Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-03-2023

No. 107016

$100

Safeguarding, uplifting the lives of Guyana’s women

— President Ali announces plans to intensify battle against domestic violence; invest in healthcare, training and other key areas to enhance the lives of every woman — says women benefitting immensely from govt’s developmental programmes, contributing significantly to local advancements

MoM to host activities for single mothers across Guyana

VP Jagdeo talks up Guyana’s achievements, potential in Texas

Guyana represented at world’s premier mineral exploration, mining convention

[Office of the President photos]

VP Jagdeo talks up Guyana’s achievements, potential in Texas

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has been engaging various officials in Texas, US, on the potential that exists in Guyana, among other things that would better position the country for more opportunities.

Dr. Jagdeo, who is representing the country at CERAWeek 2023, held a discussion with Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global.

According to a post on the Vice-President’s official Facebook page, Yergin is a

highly respected authority on energy, international politics, and economics.

He is Vice Chairman of IHS Markit and chairman of CERAWeek, which CNBC has described as “the Super Bowl of world energy.”

Time Magazine said:

“If there is one man whose opinion matters more than any other on global energy markets, it’s Daniel Yergin.” Fortune said that he is “one of the planet’s foremost thinkers about energy and its implications.” The New York Times described

Daniel Yergin as “America’s most influential energy pundit.”

Vice-President Jagdeo also interacted with members of business community and elected officials in Texas, US, including the Sylvester Turner, Mayor of

Houston, Texas. He also met with Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose Fernandez, and Ivan Duque Marquez, Former President of the Republic of Colombia.

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo spoke on Guyana’s rise as an Energy Power during a CERAWeek 2023 discussion with Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo interacted with members of the business community and elected officials in Texas, US Photos continued on page 6

Safeguarding, uplifting the lives of Guyana’s women

— President Ali announces plans to intensify battle against domestic violence; invest in healthcare, training and other key areas to enhance the lives of every woman

— says women benefitting immensely from govt’s developmental programmes, contributing significantly to local advancements

By Tamica Garnett

PROTECTING Guyana’s women and improving their lives is a primary focus of the government, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali said during a ceremony to commemorate International Women’s Day, on Wednesday.

The government, he underscored, intends to focus heavily on closing any development gap that exists, and will ensure that there are significant investments in women’s health, training and education, and other key developmental initiatives.

Specifically, the President said particular areas of focus are to clear the backlog of women in need of fibroids removal surgery, increase investment in cervical cancer testing to boost prevention, and increase the training of healthcare providers to improve women’s access to healthcare.

Further, outside of healthcare, in the area of training, 500 women will be trained in heavy-duty machinery operations to increase their entry of employment in high paying jobs in the mining and oil and gas sectors.

The government is also increasing access to training for teachers, and registered nurses, who are predominantly women.

According to the President, the successes of women

in Guyana are great, important and transformative.

“As your President, I cannot be more proud of the women of this country. The sacrifices of the women of this country, the intelligence, the bravery the knowledge and everything that you do every single day to make our country better. We honour you, and I want you to know on behalf of all the men of Guyana we love you tremendously,” Dr. Ali expressed.

He went on to say: “Women are not only efficient at what they do, but they do it with a different sense of pride and purpose. And this is something that men can learn, the pride and purpose women take in doing something is truly remarkable.”

Making his case, the President outlined statistics that revealed a number of ways in which women in Guyana are truly making use of the many opportunities available to them and are positively contributing to the improvement of the local society.

In the area of academics, women continue to lead in enrollment in higher education. In the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), through which the government offers scholarships for university and other certificate programmes, 72.6 per cent of the students are women.

Of the total scholarships

given by the Ministry of Public Service, 57 per cent went to women, while in the public sector training, 69 per cent of all those who are trained are women.

At University of Guyana, 70 per cent of the total student population are women, while the withdrawal rate among females is among the lowest in this region at 0.4 per cent.

In the healthcare system women also stand out, with 60 per cent of the doctors

and 98 per cent of the nurses in this country being women.

“These are stats that are overwhelming… We have much, much to celebrate today,” the President commented.

In housing, some 65 per cent of the total low-income core homes went to women, most of whom are single women. In the Home Improvement Subsidy programme, 85 per cent of the persons who benefitted are also women.

“But guess what? That does not just fall into the hands of women, they work for it. Because when you look at the housing programme, 79 per cent of all the consultations were attended by women… that means that women are participating in the process to change their life and uplift their life,” the President said.

WOMEN ARE PARTICIPATING

He added: “Women are participating in the development process. Women are participating in the transformation process in our country and on behalf of all men I give you a resounding round of applause.”

In law enforcement, 22 per cent of the total law enforcement personnel constitute the female population, with 26 per cent of those being senior officers. In the judiciary, 60 per cent are females.

In terms of business support, 60 per cent of all investment from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce went to women. Regarding the empowerment grant, more than 55 per cent went to women.

But even as women celebrate a lot of benefits and opportunities in Guyana, the gender is not without its share of challenges and disadvantages.

Women are still disproportionately the victims of gender-based violence, particularly in the case of domestic violence.

The President took the time on Wednesday night address the issue, noting that the root cause of this scourge is silence and collective guilt on the issue. The President called on all to stand strong and definitively against violence against women.

“How many of us would witness violence against women and stay quiet? How many of us would see it in our families was saved in our community? How many mothers will cover for their sons? How many wives will cover for your husband how many, it is always want too many,” the President said.

He added: “We must collectively decide as individuals, as families, as a community we will fight it. There is absolutely no excuse for raising a finger against women. But we have to stop it. We have to play our part.”

The President called on all Guyanese to pledge to make efforts to deal with domestic violence a priority.

“Let this be a national priority. Sit and talk to your children let them understand that this is not part of humanity and human behaviour. We all must be part of his solution,” the President said.

GNNL celebrates its women

UNDER the global theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality," for International Women’s Day, the Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) held a ceremony to appreciate the efforts of all of its women staff.

In her address, General Manager Moshamie Ramotar, encouraged the

women of GNNL to keep up the hard work and dedication to ensure the success of one of the leading newspapers in the nation.

Director Raul Aaron, in his remarks, not only extended gratitude on behalf of Board of Directors to all of the company’s women, but also recognised the advancements made in their respective

Continued on page 4

The GNNL women were presented with tokens of appreciation for their outstanding efforts (Adrian Narine Photo)

Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran delivering her feature address (Adrian Narine Photo)

Protecting Guyana’s women and improving their lives is a primary focus of the government, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali said during a ceremony to commemorate International Women’s Day, on Wednesday

Guyana represented at world’s premier mineral exploration, mining convention

MINISTER of Natural Resources Vickram

Bharrat and Minister of Home Affairs Robeson

Benn, along with representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) represented Guyana at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) annual convention.

