Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11-06-2023

‘We are here as your partner in development’ — President Ali tells Eccles/Ramsburg residents

IN a last pitch to voters ahead of tomorrow’s Local Government Elections (LGSs), and as the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) wrapped up its campaign, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday night highlighted that Central Government will always remain a partner in the development of local communities.

The President delivered a spirited speech during a public meeting at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, as campaigning for polls entered its penultimate day.

Speaking on the past, present and future developments being done by the PPP/C at the Central Government level, the President implored those gathered to understand the importance of voting at Monday’s elections.

“These local government elections are very, very critical for the advancement of our communities. It is important in that it has great synergy between what we are doing at a central government level, and what is needed at a local government level,” the head-of-state said.

The President said that the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has not been left out of the transformation taking place across the country, and that even more development is in store.

“In this NDC, you are at the centre of the transformation that is taking place across these banks and across Guyana. If you drive across this NDC, especially in the backlands since we came back into office, you will see the advancement and transformation; you will see the result of investment we are making. Investment to improve the lives of people; investment to transform communities. And investments are critical to improving the system of governance across our country,” the President noted.

“Here in this NDC, in the last few years,” he said, “you would’ve not only benefitted from the roads and drainage and improved development, but, more importantly, the net value of families, the net value of houses has increased tremendously in this NDC. It has increased

because of the investment the People's Progressive Party/Civic is making. It has increased because of the way we are transforming the communities.”

The President contrasted development taking place under the PPP/C government against what would’ve taken place under the main political opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which is led by the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R). “Sometimes we forget that APNU occupied the seat of power in this country for 33 years. Not five years; 33 years they occupied the seat of power in this country. And what can they show for that 33 years? What can they show?” the President questioned.

According to the

President, the PPP/C and APNU have diverging political philosophies, as evidenced in the kind of policies put in place during their tenure in government.

“One party’s political philosophy is

to give to the people, and the other party’s philosophy is to take from the people. In the last five years of the 33 years the APNU occupied power, they have brought upon the people of this country

more than 200 new taxes; in less than 100 days, the People's Progressive Party/Civic removed those 200 taxes from the backs of the people,” the President said to resounding applause.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing scores of residents at Eccles Saturday night

President Dr. Irfaan Ali (Delano Williams photos)

‘We are moving on from the wounds of the past’

— President Ali says as he woos ‘East Coast’ voters at PPP/C public meeting

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan

Ali on Saturday said that his party’s ambition is to serve the people of Guyana with honour, dignity, respect and love.

He was at the time speaking at a public meeting of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the Industry Market Square, East Coast Demerara (ECD), ahead of the Local Government Elections (LGEs) tomorrow.

“Our ambition is not what they are trying to put

into people’s heads; we have no ambition to take over any village or community. Our only ambition is to serve you, the people, with honour, dignity, respect and love; that is our only ambition,” Dr. Ali told the scores of residents who were gathered at the meeting.

He told them that they are no longer trapped, as they are moving on from the “wounds and pains” of the past to a future where the ambitions of family and community come first.

“You know the faces of those who seek to trap

us in the past; today, they come with the same narra-

tive of race and ethnicity. That is the trap of the past

that we must no longer allow to hold us back. Let them know we are moving on to a bright, productive, prosperous future that lies ahead of us,” President Ali lamented.

The head-of-state noted that the PPP/C’s philosophy is one that puts Guyana and its development first. He highlighted that Guyana has enjoyed much in the last three years, and that the PPP/C government has stuck by its people.

“We, as a people, have enjoyed so much in the last three years; we have

Continued on page 5

Baby hospitalised after locked inside car

POLICE have detained a taxi driver who reportedly forgot a three-year-old baby boy inside his car and locked the vehicle.

The child was discovered some 30 minutes later, and rushed to the hospital. Police headquarters reported that the taxi driver would usually pick up children and drop them off to school in his car in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and on the day in question, he’d made several trips.

At about 09:15 hrs on Friday, he secured his car on the road, and went into his house.

When he returned 30 minutes later, he observed the child in the back seat of the car in tears, and he immediately rushed him to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital for medical attention.

Doctors determined that the child was dehydrated, and needed oxygen, and as such he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he is presently receiving oxygen.

A report was made to the Police and the driver has been detained pending further investigations.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and some of the candidates contesting the LGEs

‘We are moving on from ...

From page 4

demonstrated to you, the people of this country, that we have stuck by you. We have never betrayed you,” he said.

He added, “We have stuck by you, and we ask you to stick by us, in the good times and the bad times. The PPP/C has always stuck by the side of the people, unlike those who have broken every single promise; who have betrayed every single trust the people placed in them.”

He told the residents that they are voting between a vision of people who understand what it means to run a country, as against those who “break, tear down and destroy.”

Further, President Ali reiterated that the PPP/C government can defend their track record with dignity and honesty, since they have delivered on every promise to the People of Guyana.

He highlighted that in less than three years, the government has increased Old Age Pension by almost 70 per cent, and increased development in the housing sector.

He urged residents to go out tomorrow and ensure that a resounding victory is given to the PPP/C.

“Embrace the future; heal the past, and give us a chance in this NDC, and we will show you leadership with your leaders from your community,” President Ali said in closing.

Several arrested in ‘cordon-and-search’ operation

Police in Region

Five arrested several people on Friday during a cordon and search exercise for narcotics.

During the searches, 277 grams of cannabis was found at one location concealed in a plastic bag in an old freezer on the Rosignol

Public Road. The owner of the stall admitted ownership of the drug and is in custody, Police Headquarters said.

At another location,

Police ranks found 272 grams of cannabis in a black plastic bag, concealed under pieces of wood at a dwelling home. The occupants

have been detained and are in custody pending further investigations.

A section of the gathering at the Industry meeting (Delano Williams photos)

The cannabis discovered by the Police ranks

A Defining Moment

GUYANESE will head to the polls on Monday, June 12 to cast their ballots for representatives of the various local government organs. This is indeed a defining moment which will impact significantly on the governance process, both at the level of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the municipalities.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in a statement, had given full assurance that all systems are in place to ensure that the elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

It is now up to the electorate to cast their ballots and, by so doing, ensuring that the best possible candidates are elected to represent their interests. According to GECOM, there will be no contest in 291 of the 610

constituencies.

Accordingly, there is no need for the establishment of polling stations in those constituencies and based on Section 54 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, in the case where there is only one approved List of Candidates for any Local Authority Area, the persons whose names appear on the List shall be deemed to have been elected as councillors. The PPP/C is the only party to have fielded candidates in all of the 610 constituencies.

This coming local government election promises to be both exciting and ground-breaking. For one thing, the evidence of new, fresh, energetic and committed faces is there for all to see; persons who are committed to community development.

This is evident all across

the country but more so in the Georgetown municipality which over the years had been plagued with high levels of lethargy and administrative incompetence. Georgetown, once regarded as the Garden City, has been reduced to a garbage thanks to decades of mismanagement by the PNC-controlled City Council.

These coming elections provide an opportunity for the citizens of Georgetown to change that dynamic. Efforts by the PPP/C to establish a working relationship with the City Council has been stymied by the intransigence of the mayor who seemingly is more concerned with satisfying the agenda of his political masters at Congress Place than that of the needs of the citizenry.

It is clear from the high

level of turn out at meetings and rallies organised by the ruling PPP/C that there is a rising tide of support for a fresh start after decades of incompetence and mismanagement.

This apparent governance fatigue is felt not only by the broader citizenry but also by a number of erstwhile high profile APNU leaders who have now come to the realisation that the only way forward for the citizens of Georgetown is to have a council that is aligned to the developmental aspirations of the PPP/C.

This wave of popular enthusiasm for development and change is not confined to the City of Georgetown. This is also true for the other townships such as Linden and New Amsterdam which were under the sway of the PNC but which now seem

to be drifting away from the APNU/PNC.

The fact that the APNU has been unable to field candidates in several of the Local Government Areas is indicative of this new reality. This stands in sharp contrast to the PPP/C which is the only party that has fielded candidates in all of the 610 constituencies and 80 local government areas.

The PPP/C, from all indications, has momentum on its side. In the final analysis, however, it is the electorate that has the final say. The choice is clear: one of continuing progress within the framework of the overarching development goals of the current PPP/C administration or a further relapse into a governance paralysis in those local government areas and municipalities where the APNU has political control.

The interest shown by the Guyanese electorate in the contested areas and constituencies has been extraordinary, an indication that Guyanese are taking their civic responsibility seriously. This bodes well for our democracy. Local democracy or what is sometimes referred to as 'grassroots' democracy is an integral part of the governance processes. All eligible Guyanese are urged to cast their ballots on elections day. This is not only a fundamental right, but a sacred duty. Voters are therefore encouraged not only to vote but to vote wisely and with the best interests of their communities at heart. This election provides that opportunity to stand up and be counted.

PPP/C set to record a massive ground-breaking victory at LGEs

Dear Editor,

Like the neutral observers and abundant political supporters providing overwhelmingly positive feedback, our citizens are confident and convinced that the 'red wave will prevail' after June 12, 2023, Local Government Elections (LGEs).

Those who have participated in the leading-up LGE political campaign, the observers, and analysts have considered and are reacting to the continuous all-inclusive development endeavors of the People's Progressive Party Civic.

With more information and the party's tangible and visible demonstration of a genuine 'One Guyana' progression, one cannot deny a

broad commitment to changing the guard in many constituencies and the expectation of an overwhelming sweep at these polls.

On the other hand, the Opposition PNC/APNU has been fighting to deny our citizens their constitutional democratic voting rights. They did everything possible to suppress and further delay the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) conduct of these LGEs, using undermining tactics at the GECOM commission level.

They also abused the extent to which the Judiciary accommodated their frivolous cases that mainly were rejected at the hearings and in which the rulings mandated that their representatives pay costs. Recognition of the

PNC's wicked attempts to fuel a race division has not gone unnoticed, and in the end, the shameless cabal has crawled from their cocoons, trying to appear relevant.

Given Guyana's historical political context, it is essential to note that the PPP/C's ground-breaking acceleration of a One Guyana platform for the broader benefits of our people cannot be underscored or go unnoticed.

Vice President and General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali have provided exemplary and inspirational leadership. Unlike the PNC, we are witnessing a Government and all its Cabinet members walking the walk in every community.

Already, we see com -

mitted deliveries of over 80 percent of the PPPC 2020 General and Regional Elections Manifesto promises. Our nation is experiencing a leadership embracing and holding the hands of every ethnic group and, significantly, a clean, enthusiastic, and aggressive sense of activism in the various communities soliciting mass support. The party is demonstrating that it is about peaceful, purposeful, and progressive partnerships.

The PPP/C's track record and plans are instructive in separating this party from any of its competitors. The works and organisation of the party on every occasion in power have contributed to positively transforming the more comprehensive developmental pillars. Over the past three

years, the advancement of the massive housing drive, better health facilities, and development amenities, including the enhancement of communities with better roads, supportive irrigation, and street lights, have been part of the short to mid-term focus. Further, the continuous support of developing our most vital resources, our people, through education and skill set training, all demonstrate reasons for the electorate to vote for the PPP/C.

