Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-02-2023

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No. 106990

ExxonMobil sees greater potential for expansion in Guyana

ENCOURAGED by its massive successes and discoveries at the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, ExxonMobil is seeking to broaden its

horizons, as the company has signalled an interest in the upcoming bidding rounds for offshore areas.

This is according to ExxonMobil Guyana Pres-

ident Alistair Routledge, who made the announcement on Thursday during an engagement with reporters.

“We’re always inter -

— signals interest in upcoming oil-block auction

ested in new acreage, and, clearly, where we’ve had some success, it brings a certain degree of interest, and we should be knowledgeable on it. We’ve reg-

istered for the bigger end,” Routledge said.

He related that the company will examine the data the government has provided, along with other

things before making the decision on its participation in the auction.

See full story on page 3

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— with signing of milestone agreement between TOPCO, Israeli company for the establishment of Demerara Dairies Inc.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and members of his Cabinet received more than 80 pupils and teachers from the No 56 Primary School in Berbice for a tour of the Office of the President, on Thursday.

The Head of State welcomed the children and invited them to sit around the table and

interact with his Cabinet.

“Welcome to Cabinet ...these are all your ministers who are working hard every day to make things better for all the children and the parents of this country. So when you read about the Cabinet, this is the cabinet room, and these are the ministers,” Dr. Ali said.

The pupils were challenged to identify the Minister of Education, which they proudly did. The group also sang happy birthday to the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

Head Teacher, Mr. Neville Bourne extended gratitude and

expressed how pleased he was that the children and teachers were able to interact with the entire Cabinet. A number of school visits to the Office of the President and State House are scheduled for the coming weeks.

(Office of the President)

US$200M withdrawn from NRF to finance national development priorities

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Lowenfield was a ‘lone ranger’

— Nandlall says, highlights evidence of misconduct

— Guyanese awardees attribute success to discipline, hard work

By Naomi Parris

THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), on Thursday awarded the annual Dennis Irvine Award to Atishta Seenarine of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan School in Guyana for her achievement as the Most Outstanding Overall Student at the 2022 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

Outam Heeralall of the Anna Regina Secondary School was also awarded for his per-

—

CXC awards top CSEC, CAPE performers

Guyanese awardees attribute success to discipline, hard work

formance as the Most Outstanding Overall Student at the 2022 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

This year’s award ceremony was held in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), but Guyana and several other nations joined virtually.

Guyana copped a number of awards, with Seenarine also being awarded as the Most Outstanding Overall Student in Natural Sciences at the CAPE level, having achieved 18

Grade Ones.

Meanwhile, at the CSEC level, Saskia Twahir of Queen’s College was the Most Oustanding Student in the Humanities.

Saskia is also the Most Outstanding Student in Business, having attainted 24 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos.

Sheridan Dyal, of Queen’s College, was adjudged the Most Outstanding Student in the Sciences, while Outam Heeralall is this year’s Most Outstanding Student in

Technical Vocational Education.

In an invited comment to reporters following the ceremony, Seenarine shared that the experience has been an immense overflow of emotions.

“It’s actually overwhelming; it’s been a long time since the announcement has been made, so the feeling was going away a bit, but the first time when I heard it, it was excitement and just overwhelming,” she related, noting that her next move is to study Medicine at the University of Guyana.

Further, in sharing some advice for students who are preparing to sit examinations this year, Seenarine said: “Just work hard, and do your best in everything; just put your best foot forward.”

Heeralall also urged students to be true to themselves, as he believes every individual is different, and has their own unique way of doing things.

“It differs for different persons; some persons may have different likes, so I would say be yourself, be

you, and most importantly, be motivated,” he related.

Referring to his own success, the teen said: “I feel so happy; this has been one of my dreams. I actually dreamt of this when Anna Regina Secondary topped the Caribbean in 2019, and that is what motivated me to be here.”

Reflecting on her experience, Dyal said: “I’m ecstatic that this is finally happening. I’ve been looking forward for this day, because I know it’s usually a big event, and I’m glad that I am here, and I am glad that all the effort that I put in over the past five years has turned out to be very fruitful.”

The teen shared that she is currently perusing studies in CAPE and intends to further advance her academic portfolio by studying Medicine.

She also hopes to explore other options, as she is the owner of a small enterprise called ‘Teen Hustle.’

Dyal related: “I’m studying Medicine for now, but I always see myself switching

at some point in time because right now I’m actually running a business, so with the business aspect of it and then the medicine aspect of it I can still see myself changing in the future.”

In imparting her knowledge to the upcoming generation, Twahir said: “Take everything in strides, understand that failure can actually be one of the best things that happens not in the exam but in the steps of preparation.”

She added: “Pace yourself and ensure that you prioritize your health, your mental wellbeing. And give it your best shot.”

She also urged students to practice heavily with pass papers.

Twahir is currently perusing studies at Nations Guyana and intends to further her studies in economics and finance.

Meanwhile in brief remarks, CXC registrar, Dr. Wayne Weasly, congratulated all students who were successful at the examinations.

Atishta Seenarine, Outam Heeralall, Saskia Twahir, and Sheridan Dyal with Education Minister Priya Manickchand (centre)

ExxonMobil sees greater potential for expansion in Guyana

ENCOURAGED by its massive successes and discoveries at the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, ExxonMobil is seeking to broaden its horizons, as the company has signalled an interest in the upcoming bidding rounds for offshore areas.

This is according to ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge, who made the announcement on Thursday during an engagement with reporters.

“We’re always interested in new acreage, and, clearly, where we’ve had some success, it brings a certain degree of interest, and we should be knowledgeable on it. We’ve registered for the bigger end,” Routledge said.

He related that the company will examine the data the government has provided, along with other things before making the decision

on its participation in the auction.

“… When we have all of that together, then we will be in a position to make a decision on whether or not we bid,” Routledge said.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers), with its gross recoverable resource now estimated to be more than 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels, including Liza and other suc-

— signals interest in upcoming oil-block auction

ing the auction of oil blocks.

The blocks being put up for auction range in acreage from 1,000 sq. km to 3,000 sq. km, with 11 in shallow water, and the other three in deep water.

The bidders will be evaluated on their work programmes, financial offers, and local-content commitments.

There won’t be any restrictions on the number of bids a company is allowed to submit, but a successful bidder will be limited to an award of no more than three blocks. There is a participation fee of US$20,000 for the bidding process for each block.

cessful exploration wells.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali last year announced that the government hopes to award the contracts by the end of May. Guyana is among 65 countries that will be launch-

The winning bidders of the shallow-water exploration blocks must pay a minimum of US$10 million signing bonus, and twice that amount for the deep-water blocks. Bidders will also be required

to provide a development plan for consideration, along with their financial bids.

Under the new fiscal terms and other conditions for future Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), successful companies will be subjected to 50 per cent profit sharing, a royalty rate of 10 per cent, and corporate tax of 10 per cent, among other things.

President Ali had previously said that Guyana’s offshore basin has captured the attention of global oil market participants, and has been called a gateway to the world’s fastest-growing super basin over the last few years.

“Guyana’s offshore [fields] are estimated to have potential resources of in excess of 25 billion barrels, and estimated reserves of in excess of 11 billion barrels,” President Ali had said.

Elections CoI: Lowenfield was a ‘lone ranger’

of the elections.

ATTORNEY-General Anil

Nandlall, S.C., has said that former Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, acted as a “lone ranger” during the 2020 General and Regional Elections in defiance of directions from both the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the courts.

When Nandlall took to the stand on Thursday as the final witness to appear before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events surrounding the 2020 elections, he said that the former CEO blatantly made decisions and employed procedures in direct contradiction to the law and the will of GECOM.

On March 14, 2020, he submitted the elections report to the GECOM Chairman on the basis of declarations made by the Returning Officers in the 10 Electoral Districts, in accordance with Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act.

Nandlall told the CoI that those declarations and the elections report were placed in abeyance to pave way for a national recount

after allegations of electoral fraud had erupted during the tabulation of results in District Four.

In June 2020, the recount was completed, and it showed a PPP/C victory.

The AG explained that Lowenfield, in his first elections report, stated that he could not determine the credibility of all votes. As such, he invalidated thousands of votes, giving the APNU+AFC a supposed “victory.”

On June 23, 2020, Lowenfield submitted another report which invalidated credible votes which were counted by GECOM returning officers.

In the report, Lowenfield said he was guided by the decision of Esyln David (a private citizen who had challenged the credibility of the recount).

Lowenfield claimed that based on the Court of Appeal decision, he invalidated about 100,000 votes.

This matter was then taken to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which later invalidated Lowenfield’s move to discard votes, and elucidated what constituted a “valid” vote.

Nandlall added that on June 26, 2020, Lowenfield submitted another report with inflated data and claimed that he acted “con-

stitutionally.”

On July 11, 2020, the former CEO submitted another report which contained inaccurate data. At that time the recount was being conducted.

This led to a challenge filed on July 14, 2020, by APNU+AFC, who had approached the courts in an attempt to deter the swearing-in of a PPP/C government.

This application was dismissed and was challenged in the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal later ruled on Jones’ petition and determined that the recount was legitimate and should be used to declare the winner

Furthermore, it was highlighted that the CEO’s actions should not stall the declaration any longer as he was not a “lone ranger.”

“... one court … [said] he donned the cap of an investigator, judge and executor all in one and I think the CCJ admonished him that he is not the lone ranger,” Nandlall told the CoI.

