Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-02-2023

PM Phillips hails return of Guyana Prize for Literature

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has hailed the return of the Guyana Prize for Literature, which was held on Friday night at the National Cultural Centre.

The Prime Minister said that the government

restored the awards after a six-year hiatus, because of the importance of the written word.

“It is unfortunate that for six years, our writers were left without an outlet, a platform, on which they could exercise their talent

and be recognised for their self-expression.”

He further explained that “Our government felt that this was unacceptable, and upon return to office, sought to revive this prestigious programme and return to our local writers

the opportunity to hone their craft and expand their horizons through the written word.”

The Prime Minister highlighted the sizeable investment that the government is making in the industry, including through the creation of the cultural/ creative industries grant and a soon-to-be-accredited Institute of Creative Arts to develop the skills of Guyanese creatives.

The senior government official was also quick to point out that Guyana’s creative industry has untapped potential, citing Dr Letitia Wright as an example of how far Guyanese

can go when given the right impetus.

He explained that the government’s commitment is to “ensure that the future Letitia Wrights, the future Eddie Grants, the future Martin Carters and Edgar Mittelholzers of Guyana are able to realise their potential right here on home soil.”

The Guyana Prize for Literature Awards was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Notably, Professor Clem Seecharan’s book, “Joe Solomon And The Spirit Of Port Mourant” was awarded the inaugural non-fiction prize.

A youth category was introduced for the first time and young Samir Mohamed won first place in both the Poetry (Male) and Short Story (Male) categories. In both categories, he was named the Best Youth Performer.

Meanwhile, Kimora Payne received the award for Best Short Story (Female) and Zelena Khan received the award for Best Poem (Female).

Ms Elly Niland received the award for the Best First Book of Fiction for her book, “Bone Soup and Other Stories.”

Mr Kenneth Puddicombe received the Guyana Prize for Literature Fiction for his piece, “Down Independence Boulevard,” which won first place in Fiction. Mr Berkeley Wendell Semple received the Guyana Prize for Literature for the Best Book of Poetry, while Mr Rae Wiltshire received the Guyana Prize for Literature for Best Drama Piece.

Reject Opposition’s divisive tactics

- VP Jagdeo urges Guyanese

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is sending a strong message to the Opposition that the PPP/C Government will not sway in its vision of creating equal opportunities for all Guyanese, regardless of their race, class, religion or socio-economic situation.

The Vice-President, who was speaking on a live programme on Friday evening, pointed to the Opposition’s daily tactic of discouraging Guyanese from taking advantage of the opportunities that the government continues to provide, through its false narrative of discrimination.

“We’ve made it clear, we are working for all of our people, regardless of their

race or their religion, but we are not going to do it in a manner that is insincere. We’re not trying to prove a point; if we’re ever going to prove a point is that we are working for all of our people,” he said, adding:

“We believe that a young Afro-Guyanese kid should get the same opportunities as a young Indo-Guyanese kid or a young Amerindian or mixed kid or a Portuguese; they are Guyanese children. We want to make sure they all get that.”

He noted that the greatest acts of discrimination were committed by the APNU+AFC government when it fired over 7,000 sugar workers, and some 2,000 Amerindian Com -

munity Support Officers (CSOs), placing them on the breadline.

“You’re never going to find that under the PPP/C, because we are builders; we are going to find jobs, whether it is through parttime jobs or whatever. We are builders; we are not people who destroy things, or

use up everything that passes in front of us – the resources of the country, we’ve always accumulated,” the Vice-President said.

He made reference to the country’s economic status in 2015 when the APNU+AFC took office, as opposed to when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020, as an example

‘Burn, Learn and Earn’

By Clestine Juan

WITH the dream of raising the welding and metal fabrication skill set of locals to international standards, Guyanese/American citizen Mohamed Ally has returned

mitted to Guyana by visiting and following up with the developmental activities. My research into the needs of a prospering Guyana leads me to strongly believe that the country needs a welding institution to teach the enter-

prepare them for the workforce.

Ally is hoping that his academy will be in operation by the first quarter of this year; the building is located at Lot 24 North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

in other fast-growing areas of the economy,” he added.

With over 30 years in the welding field in Guyana, Venezuela and the US, Ally has multiple welding licences from accredited international welding institutions under his belt.

According to Ally, he is “uniquely” qualified to train students in fusion welding, salt and torch braze, plasma cutting and much more.

With his vast knowledge of ironwork, Ally said that he will also teach students how to weld from specs, sketches, technical orders and blueprints, while also instilling deep understanding of safety procedures and maintenance.

He explained that the session would last for two hours per day for the beginner’s programme for stick welding and shielded metal arc welding, which will run for two months.

of this government’s astute leadership, and prudent financial management.

A healthy reserve, several development projects, and a high growth rate characterised the country’s economic position before the coalition government took office in 2015, the Vice-President posited.

He echoed the call for Guyanese to ignore the negativity being forced on them by the opposition MPs, noting that they are the same individuals who are capitalising on the opportunities they are telling Guyanese to disregard.

“Don’t fool yourself; they go in Parliament, and they jest and behave like that and talk about discrimination. They’re busy calling government to get help; a lot

of them, but they would go out in your communities and tell you, ‘oh, you just squat there, don’t get a house lot there’…

“Like Mocha; they would tell the people, leave them in a problem, when you get into problem, just walk off. Don’t believe those people, I’ve dealt with them for a long time,” Dr Jagdeo contended.

The Vice-President, on many occasions has called out the opposition for spreading lies, and misleading the public in an effort to further its own political interests. He has also called on the opposition to stop the divisive tactics, and to work with the government to build a better future for all Guyanese. (DPI)

- Guyanese/American welder to open training academy

effectively the technical tasks, how to read and write technical pieces, describe what a job entails and how best to work in a group welding project.

“This programme is designed to teach students how to best approach different welding positions and techniques, along with tips and tricks required to get the welds done safely and efficiently,” he said.

Ally also encouraged companies to get on board with his academy to train their workers in welding. He has also expressed his willingness to work with government ministries.

“It would be my greatest honour to contribute to Guyana’s ongoing economic development and I am con-

fident that my expertise will have a positive impact on our citizens,” he said.

He highlighted that the academy would expose Guyanese to higher skills to meet the demands in the local producing oil-and-gas industry, especially in Wales’s gasto-energy project in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

This project will see more than 120-mile (190-km) natural gas pipeline being constructed from Exxon Mobil’s offshore projects.

Ally has already imported all of the welding machinery and gears needed with the hope that the first class of the academy will commence before the end of the first quarter.

home to establish Guyana’s first Welding Academy.

Ally, 57, has been working in the welding and fabrication field since he was the age of 17 in Guyana before migrating to the United States of America (USA) to continue his dream.

“I have remained com -

prising people prerequisites needed for the rapidly developing economy,” Ally said during an interview with the Sunday Chronicle.

He added that his academy will be teaching “worldclass” welding skills to students willing to learn this much-needed asset to best

Ally goes by the theme which is engraved on his building ‘Burn, Learn and Earn.’

“I plan to conduct handson training to qualify students. This training will qualify them for work not only in the rapidly expanding oil-services sector, but also

However, gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding will be run as independent programmes.

Ally said that his academy can certify welders with test coupons and two types of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), which comprises bend test and penetration test.

His students will be taught the importance of developing the ability to communicate

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Guyanese/American welder, Mohamed Ally (Delano Williams photo)

A piece of the equipment which will be used as part of the training at Ally’s academy

‘Digicel Business’ to showcase products, technology at Energy Conference

DIGICEL Business is the Diamond Sponsor of the 2nd Annual International Energy Conference and Expo at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, from February 14-17, 2023 under the theme, ‘Harnessing Energy for Development’.

A press release from the

company notes that Digicel Business will engage with energy professionals to facilitate discussions related to fundamental advances in the energy sector as the country gears up towards more robust economic development activity.

“Having made a substan-

tial investment in international submarine capacity with the installation of its Deep Blue One subsea cable infrastructure (coming in early 2024), Digicel Business will supercharge connectivity in this area of the Caribbean and South America. Deep Blue One is set to provide best in class connectivity to French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, and connect offshore oil-and-gas platforms on the back of industry developments in the region,” the release noted.

According to Digicel

Business, the conference in Guyana will offer an opportunity to build and enable strategic relationships and collaborations, as the energy sector continues to grow in prominence on the global landscape.

“The sector has also increased in significance to national economy, leading to unprecedented economic growth, with real GDP per capita expected to reach US$26,000 by 2024, and oil and gas accounting for approximately 74% of that sum. This makes Guyana

one of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” the company noted in the release

Commenting on Digicel Business’ significant investment, Kevin Beckett, Head of Oil and Gas at Digicel Business elaborated, “Oil and gas requirements in the region and the need for connectivity is going to be

very significant and Deep Blue One is perfectly placed to support those requirements. A great example of this is the connectivity options we will be able to provide, both onshore and offshore, to the oil and gas industries in countries like Guyana and Suriname as they capitalise on the boom in the region.”

Focus on Metformin

RECENTLY, there has been a lot of focus on Metformin, an old anti-diabetic drug now under consideration as a “wonder drug” due to its multiple beneficial effects, as highlighted by Senior Faculty Editor of Harvard Health Publishing.

Derived from a herb, Metformin was first discovered in Europe in 1918, but due to the side effect profile of a more potent and toxic molecule called Phenformin, it was shelved and later rediscovered in the 1950s. The FDA (Food and Drug Authority) only approved Metformin in 1955.