The PPP/C combination is undoubtedly the best organised political party in this country. Led by the President and General Secretary, they exercise the reach and ability to connect with the masses. Maintaining meaningful relationships has gotten more ac-

cessible following the PNC/ APNU's demonstration of untrustworthiness. The dynamic groundwork of activists has been warm and attractive to citizens since it contributes to a caring and lively relationship that will likely guarantee a massive victory.

Another overwhelming conviction is that the PPP/C government is undoubtedly raising the standard of living in this country. With the massive development pursuit, our property values have improved significantly compared to other parts of the world. Oversees Guyanese are not sending 'small pieces' for their family’s survival today; instead, they are demonstrating interest in returning and investing in Guyana for

Continued on page

LGE may spell the demise of the Opposition

Dear Editor,

The Local Government Elections (LGE) may lead to the demise of the Opposition as predictions indicate that the PPP is headed for a major landslide victory.

The PNC was badly beaten in the last two LGEs, and seems poised to receive its worst beating at the hands of the PPP on June 12. Already we have seen a higher participation rate at the early voting of the Disciplined Services.

GECOM reports that turnout was over 50 per cent for both the prison service and army.

While the PPP campaigns are filled with high energy, excitement, and multi-ethnic

crowds, the PNC campaigns are dour, and lack diversity. Of course, the PPP seems to be awash in campaign resources and support as it is the ruling Government, compared to the PNC campaign. Given the leadership fissures within the PNC, a poor showing by the PNC may well lead to calls for the resignation of the PNC/ Opposition Leader.

He is likely to be blamed for the party’s poor showing and inability to compete in 13 Local Authority Areas already won by the PPP because of no Opposition candidates.

My friend Suresh said the PPP has been able to attract

quite a number of Afro-Guyanese supporters in many communities, signalling that the PPP’s outreaches may be bearing some good fruit. Similarly, we have not seen such diversity at the PNC meetings, or any apparent attraction of cross-over voters. Suresh said PNC people have realized that the grass is greener on the other side, and why should they stay on the PNC side which has nothing to offer them. That he said, is what is causing former PNC supporters to go over on the PPP side, as they have already seen roads and bridges being built, drains dug, obtained part-time jobs, and have seen overall im -

provement since the PPP assumed office in 2020. Suresh said people want to see their communities improve now, and if it means voting for the PPP, they are willing to do that. “What is there to lose,” he said.

The PPP is betting on high turnout of its supporters to take them over the top in the prized areas of Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Linden, and Bartica. Indications are that with many crossover voters on their side, the PPP will win more seats in these areas, and may very well win outright.

While there may be disgruntlement about wages and salaries not going up as fast

as it should, the PPP is poised to trounce the PNC which is seen as a worst possible alternative, given its record of electoral fraud throughout its history. Many are in the “Never Again PNC” mode.

Already, a PNC Member of GECOM is alleging the disenfranchisement of some military personnel, but GECOM has debunked such claims. The LGE has attracted the largest number of election observers, so the PNC cannot spread fake stories of rigging for which they had created the manual during its reigns.

Following its electoral fortunes at the LGE, the PPP must set out to restruc-

ture and revamp the broken regional and local government system. Expectations are high, and people will hold them accountable for a fast track to promises made. Many things need to be fixed in an ongoing, sustainable manner.

Hopefully, all the results will be known well before midnight on June 12, and we will be spared all the fiasco that took place at the 2020 elections. GECOM must provide a continuous feed of preliminary results quickly and efficiently.

Sincerely, Dr.

Jerry Jailall

Finance Minister responds to Ubraj Narine

Dear Editor, Government has noted in the Friday, June 9 Edition of daily newspapers, a letter with the headline “The PPP Government owes City Hall more than $1 Billion in rates and taxes and the Administration is not paying” by Mayor Ubraj Narine – abject failure as Mayor of Georgetown, in which he attempts to mislead the people of Guyana through deliberate misrepresentation of facts pertaining to the management and accountability of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Ubraj Narine’s letter on June 9, 2023, pathetically attempted to distort and discredit the facts stated in the Guyana Chronicle article of June 8 titled “An accountable City Hall stands to gain massive support from central gov’t – Jagdeo”.

In the Mayor’s letter of June 9, he poorly attempted to cloud the facts surrounding audits of the finances of City Hall by claiming “I have written to the Auditor General requesting an audit of the accounts of the Municipality… I have never received a response to my repeated request”.

This is a blatant lie given that the Auditor General would have informed the Town Clerk (ag.) of the status of the Audits. The 2021 Auditor General’s (AG) report on page 95 states that the last audited Financial Statements for the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown was in 2004. The Auditor General also highlighted that he has not received financial statements for a number of years including 2020 and 2021.

In addition, the Special Audit Report of the Auditor General for the years 2019 and 2020, sent on 28 April 2022 to Ms. Candace Nelson -Town Clerk(a.g.), states “Financial statements were submitted for the year 2018 and 2019. However, they were subsequently returned to M&CC on 27 August 2021 for non-compliance with International Accounting Standards.”

It must be noted that these periods directly relate to Ubraj Narine’s tenure as Mayor.

How can one reasonably expect the Auditor General to perform his duties, if the M&CC fails to supply the information necessary to carry out the Audit?

In his letter to the Press, the Mayor made the outlandish claim that Central Government has provided paltry sums of money to maintain the capital city. This is farthest from the truth. In fact, the PPP/C government has provided significant support to the citizens of Georgetown, some of which include:

During the period 2020 to 2022, the Government expended over $6 billion to construct and rehabilitate roads in Georgetown;

• Between 2020 and 2022, the Government expended $155 million to reconstruct and rehabilitate bridges;

• During the period 20202022, the Government expended $1 billion to enhance the Old Railway Embankment, $1.6 billion on enhancement works along Independence Boulevard, Cemetery Road, and Internal Roads, Albouystown, Georgetown; and $250 million on enhancement works along Kingston Seawall;

• Between 2021 and 2022, expended $678 million to operate and maintain the main drainage system in the municipality;

Between 2021 and 2022, the Government expended $600 million to upgrade the water transmission lines in Georgetown;

• The Government expended $510 million on Solid Waste Management that benefitted the citizens of Georgetown

• The Government has committed $779 million for the restoration of the iconic City Hall building.

And the list goes on. The lack of accountability by M&CC necessitated these interventions be undertaken directly by Central Government, as it was clear that resources for these developments would have otherwise been squandered and mismanaged by the Mayor and his team.

Ironically, in terms of the Mayor’s accusation that Government owes the M&CC rates and taxes, the Mayor has failed to mention that the M&CC in fact owes the following to Government Agencies:

• Guyana Power and Light Inc. – $3.2 billion

• Guyana Revenue Authority – $1.7 billion in taxes for the period 2016 to 2023, representing outstand-

The reason I cannot write my memoir

TIME is going and it doesn’t look like I will write my memoir but I have left more than snippets over the 35 years that I have been putting pen to paper. Those little reflections should go some way of providing insights into my long, long public presence in Guyana.

I have a different approach to the writing of an autobiography. It must include the episodes, encounters, confrontations, situations, circumstances, optimisms, pessimisms, disappointments, defeats, victories, etc. that are wrapped into one box called your life. An autobiography must be a complete package.

I feel it is only a halfbaked cake if the sensitivities and revelations are left out, especially if those motifs told you about who people really were and how they shaped your understanding of people. This is my problem in writing my memoir. I will have to say things that will get me into libel terrain.

Make no mistake- people will sue just to get at you if you embarrass them, even though it is the absolute, phenomenal, earth shattering truth. I will offer two abbreviated examples. Two extremely well-known Guyanese on different occasions, years ago, requested me to stop writing for Kaieteur News.

Their position was that they see me as someone whose moral courage is admirable and I should not be associated with Mr. Glenn Lall, the owner of Kaieteur News. Readers will not believe how close those two persons came and are currently still close to Mr. Lall in a way that I have never been for the 30 years I wrote for Kaieteur News.

These are things I would like to include in my memoir but cannot. I believe deep down in my heart, these two men know that my elaboration on their request will devastate their credibility, and will sue and tell the judge

that Kissoon is mischief- creating pursuer who should be sanctioned. I am not going to put Janet Kissoon through the hassle of her husband having to pay millions of what I haven’t got.

If I take the next few years and write my autobiography, the pages will have to be on dead people because the living will sue me. So I can recount my days at Stabroek News and only reflect on David DeCaires and Miles Fitzpatrick. I won’t be able to pen one word of assessment of Anand Persaud.

I know Mr. Persaud. He will sue. I can take the legal liberty where grammar offers me protection by saying Mr.

Persaud in my opinion is the second most unacceptable person in journalism after Adam Harris. I don’t think Persaud and Harris can sue because it is my right to say who in my life that I find unacceptable.

Since I did not offer any description whatsoever I believe natural law and free speech in the constitution allow me to say who I find unacceptable. If I am to write my memoir, I will feel compelled to bring to the attention of the world these nuances of Guyanese society that need to be included in Guyana’s historiography.

I believe after 55 years of activism, I have met some

Finance Minister responds Ubraj...

From page 7

ing PAYE which was deducted from employees but never remitted to the GRA. As an employer, M&CC has a legal obligation to deduct and remit such to GRA in a timely manner.

• National Insurance

Scheme –$387 million owed in NIS contributions as at end of April 2023, jeopardising workers benefits.

Further on in his letter, Ubraj

Narine ranted that the PPP/C Government has wilfully refused to do property valuations that would have resulted in the citizens paying higher

rates and taxes. Here he exposes his party’s plans, some of which have been coyly used as reverse psychology in his party’s Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign utterances.

In examining this statement and based on the APNU/AFC’s accusation in its current LGE campaign that the PPP/C will increase rates and taxes, this statement clearly indicates that it is instead the APNU/AFC that intends to do this. This is the nature of APNU/AFC, to repeatedly claim that they will cut taxes when, to the contrary, as has been demonstrated in their previous term in office, they instead did the

opposite and imposed over 200 taxes and fees including taxes on electricity, water, medical supplies, education services, and construction materials and equipment.

We should not be surprised of the dishonesty of Ubraj Narine and the APNU/AFC who have demonstrated their blatant disregard for the principles of transparency and accountability, pillars upon which democratic governance in modern societies are based.

The General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted the support that

truly evil people in the Guyanese nationality and I say with profound sadness it lacerates my psyche, pierces my soul and harms my mind to see them perambulating the steps of Guyanese society, speaking on behalf of values, mores, morals, patriotism, and humanity, and when they have none of these qualities in them.

It would torment me to write a memoir devoid of these stories. A memoir must be the juxtaposition of the nadirs and lowest points in one’s existence. If these things are not included, it is a half-done job. I am thinking strongly of still writing the autobiography so I can be profuse in my admiration of people who have died and still alive.

I would start with Janet Mohamed, my wife the past 44 years. I would never have survived the terrors and demons of Guyanese politics if I didn’t have Janet by my side. I adore Yesu Persaud. He appreciated me for rea-

sons I would never know and he offered me vast moments of protection.

One of my favourite humans is Anil Nandlall, the Attorney-General. I know him, up, close and personal, and I know he has a deep-seated desire to offer poor people the economic and social dignity they deserve. Like Yesu Persaud, Anil Nandlall has contributed to the preservation of my existence in this country.

