Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-09-2023

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday commissioned the Eccles/Haags Bosch Junction and the new Eccles to Mandela four-lane highway (Delano Williams photos)

Bio-fortified rice harvested in Region Six to bring relief to farmers

WHILE increasing food production in the agricultural sector is in line with plans to be sustainable and

Board (GRDB), the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Fondo Latinoamerica-

given that the variety’s nutritional value exceeds that of conventional rice.

He emphasised the

different parts of the world.” Minister Mustapha added that this undertaking was made possible because of

further revealed that this candidate type has a stronger tolerance to climatic conditions seen in the country, noting the effects that climate change continues to have on the agricultural industry internationally.

Over the years, there has been unparalleled growth in the agricultural sector, due to the implementation of transformative projects.

Meanwhile, IICA’s Country Representative, Wilmot Garnett,

bio-fortified rice, and other projects.

“In 2019, we made the decision to do this work in the bio-fortified rice. We are very pleased to go back to the Caribbean Week of Agriculture this year in The Bahamas to highlight that we have that…the importance is with your partnership,” he said.

Director-General of the ministry, Madanlall Ramraj, the GRBD’s General Manager Badrie Persaud, and CAR -

resilient, the bio-fortified rice variety with nutritionally enhanced zinc, which is anticipated to provide farmers and Guyana with enormous relief, was harvested on Saturday.

This significant project forms part of an effective partnership between the Guyana Rice Development

no para Arroz de Riego (FLAR), CARICOM, among others. The ceremony was hosted at Karmananda Basdeo’s plot at Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Region Six.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha underscored that this variety of rice will provide various opportunities to the farmers,

significance of this new type for the general public, farmers, and the nation.

“We are launching a variety of rice that will shortly become an official variety for farmers in our country, so that they can cultivate it. This variety of rice will attract preferential prices around the Region and

the investments made over time to equip the GRDB’s rice research facility with the relevant facilities.

Guyana was chosen to conduct this trial due to the research station’s excellent performance and the government’s obvious desire to revive the agricultural industry.

Minister Mustapha

noted that IICA will continue to support financially and with their technical expertise, the work of the GRBD,

ICOM’s Programme Manager, Shaun Baugh, also delivered remarks at the ceremony. (DPI)

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and others at the ricefield

The Bio-fortified rice variety

Greater mobility, security

— along East Bank Demerara corridor, with commissioning of critical piece of infrastructure — police outposts, cameras to be paramount in efforts to manage, monitor traffic

By Trina Williams

AS Guyana’s landscape continues to be transformed owing to the aggressive developmental works being rolled out by the government, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced that the Eccles-Mandela Avenue four-lane highway will see innovative technologies in place to aid in safety and security.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Eccles-Mandela highway and Haags Bosch roundabout, the Head of State said that this critical piece of infrastructure indicates one of the many ways in which the government aims to enhance the lives of all Guyanese.

As the fountain lit up and displayed a kaleidoscope of colours, the President said, “This design is one that we take great pride in.”

Dr. Ali noted that the metamorphosis that the country is currently undergoing cannot be completed with just developmental works, but it must be supported by a change in the

behavioural pattern of ordinary Guyanese.

While reiterating that one must have pride when it comes to their homeland, the President said, “A lot of this work that we're doing, sometimes the softer side of the work is not understood,” adding that the facilities such as this aid in beautifying Guyana.

Touting a new form of security that will be implemented, President Ali revealed that the four-lane highway will be monitored by cameras, which will issue tickets to drivers who disobey traffic

laws.

This allows the system to automatically identify traffic violations and dispatch email notifications containing traffic tickets to drivers, based on customised criteria. Notably, the system’s reliability is enhanced by its error-free performance and 24/7 functionality.

Dr. Ali said that Guyana is also moving away from traditional police stations and is heading towards the path of utilizing mobile police outposts.

“So, for this highway, because of the

community that is connected to Eccles, you will see a lot of motorbike support, and a lot of ATV support.”

He further added, “So this is part of building national pride. It is part of modernizing our country. It is part of transforming our thinking. It is part of transforming our mindset. It is part of positioning our thought process to understand that we can be the best. We can be among the best and we could do things done that can be ranked with the best.”

Speaking more on

the Eccles-Mandela Avenue highway, he said that the junction will connect the East Coast of Demerara with the Ogle by-pass road, Georgetown with the Mandela by-pass road, Eccles by-pass and the Peter’s Hall by-pass roads.

The Head of State reminded Guyanese that it is their responsibility to protect their assets.

“As Guyanese, we ought not only to benefit from these developments and feel a sense of pride, but we have the important duty and responsibility of protecting our assets, protecting these facilities [and] ensuring that we all contribute in keeping it in the best possible condition.”

With these massive beautification projects being established, President Ali emphasized that Guyana is heading in the direction of ensuring that safety on the roadways is being met through state-of-the-art technologies.

The President also revealed that by 2027, most of the nation’s infrastructural works

will be done by Guyanese, owing to the local contracting pool being developed.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) included the four-lane highway from Georgetown to Timehri in its 20202025 manifesto under the heading, “Infrastructure Boom: Building for the Future.”

The party gave its commitment that it will revolutionise the outdated infrastructure in Guyana and initiate work on several transformative infrastructural projects, all in order to provide a flourishing economy.

In December 2021, 12 contractors signed contracts for more than $13 billion to construct the Eccles to Great Diamond interlink road, which will link the Eccles to Mandela Avenue four-lane highway. Upon its completion, it is expected that more than 22,000 households and the growing volume of commercial users will directly benefit from the new infrastructure.

Part of the beautification of the roundabout

The new Eccles to Mandela-Avenue four-lane Highway

President Dr Irfaan Ali and other officials were entertained by Guyanese dancers Photo saved as Irfaan (Delano Williams photos)

Huge protests in Niger call for French Forces to leave after coup

(Reuters) - Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside a French military base in Niger's capital Niamey on Saturday demanding that its troops leave in the wake of a military coup that has widespread popular support but which Paris refuses to recognise.

The July 26 coupone of eight in West and Central Africa since 2020 - has sucked in global powers concerned about a shift to military rule across the region. Most impacted is France, whose influence over its former colonies has waned in West Africa in recent years just as popular vitriol has grown. Its forces have been kicked out of neighbouring Mali

and Burkina Faso since coups in those countries, reducing its role in a region-wide fight against deadly Islamist insurgencies.

Anti-French sentiment has risen in Niger since the coup but soured further last week when France ignored the junta's order for its ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to leave. Police have been instructed to expel him, the junta said.

Outside the military base on Saturday, protesters slit the throat of a goat dressed in French colours and carried coffins draped in French flags as a line of Nigerien soldiers looked on. Others carried signs calling for France to leave.

Reuters reporters said it was the biggest gathering yet since the coup, suggesting that support for the junta - and derision of France - was not waning.

"We are ready to sacrifice ourselves today, because we are proud," said demonstrator Yacouba Issoufou. "They plundered our resources and we became aware. So, they're going to get out." By early evening local time, there had been no apparent outbreaks of violence.

France had cordial relations with ousted President Mohamed Bazoum and has about 1,500 troops stationed in Niger. On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke to Bazoum every day and that "the decisions we will take, whatever

they may be, will be based upon exchanges with Bazoum."

Niger's junta denounced the comments as divisive and served only to perpetrate France's

neo-colonial relationship.

France is not the only country with concerns.

West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS has slapped sanctions on Niger and threatened military action as a last resort. The United States and European powers also have troops stationed in the country.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, who holds ECOWAS' revolving chairmanship, said last week that a nine-month transition back to civilian rule could satisfy regional powers. Niger's junta had previously proposed a three-year timeline.

Demonstrators carry a coffin covered with a French flag while thousands of Nigeriens gather in front of the French army headquarter

40 new wells for hinterland communities in 2024

THE government, through the Ministry of Housing and Water, is looking to establish another 40 new wells in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, and Nine in 2024, as part of its efforts to boost water coverage in hinterland communities

This was revealed by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Wednesday, at the Ar-

thur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“Waikabri, Koriabo, Arukamai, Tassawini, Bowaikuru, Smith Creek and Batavia are some of the villages that will be a part of the 2024 work programme…We are going to budget for this,” Minister Croal stated.

At the end of 2022, water coverage in hinterland regions increased from 46 per cent to 75 per cent. However, the water coverage will increase to 85 per cent by year-

end and 93 per cent coverage in 2024.

Minister Croal further explained that Oronoque in the Matarkai Sub-District will benefit from the drilling of a new well. The community of Kurukubaru in Region Eight is also slated to get a new water system, as part of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) initiative.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) team is expected to visit and conduct assessments in another set of communities shortly, including Mashabo, Skyland, Unity Village, St Denny, Chinowieng, and Saxacalli, among others.

“Based on the assessments, we will have to make the management decisions as to what to do next,” the minister stated. To date, the government has invested over $2 billion to increase water coverage in Amerindian communities.

Already, over 40 additional wells have been drilled and completed to provide almost 15,000 people access to water.

Two Community Service Officers (CSOs) will be trained and equipped to operate and maintain the water infrastructure in each of the 200-plus Amerindian communities.

The government re-

mains committed to providing 100 per cent access to potable water in the hinterland by the year 2025.

Meanwhile, the Hinterland Housing Programme is expected to provide 300

families from hinterland communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine, this year. These homes will cost an estimated $4 million each. (DPI)

A well established in one of Guyana’s hinterland communities

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

An Open Society

GUYANA is an open society characterised by constitutional governance and the rule of law. The economy, for all practical purposes, is market-driven with the government creating an enabling environment for the private sector to grow and prosper. The private sector is the engine of growth as the economy soars to higher levels of growth and development.

This observation was made by outgoing United States Ambassador Carol-Ann Lynch during a recent interview in which she commended the ruling PPP/C administration for the economic and social progress the country is making in several facets of national life.

As observed by the Ambassador, progress is everywhere to be seen such as

infrastructural development, improvements in the delivery of education and healthcare services and other areas of social services.

And even though developments may not be as dramatic and earth-shattering as some may like to see, there can be no doubt as to the upward trajectory of the Guyana economy and the positive impact these developments are already having on the lives and well-being of the Guyanese people.

As noted by Ambassador Lynch, while it might take some time for persons to actually see this development, they must be cognizant of the fact that development and changes do not happen overnight.