Backed by several court rulings, he explained that Lowenfield misconducted himself by breaching the laws and the election commission.

“This was not his first elections. He presided over two previous elections and he got it right,” Nandlall said to the CoI when he was asked whether Lowenfield might have misinterpreted the laws.

“... you have the highest court guiding the CEO telling him that he’s wrong, or forgetting his report, telling him how he should go about preparing his report. And yet the gentleman does otherwise…he uses the term declaration of the returning officers ignoring completely the results…,” the AG said.

The AG’s testimony concluded the public hearing.

Thus far, former Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence; APNU+AFC activist Carol Smith-Joseph; APNU+AFC-appointed commissioner on the Local Government Commission (LGC), Nicola Denise Trotman; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; his Deputy Roxanne Myers, former GECOM District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; and GECOM staff members Sheffern February, Denise Babb-Cummings, Carolyn Duncan, Enrique Livan and Michelle Miller, along with Senior Superintendent, Phillip Azore have all opted to remain silent and not testify.

The CoI was provided with details of how some GECOM employees participated in the suspected plot to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding the electoral system.

Witnesses have testified about the actions of Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo and Livan during the vote count. Some of the GECOM employees are before the court on electoral fraud charges.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge

— Nandlall asserted as he detailed evidence of misconduct

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Hope fades for survivors, as TurkeySyria earthquake toll passes 20,000

COLD, hunger and despair gripped hundreds of thousands of people left homeless after the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria three days ago, as the death toll passed 20,000 on Thursday.

The rescue, of a two-yearold boy after 79 hours being trapped in the rubble of a collapsed building in Hatay, Turkey, and several other people raised spirits among weary search crews. But hopes were fading that many more would be found alive in the ruins of towns and cities.

The death toll across both countries has now surpassed the more than 17,000 killed in 1999 when a similarly powerful earthquake hit northwest Turkey.

A Turkish official said the disaster posed “very serious difficulties” for the holding

of an election scheduled for May 14 in which President Tayyip Erdogan has been expected to face his toughest challenge in two decades in power.

With anger simmering over delays in the delivery of aid and getting the rescue effort underway, the disaster is likely to play into the vote if it goes ahead.

The first U.N. convoy carrying aid to stricken Syrians crossed over the border from Turkey.

In Syria’s Idlib province, Munira Mohammad, a mother of four who fled Aleppo after the quake, said: “It is all children here, and we need heating and supplies. Last night we couldn’t sleep because it was so cold. It is very bad.”

Hundreds of thousands of people in both countries have been left homeless in the

middle of winter. Many have camped out in makeshift shelters in supermarket car parks, mosques, roadsides or amid the ruins, often desperate for food, water and heat.

Some 40 per cent of buildings in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras, epicentre of the tremor, are damaged, according to a preliminary report by Turkey’s Bogazici University.

ROADSIDE CAMPFIRES

At a gas station near the Turkish town of Kemalpasa, people picked through cardboard boxes of donated clothes. In the port city of Iskenderun, Reuters journalists saw people huddled round campfires on roadsides and in wrecked garages and warehouses.

Authorities say some

6,500 buildings in Turkey collapsed and countless more were damaged.

The death toll in Turkey rose to 17,406, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said. In Syria, already devastated by nearly 12 years of civil war, more than 3,300 people have died, according to the government and a rescue service in the rebel-held northwest.

In the devastated Syrian town of Jandaris, Ibrahim Khalil Menkaween walked in the rubble-strewn streets clutching a white body bag. He said he had lost seven members of his family, including his wife and two of his brothers.

“I’m holding this bag for when they bring out my brother, and my brother’s young son, and both of their wives, so we can pack them in bags,” he said. “The situ-

ation is very bad. And there is no aid.”

Turkish officials say some 13.5 million people were affected in an area spanning roughly 450 km (280 miles) from Adana in the west to Diyarbakir in the east. In Syria, people were killed as far south as Hama, 250 km from the epicenter.

Rescue crews looked for survivors at the site of a collapsed building in the dark in the city of Adiyaman with temperatures below freezing, Turkish broadcasters showed.

Teams frequently called for silence, asking all vehicles and generators to be turned off and reporters to keep quiet as they listened for sounds of anyone alive under the concrete blocks.

There were still some signs of hope.

A two-year-old boy was picked out of the rubble by a Romanian and Polish rescue team in Hatay 79 hours after the earthquake, video released by Turkey’s Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) on Thursday showed.

The boy, wearing a blue, white and black striped sweater, cried as he was gently lifted from the hole where he had been trapped. He was carried away on a blanket. No

other details were immediately available.

Another video from IHH showed a helmeted and duststreaked rescuer weeping with emotion after successfully freeing a little girl from the rubble of a collapsed building in Kahramanmaras.

Many in Turkey have complained of a lack of equipment, expertise and support to rescue those trappedsometimes even as they could hear cries for help.

After facing criticism over the initial response, Erdogan said on a visit to the area on Wednesday that operations were now working normally and promised no one would be left homeless.

Nevertheless, the disaster will pose an additional challenge to the long-ruling president in the election.

Greece sent thousands of tents, beds and blankets on Thursday to help those left homeless by the quake, in an act of solidarity with a neighbour that is a NATO ally but also a historic foe.

Israeli satellite intelligence was helping map the disaster zones in Turkey with mapping capabilities predominantly used for special operations, the Israeli military said. (Reuters)

1,600 ‘cut roses’ being harvested weekly at NAREI

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana ‘Cut Rose’ Project continues to make significant progress, with some 1,600 roses being harvested weekly from the shade houses at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

This project is designed to create employment and generate income for single parents.

It is being executed by NAREI in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture.

This was highlighted during an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), on Monday by Research Assistant at NAREI, Melissa Ferreira, who noted that, currently, there are four shade houses with 600 plants in each.

She disclosed that approximately 400 roses are harvested weekly from each shade house.

As it relates to the variety of roses within the shade houses, Ferreira emphasised that, “Right now, we have 25

different colours. The types would be the Hybrid Tea (Rose) plants. And then, we also have some miniature variety. But the main variety would be the Hybrid Tea and we have 25 different colour variation of those.”

The research assistant stated that there is an increase in orders for the roses due to the upcoming Valentine’s Day.

“Persons were calling since early last month to place their orders. Based on the amount that we have estimated to harvest, which is 1,600, we have about 1,400 roses ordered in total for

Valentine’s Day.” She added that the institute is also catering for walk-in purchases for Valentine’s Day, “We’ll be busy for valentine since we’re catering for 1,600 orders.”

Before the execution of the ‘Cut Rose’ project, she highlighted that extensive research was done pertaining to the necessary requirements to grow the roses in Guyana, which included the soil type and nutrients.

The research assistant noted that a myriad of soil mixtures and other materials are utilised to boost the growth of the roses.

“In preparing the soil, we use our own mixture which would include clay, white sand, filter press, chicken manure, and paddy shell.

These plants were grafted plants. Grafting is the process of attaching a piece of one plant (bud or scion) to or on top of a stem, root, or branch of another (stock) such that a union forms and the partners continue to grow.

Meanwhile, Research Scientist, Leelawattie Persaud, who is attached to the Horticulture Department at NAREI, reiterated that the project contributes to the

income of single parents by improving their livelihood.

She added that this project is extremely unique since, “It is a faster turnover as compared to other agricultural crops in terms of investments, and productions.”

With Guyana being a tropical country and its vast environmental conditions, Persaud stated that Guyana can elevate from being one of the main importers of fresh roses to an exporter in the future.

“Because if we continue and expand at this level in a short period, we can achieve

that goal. It can completely change our market’s dynamics and shift it the other way around,” she underscored.

Since its execution, the project has made significant progress with the number of roses being harvested and sold. In addition, a number of single parents have been benefitting.

By the end of 2023, through this project, it is anticipated that rose imports will be reduced by 30 per cent, while also giving single parents in particular, career and training opportunities.

Research Scientist, Leelawattie Persaud

Some of the roses at NAREI

Equal and Equitable Access

WINSTON Churchill, who will be remembered as an inspirational statesman, a prolific writer and award winning author, famously said, “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”

We all know that good health is the foundation of life and contributes immensely to one’s happiness and the length of time they spend on this earth.

Further, healthy bodies are necessary for the development of any country. And while there is that personal responsibility to take care of one’s well-being, the government must provide the necessary resources for every citizen to achieve this and ensure everyone has equal access to healthcare services.

Since being elected to office, the government

has said that it wants to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coast in many areas including the delivery of healthcare.

In this regard, massive amounts of resources have been delivered to the population through the Ministry of Health. It is clear that the aim is to ensure that citizens in every part of the country have access to the same level of medical care.

Guyana has several hinterland regions which collectively are home to about 20 per cent of the population. Access to medical services could be complicated by numerous factors including the remoteness of a community and the lack of proper facilities, staff and equipment.

To counter this, the government has invested billions of dollars over the years and has imple-

mented programmes that would help to improve access to health services.

One such initiative is the telemedicine programme which was rolled out in several hinterland communities in December 2022.

As part of the programme, a medex uses telecommunication technology to interact with specialists based in Georgetown, who are able to listen to the patient as though they were in the same room and make a diagnosis.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, recently disclosed that this programme has so far saved two lives in Masakenari (Gunns Village), South Rupununi, Region Nine. While he did not provide specific details, this information confirms that the programme has been successful thus far. It also signals that Guyana is se-

rious about modernising the healthcare system.