I could never write my memoir without devoting pages of admiration for Father Andrew Morrison when he was my editor at the Catholic Standard. Father loved me and played a huge part in saving my eye sight. I end with this little poem from the Sanskrit; If learned critics publicly deride my verse Well, let them. Not them I wrought

One day, a man shall live to share my thought For time is endless and the world is wide

PPP/C set to...

Central Government has provided to the citizens of Georgetown, and with a supportive Georgetown Council the lives of the citizens of Georgetown can be improved at a faster rate. The PPP /C Government has and will always stand on the side of transparency and accountability and safeguarding our sacred Constitution. Our record is clear to see.

Regards, Hon. Dr Ashni Singh,

M.P. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance

From page 6

a better life.

While the cost of living worldwide is sky-high because of the effects of the "pandemic" and the war in Ukraine, our citizens are managing pretty well in Guyana. The PPP/C will enable this nation to live a better life in unity in all our diversity.

We must never allow those who attempt to separate us for their selfish aggrandizement to decide our destiny. Our constitution provides the right for us to determine our future, and the time is here for all our people to make rational decisions based on the

evidence of the PPPC advancing credible and visible development at the national and local levels.

As this nation goes to the polls tomorrow, Monday, June 12, thousands of citizens have already rejected the PNC/APNU riggers in support of PPP/C's powerful and united wave of red. You should, too, because the ‘Red Wave’ will prevail, and a vote for the PPPC for these LGEs is for a united Guyana.

Vote early and vote for the PPP/C list of candidates.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

PNC/R-APNU ‘impending’ defeat, time for a new leader

THE writing is on the wall, and there is no doubt in the minds of the Guyanese public that a strong message is going to be sent to the opposition, the People’s National Congress Reform-led A Partnership for National Unity Coalition (PNC/R-APNU) when voters cast their ballots on Monday.

The PNC/R-APNU is going to get a wake-up call when the results are known hopefully by Tuesday, if all the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) systems in place for the elections go as planned.

Firstly, the APNU is projected to perform much more poorly than it did in 2018. This is, primarily because of poor leadership and lack of oversight given to the party’s elections committee by its leader, Aubrey Norton.

There is no strategic plan for the elections, just hurriedly and hastily dragged together public engagements and meetings in the selective

local constituencies and areas which have managed to attract a few party supporters.

APNU has not managed, either by itself or working closely with those election groups that seemingly are independent, to pull off the mega or big rallies at the local level. This is because the party is not getting the electoral support and buy-in, and financiers were not willing to take such a huge risk to fund the APNU’s divisive and underwhelming local government campaign.

After all, there was no Alliance for Change or Working Peoples Alliance to calm the alleged racists and black elitists down who many feared were power drunk and could not be trusted.

There was no effort at stringing together a detailed Communication Plan to market the APNU at the local level using social media, new media and traditional media. When one examines the messages and themes that APNU promulgated to voters, most

times it was racist, piecemeal, lacked the backing of facts and information and seemed farfetched from the reality of words. It appears too reactive, confrontational and with same-old messages about the same old things.

The local government campaign messages were not futuristic or new. they did not have diversity or seek to have diversity in the ethnicity, race, and religious composition of candidates who presented themselves for public inspection.

Secondly, APNU’s decision to not contest 291 and 25 out of 80 constituencies, LAAs and towns will haunt it on Tuesday when it sees its numbers dwindling in democratic councils, municipalities and towns. Also, GECOM has already declared that there was no contest in 13 constituencies.

No doubt, APNU will cry wolf and tears will flow while as per usual blaming the PPP/C for gerrymandering, voters’ lists, and fraud.

But this looming or intended fate was known long before the elections. It did not help that APNU tried but was unsuccessful in delaying the local polls with their barrage of conceited court actions.

If the PPP/C won 61 per cent of votes in 2018 while the APNU won 34 per cent, it is predicted that the former could pick up 85 or more per cent leaving the latter with just 15 per cent. It is predicted that the PPP/C might take control of key battlegrounds, including those key areas or communities in Georgetown, Linden, New Amsterdam and Bartica.

It is still left up in the air, whether the PPP/C will win an additional town apart from Lethem.

Recall, every party in the government of a country in the Caribbean and to a lesser extent, South America that lost the local polls in this manner, lost the upcoming general election. Similarly, every single opposition party that loses the local polls in a

country hardly ever gets the support of the electorate in time for the general elections and goes on to lose that too. It happened in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados.

Thirdly, when the APNU is finished performing poorly in the elections on Monday, which it will, the party’s Executive, which is controlled by the PNC/R, will have a tough decision to make, and a bitter pill to swallow.

It will need to do some introspection about the direction it is going, and who is at the helm.

What is responsible for its defeat? Is Aubrey Norton worth leading the PNC/R or APNU into the elections of 2025? What is the mood of the people? What are they going to do now politically? Which phrase are they going

to use from their treasure trove of excuses to justify their poor showing? Are they going to come with ‘cheated, frauded’ or ‘the list’ as an excuse for their loss? Are they going to lick the wounds of their defeat, get up, and move ahead?

Finally, with such an impending beating, APNU-PNC or whatever else they choose to call themselves, should withdraw soon after to get their affairs in order.

Too much fighting with the same excuses. This is not the PNC/R Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte and Robert Corbin fought for; this is not the PNC/R that David Granger inherited. So, the battle for the soul and the future of the PNC, as an effective political unit, will commence after June 12, 2023.

Guyana’s move towards energy independence will help households

GUYANA has proven itself to be a global leader in the future of oil and gas with growing geopolitical influence. But it is also important to note the impacts oil development could have on everyday life for Guyanese, at a time when households are struggling with high prices and global inflation.

Guyana’s oil production is set to lower household energy costs, reduce import dependence, and improve the country’s energy independence.

As Guyana continues to show robust growth in key areas, this bodes well for all sectors of the economy, not just the oil sector. For example, infrastructure investments and social advancements in Guyana are directly correlated with the rapid advancement of the oil and gas sector and offer a highly visible example of how oil

revenues are being used to benefit Guyanese.

Oil and gas revenues fund almost 30 per cent of the 2023 budget, up from 27 per cent in 2022. The overall national budget is G$781.9 billion (US$3.75 billion) for fiscal year 2023, Guyana’s largest ever. Additionally, the oil and gas sector is estimated to have expanded by 124.8 per cent in 2022, with a total of 101.4 million barrels of oil produced. The better-than-expected performance of the sector allows for increased spending on infrastructure, electrification, gas-to-energy, hydropower, and solar energy projects that could help bring down costs for households. Importantly, the increase in spending is not a result of new debt or new taxes.

One key project that could play the biggest role in changing the lives of Guyanese people on a day-to-day

level is the gas-to-energy (GTE) project for an integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara, Region Three. The government has said the gas project should start lowering household electricity costs by as much as half when it comes on line in 2024 or 2025.

At the contract signing last December, President Irfaan Ali said that the GTE project will unlock the country’s new energy mix, a significant step forward for a nation that has suffered from energy insecurity in the past.

Gas will provide a vital source of reliable and cleaner energy near-term and help renewables like hydropower and solar in the long-term.

Rural households in Guyana will benefit from the devel-

opment of infrastructure to expand access to electricity.

Guyana was once a country historically dependent on oil imports, not just for vehicle fuel, but for the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) that currently powers the electric grid. While HFO is not only an expensive and heavily polluting source of electricity, it is also tied to the global price of crude oil.

That has historically made fuel imports for electricity one of Guyana’s largest expenses and left the country’s power grid at the mercy of high global oil prices.

Guyana still suffers from some of the highest power prices in the region and the most unstable – but by diversifying Guyana’s energy mix and investing in GTE, this is soon to change that. Among experts, there is optimism that Guyana has turned the

corner for its energy security by focusing on its domestic production, which allows the country to insulate and protect itself from market shock prices.

Now more than ever, it is critical Guyana cuts the cord and becomes self-sufficient, as last week OPEC+ announced it would make deep cuts to its output in July, likely pushing oil prices higher. This organisation pumps about 40 per cent of the world’s crude and cutting production directly impacts prices for consumers around the globe.

The NGL plant could also one day produce other key products beyond electricity, like butane and propane, which would help create a cheaper domestic supply for major household supplies like cooking gases. It will also form the hub of what could one day be a major

industrial zone for production of local products like fertilisers using gas as a feedstock.

The major expansion of new port and road infrastructure funded by oil revenues could also help gradually bring down consumer prices for many goods, as it becomes easier and cheaper to import goods from overseas and Brazil.

Guyana is working to move away from import-dependency by investing in its own infrastructure. This approach will help reduce prices for Guyanese and is only possible because of the oil revenues flowing into the economy. The future is looking bright for Guyana as it demonstrates to the rest of its region what self-sufficient energy independence and a sustainable future can look like.

Seawall noise continues unabated

THREE weeks ago I wrote about noise pollution and its effects, particularly referring to residents who live close to the Kitty seawall and are disturbed by the blasting speakers on Sunday nights.

I noticed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has established a police outpost on the Kingston seawall just

a few days before my article appeared and was I reliably informed that the following Sunday the music was shut off at midnight. However, the following Sunday the ear-splitting music was back and playing well into the wee hours of Monday, once again robbing residents of precious sleep when they need to be up early

to prepare for work. Why, I wonder, must the enjoyment of some be had at the discomfort of others, and on a regular basis? Every Sunday, Kitty residents have to prepare themselves for this assault on their senses. This noise is not just a nuisance but has serious repercussions for the mental and physical health of those subjected to it. This is not a birthday party or social event which takes place once in a while. This happens every Sunday and I was told by Kitty resident Norma Daniels, that even during the week loud music can be heard coming from the seawall. As I spoke with her last Saturday evening I could hear the pounding music in the background and marvelled that she could not even carry on a conversation with me.

Ms Daniels keeps a record of the complaints she has made through the years, her visits to the authorities, even meeting and talking with the Commissioner of Police and still nothing has been done. Why are the authorities not heeding the barrage of complaints they have been receiving from Kitty residents and the words of so many experts and agencies, who tell us that noise pollution causes a number of hearing problems and can also lead to stress and anxiety?

National Geographic even points out how excessive noise can also affect marine life and calls noise pollution “an invisible danger.”

The magazine, stating that sound is measured in decibels, says any sounds in excess of 85 decibels can

harm a person’s ears. A loud rock concert is said to be around 110-120 decibels and pounding music, if not at that level, would certainly be likely to exceed 85 decibels.

Ms Daniels is particularly concerned about how this loud music affects the elderly and the very young. It has to be nerve-wracking for mothers with young babies who either cannot sleep with the racket or “jump” out of their sleep and it must surely increase the anxiety of senior citizens, who generally sleep shorter hours and who now find themselves robbed of those precious few.

The Kitty resident talks of her own feelings of anxiety as a result of this booming music and worries about how this excessive noise will affect people’s mental health. She has a fear that one night someone “who can’t take it any more will react violently.”

“Suppose somebody goes out there one night with a bat or a weapon,” asking the question, “who are you going to blame?”

