Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-08-2023

The journey to prosperity for all

THE US$260 million Demerara River Bridge is now being built. The new bridge is expected to be some 2.65 kilometres long with two carriageways and four lanes. It is a hybrid design with a high span having a cable-stay design, even as the vertical height of the bridge is to be constructed at 50 metres from the mean highest watermark. This new bridge is said to have a design lifespan of 100 years, and will take the place of the existing bridge, which has been in operation for more than 40 years, surpassing its projected lifespan.

More fiscal space available for financing of development agenda

- after House approves adjustment to debt ceilings

By Shamar Meusa

THE National Assembly on Thursday approved the motion to increase Guyana’s external and domestic debt ceilings, as the government aims to continue the transformational development of the country.

Senior Minister in the office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, two weeks ago presented the two motions in Parliament proposing the adjustments to the two ceilings.

The adjustments included that the domestic public-debt ceiling be increased from $500 billion to $750 billion, while the new external borrowing ceiling will be increased from $650 billion to $900 billion.

During Thursday’s debate on the motion, Dr. Singh said that this was as much a debate on economic development as much as it is one on debt sustainability.

He said: “This motion and proposal is not only a debate on complex economic matters, but it is about the People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) wanting to deliver development to the people of Guyana in the shortest possible time.”

Against this backdrop, Dr. Singh told the House that while there are talks on debt sustainability, the PPP/C’s track record in government as far as it relates to the achievements, maintenance and strengthening of debt sustainability, is incomparable in the entire history of the country.

While members on the opposition side of the house heckled at the achievements mentioned by the Finance Minister, he said that their “rum-

blings” represent their opposition to development in the country.

To this end, he iterated that opposition members are well aware that all loans contracted under this current administration have been invested in economic and social development, and improvement of the circumstances of the people of Guyana.

Additionally, Dr. Singh told the House that there is evidence available for all to see what loans were invested in, and gave examples such as the gas-to-energy project, hospitals, schools and even roads.

While members of the opposition heckled and expressed their disdain during the Finance Minister’s contribution to the motion, Dr. Singh said that the APNU+AFC is doing a disservice to their supporters by creating the impression that borrowing is bad.

“This deliberate attempt by the APNU+AFC to create the impression that debt is bad is doing a grave disservice to their supporters; what they should be doing is saying responsible debt is to be encouraged, debt within your carrying capacity,” he said.

Meanwhile, during his contribution to the motion, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill said that the government of the day is not borrowing to pay salaries or old age pensions, as they have been able to manage the affairs of the country in such a way without the increase in taxes.

He added that when the government talks about raising the debt ceiling, the government wants to be able to facilitate engagements with institutions and take ad-

vantage of the existing prevailing circumstances.

To this end, Edghill told the House that when the government borrows, it is borrowing to expand on the significant growth and transformation that is taking place all across the country.

As such, he criticised members of the opposition in the National Assembly, who throughout

the entirety of the contributions to the motion, heckled and did not show their support for the motion.

Further, the motion which was moved by the Finance Minister was confirmed by the National Assembly and will clear the way for continuation of the government’s aggressive development agenda.

Transformational Petroleum Activities Bill tabled in Parliament

WITH the intention of introducing improvements and security in Guyana’s oil-and-gas sector, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat on Thursday presented the Petroleum Activities Bill of 2023 to the National Assembly.

The Bill, which has been in the works for quite some time, was read for the first time in the House, and is expected to ensure the country’s petroleum sector is managed in accordance with modern practices and effectively.

According to the Bill’s explanatory memorandum, it seeks to repeal and replace the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act and the Petroleum (Production) Act, and to make provisions for the regulation of exploration for petroleum in Guyana,

including the territorial sea, contiguous zone, and exclusive economic zone of Guyana among others.

The Bill also provides for the regulation and production, storage and transportation of its petroleum resources and other related matters.

In June of this year, the Bill was released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and was part of the efforts of the government to modernise the legal and regulatory framework related to the petroleum sector.

In the announcement, the ministry said that the Bill introduces major improvements and security, encompassing safety, emergency response, cross-border unitisation, supervision and monitoring requirements.

The Bill further expands

the framework of regulation to include storage and pipeline transportation components of the oil-and -gas sector, and authorises the government to regulate activities connected with geological storage of carbon dioxide.

Additionally, it will enable the government to develop petroleum resources, while aiming to minimise their carbon footprint be -

cause of the existing opportunities for potential CO2 storage sites.

The Natural Resources Ministry, in its announcement stated: “The government has been continuously working to improve the overall management and regulation of the petroleum industry through various policy and legislative programmes.”

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh

House approached for $61B more to advance major developmental initiatives

SENIOR Finance Minister

Dr. Ashni Singh, on Thursday approached the National Assembly for supplementary funding in support of a range of developmental initiatives countrywide.

Dr. Singh presented the Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly during the 66th Sitting of the 12th Parliament.

The Bill seeks to secure funds for the construction and rehabilitation of community, urban and hinterland roads; drainage and irrigation works; rehabilitation of health buildings, and school-feeding programmes among many other areas.

Under the Ministry of Public Works, $34.2 billion was sought for various programmes to support this sector, including for the provision of additional resources to facilitate the construction of the Wismar Bridge; upgrading of roads and sea defences in various communities; con-

struction and rehabilitation of a wharf and stellings, and additional resources for the maintenance of the Berbice and Demerara Harbour Bridges.

Further, over $3 billion was sought for the education sector for the provision of more resources to support the school-feeding programme, the provision of grants to schools, the provision of additional resources to facilitate the completion of Good Hope Secondary School, and for the acquisition of additional textbooks.

Under the health sector, $1 billion is being sought for the rehabilitation and upgrade of health facilities countrywide.

To support more development under the Office of the Prime Minister, in terms of the Gas-to-Energy Project, $5 billon was sought for transmission and distribution initiatives.

In addition, a total of

$927 million was sought for the provision of more resources to support electricity companies in Linden and Lethem.

The government also remains committed to absorbing the additional cost of services provided by electricity companies so that it does not translate into high electricity bills for the Guyanese people.

Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Agriculture, over $8 billion was sought to cater primarily for drainage and irrigation works countrywide, with additional resources for GuySuCo to facilitate the rehabilitation of lands at the Albion, Blairmont, Rose Hall, and Uitvlugt Estates.

In addition, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, $400 million was sought for additional resources to procure vehicles and boats to boost the operational effectiveness of the Guyana Police Force, and an additional $1 billion was sought for the upgrade of police stations, quarters, other facilities and furnishing and equipment.

Further, under the Guyana Defence Force, $563 million was sought for the upgrade of infrastructure across several bases.

More jobs created, money in people’s pockets

THE removal of taxes and implementation of several initiatives by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) government has seen more disposal income becoming available to Guyanese.

This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a broadcasted live update on his Facebook page, where he outlined some of the government's achievements, and responded to false narratives about the administration’s three-year performance.

“Since we came to office, our policy has been pursuing initiatives that put more money in people's pockets that create and expand employment, and foster an environment for building prosperity for all, and ensuring that we build a strong resilient and sustainable economy,” the Head of State said.

In fact, he said that the government has almost completed the implementation of Manifesto promises that were made during the 2020 general elections campaign season.

“The more than 200 taxes and fees that we removed, including D&I [drainage and irrigation] charges, vat on exports and building materials; all of those vats and taxes we removed completely, benefitted all of Guyana, putting tens of billions of dollars in the pockets of the ordinary people, the farmers, every household, ordinary workers,

- President Ali sets the record straight, addresses false narratives on the three-year performance of the PPP/C government

this is where these recourses go,” he said, adding:

“The removal of those taxes cost the government, because it is less tax you're collecting. But we are making that investment on people’s behalf, so that we can put back more money in people's pocket.”

In just under three years, the government has removed taxes on food items, electricity, water, fuel and medical supplies. Additionally, taxes were removed from the importation of vehicles, cellphones and data.

“Who is it that benefits from the elimination of taxes on cellphones and data; it is the population that benefits. Data has become an important part of our daily lives; cellphones are not only to make calls these days; people study, they do their work on cellphones; we have removed all of that,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head of State said, too, that the government has created thousands of jobs and the right conditions for the private sector to employ persons; restored and increased the Because We Care cash grant, increased old age pension, and offered other incentives to improve the lives of Guyanese.

Further, the government has invested heavily in ensuring that all Guyanese can be proud homeowners.

“More than 25,000 house

lots have already been allocated, investing in people's welfare; giving them the opportunity to own their own homes, not only giving them the opportunity, but bringing down the interest rate,” Dr. Ali said.

He further reminded of the cement and steel subsidy initiative that was implemented to accelerate home construction, and support home builders across the country.

“Thousands of Guyanese have already benefitted from the cement and steel subsidy. Who are the beneficiaries of these initiatives? It is the people of our country,” the Head of State said.

Additionally, the government has facilitated pay increa ses for public servants and recorded a 25 per cent pay increase since assuming office.

“We have done a lot to increase disposable income, we distributed more than $7.5 billion in the COVID-19 relief grant, citizens receiving 25,000 in every region. [Additionally], $7 billion was distributed to households to recover from the may June 2021 floods. A one-off cash payment of $250,000 each to more than 5300 severed workers from Enmore, Skeldon, Rosehall and Wales. We injected more than $1.3 billion into these communities.”

Dr. Luncheon remained a central figure in the PPP, gov’t until his passing - Jagdeo shuns

Opposition assertions

Commissioners for Mahdia CoI to be sworn in next Wednesday

ONE day after the passing of PPP stalwart Dr. Roger Luncheon, the party’s General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that he died serving the party, and remained a central figure in the government’s business.

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Dr. Jagdeo said that Dr. Luncheon’s death is “an immense loss”, as he was a central figure in the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and every People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government over several decades.

He noted that Dr. Luncheon “was involved in almost all the critical decisions made by the Party in that period, and he was central to the implementation of the government’s agenda”.