PDAC, the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention, is a leading event for companies and organisations connected to mineral exploration.

The three-day conference, hosted from March 5 to 8 this year, provided Guyana with the opportunities to promote itself as an attractive destination for investment in the mining and mineral exploration sector; allowed local stakeholders to network with industry professionals on the international stage, gain insight

on new technologies and practices that can be applied to its operations.

With Guyana’s natural resources sector at the forefront of international

attention, the conference provides a lucrative opportunity for the country to market itself as an investment hub.

Commissioner of

GGMC, Newell Dennison, told the Department of Public Information (DPI), in an invited comment, that Guyana’s booth at the exposition and conference of-

fers key information about not only Guyana’s mining sector, but all of its natural resources.

“The intention of our booth is to provide infor-

mation on a wide variety of things that would be of interest to potential stakeholders…So, what we have done, is we have done our best to compile key reports available for persons who may never have heard of Guyana before, and may consider investing here… and all of that will be made available through our booth,” he said.

Just last year, Guyana’s mining and quarry sector grew by some 109.7 per cent.

Representing over 6,000 members around the world, PDAC’s work centres on supporting a competitive, globally responsible, sustainable and vibrant mineral sector that encourages leading practices in technical, operational, environmental, safety and social performance.

The convention attracts over 30,000 attendees from over 130 countries worldwide. (DPI)

GNNL celebrates...

From page 3

fields.

Reflecting on his past experiences, Director Aaron shared how there was one woman who heavily impacted how he viewed and applied technology, deeming her teachings as some of the most “innovative and aggressive” technological moves that he still remembers to this day.

Tackling the topic head on, he addressed the global issue of women not having access to technology and how Guyanese women are granted the freedom to express themselves.

“But it is important that we not only recognise the steps that have been taken in relation to fostering equality among women in relation to men, but we must appreciate the fact that in Guyana, in particular… that we’ve managed to cross some

of the hurdles that give women the freedom to exercise the franchise not only in technology but in many other areas,” Director Aaron said.

He encouraged the women to get involved in more technological arenas and pass their teachings on to other ladies.

Additionally, Evie Kanhai-Gurchuran, in her feature address, shared the journey that molded her into the woman she is today.

In a heartfelt speech, she urged the GNNL women to pursue their passions and take part in technological programmes to enhance their skills.

The GNNL women were presented with tokens of appreciation for their outstanding efforts.

Daniela Araujo was also present to perform her piece “Woman” while Mark Batson ‘wooed’ the crowd with his musical rendition.

Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn (centre), Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat (centre right), members of GGMC and the Ministry of Natural Resources

Don’t lose sight of issues preventing women’s equality

— CARICOM SG on International Women’s Day 2023

from Dr. Carla N. Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

ON March 8, 2023, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD), a special observance that was adopted by the United Nations 48 years ago in 1975, during the International Women’s Year.

The first International Women’s Day observance occurred well over a century ago with the gathering numbering over a million women in 1911.

Today, the day belongs to all groups, collectively, everywhere. Today we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and recommit ourselves to the work that still needs to be done to accelerate women’s equality.

This year’s theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality”, is aligned with the priority theme for the 67th Session

of the Commission on the Status of Women underway at the United Nations.

The day is set aside to acknowledge women’s contributions to technology, and explore the impact of the digital gender divide on widening economic and social inequalities exacerbated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It also highlights the importance of protecting the rights of women

and girls in digital spaces, and of addressing online and ICT-facilitated, gender-based violence. The timeliness and relevance of this year’s theme cannot be overstated, as technology and innovation are playing an increasingly important role to shape our Region and the world.

Technology and innovation are opening new avenues for women and girls, thus contributing to gender equality in several ways. Through digital platforms and online resources, women and girls are gaining access to educational opportunities and career paths that were previously unavailable to them. This is particularly true in underserved communities where traditional barriers, such as geography, culture and a lack of resources can prevent them from pursuing their dreams.

Technological advancements are making

education and training more accessible to women, particularly in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. This provides women with more opportunities to participate in the workforce, which can lead to greater economic independence, empowerment, and higher pay.

Innovation and technological change can also lead to more flexible work arrangements, which can help women balance their work and family responsibilities. Innovations in medical technology also promise to improve women’s health outcome, and access to healthcare services, such as new treatments for reproductive health, remote monitoring of pregnancies and telemedicine services.

Even as we embrace the possibilities of technology and innovation, it is important to recognise the

potential challenges and risks that come with these advancements. Among them, online violence, harassment and privacy concerns, all of which disproportionately affect women and girls.

In celebrating International Women’s Day with a focus on technology and innovation, we must not lose sight of the many issues that stand in the way of achieving women’s equality, such as women’s political participation, unpaid care and domestic work, impact of climate change, and gender-based violence which is a public health crisis in the Region.

According to the global average, one in three women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in her lifetime, usually from an intimate partner. In the Caribbean region, prevalence surveys conducted between 2016-2018 in five Member States

indicate incidence rates as high as one in two women.

As we observe IWD this year, our thoughts and prayers are with the women and girls in Haiti who are experiencing the grossest violations as they are targeted by gangs who are ravaging and killing them with impunity. Protecting the women and girls must be a priority. Therefore, as we observe International Women’s Day across the Community, let us work toward greater representation of women and girls in all areas of leadership and decision-making, especially in technology, politics, business, health, the arts, and culture. By so doing, we can create a more inclusive and equitable “DigitAll” world where innovation and technology bridge gender equality.

MoM to host activities for single mothers across Guyana

in general and men, in particular, to make our society safer for women and to foster an enabling environment for women’s growth and development.”

To mark the observance of International Women’s Day 2023, Men On Mission will be hosting lunch on Sunday for 500 single mothers across the country, with events in different villages, towns, and regions.

for the 2023 Programme and will be announcing these over the next few days.

The members of the MOM National Committee, led by Brigadier Godfrey Bess, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, met with

MEN On Mission (MOM), a One Guyana Initiative, on Wednesday, saluted all women across the country, in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2023.

“Guyana is blessed with the presence of wom-

en in the highest offices of the judiciary and in some of the most senior offices in the executive and legislative arms of government.

