Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-09-2023

New $224M road commissioned at Matthew's Ridge

MINISTER of Housing and Water , Collin Croal on Sunday commissioned a $224 million road at Matthew’s Ridge, Region One

The road’s commissioning aligns with President Dr Irfaan Ali’s commitment to enhancing the region’s road infrastructure, the ministry

said in a post on its Facebook page

The concrete road, which was constructed by GV Construction and spans 1150

metres in length and 16 feet in width , will significantly enhance transportation in the area

The construction of the road is a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali and came at a cost of 244 million dollars, marking a major achievement within the Hinterland Road Programme

The ministry pointed out

that it’s important to note that the Ministry of Public Works will oversee the completion of another section of the road

“President Ali remains dedicated to improving the region ’ s road infrastructure , acknowledging the hardships faced by residents prior to the project’s completion

With the commissioning of this road , residents no

longer need to contend with muddy conditions , greatly improving their daily lives

The community expresses immense gratitude for this vital enhancement,” the ministry said Regional Chairman , Brentnol Ashley and other regional representatives along with the contractors joined residents for the simple ceremony

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal cuts the ribbon to officially open the road (Ministry of Housing photos)

Meat production sector set for major expansion

–– 43 per cent growth expected this year,

By Naomi Parris

AS Guyana works aggressively to meet the 2025 food security targets, President

Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the country’s livestock sec-

President Ali says

tonnes in 2020 to more than 67,000 metric tonnes in 2023, with a further 50 per cent growth anticipated in 2025

President Ali said that Guyana is also collaborating with Barbados to increase

already been transported to Guyana and a third shipment is expected shortly

To advance the industry further, 13,000 acres of pasture have been developed for cattle farmers , and the construction of two abattoirs to international standards is underway Additionally, two dairy processing facilities are under construction , a total investment of over US $ 30 million.

With self - sufficient poultry production already achieved , budgetary allocations have been made for the construction of a broiler breeding facility in 2023 to reduce dependence on hatching egg imports

tor is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.

While speaking at the launch of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) last Friday, the Head of State disclosed that the country’s meat production alone is projected to increase by 43 per cent from over 47,000 metric

mutton production This will see the Mahaica/Berbice region being well positioned to become the livestock capital of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

As part of this initiative, the Barbadian government will be suppling Guyana with 1,000 Black Belly Sheep Of that number , 473 have

Finally, the government is seeking co-investment opportunities in areas such as a sausage plant, a protein plant for aquaculture, and a chicken nugget facility to meet local and regional demand

President Ali, in his remarks, noted that the Caribbean Week of Agriculture is an important forum for leaders to not only review their success but to address the remaining targets

Ali revealed that, in or-

der for the region to achieve its ambitious food security targets by 2025 , in excess of 1.4 million metric tons of commodities will have to be produced over the next two years

“ We are committed to lead, and to lead as a good example, vision 25 by 2025 represents a tipping point for the Caribbean Failure must not be contemplated We must persevere . Paralysis of action will be fatal,” the Guyanese Head of State said

The Ministerial Task Force, which is chaired by Guyana’s agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has partnered with the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation ( CPSO ) to identify commodities for concentrated regional policy support

According to President Ali , these commodities include poultry meat , corn , soya beans and rice for feed production, meat (beef, pork and mutton), niche vegetables and coconut products

Dr Ali further urged regional leaders to formulate implementable actions on issues such as resilient food production systems, trade solutions (online platforms, facilitating financial flows, block chain applications , transportation solutions ), new agribusiness opportunities ( youth and women involvement), marketplace and product development, secure innovative funding and agri - food investment opportunities.

National Toshaos Conference sparks international interest

model forum that inspires, reflects leadership – President Ali

GUYANA ’ S National

Toshaos Conference is a model forum that could be expanded to bring local leaders together, President

Dr Irfaan Ali has said

During the closing ceremony of the five-day confab, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), President Ali said that the work done at such a forum goes beyond the country’s borders.

“The results of this conference go far beyond the borders of Guyana; the results of this conference inspire many Indigenous communities across the world have asked me about the National Toshaos Conference,” he told the gathering of over 200 Indigenous leaders on Friday

“There is no single organisation that brings together the leadership like you do here This is a model that we must be proud of, and this is a model that can be expanded

as we seek to solidify the One Guyana,” he added In fact , the president revealed that several other leaders have indicated their interest in the work being done at the conference

More than 200 Indigenous leaders from across the country attended this year’s conference

The forum offered them the opportunity to meet and interact with government

officials, and to make critical decisions regarding the livelihoods of their people, and the development of their communities “ We come because of the seriousness We view your lead-

ership; we view your priorities, and the seriousness that we attach to this National Toshaos Conference,” President Ali said

The various community leaders were able to interact with government ministers and other officials

Some immediate interventions were made, while plans were discussed for long-term interventions to address the priority needs of hinterland communities Some of these interventions include the delivery of 30,000 household solar units This distribution is expected to begin shortly, and will see a government minister being assigned to specific communities to hand over the units, which are part of the first phase

Meanwhile , during the conference, it was announced that an additional $16 billion will be invested this year to upgrade infrastructure in hinterland communities Out of that sum, $6 billion will be

spent on community roads

Over the next three years, the government will also make massive investments to improve healthcare in the hinterland regions, building new hospitals and new health centres, and expanding services such as telemedicine Investments will also be made in agriculture and tourism Training in these areas will be done to ensure that Indigenous youths can benefit from the ongoing developments, such as the establishment of several new hotels across the country

In brief remarks, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Derrick John thanked the government for its support, and for listening to the leaders and providing interventions to the issues that were raised

John further urged toshaos to continue their advocacy for their respective villages and people

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing farmers and residents at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice in 2022 (File photo)

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing toshaos at the annual conference last Friday (Office of the President photo)

Child labour at ‘critical moment’ as more pushed into work – ILO

THE future of millions of children is at risk as growing numbers are pulled out of school and into work, the head of the United Nations’ labour body has told the BBC.

Gilbert Houngbo, Director - General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), said there had been a “ regression ” in regions around the world amid global economic problems

Some of the worst forms of work involved sexual ex-

ploitation

He said urgent action was needed

“Compound the ‘Covid’ effect with the rise in inflation and the cost of living that followed, and it has just made things worse,” he said “Unless we act now, and we act decisively and fast, the problem will [ continue to ] worsen.”

Data compiled by the UN in early 2020 found that some 160 million children were being subjected to child

labour, and that global progress to end it had stalled for the first time in 20 years Mr Houngbo, the former Prime Minister of Togo, said early data suggested the trend was continuing

He said a squeeze on living costs, driven in part by rising food and energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine, had for some families “made the difference between having one meal a day or not”. In some cases, this had led to the “worst form of child labour”, where parents were pushing their children into sex work to help support their families

In the coastal city of Mombasa in south - eastern Kenya, one 14-year-old girl told the BBC she had no choice but to look for work as her mother struggled to afford food and school fees for her and her two siblings

To make money, she said she had been “sleeping with men , washing clothes and plaiting hair”.