“I think change doesn't always happen overnight. Some of these things that are being put in place will take

years actually. It is going to be a lot of hard work too, and I think citizens need to know that they need to be part of it,” the Ambassador said.

This is indeed sound and objective thinking from someone whose own contributions to the political and economic health of the country has been substantial. It was during her tour of duty in Guyana that the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) was established and the strengthening of relations between Guyana and the United States took place, especially in the areas of governance, security and economic prosperity.

According to the Ambassador, Guyana has a small population and every citizen matters. She urged persons to get educated and improve their skills so they can adapt

to the development that the country is experiencing.

Guyana has been investing heavily in human resources development and social capital. However, despite the best efforts of the current PPP/C administration to enhance the working and living conditions of workers there still continues to be a strong 'pull factor' especially as it relates to certain categories of skills such as doctors, nurses and engineers. The 'greener grass' syndrome continues to pose a developmental challenge to Guyana as in the case of other developing countries.

The hard truth is that despite our oil riches, Guyana is in no position at this current stage of development to pay wages and salaries comparable to that of the United States and Canada. There is, therefore, need for

some measure of patience, based on the fact of our current economic realities.

As the economy gets stronger, more and more resources will be available for wages and salaries which over the course of time will narrow and eventually close the compensation gap. It is important therefore to have an understanding and appreciation of the fact that the country's development under the current administration is assured and sustainable, thanks to the visionary leadership by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/C administration.

Much of the country's development is attributable to the goodwill shown to the country by friendly nations of which the United States has been a major contribu-

tor. It is to the credit of the United States government that constitutional democracy was preserved following attempts by the previous APNU+AFC to subvert the democratic process in the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

But United States support to Guyana transcends the boundaries of political support. Ever since the restoration of democratic rule in October 1992, the country has benefited from significant economic and technical assistance which has been further deepened since the discovery of oil.

Guyanese owe a debt of gratitude to the United States in general and Ambassador Lynch in particular for the assistance rendered to the country over the past years.

Free and fair elections must be a right and not a privilege

Dear Editor,

Following Guyana's March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, August 2, 2020 marks approximately 60 per cent of the People's Progressive Party's (PPP/C) term of office. The eventual accession to govern as the elected party followed a tumultuous national struggle that had to be supported almost globally.

It is public knowledge that the causal factors for this battle oozed from the historically manipulative and sustained cheating behavior of the PNC and its cohorts, who have failed to recognise 'Free and fair elections' as our citizens' rights.

Emerging from the

March 2020 General and Regional Elections is evidence of a glaring fraudulent plot involving corrupt officials as 'Frontmen and Women' within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to misrepresent the authentic results favoring the rejected PNC-led APNU+AFC. Some of these officials are now facing fraud charges in the courts. Still, one could hardly deny the associated PNC leadership role as orchestrators.

Notably, the PPP/C Government has amended related electoral legislation to serve as a deterrent against some of these occurrences at the GECOM level, but the PNC-led cabal remains unapologetic. One, therefore,

must always be weary of the PNC's seemingly subpar approach to democratic guidelines and obligations. Consequently, the overseeing institutions must be proactive to prevent or arrest these undercurrents whenever contributing elements emerge.

The struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana must gain momentum with the participation of the broader diversity and inclusion of all our people. Guyanese must never suffer from another "rigged elections." The PNC's greed and diabolic lust for 'political power' at any cost has led the orchestrators to employ a continuous division and rule strategy that plunged our people into the travesty of the condemnable

rigging of elections. It is factual that the PPP/C's Irfaan Ali-led government has made tremendous strides in turning around our country's economy.

Today, our country is transforming into a progressive state where our people are guaranteed a better livelihood. The dynamic and visionary leadership of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic Government is accelerating the unification of this nation and developing a robust economy. The transformation of our national and international image in the global Landscape is enlightening and realising increased opportunities for our people. From this perspective, our citizens are also recognisably

demonstrating merit-based considerations in their support for local and national leadership.

The role of GECOM is very significant as the constitutional body with the mandate for ensuring the delivery of acceptable results from free and fair elections. The institution has come a long way since the March 2020 debacle and the aftermath of the condemnable occurrences, which are still fresh in the minds of our people.

The 2023 Local Government Elections were free and fair, and we should all commend GECOM for holding highly successful elections and improving its credibility. However, the national and regional elections scheduled

for 2025 are already in sight, and the steps towards timely preparation seem to be on track.

The Guyana Police Force must be ready to prosecute those involved in advancing the PNC's characteristic penchant for rigging within the legal framework, which now has more substantial penalties to protect our citizens' rights. Further, our nation calls on our judiciary to accelerate the hearing of these matters and apply the most significant penalties on those unwilling to appreciate that we live in a new era where civilization will not accept any form of rigging elections.

The present struggle in the courts in the United States

Returning to the political suicide of the MCC in 2023

This is part 11 of my series on the Mulatto/Creole class in Guyana. In part 10, I did say I would conclude in part 11. But when I looked at the material I have in front of me, it looks like the series will be beyond a dozen columns. There will be part 12 for sure in which I will examine the social, sociological and political existence of this class in Guyana after the general elections of 2025.

In part 3, I wrote the following: “A strange almost inexplicable trait has emerged within the MCC since March 2020. The MCC at present looks like it has abandoned its strategic habit from the 1950s and has shown no interest in class and race alliance since the March 2020 election fiasco. In 2023, it appears that the MCC is committing class and race suicide. But more of that in another column.”

I will now return to the

theme of class and race suicide. A clarification is in order. I meant political suicide. I will now explain. From the time of Emancipation, the descendants of the house slaves (who are the core of the MCC) suffered from the problem of numbers. They did not have a substantial percentage in the population to wrest state power for themselves. They had to form alliances. Four times they did this and lost out. One was the National Democratic Party of John Carter in the 1950s; the larger party, Burnham’s PNC, outmanoeuvred them.

The second was the formation of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) as a political party in 1976. So bold, reckless and un-strategic was the advice of the MCC to the WPA that the WPA was devastated by the regime of Forbes Burnham. The third occasion was the birth of the Alliance For Change. Unable to understand

the dialectics of society, the inclusion of moneyed Indians formerly of the PPP and Ravi Dev ‘s party Rise, Organize and Rebuild (ROAR) resulted in the alienation of the MCC founders of the AFC.

The fourth occasion was the MCC’s victory over Robert Corbin in 2011. After winning the leadership of the PNC following Desmond Hoyte’s death, the MCC made it clear it will not embrace his leadership. Corbin refused to accept the demands of the MCC. They stripped him of funds, formed their own party, the AFC and Corbin became a figure of the past when he lost five seats in the 2005 general elections. In 2005, it was a straight fight between Corbin, a non-MMC politician and Raphael Trotman, a quintessential MCC personality.

Here now are some complexities in Guyanese historiography, and I am happy to

add to the crystallization of my country’s history by the brief notes to follow below.

Contrary to popular belief, it was not Corbin who threw up the name David Granger, to replace Corbin. It was Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine of the WPA.

It was not Corbin who suggested a rainbow coalition in which the PNC will submerge itself into this new formation, which became a Partnership for National Unity (APNU), it was Dr. Roopnaraine. Roopnaraine has not been given credit for his role in these two situations but revelations by Ravi Dev put Roopnaraine at the centre of this new direction in Guyanese politics. Dev wrote that during the talks on the rainbow coalition, Roopnaraine would be having his own dialogues with Corbin. Dev said that his (Dev’s) com-

plaints to the WPA went unanswered.

The ascension to the hierarchy of the PNC by David Granger was a pleasing moment for the MCC. Granger was an integrated member of the Georgetown middle class and was a personal friend of Stabroek News founder, David DeCaires. He bought Granger’s monthly magazine, “Guyana Review,” after its finances collapsed. The magazine was not getting advertising money.

But the shape of the presidency after 2015 caused huge consternations to the MCC. Granger literally handed over the presidency to Joseph Harmon, with the Minister of Finance having enormous jurisdiction. To the surprise of the MCC, former soldiers became concentrated in the totality of state power.

The MCC did not know these former soldiers; they were not members of the Georgetown elites or the MCC itself. They were viewed with suspicion by the MCC because most of these ex-military men were dark-skinned and were close to the Burnham administration that the MCC disliked for the state’s role in Walter Rodney’s assassination. Contrary to what people think, Harmon was more instrumental in the ubiquity of soldier power after 2015 than Granger himself. Space has run out and we haven’t touched the theme of the political suicide of the MCC in 2023. It looks like we will have part 13. And that is an unlucky number.

Assessment finds minimal impacts from Whiptail project as public consultations continue

AFTER considerable public consultation and expert assessment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for ExxonMobil Guyana’s sixth Stabroek Block development, Whiptail.

The report, totalling 3,636 pages, extensively details the project’s process and the potential range of social and environmental impacts it may have. The EIA is a legal requirement and provides a technical basis for permitting decisions and approvals for ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers to move forward with Whiptail.

The EIA is a continuation of significant consultation efforts conducted by ExxonMobil Guyana and the government to understand, record and address stakeholder concerns. The final report is a product of a collaborative and transparent process with ample opportunities for Guyanese to get involved, contribute feedback and ask questions.

Since the Stabroek consortium submitted their application in January for an environmental

permit to develop Whiptail, critical engagements with the public have been conducted, including scoping meetings, participatory workshops and outreach to government agencies, business associations and regional councils.

Even now, citizens have 60 days from the report’s publication (August 20) to review the document and submit comments for consideration. Public comment is highly encouraged, and now is the opportunity for citizens to highlight anything they believe the EIA may have missed, request more information on activities, or offer suggestions.

The EIA’s analysis finds that Whiptail operations will increase Guyana’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by a projected 34 per cent. However, that amount is a mere 3 per cent of the carbon Guyana currently stores in its vast forests and a fractional amount of regional GHG emissions targets. Considering Guyana’s forests store 5.4 gigatons of carbon dioxide annually across 16.5 million hectares, the report’s conclusions suggest Whiptail would have minimal

impact over its 20-year lifetime.

The study also finds that the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel and subsea components at the project site should not disturb natural onshore habitats, given the project’s deepwater location far offshore and away from major fishing grounds.