Today, Metformin is the most widely prescribed oral biguanide, due to efficacy, cost and availability. It is the first-line drug of choice for Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, where it enhances the body’s response to naturally producing insulin, inevitably lowering blood sugar levels, both randomly and on a long-term basis, as evidenced in the RBS (random blood sugar) and HbA1C (glycosylated hemoglobin) results, respectively. If used in the pre-diabetic stage, the onset of full-blown diabetes is delayed, or may altogether prevent Diabetes. It is also safe in gestational diabetes (diabetes developed during pregnancy).

Additionally, Metformin is not exclusively used for

just diabetes; it is used offlicensed for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and infertility in women.

Various studies have shown additional benefits for Metformin users, especially in cardiovascular health, reducing the chances of heart attack and strokes. A particular study captured how breast, colon and prostate cancers were seemingly prevented in Type 2 diabetics who used Metformin over a ten-year period.

Though it is not recommended to use Metformin for weight control in nondiabetics, there is a boost in weight loss for diabetics, and for patients who gained weight caused by anti-psychotic medications.

Metformin is considered to slow the aging process, and to increase longevity due to its newly-found anti-oxidant effect, as well as enhancing the health of blood vessels. Age-related diseases are also minimised due to improving the body’s response to insulin.

Some research supports the fact that less incidents of dementia and stroke among Metformin users occur, whilst others have some concerns over long-term use of Metformin and memory loss. However, the clinician’s opinion that the benefits outweigh the risks continues to endorse the use of Metformin.

Noteworthy is that these findings were established exclusively for diabetics, since the studies were designed to target this particular group. So, parallels should not conclude similar benefits for non-diabetics.

Metformin is eliminated from the body via the kidneys. If, however, there is a reduced capacity of the kidney to pass out Metformin, such as if the GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is 45ml per minute per 1.73 square meter, then dose adjustments will be required. Below 30ml per minute per 1.73 square meter, Metformin should be discontinued. Likewise, Metformin is contraindicated in patients with serum creatinine levels that are greater than or equal to 1.4mg per milliliters for females and 1.5mg per milliliters for males.

The side effects of Metformin are generally rare, mild and transient such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a metallic taste in the mouth. However, severe side effects may only occur if patients with kidney failure are not monitored, and Metformin excretion is

impeded. This may cause the drug to build up in the body, resulting in lactic acidosis, which has similar symptoms to the side effects mentioned above, with the inclusion of muscle cramps, fast and shallow breathing, and tiredness or weakness.

In another study, it was estimated that 6.3 out of 100,000 patients per year may experience Metformininduced lactic acidosis, of which 50 per cent mortality rate was associated.

Contrary to propaganda press, Metformin does not cause kidney disease, but its use may be restricted in persons with already decreased kidney function or on dialysis, since it is mostly excreted via this route. So, dose adjustments downwards will be required.

Some long-term users of Metformin have complained about nerve damage. Also, Vitamin B12 levels in the blood usually drop over years of using Metformin, which may be subsequently supplemented if the physician deems it appropriate.

It has been established that uncontrolled diabetes may cause memory loss, nerve damage, sexual dysfunction in men, and kidney degradation.

On the other hand, there are controversial claims that

long-term use of Metformin may cause sexual dysfunction in men, due to interference of testosterone production. But the evidence is not conclusive, and hence should not deter men from using it, since Metformin is actually used as an adjunct in studies of diabetic men with erectile dysfunction. The answer of its benefit may lie in the time of commencing treatment, since addressing the problem early protects against the damage done from the disease.

In recent years, there were some batch recalls of the extended release (ER) versions of Metformin, which affords you less frequent dosing. Since 2020, some brands were found to contain NDMA (n-nitrosodimethylamine), a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) drug. However, it must be reiterated that patients were advised not to discontinue their treatment, since in doing so, you may cause other serious consequences. Safe options are currently available on the market.

This medication should not be crushed, and should be taken with meals, with a full glass of water to alleviate the side effects on the stomach and bowels.

So, in summary, Metformin, along with a controlled diet and exercise programme, not only controls blood glu-

cose levels in Type 2 Diabetes, but also prevents kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, sexual problems and loss of limbs. Inevitably, with controlled blood sugar levels, the chances of a heart attack and strokes are diminished.

For further discussion, contact the pharmacist of Medicine Express PHARMACY, located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic, kindly forward them to: medicine.express@ gmail.com, or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

No Political Agenda

THE Presidential Commission of Enquiry into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections has wrapped up its public hearings and in the words of Senior Counsel, Sophia Chore of Trinidad and Tobago, there is “no political agenda” as far as the work of the Commission is concerned.

All the political parties and other interested individuals and groups were summoned to give evidence before the Commission, including officials of the Guyana Elections Commission. It was a tense and at times gruelling moment as the Commission sought to elicit information that would be useful in arriving at a fair and objective conclusion on what actually transpired during that his-

toric 2020 elections.

It was at times painful to watch the proceedings as key opposition players in the elections imbroglio sheepishly sought to hide behind the fig-leaf of ‘the right to remain silent’ when asked by the Commission to give evidence. One would have thought that the opposition would have seized every available opportunity to ventilate their actions to expose the alleged fraud and irregularities that took place during the election process.

That, however, did not happen. And while the right to remain silent is permitted in law, the frequency with which operatives from the political opposition sought shelter was both pathetic and deafening.

The APNU+AFC co -

alition cannot escape responsibility for putting the country through yet another shameful episode of attempted rigged elections. Anyone who felt that the PNC has left its dark electoral past behind were given a rude awakening during the 2020 General and Regional elections when the APNU+AFC, in collaboration with rogue elements of GECOM, sought to rig the elections in what was described by one overseas observer ‘as the most transparent attempt to rig an election’.

The important thing, however, is to go after the truth and even though the public hearings may have concluded, there are also several pieces of secondary evidence available to the Commission, including the

reports of local and overseas observer groups. These are substantial pieces of evidence which cannot be overlooked.

The decision by President Irfaan Ali to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate what transpired during the tabulation and declaration of the 2020 General and Regional elections is both positive and forward-looking which, hopefully, will bring some closure to the false narrative by the APNU+AFC coalition that it was ‘cheated’ out of power in the 2020 elections. This narrative continues to be peddled by senior operatives of the coalition including PNC leader Aubrey Norton.

Nothing can be further from the truth, and as pointed out by Senior Coun -

sel Chote, the results of the elections were already known to the major political parties immediately upon the close of polls based on the Statements of Poll (SOPs) given to them by the Commission. In her submission, she said that there was so much compassion, and physical capacity for transparency at the command centre but “the actions of those who wanted to pervert the court of law, turning GECOM into a dark and opaque place...could have led to serious consequences for the country.”

According to the Terms of Reference, the Commissioners will make recommendations as deemed fit and necessary to permit GECOM to discharge its statutory functions as pre-

scribed by the Representation of the People Act. This report cannot come sooner, as the country prepares for the holding of local government elections in a matter of a few months.

And even though no specific date was given, the Commission is expected to present its report, findings and recommendations to the President within seven months.

The whole of Guyana is awaiting the findings which may not come as a surprise to the majority of Guyanese who saw first-hand what transpired. The report could, however, be useful from the standpoint of national healing and reconciliation along the One Guyana vision as envisaged by President Ali.

Melinda Janki’s apologist wallows between confused, patent drivel

Dear Editor,

I WRITE with reference to a letter by Gary Girdhari in which numerous personal attacks are levelled against me (Stabroek News, 11/2/2023).

I feel compelled to insist that my reply to this most unproductive man living in obscurity overseas be carried in full. But even more importantly Editor, I will insist that my critique of Melinda Janki’s anti-development crusade be allowed to get the audience that both Janki and

her low-energy follower, Gary Girdhari, get so nonchalantly.

Girdhari says: “[Ms Janki] is a lawyer and environmentalist, and is quite able to speak for herself.”

Yet, like a typical man infected with paternalist masculinity, he opts to defend her, no doubt under the contradictory assumption she cannot do so herself. This part of Girdhari’s letter amounts to confused nonsense. Let us now move to the parts where he wallows in patent nonsense.

Rather than defend Jan-

ki on the basis of the relevant literature on oil and gas, climate change, and development, Girdhari tells us about his past indulgences in cigarettes and liquor.

Instead of an analytical engagement, he uses his personal regrets and failures in life to make a case about fundamental questions spanning from national economic development to dynamics at the level of world order.

Editor, allow me to pose a few questions to Ms Janki directly, since it is obvious that her wannabe intellectu-

al defender cannot possibly be constructively engaged.

My question to Janki is this: can you state with clarity which countries in the world over the past 100 years have contributed most to greenhouse gas emissions, and especially to CO2? Could you say something about the current top producers of fossil fuels, and also the top countries that consume fossil fuels?

Let us work with the available data. And now a final question: why are you picking on a small country that has a comprehensive

green-economy strategy (our LCDS), rather than say Canada, which is now building a pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia to ship some of the most toxic (tar sands) products in the world’s energy supply?

Let me share some relevant data. Here is the per capita motor vehicles for selected countries: USA, 890; New Zealand, 884; Canada, 790; Finland, 790; Australia, 782; France, 668; Guyana, 285, and Haiti, 11.

