Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12-04-2024

Turkish company being engaged for ‘emergency power’

–– contract could be finalised by the end of this week, Dr Jagdeo says

Technical team to discuss plan to move forward with ‘Conversation Tree project’

APNU+AFC must embrace the ‘whole truth’

–– Hinds says, calls on party to make better contributions to achieve national cohesion –– recalls the abrupt termination of official transition when coalition took office in 2015

Gas-to-energy project on schedule

–– Dr Jagdeo says; dispels rumour that project will be delayed

Party infighting, mud-slinging just ‘a little banter’

–– PNC-R Chairman says as tension continues to rise ahead of congress

ChiefJusticetonewmagistrates:‘Youdonotrepresenteitherside;yourepresentjustice’

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Thursday, inspected construction works on the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street four-lane road (Office of the President photos)

APNU+AFC must embrace the ‘whole truth’

–– Hinds says, calls on party to make better contributions to achieve national cohesion –– recalls the abrupt termination of official transition when coalition took office in 2015

FORMER Prime Minister and President of Guyana, Samuel Hinds, has issued a compelling call for the APNU+AFC to embrace the “whole truth” in the pursuit of national reconciliation.

His appeal comes in response to the ongoing dialogue surrounding former A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC)

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo’s recent book, “My

Quest for National UnityDear Land of Guyana.”

Hinds, who is the Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), in a recent letter to the editor, urged his fellow party members to acknowledge the full complexity of Guyana’s political history, including the actions and consequences of their own party’s policies.

He signalled the need for honesty and transparency in

addressing the deep-rooted divisions within Guyanese society.

Nagamootoo’s book has sparked debate with its reflections on the events surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections, particularly his portrayal of the loss of dignity experienced by Guyanese citizens during the transition of power.

However, Hinds believes that Nagamootoo’s narrative fails to capture the complete truth, particularly regarding

the role of the APNU+AFC in exacerbating racial tensions.

He underscored the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths in order to move forward as a unified nation.

Hinds argued that genuine national reconciliation requires a candid acknowledgment of past injustices and a commitment to forging a more inclusive future for all Guyanese.

“We humans, being what we are, Moses might have tempered his feelings of being disrespected had he recalled the events preceding that change of government: Five long, tortuous months full of anxiety following our elections of March 2; and more than 19 months after his government lost the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018.

“Moses, immediately after that historical loss, had asserted that his government would conform to the standard parliamentary requirement of arranging and holding new elections within 90 days. We, Guyanese and Guyana, for 19 months were put to a severe test of not tearing ourselves apart. There are many to whom we should be thankful that we did not go over the edge,” Hinds said.

Delving into his own encounters, Hinds vividly recounts the atmosphere when the APNU+AFC coalition won the 2015 elections. He recalled the abrupt

The gerrymandered constituency boundaries, the rigged elections of 1968 to 1985, the travails to the 1992 elections after two aborted attempts, and the events from December 2018 to August 2020,” Ambassador Hinds said.

Central to his message was the call for a shared commitment to national cohesion and prosperity, as he echoed President Dr Irfaan Ali’s call for “One Guyana,” highlighting the need for collective effort and support, particularly in light of recent discoveries of oil off Guyana’s shores.

termination of changeover arrangements and the demeaning treatment he experienced, such as the downgrading of his official vehicle and the cancellation of a planned walk-through.

Notably, Hinds revealed a startling detail of resorting to travel by minibus accompanied by a bodyguard, highlighting the stark contrast to the usual circumstance often associated with governmental transitions.

“Changeover arrangements between the Hinds and Nagamootoo families were abruptly ended; a last walkthrough was cancelled; the PM’s car was demanded but soon demoted to the backup position whilst I caught a minibus to travel to our city centre with my close man,” Hinds said as he reflected on the rawness of his experience and the humility he exhibited amidst the challenging circumstances.

Highlighting the historical context of Guyana’s political landscape, Hinds touched upon the legacy of past injustices and divisions within the country.

From the split of the PPP in 1955 to the challenges leading up to the 1992 elections, he stressed the need to address and reconcile with the past to move forward as a unified nation.

“Moses would have known of the anguish and wrongs done to Dr Jagan, and the members of the PPP from the split of the PPP in 1955:

Hinds expressed hope for a more significant contribution to national cohesion, urging all Guyanese to embrace narratives of whole truths as a crucial step towards achieving reconciliation and building a brighter future for the nation.

“It is good to recognise that our ‘Dear Land of Guyana’ needs greater cohesion; there are none but us to labour for it. Moses would know that we have a lot to clear from our chests. Our Dear Land of Guyana needs reconciliation.

“We need narratives of whole truths for national reconciliation. It needs no saying that I keep hoping for a better contribution to national cohesion from Moses,” he said.

Newspaper columnist and political activist, Freddie Kissoon recently did a review of Nagamootoo’s book, which he said has left a “gaping aperture in Guyana’s historiography.”

“He told his audience that his book is about his journey of contribution to the quest for political and social cohesion in Guyana. But the contents of his book contradict that.

“How can you launch your memoir about your attempts to bring reconciliation to Guyana yet when you were in power for five years, your administration exacerbated the divisions in Guyana and your own individual performance in government allowed for the expansion of the divisions?” Kissoon said in his critique of Nagamootoo’s book.

Former Prime Minister of Guyana, Samuel Hinds

Turkish company being engaged for ‘emergency power’

–– contract could be finalised by the end of this week, Dr Jagdeo says

By Naomi Parris

THE Government of Guyana is in talks with a Turkish company—Karpowership – to supply “emergency power” to the country’s grid amid an increase in power outages, People’s Progressive Party (PPP), General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday.

Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference, said about 36 megawatts (MW) of power is being sought.

Recently, as reported previously, Guyana has seen an upsurge in power outages because of aged infrastructure, lack of investments from 20152020, and a rapid increase in the demand for power.

“GPL continues to give us headaches,” Dr Jagdeo said, adding: “We are very much aware about the problems it is causing to many people in this country. We have been inundated with complaints, and people’s lives are being disrupted because of the situation.”

Dr Jagdeo said too a government team was created by President, Dr

Irfaan Ali to monitor the situation. Currently, equipment that was meant to be placed in reserve is being relied on.

“The reality is that a lot of the equipment that should have been in reserve are still being used now, [these are] old equipment…but we have to keep using them until the new power plant comes on stream,” the General Secretary said.

A contract is being drafted for the supply of “emergency power” to address the issue.

“Hopefully, before the end of the week, we can conclude this contract and have this vessel arrive in the country maybe twothree weeks later… that will see a significant injection of power into the grid in addition to what we have. We intend to contract this for two years until the gas-to-energy project is completed,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Karpowership is the owner, operator, and builder of the world’s only Powership (floating power plant) fleet.

Dubbed a pioneer in innovative energy projects

for more than 25 years, the group started its energy investments in 1996, and today owns and operates a fleet of 36 Powerships with 6,000 MW installed capacity globally.

“We are hoping that within a matter of weeks we will be able to bring this situation back to normalcy and then have extra capacity to address any failure of equipment like we have experienced recently,” Dr Jagdeo added.

The government, he said, has been working on a solution to address the power situation definitively to ensure stable power in the future.

With the gas-to-energy project on the West Bank of Demerara expected to come on stream by next year, an additional 300 megawatts (MW) of power is anticipated to be added to the national grid.

The gas-to-energy project will see a 200km 12-inch diameter pipeline channelling natural gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to a power plant and Natural Gas Liquids

(NGL) facility that will be built in Wales.

ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the operator in the Stabroek Block, and its co-venturers are constructing the pipeline.

That pipeline will be landing on the West Coast of Demerara shore, and

continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL and power-plant facilities.

On Monday, GPL installed 14 of 17 generators and six step-up transformers at its sub-station at Columbia, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to bolster its electricity supply capacity.

Additionally, the utility company is actively exploring renewable energy

options as part of its longterm strategy to diversify the energy mix, and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.

GPL recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InterEnergy, a Dominican Republic power company to enhance the management of its electricity services.

NBS performed ‘spectacularly’ by providing low mortgage rates to Guyanese

–– Dr Jagdeo says; highlights non-performing loans reduced by about seven per cent

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has, once again debunked claims being peddled in the local news, regarding the New Building Society (NBS).

At his weekly press engagement at Freedom House, the General Secretary called out a “dangerous” headline in the news, which claimed that the NBS lost half a billion in profits and that non-performing loans are expected to affect other financial operators.

The General Secretary said that headlines of this nature in the local news potentially undermine confidence in the country’s banking system.

The article contended that the lowered interest rate prompted by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has led to an interest rebate amounting to some $800 million in 2022, and $850 million for

last year.

He said that the NBS is mandated to provide affordable mortgages to Guyanese, and is not necessarily a profit venture. As a result, they enjoy several interventions from the state, such as tax exemptions, that would not be afforded to other commercial banks.

He said that reducing the mortgage rates has saved tremendous funds, and the institution has performed spectacularly in reducing payments for over 14,000 Guyanese. This feat, according to Dr Jagdeo, is a success story.