Women also hold senior positions among both officers and ranks of our disciplined services and across

both the private sector and public service,” the group said in a press release. It was further stated: “Nevertheless, there is still a lot of work to be done to improve the opportunities for women in Guyana and to transform the culture

The group is mobilising support from the private sector and is working in partnership with Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) in the outreach to single mothers and to host the events.

Apart from the luncheons across the country, Men On Mission is working on several initiatives

Message

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to discuss the 2023 programme of activities.

Members of MoM meeting with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday (Office of the President photo)

The CCJ’s Global Value

SAINT Lucia has easily cleared all remaining legal hurdles to join Guyana, Barbados, Belize and Dominica in making the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) its final Court of Appeal (CoA), thanks to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s Saint Lucia Labour Party-led (SLP) administration’s clear fifteen-two majority in the 17-member parliament.

The island will become the fifth CARICOM member-state to so do after the parliamentary process was fast-tracked on February 28 - a week after its 44th independence anniversary on February 22 (and Guyana’s 53rd Republic Anniversary on February 23).

The debate in the Saint Lucia parliament featured several highlights of the CCJ’s regional and global significance, insulated as it is from political interference by governments through its independent funding base and respect-

ed by CARICOM leaders, none of which are known to have ever opposed the regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission’s recommendations for appointments of new judges to the court’s bench, or its President.

Access to the court is also much easier and less costly to the average CARICOM citizen than to the London-based Privy Council - and CCJ cases are heard online.

During his contribution to the marathon debate on the necessary amendment to the Saint Lucia Constitution, former Saint Lucia Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, who initially supervised the drafting of the agreement by the inimitable and distinguished Guyanese legal luminary Duke Pollard while serving as CARICOM’s General Counsel at its Secretariat in Georgetown in the mid-1990s, chided those, he said, insufficiently ac-

knowledged the Caribbean’s high standing in legal and judicial world history.

He recalled the Caribbean’s historical contribution to development of the judiciary in Africa after independence, distinguished West Indian jurists serving among the first Chief Justices in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe (among others), in the defense trial of Kenya’s first President Jomo Kenyatta - and more recently, in the Yugoslavia and Rwanda war tribunals, as well as on top judicial bodies in The Americas.

Dr. Anthony, now in private practice and a back-bencher in parliament since his sixth consecutive re-election in 2021, had responsibility for Justice during his three five-year terms as Saint Lucia’s Head of Government –and took umbrage to the view proffered by some in the local opposition United Workers Party (UWP) that

the CCJ is “a creature of a UWI Cabal” (referring to The University of the West Indies).

He recalled the strong contribution of “others like Pollard” in preparing the CCJ legislation and defended the integrity of today’s CCJ judges and other top Caribbean jurists, many of whom emerged from The UWI’s Legal Faculties in Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, as well, as the University of Guyana (UG).

Saint Lucia’s speedy completion of its CCJ journey cannot easily be repeated outside of a massive election victory or a successful referendum result, but the island never needed a referendum in present circumstances, despite one being demanded by ex-Prime Minister and current Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet ahead of the debate (which he boycotted).

The island will, there-

fore, soon join the four CARICOM member states that have benefitted from the collective and visionary wisdom of CCJ rulings, highlighting and underlining the fact that Caribbean jurists are no less-capable and more well-placed to deliver justice in this region than the UK-based Privy Council.

Indeed, the rate of hearings of Caribbean appeals at the Privy Council is historically very slow and low, with Saint Lucia registering only 17 appeals in 20 years.

The CCJ is both popular and unpopular for its fair rulings in cases of public interest, from hijacked elections in Guyana and CARICOM citizens’ right to vote in Barbados elections, to same-sex relationships and selective travel restrictions and discrimination against Freedom of Movement by Jamaican or Guyanese traders.

A fundamental point

emerging from the debate, however, was that unless justice is accessible it cannot be delivered, a feature largely underlined by the comparative costs of access to the Privy Council and the CCJ.

Arguably, no other region in the developing world has defended its regional court greater than CARICOM; and none has had greater influence on the judicial and legal mechanisms of global justice in the past six decades.

It cannot be argued, however, that the Caribbean isn’t better set, with every new CARICOM member state joining the CCJ, to see regional citizens making more and better use of their court for appeals - and expressing more confidence in the demonstrated ability of Caribbean jurists to deliver justice on demand, across the region, in full - and on time.

VP Jagdeo talks up Guyana’s...

From page 2

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo met with Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston, Texas

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo met with Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose Fernandez

Mounted branch officers patrolling National Park

— management of the public facility recognises female rank on Women’s Day

succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Deputy Commissioner Budhram said the Guyana Police Force always celebrates the contributions of women in law enforce-

ment and acknowledges the progress made in increasing female representation in this area.

He said the GPF sees International Women’s Day as an opportunity to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“By working together, the police and community can create safer, more inclusive environments for women and girls, both within the law enforcement profession and in the wider society,” Budhram said.

THE Human Resource Officer of the National Park, on Wednesday, presented a token of appreciation to a female rank of the mounted branch, as part of its efforts to commemorate International Women’s Day.

Deputy Police Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, the officer in charge of the Force’s Operations, announced last month that the Guyana Police Force would be re-introducing park patrols around Georgetown by utilising the resources of its mounted branch and canine section.

This initiative is aimed at using the Force’s mounted branch and canine unit to the maximum capacities so as to enhance public safety.

When contacted by this publication, Deputy Commissioner Budhram said having female

officers on the mounted branch could help to build trust and positive relationships with the local community, especially among women and children, who may be more comfortable talking to female officers about sensitive issues.

He said that hiring more female ranks in the force’s mounted branch and canine unit could also help to create a more diverse and inclusive police force.

“This can lead to a wider range of perspectives, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving, which can ultimately lead to better outcomes for both the police department and the community it serves,” he said.

Further, the Deputy Commissioner said female ranks can serve as positive role models for young girls in the community, demonstrating that women can

Woman Special Constable Drakes Pryce receives a token of appreciation from the Human Resource Officer of the National Park

Deputy Police Commissioner (Operations) Ravindradat Budhram

PNC/R Region Nine ‘rep’ charged with ‘damage to property’

FORMER Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and representative of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R)

Carl Parker and another man, were on Wednesday released on $30,000 bail each for allegedly damaging a government building in Lethem. Parker, 59, of Let -

hem Agriculture Zone, Hiowa Creek in Central Rupununi and Godfrey Williams, called ‘Cut Mouth’, a 55-year-old miner of Tabatinga Village, Lethem, appeared before Magistrate Allan

Wilson at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Both men denied that on March 4, 2023, at Lethem, they unlawfully damaged a building, which belongs to the Government of Guyana.

