Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-05-2023

More jobs coming soon to rural areas

- Buxtonians hail interventions by the gov’t; say there is no shortage of opportunities

German’s to open new HQ, kitchen in Georgetown

‘We have enough’ - No more importation of poultry & poultry products

- VP Jagdeo says importation of skilled labour is an option

A face lift! The completed Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara stelling shed, providing easier and safer travel for passengers (Delano Williams photo)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, met with King Charles III on Friday in London, England ahead of his coronation. President Ali also attended Saturday’s coronation ceremony at the Church House at Westminster Abbey (Office of the President photo)

‘Our lives have completely changed’

More jobs coming soon to rural areas

- VP Jagdeo says importation of skilled labour is an option

By Clestine Juan

WITH Guyana poised for significant growth in various industries, the government has developed a plan to take jobs and economic activities to rural areas, specifically in Linden and the hinterland regions.

This was explained by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference last Thursday, where he addressed issues affecting the labour shortage in Guyana. There is a growing need for skilled professionals to fill the demand given the country’s rapid infrastructural transformation and the Vice President said the

the business community is complaining they are not getting labour. A lot of work is ongoing for housing, construction, and roads. The country is in a building boom,” the Vice President said.

He explained that the government has allowed “some” import of skilled labour, but without opening a “floodgate” since the main objective is putting money in the pockets of all Guyanese.

Jagdeo acknowledged that some private entities have already recruited foreign workers. But the government is keen on moderating the importation of foreign labour.

“We have allowed and we are allowing some labour to come

parts of the country, we still have pockets of unemployment,” he said, while in other regions, jobs are readily available, including in Regions Three and Four.

“So, that's why we are encouraging a lot of the people who need workers in Georgetown or the oil and gas industry… why not build facilities so if people are coming from Linden or maybe Region One or Region Six, they can stay in these facilities and maybe go back [home] on weekends,” Dr Jagdeo contended.

He added that the government has a plan “to take jobs and more economic activities into the rural areas, into Lin-

Recognising the change in the workforce, especially with more women, Dr Jagdeo said the government had rolled out initiatives, such as the part-time job programme as the government seeks to increase disposable income.

He added that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)-led government is pushing for the holistic upliftment of workers in Guyana that addresses not only their technical skills but also their social and emotional well-being.

The government is currently providing training in “high demand” skills such as heavy-duty equipment operators, electricians, plumbers

people across the country, Guyanese working first, getting good paying jobs,” he said.

Earlier this week, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that ‘a holistic upliftment of workers is underway in Guyana’ since its interest and its human resources much be placed in the forefront.

President Ali said that this “holistic” vision is aimed at ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary tools and support to meet the demands of a changing job market.

However, by taking a comprehensive approach to uplifting workers, he hopes to create a more resilient and sustainable workforce that can adapt to changing circumstances and thrive in the long term.

Dr Ali added that one of the issues with which the government is faced is recruiting and training persons by the end of next year.

major contractors, private and public, and they said to me, ‘We can’t find labourers.’ And, you find, because the salary is so large now, people are working a day pay of a minimum of $10,000,” the Head of State said.

Dr Ali related that the discipline in the workforce is eroding, since workers only show up to work for two or three days a week and are content with earning a salary of $30,000 for that limited amount of work.

This behaviour is seen as problematic because it indicates a lack of commitment and dedication to the job, which could, in turn, have negative consequences for both the individual worker and the organisation for which they work.

“That is a major, major problem that we will have to address,” President Ali said, noting that the government is taking a holistic approach to tackling the issue.

importation of skilled labour is an option.

“The labour shortage is a huge problem, and

den and the hinterland,” which will support investments in those communities.

and carpenters, giving the “construction boom.”

“We want to get all of our people, our own

“Six thousand to be trained in different areas of hospitality by the time we get up to 2024 or otherwise, we will be in a crisis. The hotels are already saying, ‘We are not finding workers.’ A lot of pressure on the system.

“… I met with all the

“When I speak about the holistic worker, together, all of us now have to educate our workers on productivity, staying disciplined, staying in the labour force, the consistency of labour, it is going to be a major, major problem,” the Head of State said.

here but without opening a floodgate and the reason why we are doing this is because in some

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Skilled Guyanese construction workers (Delano Williams photo)

King Charles and Queen Camilla crowned in historic ceremony

(BBC) - KING Charles and Queen Camilla have been crowned on a historic day of pageantry, capped by cheering by crowds in front of Buckingham Palace. Thousands packed the Mall despite the rain, after a deeply religious Coronation service at Westminster Abbey and a huge procession through London.

The King and Queen

waved from the Palace balcony as the RAF Red Arrows painted the sky red, white and blue. But the BBC understands Prince Harry was not invited to join them.

The Duke of Sussex had been at the ceremony in the abbey earlier, sitting two rows back from his brother Prince William - the first time they had been seen together since Harry's sensational memoir,

Spare, was released. He left for the US straight afterwards.

The King's day began shortly after 10:00 BST, with the procession to Westminster Abbey in the horse-drawn Diamond Jubilee State Coach, past cheering crowds and an honour guard of 1,000 members of the armed forces. Faith leaders and commonwealth leaders began the processions, with the King and Queen following behind.

The two-hour ceremonythe first to crown a monarch in 70 years - was watched on TV around the world, as well as some 2,300 people inside the

abbey. After the crown was placed on Charles's head cries of "God Save the King" were heard inside and outside, and gun salutes were made across the UK.

Celebrity guests were among those inside Westminster Abbey - including actress Emma Thompson and US singer Katy Perry.

US First Lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan arrived in a three-car motorcade, although President Biden did not travel to the UK. French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zel-

enska were also in the abbey, as were Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and leaders of the Commonwealth countries.

In all, 90 heads of state attended, the Foreign Office said. The Coronation's main theme was the importance of service.

"I come not to be served, but to serve," the King said in his first prayer after reaching the abbey.

Charles was proclaimed as the "undoubted King" in the first stage of the ceremony. The congregation was then asked to show their homage and service, shouting "God Save the King".

Yet among the music and oaths, there were moments of complete silence as each stage of the ancient ceremony finished.

Traditions rarely seen elsewhere in modern life were maintained - such as the inclusion of the orb and sceptre and the carrying of the gilded Sword of State. In one part of the service, the King was screened from public for the anointing - seen as the most sacred part of proceedings.

This was where the King was anointed with holy oils by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The need for privacy, the Palace said, was because it "has historically been regarded as a moment between the Sovereign and God".

While waiting for the anointed King to reappear, choristers sang Handel's Zadok the Priest - performed at every coronation since 1727.

Prince William also made a pledge of loyalty to King Charles, and kissed him on the cheek, before members of the congregation were invited to offer their own support.

Returning to the Palace, it was a spectacle of pomp and pageantry as the newly crowned King and Queen travelled up The Mall in the Gold State Coach flanked by thousands of servicemen and women. In total, 4,000 armed forces personnel and 19 military bands took part - making it the biggest state occasion since the coronation of the late Queen in 1953.

Despite the very English weather - constant rain - there was a celebratory atmosphere on The Mall, with periodic Mexican waves and police officers being cheered.

Around six protesters, who were unloading a van of placards, were arrested. In total, the Metropolitan Police said it arrested 52 people for affray, public order offences, breach of the peace and conspiracy to cause a public nuisance around the Coronation. Acknowledging concerns about the arrests, Commander Karen Findlay defended Scotland Yard's actions, saying: "Our duty is to do so in a proportionate manner in line with relevant legislation."

Anti-monarchy groups had defended their right to protest, but the police warned that "tolerance for any disruption, whether through protest or otherwise, will be low".

"The reports of people being arrested for peacefully protesting the coronation are incredibly alarming", said Human Rights Watch UK director Yasmine Ahmed. Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who joined the protesters, accused the police of erecting giant barriers to obscure anti-monarchy banners.

The King and Queen appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the ceremony

German's to open new HQ, kitchen in Georgetown

GERMAN’S, a second-generation family restaurant, will soon begin construction of a new corporate headquarters and modern commercial kitchen in Georgetown.

This announcement was made by co-owner, Clinton Urling, on his social media page.

“Works to commence soon on the construction of the corporate headquarters and a modern commercial kitchen for German's Restaurant in Georgetown, Guyana,” he said in the post.

This marks a major milestone for the restaurant, which opened its

third location at the Giftland Mall, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown last year. Customers and the local community have expressed excitement about the news, praising Ger-

Laws tabled for electric bikes

TO address the alarming increase in road fatalities and incidents involving electric bikes, the government has tabled in the National Assembly, regulatory frameworks through amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic laws.

The new bill was introduced at the last sitting of the National Assembly by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

The Bill defines an electric cycle as any motorcycle that has an electric motor and is fitted with an effective stopping system controlled by use of brakes, gears, or motor control. In practical terms, this means that electric cycles would be subject to the same rules and regulations as

motorcycles when it comes to registration and use.

This includes requirements for safety standards, and other aspects of motor vehicle operation.

Nandlall, during his online show, “Issues in the News,” said that citizens and other bodies, especially from the private sector, have complained about how people are using electric bikes.

“People across the coun-

try are using these electric cycles, and we have received complaints far and wide that these electric cycles are being used in a manner dangerous to the public. They present a travel traffic hazard, and the persons who are riding these cycles are not equipped with

helmets or any other protective gear… it is a dangerous situation,” the Legal Affairs Minister noted.

He continued: “We have received these complaints from the private sector. We have received this complaint from members of the public, users of the road have complained. If you look at a social media platform, you will see commentaries and commentaries about this conduct.”

In February, 17-year-old Bibi Sophia Mohammed of Non-Pareil Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was killed, while her sister was hospitalised,

man's Restaurant for its commitment to quality and innovation.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Urling, shared that the restaurant, which was started in the 1960s by his father, Hubert Urling, became very popular for its cowheel soup.

Clinton said that his father learned the recipes from his grandmother. Urling also recounted how, when they started in the area of Georgetown known as ‘Tiger Bay’, word spread around the capital city and the country, and German’s became immensely popular.

following an electric bike accident along the Coldingen Public Road, ECD.

According to reports, the two sisters were on the electric bike when they were struck by a truck. The electric bike was being ridden by 16-year-old Maria Mohammed, while the now-deceased teen was the passenger. Neither was wearing protective gear.

So much so that they, in 1970, had to expand to another location that could have over 100 customers at a time in Robb Street, Georgetown.

By the 1980s, German’s was already established as a household name where persons from all walks of life would frequent the restaurant.

In 1999, Clinton’s father passed away, but he and his brother continued the restaurant’s legacy. In 2018, the restaurant opened a location in Brooklyn, New York City (NYC) in the United States of America (USA).

The Ministry of Home Affairs has said that a further review of more measures to promote road safety is currently being undertaken.

A model of the new German’s corporate headquarters and modern commercial kitchen

Co-owner of German’s Restaurant, Clinton Urling

Electric bikes

The British Monarchy

AMIDST much pomp and ceremony, King Charles III is crowned. The ceremony was watched by millions of people across the globe including royalties, foreign dignitaries and several world leaders including President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

The British monarchy is one of the oldest institutions in the world, spanning a period of over one thousand years. The last time the British people, indeed the world, witnessed such a spectacle was seventy years ago with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953; someone who had the distinction of being one of the longest serving monarchs in the world.