When she does attend school, she said she sometimes feels so hungry that she “can’t get the pen to write”.

Speaking from their small home, her mother said it was “not easy to tell a child to do something like that”.

But she said she was unable to support her family after losing her job during the pandemic, and now struggles to make ends meet washing clothes

“It is very heartbreaking; I would like my child to go to school like other children, so that she can get a good job that will help her in the future, but because I don’t have any means, she is forced to do that job.”

A woman running a nearby brothel said her business was “thriving”, as she was getting more and more young girls desperate for money

Mr Houngbo said the rise in child labour was being seen in low, middle, and high-income countries, and in sectors including agriculture , mining and construction

“Clearly, we are in a critical moment,” he said, adding that “poverty is the root cause”.

The exact circumstances in different countries vary, but the UN children’s fund (UNICEF) says inflation and the rising cost of living are “ a universal concern ” that impacts children in a range of ways

“ Many families , out of desperation, need to resort to really impossible choices and negative coping strategies that are affecting children now and in the long-term,” said Natalia Winder-Rossi, director of UNICEF’s social policy and social protection

programme

The BBC has visited several countries to see how economic problems are affecting children

In the southern Lebanese city of Sidon, children said they had dropped out of school to support their families.

“When I was at school, I used to dream of becoming a teacher. [Now] I stopped dreaming,” 14-year-old Alaa, who works cleaning people’s houses, told the BBC UNICEF says more than one in 10 families in Lebanon send their children to work The country is facing an almost total collapse of its economy “ I would like to go to school, of course, but in this situation, who would think of going to school? You need to provide for your family I’m suffocating, but I have to put up with it ,” said 15 - yearold Muhammad , who sells tissues in the road to passing cars

But Mr Houngbo said that while the situation is “ very worrisome ”, he remains optimistic that solutions could be found

He said there is no “onesize - fits - all approach ”, but policies focusing on education , creating jobs , and cracking down on illicit industries were among the actions that could be taken Governments needed to “step up now”, he said. (BBC)

Caribbean economies at a crossroad – IDB report

A NEW report by the Inter - American Development Bank (IDB) says Caribbean economies are at a crossroad, highlighting progress in economic recovery in most Caribbean economies , despite persistent external shocks, but warning that risks remain in the near-term.

“ Global and Regional Economies at a Crossroads”, released on Friday, notes the region ’ s tourism - oriented economies have recovered more rapidly than expected from the sharp pandemic - induced contraction of 2020

The report says commodity prices have declined, though they remain above pre-pandemic levels, with “ persistent negative effects on households across the region , while , at the same time , buoying macroeconomic prospects for commodity exporters”.

“ The global economy is characterised by softening growth, combined with lingering above - average inflation,” says the report, as noted in the spring edition of the IMF ’ s World Economic Outlook

The IMF ’ s Regional Economic Outlook for the Western Hemisphere is titled, “Slower Growth, Stubborn Inflation”.

The IDB Macro Report earlier this year called for “ preparing the macroeconomic terrain for renewed growth”, as Latin America and the Caribbean face the triple threat of social, fiscal and growth challenges.

“ The Caribbean is at a crossroad in addressing these challenges as well,” the IDB said

It said key findings of the report state that after the

economic recovery of 2021 and 2022, key forecasters expect a global economic slowdown in 2023, driven mostly by expected lower growth in advanced economies

“Those advanced economies remain the key drivers of demand for Caribbean tourism exports , as well as commodity prices”, the report states

It added that regional economies have grown faster than the global economy, recovering from a deeper shock , but “ growth rates are likely to converge to pre-pandemic levels unless there are significant structural changes to enhance productivity , as noted in other editions of this periodical”.

In the near - term , the report says key macroeconomic risks and economic growth opportunities “ remain relevant”.

It says risks include “external shocks from commodity prices , a potential synchronised downturn in advanced economies and external financing conditions”.

The report says emerging opportunities include “near-shoring (especially for global services), a renewed impetus for regional integration (especially for agriculture), and strengthening of existing lead sectors, with a focus on environmental sustainability and green energy”.

“ Government and private sector responses to take advantage of emerging opportunities can steer economies onto the high path in the current crossroads, with superior economic growth than what was experienced pre - pandemic,” the report says

It added that country circumstances “ vary substantially”, as noted in the country sections of the report

According to the report, some countries’ (The Bahamas and Jamaica) tourism sectors have recovered more rapidly than others (Barbados), and that “there is the hydrocarbon-fuelled extraordinary growth of Guyana that dwarfs the economic growth of all countries in the Western Hemisphere”.

The report says key risks and opportunities also vary across countries.

“ Government and private sector responses to take advantage of emerging opportunities can steer economies onto the high path in the current crossroads, with superior economic growth than what was experienced pre-pandemic,” said David Rosenblatt , regional economic adviser for the IDB’s Caribbean Department

“ Continued efforts to mitigate risks through macroeconomic policy strengthening continue to be a key enabler for future investment and innovation,” it added “ Global and Regional Economies at a Crossroad” is part of the IDB’s Caribbean Economics Quarterly series

In addition to a regional overview section,

it has country - specific sections for The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana,

Jamaica , Suriname , and Trinidad and Tobago . (CMC)

Cruise ship docked at St George’s, Grenada (Richard Charan photo)

Celebrating Progress and Embracing Change

EDUCATION Month is here, and it is a moment to reflect on the strides made in the realm of education since 2020 and the profound importance of investing in this crucial sector.

In a time when Guyana's economic landscape is rapidly evolving, education remains the cornerstone upon which the nation's future prosperity is built.

The period since 2020 has seen Guyana making significant progress in the field of education, with the government leading the charge in various impactful ways. One of the

standout achievements has been the expansion and enhancement of educational infrastructure.

New schools and classrooms have been constructed, enabling more students to access quality education.

Moreover, the introduction of digital learning tools and internet connectivity in remote areas has opened up exciting possibilities for students and teachers alike.

Equally notable is the government's commitment to teacher development and capacity-building. Investing in the educators who shape young

minds is a testament to Guyana's dedication to nurturing its human capital.

Through training programmes, workshops, and professional development opportunities, teachers are better equipped to deliver high-quality education to their students.

The strides made in promoting inclusivity and equitable access to education are commendable. The government's efforts to reach marginalised communities and provide educational resources to underserved populations have made education more accessible to all

PNC will never learn

Dear Editor, WE hear of beautiful stories and related parables of the flock of sheep and their shepherd. The sheep is commonly known to be a follower rather than being identified as a leader. In rounding up a flock of sheep, often times one of them usually wears a bell around the neck so that the others can follow. Hopefully, the choice is one that has been dependable, perhaps trained to lead and one that has gained the confidence of others.

When one of the sheep goes missing, it is the reliable, resourceful and

relevant shepherd who goes after the lost animal to rescue it.

