Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06-06-2023

(Adrian Narine photos)

‘We are an all-weather government’

By Naomi Parris

WITH billions already invested to improve Region Five’s health, education and agricultural sectors , President , Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday evening told residents that further investments are on the cards.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at a public meeting held at Novar/ Dundee , Mahaicony , ahead of the June 12 local government polls, Ali assured the gathering that the People ’ s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C)-led government is one that defies challenges to deliver on its commitments

“ This party is about improving the well - being of people It is about investing in communities and investing in the lives of people This is a party you can rely on This is a party that sticks to its commitment This is an all - weather party We come in the sunshine and in rain,” the head of state said to a cheering crowd

While highlighting the absenteeism and several shortingcomings of the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU)/ People’s National Congress ( PNC ), Ali noted that his government within just three years of being in office, managed to resuscitate the once dying agriculture industry, improved the delivery of health care and invested heavily in education in the region

“Since we came into office we have invested $1.2 billion in drainage and irrigation We have created drainage for almost 4,200 acres of land We have brought relief

–– President Ali tells Novar/Dundee residents; says government, LGE candidates will deliver

the large investments in health infrastructure, among others

All these projects are being mirrored across the country and the PPP / C administration he said , is well on its way to achieving more than half of the 2020 manifesto promises

Meanwhile , in endorsing the party’s LGE candidates, chairman of the Regional Democratic Council ( RDC ), Vickchand Ramphal urged residents to give the candidates a chance

“

We have some young candidates and they are fully prepared and they are ready to work for you They are ready to bring development to all the NDCs at region number five.

Describing the young and diverse group as hardworking , Ramphal assured the residents that they will deliver on their promises

He urged residents to look at the ongoing development

“ We have seen a number of roads being constructed in this region You name it, from farm-to-market to community roads, to access to health centres, to communities , etcetera ,” he said

for more than 94 villages across this region ,” he said

Already, several contracts have been inked for additional drainage and irrigation works to mitigate the effects of flooding in the region

Meanwhile , as it relates to the region ’ s

health care, President Ali noted that some $13 billion has been allocated to build two new regional hospitals

“We know that this is one of the biggest challenges in the region, the quality of health care

We have to hold people accountable We have

to ensure all the resources that the government ejects , benefit the people.”

With regard to education in the region, some $ 50 million have been invested over the past three years to ensure that pupils and students are equipped with the neces-

sary materials to further their education

He assured citizens of a number of developments that the region is undergoing , including the government’s plans to install more streetlights for improved security, the housing programme’s rapid progress,

“There are a number of added projects that is taking place in Region Five right now that will transform the landscape of our region ,” the regional official added

Ramphal further stressed the importance of the upcoming elections and urged residents to show up in their numbers to ensure that development in the region continues

President Ali being greeted by residents as he arrives in Mahaicony for the rally (Adrian Narine photos)

A section of the mammoth crowd

Guyana’s modernisation continues with US$150M boost

Guyana-Saudi Fund agreement caters for critical infrastructural works in housing sector, construction of Wismar Bridge

––– Infrastructure master plan taking shape - President Ali

SENIOR Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan

A . Al - Marshad on Monday signed a US$150 million agreement for critical infrastructural works in Guyana’s housing sector and the construction of the Wismar Bridge in Region

10 President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during his address at the signing ceremony, said that the US$150 million not only provides funding for infrastructural works , but also provides permanent benefits for Guyana and its people.

“I want to say that the US$150 million is for housing , the Wismar Bridge and the infrastructure that surrounds all of this , but importantly, what it brings is not only a temporary benefit; these are projects that are temporary endeavours but with permanent results,”

President Ali said

He said that the construction of the Wismar Bridge is an essential project for the modernisation of the

township, the advancement of the forestry sector , developments in the mining sector , and most importantly, it contributes to the infrastructure master plan of the country

The Head of State related that the Government of Guyana has been consistently working on an infrastructure master plan

He said he is pleased that the Saudi Fund for Development is in Guyana to see the master plan unfold, as authorities build a country that seeks to advance itself in a world of 2030 and beyond, which enables Guyana to be more competitive and have sustainable development

Among other things, the master plan includes Silica City , new interconnecting highways , highways that would connect northern Brazil with Guyana , new bridges , and improvement of drainage and irrigation, to support Guyana ’ s food production goals

In pursuit of those objectives , Guyana is also seeking to build new relationships and strengthen old

ones, according to Dr Ali The Head of State said that the government wants continued partnerships that

would greatly help Guyana in its journey towards modernisation

He spoke about the tremendous private sector investment opportunities, and said that Guyana would like to see the private sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia actively participate in the opportunities and actively build partnerships with Guyana’s local private sector

This would create more opportunities, and help locals to build their capacity and capability to provide not only services for the oil and gas sector, but also services for all the other sectors that are gaining momentum in Guyana

The agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development is one such initiative that ensures that the momentum continues

Al - Marshad said the agreement is the Saudi Fund for Development ’ s first funding initiative in Guyana The South American country is the 88th nation to receive funding for major development projects

He said that this proj -

ect reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promote sustainable social economic development in Guyana , and support local communities through enhanced transportation and housing infrastructure

The CEO related that the first project worth US$100 million involves infrastructural development works for the housing sector, and aims to respond to the growing population demand by developing infrastructure to provide 2,500 housing units across three different regions in Guyana

Among other benefits , the project will help to stimulate the local economy through the creation of direct and indirect job opportunities in the housing sector.

Meanwhile, the second project worth US$50 million is for the construction of the Wismar Bridge , which will contribute to improved connectivity and flow of transportation in Guyana, relieving traffic jams and enhancing road safety

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has said the US$150 million not only provides funding for infrastructural works but also provides permanent benefits for Guyana and its people (Office of the President photos)

Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan A. Al-Marshad signed a US$150 million agreement for critical infrastructural works in Guyana’s housing sector and the construction of the Wismar Bridge

Protesters prepare last-ditch bid to stop French pension overhaul

FRENCH unions will stage on Tuesday a 14th day of protests against government plans to raise the retirement age to 64, in what could be a final attempt to pressure lawmakers into scrapping a law that is already on the statute books.

President Emmanuel Macron's decision to force the reform through with special constitutional powers prompted angry protests this spring, but the issue has slowly moved down the media agenda, making it harder for unions to mobilise.

"Protests have been going on for six months, it's unprecedented," Sophie Binet, the new leader of the hardline CGT union said on BFM TV. "There's a lot of anger but also fatigue," she

said, adding that strikers were feeling the pinch on paychecks.

Macron is now enjoying a timid rebound in opinion polls, having launched a PR blitz after the reform passed that saw him criss-cross the country to confront public anger but also to announce big investments in new technologies.

Between 400,000 and 600,000 people are expected to turn out at protests across France, authorities said, which would be down from more than a million who took part in marches at the height of the pension protests earlier this year.

Inter-city trains are likely to be only "slightly disrupted", the SNCF railway company said, while the metro network in Paris will

run a normal service. Onethird of flights out of Paris-Orly airports have been cancelled, however.

"I'm not sure there'll be other protests afterwards," Jean-Claude Mailly, the former leader of the FO union said. "So it's a way to mark the occasion."

The unions, which have kept a rare united front during the whole pension episode, are holding the nationwide strike just two days before an opposition-sponsored bill aimed at cancelling the minimum pension age increase is reviewed by parliament.

The provision is expected to be rejected by the lower house's speaker, a member of Macron's party, because under the French constitution, lawmakers can’t pass legislation that weighs on public finances

without measures to offset those costs.

But unions hope a big protest turnout could pressure lawmakers into reviewing the bill anyway and holding a vote. Opposition lawmakers, meanwhile, say the bill being rejected would revive public anger, branding any such move "antidemocratic".

Macron, who says the reform is essential to plug a massive deficit, will be hoping that the approaching summer holidays and improving inflation numbers will help the public move on.

The president's popularity has gained four points in a monthly Elabe poll in June and eight points in a YouGov poll, although it is still languishing around 30 per cent. (Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron talks to a person opposed to the pension reform, in Selestat, eastern France on April 19, 2023 (Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS)

Parents welcome education grant

By Indrawattie Natram

BRIGHT smiles were seen on the faces of parents and guardians on Monday when the Ministry of Education began the distribution of the $40,000 ‘Because We Care’ cash grant in Region Two.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, had announced that over 214,000 learners attending public and private schools across the country, will benefit from the annual cash grant which includes the school uniform and supplies voucher.

At Cotton Field Nurs-

ery School, Regional Education Officer, Shondelle Hercules, said that just over $501 million will be disbursed to the parents and guardians of 12,545 leaners.

She called on the parents to ensure that they invest the money in the welfare of their children. She also reminded them that the ‘Because We Care’ grant is an initiative spearheaded by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

The distribution will conclude on June 7.