Some 35 of the top 40 per capita motor vehicles in the world are in the de-

veloped world. Transportation sources contribute 27 per cent of greenhouse emissions.

Meat consumption for selected countries per annum, Portugal, 153 kg; USA, 151 kg; Spain, 148 kg; Japan, 97 kg; Guyana, 51 kg; India, 12 kg, and Ethiopia, 7.3 kg.

Meat consumption contributes about 15 per cent of greenhouse gases, and readers should know that while the Third World countries consume about 27 kg of meat per annum, the devel-

Continued on page 7

Melinda Janki’s apologist wallows...

From page 6

oped world eats 70 kg.

We can take other quality-of-life indicators such as air conditioning to see who is doing the damage worldwide.

The extremes could not be more staggering here. Some 91 per cent of households in Japan and 90 per

cent in the US have ACs, compared to six per cent and five per cent for South Africa and India, respectively.

The US and Canada produce nearly 25 million barrels of oil daily, while Guyana produces a little over 350,000 barrels.

Might I also remind Ms Janki that the US only

recently authorized drilling for oil in the Alaskan Tundra, and also gave a licence to Trinidad and Tobago to develop a major gas field in Venezuelan waters (Reuters, 24/1/2023).

Since developed nations are responsible for 79 per cent of the historical carbon emissions, Ms Janki must make a case

based on ethics as to why the same developed nations and their energy allies must be allowed to hold a monopoly of hydrocarbon development.

Ms Janki should be campaigning against the world’s biggest polluters, who also happen to be the richest. Anything short will leave her so-called ac-

tivism against developing nations such as Guyana wanting.

Girdhari made some nasty comments about my career in academia, and I have a right of reply. Gary, in 2022, scholars and students from 359 universities in 91 countries read my work.

Thousands of pages

were read, and hundreds downloaded. According to Academia.edu, I am in the top one per cent from their nearly four million subscribers. I can send proof to anyone who cares.

Yours sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

An analysis: The CoI into the 2020 polls

FROM the outset, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Guyanese people were determined to arrive at the truth surrounding the series of events and circumstances which led to the political disaster and chaos in the process to declare Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional elections results.

President Ali, last year March, finally decided to set up a Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to probe the election controversy.

It took several months to get everything in place, legally and administratively, but finally, the probe started in November 2022 and ended on February 10, 2023.

Throughout the hearings, Guyanese heard from some of the officials at the centre of all of the controversies including election observers, the GECOM Chairperson Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, GECOM staff, the police, and those politicians who were integrally involved in the process either as scrutineers, party election agents or parties of interest.

The Chairman of the CoI was Justice (ret’d), Stanley John. Other Commissioners were former Chancellor of the Judiciary (Guyana), Carl Singh and High Court Judge (Belize) and former Justice of Appeal (ag) in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Godfrey P Smith. They all sat through a treasure trove of evidence, both physical and electronic,

as it was being submitted in the election probe.

Now that they have wrapped up the hearings, it is time to do an analysis to somehow arrive at the truth or some semblance of it.

Firstly, there is no shadow of a doubt in the minds of right-thinking, decent, and objective Guyanese that there was an attempt to derail Guyana’s democracy by the political directorate of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change Coalition (APNU+AFC).

Evidence at the CoI proves this wicked and vile act was in full swing after the elections had been fully completed and all the Statements of Poll (SOPs) were accounted for.

Just listen to the statements of the GECOM officials at every level who participated throughout the first count and recount process, as well as the evidence given about the alleged unscrupulous, suspicious, and questionable conduct of the Region Number Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, at specific points when there was a need for his presence.

The APNU+AFC probably knew what they were doing from day one after the SOPs were counted, because it is reasonable to think that they knew the PPP/C had won the elections, but sought to frustrate the process by devious means.

They would be found guilty by actual evidence and circumstantial evidence by any

competent court of jurisdiction after listening to the gripping evidence submitted to this CoI.

Secondly, after former Presidents, David Granger and Bharrat Jagdeo, reached the mutual agreement that former Justice Singh would be appointed Chairperson of GECOM in 2019, the politicians in the APNU+AFC sought to exploit her newness, and unfamiliarity, perhaps, with the functions and responsibilities of the GECOM chair.

This made Justice Singh a walkover for the then Chief Executive Officer, Keith Lowenfield and other senior GECOM staff who had already begun to show signs of disrespect and scorn towards the new Chair.

Maybe, Justice Singh’s non-action and leave-to-be-done attitude must be flagged and should cause the CoI to give her some responsibility in the plot to rig the elections from within.

If this is true, Guyanese would see this, particularly, as a travesty and shame and dereliction of duty, because the GECOM Chairperson must

be vigilant, ever-watchful and know the law fully not just on paper, but by heart.

After all, it is an undeniable historical fact that the same PNC turned APNU rigged the elections of 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985, as well as the referendum in 1978.

Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, the use of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in their tirade and desperate attempt to disrespect and trample on the rights of every Guyanese voter that exercised their franchise in 2020 is evident.

Any Guyanese can see the carefully and strategically used language of all the police officers in the hierarchy of the GPF, who testified at that time.

Just look at the evidence given by then Police Commissioner Leslie James, and former Commander of the City Division, Edgar Thomas, as to who gave the instructions for the police to appear and clear the Ashmins Building. Someone in the entire process is still trying to hide the truth and it is not Thomas.

The whole incident proves

that the GPF, at that time, was neither interested in safeguarding the interest of the populace, nor remaining professional. It was not apolitical, but was very favourable to the APNU+AFC politicians and their attempts to keep the transfer of power from taking place.

The CoI Commissioners must look at every bit of electronic evidence and place it within the legal timeframe of events that caused Guyana to go under for five months. If they do not feel that the police were used and then thrown under the bus, then they need glasses, because even a child of two years could see that!

Fourthly, the CoI has to pay keen attention to the evidence given by GECOM officials and the former employees who refused to testify for dubious and questionable reasons.

It must look at all the persons summoned and who did appear from the APNU+AFC party, but exercised their right not to give evidence out of fear that it would incriminate them. This is laughable, because they are hoping that their silence would stymie the outcome of the probe. However, there is already evidence to incriminate all the persons who did not testify but were summoned.

Their silence is golden, or it may be seen as consent.

Similarly, independent commentators, writers and outspoken experts have failed to say anything about the sometimes earth-shattering, mind-boggling

and riveting things that come out of the CoI hearings which were open to the public. The rebuttals and points of these civil society groups and non-governmental organizations have gone muted and quiet.

Finally, justice and truth are separate concepts in Guyana’s society. As a nation, Guyana might be able to arrive at the truth of what actually happened in the lead-up to, during and after those elections, but may never arrive at the point of justice.

No one might actually be prosecuted criminally, even though the commissioners may recommend a certain legal course of action, as well as administrative changes that are to be made to guard against what took place during the 2020 elections.

GECOM and its secretariat must undergo much-needed reforms from within first, and the structure must be closely looked at now.

The police must be mandated to maintain an apolitical posture and non-interference in the elections as far as is legally and administratively possible; not encroaching on its other functions which are all clearly outlined in its standard operating procedures.

As for the riggers, that is up for discussion, because they are not showing signs of stopping or slowing down; the leopard never really changes its spots, but stricter systems MUST be implemented.

Black History and Caribbean Independence

GRENADA observed its 49th Independence Anniversary on February 7; Saint Lucia will observe its 44th Independence Anniversary on February 22nd; on February 23rd, Guyana will observe its 53rd Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic; and Suriname, on February 25, will remember the 1980 Revolution that shook the foundations of Dutch colonialism in Holland’s colony in The Guianas of South America.

And it’s all happening during Black History Month (BHM), observed mainly in Europe and North America, but also across the African and Caribbean Diaspora regions dominated by people of African descent.

So, what’s the connection?

BHM is becoming increasingly popular in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), but it’s founding purpose (in the USA) was to highlight the importance of African history to Black Americans and European people of African descent on both sides of the Atlantic, where they are still a significantly-marginalized minority.

African History is the same, but that of people of African descent everywhere else has assumed its own separate and similar characteristics over the centuries since slavery, which history BHM seeks to connect with

that of their original continental motherland.

The Caribbean, largely populated by people of African descent, also needs to better know and understand our history during BHM, going way beyond mere celebration of the greatness of the North American and European Civil Rights leaders and people of Caribbean descent who led their struggles.

They include: Jamaica’s indomitable Marcus ‘Mosiah’ Garvey, Trinidad & Tobago’s Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Toure, who coined the term ‘Black Power’ and established the All African People’s Revolutionary Party in Guinea), Trinidad & Tobago’s Claudia Jones (who pioneered London’s Notting Hill Carnival after being deported to the UK from the USA for her membership of the Communist Party, and whose grave is next to Karl Marx’s in London’s Central Park), W. Arthur Lewis and Eric Williams, who blazed early learned trails in Britain’s university circuit; Malcolm

X (whose mother was Grenadian), Louis Farrakhan (whose mother was Kittitian), actor Sidney Poitier from The Bahamas, Cicely Tyson from Nevis -- and the very many others proud to claim and proclaim, reclaim or acknowledge their Caribbean roots.

Same with the French Caribbean colony of Martinique that produced both Frantz Fanon (author of ‘Black Skin, White Masks’) and poet Aime Cesaire (both influential in shaping the thoughts of the leadership of the earlier pre-independent African anti-colonial movement); and Guadeloupe, from whence cometh SaintJohn Perse (born in 1887) and who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1960.