In Guyana, we have seen the PNC becoming a lost cause, daily growing into an insignificant entity as the members cling on to the last straw before submerging into the deep sea of forgetfulness. Since being convincingly beaten at the last Local Government Election, we have witnessed desperation seeping through as they wipe their perspiration, searching for inspiration in order to regain recognition.

The PPP/C winning by some 68 per cent of the voters choosing not

Guyanese citizens. This inclusivity is a testament to the government's belief that education should be a right, not a privilege.

Education Month is also an opportune time to recognise the importance of adapting education to meet the demands of a changing economy. Guyana's recent economic transformation, fuelled by newfound oil reserves, underscores the need for a skilled workforce ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of the future. Investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

(STEM) education, as well as vocational and technical training, will prepare Guyanese youth for careers in emerging industries and ensure the nation's competitiveness on the global stage.

Education plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. As Guyana's economic landscape diversifies, it is imperative to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. Encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in the classroom will empower future generations to drive economic growth

through innovation. Education is the key to unlocking the full potential of Guyana's citizens and securing a prosperous future. As the economic landscape evolves, the government's dedication to providing quality education for all will undoubtedly yield dividends for generations to come. It is a time to reflect on how far Guyana has come and to look forward with optimism to the boundless possibilities that a well-educated population can achieve.

to vote for the PNC, has posed not only an embarrassment but another slap in their face and posited a bigger hurdle in their dilemma. Loosing traction is scary and walking on slippery ground is challenging while falling is dangerous. The sudden stop can be injurious. Ringing the bell is now being ignored; the sound is no longer music but a sour note and falling on deaf ears.

Trying to put shattered fragments together is laborious, more so when the pieces keep staying unglued. Many have chosen to turn their backs on the PNC and cross over to the

PPP/C. They have finally realised that they have been backing not only a loser but a party born out of the gut of devious making, ideals which can never be honoured and principles which are meant to decorate as a paper value. Trying to make excuses is a lame cover up and diehards are waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee offering the aromatic fragrance, a sweet taste and the warmth of humane temperature to satisfy the thirst and hunger of the wandering Guyanese.

A lost sheep has room for recovery by an attending shepherd. But when the loyal sheep decided to depart from the flock and bid the shepherd a frustrated goodbye, it is

the shepherd who becomes the lost one. Going North rather than South is the choice of cold over warmth. Come September is not only a popular song but the reality of bidding farewell to summer and expecting the fall of autumn. Attempting to land a ton of influences in the PPP/C backyard in Queens is the highway to disaster as has been proven. To harness 12 lookalike, mind you, 4 of which being reporters and cannot be counted as a catch, is certainly not close to half of the crowd in attendance, even if you use the calculator provided by the PNC.

Misplaced as a lone shepherd without a flock, seeking greener pasture in a desert is certainly a

typical example of the blind leading the blind, no disrespect meant to the genuine blind.

The biggest joke of the season, is on a man who does not know which constitution he is following, fails to recognise a legitimate government but accepts the government money for a job approved by that government. When will these guys stop making a fool of themselves in the public domain? But, being born, bread and tutored by the PNC, he is corrupted, confused and contagious. Guess the man is simply wutless and has no kinna! How sad that the PNC will never learn.

Yours respectfully, Jai

How do the universities feel about Westmaas, Hinds et al?

HAVE you heard the name Jordan Peterson? His cultural, sociological and political views are horrible, terrible and highly offensive and he should not be allowed to get away with such anti-civilisation views.

Eventually, Canada had enough of this man Peterson is a psychologist who reminds me of cases where psychiatrists lose it and ironically become in need of psychological treatment themselves There are some very famous movies about this irony including the mega hit, “The Silence of the Lamb.” But the one in this genre I really like is the Michael Caine character in “Dressed to Kill.”

Canadian authorities have now compelled Peterson to compulsory counselling and, if he refuses, he would lose his licence to practise psychology At my alma mater, the University of Toronto, he was forced to retire because the university felt he was damaging its image, and believe me, the University of Toronto is one of the best universities in the world and one of the most pleasant and encouraging places to be educated at

The move against Peterson is because his extreme political lawlessness is limitless From women, to climate change, to ethnic communities, to democratic values, Peterson frowns on all of these things and derogates them He is no longer teaching but it is impossible to understand how students were permitted by the University of Toronto to take this man’s classes How can humans go to this man for counselling when he is in

need of such treatment himself?

Peterson’s situation at the University of Toronto reminds me of Drs Nigel Westmaas and David Hinds Both teach Caribbean politics at their respective universities

Should young minds be exposed to the false adumbrations of these two fellows? Don’t accept this column here, go to YouTube and when you listen, then you wonder if these men teach the facts of Caribbean politics or teach their students alternative facts Two instances with Westmaas should allow one to question his eligibility

On a programme with David Hinds and a man who calls himself a preacher and what we in Guyana would refer to as a wayside preacher, Westmaas agrees with the so-called preacher that during the five months of election rigging –March to July, 2020, it was five months of neo-colonial intervention in Guyana Here is the danger with people like Westmaas in the classroom

He is going to teach about the return of colonialism in the Caribbean and cite neo-colonial control of Guyana through the neo - colonial shape of the 2020 election which denied the incumbent victory and gave the government to the PPP In other words, Westmaas teaches alternative facts and alternative facts are fiction and propaganda

So, Westmaas’ students, when they graduate are going to spread his propaganda that Guyana has an unelected government in which the ruling party

did not win the general election The reality is the opposite to what Westmaas drove into the head of his students The March 2020 election had five months of attempts by the incumbent to tamper with the results which went against them

In teaching Caribbean politics, Hinds and Westmaas will conceal from their students the following facts; facts that are so large they can fill the great oceans of the world

Every major international organisation, including the UN, OAS and Commonwealth and CARICOM, endorsed the legal results and condemned the rigging No government in the world voiced even half a sentence against the election results Two former Prime Ministers of the Caribbean condemned the rigging

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

threw out every writ filed by the incumbent ruling party to undermine the election results The CCJ in every writ had a full sitting of the court and there was no dissenting decision in any of the trials There was a recount by CARICOM and CARICOM publicly stated that the results they came up with were the legal, actual votes that determined which party won the election and their finding was that the then, opposition, PPP won the contest

The trials and tribulations of Peterson came about as a result of numerous complaints to the Psychology Board of Canada

The universities that Hinds and Westmaas teach at should be informed that both men have substituted propaganda for scholarship in the classroom.

Amerindians are best tourism stewards

GUYANA’S tourism treasures and unique experiences are nestled within the landscapes of Indigenous villages , where Amerindians excel as impeccable hosts , ensuring unforgettable adventures and unmatched comfort.

