Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-03-2023

Phagwah celebrations start! President, Dr Irfaan Ali hosted a Phagwah celebration on Sunday at the State House in Georgetown. As the colourful celebrations unfolded, Dr Ali was joined by several government ministers, diplomats and other officials (Latchman Singh/ Office of the President photos)

‘Berbice Mash’ returns bigger, better with vibrant display of colours, diversity

THE Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) annual Mashramani Costume Parade returned on Sunday in New Amsterdam with vibrant colours and diversity on display, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mashramani, an Amerindian word meaning ‘celebration after hard , is being celebrated under the theme ‘Mixing and Mashing As One Guyana.’

The return of the Mashramani float parade was met with excitement and joy by spectators and vendors who are capitalising on the event for economic purposes.

One such vendor was Althea Lindo, who told the Department of Public Information (DPI), “I feel good to know I can come out and be able to do my business and so, but nevertheless it’s great, we’re having fun.”

Matthew, another spectator, expressed, “I feel good because I know GT ain’t get to enjoy their ‘Mash’ because rain washed them out and Berbice, you see how we bless? I know this thing

[‘Mash’] is gonna be big.”

Nicole Subrian,who was content and enjoying the vibes said, “I feel happy coming out today ‘mashing’ because the 23rd was my birthday …. what I expected came true, it’s very nice here, full of excitement.”

“Berbice ‘Mash’ is kicking it, I love the music, I love the vibe, …coming together as one, it could be nothing better. Celebrating after hard work is the vibe, big up to Berbice,” Paul Meusa, another excited spectator exclaimed.

Meanwhile, others expressed that the float parade is another way of positioning Region Six as a tourism destination.

Keisha Hamid expressed, “We feel very excited, it’s good for Region Six, this is the biggest ‘Mash’ that I saw so far in all the ‘Mash’ that I went to and I am happy that all the ministries are here to support us. I think it’s gonna be great for tourism …so it’s gonna be great to bring persons here to Region Six and I hope that after they finish with the ‘Mash’ then they

can come back and visit all these places that we have.”

“I feel really excited, I am glad and I am happy that Berbicians are actually getting a true taste of ‘Mash,’ after a very, very long time. So, I am very much supportive of this initiative and I hope this is just a taste of bigger, better to come for Region Six…this means a lot, this means that things are happening here , we don’t need to go till to Georgetown anymore, this is just unbelievable, the turnout is incredible after a very long time, ” Denicia Henry, PRO for the Regional Toursim Committee in Region Six added.

“This is we spirit in Berbice..so we glad it return to Berbice,” another spectator, Marcelos Hut stated.

A number of agencies and ministries, including the Ministry of Public Works, Office of the Prime Minister,the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the Regional Democratic Council participated in the float parade.

(DPI)

The ‘Berbice Mash’ celebrations on Sunday (DPI photos)

‘We must uplift each other’

Dr Ali urged persons to reach out to those people and to ensure that their Holi is as beautiful and colorful as the celebrations.

It is these small acts he noted that will change not only individuals but communities and even as a country and will allow everyone to see joy in a different perspective. If joy is only seen in the immediacy of ones family, he added that persons will not be able to see what the comprehensiveness of joy can be for a community

and a country.

“Occasions like these will continue to inspire us on the values and traditions that we have as a people and as a country, values and traditions that are unshakeable, values and traditions that are different, values and traditions that are unique,” the Head of State added.

He reminded those gathered at the celebration that Guyana has one of the most beautiful unification of colors and culture and urged that as Holi is being ushered in, that it is

done in a renewed spirit of humanity, service and of uplifting each other.

President Ali said, “As we play with the colors and the colors merge together let that merging of colors not only be something that is physically beautiful on the day of Holi.”

As such he noted that it should be a demonstration of the unification and togetherness that is necessary to make communities stronger and further the country stronger.

THE Hindu festival of Phagwah is one which President, Dr. Irfaan Ali believes should remind all Guyanese to uplift each other and work collaboratively to overcome trying times.

Further, at a Phagwah event hosted at the State House in Georgetown on Sunday evening, Dr. Ali said the teachings and philosophy behind the Holi celebration should be applied to our lives.

During his remarks, Dr. Ali said that the message, teachings and philosophy behind Phagwah, or Holi as it is also known, is constant and never changing even as he noted that the only thing that changes overtime is the world in which we live.

He added that if we allow the changing world to change the constant message behind the significant and important occasion like Holi, then the nature of what the occasion signifies will be changed.

“Therefore in… the

message of Holi we need to take the philosophy, the teachings and the principles and apply it to our lives and apply it to the changing world environment in which we live,” he said.

The Head of State added that staying true to these principles and guidelines will allow for the shaping of a world that is different and in alignment with these values. Values he said, that seek to uplift and strengthen and bring the world together in unity and prosperity.

This Holi, he noted that he hopes for Guyanese to do it differently as a

country, as Holi is about the coming together of families and communities and is about prosperity, freshness, goodness and mercy.

He said, “I want us, before we engage on Tuesday in any activity, before we go to the mandirs, before we go to the streets to play Holi, to spend a few moments and to look around our communities, to look around within our families, to look among our friends and to see who among those require some assistance, some help, something from you to allow them to enjoy Holi on Tuesday also.”

Here is a popular quote from Dr. Jagan : “I am aware of the changes that are still necessary for the people of Guyana, because I look at them with the eyes of the people and not with the privileged eyes of the privileged few who have always had things easy and so did not want a change.”

–– President Ali says as Guyana prepares to celebrate Phagwah

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali (right), Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd (left) celebrate Phagwah at the State House in Georgetown (Latchman Singh/ Office of the President photo)

Zeelugt woman turns 100!

SURROUNDED by family, friends and well-wishers, Ms Veronica McGar-

smiles and was decked out in her crown and sash as she walked into the cel -

gion Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

McGarrell, who hails from Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, was described as a determined fighter who has persevered through many situations to make it to her 100th birthday.

The woman spent most of her younger life residing in Zeelugt and later moved to Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, with her then seven children-- all boys. Two of her sons eventually passed away.

her craft.

“I remember as a kid she would be sewing all night to make ends meet. We were little and you could hear the machine going all night,” he recalled.

McGarrell, a dedicated Christian, still keeps active as she regularly attends church and is still able to read her bible without the assistance of spectacles.

With a bright smile on her face and enjoying her

celebration, McGarrell was thankful to have made it to see 100 years and grateful to be surrounded by her loved ones on such a special day.

And according to her, the secret to long life was staying determined and fighting through challenges that may come one’s way.

Meanwhile, speaking at the celebration, McGarrell’s youngest son Ruben, said that this milestone for

his mother is proof of her determination and will to persevere through life’s challenges.