He reminded his audience that Dr. Luncheon served several presidents in his role as Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Secretary to the Cabinet and Secretary to the Defence Board.

Dr. Jagdeo described Dr. Luncheon as “a distinguished doctor”.

“He helped scores of people in this country, in a quiet way, often shunning the publicity, for which he would be remembered affectionately by a large number of Guyanese,” he said, adding:

“For those of us in the PPP, he was an embodiment of commitment and struggle… “He returned to Guyana, and he was a brilliant doctor. He could have easily gone to the government at that time, and probably would have done extremely well with them; and those were the dark days of undemocratic rule. But he chose to join the People’s Progressive Party in a period when it seemed as though we

would never be able to get into office.”

Dr. Jagdeo noted that at the time Dr. Luncheon joined the Party, it was a contentious period. “The PNC at that time controlled all the coercive branches of government, and they used them to the maximum; from jailing opponents… You had people who were killed in that period,” he said.

Dr. Jagdeo also chided the Opposition for suggesting that Dr. Luncheon was abandoned when he faced difficulties.

“Throughout his ailment and the difficulties he’s had, he has always showed up to work; given of his very best. It’s one of those unique characters… Until the day he passed away, Roger Luncheon was a member of the central committee; was an executive member of the party. He was a member of the Cabinet. He received a salary as a member of the Cabinet; he received his pension as HPS. He had a driver and a vehicle assigned to him; he had an office in the Office of the President,

with several staff assigned to him. And that was until the day he died,” Dr Jagdeo clarified.

The PPP General Secretary also noted that the funeral will take place in about three weeks’ time, as several persons have to travel from abroad. However, there will be activities planned for persons wishing to express their thoughts about the late Party stalwart.

COMMISSIONERS for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the deadly Mahdia ‘dorm’ fire, which claimed the lives of 20 children, will be sworn in next Wednesday.

This announcement was made by the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Thursday.

In June, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major General Joe Singh will

head the team that will conduct the CoI into the deadly fire.

According to the Head of State, the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the CoI are in the process of being finalized, so as to guide the Commission on what it will set out to accomplish.

On May 22, just a few days before Guyana celebrated Independence Day a tragic fire gutted the Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory. At the time of the fire, 56 of the girls were present, as three had gone home with their families for the weekend.

The children housed at the ‘dorms’ came from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapao.

Initially, 18 girls from the ‘dorm’ and a five- yearold boy, who was the son of the ‘Dorm Mother’, perished in the fire, but a 20th student who was injured in the fire, passed away a few days later.

President Ali had committed to the launching of a CoI to investigate the causes and circumstances of the deadly Mahdia fire, and guide the way forward.

The late Dr. Roger Luncheon

The Beacon of Unity

IN just a few short years since taking office, the PPP/C government has made remarkable strides towards realising their visionary "One Guyana" goal, to break down the barriers of racism, and foster an environment of unity and inclusivity for all Guyanese citizens.

Under the able leadership of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the government's steadfast commitment to investing in areas that benefit the entire nation, without bias or favoritism, has been nothing short of commendable.

One of the primary challenges that the PPP/C government tackled head-on was the deep-rooted issue of racism that had long plagued Guyanese society. Unlike the Opposition, instead of per-

petuating divisive narratives, the government adopted an approach that embraced diversity, and promoted mutual understanding among all ethnic groups.

One of the notable achievements of the "One Guyana" vision has been the creation of inclusive educational reforms. Recognising that education is the cornerstone of a unified and progressive nation, the government prioritised equitable access to quality education for all Guyanese children.

They allocated funds to revamp and build new schools in underserved areas, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a world-class education. Scholarships and financial aid programmes have been expanded, en -

abling talented students from all communities to excel without financial constraints.

In the realm of infrastructure, the PPP/C government has taken a holistic approach to development, investing in projects that serve all regions and communities.

Whether it's improving road networks to connect remote villages, expanding access to healthcare facilities, or enhancing the agricultural sector, the government has demonstrated a clear commitment to eradicating regional disparities, and promoting balanced growth.

Furthermore, the government's economic policies have focused on fostering an inclusive economy that benefits every Guyanese citizen.

They have encouraged small and medium-sized

enterprises (SMEs) to thrive, offering them support through financial aid and simplified bureaucratic processes. This has not only invigorated entrepreneurship, but has also created job opportunities, and strengthened the nation's economic fabric.

The "One Guyana" vision has also been evident in the government's dedication to protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable development. By recognising that environmental challenges know no boundaries, they have actively collaborated with neighboring countries and international organisations to address issues such as climate change and deforestation. Their commitment to preserving Guyana's natural treasures for future generations demonstrates

the government's farsighted vision and concern for all citizens.

In summary, the PPP/C government's relentless pursuit of the "One Guyana" vision has been nothing short of transformational.

By confronting racism head-on, and championing unity, they have brought about a sense of togetherness that had long been elusive. Investing in areas that benefit all Guyanese without favouring any particular section, has been a cornerstone of their approach, ensuring that every citizen is a stakeholder in the country's growth and prosperity.

President Ali reiterated his commitment to the vision when he said recently:

“I assure you today that my commitment and my desire

to destroy racism; to destroy disunity; to remove it from the psyche of our people, to disallow the intellectual authors [from using] it will succeed.

“It will succeed because of my strong commitment and belief in the spirit of Guyanese; in what makes us the Guyanese people. And I believe, very strongly, that we are on the path of removing this destructive element of regression from the psyche of our nation. And that will be a tremendous accomplishment.”

As we move forward, it is crucial to rally behind the government's efforts, and continue building a harmonious nation that stands as a beacon of unity for the world to admire.

Public Sector wages and salaries must be fiscally sustainable

Dear Editor,

My attention was drawn to a letter published in the July 28, 2023, edition of the Stabroek News with the caption: “Use of the inflation bogeyman entraps Guyanese workers in a perpetual state of dependency.”

The author essentially argued that the government utilizes the inflationary argument as an excuse to deprive public servants’ wage increases.

The author cited an example wherein the government paid a 26.66 per cent pay hike for public servants in the year 2000. In that year the projected inflation of 9.5 per cent fell to 5.9 per cent and in 2001 inflation reached six per cent. For some reason, the author is of the view that six per cent inflation is not “inflationary” or considered high inflation.

The fact is that inflation

rates above two per cent is always considered high rates of inflation, hence, this is why the desired inflation target within a macroeconomic stability context is typically two per cent. So, the author is wrong to believe that the substantive pay hikes during that period did not fuel inflation. It actually did, to some extent.

However, the inflationary impact is not the only concern and determinant of wage increases, especially within the public sector.

More than inflationary concerns, wages and salary increases can only be accommodated within a sustainable framework. And this is where there is divergent views between the government and the opposition.

The budget allocations for total employment costs from 2020 through 2023 shows that total employment costs increased cumulatively

by 47.13 per cent in just three years. Total employment costs moved from a position of $71.8 billion in 2020 to $105.7 billion in 2023 or an increase by $33.8 billion.

There are three factors that contribute to this level of increase, (1) the normal incremental increase for cost of living, (2) the adjustments made for anomalies across the various public sector agencies aimed at regularising wages and salaries on par across agencies, and (3) provisions made for new recruits in the system.

In order to ascertain whether an organization or a government pays its employees a decent wage, one has to examine this question from a realistic, practical, and financially sustainable standpoint.

To do so, one has to look at the total employment cost as a percentage of revenue. Generally, there is a universal benchmark for this ratio

in keeping with financial management best practices and that is: total employment cost should be in the region of 15 per cent-30 per cent of revenue.

In the below illustration, the total employment cost for the Bank of Guyana represents 22.36 per cent of the bank’s revenue, in the case of GBTI, total employment cost represents 35 per cent, Republic Bank, total employment cost represents 26 per cent, even though Republic Bank raked in almost $1 billion more in revenue compared to its main competitor, GBTI, and, in the case of the public service, total employment costs represent 33.21 per cent of central government’s current revenue.

In 2023, total employment costs represent 33.13 per cent of central government's total tax revenue. Other recurrent expenditure

such as administrative costs represents 77.5 per cent or $248.4 billion of central government's tax revenue.

Moreover, in comparing total employment cost relative to current revenue for Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, it was found that for the period spanning 2011–2021 (10 years), total employment cost for Guyana in 2011 represented 26 per cent of current revenue, which increased to 33.21 per cent in 2021.

While in the case of Trinidad & Tobago (which is a more mature petroleum-producing country though now in a declining stage), and a country considered to be the most developed economy in the Caribbean, and in fact four times richer than Guyana in terms of GDP and per capita income, in 2011 total employment cost represented 15 per cent of current revenue which grew to reach 27

per cent by 2020, remaining below that of Guyana.

Within this perspective, in the years when the Trinidad economy was doing much better on the back of its oil and gas resources, Guyana allocated more resources than Trinidad to pay public servants and it continues to do so above Trinidad in 2020, relative to the country’s level of current revenue.

Hence, with these two examples, it can be said that public servants in Guyana are compensated decently, when compared to other organisations in Guyana, its regional counterpart, and benchmarked against financial-management best practices globally.

In other words, if total employment cost for the public sector represented just 15 per cent or less of current revenue, then this can be described as poor.

‘Amazon forever,’ a renewed ambition for the region OP-ED:

By Ilan Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank

IT is hard to overestimate the importance of the Amazon. If it were a country, the Amazon region would be the sixth largest in the world.

With nearly a third of the earth’s tropical rainforests, it stores up to 200 billion tons of carbon, mitigating climate change. Seventy per cent of South America’s GDP also depends on rain cycles regulated by the Amazon basin. So, protecting it is important to everyone's future, especially those living in it.

Guyana’s Amazon region is a hub of ecological wealth, with a high level of biodiversity, pristine forest and freshwater resources that add value to Guyana’s economy. This helps create jobs and economic livelihoods for thousands of local communities and indigenous people.