The report acknowledged that the project may impact other indicators, such as marine biological and socio-economic resources. However, these should not be cause for concern as mitigation measures for any impacts were included for the EPA’s consideration. This is the purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment – to assess all effects of a proposed development, even those that are minor or can be easily prevented.

These findings should serve as a positive development for Guyana, and its reputation as an environmental steward will remain intact. They complement the protective actions the government has taken to safeguard against problems other oil-producing countries have experienced.

Beyond final approval, the public will continue to be represented and see benefits generated from Whiptail across all stages of project life. Guyana’s revenues from oil are set to grow substantially with each new project that comes online—rising as high as US $10 billion each year by the end of the decade, according to forecasts from experts. As noted by the EIA, all ventures

are also conducted in alignment with the Local Content Act 2021 and should continue to drive economic growth and create additional jobs.

ExxonMobil has yet to make its final investment decision for the Whiptail field but is expected to do so once the EIA is finalised and permits are secured. If the project moves forward, it will represent a US$12.9 billion in-

vestment in Guyana. The company has stated that it intends to submit its field development plan for the project by October – another pivotal step that ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge recently indicated is part of its focus on furthering sustainable development in the country.

Sugar severance and Ramjattan’s deceit

This past week, we witnessed sugar workers from Albion and Blairmont Estates striking and calling on the government for some severance payment which they believe they are owed.

Some of the workers have said, in interviews with the press and media, that they feel the government should meet with them to find a resolution to their problem. They have even stated the hardships they are made to go through en route to Rose Hall Estate and other nearby estates.

For them, they had to protest as the Guyana Agriculture Workers’ Union was no longer seemingly on their side, or fighting for these sugar workers, most of whom are considered middle-aged East Indian men.

Surprisingly, the AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan is supporting the sugar workers from these two estates in their struggle against the government. Ramjattan, as he is quoted in the media saying, wants President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to meet with this group and give the striking workers something similar to what the oth-

er sugar workers had been given.

Interestingly, he feels the government is discriminating against this lot of workers and is continuing to mismanage the industry by throwing money down a “black hole”. He doubled down on his criticism of the Ali Government and the PPP/C’s disdain for the sugar workers and the entire industry. This, he said, must stop. He appealed, just Friday, for higher salaries for sugar workers and better management of the sector.

Firstly, Guyanese are woefully disappointed in this group of sugar workers for their stance on this issue. These workers are disingenuous to think that this PPP/C government would pay out severance or cash grants to them, having been dismissed by the previous APNU+AFC government, and not pay them what they are legally and rightfully due. After all, they are entitled to nothing given the arguments that have surfaced for this severance.

It is mind-boggling that these workers believe President Ali would sit idly by and allow the Ministry of Labour not to intervene

in the issue if they had a genuine concern.

It is beyond comprehension of any right-thinking Guyanese to believe that the Ali’s government and the PPP/C party that fought tooth and nail for the rights of working-class people, especially the dismissed sugar workers in general, against the APNU+AFC Government and their policy on sugar, would be happy and content with doing them wrong. The truth is, the PPP/C and Ali’s government are on the right side of history with this issue.

It is unfortunate and sad that these striking workers have not taken a moment to think, ponder and do a proper analysis of the entire issue at hand.

They are so quick to forget their past challenges and who was with them, holding their hands and almost crying for their futures.

It is telling that they would willingly seek to be part of this opposition plan to destroy the very industry that the PPP/C is trying to save.

They have put the estates at Blairmont and Albion at great expense by striking and engaging in unsubstantiated and undue industrial action. The sugar work-

ers seem to be fooled and duped again by the sweet-talking AFC and Ramjattan who appear to master the art of po litical buffoonery and crookishness.

nese public cannot be lieve that sugar work ers at Albion and Blair mont Estates would allow themselves to believe a word that Ramjattan has to say about sugar, considering the fact that it was his government and Cabinet that shut it down. Ramjattan, try as he may, is synonymous with the failure of the sugar industry in Guyana along with the former PM Moses Nagamootoo and the former AFC Minister Noel Holder. This snake-oil salesman failed already to “right-size” the sugar industry. Also, his party crippled the production figures and plans from 2015 to 2020. One would think that he would be ashamed to even talk about a pay increase when his party not only failed to address it while they were in power but failed miserably to create a social welfare plan and sustainable and short-term employment for more than 7, 000 working families it deliberately left hungry and in tears.

sugar workers at the last election but has somehow found a new group of sugar workers whom he exploits for political points and to get at his enemies. He knows why he would not want to represent their issue in a competent court of law. It is because these sugar workers have no case and Ramjattan knows that they are being grossly unfair to GAWU, and the PPP/C Administration.

Thirdly, crookish Ramjattan and the AFC can never possess the vision and foresight to see straight and long enough the plan of successive PPP/C Governments.

Many Guyanese believe that the PPP/C Government is not pouring money and resources down a ‘black hole’. Instead, they are making deliberate investments to turn around an important industry that Guyana

will continue to be a challenge but Ramjattan, with his politics of spite and confusion, cannot see this.

Finally, when he said he prefers to see the industry at its “right size,” he meant perhaps to see the industry at zero. If his and AFC’s track record counts, the sugar workers should throw him and his shenanigans or the AFC’s criticisms where they belong, in the bin. They should turn back out to work. Ramjattan does not care about their welfare and sustenance. They should also apologize to GAWU and fellow workers in the industry because they would have nothing to complain about if the industry had died and shut down permanently. The best days are ahead as soon as we focus on the sweet in sugar; we can never allow sugar to become bitter!

Free and fair..

FROM PAGE 6

of America and the lengthy imprisonment of several persons who mindlessly follow "Trump" lends testimony and must be noted in Guyana. All those before the courts on fraud charges must defend themselves and spend the time for their crime. The penalty must act as a deterrent to 'rigging.'

Concerning the 2025 National and Regional Elections,

GECOM must ensure early scheduling and put all possible logistics in place to hold the elections. The present continuous registration is highly successful and will enable GECOM to produce an excellent Register of Registrants. However, GECOM will have to look carefully at their Election Day staff.

The support that Guyana received from the diplomats and CARICOM was indeed significant. However, we

must cherish the memories of the guardians of democracy. It was a united people with the genuine leadership of the PPP/C, particularly the General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and President Dr. Irfaan Ali, that ensured victory for the people. Our party will continue to preserve the constitutional rights of our people as an entitlement and not a privilege.

Sincerely,

‘Bankrupt PNC/R revealing its true colours’

FOLLOWING the revelations emerging from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) on their declining financial status, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, says this displays the true nature of the party.

He said that based on recent utterances by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, the party seems to be in a “sad shape” financially.

“According to what he has been saying, the party is effectively bankrupt and looking for funding.

“So, this is very telling…”, Jagdeo told reporters at a press conference on Thursday last at the Office of the President.

He alleged that while the PNC/R was in office with the Alliance For Change (AFC), there was excessive splurging being done by the APNU+AFC coalition.

“I saw the cutlery Congress Place [PNC/R Headquarters] bought, in 100 years we wouldn’t have those,”

-Jagdeo says -calls out party for alleged extortion of businessmen

counts will be audited. I may submit to you that our party has had a history of preparing audited accounts, but not circulating it in the public domain. And we will continue to do that.

I think we are in a better position to be accountable,” Norton said.

Despite other executive members releasing information on the PNC/R’s declining status, Norton has remained silent.

he said.

He also touched on the alleged extortion of businessmen by the party.

“It’s a sad shape, they have limited prospects of winning power given their policies or lack of…this is a party that has been around since the 1950s.

“Imagine they can’t host a General Council meeting because they don’t have $2.5M… how bad can you get?”

The PNC/R treasurer, Faaiz Mursaline, in a previous interview with this publication, said the party’s finances have not been audited since July 2020.

As a matter of fact, the former PNC/R General Secretary Amna Ally had confirmed that prior to Norton taking over leadership, the party’s finances were audited every year.

The damning allegations made by Murs-

aline have led to party members calling for a thorough investigation into the claims.

The situation has seen a no-confidence motion being brought against Norton by the PNCR’s Florida Chapter, which alleged that Norton has “severely tarnished” the party’s image, and oversaw “a speedy downward spiral” of the PNC/R in just over a year since in the leadership seat.

When probed on whether he feels the need for an audit to help return some trust in the handling of the party’s finances, Norton said only that the situation will be dealt with internally.

“The party is always prepared to audit the accounts. When I became leader of the party, our accounts were not computerised; we have completed computerising them and our ac-

According to a Demerara Waves report, several opposition members said that the party is ‘cash-strapped’ and is unable to fund its General Council meeting, which is overdue.

Adding to this earlier this year, Norton told the media that his party was unable to contest in all of the Local Authority Areas (LAAs) for the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGEs) because of insufficient funding.

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Telemedicine saves Konashen baby’s life

LOCATED hundreds of miles away from the capital city of Georgetown lies an Amerindian village called Konashen/Masakenari, in the deep south of the Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), home to the Wai Wai tribe.

Access to quality and efficient healthcare services is limited in this part of the country, but with the government’s strategic telemedicine project that has been placed in the village’s health centre, residents are now accessing quality healthcare, and even lives are being saved.

Telemedicine is a

two-way, real-time interactive communication between a patient and healthcare provider at different sites. It’s supported by audio and video equipment, and integrated medical devices that empower clinicians to evaluate,

diagnose, and treat patients remotely, and is beneficial in Guyana’s case.

On the sidelines of the 2023 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Friday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with Konashen’s Toshao, Paul Chekema, who shared a story of how a moth-

er and a baby’s lives were saved with the telemedicine system.

“Telemedicine is working well for my people. Recently, a baby was in a breached position; if we didn’t have telemedicine, I don’t know what I was supposed to do,” he said.

“I will say thank you to the government for doing that.

I was surprised when I saw this thing; It shows me how great the government does help us with that kind of project. So, my people, whenever they have sickness, right away they will come to Georgetown,” the Toshao said.

Chekema also said he supports the expansion of this project to other remote communities. “I will say thank you to the government for this thing. I heard they mentioned today that communities will get telemedicine because we are remote, so I will say thank you to the government for doing that,” the Amerindian chief ex-

pressed.

The telemedicine project was officially launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with US company, 19Labs.