BHM celebrations in the Caribbean should be an occasion for CARICOM citizens to better understand the history of a Black (and non-White) majority that’s still too very much wrapped in colonial clothing designed to drain the brains of the descendants of Africans in

European settlements.

BHM should also be an occasion to examine and re-examine the Caribbean’s colonial journey into independence, that’s very much the same in most cases, but also different in national specifics.

But Black History will take more than a month to learn, which is why it should be learned throughout each year, by observing as many dates of related historical significance as possible, starting with (but not at all limited to) those observed by the United Nations (UN) -like with Haiti’s August 23, 1791, when the Revolution started that would eventually triumph on January 1, 1804, end slavery and establish the world’s first Black Republic, five years after the French Revolution of 1789.

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J Pierre pushed the envelope and widened the scope for better understanding the island’s history as a colonial territory fought over by the British and French 14 times due to

its strategic central naval location in Europe’s West Indies during and after slavery, Emancipation, Abolition, Apprenticeship and Indentureship.

After taking office in July 2021, his first Address to the nation as Prime Minister was on August 1 (Emancipation Day), when he announced his government will sponsor ‘Emancipation Month’ activities throughout August for three consecutive years (2022, 2023 and 2024), during which citizens will be treated with activities to better understand what Emancipation was meant to be and what it actually was for the millions of enslaved people of African descent in Europe and North America, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, South America and Caribbean (West Indian) colonies at the time.

Last year, tribute was paid to Petronille, a woman Freedom Fighter from Fond d’Or (Valley of Gold) in Dennery on Saint Lucia’s East Coast who died in 1833 after being ‘pilloried’ (locked naked, blindfolded and handcuffed in a cage by the estate’s overseer, in full view of other enslaved persons) as an example of the deadly cost of resistance.

The plan is for a monument to Petronille to be unveiled at an appropriate location, but a huge billboard of an artiste’s impression of the valiant freedom fighter was also unveiled last year,

to put a face to the name and encourage inquiry into that aspect of Saint Lucia’s history.

Grenada is also this year observing yet another milestone in its history, where, later this month, members of Britain’s wealthy Trevelyan family had agreed to make a formal apology for owning hundreds of enslaved Africans in estates on the island and launch (with US $100,000 as a start) a Family Reparations Fund that can be added to over time – and hopefully encourage other British families that grew rich off slavery earnings to do likewise.

Yes, BHM is worth observing in The Caribbean, but Caribbean history, in and of itself, is Black History – an ongoing process of discovery and acknowledgement, which must also always be elevated to the phase of matching thoughts and actions, which, must always go together.

As Kwame Toure said way back when: ‘Africans lack organization of thought and action. Thought without action is blind and action without thought is empty. We must have unity of thought and action. The only way to obtain the unity of thought and action is through organization.’

That, in itself, is also the history of Black History!

Guyana’s growing geopolitical and regional influence

THE second annual International Energy Conference and Expo will be held this week from February 14 to 17 in Georgetown. Energy professionals, companies, foreign dignitaries, and Heads of State will come together to discuss the important concerns affecting the energy sector, climate change, and best practices to maximise the benefits of localcontent development in both Guyana and the region.

Guyana is uniquely positioned as an emerging producer, and its impact on the region and globe does not go unnoticed. The country has continued to show strong growth in key areas, all of which bode extremely well for all sectors of its economy, not just oil and gas.

Last year, analysts at Rystad Energy published a landmark report concluding that the government’s revenue from domestic production was on track to surpass the $1 billion mark in 2022, and accelerate to US $7.5 billion annually by 2030. In fact, Guyana exceeded expectations, and made US$1.24 billion from oil revenues and royalties in 2022.

Rystad reported that Guyana had a “stellar” 2022, in reference to the record ten new discoveries, which only highlights the fact that Guyana leads in offshore discoveries globally since 2015, with the discovery

of nearly 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent accounting for 18 per cent of discovered resources, and 32 per cent of discovered oil. Guyana singlehandedly accounts for 18 of the top 30 largest offshore oil discoveries globally since 2015.

On a regional level, Guyana is seeing a new role for itself as a major energy producer. Guyana’s success was a major theme at last year’s second annual staging of the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit that brought together regional energy powerhouses, and select key speakers to discuss the state of Suriname’s energy economy.

Suriname has had a small amount of onshore oil production since 1982, and Trinidad has produced oil and gas for more than a century. However, in the short period that Guyana has been an energy-producing State, it has managed to implement policies and legislation that Suriname is only now considering, such as the local-content law. Guyana’s production and revenues have now surpassed Suriname’s by orders of magnitude, and far outpaced Trinidad’s declining production.

Guyana has seen a rapid expansion of training opportunities and certification programmes for local companies, early on, through the industry-funded Centre for Local Business De-

velopment (CLBD), an initiative that has received praise regionally and locally. The CLBD was operational in Guyana before First Oil, helping companies align their operations with the services that would be needed in Guyana’s oil-and-gas sector.

These are exciting times for Guyana, as investments from both foreign and domestic sources flow into its economy. Last month, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali met with India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri during his official visit to India.

The trip culminated with an agreement between the two governments for “government-togovernment cooperation across the entire spectrum of the oil & gas sector”. Additionally, President Ali also encouraged Indian firms to participate in Guyana’s upcoming oil-block auction, demonstrating the country’s seriousness about keeping with international best practices around transparency and competitiveness for auctions.

At this week’s conference, there is much to look forward to for Guyana. In 2022, Guyana had a milestone year that saw new production double the country’s revenues, and a historic budget that included billions of Guyanese dollars in oil revenues.

The 2023 national budget

will be further impacted by oil, with almost 30 per cent of the spending being funded by oil revenues. Some G$84 billion is earmarked for the health sector, G$94.4 billion for education, and over G$54 billion for the development of new housing schemes and the upgrading of existing ones.

Through the successful performance of the oil-and-gas industry last year, increased spending has also been allocated

to supporting projects such as gas-to-energy. The construction of the integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant, and the 300-megawatt (MW) combinedcycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant is expected to see critical funding this year, with a more than G$43 billion budgetary allocation. A project like this will help to diversify Guyana’s energy mix, and significantly reduce the cost of electricity for the people.

It is, therefore, safe to say: Guyana has arrived! In that previously-mentioned Rystad report, analysts found that Guyana is on track to be the fourth largest offshore oil producer in the world by 2035, outpacing the U.S., Norway and Mexico. This second annual international energy conference is another opportunity for Guyana to showcase to the world just how far it has come, and how much further it can go.

GECOM gears up for LGEs as claims and objections exercise starts tomorrow

IN preparation for Local Government Elections (LGEs), the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that it will commence the preparation of Registers of Voters on Monday.

According to GECOM, Offices of Assistant Electoral Registrars (AERs) have been established in each of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

During this exercise,

any person who will be 18 years and older by May 22, 2023, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, or naturalization, or is a citizen of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, can make a claim to entry on the Register of Voters (RoV) on or before February 19, 2023, provided that he/she is not listed in the Preliminary List of Voters (PLV), which has been posted in every

constituency in the respective Local Authority Areas.

Persons desirous of making a claim to be included in the RoV are required to visit the Office of the Assistant Electoral Registrar (AER) responsible for the Local Authority Area where they reside with the required source document(s) such as original birth certificate, a valid passport, adoption certificate, or naturalization certificate

/ certificate of registration, to be registered for inclusion.

Existing registrants are also advised to check the PLV posted at two prominent locations in each constituency in the respective Local Authority Area, at the Offices of the Electoral Registrars and Assistant Electoral Registrars, or on GECOM’s website at www.gecom.org.gy to verify the existence/ accuracy of their regis-

tration information in the PLV.

Persons who need to update their registration records e.g. change or effect corrections to their names and occupation, or to apply for a transfer if they have changed their addresses since they were registered, are advised that they can apply for such transactions during this exercise.

The relevant source documents such as an original marriage certificate, deed poll with birth certificate, or a new birth certificate reflecting the changes must be presented in the case of an application for a change or correction.

Objections against the inclusion of names in the PLV can be tendered to the Assistant Electoral Registrar (AER) of the LAA from February 13, 2023 to February 22, 2023.

GECOM stated that objections can be made by a voter who is listed in the same constituency list in which the person being objected to is listed. Objections can also be made by accredited scrutineers of political parties, provided that any such scrutineer must be accredited to the LAA in which the person being objected to is listed.

The relevant original document(s) such as an original death certificate must be presented at the time of the hearing of objections to support

the basis upon which the objection is being made.

In view of the foregoing, it must be emphasized that while the Continuous Registration Exercise and the Claims and Objections Exercise are being conducted simultaneously, persons who are now registering for the first time and would be eligible to vote at the upcoming Local Government Elections must visit the office of the AER in the LAA where they reside, in order for their names to be included on the RoV for this election.

Similarly, persons who are required to have changes or corrections done to their particulars as stated on the PLV and make objections to the inclusion of names on the list, must also visit the office of the AER in the LAA where they reside in order for the corrections to be reflected on the official ROV.

The commission is urging all persons who would be eligible to vote at the upcoming Local Government Elections, but are not listed in the PLV, to use this opportunity to get registered for inclusion in the RoV to qualify to vote at the elections. Persons are also encouraged to object to the inclusion of the name of any person whom they believe do not meet the eligibility criteria to be in the list.