The new King is no

stranger to the Guyanese people having visited the country on more than one occasion, the last such visit in 2000 as part of his nine-day visit to the Caribbean.

At the time of his visit, he was Prince of Wales and also held the title as Patron of Iwokrama Rainforests, besides being a strong advocate and patron of several charities. He was warmly embraced and greeted by Guyanese from all walks of life. He also met and shook hands with a wide cross-section of the Guyanese people.

Now, he is officially King Charles III and at age 75, he is the oldest member of the British monarch to be so coronated. His wife Camilla has also been coro-

nated as Queen.

Significantly, the new King pledged to serve the British people and all those who are part of the British Commonwealth. Laying his hands on the Holy Book during an ancient crowning ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London, the King said, “I come not to be served, but to serve.”

This is no ordinary responsibility and much is expected of him. This reality has not been lost to the new King who in his first public speech said: ''And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background of beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect

and love, as I have throughout my life. My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities.”

He had been King in waiting for several decades and is no doubt aware of the enormous weight of the Crown and the legacy of sterling service he inherited from his mother, Queen Elizabeth II who passed away in September 2022.

The coronation ceremony was not without its hiccups as a small group of anti-monarchists was detained by police and had their posters seized. That, however, did not in any way diminish the glory and splendor of the moment which clearly was characterised by unprecedented levels of organisation and grandeur. Making the

monarchy relevant and in line with modern parliamentary democracy will no doubt be high on the agenda of the new King's monarchical rule.

The coronation of the new King has taken place at a time when relations between Guyana and Great Britain have never been stronger. Guyana, despite having attained political independence from Britain on May 26, 1966 and full republican status on February 23, 1970 remained an active member of the British Commonwealth. In fact, a Guyanese in the person of Sir Sridath Ramphal at one time served as Secretary-General of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

President Ali, who was

accompanied by Minister of Trade and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and the Head of Go-invest, Peter Ramsaroop, also took the opportunity to promote tourism and investment in Guyana.

It was indeed a productive engagement between President Ali and his team in the United Kingdom in which several high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from across the world to discuss potential collaborations in a wide range of areas took place. In this regard, President Ali must be commended for his proactive leadership role in seizing every possible opportunity to promote the interests of Guyana and the region on the international stage.

PPP set for massive victory at LGE

Dear Editor,

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has put into motion their thorough preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs), which is certain to lead to a massive victory at the June 12 polls.

Significantly, the all-inclusiveness of the proposed candidates creates a win-win for communities in all Local Authority Areas nationwide and will serve to strengthen democracy at the grass-root levels.

The due diligence and vigilance of the PPP/C at these LGEs will be without boundaries as the party and supporters go into full elections mode. General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, is mobilising all his forces and putting all systems in place for a robust but free and fair contest.

Without contradiction, the party will be moving to augment

its revealed all-inclusive list of nominated candidates, expressing the unrestricted diversity and quality of persons approved and recommended by the PPP/C as a symbol of the unreserved pursuit of unity.

The PPP/C's campaign approach demonstrates an emboldened sense of ground-breaking nationalism, targeting the most significant dividing obstacles to our peoples' advancement.

They do so aware of the need to break the long-known falsity of ethnic division that Oppositions forces have used for decades as a pillar of indoctrination, for continuing the suppression to development as a trade-off for power grabbing.

They do so in recognition that a balanced injection of experience and initiatives at the Local Authority Area (LAAs) levels will catalyze an overwhelming parallel promotion of appealing and motivating communities to the population.

Consequently, the fact that PPP/C is enjoying a significant percentage of 'walk-overs’ based on the ‘Nomination Day’ proposal of candidates to contest the LGEs is not surprising. Notwithstanding, the PPP/C’s activists are taking nothing for granted, nor sparing no chance to root with the masses as they reach out to the communities with their messages to all the voters.

Accordingly, the general population should anticipate outreaches and engagements in various forms of appropriate communication comprising party members and supporters distributing pamphlets and handbills; and being involved in bottom-house meetings as well as one-and-one speaking to the people in all communities.

Further, the continuance of Ministers of Government working in communities to address the issues of all citizens is most heartening and demonstrative of the total commitment of the

leaders of the PPP/C, who are now proven to be unwavering in the spirit of a One Guyana agenda as they walk the walk. No empty words define the re-energised PPP/C methods as they set about achieving an improved and deserving future for all citizens.

These LGEs will be most interesting given the encouraging demonstrated spirit of enthusiasm and togetherness that now characterize a resuscitation of will amongst our people. For all these good reasons, people from all walks of life proudly accompany the PPP/C candidates in their campaigns around the country.

Indeed, opportunities are emerging for all as the government moves to address people's personal issues and community problems positively. The PPP leaders and ministers are showing keen interest in and are willing to listen to the masses to resolve matters, bringing them in

direct contact with the people on the ground.

Editor, for too long, the blind obligation to oppose for the sake of being in Opposition, was allowed to thrive in support of a few self-aggrandising henchmen and women. In recent times, most of the current Opposition frontline administrators, while trying to steal the peoples' democratic rights, also supported policies imposing increased tax burdens and other sufferings on our citizens. These they referred to as collateral damages, which the PPPC had to remove swiftly or set policies to treat over time on assuming government in August of 2020.

It is rational that working at grass root levels with our citizens regardless of perceived ethnic divide and supporting the constitutional foundational framework, yields the conditions for proposal and feedback that is conducive to accelerating community empowerment and

development.

Moreover, faking the approach will have consequences given that fictitious propagandists will no longer deceive our citizens, as improvements to one's position must not be only perceived but felt.

For these tangibles and other reasons, the PPP/C’s genuine outreaching and solution-oriented engagements, as opposed to the PNC's unconstructive opposing, have proved to be more and more complementary and meaningful to our people.

The Guyana 2023 LGEs are expected to significantly encourage the dream and reality of President Irfaan Ali’s 'One Guyana' undertakings. As this nation prepares for voting on the 12th of June, the electorate seems to be more pump-up and ready to vote with great determination to strengthen local democracy.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Guyana's natural gas will be a game-changer

Dear Editor,

There are many local and international conversions occurring daily about Guyana's oil resource; and the enormous potential that exists to transform the country and its people is never-ending.

But equally important is Guyana's natural gas and its intended gas to shore project, which can and will be a game-changer for the country, in providing a reliable and affordable source of energy for domestic consumption and facilitating other industries' growth.

Editor, this project has the potential to help eliminate the country's heavy reliance on imported diesel and other fossil fuels, which are expensive, and its production emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

This gas-to-shore project will likely have the ability to generate significant revenue opportunities for the country, boosting its economic growth, and making it a major player in the South American continent and within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Editor, one significant advantage of the gas-to-shore project for Guyana is the provision of a reliable power supply, finally the possibility for an end to frequent blackouts.

This project, as far as I’m aware and what makes sense, is that it will supply power to the country's main public utility providers, namely, Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and the Linden Electricity Company Inc. (LECI), ensuring a steady, cost-effective, hence "cheaper" power supply for consumers.

Guyana currently obtains most of its power from expensive diesel generators, which are unreliable and costly, resulting in constant load-shedding and fluctuations in the cost of energy that affects customers. This has long constrained economic development in Guyana, resulting in significant costs to small businesses, respective industries, and ordinary people.

The ready access to a reliable, constant energy supply will allow Guyana to develop new industries and maintain existing ones while attracting many foreign direct investments that demand constant and affordable sources of

energy.

Editor, the gas to shore will be a catalyst for the growth and the introduction of other new industries, adding value to our many raw materials in many parts of the country.

The abundance of affordable, reliable energy will enable the country to aggregate its service and manufacturing industries cost-effectively. For example, electric power is necessary in the mining industry, manufacturing industry, and transportation sector.

Making manufacturing more cost-effective will aid in the creation of permanent jobs for our people. Constant and reliable power will facilitate a faster and more efficient transportation system with the setting up of power stations all across the country to cater to an increase of imported electric cars, buses, trucks, and bikes, [which] will significantly reduce the overall cost of operating the industry and enhance public transportation in a cleaner and environmentally friendly way.

Additionally, reliable power supply will facilitate key sectors like the food and agriculture industry where temperature-controlled storage is essential, and the hospital and healthcare sectors that require uninterrupted power supply for drugs and medical equipment operation. The ability to provide affordable and reliable energy will attract foreign investment in these industries, creating job opportunities for Guyana's population while generating income for the country's GDP.

Further, the gas-to-shore project will significantly increase Guyana's revenue-generation capacity by leveraging its natural gas reserves to produce petrochemicals and other industrial products. The planned expansion of power production capacity will undoubtedly create excess gas, which, as a country, we can partner with local and foreign companies to commercialise products based on the natural gas produced.

Products such as nitrogen fertilisers, is one such product which the government can use to establish a nitrogen plant, which will have the potential to be one of the major suppliers of nitrogen fertiliser in the Caribbean and the entire South American

continent. Can you imagine how impactful this will be for local farmers and the agricultural sector, bringing Guyana closer to becoming the food basket of Caricom?

Further, a methanol production plant- with a renewable chemical base which can be synthesised from skid-mounted methanol plants, providing a good yield of chemicals such as Formalin, when combined with methanol; this can be converted into many other derivatives, including the use of formaldehyde as a disinfectant and in the production of paints, all of which can be produced and sold to our neighbours in and out of the region.

Another product Guyana can benefit from is Liquefied Natural gas (LNG), which can also be exported. The excess gas produced can also be liquefied and exported, providing additional revenue to the country.

Guyana needs to tap into the growing demand for LNG in the emerging economies of Asia while also catering to regional markets such as North America, in the process becoming a significant player in the LNG market and establishing the country as an energy hub.

Editor, Guyana is well placed to provide energy security for the Caribbean community, considering its proximity to other CARICOM member states.

The gas-to-shore project can serve as an export market for natural gas, and Caribbean states are expected to be eager to benefit from the project. For instance, the LPG market is largely underserved in CARICOM countries, and gas will go a long way to supplement current production, thereby improving the lives of citizens in the region.

Editor, beyond CARICOM, Guyana can leverage the gas-to-shore project to cement its position as an energy producer for the South American continent. The government has already established partnerships with Brazil, which should be extended with pipelines planted to transport natural gas eventually to the South American behemoth. Similarly, Guyana can leverage the production of LNG on the West coast of the country with pipe -

line infrastructure to access markets in Peru in the south, significantly contributing to the continued economic development of the continent. Editor, this project coupled with the inputs of the main opposition, civil soci-

ety and the private sector can aid the government, Guyana and its people to be well positioned to be not just be a major beneficiary from its resource but a significant player in the very near future in other parts

of the world as a major player in the energy supply industry.

Yours respectfully, Hon. Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament

Guyana shows up big at OTC

Last week was the Offshore Technology Conference 2023 (OTC), a four-day event based in Houston, Texas that serves as a central hub for convening energy industry leaders, experts, and government officials to share ideas and to discuss and debate the most pressing topics facing the offshore energy sector. Over the last four years, Guyana has been a breakout star at this event due to its rapid rise as an emerging oil and gas producer.

The event opened with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) and Mr. Lutfi Hassan, Honorary Consul General of Guyana in Houston. OTC is the time of the year

where the Guyanese government can tout to other international stakeholders across the offshore energy value chain that vast amounts of opportunities are present while demonstrating to peer governments and experts that it is taking sustainable and equitable development seriously.