Konashen is one of several communities in Region Nine that are benefitting from the initiative, and with the $1.8 billion earmarked in Budget 2023, it will be expanded to Regions One (Barima – Waini), Seven (Cuyuni – Mazaruni), and Eight (Potaro – Siparuni), and other remote communities in Region Nine. (DPI)

Konashen’s Community Health Worker utilising the telemedicine system

Toshao of Konashen/Masakenari, Paul Chekema

Agriculture Minister urges Toshaos to get into coconut production

communities.

"In a matter of weeks, I will be giving over 4,000 coconut trees to farmers across Guyana, including our hinterland communities. And what I can tell you is that the Toshaos were very, very happy to receive these coconut plants; they were also very happy to know that they were given these opportunities. After the NTC was concluded on Friday, some of the representatives received coconut plants that I distributed, and that goes to show how much interest they have in the crop. For those who did not receive, they don’t have to worry; we will ensure that they get."

for growth in the local conditions.

The Sunday Chronicle also reached out to the Manager of Hope Coconut Estate, Ricky Roopchand, who said, "Another container of 13,000 seed nuts from Brazil is expected in Guyana by mid-October this year; all the required approvals have been obtained, and payment for this consignment will be concluded very soon."

At the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference, which was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, urged the leaders (Toshoas) of the Indigenous communities to get into coconut production.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Minister Mustapha noted that coconut is a very profitable/ lucrative crop that is currently in high demand on both the domestic and international markets. He also explained that he used the opportunity at the NTC to advise and encourage the Toshaos to take advantage of the opportunities that the Ministry of Agriculture, and consequently, the Government of Guyana, is providing for them in the hinterland.

"President Ali and I spoke with the Toshaos and explained to them the importance and value that coconuts and the other crops have on the local and international market. I also explained to them that these opportunities have started and will help in the expansion of our coconut industry, as well as benefitting themselves and their families. There are 11 nurseries across the country, and the President and I made sure that the Toshaos know that they will be given the necessary support that is needed in the agriculture sector."

Additionally, he mentioned that the new, high-yielding Brazilian Green Dwarf coconuts, which were recently brought in from Brazil, bear at the early age of 18 months and are a "highly valued" crop in terms of productivity.

"With these coconuts, farmers do not have to give them the same care and attention that they would with

cash crops, for example; coconuts are quite resilient to the weather, which works for our country."

Minister Mustapha also stated that the Toshoas were "very eager" and "welcomed" the coconut initiative in their

The Agriculture Minister emphasised that through the Ministry of Agriculture, the Hope Coconut Estate and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) are currently in negotiation with the Brazil-based Coconut Seed Nut Farm of Tecnologia Na Produção De Coqueiros (Technology in Coconut Production) (COHIBRA) for an additional high-yielding, early-bearing hybrid variety of coconut.

He revealed that Guyana recently made requests via the international coconut community (ICC), of which Guyana is a contributing member, to offer technical support for identifying coconut varieties that are suitable

He also related that under the 2023 National Coconut Decentralization programme, it is estimated that during the first phase, at least 250 farmers in all 10 administrative regions across Guyana are expected to benefit from the growth and multiplication of the new Brazilian Dwarf Coconut Variety. According to him, the programme falls under the Ministry of Agriculture's national programme and has been executed by HCIL and NAREI.

"The additional 13,000 seed nuts will be a component of the second phase of the decentralization programme. When this arrives in Guyana, we will have imported a total of 28,000 seed nuts from COHIBRA, Bazil," the manager explained.

The first 2000 seed nuts imported into Guyana were made possible through financial support from the EU and IDB.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha speaks with the Toshaos at the NTC

The Manager of Hope Coconut Estate, Ricky Roopchand (right), with representatives receiving the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconuts at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Toshaos receive coconut plants from the manager of Hope Coconut Estate, Ricky Roopchand (right)

Amerindian communities get over 1,200 electronic tablets to access GOAL programmes

AS the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to the development of indigenous communities and improving the lives of Amerindians countrywide, Finance Minister. Dr. Ashni Singh on Friday handed over 1,215 electronic tablets to Toshaos at the close of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference.

According to a press release, the tablets are to be

used to access the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programmes, and are to be distributed in the villages by Toshaos upon their return there.

During the handover done on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Finance Minister encouraged the Toshaos to ensure that the tablets are used to access the GOAL programmes so that more persons from the hinterland

can benefit from the training provided and therefore, participate meaningfully in the transformation of the country that is currently underway.

Minister Singh said this is part of the government’s broader agenda for improving the lives of the country’s hinterland population, including investments in expanding hinterland transport infrastructure such as roads and bridges; investments

being made in hinterland electrification, including the purchase of 30,000 standalone household solar units; hinterland water wells and water-supply systems; educational facilities, such as new schools and dormitories, and public healthcare facilities, including for the deployment of telemedicine.

The government also pledged its continued support to indigenous communities

and also handed over 100 cheques to 100 villages to offset upgrades to community grounds.

President Ali also announced that in Budget 2024, billions of dollars will be allocated for further development of indigenous communities following full consultation with the Chairman of the NTC.

The conference, which commenced on Monday

last and which saw over 200 Toshaos from Indigenous villages across the country gathered at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre to discuss development programmes for their villages with government, concluded on Friday while Amerindian Heritage Month kicked off with a cultural extravaganza at the National Park on Friday evening.

Three grinding GuySuCo estates surpass weekly production targets

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has reported that all three of its grinding estates have surpassed their weekly production targets during the week ending September 2, 2023.

According to a press release, the production performance comes on the heels of both Blairmont and Albion/ Port Mourant estates previously surpassing their weekly targets during the second and third weeks simultaneously of the crop, while Uitvlugt is surpassing target for the first time in this second crop of 2023.

The second crop of 2023 is in its seventh week of production and it is evident that the respective teams on the estates have capitalised on a number of strategies to boost workers’ turnout.

“These strategies included visiting the villages close to the estates to encourage previous workers to return to

the industry and help those who continue to work in the unleashing of the potential of these three estates utilising the over G$3 billion in new equipment bought by the Government of Guyana to support the field and fac-

tory operations,” the release stated.

GuySuCo said that these operational interventions, coupled with good weather played a major role in the production performance this past week and the good news

continues to boost the morale of all employees, since in addition to an average payout of over $28,000 for this week to the cane harvesters, workers will secure additional remuneration through the weekly performance incentive.

The estate managers attributed the exceptional performance to the improved efficiencies of the workers, coupled with the good weather that is supporting the mechanical harvesting programme.

GuySuCo’s Executive Management congratulated the management and workers of the three grinding estates and urged all current and former sugar workers to turn out every week to utilise the special dry period to increase their earning, recognising that the industry had above average rainfalls for more than one year, between November 2020 and January 2023.

“The Executive Management encourages all to strive towards repeating this admirable performance this week so that their families can benefit from their increased earnings. Management also implores workers to remain

focused and not be distracted by those who have an agenda of deception to keep them out of the sugar industry with their misguided messages,” GuySuCo stated.

The release further said that the Executive Management continues to engage with the unions to ensure all eligible workers are treated fairly in accordance with the rule of law and the collective labour agreement.

GuySuCo noted that their doors remain wide open to all current and former sugar workers to return to work and harvest the bounty of the fields and factories for their families from an industry 100 per cent owned by the people of Guyana as they all advance to the mission of adding a fourth estate to the production process later in September 2023 at Rose Hall Estate in Canje.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh hands over electronic tablets to some Toshaos

Programme launched to help tackle diabetes, hypertension

WITH the aim of reducing the prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, the Rorai -

health and wellness with the broader potential that we have across the economy," Parris explained.

He noted that 150 peo-

pecially the youths, to eat healthier so that they can avoid these diseases. It is not just about eating well, but we have to also consider or look at the other risk factors that can cause other illnesses.”

The winner of the weight loss competition, Turandia Cathrupaul, related that she has not only lost weight and inches off her waistline, but she feels more energized.

"I am a cleaner at the Lusignan Primary School, and that is where I filled out the form and signed up for the programme. I joined because I wanted to be healthier. As women, many of us put ourselves last; we take care of the kids and family, and then we think about ourselves. I just had a baby seven months ago, and I will tell you it is not easy, but if you put your mind to it, it will happen. That is what I am doing, and I

will continue to do so on my health journey. It is worth it."

Additionally, the project manager, Stephen Patterson, explained that the initiative aims to include people who represent

a whole should mirror Guyana’s population distribution in terms of ethnicity, age, gender, level of income, and the socio-economic aspect of it as well. The project uses waistline mea-

tion to the social media grouping, we’ve begun to meet with them on a face-to-face basis, where they get to interact with each other at the group level, and we also take measurements there just

ma Learning Trust Inc., funded by the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), launched their "Enhancing Community Wellness Pilot Project" last Wednesday at the 3T EnerMech (ODITC) Training Centre at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Founder of Roraima Learning, Kojo Parris, told the Sunday Chronicle that even though he lives primarily in South Africa, he has always been concerned about the number of people getting on and off an aircraft in a wheelchair, and Guyana was no exception.

According to him, the health initiative stemmed from a realisation that it doesn’t matter how economically advanced "we" may become, unless the people of the country are in the best of health.

"However much oil or gold we have, unless we have amazing people, people who are healthy, emotionally stable, and really focus on making sure that they live a full and healthy life, then we can become the best that we are as a country. This is what our programme is about; it’s aligning our

ple between the villages of Plaisance and Enmore signed up for the challenge of improving their eating habits (food intake), exercise routines, and mental health. According to him, the participants obtained pertinent information through their WhatsApp and Facebook groups.

Considering that the initiative was a success, Parris emphasized, "it doesn’t matter how smart, wealthy or good you are at sports, you have to constantly be careful and be mindful of your health and wellness. And if you are careless with your health, it can easily lead you to your grave."

Because of the programme’s success, Parris said there are plans to make it a countrywide initiative.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Michael Perreira, explained that such initiatives are very important, given that there is a "high rate in the Americas of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes."

Dr. Perreira applauded the initiative: "We in the health sector are advocating and promoting the need for our people, es -

Guyana's demographics.

According to him, "The grouping itself as

surement and weight as signifiers of the participants’ progress. In addi-

to monitor the progress over the pilot project period."