But the rainforest as a whole is reaching an ecological tipping point and could lose its ability to sustain itself. If it does, we’ll lose a critical climate regulator essential to fighting global warming.

So, we must be more agile and ambitious about

protecting the region and its 60 million residents. That requires leadership, resources and coordination among everyone—people, national, state and municipal governments, the private sector, research institutions and international organisations.

Only by working together can we quickly deliver the scale and impact needed to avert this tipping point.

We have an opportunity to become more ambitious and work closer with the region’s countries, taking advantage of renewed political will to set goals and a course of action, which is key to ensuring that we succeed.

We must also increase our capacity to organise and implement projects and initiatives. A new Amazonia Forever programme, organised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Amazonian country Finance and Planning Ministers (IDB Governors), aims to do this.

Acting as an umbrella programme that coordinates various initiatives in the region, including from the IDB, governments, stakeholders and other international organisations, Amazon Forever can be a key tool to support any goals for Amazon countries that emerge

A tribute to Dr Roger Luncheon

Dear Editor,

Gone at seventy-four, An age, he well bore.

A pleasant personality to tour, His company, all did adore.

Accolades the country will pour, His stripes represented décor. Now a vacuum filled with vapour, Not a moment was there any languor.

A scholar with scholarship to the core, Rewards were not weighed by the crore. Known by the worldly books

Diplomacy

from the upcoming Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization Summit in Belem.

The Amazon region requires a holistic and coherent approach to inclusive and sustainable development based on: I) supporting deforestation and enhancing environmental policies while offering sustainable economic alternatives, especially in the bio-economy; II) empowering and supporting people and communities in the Amazon; III) improving the quality of Amazonian cities and; IV) promoting adequate infrastructure for the region, including digital connectivity.

The Amazonia Forever Program aims to protect biodiversity and accelerate sustainable development through a holistic approach that simultaneously scales up financing, boosts exchange of knowledge, and facilitates regional coordination to aid decision-making among the eight Amazonian countries. Three dimensions are key to success and renewed ambition in the region.

First, expanding the availability of resources to the region is critical. We must unlock public and private-sector credit, but also create innovative instruments to raise the necessary re -

sources, such as sustainability-linked green bonds akin to those that the IDB recently helped Uruguay develop. We could even consider issuing Amazon bonds, and debtfor-nature conversions, such as the one the IDB recently used to help Ecuador save more than $1 billion while conserving the Galapagos.

Second, we need to strengthen the planning and execution of projects so that the funds raised actually generate impact. To do that, we are creating a Platform of Regional Partners of the Amazon to develop investment plans and increase the availability of good projects in sustainable infrastructure, including in the areas of education, health and agroforestry.

Finally, we must share knowledge and evidence-based innovations to drive research and help decision makers create better synergies and opportunities across the region.

To that end, we must expand coordination and collaboration cohesively through a new Amazonian Country Network of Finance and Planning Ministers and a technical group to oversee progress and ensure that we deliver the results that the region needs.

This network, together with our partnership and support for the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), will help facilitate coordination between countries.

The challenge of devel-

for local communities and Amazonian countries, while benefitting the entire planet. We need a sustainable, perennial Amazon. If we don't preserve the Amazon forever, it is hard to think of a future that we can look forward to

Many fallen comrades left before, Now

his turn to wave to the shore. His name will be sung in many a folklore, As a mentor, how well he did score.

Yours respectfully,

oping the Amazon sustainably is greater than the capacity of any single country or institution to do it alone. So, we must collaborate and involve the private sector and civil society.

By protecting one of our greatest natural resources, we can create a better future

forever.

W e must use this opportunity to show that the region is taking an unprecedented approach to coordinating and implementing the changes needed to develop and preserve the Amazon. Now is the time to move from words to action.

Public Sector wages and salaries must...

FROM PAGE 6

However, where employment cost represents 30 per cent or even slightly above, this is in line with the highest paid wages organizations and governments can afford to pay its employees relative to the revenues generated.

OIL REVENUE

The NRF Act establishes that withdrawals from the NRF shall be used to finance the following:-

a) National development priorities including any initiative aimed at realizing an inclusive green economy; and

b) Essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effect of a major natural disaster.

Consequently, the revenues earned from the oil resources ought not to be treated as the traditional, organic revenue for the government.

Oil is a volatile commodity, the global industry is declining and, therefore,

the larger part of the fund needs to be utilised to accelerate Guyana’s development in physical infrastructure, social infrastructure, national security, improved competitiveness etc., all of which will ultimately result in long-term sustainable income being generated for years and generations to come well after oil is no longer a lucrative commodity.

This reality is quite inevitable premised on the global agenda of energy transition to cleaner and renewable sources of energy.

In other words, with the oil wealth, policymakers have a responsibility to utilize and manage the resource wisely and prudently to fast track Guyana’s development, wherein what Guyana could potentially achieve in 50 years without oil, we should be able to achieve in half the time or 25 years.

This is essentially what the oil resource means for Guyana and how it should be

treated.

The total employment cost for public servants is within the highest range that is deemed to be fiscally sustainable, relative to the current revenue excluding withdrawals from the NRF.

Practically, in order to pay better wages to public servants and to increase the overall wealth of the country, it is critical to focus on private-sector development, continue to incentivize the private sector to attract new investments, both locally and from FDIs, and diversify

the economy.

In so doing, the organic revenue of the government will grow in a more broad-based and sustainable manner (horizontal growth). Any other approach to growth (vertical growth) will be a recipe for bankruptcy and economic devastation in the longterm, not only for public servants, but for every household and private enterprise.

Yours respectfully, Joel

Bhagwandin

A hit man, $10M and commonsense

IT is outside the scope of a newspaper column to discuss the main theories of Sigmund Freud. But here is a very, very brief outline.

Freud contends that desires and instincts that one would like to express, but which cannot be realised in normal day to day life, because they are not compatible with socialisation, are repressed and stored in the subconscious that he named the ID.

So the ID holds a lot of our desires that would never see light of day. But Freud argues that there are times when the ID comes to the surface in ways that even the person may not know. We will offer one example. A man has homosexual preference but stores them in the ID. One day, he sees a mov -

ie about homosexuals and exclaims it is the best movie he has seen. What he did is brought the ID to the surface

So we have a group I named the usual suspects (TUS). They write a letter each fortnight in the Stabroek News (SN) criticising the government and its ministers. The latest was yesterday in support of threats Red Thread said it was warned about (take note; not received but was warned about).

This is the same group that penned a letter in SN on November 13, 2022, calling on the government to immediately halt oil production because greenhouse gas pollution kills people in African countries.

The letter informed readers that civilization began in Africa. An obvious, ominous sign is in that letter. What was

the relevance of telling us civilization began in Africa and why name African countries only where people die from greenhouse effect? What came out there was the Freudian the collective mind of TUS sees Guyana in racial terms.

So, TUS supports Red Thread contention that the cyber-crime department of the police force has not shown active interest in Red Threat’s complaints. What is the complaint about? Guyanese Critic has alerted them that a wellknown businessman and his son have paid a hitman $10 million to target Red Thread for giving the US Embassy information on them. The businessman is also planning to bring ISIS terrorists to attack the US Embassy.

The questions are

many, and I mean many. If a man alerts you to a danger why would he use his email address? Secondly, if the man warns you for your safety why would you expose your benefactor to harm by telling the nation that it was he that warned you?

Now, here is where my ability as a political analyst comes in. I study the sociology and politics of Guyana. This is my job. I have been researching Guyana over the past 35 years for my columns.

Why would anyone pay a hitman $10 million to harm Red Thread and leave the Kaieteur News, the Stabroek News, opposition personalities, social media influencers that have been writing and saying unpleasant things about the businessman? This makes no sense and it makes no sense absolutely. What Red Thread knows that others more strategically placed

would not?

Guyanese Critic has informed this columnist that someone sent a message to Red Thread’s web page and left his email address for Red Thread to contact him, but Red Thread did not contact him. That is strange. If someone warns you about a plot, would it not be commonsense to contact them for specific details? That is how normal humans behave. Guyanese Critic informed me that he did not send any message to Red Thread and cyber-crime ranks have done a forensic examination of all his instruments.

Is it obvious to the commonsensical mind that social media is an ocean of opportunity for people to make mischief, and that the commonsensical mind should be able to discern mischief, comicality and rascality from serious information.

But maybe someone was looking for pub -

licity to reclaim relevance in a fast moving Guyana. TUS’ letter in yesterday’s SN exclaims that they have lost confidence in the cyber-crime unit of the police force. But someone has to tell TUS that the police force is trained to separate facts from mischief and when they see mischief, they are too busy to take it on.

Of course, this social activist and columnist has been getting threats through his email since March 2020 when I was accused of being a betrayer. Ask my wife; when I show her some of the stuff, she too finds the threats funny. Imagine if I was to run to the police with some of the weird threats I get, then the police would be preoccupied with my complaints. I close by asking TUS and Red Thread: Don’t you have better things to do with your time?

CJIA facilitates over 405,000 passengers so far for 2023

- processes over 1.3M kg of cargo

THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has processed 50,000 more passengers so far for this year compared to the corresponding period last year.

The 405,000 passengers processed in 2023 reflects a 14 per cent increase, juxtaposed to what was recorded in 2022, the airport highlighted in a press release on Thursday.

The increase in passenger numbers is due to the increased airlift by the existing carriers, and the entrance of British Airways to the Guyana market in March.

Passenger movements are

projected to rise further when the Sky Cana Airline commences flight operations to Houston, Texas and Canada.

On the other hand, an additional 1,330,000 kilograms of cargo were processed in 2023 compared to 2022. Cargo exports have increased by 450,000 kilograms or 54 per cent compared to last year.

The increase in cargo numbers is a result of increased imports in oilfield equipment and ship spares, while exports in agro-products increased exponentially.

Chile’s LATAM Cargo now provides freighter service between Houston, Mi-

$18.4M

OFFICERS of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), during an operation carried out in the vicinity of a koker located at Palmyra Village, Region Six, found a total of eight parcels of suspected cannabis hidden in a clump of bushes.

