Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 10-06-2023

(Adrian Narine photo)

New Zealand-Caricom delegation tour NAREI’s shade house project

THE National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), on Thursday, facilitated a tour for the visiting New Zealand and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation to showcase the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), popularly known as the Shade House Project at its Mon Repos headquarters.

According to a press a release, the AIEP is among several projects being implemented by the government to reduce the food imports by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

NAREI’s CEO, Jaganarine Singh, and his staff provided a tour of the shade houses that are cultivated with cauliflower, lettuce, mint, sweet peppers, carrots, among other crops.

A meeting which was also held, allowed for the sharing of information on the Shade House Project, climate change, pest and diseases management, soil

health, and mangrove restoration, the release added.

The CARICOM Sec -

retariat is currently engaging with a high-level delegation from New Zealand in an effort to expand

co-operation in the area of food security, energy, and climate change.

The Guyana Chroni -

cle had recently reported that some $15 million in high-value crops was produced in the first quarter of 2023 from AIEP.

The programme which was launched by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, back in January 2022, saw the construction of several shades houses and the introduction of hydroponics and vertical agriculture to produce high-value crops.

Broccoli, cauliflower and carrot form a large part of the country’s food import bill, with data suggesting that consumption of the vegetables is increasing with each passing year.

This newspaper had previously reported that in 2018, the import value for carrot, broccoli and cauliflower was $1.583 billion, while in 2019 and 2021 the import value stood at $1.962 billion and $2.626 billion, respectively.

GPF advancing education on new e-bike law in Region Three

Police

steps to educate road users about the recent

amendments made to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Chapter 51:02 in relation to the regulation of e-bikes.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday last, Region Three Officer in charge of traffic, Assistant Superintendent, Maniram Jagnanan disclosed that there has been a notable increase in e-cycles on the roadways, with most users being young and inexperienced.

This surge in usage, he noted, has created a necessity for education programmes before the new law can be effectively enforced.

It is important for e-cycle users to familiarise themselves with these laws and adhere to them, in order to ensure their safety as well as other road users.

Several e-cycle users have lost their lives due to accidents, while others were injured. By educating road users,

authorities hope to reduce the occurrence of such accidents.

The officer also highlighted that when e-cycle users are stopped, instead of facing legal charges, they are provided with valuable information on safe road usage, defensive driving techniques, and the process of obtaining a driver’s license, among other relevant topics.

While the sensitisation efforts are ongoing countrywide, ASP Jagnanan underscored that the approach aims to foster a sense of responsibility and improve the overall understanding of road safety regulations among e-cycle users.

The act amends section two of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to regulate the use of electric cycles. It defines an electric cycle as any motorcycle that has an electric motor and is fitted with an effective stopping system controlled by the use of brakes, gears, or motor control.

The new piece of legislation was successfully passed in the National Assembly on May 10.

Since its passage, the GPF has been providing education about the law to the public, rather than immediate enforcement. (DPI)

A visiting New Zealand and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation on Thursday toured NAREI’s Shade House Project at Mon Repos (NAREI photos)

Crops under cultivation in the shade house

THE Guyana

Force (GPF) is taking

Traffic Officer for Region Three, Assistant Superintendent Maniram Jagnanan

Region Six overflowing with opportunities

–– is no longer being ‘stifled’, President Ali says

Dr. Jagdeo urges citizens to vote for a party that ‘cares’

By Trina Williams

APART from the construction of a regional hospital, new roads, and more employment opportunities , Rose Hall, which is deemed the commercial capital of Region Six is poised to enter a new era of transformation

In addition to fulfilling 80 per cent of their manifesto commitments, the governing People ’ s Progressive Party/Civic ( PPP/C) has gone above and beyond to improve the quality of life for all Guyanese , not just the once-stifled “Berbicians”.

At a meeting held at the Rose Hall arch , President , Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali , reassured the people that his government will broaden the horizons of the township

According to him: “Commerce is very important in this region and for commerce to be effective, for the businesses to do well, we have to create wealth all across Region Six so that there is more money in the pockets of people to spend.”

He added that despite only spending such a short tenure in office, the PPP/C has already done tremendous work to bring comfort and relief to the people while putting back money into their pockets instead of taking it out like the opposition did

The region , which was previously deprived of even the most basic medical supplies, has gone through a total metamorphosis, with the development of a regional hospital and a government investment of $ 6.5 billion into the growing health care industry

Because of the tens of millions of dollars invested in the water sector, homeowners will also have treated water in their homes within

the next few years

Moreover , disguising themselves as a group of people that cares for the Guyanese population, President Ali said that the opposition’s track record says otherwise

“When you look at the records, the records speak for itself The facts will demonstrate to you the honesty of the People ’ s Progressive Party/Civic,” he said while remarking that every time the PPP/C takes office, they act on their promises and commitments to the people

Furthermore , the President explained the importance of the upcoming Local Government Elections ( LGEs ), stressing that the votes of each and every person plays a critical role in enhancing communities and providing synergy between central and local bodies

According to him: “This is not a time to gamble with your future , this is not a time to gamble with your children’s future [and] this is not a time to gamble with your parents’ future.”

The Head of State also condemned the opposition’s constant use of race as a vehicle to spread hate

The President stressed that the PPP / C is working diligently to bring the country together under the

‘ One Guyana ’ umbrella , affirming that : “ We will break the back of racism and ensure that mobilisation tool of them is removed.”

MOVING APACE

In addition to this, he highlighted the neglect of the region by the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).

President Ali said: “For five years, they invested less than $3million in the development of this region , in less than three years on one project alone, that we plan and that project is a technical institute, the National Technical Training Centre On that alone, we will spend $20 billion....”

He added that it is situations like these that show the difference between a government that prioritises the people and one that does not.

Speaking on the stagnated housing sector under the APNU + AFC regime , the Head of State boasted that the governing PPP/C has already allocated 1,200 house lots to Region Six residents

Furthermore , he indicated that not only has the government already invested over $20 billion on the construction of new roads but millions in loans have been

livelihoods of thousands of Guyanese, he reflected on the time under APNU+AFC rule when 7, 000 sugar workers were fired nationwide

Asserting that people are now becoming aware of the opposition ’ s tendency to mislead them , Jagdeo remarked that this is causing APNU+AFC to become more desperate.

“

local bodies are carrying out central government’s agenda of development

Highlighting APNU+AFC’s blatant attempt to rig the elections in 2020, Jagdeo commended the citizens for not letting the country ’ s democracy be undermined

given out in order to assist women in starting their own small businesses

He continued: “In less than three years , in this region , we have already delivered more 2,000 scholarships.”

A VOTE FOR CHANGE

Meanwhile , the party’s General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, reassured the people that no longer will they be victimised for supporting the PPP/C.

While exposing the opposition for destroying the

Afro - Guyanese have seen what the PNC is about in those five years and they don’t like what they see, and they realise that this party is the only party that can fulfill the promises of this country,” he related

He also remarked that the PPP/C is a government that upholds its commitments , which is evident in the part time job initiative , among others

Jagdeo continued by asserting that because they are proud of their LGEs candidates, he and the President thought it was vital to support them publicly during the campaign trail and push the message that they are running to enforce accountability, transparency and ensuring

“We have restored energy to the economy of Guyana and to the economy in Berbice,” he asserted

Moreover, he emphasised that the APNU is running on a foundation of lies and claimed that because it is election season , the opposition is reverting to its old practices of being not only dishonest , but also going so far as to attack people’s character

Jagdeo then made reference to the vicious verbal attack that Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, launched against the First Lady, Arya Ali, earlier this week

In pointing out the “ don ’ t care ” attitude of the APNU+AFC party, he urged all Guyanese to go to the polls and vote for a party that cares

President Ali holds an infant draped in a PPP/C flag (Adrian Narine photo)

PAHO calls for more investments in mental health services

THE Pan American Health Organisation ( PAHO ) on Friday launched its official report on mental health and COVID-19, in which it has recommended that mental health be made a priority, and more investments be made to address this issue in the Americas

During the virtual launch, it was revealed that a group of regional leaders and experts from various areas and disciplines had convened to assess the situation in the Americas , and to present recommendations on how to improve mental health.

This high-level commission on mental health and COVID - 19 culminated its work with the conclusion of its report, “A New Agenda for Mental Health in the

Americas”.

According to the Director of PAHO , Dr Jarbas Barbosa , the report offers ten recommendations to address the mental health crisis in the region

He noted that he is committed to transforming these recommendations into a roadmap for changing the mental health situation in each country in the Americas

“I urge national leaders and decision-makers in the region to also commit to these recommendations, and elevate mental health to the highest levels of government,” Dr Barbosa said

He went on to say that there needs to be a fundamental change in the region’s current approach to mental health, and for this to hap-

pen, more resources must be invested in this

According to the report, which was authored by the 17 members of the high-level commission, prioritising and investing in improved mental health can bring about positive health , social and economic impacts on a large scale

The report further ex -

amined issues like suicide , and noted that each year in the Americas , just around 100,000 people die by suicide, impacting individuals and families and entire communities.

It was then that they noted that Guyana and Suriname were among the 10 countries with the highest suicide rates worldwide

According to the report, suicide rates continue to climb in the region

To this end , the report stated, “Despite the demonstrated high burden of mental health conditions and suicide in the region of the Americas, only a small fraction of people living with mental health conditions receive the care they need.”