Representative of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Michael Perreira, presents the winner of the health challenge, Turandia Cathrupaul, with her gift hamper

Third from left, Mr. Kojo Parris, other officials, and participants of the “Enhancing Community Wellness Pilot Project” (Shanieece Bamfield photos)

Clean and Green Guyana being created

- President Ali spearheads another massive clean-up exercise

WITH continuous efforts being rolled out to promote a cleaner Guyana while tackling the issue of littering, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, spearheaded a clean-up exercise in the Sophia/Cummings Lodge area.

The exercise commenced around 05:00 hrs. along Dennis Street, Sophia, continued into the Cummings Lodge area, and concluded at the Kingston Seawall in Georgetown.

The clean-up exercise

stated.

The President further noted that in Georgetown alone, there were approximately 1,400 active participants. And according to him, this is an evident indicator that the citizens are also committed to achieving a clean Guyana.

WIDESPREAD

Notably, other government officials and private sector representatives who participated shared the same sentiments as the President.

saw persons from different walks of life coming together in order to beautify the country.

President Ali was joined by Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, and other members of the Joint Services, as well as members of the private sector and other citizens.

According to the President, the initiative is just another demonstration of the governing People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) commitment to a better Guyana for all Guyanese.

“Guyana cannot only be changed with nice roads and buildings; it has to be changed by each of us changing the way we treat the environment, changing our behaviours and environment,” Dr. Ali

Dr. Ali stated, “The Guyanese people are committed to this task. We now have to ensure that each of us work on changing another person; changing them so that they understand how important it is to keep the place clean.”

The Head of State underscored that yesterday’s exercise held much importance since it is leading up to the Cricket Carnival and subsequently, into significant national celebrations including Diwali and the Christmas season.

Also, President Ali firmly stated that the initiative is ushering in an eventful year, beginning with the Energy conference in February, followed by a heads of government meeting and several planned state visits.

The Head of State reiterated that the objective is to work on establishing a Guyana that everyone can be proud of showcasing. President Ali encouraged individuals to get on board with the initiative and keep their environment clean.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) along the Kingston Seawall, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. stated: “That’s what we set out to achieve; it’s not just about cleaning for the day, it’s about the change in culture in our culture. We have evidence in the country to show that culture on a small scale can lead to different outcomes.”

Meanwhile, at the Marriott Beach, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill said that this is part of a wider initiative to transform Guyana; but

Furthermore, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, also urged Guyanese to act responsibly towards the environment as she led the exercise from Camp Street to Vlissengen Road.

“I would want to appeal to the citizens of our country that we bear in mind that we need to have

so one hopes that as we go forward those who use these places will dispose of their garbage property.”

Meanwhile, a representative of the private sector, Anand Mangru, spoke with DPI and he expressed the belief that these clean-up exercises serve as a mechanism for cultural change.

He said: “That is why the support is so tremendous this morning and as you know it’s going on countrywide, so it’s happening, it’s making a change and when it comes from the top, sometimes example has to be set from the top and it is hap-

tourists coming into our country and I have also been travelling and I have noticed one of the things that speak volumes is when the place is clean … and so I would implore other citizens and other members of the Joint Services, we can also speak to members who love to throw away their garbage to desist,” he said.

Major Edmond Blair added: “This national clean-up exercise…I see it more as an enhancement exercise because we want to enhance our capital city, so when persons visit the capital city they don’t see it as a city that is littered with garbage

that aspect of cooperation is needed.

“Guyana is not the old shabby, broken-down looking country…we are modernising, we are transforming … the main message is a culture change. The Ministry of Public Works; we have contractors that are engaged for keeping this seawall clean but the volume of what you see here, in terms of garbage being left behind, got to change,” said Minister Edghill.

a clean environment and to practice responsible sanitation,” she stated.

Also, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn who joined members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) expressed happiness with the massive turnout.

He related: “The hope going forward is that this clean-up will encourage people to employ safe disposable practices for garbage and other things they wish to dispose of,

pening.”

Emphasising the importance of cleanliness, Divisional Officer, Administration, of the Guyana Fire Service, Haimchandra Persaud, said that this must be practised at the national level.

“We have a lot of

but they would see it as a place they would want to come.”

Ranks of the Guyana Fire Service are working in various parts of the city to wash areas that have been identified. (DPI)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali during the clean-up exercise

Scenes from the clean-up exercise (Office of the President photos)

150 persons from indigenous communities to engage in training for ‘Agri’ expansion

TO further support the agricultural works ongoing in the hinterland, 150 persons from various indige -

National Toshaos Council’s (NTC) conference on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

security and agricultural expansion,” he said.

The President urged community leaders to identify young persons

back to the communities to work full time.

The Head of State said he tasked the Minister of Agriculture, Zu-

of $300 million will be set aside in Budget 2024 for the development of agriculture and food security in the hinterland communities.

Additionally, the President said the government is working with external markets to have long term arrangements for the large-scale production of sweet cassava, to meet external market needs.

“So before the end of the year, in selected communities, the Ministry of Agriculture will be consulting with you on supporting the development of large scale cassava production, to meet those external markets,” he said.

train and certify young Amerindians in Hospitality and Management, providing them with the opportunity to work in the new hotels that are going to open in Guyana.

“…then in every single region they will take the new hotels that are coming on stream to do a recruitment drive, so that they can recruit from your communities and you can have your children, your young people working in the internationally branded hotels that are coming to Guyana,” President Ali said.

nous communities will undergo training in different areas.

This is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who addressed he closing ceremony of the

“We are willing to immediately train 150 of your young people from your regions and your communities in these areas to support food production, food

who want to be trained to become vets, agricultural support staff, and extension officers, stating that the government is going to pay for the training and send them

lfikar Mustapha with setting up a unit within the ministry to deal specifically with hinterland food security and food production.

He added that a total

Moreover, President Ali related that by 2025, the administration wants to see expanded tourism products in Guyana, as well as large scale facilities available.

To build human capacity in the tourism sector, he said that the government will launch a special initiative to

He added: “So not only are we going to do the training and ensure you get the certification but we are also going to do the recruitment at the community level to support the job creation.”

The President believes that these are the innovative ways in which the government will bring real transformation to the lives of Amerindians.

Motorcyclist dies after taxi driver ignores stoplight

MARTIN Samuels, a 33-year-old motorcyclist, died in an accident at the intersection of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Cemetery Road on Friday morning around 07:15 hrs.

According to the Guyana Police Force, the accident involved hire car HD 3165, owned and driven by 52-year-old Lloyd McKenzie of Bel Field, East Coast Demerara,

and motorcycle CL 8097, owned and driven by Martin Samuels of Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Police inquiries disclosed the motorcycle was proceeding west along the southern drive lane of Nelson Mandela Avenue while the hire car was proceeding east along the extreme southern drive lane of the northern carriageway of the said

road.

Approaching the intersection, the hire car driver and motorcy -

clist encountered a red traffic light. The driver ignored the light and turned right towards the

southern carriageway. In the process of doing so, he ended up in the path of the motorcyclist where the front of the motorcycle came into contact with the left side front door of the car.

As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist was flung in the air and landed on the road surface, where he received injuries on his body. The motorcyclist was picked up in an

unconscious state by Emergency Medical Technicians and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor and pronounced dead on arrival.

The police visited the scene, and an investigation was launched. The hire car driver is currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali interacting with a Toshao on Friday

Six arrested for security guard’s death at Golf Club

SIX suspects were on Saturday morning arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Dalchand Dhanai, the security guard who was found dead while on duty last Thursday at the

Lusignan Golf Club, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The six persons who were arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations are: Heeralall Ramdam, Trevor Harold,

Ivor Heeralall, Anil Sugrim, Avinda Kishore, and Davindra Sugrim.

Police also recovered the weeding machine and music (speaker) box that were stolen. The arrests occurred in

Regional Division 4 C, under the command of Superintendent Krishna Ramana.

Dhanai, 57, a security guard of 69 Lusignan Pasture, ECD was found after someone contacted the

Vigilance Police Station, informing the officers there of the presence of the man’s lifeless body.

Police investigators who visited the scene found the man’s body lying face down

in the upper flat of the building with multiple injuries to his head.

The Police said the murder victim’s hands were bound with shoelaces.

STARR contributes to national clean-up campaign

STARR Computers, a local community-driven organisation, has contributed to the National Clean-Up Campaign by donating 100 cases of bottled water.

The donation aims to support the ongoing efforts to create a cleaner and healthier living environment.

“It is an honour and privilege to donate drinking water for these vol -

unteer heroes to help them hydrate and energise during this clean-up campaign in Guyana,” President of STARR Computers, Mike Mohan noted.

On Saturday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali was joined by members of the Joint Services, the private sector and other citizens for a clean-up exercise along Dennis Street, Sophia, the University of Guyana access road and the Kingston

seawall.

Mohan explained that the campaign, a collaborative initiative involving various local organisations, community leaders, and environmentally-conscious citizens, has been gaining momentum. It seeks to address the pressing issue of littering and pollution in communities, with a vision of transforming it into a more pristine and attractive place for all residents.

“Our organisation is dedicated to the betterment of our community, and we believe that supporting initiatives like the National Clean-Up Campaign is crucial. We hope that our contribution of bottled water will not only assist the volunteers but also symbolise our commitment to a cleaner, healthier living environment,” Mr. Mohan added.

Child health screening done in Region Two

CHILDREN in several communities across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), received free health screening from the Ministry of Health and the regional health department on Saturday.

Parents gathered as early as 8:00 a.m. with their children. Services available were screening for hearing, vision, dental exam, and complete physical examination.

The children were screened in a child-friendly environment at the Anna Regina, Essequibo car park. The screening was available to nursery school children with the primary aim of detecting if a child is suffering from any illness before

entering the school system.

According to Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh, the drive was held to encourage parents who have children entering the school system to get screening.

He said that child health screening enables health professionals to detect whether a child is suffering from any ailment at an early age.

After screening, referrals will be made to public hospitals for any detected illnesses.

“Sometimes a child is a slow learner and we don't know why, so with the screening at least the parents can know what is happening and have it rectified at an

early age,” Dr Singh said.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony in August launched the Child Health Screening in the region. He said that the screening will ensure that children undergo preventative check-ups so that if they are suffering from any conditions, they can be detected. He said the programme ensures that a child’s health can be monitored and the necessary attention can be given.

Parents were very thankful for such intervention by the Ministry of Health. Children who underwent screening received goodies at the end of the screening.