The duo was released on $30,000 bail each and the matter was adjourned to March 22, 2023.

Parker was charged separately for his alleged threatening behaviour towards 51-year-old Dale Kennedy, who was a contractor working on the building on the day in question. He was released on self-bail.

The building in question is earmarked to be used as a health centre for Lethem and the wider Region Nine.

However, it is reported that the PNC/R was “squatting” in the building for some years now.

In the 2020 Auditor General’s report, mention was made of persons illegally occupying government property.

The REO had written three letters to the party requesting that the building be vacated but there was no adherence to those notices.

According to a release from the Guyana

Police Force (GPF) on March 1, 2023, ranks from the regional division went to the Lethem building and met with current REO Karl Singh and six men.

“The REO indicated to the ranks that he had given the six men permission to enter the building and take off the roof since the building belongs to the region and it was tendered for infrastructural work to be done.

“The contractor completed the task of taking off the roof at about 01:25 hrs on March 2. At about 02:30 hrs that morning, a motor pickup bearing license plate # GRR 1100 driven by Parker and minibus bearing license plate #BYY 755 driven by George Nicholson, arrived at the area where they started to “video” the building. Kennedy and two of his workers were inside the building at the time,” the release said.

The police said that Parker entered the compound and the building and started behaving disorderly, chasing the contractor and his workers. However, the contractor and his workers refused to move.

This led to ranks in-

tervening and telling Parker to maintain the peace. It is alleged that Parker became annoyed and entered three other times and continued to video the building and workers.

The following day, the REO went to the Lethem Police Station where he made a formal report that PNC officials and others came and broke off the lock from the gate of the compound and damaged the fence.

“They then entered the compound, abusing the contractor and his workers and chasing them from the building, telling them to leave.

“The REO pointed out that he would have served APNU/AFC [ A Partnership for National Unity] Chairperson and General Secretary a notice and reminders to hand over the Government Building R#7 Lethem several times,” the release said.

As such, a police file was prepared for the report and the file was sent to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who advised for the charges to be laid after perusing the evidence.

Carl Parker

15 vulnerable women acquire fully-funded scholarships

IN observance of International Women’s Day, on Tuesday, First Lady Arya Ali granted another 15 fully-funded scholarships to vulnerable women from three local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through a partnership with the Ministry of Public Service.

At a simple ceremony held at State House, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Public Service for the latter to provide financial support which will cover the tuition, transportation, meals and uniform for the women.

Seven scholarships were awarded to women from ChildLink, five from Red Cross, and three from Help and Shelter. The scholarships will afford those women the opportunity to pursue training at the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) for at least one year.

This is the second batch of women to be provided with training through this programme. Last year, 15 women also benefitted from the programme.

The 15 recipients of the scholarships are women who are considered to be highly vulnerable because of the conditions under which they lived or still live, and the fact that they were unable to complete the formal school system.

Some are also victims of domestic violence.

“Our women require the tools that are necessary to ensure that they are able to fully participate in every sector of our economy and every sphere of life. They must be educated, trained, nurtured, mentored, financed, and supported in every possible way to guarantee their advancement; and that is what this programme seeks to do,” Mrs. Ali said while delivering brief remarks at the ceremony.

She said that upon assuming office, she prioritised the needs of women, particularly the most vulnerable, and has not shied away from her responsibility of ensuring that their lives are improved through her programmes and initiatives.

“I have not shied away from my responsibility as your First Lady to ensure that I facilitate the provision of opportunities to our women to support their personal and professional development,” the First Lady said, adding that there is an urgent need to reverse any widening of the gender gap.

“Today, with my sister in arms, Minister Sonia Parag, and the Ministry of Public Service, I am very happy that we are able to provide these women with a window of opportunity to empower themselves and positively impact those around them,” the First Lady added.

Mrs. Ali also

lighted that when more women enter the labour market and are able to work, economies grow.

“Women’s economic empowerment boosts productivity, increases economic diversification and income equality in addition to many other positive development outcomes,” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, expressed how proud and happy she was to be part of such an initiative.

“I am proud of the work that we are doing, because it is creating the kind of positive change that we need today. The Ministry stands ready to support the development of our people, particularly those who are most in need,” Minister Parag said.

The minister took pride in sharing that since entering office, the government continues to record success in its efforts to reduce the gender gap.

On Saturday, 20 women from the Barima-Waini Region graduated from the Atlantic Alliance Maritime and Offshore Training Institute (AAMOTI) through another fully-funded scholarship programme between the institute and the Office of the First Lady.

Some 100 women from the hinterland are expected to be trained this year through that programme. (Office of the First Lady)

In observance of International Women’s Day, on Tuesday, First Lady Arya Ali granted another 15 fully-funded scholarships to vulnerable women from three local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) through a partnership with the Ministry of Public Service

Republic Bank partners with BPD Associates to support women entrepreneurs

IN an effort to further its focus on building sustainable Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Republic Bank is once again partnering with Business & Peo -

ple Development (BPD) Associates Limited for the Entrepreneurs Business Builder (EBB) programme.

This initiative which falls under the bank’s

“Power to Make a Difference” programme, will focus solely on the women entrepreneurs with the aim of empowering them to grow technology-enabled, future-proofed profitable businesses.

Given the strategic importance of the bank and BPD’s support for SMEs and developing business communities, together with the success of the first cohort last year, this partnership continues in 2023.

The first cohort consisted of two phases with 93 participants completing phase one in March 2022 and 19 women progressing to phase two, for

which a graduation ceremony was held virtually on Tuesday.

The 2023 Entrepreneurs Business Builder, launched on International Women’s Day, has adopted a different structure from its predecessor. A maximum of 80 Caribbean women entrepreneurs with a minimum of two years of entrepreneurial experience, will now have the opportunity to apply for the four-month, self-paced online learning programme. Participants can also qualify to receive up to 80 per cent scholarship funding.

The programme adopts a systematic approach to ensure that the learnings, strategies and tactics implemented will

generate long-lasting personal and business results for all women entrepreneurs involved.

It is expected that, by the end of the programme, the participants will be more confident and have businesses that are tech-enabled, robust and demonstrate accelerated growth.

The registration process will end on March 24 and all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by May 2023.

Registration will be strictly online via https://www.republicpromotions.com/ entrepreneurs-business-builder-programme/

Digicel launches ‘16 iPhones in 16 days’ Promotion

DIGICEL Guyana continued its 16th anniversary celebrations with the launch of another grand promotion, “16 iPhones in 16 days.”