According to a release, the suspected cannabis was retrieved and taken to CANU’s Skeldon Office, where it tested positive for cannabis.

Collectively, the packages weighed about 134.9 pounds (approximately 61.2 kilograms) and carried a street value of approximately G$18.4 million.

No one was arrested, and investigations are ongoing.

ami, and Guyana and has moved 133,000 kilograms of cargo since May 9, 2023.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, said CJIA is poised to achieve unprecedented growth in the coming years.

Minister Edghill reiterated: “The airport is a critical part of Guyana’s economic development and the government is committed to ensuring that it can meet the needs of the country’s growing economy.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Ghir, commented that the

airport is on track to achieving President, Dr Irfaan Ali's prediction of one million passengers movement by 2025.

He said that CJIA is actively engaging several legacy and low-cost carriers to provide air services to and

from South America, Europe, and the Middle East. This will further boost the airport's connectivity and make it a more attractive destination for travellers.

The Government of Guyana is currently work-

ing to automate the arrival and departure processes by introducing biometric kiosks and electronic gates. This project has commenced and is expected to be completed in early 2024.

in cannabis found by CANU

BV man nabbed with 47.3 grams of marijuana - after alleged failed attempt to evade police

AFTER failing to evade a police patrol, 33-year-old taxi driver Earlson Murray of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Thursday morning nabbed with 47.3 grams of marijuana.

According to a police press release, around 10:00hrs on the said day, police ranks were on patrol at Beterverwagting, where they observed a Toyota Premio car drive out of a “known drug yard.”

The police patrol signalled the driver of the car, bearing registration number HD 740 to stop, but he refused. The driver of the car then increased his speed

and drove away.

The police patrol vehicle pursued him and the ranks saw the driver throw out a black plastic bag from the driver’s side window.

The ranks stopped and picked up the black plastic bag, checked and observed that the bag contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The ranks proceeded behind the car since it was in close proximity, and the driver continued evading the police until he was cornered. The vehicle came to a halt when the driver crashed his motor car into the police vehicle.

A search was conducted on the vehicle, but nothing illegal was found. Murray was told of the offences committed, cautioned and arrested. He was escorted with the suspected cannabis and motor car to the Beterverwagting Police Station, where the narcotic was weighed in his presence and amounted to 47.3 grams.

The suspect was placed in custody pending charges. Minor damage was seen to the force vehicle on the left side front door and the right side front of the motor car. Investigations are in progress.

‘Place your bids’

- President Ali encourages Chinese companies to participate in Guyana’s oil-block auction

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, in highlighting the tremendous opportunities in energy co-operation between China and Guyana, urged more Chinese companies to partake in Guyana’s auction of 14 oil blocks.

The Head of State implored Chinese compa -

nies to place their bids while on his first official visit to China, where he was interviewed by CGTN’s Dong Xue.

As it is now, China is Guyana's largest trading partner and trade relations have deepened during President Ali’s time in office.

The Head of State related that, over the years, China's contribution to development in Guyana has been seen in various areas such as the oil and gas sector.

“We have CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corporation) as part of the consortium in the

Stabroek Block; that is with Exxon, Hess and the government. Now, we have 11 billion barrels proven reserves. “We have just gone out to auction for 14 more blocks and we are hoping that not only CNOOC but more Chinese companies would participate in this

auction,” President Ali said.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, recently announced the extension of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round’s bid submission deadline to Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

“The government’s continuous efforts to streamline and improve the petroleum regulatory framework and the resultant comprehensive feedback received from our stakeholders have led to this necessary extension,” the Natural Resources Ministry said in a press statement.

Whilst recognising the new era of oil and gas development and investors’ confidence in the local economy, the government is working to ensure that this competitive licensing bids and future rounds are governed by a modern regulatory framework with improved technical and institutional capacities.

Against this backdrop, the government will soon supplement the mod -

el Production-Sharing Agreements (PSAs) with a new Petroleum Activities Bill 2023, which will not only enhance the management of the sector, but also provide improved economic measures for all licencees in the bidding round, as well as future development and production operations in Guyana’s petroleum sector.

The round, officially launched on December 9, 2022, continues to receive strong global interest. The government has benefitted from insightful feedback during the consultation periods of the Indicative Terms and Guidelines, the draft model PSAs, and the draft Petroleum Activities Bill.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, and, by extension, the Government of Guyana, remains committed to the successful execution of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round and the strengthening of the nation’s fiscal and legal petroleum management frameworks.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

India ‘shines’ spotlight on Guyana’s development

- at ninth India-Latin America and Caribbean Conclave

CHIEF Investment Officer

Dr. Peter Ramsaroop led Guyana’s delegation at the ninth India- Latin America and Caribbean LAC Conclave in New Delhi on August 3-5, 2023, and Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony delivered the keynote address.

The India-LAC Conclave is a significant diplomatic and economic event that brings together stakeholders from India, Latin America, and the Caribbean regions.

The primary goal of the conclave is to foster partnerships, collaborations, and discussions across various sectors, including trade, investment, technology, culture, and more.

It serves as a platform for leaders, government officials, business executives, and experts to engage in dialogues that promote cooperation and mutual growth between India and the LAC countries. Over 11 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean were represented.

Following the inaugural plenary that deliberated on “Advancing Economic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,” under the leadership of S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India; Mr. R Dinesh, President of CII, and Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, the subsequent phase unfolded with a focused Country Ses-

sion dedicated to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This session was spearheaded by Dr. Ramsaroop.

In a virtual address, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, seized the opportunity to address the conclave.

During his speech, he underscored the profound significance of the Guyana-India relationship and highlighted the mutual benefits that stem from fostering expanded investment opportunities between the two nations.

Dr. Ramsaroop built upon Dr. S Jaishankar’s insights by emphasising Guyana’s enticing investment

opportunities.

His presentation illuminated the economy’s diversity, spanning natural resources and technology, suggesting opportunities for collaboration with India, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Ramsaroop underscored the significance of strategic partnerships and their capacity for synergistic impact, catalysing accelerated economic growth and development for both nations.

He emphasised that Guyana is building global sectors and its leadership in the region on Food Security, Climate Services and Energy.

Dr. Anthony during his address, expanded on key sectors such as Agriculture, Healthcare, Technology and Infrastructure.

He emphasised the move towards leveraging the research, pharmaceuticals and innovative technology solutions that India provides.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, the National Security Adviser at the Office of the President, contributed to the conclave’s discussions by addressing Guyana’s stance on national security matters.

He delved into the nation’s perspective and advancements in this domain.

Captain Gouveia emphasised

the significance of security collaboration between Guyana and India, highlighting their joint commitment to upholding peace and stability within their respective nations and regions.

Completing the Guyanese delegation were Mr. Kester Hudson, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with representatives from the Private Sector Commission and the Guyana-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also in attendance were other members of the Guyana private sector, including the Guyana-India Business

Council.

The event provided a comprehensive platform encompassing sector-focused discussions, the presence of government officials, Indian and Latin American-Caribbean (LAC) businessmen, ministerial participation from both LAC and India, and organized business-to-business meetings.

This platform was designed to enhance comprehension of regional economic alliances and concurrently provide a conduit to explore trade and investment opportunities.

Two dead after mining pit caves in

A MINING pit caved in on Wednesday night, resulting in the death of Trayon Hastings, a 38-yearold miner of Kamarang Landing, Upper Mazaruni and Rocky Norton (particulars unknown), around 22:30hrs at Moonlight Backdam, Kamarang Landing.

According to a press release, the police visited the scene around 01:00hrs on Thursday

morning, and enquiries revealed that Trayon Hastings owned a six-inch land dredge mining operation at Moonlight Backdam, and Rocky Norton was employed with him.

On Wednesday night, Hastings and Norton were working alone in the mining pit when Mark Embelton, a 37-year-old miner of Kitty, Georgetown, who was in a camp close by, observed the

mining pit caving in and raised an alarm.

A search party was immediately organised, which operated with the assistance of two excavators.

The motionless bodies of the two men were found around 12:30hrs and 01:20hrs Thursday morning, respectively.

The body of Hastings was examined, and injuries to his abdomen and head were observed, whilst the

body of Norton was observed to have injuries to his right side ear.

The bodies were escorted to the Kamarang District Hospital, where they were seen and examined by Dr. Mark Allen, who pronounced them dead and the two bodies were transported to Georgetown for a post-mortem. The police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

The India-LAC Conclave is a significant diplomatic and economic event that brings together stakeholders from India, Latin America, and the Caribbean regions

Dead: Trayon Hastings

Stakeholders engage in national El Nino preparedness, planning session

BASED on recent predictions from the Hydrometeorological Office that the nation will endure an extended dry season for the remainder of 2023, the Office of the Prime Minister has mandated a National El Nino Preparedness and Planning Committee to anticipate the effects.

According to a release, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has been tasked to lead and coordinate a series of drought preparedness and awareness sessions countrywide, through the Regional Disaster Risk Management System (RDRMS).

The first planning meeting was held on Wednesday at the Commission's Headquarters in Thomas Lands.

Apart from the CDC, these sessions will utilise the expertise of relevant

personnel from agencies such as Ministry of Agriculture, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NA-

REI), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Hydro meteorological Services, Ministry and Housing and Water, and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

‘Stonebwoy’: connecting continents through musical harmonies

By Shaniya Harding

THE name ‘Stonebwoy’ doesn't ring a bell

for most Guyanese, but it should, and it's just a matter of time before it does.

Livingstone Etse Satekla, better known by his stage name “Stonebwoy” hails from

Ghana, Africa, a country that is not only similar to Guyana in name but also in culture.

‘Stonebwoy’ who is known for his unique harmonies of afro-beats and West Indian style reggae music, on Tuesday, preformed at Guy-

black people because I was fortunate enough to be born in Africa.