“If you are going to make it to the age of my mother, you have got to decide to… She has made it to 100 years because she is a good fighter,” he said, as he urged persons to follow her example if they too would want to make it to his mother’s age.

rell on Sunday celebrated her 100th birthday. The centenarian was all

ebration which was held at the Barnwell Event Hall, East Bank Essequibo, Re-

The centenarian worked as a seamstress for most of her life, plying this trade to take care of her family. She only stopped when her children became much older. McGarrell’s eldest son Arnold, who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, recalled that his mother would sometimes be up late at nights on the sewing machine perfecting

The newest centenarian was all smiles at her birthday celebration (Adrian Narine photo)

McGarrell and her sons pose for a photo (Adrian Narine photo)

Wildlife fair held to promote public education on animals

THE Guyana Zoological Park was filled with more buzz than usual, as the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), on Sunday, held a Wildlife Fair in commemoration of World Wildlife Day 2023.

This day was observed on March 3 under the theme ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation.’

Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Deuel Hughes, in an invited comment said, “The fair had a few main attractions, which included species focus, we focused on four particular types of species that are found here in the zoo, which were snakes, caimans, monkeys and the wildcats.”

The event sought to bring awareness to the

wildlife sector in the country, as Guyana is the home of many wildlife species.

Other attractions featured patrons interacting with wildlife in a controlled environment, with both specialist and medics on site.

“We had exporters here to display live wildlife animals and to allow the public to interact and to touch and feel certain wild -

life species which included different species of snakes, turtles and tortoises even some spiders,” Hughes said.

The event also saw several sister agencies, providing information to the public on Guyana’s wild life, and the efforts being made to safeguard same.

“Because the theme was partnerships for wildlife conservation, we had various agencies displaying their works as it relates to wildlife conservation, these would have included the Forestry Commission [GFC], the Geology and Mines Commission [GGMC], the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], the World Wildlife Fund [WWF], the Guyana Tourism Authority [GTA] and Iwokrama as well.”

In 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in its resolution, decided to proclaim March 3, as World Wildlife Day, to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.

In its resolution, the General Assembly reaffirmed the value of wildlife and its various contributions, including ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic, to sustainable development and human well-being.

Several persons gathered at one of the booths at the Wildlife Fair, held at the Guyana Zoological Park on Sunday afternoon (GTA photo)

Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Deuel Hughes

His Teachings Live On

TODAY marks 26 years since the passing of former President and Founder-Leader of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

He died at the Walter Reed Medical Centre in Washington DC on the morning of March 6, 1997, three weeks after he suffered a heart attack.

It was one of the darkest moments in the life of the Guyanese nation as tens of thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life paid homage to the passing of someone who is widely regarded as the ‘Father of the Nation’; someone who dedicated his entire life to the cause of the Guyanese people, especially the poor and the marginalised.

The true test of character and respect is seen at the time of death of an individual. Never before in the history of Guyana was there such a mass outpouring of sympathy, not only from among the Guyanese people, but also from the international community. Even some of those who might not have seen eye to eye with him on his political ideology and his world view could not help but shower praise on him for his passion and dedication towards a more humane society and a socially just society. At Babu John, Port Mourant, where his physical remains were cremated, there was what one reporter described as a ‘tsunami of humanity’ never seen before in the country.

Cheddi Jagan was a dominant po -

litical figure not only in Guyana, but in the CARICOM Region as well. Former CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Edwin Carrington, in paying tribute on his passing, described Dr. Jagan as “a visionary whose work and struggle for the Region’s social and economic development will live on. There was no problem too large for him to tackle, and no issue too small for him to pay attention to…. We have lost one of our most determined fighters for Caribbean development — a man who was not afraid to come to grips with the peculiar problems of the Region and approaches which respond to these peculiarities. We may well find that in death he would achieve what he may not have achieved in life — that is, in reflection, the proposals which he has put forward in a number of communities and regional life may well be those which guide us in the immediate future.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by former Jamaican President P J Patterson, who described Dr. Jagan as a “towering figure in Caribbean politics whose remarkable career began in the fight against colonial oppression and ended in his efforts as Head of State and government to achieve the full development of his people and the abundant resources of his sovereign country.”

It is not possible to do justice in this editorial to the enormous and multi-fac-

eted contributions made by Dr. Jagan in his long and illustrious political career, but Dr. Jagan during the course of his life had to endure several challenges, including being jailed for six months by the British colonial administration and being kept in the political wilderness for 28 years by the PNC regime which rigged its way to power after being catapulted to power in 1964 with the help of western vested interests, in collaboration with local reactionary groups. However, he stood his ground and never abandoned his principles and values, which eventually culminated in his election to the office as the first democratically elected Executive President in Guyana on October 5, 1992.

It is no secret that the United States turned a blind eye to electoral fraud in Guyana, due mainly to ideological and geo-political considerations, but that did not in any way prevent then United States President Bill Clinton from expressing his ‘deep regret on learning of his passing and describing him as a “champion of the poor, who devoted himself to alleviating poverty in his country and throughout the Caribbean.”

Dr. Jagan touched the lives of a countless number of Guyanese in deeply profound ways, but even more significantly, he had nurtured and influenced the thinking of those in the membership and leadership of

the PPP which has continued to carry on his legacy of a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana. His advocacy for a New Global Human Order has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, an indication of the high esteem in which he is being held by the international community.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has hailed Dr. Jagan as the country’s ‘greatest citizen’ and said that his contributions to the fight for democracy will forever be enshrined in the annals of Guyana’s history.

“Dr Jagan’s ideas and ideals are engraved in the psyche of our party and its leaders. They have become part of the PPP’s DNA. His examples and contributions continue to inspire us, especially in the face of the attempts which were made to derail our elections and to destroy our democracy,” he said.

As observed by President Ali, Dr. Jagan remains Guyana’s foremost democrat, who possessed unfaltering faith in democracy. Democracy for him went beyond the country’s political system; it encompassed the very substance of the society which was being fashioned. It was not only about elections and respecting human rights, but it was also about realising the full capabilities of our people.

As we move further away from Dr. Jagan’s passing, the more relevant are his ideas to contemporary times.

Remembering the Father of the Nation

MARCH 6, 2023, marks the 26th death anniversarry of former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, widely regarded as the Father of the Nation and the architect of the liberation struggle in Guyana.

Few men in history had achieved as much in a lifetime as Dr Jagan did. He was instrumental in bringing an end to British colonial rule and was the first elected Premier of the then British Guiana, following his party’s victory in the first democratic elections held in 1953 under universal adult suffrage. He was removed from office after a mere six months following the suspension of the constitution, but went on to win consecutive elections in 1957 and 1961 until the British Government imposed

a new electoral system of proportional representation. The new system paved the way for the coming to office in 1964 of the PNC-UF coalition. Since then all elections were rigged until October 1992, when Dr Jagan was again elected to office after being kept out of office by the PNC regime for nearly three decades.