Further, it was stated that another key challenge in the Americas that has hindered the strengthening of mental health care is the lack of mental health data and reporting

Meanwhile, in its recommendations , the high - level committee called on governments in the Americas to spearhead mental health reform at the national level and beyond

“ The COVID - 19 pandemic has reminded us that we can no longer afford to neglect mental health with-

out serious and long-term consequences to society ,” the report said, while adding that countries in the Americas must commit to elevating the prominence of mental health on national political agendas , and further demonstrate the commitment through strategic action.

PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa

GECOM all set for Monday’s elections

–– Secretariat confident ‘everything will go smoothly’

GUYANA Elections Commission (GECOM)

Chairperson Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud, and Deputy CEO Aneal Giddings have all given assurances that they are expecting nothing short of a smoothly conducted, free, fair, credible and transparent elections on Monday when Local

from the position of the Secretariat, of our high level of confidence relative to ensuring that these elections are conducted in the desired manner, not only from our end, but as far as all the stakeholders are concerned,” he added.

Giving an update on operational activities, CEO Persaud noted that, as of Friday afternoon, the containers with the ballot box-

complaints, or expression of dissatisfaction, that we are not in compliance with any laws or policies of the Commission,” Persaud added.

According to Persaud, the Secretariat has implemented a decentralised supervisory structure, which entails the appointment and strategic positioning of Deputy Returning Officers in large LAAs, and

Englishman admitted to local bar

TIMOTHY Prudhoe, a 52-year-old Englishman, was on Friday admitted to the local bar which will allow him to practise law in Guyana.

Government Elections (LGEs) are held across the country.

These assurances were delivered on Friday during a press conference at the Commission’s Command Centre at Fort Street, Kingston. The press conference was held to provide updates on GECOM’s state of readiness for imminent elections.

“GECOM is not only fully prepared, but confident that these elections will be implemented in accordance with the law. I will surely guarantee that these elections will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner,” Justice Singh said as she delivered the opening remarks at the ‘presser’.

Her statements were reverberated by Persaud who reassured the press that not only is the Commission set, but is ahead in terms of preparedness.

“We are working with the plan approved for the conduct of the elections, and as we speak, we are ahead of the game insofar as the implementation of the listed activities are concerned,” Persaud said.

“I’m assuring you,

es containing the ballots and other materials for the various polling stations had been moved to their respective locations, while mock polls were being conducted by the Returning Officers in the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

“We sent out the containers, or, in some cases, secured Canter trucks to cater for Local Authority Areas. The last containers were completed this (Friday) morning. Those containers will be distributed later today (Friday), to complete logistical arrangements to ensure ballot boxes are at predetermined locations,” Persaud said.

“The Returning Officers of the respective LAAs are conducting mock polls towards ensuring that they are ‘prepped’ to the point of maximum readiness for conduct of poll.”

Persaud reassured the media that at the very least, agents of the two major political parties have been involved at every stage of the various preparation activities.

“As we go into the movement of the containers this afternoon, agents were fully involved, and we have not received any

certainment of results are done accurately, and with the involvement of those persons authorised to be there,” he added.

In terms of bringing awareness to the hosting of the LGEs, Persaud said GECOM has conducted a very comprehensive civic and voter registration regime, through the publishing of infomercials, advertisements in the media,

Prudhoe’s petition was presented by Attorney-at-law Mohamed R Ali before Justice Sandra Kurtious and included a brief biography and some of his accomplishments

Ali related that Prudhoe, who was born on October 27, 1970, obtained his LLB from Manchester University and his LLM from Queen Mary University of London

Called to the English Bar in October 1994, he remained a member of chambers at 3 Hare Court, Temple, London

“In the early years of his practise at the bar, Mr Prudhoe was based in England and in 1998 he was sent to represent the English Bar and work on the death row appeal in the United States of America, Texas,” Ali related

He said that in 2018, Prudhoe jointly founded the law firm Stanbrook Prudhoe in the Islands of Turks and Caicos, Northern Caribbean

“His practice encompasses commercial litiga-

the appointment of supervisors who have some oversight responsibilities, such as providing guidance so far as compliance with statutory requirements are concerned.

“They will be out there, even up to the point of ascertaining the elections and results of those elections,” Persaud said, before adding, “We are confident that we are 100 per cent fully staffed for the conduct of Local Government Elections.”

Results are expected to start coming in during the night of the elections, particularly as it pertains to the uncontested LAAs and constituencies. However, GECOM has up to five days after the elections to declare the winner.

“I do not envisage any difficulty whatsoever for the ROs to declare before midnight. This could be affected by agents objecting to the count of [the] RO. Agents themselves will be in possession of Statements of Poll, and the RO will be holding up the Statements of Poll for persons who are there to observe the count,” Persaud said.

“We will, with due utmost care, ensure the as-

and engaging interactively across the country wherever there are LAAs.

“ Today, the last such activity was conducted around the Stabroek Market and bus park area, using PA systems, sharing flyers, and answering questions from the members of the public,” Persaud said.

For his part, Giddings also expressed his fullest confidence that the Commission is where it needs to be in terms of readiness for the elections, and with enough procedures in place to ensure credible elections.

According to Giddings, the “mistake” that played out at the 2020 General and Regional Elections has allowed the Commission to compile a compendium of lessons learnt that will ensure better holding of polls.

“In planning for these elections, we would have made some adjustments in how we do things, to avoid any untoward activity in the past, to increase efficiency.

I was there on the ground at every juncture, and I have the fullest of confidence that we are where we need to be,” Giddings said.

tion, contentious insolvency, public and administrative work; he is currently involved in numerous ongoing constitutional challenges at both first instance and appeal level,” Attorney Ali stated

Additionally, in 2021, Prudhoe graduated from the Eugene Dupruch Law School of the Bahamas with a Legal Education Certificate (LEC), making him eligible for admission to the Guyana Bar

Prudhoe is married and is the father of two teenagers, who sometimes accompany him on his travels within the Caribbean region, when he is required to make court appearances

Ali said that the attorney has done exceedingly well academically and professionally and was certain that his family and colleagues are proud of him

“I can only add and hope that you will continue to make the right decisions and always be filled with gratitude as you pursue your legal career in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” he added

He offered his personal congratulations and wished Prudhoe a successful career in Guyana

“Timothy, I welcome you to the legal profession in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and wish you continued success in your future endeavours,” he said

From left to right: Attorney-at-law Timothy Prudhoe, Justice Sandra Kurtious and Attorney-at-law Mohamed R Ali

From left to right: Deputy Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Aneal Giddings, GECOM Chairperson Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, and CEO Vishnu Persaud during Friday’s press conference (DPI photo)

LGE: Choosing the right party

AS the Local Government Elections (LGE) approach, the time has come for voters across our great nation, particularly in the vibrant city of Georgetown and the towns of New Amsterdam and Linden, to carefully consider the party that will best safeguard their interests

This decision is of paramount importance, as it will shape the future of all communities and determine the quality of their lives in the future

One of the primary factors that voters must evaluate is a party’s commitment to sustainable development

The PPP/C has a proven track record, and this is their selling point They do not have to remind Guyanese of the terrible days under People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) duress The opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), a disguise of the PNC/R, has a history of poor governance and rigged elections It’s no secret, and their own supporters have prospered more under the PPP/C and have endured tremendous suffering under the PNC/R rule; the annals of history are there to tell the stories

This government is perpetually winning friends and influencing people at the global level

As the June 12 Local Government Elections (LGE) draw near and political parties ramp up their community engagements , more longstanding supporters of the PNC/R are joining forces with the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

Stakeholders from the international market are seeking the shores of Guyana to partner with the government and the private sector in their developmental projects The tremendous infrastructure which is transposing a new landscape in Guyana, is a direction with foresight from a visionary party

Georgetown and the other towns require well-planned infrastructure, efficient public services , and a focus on environmental preservation

The PPP/C has a comprehensive vision for the growth and development of all communities, taking into account the long-term welfare of residents This involves a balance between economic progress, social inclusivity, and environmental stewardship

Further , the ruling party understands that transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of good governance and the PPP/C party values these principles and demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that the government remains answerable to the

people

A stronger, more dependable local government will result from electing officials who are open about their decision-making and responsible for their actions Candidates that are eager to interact with their supporters, pay attention to their worries, and represent them best should be sought out by voters

The success of any local government depends on active community involvement And it is clear that the PPP/C encourages and fosters citizen engagement and participation

Additionally, voters should choose candidates that are committed to strengthening local communities, giving locals a platform to express their thoughts, and including them in decision-making

Citizens can make sure that their voices are heard and their interests are protected by voting PPP/C representatives who promote community-driven projects

A party that places a strong emphasis on economic prosperity will not only attract investments but also create employment opportunities for residents

Candidates with a clear strategy to grow small businesses in the area, draw in new industries, and enhance the general economic

health of all areas should be sought out by voters People may raise the standard of life for all citizens by choosing legislators who place a high priority on economic expansion and job development

The future of all communities relies on the quality of education and healthcare services available to residents and by electing representatives who prioritise education and healthcare, a brighter future will be automatic for the current and next generation

Voters in the Georgetown city and the towns of New Amsterdam and Linden have the ability to influence the future of their communities through the upcoming local government elections Voters must choose a party that is committed to sustainable development, values openness and accountability, fosters participation and community empowerment, fosters economic growth, and places a high priority on healthcare and education

Citizens may elect officials who will genuinely protect our interests and seek to create healthy, inclusive, and prosperous communities and towns for all by carefully weighing these considerations and making an informed decision

Keep in mind that your vote counts, so make an informed decision!