So much so I have read history about Kwame Nkruma, Colonel Gadd-

ana’s National Park, where the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) held its 30th Emancipation Festival and Guyanese at large commemorated the 185th anniversary of Emancipation.

Speaking with the Buzz exclusively, prior to his performance, the

afi, Haile Selassie, Julius Nyerere, millions of heroes and heroines.

You find out that history is a very important part of us, and a part that not even Africa doesn't teach anymore in the classrooms,” the musician told the Buzz.

Ghanaian national said he was on a mission to represent Africans globally through music.

"All I want to do as a child was represent

Although it was his first time in Guyana, he said that being among Guyanese, all dressed up in their traditional African garb, was not a far cry from the people

‘Stonebwoy’ performing at the National Park (Oneil’s Photography)

‘Stonebwoy’ alongside Peetah Morgan of the Morgan Heritage Band

Jackie Jaxx is back!

Debuts new band ‘Top Side’ at Emancipation Festival

PROMOTING all things

‘592’, well known songstress and performer, Jackie Hanover, better known as ‘Jackie Jaxx’,

family band Morgan Heritage who were the featured artistes at this year’s festival.

The Buzz caught up with Jaxx during rehearsals, where she shared her excitement not only for her band launch but also to be the opening act for such well known performers in the entertainment industry.

“I feel fabulous, I have been listening to Morgan Heritage since I was a child, and I remembered a specific song, they sang “Down by the River” and being seven

[or] eight years old, it has taken me to a place I have never been, and music like that, which lasts the test

recalled that it was on the very same stage at the National Park where her career started.

Guyanese in this band, but it feels great to be a Guyanese headlining this concert. Every musician performing

inate the local and international music scenes.

“From here, it is worldwide tours, it is

on Tuesday debuted her band ‘Top Side’ at this year’s Emancipation Festival.

‘Jaxx’ along with her band, had their first live performance as the opening act for the headline performers, Ghanaian superstar ‘Stonebwoy’ and Reggae

of time, that is the kind of music I want to create,” she told the Buzz.

Known for her reggae and jazz style tunes, ‘Jaxx’ has been performing since the age of nineteen and she

“Well, I performed on this stage years ago for the Carib Soca Monarch and I am back on the very stage debuting with my other side directing a band.”

She added, “We are all

with me is a Guyanese…it means we have everything right here in Guyana.”

‘Jaxx’ noted that Guyanese can soon look forward to more of her and ‘Top Side’ as they plan to dom-

very difficult to tour on your own. A band puts you at another level, for festivals worldwide; it is easy to package and send abroad,” Jackie told Buzz.

‘Stonebwoy’: connecting continents through musical...

FROM PAGE 16

of his home land.

In fact, he said, there were several cultural and traditional similarities between the two nations.

“The things that bind us are more than the things that divide us. When you go around the Caribbean countries you find out that we have a lot in common.”

‘Stonebowy’ has had

several collaboration with Caribbean artistes, particularly in the reggae genre.

One of his most popular musical fusions is with the award winning Jamaican reggae band, Morgan Heritage which also performed at the Emancipation festival.

Speaking further on the collaborations between the two genres, Stonebwoy explained

that knowing the history of his people was a significant factor to his music.

Most of his music collaboration are with Caribbean artists, and, according to him, that was done not to make himself more relevant, but to connect the people of countries like Guyana with Africa.

He has also collaborated with other Af -

ro-beats artiste like Davido and Burna Boy.

Despite his fame and being one of the biggest musicians in Africa right now, Stonebwoy said he always takes pride in his country: "I am proud to be one of the young ones who is not swaying off of to follow the flashiness.

I'm trying to link the roots [with] the flashy, and make [them] know

it's also fresh and from Africa."

Stonebwoy is also an actor and has been featured in several movies.

One of his most recent releases is described as the centerfold of African and West Indian harmonies.

He sings in Jamaican Patois (Patwa or Patwah), and is considered a “multifaceted artiste” due to the various musi-

cal styles he possesses.

In 2015, he received many awards and nominations ranging from “Artiste of the Year” to “Album of the Year”. His sophomore album, Necessary Evil, was the recipient of three Ghana Music Awards from six nominations. H e is also known for his philanthropy, having established several foundations.

Jackie Jaxx performing at the Emancipation Festival (Oneil’s Photography)

Jackie Jaxx during rehearsals with her band (Yohan Savory photo)

The songstress along with members of the Top Side band (Jackie Jaxx/Facebook)

Children’s advocate to host pageant, spelling ‘B’ competition for East Ruimveldt youths

FIFTEEN girls and two boys will be participating in this year’s East Ruimveldt pageant and spelling ‘B’ competition organised by The East Ruimveldt Giving Back Family Foundation.

The foundation’s director and founder Melissa Cush, told this week’s Buzz that the

event will be held on August 13 at Front Circle, East Ruimveldt, and aims to promote education and confidence among the children in the community.

“If you know the history of East Ruimveldt, you would know that we had a stigma to our name,” Cush told the

Buzz.

Alongside the spelling ‘B’ competition, this year’s event will feature a series of academic activities, which Cush hopes will enable the youths participating to work together and grow individually.

The participants are between the ages of five and 16.

Cush said that there is no admission fee for the event and encouraged persons to come out and support the community and the children.

The East Ruimveldt Giving Back Family Foundation was founded some seven years ago, to provide much needed assistance to the chil-

dren within the community and surrounding environs.

Volunteers and other advocates like Cush provide children with free breakfast and assistance with homework and other school-related projects.

In addition to this, the foundation also offers free

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) tuition to students. A recreational centre was also developed where children in the community are also able to access computers and other tools needed to complete their school education.

Delegate #1 Cataleya McCurdy 5 -7 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #2 Kedijha Reece 5-7 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #3 Trishell Johnson 5-7 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #4 Nefertiti Grant 5-7 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #1 Delisa Monroe 8-9 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #2 Kevanna Tappin 8-9 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #3 Raquel Pollard 8-9 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #4 Naomi Williams 8-9 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #1 Tennisha Madray 10-11 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #2 Alkeela Validen 10-11 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #3 Ashi Luke 10-11 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #1 Antwana Williams 14-16 East Ruimveldt

Delegate #2 Talitha A Wilson 14-16 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #3 Makayla Stephen 14-16 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #4 Peaches Rodney 14-16 East Ruimveldt Princess Pageant

Delegate #1 Kevein Johnson 5-7 East Ruimveldt Prince Pageant

Delegate #2 Kyrie Howes 5-7 East Ruimveldt Prince Pageant

Photos by: Melissa Cush, Founder of the East Ruimveldt Giving Back Family Foundation

Angus Cloud: Euphoria actor who played ‘Fez’ dead at age 25

ANGUS CLOUD, who starred on HBO's hit series Euphoria, has died at age 25.

Cloud, who played drug dealer Fezco "Fez" O'Neill on the teen drama, died on Monday at his family home in Oak-

u breh."

His cause of death has not been confirmed.

Cloud had minor acting credits in two films, North Hollywood and The Line. He had also appeared in music videos for artists including

zine, and one day was unexpectedly stopped in the street by an agent from a casting company.

"I was confused and I didn't want to give her my phone number," Cloud told GQ. "I thought it was a scam."

California congresswoman, Barbara Lee, lamented the loss of "Oakland's own", in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, "His immense talent touched the lives of countless people. His

work & legacy will forever live on and make Oakland proud," she wrote.

Actress Kerry Washington also posted on the platform: "You will be deeply missed. Rest in power."

Cloud was immensely talented and a beloved part of the Euphoria family, HBO said in a statement.

(BBC entertainment)

land, California, said a publicist.

"It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today," said the Cloud family.

Cloud attended his father's funeral in Ireland last week and, according to his family, "intensely struggled with this loss".

There was some comfort in knowing he was now "reunited with his dad, who was his best friend", they said in a statement.

"Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to "We hope the world remembers him for his humour, laughter and love for everyone."

WHY ALL THE FUSS OVER TEEN DRAMA EUPHORIA?

Two weeks ago, Cloud posted a photo of his father on Instagram and wrote: "miss

Becky G, Karol G and Juice WRLD.

But his career really took off after he won the part of Fez, a high school drug dealer in Euphoria.

The role turned Cloud into a breakout star, according to the Hollywood Reporter, and his character was expanded in the second season.

In an interview with Variety last year, Cloud said he was bothered by fan comparisons to his on-screen character.

"It's not that simple," he said. "I brought a lot to the character."

As a teenager, he suffered a traumatic brain injury, which is partially responsible for his slowpaced voice on the show.

According to a 2019 interview with GQ, Cloud had no real aspirations to become a star, or even an actor.

He used to work at a chicken and waffle joint, according to the maga-

After first airing in June 2019, Euphoria quickly became a hit and by 2022 was the most tweeted-about TV show of the decade in the US.

The main character, played by Zendaya, is a 17-year-old who struggles with drug abuse, seen on screen taking the deadly opioid fentanyl and injecting morphine.

Euphoria creator, Sam Levinson said: "There was no one quite like Angus. He was too special, too talented and way too young to leave us so soon."

Sydney Martin, the model who was rumoured to be in an onoff relationship with Cloud, shared broken heart emojis on Instagram after his death was announced.

Cloud's co-star, Javon "Wanna" Walton, known in the show as Cloud's adoptive brother, Ashtray, wrote on Instagram: "Rest easy brother."

Angus Cloud (Getty Images)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday August 04, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) IND 2; WI 1

(2) Ishan Kishan (IND)

Today’s Quiz

(1) Where and when did the WI & IND first contest a T20 International game?

(2) Who were the captains involved?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING

Race 2 Happy Baytown Race 3 Bourbon’s Hope Race 4 Lem Me Drink

14:10 hrs

15:10 hrs

15:40 hrs

Women’s World Cup

Two-time winners Germany knocked out of World Cup

Two-time champions Germany were sent crashing out of the Women's World Cup group stages in the biggest shock of the tournament thanks to a draw with South Korea.