According to a press release, 16 customers will be walking away with an Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max at the end of the 16-day period.

“Digicel customers are in for an exciting 16 days as Digicel gives them the opportunity to win one of the latest pieces of technology,” the telecoms company said.

Both prepaid and postpaid customers could participate to win beginning today and ending on March 24. Prepaid customers can enter by simply topping up with $1,000 or more (electronically or by scratch cards).

Every top up of $1000 or more gives

them one entry in the draw for that day. For postpaid customers, all they need to do is pay their February bill in full and their number will be entered in the draw for the entire promotional period.

Winners will be randomly selected daily and called live during the Digicel Morning Rush radio show on Kaieteur Radio 99.1FM at 7:45 hrs.

“If for any reason a winner is called and their phone is off or the call goes unanswered, they will have until midnight to answer their call or

make contact with Digicel on 690-5444. If that customer doesn’t answer within the time frame then another random winner will be chosen,” Digicel said.

The company reminded customers that this is the only promotion that is currently running, so persons should not answer whatsapp calls claiming to be Digicel or to give their four-digit codes or pin numbers. All calls for this promotion will come from 226-7453/4 (Kaieteur Radio 99.1FM) or 6601000.

Bridging digital gender divide essential to unleashing women’s potential in rural communities

INCLUSIVE access to digital technologies and education is crucial to reducing gender inequalities and empowering rural women and girls, the United Nations’ food and agriculture agencies said as they marked International Women’s Day 2023.

Participants at the event, co-organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP), recognised that while digitalization on its own cannot solve all the gender-related disadvantages women face, if provided with equal access to digital technology and education, women can have a more active and effective role in agrifood systems.

“Admittedly, it is discouraging to celebrate International Women’s Day in a time when we are going backwards on gender equality and are seeing widening gender gaps in science, technology and innovation,” FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol said.

She added: “When we invest in rural women, we invest in resilience; in the fu-

ture of our communities and in creating a more inclusive and equitable world – one where no one is left behind.”

“Without increased access to digital technology and innovation, rural women and girls will continue to face barriers and socio-economic disadvantages, making it harder for them to fully participate in rural economies,”

IFAD Associate Vice-President Jyotsna Puri said, noting: “Gender inequality and the urban-rural divide will only worsen unless we create a more inclusive and prosperous society for everyone.”

“Food security for households and communities is in the hands of the women. It is only through women’s empowerment that we can build a world where no one goes to sleep hungry,” WFP’s Deputy Executive Director, Valerie Guarnieri said.

She added: “Putting resources in the hands of women is a no-brainer and with this comes the transfer of knowledge and skills including digital literacy to help these women realize their full potential. Now that’s the kind of game changer that we can all get behind.”

While there is a rapid proliferation of digital tools and

— UN food and agriculture agencies say

the 1000 Digital Villages.

The FAO Office of Innovation established the Global Network on Digital Agriculture and Innovation Hubs to support its members and to foster innovation within their digital agriculture ecosystem with a special focus on women and young agripreneurs, among other programmes.

services, women continue to face systemic and structural barriers in accessing and adopting new technologies. Evidence on the gender gap indicates that globally, 69 per cent of men are using the internet compared with 63 per cent of women. Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) are 16 per cent less likely to use mobile internet than men; progress in reducing the mobile internet gender gap has stalled.

Recent statistics show that this contrast is even starker in rural areas. Rural women are particularly disadvantaged in terms of access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and

less likely to engage with ICT solutions due to constraints such as affordability, illiteracy, user capabilities, and discriminatory social norms.

FAO works to promote the adoption of specific digital technologies including in ways they specifically support women through initiatives like the International Platform for Digital Food and Agriculture, FAO Digital Portfolio, E-Agriculture Community of Practice, and

Next month, FAO will be launching a new report entitled the Status of Women in Agrifood Systems which will provide evidence indicating how empowering women can lift millions of people out of food insecurity and make agrifood systems more resilient and sustainable.

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialised agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people; empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, IFAD has provided more than US$24

billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries.

WFP’s work on digital financial literacy helps communities to upskill; enhances their livelihoods, access financial services and tools, and in the long run, supports development and strengthens food security for all. For example, through its cash-based transfer programmes across the globe, WFP seeks to directly address the barriers to digital and financial services borne out of socio-cultural norms and gender-based stereotypes.

By assisting women with digital and financial literacy trainings and working with community champions, WFP helps them to open their own banking, mobile money or other digital accounts, bringing economic benefits including food security to these women and, in turn, to their families and entire societies.

(FAO)

Capitalise on opportunities available in technology and innovation

— WPO urges Guyanese women

See full statement below: The Women’s Progressive Organisation extends warm and fraternal greetings to all Guyanese, especially women and girls on the occasion of

the 113th anniversary of International Women’s Day. We join with women of the whole world, on this occasion, to evaluate the progress made for women.

The UN theme, “Digi-

tALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” captures the very essence of the critical transformation that is taking place in the world today; especially in the developed countries where we are witnessing

the most advanced technological revolution.

Technology has revolutionised many aspects of our daily lives and has become an integral part of our work.

There is that section of

the population who are 60 years and older, who never thought that digital technology would transform their lives, whether it is in communication, education, health, culture, business, commerce, food security, et al. Almost every dimension of life is driven by modern solutions for traditional problems which has made it easier for mankind to harness progress.

Technology requires brainpower and persons who are desirous of improving their knowledge can do so once they have the tools at their disposal. First world countries have the expertise to advance research in various areas because their citizens have the means to educate themselves while their governments have the financial capabilities to create the framework for research and innovation.

Third world countries, on the other hand, cannot finance research to develop technology, and while they benefit from all the available technology, it is at very high cost. Hiring technical personnel to operate the available technology also comes at exorbitant costs.

Gender equality in this sector will require changes in some of the fundamental principles which are necessary for upward mobility.

This will depend on those requirements that are needed for both men and women. Once the family structure remains the same with the woman sharing most of the burden in managing the home and family, it will put her in a position where she has to work and study harder to compete in higher positions.

In Guyana, when the government started the One

Laptop Per Family initiative, little did we know of the impact it would have on our lives. All the different ‘apps’ have made it easier to access information both negative and positive, which brought people closer together digitally. It has transformed lives in every conceivable way. Gadgets of all dimensions are available to make our lives easier and people are able to pay their bills, access money and services at the click of their fingers. We support the call for women to be much bolder in taking advantage of the opportunities that are available in the area of technology and innovation.