A little education is bad for you especially at election time

Dear Editor,

I WRITE with reference to a piece by H. Singh under the title, “No separation of administration from politics under PPP government” (KN, 6/9, 2023). The letter assumes an academic tone but does not come remotely close to even a first-year level of scholarly articulation.

Yet, nothing seems to be in the way of H Singh waxing professorial in his clumsy, school-boyish assertion that the PPP/C and APNU are cut from the same cloth

What is also shocking is that KN continues to publish this barley literate nonsense Here are examples of H Singh’s ‘brilliant analysis’ (a) “The blurring of ‘politics’ and ‘policy’ has cause to the advocations to dismiss ‘partisan politics’ rather than “policy politics The importance of neutrality in politics and policy are established within the politics - administration dichotomy;” (2) “Woodrow Wilson’s model created one of the first

concepts of checks and balances, which is one of the most predominant systems of democratic accountability used to shape the United States government,” (3) “By employing the elite philosophical leaders to improve, shape, condition and sway public opinion , politics - administration dichotomy, if carried out in an unselfish manner leaves little to no room for error.”

May God help us all.

H Singh is under the mistaken belief that Woodrow Wilson created the three branches of government in the US He is unaware of something called the Unites States constitution where the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government are clearly delineated H Singh stumbled on an article by Wilson , and without knowing anything else about the 28th President of the United States, assumed the posture of a research scholar Is H Singh, for instance, aware that Wilson was a segregationist steeped in Southern Jim Crow culture ? Is H Singh aware

that Wilson voted against the Japanese proposal that all human beings are equal regardless of race? The vote took place at the same Versailles Conference after WWI where Wilson outlined his Fourteen Points Plan. The Plan allowed the Europeans to keep their ill begotten colonial positions!

Is H Singh aware that in 1913 when Wilson became president, he ordered the separation of Black and White workers in the United States civil service?

Is H Singh aware that President Wilson’s segregation policy of workers by race became one of the structural pillars of self-generating income inequality in the United States because Black workers were pushed into lower paid occupations?

If H Singh is aware of all these things as a “Woodrow Wilson” ‘scholar’, then why is he recommending that Guyana takes lessons from that president? He does not know anything about public administration or about Wilson, but to sound credible in his baseless criticism, he simply

decided to dress up in academic garb and spew trash against the PPP/C Editor, criticism of the PPP/C or any political party is fair game But shouldn’t there be a minimum standard for the sake of the paper’s own integrity? Surely that must matter I have a PhD in Political Science, taught at the university level for 37 years, published with some of the most prestigious presses in the world, and yet you publish my letters only occasionally Yet, you publish something as comical, nay, disgraceful as the letter under consideration here only because it is aimed against the PPP In some situations, a little education is bad for the individual That is certainly the case for H Singh with regards to his nonsense on Wilson Please know that what is in our newspapers is a reflection on all of us The world is watching.

Sincerely, Dr Randolph (Randy) Persaud

Editor Navendra Seoraj

Response to Hamilton Green

Dear Editor,

IN the Kaieteur News of June 7, 2023, Mr Hamilton Green wrote a letter in response to Minister Oneidge Walrond’s piece in which she denounced the misrepresentation of the racial issue in Guyana made by Mr. Nigel Hughes and Darren Wade to a UN body.

In the process, Mr Green once again went on a mission of misrepresentation, distortions, and downright falsification of our history Some of these issues were previously raised by Mr Green and debunked, but he continues to use the old tactic of repeating the same fabrications in the hope that the gullible would believe them

That shows that Mr Green’s objective is to deliberately mislead people

In his letter, he once more raised his pet subject “Apan Jaat” suggesting that the PPP used this as a tool of mobilisation This is absolutely untrue. The term was used against the PPP in 1953 elections by Daniel P Debedin who carried the line that Dr Cheddi Jagan had sold out to Mr Burnham and the black people Debedin used the term “Apan Jaat” to call Indian Guyanese to vote for him

During those elections the PPP was in a pincer attack Mr Burnham was being attacked by the League of Coloured People He was accused of selling out black people to the Indian Cheddi Jagan Mr Green never mentions this. “Apan Jaat” was later taken up by the PNC in their efforts to divide the working people in its attack on the PPP Ms Jane Sillery captured that very well in her doctoral thesis in which she pointed out that the PNC was using reverse racism to instigate black people The tactic was to accuse the PPP of being pro-Indian by calling it a “Rice Government” a “coolie government” and falsely accusing it of calling for “Apan Jaat”.

The reality is (and was) that the PPP never used those slogans It always stood for unity of the people This has been a constant from Jagan to Jagdeo

Green who was an active participant in the PNC X13 racist plan to attack the PPP has not changed What a pity!

Mr Green has descended into the worst from of mischief making I get the impression that he is trying to replay the old tactic which the PNC used in 1960s Here he came with the bald-faced lie that after the 1961 elections “PPP had made arrangements to have thousands of Indians from the State of Kerala of India to be brought to settle in Guyana...” It is unfortunate that Green continues to propagate this untruth After all, this was debunked at the time by the PPP, the then British Governor, and the Indian Government representative who was stationed in Trinidad Therefore, it is clear that Mr Green’s sole intention in repeating this nonsense today is to stem the tide of what appears to be a growing unity of our

people once more This is an even greater pity Mr Green!

Such bare face lies is an old tactic of the PNC. During the 1960s while it whipped up anti-communism, the PNC and its leader Forbes Burnham made the ridiculous and false charge that 1,000 Cubans were in British Guiana to fight for the PPP This was and is one of the shameful pages of the PNCs history!

He then moved on for the umpteenth time to interpret the PPP’s attitude to the West Indian Federation as being racial In a previous missive I had pointed out that the PPP ’ s policy on the Federation was worked out in 1950 when Mr Burnham was chairman of the PPP It was the same position of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (Mr Green here implies that Burnham was anti-Black).

Federation was opposed by the colonial people in Africa where the British tried to impose it as well It was also opposed by the masses of the Caribbean and caused changes in governments in Belize and Jamaica

The PPPs position was that the minimum conditions for joining the Federation was not present The PPP was saying that at least the colonies should have internal self-government Failing that, the Federation could only be a glorified crown colony This was the same position taken by African leaders who resisted colonial attempt at Federation.

Green while he sometimes tries to portray an anti-colonial facade remains colonial in his mentality continuing to pursue the racist policy of colonial Britain long after Britain itself has moved away from it Green is also putting history on its head in saying that the PPP opposed self-help Indeed, the opposite is true The PPP used self-help and co-ops to build hundreds of projects in the then British Guiana Schools, health centres and houses were built by self-help from 1957 to 1964 This was because the British and later the Americans were refusing to grant loans for many developmental projects That forced the PPP to rely on self-help etc

Indeed in 1958, Mr Burnham and Andrew Jackson of the PNC joined W O R Kendall to vote in the Legislative Council against giving support for the PPP’s team of Cheddi Jagan and Edward Beharry who were going to the UK, Europe and US to raise funds to finance British Guiana ’ s Developmental Plan Check the records Green! It was the PNC that opposed those developmental projects Indeed, so successful were co-ops under the PPP that the PNC put in as part of the official name of our country

Like so many other things co-ops and self-help failed under the PNC because of the undemocratic nature of that regime Under the PNC co-ops were used as vehicles for PNC cohorts to get rich quick Remember Greenland Co-op Mr Green?

On the question of National Service, let me say from the outset that the PPP opposed it as a condition for admittance to the University of Guyana. It was in fact a racist move to push Indian Guyanese in general and Indian Guyanese women in particular, out of UG

The PPP pointed out that National Service could take another form and take into account the mores and customs of Indian women Forcing them into camps was tantamount to expelling them from UG Indeed, as soon as National Service was implemented more than 100 Indian women withdrew from the university

Incidentally, it is more than just a passing coincidence that National Service was thought up as a scheme after the PYO had a resounding victory at the student council elections in 1974 That embarrassed the PNC which in 1973 boasted of a “break through” (by then the only thing they broke through were the ballot boxes of 1968 & 1973 elections).

The PPP was asking for a change of form of National Service so that no one would have been left out

In his letter Mr Green went on to say that the PPP was opposed to CARIFESTA in 1972 Knowing that he did not have any proof to substantiate his charges he resorted to saying that “...the PPP activists worked behind the scenes to keep Indo-Guyanese away...”

It is true that the PPP had some critical remarks of the PNC and CARIFESTA However, these were more from a philosophical/ideological position At a press conference in August 1972 Dr Jagan extended a warm welcome to the overseas visitors He said, “we in the PPP hope that their stay will be pleasant in our beautiful country and most enjoyable among our hospitable people.”

He made comments about the content and form of culture and did say that culture could not be fully developed under imperialist/neo-colonial rule However, he did not call for a boycott

A call for boycott came from the Guyanese Council of Indian Organisations ( GCIO ). In a release published on September 17, 1972, the GCIO “...reminded Guyanese that while it was never against the principle of CARIFESTA, it was forced to make the boycott call because of government’s arrogant seizure of the Indian Immigration Fund and its failure to involve the true cultural representatives in the planning of the programme...” – those are the facts

On the issue of Security Forces, it is true that the PPP called for ethnic balance of our security forces This call in my view is still valid, particularly at a time when Green and the PNC among others, continue to propagate racism in our country

In 1965 when the ICJ met we had just come out of a period when the PNC instigated racism, supported and directed by

the British It saw Indian Guyanese being attacked, robbed, raped and even murdered in the presence of police officers Indeed, at Mahaicony police officers were involved in attacks against Indians

Let me also state that the ICJ recommended to the PNC government that the security forces be balanced That was never done Instead, Indian officers were dismissed and forced out of the service Remember Col Sattaur, Assad Ishoof and many others Mr Green!