Right now, Guyana is a hotspot for investment as the country angles to expand its local private sector and bring in more diverse investors. OTC is a prized forum for the Guyana Office for Investment and private sector companies to collaborate.

“OTC is one of the most prestigious platforms for the world to keep engaging with Guyana as we continue to lead on energy transition, low carbon development, and climate

services,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.

“The group that we have here comprised representatives from Government and from private sector organisations, inclusive of individual companies at every size.”

One notable example of how impactful attending the OTC event can be for Guyanese stakeholders was a new memorandum signed between the Guyana Oil & Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) and CBMEX Energy Guyana, which signifies both groups’ intention to work closely together and share expertise, particularly in the oil and gas development and management space.

The President of GOGEC, Manniram Prashad, stated that, “GOGEC plays a significant role in linking

Oil and Gas and energy companies to Guyanese businesses. We are excited to bring such a large delegation to the oil and gas capital of the world and expect to see tremendous results in the form of MOUs and contract signings.”

Guyana’s oil and gas industry has created tremendous interest for investment in Guyana, which has taken strides to create a favourable environment for new investors.

Dr. Ramsaroop said it best, “Guyana is an exciting country [as] we are on the map for many reasons, […] Now that we’re in a significant growth stage, we’re like buying a stock.”

All of which to say, the Government has been proactive in supporting local businesses through policies such as the Local

Adolescents and mental health

“FIX the broken child in you so you don’t break the child that came from you.” This is a quote I saw recently on social media, which immediately made me recall a more pointed comment made by a contributor at a Medical Conference held two Sundays ago at the University of Guyana.

During a discussion on mental health moderated by Psychotherapist, Shane Tull, a concerned parent argued, “The problem with them is us,” when airing her views on the role parents play in the mental health of their children.

Her remark came during lively debate in response to a question posed by Tull, who

asked, “How are we taking care of ourselves?”

The consensus was that we as adults often do not deal with trauma we may have experienced as children. When we become parents, we then foist this ‘emotional baggage’ onto our children, while being ill-equipped to help them with their own issues.

The psychotherapist also referred to the “culture clash” which exists causing differing cultures to view mental health in different ways, while the stigma makes it harder for people to even admit they have a problem and seek help.

In addition, he advised that mental health must engage the entire population, particularly adolescents, making it a community issue that should involve social workers, teachers and competent professionals.

In light of the recent spate of attacks on teachers by pupils, all were agreed that ‘children must have their voice’ and be encouraged to discuss their emotional problems, but in a respectful manner.

However, this invariably means first talking with parents and the point was made that in differing households, the person with the most influence may not necessarily be the parents, or may only be one parent.

Content Act and putting in place transformative processes that will make it easier for companies to do business in Guyana.

Back in 2021, President Irfaan Ali highlighted the government’s work with regional bodies on the modernisation of the institutional and legislative infrastructure to help establish the single window approval system for permitting. This was a significant step towards making it easier to do business in Guyana by improving the access to more streamlined processes and approval.

An important factor in the success of Guyana’s oil and gas industry will be the ability to cultivate an economy where small and medium-sized businesses can grow, thrive, and take advantage of new opportunities. Permitting

reform, cheaper and more reliable electricity and removing regional barriers to trade have all been cited by analysts as key steps to improving the ease of doing business in Guyana. Earlier this year, an analysis by Focus Economics stated that Guyana is leading the list of top five countries with the fastest-growing economies up to 2026. The country is on a fastpaced upward trajectory and while surrounded by global economic uncertainty, Guyana continues to develop at a rapid rate. The country is growing quickly across all sectors and the investments being made in Guyana are positioning the country as an emerging market leader, both in the region and globally.

Tull recommended that teachers identify the “power broker” in the family and talk to that person, noting that, “…because of existing stigma minorities are sometimes left to find (their own) mental health solutions.”

Certainly, parents and concerned adults need to play an active and informed role in the lives of children, particularly during adolescence, which is defined as the “period following the onset of puberty during which a young person develops from

a child into an adult.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes this as a “unique and formative time and “a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being.”

Usually associated with the teenage years, adolescence is a period of significant ‘upheaval’, when children are particularly susceptible to mental health conditions, which may range from anxiety to severe emo-

GPA elections and press freedom ranking

Recently, Guyana slipped down by 26 points on the world press freedom index.

At the same time, Guyana received a barrage of criticism from press associations in the region and further afield for its perceived and alleged treatment of journalists and media workers here.

Also, the PPP/C Government was lectured on how it should treat with its press and media here in order to get a good ranking on indices and somehow ‘promote’ press freedom.

We should examine this issue with a microscopic lens to understand how we ended up here, and whether Guyana deserved such a low world press freedom ranking. Also, we must analyse whether there is a political plot at work in the media and press that wanted the PPP/C Government to be shown in a terrible light as regards press freedom and

access to information.

This columnist would always support the right of any journalist and media worker to ply their trade publicly without fear, and freely. There must not be any intimidation from the government of the day, be it the PPP/C, PNC/R, APNU, AFC or any other party that is in power.

Similarly, journalists and their families’ lives must not be put at risk or in danger whenever they ply their trade.

There must be freedom of press and access to information from government regarding its policies and positions on issues. The government has a responsibility to answer the media and press in a fair, timely and transparent manner.

Now that that is out of the way, we can begin our analysis.

First off, Guyana did not deserve that low ranking it received. No journalist’s life was lost. No

journalist was physically or verbally threatened in the course of duty. No journalist was held as a political prisoner as we see other governments doing in democracies and other dictatorships around the world.

As a media professional, there is freedom to operate openly without any censorship. So, the PPP/C Government and Guyana was dealt a bad hand because of a ‘crying baby-syndrome’ and weak leadership of the local press association.

Now, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) had no cause to issue the last three statements condemning the PPP/C Government with regards to the treatment of the press. It wanted to because of the politics at play and the partisan nature of its composition and personalities that sit on its executive. There is no neutrality and fairness when it comes to judging what constitutes a

breach of press freedom in Guyana.

The media and press here operate on the same standards that it holds everyone to in society. It must be factual, accurate and balanced. When any politician or person feels they have fallen short, they must be allowed to call them out. The media must be criticised and the information that they are putting out challenged legally and otherwise. This is not bad for Guyana as a developing nation and not bad for press freedom. If anything, it is good and can only serve to strengthen the press in their trade.

If one was to be frank, Guyana has one of the best environments in the Caribbean and arguably the world for the press and media to operate. The country has legislation and declarations that actively shield the press and guarantees their rights.

This current government has a strong track

Adolescents and mental...

FROM PAGE 8

tional disorders.

It is estimated that globally one in seven 10 – 19-year-olds experience mental health challenges, which remain largely unrecognised and untreated; this accounts for 13 per cent of what the WHO terms “the global burden of disease in this age group.”

Experts assert that while multiple factors affect mental health, the more risk adolescents are exposed to the greater will be the impact on mental health. Determinants include the quality of their relationship with their parents and peers, exposure to sexual and domestic violence, harsh parenting and severe socioeconomic problems.

Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are

said to be among the leading causes of illness among adolescents and suicide is given as the fourth leading cause of death among 15 – 29-yearsolds.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of adolescents claiming poor mental health is growing and urged schools and parents to create protective relationships with students.

The group contends that young people with poor mental health “struggle with school grades, decision-making and their health” and are more likely to engage in drug use, high-risk sexual behavior and violence.

It all comes back to involvement of the community in the mental health of its citizens, particularly its adolescents, and the important

dialogue that parents and ‘power brokers’ in families need to have with their teen and pre-teen children.

For, as the CDC declares, “Because many

health behaviours and habits are established in adolescence that will carry over into adult years, it is important to help youth develop good mental health.”

record of working on the side of the press in opposition and in government, save and except a few spats and situations that rear their ugly heads now and again.

The real problem is the GPA getting intertwined in politics in the way that it is now. The GPA President is a secret politician who is very and openly partisan. This President is not popular in the very circle she operates in, and is seeking to hold on to power by fear and intimidation. The President is actively running a campaign with a few right-wing media persons who are not friends of the PPP/C trying to twist the arm of media workers and journalists. One knows that this ranking was well coordinated to come on the heels of her departure and after the ‘cry-baby syndrome.’

All Guyana sees and

knows what is happening with the media. It is not an issue of press freedom and access to information but greed and power because of the perks and portfolio that comes with saying ‘I am the head of the GPA'.

The GPA is not in a good place at this point in time. It is battling for its soul and the right to stay apolitical and objective. It is trying to save itself from pursuing personal partisan political interests. The GPA President and others must not use the Press Association to hide behind the mask of journalists and media workers when they are full blown politicians and politico-mercenaries.

The GPA will self-implode with the path it is going down but they can make a U-turn. There is still time for the real journalists and media workers to sound their voices with their votes.

Former APNU councillor joins independent party

AGRICOLA resident and former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)

City Hall councillor, Welton Clarke, has thrown his hat into the ring for Local Government Elections (LGEs) as an ‘Independent Citizens for Progress’ candidate for Meadow Bank-Agricola, constituency 15.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Clarke underscored that the party is fully-independent and is not running on behalf of any of the political parties.

“We are totally independent in the true sense and meaning of the word.

When asked why he joined the Independent Citizens for Progress party,

Clarke said, “I saw a few things that could be done differently at the city council level,” adding it was the gradual deterioration of his community and the lack of

interest shown by City Council pushed him to run for LGEs under Bobby Vieira’s Independent Citizens for Progress party.

According to the 76-year-

- aims to prioritise neighbourhood security

old Agricola resident: “I looked at what was needed and I tried to garner the assistance of other property owners and residents to come together and do some cleaning of drains… and things like that.”

He added, “I decided to make it a commitment for the benefit of the village and visitors,” Clarke remarked. He also said that it was the overwhelming support and encouragement that pushed him to strive for the betterment of his constituency 15.

With neighbourhood security at his focal point, Clarke underscored that he takes security seriously and he does not want residents to feel unsafe in their own

communities, as he is putting their “comfort, security and sense of belonging” first.

“Just what we need is the co-operation,” Clarke said as he told this publication that he is using an array of measures in order to earn citizens’ trust so that they feel free to express their concerns.

Speaking about his experience, the 76-year-old candidate affirmed that “with age comes wisdom,” and he knows that residents do not simply want a ‘smiling’ candidate to just make promises but one that can appeal to them and understand their situations by taking action.

“I try to get close to the residents by hailing out to everyone what I’m going to do

to win their support, let them know who I am, what I intend to do, what I’ve been doing and what they can expect,”

Clarke remarked.

Clarke said he is willing to work with both local and regional elected officials in order to get work done, noting that it is positivity and togetherness that brings progress.

On the topic of youth engagement, the Agricola resident said: “it seems to me that in some areas young people were neglected.”

He further noted that he is planning to engage the youths of these areas on their level in order to bring about development since the youths are the future.

Works at Lot Five, East Coast-East Bank bypass road in finishing stages

WORKS along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) to East Bank Demerara (EBD) bypass road are

progressing well, with the concrete works on roads and bridges at Lot Five completed, and finishing

touches taking place. Lot Five of this project is managed by S. Jagmohan Construction; the company’s

Senior Engineer, Avinash Dyal, on Saturday, in providing an update on the company’s progress, stated that they are “wrapping up” works and

entailed the construction of eight reinforced concrete bridges. The final bridge, which links Lot Five to Lot Four, was completed in

2022 signed for the construction of the first phase of the ECD to EBD road linkage project.