The school curriculum must be cognisant of this reality where the STEM subjects must be accessible to all students, since it is a precursor to their involvement and advancement in this area of study. Innovations in technology will make lives of people much easier because it will remove the manual labour which can be a disadvantage to many.

We support the initiatives of government as it moves to create an enabling environment to take our country through technological innovation.

Simultaneously, we call on the youth of our country to take advantage of the opportunities that are available, so that together we can take our country to another level. Let us make our country a place where all can benefit from the development which is taking place so that we can proudly build our ‘One Guyana’ as “One People, One Nation with a common Destiny.

Motie helps West Indies roar back into action

(ESPNCRICINFO ) - Aiden

Markram and Tony de Zorzi fell short of their hundreds as West Indies roared back into the game through Gudakesh Motie, Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers after tea on an atypically dry Wanderers pitch. Motie, the left-arm fingerspinner , dismissed both the set batters to weaken the strong foundation they had laid earlier in the day. From 248 for 2, South Africa suddenly slid to 311 for 7 at stumps.

When Markram was in supreme control, South Africa were rattling along at over four runs an over. Motie, who was working his way back from a lower-back injury , shook off the rust in the last session and combined well with Holder to apply the brakes on South Africa Roston Chase, the other spinner, also found grip, turn, and bounce, which could pique the interest of South Africa’s own spinners.

The hosts had also picked two specialist spinners - Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer - in a rare instance. It was so rare that the last time South Africa played two spinners in Johannesburg was way back in 1965.

For Markram, it was business as usual, after South Africa had opted to take first strike. He unfurled a variety of picture-perfect drives, both off the front foot and back , in the front of square. When West Indies shortened their length, Markram was also quickly in position to pull them away. When

he was on the verge of his hundred , though, he tried to manufacture a sweep behind the wicket and ended up lobbing it to slip off the toe end. It snapped a breezy 116-run second-wicket partnership with de Zorzi.

De Zorzi reached his maiden Test half-century and continued to score freely until the final session of the day. He managed only ten runs off 31 balls after tea as Motie and Holder tightened up their lines and lengths.

Motie bowled de Zorzi with delightful turn and drift from over the wicket while Holder had Temba Bavuma offering no shot to an inducker after having plugged away outside off. Alzarri Joseph then had Ryan Rickleton slashing behind to Joshua Da Silva for 22 off 49 balls. Then, just before stumps, Mayers got rid of both Wiaan Mulder and Harmer with the second new ball.

The clatter of wickets in the last session - five in all - starkly contrasted with the passage of play in the morning session, when West Indies struck just once. West Indies’ fast bowlers had looked to pepper Dean Elgar with the new ball, but every time they dug the ball into the pitch, it sat up, allowing the batter more time to put them away. Motie then dropped one just short of a sweeping length and had Elgar caught at short fine leg for 42.

Markram, who scored 115 and 47 in the Centurion Test, looked good for back-to-back hundreds, but he fell agonisingly short of the mark. De Zorzi was also denied a ton and

was part of a late collapse that dragged West Indies closer

to parity. However, with the surface expected to slow down

and deteriorate as the match wears on, South Africa might

feel like they already have a healthy score on the board.

The Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc. / Susuki Motor Cycles Second Division T/20 Competition

MYO beat DCC despite Jaikaran’s unbeaten 92 in latest round

with some big hitting towards the end, ensured MYO passed 200.

Wilson finished with 4-22 and Allen 2-30.

In DCC’s reply, the left-handed Jaikaran hit an entertaining unbeaten 92 from 61 balls decorated with eight fours and six sixes and built a solid foundation with fellow opener Jamal Deheon, who contributed 32 from 22

of audacious shots and was at crease from the start of the DCC innings to the last ball of the match but got little support from other end.

Only Jayden Dowlin, the son of former West Indies batter, Travis Dowlin, with 10 reached double figures although extras contributed 25 with 16 off those extras coming from wides as DCC fell short in their run chase.

By Sean Devers

AN accomplished unbeaten innings from Brandon Jaikaran failed to help DCC beat MYO at the Queen’s College ground in the latest round of the Atlantic Marine Supplies INC Susuki Motor Cycles Second Division T/20 Competition.

Playing in sunny conditions on sluggish outfield, MYO made 209-7 in their allotted 20 overs before restricting DCC to 171-7 as the Woolford Avenue side won by 38 runs.

MYO, on the back of explosive half centuries from Leon Swammy and Bepaul Bandoo, set up the victory with positive stroke-play on a good track.

After Bandoo fell to Ezekiel Wilson for 12, Swammy attacked the bowling with his 87 from 42 balls with five fours and nine sixes but Wilson removed Omesh Danram for a duck, Malcom Beckles (2) and Yogendra Singh (12) to put the brakes on the scoring.

Bandoo, who smashed five fours and six sixes in a pugnacious 43-ball unbeaten 70, joined forces with Swammy and the pair played some delightful shots.

Ricardo Percival, the son of former West Indies U-19 Captain Andre Percival, got rid of Swammy while Wavell Allen picked up a couple of quick wickets but Bandoo,

balls with two fours and three sixes.

Jaikaran played an array

92 failed

Alex Algoo had 3-23 and got support from Marlon Boele who had 2-31.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Jacques Kallis - 165 Tests

(2) Graeme Smith - 108 Tests as captain Today’s Quiz:

(1) What is the highest individual score made by a SA player in a Test innings to date?

(2) Which SA player has registered most Test runs to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Brandon Jaikaran’s unbeaten

to give DCC victory over MYO

Leon Swammy scored 87 for DCC at the QC ground

CAC qualifier and Senior Caribbean Championships’ teams named

Billingy, Greaves in female team, Van Lange, David in male side

THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has announced the national teams that will be representing Guyana at the Men’s Team CAC games Qualifier and Senior Caribbean Championships, as well as the Women’s Team CAC games Qualifier and

performance in recent local and regional tournaments and overseas engagement at club and circuit level. The GTTA believes that the mixture of seasoned players and youth during this transition period along with their continued preparation have what it takes to represent Guyana

The GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe, expressed his confidence in the selected teams, saying, “We are very proud of the players that have been selected to represent Guyana at these important events. We believe that they have the potential to do very

well, and we will continue to support them in any way we can. We wish them all the best and hope that they will make Guyana proud.”