Amazonia Mall expands

FORMER

West Indies

cricketer and Guyana

captain Ramnaresh Sarwan continues to extend his Amazonia Mall at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara with the aim of creating more jobs for his fellow Guyanese citizens.

The proprietor of the Amazonia Shopping Centre held a simple but elegant ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday to launch the opening of a “new wing,” which is one of the latest investments at his business.

Some of these stores in this new wing include FabFlowers, Tashman, Dental Stuart, Mandiis, SfihaWorld, Madd tea, CT Williams technologies, Inc.

Sarwan said it was very pleasing to see that his

than anything else. This mall was always built with a family-oriented type of concept in mind,” the former cricketer told the Sunday Chronicle.

The now thriving businessman said he is in the process of organising some bouncy houses and other family and kids-oriented activities that will be set up in the courtyard.

As it relates to the adults’ entertainment, Sarwan mentioned that he is currently setting up a bar on the outskirts of the new wing area.

“I am trying to cater for everyone’s needs in a safe and secure atmosphere. I was very careful with setting up the bar; I wanted to ensure that kids were not going to be around or

vision and hard work for over 15 years continue to become a reality.

“I am happy that I can contribute to Guyana by providing employment for my fellow countrymen and their families. As Guyana’s economy continues to grow, I feel really proud and happy to know that I have not only contributed in the sports department, but that I am also doing my part to better our society as well.

“Business is one thing, but making a difference in people’s lives is another and that touches me more

exposed to an environment that had alcohol around.

So, I had to take my time and design it in such a way that it would not have an impact on the families that are on the outside. I had to ensure that everyone was comfortable.”

Sarwan extended his gratitude to the current business owners for their patience while the new wing was under construction. He also welcomed the new business owners and thanked them for choosing Amazonia Mall.

Ramnaresh Sarwan cuts the ribbon to the new mall while his parents (second and third from left) and the new business owners look on (Delano Williams photo)

Ramnaresh Sarwan speaking at the opening of the mall’s new wing

The exterior of the Amazonia Mall

Independent legal adviser, management training needed for GECOM Chairperson

- Elections CoI lawyer recommends

shattering revelations, which no doubt offered a behind-the-scenes account of exactly what took place during the 2020 elections.

According to Chote, the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (ret’d), Claudette Singh, based on what she said during her testimony, appeared to have dropped the ball on serious issues in the aftermath of the elections.

By Clestine Juan

BASED on the evidence submitted to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into events surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections, Senior Counsel, Sophia Chote, has signalled the need for the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to benefit from an independent legal adviser and to undergo management training.

The Trinidadian lawyer who is representing the CoI, told the commission on Friday during her summation of the evidence that the inquiry provided some of the most earth-

The Senior Counsel said based on the testimony, there was “little cohesion” between the GECOM Chairman and party commissioners during the 2020 elections.

“This chairman, it appears, is not someone with a political background. She comes from a strictly legal background. She took on the job after there was high controversy about the previous person in that position. She was there for just a few months.

“Can she rely on… all of the commissioners as a resource? And I will say No! Because on partisan matters, they will be split…The chairman perhaps needs to have an independent legal adviser,” Chote said.

Previously, Singh had testified about events which unfolded on March 5, 2020, at GECOM’s command centre, the Ashmin’s Building at Hadfield and High Streets in Georgetown which also housed the District Four operations, led by Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

Mingo had attempted to make a false declaration from the stairway connecting the ground floor to the first floor of the building. The chairperson had complained of feeling unwell, but the ranks barred the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from entering the room.

“I felt a bit dizzy; I wasn’t feeling well. There were so many things on my mind; I was actually shaking, because, you see, with the declaration and then…there were so many

events… There were so many things on my mind, and I wanted to know what the next step was.

“So, I just couldn’t be bothered with anybody; I went up there just to have a quiet moment. In fact, my security was calling on me to leave, but I said no; I will spend some time in a quiet moment here and just reflect on everything. I didn’t want to speak with anyone,” Justice Singh had said during her testimony.

In reviewing the evidence, Chote urged Chairman of the CoI, Stanley John and commissioners — former Chancellor, Carl Singh and Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith to review Singh’s actions when compiling their report and make possible recommendations.

“Does a chairman coming in need to have training in management skills? Perhaps. Because it seems to me that the chairman admitted that she did not know what to do when it all started falling down.

“It appears as though this lady had found herself in a position where she had never encountered something like this in her life and didn’t know how to approach it, that’s the bottom line,” Chote said.

However, the Trinidadian lawyer said that she is not offering a “reason” for the chairperson’s action, but inferences can be drawn when GECOM commissioners were left to run amok.

“It seems to me as though the commission was not really operating as a commission. You had

Senior Counsel Sophia Chote of Trinidad and Tobago

Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (ret’d)

Claudette Singh

Abram Zuil Secondary School 91% complete

Construction of the Abram Zuil Secondary School is almost complete Education Minister, Priya Manickchand and other officials at the construction site of the school

CONSTRUCTION of the new state-of-the-art Abram Zuil Secondary school is expected to be completed by the end of February, Minister of Education, Priya Manikchand, revealed during a visit to Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Friday.

Ms Manickchand, while

being accompanied by other officials to inspect ongoing works, was informed that the project is 91 per cent complete.

The school is being constructed at a cost of $585 million by Builders Hardware and General Supplies.

According to the Education Minister, with the mas-

sive investment in the sector, the government will ensure that every single child has access to a secondary education irrespective of their geographical location.

She noted that the ministry will also be training more teachers.

“We have open up the [Cyril Potter] college in such

a way that will allow them to admit teachers five times than previously, so pre-2020 we were only able to admit about 500-530 in the college, now we are able to admit any number,” Manickchand said.

She said that about 2,000 persons have applied to the learning institution.

“We are not looking at the infrastructure so our children can sit in a classroom, we are looking that when they sit, they get teachers who can continue to advance the level of excellence.”

Independent legal adviser...

FROM PAGE 14

So, their oversight, I respectfully suggest was deeply affected by this,” the Senior Counsel argued.

In her summation, Chote said that these actions are capable of stymieing the exercise of constitutional duty and detracting from constitutional performance during the 2020 elections.

The CoI commenced in November 2022 and is expected to hand over “its report, findings and recommendations” to the President, in writing, within seven months.

According to the Terms of Reference, the commissioners will make recommendations as deemed fit and necessary to permit GECOM to discharge its

statutory functions as prescribed by the Representation of the People Act.

Guyanese, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what were described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by Caribbean leaders and international observers.

It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened, and the figures showed that the PPP/C had received 233,336 votes, while the

She also noted that all text books for nursery, primary and secondary school

children will be provided free of cost.

Additionally, for those who cannot afford extra lessons, the ministry has expanded the Guyana Learning Channel.

“Six channels will be available to all the regions including the hinterland communities. The Ed-U is also available, all to enhance your children learning” Manickchand said. commissioners overseeing different things. They were doing their authentication of Statements of Poll and so on. But there was very little cohesion.

APNU+AFC coalition got 217,920 votes.

Jumbo Jet to import heavy-duty equipment

…as company diversifies into new markets

The agreement, signed last Thursday, will pave the way for Jumbo Jet Auto Sales to increase their capacity while providing various heavy-duty construction, mining, lifting equipment and machinery manufactured by XCMG.

IN order to secure exclusive import and distribution rights, XCMG Brasil Indústria Ltda, along with N.M. Truck-

ing Auto Sales, and Agri Machinery, also known as Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

consecutive years, a press release from the company noted.

According to the release, XCMG is ranked third worldwide for quality, service, and reliability in the construction, lifting and heavy-machinery sectors.

Because of the over -

Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) was founded in 1943. It has since stood at the forefront of construction machinery and has grown significantly into one of the world’s largest and most influential enterprise groups, with its annual sales exceeding US$14 Billion for three

whelming demand for reliable heavy-duty equipment in Guyana, the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Group has decided to expand their brand and diversify into new markets.

After intense negotiations ensued, the MoU was signed at the office of

XCMG Brazil Industria LTD, the South American headquarters of the XCMG Group in Districto Industrial Pouso Alegre, MG, Brazil. Representing XCMG Group were Mr Li Hanguang, General Manager

TURN TO PAGE 19

Group Director, Nasrudeen ‘Juniour’ Mohamed, along with a representative of the XCMG Group, signs the MoU

‘A son of the soil’ – Allan Fenty dies

GUYANA’s grassroot cultural enthusiast, old storyteller, columnist and in his words ‘amateur folklorist’, Mr Allan Arthur Fenty, died in his sleep on Saturday morning.

A prolific author, radio/ tv personality and newspaper columnist, some of his works include: A Plate-A Guyana Cook-Up, Bun-Bun, Frankly Speaking (Column for the Stabroek Newspaper), Guyana Creole, Never This Land, On Lord Canary, On Pan, Stories of Protest, They Came From Asia, Words of Wisdom and Producer of The Guyana CookUp Show (radio/television).

The Guyana Press As -

sociation (GPA), in a statement on Saturday, extended condolences to the family, especially his four daughters, friends and media colleagues.

According to the GPA, Mr Fenty started his working life as a trained teacher on the West Demerara. Mr Fenty also served as Chief Information Officer from the late 1970s into the early 80s.

“Mr Fenty helped to produce a number of publications dealing with the Guyana-Venezuela border issue as well as others pertaining to other national events,” the GPA noted.