Shemain Griffith, a mother of two and resident of Cotton Field, was very excited to receive the cash grant. She commended the government for the initiative and said that the money always comes in useful.

Another parent Cindy

Singh, who is a mother of four said that she always looks forward to receiving the money since it goes a long way in helping to take care of her children.

“This is a good help, I will say a good push, and I use the money to improve my child’s life I would like to thank the government for this good gesture,” Singh said.

Kenny Mohammed in his comments to this publication also commended the government for the initiative.

He said that the increase in the grant came at an opportune time as parents have to purchase textbooks and reading materials for their children.

Ravindra Das, a father of one, said that he was happy to receive the money.

He said that although he is working, the grant comes in handy for him and his family. The father said that all the money will be spent on his child’s education

Jenese Dowden, a mother of two, said that she ensured she came early to uplift her money. She said that she was happy having learnt that the grant was increased this year.

“Every day the children have to get something new and with the money it will assist them. I will purchase a tablet for my child and a

new mattress,” Dowden said.

The government in its manifesto, had promised that by 2025, each child will receive $50,000.

The ‘Because We Care’ initiative started in 2014 under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government and saw parents receiving cash grants of $10,000 per child in the public school system.

However, when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) assumed office in 2015, the party discontinued the grant.

When the PPP/C returned to government in 2020, they upheld their promise to restore the grant and increase it.

A parent counts the money shortly after collecting it

This father was among thousands of parents who collected the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant on Monday

Modern Landscape

GUYANA, the picturesque South American nation known for its abundant natural resources, is currently undergoing a remarkable infrastructural transformation that is reshaping its landscape and setting the stage for unprecedented growth and development

Since 2020, the country has experienced a surge in infrastructural projects, and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has outlined ambitious plans to further modernise Guyana’s infrastructure, heralding a promising future for the nation and its people

Over the past few years, Guyana has witnessed an impressive surge in infrastructural projects, leading to significant improvements in transportation, energy, healthcare, education, and communication sectors

The government’s commitment to prior-

itising infrastructural development has laid a solid foundation for economic diversification and sustainable growth

In the transportation sector, Guyana has seen the construction and rehabilitation of critical road networks Additionally, plans are underway to enhance the road network linking Guyana to its neighbouring countries, fostering regional integration and trade

Furthermore , the government has invested in modernising and expanding key airports, such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, to accommodate increased air traffic and attract more international visitors

These developments have not only improved connectivity, but have also provided a boost to the tourism industry, offering new opportunities for economic growth and job creation

Revolutionising the energy sector has

been another priority for Guyana The country’s vast offshore oil reserves have opened up avenues for investment in infrastructure

The completion of the natural gas-topower project is a significant step towards sustainable and affordable energy production, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels and paving the way for a greener future

Under the visionary leadership of the PPP/C government, Guyana’s infrastructural transformation is set to reach new heights

The government has outlined an ambitious roadmap to further modernise the country’s landscape, focusing on key sectors that will unlock the nation’s full potential

To improve education and healthcare services, the government plans to build and upgrade schools and hospitals in underserved areas Investing in these sectors will

ensure equal access to quality education and healthcare services, empowering Guyanese citizens and fostering human capital development

Recognising the importance of digital connectivity in the 21st century, the government aims to expand broadband internet coverage and enhance telecommunications infrastructure This will enable greater access to information, facilitate e-commerce, and spur innovation, ensuring that Guyana remains competitive in the global digital economy

By focusing on key sectors such as transportation, energy, education, healthcare, and digital connectivity, Guyana is poised to become a regional leader, attracting investments, fostering sustainable development, and improving the lives of its citizens

Addressing false claims of lack of transparency, accountability

Dear Editor,

WITH the PPP/C’s electoral victory and assumption of political authority and control over the apparatus of government, opposition forces appear to have miraculously discovered the need for “transparency” and “accountability.”

Previously buried in the morass of APNU’s illusionary National Front Government (NFG), current opposition forces now find it beneficial to exhume the policy of transparency and accountability from the graveyard of dark political opportunism, where they had previously interred them

In their brazen clarion shouts to discredit the PPP/C, APNU representatives and sympathizers frequently accuse the government of lacking in transparency and accountability

Unabashedly , they pretend as if their brand of NFG automatically meant they governed with openness that included the active engagement of citizens on issues affecting their lives -- hence being transparent and accountable

In contrast, for many Guyanese, APNU came to be symbolized as the party of Angry People Newly United (APNU) in promoting Absurd Policies Nobody Understands (APNU) which clearly demonstrated that they were Not Fit to Govern (NFG).

Undoubtedly, transparency and accountability are critical factors in good governance

Both policies play important roles in establishing and maintaining citizens trust in their

government

Simply put, while transparency fosters government openness in disclosing information to citizens voluntarily, or upon request, accountability permits the systematic evaluation of projects to ascertain achievement of desired results in accordance with funding awards/allocations

Inextricably linked, these concepts permit auditing / evaluations of the efficiency and effectiveness of government’s policies, practices and programmes , which include contractual and non - contractual financial awards/allocations

Over the last two years, opposition forces and sympathizers in the form of foreign and local, credentialled analysts increasingly manufactured analytical results on infrastructural/ development contracts, and oil policies and prices to discredit the Government

This practice of misrepresenting the facts/ actualities clearly indicate efforts to instill doubt and suspicion in the minds of Guyanese about the PPP/C government’s policies and contractual practices

And , with purveyors of the analytical falsehoods accusing the government of lacking in transparency and accountability, leaders of the PPP/C increasingly find themselves scrambling to refute the manufactured allegations

Despite the government ’ s efforts of making available and satisfying requests for information on contractual agreements and awards , opposition forces failed to cease

their accusations of the PPP / C ’ s lack of transparency, accountability, and impropriety

In addition, published refutations by such individuals as Joel Bhagwandin and Dr Randolph Persaud accomplished little in deterring or blunting opposition forces production of falsified analytical results -- in addition to their accusations of the government’s lack of transparency and accountability

Clearly, the PPP/C leaders, by themselves, are unlikely to succeed in refuting every accusation of impropriety, or malfeasance, or assuaging lingering doubts in peoples ’ minds about the lack of transparency and accountability

This, coupled with Guyana’s accelerated development, and increasingly notable participation in the global economy , the government may find it worthwhile to give some consideration to the creation of an independent Office of Government Accountability (OGA), staffed by qualified accountants, policy analysts, and programme evaluators

Conceptually, the establishment of such an office is not new Many emerged several decades ago with reputable performances in the promotion of good governance throughout extant democratic countries around the world

Responsible for providing government with timely fact-based information, the creation of an OGA would help facilitate PPP/C governmental decisions in efficiently and effectively allocate essential services to citizens

While not involved in the negotiations of governmental contracts, the OGA would be

responsible for monitoring the implementation of government-issued contracts to ensure compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness in accordance with the terms specified

Among its responsibilities , the OAG would be responsible for conducting audits and evaluations of government programmes in accordance with their legislative or legally established mandates

In addition, this office would be tasked with undertaking needs-based and feasible analyses to better inform the promulgation of governmental policies

Given its responsibilities, the OAG would be better prepared to address manufactured claims of impropriety , malfeasance , lack of transparency and accountability levelled against the government

These it can achieve while upholding the public’s trust in their governance Being in the forefront of providing valid information and objective reviews on which the government base policy decisions, the OAG would be the best defence against the continuous bombardment of opportunistic individuals and political groups accusing the government of lacking in transparency and accountability, while seeking to generate instability and hinder progressive changes

Thus, I submit to the better judgement of the governing PPP/C.

Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam would be better off under PPP/C-led councils

Dear Editor,

THE PPP seems poised to capture a historic landslide victory in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs).

The PNC, battered by a leadership crisis and by lacklustre campaigns, has already lost dismally, unable to field candidates in many areas

The icing on the cake for the PPP will be victories in Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden

All things considered , I would say these three municipalities would be better off under councils in which the PPP controls a majority Someone said : “The PPP at its worst will still be better than the PNC at its best.”

Georgetown under continuous PNC control

has been an abysmal failure Their trademark has been a “stink and dutty,” congested city where lawlessness abounds

Had it not been for ongoing rescues by the PPP government, the city would have collapsed Central government has had to intervene and build/ repair roads , do flood abatement , do ongoing bailouts and pay the city’s debts for trash collection, etc

City Hall became decrepit in front of our own eyes, and everything needs upgrades and fixing Transparency and accountability have been missing

If there is a PPP-controlled council , you can expect that the government will make sure the mayor and council are

well supported and resourced to show that under the PPP, Georgetown made dramatic progress

That seems to be a winwin for the citizens and the city What is there to lose ? Now might be Georgetown’s best chance to change the direction of their city , under PPP leadership. While there are a few independent candidates worthy of consideration, it’s a fight between the PNC and PPP

So , the people of Georgetown must consider if they want more of the same or if they want dramatic change under a PPP - controlled council with a diverse list of candidates

In Guyana , the government plays an oversized role in the economy Alignment with central

So-called foreign experts on parade against Guyana’s development

Dear Editor,

WE have a new foreign expert these days His name is Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba , a Kenyan . The man has been imported into Guyana’s politics and touted as an anti-corruption guru.