At the signing ceremony, which was held at the intersection of the Rupert Craig Highway and Ogle Road on the East Coast of Demerara, it was announced that an India-based construction company, Ashoka Buildcon Limited, will take on the project, which is expected to be carried out over 24 months.

The first phase of the road is expected to be a fourlane highway that stretches some 7.8 kilometres, with each lane being 3.6 metres wide. The road will also feature a median, sidewalks, and several structures along the way.

Works that were ongoing in March at the site

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had said this massive project is being supported through a concessional line of credit worth US$50 million from the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of India.

He related that the road is not a stand-alone project, as it cannot be seen in isolation from what is happening across the rest of the country.

it should be fully completed by May 10, 2023.

Dyal said that the project required the company to build 800 metres of concrete road. The project also

mid-January as they laid the last slab.

Overall, he related that they are moving apace with the project. A US$106.4 million contract was in June

“Each one of these projects must not be seen as stand-alone or isolated projects unconnected within an elaborate and comprehensive masterplan; an elaborate and comprehensive plan for the transformation of infrastructure across Guyana,” Dr. Singh said.

Former APNU City Hall councilor, Welton Clarke (News Room photo)

Young people recognise importance of Arrival Day

By Cindy Parkinson

ORIGINALLY, Arrival Day was referred to as Indian Arrival Day, and it was celebrated specifically for the arrival of the Indian ancestors who came to Guyana on May 5, 1838. However, the meaning of the holiday was later broadened to include all ethnic groups in 2017 by the then President of Guyana, David Granger.

Many Chinese and other immigrants also came to Guyana as indentured servants, but the bulk of the people came from India, which is why over 40 per cent of Guyana’s population today is of Indian descent.

Last Friday, Guyanese from all walks of life honoured the first indentured labourers who came from India and arrived in the country on May 5, 1838. It was also a celebration of the accomplishments

of all those who arrived in Guyana with their descendants and have contributed to the collective struggle to develop the country and lobby for its independence.

Speaking with the Sunday Chronicle, Mayadevi Awadhesh said that "Arrival Day is a very significant holiday for all Guyanese, regardless of our culture or ethnicity. It is an opportunity for us, as young people, to educate ourselves on the history of

our ancestors and all that they brought with them to Guyana.

“I strongly believe that they played an integral role in the development and shaping of our people and our country. We must remember that times are different now and that we are in an era where we are free to enjoy, celebrate, and appreciate each other and each other's culture.

“The difficulties of multiculturalism have been a hardship for us as young people. However, Guyana is a shining example of how people from different ethnic backgrounds can live in peace, work together for the common good, and show respect for one another. We must also make an effort to protect this legacy."

Additionally, Mayadevi said that Arrival Day honours Guyana’s multicultural background and the immigrants who made the country more culturally

diverse. According to her, their cultural influence may be seen in the local people’s beliefs, celebrations, attire, music, dance, cuisine, values, and traditions.

"Even though the world is more technologically advanced, we as young people should not forget

our roots, where we came from, and the people who made the sacrifices for us to enjoy most of what we are enjoying right now," Mayadevi said.

Anjanie Aroon, another young woman of mixed race, told the Sunday Chronicle, "I recalled reading that 240,000 Indians traveled for a very long time by ship to the colony of British Guiana, and the majority of them stayed and established roots here.

“This year, on the 185th anniversary of their arrival, it is nice that we can commemorate their arrival in Guyana.

“I believe that the landscape of our nation has been altered on a human, physical, economic, social, and cultural level by the indentured Indian immigrants, and Indians

who were brought to the country. It is also said that the indentured servants contributed to the independence movement and the improvement of living and working conditions, as well as maintaining the sugar industry and diversifying economic activities.

“I take pride in knowing that we are descendants of strong and resilient ancestors, and we have to also remember that their offspring have made and continue to make immeasurable, constructive contributions to every area of national growth. I would encourage all of us young people to take a page out of our ancestor's book and let us contribute to this beautiful country that we get to call Guyana."

Mayadevi Awadhesh Anjanie Anrood

Construction worker arrested for assaulting cop

THE assault of a policeman by two men near Movietowne at Turkeyen on Friday afternoon, has sparked outrage from Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken.

Police Headquarters said

Police Constable Harlequin and another rank were carrying out traffic enforcement duties at about 16:45 hrs. at the Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara when they intercepted a heavily tinted

vehicle (#PAD 3136), driven by Kessee Edwards. The Constable reportedly told the driver to go to the Sparendaam Police Station for a vehicular inspection.

“The driver refused and drove off at a fast speed, and

in the process, the car’s front wheel went over Constable Harlequin’s right foot,” a report from Police Headquarters noted. It is alleged that the cop entered a police vehicle and chased after Edwards and intercepted him at the Turkeyen access road, in the vicinity of MovieTowne.

According to the police report, Edwards exited his vehicle, approached Constable Harlequin, and told him that someone called ‘Demon’ was on the phone and allegedly hurled several expletives at the officer. Constable Harlequin then called 911 for assistance.

Soon after, a grey Toyota Allion drove by and the driver approached Constable Harlequin.

It was then noted that Constable Harlequin told Edwards of the multiple offences he had committed, cautioned him, and later told him that he was under arrest. Edwards, however, started to behave in a disorderly manner and bit Constable Harlequin on his left ear, the report noted.

It is alleged that Edwards and the other man started attacking Constable Harlequin and hit him about his body. Public-spirited citizens eventually gathered at the scene and one man confronted the assailants. That man is believed to be former cop Eustace Abrams called Robocop.

Edwards was arrested

Gov’t

and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where he was placed into custody pending investigation. Police are looking for the other assailant.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Hicken, in a statement issued by Police Headquarters, said the Force will not tolerate any unprovoked attack on its officers.

“Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken has expressed outrage at the assault and said this behaviour would not be tolerated, and anyone who feels they can assault and attack the Police while carrying out their sworn duty to serve and protect will face the full brunt of the law,” the statement noted.

working to address salary ‘anomalies’ for teachers

VICE PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jadgeo, has reaffirmed that the Government of Guyana is progressively working to address “anomalies” for the adjustment of salary scales for teachers.

During a press conference last Thursday, the Vice President said that the administration is looking at salaries in a holistic way to fix the “anomalies that were there for a while.”

“What we are thinking about is that we want our teachers to be trained. So, we are moving to get all of our teachers trained. And then there should be salary gradation based on years, in-service…and also on qualification,” Dr. Jadgeo

said.

For example, the Vice President said that if a teacher makes the effort to get a Master Degree, his/her salary must reflect same and not on the same level as a teacher with a First Degree.

“So, we are still looking at that. We have done it for the other sectors and a couple of other areas in government, the health sector, a couple of areas where we are looking at this same issue…The agenda is heavy, but it is something that is actively engaging the agenda of the government,” he added.

The government is currently engaging the Guyana Teachers Union

(GTU) on the matter. Last December, President Irfaan Ali announced that several categories of public servants will get salary increases and assured teachers that their increase was guaranteed

The salary scale of health workers has been addressed, resulting in over 5,000 persons benefitting from a disposable income of over $1.5 billion annually.

Additionally, ranks of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Defence Force have benefitted from a $1 billion annualised increase to their salaries.

A snippet from the video of the cop being beaten

Press freedom ‘well secured’ under PPP - Jagdeo

VICE PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, highlighted the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) support for press freedom in Guyana, noting that the party will fight to maintain it.

“I want to make it clear, we believe in press freedom; we will fight to maintain press freedom. We believe journalists should be treated with respect,” he stated during a press conference at the PPP/C’s Freedom House Headquarters.

He said that the PPP/C believes that journalists should be treated fairly despite what they write.

“They have a job and they are pursuing their job. So, we must not go after the journalists themselves. We know what the editorial policy of some of the media houses is,” Jagdeo noted.

He said that the political party has always been supportive of the press and it has fought for the rights of the media.

“We know what it was when the PNC had banned newsprint in this country. They banned you being able to bring in print so you could not print your newspaper. People had to smuggle newsprint into the country, the paper, to print the newspapers on because the Catholic Standard in the early days and the Mirror, they could not get paper to print because the PNC had banned it,” Jagdeo explained.

He added, “We’ve come a long way from when journalists were killed or threatened to be killed.”

According to Jagdeo, the party has a vested interest in ensuring Guyana has free, competitive media.

“We will defend the right of the media to say it, even if in our view it is misguided, we will defend that right of the media to

say it…except when it borders on criminality,” he said.

VP Jagdeo continued: “What we have seen, a lot of the online stuff that call themselves media. It’s not really media, its commentators. We’re not going to fight to defend that but everyone else we will fight to defend for that right.”

On May 3, 2023, World Press Freedom Day was observed and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, in a recent statement said that as the socio-economic landscape of Guyana evolves in multi-dimensional directions, the Fourth Estate and arguably the emerging Fifth will remain most pivotal in helping to undergird the national ethos.

“Successive PPP/C governments have consistently regarded the free press in high esteem, seeking always to partner in the building of fundamental capacities to steadily improve, creating opportunities for professional industry training and academic growth, and building an enabling environment that safeguards the sanctity, security, freedoms and access of the media, in consonance with broader freedoms and rights enjoyed by every citizen under the constitution,” his statement read.

Further, he related that successive PPP/C administrations have ratified and enforced international conventions and subscribed to global platforms and fora that promote and advocate in the interest of the fraternity.

“As recently as 2021, our government ratified the Media Freedom Coalition which focuses heavily on the safety and protection of journalists and other media workers.

Ours is a commitment that is steadfast and unwavering, and one which is embedded in an active continuum of a future of rights, as a cornerstone of responsible governance and citizenship,” Minister McCoy said.

In 2022, after convening one of the largest assemblies of media practitioners and other stakeholders in

a national conference and symposium, Guyana’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index improved 17 places to number 34 among 180 countries. Minister McCoy related that he is proud to be associated with the stellar record of steady progress towards the most ideal symbiotic en vironment possible.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

‘Our lives have completely changed’

—

Buxtonians hail interventions by the gov't; say there is no shortage of opportunities

By Cindy Parkinson

STRATEGIC planning and key interventions by the government in the community of Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), have restored hope to residents, who have capitalised on various opportunities to improve their lives.

The Sunday Chronicle was able to observe the ongoing work, and the result of the social and economic initiatives during a tour of the community and interactions with residents. Contractor, Gladwyn Hamilton, of G. Hamilton’s Builders, said his life changed after his company was contracted by the government to construct a bridge in the community.

we are talented and skilled like the bigger contractors. Not everyone saw that in us, but the President and his government did.

“We know for a fact that our government is caring, and they show that by what they are doing for small businessmen like us.”

In the past, small businessmen felt as though they were neglected by the government, but things are different now, Hamilton admitted.

“We are not just hearing about what will happen; we are seeing the changes. And whoever says otherwise, isn’t being truthful. Of course, everything cannot be

‘We all know where it was before, and look at where it is now under this administration. Let’s not fool ourselves; we are seeing progress, not just hearing about it. And I want to encourage all Guyanese to forget about the noise that is being made around you about racism and other foolishness. Wake up and make use of the opportunities that are in front of you. The government is helping you secure a job by providing training or any other support so that we can live a decent and happy life and provide for our families’ --

life, and provide for our families.”

