Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-06-2023

Linden: US$150M for housing, four-lane bridge across Wismar

— Synthetic track to open next week - President Ali announces

By Tamica Garnett

THE contract for the $150 million loan to build a fourlane Wismar/Mackenzie bridge, and construct houses in Linden, is expected to be signed on Monday, while the commissioning of the synthetic track is also expected to take place next week in the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) township.

These developments and others were announced by President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday, during a public meeting at Republic Avenue

in Mackenzie, Linden. The meeting was part of the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) campaign for the upcoming Local Government Elections set for June 12.

During the campaign season, the party has been focusing heavily on its track record of rolling out massive infrastructural and social welfare programmes, while also enlightening Guyanese on future plans and projects to soon come on stream.

Saturday’s meeting saw a healthy turn out of supporters, which was astonishing given that Linden is con -

sidered a stronghold of the main political opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), a coalition led by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).

However, as he delivered a passionate speech, Dr. Ali told those gathered that while the opposition continues to try to convince Lindeners that the PPP/C government does not have their best interests at heart, actions have been speaking louder than words, and Lindeners can judge for themselves the development coming to the municipality.

“They [APNU] doubted

us; they stood up in Parliament and said we’re lying; the Wismar Bridge would not come. But on Monday, we will be signing the loan for the building of the four-lane bridge across the [Demerara River].

“So that’s one more reason to ensure this government leads the way in the transformation of Region 10. The naysayers said we would not do it but on Monday, glory be to thee, we shall put ink on paper and sign the loan for the bridge, and we will sign for US$150 million,” President Ali said to the roaring

crowd.

According to the Head of State, the government plans to see Linden become a logistics and transportation hub, given its position as a gateway into the interior. The development in the township would lead to massive benefits for many other industries in Region 10, particularly the agriculture industry.

Dr. Ali reminded residents that the PPP/C is a party that keeps its promises to the people, and the government has been working hard to carry out its various manifesto promises in addition to

being on the ground to meet with residents and listen to their concerns.

During the meeting, those gathered were also introduced to the Proportional Representation (PR) and Constituency candidates running for the PPP/C in the upcoming LGE.

With Linden under the control of the PNC/R for over 50 years and little to no development, the message from the candidates as they appealed to the electorate was that the time has come for a change in Linden.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali addressing a massive crowd of PPP/C supporters in Linden (Delano Williams photos)

A section of the crowd of PPP/C supporters in Linden

‘We will stand behind every promise’ – Jagdeo tells Berbice

By Nafeeza Yahya - Sakur

“WE will stand behind every promise made here by the councillors today,” General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C),

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo assured residents of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) who gathered at Republic Square in Corriverton, East Berbice on Saturday evening for a public meeting.

It is part of a series of meetings planned ahead of Local Government Elections which is slated for June 12, 2023.

Speaking to a massive crowd of supporters decked

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jagdeo assured the residents that the councillors will have the full support of the party and government in executing works as promised to make the lives of their constituents and every Guyanese better. He noted that the hierarchy is keen on transparency, and councillors are asked to live stream their meetings so that residents can be kept abreast of all that is happening and can hold those in authority accountable.

He implored residents not to take the local government elections lightly since this is the stepping stone to general and regional elections in 2025.

“We fielded in these elections over 2,000 candidates. We are the only party that is contesting in all 80 of the local government areas. We have over 26,000 backers; no other political party can match that record.

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr

entire nation and they want to be associated with that party, and so in these very elections, we have already won 291 of the 610 constituencies because nobody else can contest there,” Jagdeo told residents.

He urged residents to ensure they vote on June 12.

out in PPP colours, Jagdeo reiterated that the PPP/C is the only party that has a proven track record on delivering promises made.

And to prove his point, he highlighted that the party has achieved almost 90 per cent of the commitments made in its manifesto despite

“This party has been converted from just an ordinary political party into a movement for progress across Guyana. It is now you hear people describing us as the red wave taking over the country because people have seen our track record; they have seen that we are fixed on making progress for the

“Because the biggest fight we have now is not a fight against APNU; it’s a fight against complacency among many of the supporters and members of the People’s Progressive Party. When I travelled the country, as we have done, people say they don’t attach much importance to local government elections. They said to me, ‘We are waiting for the big one in 2025.’

“But if you understand the nature of politics, these elections are just as important as 2025 because it’s important that in every one of these

local government areas, that we have councillors that are like-minded with that of the People’s Progressive Party who are focused on development and addressing people’s concerns. We can’t wait for 2025; we have to grow the party now and we have to and we depend on you to do this,” the General Secretary contended.

Meanwhile, the councillors representing their respective constituencies addressed the mammoth crowd and committed to ensuring the lives of residents will be transformed, and that development will be evident.

In fact, George Davis, one of the candidates, alluded to many developments taking place in Corriverton presently, including the construction of new roads, drains; the construction of a park and new housing schemes, and job opportunities.

Bharrat Jagdeo

A section of the crowd at the public meeting at Republic Square in Corriverton

Major developments coming for Kwakwani

- community tourism facility, housing development project on the cards

By Tamica Garnett

WITH plans on the cards for a Community Tourism Facility, support for housing development programme and the deployment of a team of specialists from Cuba to expand a community honey production project, several major developments are in the works for the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region (Region 10) village of Kwakwani.

The logging community is also set to be among those benefitting, when disbursements begin in a few weeks, from the $900 million revolving fund established between the government and Demerara Bank to boost production in Guyana’s forestry sector.

These developments and more were disclosed by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Saturday during a public meeting in Kwakwani, where the Head of State outlined the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C’s) track record of developmental programmes.

He used the opportu -

nity to implore residents of Kwakwani to vote with their conscience when they go to the polls on June 12 for the Local Government Elections (LGE).

President Ali called on those gathered to remember that though the choice is theirs to make, the decision of choosing their government, and ultimately their leaders is a very important decision that they must think carefully about.

“It must be a decision that is made with your conscience. It must be a decision that is made with honesty and dignity. It must be a decision that is made with a clear mind, clear thinking.

“It must be a decision that is based on facts and truth. I am convinced that if you make a decision based on honesty, based on facts, based on dignity, there is no way you can make a decision in this Local Government Elections (LGE) without voting for the PPP/C,” Dr. Ali said to resounding applause from the gathering

He added, “Be true to your conscience and vote solidly for the PPP/C.

We will be investing in the housing programme here; we will be supporting housing improvement project in the coming year. Kwakwani, vote with your conscience, vote with honesty and dignity. Deliver to Kwakwani the good strong leadership of the PPP/C.”

According to the President, the government has already spent tens of millions of dollars in agriculture, and with spending only expected to grow, Kwakwani is poised to get its fair share of the expenditure pie.

“What is our plan to open up the agricultural sector in this region? We want to push honey production. We can help in the marketing of this product. In the coming years, you will see investment in this area so that we can make Kwakwani a major producer of honey for Guyana and the region.

“We are already discussing with the Cuban government to have a specialised team that will come here to help us develop this industry. So, when you vote you are voting for the future, you

are voting to advance these projects,” Dr Ali related. But agriculture is not the only area where Guyana has been growing. Over the past few years, Guyana has been developing a burgeoning tourism industry, with massive increase in arrivals at all of Guyana’s international ports of entry, according to statistics by the Tourism Authority. And based on research done by the authorities, there is particular interest in eco-tourism, and environmentally friendly forms of tourism. And in this sector, too, Kwakwani is set to get its share.

“In the coming months and years, we will be working with you to develop a community tourism facility here in Kwakwani so that you can develop

your tourism sector with the beauty of nature that surrounds you,” Dr Ali said.

Kwakwani is one of 80 Local Authority Areas (LAA) being contested at the upcoming LGE. The LAA has a council with 12 seats. The PPP/C will be contesting in the Proportional Representation (PR)

aspect of the elections in that LAA.

The Kwakwani meeting was one of two rallies held in Region 10 on Saturday, as the PPP/C beefs up its campaign with just days to go until the elections. A public meeting was also held at the MacKenzie Market in Linden.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, addressing residents of Kwakwani during a public meeting on Saturday (Office of the President photos)

Removing Barriers

PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed

Irfaan Ali, in a recent address to residents of Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) said that the PPP/C administration is committed to the removal of all barriers that stand in the way of development.

It is a fact of our history that the hinterland communities and the indigenous communities were neglected both by the colonial administration and the PNC regime. This historical injustice is now in the process of being addressed by the PPP/C administration but despite the best efforts of the government, significant gaps still remain especially in terms of access to social services and employment opportunities.

Only recently, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

announced that hinterland regions are set to benefit from an additional 2,000 job opportunities with the introduction of the government's part-time jobs initiative.

This, along with the existing 2,500 Community Service Officers (CSOs) will impact positively on employment opportunities in hinterland communities. It will be recalled that the CSO programme initiated by the previous PPP/C administration was abruptly terminated by the Granger administration.

This developmental gap is recognised by the PPP/C administration which is doing everything possible to rectify the situation. According to President Ali, “Our investments are geared towards removing the gap, eliminating

the gap within and between regions so that all our people can live a better standard of life and have a better quality of life...so that in your communities you can live a more productive life...a life in which your dreams and aspirations can be supported by a government that cares.”

With local government elections just mere days away, the stage is set for a new power configuration both at the local and municipal levels. The PPP/C is poised to consolidate its political rule in a majority of the areas, either by way of no-contest or competitive voting.

Expectations are high that the PPP/C will make significant gains in several of the NDCs which were under political sway of the APNU

including the Linden and Georgetown municipalities which traditionally were won by the PNC/APNU.

This development has not escaped the attention of the PNC which continues to sow the seeds of doubt on the integrity of the electoral processes and unsuccessfully attempted to halt the holding of the elections through recourse to the Court.

But as pointed out by President Ali, even though the PPP is expected to dominate the polls, it is not power just for the sake of power that matters, but the extent to which such power is being utilised to improve the quality of life of citizens.

“It means more to the PPP/C than just placing an ‘X’ on a piece of paper.” Indeed, it is that trust and

confidence placed by the electorate in the PPP/C that has always been the defining characteristic of the PPP/C and its success at the polls, both in local and national elections.

Similar sentiments were made by Vice-President and General Secretary of the PPP during an address to a large gathering of party supporters at Leonora, West Coast Demerara when he said that the PPP has become a force to reckon with, thanks to the party's growing multi-racial support and its capacity to improve the lives of the Guyanese people.