But what is he really doing here?

The answer is obvious for anyone who has followed the modus operandi of the KN publisher and other personalities who claim to represent civic groups Their strategy is to bring in someone who appears qualified, and who is politically neutral , but who is, in fact and indeed, politically clueless about this country

The truth is Lumumba knows nothing about Guyana His expert pronouncements are based on his experience in Africa, but there he has been under a cloud of ambiguity Was he not fired from a top job in Kenya itself? In the future, Lumumba should focus his attention on what he knows about pain of going away ignominiously like Dr Williams

Do you all remember Dr Vivian Williams ? KN had him as a world-leading ex-

pert on everything, including oil and gas, and corruption

Dr Vivian Williams , as it turned out, used his general knowledge about contracts to make all sorts of wild and irrelevant pronouncements, all the while hiding under the label “New York Attorney.”

Once the Guyanese found out that he is no expert on Guyana , he bolted Mind you , before his disappearance , he was in KN every day, with nice photos in suit and tie All of that came to zero

We were also treated to the so-called expertise of Tom Sanzillo , with the heavy title, “Director of Financial Analysis at the Institute of Energy Economics and Financial Analysis ” ( IEEFA ), and Gerard Kreeft , another so-called energy-transition adviser Both have been thoroughly roughed-up by the brilliant young Guyanese financial analyst –Joel Bhagwandin

We have another variety of the ‘foreign’ who are presented as experts or present themselves as such Think, for instance, of OGGN They all live overseas The OGGN diaspora group have lived more than a combined 150 years away from Guyana ,

government is essential for resource acquisition

Already, the government is involved in numerous projects across the city , and these are likely to accelerate dramatically under a PPP City Council

The same can be said for the towns of Linden and New Amsterdam The PPP has been working valiantly to woo these two towns with several projects and winning new supporters

The PPP candidates seem quite energized and are working the streets to

win hearts and minds The PPP claims it is winning over many PNC supporters in these areas Truth be told , the government had been running as fast as possible to build roads, bridges, parks, health clinics, and various infrastructural projects

People are seeing roads where there were no roads before They are seeing bridges being repaired or built

They are now getting titles for lands , getting house lots and assistance to build their homes

The 10 - day job programme seems to be a big hit with people who did not have a full - time job before Now, the government has announced they will give out cash grants just days before the LGEs

My prediction is that if it does not win outright, the PPP will win more seats in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden. The voters have the final say . We will know on June 12

and so for all practical purposes , they are also “ foreign.” They make it to KN regularly

Readers already know that the Kaieteur News publisher has promoted people like Lumumba , Williams , Sanzillo and others It is now clear that these people have been drafted into a political project The poor souls are quite likely oblivious to ways in which their names and images are being exploited to advance the political career of their Guyanese host

Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba will soon discover that he is being made a dullard by sticking his nose in a place about which he has no knowledge and zero experience

He, like the discredited Dr . Vivian Williams , will walk away sad and forlorn, with a sense of being used for purposes beyond his grasp

For these men and the sponsor : “ That tears shall drown the wind

I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition , which o’erleaps itself and falls on the other .” Macbeth, of course.

Sincerely, Dr.

Randolph Persaud

Sincerely, Dr Jerry

Jailall

The convenient eyes of Eusi Kwayana and the Walter Rodney family

I CAN’T wait for June 13 to come

On that day, I will do my column on the 43 rd assassination anniversary of Walter Rodney I am eager for three reasons : one is what the Rodney family will write

The family of Rodney has disappeared completely from the radar . From the time Rodney was murdered in 1980 to June 2023 , the Rodney family has not pronounced or remarked on anything done in Guyana

If you examine the list of endangerments in Guyana from 1980, it is voluminous. Here is a brief sample The 1985 election - rigging , surpassed only by the March 2020 electoral insanity; the almost aborted 1992 poll and subsequent attack on commercial Georgetown; the period of “mo fyaah / slo fyaah ” which followed the 1997 election; the Buxton mayhem 2002- 2006; the rejection of the Carter formula by PNC, WPA and AFC to select a GECOM chairperson; the refusal by the PNC, WPA and AFC to acknowledge a no-confidence vote in 2018; the horrible five - month period of electoral fraud in 2020 which almost saw the return of “permanent power ,” and the violent attacks on Indian people in Cotton Tree in the aftermath of the March 2020 election-rigging

The Rodney family has not even issued a one-line statement on the above situations. Then out of the blue, in 2022, Mrs Rodney and her son Shaka, added their signatures to a long public letter by the usual suspects (TUS) requesting President Ali to reject a visit by President Bolsonaro

Mrs Rodney and her son denounced the visit on the reason that President Bolsonaro practises discrimination against Afro-Brazilians

So, suddenly after 41 years of silence, the Rodney family found its col-

lective voice to denounce racism in Brazil , but in their own homeland, they have been silent on the violence Indian people endured in 1992, 1997, from 2002 to 2006 in Buxton and Cotton Tree in 2020

Sounds convenient to me, a strategy with which Eusi Kwayana, aka, Sydney King is quite familiar; which brings me to the second reason why I am impatiently awaiting June 13

I would have lost lots of money if I had bet on Kwayana giving his take after the public dissemination of the report into the 2020 election

I honestly thought that after the report , Guyana would have heard from the former Sydney King because the report described a conspiracy to steal the national election in ways never before seen in this country It makes for incredible reading, and I would have bet anyone that Kwayana would have offered his two cents

It didn ’ t happen

Where was Sydney? Was he ill? Was he in Timbuktu? We will never know, but Guyana woke up one morning two weeks ago to read the grammar of Sydney And, as expected, Sydney ’ s hypocrisy and double standards rained down

Sydney treated readers to a description of the need to save the Guyana Press Association from the tentacles of the PPP For a man who publicly wrote in the newspapers that he could not comment on any aspect of the election drama in 2020 because it would not be wise to do so from abroad, he has written on more than a dozen

occasions on things that have occurred in this land

Obviously , this man doesn’t care about his legacy which like his comrades – Clive Thomas , Rupert Roopnaraine and Moses Bhagwan -- has been destroyed And since we mentioned Bhagwan, for those who did not see it, they should read it Bhagwan published a letter in the Stabroek News referring to Tacuma Ogunseye as a peaceful and honourable citizen. I remind the young population that when the Buxton terror broke out, I did some daring investigations that brought me into contact with what Ogunseye was doing in Buxton

I revealed it and he sued me for libel My lawyer was Anil Nandlall ; his lawyer was Mortimer Coddette (deceased). The case was thrown out by the judge because Coddette declined to continue Cost was awarded that was never paid by Ogunseye Coddette said that it would not be wise for certain types of information to come out. He knew why. I would have shocked Guyana and the CARICOM region with what I knew about who was involved in Buxton

Finally , my third reason for waiting for June 13. It has to do with Clive Thomas, the Stabroek News columnist . He writes a weekly column in that newspaper and has avoided political subjects like COVID-19 It would be interesting to hear what he has to say about Rodney. In my June 13 column , I will iconoclastically question Rodney’s working-class credentials.

Frederick Kissoon

‘Simple

choices could significantly improve environmental preservation’

–– President Ali urges Guyanese to target plastic pollution by making responsible decisions

IN observance of World Environment Day 2023 on Monday , President , Dr Irfaan Ali urged Guyanese to act responsibly when disposing plastic waste in order to keep the environment clean and safe and to end plastic pollution.

His message was aligned with the theme of World Environment Day , “ Solutions to Plastic Pollution.”

In a Facebook post, the Head of State said : “ On this World Environment Day , I urge all Guyanese to act more responsibly in the manner in which they dispose of plastic waste We all have a duty to keep our environment clean and safe. By acting responsibly, we can end plastic pollution.”