He was adamant that the changes that are underway prove that the government’s agenda is not about race, but rather it is one that encompasses equal opportunities and development for all Guyanese.

The community, in his view, has evolved and moved away from the days when the village and its people were used by certain politicians as tools and mascots for specific political gain.

lack of opportunities from the previous administration. He said he was "suffering tremendously", and at one point had even contemplated "giving up", due to the financial frustration he was undergoing.

Although his business was already established, the contract allowed Hamilton to reach new heights.

“Buxton and Buxtonians were forsaken for a while now, but President Dr. Irfaan Ali has given us, as small contractors and the young people of this village, hope. This was shown through the bridge initiative that was given to me and my fellow contractors.

“Our families and all the people who were employed by us benefitted from this; everyone was able to put food on the table, and we cannot express fully how grateful we are to President Ali and his government,” Hamilton said.

Essentially, with the award of those contracts, the government was able to change their lives.

According to Hamilton: “All we needed was for someone to believe in us and give us a chance to show that

done at once for everyone, but we are all getting a piece of the pie,” the contractor said.

‘COME SEE FOR YOURSELVES’

Hamilton used the opportunity to encourage persons to visit the community and see for themselves the changes that are underway, and the advancements that have been made already.

“We all know where it was before; and look at where it is now under this administration. Let’s not fool ourselves, we are seeing progress; not just hearing about it. And I want to encourage all Guyanese to forget about the noise that is being made around you about racism and other foolishness,” he said, adding:

“Wake up and make use of the opportunities that are in front of you. The government is helping you secure a job by providing training or any other support, so that we can live a decent and happy

“We are not naïve, and people are tired of the divide that some mischievous people are trying to portray about us. We have a government that is working with us, and we are willing to work with them in unity. The young people see clearly what is happening in the country, and they are all for positivity and betterment,” Hamilton said, adding that apart from the bridges that were built, President Ali has also had the road leading to the Community Centre Ground paved, while Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports Charles Ramson Jr. has also delivered on a promise of a couple of basketball hoops for the youths of the community.

A lot of the developments followed various outreaches to the community, where government officials engaged residents directly.

De Kwesi Yaw of DY Engineering and General Construction Services was a beneficiary of those outreaches, as he was able to secure one the bridge contracts after explaining his situation to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips; Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, and Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal.

According to Yaw, his business "went under" due to the pandemic, and the

“I didn’t know what else to do, or who to turn to,” he said, “but fortunately, in 2022, there was a government outreach that was led by Prime Minister Phillips. After that outreach, I explained my situation to him, and he ensured that I met with the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Edghill, and the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. “I want to acknowledge and extend my personal thanks to these ministers; they helped me at a time when I needed it the most, and I am forever grateful.

“They told me that they would give me an opportunity as a contractor, and they delivered on that. I was given one of the bridges to build, and that gave me a start, and it gave the people who were employed an opportunity as well.”

‘FROM NOTHING TO MILLIONS’

Yaw went on to say: “I invested the finance that I earned from that project into tendering for other government works that were advertised in the newspapers… And I would like to say that I am thankful that I have gone from no work to millions of dollars in work in under a year. This just goes to show that the government's vision for the people and the country is evident.”

Yaw also extended his gratitude to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration for including the private sector, which he believes is very important to the development of a country’s economy.

He also said that he is

pleased to see that the village of Buxton is being given adequate attention by government officials.

According to Yaw, the new pieces of infrastructure have brought a great deal of relief to residents, especially those who travel frequently for business, work, or leisure, among other things.

He said that the government has put its trust and confidence in Buxtonians by showing that infrastructural works could be done by the people of the community, once they’re given proper guidance and support.

“President Ali and his government are providing opportunities for their people. If anyone in Guyana says right now that they are not getting work, I wouldn’t agree with that,” Yaw said, adding: “I would say that the only reason they aren’t getting a job is because they don’t want to work! As simple as that!”

Valesia Willis and her mother, Monica Alphonso, both residents of Buxton, said that they are happy to see the developments that are underway in the community.

According to Valesia: “Before, people could have barely walked over the bridges that were in the villages, but now, I can drive over them. Schoolchildren are safer, and the people

have easier access to get around the community without fearing that they may fall. The contractors and their workers did a great job, and we are thankful to them.

“I would also like to ask the government to continue doing the great work that they have been doing, not only in Buxton but in all the other communities. We are happy with what we are seeing across the country, and we are proud to say that we are Guyanese, and we have a government that is for all races.”

A number of contractors and residents also expressed similar sentiments, and thanked the government for providing them with the small contracts, which catapulted them into getting other contracts within both the public and private sectors.

Although they are pleased with all that has been done so far, the people of Buxton are asking the government to fix some of the roads that are still deplorable.

They are also asking that the road leading to their ancestral land be fixed, so that people could plant and develop the backlands, which, according to them, will help the young people get more involved in the agriculture sector.

Gladwyn Hamilton, Contractor

Monica Alphonso with her daughter, Valesia Willis, and her son, Gordon Willis

Contractors standing on one of the bridges that were rebuilt in Buxton

The bridge leading to the Community Centre (Adrian Narine photos)

Several water treatment plants to be upgraded in Region Five

THOUSANDS of residents from communities across Region Five are set to benefit from an improved level of treated water, as several treatment plants will be upgraded there soon.

This was disclosed by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal during the recent distribution of cement and steel subsidy vouchers in New Amsterdam, Region Six.

“We know the quality of the water on the coastland. We know the iron content in the water

THE Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) says it will not allow the importation of poultry or poultry products due to “sanitary and other conditions.”

A brief notice published in Saturday’s edition of this newspaper noted that “anyone found in contradiction of this notice will be prosecuted in accordance with the Laws of Guyana.”

No further details were provided by the GLDA as to why this practice must ceased, however, when contacted, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that Guyana can produce the amount of poultry it needs to meet the current

demand.

Noting that the country is “self-sufficient,” Mustapha argued that there is no reason for Guyana to import poultry or poultry products.

"Normally we don't import poultry and poultry products. We are self-sufficient; we have enough in the country. There are a number of areas and farmers, so we don't have a ban but the GLDA is not giving permits because we have enough in the country,” the Agriculture Minister said, noting that efforts have to be made to also protect farmers.

He reiterated, “We have

and Region Five is no exception, but the way to address it, is with the injection of resources for treatment plants and your government is doing such,” Minister Croal assured residents.

Some $424 million will be invested within 18 months to upgrade the water treatment plant at Cotton Tree, which will benefit 15,000 residents between Number Six Village to Ithaca.

Another treatment plant will be constructed at Bath Settlement and the

water distribution network will be upgraded. “We will spend about US$15.6 million. This we are expecting to complete in another two years. That treatment plant, when it is constructed, will service from Number Seven to Kingelly, benefitting another 22,000 customers,” the minister noted.

The water distribution network will be extended from Ithaca to Britannia to deliver first time access and approximately $7.2 million will be spent on the expansion which will

be completed in another month.

“The construction of these treatment plants will improve the level of service, quality of water, and also will bring a reliable supply of water on a 24hour basis to your homes. The quality of life that you live is very important,” the minister underlined.

By 2025, the level of treated water on the coastland will increase to 90 per cent in keeping with the government’s 2021-2025 strategic plan.

(DPI)

to protect our farmers because we have sufficient [poultry] in the country. And I think that there is no need to import poultry product and poultry meats presently."

According to Minister Mustapha, the prices have already been reduced.

“If you go around the market and ask about the prices of chicken and so on, [they] have reduced from the end of the Christmas season last year when it would have increased because of the demand."

In a News Room article, it was revealed that Guyana spent about US $4.7 million importing poultry products in 2020, with a notable demand for sausages.

And according to the

same article, a detailed analysis of the agricultural sector and imports of several countries within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) revealed that nearly all of the poultry meat consumed in the region in 2020 was imported at the cost of millions.

Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, who presented this analysis to other CARICOM leaders, offered solutions to cut imports by producing more poultry and feed in the region.

According to the article, the President highlighted that extra-regional markets (that is, countries outside of CARICOM) supplied an estimated 98.8 per cent of the poultry imported by CARICOM member states

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

in 2020.

Those poultry imports ranging from the meat of ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowls that are fresh, chilled or frozen was US$ 242.288 million. Only 1.2 per cent of poultry demanded was im -

ported from within the region. And in that same year, only six CARICOM countries - Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago - produced 83 per cent of the poultry in the region.

‘We have enough’ - No more importation of poultry and poultry products - GLDA issues notice

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

Independence Boulevard, Lamaha beautification projects nearing completion

INFRASTRUCTURAL works on the Independence Boulevard Road and Lamaha beautification projects are moving apace and are expected to be completed within a few weeks.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, made the disclosure, on Wednesday last, following an inspection of the project sites. He noted that the aim of the exercise was to ensure that contractors were on schedule with the stipulated deadlines and minimising the inconvenience to the public.

“I went down to engage the contractors to ensure we can get timely completion of all these projects. All of them should be wrapped up in a couple of weeks,” the minister related.

At the head of the 1.8-kilometre, $1.5 billion Independence Boulevard project, the minister engaged the engineering team and representatives from local utility companies tasked with relocating

water and power lines, and phone cables. This process is nearing completion.

The project will feature two carriageways, a double and a single on each side, concrete drains, and a promenade between the two carriageways. The Lamaha beautification project, a major project which falls under the ministry’s urban development plan is also nearing completion.

The green space is the brainchild of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, aimed at ensuring Guyanese enjoy quality family time.

It will be outfitted with a walkway, benches, lights, and parking for vehicles. The minister highlighted that these projects are essential in transforming the city’s infrastructure and beautification efforts, making it more attractive to locals and tourists.

Minister Edghill also inspected ongoing infrastructural projects at Cemetery Road and Millington Street. (DPI)

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, inspects the ongoing work

Ongoing infrastructural works on the Independence Boulevard

Region One tenders for $130M in developmental projects

THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One (Barima-Waini) plans to execute a number of projects within the area which will cost $130 million.

The RDC is therefore inviting tenders from suitably qualified persons to bid for the projects, which include relocation and the extension of a primary school, upgrading and rehabilitation of a bridge, and a power house in the area.

According to an advertisement in the May 6 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, the region plans to establish, expand and reintegrate several

compliances from the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme must accompany the Standard Bidding documents.

The RDC said completed documents can be deposited in the tender box located at the RDC office no later than 09:00hrs on May 30, 2023.

Earlier this year, over $888M was allocated in the 2023 budget for the development and expansion of Region One.

Under public works, in order to provide roads, construct drains, rehabilitate bridges, buildings and provide electricity distribution

projects to further enhance the region.

Under public works, the RDC aims to rehabilitate the bridge at Matthew’s Ridge and the Mabaruma Power House, which the engineer estimated to be $32M and $15M, respectively.

Additionally, the RDC wants to relocate and extend the Peter and Paul Primary School within the region. As for health buildings, which is estimated to be $40 million, the RDC is seeking to extend the living quarters Back Range Mabaruma.

Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

Moreover, the RDC office has advised that tender documents for these projects can be purchased from the Regional Administration office in Mabaruma at a non-refundable fee of $5,000 per copy.

Bidders are also asked to adhere to all of the necessary requests for information found in the tender documents and valid certificates of

networks, the government allocated $294 million to the region. Some of the major projects that are on the cards include: the rehabilitation and construction of a bridge at Koberimo, the establishing and rehabilitation of Skyland and Arawansa roads, construction of drains at Hosororo Hill and upgrading of electricity distribution networks at Barabina and Kumaka.