This is according to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, who delivered a presentation at the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference (NTC), at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), at Liliendaal

“The Indigenous peoples are the best stewards and best ambassadors for tourism and for the type of tourism that we hold very closely , that is eco-tourism, nature-based

adventure, and culture-based tourism ,” the director expressed

Baksh said that tourism in Guyana is extremely unique, given that the country is the only one in the world that allows communities and their leaders to take charge of tourism sites and experiences “ They are leading this work, they control the assets, the land, they run the enterprises themselves. And these three communities Caiman House in Yupukari in Region Nine , Rewa , and Surama , both in Region Nine in the North Rupununi circuit, are real models for that community-led and owned tourism,” Baksh explained

The organisation aims to develop comparable models

Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh , presenting at the National Toshaos Conference

“The potential is extremely high in these areas and we are going to build out community tourism enterprises within all of these circuits So, support will be given in training and capacity build-

at

ing and through a number of tourism and hospitality programmes,” Baksh disclosed

conference across all regions , a goal that will be achieved by leveraging the authority ’ s concentrated efforts on various circuits

Additionally, the director stated that establishing tourism in Amerindian villages is good for the environment, as

it promotes good zoning, and conservation which result in sustainability

So far, GTA has worked with several Indigenous communities to diversify tourism products. (DPI)

Some of the Toshaos

the

GTA Director

Haiti violence: ‘Carnage needs to stop’ says UN relief chief

HAITI is in the grip of “extreme brutality”, with gang-related violence continuing to force thousands from their homes amidst widespread suffering, according to a top UN humanitarian official

The desperate situation prompted a tweet on Friday from Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths calling for an immediate end to the fighting “This carnage needs to stop” said the UN relief chief.

MAJOR ESCALATION

In the past two weeks alone , 71 people have been killed and injured in capital Port-au-Prince, marking a major escalation, according to UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, which Mr. Griffiths heads.

“Entire families, including children, were executed while others were burned alive This upsurge in violence has caused unspeakable continued suffering of Haitians ,” Philippe Branchat , acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti said in a news release on Thursday

So far this year, gang violence in the Caribbean country has claimed more than 2,500 lives, with over 1,000 injured

At least 970 Haitians have been kidnapped, and 10,000 forcibly displaced from their homes

The latest wave of violence has also resulted in the forced displacement of over 10,000 people who have sought refuge in spontaneous camps and host families.

BRAZEN HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Also on Thursday, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) issued a report outlining the dire human rights situation there, including brutal killings and lynchings.

The report noted that frustrated by lack of security and functioning government , residents armed with machetes ,

rocks , and fuel cans have resorted to brutal measures to prevent gang members and anyone associated with them from entering their neighbourhoods

Between April and June, nearly 240 alleged gang members were killed by these self - proclaimed “ self - defence groups.”

“While some killings appeared to be spontaneous , others were encouraged , supported, or facilitated by high-ranking police officers and gang members belonging to the G-9 and allies,” the report said

The report also documented horrifying instances of sexual violence, including collective rape and mutilation, perpetrat-

ed by gangs to spread fear, punish rivals, and target women and girls under their territorial control

BINUH expressed concern about the forced recruitment of children by gangs and the severe mental and psychological toll the violence is exacting on the population

The office reiterated its call to the international community to deploy a specialised international force to address the crisis.

MASSIVE HUMANITARIAN NEEDS

According OCHA , nearly half of Haiti’s population needs humanitarian and food assistance

Despite access challenges due to insecurity, humanitarian partners are reaching the displaced people with immediate aid such as food, water, shelter, sanitation, health, and psychosocial support, particularly for victims of sexual violence

“The people in Haiti cannot continue to live trapped in their homes, unable to feed their families, find work and live in dignity,” OCHA said

The relief agency added that humanitarians are committed to stand with the people in Haiti and assist in providing immediate assistance to alleviate human suffering. (UN)

Over 2,500 people have lost their lives to gang violence in Haiti. (UN file photo)

Women empowerment, gender equality workshop held in Region Two

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security ’ s Gender Affairs Bureau in collaboration with the Sexual Offenses Domestic Violence Policy Unit in Region Two, on Thursday hosted a women’s group training and empowerment workshop at Anna Regina.

The workshop was facilitated by Prevention Programme and Education Officer, Sandra Thompson in the auditorium of the Anna Regina Secondary School Participants learnt about gender, anger management and conflict resolution.

Thompson told this publication that it was the first initiative of its kind in the region and it is hoped that the participants can share their new-found knowledge in their communities

She said that the Gender Affairs Bureau plans to have continuous training sessions with women in all 10 administrative regions

According to her , the bureau wants to get women involved in gender equality discussions and the promotion of gender equality because “we have recognised that women are disproportionally affected by domestic violence and other issues as it relates to gender equality.”

Thompson told this publication that they are also working with men in the various regions

“We are also working with men in making them understand the social issues affecting women and how they can contribute in helping them,” Thompson said

Similar trainings were conducted in Regions

Three and Five and the next set will be held in Regions Eight and Nine.

Thompson disclosed that there are 72 women groups across the country

Meanwhile , Chairperson of the region’s Women ’ s and Gender Affairs Committee, Vierna Rasheed said that she is happy that Region Two is benefitting from such training

She said that the women who participated are from various groups in the region and they will be going back to their communities to share the information

One of the participants , Kareshma Gopal said that the sessions were very informative She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security for holding the workshop.

Some of the women who attended the workshop

Philippines: Indigenous knowledge takes on climate crisis

IN the mountainous province of Bukidnon in the southern Philippines , local indigenous groups are being forced to adapt to the alarming impacts of climate change. With UN support, communities are making significant strides, using centuries-old knowledge to forge sustainable solutions

Local tribal leader, Jemuel Perino , discussed the success of local initiatives, supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Adaption Fund Climate Change Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA), in educating his community on effective prevention and mitigation techniques to deal with the growing impacts of climate change

“The indigenous cultural communities have their own centuries - old knowledge , systems, and practices and have kept them alive,” Mr Perino said. “In the Philippines , the Government is promoting their use in environmental protection and

conservation.”

Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Bukidnon Umayamnon community , Mr Perino has seen the impact of climate change up close Erosion, deforestation, and biodiversity loss have emerged as key threats with devastating implications for the culture, youth, and livelihoods of his people

“ In the Philippines , most of our forest lands and headwaters fall within the ancestral domains of the various indigenous cultural communities ,” he said . “ There is a real need for the world to fully recognize their important contributions in conserving the environment that benefits the entire population.”

HEAVY TOLLS

Climate change is exacting a heavy toll on Filipinos ’ lives , properties , and livelihoods . Left unaddressed, it could hamper the country’s ambition of becoming an upper - middle - income country by

2040

Many farmers have reported longer and more severe periods of drought and rainfall than previously considered normal Floods wiped out more than a dozen houses of community members along the Pulangi River in 2012 and 2013.

“Since then, the Pulangi River has been flooding every year,” Mr Perino said “In 2022, the river caused so much riverbank erosion that it was widened by about 50 meters from its regular width.”

Multiple indices rank the country as among those most affected by extreme climate events. Over the past decade, highly destructive typhoons have hit almost every year, with related annual losses estimated at 1.2 per cent of overall gross domestic product (GDP).