The PPP/C, he said, is the only party that has Guyana's interest at heart. “The face of our party is changing; we are becoming stronger. We are becoming unstoppable. The

work we are doing now with the outreaches, we are building massive support across the country,” Dr. Jagdeo told enthusiastic supporters. With the highly anticipated victory at the elections, there is likely to be a much more coordinated and synergistic approach to development between the local government areas and the central government. It is a fact that such development has been stymied in several of the local government areas and municipalities where the opposition APNU has had political control. This dynamic is likely to change as the PPP/C consolidate at the governance level especially in those areas where the political opposition once stood in the way of development.

APNU’s flimsy excuses, delaying tactics, are desperate attempts to hide from the electorate

Dear Editor,

The PNC/APNU's desperation to hide from the electorate has been relentless and unlimited. As a result, their last resort effort in engaging the Courts was hopeless, without foundation, and, as expected, the High Court Judge threw out their flimsy contextual issues about constituencies’ boundaries surrounding the compilation of the Voters' List.

The shameless PNC/APNU cabal's wicked pursuit has been widely condemned and woefully exposed, so much so that it is no longer surprising to most of our electorate. No other political party in Guyana or the wider Commonwealth has brought forward such outrageous challenges and irrational queries aimed at defying long-standing electoral principles and precedence.

From the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion challenge to the recent cases, the PNC/APNU oppressors have

used every opportunity to suppress our democratic ideals.

The PNC/APNU plot has much to fear regarding the reactions from our citizens, which they hope time would help to provide a sufficiently strong gap to allow the swaying of the people's focus. But unfortunately, it is not only their miserable failure to use or demonstrate rational reasoning but the outright imposition of the most burdensome governance measures on the Guyanese nation while in Office and their propensity to cheat that has come full circle.

Compared to the PPP/C's speedy turnaround and massive all-inclusive development success, these have intensified their fears. Hence, they continue the time-wasting challenges before the Judiciary, stretching our legal system's tolerance and hoping for some emerging legal brilliance from the lawyers or oversight on the part of the defense.

At the Guyana Elections

Commission, the APNU Commissioners, led by Vincent Alexander, remain highly objectionable to agenda areas of objectivity at the Commission's meetings.

The Opposition's desperate efforts to avoid facing the electorate at Local Government Elections were thrown out by the High Court. One would recall that agents of APNU recently filed court action contesting the method used by GECOM to compile the Voters’ List. Further, the Court also threw out the application challenging the boundaries of Constituencies and Local Authority Areas, making it two rejections in less than 24 hours.

The High Court judge said that contrary to the contention by APNU, the Minister of Local Authority is responsible for the demarcation of boundaries and not GECOM. APNU's Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith-Joseph contended that the elections could not be held as the changed boundaries and

reformulated constituencies were unlawful.

The court awarded costs of $250,000.00, but there are now solid public calls for higher penalties to defer wasting the court's time as an unfounded futile practice.

Whenever Vincent Alexander fails to realise tractions for the PNC's delaying strategy at the Commission level, he attacks the GECOM Chairwoman in the media. Then, he steps out of the closet to join court actions advancing the PNC's strategies rather than observing the Legal positions. It is widely reported in various media that he supported Joseph's challenge in petitioning the Court in the two recent cases.

However, in presenting her ruling, the judge clearly explained that the Minister determines the number of Local Authority Areas and the Councillors by increasing or decreasing their numbers.

Notably, the cabal's hypocrites did not object when

the APNU Minister of Communities conveniently 'gerrymandered' the boundaries of specific constituencies in 2016 and 2018. In addition, concerning the Voters’ List, the court ruled that it is from the Official List of Electors (OLE) that the Voters’ List for the LGE has to be compiled.

The nation will recall the 2020 elections fiasco, which was undoubtedly created by the PNC-led clan. This was strongly refuted by united forces in support of democracy. A united Guyana supported by the firm stand taken by the international community, fought unflinchingly against the unapologetic tyrants. We, therefore, cannot allow any infiltrations that are likely to diminish the required fairness and transparency when election matters are addressed.

The PNC+APNU/AFC was fully prepared to take Guyana and make it a pariah state. The Granger administration carefully went against

the constitution and appointed James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM.

He then employed Roxane Myers as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and GECOM catapulted Region #5 Election Officer Clairmont Mingo to be Returning Officer of Region #4. More than 30 fraud cases were made against the GECOM staff, political activists, and leaders of the PNC, whose actions must now be fully judged.

The disciplined services have already voted and other Guyanese citizens in general are now raring to vote on Monday, 12th June.

Therefore, GECOM must be commended for thoroughly preparing for the holding of free and fair elections. This LGE is significant since it will bring a more inclusive democracy at the grass root level.

Sincerely,

Neil Kumar

Not mixing or mincing words on the school fires, COI, and politics

THE main political Opposition is playing a dangerous game following the horrific deaths of 20 children in a fire that was deliberately set to the female dorms of the Madhia Secondary School in Region Eight.

On one hand, the APNU and AFC politicians are seen expressing sympathies to the families and saying that they mourn the loss of the children, while the same or usual opposition political suspects have started a wild and very brutish campaign aimed at taking down certain PPP/C Government Ministers and Regional Officials that they say must be held accountable for the fiery deaths.

The Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton then went to Madhia where he engaged in dirty and trench-like politics with other party officials there about the tragedy.

As a result, snippets and video clips were taken to switch the narrative away from the families and victims of the fire to make it plain politics so that politicians like Amanza Walton-Desir, Natasha Singh-Lewis and Coretta McDonald could have relevance and five minutes of fame.

So irresponsible and inconsiderate is the APNU and AFC, which doubled down on the tragedy as Guyana showed signs of concern, worry, confusion, and

bewilderment. The public wanted answers as to how the tragedy could have happened, and what steps would be taken to avoid any future repeat but they know they have to wait.

While Guyana still mourns the tragedy, the Opposition politicians are guilty of the inhumane politicisation of this tragedy. As its behaviour is becoming clear for all to see, the APNU and the AFC can no longer hide the reality that it is pining away internally and therefore clutching at straws when it comes to playing the blame game with this tragedy.

Firstly, the families of the fire victims deserve the time and space to grieve their loved ones. They do not need platitudes from Norton and his politicians. They need the support and other services which the PPP/C Government, to their credit, has been providing to them to make it through this difficult time because it is not easy losing a loved one, and certainly not in such a manner.

They, however, would more appreciate it if they felt that Guyana was mourning with them and was supportive. Most of Guyana mourned while the opposition kept doing their interviews, overseas media appearances and PR tours attacking the Government left, right, and centre as though this deadly disaster was the

government’s doing directly or there was some commotion about how the Government responded at the moment.

The fact is, President Dr Irfaan Ali responded immediately and the Ministers of Education, Home Affairs, Health and Amerindian Affairs followed suit. Every possible thing that could have been done was done and is being done to deal with the tragedy so the opposition is engaging in premature political mud-slinging. It is dangerous and disrespectful to say it politely.

Secondly, it appears as if the Madhia school fire is following a pattern of arson with a hint of mystery.

Recall, on September 14, 2011, the Wismar Christiansburg Secondary School was gutted by fire. Then, the One Mile Primary School at Wismar, Linden on August 13, 2012, went up in flames followed by the mysterious fire on June 20, 2021 that destroyed a section of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School in Georgetown.

Fast track to the Mabaruma Secondary School, which was completely destroyed by fire on September 24 and the July 21, 2022 fire ravaged St. George’s High School. Also, 0n January 13, 2023, a fire gutted Christ Church Secondary School while the St Angela’s Girls Dormitory at Karasabai went up in

flames just three days ago.

One thing all of these fires have in common, according to the Guyana Fire Service, they were all acts of arson or deliberately set. They all occurred in the wee hours or had similar features.

One would be left to think who would benefit from the destruction of these schools, the chaos in the country and the political consequences that would follow. One hint is not the President nor the PPP/C Government. Someone wants to send a message and this stinks of possible or alleged opposition political involvement.

Maybe that would explain the disrespectful and immoral prompt response of PNC/APNU politicians to the fires in general.

Do they have an invisible hand in the fires? Are they pulling the strings of arsonists?

Do they want to rile up their support base much like they had accomplished with their

‘Mo fire, slow fire’ campaign back in the early 2000s?

There are more questions than there are answers and Congress Place must know that the fires are being looked at because they have striking similarities to what an irresponsible, visionless, desperate political party would do to change public perception of the government so close to an election.

Thirdly, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which President Ali hinted, should not only launch a thorough investigation into the Mahdia School Dormitory fire, it should also investigate the allegation of neglect and non-action in the region to the recommendations of fire service before the fire.

It should not stop there. It should be extended to all school fires that occurred since the PPP/C came to power in August 2020 because this is having a terrible and irreparable impact on the education sector and the

welfare of our children.

It must examine also the building codes and safety regulations at schools in general, and all government measures in place at dormitories in the length and breadth of Guyana. Heads must roll, and people must be sanctioned and disciplined if needs be at every level.

If it is going to be a bipartisan Commission, which is highly unlikely, then the best possible Commissioners with a passion for schools, education and our children will have to be selected.

Finally, Guyana will learn the hard way from this experience and the loss of 20 innocent and promising children. The time when the President will announce the CoI is coming and the truth will be unraveled about this unfortunate school fire at Madhia and possibly all others; then answers will flow. We owe it to 20 children who died and their families to ensure that justice is served.

Dr. Westmaas, don’t ever mention my name again

DR. NIGEL Westmass, leading member of the group, Overseas Friends of the WPA, has cited my activism in his debate with presidential advisor, Dr. Randolph Persaud. He wanted Dr. Persaud to know in my long years of activism, I was critical of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

When one’s work is used for reasons of opportunism and racism, then, one has to be both angry a nd emphatic. Just the mere mention of my name by Westmaas is anathema to me.

I once knew Westmaas when we struggled against the Burnham dictatorship. Since then, as a quintessential member of the Mulatto/ Creole class, Westmaas has changed the complexion of his politics in ways I will always reject in humans.

The work of mine that Westmaas found

convenient to cite was part of who I always was. I am deeply committed to two dimensions of struggle – elevation of the poor and multiracial unity. Westmaas is the opposite to who I am, the essence of me, so I resent the mere mention of my name by him.