As we drift further away from the passing of Dr Jagan, his ideas are becoming increasingly relevant, not only for Guyana, but also for the world at large. His was a strong advocate for a New Global Human Order which in essence called for a more equitable distribution of the world’s resources. It is to his credit that his brainchild of a new global order was adopted by the United

Nations General Assembly.

Dr Jagan was a passionate advocate for debt relief, the creation of a regional development fund and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, for which he was described by one regional leader as the ‘Dean of Caribbean politics.’

It will be recalled that Dr Jagan had repeatedly urged the industrialized countries to compensate Guyana for the preservation of its standing forests, something that has now become a reality under the current PPP/C administration, with Guyana becoming the first country in the world to benefit from payment for carbon credits.

Without a doubt, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan was a visionary who in some respects was ahead of his time. Perhaps his

most enduring legacy was his indomitable fight for a democratic, peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana, for which he dedicated his entire adult life.

Guyanese owe a debt of gratitude to Dr Jagan for the sterling role he played in the country’s development. And even as we celebrate his life and work, we cannot but reflect on the contributions made by his wife Janet Jagan who, as fate would have it, also passed away in the month of March.

Together, they have contributed over a century of dedicated and selfless struggle to the cause of a better Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Hydar Ally

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Veteran Guyana-Caribbean journalist acknowledges President Ali’s ‘Valuable Leadership’

A PROMINENT veteran Caribbean journalist has acknowledged “the valuable leadership” of Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, at home and in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Guyana-born Rickey Singh, now in retirement after six decades on the Caribbean beat, showered humble praise on President Ali in a letter of thanks to the Guyana Leader, for having greeted him a month earlier on his 86th birthday.

In his greetings to Singh’s birthday on February 1, President Ali assured the veteran Guyanese and Caribbean journalist that “You can take pride and satisfaction from your years of service to the people of Guyana and the Caribbean.”

The President added, “Your contributions to press freedom in the Caribbean have been legendary… and your courage in defending journalistic independence and integrity has not been forgotten.”

President Ali told the recently-retired veteran Caribbean media personality, “History will certainly acknowledge you as one of the finest practitioners of the profession in the Caribbean.”

President Ali also expressed his “personal admiration and respect” for Singh’s “years of sterling and steadfast service as one of the region’s foremost journalists.”

In his reply, Singh acknowledged the president’s leadership roles, saying:

“I commend the leadership you are demonstrating in corralling your peers in CARICOM to address the critical issues of food and energy security -- and importantly, the value of collective action for a stronger community.”

And he added, “I wish you the very best as you take your pride of place among the brightest and

Chroniclesofa ChronicGuyana Chronicler

By Earl Bousquet

best of minds that our dear country continues to produce, regardless of the challenges.”

The Guyana-born regional veteran, who mentored many Caribbean media personalities, heard too from regional colleagues, including President of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) Wesley Gibbings, veteran Caribbean broadcasters, Julian Rogers, Sandra Baptiste, Andy Johnson, Orin Gordon, Kaymar Jordan and Peter Richards, Jamaican writer, Mark Lee and Saint Lucia’s Earl Bousquet.

Regional figures congratulating Singh also included: Former Saint Lucia Prime Minister, Dr Kenny D. Anthony; Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr. Didacus Jules; former Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Dr June Soomer; Grenada’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Senator Arley Gill; Barbados MP, Trevor Prescod; Dominica’s Ambassador, Damien Dublin; US-based Grenadian journalist, Don Rojas; Saint Lucia’s Monsignor, Patrick Anthony; Dr Patrick ‘PI’ Gomes and former Grenada Speaker of Parliament, Chester Humphrey.

Singh served as a Caribbean journalist for 60 years, starting at the then Guiana Graphic (Predecessor of the Guyana Chronicle) in 1957 and retiring at age 80 in 2017.

He was honoured several years ago by the University of the West Indies (The UWI) with a Doctorate of Letters for his writings and was also the recipient of several other regional citations.

The veteran Caribbean journalist now resides with relatives in Trinidad & Tobago while ironing-out his immigration status there, but also visits Guyana from time to time.

Sound leadership, integrity demonstrated by President Ali

–– CARICOM Chair says, denies engaging Norton formally

PRIME Minister of The Bahamas, Phillip Davis, who is the current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), says he never got the impression that the Irfaan Ali-led government was a racist or corrupt one and instead believes that President, Dr Irfaan Ali is a man of integrity who has demonstrated sound leadership at the regional level.

The Bahamian leader, who spoke to local media outlet the News Room, on Saturday, spoke about his engagements with the Guyanese Head of State.

“In my interactions with Irfaan Ali, I find him to be a man of integrity.

“[He is] someone who we can join forces with on issues that impact particularly those of us in CARICOM [and] whenever he is called upon, he is there for CARICOM,” Prime Minister Davis was quoted by the News Room as saying.

Further, the CARICOM Chairman said that President Ali has provided sound leadership in several regional matters. That leadership, he reportedly said, is particularly evident in the area of food security and nutrition.

Currently, Guyana has lead responsibility for food security and nutrition in CARICOM. With this responsibility, President Ali

has been pushing Caribbean countries to grow more of their own food, increase trade among each other and reduce extra-regional imports. If his efforts succeed, CARICOM will be able to reduce its more than US$4 billion annual food-importation bill by some 25 per cent by 2025. Though speaking well of the President’s character, the Bahamian leader also shared his positive impressions of the Ali-led government and the political situation in Guyana.

“I never got the impression of corruption, I never got the impression of racism,” he reportedly said.

These comments came after it was elsewhere re-

ported that Guyana’s Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton met with Prime Minister Davis in The Bahamas and raised several concerns about the Ali-led government.

Norton reportedly accused the government of being both corrupt and racist.

Prime Minister Davis clarified that he had no formal engagement with Norton. Still, he said he engaged him out of courtesy.

Notwithstanding the informality of the engagement, the CARICOM Chairman said he advised Norton to pen his concerns to the CARICOM Secretariat, which is headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana. Though he did

not share those concerns, the Prime Minister said the bloc would deliberate over them and act, if necessary.

Importantly though, Prime Minister Davis said CARICOM rarely involves itself in the internal affairs of countries. It only does so when there are serious situations such as threats to democracy.

On Friday, Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo accused the APNU+AFC opposition of crying racism and corruption in an attempt to distract people from the development unfolding across the country.

Dr Jagdeo, however, contended that the APNU+AFC coalition, when in government from 2015 to 2020, was the most

incompetent, corrupt and racist government in Guyana’s history.