In July, Typhoon Doksuri brought widespread flooding and landslides to the Philippines, killing at least 39 people and forcing 12,000 people from their

homes.

CULTURAL PRIDE AND JOY

To combat the growing impacts of climate change in the region, Mr. Perino coordinates a locally - organised project under the community-based organisation , Bukidnon Umayamnon Tribe Kapu-unan

To mga Datu (BUKDA).

Supported by the UN via an AFICIA grant, the project also seeks to tackle deforestation and pollution while generating sustainable income for indigenous peoples by promoting the planting of bamboo and cocoa by local farmers in Mindanao That includes training people on cultivating, harvesting, and marketing.

Highlighting the value of bamboo in protecting the forest by helping to prevent erosion and helping restore degraded soil, Mr Perino explained that the initiative is slated to plant 20 hectares of vegetation along the Pulangi River Bamboo is also favoured by the community to , among other things , build houses that are more resistant to floods and storms, he added

After creating new bamboo and cocoa plantations in July 2022, farmers have already started to benefit The project is currently providing income to farmers through temporary labour opportunities and is support-

ing families to buy food and other basic items.

“Since we got AFCIA support,” Mr Perino said, “we could see a few benefits in our community , such as income from employment due to land protection, a sense of cultural pride and joy that we can contribute to the miti -

gation of climate change impacts and have hope that the once barren and idle land of the indigenous peoples will one day be our refuge from the negative impacts of climate change and be a source of our financial sustainability including our next generations.” (UN)

A bamboo plantation in Bukidnon province, Philippines

Region Six residents receive Black Giant chicks

SOME 120 residents from several communities in Region Six ( East Berbice - Corentyne ) each received 20 Black Giant chickens to help them become self-sufficient, and increase their poultry output

The distribution exercise was held at the Ministry of Agriculture ’ s sub - office at Tarlogie, on the Corentyne Coast, on Saturday

Beneficiaries who spoke with the Department of Public Information (DPI) eagerly expressed their readiness to undertake the initiative to support their families

One resident , Malika Caesar , welcomed the distribution exercise , noting that this is the first time she will be rearing these types of birds, and that the earnings will do well for her family

“We normally rear other types of chickens, but this is the first time we will be rearing Black Giant chickens,” an elated Caesar stated

Yudhisthir Drepaul is happy about the support from the government , as it will help him restart his business, since he used to rear Black Giant chicks years ago

Another beneficiary, Lakeram Khemraj , said he is happy to be a part of the government ’ s agriculture development drive

“I feel very good, since this is the first time I will be rearing Black Giant chick-

Black Giant chicks

ens The guy speaks about how we should look after it, and this will be very good,”

Khemraj told the DPI

Similarly , Jagdi Shamdhary lauded the timely gesture, and added that he would adhere to all the instructions provided by the ministry to increase his production

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told the farmers that the government will keep making investments in the agriculture sector by implementing developmental programmes for its growth.

“We are already self-sufficient in producing all the poultry needs

What we are doing now is for us to be a net exporter; we want to produce more , so we can export in the Caribbean In the agriculture sector, we are seeing rapid development taking place,” the minister pointed out

The Black Giant chicken

is a sizable dual - purpose bird that can produce up to 200 eggs , and roughly 4.5 kilograms of meat annually

Almost 52,000 chickens were distributed across the hinterland regions and other parts of the country Approximately four farmers also received broilers to maximise their productivity

The minister was joined by the ministry ’ s Director General, Madanlall Ramraj; the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute ( NAREI )’ s Chief Executive Officer Jagnarine Singh; the Guyana Livestock and Development Authority ( GLDA )’ s CEO Dr Dwight Walrond; the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA)’s CEO Lionel Wordsworth; Regional Chairman David Armogan; and other officials. (DPI)

Contract signed for new NA Hospital

–– facility to have section for psychiatric patients

THE Ministry of Health has signed the contract for the construction of a new hospital at New Amsterdam, East Berbice - Corentyne , Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony has disclosed

The health minister was at the time addressing a neonatal conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal

As he spoke about the ongoing upgrading of Guyana ’ s healthcare sector , he noted that the ministry recently signed a contract for the construction of the new hospital

According to him, this facility will be on the same level as the pediatric hos-

pital that is currently under construction at Ogle, East Coast Demerara

He indicated that the New Amsterdam facility will have approximately 220 beds with five operating theatres, along with a cardiac suite and a section for training to be conducted on-site for healthcare professionals.

A section will also be included for psychiatric patients as the health minister indicated that, based on the new legislation that was passed last year, they no longer want to keep psychiatric patients for long periods in institutions

“The new way of treating psychiatric patients is

when they have an acute episode you treat and when that episode is over, they can go home,” he added

To this end , Dr Anthony revealed that the new facility will have approximately 120 beds for these types of patients as he noted that the current facilities that exist in New Amsterdam will then be closed

“ Those facilities , as some of you might know were built around 1869 I think with modern psychiatry, we want to close those facilities For those patients who don ’ t have anywhere to go we’d have to find a halfway home for them And that ’ s some -

thing we are looking at right now,” he added

A few months ago, Regional Chairman for Region Six, David Armogan, revealed to the media that a state - of - the - art facility at New Amsterdam will come on stream soon, as part of the government’s push to improve healthcare

Armogan stated that the facility will have technology to provide for critical medical procedures like open - heart , kidney transplant and pancreatic surgeries, all of which are currently unavailable at the New Amsterdam regional hospital.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, addressing Region Six residents

Distribution of Black Giant chickens in Region Six

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony (MoH photo)

‘Our diversity must not be a weapon of division’

says; hails role of Indigenous Peoples in preserving the environment

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has said that Guyana’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity should not be used as a weapon of division but as a means to build the nation.

The Minister who was at the time acting as Prime Minister, made these remarks during the recent launch of Guyana’s Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations.

In her address, she stated that, with the observance of Heritage Month, Guyanese must stop to remember that we are blessed as a people to

live in a rich multicultural, multiethnic, multireligious and multilinguistic nation.

“Our diversity must not be a weapon of division but our diversity is a way to build a nation,” she remarked.

Against this backdrop, she said that the month is dedicated to all Indigenous people and allows Guyanese to celebrate Amerindian culture, which she underscored is much deeper and wider than just artistic forms, songs, dance and music.

Teixeira highlighted that, for centuries, Indigenous people have

been the custodians of the environment and its prime protectors as their sustainable lifestyles over time have helped to maintain Guyana’s forests and keep biodiversity intact.

She went on to add that today there is greater appreciation internationally for the role that Indigenous people have played in protecting the world’s forests while there is also a growing recognition of the importance of the forests themselves.

Consequently, the minister noted that the journey that the country has taken to develop a

low-carbon development strategy and use carbon credits to benefit all of the people is the first of its type in the world.

She added that the government is proud to have invested some $4.7 billion back into these Indigenous communities.

“This is an indication of our continued commitment and inclusion of our Indigenous communities in our national development agenda. All Guyanese will benefit from the sustainable transformation of our country,” she remarked.

