can record their music in a proper setting and in a facility that meets international standards.

He added that unity is critical to the advancement of Guyanese music.

“In order for us to move forward, we must be patriotic and united,” Roberts added.

‘DJ Golden Chyld’ brightens your day with ‘Bollywood beats’

CRUISING through the early morning traffic is made much easier for those who love good Indian music, thanks to Tameshwar Narain, well known as ‘DJ Golden Chyld’, who diligently comes on air every morning from 06:00 to 09:00 hours to keep your company.

His sizzling radio show, Bollywood Beats, erases tension and ensures music lovers get the right start to their day.

With 18 years under his belt in the music industry, DJ Golden Chyld ‘knows his thing’ when it comes

to selecting all of the right music which are absolutely enjoyable and fun-filled. He sometimes takes a break from entertaining his listeners to offer some good words of advice on various subjects.

Born and raised at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, he would host his programme on NCN Vibes 100.1 fm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 07:00 to 10:00 hours. He would also take listeners through Music Maza on 89.1 fm from 12:30 to 15:00 hours, Monday to Friday.

Ever since he was a child,

Entertainer Shabda

Tameshwar Narain, well known as ‘DJ Golden Chyld’

Samuel Medas to headline gospel concert in St. Lucia

AMIDST the trials and challenges that the world presents, it’s always heartening to witness events that uplift and motivate individuals.

“The Uprising” is one such occasion that seeks to make a positive impact and

instill a prevailing mindset and attitude among both young and old alike.

On March 4, at the National Cultural Centre, the event features Samuel Medas, a multi-award-winning Gospel artist and influential figure from Guyana. With his

remarkable influence, it’s no surprise that he received 14 nominations at a single award ceremony in the Bahamas in 2022. Samuel’s biggest hits, including “Royalty,” “Ready,” and “Can’t be the only one,” have inspired many to lead a purposeful

and faith-filled life.

Accompanying Samuel is Emrand Henry, a St. Lucian powerhouse and Gospel music ambassador known as the “Fyah Man.” Emrand continues to spread his ministry across regional and international platforms, winning numerous awards in Antigua, including “Regional Artist of the Decade.” Emrand’s biggest hit, “Shift the Atmosphere,” inspires listeners to pursue a deeper relationship with God.

Cleopatra Jules, a dynamic Gospel artist, worship leader, singer, and songwriter

from St. Lucia, is also part of the event. Her releases, including “Elevation” and “Grateful,” encourage listeners to raise their voices and hearts in praise and thanksgiving.

Other passionate and influential artists who have taken up the mantle are AJ, The Castries SDA Praise Team, Dwayne Brown, Schreffler, and Tabitha Prospere. Together, they promise an electrifying night of power and inspiration.

The organisers of “The Uprising” invite everyone to attend and experience the

blessing. The doors open at 5 pm and the event starts at 6 pm.

In a world where negativity seems to be the norm, events like “The Uprising” are a refreshing change. They allow people to come together, lift their hearts and voices in worship and praise, and be motivated to lead a purposeful and faithfilled life. Save the date and join Samuel Medas, Emrand Henry, Cleopatra Jules, and other passionate artists at “The Uprising.” (Loop News)

‘DJ Golden Chyld’ brightens...

From page 21

he loved music but he didn’t expect that he’d someday become a DJ, especially since he was pursuing science-related studies and wanted to become a mechanical engineer. The more he delved into music, though, was the more he realised his love for it. He started the ball rolling with a song called ‘Magnum’ before releasing others. He later became an events promoter.

Now, he’s not only a DJ and events promoter, but he has his radio shows and also acts as MC at major entertainment events.

“I can play different genres of music; I am versatile in any field. I can work on any show, and play any

type of music,” he shared in an interview with Buzz this week.

“I enjoy my work a lot, especially being on the radio. I feel real good doing that because I love to make people happy; people love a good entertainer and good entertainment…I feel good to know that if someone is having a bad day, they can turn on the radio and hear DJ Golden Chyld playing some good music or giving them some good advice,” he continued.

DJ Golden Chyld said he is always open to trying new things.

“I always want to learn. Even though I am 18 years in the business, I am always

DJ Golden Chyld uses music to put his listeners in a happy mood

happy to learn something new; to learn a new DJ technique or something new or technical about the music industry.”

Award-winning gospel singer, Samuel Medas (Guyana Chronicle file photo)

Grenada’s Jeverson earns golden ticket on American Idol

“The Spice Isle has a lot of talent and the world needs to know.”

Another person wrote: “Congratulations on making it through. Continue to Rep 473”

Fellow entertainers are also showing Jeverson love.

Soca star V’ghn com -

mented: “Just the beginning of your Great journey bro! You’re a star make yourself and your loved ones proud. God is great”

Grenadian-American actress and media personality, Amanda Seales, described Jeverson as “incredible” adding “I don’t find anybody on

American Idol can even come close”.