It is the first time in Germany's history they have failed to reach the knockout stages.

One of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany knew they needed to better Morocco's result against Colombia to progress in Group H, but that match finished 1-0 to Morocco.

An early goal by South Korea's Cho So-hyun shook the Euro 2022 finalists in Brisbane, but captain Alexandra Popp netted her fourth goal in three matches to equalise shortly before half-time.

Germany were heading through as group runners-up as they went off the pitch for the break, but Morocco stunned Colombia to score minutes later in Perth, meaning Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's side had to win.

Popp was their best hope of scoring again and she almost did, thumping a header off the crossbar minutes after she had

bundled it over the line, only for the video assistant referee to confirm it was offside.

The Wolfsburg striker came close again later when she sent a free header wide of the post, roaring in frustration as the minutes ticked away for Germany.

During stoppage time Germany sent countless crosses into South Korea's box to no avail as substitute Sydney Lohmann struck wide and sent another effort inches over the bar.

Germany's players fell to the ground at full-time and were in tears as they were consoled by staff members.

South Korea finish bottom of the group, having lost their first two matches.

Colombia face Jamaica on Tuesday at 09:00 BST in the last 16, while Morocco take on France at 12:00.

Germany exit will send shockwaves across world

This has already been a World Cup full of surprises, but very few would have predicted Germany to exit after only three games in Australia and New Zealand.

Ranked second in the world,

they have topped their group in eight of their nine tournament appearances and won back-toback titles in 2003 and 2007.

However, cracks had shown during the tournament as, despite opening with a 6-0 victory over Morocco, they looked shaky at the back and were making too many mistakes in possession.

They were punished in their second match by Colombia, losing 2-1, and were at risk of exit as they prepared for their final showdown with South Korea.

South Korea's 16-year-old

Casey Phair had an early strike pushed on to a post by goalkeeper Merle Frohms.

But Germany did not learn from their error as South Korea once again broke in behind Germany's backline, and this time Cho did not miss.

Like she has done on so many occasions, Popp stepped up to the plate to head in an equaliser and give Germany a lifeline, but they grew frustrated and lost patience as the game wore on.

Further missed chances by

Popp, Lohmann and Klara Buhl proved costly and South Korea grew in confidence, running down the clock smartly and remaining resolute in defence.

Germany are the third team in the world's top 10 to drop out of the group stages after Olympic champions Canada and South American giants Brazil failed to progress.

But this will send shockwaves among supporters who are so used to seeing Germany arrive in the latter stages of major tournaments, and it is a huge comedown 12 months after they lost to England in the Euro 2022 final.

Result could shake up knockout stages

South Korea had a disappointing tournament but at least end on a high, avoiding defeat for only the third time in 13 matches in the competition.

Cho, who left Tottenham at the end of the Women's Super League season, became the first South Korea player to score more than one goal at the Women's World Cup, having netted against Spain in 2015.

Her goal, though it did little

to change South Korea's outcome, could have a significant impact on the rest of the tournament given the draw is now wide open thanks to Germany's shocking exit.

Voss-Tecklenburg's side would have been on course to meet England in the quarter-finals or semi-finals had both reached that stage.

But there is now an opportunity for Morocco, who pipped Germany to a place in the last 16, to mirror the achievements of their male counter-parts, who shocked the world to reach the last four in Qatar in December.

"Everybody would have thought that was it when Popp scored, but we kept fighting and kept playing," said South Korea manager Colin Bell.

"I didn't know that Germany would be out. I only found out four or five minutes after the match. I lived there and played football there. I am surprised and also sad that they didn't get into the last 16.

"They tried everything so you have to credit them for that."(BBC Sport).

One-Day Cup: Foakes hits ton but Leicestershire beat Surrey - and Notts skittle Essex

By Ged Scott

ENGLAND's Ben Foakes hit his first century in white-ball cricket - but still could not prevent Surrey getting off to a losing start in the One-Day Cup.

Just like Essex, who were hammered by 168 runs by Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford, Surrey also stumbled badly on home soil, being beaten by five wickets by Leicestershire, with 46 balls to spare at The Oval.

Foakes hit 106 from 107 balls, including two sixes and nine fours, as Surrey recovered from 129-4 in the 23rd over to post what looked a competitive total of 325 all out.

He was backed by half-centuries from Ben Geddes (67) and Cameron Steel (50) as the hosts were finally bowled out with the penultimate ball of their final over, a fifth wicket for paceman Tom Scriven.

Despite 57 from Peter Handscomb and a rapid 46 from skipper Lewis Hill, the Foxes looked far from assured of victory when they lost their fifth wicket in the 25th over.

But, from 183-5, South African Wiaan Mulder and Lincolnshire's Louis Kimber plundered an unbroken stand of 146, including a match-settling 21 off the 36th over bowled by Matthew Dunn.

That helped break their county's sixth-wicket record of 136 set by former Foxes coach Paul Nixon and ex-skipper Darren Maddy against Sussex at Hove 28 years ago.

Surrey now face Middlesex in their next Group A game at Radlett on Saturday, while the Foxes return to action the following day against Kent at Beckenham.

Essex skittled by Notts

It was even more one-sided in the other Group A game at Chelmsford, where Essex suffered their sixth highest runs defeat in List A cricket - a 168-run loss to Nottinghamshire.

After Notts had collapsed from 107-0 to be bowled out for 237, Dane Paterson blasted through the young Essex side with 4-30, backed by the County Championship's in-form leading wicket-taker Brett Hutton (3-17).

Essex were bowled out for just 69 in just 25.1 overs.

At 46-8, they looked like they might rewrite the Essex record books, the county's lowest List A score of 57 against a Glen Chapple-inspired Lancashire in the 1996 NatWest Cup final at Lord's.

But Essex were five wickets down inside 12 overs with only 31 on the board - and they continued to fall with great regularity.

It had been a similar tale earlier once Essex had broken a century first-wicket stand between Ben Slater (79) and 20-year-old rookie Ben Martindale, who made 55 on only his second first-team appearance.

But Notts lost their last nine wickets for just 66 runs as Aaron Beard tore through them with career-best List A figures of 4-32.

Rained off in Scarborough

The Roses match between Yorkshire and Lancashire at Scarborough was an early victim of the weather.

Play was called off for the day before two o'clock at North Marine Road, to continue the Tykes' atrocious luck with the weather this summer.

Following the loss of the final two days of last week's County Championship Division Two game with Durham at Scarborough, Yorkshire have now lost 40 per cent of their potential red-ball playing time in 2023.

"All of yesterday in the hotel, when I saw the amount of rain falling on top of what had already fallen last week, I didn't think we'd have a chance.

"Then I came to the ground this morning, and the ground looked OK. But the wicket, the groundsman said that with the amount of rain we had yesterday that some water had seeped

under the covers."

"It's unbelievably disappointing," said Lancashire OneDay Cup coach Graham Onions. "It was a great crowd and a

Roses match, but it was just water had got under the covers and made it unplayable.

"The foot-holes at one end were very wet. The groundsman

tried his best to fill it in to make it hard, like you do during a four-day game. That could potentially have made a difference. But the rain came again."

Two-time champions Germany have crashed out of the Women’s World Cup after drawing 1-1 with South Korea in their final Group H match in Brisbane

Voges to lead Australia A as Paine lands first coach’s gig

THE rise of Adam Voges as one of Australia's brightest young coaches has continued, with the all-conquering domestic coach named Australia A mentor for the upcoming series against New Zealand A.

Former Test batter Voges, 43, has enjoyed incredible success since he took over from Justin Langer as the WA head coach in March 2018, delivering the state eight domestic titles, capped by back-to-back Marsh Sheffield Shield wins that broke a 22-season drought.

The state has also won three of the past four Marsh One Day Cup crowns under his coaching, and the past two KFC BBL titles,

while finishing runner-up in another.

Later this month he will lead an Australia A squad, to be revealed next week, in two four-day and three 50-over matches, assisted in part by former Test captain Tim Paine in his first foray into senior coaching.

Voges admitted it was not a call-up he had expected, but was looking forward to working with new people and "getting a close-up view of some of our young talent coming through".

"Probably a bit of a surprise, to be honest," he told cricket.com.au.

"It certainly wasn't something that was on the radar, but the opportunity and the timing of the series

being on the eve of the domestic summer worked out well."

After Australia A toured Sri Lanka in June 2022 and New Zealand in April this year, the series will provide

another chance for those on the cusp of the Australia XI to push their case, this time on home soil.

The Queensland-based series commences on August 28, with all five matches to be played at either Allan Border Field in Brisbane or Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

Australia A v New Zealand A series

First four-day match: August 28-31, Allan Border Field

Second four-day match: September 4-7, Great Barrier Reef Arena (D/N)

First one-dayer: September 10, Great Barrier Reef Arena

Second one-dayer: September 13, Allan Border Field (D/N)

Third one-dayer: September 15, Allan Border Field

Voges said coaching in the unique environment of 'A' sides was about creating a team-focused changeroom while understanding that each player has a strong individual focus.

"The great challenge of any A cricket is having that balance.

"I think naturally those (strong individual) performances will occur, so it's about creating that environment that guys are willing to play for each other and have some fun over the three weeks (and) make the most of the opportunity put in front of them.

"I guess that's the real

simple message, to get around that team mentality as I'm sure they do with their home states."

Paine will serve as Voges' assistant for the first four-day match against New Zealand, and the Western Australian said he was looking forward to working with Paine, whom he had "known for a long time.

"I'm really excited for Tim to be joining us in the first week as he's starting to dip his toes into coaching post his playing career. I think he's got a huge amount of experience and knowledge that he'll be able to pass on to the players."

Paine retired from professional cricket in March this year, and having himself made the transition to coaching less than four months after retiring in 2018, Voges said the shift in dynamic from peer to coach took some adjusting.

"It probably took me the first couple of years to start to get that balance right, understanding that there is a difference, and the relationships are slightly different … (it's about) being open and honest with guys that used to be your teammates and now are playing under your leadership. It's an ongoing part of that growing and learning."

