Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-03-2023

Guyana secures over US$220M

–– in financing from IDB to support enhancement of East Bank Demerara Highway, healthcare sector advancement, national quality infrastructure

By Tamica Garnett

GUYANA, on Monday, signed three loan agreements with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to access over US$220 million in financing for enhancements along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Highway, strengthening of the healthcare sector and national quality infrastructure (NQI).

The agreements were signed in Trinidad and Tobago on the sidelines of the IDB Group’s XI Consultation of Caribbean Governors being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh signed the agreement on behalf of Guyana, while IDB President,

Ilan Goldfajn, signed on behalf of the lending institution.

Making brief remarks at the signing, Goldfajn related the bank’s pleasure to be entering the agreements that will contribute to massive development in Guyana.

“These loans are in the areas that are priority areas. Guyana is growing and we are very lucky to be part of this growth,” Goldfajn said.

Dr. Singh, in his remarks, thanked the IDB for its strong support to Guyana’s development effort.

“The IDB has been a reliable and dependable development partner to Guyana

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh signing one of the loan agreements

Dr. Jagan’s teachings remain constant with reality –– President Ali says

By Shamar Meusa

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan

Ali has said that Former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan’s philosophy of supporting the working class in Guyana lives on with the policies being implemented by the People’s Progress Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government today.

The Head of State made those remarks at an event which honoured the life and work of the late president on the occasion of his 26th death anniversary.

Dr Jagan was hailed as one of the greatest political figures of the Western Hemisphere by President Ali.

The Head of State said the former president was a political giant of profound principles who was committed to the working class.

As such, he said that the ideas that the former president taught were built around the values of freedom, democracy, equality, fairness and the upliftment of all.

Dr Jagan, President Ali related, lived ahead of his time and as a result, his teachings remain consistent with reality.

President Ali said: “So, one may say 26 years after, how realistic are the ideas of this man, how applicable are the ideas of this man, but his teachings remain constant with reality, his ideas remain constant… that is why his life is still applicable to

ness of a better tomorrow, he presented them alternatives that gave them a boost in their morale, a boost in their confidence that their children and their lives will be better tomorrow,” President Ali said.

“This proposition is totally misguided… Comrade Cheddi understood the relationship between growth, development and advancement of society… everything we do is to elevate the working class of Guyana,” Dr Ali affirmed.

private sector and investments in projects meant to benefit the people.

the government policy,” the Head of State said.

the social, political, economic transformation of Guyana and the region.”

Speaking of Dr Jagan’s commitment to the working class, Dr Ali said that for one to believe that the working class is an exclusion of every other section of society would be an injustice to his legacy.

The former president had a special connection to the working class and it was not just a case where he decided to be a champion for them, but also the fact that he became one because of where he came from and his history.

“He presented to the working class, a hopeful-

Against this backdrop, he remarked that the party that Jagan left is one of the working class and is a fact that cannot be escaped as it remains a foundational pillar of the PPP/C.

Giving some examples of the continued commitment to this philosophy, Dr Ali said that when his government takes care of pensioners, puts the sugar workers back to work, and takes care of Indigenous peoples, it shows that the party was built to take care of the people.

To this end, he said that it is important to note that while the PPP/C remains wedded to the working class and uplifts this class, some people adopt the myopic view that to be pro-working class means to oppose the business class.

With this, he said that to have more to distribute to the poor, the national “pie” must be enlarged.

Clarifying the way in which the government is growing the national pie, Dr Ali said it is happening through support for the

The Head of State further said that growth is not an end in itself, but is a means to an end to ensure there are greater benefits for the people; this means keeping sectors and industries alive and ensuring employment for working men and women.

“If we are to live his legacy, then we have to ensure that we continuously manage in a way in which his legacy reflects

Dr Jagan was a leader of the PPP/C, which he co-founded in 1950 and served as the Premier of British Guyana from 1961 to 1964 and later as President of Guyana from 1992 until he died in 1997.

While serving as President, he implemented several policies that were aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Guyanese and reducing poverty and inequality in Guyana.

Here a popular quote from Dr. Jagan in 1987:

“My parents made the necessary sacrifices for my formal education. My wife insisted that though bread is important, man does not live by bread alone; that life is not just two cars in every garage and two chickens in every pot. Karl Marx made me understand what makes the world go around. Our own heroes and Lenin, Gandhi and King taught me how to change Guyana and inspired me to struggle: Gandhi for independence, King for equality and against racism, Lenin for socialism. And my comrades’ steadfastness gave me the strength to continue, especially in times of adversity.’’

President, Dr Irfaan Ali (Adrian Narine photo)

Guyana secures over...

over the long term.

The strength of this partnership is evidenced not least in the three agreements we are going to be signing today, supporting critical investment in three areas that go to the core of Guyana’s government’s development agenda,” Dr. Singh said.

He added: “These are three extremely important operations and we want to thank the IDB for your support and we look forward to continued and strong support in the months and years ahead.”

The first individual loan

contract is for financing under the “Health Care Network Strengthening” in Guyana, where the bank will finance up to US$160 million through the Conditional Credit Line Investment Project (CCLIP) and up to US$97 million in the first individual operation with resources from its ordinary capital.

The objective of this programme is to improve the health of the Guyanese population through increased access, quality and efficiency of health services.

This investment will support the expansion of the capacity of seven hospitals

across coastland and interior communities, extend coverage of diagnostic exams and medical consultations, advance medical services, and increase access to a more efficient public health system.

This project is expected to benefit a significant portion of Guyana’s population including the Indigenous communities, with interventions in all 10 of the country’s regions.

“This investment is in the public healthcare system, in particular the rehabilitation and or expansion and or establishment of new hospitals in seven different

mation, Communication and Technology (ICT) for telemedicine solutions which is an excellent innovation, will completely transform the healthcare enjoyed by the remote population in Guyana,” Dr. Singh related.

The second loan contract is for the “Programme to Support Climate Resilient Road Infrastructure Development”, which will advance Guyana’s safe, efficient and climate resilient road and associated infrastructure.

Regarding this loan, the bank will finance up to US$117 million with resources from its ordinary capital.

The programme’s specific objectives are to improve road service quality and utility service, along the East Bank Demerara corridor through road and corresponding utility infrastructure improvements.

The EBD corridor is extremely critical given increased economic activities and its connectivity to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Soesdyke to Linden Highway and future development of Silica City, an initiative of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

“This is for transportation infrastructure which is absolutely critical. In particular, this project will support the rehabilitation of the East Bank Demerara Highway which is a major artery in

Guyana. Given the rapid growth that is taking place in Guyana, it is a major roadways that is already severely congested,” Dr. Singh said.

The third loan contract is for the reformulation and additional financing to the programme entitled, “Enhancing the National Quality Infrastructure for Competitiveness.”

The objective of the additional financing is to support economic competitiveness, with a specific objective to support the adoption of quality standard among Guyanese micro, small and medium enterprises.

The bank will provide up to US$8 million through additional financing with resources from its ordinary capital.

A major investment that will be made under this loan is the establishment of a new and modern world class state-of-the-art laboratory to be operated by the Guyana National Bureau of Standard.

“That lab is an absolutely critical role in standards and certification which has taken on new and enhanced importance given the changes taking place in the Guyanese economy.

It’s important for us to be compliant with international standards and certified with international standards in all areas that we operate,” Dr. Singh said.

IDB President, Ilan Goldfajn, signing one of the loan agreements

F

page 2

GNBS receives prestigious metrology award

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) was awarded the prestigious Metrology Award from the International Organisation for Legal Metrology (OIML) based in Paris, France.

The Countries and Economies with Emerging Metrology Systems (CEEMS) award aims to promote the OIML’s work while increasing knowledge of legal metrology and fostering a more supportive environment for it.

This award for excellent achievements in legal metrology in developing countries intends to acknowledge and honour new and outstanding activities achieved by organisations significantly contributing to legal metrology objectives on national and regional levels.

Annually, the GNBS conducts 35,000 verifications of measuring instruments across the country.

The handing over was held at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and

Commerce, Georgetown on Monday.

Minister, Oneidge Walrond during remarks highlighted that government will continue to implement direct policies for Guyana to be competitive on the international stage.

“It is a result of the direct vision and intervention of a

government that understands that our competitiveness and for us to stand amongst the first world in terms of product delivery, services, and for our products to withstand international scrutiny, we need to have these kinds of recognition internationally,” she underscored.

“We are getting the rec-

ognition for the hard work that the GNBS has undertaken to earn this recognition but also as a government. Standards may be confusing for many people like why are standards important? Standards and measurements are some things that we take for granted. It is important to the legal metrology because it

is about the regulations and setting a legal framework for us to develop and grow,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, Head of the Industrial Metrology and Testing Department (IMT) at GNBS, Donna Canterbury noted that the GNBS is extremely proud to be recognised and presented with this award.

“As our country’s economy and global trade expands and increases, the Bureau has been working not only to improve but also to increase its services offered to businesses across all industries.”

She extended gratitude to OIML for recognising the work being executed at the Bureau.

With support from the government, the GNBS has increased its capacity to perform the verification of bulk metres, tank gauging, and the witnessing of the custody transfers of crude oils on the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Canterbury noted that significant strides are being

made to encourage the usage of the metric system across all sectors.

Further, the GNBS has acquired new equipment to conduct the verification of breathalyzers and speed guns based on the demands of the Guyana Police Force and other stakeholders.

Work is ongoing to commence the verification of net content on pre-packaged products available on supermarkets’ shelves.

GNBS became a member of the OIML in legal metrology in 2021.

The OIML established the ‘Excellent Achievements in Legal Metrology in Developing Countries’ Award in 2009 to draw attention to the significance of legal metrology operations in CEEMS and to encourage their progress.

Head of Legal Metrology at GNBS, Shailendra Rai, GNBS’ Communications Officer, Bibi Khatoon, other staff of the bureau and ministry were also in attendance. (DPI)

PSC, BoG agree there is no overall shortage of foreign currency

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC), in association with the Guyana Association of Bankers Incorporated, on Monday held cordial discussions with Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga regarding the ongoing challenges faced by local companies in accessing foreign exchange.

According to a press release from the PSC, stakeholders agreed that despite there being a shortage of foreign currency at some banks, there is no overall shortage of foreign exchange in Guyana, given that the aggregate supply of foreign exchange is meeting the aggregate demand, and, therefore, the market remains in equilibrium.

The Governor of the Bank confirmed that while there is an intra-bank market

which enables banks to share, the Central Bank must rely on moral persuasion in an effort to achieve a more efficient distribution of foreign currency availability, while emphasising the

fact that it is the responsibility of the Central Bank to ensure that the government meets its macro-economic objectives.