Specifically, he outlined ways in which Guyanese could contribute to ending plastic pollution by making informed , ethical and responsible choices such as reducing plastic usage, especially that of single-use

plastics; promoting greater recycling, ensuring proper waste disposal, and ending littering

President Ali himself , over the past year, has personally led efforts to enhance Guyana ’ s physical environment through national clean-up exercises

“These non-partisan activities are intended to promote greater environmental health and sustainability. I encourage all Guyanese to come out and support these efforts Simple choices, at the individual level , can have an immense impact,” he said,

The most recent campaign was held in May, aiming to rally the nation together and foster a sense of responsibility and pride in keeping the country clean, with various stakeholders and citizens actively participating

The campaign has gained significant momentum and is making a tangible difference in communities across the country The

involvement of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), particularly the Coast Guard, highlights the commitment

of military personnel to the goal of the campaign Commander David Shamsudeen, a Coast Guard

Officer at the last clean-up campaign, emphasised the importance of setting an example and discouraging littering among citizens

“ We don ’ t want to condone littering in Guyana and I think we as military persons, want to set that example We want to tell the nation that this is something that we should not condone This is something that every Guyanese should get on board and try as much as possible to deal with this situation,” he said

The Coast Guard has dedicated a team of officers to clean up specific areas, working to remove garbage and enhance the cleanliness of their surroundings

Lieutenant Lucas Singh, Commanding Officer of the Maritime Law Enforcement Department, said : “ We are doing our part as the Coast Guard to ensure that our environment is clean We could instill some sort of sense of pride in the community and do our part by maintaining a healthy environment.”

He urged people to

maintain the environment as the country continues to experience rapid development

“ What I would like to see is that cleanliness is maintained And that people have this sense of pride that they don’t dump garbage; use the bins, and just maintain a healthy environment and our country looks good, as we develop,” Singh said Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, highlighted the government ’ s strong commitment to the national clean-up campaign Under his leadership , the committee responsible for planning and mobilisation has been actively engaging various sectors of society

The campaign has witnessed widespread participation from the private sector , government institutions, and regional authorities This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and significant clean-up exercise across the country.

APNU rejected even in strongholds

AS the Local Government Elections ( LGEs ) draw near , the main political parties are accelerating on their respective campaign trails

While the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has received warm welcomes, even in A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) strongholds, such as Linden and Bartica, the Opposition is getting the cold shoulder from a vast number of Guyanese, even in communities know to be their strongholds

Frustrated with the empty promises and lack of commitment, residents of Georgetown have decided to openly call out the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), disguised as APNU and the Alliance for Change (AFC), for their blatant neglect

In a viral video , Clayton Hinds, APNU City Hall Councillor and running candidate for Constituency Five, Sophia-Liliendaal North and

the adjoining areas, was seen being rejected by Plum Park, Sophia residents while campaigning in the area

Several residents came forth and condemned Hinds for his empty promises while revealing that despite him being a councillor for several years , he has continuously failed the people of Sophia

“These boys [aren’t] doing nothing for you ,” one resident was heard telling another, while Hinds continued his ranting and constant referral to the governing PPP /C as “trench crappos ” and “vagabonds.”

While begging the Sophia residents for their vote , a citizen remarked: “Look how long he is in here and [isn’t] doing nothing for nobody.”

“ Talks , talks , talks and when you look at it, nothing they [APNU] doing for you,” one man said while his friend added that he informed Hinds the community is aiming to vote for change and not emp-

–– Councillor Clayton Hinds snubbed in his constituency

ty promises

Stunned and unresponsive to the people’s concerns and issues, Hinds then turned to allegations of ‘ buy out ’ because of the lack of support he was receiving from the residents

Along with Hinds, who represents the APNU, other contenders include Andrew Jackman , who represents the PPP / C , Ramcharitar Singh, who represents Independent Citizens for Progress , Telroy McAlmont , from the Movement for Unity and Democracy, and independent candidate Dr. Josh Kanhai

FRUSTRATED WITH SUB-PAR MANAGEMENT

Over the past few weeks, a handful of videos have surfaced of Guyanese expressing their utmost disappointment with how City Hall has been managed under PNC/R and APNU.

for Constituency

Under the tagline , “ A New Beginning for Georgetown,” residents of all ages and from different walks of life have not only pointed out the incompetence of City Hall but also how their mismanagement negatively affects their community

Concerned citizens in these videos highlighted common themes such as land pollution, poor drainage,

irregular garbage collection, and the deplorable conditions in markets Overall , they emphasised the neglect of Georgetown

People have also complained that although they are paying their dues to City Hall, they still have to take money out of their own pockets to maintain their communities

In one of the most recent videos, a citizen who has been living in Albouystown for the past 25 years highlighted the large piles of garbage in the area, which are an eyesore not only for the residents, but also for passersby

According to the man : “This is one thing we can’t take,” referring to the land pollution evident at the mouth of the community

He further noted that while initially the garbage trucks used to regularly visit the community , this has stopped, and now they hardly come to do their duties

He then went on to say:

“Nothing [is] going on in the city for Albouystown people,” adding that the absolute mistreatment by City Hall is now unbearable

Moreover, he said that the duty is now imposed upon the local shopkeepers to remove the litter and maintain the area when the eyesore becomes too much

“We need a change” the man asserted

From another video , a woman from East Ruimveldt, who has been living in the area for 43 years, expressed much dissatisfaction with the drainage system in the community

She stated that effective administration at City Hall is essential for the community to thrive , mentioning that problems such as flooding should not happen when rain falls

“On the 12th of June, let us come out and make the change,” the woman urged.

APNU Councillor

Five , Clayton Hinds (DPI Photo)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali leads efforts to ensure that the environment is clean

US$25M dock facility proposed for Friendship

A US$25 million dock facility , called Friendship Port Development, has been proposed for the Friendship area on the East Bank of Demerara.

The facility will provide both covered berthing and a heavy marine loading depot for platform supply vessels that service the oil and gas industry in this region,

The facility will include several buildings, boat slips, heavy-lift dock, concrete entry drives, utilities, fencing,

and will service a growing fleet of platform supply vessels which operate in the area.

The Friendship Port Development will mainly serve as a loading and offloading depot with services provided to marine vessels operating off the coast of Guyana Additionally, products such as fuel , drilling fluid , and water may be available to vessels within the covered ship- berthing area

The facility will be built

on six acres of recently purchased land in Plantation Friendship along the Demerara River. The facility is being proposed by Diamond Property Management, Inc (DPM), which is doing business as Diamond Shorebase Inc. (DSB).

“ DSB is working with a civil engineering design firm to develop the plans and specifications for the project team,” the company said in a proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It said too: “Prior to construction, the surveyor will work with the Project Engineer to establish a project benchmark and lay out the overall project The surveyor will work with the civil works contractor to establish and verify cut grades for any required soil removal.”

The company is seeking the requisite environmental authorization from the EPA to use the land to develop the facility

The Friendship Port De-

velopment will be located approximately nine miles south of Georgetown and 15 miles north of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) bordering Plantation New Hope The east end of the property will be accessed off the East Bank Public Access Road

According to the developer, they currently do not have any feasible or reasonable facility location options other than the site described.

Pensioner dies in Mon Repos accident

A PENSIONER lost his life on Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) when motorcar PMM 9156 crashed into him while he was pushing his bicycle across the road on Sunday.

Dead is Muntaz Alli, 67, of lot 37, Mon Repos North, ECD Police noted that the fatal accident occurred at about 21:20 hours The motorcar PMM 9156 was driven by a 48-year-old man from Helena #1 Mahaica.

Reports indicated that the motorcar, with registration PMM 9156, was proceeding east along the southern side of the northern carriageway at an alleged fast rate of speed when the driver claimed that he saw a man pushing his bicycle from south to north across the road in the path of his vehicle

Police said the driver related that he applied brakes and pulled north to avoid a collision, but despite his effort, the right-side front of his vehicle collided with the pedestrian, which caused him to fall onto the road surface where he received injuries to his body.

The pensioner was picked up in an unconscious condition and escorted to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead The body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem examination

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver, and his vehicle was lodged to be examined by a licensing and certifying officer, and a notice of intended prosecution has been served as investigations continue

GWI focuses on staff-training to boost performance

SOME 25 Guyana Water

Incorporated (GWI) plant operators from across the country are now better equipped to perform optimally at their jobs

The water treatment plant operators, drawn from Regions Two , Three , Four , Five , Six and 10 recently graduated from a rigorous upskilling programme designed by the company

Nazimul Ghani of Region Six was adjudged the best graduating student

During the six - month programme, the now Level Two operators were exposed to both classroom and fieldwork to get them to better understand the ‘ins and outs’ of their duties

Speaking at a simple yet significant graduation ceremony held in GWI ’ s boardroom, Shelterbelt, Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, Executive Director of Human Resources Management, Elvis Gordon congratulated the graduands on their achievement

He said GWI now looks forward to seeing them put their newly acquired skills into practice and to make a meaningful difference in their work environment.