Subject minister, Dr. Frank Anthony recently disclosed that as part of the telemedicine programme, the MoH will be expanding the tele-diagnostics programme, while expanding the existing teleophthalmology and teleradiology programmes. Teleophthalmology is now available at several sites across Guyana. To support these plans, government is strengthening the information and communications framework in the hinterland.

Included in the recently approved $84.8 billion budgetary allocation for the health ministry is some $1.8 billion which will go towards the rehabilitation, expansion and reconstruction of the Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden Hospitals, as well as four

telemedicine centres in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

An achievement that deserves a big round of applause is the recently completed operating theatre and recovery room at the Mabaruma Hospital. Ministry Anthony shared this news on his official Facebook page.

Mabaruma and other communities in Region One have faced challenges, many challenges regarding the provision of healthcare.

The presence of Venezuelan migrants and Guyanese who have ventured to the region for work, have exacerbated the situation. The presence of an operating theatre will lessen the amount of persons who will have to be flown to Georgetown for surgery.

The soon to be implemented telemedicine programme and the new

theatre will definitely improve access to healthcare in that region.

Earlier this week, it was disclosed that 24hour laboratory services are now available at the Suddie Public Hospital, while this service at the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital will close off at 21:00 hours instead 16:30 hours.

Here again the government has demonstrated how serious it is about improving access to healthcare. Things have gotten better across the healthcare sector and by the looks of things, the gap is slowing closing. Pretty soon, those in the hinterland will be able to boast about the high quality of healthcare delivery they are receiving. They will no longer have to venture to the city to access any health service.

Dear Editor,

I FIND it quite extraordinary that the Commission of Inquiry into

the March 2020 General and Regional Elections has agreed to allow the Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes, representing former Deputy Chief Elec-

tions Officer, Roxanne Myers, to cross examine witnesses who have volunteered to come before the Inquiry who have named Myers for the part

she played, when Myers herself has declined to give evidence before the Commission.

Quite frankly, if I were one of those witnesses, I

would point blank refuse to be examined by Hughes.

I am not a lawyer, but, surely, the decision made by the Commission can

hardly be regarded as fair and just.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

I would point blank refuse to be examined by Hughes

from NRF to finance national development priorities

SENIOR Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, announced on Thursday that the government has made its first withdrawal this year from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) in accordance with the NRF Act 2021, following the passage of Budget 2023 in the National Assembly last week.

The minister related that pursuant to Section 16 of the NRF Act 2021, US$200

million equivalent to G$41.6 billion was transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities.

It would be recalled that in keeping with the NRF Act 2021, US$607.6 million was withdrawn in 2022 to finance national development priorities and, as part of the Budget 2023 process, Parliamentary approval was granted for a total of US$1.002 billion

to be transferred during the fiscal year 2023.

The NRF Act 2021, which came into operation on January 1, 2022, represents a significant improvement in transparency and accountability and the overall management of Guyana’s natural resource wealth for present and future generations.

US$16M dairy project to be rolled out

- with signing of milestone agreement between TOPCO, Israeli company for the establishment of Demerara Dairies Inc.

TROPICAL Orchard Product Company Limited (TOPCO), a subsidiary of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the LR Group of Israel, on Thursday, signed an agreement that paves the way for the setting up of Demerara Dairies Inc. (DDI) in Guyana by the end of February.

The agreement also makes way for the commencement of the implementation of the US$16 million project, which will lead to the formal opening of the state-ofthe-art dairy farm at Moblissa during the last quarter of 2024.

The agreement follows on a MoU, signed in 2021,

which catered for collaboration on a feasibility study which entailed land selection, market research, financial and technical analysis, and examination of protocols related to international standards for fresh milk production.

Officials from the LR Group made several visits to Guyana since signing

Tropical Orchard Product Company Limited (TOPCO), a subsidiary of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the LR Group of Israel, on Thursday, signed an agreement that paves the way for the setting up of Demerara Dairies Inc. (DDI) in Guyana by the end of February the MoU, including participation in an international food security con-

ference and expo hosted last year by the Government of Guyana.

Several meetings and field visits were also TURN TO PAGE 9

US$16M dairy project...

FROM PAGE 8

held with various government agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), the CARICOM Secretariat and with the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

During the current visit to Israel by the DDL delegation, an agreement has been reached for expenditure of financial resources on the final design of the

farm, procedures for the procurement of the first set of animals and equipment, the shareholding structure of DDI and further research that would facilitate the manufacture of value added products.

“It has taken us some time to get to this point but both DDL and the LR Group are committed to ensuring we do this right. Our visit to Israel at this time provided not only for detailed planning but for visits to dairy farms and related operations such as drip irrigation technology which could be utilised

for the crops that will supply the feed for the cows,” DDL’s chairman, Komal Samaroo said.

“The signing of this agreement marks a significant step in the course of providing healthy and fresh agriculture products to the Guyanese people, contributing to the food security of the country and the entire region. LR Group feels that DDL is the most suitable partner to join us in this important journey,” CEO and founder of LR Group, Mr. Ami Lustig said.

‘Welcome to East Bank Essequibo’, ‘One Guyana’ signboards unveiled

THE aesthetics of Essequibo has been enhanced with the erection of the ‘Welcome to East Bank Essequibo’ and President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s mantra, ‘One Guyana’ signboards at Boerasirie.

The initiative was conceptualised through a collaboration with the private sector, which designed and financed the project. Bardon Construction’s proprietor, Retesh Singh provided the materials while Big Signers designed the signboard.

Continued on page 11

The ‘One Guyana’ signboard

IROG Women of Faith Network presents moral education workbook to Mothers’ Union

THE Anglican Mothers’ Union (MU) was on Monday presented with a flash drive containing a copy of a moral education workbook developed to teach children and junior youth morals and spiritual values using sacred scripture from the Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í Faiths.

The flash drive was handed over to President of the Union’s Girls Friendly Society, Trinette Cosbert at the Union’s AGM, by Secretary of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana (IROG) and Co-coordinator of its Women of Faith Network (WOFN), Jennifer Dewar and WOFN member, Aleema Nazir.

Valerie Glasgow represents the MU on the WOFN.

According to a IROG release, Dewar in her presentation remarks stated that the children’s workbook represents a small victory for the two-year old fledgling WOFN, which is part of the structure of the international organisation Religions for Peace to which

the IROG is affiliated.

It was explained that the WOFN was established to empower women and promote gender equality, and hopes to be able to receive funding to publish hard copies of the workbook.

According to the release, the presentation coincided with IROG’s annual observance of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 1-7.

The IROG began preparations for this special UN Week with the television programme ‘Harmony Talk’ on January 15 and the week was launched on February 1 with a Prayer Breakfast at the National Cultural Centre where the Prime Minister represented the President, and gave the keynote address.

On February 3, the IROG arranged a panel discussion at the University of Guyana at which the Vice Chancellor, Paloma Martin, made welcome remarks, the release added.

‘Welcome to East Bank...

From page 10

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar speaking at the simple unveiling ceremony on Wednesday evening noted that this forms part of the government’s overall development of the country’s aesthetics.

“Whether its parks, safe spaces, green spaces, family spaces, roads. We just keep adding to the aesthetics throughout the country,” the minister highlighted.

Similar initiatives will be executed in other parts of the country. However, Minister Indar noted that they are observing instances of vandalism.

To this end, he urged citizens to desist from vandalising these structures that are meant to benefit their communities.

“The vandalism, we’re taking it very seriously…. we don’t want anybody to come and write on it, come and destroy it…. we have to

care infrastructure that we put in,” Minister Indar said.

Additional works will continue to further enhance the areas, the minister pointed out.

Meanwhile, businessman Vishal Ambedkhar, who developed the idea, said: “Ever since the president would have started the ‘One Guyana’ initiative and the entire mantra of preaching to the people of Guyana to enhance their community and to make it look better, we as leaders have taken the initiative to kind of contribute in our little way.”

The government since its assumption to office has been undertaking several artistic projects in an effort to beautify Guyana. This will eventually propel Guyana as a major tourist attraction.

Many of these projects are spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady under the National Beautification Campaign, with technical support from the Ministry of Public Works.

Jennifer Dewar (left) looks on as Aleema Nazir (right) presents Trinette Cosbert of the Mother’s Union with the flash drive containing the moral education booklet

Eccles Industrial Road on schedule for March completion

HOUSING and Water

Minister Collin Croal has reassured citizens that the Eccles Industrial Access Road project also known as the ‘dumpsite road’ will be completed by March this year.

During a recent interview with the Department of Public Information, the minister provided an update on the progress of the works being carried out by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on the section of the road between Winsor Estate and the Eccles to Diamond Four-Lane Road.

“We had to put in place concrete drains and then we will move to asphaltic concrete… most of the drainage work is complete but we are near the area within the vicinity of when you meet the fourlane.

“About $1.2 billion is being spent in that area. All works are expected to be completed by next month,” the minister explained.

The Industrial Access Road leads to the industrial area, Providence and other housing developments.

It is also part of one

of the main connectivity for the Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Eccles, EBD roads being executed through the Public Works Ministry.

“Any work that you’re seeing on the eastern side of the four lane [road], that is part of that [East CoastEast Bank Road] development... and so, work has actually started on some drainage works, which is being done through public works,” Minister Croal further explained.