The PSC, the Bankers’ Association

and the Bank of Guyana have all agreed to address the issues raised and promised to collaborate and work together for the benefit of all concerned.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Head of the Industrial Metrology and Testing Department (IMT) at GNBS, Donna Canterbury; Head of Legal Metrology at GNBS, Shailendra Rai; and Communications Officer Bibi Khatoon (DPI)

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) in association with the Guyana Association of Bankers Incorporated today held cordial discussions with Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga with regard to ongoing challenges faced by local companies in accessing foreign exchange

Good Over Evil

TODAY, Guyanese from all walks of life, more particularly Hindus, will celebrate the ancient Spring Festival Phagwah, also called Holi or the Festival of Colours.

The story of the Holi has been passed down from generation to generation, and is a celebration of good over evil.

It has its genesis in the story of a tyrannical king, Hiranyakashyapu, who tried all he could to kill his son Prahalad because the boy refused to worship him as a god.

According to legend, the king, overwhelmed by wealth, lust, deceitfulness, and arrogance, became blind to his real purpose in life, and eventually thought of himself to be God, and the only one worthy of worship.

His son Prahalad, given in divine birth, while recognising the importance of obedience to parents, also recognised that no mortal should be treated as a divine being.

King Hiranyakashyapu’s action flourished as it happened at a time when his Kingdom was in moral decay, but

even with this, his son remained a devotee of Lord Vishnu (the Sustainer of the Universe).

And the purpose of his birth was to help correct the unrighteousness that prevailed, allowing for the restoration of decency, piety, and uprightness, which were lost to arrogance, greed, and lust.

In circumstances of the latter, God advents himself as summarised in the Holi scripture, the Bhagavat Gita (Songs of the Divine) Chapter: four; verses: six and seven.

“Whenever there is decay of righteousness and there is exaltation of unrighteousness, then I myself come forth for the protection of good, for the destruction of evildoers, for the sake of firmly establishing righteousness; I am born from age to age.”

Prince Prahalad’s birth was not a case of happenstance but one geared at restoring God’s authority, which eventually saw the advent of the Lord.

The despotic king was granted a boon by Brahma (the Creator) that he would not be killed by any living

or non-living creature created by him (Brahma); will not die within or outside his residence during the day or night, on the ground or in the sky, or by any weapon; and have no worthy rival in the battlefield.

These powers made the king change from being a devotee of God to believing that he was no longer a mortal and had become God.

Never failing in his promise, and always a preserver of righteousness, the Lord visited King Hiranyakashyapu as a half-man, half-lion at twilight (which is neither day nor night); on the verge of his courtyard (which is neither indoors nor out); and put the king on his thighs (which is neither earth nor space). And using his nails (neither animate nor inanimate) as weapons he slayed the evil king.

In doing so, the Lord established that unrighteousness, arrogance, haughtiness, and all other evils have no permanent place in society or anywhere else on earth.

Regardless of power and stature, all bad things must come to an end; and it is within this context that Phagwah is celebrated as the triumph of good over evil.

It also implores upon all to be clean in thoughts and actions since these are imperative for a transparent, progressive, and respectful society.

The celebration of good over evil is a celebration of unity, a celebration of togetherness, and a celebration of courage to shun evil acts.

These help us to understand that similarities are more important than differences in this transitory life and all should be humble in the presence of the Lord.

Today, Guyanese from all walks of life will be smearing each other in a variety of colours in much fun and frolic.

These colours are symbols in the sense that there is unity in diversity, but a more salient message would be for all to be like Prahalad—remain humble and always eschew evil. Happy Holi to all!

Guyana building world-class regulatory environment

–– VP Jagdeo tells stakeholders during CERAWeek 2023 discussion

THE government’s intention is to create a world-class regulatory environment which would be consistent with the highest industry standards and encouraging for investments, Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said during a CERAWeek 2023 discussion on Monday.

“We want to emerge as a predictable environment where our regulations dictate the highest industry standards, but they don’t become a humbug to the development of the industry. And, on the fiscal side, we want a lot of incentives remaining with people so that they can invest in Guyana so that we remain attractive, but at the same time we want a greater take for the country and the people of the country,” Jagdeo said.

Part of this process is the creation of a model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), which would be used to guide future deals with investors.

This is being done at a time when Guyana is preparing to auction 14 oil blocks. The country is among 65 countries that will be launching auctions of oil blocks, and as such the government worked along with international consultant, IHS Markit Consulting, to offer the best terms that will see the country remaining competitive while also getting a fair deal.

“These are key fiscal conditions. We know already funds are scarce [for oil-and-gas exploration], largely because of net zero targets. It is more and more difficult to finance the oil-and-gas sector. IHS Markit assured us at this level, although they [the conditions] may

seem high to some people, that we will remain very competitive,” Dr. Jagdeo had said.

He added too: “Some will believe we’re taking too much; others will complain we should have taken everything under the sun. We opted for a simple formula with fixed royalties. Some countries have variable royalty depending on internal rate of return; we did not go with that complex system. We opted for a simple system which can be understood by everyone. The fixed royalty protects against when oil prices drop.”

The new fiscal terms and other conditions will not be applicable to existing contracts. Outside of the fiscal terms, there will also be other ways in which the government will be moving forward with a stronger PSA to derive lucrative benefits from the oil-and- gas sector.

“We’re working on a model PSA and also a new legislation to update the one from 1986. So, it is not fit for purpose today and we want to ensure that even before the bid round is completed, that the potential bidders would see what the new PSA looks like,” Jagdeo said on Monday.

The Vice-President said that the government believes in stability and predictability but never a capricious government.

It was reported recently that a new petroleum production bill to update and modernise

Guyana’s existing legislation in the sector is currently in the pipeline and will be made public shortly.

This was according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall S.C., during last Tuesday’s edition of his weekly show, Issues in the News.

During the live broadcast, he said that while Guyana has a Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, which was enacted in the 1980s, the government is working on a new petroleum production bill.

The previous act, Nandlall said, was enacted when the country was not a petroleum producer and since Guyana has moved successfully into that sector, the current piece of legislation has become outmoded and cannot be a proper regulatory framework for the current sector.

“We have recognised that a long time ago, and we are working on a brand-new bill that will take into account and will address the modern realities of Guyana as an oil and gas producer. So, that is in the pipeline and that will be made public shortly,” he said.

Additionally, Nandlall related that there are some other related legislations that the government is working on as it relates to the oil and gas sector, and in due time those will all be made public.

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo

By Indrawattie Natram

THE Festival of Colours, Phagwah, is one of the most eagerly awaited Hindu celebrations in Guyana and is a favorite among Essequibians, es-

pecially Hindus.

Phagwah’s significance, celebration enhances festival — Pandit Sharma

All ethnicities celebrate it in the region, and for the past two years, Hindus did not get to celebrate the festival in open spaces due to the coronavirus.

This year, it is much anticipated since the Guy-

says

ana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has many events to commemorate the festival.

The commercial businesses have stocked their shelves with colour pow-

der and beverages almost a week before the celebration.

As Guyanese celebrate the much-anticipated festival, Pandit Chandrasekhar Sharma in Region Two urged persons to stick to the festival’s significance.

In an exclusive interview, Pandit Sharma said that Guyana is a multi-diverse nation, and he is happy that people are excited to celebrate the festival. He urged persons, as they cover each other with the colour of spring, to bear in mind the true significance, which is a triumph of good over evil.

He said that it is a festival that is preserved, and it unites persons irrespective of religious preferences.

“At Holi time, everyone comes together living in unity and togetherness. Love and togetherness is vital and prevalent,” Pandit Sharma said.

He called on the celebrants to be thankful for the great bounty of life

bestowed upon them. He urged people to live in harmony which he said the festival portrays.

PHAGWAH DAY

On the day of Phagwah, many temples conduct services, after which members usually walk around the village embracing each other.

On the night before Phagwah, a few persons would be gathered around the bonfire to witness the burning of “Holika”.

This signifies Good over evil. For many tra -

ditions in Hinduism, Holi celebrates the killing of “Holika” the sister of King Hiranyakaspur, who wanted to kill his son Prahlad. Prahlad was a true devotee of God Vishnu, and as such, his father was not appreciative; instead, he wanted him to worship him. Prahlad refused to let his father’s influence affect his devotion to Lord Vishnu; hence, the King got angry and arranged to burn his son on the lap of his sister Holika who had a saree immune to fire. But instead, the sister was burned to ashes and Prahlad was saved by God. This year, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo Praant will host two Phagwah melas, on March 7 at the Reliance Community Ground and March 12 at the Anna Regina Car Park. The Anna Regina Car Park is where the hub of activity is held. At the venue, thousands of people witnessed the cultural programme.

The Festival of Colours, Phagwah, is one of the most eagerly awaited Hindu celebrations in Guyana and is a favorite among Essequibians

Pandit Chandrasekhar Sharma

Region Two well positioned for significant boost in tourism

— says Minister Persaud, declares government’s commitment to providing necessary infrastructure

By Indrawattie Natram

WITH an increase in investments, the latest being a US$3.5 million hotel at Anna Regina, Region Two can expect to see a significant boost in its tourism sector in the near future.

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud, who on Monday attended the sod-turning ceremony for the Lakeside International Hotel, which will create dozens of jobs.

Persaud said that the investment will result

in a significant boost in the tourism amenities in the region.

He noted that the Government of Guyana is making every effort to support the tourism sector by providing the necessary infrastructure across the region.

“The tourism-supporting infrastructure is a priority and we are seeing that unfold rapidly with the construction of roads to the lakes (Capoey and Mainstay), the floating ramp and the parking lot at Supenaam

the various establishments are on par with the global traveller’s expectations.

He told the gathering that the Essequibo Coast is currently being promoted as an exciting tourism corridor and as such, the government will be making a lot more investments in the region.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of Lakeside Hotel, Dr Dave Sawh, said that the project is close to his heart and makes him nostalgic.

The hotel will have 45 luxurious rooms with all the necessary

to visitors.

Dr Sawh said that Essequibo has made him love nature and he is happy to make the investment in the region.

The construction of the hotel will be done by Dr Sawh and his cousin Rishi Chinapen, who are both overseas-based Guyanese.

“The government has enabled the environment for investors to have confidence and I will like to thank the government and GO-Invest for everything,” Dr Sawh said.

Chief Executive Officer of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop, in his remarks said that the investment is occurring at a time when Guyana is developing and transforming.

He said that the government made a commitment to the region to create jobs through investment and already several call centres have been built.

Stelling …” Persaud said.

Minister Persaud said that traveller experience is being addressed with the online booking of the ferry which has tremendously improved the experience and reduced the hassle that was previously encountered.

According to the minister, the region can only provide outstanding experiences if the services provided by

amenities that will match international standards. The hotel will boast five floors which will include a lobby area, office and conference/banquet hall.