Heeralall Ramdam Trevor Harold Ivor Heeralall Anil Sugrim Avinda Kishore Davindra Sugrim

Marketing Manager Penny Francis (at left) and Operations Manager of Starr Computers Raydon Samaroo (at right) delivered the cases of water to Captain Drake at GDF Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown

Parents and children during the Child Health Screening at the at the Anna Regina car park

Barima-Mora Passage awareness aims to save jaguars, giant river otters, and harpy eagles

- 10 hinterland schools to benefit from programme

AN education and awareness programme will teach 10 hinterland schools in Region One about the Barima-Mora Passage, which is a biodiversity hub that houses several IUCN red listed species, such as jaguars, Giant river otters, and harpy eagles.

Executed by the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and supported by SBM Offshore Guyana, this programme will target primary schools in the communities of Morawhanna, Imbotero, Smith’s Creek, Aruka Mouth, St. Anslem, Lower Blackwater, Unity Square, Lower Kaituma, and secondary schools in Mabaruma, Region One.

The programme, launched on July 25, 2023, is geared to promote, increase, and encourage sustainable use and management of the Barima-Mora Passage mangrove ecosystem, and will be executed in four phases, the first of which focuses on mangrove conservation and management.

Through this initiative, several animated videos and booklets will be produced and shown in schools showcasing the importance of the flora and fauna within the Barima-Mora Passage mangrove ecosystem. This partnership will see the development of wildlife and environmental clubs that will reinforce the importance of the Passage.

As part of the initiative, the inaugural wildlife festival was launched in Mabaruma on July 26, the day declared as International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem, which saw schools in the Mabaruma sub-district

participating in a slew of educational and cultural activities.

These activities encouraged the youths to reflect on how the mangroves in their environment contribute to their lives and the actions they need to take as budding conservationists to protect and preserve the extensive mangrove spread and various wildlife species residing in the passage.

General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong noted, “With the establishment of the wildlife and environmental clubs, I hope to see an integrated learning approach that will open the minds of the children of Region One to the protection and care of the wildlife of the Barima-Mora Passage. I also hope this programme will foster sustainable resource use, encourage our children to actively pursue learning more about the nation’s biodiversity, and take steps to protect our environment.”

Environmentalist and Director of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, Mrs. Annette-Arjoon Martins said, “This support by SBM [Offshore Guyana] has been unprecedented in terms of what we have done in terms of the past decade of our existence, where we have secured a multi-year programme. So, we don’t have to be worrying every year where the next set of funding is coming from. So, I really want to thank SBM [Offshore Guyana] for coming on board with us long-term on this multi-year project, which I can guarantee they would be very, very pleased with.”

During the launch on July 25, the Region-

al Education Officer, Ms. Elly Peterkin expressed her gratitude to the Guyana Marine Conservation Society for their initiative, saying, “I want to thank you all for considering my primary and secondary school children. Now, I believe if they can have that knowledge from the school level, imagine what they can do as they get older and we talk about the career paths that they can take in this field. I am so elated because they are the ones who are fortunate; they are getting the hands-on experience and I want to thank you for that. Thank you for giving my children that.”

Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley said, “I am very grateful that education is being used to pilot these awareness sessions that are taking place, and I want to thank SBM [Offshore Guyana] for their support to these projects.”

In addition to the company’s support for the programme on the Barima-Mora Passage, SBM Offshore Guyana also donated laptops and printers to Aruka Primary School, sports gear to the White Water Sports Club and two laptops to the top performers of the Hosororo Primary School, who excelled at the National Grade Six Assessment.

SBM Offshore Guyana continues to support the educational pursuits and academic prowess of the indigenous communities in Guyana, in alignment with their adaptation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Number Four, Quality Education and Goal Number 10, Reduced Inequality.

SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager, Martin Cheong; Sustainability and Social Impact Programme Development Officer, Gwenetta Fordyce with Director of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, Mrs. Annette Arjoon-Martins; Chairman of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society, Dr. Anthony Cummings and Regional Education Officer, Elly Peterkin

Fulham boss condemns match officials after City rout

(BBC) - Fulham boss, Marco Silva, condemned the match officials for allowing Manchester City's second goal in their 5-1 loss at the Eithad as Erling Haaland admitted he would also have been "fuming" at the decision.

Referee Michael Oliver and VAR Tony Harrington decided that an offside Manuel Akanji had not interfered with play when Nathan Ake's header bounced past him and into the net to put City back ahead just before half-time in what had been a closely-fought Premier League contest.

Fulham subsided in the second period at the Etihad Stadium but Silva evidently felt the turning point was Ake's goal.

"Everyone that plays football and has some knowledge of the game would be 100% sure [the VAR] has to disallow the goal," he said.

"The more times you see that, the more you know it has

to be disallowed.

"The player pulled away from the line of the ball and into

the direction of goal. It is a clear offside. It is impossible for the VAR not to see it."

Athapaththu leads from front as Sri Lanka rout England by eight wickets

(ESPNCRINCINFO) -

Chamari Athapaththu led from the front in a stunning all-round display -- first with the ball and then with a rampant 26-ball fifty -- as Sri Lanka secured their maiden T20I victory over England in extraordinarily emphatic style: by eight wickets, and with a crushing 40 balls remaining, as Heather Knight's new-look team were served a dramatic reality check, only two days after cruising to victory in the series opener at Hove.

After winning her second toss of the series and choosing to bowl first, Athapaththu showed her team how it needed to be done by bowling the dangerous Danni Wyatt for 1 in her first over, and never let up in her leadership thereafter, as England were hustled out for 104 in 18 overs - a far cry from the 186 for 4 that they had posted in just 17 overs in Thursday's opening fixture.

Then, sensing a chance to crush England from the outset of the chase, Athapaththu climbed onto the offensive with the bat, cracking eight fours and two sixes with similarly positive support from Harshitha Samarawickrama, who sealed the contest with a massive swipe over midwicket to finish unbeaten on 30 from 35 balls.

Chamari sets the powerplay tone

Speaking at the toss, Athapaththu insisted - with some justification as things turned out - there had been some "positives" to take from a one-sided series opener at Hove, but recognised that their bowling had to improve after England had romped along at close to two a ball on that occasion.

And so the skipper herself added that burden to her already broadly laden shoulders, to set the tone for an astonishingly unrelentingly display. Despite one loose ball that Maia Bouchier carved for four, Athapaththu's remit in the contest's first over was to keep the stumps in play as much as possible, on a hybrid wicket that offered a touch of

grip for her spinners, and in sunny afternoon conditions a world away from the dank misery of Hove.

The gambit paid agenda-setting dividends with the sixth ball of Athapaththu's over. A beautifully flighted offbreak lured Danni Wyatt on the drive, but a hint of dip and spin bowled her clean through the gate for 1. Suddenly a partnership that had realised 77 from 45 balls at Hove had been broken before it had begun, and that carefree youth that had so flourished in game one had a different scenario to counter.

Inoshi in on the action

Alice Capsey had made a belligerent 51 from 27 on that occasion; here she was restricted

as Inoshi

Fulham keeper Bernd Leno led the on-pitch protests and TV replays indicated he didn't start to move to make a save until the ball passed Akanji.

"It was offside," admitted Haaland in an interview with beIN SPORTS after full-time. "I feel bad for them - I would be fuming after this as well. It must be a horrible feeling."

The only minor consolation for Silva was that he avoided a fourth yellow card in four games, even though he spent a sustained period unloading his views on fourth official Michael Salisbury as the opening half drew to a close.

Silva's Palhinha problem

City's second goal is not the only problem Silva has to contend with this weekend. He also has to work out the best way to reintegrate star man Palhinha

into his squad.

The Portuguese thought he was going to complete a dream move to Bayern Munich on Friday.

The 28-year-old travelled to Germany, completed his medical, posed for pictures in the famous Bayern shirt and gave an in-house interview, only to be told Fulham's inability to secure a replacement meant the deal had to be scrapped.

"It was a tough day for him, one of the toughest days of his life," said Silva.

"He loves to be with us but that was a big chance to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world. Nobody can tell what he is feeling right now.

"He is going to need all the support from our fans and his team-mates."

RACING TIPS

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

BRIGHTON

Fernando followed her skipper's lead in her first outing of the series. First, her tall offbreaks pinned Capsey to the crease for five consecutive dot-balls and a single, then she snapped the trap shut in the field one over later. Itching to break the shackles, Capsey lashed through the line at Sugandika Kumari and Fernando was almost blown off her feet at mid-off as she clung on well to a flat chance.

Bouchier by this stage had connected well on another cuff through the covers, but Fernando's impact was not done yet. The first ball of her second over was flapped in ungainly fashion straight to Kavisha Dilhari at extra cover, and Bouchier attempted to bend her bat around her helmet as she traipsed off for 12 from 10. Not only were England truly in the m(aia)ire at 21 for 3, but she'd missed a golden opportunity to rebuild a faltering innings, and seize the opportunity for seniority that she's been handed in the absence of the likes of Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt.

08:50 hrs

09:25 hrs Lieutenant

10:00 hrs Notre Maison

10:35 hrs Zachary

11:10 hrs Ormolulu

11:45 hrs Optiva Star

12:20 hrs Eton Blue

12:50 hrs Victoria

WORCESTER

09:10 hrs Jet Of Magic

09:45 hrs Saxon Queen

10:20 hrs Drumlee Spud

10:55 hrs Sporza Castle

11:30 hrs Dynamic Kate

12:05 hrs Calll Me Tara

IRISH RACING TIPS TIPPERARY 09:00 hrs Sea The Polaris

09:35 hrs Quickstepping

10:10 hrs Warrior Brave

10:45 hrs Honey Girl

11:20 hrs Lady Tilbury

11:55 hrs Ano Manna 12:30 hrs Rain

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

SCOTTSVILLE

08:25 hrs Ninety Nine Heros

09:00 hrs Lady Canton

09:35 hrs American Graffiti

10:25 hrs Captain Bombshell

10:45 hrs Ridriguez

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

SARATOGA Race 1 Weigh The Risks Race 2 Bon Adieu Race 3 Film Srar Race 4 Magnolia Midnight Race 5 Picatta Prince

Fulham had equalised 121 seconds after Manchester City's opening goal

Chamari Athapaththu bossed the chase by smashing a 26-ball fifty (Getty Images)

Pakistan, India washed out

Pakistan steal last-over thriller against South Africa

(ESPNCRICINO) - The first ODI between India and Pakistan since the last World Cup four years ago ended in a no-result but not before both the teams teased a great contest in the one innings possible.