“Kaieteur News looked at the $800-$850 million that was given back to the 14,000 people who now have mortgages at NBS…and claims that NBS lost this money because President Ali made an intervention to ask NBS to reduce mortgage rates further. President Ali, first of all, did not direct NBS to reduce

mortgage rates,” the General Secretary clarified.

He stressed that as a result of the rapidly expanding economy, the president has been advocating for lower mortgage rates, to empower Guyanese with more homeownership opportunities.

“When we took office in the 90s, a mortgage rate on a loan was ranging between 37 per cent and 40 per cent. It was impossible to borrow. So, people could not borrow to build. So, the PPP, when we got into office, we started [the work]. First, we tamed inflation rates, stabilised the exchange rate and mortgage rates started coming down, both for mortgages and commercial loans,” the General Secretary explained.

Several other banking institutions are offering lowered mortgage rates, at the urging of the government, and through the creation of a stable macroeconomic environment. According to Dr

Jagdeo, in many instances, the government engaged with banks and offered them incentives so that Guyanese could enjoy lower mortgage rates.

“We have de-risked a lot of the borrowing by allocating land and pledging the land to the banking institutions so that people who did not have collateral could then go and still secure a loan. Because of that, tens of thousands of people started owning homes in this country,” the general secretary noted.

He further explained, “We have been urging the banks to lower mortgage interest because we want people to own homes. We are supplying more house lots now as part of our manifesto promise, and we are working to ensure that mortgages become affordable. You have to do both at the same time.”

Addressing the conten-

tion that an alleged non-performing loans issue will extend to other financial operations, the general secretary made it clear that Guyana’s banking sector is resilient, and not at risk.

“We have stress-tested, more than most countries, our banking system. We have one of the toughest anti-money laundering laws anywhere in the world,” Dr Jagdeo pointed out.

Guyana’s anti-money laundering legislation was recently modified to meet the best-practised standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The GS assured that Guyana has a stable banking system, and dismissed the article as a blatant lie.

“In 2019, non-performing loans in the banking system were 12.1 per cent. [Today], it is 2.7 per cent, across the banking system. So, [it is] contrary to what they have there. It is a total

lie that it will affect other financial operators and banks,” he said.

Importantly, he underscored that the NBS has also reduced its non-performing loans from the COVID period, from about 10 per cent to approximately three per cent.

(DPI)

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Technical team to discuss plan to move forward with ‘Conversation Tree project’

PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday inspected construction works on the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street four-lane road, where he announced that a technical team will be meeting with the Ministry of Public Works soon to discuss a way forward on the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street project in Georgetown.

Gas-to-energy project on schedule

–– Dr. Jagdeo says, dispels rumours that project will be delayed

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has set the record straight and maintained that the gas-to-energy project is on schedule.

This comes as a direct response to a Reuters’ article, headlined: “Guyana gas-topower project to shave weeks off oil output, hit revenue”, and the Opposition’s sudden hysteria over this piece.

The project was split into two lots, the first of which was executed by S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc. The second phase was awarded to Trinidad company, Kallco Guyana Inc., which has been flagged on multiple occasions for poor performance.

It was recently reported that Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has resolved to terminate the contract with Kallco.

During his visit, President Ali said that immediate drainage and irrigation works must be conducted on the incomplete portions of the project, so as to avoid flooding should weather conditions take a turn.

“We have to do some D&I work here, because I don’t want this remaining work to cost us. We have to make some decisions here,” the President said.

The project begins at the Conversation Tree corridor, and is approximately 1.9 kilometres from the East Coast Demerara Highway, connecting to Dennis Street.

The construction of two large concrete bridges to establish a connection to Dennis Street is also part of the work.

During his visit, the President also engaged with youths in the area, who lamented that the ongoing roadworks have disrupted the construction of the nearby ballfield. In response, President Ali contacted the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson, who assured him that work would restart immediately.

He committed to return to the community to engage with the youths. President Ali was accompanied by Minister Edghill; Head of the ministry’s Work Services Group Ron Rahaman, and Senior Project Engineer Kester Hinds.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Thursday, the PPP General Secretary extensively emphasised how the project will better the lives of all Guyanese.

He said that the project has several components, the first being the pipeline; the second building of the Power Plant and the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility; thirdly, the transmission main to move the power to the control centre; fourthly, the control centre, and fifthly the upgrade of the transmission and distribution system.

“So, five separate components that will make this a major project that will solve our electricity needs for long into the future; prepare us for an industrial era and a modern era for supply of power,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He further related that the gas-to-energy project was started “from scratch”, as the government was examining ways in which they could give the country a cheaper form of fuel.

As to why Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) is the most feasible location as opposed to Palmyra, East Berbice-Corentyne, Dr. Jagdeo explained that the latter has more “swampy conditions” and would have caused problems.

Additionally, the generation of power was tabled as another element in the creation of the gas-to-energy project.

According to Dr Jagdeo: “If you include the price of gas, it will probably be about six or seven cents, but gas is free. So, what will it take for us to pay back for this whole project? It came up to about four US cents per kilowatt hour, considering now we are generating at over 20 cents per kilowatt hour.”

He stated that the project will save the country a minimum of US$100 million per year.

The first element of the project was setting aside

An artist’s impression of the Wales gas-to-energy project beginning.

funds for the pipeline, and according to him, a billion dollars was set aside for the pipeline, and that included the upgrading of the roads to get to the site, the material offloading facility, a site preparation for 100 acres and included a laydown yard.

“So, the completed project, as per contract,” he said, “is end 2025. That is the completed project; the end of the project has not shifted.” But, according to him, the delay is as a result of a late handover by Exxon’s contractors that were responsible for the pipeline laying aspect.

Furthermore, he raised the subject of liquidated damages if the project is not completed on time.

“If they don’t complete the project on time, it is over US$11 million per month they have to pay in liquidated damages for delay on the project,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He further deflated the argument that ExxonMobil’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel connection will result in a loss of four weeks of production, and said that this was already taken into account and that it should only take two weeks.

The PPP General Secretary said: “Our estimate with Exxon given to us is two weeks. So, each of these FPSOs would have to be shut down for two weeks to connect the pipeline… this was taken into account in our forecast for the revenue for this year…this was considered right from the

“They are hoping to bring forward maintenance for that period on the FPSOs for the period when they have to shut them down to make the connection.”

He added that ExxonMobil is looking to alter its maintenance plan to run simultaneously with this timing.

The project, which involves laying a 200km, 12inch diameter pipeline, will channel natural gas from the Liza Phase One and Phase Two FPSO vessels to a stateof-the-art power plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility in Wales.

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), along with its

co-venturers in the Stabroek Block, are behind the pipeline’s construction, which has an estimated cost of US$1 billion and is cost recoverable.

The Government of Guyana has earmarked $80 billion in the 2024 budget for the project, highlighting its significance to national development.

The conversion of natural gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore operations to electricity is a key component of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s objective to lower energy costs by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix which incorporates gas, solar, wind, and “hydro” power.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill on Thursday inspected construction works on the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street four-lane road (Office of the President photos)

Fighting into obscurity

IN the political arena, mud-slinging has become more than just a pastime; it’s practically an art form.

But when the mud flies within a party itself, it’s not just unsightly—it’s a symptom of deeper issues.

The recent escalation of infighting within the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) serves as a glaring example of this disturbing trend.

At the epicenter of this tumult lies a battle for leadership, a struggle that has fractured any semblance of unity in the party and laid bare its internal divisions.

Shurwayne Holder, Chairman of the PNC-R, has made it clear that the gloves are off, signaling a no-holdsbarred in the contest for control. His

declaration, delivered via the modern-day town square of social media, underscores the intensity of the rifts within the party’s ranks.

The catalyst for this latest eruption of discord? None other than Aubrey Norton, whose leadership of the PNC-R has come under fire from party stalwart Amna Ally.

Ally, a figure with half a century of allegiance to the party, didn’t mince words when she declared Norton unfit for the role of leader. Her sentiments, while undoubtedly provocative, echo the concerns of many disillusioned party members who see the PNC-R’s support dwindling.

Holder’s swift rush to Norton’s defense speaks volumes about the depth of the divisions within the party.

While paying lip service to Ally’s right to her opinion, his actions—delivering a volley of verbal blows in her direction—reveal a party leadership more interested in silencing dissent than addressing legitimate concerns.

This knee-jerk reaction only serves to deepen the chasm within the PNC-R, alienating members who dare to question the status quo.

But this isn’t just a spat between party elites; it’s a battle for the soul of the PNC-R itself. With a long overdue congress looming on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The party finds itself at a crossroads, teetering on the brink of irrelevance if it fails to address its internal fractures.

The outcome of this power struggle will not only shape the future of the

PNC-R but also determine its ability to effectively represent the interests of the people it purports to serve.

For too long, the PNC-R has allowed petty squabbles and personal ambitions to overshadow its mandate. True leadership isn’t measured by one’s ability to silence dissent but by their capacity to listen, adapt, and lead with integrity.

In the end, the true test of the PNCR’s resilience lies not in its ability to weather internal strife but in its capacity to emerge from this crucible that could very well lead to the ultimate demise of the party.

The question now is whether the PNC-R is ready to rise to the challenge or risk fading further into obscurity.