Her concern is not unfounded for there is a condition known as phonophobia, whereby “loud noises can feel overwhelming and cause panic and anxiety” and anoth-

er, misophonia, whereby loud sound can trigger an “outburst marked by irritation, anger, aggression,” according to verywellmind.

More importantly, the group says, “Phonophobia is a mental health condition that can manifest at any age” and may even occur in “People with a family history that includes anxiety disorder.”

It strikes me that this whole situation is a powder keg waiting to explode, compounded by the lewd lyrics often advocating violence, the petty crime, which is rampant on the seawall and the under-age drinking.

It seems too, that members of the GPF and the army are out in numbers on Sunday nights and residents feel that this is the reason why no action has been taken to even limit the hours when the music is being played.

I call once more on the authorities to step in and institute the laws on the statute books, where limits are specified for daytime and night-time in decibels, “For residential, day-time limits are 75 decibels and night-time is 60 decibels”.

In addition, the Noise Management Regulations established in 2000 fixed standards and gave the agency enforcement powers for noise management.

It is time for the noise nuisance emanating from the Kitty seawall to be addressed in accordance with the laws of this land and for residents of Kitty to get some much-needed respite from this excessively loud music.

Husband dead, wife critical in Rupert Craig Highway accident

AN accident on the Rupert Craig Highway, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday at about 22:30 hours, claimed the life of a man and left his wife critically injured and hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Dead is Rabindra Surujdin of Block ‘8’ Mon Repos, ECD, a manager of the Institute of Health Science Education, under the Ministry of Health.

According to the Guyana Police Force, 33-year-old Sophia MacDougal, the man’s wife, is a patient in the Intensive Care Unit suffering from head injuries.

It was reported that Surujdin was driving motorcar #PAE 1926 on the Rupert Craig Highway heading east along the northern carriage-

way when he lost control and collided with a concrete median.

The Police report noted that the car spun out of control and subsequently collided with a concrete culvert

on the northern side of the road before it submerged in a nearby drain.

Public spirited persons immediately went to the aid of the couple and took them out of the vehicle. The couple was in an unconscious state when an ambulance from GPHC arrived at the scene.

Surujdin was examined and later pronounced dead by Dr. Doerga while his wife was transported to the hospital by Emergency Medical Technicians.

The hospital also made a condolence post and said Surujdin was a pleasant and willing person and that he made any project he was a part of enjoyable and an easier experience for others.

“This is a great loss for our institution, our country and humanity,” the GPHC said.

Dead: Rabindra Surujdin

APNU-led City Hall fails to account for billions collected in taxes

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall has called on Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, to present to the citizens of Georgetown and the country the Audited Financial Statements of the Council, and account for the billions of dollars in rates and taxes being collected by the municipality.

Minister Dharamlall spoke on the matter in a letter to the editor, where he responded to previous published claims by Narine that letters were sent to the Auditor General in January of every year seeking for audits to be done at City Hall.

According to Dharamlall, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (MCC) has seen nothing but countless cases of misplaced financial documents, schemes of fraud are unearthed, while queries by the Auditor General are left unanswered because of unaccounted or misplaced financial records.

Dharamlall laid the blame at the feet of Narine’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), which has since formed the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and partners with the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The PNC and its affiliates have been in charge of the MCC for over 50 years now, and has been blamed for the continued mismanaged state of the capital city.

“The PNC-led Council, later APNU+AFC Council of Georgetown has failed to give documented account for their spending of tax payers’ money. They have failed to implement systems and strategies to ensure that the more than one billion dollars in rates and taxes collected annual-

ly are properly documented and accounted for,” Dharamlall contended.

“Can the Mayor present to the citizens of Georgetown and the country by extension the Audited Financial Statements of the Council? The answer is a resounding NO. Why? There is none. How can City Hall properly account for monies when there is no record of their spending of it? What is there to audit? Yet the Mayor, in his fine fashion, continues to masquerade publicly with spurious claims and calumny.”

According the Dharamlall, the APNU-led Council has been an abysmal failure to the people of Georgetown.

Dharamlall has also dismissed claims by Narine that the Council applied for permission from the Local Government Commission to live stream statutory meetings, but was rejected because of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP) Commissioners at the commission.

Dharamlall reminded that Narine has been elected Mayor since November 2018, when the LGC was dominated by Commissioners appointed by the APNU, so it incomprehensible how the LGC denied the request under the PPP/C tenure.

“I shudder to respond

constituency members are making representation for their rights, a move which accentuates accountability. The APNU-led Council rejected this motion because implementing it would expose their unaccountability, incapacities, inabilities, callous, crooked and cunning nature and it would further reveal the perpetuity of all uncanny ulterior motives to the public,” Dharamlall said.

ticularly as pertains to the solid waste management, as well as upkeep of several vital infrastructure including roads and drainage.

“A simple walk

mandates as enshrined in Chapter 28:01. The result: clogged drains which are only cleared whenever there is a reported blockage, roads which are

to this pathetic excuse except to say that the PPP/C government only swore in the current Commissioners in April 2021. It was under the APNU+AFC government that the Local Government Commission was enforced. Therefore, the decision-making power was within the broken cradle of leadership, or for better phrase, ‘lack of leadership’, of the then APNU+AFC government.

“The PPP/C government was never responsible for such a decision regarding livestreaming of the Council’s meetings. Nonetheless, kudos to the government for pledging their commitment to bring live-streaming into fruition,” Dharamlall noted.

The issue of the live streaming of the MCC statutory meetings has become a point of contention after PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, noted that should the PPP be given a chance to lead City Hall, it would be one of the measures implemented to increase accountability and transparency at the council.

“This is testimony to the PPP’s mandate of transparency at every level, including the Local Government. This move will ensure citizens of Georgetown are aware of the level at which the Council functions and how their elected

Georgetown is among the Local Authority Areas (LAAs) set to get a new council after Local Government Elections (LGEs) are held on Monday.

Though Georgetown has been a PNC stronghold district over the years, this year’s LGEs campaign has seen the PPP/C gaining momentum and making inroads in the city as citizens become increasingly wary of the state of the city, par-

through any street of Guyana’s Capital is evidence of the gross mismanagement of the city under the PNC. For many years, the Council has failed in upholding its

not maintained, parapets unkept, the Municipal Markets and buildings slowly crumbling, garbage is evident in every ward of the city,” Dharamlall said.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

By Naomi Parris

AFTER years of working and travelling across the European continent, travel enthusiast Zoe Reeves decided it was finally the right time to explore the Caribbean seas and mysteries of the Western Hemisphere.

The 30-year-old London, United Kingdom-born set off on an expedition some 10 years ago and her only goal was to travel the world backpacking across the continents.

Her most recent terrains across several Caribbean islands led her to the land of many waters, Guyana, where she spent several weeks touring the capital city and small villages.

“From when I was a child I was always interested in different lifestyles and cultures because my parents sometimes took me and my siblings to different places in Europe… but I had an interest in Caribbean culture,” Reeves recently shared in an interview with the Sunday Chronicle.

As a young child and teen, Reeves was exposed to many cultures and this she believes contributed to her adventurous spirit as an adult.

Prior to arriving in Guyana, she had spent several weeks on the islands of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Her decision on where to travel next was one of spontaneity.

The backpacking experiencetravelling with Zoe

“I was in the mood for an adventure that I really didn’t know about. I was looking for something new and something challenging,” she added.

Unlike the text book tourist, Reeves does not fancy the flashy hotels or resorts: most of her travelling is done with her carrying only her clothes and other necessities in a backpack. She often seeks accommodation on farms, from local residents and smaller hostels.

“Through one of these backpacking websites, I found a farm at Long Creek where I could work in exchange for food and accommodation and after my application was accepted, I booked a flight.”

She spent her first few days in Guyana along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, after which she travelled to the capital city, Georgetown, and visited several other communities where she interacted and stayed with many of the locals.

HOSPITALITY

According to Reeves, her travel experiences are always amplified by the warm hospitality she receives.

In Guyana and the wider Caribbean, the atmosphere she said is always warm.

“The hospitality in terms of people for me has been really positive and really great. For example, if I’m on the street and I ask how can I find a bus to take me to Linden, somebody always helps. Everybody has been so nice to take five minutes out of their day to help me.”

It is for this reason she prefers the backpacking experience.

“I learn so much more from backpacking, it almost forces me to interact with new persons.”

Backpacking, she said, provides room for more exploration. Her travels are never about her final destination, but rather the terrain she takes to get there.

“I have a big desire for adventure and when something is really organized and something is really tamed, it doesn’t really excite me; there needs to be some kind of potential for some unexpected things. The appeal of that adventure is 50 per cent about the journey and how I’m getting there,” she explained.

Though she travelled to several countries, her core memories are usually that of the people she meets and in Guyana, Reeves disclosed that she made a few friends whom she intends to visit some time again.

“I had an interest in Caribbean culture because in London we have a lot of Caribbean people. I would have already heard of Guyana, like I said, I am interested in the world…I knew of this country that is considered to be Caribbean, but is located in South America.”

“I’d like to thank anyone who was kind to me throughout my whole stay, whether that was the Rasta man that let me put my bagpack on his lap, or whether it was somebody that put me on the correct bus, or somebody that invited me to stay.”

Zoe Reeves

Reeves spent several weeks travelling across Guyana

Buxton undergoing development despite previous challenges

AS the community of Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara undergoes a complete transformation, with more employment opportunities; house lot allocations; a US$8 billion water-treatment plant and a $2 billion industrial park, the General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, explained that the village and the adjoining areas are poised to go through more advancements.

At a press conference on Thursday last, Jagdeo said that the Opposition is constantly spreading lies about the state of the Buxton/ Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) that the PPP/C controls.

According to him: “...The fact is, yes, we won the Buxton/Foulis NDC in 2018, and what happened is that we had two years under APNU....when nothing happened for these areas. They [NDC] didn’t receive any support from the central government. Then we had a year and a half of pandemic,” Jagdeo lamented, adding that notwithstanding these obstacles, the community is changing for the better and these transformations are evident.

He stated that the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is trying to manipulate the issue so as to persuade even Georgetown residents to vote for them despite their poor track record.

“In Bare Root, APNU stronghold, since this government returned to office we have regularized 300 house lots and people have their titles to that,” Jagdeo related.

Furthermore, he added that in keeping with their commitment to provide treated water across the coastland, a US$8 water-treatment plant is on track to be set up in the area.

“We have just awarded a contract for [a] US$8 million water-treatment plant that will improve the quality of water in that NDC,” he affirmed.

In addition to this, the PPP/C General Secretary revealed that the community will benefit from a $2 billion industrial park, which is already under construction.

He asserted that this is aimed at providing employment for people within the Buxton/ Foulis NDC and other areas.

“Changes are taking place in that NDC,” Jagdeo confidently remarked, noting that the NDC will be a part of

major developments because the four-lane East Coast Demerara road will pass through the area.

"You’re going to have a four-lane road later this year that will pass through that NDC; that will be a major development boost for all the lands running along the railway embankment.”

After noting these major achievements, he said that the Opposition’s constant referral to the Buxton/Foulis NDC is a bad example, because despite the previous obstacles the government still managed to transform the area.