I grew up in dirt poverty in the south Georgetown ward of Wortmanville. I know what the pangs of poverty look like. I dedicated myself that once I come out of poverty, all my dreams and energies will be dedicated to the protection and elevation of poor people. I have not even for an ephemeral moment shirked from that passion.

Four of my siblings married African Guyanese. My education was provided for by a Portuguese Jehovah Witness. I never even had a moment of reflection about the ethnic make-up of human beings. This is

an achievement Westmass will never match in a lifetime. Therefore, I am angry at the use of my name by people like Westmaas.

In the March 2020 election, I voted for an Amerindian man, Lenox Shuman, who headed an Amerindian Party. After March 2, when the election process was assaulted by barefaced riggers, I stood up to defend the right of people to vote and I confronted attempts to reintroduce the ugliness of permanent power in Guyana from March to July in 2020.

I didn’t care who won the March 2020 election once freedom to vote for a government was respected and the right to have that vote legally counted was accepted. This did not happen after March 2020. Race was not the impulse that drove me from March to July in 2020. It was about safeguarding rights, liberties,

justice, and democracy.

I lived in a country where I saw an election was lost by the incumbent in 2011 and 2015. I refused to be immobilised by the hands of the incumbent in 2020 to achieve permanent power.

For people like Westmaas, race motivates their very being. I saw an interview with Westmaas last week and I can only think of how sad, tragic and flawed is Homo sapiens. A socalled pastor sharing a platform with Westmaas told his interviewer that he cannot be happy on Independence 2023 because he saw how for five months, March to July in 2020, neocolonialists invaded Guyana.

The so-called pastor was justifying the horror show that went on during that period. When it was time for Westmaas to speak, he

told his viewers that he shares the sentiments of the so-called preacher. And why did Westmaas do that?

Because people like Westmaas wanted a winner of the 2020 national election based on the factor of race. When Westmaas, ethnic party lost, the resort was to rigging. Westmaas calls five months of election rigging, five months of neocolonial invasion of Guyana.

I was very close to Westmaas in the 1970s and 1980s. I do not want ever again to see or talk to people like Westmaas and those of his ilk, like Moses Bhagwan. I was very close to Bhagwan as a young man. Then in March 2020, Bhagwan embodied the very sentiments of Westmaas about permanent power.

I so disliked Bhagwan for what he has become. I gave the book he

sent me about his family to my friend, Michael Khan, former CEO of the Georgetown Hospital. I don’t ever want to remember, the name - Moses Bhagwan. I will ask Mike Khan to return the book so I can burn it. No apologies!

This is the passion and emotion of dislike, bordering on hate that I have for people like Westmaas and Bhagwan. To think for over two decades these two men and others like Eusi Kwayana and I share a bond of multi-racial friendship steeped in the river of dreams where the liberation and fulfillment of the lives of the poor and powerless would be a reality. I end with Shakespeare; “Oh, judgement Thou art fled to brutish beasts And men have lost their reason”

Revisiting fiscal terms – cost recovery, profits, and royalties

THE fiscal terms of Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) have been the subject of debate and contention for some time. There has also been considerable misinformation – some willful and intentional – around profit sharing, royalty rates, cost recovery, Guyana’s obligations, and those of the Stabroek coventurers, to advance the narrative proffered by some that Guyana is getting a bad deal.

But the government, despite some of the challenges that come with a rapidly expanding oil sector and economy, has heeded the advice of experts, bi-lateral partners and consultants in and outside Guyana to create a framework to maximise

the gains from production for Guyanese. Guyana is the global leader in total offshore discoveries since 2015, with 11.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, amounting to 18% of discovered resources and 32% of discovered oil, according to a 2022 report from Rystad Energy.

Under the terms of the 2016 Stabroek Block PSA, Guyana is entitled to two per cent of all pre-cost revenues as a royalty and 50 per cent of all profits with a cost recovery ceiling of 75 per cent, which is roughly average when compared to agreements with other frontier oil and gas countries international consultancy Wood Mackenzie found in a 2020 report.

The average government

take, which refers to the value received by the government over the life of a license in the form of royalties, profit sharing and taxes, will generally be around 60 per cent of profits or 14.5 per cent of overall revenues when both the pre-cost royalty and the post-cost profit sharing are accounted for and is expected to increase until 2025. Guyana’s earnings topped US $1.2 billion last year with another US $1.6 billion expected this year. Analysts predict that the country could reach US $7.5 billion annually in 2030.

Back in March, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced that all 14 blocks (three deepwater and 11 shallow-water) on offer in

Guyana’s first competitive licensing round garnered expressions of interest. All blocks on offer in the licensing round will be subject to the terms of the newly updated model PSA, which reflects the significant change in Guyana’s status since the Stabroek PSA was signed.

The fiscal terms of the new model PSA include a 10 per cent royalty rate and 65 per cent cost recovery ceiling. The profit share will remain 50/50 between the government and the contractor, with a new corporate tax of 10 per cent.

At the time of the signing of the Stabroek PSA, generous fiscal terms helped draw in companies to invest in an unproven frontier region. Now, as Guyana can boast

significant offshore reserves, and future deals will reflect lower risk levels and offer a higher percentage of revenues to the government.

Guyana’s de-risked offshore basin allowed it to push for additional revenues from future projects, reflecting the country’s more mature status as an oil producer and the lower capital risk that potential investors will face, especially in shallower blocks. Exploration, however, is not without risk and balancing the fiscal terms should continue to yield interest from global firms.

Ultimately, claims of exploitation and an imbalance are often exaggerated to sow doubt that Guyana can rise to the occasion and secure its place among the top ranks of

energy producers worldwide.

To date, those claims continue to be daunted by prudent fiscal management, a robust judiciary based on the rule of law and an increasingly informed and active Guyanese citizenry who hold both the companies operating in Guyana and the government accountable.

Guyana is on the right path and oil revenues are being reinvested in the country and the local economy. The country’s oil and gas sector will only continue to expand, and it is critical that the public conversation reflects the complex details of cost recovery, contracts, royalties, and all other aspects as accurately as possible.

Mahdia Fire: Crisis Intervention

THERE has been a call for a national dialogue on the circumstances surrounding the recent

tragic Mahdia fire, which claimed 20 lives and injured several others.

Guyanese Psychother-

apist, Shane Tull, in an interview, said that the conditions in these hinterland communities must be

examined as the fire is a symptom of a “greater ill”. Certainly, the safety measures, which allowed these

young people to be chained and padlocked in a room with grilled widows should come under scrutiny.

Tull also pointed out that often in these areas, older men prey on young girls, adding, “Sometimes the very people charged with taking care of them are the ones who abuse them…hurt people, hurt people.”

And we have yet to see whether the older man in this case will be charged and put before the courts for allegedly engaging in intimate relations with a 14-year-old girl.

The psychotherapist said that crisis intervention is necessary to help the parents of the dead girls, those who suffered injuries and the entire community to heal and cope with the trauma of what has happened.

While observing that the government response has been commendable so far, he advised that a crisis intervention team should be there, “on the ground”, talking to families and members of the community.

He further recommended that key persons in the community, such as teachers and social workers be trained to carry on the work of the team after they leave, as healing would take years.

A Clinical Psychotherapist with a wealth of experience dealing with individuals and groups, Tull said he has sent proposals to concerned ministries: “I have sent a clear proposal on what needs to happen.” He is awaiting a response.

“Informed trauma care helps,” he said, observing that families have to be brought together in a safe space and given the support they so desperately need at this time.

“You have to allow them to talk about their feelings letting them know you understand their grief…that they are not alone.”

The Achilles Counselling Services in the US

says that “Crisis intervention can be defined as the utilisation of simple techniques to intervene in a crisis that will help victims regain a sense of control over their lives,” adding, “much of crisis intervention rests in creative listening and helping people develop ideas as to how they will cope with the next few hours or days of their life in the aftermath of ka traumatic event.”

The psychotherapist advised that the entire community has to come together to discuss this tragedy as all have been affected by it. This involves helping survivors begin to think about what is meaningful in their lives and so move beyond survivor guilt, and providing focus for how people can begin to cope positively with the chaos around them and rebuild a sense of safety and hope.

Crisis intervention should therefore take place as soon as possible after a tragedy, allowing survivors to tell their stories, while recognising that, “It is different for every survivor, but each story does not go without a toll or a price to be paid,” the Counselling Services explained.

Tull’s advice is echoed by the National Centre for PTSD in the US, which says, “Responders can offer consultation and training to local providers and community leaders to help them more effectively implement community-based interventions.”

The psychotherapist also called on corporations and those entities which have benefitted from doing business in this country to do more than just offer a monetary contribution. He urged that they “go in” and help improve infrastructure and provide much-needed facilities.

I hope this article will spur on the authorities to look at Tull’s proposal and implement crisis intervention measures without further delay.

Guyana is the world’s second fastest-growing economy

- top 10 list with growth rates by IMF numbers

LEFT to the usual suspects, Guyanese and Caribbean people, at home and abroad, will not know that their homeland is among the fastest-growing economies in the world today, is ranked the fourth-largest offshore oil producer in the whole wide world, or that according to globally-respected financial institutions, it’s also the second-fastest growing economy on The Planet – and predicted to be Number One next year.

According to a June 2, 2023, article by Yash Sharma for BSEHExam.Org (Best Social Education Helper for Exams), as people everywhere naturally remain “curious about growth rate, GDP, economic growth, population and various significant factors of different countries around the globe,” an up-to-date study was done to update the fastest-growing list.

According to the findings, “Various nations are performing pretty-well, whereas many others are facing difficulties and challenges… but countries’ rankings, based on economic growth, keep on changing, depending upon various significant factors.”

The writer notes, “The most-commonly-used technique to calculate the growth of various countries is by estimating its GDP value” and identified “various factors affecting the economic growth of any country” as including “Inflation, Population, Unemployment Rate, Current Account Balance and Debt…”

The article notes that “Countries such as India, Macao SAR, Libya, Fiji, Guyana -- and several others -- are performing remarkably-well in terms of economic growth…”

It adds, “Most growing nations contain less population in comparison to other significant nations. However, regardless of vast population, India has shown remarkable growth…”

It also says, “India, Niger, Philippines, Vietnam, Ireland, Armenia, Uzbekistan and several others are included in the complete list (of fastest-growing economies in the world), even though their rankings based on economic growth can change, depending on various factors listed above…”

However, according to IMF figures, the top 10 countries with the highest growth rates, are as follows:

1. Macao SAR [Value: 58.9] [Population: 686,607]

This population of Macao SAR is approximately 6,75,766 (May 2023). According to IMF, this small nation has the highest Real GDP growth value in April 2023. The current GDP-PPP of Macao SAR is around 89,558 dollars (May 2023). However, IMP expects the growth value to go down in the coming years.