This year, $54 billion was allocated to the housing sector for major infrastructural works, of which $7.3 billion will go towards the continuation of the highways at Eccles to Diamond, as well as an additional $5.4 billion for the Schoonord to Crane Road.

The minister informed the public that both projects are expected to be completed by the middle of 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Those investments in infrastructure will significantly improve the transportation network in Guyana and will play a critical role in driving economic growth and job creation in the country. (DPI)

APNU’s propaganda poor, party cannot stick to script

— Minister Rodrigues says

THE Government of Guyana has the vision to get work done and enhance the livelihoods of all Guyanese, and propaganda from the opposition cannot distract citizens from the unfolding development, according to Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues.

On Wednesday, on her programme, “Making the Case”, the minister cautioned Guyanese to be mindful of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Opposition Members and the false narratives that were spread during the budget debates.

According to the minister, the prevalent accusation of “a friends and family budget” during the budget debates was “blatant lies”.

Minister Rodrigues reassured the Guyanese population that the government is set on making Guyana a better place.

In addition, she urged Guyanese to recognise the achievements the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have accomplished,

and will continue to make in comparison to the Opposition.

Turning her attention back to the budget debates, the minister lambasted the Opposition for their lack of participation on important matters such as the time-consuming consideration of the estimates.

The minister spoke extensively on the inability of the Opposition Leader and his party to effectively carry out their mandate both in government and opposition, and more so, even sticking to one script.

She labelled the Opposition’s presentations in the National Assembly as being “riddled with inconsistences”.

“We do not have a track record for undermining democracy,” Minister Rodrigues said as she dismissed the allegations made by the Opposition.

She also told the public that the government will continue to uphold the rights of all Guyanese, even if it were

a dissenting opinion.

While many may not have the necessary resources, such as an upgraded road, the minister reassured the public that “every day we are working to make the lives of our people better,” as the government continues on its path of infrastructure development that will benefit all Guyanese.

She then highlighted that President Dr. Irfaan Ali is a prime example of a committed leader who wants to see development.

The minister reiterated that development, in the government’s eyes, is sustainability that lasts for future generations.

“The plans and programmes that we are implementing is to improve people’s lives,” Minister Rodrigues said.

She also emphasised that the PPP/C government is committed to delivering on its Manifesto promises.

Notably, she said that the government would already have achieved 20,000 scholarships, and that this number will be surpassed by the end of 2023.

BIT certification enhances the life of mother of five

A MOTHER of five in Region Three can now fulfill her daughters’ wishes thanks to certification in garment construction from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

According to the BIT, Merlyn Hercules undertook the programme to make eye-catching and fashionable clothing for her five daughters.

Hercules’ journey began due to the assistance of a family member, who informed her of the institution’s numerous training opportunities.

She decided to grasp the opportunity at hand to accomplish her dream and learn sustainable skills that last a lifetime.

“My girls appreciate beauty, so if they came across something they liked, they would beg me to make it for them,” Hercules said.

She confessed that she had always felt a sense of guilt about not having the skills to achieve this dream, but after finding out about BIT, her life had transformed.

“My children were truly the ones that inspired me to do this,” the mother said.

Additionally, she extended gratitude to her trainer, Denise Hill, who made her journey to achieving the cer-

tification possible.

Now that she is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, the resident of Region Three can go above and beyond to create the costumes her daughters’ desire.

She said, “It feels amazing to finally make these dresses and even uniforms for my girls, and just by doing this, I am able to save money to buy other goods for them.”

However, this is not the

end for Hercules; she is presently exploring other chances to enhance her design and sewing skills.

She intends to launch her own business after graduation and promote her expertise to prospective customers.

In sharing her experience, she also advised people to use the BIT’s programme to become financially independent so they could support their families and themselves.

Merlyn Hercules

Guyana an attraction for Canadian companies

– over 20 companies slated to attend the energy conference, Canadian High Commissioner says

newer opportunities.

Moreover, Berman pointed to the government’s attractive incentives for investments.

“If you look at the very ambitious plan, the incentives for foreign investment, the money that is coming into the country, these are all driving a healthy economy,” he asserted.

WITH Guyana experiencing rapid economic growth owing to the booming oil and gas sector and investments in other sectors, Canadian companies are now turning their heads in this direction to capitalise on the array of opportunities that are available.

Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman made the disclosure during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information, describing Guyana’s transformation as ‘phenomenal’.

The High Commissioner explained that although the oil and gas sector plays a major role in this transformation, the government’s ambitious agenda of developing other sectors is an integral part.

“They [government] have got a very, very ambitious plan and agenda for growth, infrastructure and you know, as you start to develop the country, as you start to build bridges and roads, and new sources of energy like the gas-to-shore and potentially the hydro projects and renewables, then you’re creating work and you’re creating opportunities for other sectors,” he related.

The High Commissioner said investments in health, education and other sectors for 2023 will also present

Mining, agriculture, agriculture technology, healthcare, renewable energy, green technology and infrastructure are some of the prominent sectors Canadian companies are looking to capitalise on.

“For instance, there is a company right now called Instream, they have a license for technology for river turbines which is perfect for Guyana. When you look at the remote areas with the river capacity there, you can build and you can grade turbine energy, depending on the needs of the areas… they have already signed an MOU with Iwokrama for a pilot project,” High Commissioner Berman alluded.

There is also a major interest in the oil and gas sector with over 20 Canadian companies slated to attend the four-day Energy Conference and Expo 2023, which will be held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel from February 14-17.

“They are not all oil and gas, there will be some others as well, some renewables and tech companies from the East Coast who are involved in the energy sector,” the High Commissioner related.

The diplomat is urging foreign companies to capitalise on these opportunities.

“Come down to Guyana. Don’t try to do this remotely, I mean, it’s evident after two years, personal contact is essential,” the High Commissioner highlighted. (DPI)

With Budget 2023 containing several transformational projects, Canadian companies are looking to capitalise on the various sectors

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman

‘De Guyanese Girls Run Things’ — SSignal Productions proclaims in latest creation

“DE Guyanese Girls” – the title of the latest song released by SSignal Productions and written by Bonny Alves, has been drawing a lot of attention locally, especially with the recent visit of Guyanese-British actress and Black Panther star, Letitia Wright.

The song represents an acknowledgement of three Guyanese women – Wright, Shaunette Renee Wilson, and C.C.H. Pounder – who have been dominating the box office. It was presented as the first lyric video for 2023 from Charmaine Blackman as a tribute to them.

When Alves and Blackman were developing the song, they had no idea that Letitia was coming to Guyana and had planned to release it sometime down the line.

“We had to change up the plan and bring it forward quickly,” Blackman related to the Buzz this week. The song was released on January 28 to gener-

ally positive reviews.

“It’s been nothing but good responses. I haven’t seen any negativity; everyone is appreciative and loves the lyrics and style of music,” she added.

The only thing was that it had to be a lyrics-only production.

“We already had this song on the cards; we didn’t know at the time that she was coming. It fell in perfectly,” Blackman related, adding, “That’s why it’s just a lyrics song. We did it but it wasn’t scheduled to be released at that time.”

Commenting on how timely the song proved to be, she expressed: “I feel really good. God has really blessed Bonny’s inspiration and mine in having this done.”

Some of the captivating lyrics to the song are as follows:

“I’ll stand now and say it loud, Guyanese girls they made me proud. De Guyanese Girls dey run tings….dominating, excelling, contributing…heavy!”

Blackman would have loved the chance to snap a photo with

the actress while she was here to include in the video to come, but wasn’t able to even though she was in the same space with her on two different occasions.

Meanwhile, Blackman has been wasting no time in getting herself ready for Mashramani this year and has been in ‘Mash’ mode since last November when she began preparing new music for the celebrations.

“Fit as a Fiddle” is the title for one that will be released shortly.

In the meantime, she has also been working with artistes associated with Ssignal Productions, a production company owned by herself and husband, to prepare them for the Mashramani season. In fact, she will be producing several music videos for her artistes.

Even now, after 33 years of being in the industry, Blackman said she has not lost one bit of the energy and drive that are needed to succeed.

Fantasy Gaming Lounge prepping for ‘Mash Night’

FANTASY Gaming Lounge is now in preparation mode to host ‘Mash Night’ – an event that will be held on the night of February 22, 2023, at its Giftland Mall location.

Although every day is special at the gaming lounge since customers are able to win cash daily, Mash Night promises to be even more special, according to Marketing Manager, Ishana Shiwratan, who spoke to the Buzz this week.

“The night before the 23rd we have a Mash Night where we would have the girls dressed

up in Mash costumes,” she shared, adding, “We have our regular promotions in the form of $1 million giveaway every month end; we give away $500,000 on the 15th of every month; and on the first Saturday of the month, we would give away another $500,000. Every day, we would have daily cash prizes.”

Management is hoping that with the possibility there for customers to win plenty cash, more will visit the facility to play. “We are like a casino. We just don’t have the licence to

operate as a casino,” Shiwratan explained.

On weekends, the lounge would provide live entertainment in the form of karaoke and once customers are playing, they would be in line for complimentary food and drinks. Themed events are also often held for different holidays and celebrations.

“Our staff do not dress in regular uniforms; they are in different costumes and outfits every day,” Shiwratan related as she explained why the service offered is so special.