Party infighting, mud-slinging just ‘a little banter’

DESPITE persons within the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R) camp throwing heavy blows at each other and making wild accusations of infractions to essentially bring down their colleagues, the party is still attempting to purport the view that they are united, and that the exchanges are nothing but “a little banter.”

Although PNC-R stalwart Amna Ally hammered Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and described him as unfit to be a leader, Norton was nowhere to be found at the party’s weekly press conference on Thursday. Instead, PNC-R Chairman Shurwayne Holder and the Opposition Leader’s adviser on economics Elson Low carried the torch.

The spotlight was placed on the recent infighting that erupted within the party, and Holder was pressed about his statements towards the former PNC-R General Secretary.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the PNC-R Chairman said that he does not

believe Ally has “the moral authority to say who is unfit to lead the party”.

Holder, during Thursday’s press conference, expressed no regrets over what was said, and instead stated that no one will be let off the hook for speaking “untruths”.

“I honestly don’t believe that I went overboard; I’m a human being and at some point I have to draw that line... I would not sit idly by or sit silently and allow what I view as statements that are not truthful or coming from persons who I believe would have not contributed significantly over the last four years towards the development of this party to just bash the leadership and not say anything. I am a human being, and in this particular case, I chose to address it, but that is where it ends,” he said.

Holder then went on to say: “I don’t really believe that party business should be out there in the public, and we should have that kind of rage and debate going on.”

The party members started taking jabs at each other after senior member, Roys-

–– PNC-R Chairman says as tension continues to rise ahead of congress

PNC-R Chairman Shurwayne Holder

dale Forde launched his internal campaign on the same day of a press conference held by Norton.

Holder defended his position by saying: “Same way Comrade Ally gave her view, I’m allowed to give my view.”

Meanwhile, after this newspaper would have published an article with Ally expressing her disdain for Norton’s leadership and instead throwing her support behind Forde, Opposition operatives had swarmed the comment section and referenced a “US$1 million flipped lands” saga.

When Holder was questioned about the party’s sudden vocalisation about the scandal, he said: “I wouldn’t know why party members are now bringing that up as you claim. Of course its Congress time and these kinds of things; a lot of things come up as the different persons begin to vie for various positions available, and so it is not strange that all sorts of allegations, and whether there is truth in it or not; [it] not strange for those type of things to come up.”

When probed further about the comments regarding the selectiveness, he then distanced himself and told the reporter: “Issues like that, I understand that you have to raise it, but really and truly I don’t think the public is so keen on those issues.”

Speeding, texting, DUI still top list of traffic offences endangering lives, Traffic Chief says

By Cindy Parkinson

CONDEMNING the everyday reckless usage of the roads by some drivers, Traffic Chief and Senior Superintendent of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Mahendra Singh has said that all drivers, regardless of their status, will face the consequences of breaking the law.

Acknowledging that some drivers do not practice the five ‘Cs’ of the road, Singh revealed some of his findings with the Guyana Chronicle and the major factors that contribute to reckless and dangerous behaviour on the roads.

“We conducted a number of assessments as to the cause of the reckless driving that is being experienced on the roadways, and I know that we all can agree with the first one, and that’s speed, the usage of cell phones while driving (especially texting),

alcohol, and/or the music system in their vehicles.

“Even though there are several other factors that contribute to the dangerous behaviours of some of our drivers, the ones pointed out are some of our major factors that are causing our drivers to be distracted on the roadways. Drivers need to understand that when they act in this manner, they are not only putting themselves at risk, but more importantly, they are endangering the lives of others,” the traffic chief related.

According to him, even though the contributing factors are not new to the public’s eyes or ears, he urged all of Guyana to do their part in ensuring that these practices are stopped.

He said: “If you are to check our statistics or check to see what is prevailing these days, at least 25 percent of the deaths on the roadways

and our accidents that we experience are as a result of alcohol consumption.”

NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW

Traffic cops ensure that offences such as speeding, breeching of traffic lights, undertaking, using unlawful lights, unapproved sirens, and riding without a helmet are dealt with according to the law, and Singh is saying that any official or driver who is caught for such offenses would face the appropriate legal action.

“Every day we are seeing so many drivers and riders that are breaking the law, but let us be honest with ourselves… We need to get into the habit of letting people face the penalty if they break the law, and the police will take the requisite action to issue a ticket and to charge and place you before the court.”

He continued: “No one is above the law and the police officer who is in neglect of performing his duty with due diligence as he is required to; he or she will be disciplined with a charge sheet internally and/or the process of warning and it will have an impact on his or her upward mobility.”

Reminding drivers that they can be charged even though they are under the legal limit of alcohol, Singh said, “Many people would try to argue that they cannot be charged because they are under the legal limit; however, that is correct to a point. If you are involved in a fatal accident, then it will show that you were under the influence of alcohol at the time, which means that your motorist skills would have been impaired or impeded upon, preventing you from being fully functional.”

HELPING TO CURB THE ISSUE

In keeping with the rapid development, especially in infrastructure, the traffic chief said that the GPF is conscious that the increased development in roads will lead to more vehicles and people on the roadways. According to him, “We have a traffic plan in place; it has a specific focus, which includes community relations, and one of the most important and critical ones is the increase in traffic education.”

Appreciating the crucial role that Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken plays in making sure that ranks interact with the public at a community level, through educational institutions, bars, and even churches, Singh said: “Commissioner Hicken has been leading by example when it comes to the ranks interacting with

the people at a community level. The aim is for us to work together with the public, highlighting issues and producing solutions so that we can suppress crimes and bring ease to the members of the public.

The traffic chief urged all drivers to work in the best interest of themselves and others and recognise that there is no benefit to being reckless on the roads.

Referencing the recent meeting that was held at the National Stadium in Providence by Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, Singh said, “Like Minister Edghill said, putting restrictions on the truck drivers doesn’t mean that the government or the GPF is trying to reduce their earnings, but we cannot have a free for all society where anything goes, and drivers need their rest in order for them to better function on the roadways.”

Gov’t launches media training to enhance public communication

THE Office of the Prime Minister, on Thursday, launched a series of comprehensive media training for public relations officers working at the various government ministries and agencies.

The training was launched at the Windjammer Inn, in Georgetown. Participants will receive refresher courses in areas like crafting media releases and preparing for media interviews. The aim is to ensure clear and timely communication between the government and the public. National Training Coordinator, Marcia Hope said that Guyana’s growing economy presents challenges and opportunities for the media fraternity.

skilled and trained to match this. The media and communications training is just one aspect of the government’s training mandate to ensure that its people are up to par with what’s going on in the economy,” she said.

“We know that Guyana is a country that is vastly growing. We believe that our people must be up -

Meanwhile, communications specialist, and facilitator of the first session, Martina Johnson, emphasised that the training aims to empower the media operatives to effec-

tively navigate the media landscape, maximise positive media exposure, and avoid potential pitfalls.

She explained that the training encompasses the integration of technology into public relations to enhance the supply of information.

“While we are improving on the journalism side of things as reporters, we also have to improve on the side of public relations,

building relations with the media,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI). This falls under a wider work programme being spearheaded by OPM’s Department of Public Affairs.

Recently, the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, launched the fourth instalment of the Media and Communications Academy with a similar aim. These initiatives reflect the government’s drive to revolutionise the country’s media landscape, promoting greater efficiency, competency and transparency. By strengthening public communication, the government hopes to ensure citizens are well-informed about its policies and programmes. (DPI)

The media: Look at Guyana, what do you see?

READING the saga of how Rupert Murdoch reduced prominent politicians from the major British parties to sycophants is really sickening stuff to digest.

They would line up to beg Murdoch because they knew that his media empire could deny or give them the prime ministership.

Any Third World student entering university to study politics needs to read how Murdoch at one time was the most powerful person in the world. Murdoch extended his empire from Australia to the UK then crossed the Atlantic to end up being the same emperor that he was in the UK and Australia in the United States. The power of Rupert is the story of the power of the media in any country.

Centuries ago in the UK, the press was described as the fourth estate, meaning the fourth power after the three forms of power in society – nobility, clergy and the parliamentarians. It was acknowledged by then that the press was equally an influential voice as those three classes. From those earlier times, centuries ago, the media retained its power until the 21st century when social media made strong inroads into its fortress.

If you want the facts of why Russia invaded the Ukraine and how genocide was committed in Gaza, you need to consult

social media coverage rather than rely on the mainstream media in the West. As I noted in a previous column, one-sided reporting of the Israeli perpetration of genocide in Gaza has permanently damaged the credibility of Western journalism.

Today, all over the world, social media outfits have equal penetrating power as the mainstream media. A social media analyst can be as influential in his/her interpretations of events as a columnist or editorial writer in a newspaper. In Guyana today, the newspapers still have a strong presence but the days of sharp, independent, privately owned newspapers that drove you to respect them and the electronic media are long gone.

I wrote for the independent press in the 1980s and 1990s and I yearn for those days again when journalism stood tall in Guyana. What worries me is that there is a complete absence of condemnation of what the private media have descended to. I never read the online edition of the Stabroek News because you have to pay for it. And anyway, I buy the printed edition.

But I was informed that I should read the letter section which is available free online and go to the comments section. I have been doing that and what I see on the comments

section is a complete absence of any reaction to what the private media have become.