2. Guyana [Value: 37.2]

[Population: 797,613]

Guyana, with the Real GDP growth value of 37.2. The population of this South American country is approximately 7,97,613 (May, 2023). The current GDP-PPP of Guyana is around 60.65 thousand dollars (May 2023). IMF expects this country to assume the first position in Real GDP growth in 2024.

3. Libya [Value: 17.5]

[Population: 7,150,270]

Libya, with the Real GDP growth value of 17.5, has a current population of this nation is around 7,150,270 (May 2023). However, the GDP-PPP of Libya is around 24.6 thousand dollars (May 2023). The Real GDP Growth value of Libya will decrease in the upcoming years.

4. Palau [Value: 8.7] [Population: 18,345]

Palau’s Real GDP growth value is 8.7. The current population of this nation is around 18,345 (May 2023). The GDPPPP of Palau is around 16.39 thousand dollars (May 2023). The current Real GDP growth value of this nation is expected to increase slowly in the forthcoming years.

5. Senegal [Value: 8.3] [Population: 18,109,786]

Senegal’s Real GDP growth value of 8.3 and the current population of this nation is around 18,109,786 (May 2023). However, the GDP-PPP of Senegal is around 4.51 thousand dollars (May 2023).

6. Maldives [Value: 7.2] [Population: 569,291]

Maldives’ Real GDP growth value of 7.2, with a current population of this nation is around 569,291 (May 2023). The GDP-PPP of Maldives is around 36.36 thousand dollars (May 2023).

7. Fiji [Value: 7] [Population: 915,503]

Fiji has a Real GDP growth value of 7. The current population of this nation is around 915,503 (May 2023). The GDP-PPP of Fiji is around 15.73 thousand dollars (May 2023). The Real GDP growth value of this nation is expected to go down in the next few years.

8. Democratic Republic Of Congo [Value: 6.3] [Population: 5,936,431]

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has a Real GDP growth value of 6.3 and a current population is approximately 5,936,431 (May 2023). The GDP-PPP of the Democratic Republic of Congo is around 5.16 thousand dollars (May 2023). The Real GDP Growth value of this significant nation is expected to increase in the forthcoming years.

9. Côte D’Ivoire [Value: 6.2] [Population: 28,391,641]

Côte d’Ivoire has a Real

GDP growth value of 6.2 and the current population of this Western African nation is around 28,391,058 (May 2023). However, the GDP-PPP of Côte d’Ivoire is around 7.01 thousand dollars (May 2023). The Real GDP Growth value of this nation is expected to slowly increase in the forthcoming years.

10. Rwanda [Value: 6.2] [Population: 13,941,641]

Rwanda has a Real GDP growth value of 6.2 and the current population of this Western African nation is around 13,941,641 (May 2023). However, the GDP-PPP of Côte d’Ivoire is around 3.09 thousand dollars (May 2023). IMF expects the Real GDP growth

value of this significant nation to slowly increase in the upcoming years.

CONCLUSION

Guyana is bigger than some among the top ten fastest-growing economies (Macao, Maldives, Palau, Fiji) that are small islands or continental enclaves, but also has a much-smaller population than the African nations (Cote d’Ivoire, DRC,

Libya, Senegal, Rwanda).

Developing nations are growing increasingly skeptical about use of IMF, World Bank, United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) yardstick to graduate them out of qualification by promotion to higher growth rates based solely on GDP numbers.

However, the inescapable bottom line being spelt-out

by the figures above is the fact that everything about Guyana’s ever-growing economic growth rate has to do with how well the economy is being managed in the nation’s wider interest at this very-early stage in what’s evidently already starting to feel as the best future Guyana will ever have in its lifetime.

Carpenter remanded for allegedly killing niece’s fiancé

A 48-year-old carpenter was remanded to prison on Friday for allegedly stabbing his niece’s fiancé, Shivram Mohabir, called “Vickash”, to death during a dispute.

Hamid Amin called “Peppy” appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’

Court for the capital offence of murder.

Amin was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that, on May 29,2023, at 5th Street, Martyr’s Ville, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he murdered Mohabir.

He was remanded to prison until August 2, 2023.

According to re -

ports, Amin had an ongoing problem with Mohabir dating his 22-year-old niece.

On Saturday, May 27, Amin made a report at the Beterverwagting Police Station against Mohabir.

Police said that, on Monday, May 29, Mohabir was at his fiancée’s residence when Amin visited to check on his family and learned that he was there.

According to the po-

lice, Amin allegedly rushed to where Mohabir was, and a scuffle started between them.

As a result, Amin armed himself with a knife and dealt Mohabir a stab in the chest area.

Mohabir’s fiancée rescued him and Amin made good his escape. Mohabir was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was admitted and later succumbed.

Hamid Amin, called “Peppy”

Dead: Shivram Mohabir, called “Vickash”

Croal to focus on continuing massive transformation in housing sector …in second half of 2023

By Cindy Parkinson

MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, says his focus for the second half of this year is to regularise undocumented lands and to continue the country’s massive transformation of the housing sector.

During an interview with

Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), another 50 houses will be constructed in Hampshire while in Bartica Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), the housing programme is being rolled out.

He further noted that some lands are currently being cleared in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) for the construction of more

the Sunday Chronicle, the Housing Minister highlighted that the much anticipated Silica City on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway remains intact on the transformative agenda of the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

He is also working to ensure that the authorities regularise and process certificates of title for people who have been occupying undocumented lands. And according to Croal, some of these undocumented areas have already been identified.

"There will be a lot of that happening in the second half of this year because I am at that point where we have a number of old areas where people live, and we are nearing the completion of the legal process that will allow me to move to the next stage of ownership. Also, through the Dream Realised Programme, we are dedicated and focused in working towards accomplishing our overall target of at least 10,000 allocations for the year,” Croal told the Sunday Chronicle.

As it relates to the infrastructural aspect, he explained that the ministry is monitoring works that are taking place in every region.

Construction of houses is ongoing in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); in

houses.

In highlighting the huge workload and the impact it has on the employees, Minister Croal commended the dedication of his staff, noting that the first part of the year was only successful because of their commitment to country.

“The easy part is putting your hand into a bag and selecting a number, but there is a lot of work and planning that goes into what we do as a team, but it is fulfilling to see the reward on the faces of the people. It is not only my ministry that is working beyond the call of duty, but the other ministries and my fellow ministers as well, and we are happy to support President Ali in getting his vision for Guyanese accomplished."

Meanwhile, since assuming office, Croal has simplified some of the procedures at the Housing Ministry in order to make the process easier for people.

" If someone wants to update their application, send their queries…they can deal with all of that online instead of going to their regional office or coming into the ministry. We have also strengthened the regional offices because there isn't a dependency in Georgetown, so that people can be more comfortable in getting the information that they need.”

An overhead view of some of the houses at Ordnance /Fortlands, Berbice

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, at one of his outreaches

Applications open for new cohort of ‘young influencers’

from different regions of the country, all actively involved in community outreach and other developmental projects.

They were exposed to public-speaking training and were educated about social and other issues plaguing society, especially youths.

In the second batch, 30 talented young influencers were selected from various regions of Guyana.

advance projects that represent them.

The young influencers programme is geared towards encouraging and empowering young people to make a meaningful impact in their communities through their skillsets and talents while reflecting the characteristics of a positive role model and ambassador for young people.

THEMinistry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) is currently seeking the next group of people for its 'Young Influencers' programme.

Individuals aged 15 to 25 are invited to apply. Launched in 2021, the programme is part of the ministry's efforts to inspire youths to actively engage in voluntary work that betters their communities.

The inaugural group of 'young influencers' comprised 25 individuals

During the induction ceremony in 2022, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud emphasised her unwavering belief in the potential of young people, stating, "I have always believed in young people... and we are committed to working with you."

She related that the future ahead for young influencers is a rather remarkable one and the programme helps with developing them further and allows them to use their voice for powerful causes.

The influencers will work with the ministry to tackle social ills young people face within society and

To be considered, candidates will be required to show their skills by conceptualising a promotional video piece on one of the ministry’s existing programmes.

The youths will also have to detail some of the work they would have done within their community.

Among some of the traits, these young influencers must possess include good communication skills, social media savviness and influence, eloquence, strong morals and ethics, and a passion for volunteering and community work.

Application deadline is set for June 15th, 2023, and can be completed via the link: https://forms. gle/4ATYGhJFYv842txS6

Pilot charged with 16 TIP charges released on $1.3M bail

alleged that, between November 1, 2022, and May 18, 2023, he trafficked 16 Venezuelans between the Mazaruni River in Region Seven and Georgetown.

The victims reported the matter to the Guyana Police Force, and members of the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters immediately conducted an investigation.

PILOT and businessman, Orlando Charles, who is accused of committing 16 counts of Trafficking in Persons (TIP), was, on Friday, released on just over $1.3 million bail.

Charles, 45, of Main Street, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Christel Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court via Zoom.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges which

Charles was placed on a total of $1,360,000 bail ($85,000 per charge) and the matter was adjourned to June 14, 2023, for statements.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and the previous batch of young influencers in 2022

Orlando Charles

Sick child needs help to access treatment overseas

DIAGNOSED with Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV), four-year-old Ismaeel Knights, is now in need of help to go abroad to access treatment which is not available here in Guyana.

According to a Face -

block the outflow of urine through the urethra. When this occurs, the bladder, ureters and kidneys become progressively dilated, which can lead to damage,” SHEA stated.

Based on these findings, Knights urgently needs pos-

which is managed by volunteers. Further, 100 per cent of all donations are allocated to patient care.

“This organisation’s mission is to provide medical aid and humanitarian

services to people in impoverished countries, mainly Guyana and the Caribbean. This organisation seeks pro-bono medical treatment whether locally or internationally for patients who

cannot afford lifesaving medical treatment due to poverty,” SHEA says.

Other ways to donate are through Demerara Bank under the savings account name Lori Na -

rine, account number 6002041325 at the Le Ressouvenir branch; or VENMO, @SheaCharityGY; or Zelle, shea@ sheacharity.org

book post made by the Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) on Facebook, Knights was presented to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) Pediatric Unit with symptoms and signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) for which he was admitted.