The rooms will be on three floors and there will be a dedicated floor to accommodate private functions and conferences. There will also be a bar and a restaurant that will offer the finest cuisine

“I want to thank persons from the private sector, who all contributed to the region’s development. It makes the region a better region. The growth is happening,” Dr Ramsaroop said.

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva said that the region’s tourism sector is blossoming and she is happy that the investors have confidence in its economy.

She noted that Region Two is developing in all sectors and more and more people now want to visit.

A model of the Lakeside International Hotel which will be constructed by two overseas-based Guyanese

The sod being turned for the new hotel at Anna Regina

Four persons die in Greenwich Park accident

A MINIBUS driver and three passengers died Monday after a gruesome accident around 09:30 hrs along the Greenwich Park Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.

The accident involved minibus BWW 8364, driven by the now dead 50-year-old Vernon Prowell, of Bent St Wortmanville, Georgetown, and motor lorry GZZ 2285, driven by 38-year-old Ewart Stewart, of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.

According to the police, enquiries disclosed that Stewart was proceeding east along the northern side of Greenwich Park Public

Road, reportedly at a fast rate of speed, approaching a pedestrian crossing, while Prowell, the minibus driver, was proceeding in the opposite direction.

Stewart, the police said, claimed that a black motorcar, HD 1708, was proceeding in front of him in the said direction and made a sudden stop at the pedestrian crossing. On seeing this, the lorry driver said he applied the brake and swerved right to avoid colliding with the motorcar in front of him.

In the process, the lorry collided with the rightside front portion of minibus BWW 8364, which was proceeding in the opposite direction.

As a result of the impact, passengers in the minibus, a 72-year-old female, Margaret Kennedy of Tuschen; Olga Reddy, a 57-year-old female of Parika; and Elvis Charles, a 40-year-old male of Ruby, EBE, received injuries about their bodies, and were escorted to Leonora Cottage Hospital where they all died while receiving medical treatment.

Prowell, and passengers Stella Parhoo, a 73-year-old female of Parika, and Severn Austin, a 44-year-old male of Den Amstel, were seen and examined by Dr. Outar and transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for further treatment.

Prowell was then transferred to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Shemar Alleyne, a 21-year-old of Tuschen; Selmont Brisport, a 64-year-old of Tuschen; Samuel Ramdas, a 46-year-old male of Ruby Backdam, and Junior Jack, a 25-year-old male of Tuschen were seen and examined by Dr. Outar who later admitted them as patients at the Leonora Cottage Hospital. They were all occupants of minibus BWW 8364.

A breath analysis was conducted on the lorry driver, with the result of .00 per cent.

The four bodies are at the Ezekiel Funeral Parlor, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Scenes from the accident at Greenwich Park Public Road which claimed four lives

Achieving common security for all countries entails unity, cooperation in international community

By Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana

PEACE and development are the common aspirations of all peoples in the world. As the COVID-19 pandemic has eased, countries should have seized the opportunity to focus on economic recovery and accelerating development.

Unfortunately, the world today is far from tranquil due to a complex interplay of security challenges such as major country competition, geopolitical conflicts, political turmoil, natural disasters, and energy and food crises. Human society faces multiple security dilemmas like never before.

What security concepts does the world need? How can countries achieve common security? These are the questions of this era facing us all. In 2022, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI), calling on countries to adapt to the profoundly changing international landscape in the spirit of solidarity, and address the complex and intertwined security challenges with a win-win mindset.

The GSI aims to eliminate the root causes of international conflicts, improve global security governance, encourage joint international efforts to bring more stability and certainty to a volatile and changing era, and promote durable peace and development in the world. It has been warmly received by over 80 countries and regional organizations including Guyana.

Recently, China officially released The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper. The concept paper expounds the core ideas and principles of the GSI, identifies the priorities, platforms and mechanisms of cooperation, and demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility for safeguarding world peace and firm resolve to defend global security. The GSI concept paper is underpinned by “six commitments”.

1. Stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. “Common security” is to respect and safeguard the security of every country; “comprehensive security” is to maintain security in both traditional

and non-traditional domains; “cooperative security” is to bring about security through political dialogue and peaceful negotiation; “sustainable security” is to resolve conflicts through development and eliminating the breeding ground for insecurity.

2. Stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. Sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs are basic principles of international law and the most fundamental norms governing contemporary international relations. We believe all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. Their internal affairs brook no external interference; their sovereignty and dignity must be respected. There should be no practicing of double standards on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

3. Stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter embody the deep reflection by people around the world on the bitter lessons of the two world wars. They are humanity’s institutional design for collective security and lasting peace. To effectively implement the purposes and principles, all countries should practice true multilateralism, and uphold the authority of the UN and its status as the main platform for global security governance. The Cold War mentality, unilateralism, bloc confrontation and hegemonism contradict the spirit of the UN Charter and must be resisted and rejected.?

4. Stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously. All countries are equal in terms of security interests. The legitimate and reasonable security concerns of any country should be taken seriously and addressed properly; not persistently ignored or systemically challenged.

Humanity is an indivisible security community. Security of one country should not come at the expense of that of others, and security of a region cannot be ensured by strengthening or even expanding military blocs. The enduring solution to global security challenges lies in upholding the principle of

indivisible security. There should be a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, so as to realize universal security and common security.

5. Stay committed to

peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation. Neither military aid nor unilateral sanctions are the fundamental solution to

disputes; instead, they will only drive the crisis into prolongation and expansion, displacing more people, exacerbating the food

Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana See page 12

Achieving common security for all countries entails unity, cooperation in international ...

and energy crises, and disrupting the world more severely.

Only dialogue and consultation are effective in resolving differences. Major countries must uphold justice, fulfill their due responsibilities, support con-

From page 11 sultation on an equal footing, and facilitate talks for peace, play good offices and mediate in light of the needs and will of the countries concerned.

Recently, on the oneyear anniversary of the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis, China released “China’s Position on the Political

Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis”, proposing a solution to the crisis that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes, clarifying China’s position of always standing on the merits and abiding by objectivity and impartiality, which has been widely recognized by the international community.

6. Stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. No country can stay unaffected or become a lone island. Countries should work together to tide over the international security threats, such as regional disputes, terrorism, climate change and those

related to cyber-security and bio-security.

The GSI is rooted in the fine traditional Chinese culture that values peace above everything else, and is inspired by China’s independent foreign policy of peace and its practices. Over the years, China has held high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, fulfilled its responsibility for world peace, and contributed its level best to global security as a responsible major country.

China remains the only country that has put the commitment to peaceful development in its Constitution. China has never started a war, never occupied one inch of foreign land, never engaged in proxy wars, and never participated in or organized any military bloc. Among the major countries, China has the best peace and security record.

China is the first founding member of the United Nations to sign on the UN Charter. It firmly upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and advocates respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. China has dispatched the most peacekeepers among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. It is the second largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget.

China is the only one among the five nuclear-weapon states that has pledged no-first-use of nuclear weapons, contributing significantly to maintaining global strategic stability. China is committed to the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation processes. China has joined over 20 multilateral arms control treaties, and firmly upheld the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

China is committed to following a Chinese approach to resolving hotspot issues, playing a constructive role on Ukraine, the Middle East, the Iranian nuclear, the Korean Peninsula, and Afghanistan among other issues.

China is committed to meeting global challenges. China has made robust efforts to implement the Paris climate agreement, provided

more than 2.2 billion doses of COVID vaccines to over 120 countries and international organizations, put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security and the International Cooperation Initiative on Global Food Security, and promoted the establishment of the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership. China will continue advancing international cooperation on counter-terrorism, disaster relief, climate change, public health, among others, combat transnational organised crime, and contribute its share to tackling non-traditional security threats.

The GSI is rooted in true multilateralism and is an important public good in the field of international security. It is open and inclusive; not closed and exclusive. We welcome all peace-loving and development-oriented countries and parties to participate in this initiative, which is by no means a solo of China, but a symphony performed by all partners.

For Latin American and Caribbean region, we support regional countries in actively fulfilling commitments stated in the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and support the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and other regional and sub-regional organizations in playing active roles in upholding regional peace and security and properly handling regional hotspots.

Hon. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said: “China’s Global Security Initiative establishes a framework for addressing the world’s security challenges. The Global Security Initiative is predicated on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and a commitment towards the peaceful resolution of disputes. All of these principles constitute the essential pillars of Guyana’s foreign relations.”

China wishes to stand in solidarity and cooperate with Guyana, the Caribbean region and all countries in the world for a brighter future of lasting peace and universal security.

ExxonMobil given two months to respond to cost-oil audit

–– VP Jagdeo says

THE cost-recovery audit of the 2018 to 2020 expenses of ExxonMobil Guyana’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has been submitted and is being sent to ExxonMobil for responses on the findings.

ExxonMobil now has two months to go through the audit and respond to the findings. This was explained by Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, during a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

“Like in any audit, you have to send it and they have to give explanations as to all the findings. Once that’s done, we can say we accept or we don’t accept [their explanations]. If there is a dispute, there is a dispute resolution arrangement there. So, let us await their responses. It’s an area that we will pay a lot of attention to,” the Vice-President related.

The cost-oil audit process will provide a detailed look at the expenses that ExxonMobil Guyana has claimed and recovered against revenues generated in the oil-and-gas sector, and will be used to verify the validity and the allowability of claimed costs by the operator.

Under Guyana’s 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), up to 75 per cent oil revenues can be used to cover production costs, with the remaining profit oil split evenly between Guyana and the Stabroek Block operators, ExxonMobil, and partners Hess and CNOOC.

The audit process is a good-faith arrangement between the government and the companies, and also an important pillar of transparency and governmental oversight of the oil-and-gas sector.

If an expense is not deemed valid, then that cost can be removed from the expenses and subsequently added to the the profit, resulting in more money for the country.

“If we disallow the expense, it, it has to be removed from the costs bank,” Jagdeo said.

It was in May, 2022, that the government signed a US$751,000 contract with an American-Guyanese consortium of auditors to examine approximately US$7.2 billion in expenses related to petroleum operations in

2018, 2019 and 2020.

The contracts were awarded to Ramdihal & Haynes Inc., Eclisar Financial, and Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Inc. The local consortium is supported by international firms – SGS and Martindale Consultants.

In January, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat said that the much-anticipated audit was expected by March. There was some amount of delay in the audit due to accountants and auditors from the local consortium having to travel overseas for capacity building.

Jagdeo underscored that it is important that Guyana achieves the capacity to be able to thoroughly conduct such audits using the local workforce to ensure transparent audits are done.

“It’s so crucial that we build the capacity locally, because a lot of the international audit firms also work for the oil majors.

And so it’s important that we have well trained local talent to do these audits. And in future, like we have done here, we have a combination of local companies and an international company working together.

So, we are hoping we can expand that,” the Vice-President said.