Alongside Australia men's head coach Andrew McDonald (42) and former WA teammate Chris Rogers (45), who has led Victoria to the past two Shield finals, Voges is part of a trio of young coaches at the top of the men's game in Australia.

Asked if he would consider the Australia role in future, given he boasted an already sparkling CV, Voges did not rule it out but was happy with his current positions.

"I think I'm really young and still learning about coaching.

"I love my job and am really grateful for the po-

sitions that I hold … I see these three weeks as a great opportunity to continue to do that, to learn and to grow.

"Where that leads me in the future I'm not really sure at the moment. I'll live for the next 12 months in what I'm doing and see where that leads me."

Voges said the role of an international coach was considerable, and considered splitting the position along white and red-ball lines to be a "genuine option" in future.

"I certainly have admiration for guys that do it, to be away from home for extended periods of time throughout the year

"Different setups work for different teams; we see England have split their red and white-ball coaching staff, other countries may follow that path, and I think with the amount of international cricket that gets played I think it's a genuine option.

"Equally, if you've got someone who is able to do all formats, then having that continuity can obviously be a strength as well. There's no right or wrong answer, but I'm certainly aware of the enormity of the role."

Voges and the Australia A squad will assemble just two days before the first four-day match against New Zealand A in Brisbane on August 28

Former Sri Lanka player Thilan Samaraweera and Tony Hampson will serve as assistants throughout the series, while Luke Butterworth and Jack Prestwidge will interchange as bowling coaches.

Matthew Renshaw starred across the Tasman earlier this year, finishing the two-match series with 332 runs at 83, while Queensland teammate Mitchell Swepson topped the tourists' wickets tally, finishing with nine scalps at 35.33. (Cricket.com.au)

Adam Voges’ outstanding domestic coaching record has been rewarded with a position to lead Australia A in this month’s series against New Zealand

‘Rainforest Water Break’ added to Kares One Guyana T10 Blast

Banks DIH, through their Rainforest Water Brand, has given more support to the Kares

One Guyana T10 by implementing a 'Rainforest Water break’ during the matches at the Enmore Community Centre ground on August 5 and at the National Stadium, Providence, on August 12.

Brand Manager for Water Products, Colin King, indicated they were impressed with the tournament in its early stages, and now that rain has caused the tournament to be extended, they want to be more integral in keeping the cricketers and match officials hydrated.

Banks DIH also reaffirmed their commitment to hosting the free ‘Kidz Zone’ at the National Sta-

dium, aback the Green Stand.

The children will enjoy free rides in the

child-friendly zone, including a bouncy castle and free ice cream, soda, snacks, and water for the

young.

Co-Director of the tournament, John Ramsingh, said, “Banks DIH have demonstrated their generosity previously, but this is above and beyond. Words are not enough to say thank you. With this excellent idea, parents will have peace of mind with their children in the safe zone while they [parents] either play or watch the action on the field. It is a win for everyone.”

The action will continue this Saturday, with the remaining three Super Eight games at the Enmore Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara.

Rain last weekend

forced the extension of the competition from its originally planned twoday duration, with matches being rolled over.

On Saturday, The United Crew will face Tarmac Titans from 10:00hrs; Village Rams and V-Net Vipers will clash from noon; and Team Corruption will battle Avinash All-Stars from 14:00hrs.

The three winners from these matches will join Eccles All-Stars in the semi-finals.

The semi-finals and final of the 32-team competition will be held on August 12 under lights at the National Stadium, Providence.

Jamaica’s sports minister hails Reggae Girlz for ‘proudest moment in nation’s football history’

JAMAICA’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has described the national women’s senior team’s historic qualification to the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday as the “proudest moment in Jamaica’s football history.”

The Reggae Girlz advanced to the round of 16 for the first time after holding Brazil to a 0-0 draw that knocked the South American women out of the competition.

“Their hard-fought and determined draw against powerhouse Brazil is most commendable. I could not help shedding a few tears of joy,” the Jamaica sports minister said in a statement.

The undefeated Reggae Girlz have yet to concede goal at the 2023 tournament having held the fifth-ranked

France to a 0-0 draw in their opening match and then defeating Panama 1-0 for their first-ever victory at the World Cup.

Jamaica finished their group in second place, behind France.

In her communications with the Girlz following the match, Minister Grange congratulated the team on their performance and reminded them that the entire nation was proud and cheering for them.

Minister Grange reiterated her message which she wrote to the team on the eve of their game against France, stating, “I can never tire of telling you how much your presence on the world stage means to Jamaica and the pride we all feel when we see you donned in the national colours. We see that dreams do come true.”

She said the Reggae Girlz are a source of inspiration for

Jamaica and fully deserving of the nation’s full support.

“I am happy that my government has been able to support the Jamaica Football Federation and the women’s programme on yet another

successful World Cup campaign,” she said.

The Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Sports Development Foundation provides a

monthly subvention of J$3M (J$36M per annum) to the JFF for its programmes.

This year, the government allocated an additional J$20M specifically for the Reggae Girlz World Cup

campaign, J$10M of which is to be paid directly to members of the squad under the Ministry’s Athlete Assistance Programme.

In addition, the government insures the Reggae Girlz under the Jamaica Athlete Insurance Plan which covers all health-related services including injuries and overseas emergency services up to US$100,000 per athlete.

“Our girls, particularly the Reggae Girlz, the Sunshine Girls (the national netballers who are competing in the World Netball World Cup in South Africa), and the women’s volleyball team (which won the Cazova Championship on the weekend) have made us very proud and have given us such a special gift as we celebrate our nation’s 61st anniversary of Independence. We are proud of them.” (Sportsmax)

The Reggae Girlz advanced to the round of 16 for the first time after holding Brazil to a 0-0 draw

From left: Colin King ( Brand Manager – Water Products); Shensia Fredricks (Brand Manager - Trisco/Pinehill Products) and John Ramsingh (Co-Director – Kares One Guyana T10 Blast)

Crawford after Spence win: I’m poundfor-pound number one ‘without a doubt’

TERENCE Crawford declared himself the number one pound-forpound boxer in the world after Saturday night’s destruction of Errol Spence to unify all four welterweight titles and become the division’s first undisputed champion in 37 years.

“Without a doubt,” Crawford said when asked if he’s done enough to separate himself from Japan’s Naoya Inoue in the debate over the sport’s best fighter regardless of weight.

“The winner of this fight was going to be number one, pound for pound, hands down,” Crawford said. “You’ve got Errol Spence, who was ranked number four, and you got Terence Crawford, who was ranked number one [on many lists]. You’ve got two fighters that are in the top five of the poundfor-pound ratings. How can [the winner] not be number one?”

Spence was already the IBF champion at 147lbs back in 2018, when Crawford won the WBO title on his welterweight debut and the public call for summit meeting between the undefeated American stars began in earnest. Those rumblings only grew as Spence added the WBA and WBC straps, setting the stage for Saturday’s four-belt unification fight.

“This is a fight that’s been talked about for many years,” Crawford said. “This is a fight that, when I walked in the store or when my kids are watching YouTube, everybody was always asking

me: ‘When you fighting Spence?’ My kids were saying: ‘Dad, this dude is saying you’re scared of Spence.’ Me always having to hear this guy’s

intent to exercise his right to a rematch on Saturday while also reaffirming his desire to leave behind the welterweight division, where he’s labored for

lenging [Jermall] Charlo, so [154lbs] isn’t out of reach.”

The 35-year-old from Omaha went off as a slight favorite in Saturday’s

and every one of y’all for years,” Crawford said.

“All in all, I get to say, I told y’all. Because I’ve been asking for these fights for years. And y’all

name, it’s like a breath of fresh air that we’ve finally done it. And now it’s done and over with.”

Perhaps not. The contract for Saturday’s fight included a two-way rematch clause that can be triggered by the loser within 30 days, though the winner gets to decide whether the return bout will take place at 147lbs or 154lbs.

Spence confirmed his

years to make weight.

Crawford said that he’d be willing to move up for the second installment, which the clause says must happen before the end of the calendar year.

“It definitely doesn’t have to be at 147,” Crawford said. “Like I said, I’m in the hurt business. [147lbs] was kind of hard for me, too. I was already talking about moving up in weight and chal -

blockbuster at the T-Mobile Arena. But Crawford remained sensitive to the criticism that cast doubts over the quality of his opposition and he turned his sights on the media in the aftermath of his career-best win, which made him the first fighter in boxing’s four-belt era to become the undisputed champion of two different weight classes.

“I’ve been telling each

been saying, ‘He’s too small, he’s going to get this, he’s going to get broken.’ And each and every time that I step up, I’ve proved y’all wrong. Each time. So, write some great stories about Terence Crawford. Don’t hate on him. Don’t say nothing negative. Just give me my props.”

Should Crawford get through a rematch with Spence, there are

no shortage of questions over the future plans of a fighter who appears to be running out of worlds to conquer. For the time being, he said, those will go unanswered.

“I don’t know,” Crawford said when pressed on his next goal. “In two months I’ll be 36 years old. I’ve been boxing since I was seven years old. I’ve been doing sports all my life. I don’t know. I’ve got to sit down with my team and talk about the future.” (The Guardian)

Terence Crawford extended his undefeated record to 40 fights

Limited overs success inspired Jamaica to double, says manager

KINGSTOWN, Jamaica, (CMC) – Jamaica manager, Gibbs Williams, says their conquest in the one-day version of the Rising Stars Under-19 Championship, gave them the confidence they could make a clean sweep of titles.

The Jamaicans completed the double on Tuesday here when they beat Barbados by 56 runs on the final day of the three-day tournament at Arnos Vale Stadium, just weeks after winning the one-day title last month.

“When we were leaving to come to this tournament, our real aim was to take home the three-day championship because we know the quality we possess,” Williams said.