However, an ultrasound was performed and revealed bilateral hydronephrosis which is the swelling of both kidneys due to a buildup of urine.

Further evaluation by his medical team at GPHC, with dilatation and radiology imaging of the prostatic urethra, suggested that he has PUV.

“PUV are obstructive membranes that develop in the urethra (tube that drains urine from the bladder). The valve can obstruct or

terior urethral valves ablation, which is not currently available in Guyana.

As a result, he was referred to a doctor in Trinidad, who specialises in this procedure and has agreed to treat Knights in Trinidad.

SHEA Charity has accepted Ismaeel’s case and will sponsor this life altering surgery. They are currently working with his medical team to finalise the details of his treatment and transfer.

The foundation is seeking donations so that they can assist Ismaeel and other children in need.

Persons who are interested in making a contribution towards the cause could contact the organisation at shea@sheacharity.org.

The organisation is a publicly-funded charity

Four-year-old Ismaeel Knights

Guyana, Dominican Republic can foster ‘Agri’ sector growth

THE bilateral relations between Guyana and the Dominican Republic can reap benefits for both countries, as they collaborate for further development in their agriculture sectors.

This was highlight-

ticular interest in the increased production of brackish water shrimp. This shrimp has market potential in North America and the large diaspora that Guyana has overseas,” Minister Mustapha explained.

He underscored that

ed by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during the private sector engagement between the two states, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday.

Minister Mustapha emphasised that the Dominican Republic has a well-developed logistic transportation infrastructure that could assist Guyana to access new markets and expand its exports. The agriculture minister noted that other lucrative areas of investment include fisheries and aquaculture.

“Guyana is currently ranked as the tenth supplier in the US of fresh fish and shrimp. We are producing almost 4,027 metric tonnes of these products annually. There is a par-

an area of cooperation that Guyana can support the Dominican Republic is climate-resilient technology, which includes shade houses. The minister said Guyana can provide technical assistance in the construction of shade houses for niche vegetables, exchange of expertise, and technical knowledge.

“DR has a well-developed agriculture sector and shares its expertise with Guyana in areas such as coffee and cocoa,” Minister Mustapha stated. There are also opportunities for the Dominican Republic to support Guyana in the development of a state-of-the-art agriculture market, similar to its own. (DPI)

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

Private Sector officials from Guyana and the Dominican Republic at the engagement

HEARTS initiative expanded for management of cardiovascular diseases

- 30 more health centres to implement programme

THE Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday expanded the HEARTS programme for the management of cardiovascular diseases.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the MOH, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) which aims to reduce some of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, during the launch of the programme, emphasised the significance of addressing cardiovascular diseases, as a number of patients seeking medical assistance face related issues.

Dr. Anthony noted that individuals often seek medical attention only when their condition becomes critical, thereby making more complex interventions necessary.

To mitigate such circumstances, the health minister emphasised the importance of establishing preventative measures, stressing the need for comprehensive healthcare systems at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to effectively manage cardiovascular diseases.

Out of the existing 386 health centres, 100 of them have successfully implemented the HEARTS programme. The minister announced that the implementation of this programme will soon be expanded to an additional 30 centres.

“We're not there yet; we have about 386 or so health posts and centres. We're probably now at 100 health centres, where we have HEARTS. We are adding maybe 30 more, so we still have a far way to complete at least at these two levels,” he said.

Dr. Anthony emphasised the importance of setting a target within the next year or two to achieve comprehensive coverage of all health centres and posts in Guyana, particularly in areas with large populations.

“We have, in many ways, a big challenge ahead of us, and currently, if we don't work to fix it, it's going to get worse. And that's why we need to place a lot

of emphasis on how we can fix this as quickly as possible,” Minister Anthony said.

In addition, Dr. Anthony related that while the health sector has made significant

is that you would prescribe medication that are not necessarily within the system.”

This would then lead to the patient not getting the necessary care because of

the cost of the medication being prescribed.

Dr. Anthony said standardized protocols must be developed, considering that the medications be -

ing procured in the health sector is equally effective compared to those that a doctor may individually prescribe.

“Therefore, we have

to make sure that we can standardize the treatment to ensure that it becomes affordable and manageable,” Dr. Anthony said

Minister of Health

Dr. Frank Anthony

progress in implementing a programme for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to now shift their focus towards addressing diabetes.

He acknowledged that certain aspects of diabetes care have shown signs of deterioration over the years, and emphasised the need to rebuild and strengthen those areas.

The health minister also highlighted the challenge posed by the variability in how doctors approach the treatment of patients. He recognised the importance of standardising care protocols, and ensuring consistent practices across healthcare professionals.

“We have no shortage of medicines; we have medication. We have invested millions and millions of dollars to make sure that ‘meds’ are available. So, each doctor would like to treat differently and therefore, their regimens of how they treat might be different from what is the standard,” he explained.

Minister Anthony continued: “In a public health system, we have to standardise how we are treating patients, because we have to procure these medications. If people who are working in the system are going to treat persons by how they feel they want them to be treated and don't take these facts into consideration, what would happen

observer organisations accredited for LGEs

TWO hundred and thirty-six persons across 10 organisations have been accredited by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be local observers of the June 12 Local

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (AMCHAM) has accredited 22 persons.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has accredited eight

Government Elections (LGE).

With 61 persons accredited, the Ethnics Relations Commission (ERC) has the largest contingent; this is followed by the US Embassy, and Guyana Council for Oganisations for Persons with Disabilities, which has 42 persons each.

As is customary, a number of diplomatic missions are fielding contingents, including the High Commission of Canada with eight persons; British High Commission with three persons, and a delegation of the European Union (EU) of Guyana with five persons.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is fielding 38 persons, and the American

persons, including its Country Manager, Meredith Applegate. Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has seven persons including its President Patrick Yarde, First Vice President Dawn Gardener, and Executive Assistant, Indira Thakurdin.

The organisations and their representatives are accredited in keeping with section 86(1)(b) and section 93 (1) (ga) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, which allows GECOM to approve local observers to monitor the LGE.

The manner in which local observers are approved is detailed in section 4E of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03.

Guyanese will go to the polls on June 12

Digicel Guyana appoints new CEO

DIGICEL Guyana on Saturday announced Deonarine Gopaul as its new Chief Executive Officer.

“Gopaul brings extensive experience in the telecom industry, most recently serving as CEO of Digicel Suriname which he will continue to serve.

“Gopaul, who is Guyanese, made his initial entry into Telecoms with Celstar and the early part of the transition to Digicel in 2007. Since then, he has worked for Digicel markets in senior roles in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and Suriname. He was appointed the Chief Executive role in Suriname in 2018,” a press release from the company noted.

In his new role, Gopaul will lead the development of Digicel Guyana’s comprehensive long-term vision, strategy, and expansion plans. This is inclusive of expansions to mobile and fixed services that customers are already enjoying and the landing of Deep Blue One, the new subsea fibre in early 2024.

“I am excited to be involved with the delivery of our ambitious plans for the Guyanese market and to lead this team of highly talented and experienced professionals,” Gopaul was quoted as saying in the press release.

He will assume his new role as CEO from June 7, 2023. Gopaul takes the reins from Gregory Dean who has been with Digicel Guyana for the past 16 years.

“Under Dean’s leadership, Digicel Guyana became the mobile provider of choice in Guyana with the widest service and LTE coverage thus delivering on Digicel’s goal on entry to the market to provide service to everyone, everywhere in Guyana,” the release noted.

Dean will continue to serve in an advisory position on the board of Digicel Guyana while he spends more time with his family and entrepreneurial pursuits.

He stated, “I would like to express my gratitude foremost to our customers and to the many persons in and outside of Digicel who have shaped my journey over the past 16 years. I have known and worked with Deonarine for many years and I have no doubt he will take the business to greater heights.”

New CEO of Digicel Guyana, Deonarine Gopaul

Hope and Windies...

better, and hopefully that one per cent [of improvement] can be shown here in the UAE.”

Hope said the batting had shown good signs of improvement over the last year, but he was making a conscious effort to be more aggressive, especially in the back-end of the innings, and was looking to lead by example and spur the other players to bat with a certain degree of freedom.

“I think the way the game is played now, we’ve got to pretty much keep up with the times and find ways to adapt and improve our games,” he said. “For me, I’m trying to be a bit more aggressive in my strokeplay, and it’s something I want to send down to the team as well.

“I want us to continue to focus on trying to find ways to score. I think in the past, we just

RACING TIPS

10:10 hrs Winter Pearl

Irish Racing Tips Listowel

08:35 hrs Zelestial

09:05 hrs Ferrari Desert

09:37 hrs Rathbranchurch

10:07 HRS All In Pedar

10:37 hrs Narmar

11:07 hrs Blue Wood

11:37 hrs Hurricane Helen

12:07 hrs Taipan

Kilbeggan

08:50 hrs Summer Gale

09:20 hrs Chiefs Kingdom

09:50 hrs What Path

10:20 hrs Flemensreva

10:50 hrs Princess Sophia

11:20 hrs Changing The Rules

11:50 hrs Priory Park

12:20 hrs Ninth Loch

English Racing Tips

Nottingham

09:15 hrs Jasour

09:45 hrs Lord Of Biscay

10:15 hrs Mogwai

10:45 hrs Al Agaila

11:15 hrs War Chant

11:45 hrs Reach

12:15 hrs Latin Five

American Racing Tips

Belmont

Race 1 Every Four Years

Race 2 Mo Rewards

Race 3 Three Two Zones

Race 4 Cl;ash A J

Race 5 Theregoesmymiracle

Canadian Racing Tips

Woodbine

Race 1 Pino In A Pulse

Race 2 Map

Race 3 Patches O’houlihan

Race 4 Hungry Wolf

Race 5 Triple Trea

tried to occupy the crease a bit too much, rather than executing our strengths because we’ve been known for scoring fast and hitting boundaries series, so it’s a bit of a conscious effort to improve my aggression in the middle.”

The area that needed the most work, Hope said, was the bowling, especially being able to take wickets with the new ball and in the middle periods of innings to restrict opposing sides to more manageable totals.

“It’s there for us to see,” he said. “We have got the information. We have got the stats. It’s just about trying to find solutions to be taking those wickets early on and competing a lot more in middle overs because if we allow batters to get in, it’s going to be very easy for them to set up in the backend to make us chase some big totals.”