The utility company is expending billions of dol -

lars to improve access to and quality of water as well as improving and expanding water infrastructures throughout Guyana

This year , the government has invested approximately $14.5 billion in the water sector , targeting the delivery of treated water , upgrades to existing water infrastructure, construction of new facilities , and the drilling of wells across the country

Construction of seven new water treatment plants and refurbishment of 12 existing ones are currently underway, with completion expected by 2024 These projects will significantly enhance the quality of water provided to residents

Currently, 97 per cent of the population has access to clean water, and the government is working diligently to achieve full coverage by 2025

With this level of investments in the water sector , Jordan told the graduands that much is expected of them in their work, attitude and output on the job

The GWI is working to train all of its plant operators this year and to commence supervisory training next

Surinamese man jailed, fined for narcotics possession

A SURINAMESE national, Virjanand Narain, was on Monday handed a three-year sentence with a fine of GY$688,350, after pleading guilty to the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking

According to the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU ), Narain appeared before Magistrate Ranita Singh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate ’ s Court to answer the charge of possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking 66.9 grammes of ecstasy and 101.5 grammes of hashish known as cannabis resin

On June 3 , 2023 , CANU officers while conducting an operation at Eliza Mary, Corriverton, Berbice, intercepted the Surinamese national with a quantity of narcotics suspected to be MDMA (ecstasy) and hashish

Virjanand Narain

He was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, Berbice along with the suspected narcotics where it was weighed and tested

The drugs contained 69.9 grammes of MDMA and 101.5 grammes of hashish, both of which tested positive for their respective substances.

graduated,

improved packages, and recognising employees who have pursued professional development opportunities

senior officials of GWI year The company in recent years has placed greater attention on training and retaining of employees, retaining key and critical skills through

Board Member of GWI,

Wendell Jeffrey, who also addressed the occasion , told the graduands that the GWI is a multibillion dollar operation and that the com-

pany needs them. He was also keen to emphasise that they must give their best on the job, with an eye for continuous improvement.

The plant operators who recently

along with

Smooth roll out of education cash grants recorded across the country

THE distribution of the “Because We Care” cash grant to parents of schoolaged children commenced on Monday and was said to be a smooth process.

This is according to the Ministry of Education, which began the roll out at various schools in various regions across the country following last week’s an -

nouncement.

Just last week, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand announced that this year, the sum is $40,000 per child, which is a significant increase from the amount distributed last year as part of the programme.

Minister Manickchand reported that the distribution process was smooth all

over, and reiterated that as long as the child’s name is on the school’s register and the child is attending school, once parents show up with their identification card, they will receive the grant.

Additionally, in this post, she said that auditors were present as part of the process. The Education Ministry also shared that schools in

various regions carried out the distribution from nursery to secondary schools.

During the announcement last week, the Education Minister said that over 214,000 children are eligible this year to receive the grant, noting that children attending both public and private institutions are eligible for the grant.

This distribution cycle is expected to stretch from June 5 to June 9 at schools across the country.

Since returning to office in 2020, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) brought the “Because We Care” cash grant back to assist parents and families with school-aged children. In its manifesto, the PPP/C prom-

ised that by 2025, each child will receive some $50,000.

The cash grant programme which was started in 2014 under the previous PPP/C administration, but discontinued in 2015 by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) when they assumed office.

Distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant at Port Kaituma Secondary School (MoE photo)

Distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant at the New Amsterdam Secondary School (MoE Photo)

Distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant at the Amelia’s Ward Primary School (MoE Photo)

20 Region Two business owners selected for UNDP pilot project

By Indrawattie Natram

TWENTY owners of various types of businesses in Region Two have been selected to participate in a threemonth United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ) pilot project , during which they will receive technical assistance to help grow their respective businesses

The project titled, ‘In Motion ’, was launched last Friday at the Regional State House Director of Business in the Ministry of Tourism,

Industry and Commerce, John Edghill , in his remarks, said that the ministry is happy to join with UNDP to launch the pilot project in Region Two Edghill said during the initial discussions the main task was to select a region to commence the programme and it was later decided that Region Two was the best fit Subsequently, 20 persons were selected to participate “ All of you here in this room are small businesses who want to

Some of the business owners who will be participating in the pilot project

See page 15

Region Two business owners selected

From page 14

...

strive in your local economy, businesses that want to make an impact in the local communities and who want to have a development for yourselves and your families

We are very glad you were able to take this step of commitment,” Edghill said

The Director of business said that the project will have two consultants who will return to engage the business owners

He emphasised that the participants’ involvement is crucial for the success of the project

According to Edghill, it will set the stage for the roll out of a similar project in other regions.

“One of the main components of the project is personalised technical assistance You must put in the work

We expect to see more dynamic businesses at the end of the three months At the end of the three months, we expect to see growth in your business and hear good testimonials,” Edghill said

Meanwhile , UNDP representative , Luis Blazquez gave an overview of the project during the launch

He explained that the project is an international methodology that aims to improve business models for micro and small businesses

He said that this is done by providing comprehensive business assistance which helps to strength their productive capacity and marketing position

Blazquez said that the In Motion programme has already been implemented in Mexico, Ecuador, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Albania and have targeted more than 10,000 micro and small businesses.

Guyana is the latest beneficiary

He said that no finance is given to the business owners, who are able to benefit directly from training , marketing opportunities and the enhanced image of their business

Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Guyana Country Office, Stephanie Ziebell, who was also present, said that businesses will be involved in updating the business model, commercial image (designer), order and quality, accounting and financing training, sales and marketing, and basic management skills done These will be spearheaded by the UNDP consultants

Ziebell said that the UNDP is looking forward to working with the business owner on the project

Region Two ’ s Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack said that the project is a good initiative for the region

She said that the initiative will give businesses an opportunity to grow and prosper

One of the beneficiaries, Arshad Ali from AA 24 Hours Pharmacy located at Anna Regina, said that he was happy that his business was selected for the project

He said that he is looking forward to the various engagements

Azad Mohamed, owner of Magic Smile, also gave similar comments

The two consultants selected for the project are Odel Bascom and Corrine Aaron.

Man remanded for trafficking narcotics

ROCKY Mangra, 42, of Grant St . Joseph , Lower Pomeroon , was on Monday remanded to prison following a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the Customs Anti - Narcotics Unit ( CANU ), Mangra appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Charity Magistrate’s Court to answer the charge of possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking, to wit, approximately 6.9 lbs. (3.128 kilograms).

Mangra was refused bail and remanded to prison until June 26,

2023

On June 2, 2023, CANU officers conducted an operation at Charity stelling where a subsequent search of a boat in the presence of the sole occupant revealed a box containing a number of parcels suspected to be cannabis.

Mangra was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the suspected narcotic, which tested positive and was discovered to be imported cannabis known as “creepy” with a weight of approximately 6.9 lbs with a street value of approximately GY$1 million.

Rocky Mangra

$20M invested for rehabilitation of Region Seven education facilities

another $61M earmarked to rehabilitate health facilities

THE government remains committed to improving access to education by ensuring that schools are available to accommodate learners, and several education facilities in Region Seven are set to be rehabilitated as part of the ongoing efforts

To achieve this, the government has invited bids from eligible persons to conduct $5 million in maintenance works at D C Caesar Fox Secondary School in the Upper Mazaruni, and at Phillipai Nursery to the tune of $4 million

Another $3 million will be expended to maintain Imbaimadai Primary , and $2 million was also set aside to execute works at Little Achievers Nursery School

Meanwhile , some $ 4 million will be expended to maintain teachers’ living quarters at the Bartica Secondary School Complex and a total of $3 million for the living quarters at Fourth Avenue, Bartica

The completion of these projects will enhance the delivery of high-quality education for students in the region and improve the living conditions of teachers

This year, $94.4 billion

has been set aside by the government to significantly expand access to education

Meanwhile , residents from various communities in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region will also benefit from the rehabilitation of several health posts

The works include $12 million to extend the health post at Chinoweing in the Upper Mazaruni, $13 million to rehabilitate and extend the Karrau Health Post , $ 10 million for the Issano Health Post, and $9.8 million to rehabilitate and extend the Agatash Health Post Maintenance works to the tune of $3 million will be executed at the Kurupung Health Post , $ 6 million to transform the Bartica Hospital, $4 million for the nurses’ hostel at Bartica , and $ 4 million will be expended for works on the doctor’s living quarters at Phillipai, Upper Mazaruni

All bids must be submitted to the Chairman , Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board , Regional Administration Office, First Avenue, Bartica, no later than 09:00hrs on June 20, 2023 (DPI)

$54M primary school for Hogg Island, Region Three

PUPILS of Hogg Island, Region Three, will benefit from the construction of a primary school to the tune of $54 million, as the government continues to ensure equal access to education countrywide.