Moreover, in an effort to improve education delivery, the region was given $211 million. The completion of the education office at Oronoque and Santa Rosa Primary School and the purchase of boats and outboard engines are some of the projects to be executed.

As for health services, a budget of over $335M was allocated to the region. Some of the projects are the completion of Arakaka and Kariako health centres and maternal waiting home at Mabaruma Hospital, along with the provision for health huts at St. Anslem and Hosororo and a bridge at Chinese Landing.

Rollout of ‘30,000 solar PV home systems’ project for July

THE first 1,830 solar photovoltaic (PV) home systems which form part of the ‘30,000 solar PV home systems’ initiative are set to arrive in July.

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr. Mahender Sharma, made the announcement at the multi-stakeholder consultation on the presentation of Guyana’s Second Voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals, on Monday last.

“This is fairly advanced…. As they arrive, we will move to distribution. We are working closely with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to advance this initiative,” he explained.

He noted that following the arrival of the first set of solar PV systems in July, additional batches will be received during the months of August, September, October, and November to complete the rollout of the initiative.

Its completion is targetted for the end of this year. The ‘30,000 solar home systems’ project will see some 30,000 houses in hinterland communities receiving 150-watt solar PV systems to bridge the energy divide that exists between the urban and rural areas of the country

In 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, solar PV systems were installed at a number of public buildings across the hinterland regions. These included health centres, community centres, food processing, and educa-

tional facilities.

In 2020, a 0.4 MW solar PV farm, the first in Guyana, was commissioned in Mabaru -

ma, Region One (Barima-Waini). Following its operationalisation, solar PV farms were also commissioned at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) in 2022, and Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) in 2023.

This year, a 0.5 MW solar PV farm is eyed for completion at Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and a 0.65 MW solar farm is envisaged for completion in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Prior to government taking office in 2020, Guyana’s solar PV capacity in public buildings stood at 5.35 MW, with 310 solar PV systems existing in government agencies, schools, hospitals, exhibition centres, and multiple other buildings.

This year, the installed capacity for solar energy is estimated to reach approximately 17.2 MW. (DPI)

GEO of the GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma

Briso Promotions 'Pro/Am Card

T&T's Lee Ann Boodram to trade blows with Jackman

International flavour has been confirmed for the amateur section of the impending Briso Promotions 'Pro/Am Card' on May 21st at the National Gymnasium, as Trinidad and Tobago champion Lee Ann Boodram is scheduled to battle local counterpart and standout, Abiola Jackman.

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has confirmed that Boodram will arrive on local shores on Saturday, May 20th for her fistic engagement. This will be Abiola's fourth international assignment of 2023, highlighting the busy itinerary that has currently enveloped the discipline.

Presently, the GBA is also in negotiation with its Jamaican counterpart to acquire an opponent for Abiola's sibling,

Alesha Jackman.

The sisters are the first-ever Guyanese female boxers to acquire world rankings from the International Boxing Association (IBA, following their participation at the Women's World Championships in New Delhi, India.

Abiola Jackman is now ranked 27th in the world in the Elite Women 81 and over Kg or heavyweight division while her sister Alesha is ranked number 58th in the Elite Women 60-63 Kg or junior welterweight division. Rising star Shaquan Sampson will also be on the amateur card.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle said, "Boxing is currently on the proverbial highway of development via the best practice of interna-

tional exposure.

“This is another palpable example and exercise of our mandate which is to expose local talent to international competition. In particular, the girls have been active on the international circuit since the dawn of 2023. The Jackman sisters competed at the Patrick Forde Memorial Championships in February against international opponents.

“They also made their mark at the World Championship in India during the month of March. Alesha also competed in the Champion of Champions tournament in St. Lucia in April, whilst Abiola also featured in a tournament during the same timeframe in Barbados."

He further stated, "This is once again indicative of the concerted effort that is being

employed by the association to not only develop and advance the sport but to specifically empower the female division through consistent international exposure.

This is tangible development and should not be understated. The pugilists can and will only improve and hone their considerable talents through more competition, especially those of an international persuasion.

It has been a very hectic period for the sport and it will only get busier. At the moment, we also have two fighters in the form of Desmond Amsterdam and Keevin Allicock at the Men's World Championship in Uzbekistan, which serves as further evidence of international footprint."

Projected to be the biggest card staged on local shores in excess of a decade, the Briso Promotions 'Pro/ Am Card', is expected to exceed the quality, ambiance, and atmosphere that was a hallmark of the Patrick Forde Memorial Championships,

which is viewed by many pundits, and analysts of repute as the standard bearer for boxing competitions.

The aforesaid event which is penciled to be headlined and co-headlined by Elton Dharry and Dexter 'De Kid' Marques respectively, will feature five professional bouts and an equal number of amateur encounters.

The Guyanese duo will battle a Colombian combination, as Dharry is scheduled to face Columbian Jose Antonio Jimenez whilst Marques will enter the squared circle against Omar Cuello.

The May 21st fight night will mark Dharry's return to the ring in over a year and will serve as a tune-up for his July encounter on local shores with Hugo Hernandez of Mexico for the WBC Silver Belt. Dharry, 37, fought for the WBA Super flyweight title in 2019 but suffered a controversial ninth-round stoppage loss to Australian Andrew Maloney in Melbourne.

RACING TIPS

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday May 07, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Mike Hussey - 733 runs (CSK)

(2) Chris Gayle - 175* (RCB vs Warriors)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who took most wickets in IPL 2013?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in a single game in IPL 2013?

Answers

'Hallmark of greatness': the very best of Brian Lara

ON his 54th birthday, we look back on one of Brian Lara's greatest performances with his 1999 Barbados epic against the Aussies

Steve Waugh says it's the greatest Test he played in.

Wisden ranks the innings that won the match the second best in cricket history.

And Courtney Walsh is convinced it was all down to his batting.

Brian Lara's 1999 Barbados epic not only capped off one of the game's most thrilling comebacks, it signalled his ascension from "spoilt child" to one of the

What followed was pure batting genius.

Lara unfurled a series of dazzling strokes, bringing up his half-century by pulling a dishevelled Shane Warne onto the roof of the Greenidge and Haynes Stand.

As his sixth-wicket stand with Jimmy Adams grew into triple-digits, Lara followed up one of his knock's few missteps – turning his head and ducking into a McGrath bouncer – by deliberately shoulder-barging and taunting the towering fast bowler as he walked back to his mark.

game's icons.

As the great Clive Lloyd put it, "to play as he did today, nursing along players with much less ability, was the hallmark of greatness".

As a batsman, Lara had already proved his genius over the previous nine years, his 11 Test hundreds to that point including a world record 375 and a stunning 213 just a week earlier.

In Barbados, against one of the most dominant Test teams in history, he showed true leadership.

The West Indies captain's unmatched powers had been on display a week earlier in Jamaica, pasting Australia for his third Test double-century to even the Frank Worrall Trophy ledger at 1-1.

If it was a foregone conclusion that the world's pre-eminent Test side no longer hailed from the Caribbean after decades of dominance, no one had told Lara.

After the Windies were bowled out of 51 in the series opener, many had questioned his suitability to be the side's flagbearer.

"Being captain of West Indies is a huge honour and a huge job. It needs a big man to do it, someone well-rounded as an individual," legendary former quick Michael Holding had said of Lara's appointment.

"Brian Lara is not. He is a spoilt child."

And as his counterpart Waugh, the leader of world

cricket's resurgent force, batted for eight-and-a-half-hours – with his eventual successor Ricky Ponting at the other end for more than six of them – across the third Test's first two days, Lara could easily have proven Holding right.

Especially after he was dismissed for just eight late on day two, before watching his side lose their sixth wicket the following morning having only just reduced their deficit to fewer than 400 runs.

Australia were ascendant and the Windies were carried by a pair of veteran quicks and batsmen closer to the end of their careers than the start.

But they also had Lara.

Given the overwhelming victory margins of the series' first two encounters – 312 runs to Australia in Port of Spain, 10 wickets to West Indies in Kingston – only the few remaining optimistic cricket fans in the Caribbean would have tipped against Waugh's men notching a series-clinching win.

A plucky century from opener Sherwin Campbell kept the hosts in the hunt on that third day and when Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose took two Australian wickets before stumps, the hosts had a sniff.

Australia then squandered much of their advantage when they folded for 146 in their second innings, before Lara re-commenced on the final day with his side needing to chase the still-sizeable target of 308 on a wearing track.

Adams tried to calm an incensed Lara but the left-hander was riding a wave of emotion, sending the heaving Kensington Oval crowd into hysterics when he pulled McGrath for four later that over.

With trumpets blaring, Lara gave McGrath another spray when he mishit an attempted repeat of the stroke It was exhilarating Test cricket; two of the game's best refusing to give an inch.

The tireless McGrath, who would bowl more than a third of the fourth-innings' overs, singlehandedly engineered a collapse of 3-10 when he bowled Adams with an unplayable delivery to leave Windies 60 runs adrift with only the immovable Lara and batting bunnies Ambrose and Walsh left.

In his 42nd over, McGrath would again strike Lara in the helmet but as the Windies rounded in on an incredible victory, the visitors let slip their last shot when the skipper edged off Gillespie and Ian Healy put down a diving catch.

With scores level and the Windies nine down, Lara finished one of the greatest games in Test history with a trademark flowing cover drive, raising his fists as teammates, and soon the Barbados crowd, mobbed their hero.

Walsh, not out on 0 at the other end, was among them.

"The only way we were going to lose that Test match was if (Lara) got out," Walsh would later joke. "Because I was not going to get out."

Lara’s knock sent fans in the Caribbean crazy // Getty

Lara celebrates the best innings of his career // Getty

Gill elected new Windward Islands president

CSK flatten Mumbai Indians to climb to second spot

ST GEORGE’S,

(CMC)

–Cricket administrators in the Windward Islands have given their full support to Grenada Cricket Board president Dwain Gill to lead their affairs for the next two years.

The 47-year-old management professional was interim president of the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) for the past couple of months after Dr Kishore Shallow relinquished the position on becoming president of Cricket West Indies (CWI).

But Gill now formally takes over after delegates elected him to be the new president last Thursday in the Spice Isle.

“Under my presidency, there will be a drive to implement [the] strategic plan,” Gill told delegates attending the AGM. “I am enthusiastic about working with my fellow directors and other stakeholders to realise the upliftment of cricket in the Windward Islands.”

The strategic plan for the

period 2023 to 2026 includes five strategic imperatives and seven strategic objectives, and it was was one of the critical items on the WICB agenda during the AGM.

“This strategic plan is consistent with the approach of the WICB in recent times,” Gill added. “With this document, there is now a clear strategic focus and direction for the next three years. As a result, the board would be better informed and guided to prioritise resources for the most critical areas.”

The AGM also received a comprehensive presentation on cricket matters from technical director Miles Bascombe.

It included details for talent pathway management for males and females, and it provided an update on the technical plan implemented over the last couple of years that inspired the Windwards Volcanoes undefeated outing and second place finish in this year’s West Indies Championship.

At the AGM, Shallow, the WICB president from 2019 until his resignation, was made an honorary life member, and Gill presented him with a plaque to commemorate his induction and to show the organisation’s appreciation for his contribution.