He had also published several booklets with Guyanese and West Indian

proverbs. Additionally, Mr Fenty played active roles in various editions of Carifesta over the decades.

Up to the time of his passing, Mr Fenty was actively involved in the production of the publication, The Guyana Annual and hosted his television show, “The Cook Up Show” on local television. Mr Fenty was also a broadcaster.

“He would be remembered for “Frankly Speaking” his mind on a host of issues, the title for his weekly column, being an inspiration to young broadcasters, many of whom he would still advise and for his love of open and spirted conversations and laughter,” the GPA statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, expressed his condolences to the family.

On his Facebook page, Minister McCoy wrote, “This morning I awoke to the sad news of the passing of my dear friend Allan Fenty, short story writer, story-teller, Newspaper columnist, author, folklorist and poet. Allan and I shared a cordial and candid friendship spanning 30 years. ‘Frankly Speaking’, a blow has been struck to the media and communication fraternity as we all mourn Allan’s loss.

“Guyana has lost a true son of the soil,” the minister wrote.

Allan Arthur Fenty

Jumbo Jet to import heavy-duty...

FROM PAGE 17

and Head of XCMG South American countries; Mr Wu Shuxin, Commercial Director of XCMG South American Group and Justo Abelardo Santos Expinosa, Manager of International Business Department.

Jumbo Jet Auto Sales was represented by a team led by Mr Nasrudeen Juniour Mohamed; Mr Manoj Narayan, attorney; Mr Navendra Ramnauth, Sales

Manager for Parts/Spares; Mr Sohan Bridjlall, Company Engineer and Project Manager and Mr. Sanjeev Caimraj, Logistics Manager.

The XCMG Group and Jumbo Jet Auto Sales also signed their inaugural Purchase Order for the supply and delivery of 125 pieces of various construction equipment and machinery, including amphibious excavators.

The parties mutually

agreed on the multimilliondollar purchase, and the shipment is expected to arrive in Guyana in April, 2023.

Jumbo Jet Auto Sales will provide full after-sale service and maintenance with original parts manufactured by XCMG for all equipment and machinery imported into Guyana.

According to the release, Mr Mohamed indicated, “Jumbo Jet Auto

Sales is pleased to continue to play its part in the development and modernization of Guyana by providing construction and mining equipment and machinery of the highest quality, durability, and reliability.

“This MoU with

XCMG, he said, is the first of many major franchise deals that Jumbo Jet Auto Sales has earmarked for Guyana.

“We will continue to play an integral role in providing heavy-duty equipment and special -

ized machinery to contractors in Guyana. In keeping with the ‘One Guyana’ vision, we are willing to work together with new contractors to boost their current capacity and build a better Guyana.”

GBA to stage 2023 edition of Patrick...

From page 28

and Tobago. Meanwhile, Sportsman of the Year, GBA Boxer of the Year, and highest-ranked local IBA pugilist [on 23] Desmond Amsterdam will headline the international section which will also feature Junior Commonwealth Silver medalist, Keevin Allicock, and Colin Lewis. According to information emanating from the GBA, public interest in the tournament is at a zenith, as tickets that were initially available have been sold out, which is in-

RACING TIPS

dicative of the sport’s growing momentum and direction.

The prestigious competition is staged in honour of the late pugilist Patrick Forde who etched his name in the annals of Guyana’s boxing history by becoming the first Guyanese to contest for the world title under the Golden Arrowhead. In his first attempt at international glory, Forde lost a contentious bout to Mexican Salvador Sanchez for the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title on September 13, 1980.

Forde, who captured the WBC Fecabox title and Commonwealth featherweight championship, lost his second bid at international glory at the hands of Eusebio Pedroza of Panama. He ended his career with an impressive 23-fight record of 19 wins and four defeats.Forde, who was the brother of pugilist Reginald Forde, passed away in

2011 at the age of 55.

The official international fight card

1. Jamal Eastman (GUY) vs Domelzo Schet (SUR)

2. Qunice Boyce (GUY) vs Richard Evert (SUR)

3. Nikaela Khodra (St Lucia) vs Leeann Boodram (T&T) (FEMALE)

4. Brian Harris (GUY) vs Jaden Castillano (T&T)

5. Alesha Jackman (GUY) vs Shawnelle Hamid (T&T) (FEMALE)

6. Joel Williamson (GUY) vs Jeremiah Toussaint (BAR)

7. Colin Lewis (GUY) vs Nathan Debesette (T&T)

8. Abiola Jackman (GUY) vs Kamara Stuart (BAR)

9. Keevin Allicock (GUY) vs Samuel Greene (SUR)

10. Troy Glasgow (GUY) vs Leandro Dongo (SUR)

11. Desmond Amsterdam (GUY) vs Nickelle Joseph (T&T)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday February 12, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Tejnarine Chanderpaul-207* (Bulawayo, 2023)

(2) Hamilton Masakadza-147 (Bulawayo, 2017)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What are the best innings bowling figures by a WI against ZIM in Tests to date?

(2) What are the best innings bowling figures by a ZIM against the WI in Tests to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

India v Australia first test:

Tourists suffer innings defeat inside three days

SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings

Rohit Sharma b Pat Cummins 120

Lokesh Rahul c&b Todd Murphy 20

Ravichandran Ashwi lbw Todd Murphy 23

Cheteshwar Pujara c Scott Boland

b Todd Murphy 7

Virat Kohli c Alex Carey

b Todd Murphy 12

Suryakumar Yadav b Nathan Lyon 8

Ravindra Jadeja b Todd Murphy 70

Srikar Bharat lbw Todd Murphy 8

Axar Patel b Pat Cummins 84

Mohammed Shami c Alex Carey

b Todd Murphy 37

Mohammed Siraj Not Out 1

Extras: 6b 1lb 3nb 0pen 0w 10

Total: (139.3 overs) 400 all out

Fall of Wickets : 1-76 Rahul, 2-118 Ashwin, 3-135

Pujara, 4-151 Kohli, 5-168 Yadav, 6-229 Sharma, 7-240

Bharat, 8-328 Jadeja, 9-380 Shami, 10-400 Patel

Bowling : Pat Cummins 20.3 - 3 - 78 - 2 (1nb)

Scott Boland 17 - 4 - 34 - 0 (1nb),

Nathan Lyon 6 4 13 126 1, Todd Murphy 4712 - 124 - 7 ( 1nb),

Marnus Labuschagne 5 0 24 0 4.80

Matthew Renshaw 1 0 7 0 7.00

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings

Usman Khawaja c Virat Kohli

b Ravichandran Ashwin 5

David Warner lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 10

Marnus Labuschagne lbw Ravindra Jadeja 17

Steven Smith Not Out 25

Matthew Renshaw lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 2

Peter Handscomb lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 6

Alex Carey lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 10

Pat Cummins c Srikar Bharat

b Ravindra Jadeja 1

Todd Murphy c Rohit Sharma

Nathan Lyon

b Axar Patel 2

b Mohammed Shami 8

Scott Boland lbw Mohammed Shami 0

Extras: 0b 1lb 4nb 0pen 0w 5

Total: (32.3 overs) 91 all out

Fall of Wickets: 1-7 Khawaja, 2-26 Labuschagne, 3-34

Warner, 4-42 Renshaw, 5-52 Handscomb, 6-64 Carey, 7-67 Cummins, 8-75 Murphy, 9-88 Lyon, 10-91 Boland

Bowling: Mohammed Shami 4.3 - 1 - 13 - 2 (2nb), Ravichandran Ashwin 12 - 3 - 37 - 5, Mohammed

Siraj 1- 1 - 0 - 0.

Ravindra Jadeja 12- 3 - 34 - 2 - 2. (2nb)

INDIA beat Australia by an innings and 132 runs inside three days in the first Test of their four-match series.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took 5-37 as the tourists, needing 223 to make India bat again, were bowled out for 91 in their second innings in Nagpur.

Steve Smith was left unbeaten on 25 as Australian wickets tumbled around him.

India, who began the day on 321-7, were eventually bowled out for 400, debutant Aussie spinner Todd Murphy taking two more wickets to finish with 7-124.

It was Australia's lowest Test total in India - their previous worst was 93, made in a 13run defeat in Mumbai in 2004.

Opener Usman Khawaja was caught by Virat Kohli for five off Ashwin in only the second over of Australia's second innings, which quickly unravelled from there.

Marnus Labuschagne was trapped lbw by Ravindra Jadeja for 17 in the 11th over, while David Warner made it to 10 before falling the same way to Ashwin to leave Australia 34-3.

The tourists lost their final seven wickets for 57 runs as the innings was wrapped up in just under two hours.

Ashwin, who picked up his 31st five-wicket haul in 89 Tests, finished with match figures of 8-79.

Slow left-armer Jadeja, who took 2-34 in the second innings, was later fined 25% of his match fee and had one demerit point added to his disciplinary record after admitting a breach of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) code of conduct during Australia's first innings.

The 34-year-old was punished for applying a soothing cream to swelling on the index finger of his bowling hand without asking for permission from the on-field umpires.

An ICC statement read: "The match referee was satisfied that the cream was applied to the finger purely for medical purposes.

"The cream was not applied as an artificial substance to the ball and consequently it did not change the condition of the

ball."

The series will help determine qualification for the final of the World Test Championship, which will be held at The

Oval this summer.