As a result of the washout, Pakistan's progress to the Super Fours was confirmed.

The Pakistan fast bowlers lived up to their billing, running through India's top order in helpful conditions, but Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya rescued India from 66 for 4 with reassuring 80s only for the fast bowlers to come back and keep them down to 266 after they had looked good to go beyond 300 during the 138-run fifth-wicket stand.

Having already lost 53 minutes to two rain breaks during the first innings, any more rain was going to result in loss of overs.

As it tends to happen with such scores, the adjusted DLS targets appear to favour the defending side for small stoppages and then the chasing side as the duration of the match gets closer to 20 overs.

After the uneasy wait for the rain to stop, it turned out neither side needed worry because the rain had persisted long enough for both sides to walk away with the noble draw.

There was enough cricket to talk about and marvel at, though. Curiously both sides wanted to bat first, and India happened to be the one to get into the line of fire. Having been under covers, the surface was two-paced and offered appreciable seam movement.

It took one rain break, though, for Pakistan to gather themselves and start hitting the deck instead of looking for swing in the air. After that rain break during the fifth over, Shaheen Shah Afridi began to look unplayable. He just kept hitting the good length at high pace, and the ball kept nipping each way. Rohit Sharma, who had got off to a decent start, caught the worst of it when two balls nipped away to beat his outside edge and the third seamed back in to bowl him tip of off. To the naked eye, there didn't seem to be any change in the release.

Virat Kohli announced himself with a sensational cover-drive on the up, but soon the slowness from the surface did him in as he looked to run Afridi down to third. The returning Shreyas Iyer made an even more impressive start to his innings, but then he smacked a pull off Haris Rauf straight into the hands of square midwicket. It took a sharp catch from Fakhar

Zaman.

All during this mayhem, it was clear India wanted to counterattack at all times. Only Shubman Gill stayed away from playing a shot in anger. After a scratchy innings, he played on a full ball that seamed away at Rauf's pace. You can't do much when that happens.

By that time, Kishan had already made his way to 15 off 13 including an upper-cut six off Rauf. Pandya, too, hit the first ball he played for four. It was not reckless hitting, but it was apparent India didn't want to go into their shell even at four down and with a long tail.

Once the three first bowlers were done, a weakness in the Pakistan squad began to show up. Both their allrounders and all their part-time bowlers are spinners. Most sides aim for three strike bowlers and one allrounder who can bowl seam. In the middle overs, in conditions that called for more pace, Pakistan didn't have the services of a fourth quick.

Babar Azam eschewed the adventure of continuing on with a fast bowler for too long in search of wickets and then risk leaving himself a spinner to bowl at death. It was a conservative call, and the two batters scored easily off spin, es-

pecially with Shadab Khan missing his length often.

As the innings approached the 40th over, both the batters began to put pressure back on the bowlers, taking advantage of the extra fielder inside the circle. Eventually, Pakistan had to go back to Rauf. Kishan, nearing a century but also struggling with what looked like a cramp, perhaps began to play too many shots lest his running slow down the innings. One of them flew off the toe end to end his knock at 82 off 81. However, it was not before Kishan presented himself as a candidate in the middle order even if KL Rahul was fit.

Pandya displayed his batting skill as reminder of the time when he was considered a lock in the middle order even if not fit enough to bowl. Without taking any risks, he scored his first 30 at a run a ball before falling second fiddle to Kishan. However, towards the end he accelerated, scoring 31 off the last 20 balls he faced. He fell short of a century by 13 runs, having been deceived by an Afridi slower ball.

Naseem Shah, who was arguably the best bowler without wickets to show for until then, took out the last three wickets to restrict India.

(ESPNCRICINFO) -

Tazmin Brits' career-best 64-ball 78 proved insufficient as 30s from Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof followed by Aliya Riaz's finishing act helped Pakistan chase down their highest score in T20Is in a last-over thriller against South Africa.

Chasing 151, the batters kept Pakistan in the game all through. While four run-outs did not help the cause, they stitched important partnerships as Pakistan got over the line off the final ball with Riaz heaving one away to deep midwicket.

Sent into bat, South Africa openers Laura Wolvaardt (44) and Brits crafted an 85-run opening stand. Marizanne Kapp and Brits then got together adding 58 off just 37 for the second wicket with the latter being the aggressor. Brits brought up her eighth T20I fifty off 44 balls and opened up her shoulders soon after.

In all, she struck nine fours and a six before fall-

ing in the last over. South Africa pumped 54 runs in their last six overs to reach 150 for 3.

Pakistan, however, went about their reply in a professional manner. They lost Shawaal Zulfiqar early to Kapp but Ameen and Maroof added a stand of 30 for the second wicket to keep the chase going before Ameen started the run-out spree, falling in the ninth over. Ten balls later, it was Captain Nida Dar who was found short of her crease.

Maroof and Riaz then got together and stabilised the required rate with an 18-ball 34 stand for the fourth wicket. After another run-out ensued, Riaz and Muneeba Ali added a 43-run partnership for the fifth wicket to take Pakistan closer.

Muneeba fell off the final ball of the 19th over leaving Pakistan with eight to win in the 20th. But Riaz kept her cool and alongside Fatima Sana, completed the win.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday September 03, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius

(2) Shimron Hetmyer-60 (vs SKNP)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the CPL 2015 finalists?

(2) Who were the captains involved in the 2015 final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Haris Rauf was taken for runs early on, but struck back with Shreyas Iyer's wicket (Associated Press)

Bismah Maroof top-scored with 37 for Pakistan (PCB)

Sainz pips Verstappen to Monza pole

(Formula 1) Carlos Sainz came out on top at the end of a thrilling qualifying hour for the Italian Grand Prix as the Ferrari driver narrowly got the better of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and team-mate Charles Leclerc to secure his first pole position of the season.

Sainz led the way after the first Q3 runs but improvements from Verstappen and Leclerc meant the Spaniard needed another gain of his own to get the job done – a 1m 20.294s giving him top spot by little more than one hundredth of a second.

Verstappen and Leclerc had to settle for second and third, with less than a tenth of a second covering

the top-three positions, while Mercedes’ George Russell beat the other Red Bull of Sergio Perez for the ‘best of the rest’ spot. There was some concern for Ferrari earlier in the session, as both Sainz

and Leclerc came under the spotlight for potentially failing to follow the Race Director’s instructions regarding maximum lap time, but the stewards confirmed there would be no further action just as the

pole shootout ended.

Alex Albon produced another fine qualifying display to take sixth for Williams, while McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris sandwiched Lewis Hamilton in posi-

GCA’s NBS 40-Over Cricket

tions seven to nine, and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso completed the top 10 places.

AlphaTauri came close to getting into Q3 on their home soil, but ultimately had to settle for 11th with Yuki Tsunoda and 12th with Liam Lawson, the latter continuing to close on his team mate after a solid start to his F1 career in the Netherlands.

Nico Hulkenberg was the fastest of the Haas drivers on his way to 13th position, with Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and Williams’ Logan Sargeant – via a costly mistake on his final lap – the other drivers to drop out in Q2.

Zhou Guanyu narrowly missed out on a Q2 spot in

the other Alfa Romeo after losing a lap time for exceeding track limits, leaving him 16th, while Alpine followed up their podium finish at Zandvoort with a surprise double elimination in the opening phase – Pierre Gasly taking 17th after team mate Esteban Ocon experienced a wild moment at the Ascari chicane.

The final two spots on the grid for Sunday’s race go to the Haas of Kevin Magnussen and the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll, who felt the effects of missing FP1 to give reserve driver Felipe Drugovich a run in the AMR23 and then sitting out most of FP2 amid technical issues

Fifty from McCalmont; Thomas, Joseph claim 5-wkt hauls

By Sean Devers

The latest round of the New Building Society (NBS) 40-over second division cricket tournament continued yesterday for teams in the City with Queen’s College beating Everest by 105 runs and MYO getting past Bel Air by seven wickets.

At the Queen’s College ground, QC were bowled out for 186 in 26.4 with Hakeem McCallister stroking a shot-filled 58 from just 31 balls with nine boundaries which included five sixes while Tuan Hicks made 31 from 58 balls with three fours.

Jonte Thomas hit a four and a six in a 14-ball 18 while opener Owen Andrews stroked three boundaries on the fast out-

field in a cameo 17.

Extras contributed 32 as Floyd Joseph 5-33 and got support Kishaun Tracy who took 3-38.

Everest were bowled out for an embarrassing 81 in just 14 overs on scorching hot day as only

Stuart Happy top-scored with a run-a-ball 29 as he reached the boundary five

times while Rishi Hirilall (12) was the other batter to reach double figures on a decent pitch.

Thomas was the architect of destruction; capturing 6-9 while McCallister, who opened the bowling, followed up his half-century with 3-33 to trigger the slide by removing Hirilall, Denesh Mangal (1) and

Tracy (2) to leave the Everest on 30-3.

Stuart Happy and Airel Tilku (9) then saw the 50 posted before Happy was run out at 54-4 to start a dramatic collapse which saw the last six wickets tumbling for 13 runs as Thomas befuddled the middle and lower order batters.

In the other NBS game played yesterday, home team MYO dismissed Bel Air Rubis for 78 in 22. 4 overs as Anthony Khan hit five fours but struggled to score freely on the small ground, taking 60 balls to accumulate his 28 while Arvinda Gainda fought fire with fire in his 26 from 28 balls with four fours and six.

The pair joined forces with his team wobbling on the ropes on 19-7 and

carried the score 76-8 before Khan was removed by Yekini Favourite, then Gainda, one of three brothers in the team, departed a run later.

Suresh Dhanai, who ran in hard and tested the batters with some good short balls on one of the faster tracks in the city, ripped out the top order.

He first had Ajay Gainda (0), Irfaan Ali for a duck, and Mahindra Jeenarine (6) to leave Bel Air Rubis on 11-3.

But Arvinda Gainda and Khan ensured their team passed 50 with Gainda ‘throwing the Kitchen Sink’ at the bowlers.

Marlon Boele and Favourite supported the lively Dhanai with two wickets each for MYO who reached the victory target in 14.2 overs.