She continued: “I have seen this man keep an entire party going for hours…his voice never gets tired. He keeps singing and singing and singing and it gets better and better. We have to wish Jeverson the best of luck at

American Idol. I just hope they don’t miss an opportunity to elevate this individual to the level of star he already is.”

Win, lose or draw, Seales said now is Jeverson’s time to take the world by storm. (Loop News)

GRENADIAN fans of hit US talent show, American Idol, will have an extra special reason to tune in this season, as one of their own is in the competition.

Jeverson Ramirez performed Otis Redding’s soul hit “Try A Little Tenderness” on night two of the auditions last Sunday, which saw international acts from countries such as South Africa and Peru compete for a golden ticket to the next stage of the competition in Hollywood, California.

Jeverson is the first Grenadian to compete on American Idol.

For those who may be new to the 28-year-old, he has a repertoire of music that includes songs which are a mixture of soul, funk and pop.

His songs such as “Pray For Your Son” and “Something in the Water” have received thousands of hits on streaming platforms.

Meanwhile, there has been a large outpouring of support for Jeverson from Grenadians following his appearance on the talent show.

Jeverson auditioned last year and received a golden ticket for the second round of auditions in Hollywood, California.

The 28-year-old funk, soul and pop artiste is the first Grenadian to appear on the show in its 21-year history.

Following the airing of his performance, Grenadians took to social media to express their joy and to offer words of encouragement.

“You’ve made Grenada so proud,” one person wrote.

Jeverson Ramirez (Photo via @ jeversonofficial on Instagram)

CENTURION, South Africa, (CMC) – A memorable day for Kemar Roach, Joshua Da Silva, and Jermaine Blackwood turned bleak when West Indies failed to overcome another supine batting display and destructive pace bowling from Kagiso Rabada, and crashed to an 87-run defeat against

SCOREBOARD

SOUTH AFRICA 1st Innings 342

West Indies 1st Innings 212

South Africa2nd Innings (overnight 49-4)

“As a batting unit, only batting just over 100 overs (collectively) in both innings, I think that was where we missed out,” Brathwaite said in a post-play TV interview.

“I think the first innings especially, we were obviously going good, and we should have batted at least 90 overs in the

A. Markram c wk Da Silva b Roach 47

D. Elgar c Reifer b Joseph 1

T. de Zorzi c wk Da Silva b Roach 0

*T. Bavuma c wk Da Silva b Joseph 0

K. Petersen lbw b Holder 7

+H. Klaasen c wk Da Silva b Holder 5

S. Muthasamy c wk Da Silva b Gabriel 4

M. Jansen b Roach 6

K. Rabada not out 10

G. Coetzee c wk Da Silva b Roach 20

A. Nortje c wk Da Silva b Roach

Extras (b4, lb2, nb6) 12

TOTAL (all out, 28 overs) 116

Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-33, 3-34, 4-49, 5-57, 6-69, 7-76, 8-80, 9-109.

Bowling: Roach 10-0-47-5 (nb2); Joseph 8-0-30-2; Holder 7-2-7-2; Gabriel 3-0-26-1.

WEST INDIES 2nd Innings (target: 247)

*K. Brathwaite c wk Klaasen b Rabada 0

T. Chanderpaul c Nortje b Jansen

R. Reifer c wk Klaasen b Rabada

J. Blackwood c Markram b Rabada

R. Chase b Jansen

K. Mayers c Elgar b Coetzee

+J. Da Silva c Petersen b Rabada 17

J. Holder c wk Klaasen b Rabada 18

A. Joseph c Rabada b Nortje 4

K. Roach lbw b Rabada 12

S. Gabriel not out 1

Extras (b4, lb4, w1, nb1) 10

TOTAL (all out, 41 overs) 159

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-12, 3-20, 4-20, 5-33, 6-91, 7-128, 88-139, 9-157.

Bowling: Rabada 15-3-50-6 (nb1); Nortje 13-0-48-1 (w1); Jansen

7-2-33-2; Coetzee 6-1-20-1.

WTC points: South Africa 12, West Indies 0.

Player-of-the-Match: A Markram (South Africa).

South Africa in the first Test on Thursday. Roach ended with five for 47 from 10 overs, and wicketkeeper Da Silva held a record-equalling seven catches, and the Caribbean side dismissed the South Africans for 116 in their second innings about 15 minutes before lunch on the third day of the contest at SuperSport Park, thereby neeeding 247 to win.

Blackwood made the top score of 79, but he was the only West Indies batsman that batted with any purpose and to reach 20 before they collapsed to 159 all out about 50 minutes to the close in the face of an impressive spell of six for 50 in 15 overs from Rabada.

Coincidentally, the result was formalised when Roach was lbw to Rabada for 12, giving the Proteas a 1-0 lead in the twoTest series, which concludes with the second Test scheduled to start next Wednesday at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

On a pitch of variable bounce, where 16 wickets fell for the second day in a row, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite still bemoaned the application of the batsmen on his side to the task and appealed for greater awareness.

face one over before lunch, and Brathwaite was caught behind down the leg-side for a duck off the third ball of the chase from Rabada.