Police probing alleged murder of Hope Estate housewife

THE police are investigating the alleged murder of 26-year-old housewife, Aneeza Ishmael, of Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara, which occurred around 10:00hrs on Monday.

According to a police press release, the suspect is Ricardo Kattow, called ‘Otis,’ a fisherman.

Enquiries disclosed that Ishmael and the suspect lived together as husband and wife in a ‘common law’ relationship.

“They had ongoing domestic issues where he accused her of being unfaithful. On 2023-03-03, the now-deceased woman left home and went to her friend’s house at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, where she stayed for a few days,” the release said.

It went on to explain that the woman returned to her home on Monday

Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo

$30M in ICT equipment handed over to Prison Service to boost rehabilitation programme

THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Monday received some $30 million in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment from the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in keeping with the government’s mission to properly rehabilitate prisoners.

Nandlall, accompanied by the Project Manager of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Indira Anandjit, presented a sample of the brand new equipment during a simple ceremony held at the AG’s Chambers.

The donation is part of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme, which was launched in Guyana to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

Due to the legislative aspect of SCJS, the removal of the custodial penalty for cocaine and cannabis, as well as the exploration of sentences other than the custodial sentence, have all been achieved thus far.

In brief remarks, the AG stated that the donation is intended for convicts’ rehabilitation.

Labelling the GPS “a central part” of the criminal justice system, he said that the organisation is essential in molding a prisoner so that he can be reintegrated into

He added that as society evolves, there is need to divert from punitive sanctions and lean more towards the rehabilitation of the individual in the prison system, all while exploring new concepts, such as restorative justice.

“[The] Prison Service requires the ability to rehabilitate, reorient the perpetrator or convict, and prepare that person for a new beginning when they are released from the system,” the minister asserted as he explained how integral it is for the GPS to be equipped with the key

hardware.

Additionally, he said that apart from providing computer labs to several prisons, works are being conducted to improve mental health facilities within the various detention centres.

According to AG Nandlall, 100 desktop computers, 10 laptop computers, four Wi-Fi routers, four laser jet printers and five projectors with screens will benefit those incarcerated at the New Amsterdam Prison and the Lusignan Prison.

He went on to explain how the large donation will also aid in preparing an atmosphere conducive for up-

Police probing alleged murder ...

From page 14

with her younger sister to collect her belongings.

“While there, she was confronted by the suspect, who asked her not to leave. Aneeza Ishmael insisted that she only came to collect her clothing. The suspect became annoyed, pulled a knife from the waist of his pants and attacked the woman. Aneeza’s sister pushed away the now-deceased woman and told her to run, which she did.

The suspect ran behind Aneeza, caught her in the yard and stabbed her in the neck, face, and hands, causing her to fall to the ground. The suspect then attacked the sister, but she fought him off. She received a wound to her left thumb. The suspect inflicted several wounds on his body and consumed a poisonous substance, and he fell to the ground,” the release added.

Neighbours were alerted, and the police were summoned.

On arrival at the scene, ranks examined the body and both the victim and the suspect were escorted to the CC Nicholson Hospital at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, where they were admitted.

At about 12:20hrs, a doctor pronounced the victim ‘dead’ while receiving treatment.

The suspect was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted a patient under guard.

The scene was processed and photographed. The area was checked, and one knife was recovered in the yard, along with an empty bottle which is suspected to have contained the substance that the suspect reportedly consumed.

The deceased woman’s body was escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post-mortem.

Investigations are ongoing.

wards mobility, both socially and educationally. Meanwhile, Director of the GPS, Nicklon Elliot, extended his gratitude to the minister and his team for the donation.

Stating that the equipment will help with their efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners into society, Elliot highlighted that last year the GPS trained over 1,400 prisoners in a number of skill areas. Additionally, he reflected on the fact that the GPS’ recidivism rate has decreased from 13 per cent in 2021 to 10 per cent in 2022.

He used the opportunity to affirm that the GPS will continue to put the prisoners’ needs first.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall handing over some of the ICT equipment to the Director of the GPS, Nicklon Elliot (Adrian Narine photo) society when he is released from prison.

New Linden squatters preventing housing drive advancement

SQUATTERS are preventing hundreds of families who have been allocated residential house lots in Phase Four, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10, from occupying their lands.

The handful of squatters remain defiant against all warnings and notices from the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, as contractors attempt to execute infrastructure works in the area, which

have been earmarked for road networks, they are being met with harsh opposition by a group of persons claiming to be farmers.

In one instance, there was a report of workers being assaulted and machinery being damaged.

During a recent visit to the area, the Chief Executive Officer of Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves, reiterated that while the Ministry stands ready to work with all citizens, the development will not be held up by a few.

The issue of squatting at Phase Four, Amelia’s Ward, has been a long-standing one. However, in May 2022, after outlining development plans for the area, the Ministry was forced to remove 20 structures from the site which fell in the path of a road.

Twenty persons who laid claim to the structures were fully compensated. In addition, the Ministry had engaged the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission since some of these persons claimed to have

pending applications with that agency.

Following this demolition exercise and subsequent compensation, a significant amount of land was cleared; however, over recent months, another group of persons continued to move into the area, in some instances building new structures. Others claimed to own farmlands in the area.

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) did an assessment and a

decision was taken to compensate the persons for their cash crops seen on the lands. However, those who claimed ownership of the cash crops planted have no documentation to use the land for farming.

This new occurrence has stalled millions of dollars in infrastructural works from being carried out in the area, which could benefit more than 300 first-time homeowners when completed.

Mr. Greaves, during

his visit to the area, also noted that the Ministry has exhausted all efforts, even as it continues to plead with persons who are illegally occupying lands in the area to remove.

The agency is therefore reminding persons that squatting is illegal and to desist from erecting structures in the area.

The continuation of such activities will leave the agency with no other alternative but to demolish these structures.

One of the recently built structures created for squatting in Linden

An illegal construction being done against all warnings and notices from the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority

Shell, Chevron and Petrobras weigh Guyana oil-auction bids

GUYANA’S coming auction of offshore oil exploration blocks has lured at least 10 companies including Shell, Petrobras and Chevron, to consider the decade’s hottest oil region, people close to the matter said.

The South American country is offering 14 offshore blocks in an attempt to speed economic development and reduce an ExxonMobil-led consortium’s dominance of its oil sector. Winning bidders are expected to be picked next month.

Guyana’s Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo is set to speak at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston on Monday to drum up support for the country’s first competitive bidding round.

“We see this as big, transformative for our people. We are in a mad rush to get this done before net-zero comes,” he said, referring to the target to slash fossil fuel use by 2050.

He plans to meet with U.S. government officials, international and state-run oil firms while in Houston.

Companies interested in the April round have paid for seismic data to evaluate the blocks and decide whether to submit offers, according to the government. They include six big international producers, Energy Minister Vickram Bharrat has said, without identifying the companies.

None of the companies have decided on bids as they wait for the government to release contract terms, the people familiar with the matter said.

Guyana estimates that it has up to 25 billion barrels of oil and gas in place off its coast. A consortium that includes Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), Hess (HES.N) and CNOOC (0883. HK) operates the country’s most important area, the 6.6-million-acre (26,800 sq km) Stabroek block, with more than 30 discoveries to date.

Exxon, QatarEnergy, Shell PLC (SHEL.L), Chevron Corp (CVX.N) and Petrobras (PETR4. SA) are among the oil giants that have paid $20,000 for the geologic information available on the 11 shallow-water and three

deep-water blocks, sources familiar with the matter said.

Chevron’s main interest is to gain access to Guyana’s geological data, three of the sources said, noting that the company has blocks in neighbouring Suriname and Venezuela.

Exxon and QatarEnergy have said that they are waiting for the full contract terms to consider a bid.

Shell said it is evaluating the offshore lease sale to determine a possible participation. Chevron and Petrobras did not respond to requests for comment.

Guyana also has begun direct negotiations on the 14 blocks and other areas with governments that have state-controlled oil companies.

Guyana also may reclaim up to 20 per cent of Exxon’s biggest block and reoffer it in the future.

The Guyanese government expects firms such as QatarEnergy to both bid on the April auction and engage in direct negotiations, Jagdeo told Reuters last month.

SCHEDULE DELAYS

Guyana plans to issue a new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) model for leasing offshore blocks by the end of this month, several weeks late. A draft proposal that would go through a two-week public consultation earlier missed its February 13 release. The auction is set for April 14.

The proposed rules will nearly double the government’s take from oil production to 27.5 per cent of royalties and profit oil, plus a new 10 per cent corporate tax, compared to Exxon’s main contract.

The new agreement also will require producers to provide more information to Guyana, the vicepresident said.

“We believe it is asymmetric now, and a bit in favour of the companies,” Jagdeo said. “We want more information to come from the oil and gas companies.”

The new agreement will request details of the production costs that companies deduct before splitting oil revenue with the country, he said. The Exxon group can now use 75% of

the oil production to offset a variety of costs, including construction of its new Guyana headquarters.

The oil model also will set stricter terms for tendering and procurement, covering everything from production vessels to drilling suppliers.

However, the terms will not affect Exxon’s Stabroek block.

“We are not renegotiating Stabroek,” Jagdeo said. “We don’t want to lose momentum.” (Reuters)

PPP: Holi epitomises our nation’s rich diversity

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community.

Phagwah has become a national occasion that Guyanese from all spheres of society look forward to, not just for the excitement it brings, but also for the opportunity it affords in coming together through interaction and sharing in the spirit of what it truly represents.

The diverse colours associated with this festival symbolises the commencement of the spring season and

epitomises our nation’s rich diversity.

As Guyanese celebrate, the PPP urges that we be inspired by the significance of the occasion which speaks to, amongst others, the triumph of good

PNC/R:

over evil - a relevant reflection of how our country and people navigated and overcame various challenges.

Let us be motivated by what this colourful festival signifies and be encouraged in the hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah speaks to truth inevitably prevailing.

As Guyanese mark the occasion, our party once again extends best wishes and urges caution, tolerance, and respect in the celebrations.

Shubh Holi to all!

Let us renew our commitment to unity, justice and progress

AS we celebrate the festival of Phagwah, we are reminded of the importance of unity, love, and respect for one another. This festival brings people of all backgrounds and beliefs together, to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and the arrival of spring.

However, as we celebrate this festival, we cannot ignore the challenges and struggles that we face as a nation. It is important that we come together as a united people, to demand change and progress.

As a political Party in opposition, we remain committed to fighting for the rights and interests of all Guyanese. We believe in a Guyana that is free from discrimination, corruption, and oppression. We believe in a Guyana where every citizen has equal access to opportunities, and where the rule of law is upheld.