CARICOM was forced to intervene in Guyana’s politics in 2020 when the APNU+AFC coalition attempted to derail the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections, stalling the swearing in of President Ali by five months.

Members of the coalition have been fingered in attempts to rig the 2020 elections in collaboration with members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Secretariat. Some members of the coalition and GECOM are before the

electoral

courts on

fraud charges.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (left) engages Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley (centre) and Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis during the recent intersessional CARICOM Heads of Government meeting (Office of the President photo)

Three new schools for Region One

- equipped with modern laboratories, teachers’ quarters and dormitories

IN keeping with the Ministry of Education’s focus on improving access to education all across the country, learners in the Barima-Waini region (Region One) will benefit from three new schools.

According to a release from the MoE, these schools will be constructed in Huradiah in the Moruca subdistrict, Waramuri and Kwebanna.

Following a consultation with residents of Huradiah, a new primary school will be built in the community which will cater for 250 pupils.

“To receive an education, pupils in the village travel across the Moruca river to attend the Santa Rosa Primary School, which is currently overcrowded. Some ten acres of land were made available for the construction of the school. Pupils from the villages of Huradiah, Cabrora, Acquero and Rincon will benefit from this new school.

“Meanwhile, a new secondary school will be built at Waramuri. The modern secondary school will house 400 students. The school will be equipped with Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories

along with Information Technology, Home Economics and Industrial Technology laboratories, a staff room, an auditorium and teachers’ quarters to house 10 teachers and will be solar powered,” the release said.

Additionally, students from Waramuri and Haimacabra are expected to benefit from the construction

Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, while addressing residents, said that the new secondary school at Kwebanna will help the Ministry to close the “primary tops” at Assakata, Warapoka, Santa Cruz, St Bedes, Kokerite, Kariako and Chinese landing.

“Watch out for these kids… They will compete academically and otherwise with what used to be known as our best schools,” Manickchand said.

of this school.

Similarly, a modern secondary school, which will cater to 500 students, will be constructed in Kwebanna. Like the school at Waramuri, this complex will be equipped with modern amenities.

“In addition to catering for 500 students in the classrooms, a dormitory will be built to house 250 children. It also comes equipped with teachers’ quarters which will house 30 teachers.

“The school will serve the villages of Kwebanna, Santa Cruz, Waikerebi, Chinese Landing, Kokerite, Kariako, Warapoka, Assakata, Unity Grant. The primary school at Kewbanna is currently being extended to comfortably accommodate the school’s increasing population,” the release said.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during her visit to the Barima-Waini region (MoE photo)

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during her visit to the Barima-Waini region (MoE photo)

Modern technology on the cards to boost ‘agri’ production

- as Guyana looks to collaborate with India

AS Guyana continues to advance its efforts to improve food security, authorities have begun talks with India to leverage research and innovative technologies with the aim of boosting local production in several agricultural industries.

At a recent press conference, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, said works have begun to solidify a work plan that will allow for meaningful collaboration with experts from the South-Asian country, specifically in the areas of expertise and technology.

The initiatives discussions sparked during President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s visit to India in January 2023. After that visit, the Vice President travelled to India to solidify the expanding

ably two to three times the output that we are getting from a single acre of cane here; similarly, the rice varieties yield much more.”

Beyond these initiatives, the Vice President highlighted that representatives of both nations are discussing the expansion and modernisation of tissue culture facilities in

Nano-fertilisers are said to increase soil fertility yield and quality parameters of the crop; they are nontoxic, and can also minimise cost while maximising profit.

“They’re really great at some things like nano fertilisers, so we will explore the use of nano fertiliser. We’re told that two pounds of nano fertiliser

partnership with India.

“We met also on the agricultural sector and we are looking at a consistent plan to look at higher levels of productivity in the agricultural sector [and] at this point in time in every industry and to move from a peasant type farming into agri-business,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He further explained that Guyana will need varying expertise for this to happen.

“We need the expertise from many parts of the world to transform these industries into agribusinesses.”

In India, he said, “there are higher levels of productivity, the variety of cane will give you prob-

Guyana.

Tissue culture involves the cultivation of plant cells, tissues, or organs on specially formulated nutrient media. Under the right conditions, an entire plant can be regenerated from a single cell.

“With tissue culture you can do millions of plants in a short period of time… It will be a big boost to say our cane farming industry. We need planting material now of a high quality.”

He also shared that India is able to see exceptional yields with its use of nano-fertilisers which is said to produce highyielding crops and is more advantageous compared to the traditional fertilisers used here in Guyana.

can be as effective as say about 45 pounds of regular fertilisers, Dr Jagdeo explained.

India is an undisputed powerhouse in agricultural production, the Vice President said, and it is against this backdrop Guyana is forging ahead with collaborative initiatives.

“They practically feed 1.4 billion people themselves with very little import and with high levels of productivity.”

He added, “So we are hoping, over the next few months, that a lot of these specialists would be recruited and brought to Guyana, to give a big boost to the agriculture sector and expand its productivity.”

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Modern Bill to help Guyana recover payments soon - says AG

A NEW Bill that will help Guyana recover repayments against international companies if no assets are available locally will be tabled in the National Assembly soon, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C said recently.

During his online show, “Issues in the News,” the Attorney General commented on the recent case in which his chambers secured an ex-parte judgement against Trinidadian company, Davis Ecolife Limited. Based on the ruling, the company has to repay the $6,159,325 deposit it received from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) in 2019 for the supply of two prefabricated enclosures to house ICT hubs.

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

And as part of a major legislative push this year, the government will be seeking to enact new legislation to deal with similar cases.

“In fact, soon we will pass a modern Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgement Bill in the National Assembly; we are updating our current legislations.

“… the legislation will allow judgments from one country to be enforced in another country. And once that company has assets in that country, then you recover the proceeds of your judgement in the same way as if the company had assets in the country in which the judgement was

Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, during his weekly Facebook programme ‘Issues in the News’

granted,” he said.

The process typically involves submitting a request for recognition of the foreign judgement to a court in the country where enforcement is sought.

This request must demonstrate that the foreign judgement is final and conclusive, was made by a court with proper jurisdiction, and does not violate public policy in the country where enforcement is sought.

If recognition is granted, the foreign judgement can be enforced in accordance with the laws of the country where enforcement is sought. This may involve taking additional legal steps such as filing a lawsuit, seeking an injunction, or seizing assets.

With Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas sector and the country’s development as a more sophisticated place of business, it has been contend-

ed that updating the country’s archaic laws is necessary.

“Of course, our legislation in that regard is archaic as I said; we are taking that new updated one to the Parliament,” the Attorney General said.

In the specific case involving Davis Ecolife, however, Nandlall said existing law permits Guyana to enforce this judgement in Trinidad and Tobago, a sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) state.