Sagar Hatiramnani top scored with 26 from 21 balls with five boundaries.

Favourite hit a couple of fours in his unbeaten 16 while Zeynul Ramsammy reached the boundary once in his subdued undefeated 14.

The GCA’s tournaments are being marred by the unavailability of umpires with many opting to render their services in East Bank and West Demerara where fees are reportedly more lucrative.

The first day of yesterday’s two-day first division game at Malteenoes was called off because both of the umpires failed to turn up for duties on a day blessed with glorious sunshine, a hard pitch and a freshly-cut ground.

Ferrari Carlos Sainz edged Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and team-mate Charles Leclerc to secure his first pole position of the season

Hakeem McCallister Floyd Joseph

2023 FESUPO Powerlifting Championship

NAMILCO throws weight behind GAPLF

The National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO), which is the largest and oldest operating commercial flour mill in Guyana, has thrown its support behind the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) ahead of the 10th South American Men’s and Women’s Classic Powerlifting & Bench Press Championships (FESUPO), set for Lima, Peru next week from September, 6-11, 2023.

Serving markets also in St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, Canada, Suriname, and Brazil, NAMILCO’s Managing Director, Mr. Bert Sukhai, shared that the company, which is over 50 years old, is pleased to be supporting the ambitions of the Powerlifting Federation and its athletes.

“We at NAMILCO have been very supportive of sports and its development in Guyana over the years and we are very proud of this, across

many, many disciplines. Powerlifting has been holding its own and we are more than happy for the opportunity to support you guys.”

In handing over the cheque to GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson, at the company’s headquarters in Agricola, Finance Executive, Mr. Fitzroy McLeod echoed Mr. Sukhai’s comments.

He also congratulated the Federation for making Guyana proud at both the Senior, Sub-Junior, and Junior World championships where Guyana got one bronze and two silver and one gold medal in June and August, respectively.

Carlos Petterson-Griffith gained bronze and silver medals in the squat and deadlift in Malta in June where he ended 6th of 38 lifters in the 93kg class and qualified as the top South American lifter for Sheffield’s in February next year.

Dominic Tyrrell

picked up deadlift silver and Romeo Hunter, a gold in the squat; both lifters emulating Petterson-Griffith’s feat which

the NAMILCO executives said were very impressive for the nation.

“The sport no doubt has been doing very well

for Guyana so, we as a company, are very happy to assist you and, in this instance, for the South American Championships in Peru this month. We are confident that the team will do well once again and bring back medals for Guyana.”

Federation President, Franklin Wilson expressed the gratitude of his executive, Team Guyana, as well as that of members of the GAPLF to Mr. Sukhai, NAMILCO, and Mr. McLeod.

“The Powerlifting Federation is very pleased with this partnership that has started here with NAMILCO. We, too, are well aware of the company’s support and partnership with other sports associations and federations over the [years] and can assure you that we intend to build on this and make it more solid going forward.”

Guyana will be represented by a 10-member

team at the South American Championships. The team includes Ms. Sarah Sanmoogan (66kg-Open/Junior-Classics); Ms. Keisha Abrigo (76kg-Open-Classics); Mr. Kheon Evans (83 kg-Open-Classics); Mr. Wasim Mohamed (93 kg-Open/MI-Classics); Mr. Leroy Trotman (93 kg-Open-Classics); Mr. Bjorn Williams (105 kgOpen-Classics); and the USA-based Mr. Nairanjan Singh (83 kg-Masters 4-Equipped).

The team’s coach is USA-based Mr. Kerma Singh, the Manager is Mr. Franklin Wilson and the Referee is IPF Category 11 accredited, Mr. Colin Andrew Austin. Other sponsors on board with the GAPLF to date are the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, and John Fernandes Limited.

Golden Jaguars release squad to face Antigua in Nations league

Guyana’s 23-member Senior Men’s National Football team is gearing up for their first match in the 2023/2024 Concacaf Nations League Group Stage against Antigua and Barbuda with Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz expressing confidence in his team's preparations over the last few weeks.

The squad - a mixture of 12 locally based players and 11 international players, including crowd favourites, 19-year-old Chicago Fire Football Club forward, Omari Glasgow and 23-yearold Queens Park Rangers midfielder, Stephen Duke McKenna - was revealed on Friday last.

Coach Shabazz chose three goalkeepers, ten defenders, five midfielders and five forwards to kick start Guyana’s Concacaf Nations League Group Stage cam -

paign on September 9 at the Antigua & Barbuda Technical Centre, St. John's. Training has been intense

doh Berdien,

worked

“The guys at home responded well to the work put in by our staff, especially the methods employed by our fitness coach, Riedoh Berdien,” Shabazz shared, adding that, “A couple lads fought their way into the squad."

Following impressive performances in the recently concluded Guyana Football Federation (GFF) KFC Elite League, Coach Shabazz gave the nod to midfielder Ryan

‘Boom Boom’ Hackett and defender Amos Ramsay of the Guyana Defence Force Football Club, and Santos Football Club midfielder, Darron Niles.

Missing from the team are three of the most experienced players - Neil Danns, who recently retired; Emery Welshman, who is in pre-retirement, and Sam Cox who has temporarily joined the Golden Jaguars coaching

staff.

"This places responsibility on the likes of Omari Glasgow, Jeremy Garrett, Duke McKenna, Daniel Wilson and Elliot Bonds to show more leadership,” emphasised an unfazed Shabazz.

Guyana is in League B, Group D, along with Antigua and Barbuda, Puerto Rico, and Bahamas.

League B has sixteen national teams divided into four groups of four teams. Each team will play every other team in their group, home and away, for six matches per team. The first and second-place finishers of each group will advance to the Quarterfinals.

With a strong squad in place to face the Antigua challenge, the Golden Jaguars are motivated and focused on advancing to the next round.

NAMILCO’s Finance Executive, Mr. Fitzroy McLeod (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GAPLF President, Franklin Wilson

over the last few weeks for the players based in Guyana with the addition of South African Fitness Coach Rie-

who

alongside Shabazz and Assistant Head Coach, Wayne Dover.

19-year-old Golden Jaguar, Omari Glasgow, will be looking to make a big impact this season of the Nation's League

GAW move to table top after dismantling Patriots

Guyana Amazon Warriors moved to the top of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a comfortable 98-run victory over the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

The Patriots won the toss and opted to field first and that initially appeared to be an inspired decision when the Warriors were restricted to 55/4 inside the first seven overs but excellent batting

at the back end powered the Warriors to an imposing 186/6

In reply, the Patriots never got close to the victorious total. Having lost four wickets in the PowerPlay, the contest was all but over before it began. Wickets continued to fall regularly to see the Patriots bowled out for 88.

The Amazon Warriors initially made a good start to the PowerPlay racing to 32

inside the first three overs before Oshane Thomas’ double strike in the fourth over brought the Patriots into the game. Saim Ayub was caught on the boundary for 21 before Hazratullah Zazai nicked behind to Andre Fletcher for 7. Two wickets became four when George Linde dismissed Azam Khan in the first over after the PowerPlay and Thomas returned to have Hope caught in the covers to

leave the Amazon Warriors in trouble at 55/4.

However, the Guyanese pair of Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul put on a 57-run partnership to rebuild the innings before Dominic Drakes dismissed Hetmyer with the short ball.

Dwaine Pretorius and Paul combined to put together a partnership of 48 from 31 balls to ensure the Warriors entered the back end of

the innings with significant momentum and Romario Shepherd added the finishing touches to leave the Patriots an imposing 187 to chase in reply.

The Patriots were always likely to be up against it chasing 187 to win and their task was made even more difficult when they lost Andre Fletcher, Evin Lewis, Will Smeed and Sherfane Rutherford inside the PowerPlay.

Having stumbled to 43/4 at the end of the opening six overs there was to be no respite or recovery as the Warriors kept the pressure on to dismiss the Patriots for 88 runs.

The win means the Warriors continue to be the only unbeaten side in the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Royals Ladies make light work of TKR to remain unbeaten

Barbados Royals made light work of chasing 74 to stay unbeaten from their opening round of fixtures at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

After chasing a record 167 two days ago in the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) opener, Hayley Matthews’ side made the most of their chances against the Trinbago Knight Riders.

The visitors were without their captain and most experienced international Deandra Dottin and exciting new overseas Orla Prendergast for their opening match of their WCPL defence.

Trinbago Knight Riders never got going with the bat despite winning the toss and opting to bat first, with only one player reaching double figures as the side capitulated to 73 all out.

The Royals didn’t hang around in their pursuit of the total knocking off 74 for four wickets inside 11 overs after an explosive powerplay started the chase strongly.

The Knight Riders reached 32-1 from their steady PowerPlay. Kycia Knight made a good start as she scored at just shy of a run a ball in the first six overs, however, when

she was dismissed by Erin Burns, the visitors fell from 36-2 to 73 all out.

Spin dominated for Matthews’ side as it had in their first match on Thursday, taking eight wickets for 54 runs, bowling 12.4 of the 16.4 bowled overs. Australian pairing Erin Burns and Amanda-Jade Wellington were the stars with 3/19 and 2/13, respectively.

The Royals, in response, got off to a fast start in the powerplay, the captain leading off with a quickfire 19, supported by Gaby Lewis on the back of a score of 47, reached a run-a-ball 27, the

hosts surpassing 50 inside the PowerPlay.

Matthews’ side endured a setback as they three wickets for 11 runs between overs five to nine with Knight Riders’ spinners enjoying some consolation wicket taking, although it wasn’t enough to affect the result.

Barbados Royals are back in action for a third consecutive match tomorrow as they face Guyana Amazon Warriors in a repeat of the 2023 WCPL opener.

Keemo Paul (L) and Dwaine Pretorius (R) of Guyana Amazon Warriors knock gloves during the Men's 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 15 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Kensington Oval on September 2, 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados

Dwaine Pretorius (C), Romario Shepherd (2L) and Gudakesh Motie (2R) of the Guyana Amazon Warriors celebrate the dismissal of Andre Fletcher of Saint Kitts & Nevis Patriots during the Men's 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 15 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots at Kensington Oval on September 2, 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados

Chinelle Henry (2L) and Erin Burns (3L) of Barbados Royals celebrate winning the Women's 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 2 between Barbados Royals and Trinbago Knight Riders at Kensington Oval on September 2, 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

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