Green went on to say that Indians did not want to join the security forces. That is a gross falsehood Indian Guyanese were kept out of the force by the British at first They used all kinds of means to accomplish this These included height, size of chest etc

In fact in the 1960s Minister of Home Affairs Janet Jagan found that two different exams were prepared for entry into the police force In African dominated communities, the exams was very easy to pass In Indian dominated areas it was almost impossible for even someone in possession of five subjects GCE ‘O’ level to pass All these measures were used to keep Indians out of the Police Force

He then moved to again make the false charge that the location of the Berbice Bridge was done to disadvantage Afro-Guyanese in New Amsterdam etc That was another lie that the PNC racists persist in Vice President Jagdeo only recently dealt with this issue at a press conference when he said that it was constructed on the present site due to the best technical advice given to the government while he was president I can testify to that having been present at one of the presentations of the technical team, I believe it was a French group

Finally, in his determination to promote racism Mr Green once again took Dr Jagan’s remarks totally out of context in relation to the position of black people. Mr. Green said that Dr Jagan said that Afro Guyanese were at the bottom of the ladder Firstly Dr Jagan never mentioned “Afro Guyanese”. He was referring to the American opposition to his government of 1961-1964 period He was making the point that the American opposition to the PPP was more political than racial because it is known that in the United States during the 1960s Blacks were at the bottom of the social ladder

Hamilton Green is not interested in context He is hell bent on dividing our people

At this stage of his life Hamilton Green could play a very important role for the good health of our country by coming out with the truth. Unfortunately, he has chosen to practice the politics of lies and hate. So, so sad!

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar Former President

A movement to break the backbone of race and ideology!

THE current LGEs 2023 campaign conducted by the PPP/C sends a powerful message that politicians must work hard at the grassroots level to win votes.

The act of voting is one of the most formidable and inalienable rights accorded to citizens in a democracy.

And the exercise of this right should no longer be dependent upon consideration of ideology and race but must, at a minimum level, be based upon immediate ‘bread and butter’ issues

A smarter electorate has evolved out of the prevailing technological and mass communication age , including social media that increasingly wants to embrace reason.

Over the past six decades up to 2020, the country had not made any significant progress in the reduction of youth unemployment (30 per cent) and the poverty level (34 per cent). This traditional approach to politics had also failed to heal the gaping divisions in the country’s racially bifurcated state Historically, ethnic tensions/conflicts, rivalry, and sometimes violence, had

dominated the political landscape, while the salience of issues had been diminished Despite gallant attempts, previous political leaders had been unable to overcome the divisions resulting from ideology, race, gender, religion, and region

The current PPP/C leadership believes that they have produced an answer to these gaping problems After methodical analysis, they have grabbed the concept of a 21st Century Movement ( 21CTMOV) to transcend barriers of ideology, race, religion, gender, and region From the 1942 Quit India campaign led by MK Gandhi they recognise that for a movement to succeed, it requires: (i) transcending boundaries of race, ideology, region, and other differences; (ii) must have a clearly defined objective; (iii) it must have staying power; (iv) it must be led by charismatic leader(s) who also have a track record of accomplishments; and (v) it must revolve around a particular philosophy

A young and energetic leadership recognises that the importance of traditional approaches to politics had not resulted in

demonstrable advance in the quality of living, the narrowing of regional resource disparities, and any significant reduction of poverty (34 per cent). Winning state power is not enough They believe that they must rise above ideology, race, and other barriers to lift Guyana into the 21st century and provide the good life for every Guyanese. And the vehicle for this transformation is 21CTMOV

The PPP/C leadership knows that citizens have been moving away from racebased to issue-based voting as evidenced in the 2006, 2011, 2015, and 2020 national polls For example, in 2006 the new AFC party won five seats and in 2011 it won seven seats These were at the expense of the PNC/R At the 2015 polls about 10 per cent of traditional PPPC voters cast their franchise for the PNCR-led coalition The PPP/C would have not won the 2020 polls had it not been for crossover voters These crossovers were influenced by issues This emerging trend would integrate well within the 21CTMOV and add momentum to it

The force of the 21CTMOV has been

resonating well at the PPP/C’s LGE 2023 campaign The proverbial ‘ red wave ’ built around grass roots governance and mobilisation, has been sweeping across the country and shown also on TV and podcast screens in Guyana and in the diaspora These powerful signals indicate that Guyana is on the path to break away from the shackles of racism, ideology, and other barriers which have historically tormented citizens and stymied the country’s development This movement finds its full expression in the philosophy of ONE GUYANA ( where commonalties take precedence over differences, where race is demystified, and where nationalism is paramount).

The 21st Century Movement is poised to put Guyana and Guyanese in the best socio-economic place they have ever been And the results of LGE 2023 will test the efficacy of the 21st Century Movement

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

PNC/APNU back to its historical politics of lies and fear

THE APNU is again being led by the old, sickening tricks of the People’s National Congress.

One would think that after the universal rebuke for trying to steal the election in 2020, the PNC and its little minions would try to come clean at the 2023 LGEs Those who do not know the PNC might be disappointed Those who know it well will no doubt have already recognised that this party that was founded on deceit and division, is back to its model of the politics of fear and dishonesty

A little over a week ago, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that the APNU made an uncommon error by going to court over electoral boundaries and the voters’ list (List of Electors). The court quickly turned the ludicrous attempt to stop the LGEs on those bases But more than that, the pre-election slap dished out by the Court has robbed the APNU of two of its favorite excuses for its poor showing which is bound to happen

Not to be outdone, the PNCR-led APNU has manufactured a few other preemptive

strikes in anticipation of the trashing it will receive at the LGEs come next Monday Norton’s latest excuse for his anticipated humiliation is that the APNU will lose because the PPP/C is buying Afro-Guyanese candidates and votes Norton simply cannot accept that their traditional supporters are turning their backs and walking away Imagine someone like Christopher Jones has been reduced to standing on a pick-up at Plum Park, with no audience, talking about Trench Crapo versus House Crapo Sad!

The politics of fear for which the PNC is well known was also activated by telling people in Georgetown , Linden , and New Amsterdam that the PPP/C will raise property taxes when they win At his regular Thursday press conference at Freedom House yesterday (June 8), General Secretary Jagdeo called this lie not a regular lie, but one of ‘hyper dishonesty.’ Jagdeo pointed out that it was the APNU-AFC that had planned to raise property taxes across the country In fact, Minister Bulkan has commissioned a study by a Canadian firm to justify raising property

taxes, not by raising the rates, but by raising the valuation of properties This is called raising taxes through the back door, an APNU specialisation

PNC/APNU ‘super dishonesty’ is not only alive, but it is now a matter of party electoral strategy The APNU is hiding its candidates behind fake names and fake symbols In the Hague - Blankenburg NDC contest , for instance, they are using a lightbulb symbol to throw off voters Other false symbols used on West Coast Demerara and East Bank Essequibo include a sucker tree, an eagle, and sugar cane plants with a cutlass

Another falsehood peddled by the PNC/ APNU is that the PPP/C will remove vendors from Georgetown and surrounding areas . Norton knows this is not true, but this has not stopped him from repeating this most

predictable of lies To be clear, the

PPP/C

has no plans to remove vendors

The LGEs are only days away now The PPP/C has made giant strides in delivering what it promised in 2020, and deep incursions into PNC / APNU strongholds The PPP / C leadership and their thousands of activists, volunteers , and supporters are primed for action

An unprecedented victory is in the offing. With that, this country will be even more poised to deliver a better life for all, regardless of party, regardless, or region or locality, and certainly regardless of race or religion.

Sincerely

Dr Randolph (Randy) Persaud

I am voting for the PPP on Monday

I BELIEVE the existence of political parties, media houses, civil society groups, independent professionals, independent-minded entrepreneurs, and trade unions in any country make for the sustaining and deepening of a democratic society.