Against this backdrop, Minister Teixeira indicated that, by har-

nessing the value of the rainforest through carbon credits, the country was not only protecting its natural heritage but was also setting a precedent for the rest of the world.

She highlighted that

the role of Indigenous people in bringing the country to this point is important and as such all Guyanese should recognise their historical stewardship of protecting the environment.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

-Teixeira

$800M spent on upgrading hinterland healthcare facilities

A TOTAL of $800 million has been spent this year to upgrade some 76 healthcare facilities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

This was revealed by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, as he consulted several Amerindian leaders at the recently concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference 2023, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Dr Anthony stated that the government expended about $400 million to upgrade 127 health facilities in the same regions last

year, and has increased its budgetary allocation to execute more work in 2023.

“We have been making a lot of investments in health across the country. With those investments,

we have seen good returns because we are seeing lots of people and children having healthier lives. And we are already seeing that people are living longer. I think the investments we

are doing are paying off in many respects,” the health minister told the Toshaos.

In an effort to enhance surgical services, new operating theatres were constructed between the years 2022 and 2023.

Over 200 surgeries have been conducted at Moruca Hospital since the opening of its operating room (OR).

Another 59 successful surgeries were conducted at the new OR at the Aishalton health facility, and another 21 surgeries have been conducted in Mahdia.

Minister Anthony dis-

CPCE receives musical instruments from Unit of Allied Arts

THE Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts, on Friday, handed over several musical instruments to the Music Department at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) Turkeyen.

According to a press release, the acoustic guitars, trumpets, keyboards, drum sets and recorders

cost more than $1 million. Education Officer with responsibility for Music at the Unit of Allied Arts, Joel Gonsalves, stated that the aim of the initiative is to ensure that graduating teachers are skilled in playing at least three instruments.

This, he explained, will add to the growing cohort

of music teachers across the country.

Gonsalves noted that it was also in keeping with the Ministry of Education’s plan to ensure that each child is exposed to a foreign language, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) subject, a sport and a musical instrument before graduat-

ing secondary school. Meanwhile, the Music Coordinator at CPCE, Althea Hamilton-Wintz, expressed gratitude to the Unit of Allied Arts on behalf of the college. She said that the donation will enable each teacher enrolled in the music class access to an instrument.

closed that the OR at the Kamarang Hospital will be completed by mid-October to commence surgeries, while the hospital at Port Kaituma will soon benefit from a new operating theatre.

Meanwhile, new operating rooms are currently under construction in Karasabai, Annai, and Sand Creek, Region Nine.

Additionally, the government has undertaken an eye-care initiative that seeks to improve eye-care services by making the relevant diagnosis. Close to 490 persons were already screened and 471 specta-

cles were distributed free of cost in Region One.

Some 228 persons were screened and 209 spectacles were dispersed in Region Seven.

Another 604 persons received their spectacles in Region Eight. Over in Region Nine, 1,961 persons benefitted from the eye services.

From 2020 to 2023, over 173 persons from Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine were trained and employed to function in the health sector. More than 323 persons are currently in training. (DPI)

Recorders were among the musical instruments CPCE received for its music department on Friday (Ministry of Education)

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony

All options should be explored to ensure free and fair elections

OUTGOING United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, on Thursday, said that all options in Guyana should be explored to ensure free and fair electoral processes.

The Ambassador made this remark during her final engagement with members of the local media fraternity at the Herdmanston Lodge.

During this press engagement, she was questioned about the possibility of Guyana integrating

biometrics as part of its election process.

In response, she noted that it is her understanding that authorities here are exploring this.

Lynch said that many other countries are also exploring biometrics and, according to her, it is one additional tool that can be used to ensure that elections held here are free and fair.

“I don't know what the final decisions will be but it is important to explore all tools that Guyana has

access to in order to again make sure that elections continue to be free and fair,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, when asked about the advice she would give to leaders here as the country heads into the process of constitutional reform, she indicated that moving forward it is important for the opposing parties to converse.

While she noted that these parties will not agree on everything, she emphasised that it was important

for them to come together on the areas that they agree on.

Against this backdrop and given what occurred during the 2020 elections,

the ambassador stated that she would advise that all parties look at the recommendations that came following those elections to see what can be worked on immediately.

“You don’t want to wait till it is last minute. I think some of these recommendations may take some time so you need to start working on them now,” she added.

She said too that one of the recommendations that may take some time to address concerns persons with disabilities’ ability to access polling stations which would require infrastructural changes.

- US Ambassador says

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch (Adrian Narine photo)

Guyana undergoes crucial CFATF evaluation

GUYANA will, today, undergo a comprehensive on-site evaluation and examination by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) which aims to address deficiencies and secure the country’s position in the global financial landscape.

CFATF as a regional affiliate of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), holds a crucial role in supervising and regulating financial activities in the Caribbean, particularly in combating organised crimes such as terrorism, money laundering, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and financing international crimes like human trafficking.

In preparation for this assessment, the National Assembly has passed significant legislative changes over the past few months. These include the AML/CFT Amendment Bill, the Real Estate Agents and Brokerage Bill, and a National Compliance Bill.

The Real Estate Bill establishes a regulatory framework for real estate agents and brokers, ensuring proper oversight and compliance within the industry.

The AML/CFT Amendment Bill aligns Guyana with international standards set by FATF,

demonstrating the country's commitment to transparency and global recommendations.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has emphasised the importance of this assessment in today's global environment, where global regulators closely monitor activities, especially those related to crime and security.

"We live in a radically different world now, and in a world where there are global regulators of important activ-

ities; crime and security are foremost considerations on the global stage, and countries across the planet have had to prepare for issues relating to crime and security,” he said.

To meet these evolving challenges, CFATF issues recommendations that require member states like Guyana to continually update their laws. Failure to do so can result in regional and international sanctions.

Nandlall highlighted Guyana's concerted efforts over

- to bolster its global financial standing

the past two years in preparing for this critical assessment. The country has been working closely with various agencies, including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Regional Security Service, to update its legislation.

Notably, Guyana has made significant strides in addressing previous shortcomings, particularly regarding the forfeiture and seizure of assets acquired from the proceeds of crime.

"A major area they had flagged in the past has been our inability to do forfeiture and seizure of assets that may have been acquired from the proceeds of crime. We have corrected that in our legislation in a major way, using perhaps the most modern provisions in the Caribbean,” Nandlall said.

Recently, heads of various government agencies in Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation and information sharing. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of unity among these agencies.

Nandlall urged them to work as one team, emphasising

that they are "Team Guyana." He also used the opportunity to discourage any tendency to protect one's agency at the expense of another.

"There may be a tendency to protect one’s agency, and in so doing throw another agency under the bus; let us avoid that," he cautioned.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

(ESPNCRICINFO)

- Bangladesh bounced back from their defeat against Sri Lanka with a much-improved batting display to thump Afghanistan, and secure a spot in the Super Fours of Asia Cup 2023.