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three is inviting bids from eligible persons to execute the work

Bids are also invited for extension works on Bagotville Primary School at a cost of $54 million and the Leonora Secondary School to the tune of $28 million

Interested bidders may inspect the bidding document/s and obtain further information from the regional engineer

Bids must be addressed to the Chairman, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, no later than 9:00 am on June 15, 2023,

Some $12.4 billion was allocated in 2023 to improve education infrastructure across the country.

By ensuring that there are adequate schools to accommodate all students, the administration, led by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, remains committed to improving access to education

The government has embarked on a slew of initiatives to improve the sector since taking office in August 2020, including the introduction of smart classrooms, cash grants, the breakfast programme, construction of educational facilities, the distribution of textbooks, and the incorporation of information and communication technology into the curriculum. (DPI)

Child advocacy centre to be established in Lethem

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud has announced that Lethem, Region Nine will soon have its own Child Advocacy Centre (CAC).

The significant step towards protecting the rights and well-being of children is being brought to fruition, through the collaborative effort of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) ChildLink and Blossom Inc

“We have given both [NGOs] substantial subventions towards the establishment of child advocacy centres and they work in partnership with this ministry to provide support services. So, with ChildLink, there will be the establishment of a child advocacy centre in Region Nine, Lethem,” Minister Persaud told the Department of Public Information (DPI) during a recent interview

The development signifies a proactive approach to-

wards safeguarding children’s rights and creating a safe and nurturing environment for them to grow and thrive.

The centre will offer specialised services designed to efficiently respond to cases of child sexual abuse by ensuring that children have access to a child-safe and child-friendly space to share their stories and get the support needed to overcome the trauma they have suffered

CACs play a pivotal role in coordinating and streamlining services, including medical care, counselling, legal assistance, and social support The centre will be open to all communities, including migrants

The undertaking is all part of the PPP/C Administration’s efforts of expanding childcare programmes and centres countrywide while enhancing the capacity of the Child Care and Protection Agency

Additionally, the ministry’s domestic violence tollfree 914-hotline is sharing the role of providing aid to persons, especially women and girls, who are exposed to domestic abuse, providing them with a safe space to seek help

The service was launched in December 2020 , in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and several telecommunications networks including Digicel Guyana, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), and the Telecommunications Agency

Since the launch, the ministry has taken steps to improve the hotline by ensuring all 914 operators are trained in foreign languages, to assist every victim who makes a report. (DPI)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday June 06, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Napier, NZ, 2015

(2) Jason Holder & Mohammed Tanqir

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the WI openers involved in the first ever WI/UAE ODI game?

(2) Who were the UAE openers?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

South Africa Racing Tips

Vaal 08:35 hrs Samoa

09:10 hrs Arividicio

09:40 hrs Trompie

10:20 hrs Little Prince

English Racing Tips

Leicester

09:00 hrs Hurt You Never 09:30 hrs Raft Up

10:00 hrs Shazam

10:30 hrs Above

11:00 hrs Ziryab

11:35 hrs Fairbanks

12:05 hrs Roaring Ralph

Southwell

09:45 hrs Lomerick

Leader

10:15 hrs Granny Hawkins

10:45 hrs A definite Getaway

11:20 hrs Kincardine

11:50 hrs Appreciate

12:20 hrs Champ Royal Lingfield

12:30 hrs Harry The Haggler

13:00 hrs Pacard

13:30 hrs Victors Dream

14:00 hrs Dark Kestrtel

14:35 hrs Sparked

15:10 hrs Greek Giant

15:45 hrs Glenister

American Racing Tips

Thistledown

Race 1 The Equinest Race 2 When In Rome Race 3 Azure Sky

Race 4 Cantrunwithbigdogs

Race 5 Out For Fun

Race 6 Midnight Mikey

Race 7 Primitivo

Swiatek will face Coco Gauff in French Open quarter- finals

Defending champion Iga Swiatek set up a rematch of last year's French Open final against Coco Gauff by moving into the Roland Garros last eight.

Swiatek, going for a third title on the Paris clay, progressed when Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko retired ill as the Polish player led 5-1 in the first set.

Sixth seed Gauff, 19, beat Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 7-5 6-2.

"Honestly, since last year I have been wanting to play her especially at this tournament," said Gauff about Swiatek.

Tunisia's Ons Jabeur moved into the quarter-finals for the first time with a 6-3 6-1 win over Bernarda Pera.

Jabeur played in the Wimbledon and US Open finals in 2022 but lost in the first round at Roland Garros last year.

Seventh seed Jabeur, 28, will meet Brazilian 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the last eight after she eliminated Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo.

On her return to Roland Garros, a year on from her maiden Grand Slam singles final, Gauff said there was "no point in revisiting" last year's 6-1 6-3 defeat by Swiatek.

Instead, she preferred to "reset" rather than "dwell" on the experience.

What she learned from that loss - from mental and tactical perspectives - might become apparent when she meets world number one Swiatek again.

Gauff has been far from convincing so far in this year's tournament, twice fighting back from a set down in previous rounds, and also coming through

difficult moments against 100thranked Schmiedlova.

A strong start saw Gauff move into a 5-2 lead but she became tight trying to close out the first set, Schmiedlova fighting back to 5-5 before Gauff finally wrapped it up.

Gauff also relinquished an early break in the second set and, after digging deep to hold for 2-2, won the final four games to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the third successive year.

There was more edginess in the final game, however, with back-to-back double faults creating two break points for Schmiedlova.

Gauff showed her resolve to recover but will know the biggest test of where her game is will come against Swiatek on Wednesday.

"I'm the type of mentality, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best," said Gauff. "I think also, if you want to improve, you have to play the best.

"The way my career has

gone so far, if I see a level, and if I'm not quite there at that level, I know I have to improve. I think it would be almost cowardly to say that I want to not face the noise and not face the challenge, but I think that I'm up for it.

"I have improved a lot since last year, and she has too. I think it would be a great battle for us and for the fans too."

Swiatek, 22, has only dropped nine games in her opening four matches, an impressive statistic boosted by 34-year-old Tsurenko's early retirement.

After racing into a 4-0 lead, Swiatek's progress was checked by Tsurenko clawing a break back before there was a lengthy stoppage when the Ukrainian called a doctor onto court.

Tsurenko - who pulled out of a match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka because of a panic attack in March - indicated she was struggling to breathe and had her blood pressure taken.

The world number 66 returned to court but lasted only one more game, allowing Swiatek to progress with an earlier

than expected finish.

abeur has now reached the quarter-finals in all four Grand Slam events after finally enjoying a deeper run at the major event which she grew up watching as a child.

World number 36 Pera, also 28 and playing in her first Grand Slam last-16 match, struggled on Court Philippe Chatrier and did not hold serve.

Jabeur was not at her fluent best and was herself broken three times in the first set and at the start of the second set, but she raced through the final six games, sealing victory in 63 minutes.

On completing the set of major quarter-finals, she said: "I never thought about something was missing or I didn't reach all four of them.

"Maybe it's a good thing. It came and hopefully we'll set it to all semi-finals and then all finals."

Haddad Maia, 27, came back from a set down to win 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 7-5 in an epic encounter which lasted three hours and 51 minutes - the longest match on the WTA Tour in 2023.

Haddad Maia was unable to convert three match points in the ninth game of the deciding set and then served for the match before having her serve broken to make it 5-5.

But she then won the next two games to complete the victory.

"I think the emotion was there for both of us," said Haddad Maia. "I'm very happy and proud that I didn't give up and pushed until my limit and I think I deserved it because of that."

Kane tops Real Madrid’s list to replace Karim Benzema

HARRYarry Kane tops

Real Madrid's wanted list as they look for a replacement for Karim Benzema.

Kane, 29, has a year left on his Tottenham contract and is undecided on his future.

Benzema's departure after 14 years at the club has left the Spanish giants needing a new striker.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez, Chelsea's Kai Havertz and Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic are also on their list of targets.

But 14-time European champions Real are huge admirers of England's record goalscorer Kane and

Miami Heat inflict first home play-off defeat on Denver Nuggets and level series

THE Miami Heat inflicted a first home defeat of the play-off series on the Denver Nuggets to level the NBA Finals at 1-1.

Bam Adebayo sealed the 111-108 win with a pair of free throws with 48.3 seconds remaining.

The Heat were 15 points down in the first half but outscored their opponents 36-25 in the final period.

Miami host game three of the best-of-seven series on Wednesday (Thursday 01:30 BST).

The Heat, who are aiming to become the first eighth-seeded team to win the title, were led by Gabe Vincent (23 points). Adebayo and Jimmy Butler scored 21 apiece in the win.

Nikola Jokic topscored with 41 points for the Nuggets, but the defeat - their first home loss since 30 March - left coach Michael Malone frustrated.