Gov’t wants to make Albouystown ‘worldclass’ for residents - Jagdeo affirms

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday dismissed accusations by the main political opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), that the government is on a campaign to take over people’s properties, and increase rates and taxes.

Highlighting that the government is aiming to enhance the lives of all Guyanese, Jagdeo, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice- President, said that the Opposition’s accusation that the new boulevard in Albouystown, Georgetown, is to facilitate private investors is not only untrue but shows their “mindset”.

“They are opposed to us making Guyana a world-class country. This [development] can happen in South Georgetown, and the ‘ghetto’ areas, too; they want people to remain living in ‘ghetto-like’ conditions to prove a point,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding that as a result of the government's recent

investment in the community's beautification, residents' property values will increase.

“Now, clearly, people have transported lands there; no State can take away transported lands in Guyana,” Jagdeo said, adding: “So, when we put in a road in ‘Punt Trench’ and a boulevard there, the people in those areas would suddenly see their property values go up.”

He said that he had even advised the residents of that community to not sell their houses, because the value of such properties would rise sharply over time.

“I've been urging people, publicly, not to sell their properties now, because the property values will escalate in the future,” he said.

He also voiced his disappointment in members of APNU who centered their campaign on fabrication, and gave the public the impression that the government is seeking to displace them and take their land.

PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Work commences on $1.3B water-treatment plant in Wales

THE Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has commenced works on the new water-treatment plant in Wales, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Located on the West Demerara Public Road in Wales, the facility is being built at a cost of $1.375 billion and is one among four planned treatment plants for Region Three; treatment plants are also on schedule to be built in Wakenaam, Leguan, and Parika.

The plant is being built by HJ Pro Ecologicos S.A de CV, and is scheduled to be completed by January, 2025. The facility will have a capacity of 8.1 Minimal Liquid Discharge (MLD).

The project will improve access to treated water across the region, even as

the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) works to improve access through the drilling of new water wells in unserved and underserved areas such as Parika Back and Lust-en-Rust.

With only 40 per cent of residents in Region Three benefitting from treated water, the investments in the new treatment facility will bring treated water coverage to 90 per cent.

The government has a very ambitious target along with a strategic plan at the level of the Guyana Water Inc to achieve 100 per cent treated water by 2025.

For 2023, water-treatment facilities were also budgeted for Regions Two, Four, Five and Six. A total of $12 billion has been provisioned in the 2023 budget for work on wa-

ter-treatment facilities, the upgrading of transmission mains and the procurement of water meters and boxes.

A $1.3B water-treatment plant is being built in Wales

Works have commenced on the $1.3B water-treatment plant in Wales

Woman arrested for possession of cocaine, weed

A WOMAN, 60, was on Friday arrested for the possession of 10.3 grams of cocaine and 28.6 grams of cannabis at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

According to a Police release, at 02:30 hrs on the said day, acting on in-

formation received, ranks went to the home where a search of the premises was requested and granted.

The Police found one bulky, transparent plastic bag containing several small bulky silver foil wraps, and several small white bulky paper par -

cels on a counter in her kitchen.

The items were opened in her presence, and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems were seen in each of the white paper parcels which were suspected to be cannabis, while a hard, whitish rock-

like substance was seen in each of the silver foil wraps suspected to be cocaine.

She was told of the offence committed, and, under caution, she admitted, saying: “I selling duh cocaine and weed fuh mine me sickly husband,”

Three years jail for stealing three rams

VESHAN Bharrat, a 25-year-old of Reliance, Essequibo Coast, was charged with Larceny of Cattle which occurred between May 28 and June 01, 2023 at Henrietta. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

He was charged with stealing three rams valued at $180,000, property of Ayube Hamid.

He appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at Suddie Magistrate’s Court on June 8, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Veshan Bharrat

the Police noted. She was then arrested and escorted to the Leonora Police Station,

along with the suspected narcotics. She remains in custody pending further investigation.

March records highest overall visitor arrivals in over a decade - says GTA Director

By Cindy Parkinson

THE Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, has revealed that March 2023 saw the highest overall visitor arrivals in over a decade, noting that the figure stands at 27,352.

During an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Baksh said this is as a result of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the Ministry of Tourism, led by subject minister Oneidge Walrond, and the GTA.

“Even though the British Airways came to Guyana at the end of March, it is not because of the increase in traffic from the United Kingdom (UK), but it is more so because

project by First Lady Mrs Arya Ali, which has seen the transformation of Georgetown, the Kitty seawall, Lamaha Avenue; the introduction of the various green spaces, family parks and the "I love Guyana signs" throughout the regions.

"Both the local and international tourists are gravitating towards these venues because of the physical enhancement that has been done by the First Lady, the government and to some extent the private sector as well and that wasn’t the case before."

He added, “We are also seeing this outside of Georgetown, and what I want us to understand is that the government is not only prioritising the capital city, but beyond. Guyana is not only

the use of the Botanical Gardens by facilitating more activities that will bring people closer together.

Baksh noted that the Botanical Gardens is a bird sanctuary, “and we will be doing bird watching and other activities that we will identify very soon.

“This initiative will also work well with the projects that are being spearheaded by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. One such project is the Diamond Eco Lodge Facility which will be 100 percent women-owned and with the coastal products that we have, we are working to integrate the Georgetown tourism circuit even more."

The aim of all of this, according to Baksh, is to

"I would say that the period of September will be another record-breaking month, much like what we did last year. One of our main focuses right now is the bed and breakfast programme, several properties have passed the criteria, and we are expecting to give them their conditional approval licence by the end of next week. By the end of June, we are also anticipating a minimum of 30 properties."

of an upsurge of business and leisure travellers choosing destination Guyana. We checked in with the tour operators, and they are also booked out,” the GTA Director told this newspaper.

He said based on the numbers, more people are choosing Guyana as their holiday spot, and they are not only staying in the capital city (Georgetown) but they are venturing off to the outskirts of the Essequibo, the Rupununi and other hinterland regions.

He commended the natural beautification

Georgetown but all the 10 administrative regions are benefitting and this will in turn continue to boost the tourism sector."

The GTA director highlighted that one of the places that is filled with people and their families, especially on the weekends, is the Botanical Gardens, in Georgetown.

As a result, he noted that the GTA has been working closely with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) to increase domestic and coastal tourism through the urban and protected areas.

The GTA is also working on a plan to optimize

educate and bring awareness to the visiting tourists, so that they can familiarize themselves with Guyana’s rich history that is demonstrated on the city tours, as well as having them experience the gastronomic delights that the nation has to offer.

Apart from those activities, the GTA also facilitates the sunset tours on the Demerara River, tours to Bartica and many other destination tours along the waterways.

Meanwhile, the GTA director noted that the agency is "working in full gear" for the upcoming Cricket Carnival.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baskh

A section of the Botanical Gardens (Delano Williams photo)

New lawyers admitted to Guyana Bar

MOHINDHAR Doodnauth and Stephanie Prashad are two of the latest lawyers to be admitted to the Guyana Bar, both having recently graduated from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas after copping their Legal Education Certificate (LEC).

Doodnauth, 25, and Prashad, 32, were both admitted last June 7 before Justice Navindra Singh and in the company of family and

friends.

As his legal career is relatively new and it is in its formative stages, Doodnauth told the Sunday Chronicle that he is yet to find his niche in legal practice. However, during his legal placement, he has been exposed to a variety of legal practice of civil proceedings which has aided him considerably in gaining a better understanding of the legal landscape in Guyana and what his niche

may eventually be.

“My decision to become a lawyer was predicated on a number of personal factors ranging from the flexibility of the profession to the marketability of a legal education. However, from a purely pragmatic position, a legal career presented as a stable career path which complimented my proclivity for research and writing,” he shared.

As a word of advice to

fellow youths who may be inclined to pursue a career in law, Doodnauth said among the key factors for success would be the ability to ensure that proper research is done into a career in law.

Meanwhile, Prashad is a Corporate Lawyer managing a variety of contracts, employment, and civil matters.

“I have been practicing corporate law in the US for over five years as a way to blend my passions for law and finance, and look for-

ward to utilising my transnational contract and tax experience to help support industrious and entrepreneurial Guyanese citizens grow their businesses in this age of innovation,” she told the Sunday Chronicle.

In words of advice to others desirous of pursuing a career like hers, she said: “I would advise that developing your community is just as important as taking your studies seriously. Both your education and your support

system need attention and investment, as they provide invaluable opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and professional growth, enabling you to expand your professional connections, gain diverse perspectives, and navigate challenges more effectively.”

Prashad plans to open a firm in the upcoming months called KDP law, specialising in civil and corporate matters.

Charity man arrested for possession of cannabis

A 29-YEAR-OLD man of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast was on Friday arrested for the possession of 165.5 grammes of cannabis.

According to a police release, at about 10:45 hours on the said day, ranks acting on information received, went to the home of the man where a search was requested and granted on his person and premises.

Police found a white paint bucket containing 60 small transparent ziploc plastic bags, two medium transparent Ziploc plastic bags, and a large size transparent plastic bag all containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis in the kitchen of the house.

He was told of the offence committed and

cautioned, to which he replied, "Please for a chance."

The release continued that he arrested and escorted to the Charity Police Station

where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 165.5 grams. He is presently in custody pending charges.

L-R: Manoj Narayan, Stephanie Prashad, Mohindhar Doodnauth, Chandanie Dyal and Judge Navindra Singh at the admission last June 7

Tax removal on cellphones will transform communications sector

- ‘ Telecom’ providers welcome President Ali’s announcement

TELECOMMUNICA -

TION providers GTT, Digicel, and ENet on Saturday said that they support the announcement by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to eliminate taxes on cellphones, highlighting that it is a “significant step towards improving information access and bridging the digital divide in the country.”

President Ali made the announcement on Friday night as he addressed residents of New Amsterdam, Region Six during a public meeting hosted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In a press release, the telecommunication providers said that the President’s decision will transform the communications sector by enabling greater access to pursue educational opportunities, conduct business, and foster personal growth.

“As our society becomes increasingly connected, it

is essential to remove barriers that hinder access to vital technological resources. By exempting taxes on cell phones, President Ali has taken a progressive stride towards bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity in all of Guyana,” the release stated.

The companies noted

that the initiative will undoubtedly result in a multitude of positive outcomes for the people of Guyana, including improved educational prospects, expanded economic opportunities, and enhanced communication networks across the nation, especially our rural and hinterland communities.

“As telecommunications providers in Guyana, we continue to work assiduously with the government and other stakeholders to facilitate the seamless implementation of this tax exemption. Customers can look forward, in

the near future, to revised prices reflecting the removal of taxes on all cellular devices,” the release added.

The changes will be communicated to the public in tandem with the government’s lifting of taxes on such products.

GTT, Digicel, and ENet said that they look forward to continued efforts to promote digital equity, as they build a platform to deliver the best services and solutions for Guyana.

President Ali related that these significant changes will take effect from Monday. He noted that the PPP/C gov -

ernment remains committed to bridging the divide in the country.

“One of the important things about the future is the use of technology. A phone is no longer just to make a phone call; people are doing degrees on their phone, and people are conducting business on their phone,” he noted.