“That we will pursue, in due course,” the Attorney General said.

The AG’s chambers had commenced legal proceedings against several companies to recover monies that were paid out in contracts under the APNU+AFC Government, where goods or services were not delivered.

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

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

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

On behalf of the state, Nandlall is seeking $50 million in general damages from the Jamaican com -

GRA intensifies focus on increased drug trafficking attempts

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), over the past few months, has observed an alarming increase in efforts to smuggle refined narcotic drugs and other such illicit items through personal consignments (barrels, boxes, packages, and containers) at all ports of entry into Guyana.

Recently, GRA’s Authority’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division conducted an operation at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, and seized quantities of suspected cannabis and refined marijuana found in a passenger’s luggage on an incoming Caribbean flight.

The passenger was arrested and has been handed over to the Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) for further investigations and possible prosecution.

On March 2, CANU officers arrested a male passenger at CJIA with $13.3 million worth of cocaine concealed in seven Milex milk packets. The accused is expected to be arraigned in court this week.

“The Authority once again advises all such persons dealing in or contemplating engaging in such illegal activities to cease and desist therefrom,” GRA said in a release on Sunday.

pany for loss and damage suffered as a result of the breach of the contract, dated December 6, 2016, for the

supply and delivery of three scales. He is also claiming for liquidated damages in the sum of $7.245 million

calculated at 10 per cent of the contract price for breach of contract by the said company.

The Revenue Authority continues its plea to the General Public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, Extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3211, 3212, or 3408.

All information provided will be dealt with strict confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

The cocaine concealed in the seven milk packets

China expanding international trade co-operation

- Proactive steps taken to boost foreign investment

CHINA is committed to “opening up wider to the world” and expanding international economic and trade co-operation to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes, according to the Premier of the country’s State Council, Li Keqiang.

Keqiang, in a detailed report to the First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China on Sunday, said, in response to changes in the external environment, the Chinese government has pursued a more proactive strategy of opening up the economy and it has worked to boost reform and development.

“We intensified policy support in terms of export tax rebates, credit insurance, and credit loans and cut the time for processing export tax re-

bates to less than six working days,” the Premier said.

He noted that foreign exchange services have been improved due to these inputs.

Keqiang explained that his government developed new forms of foreign trade, built 152 new integrated pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce, and supported the establishment of overseas warehouses.

In addition to this, Keqiang stated that significant trade events such as the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the China International Consumer Products Expo were held and recorded positive results.

Addressing customs procedures, Keqiang stated that customs clearance procedures

have been simplified, and the clearance time for imports and exports was reduced by 67 per cent and 92 per cent, respectively, resulting in the reduction of overall tariffs from 9.8 per cent to 7.4 per cent over the past five years.

Keqiang said that proactive and effective steps were taken to utilise foreign investment through the implemen-

tation of the Foreign Investment Law, which, according to him, further improved the business environment for foreign investors.

“21 pilot free trade zones have been established in China… Across all localities, new approaches were developed to strengthen services for promoting foreign investment, and greater efforts were made to attract foreign investment and facilitate project implementation,” he added.

Keqiang describes China as the “favoured destination for overseas investments” as many major foreign investment projects have been launched in our country over the past five years.

BELT AND ROAD COOPERATION

Imports and exports between China and other Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries increased at an annual rate of 13.4 per cent, and exchanges and co-operation between China and these

countries registered steady progress in various areas.

Keqiang said the Chinese government has “remained committed to achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, observed market principles and international rules, and carried out a number of projects to boost connectivity and industrial capacity cooperation over the past five years.”

China’s share of trade with free trade partners increased from 26 per cent to around 35 per cent of its total trade volume.

“We remained firm in upholding the multilateral trading regime and opposed trade protectionism. We properly handled economic and trade frictions and promoted trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation,” Keqiang affirmed.

The 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) is China’s national legislature,

with more than 2,900 elected representatives from across China, including from the people’s congresses of provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, the servicemen congress of the People’s Liberation Army, the deputy election council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the deputy election council of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Taiwan compatriots’ consultation election council. Each congress is elected for a term of five years.

The NPC has the authority to amend the Constitution and supervise its enforcement, elect or appoint and remove officers of central state organs, and amend basic laws governing criminal affairs, state organs and other matters.

The 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) is expected to conclude on March 13.

Fire Service saves Werk-en-Rust house from going up in flames

A PROMPT response from the Guyana Fire Service and several of its firefighters saved a Werk-en-Rust building from being destroyed by fire on Saturday.

According to a release from the Guyana Fire Service, firefighters responded to a report of a house on fire around 17:12hrs on Saturday. That building is located at Lot 97 Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

According to the Fire

Service, water tenders and an ambulance from their Central and West Ruimveldt fire stations in Georgetown were sent to the location where the one-storey wooden and concrete structure is located.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze and save the building and its items. None was reportedly harmed.

Based on investigations, it was determined that the fire was caused by a lit gas

stove that was left unattended.

The Guyana Fire service advised citizens to be cautious and follow safety measures to prevent fires in the home and to ensure that homes are equipped with fire-prevention and fire-fighting devices such as: smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and to edify family members on the dangers of fires and the best way to prevent them.

‘We have capability to deal with oil spill now’ – VP Jagdeo

- Indian specialists to boost Guyana’s institutional capacity

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, said based on the existing arrangements, Guyana has the necessary capabilities to deal with a potential oil spill from offshore the oil and gas production.

The government is also in the process of increasing the capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deal with this possible disaster through an arrangement with specialists from India.

The Vice President spoke during a press conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Georgetown.

As he highlighted developments in Guyana’s energy sector, the Vice President highlighted that that Guyana already has several safety standards that are even higher than that of many other oilproducing countries.

“We believe, based on the existing arrangements in place, that we have a capability to deal with the oil spill now. We have evolved the contracts and this capacity has to grow. We’re bringing some specialists from India too to work in the EPA in precisely this area. We met with the people; they’re going to come in to strengthen that department,” the Vice President explained.

Dr. Jagdeo reminded the public that it was the government that mandated that a capping stack be based in the country. A capping stack is a critical piece of equipment that is used in the case of an oil spill. The cap placed over the blown-out well, to stop or redirect the flow of hydrocarbons and to buy time for engineers to permanently seal the well in the case of a spill.

According to reports, Guyana is the only coun-

try in the region with the critical oil spill capping equipment on hand.

“In the last permit [the EPA mandated that Exxon] has to have one in the country and have a subscription to an international company that can supply capping stack in case you have a spill. Very few countries in this region have that, so those are progressive measures to deal with any possibility if you have a spill,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.