"This is not the pre-season. This is not the regular season. This is the NBA Finals. That to me is really, really perplexing, disappointing."

The Heat, who lost the series opener 104-93, started game two strongly and led by 11 with less than five minutes to play in the first quarter but the Nuggets, with their bench players to the fore, battled back to lead 57-51 at the break.

The Heat tied it up at 66-66 midway through the third quarter but were 83-75 down going in to the deciding period.

However, the visitors went on a 15-2 scoring run, taking the lead for the first time since the first quarter thanks to a Vincent three-pointer with 10:10 to play and never trailed again.

Daniel Levy wants to keep Kane at his boyhood club, though, and is understood to be wanting in excess of £100m, a price tag Real would be reluctant to pay.

Kane has scored 280 goals in 435 appearances for Spurs and is 47 goals shy of Alan Shearer's Premier League goalscoring record of 260.

"Let's talk about effort," said Malone. "I mean, this is the NBA Finals and we're talking about effort. That's a huge concern of mine.

"We had guys out there that were just, whether feeling sorry for themselves for not making shots, or thinking they can just turn it on or off.

"During the fourth quarter, our guys love to compete," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "They love to put themselves out there in those moments of truth.

"Fortunately we were able to make a lot of big defensive plays down the stretch, and then we got a lot of contributions, which you're going to need against a team like this."

are hopeful the exit of several of their high earners this summer can help their bid.

Along with the departure of Benzema, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano

Diaz are also leaving Madrid this summer, boosting their transfer and wage bud-

get by 77m euros (£66m).

Real remain in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over England midfielder Jude Bellingham, with the former Birmingham City player keen to sign.

Tottenham chairman

They have kept hold of him before, two summers ago when he tried to engineer a move to Manchester City.

But with Spurs unable to deliver Champions League football next season and Kane yet to win a major trophy, the forward's future

in north London remains unclear and Real will hope a desire for major trophies will attract him to a move to Spain.

Tottenham are still without a manager as well, after a disappointing campaign ended with Ryan Mason as interim boss, but will open talks with Celtic manager

Ange Postecoglou in the next few days.

The Ballon d'Or-winning Benzema, 35, who joined the Spanish giants from Lyon in 2009, departs Real on a free transfer, having won five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles with Madrid.(BBC Sport).

Teenager Gauff reached the French Open quarter-finals for the third consecutive year

Aaron Gordon tries to block Bam Adebayo's effort

Harry Kane has scored 280 goals in 435 appearances for Spurs

Jack Leach ruled out of Ashes with back stress fracture

ENGLAND spinner Jack

Leach has been ruled out of the men's Ashes after scans revealed he had suffered a lumbar stress fracture. Leach developed "low back symptoms" during the Test victory over Ireland at Lord's and he will now miss the entire series against Australia.

Leach was among in the 16-man squad for the first two Tests announced on Saturday, with England set to name a replacement "in due course" according to an ECB statement.

Leach has been ever-present under Ben Stokes, with the captain trusting him to fulfil a more attacking role in the side. In 13 Tests, he had taken 45 wickets at 38.22, including a maiden ten-wicket haul in the win over New Zealand at Headingley last summer.

The Somerset left-armer is also the only English-qualified spinner to have taken more than 10 wickets in the County Championship this season. Candidates to come into the squad could include Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks and Liam Livingstone, all of whom made Test debuts in Pakistan over the winter,

as well as the previously capped Dom Bess and Liam Dawson.

Leach picked up 3 for 35 in the first innings against Ireland, but struggled for breakthroughs on the third day as Andy McBrine and Mark Adair put on a 163-run stand for the seventh wicket to help avert an innings defeat.

Stokes also turned to Joe Root's offspin at Lord's, and one option for England could

be to select another quick bowler and rely on Root for fill-in overs.

England have already lost the services of Jofra Archer, following the recurrences of his elbow problem, and did not consider either James Anderson or Ollie Robinson for the Ireland Test due to minor injuries. Olly Stone is also currently sidelined, while Jamie Overton is recovering from a back stress fracture - although England's

Gobin, Dhaniram highlight opening rounds of OMSCC tournament

pace stocks were buoyed this week by a five-wicket haul on debut for Josh Tongue. They hope to have Stokes available as an allrounder, as he continues to manage a knee issue, but Leach's injury less than two weeks out from the start of the first Test at Edgbaston only adds to concerns around how to balance the bowling workload.(Cricinfo).

Guyana fail to qualify in Singles in Colombia …action

By Sean Devers

Guyana’s Squash Coach, USA based Guyanese Ramon Chan-a-Sue, is disappointed that Guyana crashed out of individual Singles in both the Men’s and Women’s at the Pan Am Games qualifiers in Cartagena Colombia which commenced last Saturday and concludes on June 10.

Guyana now shifts to the Team event which starts today in hope of qualifying for the Pan Games from October 20 to November 5 in Chile.

shifts

to

Guyana still has opportunities to qualify for the Games in Chile in the doubles and mixed doubles later in the week but biggest hope lies in the women’s team event.

“We had a tough first day (Saturday) of competition in the individuals with only Jason Ray winning his first round match in the morning but then losing to World number 1 last night” lamented Coach Chan-a-Sue.

Led by Nicolette (Fernandes) and Ashley (Khalil) the Guyana foursome, which included Mary Fung-a-Fat

team events today

and Taylor Fernandes are much more experienced from the four that qualified four years ago for the Peru Games.

However, in the Singles Ashley Khalil lost 3-0 to American Marina Stefanoni and Taylor Fernandes lost 3-0 the Canada’s Nikki Todd.

According to Coach Chan-a-Sue, Nicolette was upset by Giselle Delgado from Chile after winning the first two games 11-8, 11-5, but lost the last three 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 to loss the gruelling match 2-3.

“Nicolette was battling with an illness. Mary was not

one of the three for Singles but will play an important role in the team event,” informed Chan-a-Sue who has been national senior Coach for the last nine years.

In the Men’s event, Canadian Rafael Galvez beat Alex Arjoon 3-0, Columbian Gabrial Torrez defeated Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 3-0.

Jason Ray Khalil won his first round game but lost yesterday, The important team event is scheduled to commence this afternoon.

FORMER Guyana Under-19 batsman, Troy Gobin and former senior player Sunil Dhaniram highlighted the opening rounds of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) 2023 season which got underway two weekends ago.

Playing in the Over-50 Division last Saturday, at the Dean Park ground, Gobin slammed a belligerent undefeated 108 to take his team Pegasus Storm to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Dirty Dozen.

Set a challenging 186 for victory, after Dirty Dozen reached 185 for six batting first, Pegasus Storm rushed to victory in 16.3 overs with skipper and opener Gobin leading from the front, smashing four fours and 10 huge sixes.

After adding 31 for the first wicket with Surendra Persaud (nine), Gobin, who led the Over-50 aggregate in 2021 and 2022, featured in three other useful partnerships. He added 41 for second with Ramo Malone, who’s quick-fire 33 was punctuated with five towering sixes, 40 for the third with Jito Narine (10) and an unbeaten 62 for the fourth with Jai Singh (15 not out) as Pegasus Storm canter to an easy win.

Earlier, opener Charlie Yakoob was the star for Dirty Dozen, top scoring with a fine 62, laced with three fours and six sixes while Suresh Persaud hit three fours and two sixes in 37 and skipper Khemraj Budai 34 with one four and four sixes. Khem Singh was the best bowler for Pegasus Storm with three for 26 from his three overs.

In the opening round, played at the same venue, Dhaniram ensured Toronto Blizzards maintained their stranglehold over Pegasus Storm with a dazzling 75 as defending champions Toronto Blizzards made 184 for two in their allotted 20 overs. The elegant left-hander, playing handsomely through the leg-side, stroked three fours and nine sixes and received fine support from Jaimini Singh (36) and Mohan Harihar (25).

Pegasus Storm were restricted to 145 for eight with Malone hitting four fours and three sixes in an even half-century. Jito Narine’s 28 included one four and three sixes as Lal “Dingo” Singh ended with three for 17.

Dhaniram was again among the runs on Saturday, his unbeaten 55, which contained three fours and six sixes piloting Toronto Blizzards to their second win of the season, this time over Remax All Stars at Littles Park. Dhaniram is also the proud owner of the Orange Cap, introduced by the OMSCC for the new season, an initiative of President Orin O’Neil.