On this Phagwah, let us renew our commitment to unity, justice, and progress. Let us stand together in solidarity, to demand a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us use this festival as a platform to inspire hope, to promote peace, and to spread love and joy.

Happy Phagwah to all Guyanese and may the festival bring us closer to our shared goal of a better Guyana.

As we celebrate the joyous festival of Phagwah or Holi, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially our brothers and sisters of the Hindu community.

Phagwah has become a truly national festival, which Guyanese from all spheres of society anticipate. The diverse colours that are associated with the festival symbolise the commencement of the spring season and epitomise our nation’s rich diversity in a demonstration of a vibrant fusion.

Like all of our national festivals, the significance of Phagwah, through its pertinent messages, speaks to, among others, the triumph of good over evil. This message is pertinent at this juncture given the current challenges our country faces, where evildoers continue to diminish attempts at furthering good and progress.

Let’s be emboldened with the hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah translate to the inevitable prevailing of truth and fairness.

As Guyanese participate to mark the occasion, our Union once again extends best wishes and urges tolerance and respect in the celebrations.

Shubh Holi to all!

GAWU: The messages of Phagwah translate to the inevitable prevailing of truth, fairness

AFC: Let us remind ourselves of the omnipotence of the creator

THE Alliance For Change extends warm greetings to all Guyanese at home and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Holi.

Holi is a time of renewal of new beginnings, and we take great pleasure in joining with our Guyanese brothers and sisters to celebrate this Festival of Colours.

Holi or Phagwah is a story of true faith and devotion to the creator. It tells of an evil king who wanted to be worshiped as a God, but his very own son refused to worship him and as a result escaped the fiery death his father had devised for him.

It is a story of man’s ego and arrogance and the pitfalls that await those who would seek to elevate themselves to God-like status.

This year, as we observe Holi let us remind ourselves of the omnipotence of the creator. Happy Holi to all Guyanese.

ERC: Phagwah exhibits the vibrant mix of our rich diversity

THE Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), wishes a Happy Holi to all Guyanese at home and the diaspora on this colourful national festival.

The Commission is buoyed by the spirit of Phagwah which is greeted with participation by Hindus as well as Guyanese from other ethnic groups.

The burst of colours is seen in the towns and villages as Guyanese participate in the frolic – throwing or spraying each other with coloured water or applying powder to the hair and faces of friends, family and colleagues at work.

The ERC reminds that Phagwah exhibits the vibrant mix of our rich diversity which defines who we are as a people. It represents an achievement stemming from a combination of efforts as we endeavour together to be one people.

The fun and festivities associated with Phagwah, or Holi, is more than celebratory. It brings together Guyanese from all walks of life. The Commission urges all to celebrate and internalise the significance of Holi. Significant in its underlying message is the triumph of good over evil for the progress of humanity, as the story of young Prahlad illustrates in the Hindu scriptures.

Phagwah is one example of how the Guyanese nation embraces its cultural diversity. That therefore, offers relevant lessons for us all and is an impetus for increased and sustained efforts to build upon our unified strengths and improve on weaknesses. Such national occasions allow for improvement of our capacity to overcome inherent challenges to foster togetherness.

The Commission encourages everyone to observe Phagwah while remembering the recurring theme of its messages.

Guyana sees natural gas as the next frontier after oil

GUYANA, the South American country that is home to the world’s largest oil discovery in a decade, next wants to develop its mostly untapped natural gas reserves, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Sunday.

The nation aimed to diversify its oil sector and secure new sources of revenue before the energy transition to renewables reduced demand for fossil fuels, Jagdeo said.

In just a few years, Guyana has emerged as an oil powerhouse with more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas found by a consortium led by Exxon Mobil (XOM.N).

Exxon’s gas production at the massive Stabroek Block is not being used by Guyana or sold abroad. Exxon currently reinjects the gas to maintain the pressure of producing oil wells.

But Jagdeo told Reuters the government saw gas as providing a way for transforming the nation of about 800,000 people.

“We believe gas must be monetised,” he said in an interview ahead of an address on Monday at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston.

The vice president plans to use the conference to promote 14 untapped offshore blocks to a global audience of energy executives and ministers.

The government expected to receive this year a plan it had requested from Exxon for developing the company’s gas discoveries, Jagdeo said. The country was also discussing with technicians and consultants a national strategy to supply gas to industries ranging from petrochemicals to exportable liquefied natural gas (LNG), he said.

“We’ve had a number of those companies come to us and say ‘Should you do that, we want to

be considered,’” he said of the potential to become an LNG exporter.

He declined to identify which LNG developers had approached the gov-

ernment.

Exxon, which Guyana says could be required to relinquish 20 per cent of its 6.6-million-acre Stabroek Block, has not developed its Pluma discovery, which was announced in 2018.

“If they don’t utilise it, they have to give it up,” Jagdeo said. Pluma is close to Guyana’s maritime border with Suriname, where other oil and gas discoveries have been made. (Reuters)

Jamual John wins Bartica Cycling Classic in style

A ROBUST performance from We Stand United Cycle Club (WSUCC)’s latest addition, Jamual John, saw him pedaling to victory in the second edition of the WSUCC ‘One Guyana’ Bartica Cycling Classic Road Race on Sunday last in Bartica.

Coming back after the first edition in 2019, and a victim of COVID-19 like all the other sports, Sunday’s event was well supported by the local fans who turned out in their numbers to rally around their local cyclist, who did well apart from having another first-hand taste of the best cyclists in Guyana.

The sport has taken on positive growth in Bartica, ever since the first event, and the hosting of the 13th Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in Bartica, under the Presidency of the GFC boss, Horace Burrowes, in August 2019.

Sunday’s event was another move to consolidate the growth of the sport there, and was well supported by Industrial Safety Supplies Inc., the National Sports Commission, Fazia ’s

Collection Variety Sales Complex, The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, the Bartica Regatta Committee, Burrowes Construction, and the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica.

The main race, which was a combined event also featuring the Under and Over-50 cyclists, got off to a blistering start on the circuit -like course around the Town of Bartica, witnessed by residents, dozens at the starting point, Futu’s Guinness Bar, while others lined the route in front of their homes to cheers the riders on.

Jamual John, his teammates Briton John and the junior winner on the day, Aaron Newton, along with Curtis Dey of Team KFC Evolution, established the early advantage by breaking away from their peers. However, the Johns eventually rid themselves of all others in the one-hour plus two additional laps contest.

It looked like there would have been a certain one-two end for Briton and Jamual, but Briton first suffered a puncture, then mechanical issues with his electronic cycle. The rule was that if there had to be a change to your cycle, it must be done at the starting line. Whilst Briton complied when his wheel had to be changed, he did not when his cycle had to be changed, and was, therefore, penalised by the organising club, which meant that he was disqualified from the race, despite being assured of at least a second place.

This meant that Dey took second place ahead of junior rider, Aaron Newton, who was followed by Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith of Team KFC Evolution, Sherwin Sampson of Team Alanis, who is now venturing into the senior ranks from being a junior, and another young cyclist, Arjune Sookhai of

Kaieteur Attack Cycle Club.

In brief remarks before starting the day’s action, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, who made the trek to Bartica to be part of the day’s action, noted that the WSUU Bartica Classic personified the government’s ‘One Guyana’ vision, by bringing the sport to more Guyanese, and that he was pleased that the event was named after His Excellency’s ‘One Guyana’ initiative Ninvalle pledged the NSC’s continued commitment to the event and the sport, whilst reminding those in attendance that the NSC continues to sponsor the national three-stage road race, and is aiming to revive the fivestage classic, which traditionally attracts overseas teams and individuals.

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall also spoke briefly at the opening ceremony, and expressed his gratitude to the WSUCC for again partnering with the Municipality to bring back the race, positing that it will aid in curtailing many of the social challenges being faced by the youths of the community, and that it is his and the Municipality’s aim to provide opportunities for the youths to be involved in positive activities.

Marshall, who worked along with Burrowes to bring off the 13th edition of the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships, reminded that sports across the spectrum make way for opportunities in tourism, which is of absolute importance to the community.

Host club President, Franklin Wilson thanked all the clubs for supporting the event, as well as the fans, sponsors, and Medical Team from the Bartica Hospital, along with Commander Moore and his team from the Bartica Police Station, whose efforts in controlling traffic contributed to the hosting of a flawless event.

‘Usual suspects’

Continued from Backpage

59 seconds).

The 1500m was taken by Ronell Newton (4 minutes 11 seconds), with Daniel Melville (4 minutes 14 seconds), and Javon Roberts (4 minutes 17 seconds).

Cleveland Thomas won the 5000m in 16 minutes 16 seconds

Isaiah Trim, Dennies Roberts, and Cadasie Fraser won the boys’ High, Long and Triple Jump, respectively.

Meanwhile, Jamie Fraser won the boys’ under-16 shot put with a distance of 12.44m.

On the distaff side, in the 100m final, Keliza Smith of the GDF track club bettered her heat time of 11.85s to win in a time of 11.61s, while Athaley Hinckson of Running Braves was second in 11.91s, pipping third- placed Ruth Sanmoogan (11.97s).

Smith returned in the 200m half-tracker to complete the sprint double win with a time of 24.48s. Tianna Springer (Po-

lice Progressive Sports Club)’s 24.83s was enough for second place, while Hinckson was third with 25.19s.

Springer got success in the 400m dash, registering a time of 54.68s to get the win.

Attoya Harvey completed the middle-distance sweep. In the girls’ 1500m race, the Running Braves athlete finished with a time of 5 minutes 01seconds, which was 20 seconds ahead of second-placed Marissa Thomas of De Challengers, and 33 seconds ahead of third-placed Donnel Fraser.

Harvey, in her pet event, the 800m, won in a time of 2 minutes 16 seconds. Naris McPherson, also of Running Braves, finished second in 2 minutes 18 seconds, while Marissa Thomas was third in 2 minutes 27 seconds.

Ruth Sanmoogan, Shontell Brown, and Leoni Adams won the girls’ Long, High and Triple Jumps, respectively.

Following his father’s footsteps, Tagenarine wants to carve a niche for himself

•By Firdose MoondaSouth Africa correspondent, ESPNcricinfo

TAGENARINE Chanderpaul does not have the most conventional batting stance going around, except perhaps in his family.

The son of Shivnarine, who was coached by his grandfather Khemraj, is less square on than his dad but there are still many similarities. His front foot starts off well outside leg stump, his heel points towards square leg and he shuffles across just in time to be in line to meet the ball. At that point, Tagenarine looks as regular as any other batter, which is sort of how he sees himself.

“My stance is pretty conventional,” he tells ESPNcricinfo, almost chuckling. “But I guess when my trigger starts, I can get a bit square on. My dad, when he came back to Guyana, I was about 13 and we would practice together in the afternoon, so yeah, some of the stuff started to rub off.”