There isn’t a newspaper in Guyana’s history that operates like an opposition party as what we have with the Kaieteur News and the Stabroek News today. The Argosy in the 1960s was relentless in its criticism against the Jagan Government but its content and professionalism were far more pronounced than what we have in Guyana today.

For 365 days the Kaieteur News carries a front page lead on Guyana’s oil industry in which glaring exaggerations are featured and graphic fictions are emblazoned on the front page. And this has not occurred in one calendar year only. It has been going on for four years now and old stories about the oil industry are regurgitated year after year.

Vice-President Jagdeo said at one of his press conferences that the government would correct mistakes made in reporting about the oil industry in the Kaieteur News and offer the correct figures and an outline of the facts. The Vice-President said the next week, the Kaieteur News, would repeat the identical story.

To date, there has been no letter from the overseas bunch that rush to put their comments to the letters in the online edition of

the Stabroek News about what the Kaieteur News does. The important fourth estate has descended to this level and you look at Guyana and you see not one expression of indignation about the caricature the fourth estate has become.

Over at the Stabroek News, this newspaper has accused both the opposition and government of poorly serving the Guyanese people. But the fourth estate is a powerful institution in any country. It has to serve the citizenry in the same way the government, the opposition, the business community, the security forces and the judiciary do.

Take a look at the Stabroek News for March 17, 2024. A press release from the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is given front page coverage. This is an entity that hardly exists. Yet the powerful sugar union, GAWU, is never given front page coverage.

Is this an example of serving the Guyanese people?

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

The following is the full text of a statement from the Public Service Commission in response to an article published by Kaieteur News on Wednesday:

Public Service Commission (PSC) is a constitutional body authorised under article 200 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to make appointments to public offices and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices. The PSC hereby addresses the inaccuracies and misleading information presented in an article published in the Kaieteur Newspaper on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, titled: “Public Service Commission in place but officials still acting- MPs”.

Firstly, the PSC unequivocally asserts that it was nev-

er informed of any existing vacancies in Region Two. This is despite the fact that a memorandum dated September 19, 2023, had urged the Regional Executive Officer to provide this information.

Secondly, contrary to claims made in the article, there is no law regulating the operations of the PSC requiring it to make acting appointments for a limited period of four months.

This restriction, to which the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman referred, only applies to a delegate to

whom the PSC has delegated the power to make such an appointment.

Thirdly, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman should have sought an answer from the Regional Executives as to why those persons have been acting for the stated period.

The PSC maintains that, since its appointment in July 2023, it has been working assiduously to fill all known vacancies within the Public Service, and had substantively appointed qualified persons who have been acting in positions within the Public Service.

Finally, the PSC awaits notification of a list of existing vacancies in all sectors of the Public Service that it is authorised to fill, and on such notification all vacan-

GPHC, international NGO commence first Paediatric Cardiac Missions for 2024

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), in collaboration with Gift of Life International (GOLI), an international non-profit organisation that provides lifesaving cardiac treatment to children in need from developing countries, has announced the commencement of the first of three Paediatric Cardiac Missions scheduled for 2024.

According to a press re-

lease, this groundbreaking initiative kicked off on Sunday, April 6, with a comprehensive screening clinic aimed at identifying potential surgical candidates with complex congenital heart defects.

Throughout the week, children in critical need of lifesaving corrective surgeries will undergo procedures facilitated by a dedicated team of medical professionals.

“Spearheaded by Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Rodrigo Soto,

the GOLI team comprises 21 doctors, nurses, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists, all committed to delivering top-tier care to patients in Guyana.

“Supported by a team of 35 health professionals from GPHC, the mission has already achieved significant milestones. As of today, five successful surgeries have been completed, with two more expected to be performed by the end of the

day. These interventions represent vital steps towards improving the health and wellbeing of young patients grappling with congenital heart conditions,” GPHC said.

This mission marks the third collaborative effort between GPHC and GOLI. Building on the success of previous missions, which benefitted a total of 17 patients last year, this ongoing partnership underscores the com-

mitment of both organisations to providing essential cardiac care to vulnerable children in Guyana, GPHC said.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Gift of Life International in delivering life-saving cardiac surgeries to children in Guyana,” said Dr. Tarik Davidson, Head of the Paediatrics Department at GPHC.

Davidson added: “These missions not only transform the lives of young patients

and their families but also exemplify the power of collaboration in healthcare.”

GPHC further said: “As the mission progresses, GPHC and GOLI remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing paediatric cardiac care and enhancing healthcare access for all residents of Guyana.

Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, they aim to create a brighter, healthier future for the nation’s children.”

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), in collaboration with Gift of Life International (GOLI), an international non-profit organisation that provides lifesaving cardiac treatment to children in need from developing countries, has announced the commencement of the first of three Paediatric Cardiac Missions scheduled for 2024

GRA seizes two buses, large wooden boat containing contraband

CUSTOMS law enforcement officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), in an operation in the environs of Annandale, East Coast Demerara, seized two mini buses and a large wooden motor vessel laden with quantities of spirituous liquor, Heineken beers and Rockingham chicken.

According to a press release, four persons were arrested and are currently assisting with investigations.

“The GRA continues to carry out operations in its continuous efforts to curb smuggling and other such illegal activities, thereby allowing for a level playing field for legitimate businesses and the collection of associated revenue,” the authority said.

The public was also cautioned that smuggling is illegal and anyone who attempts to import or export goods with intent to defraud GRA of any duties is guilty of an offence and is liable for such offence to fines and or imprisonment in accordance with Section 218 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

The authority called on the public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities to telephone number 227-6060, Extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3211, 3212, or 3408.

“All information provided will be dealt with strict confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01,” GRA said.

Albouystown residents thankful for major road upgrades

RESIDENTS of Albouystown are ecstatic about the recent transformation of several key internal thoroughfares since they no longer have to contend with the previous roads that were in deplorable condition.

The overhaul of some five kilometres of asphaltic roadworks in the community is the fulfilment of a recent commitment made by the ruling Peo -

ple’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government and more particularly, the Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

Welcoming the muchneed upgrades, Kenneth Charran commended the vice president for delivering on his commitment in a prompt manner.

“The road was messy [and] rough. It was never a place you could be so comfortable like now. Mr

Jagdeo when he promises, he always fulfils. So, it is good; big changes. Everything is developing, [and] getting better,” Charran told the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday.

Resident for 45 years, Estelle Williams, stressed: “The road was terrible. Now, you can see a lot of improvement and people driving on smooth roads. Children can come out and play. Before they couldn’t. So, it is a very good initiative they doing for Albouystown.”

Patrick King, who has been a resident for 29 years said he is thankful for the

government’s intervention, specifically the vice president, whom he believes is a man of his word.

“The road is looking fantastic,” he added, while noting: “It goes to show that he [the vice president] listened to what the people had to say and he acted accordingly. As soon as possible they came and started to do their necessary repairs and make the place look good.”

Meanwhile, Devon Schultz told DPI: “We had very poor roads with a lot of potholes, and it was hard to travel on. This improvement brought about by the government is a good thing

for us. Me and all the other businessmen get to move around much easier now that the road is done.”

With much interest in youths and community development, Schultz also called on the government to explore constructing community centres and grounds to keep youths within the area engaged.

During the vice-president’s outreach to the community, he also committed to upgrading internal drains.

Dr Jagdeo also spoke about job- and skill-training opportunities that the government continues to make available.

Residents of Albouystown are ecstatic about the recent transformation of several key internal thoroughfares since they no longer have to contend with the previously dilapidated roads

Resident, Patrick King

‘You

—

do not represent either side; you represent justice’

Chief

Justice advises new magistrates

IN a recent address to nine new magistrates, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, S.C., emphasised the critical role of impartiality and dedication to justice.

Addressing a recent orientation session for them, she stressed the importance of adhering to the core principles of fairness, integrity, and independence in their judicial responsibilities.

“You do not represent either side; you now represent justice,” she asserted, urging them to embody integrity and strive for competence, efficiency, and effectiveness in their roles.

The newest members of the magistracy are Attorneys-at-Law Abigail Gibbs, Michelle Matthias, Teriq Mohammed, Shivani Lalaram, Tamieka Clarke, Orinthia Schmidt, Ravindra Mohabir, Omadatt Chandan, and Tuanna Hardy.

They took the oath of office before Prime Minister Mark Phillips on February 20.

In her address to the magistrates, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, cautioned them that their conduct both inside and outside the courtroom, matters; she stressed the need for judicial officers to uphold standards of respect and decorum at all times.

The goals of the orientation programme were to ensure that judicial ethics are the basis for all conduct; to explain key aspects of the judicial function; to assist in the smooth transition from bar to bench; to highlight the importance of maintaining and updating knowledge of the law; to provide information on administrative matters and to emphasise the importance of judicial wellness.

A tour of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, and a visit to the Lusignan Prison were also included in the programme.