The match was genuinely over inside the first hour after the interval when West Indies slumped to 33 for five.

Left-hander Raymon Reifer batted resolutely in the first innings to hold things together with a half-century, but he drove loosely once too often, and edged Rabada to the keeper for eight in the sixth over after lunch.

Three overs later, beanpole left-arm pacer, Marco Jansen, invariably delivered the knockout punch off successive balls to leave the chase of the visitors woozy when he got Tagenarine Chanderpaul caught at mid-wicket from a miscued pull, and bowled Roston Chase for a duck next ball.

Left-hander Kyle Mayers appeared to try to curb his natural instincts and laboured over 15 balls before he was caught at first slip off debutant pacer Gerald Coetzee for the third duck in the top order.

The response to the crisis from Blackwood, whose 93-ball innings in a little over 2-1/2 hours included 12 fours and one six, was to play with typical aggression, and he put on 58 for the sixth wicket with Da Silva, ensuring West Indies were not going to be rolled over for any record low total.

first innings and that would have put us in a way better position.”

He added: “As batters, we have to improve. The bowlers got 20 wickets, but we (the batters) just have to come better in the next game… Between games, there’s not much we can do (technically), but we will have practice sessions, we will have some nets, and we will face some bowlers.

“But I just think that mentally, when you get in, you have got to find ways and know which ball you want to score off and which ball you want to leave.”

Brathwaite continued: “We would have seen some wide balls getting batsmen out. We just gotta be more precise. We just gotta be clear about which balls we are going to play and which balls we want to leave –it’s a mental thing.

“We can’t do anything different now. We can’t go practising and changing up technique. It’s all mental now. We got some starts in the first innings, but we did not get any hundreds, so I think it’s the fight and the will for the guys to carry those starts to big scores.”

The Caribbean side had a hint that it was going to be a struggle after they dismissed South Africa and were forced to

Blackwood brought up his 50 from 51 balls when he lofted pacer Anrich Nortje over mid-on for his eighth four, but the resistance from Da Silva ended in the next over when he was caught at third slip off Rabada, driving loosely, and the Caribbean side sunk to 93 for six at tea.

After the break, the outcome became inevitable when Jason Holder was caught behind off Rabada for 18 after he and Blackwood carried West Indies past 100 with a tidy stand of 37 for the seventh wicket.

Earlier, Roach ended with five wickets in an innings outside of the Caribbean for only the third time, and Da Silva joined a famous crowd on top of the list for most catches by a ’keeper in an innings before South Africa were bowled out after they resumed from their overnight total of 49 for four.

Da Silva’s work behind the stumps in the South African second innings put him alongside Wasim Bari of Pakistan, Bob Taylor of England, Ian Smith of New Zealand, and former West Indies gloveman Ridley Jacobs.

Holder ended with two for seven in a miserly seven-over spell, and fellow pacer Alzarri Joseph finished with two for 30 from eight overs, but opener Aiden Markram, a century-maker in the first innings, again led the way for the hosts with 47 and was the hosts’ only batsman to score more than 20.

WI slump to defeat after Rabada ravages batting with 6-50

Aussies close on victory as Lyon wrecks India top order with 8-64

Australia are on the verge of victory inside three days in the third Test against India after Nathan Lyon claimed eight for 64 in Indore on Thursday.

Following a first-innings score of 109, India were dismissed for 163 in their second go.

Australia need just 76 to win - but have to score them on a pitch where 30 wickets have fallen within two days.

Victory for Australia would secure their place in the final of the World Test Championship in June.

India lead the four-Test series 2-0 after big wins in Delhi and Nagpur, and they know a 3-1 series win or better will guarantee their place in the World Test Championship final at The Oval.

The second day began with Australia resuming on 156-4, and after overnight batters Cameron Green and Peter Handscomb added 30 to the total, the tourists lost their last six wickets for 11 runs to fold for 197.

It left Australia with a lead of 88 and Lyon wrecked India's top order before they could erase their deficit.

He removed both openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, before dismissing Ravindra Jadeja, while Matthew Kuhnemann claimed the prized wicket of Virat Kohli (13).

Only Cheteshwar Pujara (59) resisted to keep India in the contest, but a superb one-handed catch from stand-in captain Steve Smith at leg slip dismissed him off Lyon's bowling.

"It's a difficult pitch to bat on. I hope we'll be able to bowl them out," Pujara said.

"I know it's not enough. Seventy-five may look like it's not too many, but still, there is a chance."(BBC Sport).