The Men’s team CAC games Qualifier and Senior Caribbean Championships will take place from 16th to

19th March, while the Women’s Team CAC games Qualifier and Senior Caribbean Championships will be held from 20th to 25th March. The GTTA is encouraging the people of Guyana to come out and support the national teams as they compete

against the best players from the Caribbean and Central America.

Teams will be representing Guyana at the CAC games Qualifier and Senior Caribbean Championships 16th to 19th March and 20th to 25th March.

Senior Caribbean Championships. The events will be held from 16th to 19th March and 20th to 25th March respectively.

well in these tournaments with emphasis on the CAC qualifier.

The players have been training daily for the events; these sessions include prac-

For the Men’s team, the following players have been selected: Shemar Britton, Jonathan Van Lange, Joel Alleyne, Elishaba Johnson, and Paul David. The Women’s Team comprises Chelsea Edghill, Oly, Natalie Cummings, Priscilla Greaves, Thuraia Thomas, and Jasmine Billingy.

The GTTA selection committee has carefully chosen the players based on their

tice and physical training. The GTTA is grateful for the support partnerships which is aiding in providing the team with the necessary resources and support to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the competitions. As part of the training, the association has also been working with the players to develop their mental toughness and strategies, which are crucial in high-pressure matches.

Priscilla Greaves

Johnathan Van Lange

GDF and GGA Launches Golf Programme at Base Camp Ayangana

IN yet another milestone for the development of Golf in Guyana, the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy have joined forces with the Guyana Defence Force to create a specialized training programme for service men and women and their families at Base Camp Ayangana.

Administration & Quartering Coast Guard, Captain Ver-

non Burnett said “we see this as a multifaceted sport that brings great focus, discipline, integrity and dedication, all things that are necessary for great soldiers. We wish to thank Mr. Hussain and the Nexgen Golf Academy for their innovative approach to [the] development of Golf in Guyana and we firmly believe that his planned inter-services tournament will see the GDF excelling as always!”

According to Hussain, “this was an idea discussed with Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, last year and brought to fruition at the urging of former Prime Minister Sam Hinds who initiated the discussion with Captain Burnett. Nexgen Golf will provide access to equipment, balls and develop a training programme for the GDF, along with organising

competitions and providing guidance on ground management and maintenance.”

Base Commander, Major Hubbard Rodney, added, “Golf will become a part of the GDF’s sports programme and added to their summer camp outreach activities for disadvantaged families and children. We see great potential for using the sport in ways to develop leaders in addition to the physical activities and fun for the families of our service men and women.”

Over the past two years, through the sole efforts of the GGA and Nexgen Golf Academy, Golf was introduced into the school system at the CSEC level and major partnerships realized with the Texas Golf Association, USGA and LPGA Foundation. Guyana Golf was also featured in the Guiname Magazine and Golf Global, the Japanese golf magazine pro-

duced by the owner of Honda.

In 2021, Hussain made a bold prediction that Golf would become a major sport contender in Guyana and, according to the Royal & Ancient Golf Association, once Guyana reaches the projected number of players, it will become the second largest Golf country in the region!

Asked why he believes this goal can be achieved, Hussain explained that his unique teaching techniques allows him to guarantee that in just one session, anyone regardless of previous sport activities, can learn how to hit a golf ball properly. And with 155 physical education teachers in eight out of ten Regions already trained by him personally, they are capable of passing on that instruction to thousands of students.

Jamaica eyeing Inaugural Women’s CONCACAF Gold Cup

CMC – THE Jamaica Reggae Girlz will have their eyes on the Cup when the inaugural Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup will be played in the United States, from February 17 to March 10 next year.

The Jamaicans are one of the two teams the organisers have identified that will secure automatic qualification for the 12-team tournament comprising eight Concacaf teams and four guest teams from the South American confederation, Conmebol.

So far, current world champions, United States have secured a berth by winning the 2022 Concacaf W Championship, and they will be joined by the winner of the Concacaf Olympic play-in between the Reggae Girlz and a further six Concacaf teams who qualify through earlier rounds.

The CONMEBOL guest participants have been determined based on the 2022 Women’s Copa America.

“This new Concacaf W Gold Cup will be the flagship event for women’s national team football in our region and will showcase some of the very best women’s football in Concacaf and the world,” Concacaf president and FIFA vice-president, Victor Montagliani said.

“The tournament will be a celebration of the work we have done so far, hand-in-hand with our federations, implementing our groundbreaking Concacaf W strategy, which was launched in 2019 to prioritise the growth of women’s football at all levels.

“While there remains more work to do, I believe we are now truly beginning to see the benefits of that strategy, not least through the performances of the record six Concacaf teams who have qualified for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.”

Six teams will play in the preliminary stage on February 17 next year to send three teams into the group stage, which takes place from February 20 to 28.

The knockout stages including the quarterfinals, the semi-finals, and the final will take place from March 2 to 10.

GGA President, Aleem Hussain presents golf gear and equipment to members of the Guyana Defence Force

Anderson selected for GHE remaining games Says hard work paid off

By Sean Devers

AT age 22, former West Indies U-19, and West Indies Academy’s batter, Kelvon Anderson, is one of the new admissions to the Guyana Harpy Eagles for their third round four-day First-Class game against Trinidad and Tobago from March 15 at the Brain Lara Academy in South Trinidad.

Back in 2020, the talented Anderson was on the verge of making his first- class debut but the COVID-19 Pandemic spoiled that possibility when the 2019/2020 CWI Regional fourday tournament was aborted with two matches remaining as Barbados ended Guyana’s five-year winning streak.

The right-handed batter, who grew up in the town of Rosehall in Corentyne, Berbice, had to wait for over two years to be selected for the Guyana senior team.

In the practice game, Anderson seemed well set for a big score when he was run out by the length of the pitch for 40 but still many felt he would be on the plane to Antigua for Guyana’s first round game against two-time defending champions, Barbados.

But that was not to be as former Chairman of selectors,

Rambindrauth Seeram picked Akshaya Persaud ahead of Anderson despite the fact that Anderson had scored more runs in the practice games than Persaud.

With no cricket available to play here, Anderson, who made 86 not out in the 2020 U-19 World Cup when West Indies beat England, journeyed to Trinidad to play club cricket where he scored a century.

The young man, who has played 11 List ‘A’ games, six of them for the West Indies Academy in last year’s Regional Super50, returned home and scored a well-constructed century for Berbice as Inter-County cricket returned for the first in nine years.