“We were also aware

that we have a quality oneday unit so when we played the limited overs version first and we won, it gave us all the confidence we needed going into the three-day version.

“And we knew the competition would’ve been tough and we knew that the games would’ve been challenging but we were up to the task and we are happy for the victory.”

Jamaica showed great maturity in the final. Reduced to 78 for four on the first day, they recovered to reach 269 all out, courtesy of a splendid 120 from in-form left-hander Jordan Johnson.

When Barbados coasted to 88 for two in reply, seamer Deshawn James snatched a five-wicket haul to reduce them to 158 all out, and earn

his side a handy 111-run first innings lead.

Jamaica’s maturity was again evident when they tumbled to 87 all out in their second innings but bounced back to roll Barbados over for 142, thanks to leg-spinner Tamarie Redwood (4-47) and fast bowler Reon Edwards (3-31).

Williams said the previous year’s tournament had been a crucial learning curve for the current group of players.

“If you recall, last year when we came here we finished in fourth position, a number of these boys came here last year,” he explained.

“And so we knew they would’ve been one year older and one year wiser and with the preparation that

coach [Terrance Corke oversaw], and the programme that we planned this year we were very optimistic of our chances coming here.

“Having done the homework, having done a little bit of introspection and studied the tournament, we felt comfortable that when we came,

we would’ve done much better than we did last year.” Jamaica also completed the double in the Under-19 tournament back in 2009.

England, Australia suffer big WTC points hit for over-rates

AUSTRALIA and England have been penalised 10 and 19 World Test Championship (WTC) points respectively for maintaining slow overrates during the Ashes.

Both teams also received fines with Australia deducted half of their match fee for 10 overs in the fourth Test at Manchester, while England received "10 per cent for the first Test, 45 per cent for the second, 15 per cent for the fourth and 25 per cent for the fifth," according to the ICC.

The heavy sanctions see England lose over twothirds of their WTC points.

The governing body earlier this month announced it would reduce financial penalties for players for slow over-rates, while also waiving WTC points sanctions for teams when they bowl out their opposition inside 80 overs.

Australia opener Us -

man Khawaja, who had approached the ICC about reducing the penalties, said it was "really frustrating" for players to lose their match fees despite deliv-

ering entertaining matches.

During the Ashes, Khawaja argued that teams like England and Australia

were at a disadvantage because fast bowlers bowl more overs than in the subcontinent where India, who have made the decider of both editions of the WTC so far, play most of their Tests.

"I was pretty frustrated with what was happening

… and just thought someone has to find a way to speak to the ICC about it," Khawaja said before the fourth Test.

"Just really frustrating as a player. You are giving it your all out there, providing entertainment, then you are getting stung for it. Just felt like I needed to speak and Wasim (Khan, ICC general manager) was really good.

"We are trying to go as fast as we can. It's the conditions that make it hard for us. If you are in India we are never behind the over-rate (with) two spinners going at it."

The hosts beat Australia by 49 runs in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval, securing a 2-2 series draw.

Reigning champions Australia, who retained the Ashes, are currently third in the WTC standings while England are fifth.

"We are trying to go

as fast as we can. It's the conditions that make it hard for us. If you are in India we are never behind the over-rate (with) two spinners going at it."

The hosts beat Australia by 49 runs in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval, securing a 2-2 series draw.

Reigning champions Australia, who retained the Ashes, are currently third in the WTC standings while England are fifth.

Having gained 28 points – 24 for two wins and four for a draw – England finished with just nine points dropping them below the West Indies, who have played just two matches and are yet to record a win.

Before the fifth Test, Australia captain Pat Cummins said the Ashes had been an "outlier" when it came to over-rates.

"We haven’t had any over-rate sanctions over

the last few years until this series," Cummins said.

"It feels like this one has been played at a different pace. It’s something we need to speak about in ODI cricket as well, when you’re setting fields the time can run out pretty quickly.

"It feels like there’s different plans every second over, or every over, every couple of balls. One batter might have a totally different plan to another one. So there’s lots of field movement.

"(There is) a lot more fast bowling overs than there ever has been. No Nathan Lyon (from the third Ashes Test onwards). A combination of those things.

"This series is maybe that little bit higher pressure, and it’s not only the fielding side but you see the batters taking that little bit of extra time."

Jamaica Under-19s celebrate their capture of the Rising Stars three-day title

Both teams slugged crucial World Test Championship points, with England handed sanctions for four of five Ashes Tests

Windies hold nerve to beat India in first Twenty20 International

TAROUBA, Trinidad, (CMC)

– Romario Shepherd proved he had nerves of steel when he conceded only six from the final over, and West Indies grabbed a four-wicket win against India in the first Twenty20 International on Thursday in Trinidad.

The Guyanese pacer left the Indians licking their wounds after they reached 77 for three and appeared well set to overhaul a target of 150 on a slow Brian Lara Cricket Academy pitch, but lost six wickets for 68 in the second half of their innings to derail their chase.

Shepherd bowled Kuldeep Yadav for three with the first ball of the over, conceded three runs off the next two balls before Arshdeep Singh was run out for 12 off the penultimate ball going a second run, and finished with an unplayable yorker to Mukesh Kumar to seal the deal.

That typified a disciplined bowling effort from the Caribbean side that was led by all-rounder Jason Holder, whose miserly spell of two for 19 from four overs – includ -

ing a double-wicket maiden – earned him the Player-of-theMatch award.

The result gave West Indies a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, which continues on Sunday at the National Cricket Stadium in Guyana, where the third match will be played two days later before the series ends at the Central Broward Regional Park on August 12 and 13 in the United States.

“At the break, I thought we had a decent total based on the conditions,” Holder said. “I knew if we got early wickets, we were well in the game. It was not an easy pitch to bat on, and we saw both sides practically struggle to get any real momentum going in their innings.

“It was a situation where a few boundaries went here and there, but there was never a consistent boundary flow and that was always in the back of our minds, so we knew that if we got some early wickets, and we got some wickets in the middle, we always had a chance to win.

“We needed to get a lot

better in the field, but this was an example of how good we can be in the field. We have been inconsistent at times, and it’s just a matter of us to stay disciplined and bring that attitude every single time we cross the line and give a really good effort every time.”

Unlike the preceding Oneday International series, West Indies struck early when leftarm spinner Akeal Hosein got Shubman Gill stumped for three in the third over, and left-

arm pacer Obed McCoy got left-handed opener Ishan Kishan caught at mid-on for six in the fifth over, and India ended the Power Play on 45 for two.

Holder got Suryakumar Yadav caught at short extra cover for 21 in the 10th over, and Shepherd got newcomer Tilak Varma caught at deep fine leg for the top score of 39 in the next over, and India stumbled to 77 for four.

West Indies continued to pick off wickets at regular in-

tervals, and India entered the final five overs needing 37 to win, but Holder struck in the 16th over when he bowled the visitors’ captain Hardik Pandya for 19 and Sanju Samson was run out two balls later for 12.

Holder conceded 11 from the 18th over, including a six to Axar Patel, and to add to the drama, the hosts were penalised for a slow over rate and allowed only four fielders outside of the field restriction

circle instead of the maximum five.

McCoy got Patel caught at deep mid-wicket, but he conceded back-to-back fours to Arshdeep Singh off the third and fourth balls in an over that cost 11 before Shepherd proved his mettle.

Earlier, West Indies captain Rovman Powell led the way with 48 from 32 balls, and left-hander hometown hero Nicholas Pooran added 41 from 34 balls, and West Indies reached 149 for six from their allocation of 20 overs after they chose to bat.

Opener Brandon King made 28 and gave the Caribbean side a flying start before leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal removed Kyle Mayers for one and him in the same over, and unorthodox left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav got Johnson Charles for three.

West Indies were 58 for three in the eighth over, but Powell anchored two tidy stands with Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer to coax his side to a respectable, if not significant total.

Amazon Warriors recruit Lance Klusener as ‘Consultant Coach’

THE Guyana Amazon

Warriors franchise has announced its coaching contingent for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with former South Africa all-rounder, Lance Klusener appointed as Consultant Coach.

The 51-year-old expressed his excitement to join the franchise, noting that he has always been impressed with the Caribbean vibe generated during the ‘Biggest Party in Sport.’

Klusener said, “I’m looking forward to joining the Amazon Warriors! I’m ready for the challenge. I’m thankful for the opportunity to

work with some of the best players from the Caribbean and around the world.”

Klusener brings a wealth of experience with a successful coaching career in South Africa, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

In recent times, Klusener has coached Durban Super Giants in the SA20 Tournament and Delhi for the Indian Premier League. Klusener is also coach of the Cape Town Samp Army for the inaugural T10 Zim Afro League.

During his playing days, Klusener featured in 49 Tests, scoring 1906 runs

including four centuries as well as taking 80 wickets. In One-Day Internationals, he featured in 171 matches and ended with an average of 41 and 192 wickets.

The experienced coaching unit also features longstanding senior West Indies coach, Rayon Griffith, who is in his fifth season with the franchise. The former national player has been an integral part of the West Indies coaching set up, particularly in the longer format.

Completing the coaching unit is Ryan Hercules. Hercules, who currently serves

as Guyana senior men’s head coach is a level three certified coach and former national youth player who served last season.

The 2023 Republic CPL will run from August 16 to September 24. Amazon Warriors play their first match of the season on August 19 against St. Lucia Kings before tackling St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots on August 24.

Amazon Warriors then battle Jamaica Tallawahs back-toback on August 27 and September 2 respectively before going up against Trinbago Knight Riders on September

6 and Barbados Royals on September 10.

Amazon Warriors head home to the National Stadium, Providence where they face St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots (September 13), St. Lucia Kings (September 14), Knight Riders (September 16) and Barbados Royals (September 17).

Providence will also host the Eliminator on September 19 followed by Qualifier One and Two on September 20 and 22. The final is set for September 24 at 19.00 hrs.

Pacer Romario Shepherd defended 10 runs in the last over

Former South Africa all-rounder, Lance Klusener