Set a paltry 97 for victory, Toronto Blizzards raced to the target in 9.4 overs. The tournament continues this Saturday. (Frederick Halley)

Sunil Dhaniram Troy Gobin

Jack Leach picked up four wickets at Lord's • (Getty Images)

EDFA Namilco ‘Flour Power’ Under-17 football

Dynamics ascend to top of points table

THE East Demerara Football Association’s (EDFA) National Milling Company (NAMILCO) ‘Flour Power’ under-17 football tournament continued last weekend at the Buxton Community Centre ground with four matches; two each on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, Melanie and current league leaders; Dynamics FC registered wins, while on Sunday, Haslington and Beterverwagting/Triumph won their respective matches.

Dynamics FC drubbed

Mahaica 6-0 thanks to an attack that was spearheaded with two braces from Bryan Wharton (25th & 43rd minutes) and Joshua Holder (54th and 60th minutes) after Antwon Grant (11th minute) opened the floodgates. Travis Williams scored the third goal of the match for Dynamics in the 37th minute.

In the opening match

on Saturday, Melanie FC needled Buxton Stars that needed just a draw to remain top of the points. However, Kobe Benjamin’s 68th minute strike in the closely contested clash proved decisive as Melanie continued their purple patch.

On Sunday, Haslington handed Victoria Kings their

fourth loss from five matches played. This time it was a crushing 7-1 result that saw Akini Baynes in the goals again with a four-goal haul while Levon Burke (18th minute), Aaron Thompson (22nd minute) and Isan Williamson (41st minute) each netted once. Kennard Halley scored the consolation for

Lindee, Bennett benefit from ‘Project Cricket Gear’

Victoria Kings in the 50th minute.

In the other match of the day, Beterverwagting/ Triumph eased past Ann’s Grove 2-0 courtesy of one goal each off the heels of Xavier Ignatius (27th minute) and Trevon Drakes (45th minute).

FEMALE player Dinelle

Lindee and Andrew Bennett, both from the rapid rising Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club are the latest young cricketers to benefit from the joint initiative between Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) executive member Anil Beharry and Kishan Das of the USA.

chase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, 57 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from three junior gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 22 bats, two boxes, four helmets, 22 pairs of cricket shoes, 13 pairs of batting pads, two thigh pads, one bat rubber, 19 pairs of batting gloves and one pair of wicket-keeping gloves.

...the tournament will begin on August 30, with the final in Trinidad and Tobago on September 10

Women's CPL 2023 expanded to seven games

THE 2023 edition of the Women's CPL will feature seven matches, as opposed to four in the inaugural season last year. The league will l get underway on August 30, with the final taking place on September 10 in Trinidad and Tobago.

As was the case last year, the sides taking part are Trinbago Knight Riders, Barbados Royals and Guyana Amazon Warriors. Barbados will serve as the other venue for the tournament.

In 2022, each side played one group game, before TKR, led by Deandra Dottin, beat Barbados Royals, who were captained by current West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews, in the final in St Kitts.

This time around, the group stage will feature a double round-robin format, with the top two qualifying for the final.

"We are hugely excited

to have an expanded WCPL schedule for 2023 and we are grateful to the government of Trinidad & Tobago for their support in helping to grow the tournament in 2023," Pete Russell, the CPL CEO, said. Minister of Sport and Community Development

Shamfa Cudjoe said: "Once again, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is pleased to partner with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as we get ready to host the final match of the 2023 Women's CPL. The hosting of this game comes at

an opportune time as it strategically aligns with the goal of the Ministry's ongoing Pink Reign TT campaign, which speaks to promoting women and girls in sport."

The scheduling of the WCPL means the tournament avoids a clash with the Women's Hundred this year, with that competition running from August 1 to 27. It allows Matthews and Dottin to be available for the entirety of the Hundred before the WCPL starts, and frees other players signed up to both tournaments to play each in full. There was a significant overlap last year, with the final of the Women's Hundred on September 3 and the WCPL final the following day.

Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Ayabonga Khaka, Chamari Athapaththu, Hayley Jensen and Fatima Sana were the overseas players at the 2022 WCPL.(Cricinfio)

Lindee, who represented Berbice Senior and Junior teams, is a wicketkeeper/batter, was the recipient of pair of wicket-keeping gloves while Bennett, a right arm leg- spinner/batsman, collected one cricket bat.

At a simple ceremony held recently, the two 18-yearolds expressed gratitude for the assistance and promised to work hard on their game. The project is impressed with the youth and general development of this relatively young cricket club and is delighted for the opportunities the club provide for the young people in the community. Special mention was made of the coach Ameer Rahaman.

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far:

$370,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 17 pairs of cricket boots, 30 pairs of batting pads, 31 cricket bats, 28 pairs of batting gloves, 21 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, four arm guards, two boxes, nine cricket bags, six bat rubbers and six helmets. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicket-keeper/batsman. According to Beharry, all cash collected is being used to pur-

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree

Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club collected 13 coloured uniforms while RHCCCC got two, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket- keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board, along with the Town of Lethem were also recipients of gear while youth coach Travis Persaud received one box of red balls.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth program, will also benefit.

Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on

Dinelle Lindee receives wicket-keeping gloves from Balram Samaroo

Andrew Bennett collects bat from Ameer Rahaman

From left, Haslington Kings goal scorers, Isan Williamson, Aaron Thompson, Levron Burke and Akini Baynes

Last year, St Kitts hosted all four games • Randy Brooks - CPL T20 / Getty

World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval

Indian batting takes on Australian pace for Test honours

A duel between India's formidable top order and Australia's fiery pace attack could determine who comes out on top when the World Test Championship (WTC) final gets underway at The Oval tomorrow.

India have dominated, both home and away, the recent duels between the Test heavyweights, who claimed the top two spots after a twoyear cycle to book their place for the final.

India also reached the final of the inaugural WTC in 2021 when New Zealand bested Virat Kohli's side in a rain-marred contest in Southampton.

Rohit Sharma has since replaced Kohli in the saddle, but injuries to key personnel and the English conditions will ensure the antagonists are on even terms heading into the one-off contest.

India have recalled Ajinkya Rahane to reinforce their batting line-up, which will have to be at its best to negate the Australian attack.

Eyes will be on Shubman Gill, considered the best thing to have happened to Indian cricket since Kohli, following the opener's sublime cross-format display this year.

India will also be relying on Cheteshwar Pujara's obduracy, Kohli's class and Rahane's resilience to counter the likes of Australia captain Pat Cummins and his pace colleague Mitchell Starc.

They will be without stumper-batter Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a horrific car crash in December, as well as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who remains

sidelined following back surgery.

Mohammed Shami will lead India's pace attack instead, but they are yet to make up their mind on whether to harness a second spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, with allrounder Ravindra Jadeja.

For Cummins and Co, the WTC final is the first of three major campaigns this year, along with the Ashes series against England that immediately follows and the 50-overs World Cup in India in October-November.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood lost his race to be fit for the WTC final, but Australia have a potent replacement in Scott Boland.

Allrounder Cameron Green will be expected to play a key role, but individually no one will have more at stake than opener David Warner.

The 36-year-old is battling to stretch his test career to fulfil his wish of quitting the format after the Sydney test against Pakistan next January.

Opening partner Usman Khawaja has been in rich form, but Australia will be looking to Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, currently the top-ranked test batter, to provide the bedrock of their innings.

The duo will head into the match better prepared for the conditions than most, courtesy of their county stints with Sussex and Glamorgan respectively.

The WTC final will once again be a party without hosts with England failing to make the cut after debacles in Australia and West Indies last year.

Under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon 'Baz' McCullum, England have

Installation of Synthetic Track in Linden completed

…open for training from next week

since reinvented themselves with an entertaining brand of ultra-attacking game.

Batting great Ricky Ponting wants both India and Australia to replicate England's 'Bazball' approach at The Oval.

"Both captains and both teams in this final deserve to show the world that test match cricket can be played in an aggressive manner and always looking to win the game," the Australian said at a WTC event.

(MATCH OFFICIALS FOR THE WTC FINAL)

Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand) and Richard Illingworth (England)

Third Umpire: Richard Kettleborough (England)

Fourth Umpire: Kumar

Dharmasena (Sri Lanka)

Match referee: Richie Richardson (West Indies)

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., announced Saturday that the installation of the synthetic track in Linden has been completed and will open for athletes to train from next week.

Over the past weeks, the German company, Regupol BSW, led the meticulous installation process at the Bayroc Facility.

Builders Hardware and General Supplies was given the nod for the facility's construction to the tune of $179 million.

Attention will now turn to the completion of stands other amenities, including an area for football in the middle.

The Track will complement the transformation of the Mackenzie Sports Club to international standard and other infrastructural development for sport in Linden. Another Synthetic Track is being developed in New Amsterdam, Berbice, which will complement the track located on the West Coast of Demerara.

Plans are currently afoot to have the surface at the West Demerara Facility re-laid.

WTC captains Rohit Sharma (India) and Pat Cummins Australia

An aerial view of the Synthetic Track at Bayroc, Linden