That was enough to convince the new Chairman of selector, former West Indies batter, Ramnaresh Sarwan, to replace Persaud with Anderson on the team which will depart Guyana on Sunday for the twin Island Republic.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that I’m apart of the team, it shows that hard work really pays off. I plan to make the best of this opportunity with a big score, if I am selected in the final eleven,” said the level-headed lad who made his Regional List ‘A’ debut for the Academy team against the Leewards in Antigua last year.

He scored 36 against Barba-

GCB Senior Inter-County

dos and 33 against Jamaica but was dismissed when well set for big scores.

Anderson said this is an area of his game that he has worked on…not converting ‘starts’ into big fifties or hundreds. He feels he has put in the work on fixing that issue.

“Yeah, I trust the works that I’ve been putting in, so it’s just

going out there and performing now.

I think my strength is my patience and being able to bat for long periods” disclosed Anderson, who plays in Berbice cricket for the Rosehall Town Youth and Sports Club.

Anderson said he doesn’t mind battling either pace or spin and added that he changes his

four-day Tournament… Berbice to face Essequibo; Demerara to play Select XI

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Male Inter-County four-day tournament will continue on March 9-12, 2023 with the second round fixture between Berbice and Essequibo to be played at Enmore while the Demerara and GCB Select XI match will start on March 11-14, 2023 at the GCC, Bourda.

The tournament began on February 25 with Berbice defeating Demerara by six wickets while Essequibo thumped the GCB Select XI by 271 runs. Those first round matches were both played at the National Stadium. The third and final round will be played on March 19-22 at the GCC and Everest grounds.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles players selected to participate in the West Indies Championship are unavailable for the second and third round of the GCB Senior Inter-county four-day tournament.

Teams:

Demerara squad: Christopher Barnwell (Captain), Navindra Persaud, Raymond Perez, Ushadave Balgobin, Akshaya Persaud (Vice-Captain), Shamar Yearwood, Travis Persaud, Ronaldo Ali Mohamed, Richie Looknauth, Ashmead Nedd, Steven Sankar, Qumar Torrington, Sachin Singh and Sachin Balgobin.

The Manager is Puneet Jaigopaul and Head coach is

Quasen Nedd. Essequibo squad: Kevon Boodie (Captain), Ricardo Peters, Sheldon Charles, Gulcharan Chulai, Neland Codogan, Ricardo Adams (Vice- Captain), Bruce Vincent, Quentin Sampson, Ronaldo Renn, Leon Swamy , Avinash Persaud, Malcolm Hubbard, Wazim Mohamed, Garfield Peters. The Manager is Yogeshwar Lall and Head Coach is Nandkishore Andrews.

approach mentally to different bowlers.

“Different bowlers try to get you out in different ways so, yes, I just look to play each ball on its merit” said Anderson, whose cover-drives evokes memories of Carl Hooper.

Asked if he has set any goals for his debut season, the former JC Chandisingh Secondary student responded, “Well, it’s my first season, so I’m trusting God and my ability that I start off my career on a high.”

“I’ll say we need a proper indoor facility during the rainy season. It’ s not much I can do besides fitness training” said Anderson who was born on September 28, 2000.

Young Anderson got engaged to Rebecca Gomes on December 3 last year.

“Yea, she loves cricket and is 100 per cent supportive. She watches each game that stream live or even the score. She never prevents me from playing, so I know she is the one for me to depend on” said Anderson, who

informed that, growing up in Berbice, he was always fun to be around and liked making jokes and just playing any sporting activities.

Anderson, who aspires to play Test cricket for the West Indies, explained how he developed an interest in cricket.

“My brothers used to play cricket but I was never really interested in it; I was more of an athletic person… track and field… until there was this kiddies cricket tournament which I played in. I was in grade six at that time and I got the Man-of-the-series in the tournament and from there I started,” continued Anderson who said a lot of people have helped in his cricket career and as a person.

“Names are too numerous to mention, and I really don’t want to miss anyone, just want to say thanks to everyone who supported me -- family, friends -- from starting of my career to this point. I really do appreciate you guys” concluded Anderson, the latest player from the RHY&SC to be picked for Guyana at the senior level.

GDA invites participants for CDLC qualifiers

THE Guyana Darts Association (GDA) is inviting players to compete in the Latin American and Caribbean darts championship (CDLC) qualifiers.

The GDA will start its qualifying process on March 10, 2023.

Berbice squad: Junior Sinclair (Captain), Tomanni Caesar, Javed Karim, Garfield Benjamin , Seon Hetmyer, Alex Algoo, Jason Sinclair, Nigel Deodat, Guarav Ramesh, Seon Glasgow, Suresh Dhanai, Kwesi Mickle, Shamal Angel, Keyon Sinclair. Manager is Travis Harcourt and Head Coach is Julian Moore

GCB Select XI squad: Rajendra Chandrika (Captain), Alvin Mohabir, Jeremiah Scott, Carlos La Rose, Oswin Blair, Rajendra Ramballi, Nathan Persaud, David Williams, Mark Gonzales, Demeter Cameron, Jonathan Rampersaud, Zeynul Ramsammy, Sylus Tyndall and Kevin Umroa. The Manager is Ravindranauth Seeram while the Head Coach is Clive Grimmond. Live streaming will be available for both matches of each round which will be shared on the GCB Facebook page.

Only affiliated members will be allowed to participate with two leagues being played to shortlist six players and a final league to determine the final four players.

Long-standing national champion Sudesh Fitzgerald has been identified by the GDA as the tournament director and will be in charge of the operations.

An entrance fee of $2000 Guyana dollars will be in effect and covers all three stages.

Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) has been identified as the venue for play.

For any questions regarding this tournament, or any other, please feel free to contact the Guyana Darts Association president, Mrs Victorine Chandro on 626-4239 or tournament director, Mr sudesh Persaud Fitzgerald on 6162039.

CDLC recently announced an agreement with the Professional Darts Co-operation (PDC) to qualify a team to represent their country and region in the World Cup of darts to be held in Frankfurt, Germany this coming June .

All countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region will be eligible to participate in the qualifying processes.

Local qualifiers will be in pairs (players participating as a team).

Each participating country will be able to qualify a maximum of two teams that will then travel to San Jose, Costa Rica for the final qualifying tournament from May 13-14, 2023.

Kevlon Anderson during his unbeaten 86 against England in the 2020 U-19 World Cup

Kevon Boodie will captain Essequibo Rajendra Chandrika will captain the GCB XI

Gudakesh Motie took three wickets on the first day•AFP/Getty Images

Jasmine Billingy

Paul David

Chirstopher Barnwell is Demerara’s captain

Junior Sinclair will captain Berbice