A new vice-president, Clement Marcellin, the current president of the Dominica Cricket Association, was elected unopposed, and he was also given the responsibility of being the other WICB shareholder represen-

NBA play-offs:

tative to CWI.

The meeting also elected a new treasurer, Jenry Ollivierre of the St Vincent & the Grenadines Cricket Association, while Kezron Walters was re-elected as the secretary.

The WICB directors are:

President – Dwain Gill (Grenada)

Vice President – Clement Marcellin (Dominica)

Secretary – Kezron Walters (St Vincent & the Grenadines)

Treasurer – Jenry Ollivierre (SVG)

Directors:

Miles Bascombe (SVG)

Julian Charles (St Lucia)

Kerry Frank (Grenada)

Carol Henry (St Lucia)

Samuel Holder (SVG)

Jamie Jno Baptiste (Dominica)

Johnson Richardson (Grenada)

*Gill and Marcellin are the two WICB shareholder representatives to CWI, while Henry and Richardson are the two alternates.

Phoenix Suns beat Denver Nuggets as Boston Celtics win at Philadelphia 76ers

DEVIN Booker scored 47 points to help the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 121-114 in game three of the NBA Western Conference semi-final.

Booker also made nine assists and six rebounds, while Kevin Durant scored 39 points as the Suns reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the best-

of-seven series.

The Boston Celtics won 114-102 at the Philadelphia 76ers to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semi.

Jayson Tatum scored 27 points and managed 10 rebounds for the Celtics.

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, who was presented with the NBA most valuable play-

er trophy before the game, scored 30 points and made 13 rebounds and four blocks. The fourth game of the series also takes place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia today, while the Suns and Nuggets again meet at the Footprint Center in Phoenix tomorrow.

(BBC Sport)

Delhi Capitals beat RCB as England's Phil Salt hits 87

ENGLAND's Phil Salt hit 87 from 45 balls to lead Delhi Capitals to a seven-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League.

Chasing 182, Salt had a 60-run stand with skipper David Warner (22) and put on 59 runs with Mitchell Marsh (26) as Delhi won with 20 balls to spare.

It was a welcome score from Salt, who was out for a golden duck in his last match, his second zero of the season.

Bangalore had chosen to

bat first, with Virat Kohli top scoring on 55.

Mahipal Lomror was unbeaten on 54, helping his side post 181-4.

An eventful innings saw Lancashire wicketkeeper-batsman Salt involved in an exchange with pace bowler Mohammed Siraj before hitting six sixes in his 45-ball innings.

He was bowled by leg-spinner Karn Sharma, with Rilee Rossouw closing out the match with a six to finished unbeaten on 35 off 22 balls.

The game was Delhi-born Kohli's first since being fined for an ugly fight with Lucknow mentor Gautam Gambhir, and he put on an 82-run opening stand with captain Faf du Plessis, who tops the IPL batting charts with 511 runs.

Mitchell Marsh sent back Du Plessis for 45, and Glenn Maxwell for a firstball duck, before Lomror who smashed 54 off just 29 balls to set what looked like an imposing total that Delhi chased with ease.

way to 50 for 1 in the Powerplay.

Chennai Super Kings didn't let the early pressure ease off on Mumbai Indians. Even as Suryakumar Yadav and Nehal Wadhera tried to rebuild MI's innings, runs weren't easy to come by. Both Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana bowled fast and flat to not allow the batters to break free. The duo added 55 runs in 46 balls before Suryakumar had the top of his offstump hit by Jadeja.

Theekshana keeps control in the death

Even as the stand between Suryakumar and Wadhera had steadied MI and provided a good launchpad for its big-hitting lower-middle order, none of them could make an impact.

CHENNAI Super Kings registered a comfortable 6-wicket win - only their second victory at the M Chidambaram Stadium against Mumbai Indiansto move to the second spot on the points table. An all-round bowling display, led by Matheesha Pathirana's 3 for 15 - restricted the visitors to 139 for 8, a total that was surpassed with 14 balls to spare.

Mumbai Indians' decision to change the batting order - pushing Rohit Sharma to No 3 and opening with Ishan Kishan and Cameron Green - didn't quite pay off. Green was cleaned up by Tushar Deshpande in the second over, while Deepak Chahar had Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan dismissed. While Kishan top edged a swipe to mid on, Rohit misdirected a lap shot towards short short third, while attempting to outwit MS Dhoni's plans of coming up to the stumps. The visitors were left reeling at 33 for 3 at the end of the six overs, a position from which they failed to amply recover.

On the other hand, CSK dominated with the bat in the Powerplay. Ruturaj Gaikwad may have failed to put away a half-tracker by Piyush Chawla, leading to his dismissal, but before that, his attack against Green and Arshad Khan, en route his 16-ball 30, had laid a strong foundation as the hosts powered their

Tristan Stubbs, who had come in place of the ill Tilak Verma, struggled to get his timing right, while Tim David, Arshad Khan and Jofra Archer barely spent ample time.

Wadhera, who was also struggling a bit for timing early on, did get a move on towards the latter end of his innings but his 51ball 64 could only help MI to respectable score, if not competitive. Pathirana bowled superbly in the death overs - cleaning up Wadhera and having Stubbs and Arshad caught (the latter was dropped at long off by Shivam Dube a ball before that).

Following a 50-run Powerplay, CSK were in little hurry to get to the target. Devon Conway and Ajinkya Rahane stitched a steady 35-run stand in 29 balls before the latter was trapped leg-before by Chawla's googly. However, by the time he was dismissed the contest was almost dead.

Mumbai Indians did managed to strike twice late in the contest, with the dismissals of Ambati Rayudu and Conway, but that was to have no impact to the eventual result. Shivam Dube pulled Arshad's bouncer for a six and Dhoni nudged a length delivery by the leftarm pacer towards the leg side to take the hosts over the line. (Cricbuzz)

Dwain Gill to lead Windward Islands cricket affairs for the next two years

Devin Booker scored 47 points for Phoenix Suns

Phil Salt hit six sixes in his innings on his way to a second IPL half-century of the season

Mathesha Pathirana celebrates the wicket of Tristan Stubbs• (BCCI)

Liverpool beat Brentford to move one point behind Man. Utd

MOHAMED Salah continued his superb scoring form as Liverpool made it six Premier League wins in a row by defeating Brentford to move one point behind Manchester United in the race for the top four.

The Egypt forward became the first player in Reds history to score in nine consecutive home appearances, while his winner was his 100th goal for the Reds at Anfield.

His 13th-minute attempt was not the most eye-catching goal of his career - Salah bundling the ball over the line from close range after Virgil van Dijk's cushioned header across the six-yard box.

But his 30th goal of the season set Jurgen Klopp's side on the way to another crucial win that keeps alive Liverpool's outside hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Liverpool are on 62 points, one behind fourthplaced Manchester United who have two games in hand - including one at struggling West Ham on Sunday (19:00 BST).

At a vibrant Anfield, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo

thought he had equalised only for it to be ruled out for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) check, while Cody Gakpo missed a great chance to make it 2-0 after the break from point-blank range.

Before the game, many

coronation, after the club said they know some fans "have strong views on it".

Salah reaches Anfield century

In front of Liverpool's all-time record scorer Ian Rush, Liverpool's number 11

his six seasons at Liverpool.

Fabinho was heavily involved in the move for the goal, the Brazil midfielder playing a lovely pass into the box for Van Dijk to teeup Salah to equal Steven Gerrard's tally of 186 for Liverpool.

On a day of milestones, Alisson was relatively untroubled as the Brazil keeper made it 100 clean sheets for Liverpool, while Trent Alexander-Arnold produced the pass of the match to set up Darwin Nunez who should have made it 2-0.

Gakpo will also feel he should have scored after Diogo Jota's pass into the sixyard area, while David Raya thwarted Alexander-Arnold in the closing stages.

Liverpool, who won just two of their opening eight Premier League games, are ending the season strongly but are also running out of games in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

home to Wolves, Chelsea and Fulham.

Liverpool fans, however, will still believe they can sneak into the top four while their side carries on winning.

'One of the all-time greats'

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he was "really proud" of Salah after the former Roma and Chelsea forward wrote his name into the club's history books.

Since Liverpool were held 0-0 by Chelsea at Anfield on 21 January, Salah has scored in each home game against Everton, Real Madrid, Wolves, Manchester United, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Fulham and Brentford.

"He is one of the all time greats," added Klopp, who signed Salah from Roma for £34m in June 2017.

"Now he is just a worldclass player with a desire to score goals. He works hard to close players down."

themselves in the top half of the table.

This season alone has brought them statement wins over both Manchester clubs and Chelsea, while they were chasing a first league double over the Reds after defeating Klopp's side 3-1 in London in January.

They were fully committed at Anfield with Ivan Toney and Mbeumo both lively but, for all their hard work, the Bees registered just one attempt on target.

Toney, who has 20 Premier League goals this season, went close from a freekick in front of the Kop while Aaron Hickey also had a chance to equalise.

Despite defeat, Brentford are ninth in the table - five points clear of 10th-placed Fulham - and remain on course for their best top-flight finish since 1938.

Liverpool fans booed the national anthem which was played as a tribute to King Charles III on the day of his

reached a century of goals at the iconic home of the Reds, while Salah has now scored 30 goals or more in four of

They have just three more left - Leicester away, Aston Villa at home and Southampton away. Manchester United remain strong favourites to seal a top-four finish, with three of their five games at

Battling Bees come up short

Brentford have had another fine season under Thomas Frank and continue to win a legion of new admirers for the way they have established

"We definitely could have got something out of it," said Frank on his side's performance at Anfield.

"High pressure was very good, we frustrated them a lot and we were close to creating even more problems for them. (BBC Sport)

Diamond League Sha'Carri Richardson sets new 100m meeting record in Doha

DINA Asher-Smith finished third as Sha'Carri Richardson set a new 100m meeting record at the opening Diamond League of the season in Doha, Qatar.

American Richardson, 23, clocked 10.76 seconds, beating the previous meeting record of 10.80 set by her compatriot, Tori Bowie, whose death at the age of 32 was announced on Wednesday.

Britain's Asher-Smith ran 10.98secs, with Jamaica's Shericka Jackson second.

"I'm so blessed and thankful, I feel at peace,"

said Richardson, 23.

"All I do is the best I do and I'm excited to do it."

Asher-Smith said: "The whole point about my season is to race against the best and I did that tonight.

"I am really happy with my race; third place is a good start and the time is decent."

Later in the programme, Fred Kerley came from behind to win the men's 200m.

American Kerley, the Olympic silver medallist over 100m, trailed as the field exited the bend but accelerated in the closing stages to cross the line in 19.92secs, with compatriot Kenny Bednarek placing second and Canada's Aaron Brown third.

Two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, of Kenya, won the women's 1500m in three minutes 58.57secs.

Earlier, Britain's Lawrence Okoye and Nick

Percy finished fifth and ninth respectively in the men's discus.

Olympic bronze medallist Holly Bradshaw was forced to withdraw from the women's pole vault after "Achilles and calf stiffness" during the warm-up.

It would have marked the Briton's first competition since suffering a hamstring injury last summer.

"I didn't feel confident to push on the run," she said on Twitter.

"I didn't take the decision of pulling out lightly but it was the right thing for today. (BBC Sport)

Where would Liverpool be without Salah?