RACING TIPS

English Racing Tips

Doncaster

09:25 hrs Circus Act

10:00 hrs My Bad Lucy

10:35 hrs Minelladestination

11:10 hrs Up Helly AA King

11:45 hrs Ilovethenightlife

12:20 hrs Ecume Atlantique

12:50 hrs Seigneur Des A

Newbury 09:40 hrs Surtitle

10:15 hrs Twig

10:50 hrs Under Control

12:00 hrs Emitom

12:30 hrs Calgary Tiger

Newcastle 13:15 hrs Freewheelin

13:45 hrs Win Win Power

After picking up 3-35 in the first innings, Lyon finished with 8-64 in the second to claim a fourth career 10-wicket haul in Test matches

SCOREBOARD

3b 4lb 0nb 0pen 0w 7

Total: (60.3 overs) 163 all out

Fall of Wickets: 1-15 Gill, 2-32 Sharma, 3-54 Kohli, 4-78 Jadeja, 5-113 Iyer, 6-118 Bharat, 7-140 Ashwin, 8-155 Pujara, 9-155 Yadav, 10-163 Siraj

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 7 - 1 - 14 - 1, Matthew Kuhnemann 16 - 2 - 60 - 1, Nathan Lyon 23.3 - 1- 64 - 8, Todd Murphy 14 - 6 - 18 - 0.

14:15 hrs Satin Snake

14:45 hrs Hello Queen

15:15 hrs Less Is More

15:45 hrs Thornaby Beauty

16:15 hrs Elzaal

Race 3 Opportunity Set

Race 4 Bustin Bay

Race 5 Fuligni

Gulfstream Park

Race 1 Girly The Butcher

Tips

Race 2 El Segundo

Race 3 Camilla

Race 4 Scramble

Race 5 Ghostly Night

Race 6 Feline

Race 7 Almashriq

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview

Karateka Keith Beaton lands Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. support for SVG Open

THANKS to the generosity of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. ASK Guyana, Karateka Keith Beaton is set to represent Guyana, along with other teammates at the SVG Open Karate Competition organised by the Hairouna Karate Federation and set to take place on April, 6-9, 2023 at the West St. George Secondary School, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.

On Wednesday, Beaton was presented with a cheque to cover his expenses by the Office Manager of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. Ms. Crystal Kallu at their Camp Street head office.

Beaton, a veteran of 33 years in the sport, informed that he was more than elated

to be once again able to compete for Guyana, thanks to the support of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. He shared that

ASK Guyana is aiming to send a total of 10 athletes to Saint Vincent for the SVG Open which will see competition in the Kata and Kumite.

“I would like to thank Mr. Hemant Narine for his kind sponsorship to facilitate me to attend this tournament of which I'm very confident that I would win a medal or two. This is an honour to go and represent my country after four years. Once again, I'm very thankful to Mr. Narine and his company for this kind gesture to showcase my talent.”

Kallu, on behalf of her company, wished Mr. Beaton and the team that will travel to represent the Golden Arrowhead, every success.

SUCC ‘One Guyana’ Bartica Cycling Classic Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. contributes handsomely to Sunday’s event

CYCLING FANS, supporters, and the Bartica public can be assured of an exciting day of racing come this Sunday when the second edition of the ‘One Guyana’ Bartica Cycling Classic is held, organised by We Stand United Cycle Club (WSUCC).

Yesterday, the Office Manager of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. Ms. Crystal Kallu handed over her sponsorship to the President of WSUCC, Franklin Wilson, at the entity’s Camp Street location, noting that it was towards making the event a success.

Accompanying Ms. Kallu was the company’s Accountant, Ms. Nyeesha Joseph and Ms. Mechaela Hohenkirk.

Speaking on behalf of Managing Director, Hemant Narine, Ms. Kallu uttered delight at being able to ride with the organising club on this venture once again, as they did for the first edition, in 2019.

“This is all part of fulfilling our corporate responsibility of empowering our young athletes

VSH United contributes to Jefford Classic Golden Mile

by affording them the opportunity to develop by having competitive events. It’s even more commendable that your club is deliberately taking this event miles away from the hub of sports activities in the city which is a huge undertaking, and we are honoured to be associated with this venture.”

Ms. Kallu further detailed that such a move adds to building friendships and camaraderie amongst the athletes and fans as

well, noting that the event can become a staple on the sporting calendar in a community that loves sports.

Wilson extended his club’s deep appreciation to the Management and staff of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. for showing a high level of confidence by being an integral partner.

“Without your backing, this event would not have been possible for the second time around. It is partnerships such

as these that allow our athletes to breathe comfortably knowing that they would be properly compensated for their efforts. I must also inform you that, resulting from the first edition of this race back in 2019, cycling has grown in a huge way in Bartica and will become even better.”

The winner of the elite/senior race will pocket $120,000 with $70,000, $50,000, $30,000, $20,000, and $10,000 going to the second to sixthplace finishers. The seniors will be riding for 1 hour 45 minutes with an additional two (2) laps.

Masters, Under-45, and Over-45 will be riding together for 60 minutes with an additional two (2) laps, while the ladies, juniors, and juveniles will pedal off the day’s activity from 09:30hrs and will be riding for 45 minutes with an additional two (2) laps.

Registration is being done at the Professional Key Shop, Carmichael Street, and Chin Chan Cycle Store, Robb Street.