The logic is commonsensical And one need not dwell on it Every head of government in the world would not be so shortsighted to deny that more actors in a country bring more watchmen and

thus more eyes are on people who want to do bad things

In relation to politics, the more participants you have in the arena, the more choices are available . I have been around too long in the pubic eyes to feel ashamed to say what I believe in In fact, all my life, I have mouthed off the things I believe in much to the terrible consequences I had to live with

I am not afraid to say which party I have chosen, which party I voted for and

will vote for I have done literally countless columns running into thousands and thousands and in that ocean of commentaries and analyses, I have announced how I voted since I started to vote In the 2020 election, I voted for Amerindian leader, Lenox Shuman

On Monday, I will vote for the PPP to administer the city of Georgetown It is commonsensical, pragmatic, rational and logical to do so There are independent

candidates in the fight I have a healthy respect for independent voices but in the LGE next Monday, the stakes are too high to vote for an independent name

That leaves two options –the PNC and the PPP. Let’s do the analysis The PNC has not administered the central treasury since 1992 That was the year the central government changed hands from PNC to PPP From 1992, the PPP has been the national government (except 2015-2020), while the PNC had had the majority in the City Council I have lived in Georgetown since 1992 and still do

I have seen Georgetown under the PNC suffered from lack of funds for decades and the result was a city so stink and so macabre in appearance that I once wrote that not even in a country with a raging civil war would the capital look so uncivilized I believe in my heart that this state of affairs will continue simply because it takes money to administer Georgetown and a municipal government run by the PNC in 2023 will not have the resources to make the capital a

functioning part of Guyana

How do I know this ? Because I live in Georgetown and I see the rut daily

I live in a compound where high-level diplomats and top EXXON officials reside and the entire gutter system of my compound has been clogged for years You go to a religious service or civil function in any house in the compound where I live and the overflowing of gutters is an atrocity to see

Over the years , I have spoken to City Council people who mean well but told me that they simply do not have the labour and the financial resources to do what is required That is the reality

You could be the most dyein - the - wool PNCite ; you could be the person who is willing to die for the PNC; you could be the person who thinks the PNC is the best thing on Planet Earth, but after you feel that way, look at Georgetown and then, smell the coffee

If the PNC wins, Georgetown will deteriorate not because of a coming earthquake but because the municipality needs dozens of billions to run it but the City Council

under the PNC in 2023 and onwards will not have the resources Enter pragmatism

So a philosopher will ask why the PPP government does not recognise the PNC’s urban endurance and City Council money to run the capital

No argument can be more putrid and silly And that would never happen in politics anywhere in the world because it gives voters a blank check to be reckless, masochistic and self-destructive Why are you going to vote for a party that cannot civilize your city but you expect the central government to bankroll the party you voted for?

But you have a perfect, impeccable option

The party with central power that you want to offer money to the other party in the City Council is itself asking for your vote because it wants to administer the city too

So if the central party has the money to civilize the city, and it is asking for your vote , commonsense should dictate that you give it your ballot. And let’s see what it will do with the city

Frederick Kissoon

$253.8 million in contracts signed for new St George’s High School

THE Ministry of Education ( MoE), on Friday, signed six contracts totalling $253.8 million for the rebuilding of the St George’s High school , which was destroyed by fire last July.

The construction of the two storey, concrete building is expected to take approximately five to seven months, and , once completed , will have a capacity to accommo-

the contracts on behalf of the ministry Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; MoE Special Projects Officer, Ron Eastman and Principal Education Officer , Immanuel Bridgewater , were present to witness the contracts being signed.

A contract for $113.944 million, which caters for Lot 1 - Construction of super structure , was awarded to

million for the rebuilding of the Christ Church Secondary School, which was destroyed by fire in January of this year

Speaking to the contractors, Minister Manickchand, stressed the importance of the project , and imposed upon them to ensure that they deliver what they have committed to delivering

“Understand what happens when we don ’ t have

different contractors so that the building could be finished in the shortest possible time

“ The engineers came up with a design that will allow several contractors to

work simultaneously with the view to get this done in a five - to - seven - month period. We divide it up so more people could get work and benefit in the country,

but also that more people can work simultaneously and the end product comes back to us in the shortest period of time ,” Manickchand said

date approximately 300 - 400 students The building will measure 209 feet by 70 feet

The upper flat of the building will accommodate 12 classrooms , while the lower flat will be equipped with six laboratories (labs) including labs for Information Technology, Home Economics, and Industrial Technology The lower flat will also house a canteen

A number of fire prevention methods will also be put in place, including fire escape stairs, fire escape doors, fire alarms, extinguishers, limited timber usage, metal ceilings and fire-retardant panels

The contracts for the construction works were signed between the Ministry of Education ( MoE ) and four contractors during a brief signing ceremony held in the ministry’s boardroom MoE ’ s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, signed

BM Property Investment Inc

Lot 2 - Block works, which is for $59.99 million, was also awarded to BM Property

Lot 3 - Plumbing works went to A Ograsein and Sons General Contractor for $9.652 million; Lot 3Plumbing works , went to A Ograsein and Sons General Contractor for $ 9.652 million ; Lot 4 - Electrical Works, went to Cummings Electrical Company Ltd for $18.721 million, while Superior Supplies and General Construction was awarded the $22.472 million contract for Lot 5 - External works and Lot 6 – Finishing works, which will cost $29.053 million

Origin Investments is the consultant for the project

The contracts for the rebuilding of the school comes just a few days after the MoE would’ve signed seven contracts totalling $688.159

these schools; what happens is that children can ’ t get their education Let ’ s understand the important role we play here in ensuring that children in this country can get an education I hope that everybody understands their contractual obligations,” Manickchand implored

“There is some massive programme to get secondary schools up and running As exciting as it is, it’s equally worrying We are depending so much on people signing contracts with us to honour their duties on those contracts If you know you can’t do it, don’t sign the contracts If you can’t get this done, we will be firm on implementing the provisions for liquidated damages in the contracts ,” she added

The minister explained that the construction was broken down into separate components and awarded to

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, with representatives of the various companies at the contract signing ceremony (Delano Williams photo)

St Rose’s High on schedule to be completed by month end

CONSTRUCTION of a new Rose ’ s High School building is on schedule to be completed by the end of June , while work at a number of other secondary schools , including the problem - plagued Good Hope Secondary and Yarrowkabra Secondary Schools, are expected to be completed in time for the September opening of the new school year

Other schools where construction is expected to be

completed by September include Abram Zuil Secondary in Region Two (Pomeroon - Supenaam ) which is being renovated and Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High, East Ruimveldt Secondary, and St Winifred’s Secondary in Georgetown , which are being expanded to accommodate more students

Also in Georgetown , work on rebuilding the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School , which was destroyed by fire in 2021, is expected to be completed by October

Minister of Education , Priya Manickchand , made these disclosures on Wednesday during a contract signing, at the ministry’s Brickdam office, for the construction of Christ Church Secondary School, which was destroyed by fire in January

“For the start of September , we will have Queen ’ s College, Bishop’s, St Rose’s, Good Hope , Yarrowkabra , Abram Zuil, East Ruimveldt, St Winifred’s These schools are all going to be finished and that will allow us to accommodate significantly more children ,” Manickchand related

“North Ruimveldt should

be finished by October of this year Even as we do that, we are rebuilding Christ Church and the St George’s [ Secondary ]. The Cabinet recently offered its no objection [for a contract awarded to rebuild the school ]. Even as we are doing those [bids for construction at other schools ], others have been put out in the general public so that all the world can bid on them It is really trying to get us to a place where we have universal secondary education,” she added

Works at all of these schools are part of the government’s overarching target to achieve universal secondary education, that is, access to a secondary school for all eligible students, all across the country

The expansions and constructions are part of the MoE’s plans to widen intake capacity at several secondary schools countrywide

While construction at most of the schools has only been going on for the past few months, the completion of works at the St Rose’s High, Good Hope Secondary and Yarrowkabra Secondary will mark the end of a very taxing journey and lengthy delays

In the case of St Rose’s High, it has been almost five years since the school’s former wooden building facing Church Street was demolished to make way for the construction of a new, modern building

In August 2018, a $352 million contract was awarded to Courtney Benn Contracting Services to complete the new building by April 2020 However, that contract was terminated in November 2020 , after it was realised

that the contractor had only completed nine percent of the work and no attempt was being made to speed things up

In September 2021 , a new contract worth $515 million was signed with Shandong Degian International to complete the building.

During Wednesday ’ s press conference , MoE ’ s Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, explained that the contractor has started to step up the pace on the construction since it is slightly behind schedule

“There is about a five per cent lagging in terms of timeline and the contractors as we speak are trying to put a shift system in place So, by the end of this month the school should be ready to be handed over,” King explained

Like St Rose ’ s , the schools at Yarrowkabra and Good Hope have seen protracted construction

Both of these schools fall under the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project (GSEIP). This programme was first conceptualised in 2014, receiving US$10 million in financing from the World Bank and covers the construction of four secondary schools , of which only one has been completed so far

Construction on the Good Hope Secondary commenced in 2018, while the contract for the Yarrowkabra Secondary was signed in 2019

In both cases the schools were being worked on by BK International Inc, and those contracts were terminated by the government

A contract for the completion of Yarrowkabra was later awarded to R . Bassoo and Sons.

The old St Rose’s building that was demolished in July 2018

Mahdia students given option to write, retake CSEC ‘exams’ in January

STUDENTS who were affected directly and indirectly by the devastating fire at the girls’ dormitory in Mahdia, Region Eight, have been given the option to write or retake the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations at the January sitting , Education Minister, Priya Manickchand has disclosed The fire which au -

choose that option and some felt like they needed to write now,” Manickchand said on the sidelines of a signing ceremony on Wednesday Students across the Caribbean are currently writing the May / June CSEC examinations CSEC examinations are normally written by candidates who have completed two years of the syllabus at the secondary level

The ministry is still engaging with the parents and students who were directly affected by the tragedy

“Of the children who are directly affected we have begun to talk to them and their parents about what options can work for them and their parents and given all kinds of present circumstances including their psychological state of mind we are working to see what

thorities have since determined was maliciously set, claimed the lives of 20 children and left a similar number nursing injuries, some life-threatening “ Not everybody was directly affected but you had children from the same school [Mahdia Secondary], who I considered to be directly affected We offered them the option of writing in January, some students

Additionally, those students who have opted to continue with their examinations during this period, have been given the option to retake the exams if the results are not satisfactory

“If after the results are out and they want a second chance they will get that although we don’t usually do that in the public schools and they will choose January.”

some of the best options can be,” she said

According to Manickchand, some students have indicated their reluctance and inability to return to school and , as such , the ministry is exploring the construction of at least one secondary school in another part of the region

“For example, Micobie has offered two options for their students : one a bus service or two, a school in the community.”