Tagenarine was not born when Shivnarine made his Test debut, in 1994, and grew up mostly with his mother, Annalee, in Unity Village in Guyana. His first coach was his paternal grandfather, who taught him to play cricket on the same cement pitch that Shivnarine learnt on.

“He was my first coach,” Tagenarine says. “Where we lived, he would throw balls at me. We also have a cricket ground not too far from us - Unity Cricket Ground - so we would go there in the afternoon and hit balls. And then he took me to join a club in town. After school, we would go and practice there. It took off from there.”

That is pretty much the same journey Shivnarine took, and his presence, albeit not always physical, was keenly felt by his son. “Growing up, if we go about somewhere people would know him or speak about him or talk about a game from the previous day,” Tagenarine says. “It was a

proud feeling.”

“My dad is a totally different person from me, personality wise. He’s achieved so many things. I can only do what I can do.”

Tagenarine on his father

Shivnarine

It was also a source of rising expectation. The talk around Tagenarine was that he would take the same path as his famous father, and when Shivnarine returned to Guyana in 2009, there was hope the pair would walk the road together. Four years later, Tagenarine made

together, he gave me some advice and ways to score and what shots I can play so it was good to have him around.”

All told, the pair played 11 firstclass matches together over a span of five years and in the last of them, Tagenarine scored his first red-ball century. Later that year, Shivnarine played his final first-class match and the baton appeared to have been passed. But it would take almost five more years before Tagenarine earned his first Test cap , after a century

I can’t be him. Every time I go out and bat, I just try to be me and get some runs.”

Tagenarine scored 51 and 45 in this first Test and 47 and 17 in unfamiliar conditions and against a strong Australian attack, under the guidance of none other than Brian Lara. “He wasn’t a team mentor then

double. He spent four minutes short of 10 hours at the crease crafting that innings. “It was a very special feeling - my first century,” he says. “I didn’t really celebrate too much. I’m not really too much of a party person.”

Instead, he is committed to the growth of cricket in Guyana,

Kraigg Braithwaite as someone who has put a particular importance on the red-ball game.

his first-class debut, with limited success. He scored 105 runs in his first three matches. In his fourth, he played in an XI alongside his father, who scored a second-innings century, to his own 42 and 29.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t bat together as much as we would have liked and it’s because I got out quite a few times before he came in,” Tagenarine says. “But when we were

against the Australia Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. And that’s when Tagenarine had to remind himself that as much as there was a reputation to live up to, he is his own player.

“My dad is a totally different person from me, personality wise. He’s achieved so many things. I can only do what I can do,” he says. “I’ve got to try and be myself and

but he was doing commentary and he would come to practice sessions and offer some advice,” Tagenarine says. Then, with Lara assigned to the team full time, his baptism of fire has continued with his season ending in South Africa. “Australia and South Africa have very good bowling attacks and the conditions are very different from back home. It was nice to get some runs in Australia on debut. Here, the South African attack is very good. They are very consistent and they don’t give you many loose balls. You’ve got to try and concentrate for long periods.”

He has already demonstrated he can do that because in between those two series, West Indies were in Zimbabwe, where Tagenarine scored his first Test century, and made it a

where significant investments are being made to develop the game.

“The government is putting a lot of emphasis on sports right now. They’re building a few stadiums and getting some more indoor facilities,” he says.

In January, the Guyana government announced a budget of US$4.3 billion for the development of sports which includes the development of a cricket academy.

That, together with a renewed resolve from players like Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers - both of whom left the SA20 to play the Tests in Zimbabwe - to the longest format, gives Tagenarine hope that West Indies can become more competitive in Tests. In particular, he singled out his captain and opening partner

“Kraigg has been a consistent performer over the years. He is pretty tough mentally and accustomed to pressure situations,” Tagenarine says. “And we have players who are committed. Jason and Kyle left leagues to come back and play Test matches. Everyone gets along very well and the guys gel together. Guys are very easy to approach and welcoming. Hopefully all goes well for us.”

As for Tagenarine himself, the T20 game has not yet lured him and has yet to play a single one, although he’d like that to change. “It’s something I could venture into. If given the opportunity, I’ll try and get involved,” he says. “I’ve got to work on a few more scoring shots and areas I can improve to try and be well equipped for that type of cricket.”

And that you may say, is what underlines his case as the most conventional cricketer, even in his own family.(Cricinfo)

Warner missed ‘absolute best time’ to retire, says Ponting

LEGENDARY Australia

captain Ricky Ponting believes David Warner missed an opportunity for an SCG swansong in Test cricket earlier this year but believes the opener is set to make a comeback in the format.

Warner’s Test future is in doubt after he had to fly back to Australia following the second Test in Delhi after suffering a concussion and fracturing his elbow. His Test form has been a growing concern since 2022. In 14 matches, Warner has scored just 607 runs at 26.39 which includes a double-century in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa

Despite that, Ponting believes the opener will return

to a team that punched their ticket for the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Final with a nine-wicket win against India in Indore and has an Ashes series to follow soon after.

“I think they’ll definitely want to play him in the World Test Championship match,” Ponting said on The ICC Review. “They have got some really big decisions to make, leading into the Ashes [in England] as well. A bit like some of the selection issues they had coming to India.

“They’re probably going to have similar things to think about when they get to the UK because David’s record in the UK is not as strong as it is in some other places around the worl

“ But I don’t think it’s the end of David Warner, I think they’ll bring him back for that one game. If he does well there, then I think he’ll probably start the Ashes and see from there.”

At 36, Warner is in the twilight of his career and Ponting, who admitted in the past that he’d prolonged his career longer than he should have, perhaps understands better than most what it’s like to be in Warner’s shoes right now.

In fact, Ponting believes the best opportunity for a fitting Test retirement has already passed for Warner.

“Look, I was on radio a couple of days ago, back here in Australia, and I thought the absolute best time for Davey

to retire, if he was thinking about it at all, was after the Sydney Test match here in Australia,” said Ponting.

“He’d just played his 100th Test in Melbourne, and obviously got 200 in the first innings down there. And to bow out in front of his home crowd is obviously the way that every player would like to finish their careers

In fact, Ponting believes the best opportunity for a fitting Test retirement has already passed for Warner.

“Look, I was on radio a couple of days ago, back here in Australia, and I thought the absolute best time for Davey to retire, if he was thinking about it at all, was after the Sydney Test match here in Australia,” said Ponting

“He’d just played his 100th Test in Melbourne, and obviously got 200 in the first innings down there. And to bow out in front of his home crowd is obviously the way that every player would like to finish their careers

“Who knows now that opportunity might not come around again for Davey, you know. That’s nearly another 12 months away.”

Ponting remains hopeful Warner can rediscover his

form and give his career enough of a life to draw curtains on his own terms.

Look, I’d love it if he could do that. It’d be fitting if he could do that, finish in front of his home crowd,” said Ponting. “But he’s going to have to play really well between now and then for that to happen. And in my own heart of hearts, I hope that’s the case.

“I think his career deserves to finish the way he wants it to. Sort of not to be dropped or tapped on the shoulder in the middle of an overseas tour and have his career end in that way. That’s why I just hope he can find it within himself to score a lot of runs between now and next summer.

“If he does, then next summer might be the ideal opportunity for him.”(ICC. com)

Tagenarine Chanderpaul goes aerial

Brian Lara handed Tagenarine Chanderpaul his first cap.

Australia Test opener Davind Warner

CWI partners with MatchWornShirt

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) and MatchWornShirt (MWS) have launched a new partnership giving fans the opportunity to bid for and own an authentic worn and signed West Indies Team shirts.

The West Indies will be the first international cricket team to give fans the opportunity to own authentic signed team shirts via global digital auctions held on MatchWornShirt.com’s website.

Starting from March 8, fans can bid to own any of the West Indies Test squad’s team shirts from the current South Africa Series, with each shirt individually

signed by the respective player.

“Team and players’ shirts have always been a much-desired piece of memorabilia and for West Indies fans, there is no exception. With West Indies supporters spread across the Caribbean and the world, we believe this partnership with MatchWornShirt provides an exciting and fair platform to bid for and own an official match-worn West Indies shirt signed by one of their heroes, or even the entire West Indies squad ,” said CWI Commercial Director Dominic Warne.

“The partnership delivers an engaging, reliable and user-friendly auction

Fans

experience, accessible from anywhere in the world, with safe and secure delivery to fans’ homes.”

CWI and MatchWornShirt will create auctions

against India as well as T20I and ODI matches against England.

\West Indies fans will not just be able to witness a match-winning moment or performance, they will have the chance to swap shirts with their heroes and own a piece of sporting history.

Fans’ desire to own team and player memorabilia continues to rise strongly, in parallel with the growth of live international sports, especially cricket.

match-worn and signed shirt from the first Test match when he took his first-ever Test match five-wicket haul for the West Indies. This opportunity will be live on MatchWornShirt’s Instagram page from Monday, March 6.

Head of Business Development at MatchWornShirt, James Flude, is excited about the collaboration.

to go live with the first ball bowled in a match or shortly after the match has been completed. In 2023, this will include Test, One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) matches

The first auction will go live to coincide with the start of second Test Match, South Africa versus West Indies on March 8, 2023 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The first auction will run for two weeks until 22 March 2023.

To celebrate this new partnership, fans will have the chance to win fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s genuine

“We have been excited to venture into cricket for a while now and so we are delighted to announce our first substantial partnership with such an iconic international team,” Flude said.

“The West Indies shirts are globally recognized and have been worn by some of the greatest players ever to play the game - so we are delighted to be bringing them to fans all around the world.”(Sportsmax).

12:25 hrs

13:00 hrs Coniston George Lingfield

10:15 hrs Hellavapace

10:50 hrs Dutch Kingdom

11:25 hrs Cariad

12:00 hrs Gannon Glory

12:35 hrs Likian

13:10 hrs Navy Drums

American Racing Tips Will Rogers Downs Race 1 Billie G Race 2 Peppermint Sister Race 3 Sky Echo Race 4 Ira Champ

Turf Paradise Race 1 Mr Is On Fire Race 2 I’m Noble Race 3 Joker Matt Race 4 General Thayer

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(TUESDAY MARCH 7, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS

ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 GARNETT STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE, GEORGETOWN (TEL: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 9 Test series

(2) WI 1 (SA 8; Drawn 0)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the result of the first Test of the current WI/SA series?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

will get to bid on the shirt worn by Alzarri Joseph when he took the first five-wicket haul of his career during the first Test against South Africa at Centurion

All-round Shakib prevents England clean sweep

SHAKIB Al Hasan’s allround efforts prevented England from clean-sweeping the ODI series as Bangladesh won the final ODI by 50 runs. Following patient half-centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain, Shakib struck a 71-ball 75 to help Bangladesh to 246 despite wickets falling from the other end. The left-handed all-rounder then made key incisions with the ball, picking his 300th ODI wicket en route to figures of 4 for 35 as England folded for 196.