VSH United Guyana Inc. yesterday handed over its sponsorship for the Jefford Classic Golden Mile, which is slated for March 12 at the National Park Circuit featuring Guyana's best athletes from as far as the Rupununi.

In a press release, the Jefford Track and Field Classic organisation said that it is the support of companies like VSH United, who understand their corporate and social responsibility, that is making the resuscitation and rebranding of the traditional Golden Mile race possible.

"We want to thank VSH United for their contribution. It will help us produce an event that will be second to none in Guyana," the release said. VSH United is the sole distributor of Red Wing Shoes and products, including personal protective equipment and gears.

The Jefford Track and Field Classic brand is leading the rebranding and resuscitation efforts of the Golden Mile and promises to be a mouth-watering showdown among the best ‘milers’ in Guyana. The athletes will be competing for training grants, educational grants, vouchers, hampers and medals. There will be a special prize for the athlete who breaks the four-minute barrier in the Mile.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday March 03, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD -83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Curtly Ambrose-6/34 (Barbados, 1992)

(2) Shaun Pollock-5/54 (Johannesburg, 1998)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI batsman has scored most Test centuries against SA to date?

(2) Which SA batsman has compiled most Test hundreds against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Garment Customisation Lead, Steffanie DeAbreu (right) hands over the sponsorship to Edison Jefford yesterday at the VSH United, Charmicheal Street office.

Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. Office Manager, Crystal Kallu presents the sponsorship cheque to Keith Beaton in the presence of her colleagues - Accountant Ms. Nyeesha Joseph, and Customer Service Rep. Ms. Mechaela Hohenkirk

Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. Office Manager, Ms. Crystal Kallu hands over sponsorship to WSUCC president, Franklin Wilson, in the presence of her colleagues, Ms. Nyeesha Joseph and Mechaela Hohenkirk

Masterful Malan gives England ODI series lead

A MASTERFUL century from Dawid Malan gave England a 1-0 series lead against Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series on Wednesday. Malan displayed excellent game awareness as England were forced to ditch their aggressive brand of cricket on a tricky surface in Dhaka in pursuit of 210. Eventually, they huffed and puffed before getting home with eight balls to spare.

England didn't get off to the greatest of starts as Jason Roy perished in the very first over of the chase, getting a leading edge. That brought Malan out to the middle very early and after a watchful start, the left-hander got hold of Taijul Islam for a six. Taijul though made a strong comeback as he bowled Phil Salt in his second over before getting rid of James Vince to put England under the pump. While Malan fetched another six off Taijul, Bangladesh continued to be on top with Taskin Ahmed returning to find the outside edge of Jos Buttler.

Will Jacks and Malan then slowly rebuilt the innings and guided the visitors past the 100-run mark at the halfway stage. But it was Bangladesh who

exerted their dominance yet again with Mehidy Hasan getting into the act.

Jacks only managed to miscue a pull shot and was dismissed as England now were completely reliant on Malan to get the job done.

Bangladesh kept posing questions throughout the innings, making it a hard toil for the English batters who are renowned for batting with freedom.

Malan himself had to curb his instincts and apply himself on this surface to finally bring up a fifty off 92 deliveries. He finally broke free with a four and a six off successive deliveries off Mehidy. But just when it appeared like Bangladesh were losing control, Mehidy provided them with a breakthrough as Moeen was castled for a stuttering 32-ball 14. Tai-

jul then added to his tally by sending Chris Woakes back to the pavilion but it was the long tail of England that came to the fore.

Adil Rashid played the ideal role at the other end when England needed 49 more runs for a win at that stage with just three wickets in hand. Malan smoked Taijul for his third six of the innings and kept rotating the strike alongside Rashid to eat into the target before an on-drive helped him bring up his fourth ODI ton. With just 12 more runs needed at that stage. England got home in the penultimate over.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh made only 209 despite making a promising start, racing to 33 for no loss inside the first five overs. The return -

ing Tamim Iqbal was bowled by Mark Wood after Woakes trapped Litton Das plumb in front at the other end. That forced Najmul Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim to try and rebuild the innings. However, Rahim's struggles came to an end with Rashid dismissing him before Moeen castled the key man Shakib.

Shanto got into a shell with wickets falling at the other end and Mahmudullah also took time at the other end to settle down. Shanto brought up a fifty off 67 deliveries and Bangladesh needed both the batters to bat deep into the innings. But once Rashid broke the half-century stand, England were all over the home side. Wood returned to remove Mahmudullah and Jacks also got into the wickets column by dismissing Afif Hossain.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who fared well against India recently, couldn't lift his side as Bangladesh were bowled out for just 209. Given how the chase panned out, a few more runs from the hosts would have definitely made the contest a lot more interesting.

(Cricbuzz)

FIFA extends TTFA Normalisation Committee to 2024

According to reports emerging from Trinidad and Tobago, football’s world-governing body FIFA has extended the mandate of the T&T Football Association (TTFA) normalization committee until March 31, 2024.