She added, “Our insistence is that every single student that was affected by this fire, whether directly or indirectly will finish high school successfully.”

On May 21, the Mahdia Secondary School’s girls’ dormitory was ravaged by a fire that claimed the lives of 19 girls and one fiveyear-old boy and left several injured

A 15-year-old girl who has been identified as the alleged arsonist , has since been slapped with 19 counts of murder and is currently being held at a juvenile facility. The charges were instituted prior to the death of the 20th victim.

Several of those who perished in the fire were recently laid to rest

Over $800M in contracts signed for roadworks in Regions 4 and 5

AS the Government of Guyana continues on its infrastructural development path, the Ministry of Public Works , on Friday, signed 25 contracts worth some $809 million for roadworks in various communities across Region Four

12-month contracts

Additionally, Minister Edghill related that he would like the projects to be completed before the end of 2023.

He told the contractors not to dig up roads until they acquire the necessary materials

Street, Annandale Sand Reef , Ram Street , Annandale Sand Reef, Seawall Road , Side - Line Dam , Buxton , NOPR , Annandale Sand Reef , Nikuma Street , Annadale , Mosquito Hall , Road Network , River View , Mosquito Hall ,

( Demerara - Mahaica ) and Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said that the contract signing was a reminder of the government ’ s commitment to bringing development to every community

He noted that persons have been asking for interventions in their communities because “ the hopelessness that existed has disappeared.”

“ People don ’ t ask if they know nothing will happen Every time we have a contract signing or announcement of new projects , interventions in various communities, the light of hope and that flame of anticipation burns brighter,” he related

The minister urged all contractors to employ labour and engage with persons from the communities where they will be executing their three to

“ While people are complaining about the state of the road, it must not be a complaint while the work is being executed We want to make the people satisfied,” he said

The road works will consist of the construction of different types of roads, asphaltic concrete roads and rigid pavements.

He noted that the concrete roads, while it costs more, is not interrupted by the weather and provides more employment opportunities

The contracts provide for the rehabilitation of 10.642 kilometres of roads in communities.

On the East Coast of Demerara ( ECD ), the roads being rehabilitated or constructed are Alim Street, Annandale Sand Reef, Black Boy Street, Phase 1, Annandale Sand Reef, Black Boy Street, Phase 2, Annandale Sand Reef, Harry Street, Annandale Sand Reef, Khan

Unity, North Better Hope Road Network ( Phase 1 ), North Better Hope Road Network ( Phase 2) Fisherman’s Quarter, Main Road ( Guinness Bar Road ), Plaisance , and Second Street, Mon Repos,

On the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), Sixth and Seventh Street, Diamond, as well as Fourth Street , Grove will also be rehabilitated or constructed

Meanwhile, contracts were awarded for the construction or rehabilitation of roads in Mahaica, which include First to Fourth and Sixth Street, Helena.

The ministry also intends to construct or rehabilitate about 30 roads in Sophia. To this end , three contracts were awarded for the rehabilitation of Mackintosh Street , B Field, Samaroo Street, B Field, and the Main Access Road, B Field

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Permanent Secretary, Vladim Persaud and Procurement Manager, Andy Mahadeo, along with contract awardees

By Naomi Parris

‘Smallie’ cremated by State despite objections from family —

DESPITE objections from some relatives, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) on Friday proceeded with the cremation of convicted murderer and death row inmate, Royden ‘Smallie’ Williams.

Williams, who had been charged with 23 counts of murder had recently escaped from the Mazaruni Prison, while under heavy guard. He was later shot and killed by Joint Services ranks, who were part of a high-level operation to recapture him.

In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs explained that funeral arrangements were made between the GPS and the Williams’ sister.

“Shortly after his death, Williams’ sister engaged the prison authorities who informed her that the State will not hand over the body to the family and will take care of the funeral arrangements.

The reasons were provided to the sister. The prison authorities and the sister, on behalf of the family, discussed and consensually planned the funeral arrangements.

Out of those discussions, it was decided that the funeral will take place at Memorial Gardens, Le Repentir, with an agreed number of family members in attendance and that the family's pastor will do the final rites,” the release said.

It was further explained that as of 8:00 hours on Friday, the Director of Prisons and the sister of Williams confirmed arrangements.

“The Guyana Prison Service's position on this matter is that unless the convictions

and sentences imposed upon Williams were set aside or reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction, Williams's body will remain with the prison authorities, as the law provides. Appeals filed and pending against his multiple convictions and sentences do not affect this position,” the release said, adding that the matter is further compounded by the fact that Williams escaped again from lawful custody, aided and abetted by several persons, “some of whom were in possession of high-powered automatic rifles, who not only fired upon the pursing ranks but also created general fear and terror countrywide.”

The ministry emphasised that the prison service was within its right to keep Williams’ remains and dispose

of them as it saw fit.

“The decision remains that the Prison [Service] keeps custody of the body and performs the final rites in the manner identified above,” the release added.

Last month, Williams had escaped from the Mazaruni Prison with the assistance of heavily armed men in a speedboat.

According to the Prison Service, Williams was returning to the Sibley Hall prison on an ATV and was in shackles after receiving a visit from a female, when escorting ranks came under gunfire.

Williams while in cuffs managed to run towards the riverbank and jumped into the river, the Prison Service said.

The gunmen assisted him

into the speedboat which headed upstream past Itaballi Landing, while prison guards and police in support undertook pursuit.

After being at large for several days, ‘Smallie’ and two accomplices were shot and killed by police authorities.

In February 2017, Williams was sentenced to death when a jury found him guilty of eight counts of murder in relation to the 2008 Bartica massacre, in which a dozen persons, including three police officers were shot dead.

Several months later, in July 2017, Williams escaped from the prison at Camp Street, Georgetown during a riot. It is believed that he was the mastermind. However, he was nabbed on October 9, 2017, at Weldaad, West Coast

Berbice (WCB), while travelling in a public minibus.

In 2013, Williams was acquitted after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the charges against him in relation to the 2008 Lusignan massacre, which claimed the lives of 11 persons, including five children.

Last year, he was sentenced to death for the 2008 murder of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer, Ivor Williams.

‘WE DON’T BURN, WE BURY’

Meanwhile, hours before the drama unfolded at the crematorium, Williams’ father, Morris Williams, in the presence of his attorneys Nigel Huges and Ronald Daniels said he felt “bullied” by the Prison Service.

He was at the time speaking at a press conference held at the Hadfield Street office of the Hughes, Fields & Stoby law firm.

Morris told reporters that cremation is against the family’s religious belief.

According to his lawyers, at 08.15 hours on Friday, the family alerted the Chief

Justice of their intention to engage the court on an application to have his body handed over to them for a burial of their choice.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall was also informed by the family’s counsel of this move and he indicated that the Commissioner of Police would hand over the body to the relatives.

At the time of the press conference this did not occur.

“We don’t burn dead; we bury our dead. That’s what I know from growing up in my family …Royden is dead already. They have no right to the hold the body,” the visibly distraught man said.

The family’s counsel argued that because of the pending applications to appeal Williams’ death row sentences, his body should be released to his relatives.

However, the Ministry of Home Affairs in its statement said that Williams’ criminal record and antecedents, and the recent facts and circumstances arising from his escape led to the decision by made by the Prison Service to keep custody of his remains.

Four prison officers were among six persons who were remanded to prison last month for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to aid Williams in his escape.

The prison officers are head of security of the Mazaruni Prison, Alexander Hopkinson; Omar Whitherspoon; Conroy Hosannah, and Oldfield Romulus. A female visitor, Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez of Alexander Street, Kitty and a businessman, Rajmohan Autar called “Chico” were also charged.

US-consortium announces open call for Guyanese vendors and suppliers

AS it looks to transform the energy landscape, LNDCH4 has commenced the initial phase of its vendor and supplier identification in Guyana.

In a press release issued on Friday, the US-consortium extended an invitation to suitable businesses to join its mission.

“Through the strategic implementation of cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to environmentally conscious practices, LNDCH4 aims to establish

a new paradigm for energy production in Guyana while prioritising the utilisation of local resources.

This groundbreaking gas-to-energy project holds the potential to not only strengthen Guyana's energy capacity but also generate a multitude of employment opportunities and foster robust economic growth in the region,” the company said.

Hence, LNDCH4 is looking for businesses specialising in various sectors to participate in this “mo-

mentous” venture.

“We are particularly interested in collaborating with enterprises that excel in the fields of manufacturing / production, dealers / distributors, maintenance / repair, rental / lease,

construction contractors, professional services, and logistics providers,” the release said before pointing out that the invaluable expertise in these areas will be instrumental in ensuring the successful realisation of the

company’s transformative goals.

“Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future within the energy industry.”

According to the release, Humberto Lopez, the General Manager of LNDCH4 Guyana, said: “We welcome the contribution of Guyanese to participate in this groundbreaking project. Together, we can forge a path towards a cleaner and more sustainable future - empowering people and communities.”

Those who wish to participate in the vendor identification process, can register their interest by completing the online form available at www.bit.ly/ LNDCH4GY.