The magistrates were also provided with presentations

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recently appointed them following a rigorous hiring process. The JSC is a constitutional body that deals with issues pertaining to judicial officers’ appointments, disciplinary action, removals, and promotions.

on the following topics: the judicial environment; jury list revision; managing the courtroom; managing misconduct in the court; adjudicating in civil cases; ethical and procedural issues; bail; sentencing; domestic violence; maintenance; cases involving affiliation and liability orders; admissibility of evidence; dealing with traffic-ticket matters; Drug Treatment Court; disclosure; human trafficking; judgement writing; inquests; juvenile-justice cases; human rights and adjudication; mental health matters and judicial wellness.

Presentations were also done by key stakeholders outlining the relationship between the courts and these stakeholders.

These included the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Guyana Prison Service, Survivors Advocates, the Probation Service and the Child Care and Protection Agency.

At the end of the programme, the magistrates were assigned to sit with various magistrates before being assigned to their own courts.

The new magistrates were urged to embody integrity and strive for competence

Commonwealth SG calls for greater adoption of AI technology worldwide

THE Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has supported the growth of digital technology, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

According to a press release from The Commonwealth, the secretariat is doing its part to accelerate progress with citizens in its 56 member states. Special attention is being paid to the 1.5 billion young people who are citizens of the Commonwealth, recognising that there are also underserved groups, including girls and the differently-abled, within that number.

One initiative is the recently launched Commonwealth AI Academy which equips citizens with essential tools for upskilling and provides a foundation for a future where AI is ubiquitous. In partnership with Intel, a series of six online courses is now available on the Commonwealth eLearning Platform.

Courses available include: Introduction to AI for Youth, Introduction to Generative AI, Introduction to Web 3.0, Introduction to Responsible AI Skills, Demystifying Intel® Rev Cloud, and Demystify AI and OpenVINO™ toolkit.

Similarly, government officials can explore strategies through the Digital Readiness for Public Sector Leaders programme to safeguard their citizens’ interests effectively. The online and self-paced course was launched in March 2023 and aims to demystify emerging technologies among senior-level public sector officials in Commonwealth countries. It also provides an overview of artificial intelligence, its potential applications, current challenges and the digital readiness of respective countries.

The second initiative, a collaboration with Open Weaver, aims to allow small and medium-sized businesses to build websites and mobile applications using the platform’s no-code solutions.

On April 11, the Commonwealth Secretariat initiated a three-year collaboration with Open Weaver, commencing with the launch of the Accelerating Entrepreneurship Using AI & Digital Program.

During the launch, the Commonwealth Secretary-General declared the “makeathon” portal open for applications. The opportunity is open to all Commonwealth citizens, with an emphasis on underserved

communities, including women and girls. This digital upskilling project will provide one-on-one mentorship to ensure that all Commonwealth citizens who apply can make the best of these opportunities.

Over the three years of the collaboration, over 10,000 applicants will benefit from US$4.1 million in platform credits. They will use the credits to create projects that boost their earning potential, provide jobs, and create other solutions for advancement.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General opined: “The world is facing unprecedented challenges, so there is a pressing need for us to deliver solutions that are collaborative, inclusive and stamp out inequities. I see technology, and in particular, the use of AI tools to be central to the process of uniting the world to help solve our common ills. I have been unequivocal about the path ahead - it is digital.”

She said: “As a person from a small island state, I also understand and have seen the effect of inequity. So, it is crucial that we ensure that all who can learn about these tools can get access to them. The world needs our innovative approach, global leadership, and commitment to joint action to truly advance. And, the Commonwealth’s continued resilience depends on it.”

The Commonwealth Secretary-General asserted that increased use of technology will also enable economic advancement across the 56 member states.

Additionally, the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC), launched in 2023,

was formed to help accelerate the use of AI in the 56 member states. The CAIC includes global tech firms, world-leading research institutions, and non-profit organisations. Six Commonwealth member countries have also been included in the CAIC and will champion AI innovation in their own nations and throughout the union.

In October 2023, the CAIC agreed on an action plan that seeks to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to support small states. With an emphasis on empowering young people and women to ensure inclusive growth, the CAIC is focused on ensuring member countries use global AI innovations for economic development, sustainability, healthcare improvement, and job creation.

This plan also includes a framework allocating roles and responsibilities and the establishment of four working groups focusing on policy, capacity-building, data and infrastructure, and research and innovation.

The Secretariat’s launch of the AI Academy and collaboration with Open Weaver demonstrates the Commonwealth AI Consortium’s commitment to fulfil the directives established during the previous Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Rwanda in 2022.

At the last CHOGM, Commonwealth member states reaffirmed their commitment to equipping citizens with the access and expertise needed to maximise the benefits of innovations, emerging technologies, and opportunities in the digital realm. (Commonwealth)

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC

CCJ rules New Thriving Restaurant must pay GPL $13.7M in arrears

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled that New Thriving Restaurant and Fast Food, operating in Guyana, must settle a debt of $13,768,937 to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL).

In a ruling announced on Tuesday concerning the case of Che Jain Ping and Xiao Guang Zhao v GPL, the court upheld the decision made by the Court of Appeal of Guyana.

Che and Xiao (the appellants), trading under the names “New Thriving Restaurant” and “New Thriving Fast Food,” were engaged in business activities in Guyana, while GPL functions as a public utility provider.

The dispute arose from outstanding payments owed to GPL for electricity consumed by the company

from January 2002 to July 2009.

Despite monthly billing, the accumulated arrears amounted to $13,768,937 by the end of the period at reference. Legal action was initiated on October 29, 2010 in the High Court, which determined that Che and Xiao were indeed liable to pay the outstanding sum to GPL.

the Electricity Sector Reform Act, a statutory contract for electricity supply is established between consumers and public electrical suppliers such as GPL.

This decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal. The appeal to the CCJ, filed on May 12, 2023, contested the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

The CCJ clarified that according to Section 23 of

Furthermore, the CCJ said that GPL was entitled to seek recourse through the courts under Regulation 31(2) of the Public Electricity Supply Regulations (PESR) for breaches of the supply contract.

It was concluded that GPL had fulfilled the requirements of Regulation 31(2), which allowed them to retroactively bill Che and Xiao beyond the 12-month period stipulated in the regulation and claim the full amount of arrears. Ultimately, the CCJ dismissed the appeal and affirmed the orders of the Court of Appeal.

The case was presided over by CCJ President

Justice Adrian Saunders, alongside Justices Winston Anderson, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Denys Barrow, and Andrew Burgess.

Representing the appellants were Stephen Fraser, SC, and Attorney-at-Law Shantel Scott-Lall, while Timothy

M. Jonas, SC, and Attorney-at-Law Krystal Abrams appeared on behalf of the power company.

The New Thriving Restaurant and Fast Food on Main Street, Georgetown

Auditions open for UG’s ‘Got Talent’

THE University of Guyana’s (UG) 60 th Anniversary Commemoration Committee has opened registration for auditions for its annual UG’s Got Talent, a competition in support of the institution’s art programme.

The competition is opened to the current staff and student population at both campuses of the University.

Whether your talent is singing, dancing, or you possess any other unique talent, they invite you to shine and become one of UG’s newest Talent Ambassadors.

According to the University, audition dates vary at each campus. At the Turkeyen Campus, in Region Four, auditions will be held at the Education Lecture

Theatre (ELT) from April 25th, to April 27 th from 2pm (14:00 hours) to 5pm (17:00 hours).

Meanwhile at the Tain Campus in Region Six, auditions will be held at the Main Auditorium at Tain Berbice on April 19th from midday to 4pm (16:00 hours).

Registration will be opened until April 17th 2024. Registration forms can be accessed from the University of Guyana’s Facebook page, where a flyer containing information on the auditions is available. Furthermore, persons can contact (592) 623 3159 or email pace@uog.edu. gy for more information on the competition.

Meet the 2024 cohort for the Miss Guyana Culture Queen

”As a little girl with a big dream, I believed in the words no dream is too big and no dreamer too small. To become the next Miss Guyana Culture Queen would be both an honour and a responsibility. I will continue to work towards my goal of inspiring people to become the best version of themselves. To create a movement that helps my fellow Guyanese attain better health and to continue to represent my country with pride and dignity.

To show the world what it means to be one people, one nation, with one destiny.”

”I believe I should be the next Miss Guyana Culture Queen because I recognise the hard work and dedication required to carry the crown and I am fully committed to ensuring that our culture and rich heritage shine brightly on or offstage.

It would be an honour to be crowned as your next Queen and to embrace this role with all of my heart.”

Miriam Alexander PreciousBarrow TeijaEdwards

“When I think of why I want to win the Miss Guyana Culture Queen Title, I think of how it will allow me to explore and understand my country’s and region’s culture more while also allowing me to grow as a person in more ways than one, but also want people to be able to see a different side of me, to know that

Teija is more than what they perceive her to be.”

“Becoming Miss Guyana Culture Queen would be a journey of personal growth and a profound opportunity to immerse myself in Guyana’s rich heritage.

With this crown, I am eager to become a beacon for learning and educating others about the vibrant tapestry of Guyanese culture.

As a future ambassador, I am committed to empowering our community through cultural education and preservation.”

Tiqumba Hunte

“To be Miss Guyana Culture Queen is both an honour and responsibility.