The decision, reports said, was "due to the challenges that the TTFA con-

Vice-President Dr. Shallow announces bid for CWI Presidency

tinues to face and to ensure that the mandate of the normalization committee.

The mandate includes a revision and amendment and statutes and conducting of the election of a new TTFA executive, the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian reported Thursday.

FIFA first appointed the Normalization Committee in March 2020 fol-

lowing a FIFA/Concacaf fact-finding mission to assess, together with an independent auditor, the financial situation of TTFA.

The mission found that extremely low overall financial management methods, combined with a massive debt, have resulted in the TTFA facing a very real risk of insolvency and illiquidity. Such a

situation is putting at risk the organization and development of football in the country and corrective measures need to be applied urgently, FIFA said.

The life of the normalization committee was further extended in December 2021 until March 2023. (Sportsmax).

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) Vice-President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, has officially announced his intention to vie for the top position when CWI hosts its 24th Annual General Meeting and elections on March 25 in Antigua.

“I wish to express gratitude to the territories for reposing confidence in me, understanding that the continued effort to reinvigorate our beloved cricket is a mammoth of a task, which requires capable and progressive leadership,” said Dr. Shallow in a statement on Wednesday.

He further added, “My experience in cricket administration at the various levels has positioned me uniquely to understand the requirements to advance West Indies cricket, and I remain committed to this while serving all stakeholders in the pursuit of sporting excellence”.

In addition, Dr. Shallow announced his “Pushing the Boundaries” manifesto will be launched on Monday, March 6, 2023, across the region and published across various international platforms.

He noted “this manifesto represents new innovative leadership, and demonstrates strategic and practical planning, with alignments culturally,” said Dr. Shallow.

A graduate of Walden University in Minnesota with a Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Financial Management, Dr. Kishore Shallow also attained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Business Computing from the University of Sunderland.

In addition to serving as President of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association from 2014 – 2020, he has served with distinction as President of the Windward Islands Cricket Board from 2019.

Dr. Kishore Shallow served as Vice President of CWI from 2019 and chaired the task force, which developed the first West Indies selection policy.

Further to this, he chaired the Franchise Review Committee and played an integral role in stabilizing the financial state of the organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Incumbent Cricket West Indies Vice-President, Dr. Kishore Shallow

A masterful century from Dawid Malan gave England a 1-0 series lead

Holder joins Sir Garfield Sobers as only West Indians with at least 150 wickets and 2500 runs in Tests

Barbadian all-rounder Jason Holder made history on day two of the first Test between the West Indies and South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday.

With the second innings wicket of Keegan Petersen with the final ball of the day, Holder took his 150th Test wicket, joining the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers as the only West Indians to take at least 150 wickets and score at least 2500 runs in Tests.

“I guess it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” he told reporters in a press conference after day two.

“Honestly, my inspiration is just the other guys on the field. I was obviously captain at quite a young age and had a good run of it, especially in the Test arena and I thoroughly enjoy this group specifically,” Holder, who captained the West Indies in

32 Tests from 2015-2019, added.

Debuting in 2014, the 31-year-old has amassed 2644 runs at an average of 28.73 with three hundreds and eleven fifties in his 61 Tests. His highest Test score, 202*, came against England

in 2019 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

With the ball, Holder has taken 151 wickets at 28.98 including eight five-wicket hauls.

One might ask the question: How did this take so long when he debuted all the

way back in 2014?

“It’s a tough one man. I think the way world cricket is going now, apart from the big three, everybody else is barely playing any Test cricket,” said Holder.

“We’ve averaged, in the last three years, maybe six to eight Test matches a year. This year we’ve got six and next year will be around six as well so, it was a slow grind,” he added before comparing the Test appearances of current West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and former England skipper Joe Root to further emphasize the point.

Brathwaite, who debuted against Pakistan in May 2011, has played 84 Tests while Root, who made his debut against India in December of 2012, has played 129 Tests.(Sportsmax)

Baca beat Madrid in Copa del Rey semi-final

BARCELONA bounced back from back-to-back defeats to beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.

An Eder Militao own goal separated the sides at the Bernabeu despite the hosts having more possession and chances.

It is a welcome result for Barca after they lost to Manchester United in the Europa League and Almeria in La Liga.

Xavi's side defended deep after taking the lead and their discipline earned a narrow advantage to take into the second leg at the Nou Camp on April 5.

Defensive Barca dig deep Barca are top of La Liga but Xavi's side will have gone into the game feeling fragile after their elimination from Europe and a shock league defeat at the weekend.

The former midfielder made five changes to his starting team, including an entirely new back four.

The opening moment of noteworthy action was Vinicius Junior throwing Frenkie de Jong to the turf via a headlock, but it was the visitors who took the lead - and in farcical circumstances.

In Barca's first attack of the game, Franck Kessie's shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois but ricocheted back off Militao and

IOC President Thomas Bach to visit Jamaica today

rolled into the net. His fellow centre-back Nacho attempted to clear the ball off the line but was unable to save his team-mate's embarrassment.