The head-of-state said that a phone is seen as an integral part of the transformation of Guyana, noting that they have already removed VAT on data.

PPP electoral tsunami in the making

AN electoral tsunami is in the making in Guyana for Monday’s Local Government Elections as per an ongoing tracking opinion poll conducted by international pollster, Dr Vishnu Bisram.

The tracking poll trends find a large voter swing in favour of the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and away from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which has been steadily losing ground in its base since a change in political leadership in December 2021.

The poll findings revealed that traditional supporters of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) - the majority party in APNU- have expressed disappointment in their leader Aubrey Norton while those of PPP continue to express confidence in the leadership of Bharrat Jagdeo and President Irfaan Ali.

According to the poll, the PPP experiences cross racial appeal while the PNC receives primarily African and mixed votes and has not been able to win over or retain Indians that supported it in elections in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020.

The poll’s findings show PPP/C has taken a huge lead in voter support over the APNU and other minor political parties and independent candidates. The PPP/C leads the combined opposition by over 45% in popular support and is projected to win some 80% of the seats.

Only the PPP/C and APNU will win control of local entities. But the PNC faces defeat in several seats as well as neighbourhood local entities it won in the last local election in 2018. The opposition forces are struggling

to gain traction and facing decimation, according to the poll.

A minor party could win one seat in Georgetown. “Other small parties and independent candidates are struggling everywhere for popular support,” the poll stated.

Several seats in Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Mahdia and neighbourhood councils that PNC traditionally wins face close contests. The PPP’s candidate, Shawn Smith, for example, in New Amsterdam has been making inroads into a PNC stronghold. Outcome in many seats depends on turnout which is projected to be very low.

The elections are for control of 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) divided into 70 Neighboruhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and 10 municipalities or towns. Each LAA varies in seat composition based on population size. Each has an equal number of first past the post constituencies and Proportional Representation (PR) seats. There are a total of 610 constituencies in the 80 LAAs and an equal number of PR or top up seats for a total of 1220.

The PPP faces no opposition in 12 NDCs and one municipality for a total of 98 constituencies and 98 PR seats. In addition, the PPP faces no contest in 193 other constituencies in the remaining 58 NDCs and nine municipalities.

Elections in Guyana are known to be racially polarised turning into racial contests. This is the first election since 1953 in which a party, the PPP, is winning significant cross over support. The poll noted that Africans and Mixed have crossed over into the PPP which also attracts significant Amerindian support.

“Almost all Indians vote PPP. The PNC has not attracted Indian support with Indians complaining they are not attracted to its leadership but will support the party under ‘a non-racial’ leader like Roysdale Forde,” the poll noted.

It added, “Voters across the racial groups complain they are not attracted to the PNC because

of its leadership. Supporters say Mr. Norton lacks charisma and charm, does not provide visionary leadership, lacks vision, and is high handed and not a team player. They note that since a change in leadership 18 months ago, the party has been plagued or marred by repeated scandals and financial allegations and marred

by resignations.

“Traditional supporters also say the new leader has failed to rejuvenate the party. Much of the party's base say they will blank the election. And although turnout will be low across the nation, the PPP's base is being mobilised and its turnout will be much higher than the PNC's – another

sign of a lack of confidence in the leader.”

The poll further noted that as a result of the multi-racial swing towards the PPP, the party is heading into a mammoth electoral victory never before experienced in the country winning some 80% of the seats and LAAs.

APNU defends returning Winston Harding to list of candidates for Local Government Elections

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Ganesh Mahipaul and Local Government Election (LGE) Candidate, Kibwe Copeland, have come forward to defend APNU’s support for Win -

ston Harding, who had been charged for alleged child molestation.

Mahipaul and Copeland both maintained that they saw no issue with Harding holding a public office, since he was charged but never convicted

of the crime.

Copeland went as far as to say that the party even expected to see resounding support from the electorate for Harding, who is the party’s candidate for Constituency #13 (East and West Ruimveldt).

Harding had first been included on the APNU’s list of candidates in the 2016 LGE; however, after controversy arose in 2016 over the sexual molestation accusations against Harding, the APNU withdrew its support for him.

subsequently thrown out if I'm guided correctly, and he [Harding] expressed an interest to participate and we knowing that the case has been thrown out and these allegations no longer linger against him, he was given the opportunity,” Mahipaul remarked. Although the party had withdrawn its support in 2016, Harding was not removed as a candidate. He went on to win Constituency #13 which gave him a seat on the 30-seat council.

The party has nonetheless once again returned Harding to its list of candidates for this year’s elections which will be held on Monday.

“When these issues arose… we recognised the seriousness of it and that is why in 2016 we pulled him off. [However] the matter went to the court and I think it was

In the subsequent 2018 LGE, APNU replaced Harding with the younger and more vibrant, Trichria Richards as the candidate for Constituency #13.

However, this year, Richards is a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

It seems that the APNU has decided to take its chances with Harding who will be going up against Richards.

Locally produced milk hits the shelves

AMAYA Milk, a locally produced milk from Amaya Milk Company, is now on the market and can be found in some leading supermarkets.

According to a press release, there are several locations where persons can purchase fresh Amaya Milk with more to come on stream soon.

Amaya Milk can be found at Mattai’s Supermarket, Chand’s Service Station (Shell Gas Station) Ogle, Massy Megastores, Cost Cutters, Freshco, and Foodmax supermarkets.

Omkaar Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the milk company, said that their milk is the purest and most nutritional milk on the market, filled with essential minerals and vitamins, to deliver a healthy refreshing drink to everyone.

“I am extremely pleased that we can finally bring our milk to market. It has been a long but rewarding process and I am excited about the positive impact our milk will have on the local market and the local dairy industry,” the CEO said.

Milk is valued as a complete protein source as it contains all nine essential amino acids. Milk is abundant in minerals like calcium and phosphorus that are required for strong bones and teeth. Milk is imbued with essential

vitamins including B12.

Amaya Milk is sold in returnable glass bottles and is ready for immediate consumption straight from the bottle, which according to Sharma was chosen because they are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“Customer will need to pay a bottle deposit the first time they make a purchase, but for subsequent purchases, they only need to bring back their empty and they will be credited the bottle deposit on that purchase,” he explained.

Sharma urged people to pick up a bottle of Amaya Milk from any of the supermarkets mentioned and enjoy a fresh, pure, wholesome goodness that can only be found in a bottle of Amaya Milk.

APNU MP, Ganesh Mahipaul

Manchester City claim...

ranks of City fans inside Ataturk Stadium did not care about that as they joyously celebrated the greatest night - and season - in the club's history.

And for Guardiola, it seals his status as one of the managerial greats as he add -

ed a third Champions League to the two he won at Barcelona, the last coming in 2011.

This was never the walkover many predicted and City had to survive a few scares when Federico Dimarco's header bounced off the bar and Ederson made a st unning late save to deny Romelu Lukaku but ultimately this was all about the victory.

Now Guardiola and his players can take their place in history.

Guardiola & Man City claim holy grail

The Champions League has brought suffering to City and Guardiola - especially when they lost to Premier League rivals Chelsea in the 2021 final - but all the pain disappeared just before

midnight on a sultry night in Istanbul.

City survived late anxiety, especially when Inter substitute Lukaku headed straight at Ederson with the goal at his mercy, but there was an explosion of joy on the pitch and in the stands at Ataturk Stadium as they finally secured the giant trophy that has remained so elusively beyond their grasp for so long.

Guardiola admitted, whether it was fair or not, that his time at Manchester City would be judged on whether he was able to bring the Champions League to the club. Now that judgement can be made.

The Catalan, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, will now be an iconic figure

at City as well as Barcelona.

It is a simple fact that many outside the Abu Dhabi-owned club will always view their triumph through the prism of the charges of 115 financial breaches brought against them by the Premier League, charges they fiercely deny.

For City's owners, with Sheikh Mansour attending only his second game since taking control in 2008, this was the night they have planned for and the one when they finally claimed that holy grail.

Man City grind out greatest night

This was an evening when only the result mattered to City, not the manner in which their greatest victory was achieved.

This was not a win secured with the dazzling style and creation that is usually their hallmark. In fact for long periods it was a scrappy, sloppy performance in the face of a well-drilled Inter side who were right in this Champions League Final until the whistle went.

None of that will matter now. All that will be recalled forever about this game by City's fans was the moment when Rodri arrived on the end of build-up play from Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva to send that precise right-foot finish away from the reach of Inter's outstanding keeper Andre Onana.

And of course the triumphant Champions League trophy lift.

City lived dangerously in the closing minutes and, when it was all over, Guardiola, so agitated in his technical area, was relatively calm as he sought out opposite number Simone Inzaghi for consoling words.

John Stones was once again outstanding for City while keeper Ederson made key contributions when required.

The celebrations at the final whistle reflected a magnificent season as City finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy and prepared to parade it around the streets of Manchester, along with the Premier League and FA Cup on Monday . (BBC Sport)

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Today’s

(2) Who are the two captains involved?

Amazon Warriors, Royals to play Women’s CPL opener on August 31

The three teams who will be taking part are the Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.

The teams will be announced at the end of June with the squads made up of nine senior West Indies players, two emerging West Indies players and four overseas players.

The emerging players will be under the age of 21 and chosen from a list provided by Cricket West Indies.

THE 2023 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier (WCPL) League will take place from August 31 to September 10, 2023. There will be an expanded tournament with increased number of matches this year, giving more opportunity for the best players from the West Indies and beyond to showcase their talents in front of the

vibrant crowds at the ‘Biggest Party in Sport.’

Massy Group has confirmed that they will be returning as title sponsor for the tournament in a threeyear deal that renews their commitment to support and grow women’s sport in the region.

In 2023 there will be seven matches played in Barbados and Trinidad.

The fixtures for the 2023 tournament are as follows:

Date Teams

Venue

Thurs Aug 31

Barbados Royals vs Guyana Amazon Warriors Kensington Oval, Barbados

Sat Sept 2 Barbados Royals vs Trinbago Knight Riders Kensington Oval,

Barbados

Sun Sept 3 Guyana

Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Royals Kensington Oval, Barbados

Tues Sept 5 Trinbago

Knight Riders vs Guyana

Amazon Warriors

Trinidad

Wed Sept 6 Trinbago

Knight Riders vs Barbados

Royals Trinidad

Sat Sept 9 Guyana

Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders

Trinidad

Sun Sept 10 WCPL

Final – 1st place vs 2nd place Trinidad

Pete Russell, CEO of the Caribbean Premier

League, said: “We were delighted with the reception the first WCPL received in 2022 and we cannot wait for the start of an expanded tournament this year. These hugely talented players deserve the best chance to

showcase their talents and the WCPL is the perfect stage for this. Women’s cricket is growing rapidly, and it is pleasing for CPL to play a significant part in that growth.”

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, said: “CWI is committed to greater investment in the growth and development of women’s cricket. Consistent with this is the expansion of the WCPL 2023 to feature more matches and playing across venues in the region. This opportunity for our regional cricketers is invaluable.

Additionally, there is no doubt that the spectacle of the tournament will inspire more young female cricketers to take up the sport. It is certainly an exciting time for all parties involved.”