“We try to have a one-onone with our customers and have a really close relationship with them. We call all of our customers for their birthday. We have a list. We invite them out for a drink, give them a cake sometimes; we try to be really involved with them,” she added.

Meanwhile, Fantasy Gaming Lounge has pledged its continuous support to the Shaheed’s Boys Orphanage and on January 30, six bunk beds, 12 mattresses and much needed spectacles for five children

were donated.

A business established in March 2020, “the lounge offers customers a safe haven where they can indulge and experience a fun, magnificent gaming ambience with the chance of winning cash daily.”

According to Shiwratan, the company strongly believes in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility in giving back to the community.

They would have endeavored to offer their support in ways such as providing Guyana’s young upcoming crick-

eters in Berbice with sports gear as well as electronics and school supplies and monetary donations for summer school tuition fees and back to school uniform for the children at the orphanage.

“Fantasy believes in providing underprivileged kids with a chance to live privileged lives and is continuously seeking those in need,” Shiwratan added.

BUZZ continues on page

‘De Guyanese Girls’ acknowledges the work of Letitia Wright, Shaunette Renee Wilson, and C.C.H. Pounder

Guyanese songstress, Charmaine Blackman

The ladies at Fantasy Gaming Lounge are getting ready to don their Mash costumes on February 22

Staff member Shamicka Cummerbatch (right) with Tandi Moore, a representative of Shaheed’s Boys Orphanage

Fantasy Gaming Lounge, located at Giftland Mall

Marleys show one love

IN true Marley fashion, brothers Julian, Stephen, and Damian took the stage, much to the surprise of guests attending their father’s ‘earthstrong’ concert at Emancipation Park on Monday.

Bob Marley — who died on May 11, 1980 of cancer — would have celebrated his 78th birthday.

Julian Marley, who was the headliner, lived up to the lofty billing. He delivered renditions of several of his father’s songs including Nice Time, So Much Things to Say, Natty Dread, Zimbabwe, and Exodus which were well-received by the audience.

Julian’s encore saw him returning to the stage with his two siblings. He led on One Love while Damian encouraged the audience to sing along.

Stephen Marley, who was also on stage, rocked approvingly to his brother’s rendition.

Damian Marley did a few lines from his hit song, The Mission, which was icing on the cake. His final words were the repe-

tition of “love” — a fitting reminder of what their beloved father stood for.

Earlier, Marcia Griffiths — who was part of Bob Marley’s backing vocals, the I-Three — performed Dreamland, and All My Life.

Capleton and Gyptian were also crowd favourites. The latter received loud cheers for Beautiful Lady, and Hold Yuh.

Other performers included Etana, Droop Lion, G Whizz, Lutan Fyah, Admiral Tibet, George Nooks, Max Romeo, and Dennis Walks.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange was pleased with the concert’s execution.

“We start preparing for Reggae Month at the end of each Reggae Month. We do have a template and we do have a series of activities that we repeat every year, and then we add new innovations. This year is the first that we would’ve hosted Bob Marley’s birthday celebrations. It’s usually hosted by Tuff Gong at the Bob Marley Foundation — and they do have other activities which

we are a part of — but we wanted to do this show here in Emancipation Park so that we could attract a large number of persons, and it has worked,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

She disclosed that talks about making Marley a national hero are ongoing.

“There’s a committee that is reviewing the national honours, and that’s a part of the review, but in time you will know,” she assured.

The minister added that all acts, who had a set of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, exceeded expectations.

“I’m happy about tonight. It’s going great; the celebrations are going great. We’re celebrating Bob — the musical icon. We’ve given to the world, but Bob is not the only icon we’ve given to the world. We’ve given many others but Bob has led the way [with the] song of the century. He has really been an outstanding songwriter, musician and performer,” Grange said. (Jamaica Observer)

Tears of joy for Marley’s ‘Woman’

FORTY-EIGHT years

after it was recorded, No Woman, No Cry by Bob Marley and The Wailers returned to international charts last year in the form of a cover by Nigerian singer Tems. No Woman, No Cry is featured in the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song was released July 25 and soared to number one on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales, number 50 on Billboard’s US Digital Song Sales, and number seven on the US Afrobeats Songs charts.

Prior to Tems’ take, No Woman, No Cry made a splash across Europe in 1996. The Fugees, with Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill on lead vocals, scored big with their interpretation that was the fourth single from their multi-platinum-selling album, The Score.

Produced by Jean and

Popcaan takes over the charts

Hill, it made the top 10 in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland and New Zealand. It rose to number two on the UK Singles chart.

The Fugees’ cut was certified silver in the UK

(200,000 units) and gold in New Zealand (5,000 copies).

Marley’s version, which was recorded at Harry J studio in Kingston, was co-produced by Marley, Chris Blackwell

and Steve Smith.

First included on Marley’s 1974 album Natty Dread, a live recording of the song from the 1975 album, Live!, was released as a single and later included on several compilation albums, including the greatest hits compilation Legend.

The live version of No Woman, No Cry ranked number 37 on Rolling Stone magazine’s Greatest Songs of All Time.

It peaked at number 22 on the UK singles chart and number 23 on the Dutch Top 40 in 1975. Re-released in 1981 shortly after Marley’s death in May that year, it rose to number eight on the UK Singles chart and number 30 in New Zealand. No Woman, No Cry live has been certified gold in Brazil and Italy and platinum in the United Kingdom. (Jamaica Observer)

POPCAAN debuts on multiple billboard charts this week. His fifth studio album — Great Is He (released January 27 via OVO Sound) — enters the Reggae Albums chart at number three.

The 17-track set opens at 14 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, his third entry on that tally. His previous entries are Where We Come From (21 in 2014) and Forever (six in 2018).

On the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, Great Is He is Popcaan’s fifth entry. His previous albums, Fixtape (2020), Where We Come From (2014), Forever (2018) and Vanquish (2020) — all peaked at number two.

Great is He, which features collaborations with Drake, Chronic Law, Toni Ann Singh and Burna Boy, sold 3,200 units in sales and streaming during its first week in the United States.

Lead single We Caa Done, which features Drake, peaked at 37 on the UK Singles chart a few weeks ago, while rising to 36 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart where it falls to 87 this week.

We Caa Done debuts at number 37 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay Top 40 chart, giving the deejay his second entry on that chart. Twist and Turn featuring Drake and Partynextdoor spent seven weeks on that chart three years ago, eventually peaking at number 30.

Bob Marley and the Wailers’ long-running hits compilation Legend clocks 160 weeks in the number one spot on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. Legend also makes moves on other charts. It re-enters the Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart at number 45 (it peaked at 10) while skipping from 93 to 89 on the Billboard 200 (where it is now clocking 768 weeks on that chart). On Top Album Sales, Legend dips from 23 to 26 in its 608th week.

Still on the reggae table, Shaggy’s Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection is steady at two, while Sean Paul pulls a double as The Trinity re-enters at four and Dutty Classics Collection dips to five.

Wisdom by Stick Figure is down to six, Greatest Hits by UB40 slides down to seven, and World on Fire and Set in Stone by Stick Figure are eight and nine, respectively.

Gifted by Koffee re-enters at 10.

On the Foundation Radio Network (New York) Reggae chart, I Need Your Love by Beres Hammond spends a second week at number one. New entries are Just a Number by Morgan Heritage (number 27), Highway to Heaven by Carlene Davis (number 28), and Roll by Julian Marley (number 30).

Coldest Days of My Life by Kashief Lindo is number one for the second week on the South Florida Reggae chart.

This is Your Day by Ed Robinson darts from six to three, while Love Uprising by JC Lodge bolts from 10 to five.

Desperate Lover by Tarrus Riley (number 22), and Mi Gungu Walk by Annette Brissett and Marcia Griffiths (number 24) are this week’s new entries. (Jamaica Observer)

Julian Marley (left) shares the stage with his siblings Stephen and Damian (Jamaica Observer photo)

Super Bowl half-time show to mark Rihanna’s live return

RIHANNA fans are eagerly anticipating her performance at the Super Bowl half-time show - one of the biggest and most prestigious gigs in music.

The singer will perform during the break when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Rihanna has not toured or released an album since 2016’s Anti. The star has instead focused on her fashion brand, and last year welcomed her first child.

However, she did record a new song last year for Marvel’s Wakanda Forever.

Lift Me Up, which features on the soundtrack to the Black Panther sequel, marked Rihanna’s first new solo single in six years.

Fans hope that the 34-year-old’s Super Bowl performance could signal a bigger musical comeback later this year.

The Super Bowl is the annual final playoff game of the National Football League (NFL), to determine the league champion.

This year, the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona.

The Super Bowl LVII

(the Roman numerals signify this is the 57th year) will take place on Sunday, with kickoff set for 23:30 GMT (18:30 ET / 16:30 MST).

The game usually lasts about three-and-a-half hours, with a 30-minute break in the middle, which is where an A-list pop star is hired to keep the crowd entertained. Nobody knows for sure which of the songs Rihanna will sing, but she should be

able to squeeze quite a few of her many hits into the 14-minute set, particularly as performers often play only short snippets of some songs so they can cover more of their back catalogue. Speculating about the possible song list is part of the fun for fans. Gossip outlet Deuxmoi quoted a source last week who suggested Rihanna would stick to her older, best-known hits, but

added that the set list is being constantly tweaked and polished.