It was initially ruled out for offside but VAR indicated that while Raphinha had moved early he was not interfering with play while Kessie was level and as a result the goal stood.

Barca's defence has conceded just eight goals in 23 league matches this season and although there were extensive changes in personnel, the backline stood strong again on Thursday.

The visitors' attack was largely toothless without injured pair of Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele - although they could easily have had a second goal if Ansu Fati had not blocked his team-mate Kessie's

goal-bound shot.

Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, who joined the Catalan club last January, was quiet again while another former Premier League player, ex-Leeds winger Raphinha, was anonymous for the most part.

It was a performance with few hallmarks of the great Barca side Xavi orchestrated, but the team he is managing know how to get the job done - in domestic football, at least.

Madrid unable to make possession count

Real appeared highly motivated from the start, perhaps with memories of a poor performance in January's Super Cup loss to their rivals still in their minds.

As Liverpool experienced last week, when Carlo Ancelotti's team hit their stride they can

overwhelm any opponent - and that appeared as if it could be the case in the early stages.

Luka Modric struck the side-netting in the first minute after beating the offside trap before Karim Benzema brilliantly controlled and finished a volley from a chipped Vinicius Jr cross - but he was half a yard offside.

In the second half, Federico Valverde's lofted effort being palmed away by Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the closest the home side came to equalising.

Madrid continued to dominate possession right to the end and will know they are likely to need to overturn the deficit at the home of their great rivals if they are to prevent Barca doing the domestic Treble. (BBC Sport).

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, will, for the first time, set foot on the soil of Jamaica as he pays an official and historic visit to the island.

Mr Bach is set to arrive in Jamaica late today. During his brief visit, the world governing Olympic body’s head will undertake a hectic schedule and President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, (JOA), Christopher Samuda, expects a very successful visit.

“President Bach’s engagement will serve to deepen and embolden our continuing commitment to the values of Olympism as a way of life in sport while providing a welcomed opportunity for an interface with members of the local Olympic family,” said Samuda.

In July 2018, a petal from the flame of the cauldron of the 2012 London Olympic Games was established at the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay by the current JOA administration “as a landmark embodying the ideals of a global sport movement, giving earnest hope to the burning aspirations of Jamaica’s sportsmen and women in their pursuit of excellence and kindling the ambitious light of our youth to emulate” JOA Secretary General and CEO, Ryan Foster, said.

At the heart of the President Bach’s visit will undoubtedly be fraternal unity as the top brass of the JOA and IOC executives meet on common ground in advancing the Olympic agenda.

“A meeting of the minds in sport, a mutuality of purpose and will and commonality of values will characterize discussions and anchor outcomes” President Samuda stated.

President Bach, a Montreal 1976 Olympic Games gold medalist in the discipline of foil in fencing and a lawyer by profession, will depart the island with his delegation on March 5 on the way to the Dominican Republic after “what we have every confidence will be a milestone in Jamaica’s Olympic experience” Secretary General Foster concluded. (Sportsmax).

IOC president Thomas Bach will arrive in Jamaica today

Jason Holder is now the second West Indian to take at least 150 wickets and score at least 2500 runs in Tests

Vinicius Jnr and Frenkie de Jong grappled in a first-half flashpoint at the Bernabeu

GCB four-day Inter-county cricket

Cameron’s 4-49 & Hubbard’s 51 highlight day- two action

By Sean Devers

ON a day in which 20 wickets fell, Essequibo ended the second day of their GCB four-day Inter-county first round game at Providence yesterday on 95-3 in their second innings with an overall lead of 190 with seven wickets in hand against the Select X1, going into today’s penultimate day.

National Pacer Demitri Cameron took 4-49 for the Select X1 while Essequibian Malcome Hubbard followed up his unbeaten 51 with 3-25 on a day of substandard batting at this level and in which both teams

Scoreboard

were guilty of slow over rates. When play started 30 minutes late due to overnight rain, Essequibo resumed on 57-3 and quickly slipped to 96-7 with overnight batter Keemo Paul (15) falling to Cameron at 77-4 4 before Ricardo Adams (0) edged Demitri Cameron to second slip without addition to the score while Kemol Savory added four to his first day score before he was bowled by Sylus Tyndall at 83-6.

Cameron, with his trademark gold patch at the front of his hair, struck again when Quinton Sampson (11) was caught at long-leg, hooking at a bouncer to

leave Essequibo on 96-7.

Hubbard and Anthony Adams (13) took the score to 134-8 before the latter was LBW to Carlos Larose and when Ronsford Beaton (1) was stumped off Kelvin Umrou at 139-9 it

3-1-20-0, Umroa 8-5-15-1, Ramsammy 2-0-18-0, Rampersaud 1.5-0-18-1

seemed that Malcome Hubbard, who played some lovely shots on the very fast outfield and benefitted from three chances, would be denied his fifty.