The requirement for the capping stack was implemented as a key provision in ExxonMobil’s permit for the massive Yellowtail project offshore. Yellowtail is the company’s fourth project, with production is expected to begin in 2025.

Aside from the capping stack, each oil production project being developed offshore by Exxon Mobil affiliate Esso Exploration and

Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has oil spill insurance coverage of up to US$600 million per event. The permit granted also provides that holders are liable for the full extent of any environmental damage caused and the cleaning up of any oil spill that may occur.

The full liability is supposed to be backed by Exxon’s parent company guarantee. The Vice President, however, expressed his concerns that the parent guarantee is not yet in place.

“The EPA, they have to get the parent company guarantee. I have expressed concerns myself. We are building capacity in these sectors, some of the concerns are also our concern, the parent guarantee should have been done already,” the Vice President shared.

Though the EPA is still working on the parent guarantee, since the

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has been in government, several positive changes were implemented in the environmental permits.

“Many countries in the world, in the developed world don’t have standards like us here. We have a no-flaring policy. The oil and gas companies in the early permit never had a cradle to grave responsibility for management of waste. Many countries in the developed world discharge their water just

like that into same Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. We have higher standards than many of these countries,” the Vice President pointed out.

Under the no-flaring policy oil companies are not allowed any flaring beyond the commissioning period, and if flaring should occur beyond the commissioning period, the company will have to pay a fine based on the amount of harmful carbon dioxide they emit through flaring.

Rice farmers welcome relief measures

- but anticipate more support

RICE farmers in Region

Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam), who were among those clamouring for some relief before the first rice crop of 2023 is harvested, and the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association have welcomed the measures announced by the government on Saturday, following an intervention by President, Dr Irfaan Ali and other top officials.

President Ali; Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Agriculture, Zulifikar Mustapha and representatives of the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association (GREMA) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) on Saturday finalised an agreement for farmers across the country to receive at least $4,000 per bag of paddy.

In the document, which was signed by all parties and released to the media on Saturday, it was also agreed that the sales commission paid by millers and exporters for rice, by-products of rice

Vice President of the Essequibo Rice farmers Development Committee, Rabindra Ramcharran

and paddy would be reduced to zero for the first crop of 2023.

These measures are expected to bring significant relief to rice farmers who, for months, have been seeking assistance because of the increased cost of production and lower payments from

millers.

“The forgoing of the GRDB charges associated with the export of paddy, rice and the byproducts will reduce the cost of export and enable exporters to pay farmers a well-deserved price for paddy,” the Rice Producers’ Association said, while welcoming the government’s move.

Meanwhile, individual farmers also welcomed the relief.

“I think this is some good news. At least [they] try but we believe better can be done. I know scales are calibrated; however, let me tell you that more visits are needed because we can get increase,” rice farmer Majeed Mohamed said.

Vice-President of the Essequibo Rice farmers Development Committee, Rabindra Ramcharran, said that the news is “good,” but he too believes that more can be done by the government. He said that the cost of production has increased and many farmers are reaping fewer

bags of paddy per acre.

“I am calling on the government to give $1,000 per bag as a subsidy. Last crop it was hard on rice farmers and some of them were not planning to go back in the fields. We appreciate what has been done but we have to look at ways to reduce the cost of production,” Ramcharran said.

to monitor the weight and moisture level of the paddy.

Another rice farmer, Dyal Jagdeo of Golden Fleece said that the relief provided is a positive move and he is thankful. Jagdeo is cultivating 20 acres of rice lands.

“Every crop is something new but we are thankful, we are glad and we hope to see more changes,” he said.

“We see that the government wants to help but also there must be people in the system to monitor. Essequibo is rice-farming and we depend on same, this is what we take care of our family with,” Persaud said.

Rice farmers in the Maria’s Lodge and Johanna Cecilia areas also welcomed the move and showered

Ramcharran is currently cultivating 85 acres. He suggested that the GRDB dispatch personnel to the mills

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Rice farmers at a recent meeting held with rice farmers by Minister Mustapha, where an intervention was promised

Another large-scale rice farmer Shyham Persaud said that he was pleased when he read the news in the media.

‘No alcohol or vulgarity’

- GHDS asks public to respect Phagwah

THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) is calling on the Guyanese public to celebrate the Hindu festival of colours, Phagwah, without desecrating it with alcohol or any vulgarity.

Phgawah, one of the major celebrations in Guyana, will be observed on Tuesday. Ahead of that holiday, several posters advertising seemingly vulgar events have been in circulation.

The GHDS, however, believes such activities taint the religious observance.

“We have made this ap-

peal yearly for our festivals to be respected and celebrated in the right way, maintaining the love, respect and dignity that go with its observance. Although there is a social and festive component, there should be nothing to taint the festival which is loved and celebrated by all,” the body said in a press release issued on Sunday.

As such, the Dharmic Sabha asked persons to desist from associating Phagwah, or Holi as it is sometimes called, with any event that involves alcohol and vulgarity.

Importantly, the organisation also noted that it already addressed many reports of such events. The release noted that it continues to work with the Guyana Police Force to ask event organisers to desist from associating Phagwah, be it the name or the celebration, with any lewd event.

“We again ask that our festival be respected as it continues to be wonderfully celebrated by all and continues to espouse unity,” the release added.

Phagwah celebrations in Region Two

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday 06, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Josh Da Silva-7 (6 catches/1 stumping – St. Lucia, 2021)

(2) Dave Richardson (6 catches-Barbados, 1992); Mark Boucher (6 catches-Jamaica, 2001)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many completed Test series the WI & SA have contested against each other to date?

(2) How many the WI have won?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

……………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………

English Racing Tips Southwell

09:15 hrs Forward Plan

09:50 hrs Ardmayle

10:25 hrs Caryto Des

Brosses

11:00 hrs Gitche Gumee

11:35 hrs Chilinlikeavil -

lain

12:10 hrs Charging Point

12:45 hrs Glance At Me

Wolverhampton

12:55 hrs Admirable Lad

13:30 hrs Mustaffiz

14:00 hrs Mintana

14:30 hrs Class Member

15:00 hrs Evania

15:30 hrs Heathen

16:00 hrs Port Noir

16:30 hrs Janaat

Weatherby

10:05 hrs Fever Roque

10:40 hrs Quick Sharpener

11:15 hrs Geryville

11:50 hrs Jet Legs

12:25 hrs Famous Bridge

13:00 hrs Glory Bridge

Irish Racing Tips Leopardstown

09:40 hrs Horantzau

D’airy

10:15 hrs Purse Price

10:50 hrs First Man

11:25 hrs Atacanter

12:00 hrs Solness

12:35 hrs Arverne

13:10 hrs A La Carte

American Racing Tips Will Rogers Down

Race 1 Toah

Race 2 Honey Creek

Race 3 Treasure Coast

Race 4 Thetruthisthetrut

Race 5 Heady Moves

Race 6 Tosh

Verstappen leads Red Bull 1-2 in Bahrain with Alonso in third

(Formula 1) RED Bull enjoyed a perfect start to the season in the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix as Max Verstappen cruised to victory over team mate Sergio Perez – while Fernando Alonso finished third as Charles Leclerc retired from the race.