Ambikah Mongroo, Senior Vice President –Massy Group, said: “Last year the Massy Group shared its new Vision – A Global Force For Good, An Investment Holding Company with a Caribbean Heart. This Vision is underpinned by our belief in the unique advantages that the warmth and vitality of our Caribbean identity lends us on the global stage.

As Massy celebrates our 100th anniversary in 2023, supporting the WCPL exemplifies what we believe to be truly representative of our Caribbean heart. It’s the passion for the game of cricket, it’s the energy of our Caribbean women and the combination of both to have global reach through the CPL platforms. (CPL)

Sri Lanka drop Angelo Mathews from World Cup Qualifier squad

SRI Lanka's dalliance with Angelo Mathews in ODIs appears to have been shortlived after the veteran was left out from the 15-man squad set to fly out to Zimbabwe for the World Cup Qualifier later this month.

Mathews had been recalled to the ODI side ahead of Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand earlier this year following an absence of two years. The decision had given the 36-year-old hopes of a World Cup swansong. However, following a string of subpar showings - since his return, he has made scores of 18, 0 and 12 - he was dropped from the playing XI ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan last week.

Sadeera Samarawickrama, Mathews' replacement for that match, made a brisk 44, which saw him retain

his place in the third ODI that followed, though he wasn't required to bat. Thus, Mathews, who has 221 ODIs under his belt, now seems unlikely to add to that number.

His recall ahead of the Afghanistan series, along with that of Dimuth Karunaratne, was seen as a shift from the selector s to focus more on experience during a World Cup year. But Karunaratne's retention for the World Cup Qualifier is proof that he remains in their minds, though the 35-year-old certainly seems to have earned his opportunity, racking up back-toback fifties on his return to the ODI side as Sri Lanka secured a come-from-behind series win against Afghanistan.

The rest of the squad, though, has few surpris -

es. The batting unit mostly picks itself, with captain Dasun Shanaka leading the likes of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva and Samarawickrama.

Chamika Karunaratne, Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga fill the allrounders' slots, while Hasaranga also leads a spin department that also includes Maheesh Theekshana and legspinner Dushan Hemantha.

Hemantha earned his maiden cap in the first ODI against Afghanistan, stepping in for the injured Hasaranga. However, upon Hasaranga's return to the XI, he failed to feature for the rest of the series. His inclusion seems to be based primarily on his ability to act as cover for Hasaranga, though he has impressed domestically in the recent past.

Where Sri Lanka's trump cards lie, though, is in their lively - though fragile - seam department. Dushmantha Chameera, who made an impressive return to action in the Afghanistan series after ten months out, heads it, although his workload still needs managing. The same goes for Lahiru Kumara, who is capable of express pace but also, far too often, of not being able to complete his spells owing to niggling injuries - most recently in the first ODI against Afghanistan.

The young and exciting Matheesha Pathirana has also made it to the squad. He made a splash in the IPL earlier this year with his 145kph slinging yorkers prior to even receiving an ODI cap, which he eventually did last week.

Kasun Rajitha, who

rounds out the lot, is not express but can be relied upon for some early swing, and nagging lines and lengths.

Sri Lanka begin their qualifying campaign on June 19 against UAE in Bulawayo, prior to which they will play three warm-up games.

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Kusal Men-

dis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana.

Angelo Mathews now looks unlikely to add to his 221 ODI caps

- the squad includes fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana and leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha, who both made their ODI debuts recently

Barbados Royals (pink) and Guyana Amazon Warriors will once again be joined by Trinbago Knight Riders in the threeteam tournament (Photo: CPL)

West Indies name 18-member squad for training camp ahead of ODI & T20I Series against Ireland

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s Selection

Panel yesterday announced the preliminary squad of players who will participate in a training camp in preparation for the upcoming sixmatch Series against Ireland Women.

The training camp will be held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia from 14 to 21 June, where the players will have training and fitness sessions as well as strategic preparations for the three-match CG United One Day International (ODI) Series.

The CG United ODI Series will be played from 26 June to 1 July and is the West Indies Women’s third series in the ICC Women’s Championship, where the top five teams in the ten-team league qualify automatically for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The preliminary squad includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Cherry-Ann Fraser returns to add depth and expe-

rience to the team’s bowling attack after missing the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup due to injury.

Left-handed allrounder

Qiana Joseph, who last played international cricket in 2021, also returns to the training camp squad. She was among the leading players in the recent Women’s CG United Super50 Cup and the T20 Blaze played in St Kitts.

Several West Indies Ris -

ing Stars Under-19 players have been included in the preliminary squad. Zaida James, Jannillea Glasgow, Djenaba Joseph, Shunelle Sawh, and Under-19s captain Ashmini Munisar have all earned their place in the squad. Their inclusion reflects CWI’s commitment to developing younger talent and expanding the Women’s talent pool by providing opportunities for younger players to showcase their skills at

Nuggets beat Miami Heat 108-95 to move closer to NBA title

THE Denver Nuggets moved to within one win of their first NBA title with a 108-95 victory over the Miami Heat to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

The Nuggets dominated throughout in what was a superb team effort.

Forward Aaron Gordon proved a key figure with 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

The Nuggets can secure the championship with a home win in game five on Monday evening (01:30 BST on Tuesday).

"I thought Aaron was huge all night long," said Nuggets head coach, Michael Malone. "He brought his hard hat tonight and was just a warrior on both ends for us.

"This is truly a team win. We've done our job but we're not celebrating like we've done anything yet.

"We know we're going to have to go home and turn off the TV, the radio, don't read the papers, don't listen to everybody telling you how great you are because we haven't done a thing yet.

"We have to win another game to be world champions, and we're going to do that by simply taking it one quarter at a time. If we stay true to our iden-

tity, we'll give ourselves a great chance to do that."

There was a scare for the Nuggets when two-time NBA

Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic tweaked an ankle in the first quarter and then had to sit out a five minute-spell in the fourth quarter because of foul trouble.

But Miami failed to take advantage of his absence and once the Serbian returned with 4:09 left in the game, Denver, who had led by four at the break and extended their advantage to 13 points in the third quarter, remained in control.

the international level.

CWI’s Lead Selector for Women’s cricket Ann BrowneJohn said: “The series against Ireland is an important one for the West Indies Women as the team seeks to build points to qualify directly for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

It also serves as a perfect opportunity to continue to expose younger players to international cricket. This was a policy that the CWI embarked upon which resulted in Under 19 players being selected to the team for the England Series in December and the ICC T20 World Cup in February.”

Browne-John added: “This is now being taken one step further and there are five players who participated in the ICC Women’s Under 19 T20 World Cup in January, now in the squad preparing for the series

against Ireland.

This means that there are some senior players who are not able to get a place in the squad at this time. The Selection Panel however believes that this squad has a good mix of youth and experience as we continue to build the West Indies team of the future.”

The Women’s Selection Panel will announce the official West Indies Women’s squad ahead of the three-match CG United ODI Series, with the T20I squad announced later.

WI WOMEN TRAINING SQUAD

Hayley Matthews – Captain, Shemaine Campbelle - Vice Captain, Aaliyah Alleyne

Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Djen-

aba Joseph, Qiana Joseph Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor Rashada Williams.(Sportsmax)

Full match schedule: All matches at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet, St. Lucia

Monday, June 26: 1st CG

United ODI – 10am (9am Jamaica Time)

Wednesday, June 28: 2nd CG United ODI – 10am (9am Jamaica Time)

Saturday, July 1: 3rd CG

United ODI – 3pm (2pm Jamaica Time)

Tuesday, July 4: 1st T20I – 5pm (4pm Jamaica Time)

Thursday, July 6: 2nd T20I – 5pm (4pm Jamaica Time)

Saturday, July 8: 3rd T20I – 5pm (4pm Jamaica Time)

Sinclair dedicates his Man-of-the Match award to his Grandfather

Says

Windies ‘a confident bunch heading to Zimbabwe for Qualifiers

By Sean Devers

GUYANAESE off-spinning all-rounder, Kevin Sinclair’s Man-of-the-Match bowling performance led the West Indies to a four-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Friday in Sharjah in their final ODI of the threematch series which they won 3-O.

Sinclair, in only his fourth ODI and first in almost 10 months, captured a career beat 4-24 from 7-1 probing overs as UAE lost their last eight wickets for 42 runs in 14 overs to bag his second 4-wicket haul at this level.

who made his ODI debut against New Zealand at Bridgetown on August 17, 2022.

Sinclair, who has not been selected for the Qualifier, feels that Daren Sammy is doing a good job as Head Coach so far in inspiring the players to believe in themselves and getting the team to gel as a family.

“He is a person who keeps it very simple and, more importantly, he gives the players that confidence needed to execute plan and roles in the team.

Coach Sammy is very hard working and passionate about west indies cricket and getting us better as a world class team.

Jokic finished with 23 points, Bruce Brown scored three late baskets to end with 21 while guard, Jamal Murray had 15 points and 12 assists.

"Every time we felt like we got it to six or eight, they were able to push it to 12," said Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra, who insisted that the series could still be turned around.

"We have an incredibly competitive group. We've done everything the hard way, and that's the way it's going to have to be done right now, again. (BBC Sport)

The 23-year-old from Guyana’s oldest town, New Amsterdam, dedicated his match-winning perforce to his grandfather, who celebrated his 75th birthday last Wednesday.

“I was an opener from the age of 14 and a medium-fast bowler and my grandfather changed me to an off- spinner. I spoke to him today (Friday) and he was very happy. He was my first coach” informed Sinclair who plays for Rosehall Town Youth & Sports Club in Corentyne, Berbice.

Sinclair is arguable the most improved West Indies cricketer over the last year and in his last four first-class matches (Weekes vs Headley in Antigua and three

in Bangladesh with the West Indies ‘A’ team) he has scored two fifties and taken 23, including two five-wicket hauls.

He did not play in the first two ODIs with Roston Chase being used as the off-spinner.

But Sinclair, who bowled beautifully in his best ODI spell on Friday with a ‘perfect’ pace, line, length and extracting prodigious turn from the track, said he was not surprised when he was eventually picked.

“I wasn't surprised, I am always a team man and was just looking forward for my opportunity and I took it. I just hit my areas and be consistent and bowl wicket to wicket,” said Sinclair,

We are a very confident bunch coming off with a good showing against the UAE as the team heads for the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe,” disclosed Sinclair, who is expected home this evening.

West Indies are grouped with Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Nepal and the USA and play their first game on June 18 against the USA.

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (C), Rovman Powell (Vc), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd.

Miami, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (50) controls the ball while defended by Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the second half in game four of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Guyanese Kevin Sinclair is arguably the most improved Windies player in the last year

The training camp will be held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia from 14 to 21 June

Kohli, Rahane keep India alive in hunt of 444

…Earlier, Carey’s 66* allowed Australia to declare on 270 for 8

stitch a second-wicket stand of 51 in 77 balls. The two wickets, however, fell in the space of five balls, turning 92 for 1 to 93 for 3.

as soon as possible when day five dawns.

By Karthik Krishnaswamy

UNDER bright skies and on an Oval pitch that seemed to ease out against all expectations, India's batters set up a potentially thrilling final day, racing to 164 for 3 at more than four an over to keep alive their pursuit of a world-record fourth-innings target.