If I were to become the next Miss Guyana Culture Queen, I will use my voice to empower youths and I would seek to advocate and raise awareness for youths who struggle with lack of self-confidence and depression. The person who deserves to win and to be crowned Miss Guyana Culture Queen 2024 is the person who has worked hard for it and is willing to do everything to continue the legacy of our nation. She is resilient, committed, confident with personality and I believe, I AM HER.

I believe determination

and passion is what truly matters, always be true to who you are, obstacles will come your way but remember to be you. Only if you aspire you can inspire.”

“I firmly believe that every woman is exceptional in her own way, bringing a unique perspective to the world.

However, I am part of a generation of women who are fearlessly shattering the glass ceiling and blazing trails, paving the way for more women and girls to follow. It is my unwavering determination and innate drive to pursue my passions and promote the continuous transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next.

That truly sets me apart.

Anika Felicien ShanaeHeber ShequanaHolder

“My extensive pageantry experience has honed my leadership, communication, and stage presence skills, which I’m eager to use to showcase Guyanese culture.

As a proud Guyanese I’m committed to promoting our heritage and advocating pivotal cultural issues.

Winning Miss Guyana Culture Queen in 2024 would give me an even bigger platform to inspire cultural pride and empower the next generation.”

JahniahJoseph

”Since the age of seven, I developed a passion for pageantry but never had the opportunity to chase it because of my location.

Until one day I was randomly scrolling instagram and I came across the Miss Guyana Culture Queen poster, requesting girls who are interested in pageantry.

I thought to myself, this is the moment I have been waiting for and decided to seize it and here I am now a proud contestant.

I also see this as a great opportunity for me to be able to build my confidence, form a sisterhood with other pageant girls and it also gives me the opportunity to come out my comfort zone and try something new and being able to positively impact and inspire others especially my peers.”

Kayla McAllister

“Due to my hard work ethics, I am always thinking about my next goals as well as planning how to best achieve them.

Pride is something I take in any work that I do and I strive to ensure I do it to the best of my abilities. I know the responsibilities that come with the title “Miss Guyana Culture Queen” and not only am I willing but excited to face them along with any challenges that it comes with.

Lastly I do believe my attributes would

make me a great contestant to represent my great nation Guyana on the stage of Miss Caribbean Culture Queen.”

Alicia Walcott

I believe being crowned as a queen should not be determined by beauty but should be about leadership, independence, being compassionate about others and most importantly, confidence.

I strongly believe I

possess these qualities and being the queen I’d have the opportunity to showcase these qualities not only locally but also regionally and internationally as I wish to meet as many people as I can.”

Money Time vibes

‘Multi-platinum-selling’ producer Rvssian upbeat about new campaign

Jamaica Observer - MUSIC producer, Tarik “Rvssian” Johnson, is quite upbeat about his involvement in the Supreme Ventures Money Time campaign, which was launched a little over a month ago.

The campaign, which also features singer Nigy Boy, gives customers a chance to win a minimum of $100,000 every four minutes.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Friday, Rvssian, who is known for producing the hit rhythms Payment Plan and Dutty Money, described working on the campaign.

“It was quite easy. We got this campaign done in a short period of time. Working with Nigy Boy was also very easy. He is a professional artiste and he is never not ready to work,” said Rvssian.

He produced Nigy Boy’s breakout chart-topping single Continent.

Asked why he decided to lend his talents to the Money Time campaign, Rvssian said, “Pretty much it was about the concept. I think the impact of this campaign on both the gaming industry and the wider community

will be good. The two industries go hand in hand, especially with the Dutty Money and Payment Plan projects tied.”

Stefan Miller, senior vice-president, product management and business development at Supreme Ventures Gaming, said: “We’re constantly on the lookout for ways to enhance the gaming experience of all our customers. Adding this jackpot feature to Money Time is an exciting innovation for us because, for an additional $100, Money Time players can add the Jackpot feature for a chance to win a minimum of $100,000 every four minutes. What makes it even more exciting is that if the jackpot is not hit, it keeps growing and can soar into millions!”

The 32-year-old Rvssian, who attended Ardenne High, has racked up multiple Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)-certified plaques for songs that he either produced or co-wrote. He has found success in the lucrative Latin market.

“I always listened to Latin music since I was 12 years old while living in Jamaica. I had my ears tuned in to a lot of different genres, and not only dancehall and reggaeton. And I wanted to expand my brand and figured Spanish is the most spoken language after ‘Chinese’. And they love reggae and dancehall. So, it was a perfect fit,” Rvssian disclosed.

He said the move has reaped success.

“It has been very rewarding. I brought my

own style and vibe when I entered that genre by just standing out,” he told the Observer.

Rvssian has worked with several acts from the Latin and reggaeton genres as well as hip hop acts. The list includes rappers Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, Lil Tjay, hot sensation Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Rauw Alejandro, Chris Brown, Juice WRLD, Trippie Red, Giggs, Sfera Ebbasta, Nicky Jam, Arcangel and Farruko, among others.

His RIAA-certified productions include Passion Whine by Farruko (3x platinum Latin);

Writing on the Wall by French Montana, Post Malone and Cardi B (gold-certified); Si Tu Lo Dejas by Nicky Jam, Farruko, Arcangel, and Konshens (6x platinum Latin); and Privado by Nicky Jam, Farruko, Arcangel, and Konshens (3x platinum Latin). The video for

Privado has racked up more than 262 million views on YouTube.

The most recently RIAA-certified single that Rvssian produced is Nostalgico by Rauw Alejandro and Chris Brown, which was certified 5x platinum Latin.

Rvssian also has production credits on two songs that are featured on Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro’s 2022 EP

Trap Cake Vol 2. The EP has been certified gold in Mexico for sales exceeding 70,000 units.

Nigy Boy (left) and Rvssian have signed on for the Money Time project.

Romeo & Juliet: Hundreds show support for actress abused online

(BBC-Entertainment)- HUNDREDS have signed an open letter in solidarity with a black actress trolled with “racist and misogynistic abuse”.

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers was targetted online after she was cast as Juliet in a new production with Tom Holland.

The letter, co-authored by actress Susan Wokoma and writer Somalia Nonyé Seaton, calls out the “twisted ugly abuse” while celebrating Francesca.

One Day’s Ambika Mod, comedian Lolly Adefope and Sex Education’s Chinenye Ezeudu are also listed as signatories.

The theatre company behind the production has previously condemned the “deplorable” abuse.

Since Francesca’s casting was announced, the Jamie Lloyd Company said she had received a “barrage” of hate.

The stage production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, due to run from May 11 until August 3, will be Francesca’s West End debut.

In their letter, Susan, who recently appeared in Taskmaster, and Somalia write that she’s a “huge rising talent” and her casting was “a huge deal” that ought to have been celebrated.

“But what followed was a too familiar horror that too many of us visible black darkskinned performers have experienced,” they wrote.

“The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear.”

Susan says 883 people have signed the open letter and the signatories were predominantly black female and non-binary actors.

The letter, and an accompanying petition which has been signed more than 6,000 times, also call on the production company to ensure Francesca is being properly supported.

“Too many times theatre companies, broadcasters, producers, steamers have failed to offer any help or support when their black

as

artistes face racist and misogynistic abuse,” the letter says.

In its statement last week, the Jamie Lloyd Company said its cast would be supported and protected “at all costs” and that all abuse would be reported.

“We are working with a remarkable group of artistes,” the company said.

“We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment.”

The writers of the letter say they welcomed the company’s stance on the abuse.

“We want to send a clear message to Francesca and all black women performers who face this kind of abuse - we see you,” they wrote.

“We see the art you manage to produce with not only the pressures that your white colleagues face but with the added traumatic hurdle of misogynoir.”

The hotly anticipated production will mark the first time Tom Holland has appeared on stage as an adult, and has already sold out.

BBC Newsbeat has contacted Francesca’s representatives and the Jamie Lloyd Company.

WillSalmanKhangifthisfans byannouncinganewfilm?

In the past, Khan has given his fans many memorable Eid releases, which have made the festival synonymous with him. Now, a trade expert has said that Salman Khan has a surprise in store for his fans and they can only guess on what it might be...

Some time back, Khan had announced that he is doing a film with Sajid Nadiadwala and AR Murugadoss. This will be his Eid releases in 2025.

(Modified story from Bollywoodlife.com)

SALMAN Khan is missing in action at the theatres this Eid. His last release on the festive occasion was Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers has faced online abuse since she was cast

Juliet

Susan Wokoma wrote the open letter, which attracted hundreds of signatures Ambika Mod, who starred as Emma Morley in Netflix’s One Day series, is among the signatories

Guyana Athletics Commission to host social media management workshop

THE Guyana Athletics Commission (GAC) will host a Social Media management workshop on April 13th, 2024.

The workshop is the first of several initiatives planned by the GAC this year, in alignment with its mission to represent and support athletes within the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

Athletes from diverse sporting disciplines across the nation have been invited through their respective national federations to participate in the event.

The workshop aims to equip athletes with essential knowledge on presenting themselves professionally across various social media platforms, thereby fostering opportunities for their personal and athletic growth.

Led by the esteemed Chairperson of the GAC, Chelsea Edghill, OLY, the workshop will emphasise the

significance of maintaining a professional online presence while delving into often overlooked aspects of competition, such as interview etiquette and handling press conferences.