Centuries from the inform Najmul Hossain Shanto, and makeshift opener Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped Bangladesh post an imposing 334 for 5, before Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam helped bowl Afghanistan out for 245.

Shanto followed up his fighting 89 against Sri Lanka with a brisk second ODI century, while Mehidy posted his highest score in the format, before retiring hurt due to cramps in his left arm.

Mehidy, opening the batting for the first time in ODIs since the 2018 Asia

Cup final, took his time to get in, and it was Mohammad Naim who dominated the powerplay.

Naim took the attack to the bowlers from the first over, slapping Fazalhaq

Farooqi's second delivery through point for the first boundary of the match.

Bangladesh was ticking along at around a run a ball for the powerplay, and almost completed it without

taking any damage but for a terrific googly from Mujeeb Ur Rahman that turned past Naim's outside edge to crash into his off stump. Surprisingly, it was Towhid Hridoy who came

out at No. 3 ahead of Shanto, but Shanto did not have to wait long to get in the action, as Hridoy was out second ball, edging Gulbadin Naib to first slip.

Shanto took six deliveries to get off the mark, with a boundary through the leg side, and then found his rhythm, hitting Naib for back-to-back fours. Mehidy and Shanto proceeded to wear Afghanistan down with a 194-run partnership off 190 deliveries before Mehidy retired hurt.

Afghanistan's star spinner, Rashid Khan, hurt himself while fielding, and was introduced only in the 17th over. He started with a maiden, but bowled only four overs in his first spell, and was reintroduced for a second spell in the 32nd over.

Bangladesh had injury concerns of their own, with

Mehidy struggling throughout the innings, and Shanto also pulling up while completing a run, but both batters fought on in the Lahore heat. Mehidy reached his half-century in the 24th over; Shanto pulled Farooqi for a six in the 31st to get to his.

Mehidy got to his century off 115 deliveries, scampering for a single after miscuing a pull off Naib. When Rashid came back for his third spell in the 42nd over, Shanto pulled him for two boundaries in a 12-run over. In the next, Mehidy went inside-out to hit Mujeeb for a six over extra-cover before ‘physios’ had to come out to treat him for cramps. Mehidy left the field, but Shanto, who had scored 89 against Sri Lanka, reached a 101-ball century in the same over.

Bangladesh secures super-four spot with win against Afghanistan Australia sweeps T20 series

(ESPNCRICINFO) -

Australia swept the T20I series 3-0 with another dominant performance in Durban. They completed their sixth-highest successful chase in the format after South Africa recovered from 122 for 6 in the 14th over to post a competitive target, but then dropped four catches in defence.

Travis Head (on 53 and 55) and Josh Inglis (on 12 and 40) were put down, twice each, and shared in an 85-run third-wicket stand to steady Australia after two early losses. Inglis was dismissed for 42, but Head went on to put on 58 with Marcus Stoinis, and finish with 91 to put victory beyond doubt.

South Africa will be frustrated with their inability to do enough to challenge Australia, despite fielding an experimental XI throughout the series. Their team had two debutants this time, and there were four across the three matches. Of those, Donovan Ferreira was the most successful, and scored 48 runs off 21 balls to give

their innings heft.

Earlier, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram put on 58 for the second wicket, and Hendricks and Tristan Stubbs' third-wicket stand was worth 46, but no other partnership got past 11 runs. Sean Abbott followed up well from Marcus Stoinis' start, and only Nathan Ellis conceded at more than 10 runs an over.

STOINIS STARTS

WELL AGAIN

Stoinis was tasked with opening the bowling once again Sunday, and he delivered. On a surface that Mitchell Marsh described as "tacky", Stoinis' second ball seemed to stick before it kicked up to catch the edge of Temba Bavuma's dangling bat. Head took a welljudged catch, diving forward to send Bavuma back for his second first-baller of the series. Stoinis stuck to hard lengths in his second over, but debutant Matthew Breetzke was in too much of a hurry to see him off.

Breetzke tried to hit Stoinis over mid-on, but spliced the ball straight to Tim David.

South Africa were 12 for 2 in the third over.

ABBOTT FOR AUSTRALIA

Ellis took a double-wicket maiden to end South Africa's powerplay in the second match, and Abbott repeated the feat in the 14th over of the final fixture to pin the hosts back. Stubbs looked dangerous on 25 off 15 balls, and looked to hit a full ball through deep midwicket for a couple, but lofted it to the fielder stationed there. Three balls later, Abbott disguised his slower ball, and Bjorn Fortuin chipped it to Marsh at short extra-cover. By that stage, South Africa had lost three wickets in seven balls, and were in trouble at 122 for 6.

FERREIRA FIRE

The fifth-most expensive player at the SA20 auction last year finished with a batting average of 18.22 and three wickets at the tournament. But he showed his worth on his first international outing with an innings of authority. His first runs came when

he danced down the track to send Tanveer Sangha over long-on for six, before watching wickets fall at the other end. With consolidation needed, Ferreira took matters into his own hands. He hit Sangha for six again, and then took 15

before holding the pose to admire his own work.

Marsh dismissed...finally

South Africa had to wait for the third match before they saw the back of the Australian captain, and they managed it fair-

boundaries off Lizaad Williams' opening over, and looked set to dominate again. But his attempt to send Gerald Coetzee over the midwicket only got the toe-end of the bat, and went high up in the air. Fortuin settled under

runs off Stoinis' final over, and 12 off Nathan Ellis. The shot of his innings was the 92-metre six he hit over extra-cover off Ellis, which he smacked with full power

ly early in the innings. Marsh ensured Australia moved on quickly from the first ball dismissal of Matthew Short, and scored three successive

it and took a good catch as South Africa breathed a collective sigh of relief. Marsh's average in this series? Only an eye-watering 186.

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took the game away from Afghanistan•AFP via Getty Images

Marcus Stoinis put up an all-round show • Gallo Images/Getty Images

TRINBAGO Knight Riders recorded a two-run win over defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs

Jamaica Tallawahs won the toss and chose to field first, producing a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Trinbago Knight Riders to 142/8 after 20 overs. Kelvin Pitman, making his CPL debut, had an outstanding game as he took three wickets, including that of the opposing captain, Kieron Pollard.

The Tallawahs had a bright start to

the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

their chase but lost four wickets in the first 10 overs to find themselves in trouble.

Waqar Salamkheil and Andre Russell, would prove decisive, taking five wickets between them and restricting runs as the Tallawahs faltered to 139/7, losing by just two runs.

The Jamaican franchise got off to an ideal start to the game with experienced seam -

er Mohammad Amir delivering an opening maiden over. Openers Martin Guptil and Mark Deyal would, however, bat through the powerplay and build a solid foundation to the Knight Riders innings with a 58 run partnership.

The complexion of the tie would then completely change as the Knight Riders lost three wickets, including that

of Nicholas Pooran, for just five runs. Kelvin Pitman, on debut for the Tallawahs, took two of those wickets within the same over in a brilliant display.