Australia and India are the top two sides in the rankings and the World Test Championship standings

with India needing at least a 3-1 victory to guarantee qualification for the showpiece final.

Cummins' side, who are currently top of the standings, only need to draw one of the four Tests to guarantee their place.

India captain Rohit Sharma, whose 120 helped set up the win, said: "When playing a series like this, it's important to start well. I'm happy I could put up a performance which could help the team."

The second Test begins on Friday, 17 February, in New Delhi.(BBC Sport)

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin finished with match figures of 8-79

Atlantic Marine Suppliers Inc/ Suzuki Motor Cycles T20s

MSC, Police remain unbeaten as GCA’s 2nd Division cricket resumes

By Sean Devers

ON a day blessed with glorious sunshine, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Atlantic Marine Suppliers Inc/ Suzuki Motor Cycles T20s second division T20 cricket tournament resumed yesterday with seven matches at four venues.

At Everest, in the morning game, Malteenoes beat Third Class by nine wickets at the best looking venue of the round.

Third Class were bowled out for 75 in 19.4 over with Ryan Seecharran scoring 31 with two boundaries but when he was caught at longon trying to go over the top to off-spinner Ncohoisi Barker, only Gopaul Ramgobin (11) got into double figures.

Barker had 4-10, and was on a hat-trick while Marcus Watkins bowled well for MSC who reached 78-1 in 8.4 overs to remain unbeaten in zone ‘A’.

Judel McAllister was unbeaten on 36 with four fours and six; with him was Jerimiah Scott on 33 with three fours and six.

At Bourda: Bel Air Rubis beat Sophia by nine wickets

AUSTRALIA made an ominous start to their Women's T20 World Cup campaign by thrashing New Zealand by 97 runs.

After setting an imposing target of 174, the twotime defending champions bowled out the White Ferns for 76.

Megan Schutt dismissed Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine for golden ducks in the first over before spinner Ashleigh Gardner took 5-12.

Opener Alyssa Healy hit 55, captain Meg Lanning a majestic 41 and Ellyse Perry 40 in Australia's 173-9.

The world-class trio laid a platform, meaning Australia still reached their large total despite losing 5-19 in the closing overs.

They leap straight to the top of the Group A standings, above Sri Lan-

with Shamal Angel leading the way with five fours and three sixes in 41.

He got support from Raffel Singh (30), Azeem Azeez (20) and Rayad Latif (17*)

Anthony Smith and Zameer Ishan picked up two wickets each for GDF, who could only reach 115-8 when their 20 overs expired.

Leon Andrews made 30 which included three sixes and a four while Ishan scored 24 with two fours and two sixes.

GSCL Republic softball set for Queen’s College ground today

Lord and Krsna Singh had two wickets as the ‘Bourda boys’ won by 89 runs.

At QC, Police rattled up the day’s highest total with a magnificent 98 from 48 balls with six fours and nine sixes from Lennox Andrews, who led the Cops to 227-7 with Troy Benn contributing 31.

after reaching 96-1 in 13.4 overs chasing Sophia’s 92 from 18.5 overs.

Kish DaSilva made 35 with two fours and a couple of sixes but only Ray Skeete (14) reached double figures as Ajay Gainda (3-12), Travis Persaud (2-19) and Mahendra Jeenarine (3-12) took the wickets for Bel Air Rubis who galloped to 91-in 13.4 overs, on a slightly heavy outfield.

In the other morning encounter at QC, Transport Sports Club (TSC), playing in their first of two matches yesterday, reached 178-6

In the afternoon games which were played at Everest, Bourda and TCS grounds, West Indies U-19 Batter Mavindra Dindyal, watched by a good size gathering at the GCC Pavilion, stroked a classy undefeated 77 from 56 balls decorated with six fours and two sixes. He was backed up by Thaddeus Lovell (23) and Martin Pestano Belle (16) as GCC reached 147-7.

Rickford Mohammed had 3-17 while burly off-spinner Quacy Cummings, in the mould of Rakeem Cornwall, had 2-30 in an impressive spell.

Diplomats fell for 66-6 in their 20 overs with Dellon Collins making 26 as Devon

Vickash Jaikaran, Gary Ross and Tuen Hicks took two wickets each for QC who were restricted to 135-8. Jonte Thomas top scored with 46 with one four and six sixes while Ronaldo McGarrell supported with 26.

Kelvin Leitch took 2-40 as Police remained unbeaten in the other zone.

At the TSC ground under blue skies, Angel followed up his 41 in the morning game, with an impressive unbeaten 93 laced with six fours and eight sixes from just 46 balls but only Adrian Hinds (17) of the other batters passed 15.

Dante DeAbreu had 3-39 for Agricola who were limited to 63-8 in a game that was reduced to 15 overs per side, despite 30 from Nasrudeen Ally. Myhiem Khan had 2-18 for TSC who won twice yesterday.

THE Queen’s College ground, Thomas Lands, Georgetown is expected to be abuzz today when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc stages its much-anticipated annual Republic Cup softball tournament. Like in previous years, the trophies are being sponsored by Trophy Stall through its generous proprietor, Ramesh Sunich.

Four teams – Regal, Success, Ariel and Mahaica Rangers will battle for supremacy in the Over-40 category in what is expected to be a heated affair. The draw for the two semi-finals will be made before the 10.00 hrs start. According to GSCL president, Ian John, the Over50 division will be contested next weekend due to the availability of teams.

With the Orlando Softball Cricket League (OSCL) tournament set for March 17, 18 and 19 in Orlando, Regal, who have been ruling the roost in the Over-50 category both at home and abroad, will take the opportunity to showcase several of their Over-50 players, the only division they will be participating in this time around.

Among those expected to don the Regal colours today are skipper, Mahendra Hardyal, David Harper, Rudolph Baker, Eric Thomas and Chien Gittens, the regular Over40 captain.

ka who beat hosts South Africa on Friday.

The huge margin of New Zealand's defeat severely dents their hopes and boosts the chances of the Proteas, given the damage inflicted on the White Ferns' net run-rate which will separate teams who finish level on points.

Australia make dominant start

Australia have won five of the last six editions of this competition and, having won the Ashes, the 50-over World Cup and Commonwealth Games in 2022, have become one of the dominant teams in world sport.

They suffered a shock loss to Ireland in a warmup game earlier this week but the emphatic margin of this victory squashed any thought that they are anything but huge favourites

in South Africa.

Their batting line-up is fearsome. Their bowling is high-class and varied.

Megan Schutt began with five wides but bowled Suzie Bates, who tried an ambitious scoop off her stumps, a ball later and then trapped Devine lbw. That all but ended the contest and afterwards a ruthless showing from all seven bowlers used followed, Gardner stealing the headlines with her accurate off-spin and her first international five-wicket haul.

With the bat, Australia lost opener Beth Mooney to a stunning leaping catch by Eden Carson in the first over but afterwards Healy and Lanning found the boundaries at will in a dominant stand of 70 from 54 balls.

Lanning was bowled by a googly from Kerr but

Perry took on the scoring, hitting two sixes in her imperious 22-ball knock.

The worry for the rest of the competition is Australia's batting has room for improvement. They looked on course for an even bigger total at 1484 after 16.2 overs before a slide of wickets which included a sloppy run-out and a succession of catches offered to deep fielders by the lower middle order.

"Someone is going to have [to]play very well to beat Australia," former England spinner Alex Hartley said.

"They did show slight weaknesses today. They should have got up about 180-190, and could have got 200 at one stage.

"But we are clutching at straws. They are a very strong side."

Trophies will be awarded to the winning and runner-up teams and the man-of-the-match in the final.

GCB announces postponement of competitions due to inclement weather

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has taken a decision to postpone Tournaments that were scheduled to commence in February 2023. The tournaments include the GCB/Republic Bank Under-23 Inter-Club Knock Tournament (Super-50), GCB Senior Inter-County Tournament (Women), and the GCB Under-17 Inter-County.

The Senior Inter-County Four-Day Tournament is tentatively scheduled to be played from February 25, 2023, during the break of the West Indies Championship, which is currently in progress.

The most recent inclement weather has caused the delay in the preparation of the grounds marked for this tournament forcing the Guyana Cricket Board to make this decision. The new dates for the tournament will be announced shortly.

(Press Release by the Guyana Cricket Board)

Lennox Andrews hit a blistering 98 for Police, (Sean Devers photo)

Women’s T20 World Cup 2023: Australia thrash New Zealand by 97 runs in Paarl

Devi Sunich, wife of Trophy Stall proprietor, Ramesh Sunich, hands over the trophies to GSCL president, Ian John

Real Madrid win Club World Cup in eight-goal final

REAL Madrid beat Al-Hilal in a remarkable eight-goal

FIFA Club World Cup final in Rabat to win the trophy for a record-extending fifth time.

Vinicius Jr and Federico

Valverde put European champions Real 2-0 up and Moussa Marega gave Al-Hilal hope before Vinicius set up Karim Benzema's goal.

Valverde netted again and Luciano Vietto scored before Vinicius' second.

Vietto swivelled in the box before firing in a second for 5-3 but Al-Hilal rarely looked like coming back.

Carlo Ancelotti's Real added to their four cups from 2014 to 2018 - and ensured European teams have won the past 10 editions of the tournament.

They had brushed off Egyptian side Al Ahly 4-1 in the semi-finals, the round the European champions always enter the tournament.