Half-time performers also often invite very special guests to appear alongside them. Coldplay brought out Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, while Katy Perry hosted Missy Elliott and Lenny Kravitz.

But the involvement of a guest can often result in the most controversial moments of half-time shows, such

as Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” and M.I.A.’s choice of hand gesture when she joined Madonna.

Rihanna’s return to live performing has prompted speculation that new music from her could finally be on the way.

The singer used to churn out one album a year, but took an extended break from music after 2016’s Anti, re-

surfacing only occasionally to work with other artists.

Her last genuinely massive hit was 2017’s Wild Thoughts, a collaboration with DJ Khaled and Bryson Tiller, which the trio performed at the following year’s Grammy Awards.

Since then, she has had her first child with her partner A$AP Rocky and continues to build her fashion and cosmetics brand Fenty.

Her latest song has catapulted her into this year’s film awards season. She attended the Golden Globes last month, where the track was nominated, and she is also up for best original song at the Oscars on March 12.

Her absence from the world of music has lasted so long, the huge anticipation for her new album has become something of a running joke.

Comedian Jerrod Carmichael recently made light of the situation when he hosted the Golden Globes.

“I’m going to say something very controversial,” he said. “Rihanna, you take all the time you want on that album girl. Don’t let these fools on the internet pressure you into nothing.”(BBC)

Shania Twain dreams up joyful new music for post-pandemic celebrations

AFTER a life-threatening bout of COVID-19, five-time Grammy winner Shania Twain hopes to bring joy to the world with her new album “Queen of Me”.

Like everyone else, the Canadian singer and songwriter was cooped up during the pandemic. But instead of navel gazing, Twain, 57, said she put herself in a playful frame of mind.

Now, she wants everyone to rejoice with her as the pandemic subsides.

“There’s so many things to celebrate right now and we are still in celebration mode. That’s the mode I’m in and I

sense it with the fans as well,” she said.

As an asthmatic, Twain’s battle with COVID-19 was bad and developed into pneumonia, she said in an interview with Apple Music 1.

“Every day my lungs were filling up with inflammation. Within 12 days, I was pretty much dying.”

After recovering, she drew inspiration by recording her new album. Released on February 3, it already has two singles - the line-dancing upbeat country number “Giddy Up!” and the aspirational and catchy “Waking Up Dreaming.”

“When I’m getting into

the songwriting mode, I’m just dreaming. I’m playing with my imagination, I’m letting it go, I’m in dream mode,” she said. “It’s my dreams that set my goals.”

Twain, who has sold more than 85 million albums, began singing when she was three years old, and by eight played at bars to help her family pay the bills.

The country music phenomenon is ready to tour the world with her new album, starting out in Spokane, Washington, in April and finishing in Vancouver, British Columbia, in mid-November. (Reuters)

Shania Twain attends the 2022 People’s Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, U.S on December 6, 2022 (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo)

Rihanna’s last public performance was with DJ Khaled at the 2018 Grammys (GETTY IMAGES)

Spice Boy Beckles appointed new PFA chair

English Football League.

“It’s an absolute privilege and honour to be elected by my fellow professionals and represent them,” UK-born Beckles said.

“It’s vital that players have a voice and their voice is heard. I’ll be doing my utmost to try and make sure the union really represents our members. I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Former Millwall trainee Beckles had spells at Aldershot Town, Accrington Stanley, Shrewsbury Town, and Crewe Alexandra before joining Orient in the summer of 2021. He has

LONDON, (CMC) – Grenada international Omar Beckles said he hopes to help improve the image of England’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) after being elected chair of the organisation.

The defender, 31, who made his debut for the Caribbean island’s Spice Boys four years ago and plays for English League 2 leaders

Leyton Orient, has replaced John Mousinho.

“Sometimes there is a bit of a stigma or a bad perception of the PFA and what they do for players,’ he said.

“Hopefully, I can change that narrative and really help the level of engagement to grow in my time, especially from younger ages.”

Mousinho had to stand

down from his role at the PFA after being appointed manager of League 1 side Portsmouth last month.

Last week, centre-back Beckles was elected as Mousinho’s successor by fellow members of the PFA’s players’ board, a 12-member group comprising elected PFA members from the Premier League, Women’s Super League, and

scored twice in 30 appearances for Orient this season.

He will work alongside PFA chief executive Maheta Molango to ensure players’ views are communicated and represented in the running of the union.

“I am going to be the link between the dressing room and the boardroom,” Beckles added.

“It could be all sorts of conversations – anything from players and their interactions with fans, and pitch invasions, down to racism or matters pertaining to women’s football.”

Brathwaite praises...

FROM BACK PAGE

quite happy abut the way we went about it as a team.”

Brathwaite said both teams gained a lot from the match, floating the idea that they needed to play each other more regularly, and felt the first Test had set things up for an intriguing finish to the series when the second Test starts on Sunday at the same venue.

Zimbabwe,” he said. “It was, perhaps, a stronger approach. Sometimes you may not play against guys regularly, but we knew that they were going to come and fight.

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“Our approach did not change because it was

“They do not play a lot of Test cricket, which is unfortunate, so we never took them[for] granted, and it’s good to play against them because they have some quality bowlers and batsmen.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday, February 10, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

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(2) Andy Flower - 113* (Trinidad, 2000)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first WI bowler to take a five-wicket haul against ZIM in Tests?

(2) Who is the first ZIM bowler to take a five-wicket haul against the WI in Tests?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Grenada International Omar Beckles

Olympics 2024: Ukraine should drop threat of boycott - IOC

THE International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged Ukraine to drop threats of boycotting Paris 2024 if Russian and Belarusian athletes compete.

IOC president Thomas Bach has told Ukraine's Olympic Committee that such threats are "extremely regrettable".

In response, Athletes for Ukraine accused the IOC of being "on the wrong side of history".

Ukraine is hoping to gain international support for a ban on athletes from the two countries over Russia's invasion.

The IOC has said it will "explore a pathway" for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals.

Ukraine's sports minister, Vadym Guttsait, who is also president of its Olympic Committee, responded by saying the country could boycott the Paris Games, with several other European nations since also calling for the ban to be upheld.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said allowing Russian athletes to compete

at the 2024 Olympics would amount to showing that "terror is somehow acceptable".

In a letter from Bach to Guttsait, which has been seen by the BBC, the IOC president says comments from Ukrainian officials suggesting allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes would promote the war are "defamatory".

Bach added that threatening a boycott is "premature" because the IOC has not discussed the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals in "concrete terms yet".

He also accused Ukraine of "pressuring" international federations, IOC members and future Olympic hosts "in an attempt to publicly influence their decision making" and claims this has been "perceived by the vast majority of them as, at the very least, extremely regrettable".

Bach said Ukrainian athletes have the "unanimous support" of the Olympic movement and that "we all feel the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people in this cruel war".

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC called on sports federations to exclude athletes, officials and teams from Russia and Belarus from international events but Bach has also said he is conscious of the impact such sanctions have on the athletes.

In his letter, he cited a United Nations resolution that said "any form of discrimination is incompatible with the Olympic movement" and two UN special rapporteurs expressing concerns over a total ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes being discriminatory. Bach said these were reasons for considering their inclusion as neutrals.

He added that a boycott would be a "violation of the Olympic charter" and goes against the "fundamentals" and "principles" of the Olympic movement.

In response to Bach's letter, Athletes for Ukraine and athlete association Global Athlete said the IOC "continues to be on the wrong side of history" and had an "inverted stance toward the aggressor and the victim of this

war" which they believe contravenes the Olympic charter.

They added that by being so critical of the boycott threat, the IOC is "denying Ukraine's right to sovereignty".

Earlier this month, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland all voiced their opposition to the inclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus, before the Olympic committees of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden followed suit.

Poland's sport and tourism minister believes as many as 40 countries could boycott the next Olympics - thus making the whole event "pointless".

The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, does not want Russia to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games while the war in Ukraine continues.

The UK Government condemned the IOC's plan to look at Russian and Belarusian inclusion as a "world away from the reality of war".

World Athletics stressed that athletes from those countries remained excluded from its events.

The Oval to host World Test Championship final

THE World Test Championship final will be held at The Oval between 7th and 11th June 2023.

The finalists are yet to be decided, with Australia, India, Sri Lanka and South Africa all in with a chance of qualification.

England cannot qualify for the final, which is the culmination of a two-year cycle of Test cricket.

They sit fifth out of nine teams, having risen up the table over the past year.

However, they have no more fixtures remaining in the cycle; their two Test matches against New Zealand this month are not part of the competition.

Australia and India are favourites to reach the final and are the only two teams with their fate in their own hands.

Australia, who will face England in the Ashes from 16 June, need to draw just one of the four Tests in their forthcoming series

against India to guarantee a spot in the final.

India are currently second in the table and will also reach the showpiece match if they secure a 3-1 victory over Australia in the series which started yesterday in Nagpur.

Dependent on results elsewhere, a narrower margin of victory for

India, or a drawn series could also be enough, while if Australia lose 4-0, they would only miss out on the final if Sri Lanka win both their matches in New Zealand.

There are numerous permutations that would see Sri Lanka, who are third, and fourth-placed South Africa, reach the

The International Paralympic Committee banned Russia and Belarus from the Winter Paralympics in March 2022though athletes were allowed to compete under a neutral flag.

Further sanctions were announced across other sports, including football, rugby, Formula 1, cycling and swimming, while Russian and Belarusian tennis players were banned from playing at Wimbledon last year.