England got off to a flying start in the chase as Phil Salt dealt in boundaries while Jason Roy also struck a few to the fence in a half-century partnership for the opening wicket Salt’s innings, however, came to an end when he cut a Shakib delivery to cover-point, and Ebadot Hossain, playing in place of Taskin Ahmed, had Dawid Malan caught at mid on England were in more trouble as Roy was bowled by Shakib attempting a cut as the visitors slipped to 55 for three in the 11th over Sam Curran, who came in

at number five, took a while to get going before he struck Mehidy Hasan for a six over long on James Vince got going with a boundary apiece off Taijul Islam and Mehidy in successive overs, targeting the midwicket region

Curran’s first four was off Taijul through extra cover but his scoring rate was on the slower side

Vince tried to make it up with a six off Mehidy but the bowler had Curran miscuing to long off to end a 49-run stand England were in more trouble as Shakib picked up his third by having Vince edge to the ‘ keeper while Moeen Ali was bowled by

Ebadot, leaving England at 130 for six in the 28th over.

Then came the big wicket of Jos Buttler , who had moved to 26 before attempting a reverse sweep off Taijul that led to his downfall as he was trapped in front Chris Woakes tried to keep England in the hunt but England lost another as Adil Rashid was bowled by Taijul after missing a pull Shakib came back on and picked up his fourth by dismissing debutant Rehan Ahmed Woakes tried to keep the fight going but he eventually fell to Mustafizur Rahman on 34 as England were bowled out in the 44th over

A 98-run partnership between Mushfiqur and Najmul ensued, with the latter bringing up a 69 - ball fifty But Najmul fell against the run of play as he was run out Mushfiqur then crossed fifty and put on 38 with Shakib to take Bangladesh past 150 But the hosts lost regular wickets after that, with Rashid dismissing Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah in quick succession, and could not capitalise fully on the death overs.

Shakib reached a 55ball half-century and scored regular boundaries, but he was losing partners at the other end. Afif Hossain added 49 with Shakib before getting out to Woakes while Mehidy was dismissed by Rehan who picked up a wicket off the last ball of his spell. Shakib tried to make the most of the end overs with hits to the fence as he extended his boundary tally to seven But Archer’s triple strike prevented Bangladesh from doing more damage as they were bowled out with seven deliveries still remaining in their innings. (Cricbuzz)

Cayman, Panama join Bermuda in regional finals

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, (CMC) – Bermuda maintained their 100 per cent record at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier here on Saturday with a nine-wicket victory over the Bahamas.

But the real drama came in the second match where the Cayman Islands cemented the runners-up spot with their third win – a nervy three-wicket victory over hosts Argentina with one ball remaining.

The results left Panama, who completed their schedule on Thursday, as the third team from the five-team tournament to advance to the regional finals to be held in

Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells because of vaccination status

WORLD number one

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this week’s Indian Wells Masters event with the Serb unable to enter the United States.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner, 35, had applied for special permission to enter the US because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19.

The US requires international visitors to be vaccinated and proof will be required until at least 10 April.

Djokovic missed last year’s US Open because of his vaccination status.

“World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. With his withdrawal, Nikoloz Basilashvili moves into the field,” organisers said in a statement.

Indian Wells - one of the most prestigious tournaments on the tennis calendar outside of the Grand Slams - starts on 6 March.

On Friday the United States Tennis Association and the US Open said they

were “hopeful” Djokovic would be allowed to play this month’s Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1,000 events.

Djokovic , who also missed last year’s Australian Open and was deported from the country because of his vaccination status, has said he would skip Grand Slams rather than have a Covid-19 vaccination.

He was permitted to travel to Melbourne in January and won a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, tying Rafael Nadal’s men’s record of 22 Grand Slam wins. (BBC Sport)

co-hosted by the West Indies and United States.

Bermuda opted to bowl for the first time in the tournament and reduced the Bahamas to 24 for seven after 10.1 overs at the Hurlingham Club Ground, slow left-arm bowler Derrick Brangman leading the way with four for 16.

Bermuda in September.

Panama, Argentina and Bahamas all finished bottom after having each won one match but Panama went through by virtue of a superior net run rate over their

two rivals.

The top three in Argentina will join Canada, with the winner of the Bermuda showdown clinching a qualification spot at next year’s T20 World Cup to be

Despite the clatter of wickets at the other end, opener Jonathan Barry stood firm, finishing on 30 not out from 51 balls, and he and number nine batsman Dwight Wheatley – the only other batsman to reach double figures with 16 – led a recovery to 73 for nine.

In reply, Bermuda took just 7.2 overs to knock off

the runs despite losing Tre Manders for 13 as opener Kamau Leverock made an unbeaten 48 off 26 balls with two sixes and seven fours to end the tournament with 202 runs at an average of 67.33.

Such was Bermuda’s dominance, only five batsmen made it to the crease during the four matches and they lost only seven wickets in the entire competition.

Meanwhile, the Caymanians appeared to be coasting to victory over Argentina at the Belgrano Athletic Club Ground when they reached 91 for one from 13.2 overs, in pursuit of the hosts’ 125 for seven.

But wickets tumbled and it needed two no-balls from what would have been the final delivery of the match from Agustin Rivero to get

over the line.

Opener Sacha de Alwis laid the Cayman foundation with 44 from 41 balls, with five fours and a six, while number three Paul Manning made 31, before he was second out after the pair added 75 for the second wicket.

De Alwis was run out five runs later and two further run-outs did not help the Cayman cause, but with seven needed off the final over Conroy Wright (four not out) and Troy Taylor (two not out) held their nerve to deny Argentina a trip to Bermuda.

Earlier, 44-year-old Alejandro Ferguson spearheaded Argentina’s innings after they won the toss, hitting six fours in his 50 at number three, Taylor leading the Cayman bowling with three for 22.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Shakib Al Hassan

Novak Djokovic won a record-extending 10th Australian Open in January.

Kamau Leverock … top-scored for Bermuda.

Markram named SA’s T20I captain, Bavuma dropped

CSA also roped in Duminy as permanent batting coach and Kleinveldt as temporary bowling coach for the whiteball set-up

AIDEN Markram has been appointed South Africa’s new T20I captain, while Cricket South Africa (CSA) roped in JP Duminy as the batting coach and Rory Kleinveldt as the bowling coach in the whiteball set-up. Markram takes over captaincy from Temba Bavuma, who has been dropped from the squad altogether for the upcoming home T20Is against West Indies later this month.

Duminy has been appointed on a permanent basis whereas Kleinveldt has come in only for the West Indies series for now.

Talks between new whiteball coach, Rob Walter, and former captain Faf du Plessis meanwhile proved unfruitful for now and du Plessis was not included in the T20I squad. This could change in the future.

Markram led South Afri-

ca’s Under-19 side to victory at the World Cup in 2014 and more recently was at the helm of Sunrisers Eastern Cape, who won the inaugural SA20 title. He has also been named captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the upcoming IPL and Walter sees the national leadership as a natural progression for Markram.

“Aiden has shown himself to be a leader over a period of time now. Obviously, his most recent success for the Sunrisers [Eastern Cape] stands out so it seemed like just a logical progression into the leadership of the national side,” Walter said at a press conference in Johannesburg. “He has been there before but I think he’s matured a lot as a player and as a leader since then.”

This is Markram’s second foray into leading the senior side after he captained them in an ODI series against India in February 2018, in the absence of an injured du Plessis. Then, the captaincy negatively affected his batting and he scored

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes did not ask to be substituted towards the end of Sunday’s 7-0 defeat by Liverpool, BBC Sport has been told.

The Portuguese has been criticised for his behaviour and attitude in the game.

Ex-United captain Gary Neville questioned the 28-year-old gesturing to the bench when Marcus Rashford was substituted in the 85th minute.

But Fernandes was said to be after clarification on his positioning after Antony Elanga replaced Rashford.

Fernandes also appeared to push the referee’s assistant in the 81st minute as he tried to get the ball back from Trent Alexander-Arnold on the sidelines.

No action was taken by the referee at the time and the incident is not being investigated by the Football Association, whose rules only allow them to get involved retrospectively around decisions not seen by officials.

Martin Cassidy, chief executive of charity Ref Support UK, said it was a “serious offence” and Fernandes deserved “at least a five-game ban”.

The assistant put his hand on Fernandes arm before the push and former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said he has “mixed feelings” about the incident.

He told Sky Sports: “You don’t want a player to be manhandling a match official, but I would suggest the assistant actually manhandles Fernandes more than he did.

“I think once the official does it first, Fernandes is almost like fly swatting, ‘get out of my way, I want to get on with it’.

118 runs in five matches at 23.6

As for Bavuma, who stepped down as the T20I captain to take over the Test leadership recently, Walter indicated the shortest format door is not closed to him. “It was purely a T20 performance-based decision,” Walter said. “My job now is to work with him to get him back into the side. That’ll certainly be one of our focuses.”

Bavuma had a tough 2022 in the T20I format, and got into double figures only five times in 12 innings. He led South Africa at the last two T20 World Cups, in 2021 and 2022, and they failed to reach the semi-finals in both. Bavuma also faced criticism over his strike rate, which sits at 116.08 in T20Is and he was not bought at the SA20 auction. He got a deal with Sunrisers Eastern Cape as a replacement player later in the tournament, by which point he scored a series-winning century against England in a World Cup Super League ODI.

Walter was still in New Zealand at the time, where he coached Central Stags, and the ODI team was under the command of new Test coach Shukri Conrad, who introduced a more aggressive style of play which Walter endorses and will build on. “The way that you saw the ODI side play against England was how we’d like the team to play going forward,” Walter said.

what they need to do and and secure that series and then we still have to take care of our business,” Walter said. “Everything else becomes irrelevant if we don’t take take care of that first.”

“So while I don’t condone it... and I think the referee [Andrew Madley] is in a difficult position, because if he goes across and makes an issue of it, Fernandes is likely

South Africa will play three ODIs against West Indies, starting on March 16, which do not count for World Cup Super League points. For those ODIs, South Africa have rested fast bowlers Anrich Nortje (who is also out of the second Test with a groin niggle) and Kagiso Rabada, but the duo will return for the following three T20Is. Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee and batters Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs earned their maiden ODI call-ups There is still no room for 19-year old batting sensation Dewald Brevis, who was the leading run-scorer at last year’s age-group World Cup, and has

experience in the IPL, CPL and SA20. Walter had indicated Brevis needs to bide his time before making the step up.