Asian champions Al-Hilal,

who are managed by former Oxford United boss Ramon Diaz, beat Brazilians Flamengo in the semis to become the first Saudi team to reach the final.

But despite the double

from former Fulham striker Vietto they could not become the first Asian team to lift the trophy.

Chelsea won last year's final but were not able to defend it as only reigning continental

Bravo hits second century in drawn second round match

all

champions - and champions of the host country - are invited.

FIFA plans to change the format of the tournament from June 2025 to feature 32 teams, to be held every four years. (BBC Sport)

Windies Women stumble in T20World Cup opener to extend losing streak

PAARL, South Africa, (CMC) – West Indies’ hopes of landing an upset in their opening game of the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup were dashed when powerhouses England brushed them aside by seven wickets at Boland Park here Saturday.

While their much maligned batting group managed to cobble together a decent 135 for seven from their 20 overs thanks to a top score of 42 from captain Hayley Matthews, the target proved insufficient for England who coasted over the line with 33 balls to spare.

Nat Sciver-Brunt led the chase with an unbeaten 40 from 30 deliveries in tandem with captain Heather Knight who stroked 32 not out off 22 balls, while Sophia Dunkley struck an 18-ball 34 at the top of the order.

The defeat for West Indies was the sixth straight to England and 14th on the trot overall, and they will now face 2020 T20 World Cup losing finalists, India, in their crucial second match on Wednesday.

“Out there batting in the middle, we spoke about [probably] getting 145, 150. I think we had a decent start, we probably weren’t able to capitalise at the end,” said Matthews.

“It’s the World Cup. Every match is very important but obviously this next one is very crucial after today.

“We definitely need to get some points on the board. We’ll go [away], reassess, take the really big positives out of today, look at what we can do a lot better and hopefully take it into that game.”

West Indies welcomed back former captain and

leading batter, Stafanie Taylor for her first game in five months after recovering from injury and though she managed only three, helped add 47 off 38 deliveries for the first wicket with her successor Matthews.

However, Taylor soaked up 15 balls, resulting in her missing a frustrating cross-batted heave, and falling lbw to 23-year-old leg-spinner Sarah Glenn.

Matthews, who struck eight fours in her 32-ball knock, put on a further 22 for the second wicket with Shemaine Campbelle (34) before she was hit in front by another 23-year-old, left-arm

spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, in the 11th over.

Campbell kept up the tempo, lashing four fours off 37 balls in a 41-ball fourth wicket stand with Chinelle Henry (14) before the innings fell away swiftly, West Indies losing both batters in the 17th over as four wickets tumbled for 18 runs in 17 deliveries.

In reply, England too enjoyed a flying start, Dunkley punching four fours and a six in a 37-run opening stand with Danni Wyatt (11) before perishing at the start of the sixth over, brilliantly taken by new ball seamer Chinelle Henry (2-30) on her follow through.

Nat Sciver-Brunt then took control of the chase, first in a 21-run, third wicket partnership with Alice Capsey (13) and then in a 67-run, unbroken fourth wicket stand with Knight.

Sciver-Brunt counted half-dozen fours and a six while Knight struck four fours and a six, both dominating the West Indies attack once Henry was withdrawn after three overs.

NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Veteran lefthander Darren Bravo tugged at the heartstrings of West Indies selectors with his second hundred of the game as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force drew their second round Regional first class contest against Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

The 34-year-old left-hander, whose Test career appeared all but over having not featured in just over two years, struck exactly 100 not out to lift Red Force to 183 for five declared in their second innings on the final day at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

Having been dismissed for 302 in their first innings, the declaration left Hurricanes with an improbable 300 for victory and they finished on 72 for one to avoid any unnecessary late drama.

Earlier, Rahkeem Cornwall completed his 17th first class fifty when he made 67, carrying the Hurricanes innings after they resumed on 243 for seven, still 175 runs in arrears.

Unbeaten on 33 at the start, Cornwall struck seven fours and a couple sixes off 95 balls and found an ally in Hayden Walsh Jr (33) to stretch the eighth wicket stand to 83.

Off-spinner Bryan Charles grabbed two of the three wickets to fall to end with four for 84 while leftarm spinner Khary Pierre took the other wicket to end with three for 63.

Ahead by 116, Red Force had a less than ideal start when pacer Sheno Berridge bowled Keagan Simmons for one in the second over with as many runs on the board before captain Bravo took charge.

He stroked 10 fours in an innings requiring 153 balls and just short of three hours at the crease, posting 85 for the second wicket with Jeremy Solozano (26), 28 for the third wicket with Jason Mohammed (12), and 28 for the fifth with Terrance Hinds (16).

Bravo also scored exactly 100 in the first innings, now raising his first class tally to 14 hundreds.

With survival their only focus, Hurricanes comfortably denied Red Force thanks to opener Montcin Hodge who struck an unbeaten 33 in a 52-run, opening stand with Test batsman Kieran Powell (21).

Hodge batted nearly 1-½ hours and counted half-dozen fours, finding support from Keacy Carty (11 not out) to further frustrate Red Force once Powell departed.

Real Madrid have played in five FIFA Club World Cup finals and won them

Captain Hayley Matthews drives elegantly during her top score of 42. (Photo courtesy ICC Media)

Darren Bravo struck an unbeaten 100

Regional Four-Day Sinclair, Beaton salvage draw for Harpy Eagles against Volcanoes

McSween dismissed Imlach for 25.

Kemol Savory joined Nandu at the crease and lasted 35 balls before falling to Kenneth Dember for seven in the 31st over.

Captain Leon Johnson made his way to the middle to join Nandu and the pair put on 55 for the third wicket before Johnson was dismissed by Darius Martin for 40 in the 46th over.

The 47th over saw Nandu bring up his half century off 112 balls. The 19-yearold struck 126 in their firstround encounter with the Barbados Pride.

replaced Chandrapaul Hemraj who retired hurt on day three, then combined with Sinclair to form a crucial 64-run sixth-wicket partnership. The partnership ended when Persaud was dismissed by Justin Greaves for a 62-ball 24 to leave the Harpy Eagles 205-6 in 70th over.

Between the 73rd and 74th over, Veerasammy Permaul (4), Shamar Joseph (0) and Nial Smith (0) all fell, bringing Ronsford Beaton to the crease to join Sinclair and try to save the match.

All-rounder Kevin Sinclair and pacer Ronsford Beaton were the heroes as they batted 17.1 overs to salvage a draw for the Guyana Harpy Eagles against the Windward

Islands Volcanoes at the Grenada National Stadium on Saturday.

The day started with the Harpy Eagles 35-0 off 14.3 overs, needing a further 259 runs to win their second

straight game with Matthew Nandu on 18 and Tevin Imlach on 13.

The pair brought the score up to 54 in the 23rd over before Preston

The 51st over saw the Harpy Eagles lose their fourth wicket as Anthony Bramble went caught behind off McSween for three.

Just two balls later, 1404 became 141-5 as Nandu was bowled for a well-compiled 60 off 123 balls.

Akshya Persaud, who

Sinclair brought up his fifty off 82 balls in the 79th over and the pair put together a masterful display of grit to bat out the last 17.1 overs to finish 250-9 off 91 overs.

Sinclair ended up unbeaten 77 off 138 balls while Beaton made just one but, more importantly, faced 24 balls.

Preston McSween ended

up with 3-58 from 21 overs while Justin Greaves and Kavem Hodge took two wickets, each.

Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 294 off 80.5 overs (Alick Athanaze 141, Ryan John 51*, Sunil Ambris 47, Veerasammy Permaul 4-70, Ronsford Beaton 2-50, Kevin Sinclair 2-66) and 168 off 56.3 overs (Justin Greaves 27, Sunil Ambris 26, Preston McSween 25, Shamar Joseph 5-41, Ronsford Beaton 3-35)

Guyana Harpy Eagles 169 off 63.1 overs (Veerasammy Permaul 53, Kevin Sinclair 23, Justin Greaves 5-24, Ryan John 2-52) and 250-9 off 91 overs (Kevin Sinclair 77*, Matthew Nandu 60, Leon Johnson 40, Preston McSween 3-58, Justin Greaves 2-35, Kavem Hodge 2-36)

GBA to stage 2023 edition of Patrick Forde Memorial Championship February 19

International boxing returns to the National Gymnasium

INTERNATIONAL

boxing returns to the National Gymnasium on February 19th when the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), in collaboration with McDonald Promotions, stages the 2023 edition of the Patrick Forde Memorial Championship.

The one-day event will be the first international sporting venture staged on local shores for 2023 for any discipline, as it will attract participation from Barbados, Suriname, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The COVID-19 pandemic was the reason for the event’s absence, with the previous iteration being staged in 2019 and only featuring international participation in the form of Suriname.

While a total of 15 bouts are scheduled, 11 international fights are confirmed for the night’s proceedings, with the emerging school boys division, which is the nursery of the GBA, also expected to feature albeit in a local capacity.

The competition will also mark an im-

portant resumption of female international boxing, as rising stars and siblings, Alisha and Abiola Jackman, return to the squared circle in preparation for the IBA Women's World Championship in New Delhi, India from March 15-31, 2023.

It will be Alisha’s first taste of international combat, while this will be Abiola’s reappearance on the international circuit since winning gold at the 2019 Caribbean Championship in Trinidad

All-rounder Kevin Sinclair and Ronsford Beaton batted 17.1 overs to salvage a draw for Guyana

GBA president Steve Ninvalle