Russia was banned from the previous summer Olympics in Tokyo as part of sanctions for doping scandals, though more than 300 athletes across 30 sports were able to compete, representing the Russian Olympic Committee.

Wimbledon is yet to announce if the ban it imposed last year will continue, but Russia and Belarusian players have competed at other Grand Slams, with Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka winning January's Australian Open under a neutral flag.

Bach cited the example of Sabalenka in his letter and said the IOC's discussions on

Russian and Belarusian involvement were "in line" with what happened at the Australian Open, with no "flags, national symbols or signs supporting the war" to be displayed.

Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, who wants Russian and Belarusian players to remain banned from this year's Wimbledon, said "I don't think the neutral flag is changing anything".

Last month, President Zelensky said that "any neutral flag of Russian athletes is stained with blood" (BBC Sport).

GCA Cricket to resume tomorrow

THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) has announced the resumption of cricket in the City after the tourments were postponed last year due to the rainy season.

The Atlantic Marine Supplies INC Susuki Motor Cycles Second Division T/20 Competition will bowl off tomorrow at three venues.

Matches will be played at Bourda(GCC), Everest and Queen’s College grounds, with two games at each ground with the first match commencing at 9:30am and the second at 1:30pm.

Chairman of GCA Competitions Committee, Shawn Massiah, has asked captains to send the list of players with full names in their squads for tomorrow’s matches so that the scorers can upload the names in advance on the Cricclubs Scoring App.

final.

South Africa host West Indies in a two-Test series from 28 February, while the first of Sri Lanka's two Tests against New Zealand starts on 9 March.

The final will have a reserve day in the event of bad weather disrupting the first five days.

(BBC Sport)

Massiah informed that there will be no matches on Sunday 12th February because of a bi-annual general meeting for all umpires in Guyana.

Fixtures: Saturday 11th February:

Bel Air Rubis vs Sophia at GCC 9:30am

GCC vs Diplomats at GCC 1:30pm

MSC vs 3rd Class team at Everest 9:30am

Everest vs GNIC at Everest 1:30pm

Transport vs GDF at QC (number 1 pitch) 9:30am

Police vs QC at QC (number1 pitch) 1:30pm

Transport vs PFA Agricola at QC (number 2 pitch) 1:30pm.

IOC president Thomas Bach

New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship when they beat India in the final in 2021.

Jadeja takes 5-47 as India dominate Australia on day one of first Test

AUSTRALIA and India are the top two sides in the rankings and the World Test Championship standings with India needing a 3-1 victory in the much-anticipated series to guarantee qualification for the showpiece final at The Oval this summer.

Australia, currently top of the standings, need to only draw one of the four Tests to guarantee their place. They are also looking to end India’s run of 15 successive series wins at home - a run going back to 2012.

Usman Khawaja and David Warner fell to seamers Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami respectively in the first three overs, with both openers dismissed for one.

Labuschagne and Smith

then steadied Australia for the rest of the morning session, seemingly moving their side into a decent position.

But Labuschagne was stumped off Jadeja for 49 four overs after lunch and the left-arm spinner then trapped Matt Renshaw lbw for a first-ball duck.

Jadeja, who had not played for India since August because of a knee injury, also bowled Smith through the gate for 37 while recording his 11th Test five-wicket haul.

Talk about the pitch - India have been accused of only watering and rolling certain parts of the

wicket to produce a turning surface to suit their spinners - dominated the build-up to the match but, while eight wickets fell to spin, the movement was rarely excessive.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 3-42, including his 450th Test wicket. He reached the landmark in 88 matches, the second fastest behind Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who took his 450th wicket in his 80th Test.

Au stralia were poor in their 24 overs with the ball, allowing India to serenely progress to 76-0 before KL Rahul chipped a return catch back to debutant off-spinner Todd Murphy in the penultimate over.

Sri Lanka deflect pressure on Proteas ahead of today’s T20 World Cup opener

A BUOYANT Chamari

Athapaththu says she feels little tension ahead of the opening T20 World Cup 2023 fixture against hosts South Africa.

Fronting the press on her birthday, the now 33-year-old was in good spirits, reiterating that any butterflies around the match-up and the potential capacity crowd will mostly be felt in the stomachs of their opponents.

“I told (the team) don't take any pressure on your shoulders. (It’s) just a game.“I know we are playing in South African conditions and I expect a lot of South African spectators. I know there’s some kind of pressure from our side and South Africa as well because they are playing in their home conditions.

“(There is) some big pressure for South Africa. I just want to play positive cricket freely. That's what I told my team.”.

South Africa and Sri Lanka will get the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 underway.

Athapaththu is no stranger to South Africa, having toured the country

on several occasions, last visiting Cape Town on Sri Lanka’s 2019 tour.

Compiling over 2000 runs in a glittering 106-match career, Athapaththu sits 13th in the T20I runs list for women in the format. And having now led her team out on 60 occasions, Athapaththu now overlooks a young yet talented group.

With several U19 T20 World Cup representatives, the veteran wants their exuberance of youth to shine through.

“This is a really good opportunity for my youngsters, and I just told my youngsters to play freely.

“This is one game, one ball at a time. In this for-

mat, anything can happen. Just a minute, just a second.

“We don't feel any pressure, because we all know South Africa has a lot of experienced players. They play a lot of cricket all around the world, especially franchise cricket, they play a lot of cricket."

Athapaththu is still undoubtedly the heartbeat of the Sri Lankan team, though there is a sense from the outside that the team’s results do not solely hinge on the individual's output like in times of old.

Opener Harshitha Samarawickrama, who posted a warm-up fifty in her late preparation for the tournament, has stood up for her country particularly over

the last six months, while the ceiling is high for U19 World Cup hero Vishmi Gunaratne, who already boasts 11 senior national appearances at just 17 years of age.

Athapaththu knows the buck stops with her, but feels all the help in the batting group, added by the ever-improving Nilakshi de Silva and Anushka Sanjeewani.

“Harshitha and Vishmi are playing well.

"And Nilakshi and Anushka, they have performed well. So now I feel free because I can just play my free game because I don't have any pressure for tomorrow and in this tournament. I just play my natural game. There are a lot of good players and I have a lot of confidence in them.

“We have a few senior players and a lot of youngsters, but I will trust myself.

"(But) not only me, but my team, and they have good potential, and they are very skillful players.

"If they are playing their best I know we can beat any team.” (ICC Media)

SCOREBOARD

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving scores 24 points on debut win

KYRIE Irving scored 24 points on his Dallas Mavericks debut in a 110-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Irving, 30, joined the Mavericks in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.

The point guard hit nine

cic will be able to make his return on either Friday and Saturday.

"I'm sure when [he] gets back it'll be even more enjoyable to play out there," added Irving.

The Mavericks are currently fourth in the Western Conference. Durant and Westbrook on the move?

Meanwhile, Irving's former team-mate Kevin Durant is reportedly being traded by the Nets to the Phoenix Suns.

Two-time NBA champion Durant and TJ Warren are set to move to the Suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four first-round draft picks, according to reports in US media.

of his 17 shots from the field to boost his new team in the absence of fellow All-Star Luka Doncic, who missed his third consecutive game with a heel injury.

"It felt good to get this debut out of thon his Dallas Mavericks debut.e way. It's just been a long 96 hours, barely any sleep," said Irving.

"It's the first time I ever got traded in the middle of the season, so it was new for me, but I'm excited that I'm here."

Dallas are hopeful Don-

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly agreed a deal to send point guard Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade that will see them reacquire D'Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers will also receive Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in the deal, while Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will move from the Jazz to the Timberwolves.

The NBA trade deadline closes at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday. (BBC Sport)

Australia’s 177 was their lowest total in the first innings of a Test since 2016.

Kyrie Irving scored 24 points on his Dallas Mavericks debut.

Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu

..Darren Bravo hits 12th First-class century

Bravo and Greaves put their sides out front – 2nd day, 2nd round

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – A 12th first-class hundred for forgotten West Indies batsman Darren Bravo, and a career-best spell for Barbadian all-rounder

Justin Greaves captured the headlines in the West Indies Championship on Thursday.

Bravo gathered an even 100 and led consistent batting down the order that carried Trinidad & Tobago Red Force to 369 for eight in their first innings against hosts Leeward Islands Hurricanes on a rain-marred second day in the second round of matches.

Windward Islands Volcanoes were 48 for two in their second innings for an overall lead of 173, after a destructive spell from Greaves sent leaders Guyana Harpy Eagles crashing to 169 all out, replying to the home team’s first innings total of 294.

Jamaica Scorpions were six without loss in their second innings, trailing by 69, after leftarm spinner Patrick Harty defied half-centuries from Shayne Moseley and Shane Dowrich that Barbados Pride tumbling to 216 all out, replying to his side’s first

innings total of 140.

IN COOLIDGE, ANTIGUA: Harty ended with 4-23 from 12.5 overs to lead the Scorpions bowling and keep his side in the contest at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on a day that started late due to adverse weather.

Test pacer Marquino Mindley took 2-25 from 12 overs, and Abhijai Mansingh captured 2-30 from 10 overs with his leg-spin supported Harty’s effort, and enabled the Scorpions to gain full bowling bonus points.

Left-hander Moseley made the top score of 82 and Dowrich, the out-of-favour West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman and Pride captain, was not out on 64 – and were the only two batsmen that made it past the high water mark of 30.