Participants can expect comprehensive guidance on navigating the intricacies of social media management, tailored specifically to their needs as athletes.

As the premier forum for athletes’ representation and development, the GAC remains committed to empowering Guyanese athletes to excel both on and off the field.

This workshop underscores the GAC’s dedication to providing invaluable resources and support to the athletic community, ensuring their continued success in the global arena.

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

KEENLAND

Race 1 Holiday House

Race 2 Quebrancho

Race 3 Baba Voss

Race 4 Harrodaburg

Race 5 Royal Wintour

Race 6 May May Strong

Race 7 Nixe As Pie

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

FAIRVIEW

08:25 hrs The Mauritian

09:00 hrs Cruise Control

09:35 hrs Joy And Peace

10:10 hrs Waz Wouter

10:45 hrs Destiny’s Angel

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

AINTREE

08:45 hrs Chianti Classico

09:20 hrs Jango Baie

09:55 hrs Dysart Enos

10:30 hrs Protektorat

11:05 hrs James Du Berlais

11:40 hrs Dancing City

12:15 hrs Go Dante

SOUTHWELL

12:30 hrs Saisons D’or

13:00 hrs Moon Man

13:30 hrs Casa Luna

14:00 hrs Louisiana Bay

14:30 hrs My Margie

15:00 hrs Never Better

15:30 hrs Angel Of Antrim

IRISH RACING TIPS

DUNDALK

11:30 hrs Proudly Yours

12:05 hrs Phil’s Dream

12:40 hrs Spanish Cara

13:10 hrs Ferrybank

13:45 hrs Dollerina

14:15 hrs Galician Girl

14:45 hrs Power Drive

15:15 hrs Brave Thought

World Cup Trophy Tour gets underway today in Barbados

THE Caribbean leg of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour gets underway in the Caribbean from Friday, 12 April, with its first stop being Barbados, host of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final on 29 June.

Between 12 and 20 April, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy travels to Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia, before returning between 16 to 24 May in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

The international launch of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour began in the USA where the Empire State Building was lit up by USA player Ali Khan, and two-time T20 World Cup winner Chris Gayle. The six West Indies host venues are now ready to welcome T20 cricket’s biggest global prize to the Caribbean.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup represents a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for the Caribbean to be highlighted on a scale of this magnitude and the Trophy Tour is an opportunity for fans to mark the moment by being photographed with the trophy all 20 international teams will be competing for in June.

Opportunities for the public to be part of the Trophy Tour include:

Saturday 13 April, Barbados: The travelling caravan begins from 10 a.m. through the streets of Bridgetown and around the island, with major stops including Broad Street for a cultural display, Rihanna Drive for a street party, and finally the people’s place – Oistins.

Thursday 18 April, Antigua and Barbuda: The streets of St. John’s will come alive from 3 p.m. with a cultural parade from the Historic Redcliffe Quay to the Antigua Recreation Ground. Veteran party DJ Chiki, Antigua’s four Cricket Knights, the legendary Burning Flames and other notable personalities will all be present.

Saturday 20 April, Saint Lucia: Two-time ICC Men’s T20 Champion Daren Sammy will be on the caravan moving through several Saint Lucian communities, concluding at the centrally located Constitution Park where more excitement will unfold from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the major activities prepared with fun and fan participation in mind, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy will visit and be photographed at iconic landmarks and in the midst of cultural displays. Opportunities to engage, encourage and inspire the cricketers of tomorrow have been included in each island’s Trophy Tour Schedule. These include school visits, interactions between legends and young cricketers, and cricket displays on the beach and within communities.

Local Organising Committees across all venues are encouraging fans, cricket lovers, party enthusiasts, families, children and everyone else to come out in numbers to be a part of this major milestone leading to the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies and USA 2024. Fans can look and listen for more information on their host venue trophy tour activities via their local media and social media platforms.

Tickets to the event that will see the best cricketers in the world playing 39 matches hosted across the Caribbean are on sale now at https://tickets. t20worldcup.com (Press Release).

ExxonMobil’s Future Warriors Tapeball tournament for Primary Schools expands to Essequibo

EXXONMOBIL Guyana’s commitment to youth development was showcased with its continued invest-

ment in the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament for Primary Schools. A tournament that started in Georgetown and expanded to Berbice will now head to Essequibo from April 13-14 at the Imam

Bacchus Ground at Affiance, Essequibo Coast.

Twelve schools – Mainstay Primary, Charity Primary, Taymouth Manor Primary, Queenstown Primary, Suddie Primary, Aurora Primary, C.V. Nunes Primary, 8th of May Primary, Good Hope Primary, Huis’t Dieren Primary, Hampton Court Primary and Fisher Primary – will participate in the tournament.

Organised by FL Sport, the tournament aims to expose grassroots talents to cricket, and schools are allowed to field both boys and girls on their teams at their discretion.

Community Relations Advisor for ExxonMobil Guyana, Ryan Hoppie, charged the participants to dream big as they might be the next stars of Guyana or

West Indies cricket.

Hoppie hopes the children would use the opportunity to develop their talents and build lifelong friendships.

Co-Director of FL Sport, John Ramsingh, is confident that, based on the success of the other two tournaments, teams will give their all and have fun while competing.

Noticeable from the other two tournaments, Ramsingh envisions a plethora of talent on show and hopes the players can transition into clubs or a more structured programme.

The format will be eight overs per side and contested on a straight knockout basis. Teams can field 11 players from their squad of 13.

The three remaining teams, after day one, will be outfitted with jerseys and

return to play a round-robin final on Sunday.

Both match days commence at 08:30h, and the organisers will provide bats, balls, and transportation free of cost to all of the participating schools, along with various meals and refreshments throughout the playing days.

The winning team will be gifted a gear bag with numerous pieces of equipment for tapeball cricket and also secure a spot in the upcoming ‘Champions of Champions’ tournament, where that winner will be ‘adopted’ by the Guyana Amazon Warriors during their home leg of the Caribbean Premier League in September.

Stella Maris Primary (Georgetown) and Cropper Primary (Berbice) are two champions for their district.

St. Lucia ‘Champion of Champions’ boxing tournament … GBA to send ‘largest contingent of females’

CONTAINING the largest representation of female fighters in recent memory, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has finalised its fight roster that will compete in the ‘Champion of Champions’ boxing tournament in St. Lucia from April 12–14. Three females will form a significant aspect of the eight-member team, which will be under the tutelage of national coaches Lennox Daniels and Clifton Moore. They are siblings Abiola (heavyweight) and Alesha Jackman (middleweight), who represented Guyana at the World Championships in India. The other female who will be making her international debut is Angelina Rodgers (flyweight). The other members of the squad are: Shakquain James (welterweight); Ryan Rodgers (bantamweight); Keyon Britton (44 kg); Zidhan Wray (super-heavyweight); and Junior Madray (28 kg). Also making the journey are International Technical Officer Elton Chase and OneStar Referee/Judge Lawrence Assanah. Some of the major territories that have confirmed their participation in the competition are: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Martinique, and Trinidad and Tobago. GBA President Steve Ninvalle said that his executive was seeking to have world rated Akeela Vancooten travel to St. Lucia but this was floored after difficulty in securing opponents in her weight and age categories. “What is historic about our participation in this championship is that three females will compete on the international circuit, which is a major step in the development of the women’s component of the discipline. This has not occurred in years and is

evidence of the strides that we are making and realising in the female aspect. Our participation in this competition arrives weeks after the introduction of the inaugural GBA academy, an initiative that further adds to the structure that has encompassed our developmental ideology,” Ninvalle added.

“The GBA views this event from a developmental standpoint, as we aim to expose our emerging talents, especially females, to the rigors of international competition, which unmistakably is experience that will prove vital with the Caribbean Championships scheduled for August. This is even more significant for the females, who are expected to lead a revolution in aspiring for more participation in the future, which is a major objective of the academy”, he added.

GUYANA’S TRAVELLING CONTINGENT ROSTER

Abiola Jackman (heavyweight)

Alesha Jackman (middleweight)

Angelina Rodgers (flyweight)

Shakquain James (welterweight)

Ryan Rodgers (bantamweight)

Keyon Britton (44Kg)

Zidhan Wray (super heavyweight)

Junior Madray (28Kg)

Technical Officers/Coaches

National Coach

Lennox Daniels

National Coach Clifton Moore

One-Star Referee/Judge Lawrence

Assanah

International Technical Officer

Elton Chase

West Indies Championship Round six, day two ...

Imlach, Permaul steer Jaguars in sight of win

(CMC) - Monumental batting from Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase, and Tevin Imlach upstaged destructive spells from Gilon Tyson, Rahkeem Cornwall, Amari Goodridge, and Veerasammy Permaul in the West Indies Championship on Thursday.

Hosts Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners stumbled to a shaky 109 for five in their first innings, after Jangoo defied rookie pacer Goodridge and converted his maiden first-class hundred into a double century of 218, and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force declared on 591 for seven on the second day of the sixth round of matches.

Leaders Leeward Islands Hurricanes were replying strongly on 97 for one in their first innings, after Chase overcame Cornwall’s disruptive off-spin bowling and cracked 127, his first first-class hundred in more than five years, before Barbados Pride declared on 542 for nine.