The Knight Riders’ attempts to accelerate the scoring were derailed as they would lose five wickets in the last five overs to finish on 142/8.

Jamaica Tallawahs opened their chase with

captain Brandon King and Alex Hales, the duo also batting through the powerplay as they put on a 57 run partnership.

Brandon King lost his wicket to the leg spin of Salamkheil; Jermaine Blackwood was also dismissed four balls later to a super Nicholas Pooran catch, and when Shamarh Brooks departed the very next ball, the Tallawahs looked in trouble at

58/3.

More wickets would tumble and despite a late flurry of runs from Chris Green and Imad Wasim, they would ultimately lose by two runs in a nail-biting finish.

Trinbago Knight Riders will look to continue their winning form as they play their next four games in front of a home crowd.

(Formula 1) MAX Verstappen and Red Bull came out on top in a battle against the Ferraris to secure victory in Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix and make more F1 history – the Dutchman moving ahead of Sebastian Vettel with 10 wins on the bounce and the team stretching their winning run to 15 races.

Verstappen slotted behind the pole-sitting Carlos Sainz at the start but hounded his rival as the opening stint wore on,

eventually forcing the Ferrari driver into a mistake at the first chicane on Lap 15 and then sweeping past around the outside of the Curva Grande.

From there, the reigning double world champion never looked back, pulling out a comfortable advantage up front for his latest F1 record as Sainz, team mate Sergio Perez and the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc fought over the remaining podium positions.

After an action-packed

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday September 04, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Red Steel vs Barbados Tridents

(2) Dwayne Bravo (RS); Kieron Pollard (BT)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the CPL 2016 finalists?

(2) Who led the teams in the 2016 final?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

finale and some fierce defending from Sainz, it was Perez who emerged with the runner-up spot behind Verstappen, giving Red Bull their sixth onetwo finish of the season as they turned the tables on Ferrari at the famous marque’s home track.

Sainz and Leclerc

sent heart rates racing at the Scuderia as they went wheel-to-wheel over third all the way to the chequered flag – a huge lock-up from the Monegasque into the first chicane on the last lap settling the scrap in his team mate’s favour.

Behind the drama

at the front, Mercedes logged a solid double points finish as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton came home fifth and sixth respectively, despite both drivers being hit with five-second time penalties.

Russell took his for leaving the track and gaining an advantage

at the first chicane in a fight with Alpine driver Esteban Ocon, while Hamilton – who used a different tyre strategy to make up ground late on – took his for a clash with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri at the second chicane.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

Burns’ half century keeps Royals unbeaten

THE Barbados Royals kept their unbeaten record thanks to Erin Burns producing a great half-century in the 2023 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

In the WCPL’s final match in Barbados for 2023, the Amazon Warriors won the toss and batted first as they did in their last fixture, ending in similar fashion to the opener between these same teams last Thursday.

In much similarity to their opener, a strong powerplay of 51/0 set the visitors on their way before a rebuild led by some big hitting from Natasha McLean got them to a competitive total.

Run rate was never an issue in reply to 146 for the Royals but with wickets falling frequently Burns’ resistance was required to win the game; late partnerships with the lower-order flipped the match in their favour, finishing the chase

in the final over.

In a near-carbon copy of the opening match of the 2023 WCPL with Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates leading off the first innings in similar fashion to that of Thursday night. Hayley Matthews used seven different bowlers inside the opening eight overs, searching for the all-important breakthrough.

The Kiwi pair put on 74 for an opening stand before Amanda-Jade Wel-

Charles’ form helps Kings past Royals

THE Saint Lucia Kings reclaimed top spot in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a dominant 90 run victory over the Barbados Royals.

The Royals won the toss and opted to field first but they were to run into Johnson Charles in imperious form. The opener blasted 78 and contributions at the back end saw the Kings post a healthy 195/6.

In reply, the Royals chase was over before it began as they lost the top five batters inside the PowerPlay. They never recovered from that huge setback and were eventually all out for 105.

The Kings got their innings off to a tremendous start led by the power of Johnson Charles.

Having reached 69/0 at the end of the PowerPlay the foundation was set for a huge total and they were able to reach 97 before the loss of their first wicket, Colin Munro holing out to the deep square boundary for 33.

Sean Williams’ stay at the crease was a brief one but at the other end Charles continued to make hay. Only when Jason Holder returned in the 16th over did the Kings momentum get momentarily halted. Two wickets in the over saw the departure of Shadrack Descarte and Charles himself for 78.

However quick fire contributions at the death from Roshon Primus, Sikander Raza and Roston Chase ensured the Kings set an imposing total.

lington produced the perfect leg-spinner's delivery to dismiss Bates for 30 in a pick-of-the-bowlers spell of 1/21.

With Devine looking set for another half-century, the Amazon Warriors’ innings was setback to a restart when Devine fell to a good catch in the deep by Aaliyah Alleyne with the score at just 78.

After persisting against a long list of spinners from the Royals, the visitors were able to rebuild with

McLean leading the way with three sixes in her 26-ball 38, helping the Warriors to 146/4.

In reply, Matthews and Laura Harris got starts once again for the Royals; the latter scoring all 18 of her runs from sixes before being dismissed by the experience of Shakera Selman featuring for the first time with the ball in the 2023 edition.

With wickets falling frequently through Selman and Patil, the Royals were

75/5 from 10 overs and the match was in the balance. Burns’ timely knock when wickets fell around her continued the Australian’s remarkable form in the WCPL, knocking off the final 30 runs in 14 balls, winning the match with four balls to spare in an unbeaten 42-run partnership with Wellington.

Guyana Amazon Warriors face up to Trinbago Knight Riders next as the tournament moves on to Trinidad.

The Royals never got to grips with the chase and were effectively out of the contest by the end of the PowerPlay.

Alzarri Joseph, Matthew Forde and Roshon Primus were destroyers in chief as they ran through the top five batters to leave the Royals 40/5 at the end of the first six overs.

Despite a few big hits from the lower middle order, the Royals suffered without a firm base to build from and eventually folded for 105 all out.

The victory for the Kings sent them back to the top of the table while the Barbados Royals will look to bounce back against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the last game of the Barbados leg.

Johnson Charles of Saint Lucia Kings hits 4 during the Men’s 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 16 between Barbados Royals and Saint Lucia Kings at Kensington Oval on September 2, 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Burns’ half century keeps Royals unbeaten

of Barbados Royals hits 4 during the Women’s 2023 Massy Caribbean Premier League match 3 between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Royals at Kensington Oval on September 3, 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Randy

TKR record two-run win over Tallawahs

Sunil Narine (L) of Trinbago Knight Riders celebrates the dismissal of Fabian Allen (R) of Jamaica Tallawahs during the Men’s 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League match 17 between Jamaica Tallawahs and Trinbago Knight Riders at Kensington Oval on September 3, 2023 in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Photo by Randy Brooks/ CPL T20 via Getty Images)

Erin Burns

Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)