In the team’s previous ODI series on the Tour of South Africa, Hope batted at No. 4, rather than open the batting, where he has had much of his success scoring most of his 4,452 runs at an average of 50, making him one of the most prolific in the format over the past few years.

He said where he bats in the order remained a ticklish topic, but he was willing to perform whatever role the team needed in an effort for them to have sustained success, and he hinted there could be a surprising change in the order against the UAE.

“Going forward I think batting at four will give us a bit

more stability than in the past when we had some tough times in the middle overs, especially against the spin,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said.

“But in this series, you may see a bit of a change, and the batting line-up may be a bit different to what we’re accustomed to seeing, so yeah I think that four is the position where I’ll stay at this point in time and hopefully it continues to work for West Indies.”

All three ODIs in the series – on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday – will be played at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium.

Squads:

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (from): Muhammad Waseem (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Adhitya Shetty, Ali Naseer, Ansh Tandon, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Ethan D’Souza, Fahad Nawaz, Jonathan Figy, Junaid Siddique, Lovepreet Singh, Matiullah Khan, Kathink Meiyappan, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Muhammad Juwadullah, Rameez Shahzad, Rohan Mustafa, Sanchit Sharma, Aryansh Sharma, Zahoor Khan.

WEST INDIES (from): Shai Hope (captain), Brandon King (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Dominic Drakes, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Raymon Reifer, Odean Smith.

ON the heels of the annual Easter Vacation Swimming Programme in April, which was an incredible success, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, officially opened the inaugural adult ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative yesterday at the National Aquatic Center, Lilliendaal.

The programme, which will be conducted every Saturday and Sunday during this month, is being facilitated at two facilities: the Aquatic Centre and the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Camp Street, with sessions from 14:00hrs-15:00hrs and 15:00hrs-16:00hrs on each day.

Paul Mahaica has been revealed as the co-ordinator and lead trainer of the event that will soon be taken nationwide with over 1500 adults already registering for this first phase.

Present at the opening ceremony yesterday was Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr., Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle and NSC Vice-Chair, Cristy Campbell.

In his remarks, Minister Ramson Jr. shared that he was very proud to be part of the historic first adult 'Learn to Swim' initiative by the Ministry and the NSC. He noted that his Ministry is committed to swimming in Guyana and that is evident with the constant investment they are putting into the sport inclusive of infrastructure development.

The Minister also revealed that the Aquatic centre will soon have ‘Open Days’, “Where anyone can come and enjoy the pool. We want that because it's important that all Guyanese benefit from our investment.”

Ninvalle and Campbell both highlighted the significance of safety; a clear indication that the organisers have that as a top priority. In addition to the 30-odd facilitators, there will be an ambulance available at each session.

Historic MCYS/NSC adult 'Learn to Swim' programme officially underway

Manchester City on course for Treble after lifting FA Cup

Manchester City remain on course for the Treble after Ilkay Gundogan scored twice to give them victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Having already won the Premier League title, City now go into next Saturday's Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul with the opportunity to emulate United's feat of 1999.

And City captain Gundogan was the big game match-winner again, assuring his place in history with the quickest goal in FA Cup final history, a stunning volley after only 12 seconds eclipsing Louis Saha's strike for Everton after 25 seconds against Chelsea in 2009.

Manchester United equalised after 33 minutes when the video assistant referee ruled that Jack Grealish had handled, Bruno Fernandes coolly sending Stefan Ortega the wrong way from the spot.

It was Gundogan, as he does so often, who made the decisive contribution when he volleyed Kevin de Bruyne's free-kick past United keeper David de Gea six minutes after the break to give City the FA Cup for the seventh time.

Man City on brink of greatness Manchester City stand just 90 minutes away from the greatest season in their history.

With the league and FA Cup

secured, next comes the chance to claim that elusive Champions League against Inter Milan.

Should they succeed, they would become only the second English club to complete the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

United, who did it 24 years ago, did their best to halt City's bid, but the league champions had too much power - and in Gundogan, they had a player who revels in the pressure of the big occasion.

His two goals, including that stunning early opener, emphasised what a figure of significance he has become, assuring him of a special place when the story of City's glory years is written.

And in John Stones, City have a player of the highest

class in his latest role defined by Guardiola, one which allows him to advance into midfield and utilise all his composure and quality.

Istanbul and Inter Milan are next on City's agenda and in their current relentless, irresistible mood, it would be more of a surprise if they did not complete the Treble than if they did. Man Utd progress - now for the next step Manchester United's season ended in the bitter disappointment of a cup-final defeat by their neighbours, but any assessment must regard this as a campaign of progress under Erik ten Hag.

The Carabao Cup was United's first trophy in six years, and they also returned to the Champions League. They may

Epsom Derby

2023:

have settled for that after starting the season by losing at home to Brighton and then being humiliated 4-0 at Brentford.

Ten Hag will now demand further reinforcements and improvements to push United forward in his second campaign in charge.

United are increasingly confident of signing Chelsea's England midfield man Mason Mount, while a top line striker is a pressing priority, with Tottenham's Harry Kane linked on a regular basis.

Ten Hag also needs to decide whether David de Gea should be his first-choice goalkeeper next season after another flawed display here that raised further questions.

De Gea was rooted to the spot for Gundogan's opener then went down desperately slowly for the second, late to react to a volley that was not cleanly hit and even bounced in front of the Spaniard twice before he belatedly got a hand to it.

Captain Harry Maguire will surely be on the move as he has been marginalised by Ten Hag, who will regard this season as the platform to move United closer to where he wants them to be.

It has been a good season - but one that will be followed by a busy summer.(BBC Sport)

Auguste Rodin wins as Frankie Dettori denied farewell win on Arrest

Ryan Moore won his third Derby by guiding Auguste

Rodin to victory at Epsom as Frankie Dettori finished 10th on Arrest in his last ride in the race.

Surrey police made 19 arrests before the meet and there was tight security to prevent animal rights protesters disrupting the Classic's 244th running.

One did make it on to the track before he was tackled by police, while another was stopped from climbing a fence.

The victory gave trainer Aidan O'Brien a record-extending ninth Derby triumph.

"He came with a massive reputation as a beautiful horse but he kept stepping up to all the markers all the way, which is very unusual," said O'Brien.

The 9-2 winner chased down 66-1 outsider King of Steel to win by half a length and the two finished well clear of White Birch in third, with Sprewell in fourth.

Pollard and Bravo among players retained by TKR

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Former West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard and fellow retired international all-rounder Dwayne Bravo are two of four established Twenty20 specialists retained by four-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders for this year’s Caribbean Premier League, starting in August.

Pollard and Bravo, as well as discarded West Indies pair of all-rounder Andre Russell and spinner Sunil Narine, all of whom now make their living from the game moving from one franchise T20 tournament to the next, are among the players TKR have retained for the season.

“We are very happy to be able to retain most of the Caribbean players from last year’s TKR squad,” head coach Phil Simmons said. “The experience of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran coupled with Dwayne Bravo’s return gives our squad a very strong core.”

Pooran, the former West Indies white-ball captain, as well compatriots, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, and pacer Jayden Seales were also retained.

The franchise previously announced they had swapped left-arm spinner Khary Pierre

for batsman Mark Deyal with the St Lucia Kings.

“In youngsters like Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Mark Deyal, we have some of the best young talent from Trinidad representing TKR,” Simmons said.

“We’re looking forward to the remaining international signings, and I am excited by the player draft coming up soon to complete the roster and put together a strong squad for CPL 2023.”

The overseas players and draft picks will be announced during the player draft, which takes place at the end of June. The tournament starts on August 16 with the final taking place on September 24, and matches will be played in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts, St Lucia, and Trinidad.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday June 04, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) M S Dhoni (220 matches)

(2) Suresh Raina-4687 runs (176 matches)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who has claimed most IPL wickets for CSK to date?

(2) Who has the best bowling figures in a single IPL game for CSK to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

its traditional 16:30 time slot to 13:30 to avoid clashing with the FA Cup final at 15:00.

track, entering the parade ring and any other action that could disrupt proceedings.

Auguste Rodin had finished 12th of 14 runners when sent off favourite for last month's 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

"We had a smooth run. We landed in a smooth spot, I had William [Buick, on Military Order] and Frankie [Dettori, on Arrest] ahead of me and was always confident I had them

covered," Moore told ITV.

"We didn't go that quickly, it turned in to a bit of a dash, but I was getting a nice smooth run.

"I always thought I had the race won, but I just had to get into him in the last furlong and he responded very gamely. He's done that quite cosily, I think."

Dettori, who has won the

win

Derby twice, is retiring this year.

"The track was too much for him [Arrest], he just could not run down the hill," said the 52-year-old Italian.

"He had legs everywhere bless him, so we were a long way out."

The race was moved from

Animal rights activists delayed the start of the Grand National in April by getting on to the track at Aintree and had pledged to similarly disrupt the Derby, one of Flat racing's five British Classics.

That led to the Jockey Club winning a High Court injunction to ban people from entering or throwing objects on the race

The organisation was critical of Saturday's "reckless and illegal behaviour", while the British Horseracing Authority said the actions - for which protest group Animal Rising has claimed responsibility - jeopardised the safety of horses and rider.(BBC Sport).

Manchester City players celebrate their FA Cup triumph

Former TKR Windies whiteball captain Kieron Pollard

Jockey Moore's win gave trainer Aidan O'Brien a record-extending ninth Derby

Lord’s Test

Tongue claims five-wicket haul on debut as England seal victory

FOUR balls was all it took... four balls and more than two sessions as Ireland's batters put on a dogged display to take their Test against England into a third evening, just; when making it to tea had looked like a sturdy ambition.

(Scores: England 524 for 4 dec (Pope 205, Duckett 182, Crawley 56, Root 56) and 12 for 0 (Crawley 12*) beat Ireland 172 (Broad 5-51, Leach 3-35) and 362 (McBrine 86*, Adair 88, Tector 51, Tongue 5-66) by 10 wickets

Josh Tongue's five-wicket haul on Test debut put his name on the Lord's honours board and the hosts on the brink of victory and Zak Crawley struck three fours off the first four balls of the innings to overhaul the 11run target.

Droll predictions abounded overnight about how long England's golf-loving players would need before booking their tee times and the fact that England were forced to bat again was down a 163-run partnership between Mark Adair and Andy McBrine after Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker had laid the foundation with a fifty stand that signalled an improved Ireland batting performance compared to the first innings.