This form will allow potential suppliers and service providers to provide essential information about their organisation, products, or services, enabling LNDCH4 to evaluate their suitability for partnership opportunities.

legal action being considered

Relatives of Royden ‘Smallie’ Williams at the Memorial Gardens in Le Repentir where a small funeral ceremony was held (Delano Williams photos)

Morris Williams

NTC Secretariat building to be commissioned soon

THE new building which is expected to house the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Secretariat at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown, will soon be commissioned

This was disclosed by the NTC following an inspection by several executive members on Tuesday

The NTC , in a brief statement issued on its Facebook page, thanked the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for the support given to the council

“The NTC as the representative body of all Indigenous leaders in Guyana, remains committed to

continue working closely with Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and all our partners to promote the rights and interests of Indigenous communities,” the statement read.

The soon-to-be commissioned building consists of an administrative section, and a dome, which will be used to host meetings and other events

Additionally , the administrative building has four self-contained rooms that will provide accommodation for toshaos attending meetings in the city

Electricity to the build-

ing will be provided by Guyana Power and Light ( GPL ) and will also be solar powered

In 2022 , the government had allocated some $100 million in the National Budget to relocate the secretariat from its Hadfield and Cross Streets , Georgetown location

Government had set aside $20 million for the furnishing of the new secretariat

In a previous interview with this publication , Minister of Amerindian Affairs , Pauline Sukhai , had noted that Guyana is the only country with a

government that supports and promotes a full month of activities that seek to celebrate and recognise the contribution of Indigenous tradition, knowledge and culture.

“ Our government is the only government so far in the international community that is setting the pace and being the front runner in terms of addressing and including the Indigenous population in the mainstream of national life and national activities.”

She had also explained that while the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is the oversight institution

for Indigenous Peoples, it was the elected leaders of the NTC that oversee the administrative functions of the Indigenous communities under the country’s laws.

“The NTC should feel very proud that our government has stepped up to ensure that as a council of leaders, as respected leaders, they should also have their own quarters,” Minster Sukhai said, adding: “The legitimately elected leaders for Amerindians, they have administrative functions under the law and also other functions under the law that they need to perform.”

The provision of this secretariat is a key part of the government’s support The government ’ s role , she said is to provide the prerequisites that will ensure the full functioning of the council

At the opening ceremony of Heritage Month celebrations last year , President , Dr . Irfaan Ali, had vowed to work with young Indigenous Peoples to ensure that they are a part of the new phase of development in the country in fields such as health care , engineering and heavy equipment operation

Voter turnout for Joint Services just under 50 per cent

THERE has been a notable increase in voter turnout among the Joint Services with 4,317 or 47.48 per cent of the 9,093 ranks casting their votes for the Local Government Elections (LGEs) two Fridays ago.

This marks an 8.47 per cent increase from the 39 per cent turnout that was recorded in 2018, when the LGEs were last held

Considered a representation of the confidence of the populace in the political process, voters turning out to exercise their franchise is thought to be essential in a functioning democracy.

Statistics on the Joint Services voter turnout were confirmed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) during a press conference held on Friday at the commission’s

Command Centre on Fort Street, Kingston

Those who voted included ranks of the Guyana Defence Force ( GDF ), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Prison Services (GPS).

Chief Elections Officer ( CEO ), Vishnu Persaud , revealed that of the three, the GPS saw the highest turnout rate, with 239 or 55.58 per cent of the 430 voters casting their ballots thus far This marked a 13.89 per cent increase compared to what transpired in 2018

Of the 2,684 eligible GDF ranks, 1,361 or 50.71 per cent turned up to vote

The GPF had the largest number of eligible ranks, with 5,979 entitled to cast a ballot Of that number

2,717 or 45.44 per cent voted This is a 4.14 per cent increase over 2018

Overall, the 2018 LGEs had recorded a 36.3 per cent voter turnout, which represent 208,534 of the 573,923 registered voters turning out to cast their ballots

This represented a more than 10 per cent decline from the 47.1 per cent vot-

er turnout recorded in the 2016 LGEs

Contrastingly, General and Regional Elections (GRE) see a much higher voter turnout with the last two elections averaging 71.9 per cent

A number of ranks who were not able to vote are

expected to do so on Monday

This will include at least eight ranks for whom special arrangements have been made after there was a mix up of ballots during their voting on e-day

Unlike GREs where all of the ballots are the same, for LGEs voters are issued ballots specific to their Local Authority Area (LAA), with differing LAAs having different List of Candidates in the Proportional Representation (PR) and Constituency components of the LGEs

During Friday’s press conference , Persaud explained that due to a mix up at a polling place , a rank was issued with a ballot for an LAA that was not his Not noticing the mix up, the rank proceeded to vote The rank that the ballot was meant for also voted

As such , Persaud explained the two ballots were listed as tainted and will be set aside and not counted in the valid ballots on Monday

Not wanting to disenfranchise the ranks , since the situation was no fault of theirs, the ranks will be given a chance to cast their ballots at their designed polling station in their LAA on Monday A similar situation occurred at another polling station which affected another six ballots which will also be set aside

“ Decision was taken that we have to ensure that those persons are allowed to vote again and we do everything we can to not place a burden on those persons

They have all agreed to accept our help and go and vote on Monday ,” Persaud explained.

The soon-to-be commissioned NTC secretariat (NTC photos)

A section of the spanking new building

An inside view of the building

Joint services voting has seen an 8.47 per cent increase this year

RACING TIPS

Novak moves into French open final

(BBC) - Novak Djokovic is one win away from a record 23rd men's major title after moving into the French Open final by beating Carlos Alcaraz in a contest ruined by cramps for the Spaniard.

With an enthralling match delicately poised at one set each, Alcaraz pulled up early in the third with the issue.

He twice carried on after treatment but Serbia's Djokovic took full advantage to run away with a 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 win.

Djokovic will face Casper Ruud, who beat Alexander Zverev, on Sunday.

Norwegian fourth seed Ruud, who lost to Rafael Nadal in last year's final, won 6-3 6-4 6-0 against 22nd seed Zverev.

The 26-year-old German was back in the semi-finals after suffering a serious ankle injury on court at the same stage 12 months ago, but was outclassed by Ruud, 24, in a straightforward victory.

Ruud will aim to win his first major title at the third attempt, having also lost to Alcaraz in last year's US Open final.

Coincidentally, before Zverev's return to the last four, this year's opening semi-final was also cut short by a physical issue

- although thankfully top seed Alcaraz's problem was not of the same gravity as the German's injury which kept him out for several months.

But it was enough to spoil an encounter which was blossoming into a classic.

"First and foremost I have to say tough luck to Carlos," Djokovic said in his on-court interview.

"At this level the last thing you want is cramps and physical problems. I feel for him, I feel sorry, I hope he can recover and come back pretty soon.

"He knows how young he is, he's got plenty of time ahead of him and he will win this tournament many

times."

Alcaraz, 20, hit a forehand into the net on Djokovic's second match point, bowing his head as he trudged to the net, where the third seed waited to console his younger opponent.

Djokovic applauded Alcaraz off the court along with the crowd, but only after the two-time champion received some boos as he celebrated reaching a record-extending 34th Grand Slam men's final by pointing to the sky.

The mood turned more celebratory as Djokovic took the post-match microphone, with fans chanting the former world number one's name.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday June 10, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS

ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 129 (17 overs)

(2) 15 (3.3 overs)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI played in the first ODI but not in the second in the recent contest against the UAE?

(2) Who replaced him?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

World number one Carlos Alcaraz was playing in his first French Open semi-final

Australia still on top but Rahane and Thakur lead India's resistance

mid-off, but this time there was enough grip from the surface to take the edge for point to take the catch. To get Smith out for just 34 when he was batting at a control rate of above 90 percent was a relief for India.

Jadeja then used the rough outside the left-hand

batter's off stump to get rid of Travis Head. Labuschagne, standing well outside the crease to face the India quicks, never really looked in control. He ended the day 41 off 118 but, along with Green, he denied India any further success. To their credit, India didn't allow

them easy runs, going at well under three an over.

It was half the job done for Australia, who would want to give their fast bowlers at least 24 hours with their feet up before they begin their final push for the title.

(ESPNCRICINFO) - India hung in admirably on the third day of the WTC final through fighting runs from Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur and a better bowling effort than in the first innings, but by the end of the day it was apparent they had lost too much ground on the first two days. They began the day 318 behind with half their side gone, took body blows to somehow reduce the deficit to 173, but ended the day 296 behind with six Australian wickets still standing.

India began each session of the day knowing the best they could do was stay alive. They managed to not get blown away, but in the long, final session, Australia progressed steadily to leave India somewhere between just alive and out of the game.

Scott Boland began metronomically and snuck past KS Bharat's inside edge to bowl him second ball of the day. Pat Cummins and Boland then proceeded to torture the two batters, Rahane and Thakur, with uneven bounce out of the pitch. For the best part of the first hour, they were relent-

less and quick. Thakur was forced to take a painkiller and wear padding on both his forearms.

However, it was still not a perfect display in the field from Australia. Cummins ended up with six no-balls with wickets off three of them. Following Ravindra Jadeja and Rahane on day two, he missed out on Thakur's wicket on day three. Three catches went down in the slip cordon. Mitchell Starc struggled for control.

Once they saw off the threat of Cummins and Boland, Rahane and Thakur began to score freely.

By lunch, Rahane was 11 short of what would have been a special century on Test comeback, and Thakur

14 short of a third fifty in three innings at The Oval.

The 60-over-old ball had stopped misbehaving by now, and India had a good shout at cutting down the 209-run deficit significantly before the second new ball.

Post lunch, though, Rahane followed a widish delivery and edged it only for Cameron Green to pull off a spectacular catch at gully. The next three wickets could add just 35, though Thakur did manage to get

to his half-century.