But pacer Newland Cadagon had other ideas; not only did he

see Hubbard to his half-century, but played an array of brutal shots as the pair added 36 runs in quick time in a frustrating last wicket stand.

Hubbard drove Larose for four and reached his fifty from 73 balls, in 111 minutes with eight boundaries.

Alvin Mohabir and Zeynul Ramsammy were taken to the cleaners as Cadogan clobbered three sixes and four fours in a 30-ball 39 before he was trapped LBW to Jonathan Rampersaud’s second over, leaving Hubbard unbeaten on 51 as Essequibo were all out on the stroke of Lunch.

When the GCB Select X1 began their reply, they lost Rajendra Ramballi to Cadogan for a duck at 13-1 before former West Indies open Rajendra Chandrika hit Cadogan for an elegant extra cover drive before pivoting on one leg and pulling him for four.

Alvin Mahabir (5) never suggested permanence and edged Ronsford Beaton to the Keeper at 23-2, left-handed Jonathon Rampersaud (5) was bowled by Cadogan 32-3 before Chandrika, who scored the most runs and was named MVP the

last time this tournament was played in 2014, was bowled by Keemo Paul for 24 from 39 balls with fours.

But only David Williams, who was LBW to Hubbard for 21, of the other batters passed 12 as Hubbard followed his 51 with 3-25. He got support from Paul, Cadogan and left-arm spinner Anthony Adams who all had two wickets each.

Essequibo began their second innings with a lead of 95 and lost Nathan Persuad, who smashed five fours in a cameo 17-ball 23 before nicking a catch to the keeper off Tyndall at 30-1 before Kevin Boodie (12) was dismissed in similar fashion off Cameron six runs later.

Savory and Renaldo Renee saw the 50 posted in the 11th over before Rampersaud, who surprisingly only bowled 1.5 overs in the first innings, struck when he got rid of Ramsammy (10) at 68-3.

Savory is on 30 from 41 balls with six fours while Hubbard who swept Umroa for four off the last ball of the day is on 16.

Today is the third day and play is scheduled to start at 9:00am.

National Pacer Demitri Cameron took 4-49 (Sean Devers photo)

WI slump to defeat after Rabada ravages batting with 6-50

Milo Schools Football tournament starts tomorrow

THE 2023 edition of the MILO Schools Football tournament will commence tomorrow (Saturday) following the reduction in the number of teams from 48 to 32.

Kicking off the proceedings will be Marian Academy and East Ruimvedlt at 11:00am, at the Ministry of Education Ground while Region Seven’s Bartica and Region Five’s Bush Lot clash at 12:45hrs.

Carmel High and Region Five’s Bygeval Secondary are set to do battle at 14:00hrs, while North Ruimveldt and Region Three’s Patentia Secondary will oppose each other at 15:45hrs.

The opening round fixtures were released on Wednesday at a simple presentation ceremony at the Bransville Hotel, Prashad Nagar.

Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendon-

ca stated that the complete fixtures will be disclosed shortly.

Mendonca said, “Considerations of adding another group which would not affect the flow of the tournament is being considered and this is because of the response from the teams and the enthusiasm.”

He further said, “The tournament starts on Saturday and will consist of a March Past of the teams expected to participate on the day and the teams from Georgetown that are not playing on that day.”

The winner of the event will earn the championship trophy, along with $300,000 that will go towards a school project. The second, third, and fourth place finishers will walk away with $200,000, $100,000, and $75,000 respectively, for a school initiative, along with the corresponding accolade.

Below feature the fixtures for the first two matches of the opening round.

Saturday March 4th

Bartica

Carmel High vs Bygeval - 14:00hrs

North Ruimveldt vs Patentia - 15:45hrs

Sunday March 5th

Annandale vs Westminster - 11:00hrs

Berbice Educational Trust vs Charlestown Secondary - 12:45hrs

Chase Academy vs Dora - 14:00hrs

Ann’s Grove vs Queens College - 15:45hrs

Saturday March 11th

Cummings Lodge vs Rosignol - 11:00hrs

Bishops’ High vs Vryman’s Ervin - 12:45hrs

West Demerara vs Wismar/Christianburg14:00hrs

St. Stanislaus vs Dolphin Secondary - 15:45hrs

Sunday March 12th

Santa Rosa vs New Amsterdam - 11:00hrs

Charity vs New Central - 12:45hrs

Mackenzie vs President’s College - 14:00hrs

Vergenoegen vs West Ruimveldt - 15:45hrs

Holder joins Sir Garfield Sobers as only West Indians with at least 150 wickets and 2500 runs in Tests

West Indies vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood plays a lofted drive during his top score of 79. (WIPA photo)

This was Kagiso Rabada's first six-wicket haul in Tests since taking 6-54 against Australia in March 2018

Marian Academy vs East Ruimveldt - 11:00hrs

vs Bush Lot12:45hrs

Petra Organisnation Co-Director Troy Mendonca (left) displaying the event fixtures alongside entity member, Mark Alleyne