Everyone bar hardshod Kevin Magnussen (P15) began the race on soft tyres and Verstappen had a solid getaway, but team mate Perez fell back and lost second place to Leclerc – while Carlos Sainz couldn’t quite pry P3 off the Red Bull. The reigning champion stretched his legs in the lead and eventually won by more than 10 seconds.

Perez completed the onetwo with both Red Bull drivers on similar softsoft-hard strategies.

Aston Martin’s hopes of crashing the podium fight seemed to have come crashing down on Lap 1 when Lance Stroll made a lunge on team mate Alonso into Turn 4 and hit the rear-right of his car, allowing both Mercedes ahead.

Ferrari’s hopes of the podium did however come crashing down on Lap 41, when Leclerc retired with an engine issue. That was just after Alonso produced an absolutely brilliant move to take P5 off Lewis Hamilton, down the inside of Turn 10. Alonso went on the warpath and on Lap 45 he passed Sainz after a stunning battle through Sector 2, to seal his first podium since Qatar 2021.

Sainz therefore settled

for fourth, fending off a brief attack from Hamilton, who ended up fifth on the board. As for Stroll, he was perhaps relieved not to get a penalty for hitting his team mate on Lap 1, and perhaps more relieved to see Alonso finish on the podium. The Canadian made an admirable recovery from his wrist injury, however, and finished sixth between the Mercedes – as George Russell was undercut by the Aston Martin in the second pit stops and finished seventh.

Valtteri Bottas capitalised on poor starts for his rivals and finished a solid eighth for Alfa Romeo, while Pierre Gasly recovered from P20 for Alpine, pitting three times, to finish ninth. Alex Albon finished 10th for Williams after a great start, while Yuki Tsunoda narrowly missed out on the final point in his AlphaTauri.

Rookie Logan Sargeant battled with Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu to take 12th on debut, while

Zhou pitted on the penultimate lap of the race to promote Kevin Magnussen – whose hard-hardsoft gambit didn’t yield points – to P13.

Nyck de Vries took P14 on his AlphaTauri debut, leaving Nico Hulkenberg 15th with a five-second penalty.

Zhou was classified 16th for Alfa Romeo, and Lando Norris endured a tough race, a slow pit stop seeing him barrel down the order. A last-lap pit stop for softs saw the McLaren driver round out the standings.

Verstappen picked up where he left off in 2022 with the season opening win in Bahrain

GCA’s

Ramchand Auto Sales 50-over U19

cricket… GCC beat MSC to advance to semi-finals

By Sean Devers

THE Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) defeated Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) in a rain affected game yesterday to advance to the semi-finals of the Georgetown Cricket Association GCA Ramchand Auto Sales 50-over U-19 cricket tournament.

4R Lions, who topped Zone ‘A’ will play GCC in the first semi-final while Transport Sports Club will do battle with Bel Air Rubis in the other semi-final.

Both games are tentatively set for Saturday.

At Queens College Ground, GCC batted first and reached 217-5 in the contest which was reduced to 25 overs after a late start due to rain.

They then dismantled Malteenoes for a paltry 42 in 21.2 overs.

Zachary Jodah, the son of former Guyana U-19 batter Richard Jodah, galloped to an unbeaten 80 decorated with six fours and five sixes from 73 balls while Aryan Persaud was run out for 41

from 25 balls with seven fours. Shaahid Viera with 33 (1X4, 2X6) was the other batter to pass 30.

Thaddeus Lovell hit three sixes in a cameo 22 from just 12 balls while extras contributed 33; 23 of those runs coming from wides.

Temal Ramsamooj had two expensive wickets for 39 runs from his four overs for Malteenoes.

Opening Kisan Silas laboured for 41 balls for his nine runs before he was dismissed by Persaud at 29-3 to trigger the dramatic collapse

while Ramsamooj, who hit the only boundary in the innings made 7 from 35 balls.

Krsna Singh spun webs around the batters to finish 4-4 from 4.2 overs which included a hat trick. Singh removed Shane Prince (1), Trilok Nanan (0) and Ravell Nedd (0) with three consecutive deliveries with the score on 34 as the Thomas Lands side slumped from 34-5 to 34-8.

Persaud followed up his 41 with 2-7 from five overs as Malteenoes lost their last nine wickets for 17 runs.

Demerara Cricket Board launches ‘Friends of Demerara Fund’

In an effort to garner funds to cushion the cost of particularly its junior Inter Association Cricket Tournaments, the Demerara Cricket Board has initiated a fund-raising drive titled “Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund”.

The fund was launched recently with Gafoors of Guyana being the first to come on board. The hardware giant responded to the DCB’S request.

The simple but significant presentation was done at the Company Head Office, Houston, East Bank, Demerara. The DCB was represented by Ms. Kavita Yadram, National Female Cricketer and Chairperson of its Competitions Committee,

MILO Schools Football Tournament 2023…

while Gafoors of Guyana was represented by Ms. Roseana Gonsalves, Executive Assistant, Finance and Ms. Susie Persaud, Senior Payable Clerk.

Ms. Yadram expressed gratitude to the Company while its representatives stated that they are happy to be on board with the DCB and promised to contribute more as the partnership grows.

The DCB while in negotiations with several prospective sponsors, some of which approvals are already secured, recognises the limited sponsorship monies available in the system. As a result, this new innovation.

The Demerara Cricket Board encourages private individuals, private

businesses, and Corporate Guyana to support this initiative and make Demerara the dominant cricket team it once was. We assure good mileage and accountability for funds received and note that sponsorship for sports and charitable organizations can enjoy tax breaks as the Law allows.

Anyone who is willing to support this project can make contact with Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, President on 623-0055; Mr. Davteerth Anandjit, Secretary on 617-8502; Mr. Vicky Bharosay, Treasurer on 652 0947; Mr. Anil Beharry, Marketing Manager on 623 6875 or any other Executive Member of the Demerara Cricket Board.

Chase Academy, Ann’s Grove open accounts on day two

CHASE Academy and Anns Grove recorded large margins of victory as the 2023 edition of the MILO schools U18 Football tournament continued with day two action on Sunday.

In the opening game of the day at the Ministry of Education Ground, Westminster Secondary beat Annandale Secondary by a 2-3 scoreline.

Harod Haynes (48th and 58th) led the line for the West Demerara side with Samuel McAllister (19th) contributing the third. Annandale on the other hand Jayden Harris (86th) and Osafo Brown (61st) on target as they attempted to start a comeback but ran out of time.