Moseley added 41 to his overnight score and shared 74 with Dowrich before he fell to Mansingh, and there was little substance and stability from the rest of the batting, though Dowrich did his best to shepherd them the rest of the way.

Scorpions openers Leroy Lugg, not out two, and Tevin Gilzene, not out four, survived

a brief period before stumps were drawn.

IN NORTH SOUND, ANTIGUA: Bravo struck 10 fours and two sixes from 229 balls in 5-1/4 hours of batting at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, to give a nudge to the West Indies selection panel that he still remains a top-class batsman and may be deserving of consideration.

Long-serving leg-spin all-rounder Imran Khan, batting at eight, again gave proof of his ability with the willow, reaching 67 not out at the close, Yannic Cariah made 52, and Terrance

Hinds, batting at nine, made 51, to enable Red Force to claim four of the five batting bonus points.

Bravo forged a 101-run stand with Cariah on another truncated day to set the tone for the rest of the Red Force batting, and they took their cue from the 35-year-old left-hander to put their side in a favourable place in a match, where only 114 out of a possible 180 overs have been bowled over the first two days.

When pacer Sheeno Berridge bowled Bravo, Red Force were 227 for six, but Khan an-

chored successive half-centuries stands with former Hurricanes wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jangoo and Hinds to reinforce their command.

Pacer Jeremiah Louis has been the most successful Hurricanes bowler taking 3-56 from 23 overs, and Berridge and leftarm pacer Colin Archibald have taken two wickets apiece.

IN ST GEORGE’S, GRENADA: Greaves, 28, gave a strong hint that he may have returned to his best bowling form after an injury prevented him from bowling signficantly in recent times when he snared a miserly 5-24 from 18 overs at the National Cricket Stadium.

Former West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Ryan John followed up a defiant half-century in the Volcanoes’ first innings with 2-52 from 14 overs to support the demolition of the Harpy Eagles batting.

Greaves struck in his first over when he bowled first round century-making opener Matthew Nandu for two and trapped long-standing Harpy Eagles captain Leon Johnson lbw for five in his fourth over.

The visitors were 28 for

four, but Anthony Bramble made 21 and Kemol Savory got 20, and stemmed the fall of wickets before Greaves removed them in the span of four balls.

Veerasammy Permaul, batting at eight, came to the crease and led another period of resistance for the Harpy Eagles to hit the top score of 53 and share 61 for the seventh wicket with Kevin Sinclair.

John got Sinclair caught behind for 23 and the last three Harpy Eagles wickets fell for 39 with John, Greaves, and off-spinner Kenneth Dember each taking a wicket, and Volcanoes collected the full three bowling bonus points.

The new-ball pair of Ronsford Beaton and Nial Smith hit back for the Harpy Eagles removing opener Jerlani Robinson for three, and first innings century-maker Alick Athanaze for 11 to set up an intriguing third day.

Earlier, Permaul took the last two Volcanoes first innings wickets in the span of five balls to end with 4-70 from 22.5 overs, after the hosts resumed from their overnight total of 292 for eight and added only two runs.

Abdul-Jabbar blames himself for lack of relationship with James

(REUTERS) - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reflected on the complicated relationship he has with LeBron James a day after sitting courtside to watch the Los Angeles Lakers forward break the NBA career scoring record he set nearly 40 years ago.

Abdul-Jabbar, who played the final 14 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the Lakers, hugged James and presented him with the record-setting ball during an on-court ceremony on Tuesday to recognize the scoring feat.

It was a rare moment shared between the two NBA greats who were inextricably linked all season and overcame their frosty past for the special moment after having not always seen eye to eye on certain issues.

"LeBron said we don't have a relationship. He's right — and for that I blame myself. Not for anything I did, but perhaps for not making more of an effort to reach out to him," Abdul-Jabbar wrote in a Substack

Wednesday.

cines, including a meme posted by James on social media that compared COVID-19 to colds and the flu which Abdul-Jabbar said would only encourage vaccine hesitancy and put lives at risk.

Prior to the current season, James gave a very short "No thoughts, and no relationship," reply when asked about chasing Abdul-Jabbar's record and if the two were close.

But Abdul-Jabbar, who set the NBA scoring record the year James was born, insists the main reason he and the future Hall of Famer never formed a bond is due to their gap in age and his failure to make an effort.

"When he started to make a name for himself, I was already pretty removed from the NBA world," wrote the 75-year-old Abdul-Jabbar.

"That disconnect is on me. I knew the pressures he was under and maybe I could have helped ease them a bit.

"But I saw that LeBron had a friend and mentor in

Kobe Bryant and I was just an empty jersey in the rafters. I couldn't imagine why he'd want to hang with someone twice his age. How many do?"

Abdul-Jabbar said the main reason he does not care about his record being broken is because he is more focused these days on his social legacy, family and charity for disadvantaged children than his basketball legacy.

Abdul-Jabbar also said he is happy that James broke his record. For Abdul-Jabbar, the breaking of a sports record, even his own, is cause for celebration as it means someone pushed the boundaries of what many thought possible to a whole new level.

"It's as if I won a billion dollars in a lottery and 39 years later someone won two billion dollars. How would I feel? Grateful that I won and happy that the next person also won. His winning in no way affects my winning," Abdul-Jabbar wrote.

blog post on

Abdul-Jabbar has previously written about his

disappointment with James' stance on COVID-19 vac -

Darren Bravo scored an even 100 against the Leeward Islands

Los Angeles, California, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward, LeBron James (6) meets with former player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after breaking the NBA all-time scoring record against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo)

GBA honours its athletes

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), in a bid to give their athletes deserved recognition, held, for the first time, an Awards Ceremony, which was hosted on Wednesday night at the Mirage Lounge in Alberttown.

As expected, Desmond Amsterdam, Guyana’s highest ranked boxer, walked away with the Best Boxer (Elite) accolade that will go well with his National Sports Commission’s (NSC) 2022 male Athlete-of-the-Year award.

Terrence Poole M.S.

received his award for the best coach of the year.

Among the other recipients were Travis Inverary (Best Youth Box-

er), Ezekiel Bancroft (Schoolboys), Jeremiah Duncan (Junior), and Jermaine Craig (Best Referee).

In addition, other persons received awards for their sterling contribution to the sport. Those awardees includ-

ed Coach Sebert Blake, Seon Bristol, Clinton Moore, Elton Chase, Dr. Melissa Parris and Harold Hopkinson.

Brathwaite praises fighting qualities of

Windies and Zimbabwe in drawn first Test

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, (CMC) – West Indies captain Kraigg

Brathwaite hailed the fighting qualities that his side and hosts Zimbabwe showed in the first Test that ended in a draw on Wednesday, saying it was one of the attributes of the format, which is still held in high regard.

Spinners Gudakesh

Motie and Roston Chase tried to force a dramatic finish in the match at the Queen’s Sports Club, but the Windies met resistance and the Zimbabweans salvaged a draw.

“I would obviously have preferred to win, despite losing a day, but I am very happy with the effort we showed [on Wednesday] from the start,” the opener told reporters after play.

“Zimbabwe also believed they had a chance, but to see the fight we

showed from start on the final morning till lunch, setting up to press for a win, was pleasing.”

He added: “I think Test cricket is great. To see how Zimbabwe would have fought and got themselves backl into game and believe that they could win, and for us to come and push for

victory, especially after losing a day, says a lot for Test cricket.

“I believe Test cricket is still alive. A lot of people still love Test cricket, and still cherish it, and this is what Test cricket wants – it wants people to go out there and fight for their countries and never give up. Zimbabwe never

gave up in their first innings batting, and it says a lot for Test cricket.”

A draw always appeared the most likely result when adverse weather conditions meant only 89 overs were possible on the first two days after West Indies chose to bat.

Brathwaite and fellow opening batsman, Tage-

narine Chanderpaul, set a new West Indies record of 336 for the first wicket and enabled the Caribbean side to declare on 447 for six.

Zimbabwe replied with 379 for nine, with former England lefthander Gary Ballance gathering an undefeated 137 on debut for the land of his birth, before they declared late on the fourth day.

West Indies resumed the final day on 21 without loss and chase quick runs, declaring on 203 for five after lunch with Raymon Reifer leading the way with 58 and vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood supporting with 57.

Zimbabwe’s second innings was briefly delayed by adverse weather before Motie dismissed four of the top five batsmen to finish with career-best figures in his second Test and Chase

rung the bell twice.

“The main focus was 10 good balls,” Brathwaite said about his side’s plans on the final day. “With every wicket we got, it got lower. Nine good balls, eight good balls, and so on – that was the big focus.

“We knew it was not going to be easy because the pitch was still good, but it was just about putting the balls in the good areas, which we did, but Zimbabwe batted well.”

He said: “I was happy with the plan we had, in terms of the time, and I thought the batsmen did well to get the runs that they did because with the pitch and the field [Zimbabwe] had set, it was not going to be easy scoring runs fast.

“But it’s tough losing over 90 overs in a match and to try to make it up on the last day, but I was

The recipients take a photo-op with Ninvalle, seated 2nd from left (Adrian Narine photos)

Desmond Amsterdam (left) receives his award from GBA head, Steve Ninvalle.

Kraigg Brathwaite and fellow opening batsman, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, set a new West Indies Test record of 336 for the first wicket.