“He forms part of a category of young, exciting cricketers that are in the system. The job and the journey with him will be exactly the same as it is for the others in trying to find opportunities that are below the Proteas level to give him access to,” Walter said. “The SA20 would have given him some insight as to the areas that he needs to develop in his game, along with many others. There’s an x-factor that is exciting and now we just need to give him the foundations and the pathway to grow.”

After the T20Is, South Africa will end the summer with two must-win ODIs against Netherlands in the World Cup Super League. If South Africa win both games and Sri Lanka win one match or fewer in their three-match series against New Zealand, South Africa will secure automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup. “Hopefully the Blackcaps do

The matches against Netherlands take place on March 31 and April 2 and clash with the opening matches of the IPL. CSA’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, confirmed that the South African contracted players who are part of the IPL will be available for national duty before leaving for India. “As it stands, they are available,” Nkwe said. “We have been engaged with the IPL and the BCCI as well, so the selected players will be available for the two ODIs.”

South Africa’s T20I squad for West Indies series: Aiden Markram (capt), Quinton de Kock , Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.

Squad for ODIs: Temba Bavuma (capt), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tristan Stubbs, Lizaad Williams, Rassie van der Dussen. For third ODI only: Aiden Markram, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wayne Parnell. (Cricinfo)

NBA investigates after Morant appears to hold gun

MEMPHIS Grizzlies star Ja Morant says he takes “full responsibility” for his actions as the NBA investigate a video that appears to show him holding a gun in a nightclub.

All-Star guard Morant, 23, appeared to hold up a handgun in a live broadcast on his Instagram page on Saturday

to say ‘well, he grabbed hold of me first’. It is difficult.”

Neville said United’s second-half performance was a “shambles” which was “epitomised” by Fernandes, who “has been embarrassing at times”.

He added: “That wasn’t a captain’s performance from a Manchester United player and I am sure Erik ten Hag will deal with that.”

Fellow former United captain Roy Keane added: “Fernandes’ body language today was nothing short of disgraceful.”

It occurred hours after the Grizzlies lost 113-97 to the Denver Nuggets Morant, who has been suspended for “at least two games”, apologised and said he would “get help”.

“I take full responsibility for my actions last night,” he said in a statement

“I’m sorry to my family, team-mates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organisation for letting you down

“I’m going to take some time away to

get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”

NBA spokesman Mike Bass said: “We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating.”

In a statement, the Memphis Grizzlies said that “Ja Morant will be away from the team for at least the next two games”.

The Grizzlies, who are second in the Western Conference, face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday and the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday in their next two fixtures.

Morant is averaging 27.1 points and 8.2 assists per game this season and made his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance last month. (BBC Sport)

Aiden Markram has been appointed South Africa’s new T20I captain

Fernandes ‘did not ask to be substituted’ in 7-0 thrashing

Sunday’s loss to Liverpool was Manchester United’s joint-heaviest competitive defeat.

West Indies Championship Lara Stadium, Providence to host final three rounds

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Queen’s Park Park Oval and the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, along with the Guyana National Stadium, have been announced as the venues for the final three rounds of the West Indies Championship.

The three venues will host matches from March 15 to April 1, following on from the opening two rounds of the regional first class tournament which were staged in Antigua and Grenada last month.

“The first two rounds of matches last month offered great excitement and we are delighted to see the resumption of the West Indies Championship,” said Roland Holder, Cricket West Indies’ manager of cricket operations.

“Based on what we saw in the first phase of matches, we can expect more keen competition among the six teams as they vie for the prestigious Headley/Weekes Trophy.

“There is a lot to play for, as players also have the opportunity to compete for

places in the Headley-Weekes Series which will follow at the end of the West Indies Championship and prepare to compete for spots on the international stage.”

Leaders Guyana Harpy Eagles will be away to Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Brian Lara Stadium in their third round encounter, with title-holders Barbados Pride clashing with Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Queen’s Park Oval.

Jamaica Scorpions and Windward Islands Volcanoes travel to Georgetown to do battle in the other encounter.

Harpy Eagles, bidding for their first title since 2019, will wrap up their campaign at home, however, with fixtures against Scorpions and Hurricanes respectively.

The Leon Johnson-led unit top the standings after two rounds with 28.6 points with Pride second on 23 and winless Red Force third on 20.6 following two drawn encounters.

Volcanoes are fourth on 19.4 while Hurricanes have 17.4 and Scorpions, 10 points.

The new Headley-Weekes Series will involve three teams – Team Headley and

Hayley Matthews condems

RCB to another heavy defeat

and Megan Schutt (20 off 14) chipped in with cameos later to take RCB to 155 but that the opening stand of 39 was the highest partnership of the innings tells you all that you need to know. Amelia Kerr picked two wickets as RCB went on to be bowled out for only 155 in 18.4 overs.

Matthews’s first bound-

Team Weekes and a Select Championship XI – and will see a three-match series being played at the end of the West Indies Championship from April 19 to May 6.

ary was not quite off the middle of the bat but from thereon, most shots that she hit were. She really didn’t get going until the fifth over, when she hit a six and a four off Preeti Bose. It was the same over when she lost her opening partner Yastika Bhatiya (23 off 19) but in walked Nat Sciver-Brunt with whom Matthews would go on to add unbeaten 114 runs for the second wicket. The opening batter brought up a half-century off 26 balls, and went on to hit 13 fours and a six during the course of an emphatic innings.

Nat Sciver got going with three boundaries against Shreyanka Patil in the eighth over and when runs started coming at the rate of knots from both ends, that was it for RCB. There was no catching up from there. Nat, who had earlier chipped in with bowling figures of 1-34, scored 55* off 29, hitting 9 fours and a six. Shreyanka Patil had a forgettable night, conceding 32 runs in her two overs but experienced Megan Schutt (3-032-0) wasn’t too far behind as well on a very good batting pitch. (Cricbuzz)

REGIONAL FIXTURES

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Fixtures of the remaining three rounds of the West Indies Championship

ROUND 3: (March 15-18)

Jamaica Scorpions vs Windward Islands Volcanoes at Guyana National Stadium

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force vs Guyana Harpy Eagles at Brian Lara Stadium

Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Barbados Pride at Queen’s Park Oval

ROUND 4: (March 22-25)

Guyana Harpy Eagles vs Jamaica Scorpions at GNSs

HAYLEY Matthews starred with the bat and ball as Mumbai Indians hammered Royal Challengers Bangalore by nine wickets at the Brabourne Stadium. It was MI’s second consecutive win while RCB are yet to get off the mark after two games.

Matthews was unbelievable in the PowerPlay with the ball, coming back from an 11-run opening over to

pick two wickets in her second. Brought back into the attack for RCB captain Smriti Mandhana, she did exactly what was expected of her: deceive the batter with a loopy delivery. Mandhana simply sliced the inside-out loft to cover, falling once again to off-spin. And then, Heather Knight was bowled next ball, getting beaten by the turn on the inside-edge. Matthews’ third wicket was a well-set

Richa Ghosh (28 off 26), setting up RCB’s 155 all out.

Matthews first wicket came after Saika Ishaque’s double-wicket over that saw the backs of Sophie Devine and Disha Kasat. Those two back-to-back overs meant that RCB lost four wickets in the space of eight balls, going from 39/0 to 43/4 in a matter of minutes.

Kanika Ahuja (22 off 13), Shreyanka Patil (23 off 15)

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force v Barbados Pride at QPO

Leeward Islands Hurricanes vs Windward Islands Volcanoes at BLS

ROUND 5: (March 29 – April 1)

Guyana Harpy Eagles vs Leeward Islands Hurricanes at GNS

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force vs Jamaica Scorpions at BLS

Barbados Pride vs Windward Islands Volcanoes at QPO

Headley Weekes Tri-Series

(Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua)

Match 1: Team Headley v West Indies Academy – April 19-22

Match 2: Team Weekes v West Indies Academy – April 26-29

Match 3: Team Weekes vs Team Headley – May 3-6

Guyana National Stadium, Provudence.

Hayley Matthews hammered 77 off just 38 balls.

..Newton, Persaud, Jackson, Noel & Spencer also in winners’ row

Jamual John wins Bartica Cycling Classic in style

WINNERS ALL! The respective category and other winners of the WSUCC ‘One Guyana’ Bartica Cycling Classic pose with their silverware following Sunday afternoon’s presentation

dominate third AG development meet

Fraser-Pryce confirms 2024 Olympics will be her last

By Calvin Chapman

THE usual top performers dominated when Athletics Guyana (AG) held their third development meet of the year last Saturday at the National Track & Field Centre (NTFC) at Edinburgh, West Demerara.

Noelex Holder emerged as the fastest man on the day, with a quick time of 10.30 seconds in the marquee 100m dash ahead of Ezekiel Newton (10.46s), and Stephon Boodie (10.69s)

Upper Demerara’s Omar James was across the line in 21.46s in the boys’ 200m ahead of second-placed Jaheel Cornette, and Malachi Austin,

who finished third.

As anticipated, Simeon Adams won the boys’ 400m race. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) athlete finished his lap in 49.04s, while Omar James was on the podium for the second time for the day with a 49.36 second-place finish. Lennox Douglas was third in 49.83 seconds.

In the boys’ middle-distance races, National Champion Devaun ‘Scooby’ Barrington maintained his dominance in the two-lap race, winning in 1 minute 55 seconds ahead of Javon Roberts (1 minute 57 seconds), and Samuel Henry (1 minute

SEE PAGE 30

SEVEN-time Olympic medallist, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, says the 2024 Olympics in Paris will be her last. The 36-year-old, who won back-to-back 100m gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012, made the declaration in an interview with NBC Sports.

“Yes, 2024 will definitely be my last Olympics,” said Fraser-Pryce before going into how her foundation will become her priority once she exits the track.

“As I chase world championship and Olympic glory, the legacy that I leave off the track is important and my Pocket Rocket Foundation has been near and dear to me.

We’ve been trying to expand on what we do here in Jamaica and hopefully go regional. Being able to run fast and win medals is great, but using that platform to

give young people the chance to succeed and balance education with sports and transcend their own thoughts and ideas is what I’m passionate about as well,” she added.

By the time the Paris Olympics roll around, Fraser-Pryce will be 37 and aiming to become the oldest Olympic 100m gold medallist ever, male or female.

“I definitely want 2024 to be my last hurrah. I’ve accomplished so much, and I’m so, so grateful for it all. All the people that I’ve been able to touch, all the memories that I’ve made. After the Olympics I want to make different memories,” she said.

The 2024 Paris Olympics are scheduled for July 26-August 24 with Track & Field scheduled for August 1-11. (Sportsmax).

Lara Stadium, Providence to host final three rounds

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle hands over the winning prize to the elite/senior winner, Jamual John

‘Usual suspects’

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won back-to-back 100m gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and London 2012.

Running Braves’ Attoya Harvey GDF’s Keliza Smith