(Scores)India 296 and 164 for 3 (Kohli 44*, Rohit 43) need another 280 runs to beat Australia 469 and 270 for 8 dec (Carey 66, Labuschagne 41, Starc 41, Jadeja 3-58, Shami 2-39, Umesh 2-54)

Australia remain favourites, with India needing a further 280 on the final day, but

they may have a lot of hard work ahead of them to take the seven remaining wickets, with the second new ball 40 overs away.

India may have still felt a little cross with themselves at stumps, though, losing perhaps a wicket more than they would have liked by then, two of them to aggressive shots. Rohit Sharma was lbw to Nathan Lyon, missing a sweep from a stump-tostump line, and Cheteshwar Pujara toe-ended an attempted ramp over the slips off a Pat Cummins bouncer.

Both batters will argue, though, that these are shots they usually play well. They will also argue that the same positivity had helped them

It was the perfect opening for Australia to bulldoze through, but Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were having none of it. They ended the day reprising the same positivity that had gone before, putting on an unbroken 71 for the fourth wicket, with both batters looking in excellent ball-striking rhythm. Conditions, too, didn't seem to test them, with the pitch showing far less tendency to produce inconsistent bounce than it had done through the first three innings of the match. Kohli and Rahane ended the day with control percentages of 93 and 97 respectively.

As they safely negotiated the last over of the day, a largely India-supporting crowd was in fine voice, a section 0of them belting out this number from the 1975 blockbuster Sholay: "yeh dosti, hum nahin todenge [we'll never break this friendship]." Australia will want to break it

The crowd had been far less pleased some two hours earlier, though, after India lost their first wicket off what ended up as the last ball before tea, following a near-run-a-ball opening partnership of 41. Scott Boland got one to straighten and kick in the corridor, Shubman Gill pushed at it with hard hands, and Cameron Green dived low to his left to pluck out a superlative gully catch, his second of the match. Gill stood his ground, though, and the decision went up to the third umpire. As is often the case with these low grabs, replays seemed inconclusive, but the decision went in Australia's favour.

Chants of "Cheat! Cheat! Cheat!" continued to follow Green through the rest of the evening, particularly when he bowled. A World Test Championship that had been full of quality cricket now had the one ingredient it had been missing: controversy and need

During the first session

of the day, Green had had a far different effect on the crowd, keeping them quiet as he added 18 runs in 87 balls to his overnight score of 7. His dismissal was in keeping with the tone of his innings: he attempted to pad away a Ravindra Jadeja delivery from over the wicket only for the ball to hit his pad and roll onto the wicket.

By then, Australia had added 44 to their overnight 123 for 4 while losing two wickets in 19 overs - Marnus Labuschagne the other batter dismissed, nicking Umesh Yadav to first slip. India had bowled with discipline while extracting just enough from the surface to keep the batters vigilant; with Australia's lead just 340, they may have hoped to wrap their innings up before it got to 400.

Alex Carey, however, ensured that it swelled well beyond that figure, scoring an opportunistic 66 to go with his 48 in the first innings, and putting on 93 for the seventh wicket with Mitchell Starc. Both batters began cautiously and had

their moments of discomfort, particularly against Jadeja finding sharp turn and bounce from the footmarks outside the left-handers' off stump, but grew increasingly confident as India's quicks tired.

Mohammed Shami, who had bowled frugally and beaten the bat multiple times without any reward in his previous spells, came back when India took the second new ball and dismissed Starc and Pat Cummins when they were looking to slog for quick runs. Australia declared at the stroke of Cummins' dismissal, setting India a never-before-achieved 444 to win.

It may have been a nostalgia-inducing moment among old-timers at the ground. In 1979, a Sunil Gavaskar double-hundred had inspired India to a thrilling draw at The Oval; they finished on 429 for 8 after being set 438 by England. There's still a chance that Sunday may bring similar levels of excitement.

Swiatek beats Karolina Muchova for French Open title

IGA Swiatek maintained her recent grip on the French Open by fighting past Karolina Muchova to win her third Roland Garros title in four years.

The top seed was the heavy favourite to beat 43rd-ranked Muchova, but had to dig deep to win 6-2 5-7 6-4.

Czech player Muchova, 26, broke for 4-3 in the decider, but Poland's Swiatek, 22, finished strongly to triumph.

Swiatek, who has now won four Grand Slams, is the first woman to defend the title since Justine Henin in 2007.

"I wouldn't be here without my team, sorry for being a bit difficult," said world number one, Swiatek, who dropped the lid off the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen seconds after collecting the trophy.

"I'm really happy we can be satisfied and celebrate now."

Muchova, told to quit last year by doctors because of injuries, showed remarkable resolve to fight back from a set and 3-0 down, not only making a contest of what had been a one-sided match but moving to within two service holds of a first major title.

However, after immediately being unable to back up the break for 4-4, she ended up losing in one of the cruellest possible ways by producing a double fault on Swiatek's first match point.

Swiatek instantly dropped her racquet and dropped to her haunches, bursting into tears on the court before hugging Muchova when she came around the net.

As Swiatek ran up to the stands to celebrate with her team - like she did after winning 12 months ago - Muchova sat in her chair contemplating what might have been.

Muchova received a rapturous standing ovation when she went to collect her runners-up prize, which led to her being overcome with emotion.

"It was so close yet so far. That's what happens when you play one of the best in Iga," she said.

Swiatek, who has won a seventh title in 16 clay-court tournaments, had not dropped a set at Roland Garros this year - nor in any of her three previous major finals - until Muchova took the match into a decider.

She looked uncharacteris -

tically flustered as Muchova threatened an upset, only to regain her composure when it mattered.

Swiatek continues claycourt dominance

When former world number one Ashleigh Barty announced her surprise retirement in March 2022, it opened up the top of the women's game and left a void, with nobody entirely sure who would fill it.

Enter Swiatek. Having already won the French Open as a virtually unknown teenager in 2020, she clearly had the potential to take over from Barty but perhaps not the confidence.

However, that all changed in a stunning clay-court season last year which formed the bulk of a 36-match winning streak and led to the Pole becoming the dominant force in the women's game.

This year, she has come under pressure from Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka and Kazakstan's Elena Rybakina - as the trio formed a new 'big three' - leading to doubts over whether Swiatek could dominate Roland Garros again in the same manner.

A thigh injury in the buildup at Rome also led to further questions, but Swiatek quickly

dispelled any notion she was no longer the favourite by storming through the draw on the Paris clay.

nals before an array of physical problems derailed her career.

Swiatek started sharply by winning 12 of the first 15 points

heavily beaten like the Pole's previous final opponents Sofia Kenin and Coco Gauff were.

But this time Muchova recovered to turn the match into a compelling contest.

Suddenly Swiatek had problems to solve and, with thoughts of a straightforward victory long gone, became animated as she tried to figure out what was going wrong.

The fact she did was another sure sign of her quality. Regaining her composure, which in turn increased the pressure on Muchova, enabled Swiatek to join Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka as the only women to win their first four major finals in the Open era.

Rybakina's withdrawal early in the tournament through illness ended the prospect of her facing Swiatek in the last four, while Muchova's shock semi-final win over Sabalenka ensured a final few people had predicted.

Instead Swiatek faced the clever Czech, who reached the 2021 Australian Open semi-fi-

in the match, holding serve in a 10-minute game to lead 4-1 and facing no more problems as she broke again to clinch the opening set.

An identical start to the second set - Swiatek again breaking on the way to a 3-0 lead - left those watching wondering if Muchova was also going to be

"I think Swiatek will win double-digit Slams. Will she get to what Serena Williams achieved [23]? I don't think so but this is what the women's game needs," said former British number one Greg Rusedski, who was analysing the final for BBC Radio 5 Live.

"There's so many great players around her. She is a dominant force but they are all getting better. They are forced to because of how good Swiatek is."(BBC Sport)

The lid flies off the trophy as Poland’s Iga Swiatek celebrates winning the women’s final match of the French Open tennis tournament against Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in three sets, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, Saturday, June 10, 2023

Virat Kohli gives a thumbs up to the crowd at the end of the day’s play • ( AFP/Getty Images)

Sports Ministry and NSC support Carifta Aquatics champion, Raekwon Noel

IN an effort to continue their mandate of empowering elite athletes, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have made good on their pledge to financially support the international training endeavors of history-making CARIFTA Aquatics Champion and five-time gold medallist, Raekwon Noel.

The CARIFTA Games record breaker met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, as well as Director of Sport, Steve Nin-

pionship record breaker.

As such, we will be shouldering a significant portion of the financial cost associated with his training regimen in the United States. Quality training and international exposure are vital, and this is another tangible expression of our commitment to the development of our elite athletes.

Raekwon Noel is a true ambassador of Guyana and elevated the profile of his nation following his historic exploits at the Aquatics Championship, which will forever be etched in the annals of Caribbean

arship.”

He further said, “I am currently training and hope to represent Guyana at four

major upcoming swimming championships. These are: (1.) World Aquatics Championship in Japan [July 14-

30, 2023], (2.) World Junior Championships in Israel [September 4-9, 2023]. (3.)

Pan American Games in

Chile [October 20 – November 5, 2023], and (4.) Olympics in Paris, France [July 26 – August 11, 2024].”

valle, on May 23rd and 30th, respectively. Noel etched his name in the annals of Guyana and CARIFTA swimming history as he won five gold medals at the Aquatics Championship, an event which was birthed in 1985.

The Indiana Hoosiers commit won the 1500m Freestyle, 400m Individual Medley, 800m Freestyle, 200m Butterfly, and 400m freestyle in the 15-17 age group.

He was the only swimmer to medal at the prestigious championship and walked away with a CARIFTA record in the 800m freestyle as well as breaking four national records.

Ninvalle said, “The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, had promised to facilitate and assist in the training programme of Raekwon Noel, the CARIFTA Aquatics Cham-

history. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission remain committed to ensuring his continued improvement.”

Meanwhile, Noel, who currently resides in New Jersey, USA, said, “Training for these competitions is costly and there are many expenses. I have to pay club and coach fees, gym fees, transportation to and from the pool, I need training gear and equipment, and nutritional supplements. I need to pay to travel to regional and other out-of-state competitions.

“The NSC has committed to paying my club and coaching fees. I greatly appreciate the assistance because that is one less cost for my parents to find. I am still trying to find sponsors to cover my other costs until August 2024 when I will join the University of Indiana on a swimming schol-

Golden Boy! Five-time CARIFTA Games Gold Medalist and Indiana Hoosiers commit, Raekwon Noel (at left) receiving financial support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission from Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

Manchester City claim treble with Champions League win

Manchester City's long quest to win the Champions League finally ended in triumph against Inter

Milan in Istanbul as Pep Guardiola's side completed the Treble. After winning the Premier League and

FA Cup, City emulated Manchester United's triple trophy haul in 1999 as they became only the second En -

glish club to achieve the feat after Rodri's crisp 68th-minute strike settled an attritional final.

Guardiola's all-conquering side were never at their best against a brilliantly organised Inter and had to cope

with the loss of Kevin De Bruyne to injury in the first half. But the massed

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Manchester City tasted Champions League glory at last on Saturday after beating Inter-Milan 1-0 in the final