McBrine kicked on after Adair's dismissal but was stranded on 86 when Stuart Broad bowled Graham Hume with the eighth ball after tea to end Ireland's second innings, 10 runs in front.

England claimed three wickets in the morning session, including one for Tongue, which left him just one shy of the five-for to neatly cap a great week for the Worcestershire seamer. He was drafted into the squad for this match as injury cover for James Anderson and Ollie Robinson and retained his place alongside them in a 16-man squad for the first two Ashes Tests, unveiled on the stroke of lunch.

It wasn't until shortly

Windies Women host Ireland

Women in crucial white-ball series

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies Women will be chasing crucial points towards World Cup qualification when they face Ireland Women in three One-day Internationals as part of a white-ball home series from June 26 to July 9 in St Lucia.

Cricket West Indies announced on Friday that all three ODIs and the three Twenty20 Internationals that follow will be played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

The ODIs carry great significance because they contribute points to the ICC Women’s Championship, which enables teams to directly qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 India.

before the scheduled tea break and with a ball that was 79 overs old that he sealed a spot on the joint honours board, as Tongue had fellow debutant Fionn Hand out edging a length ball just outside off stump to Crawley at slip.

England took the second new ball after 81 overs and handed it straight to Tongue, but McBrine and Hume stood firm to go to tea unbeaten on 85 and 9 respectively with Ireland four runs ahead.

With opener James McCollum playing no further part in the match after retiring hurt with a badly twisted ankle he sustained while batting on Friday evening, Ireland were effectively effectively 162 for 7 during the morning session. Scans showed no fracture, but McCollum suffered suspected ligament damage and was resigned to watching from the sidelines in a moon boot.

Tector and Tucker had batted well the previous evening and comfortably navigated the first half hour on Saturday, adding 29 runs to Ireland's overnight 97 for 3. But then Jack Leach entered the attack and struck second ball as Tucker attempted to sweep and succeeded only dragging the ball back onto the stumps with his glove to end an assured innings on 44 and a fifth-wicket stand worth 63.

Joe Root came on and saw his fifth delivery muscled for six by Curtis Cam-

pher. Then Tongue, who had taken all three of Ireland's second-innings wickets the previous day, returned to action and went for backto-back fours by Campher, the first a well-drilled cover drive and the second a complete miscue through mid-on.

Tector brought up a deserved half-century driving through mid-off and running two but Tongue had him out with his next ball, a short, wide delivery which Tector sent straight to backward point where Harry Brook juggled momentarily before holding on.

In the next over, Root invited Campher to sweep and the ball sailed through to Ben Stokes at short fine leg, a dismissal notable for Stokes' wince as he clutched his troublesome left knee and hobbled after completing the catch.

Adair took 15 off one Root over as lunch approached, including a six over deep midwicket to take Ireland past the 200-mark and an authoritative sweep through backward square leg for four.

By the time Adair reached his fifty by guiding a short ball from Broad over the keeper's head for four, he had scored just one run to the off side. He tucked the next neatly to the rope through fine leg before threading a third boundary in a row behind gully.

McBrine brought up his fifty with a reverse-sweep

off Leach for four and the duo reached their 150 partnership off just 155 balls. Matthew Potts removed Adair, caught behind for 88 off just 76 balls after failing to put more than a light touch on an attempted upper cut. Potts' relief was palpable as he collapsed into Stokes' arms to celebrate, perhaps not so much because England had broken Ireland's record partnership in Tests given the hosts' still-dominant position, but that he had finally added to his two wickets from Ireland's first innings after toiling hard through 17 overs of their second.

Stokes still appears to be in a race against time to fulfil his ambitions of playing as an allrounder against Australia, although he said after the match that he felt fine. In any case, Tongue stepped in to claim his fifth after going wicketless in Ireland's first innings, when Broad took a five-wicket haul.

When Hume struck a second four on the trot off Root to put Ireland in front by one run, the crowd let out a huge cheer. Even when Broad claimed the final wicket, they couldn't say they hadn't been treated to a much fuller day than anticipated and witnessed a batting display Ireland will surely have wished they'd produced on the first day. (Cricinfo).

“The Ireland Series is the only engagement in the region for the senior women in 2023, and its critical we maximize ‘home’ advantage in the three ODIs as we continue our qualification campaign,” CWI high performance manager, Graeme West said in a news release.

He added that the three T20Is were also important because it will kick start the team’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 for which the team has already qualified.

“Ireland have shown great improvement in recent times, and the game between the two sides in February at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa was a thriller,” West said. “We will need to prepare well for both series with very clear game plans.

“The squad will get time in St Lucia prior to the first ODI to establish the key roles and focus areas that each player will be required to execute in order to play winning cricket.

“It’s exciting to be taking international women’s cricket back to St Lucia; the island is developing a number of exciting young female players, and we hope the Ireland games can inspire more girls to get involved and start their own cricket journeys.”

West Indies Women have won seven of the eight ODIs they have played against Ireland, including a six-wicket win during the World Cup qualifiers two years ago in Zimbabwe that had to be abandoned after an outbreak of the COVID-19 viral illness.

The Caribbean side have beaten the Irish in all five T20Is they have contested, including a six-wicket win during this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.

MATCH SCHEDULE

(All times East Caribbean – Jamaica subtract 1 hour)

June

26: First ODI – 10:00 a.m.

29: Second ODI – 10:00 a.m.

July

2: Third ODI – 3:00 p.m.

5: First T20I – 5:00 p.m.

7: Second T20I – 5:00 p.m.

9: Third T20I – 5:00 p.m.

Josh Tongue holds the ball aloft for his five-for • (Getty Images)

French Open 2023:

Aryna Sabalenka to face Sloane Stephens in Paris night session

World number two Aryna

Sabalenka will face Sloane Stephens under the lights as women's tennis is showcased in the 2023 French Open's prime night session for the first time on Sunday.

Organisers at Roland Garros have come under fire after all six night matches of this year's tournament so far were selected from the men's draw.

In 2022, only one of the 10 night matches involved female players, with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo saying at the time that men's matches had more "appeal".

When asked earlier in the week about the inequality, American Stephens said: "That's not what we're about."

Seventh seed Ons Jabeur, speaking after her third-round match on Saturday, said it was "high time to put a night session with a female match".

"I hope that the stadium will be full tomorrow, because there are two excellent and incredible players who will be playing." Jabeur said of the Stephens-Sabalenka match.

"It is going to be an extraordinary match."

Unseeded Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, faces a tough fourth-round challenge against Belarusian Sabalenka, who is chasing a second suc-

cessive Grand Slam title after winning in Australia in January and has yet to drop a set.

In three previous meetings, Sabalenka has never lost to Stephens although she has been pushed to three sets on every occasion.

Sunday's encounter will mark Sabalenka's first foray into the fourth round at Roland Garros but Stephens has more experience on the Paris clay, having reached the final in 2018 and made the quarter-finals twice since.

Elsewhere in the women's draw as the second week of action gets under way, Russian ninth seed Daria Kasatkina faces Ukraine's Elina Svitolina third on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Former world number three Svitolina, playing in her first

Grand Slam since giving birth, has beaten Kasatkina in all six of their previous meetings but they have not played since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

She will not shake hands with Kasatkina at the end of the match but has paid tribute to her opponent for being "really brave" in previously criticising Russia's invasion.

"I'm thankful to Dasha for taking this position," said Svitolina, who is vying to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals for a fourth time.

Varillas 'facing one of the greatest players' Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz headline the day session on Court Philippe Chatrier, with Serbian third seed Djokovic continuing his quest for a record 23rd Grand Slam men's singles

Coach Poole earns Cut Technician certificate

title against Peru's Juan Pablo Varillas.

Two-time French Open champion Djokovic, 36, conceded he was playing with "many injuries" after his third-round battle with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, but his opponent, nine years his junior, is under no illusions as to the challenge ahead.

"I'll be facing one of the greatest players in history. I will try to win," said Varillas, the first Peruvian man to make the fourth round in Paris since Jamie Yzaga in 1994.

"When you enter the court the chances are 50-50, it's one against one."

World number one Alcaraz will follow Djokovic on to Roland Garros' showcase court for what, on paper, looks to be a tougher battle against Italian 17th seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Musetti eased past Britain's Cameron Norrie in three sets in the previous round and has the upper hand over his Spanish opponent, winning their only previous meeting which came on the Hamburg clay last year.

US Open champion Alcaraz, 20, said: "It's a big challenge for me. He's playing great. He has beaten really tough players, he's a really talented player."(BBC Sport)

Warner outlines plans for Test exit at SCG

David Warner has outlined his desire to finish his Test career with a hometown swansong in Sydney, declaring his wish for next summer's series against Pakistan to be his last in the Baggy Green.

Speaking to reporters in Beckenham ahead of next week's World Test Championship final against India, Warner said he hopes he will be able to finish his Test career at the SCG against Pakistan in January.

The 36-year-old ruled out going on for the two Tests against West Indies, but still hopes to keep playing white-ball cricket for Australia until the 2024 T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA.

"You've got to score runs. I've always said the (2024) World Cup would probably be my final game," Warner said on Saturday.

"I probably owe it to myself and my family - if I can score runs here and continue to play back in Australia - I can definitely say I won't be playing that West Indies series.

"If I can get through this (WTC final and ensuing Ashes

campaign) and make the Pakistan series I will definitely finish up then."

Warner knows there are no guarantees however.

The opener will start Australia's six-Test tour of the United Kingdom at the top of the order, but acknowledged he needs to perform better in the coming weeks than he did on his last visit to England during the 2019 Ashes when he averaged under 10. He has vowed to take a

more aggressive approach this time, conceding he got stuck in a negative mindset during the 2-2 series draw, and hopes his recent success in the Indian Premier League will flow into his long-form batting.

Warner remains one of the world's standout T20 batters and hopes that can carry him through to next year's World Cup in that format. There is also an ODI World Cup later this year in India he wants to feature in.

Technical Director of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Terrence Poole, has created history following the successful completion of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Cut Technician Course, in the process becoming the second Guyanese to attain such a prestigious certification.

IBA Development Officer, Chris Roberts (OBE) communicated Poole's accomplishment to GBA President, Steve Ninvalle, via an official release.

Poole participated in the programme during his coaching assignment at the recently concluded Men’s World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from May 1st4th. He becomes the second Guyanese to acquire the certification after three-star trainer, Sebert Blake, attained the qualification during his involvement at the Women's World Championship in New Delhi, India from March 1531.