Berbice Educational Institute went down 1-3 to

Charlestown as T' Jon Reid’s 35th minute strike was the only answer to Andrew Carto (21st), Jermaine Taylor (27th) and Tyler Lyle (31st) minute strikes.

Chase on the other hand was ruthless against Dora, winning 7-0.

Wendell Pickett’s brace (20th, 27th) was the pick of the scorers with single strikes

from Justin Alcinder (9th), Manasseh Anderson (58th), Kerstyn Gonsalves (63rd), Neeraz Bakash (65th) and Jude Daniels (69th).

Daniel Murphy’s 2nd minute strike coupled with two early strikes from Naron Jerrick (4th and 7th) meant that Anns Grove were on the front foot in their 5-2 win against Queens College.

Jerrick would score a third goal but on the wrong side of the goal, giving the Thomaslands opposition their first goal before Menelek Ferreira (50th) added the second

Leroy France (58th) and Joshua Perreira (68th) however sealed the deal for Anns Grove.

The competition is spon-

sored by Nestle' (MILO) trough MASSY Distribution and is sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Football Federation.

It is Co-ordinated by the Petra Organisation and with support from MVPSports, GenEquip Guyana Ltd. and GINMIN Guyana.

(From left) Zachary Jodah, Aryan Persaud & Krsna Singh

Far left is Ms. Susie Persaud, while Ms. Roseana Gonsalves hands over a cheque to Ms. Kavita Yadram of DCB (right)

GISE, Star Party Rentals & Trophy Stall 1st division 2-day cricket…

Tons from Singh, Imlach highlight final-day action

By Sean Devers

ON a day which in overcast conditions changed to sweltering heat by mid-day, centuries from Sachin Singh and Tevin Imlach and five-wicket hauls from Dwayne Dick, Kevin Ross, Ashmead Nedd, Netyanand Mathura and Javid Rasheed highlighted final day action in the GISE, Star Party Rentals & Trophy Stall first division two-day cricket yesterday as Police beat TSC by seven wickets.

The Everest and GINC at Camp Road and Malteenoes and DCC in Queenstown games ended in draws

At DCC, the home team began the final day on 171-1 with Sachin Singh on 78 and Tevin Imlach on 70 and reached 387-4 when Chris Barnwell dumped Shemroy Barrington over Lance Gibbs street as all of Malteenoes’ balls were lost prompting a declaration.

It was boundaries galore at the small Queenstown venue as Singh hit 179 from 215 balls with 15 fours and seven sixes before he LBW to Barrington at 326-2 after

he had shared in a 291-stand with Tevin Imlach, who had excellent preparation for the re-start of the Regional First-Class season; hitting an unbeaten 150 from 184 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

Barnwell who clobbered two sixes and a four from seven balls in his 19 not out was with Imlach when DCC declared as it was ‘murder at DCC’ yesterday.

Barrington had 3-62 from 10 overs for MSC who fell for 227 as Daniel Best (52), Barrington (44) Nichosie Barker (41) Trevon France (35) and Jeremiah Scott (33) all got starts without going on.

Left arm spinner Ashamed Nedd shrugged off his non-selection for the T&T trip with the Guyana team, taking 6-47 for DCC who were 46-2 in their second innings with Barnwell being unbeaten on 28 with two fours and three sixes. Mark Cumberbatch took both wickets to fall.

At Eve Leary, Transport Sports Club (TSC) were bowled out for 130 on Saturday.

Alvin Mohabir, who made his inter-county last and top scored with 33 against Essequibo, hit three fours

and a six in his 33 for TSC but only Shamal Angel (21) of the other batters reached as Dwayne Dick captured 7-46 for Police who resumed yesterday on 17 without loss.

They were bowled out for 100, despite 30 with four fours from Amir Mohamed and 26 from Dick which included four fours and a six.

Chemroy Kendell chipped with 18 for the Cops as veteran off-spinner Kevin Ross had 5-36 and Akeem Redman supported with 3-36 for TSC who were dismissed for 96 in their second innings with only Adrian Hinds who reached the boundary thrice and cleared it once in his 33, reached 20.

Dick once again spun webs around the TSC batters with 6-28 from 14 overs which Paul Narine supported with 2-20 for Police who were set 127 to win.

Kendall led the fight; hitting a four and three sixes in his 38-ball 34 before he was bowled by Riyad

Latiff while Dick contributed an important 22 with two fours before he too was bowled by Latif. Kelvin Leitch hit five fours in 27 before he trapped LBW to Angel.

But Rayon Venture (2) and Narine (1) saw Police to three-wicket win after.

Angel (3-21 ) and Latif (2-9) bowled well for TSC in a losing cause.

At Everest, the host made 212 in their first innings with Anthony Sanchara (68), Joseph Perry (48)

Trophy Stall Open

and Javid Rasheed (25) doing the bulk of the scoring GNIC responded with 172 as Jermaine Grovsnor (51) and Jeremiah Benjamin (28) putting up a fight against Rasheed who captured 5-56 and Netyanand Mathura, who had 3-65 Everest declared at 98-1 with Sanchara getting 38.

GNIC, 138 to win were 76-6 when bad light stopped play with Mathura (5-30) and Rasheed (121) taking the wickets.

Mangal records back-to-back wins

MIKE Mangal was a force to be reckoned with as he walked away with the Trophy Stall golf tournament title. Despite some rain during the day, he stood firm against 19 other competitors and in the end came out on top.

Speaking on his second consecutive victory, Mike Mangal said, “In terms of today’s game I am very happy because I played well and did better than last week. As it relates to the points system I have 20 points now, so I am work-

ing hard to be selected to go to the Suriname Open. The course was tough today, especially with the rain that came. But in the end, it was okay and come next week I will try my best to make it three tournaments in a row.”

Sharing his view as well was LGC PRO Paton George who noted that it has been 20 years that Trophy Stall has been sponsoring tournaments at the club. He explained that the club is extremely grateful for the continued support as

he related that it is sponsors like Trophy Stall that encourages other sponsors to come on board at the LGC. Trophy Stall, is a longtime friend to golf and all sporting activities in Guyana. The sponsor is committed to continuing to be a part of the growth of golf in Guyana. Trophy Stall is the leading seller of a massive variety of trophies and sporting memorabilia in Guyana and more recently, at a new store in the borough of Queens, New York.

Sachin Singh scored 178 yesterday against MSC at DCC

Dwayne Dick took a match haul of 13 wickets to bowl Police to victory over TSC

Mike Mangal won his second consecutive tournament

Tevin Imlach cuts at DCC yesterday during his unbeaten 150 against MSC (Sean Devers photos)