India bowled with better control than they did in the first innings. Mohammed Siraj, in particular, extracted uneven bounce after nicking David Warner off early. Twice the bat fell out of Marnus Labuschagne's hands on impact, much like it had done earlier with Thakur. Once he was swept off his feet. Umesh Yadav benefited from the pressure created with his first wicket of the match as Usman Khawaja wafted at a wide delivery.

At 24 for 2, India would have hoped for further inroads, especially with Labuschagne struggling, but Steven Smith played a breezy knock to push India back. Having set himself up for a long dig in the first innings, Smith now looked for quick runs, racing away to 12 off his first seven balls. India's second string of quicks now bowled with spread-out fields as Smith looked set for a big, effortless knock.

Then Smith tried to charge Jadeja for the third time in the Test. On the first two occasions, in the first innings, he managed to get enough of a half-hit to avoid

Scott Boland went through KS Bharat's defence • Jun 09, 2023 • Bipin Patel

Athanaze, Sinclair give West Indies clean sweep of UAE

CMC – A record half-century on debut from Alick Athanaze followed up a career-best spell from Kevin Sinclair and enabled West Indies to clinch a four-wicket win against hosts, the United Arab Emirates, in the third One-day International on Friday and complete a 3-0 series sweep.

Left-hander Athanaze cracked nine fours and three sixes in the top score of 65 from 45 balls and equalled the record for the fastest half-century on ODI debut, and the Caribbean side successfully chased 185 in the day-night contest at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium.

Sinclair, 23, playing in his fourth ODI, set things up with a spell of four for 24 from 7.1 overs to earn the Player-of-theMatch award, and leg-spinner Yannic Cariah supported with

two for 34 from eight overs, and the UAE were bowled out for 184 in 36.1 overs after they chose to bat.

Opening the batting, Athanaze reached his half-century from only 26 balls when he drilled a delivery from off-spinner Rohan Mustafa through extra cover for his seventh four to equal the record Krunal Pandya of India set against England two years ago in Pune.

The left-handed Dominican batsman opened his account with a four over mid-wicket off pacer Junaid Siddique in the first over of the chase, and stepped up a gear with two sixes in three balls over the square leg region in the next over off left-arm spinner Aayan Afzal Khan.

He added three fours– two in the arc behind square on the off-side – in the third over

off Siddique, who he whipped through mid-on for another four in the seventh over before he pulled left-arm pacer Muhammad Jawadullah over backward

square leg for six in the next over to move within reach of 50.

Athanaze dominated an opening stand of 35 with Johnson Charles, and he was the main driving force behind a second wicket partnership of 66 with Shamar Brooks that put the visitors firmly on track before he was lbw to Khan with 84 needed from 35.2 overs.

Brooks made 33, stand-in captain Roston Chase was not out on 27, and Keacy Carty made 20, but West Indies endured a crisis of confidence and a relatively straightforward chase became a bit dicey when they lost three wickets for 13 in the span of 18 balls.

They were 138 for three at the halfway stage after Brooks

was caught at deep mid-wicket off Khan in the 23rd over, and they stumbled to 145 for five when leg-spinner Karthik Meiyappan nabbed Carty and Kavem Hodge off successive balls in the 26th over.

Left-hander Raymon Reifer joined Chase, made 15 and put on 36 for the sixth wicket to get them back on track before he was caught at deep backward square leg off Jawadullah with four needed from 96 balls.

Chase did not have the honour of hitting the winning runs in his first international leading the Caribbean side, but he faced the eventual final delivery of the match, a wide from Jawadullah that sealed the win with 89 balls remaining.

The visitors rested their appointed captain Shai Hope and Chase led the side, and they also gave a break to Player-of-theSeries Brandon King, as well as pacers Odean Smith and Dominic Drakes, replacing them with Athanaze, Reifer, Sinclair, and all-rounder Keemo Paul after they won the first ODI by seven wickets last Sunday at the same venue, where they also won the second ODI by 78 runs.

UAE made six changes with Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Sanchit Sharma, Adhitya Shetty, and Zahoor Khan all being left out, and Rameez Shahzad, Mustafa, Meiyappan, and Siddique coming

in, as well as newcomers Ethan D’Souza and Jawadullah.

Earlier, Sinclair triggered a batting collapse after Vriitya Aravind anchored two successive half-century stands with his captain Muhammad Waseem and Shahzad in a top score of 70 off 75 balls, and the UAE reached 142 for two in the 23rd over.

Reifer got Waseem for 42 with his left-arm pace in the 12th over after the UAE captain put on 69 with Aravind, and Sinclair transformed the complexion of the match when he held a return catch to dismiss Shahzad for 27 after the batsman added 55 for the third wicket with Aravind.

Sinclair and Cariah carved up the rest of the batting with tidy bowling in the middle passage, and there were two needless run outs, and the hosts lost their last seven wickets for 34 in the span of 78 balls.

West Indies will now pack their bags and on Saturday head to Zimbabwe, where they will play with nine other teams in the final qualification tournament for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 India. The Caribbean side have been drawn in Group A along with Nepal, Netherlands, United States, and hosts Zimbabwe for the qualifiers, which starts on Sunday, June 18, and runs until July 9 in the cities of Harare and Bulawayo.

Sports Ministry commissions National Racquet Centre Tennis Facility

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) fulfilled their promise to the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) with the commissioning of the National Racquet Centre Tennis Facility yesterday.

During a simple but significant ceremony yesterday, Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr., GTA President Cristy Campbell, and head of the Guyana Olympic Association, Godfrey Munroe, were present.

Ms Campbell, during her address, expressed "Gratitude to the Government of Guyana (GoG) for fully funding this project through the MCY&S and the National Sports Commission (NSC)."

She highlighted that, "A mere 14 hours after Minister Ramson was sworn in,

correspon-

from him to meet.

Kevin Sinclair finished with figures of 4 for 24 • Jun 09, 2023 • Emirates Cricket Board

the GTA received

dence

And, the first promise was, 'I will not repair the facility but I will redo it with new lights, surface and stands."

"Today, we are at the commission of these courts and witnessing the manifestation of that promise. We are grateful."

Details in tomorrow’s

edi

tion

The National Racquet Centre Tennis Facility was officially commissioned on Friday before a large gathering of tennis enthusiasts (Japheth Yohan Savory photo)

'Shabazz absence no distraction for Golden Jaguars' says Dover

Golden Jaguars’ Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz is currently not with the training squad in Florida as they prepare for the Gold Cup preliminary match on June 17 against Grenada in Miami.

Shabazz is currently awaiting approval for a US Visa.

However, his deputy, Wayne Dover, says the offfield issue is no distraction

and that the coach is still planning the detailed training sessions for Miami.

The Trinidad-born was reappointed head coach in September 2021, making it his fourth installment.

At the time, Shabaaz did not have a US Visa owing to legal issues, as in the past, he did not travel with the team to the United States of America.

Golden Jaguars' prepara-

tion for this mission started May 26 in Kingston, Jamaica, but Shabaaz was still absent due to his passport being in the embassy.

From June 5, the training squad moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

On Friday, the team’s management stated they were not distracted by the coach’s absence, and he is still playing a key role in developing tactics and a programme for

success.

The management is optimistic he could soon be granted permission to travel.

“In the absence of the Head Coach, I am very much comfortable because I am not a stranger to being in a position leading the Golden Jaguars, but the good thing is that the absence of the head coach is only physical as we are going as a staff to execute our job.”

The final 23-man squad is expected to be named soon, and the assistant coach feels all players are “fighting” to make the final cut, and he is satisfied with the increased fitness levels of players.

On Saturday, they will play Martinique in an International friendly in Palm Beach Gardens from 18:30hrs.

Should Guyana defeat Grenada, they will play the

ExxonMobil U14 Boys and Girls Schools Football Tournament…

winner of Guadalupe vs Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 for a spot in the group stages (Round-of-16).

All preliminary matches are being held at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami. In 2019.

Guyana qualified for the group stage of the Gold Cup for the first time since the competition started in 1991.

Semi-finalists to be decided today

The semi-finalists for the 2023 edition of the ExxonMobil U-14 Boys and Girls schools’ football tournament will be decided today at the Ministry of Education ground.

In the boys’ side of things, Bush Lot will be in action first against Chase Academy from 14:00hrs in a battle that will see both teams grinding for the win.

Two rising star teams, Waramuri Top and Patentia, will clash at the same time as both sides hope to carry on their fairy tale run to the line.

From 15:00 hrs, the famed Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School go up against Bartica with Westminster secondary and New Central High battling for the last spot.

There will be no shortage of girls’ action either as from 12:00 hrs, Tucville go toe to toe with

Ann’s Grove.

The Marian Academy versus Presidents College clash on the other side of the field will also have fireworks with both teams putting in the extra work during the early phases of the competition.

Charlestown and Waramuri Top are sure to attract the fans when they play at 13:00 hrs with Bartica Secondary and New Central High School completing the round.

The outcomes of those matches will set the table for tomorrow’s semi-final at the same venue.

The tournament is also supported by the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), through its Pepsi brand, and MVP Sports.

See full fixtures below: Quarter Finals Day 5

14:00

TBA

TBA

TBA

(Please note: Time will be decided based on results of match # 59.)

Golden Jaguars are preparing to face Grenada on June 17 in Miami, Florida

Golden Jaguars Assistant Coach, Wayne Dover during a session

Action in the ExxonMobil U-14 Boys and Girls football tournament