Poole is also the third GBA technical official to successfully acquire IBA certification in 2023 following Clifton Moore's recent acquisition of the 1 Star certification.

quality international education and certification. Poole is the third official under the jurisdiction of the GBA to have attained IBA certification in the space of two months, which is indicative of the developmental drive and direction currently being undertaken. That is our mandate and it shall continue for the foreseeable future, as we aim to create an ecosystem and environment that is beneficial to the advancement and long-term sustainability of the sport."

His declaration he will not play the two-Test home series against West Indies next summer also now opens the door for him to play for the Sydney Thunder in the KFC BBL.

"I want to play that 2024 World Cup. It is something that is on the back of my mind. We've got a lot of cricket before that, and then I think it stops from February," said Warner.

"So for me, then I'll have to play IPL some of the other franchise leagues and then get into that rhythm to play in June.

"There will be a bit of cricket around to play. Who knows I might go back and play a Shield game for New South Wales."

Warner also clarified that his arm is feeling okay after being stuck in the practice nets on the same left elbow that he fractured during Australia's tour of India earlier this year, forcing him to miss the final two Tests.

He required physio treatment on Thursday after the latest blow but expects to shake off the knock before Wednesday's WTC final against India at The Oval having since resumed batting during the Aussies' training

The Cut Technician Course was only eligible for officials affiliated with the national federation and who were already registered for the Men’s World Championship from April 30th-May 14th in the capacities of team coaches, doctors, and/or physiotherapists respectively. The programme comprised one theoretical section and extensive practical segments, which were followed by respective assessments.

Mr. Ninvalle said, "The acquisition of knowledge is a permanent endeavour. This is what the association wholly comprehends as we aim to empower and educate our technical officers through

"It was sore, it got me right on the same point but from a different angle," said Warner.

"It went numb and I had to get it strapped, but it's fine now – a little bit sore, but lucky it didn't hit me on top."

2023 Qantas Tour of the UK

World Test Championship

Final: Wednesday June 7-Sunday June 11, The Oval

First Test: Friday June

16-Tuesday June 20, Edgbaston

Second Test: Wednesday June 28-Sunday July 2, Lord’s

Third Test: Thursday July

6-Monday July 10, Headingley

He further said, "Certification of our coaches and trainers is essential, and it is a proven element and coefficient in the creation of an architecture that will foster growth at every level of the discipline. As the technical director of our sporting landscape, Poole's role is pivotal in this regard, as he is at the forefront of our technical aspirations and overall agenda.

“ As such, his continued certification, as well as that of our other technical personnel, will be a perpetual reality and objective of the GBA. This methodology, which is an established global point of reference, will afford Guyana the ability to maintain its dominance within the English-speaking Caribbean."

Fourth Test: Wednesday July 19-Sunday July 23, Old Trafford

Fifth Test: Thursday July

27-Monday 31, The Oval

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warne, (Cricket.com.au)

Aryna Sabalenka is seeking a second successive Grand Slam title

Opener David Warner confirms his wish to have Baggy Green swansong during next home summer's New Year's Test against Pakistan

Coach Terrence Poole camp in southeast London.

GDF register latest win in KFC Elite League

THE Guyana Defence Force Football Club (GDF FC) continued their winning streak in the KFC Elite League with a 2-0 win over Santos Football Club, while Ann’s Grove United and Buxton United played to a 1-all draw on Thursday night at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence.

It was a goalless first half for the feature clash between the GDF and Santos. The former broke the spell in the second half by dominating ball possession and goal attempts.

Delroy Fraser scored the first goal of the game on the 69th minute, while his teammate, Ryan Hackett, sealed the 2-0 win for GDF with his goal in the 75th minute.

In the first game of the night, Ann’s Grove FC took the lead with a memorable goal from striker Kevon Barry in the 20th minute. However, Buxton United Football Club made a brilliant second half comeback with a spectacular goal from Samuel Johnson in the 55th minute which levelled the score.

The KFC Elite League,

which kicked off on May 14, will see the champions automatically qualifying for the 2023 CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championship.

A total of ten clubs: Fruta Conquerors Football Club, Guyana Police Force Football Club, Guyana Defence Force Football Club, Den Amstel Football Club, Victoria Kings Football Club , Buxton United Sports Club, Milerock Football Club,

Ann's Grove Football Club and Santos Football Club will be competing against each other over the next two months for a chance to win more than four million dollars in cash prizes.

The second round of the league continued yesterday, June 3rd with another- double-header: Milerock Football Club against Fruta Conquerors Football Club at 6:00pm and Victoria Football

Da Silva praises Windies A team for series win

Club plays Buxton Football Club at 8:00 p.m.

Both matches will be played at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The KFC Elite League is a key part of President Wayne Forde’s strategic strategy to grow the football audience in Guyana, while giving players a competitive platform to showcase their talent.

Golden Jaguars building momentum to Gold Cup prelim

The Senior Men’s National Team, Golden Jaguars, is steadfast in preparing for the upcoming Gold Cup preliminaries in Miami, Florida.

The Golden Jaguars have been at the Jamaica Football Federation Technical Centre in Kingston since May 26 for a training camp to allow players to stake a claim for selection to the 23-man squad for the all-important clash against Grenada on June 17 from 21:00hrs.

Management has scripted a detailed training schedule of rest, recovery, nutrition, and two practice matches against top premier clubs in Jamaica to create a strong bond for the squad.

Assistant Coach Wayne

Dover commented: “This training camp is geared to getting the players back up to

match readiness and assessing what tactics work best in the transition of defence

and offence. Many players would have ended their season, some are in season,

YLHET, Bangladesh, (CMC) – West Indies A captain Joshua Da Silva hailed his side for playing to their true potential in their series of three “Tests” against Bangladesh A.

The Caribbean side won the series 1-0, after the final Test ended in draw on Friday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, where all three matches were played.

West Indies A won the second “Test” by three wickets the previous Friday, and the first “Test” also ended in a draw one week earlier.

“The conditions really suited our style of play, and the conditions were just like home,” Da Silva said in a post-match interview after the third ‘Test.’

“The pitches had a bit of grass on it, and they were good cricket pitches, and our fast bowlers were a bit better than theirs. We just took advantage of what we know, and it turned out to be a good series for us.”

Da Silva, the incumbent senior team wicketkeeper-batsman, was the top scorer in the series with 300 runs from five innings at an average of exactly 100.

Senior team opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of former West Indies captain, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, followed him with 275 at an average of 68.75.

Though Da Silva praised the pacers, Guyana Harpy Eagles off-spinner Kevin Sinclair was the leading bowler in the series with 13 wickets at 25.69 apiece.

The Barbados Pride pace duo of Akeem Jordan and Jair McAllister supported him with 12 wickets at 18.16 and 10 wickets at 20.80 respectively.

“We spoke about the brand of cricket that we wanted to play, so we really set out to do it, and credit to the boys for producing a real all-round game and it ended up being a very good series for us,” Da Silva said.

and some are now starting a season, so we are working to get everyone up to one level. It has been going well so far, and I am confident we will be ready for the match on June 17.”

Dover added, “It is pleasing to see players give their best effort as they are conscious this is a chance to impress before we trim to our final squad.”

After this camp ends tomorrow June 5, the team’s management will select the final squad.

There will be another encampment period in Florida from June 5 to June 15,

and some additional players, currently active in North America, will join to fortify the strength and depth in positions.

Should Guyana defeat Grenada, they will play the winner of Guadalupe vs Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 for a spot in the group stages (Round-of-16).

All preliminary matches are being held at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami.

In 2019, Guyana created history by qualifying for the group stage of the Gold Cup for the first time since the competition started in 1991.

GDF FC won again on Thursday night

Members of the West Indies A team pose with the winner’s trophy after their series win against Bangladesh A. (BCB photo)

Golden Jaguars have been training since May 26 in Jamaica

Historic MCYS/NSC adult 'Learn to Swim' programme officially underway

SEE PAGE 27

Hope and Windies ready for new era under Sammy

SHARJAH, (CMC) –West Indies captain Shai Hope said he was ready for the dawn of another era for his side today when they face the hosts, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in the first One-day International in their series of three.

The 29-year-old Barbadian will lead the No. 10-ranked Caribbean side into battle for the first bilateral series against the 19th-ranked Emiratis, looking to further develop the collective talent, and becoming a more formidable fighting force in preparation for the qualification tournament for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup later this year in India.

It will also be the first occasion for Hope and his teammates to work under the guidance of new white-ball head coach Daren Sammy and his coaching

staff that includes fellow former captains, Carl Hooper and Floyd Reifer, along with former New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin, as they try to reverse a sorry record over the past year in which the visitors have won only five of their last 18 ODIs.

“I can definitely commend the communication because I see everyone being clear and frank, and that’s one of the main principles here,” he said in an interview with CWI Media on the eve of the match. “We didn’t have many training sessions to focus on more physical stuff, but there’s been more stuff based around the mental side of the game and the mindset.

“We know that Sammy loves his stats and his planning, so I think we’re all on the same page where we’re looking to move West Indies cricket for-

ward. I’m excited to be here, and I’m excited to see the guys coming in very nicely now, and I hope we can continue to do good things for West Indies.”

The side is without a number of regular players such as Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Akeal Hosein, and Romario Shepherd because Cricket West Indies agreed to allow them time off to rest and recuperate following their involvement with the gruelling Indian Premier League.

Hope said the main focus of the trip, apart from winning, was seeing players grow into the roles that have been assigned to them, so that a core group can be developed to serve not only the short-term, but long-term interest of the side.

“It’s just simply continued

development and trying to get some progression from here in the UAE and trying to see follows improve in whatever way they can,” he said. “Even though it’s going to be long and hard journey, I just want to see progression and one per cent of improvement every single day.

“I don’t just see it as another series because every time we step onto the park, the aim is to perform for West Indies, and it gives some news guys the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world stage, but there are also a few members of the qualifiers squad, so it gives us some prep in the meantime towards that important task.

“I just want to see the guys continue to grow. The main thing for me is development.

Over time, we are going to get

Continued on page 27

Minister Charles Ramson (centre) takes a photo-op with the participants following yesterday's opening ceremony (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

West Indies captain, Shai Hope (left) and UAE captain, Muhammad Wassem, pose with the series trophy (CWI Media photo)