Sha'Carri Richardson (left) has yet to compete in a global championship

Guyana Women cricketers to open

GG Super50 Cup against Windwards tomorrow

THE Guyana Senior Women’s team departed Guyana on Thursday last for St. Kitts and Nevis, where they will participate in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Women’s tournament.

As in recent years, the players will be engaged in two competition formats: the CG INSURANCE WOMEN'S SUPER50 CUP, and the CWI T20 BLAZE.

Guyana and West Indies player Shemaine Campbell will once again lead the Guyana Women’s Team, which comprises a balance of experienced and young players. The composition of the team

is expected to assist in giving the Guyana Women’s team a good opportunity to lift the two CWI Regional titles in 2023. Guyana will play its first game of the CG United Super50 Cup against the

Windward Islands at Canoree ground, tomorrow.

The squad reads: Shemaine Campbelle (Captain), Shabika Gajnabi (Vice-captain), Cherry-Ann Fraser, Katana Mentore, Analesia

Manager/Assistant Coach is Tremayne Smartt, the Head Coach is Clive Grimmond, and the Physiotherapist is Angelica Holder.

The CG United Super50 schedule for Guyana is May 8, 2023, Windward Islands vs Guyana at Conaree; May 9, 2023, Guyana vs Barbados at Conaree; May 11, 2023, Guyana vs the Leeward Islands at Warner Park, May 14, 2023; Jamaica vs Guyana at Warner Park; and May 16,

D’Aguiar, Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffianna Millington, Kaysia Schultz, Niya Latchman, Talleya Madramootoo, Mandy Mangru, Realanna Grimmond, Ashmini Munisar and Cyanna Retemiah. The

final

By Sean Devers

ON a day slightly affected by morning showers, 4R Lions and GCC advanced to the final of the GCA’s Ramchand Auto Spares, Survival Group of Companies 50-over U-19 cricket tournament when both teams registered victories in the semi-finals yesterday.

The final is set for Saturday, May 27.

At the GDF ground, 4R Lions maul Bel Air Rubis by eight wickets.

Bel Air Rubis on the back of an explosive 41 off 27 balls with a four and five sixes from Hemraj Hariprashad, recovered from 67-7 to 103 all out in 21.4 overs.

Sasenarine Harricharran and Lawrence Pellew had given their team a solid 43run opening in 6.1 overs before they lost seven wickets for 22 runs before Hariprashad’s cameo and 19 extras ensured Bel Air Rubis reached a three-figure total.

Salim Khan captured 5-13 and got support from Sanjay Algoo (2-17), Matthew Pottaya (2-26) and West Indies U-19 pacer, Berbician Isaiah Thorne (1-15) to demolish the batting lineup as only Pellew, who hit three boundaries in 18 and

Harricharran, who deposited a six in his 12, reached double figures.

In reply, Berbican Rampertab Ramnauth stroked eight fours and two sixes in his 31-ball 54 and along with Romeo Deonarain, whose 19 included two fours, added 77 before Deonarain, the silent partner in the shot-filled stand, was bowled by Nicholas Chan in the eight over.

Hemraj Gundyal, who hit a six and a four in 17 from 13 balls and Sachin Balgobin, who clobbered a six in a run-a-ball 10, were there at the end after joining forces when Chan (2-25) removed the left-handed Ramnauth at 88-2.

At Bourda, in a game reduced to 45 overs per side due to almost an hour’s delay after rain stopped play after

two balls were bowled, GCC beat Transport Sports Club by 83 runs.

GCC were dismissed for 158 off 43.2 of their allotted 45 overs as West Indies Youth batter Mavendra Dindyal was very lucky not to be given run out on seven by his GCC team mate, Khemraj Persaud (there was only one official umpire present) after Dave Mohabir fired in a direct hit with him short of his ground.

The Stylish right-hander, who struggled to score freely after stroking his first ball for a majestic cover-driven boundary off Nehemiah Hohenkirk, top scored with 32 from 49 balls with three fours before he was caught behind by keeper, Shiloh Adams, off a perfect arm-ball from off-spinner Myhiem

Khan.

Dindyal and Marlon Ramsurace came together at 14-1 but were kept in shackles by the spinners and Ramsurace in particular, struggled to get the ball off the square.

Dindyal and Zachary Jodah (0) fell to Khan in the space of three balls to leave GCC on 63-3 in the 20th over before Ramsurace, who faced 69 balls in his 25, was run out at 74-4 in the 25th over in which only three boundaries were scored against a suffocating spin attack of the Mahabir siblings -- Alvin and Dave -- and Khan.

Thaddeus Lovell hit two fours and a six in 31 from 45 balls and Josh Charles reached the boundary twice in a 31-ball 25 and along with Dhanesh Persaud’s unbeaten 12 aided in GCC recovering from 113-8 to eventually reaching 158-all out.

Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 3-27 while Hohenkirk and Alvin Mohabir had two wickets each for TSC who were skittled out for 75 in 26 overs with only Khan (12) and extras (21) reaching double figures.

Dindyal, 4-20 and Lovell 3-21, were the main wicket-takers for GCC.

2023, Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana at St. Paul's.

The Blaze T20 schedule for Guyana is May 20, 2023, Windward Islands vs Guyana at Warner Park; May 21, 2023, Guyana vs Barbados at Warner Park; May 23, 2023, Guyana vs the Leeward Islands at Warner Park May 25, 2023; May 27, 2023, Jamaica vs Guyana at Warner Park; and Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana at St. Paul's.

CWI stages series of Coach Development Workshops for regional coaches

Cricket West Indies (CWI) recently hosted a series of seven Coach Development Workshops specifically for coaches of all regional age group teams and the senior women’s teams.

The workshops were held in March and April with the main purpose of building stronger connections between all of the key regional pathway coaches as well as with the CWI High Performance team.

Additionally, the workshops were geared towards providing the coaches with ongoing Coach Development opportunities to foster the best possible development environments for the talented players across the region.

The sessions included a mix of on-field and classroom sessions covering a range of topics including CWI online Athlete Management Systems (AMS), Individual Player Plan (IPP) upskilling session, batting against spin, developing tactical awareness through game sense scenarios, CWI High Performance programme insights, programme/game planning, elite talent identification and development.

CWI Coach Development Manager, Chris Brabazon said:

“The CWI High Performance Unit are adding to the online workshop support that was provided to the coaches last year. This year we are also providing in-tournament support in the form of face-to-face workshops and coach observations both in training and on match days. This allows us to support the growth of the

individual coaches whilst also learning more about some of the aspects that may need to be explored further with our broader coaching community.”

The groups of coaches have participated in a series of online workshops in the lead up to their respective tournaments with face-to-face development engagements taking place throughout the tournament.

All workshops were facilitated by CWI High Performance Unit staff including, Jimmy Adams (CWI Director of Cricket), Graeme West (CWI High Performance Manager), Chris Brabazon (CWI Coach Development Manager), Steve Liburd and Rohan Nurse (CWI Talent Pathway Managers).

This initiative is part of CWI’s “Cricket First” strategic plan to invest in building coaching depth and quality across the region, considering the vital role coaches play in developing cricketers’ skills across all age groups and abilities.

It provides coaches with opportunities to further learn and develop contemporary coaching philosophies and techniques that will allow them to thrive in the various stages of the West Indies Cricket Pathway.

The next Coach Development Workshops will take place in St Kitts during the upcoming West Indies Women’s Regional Tournaments –the CG United Super50 and the T20 Blaze.(CWI)

GCA’s Ramchand Auto Spares, Survival Group of Companies U-19, 50-overs cricket

4R Lions to face off with GCC in

Berbician Rampertab Ramnauth scored an entertaining 54 Salim Khan took 5-13 at the GDF ground

The Guyana senior Women’s cricket team before departure on Thursday last

Tiger Rentals under-13 League Cup

Bartica and East Coast undefeated after penultimate day

day was a needling triumph over East Berbice thanks to an added time strike courtesy of Aaron Wharton. Followed by a 3-0 win over Essequibo that saw Riley Tracey bagging a brace and one goal from Chris Anderson.

By Calvin Chapman

Bartica will fancy their chances of clinching the Tiger

der-13 National League Cup championship after winning all of their three games played in the competition inclusive of two

T&T's Lee Ann Boodram to trade blows with Jackman

wins yesterday at the host venue, the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC).

Bartica’s first win of the

However, National League winners, East Demerara, may put a spoke in Bartica's wheel and it is very likely that these two teams will top their respective groups and meet in today’s anticipated final when fireworks will be expected. The Anthony Belfield coached East Demerara united are also undefeated, registering three wins in their three matches as well, and they will have that confidence to go all the way after emerging as the National inter-ATC/Association league.

Following their win on Friday, East Coast also had success against Rupununi; a massive 4-1 victory. Scor-

ing for the winners were Kennard Hailey, Isaiah Williams, Kennard Williams and Malachi Washington while Jomo Hamlet scored the lone consolation for the Rupununi.

East Demerara then earned a late 2-1 win against West Demerara in the final match yesterday.

Other results of the day saw Rupununi beating East Bank 2-1, Georgetown defeating Essequibo 4-0, West Berbice easing past West Demerara 2-0 and Georgetown needling Upper Demerara 1-0.

The curtains will fall on the Tiger Rentals Guyana under-13 development initiative today at the NTC but the spotlight will remain on the impact of this programme that has seen hundreds of youths at this important age group actively playing.

President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, had mentioned that this tournament will see the best of the best being selected to form the core of the National under-15 side that will represent Guyana at Concacaf next year.

Cricketers in the Caribbean give WIPA huge vote of confidence

ST JOHN’S, (CMC) – Cricketers in the Caribbean have given a huge vote of confidence to the leadership of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), returning them all unchallenged to their posts at the annual general meeting on Friday in Antigua.

WIPA president Wavell Hinds, vice-president Nixon McLean, secretary Wayne Lewis, assistant secretary Liam Sebastien, and treasurer Ridley Jacobs will continue to lead the bargaining agent for the players in the Caribbean.

“I am honoured to be re-elected president of WIPA, and we are all grateful for the trust vested in us by our membership,” Hinds said in a news

release.

“We will certainly continue to serve with diligence and commitment as we tackle the many challenges that sur-

round the Caribbean and global cricket landscape, and we look forward to our members’ continued support and guidance at all levels.”

For Hinds, the former Jamaica captain and West Indies batsman, and Lewis, the former Jamaica opener, it is their sixth consecutive term unopposed.

It is the fifth successive term unopposed for McLean, the former Windward Islands and West Indies pacer, Sebastien, the former Windwards offspin all-rounder, and Jacobs, the former Leeward Islands and West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman.

Following the election, Barbados and West Indies Women’s pacer Shakera Sel-

man was appointed to be a non-elected member of the WIPA leadership group, the first time that a female member will formally serve in that role.

The annual general meeting also covered a range of matters, including negotiations between WIPA and Cricket West Indies, upcoming tournaments, player development, legal matters, finances, and international affairs.

Selman and West Indies Women’s teammate Anisa Mohammed were also elected to be members of the WIPA negotiating team, along with Windward Islands Volcanoes batsman, Kavem Hodge and Barbados Pride pacer, Keon Harding.

Rentals Guyana un-

Play between Georgetown (left) and Upper Demerara (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

Action between East Demerara (on the ball) and Rupununi yesterday at the NTC (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

WIPA president Wavell Hinds

T&T's Lea Ann Boodram