Hosts Jamaica Scorpions were 153 for nine, replying to the Guyana Harpy Eagles first innings total of 424, after Veerasammy Permaul followed up a third first-class hundred from his captain Tevin Imlach and undermined their batting with his crafty left-arm spin bowling.

And, left-arm spinners Joshua Bishop and Ashmead Nedd had Windward Islands Volcanoes wobbling on 165 for seven in their second innings – a lead of 169 – after Tyson undermined the batting of hosts Cricket West Indies Academy with his lethal spell.

Pacers Terrance Hinds and Anderson Phillip tightened the grip of the Red Force after they declared about 40 minutes before tea in their match at Frank Worrell Field on the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad.

Hinds ended the day with two for 15 from six overs, and Phillip grabbed two for 29 from 11 overs to lead the Red Force bowling.

Kamil Pooran, the younger brother of West Indies left-hander Nicholas Pooran, has so far led the way for the Marooners with 40.

Jangoo, who made his first-class debut seven years ago and played 11 matches in the championship for Hurricanes between 2020 and 2022, was not out on 151 when the Red Force started the day on 374 for four.

He batted through to reach 197 at lunch when the Red Force were 486 for five, and he duly completed his landmark from 231 balls when he pulled Goodridge through mid-wicket for the last of his 15 fours in the second over after the interval.

Jangoo added 150 for the sixth wicket

with Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva, the West Indies Test wicketkeeper-batsman, before Goodridge got him to end with five for 92 from 22 overs, and precocious teenaged leg-spinner Zishan Motara removed Da Silva in the next over for 79.

An unbroken eighth wicket stand of 65 between Hinds, not out 35, and Khary Pierre, not out 26, heaped further grief on the Marooners attack.

West Indies white-ball batsman Keacy Carty continued his love affair with the Pride bowling and was not out on 64 to lead the Hurricanes reply so far after they lost long-serving left-handed opener Kieran Powell lbw to left-arm pacer Raymon Reifer for three in the third over.

Opener Mikyle Louis, the Hurricanes’ most prolific batsman this season, was not out on 25, and he has put on 92 unbroken for the second wicket with Carty to set up an intriguing third day at the Queen’s Park Oval in the Trinidad & Tobago capital of Port of Spain.

Chase had come to the crease inside the first hour after Pride resumed from their overnight total of 248 for three, and he struck 10 fours and seven sixes from 87 balls in a whirlwind innings that lasted a little more than 2-3/4 hours, becoming the third batsman to score hundreds in the innings.

He batted through lunch to put on 180 with Pride and West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite, before becoming a scalp of left-arm spinner Daniel Doram. Brathwaite made 189 that included 17 fours from 400 balls in 10 hours at the crease and was the glue that held the innings together, but he was one of four wickets – three to Cornwall – that fell for 38 following the afternoon drinks break that hastened the declaration.

Cornwall finished with five for 132 from 33 overs.

Permaul followed up strong batting from his side with a spell of five for 55 from 21 overs, and West Indies Under-19 pacer Isai Thorne supported with two for 19 from eight overs to rock the Scorpions batting at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston.

West Indies white-ball batsman Brandon King has so far hit the top score of 32, former West Indies Under-19 captain Ramaal Lewis made 24, and wicketkeeper-batsman Romaine Morris was not out on 21.

Imlach, the Harpy Eagles captain, had retired hurt before returning late the previous day and was 33 not out when his side started the day on 278 for seven. He followed up a top score of 155 from Kemol Savory with an undefeated

101 that included 11 fours and two sixes from 169 balls in a little more than 4-1/2 hours at the crease.

Savory was not out on 127 overnight and put on 154 for the eighth wicket with Imlach before he fell in the hour before lunch to off-spinner Peat Salmon.

Pacer Ojay Shields was the most successful Scorpions bowler with four for 103 from 23 overs, Salmon took three for 117 from 29 overs, and leg-spinner Abhijai Mansingh grabbed two for 50 from 13.3 overs.

Bishop bagged a miserly two for 30 from 22 overs, and Nedd supported

with two for 32 from 19 overs, and the Volcanoes batting flopped again after an 82-run, fourth wicket stand between the West Indies Test pair of Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Athanaze has hit the top score so far of 89 and Hodge made 41, but the two spinners and two careless run outs opened the door for a CWI Academy fight-back.

Tyson took five for 50 from 13.4 overs, and the Academy were bowled out for 158 in their first innings to concede a lead of four.

Jumbo Jet Race of Champions: Eight races carded for April 28

EIGHT high-quality races are on the provisional programme for the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Race of Champions that is set for April 28 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

More than ten million dollars will be up for grabs and the feature race, which will be open to all imported and local-

ly bred horses running at 1,600 metres, will see the top horse walking away with G$2,000,000.

Spankhurst, Bossalina, Easy Time, Jessica’s Pride and Stolen Money are among the top horses that will be igniting Rising Sun. A total purse of G$3,750,000 will be divided for the feature race while the entry fee is G$232,500.

Other races carded include West Indian-bred four-year old West Indies and three-year-old horses at 1,600 metres. The top horse in that race will be awarded G$600,000. The three-year-old Guyana bred horses race will also run at 1,600 metres and the top horse will also be awarded $600,000.

The F Class & Lower & E Class non-earners

in last two starters race will be running at 1,400 metres; and the winner of the race will walk away with G$400,000.

H3 & Lower and H 1&2 horses non-earners in their last two starts & first time starter in Guyana – 1,400 metres race will see the top horse cashing in on G$350,000.

The I Class, J Class and West Indian-bred three-

year maidens, the K Class horses and Lower and the L Class horses and open to J3 first time starters will complete the provisional programme.

All races will run under the guidance of the Guyana horse racing authority rules. Races are subject to change and entries for the April 28 Race of Champions will close on April 22. Hors-

GMRSC Circuit Championship Opener…

es must be properly entered via Fazal Habibula on telephone 611-1141, Buju 658-7037, Shazenna/Rose on 322-0789, Glen on 1 (868) 3685192 or Ginjo on 6187278.

The race will run off at 12:00h and is sponsored by Jumbo Jet, AJM Enterprise, Sinotruck, and XCMG. Admission is G$2,000.

Ramchand to debut Renault Sport Megane Trophy

THE local motorsport world is abuzz with anticipation as Anand Ramchand gears up to debut in the Renault Sport Megane Trophy at the GMRSC Circuit Championship opening round on April 21 at South Dakota Circuit

A seasoned driver with an impressive track record, Ramchand is optimistic about his prospects in the upcoming season, adding to the excitement. Ramchand’s confidence in the Re-

nault Sport Megane Trophy is palpable.

“It’s a reliable car,” he stated, emphasising his belief in its capabilities on the track. With his sights set on podium finishes and even a shot at victory in the GP4 Class, Ramchand is poised to make a strong impression in his debut race.

A former GP3 and Starlet Cup champion, Ramchand brings a wealth of experience. His success in multiple classes speaks volumes about his skill behind the wheel. Alongside his debut

in the Renault Sport Megane Trophy, Ramchand will also be competing in the BAL Toyota Starlet Cup and the SIC GP3 with his trusty 911 Toyota Starlet.

With his proven track record as a seasoned driver and a race winner across multiple classes, Ramchand’s presence on the grid adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming season.

Fans can expect to see thrilling battles and memorable moments as Ramchand takes on the competition in

pursuit of victory.

As the countdown to the GMRSC Circuit Championship opener begins, all eyes will be on Anand Ramchand as he embarks on this new chapter in his racing career.

With determination, skill, and a competitive spirit, Ramchand is ready to leave his mark on the track and make the 2024 season one to remember.

Eight races are on the provisional programme for the Jumbo Jet Race of Champions on April 28

ExxonMobil Linden Inter-school football kicks off today

THE ExxonMobil Inter-School Football Tournament is set to commence today (April 12) at 14:00hrs with a doubleheader at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground.

A vibrant opening ceremony is scheduled prior to the start of the tournament.

Officials from sponsors ExxonMobil will be present alongside representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) to deliver remarks.

Kicking off the action-packed day, Kwakwani Secondary will face off against Wisburg Secondary, while last year’s champions, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, will go head to head with McKenzie High School.

Organised by New Era Entertainment, the tournament will feature eight schools divided into two groups.

Group ‘A’ comprises McKenzie High School, Christianburg- Wismar Secondary, Linden Technical

DVA Volleyball Clubs League

Premier Eagles stop Classic Ball Blasters to lead standing

PREMIER Eagles Volleyball Club put in an apex performance to outclass Classic Ball Blasters when the two locked horns in the Demerara Volleyball Association Clubs League on Thursday evening at the National Gymnasium.

The contest didn’t live up to the hype until the third set when ball blasters brought out their ‘A’ game.

But even with their best on the night, they were not able to force a stay of ex-

ecution into the fourth set.

The third set ended 25-20 in Premier Eagles favour.

From the first set, the league leaders Eagles showed their dominance taking the straight sets win thanks to Adriel Moore.

Moore was fabulous as he completed some awesome kill shots to record 11 points for the game as they took the first set 25-11.

He found solid support from the likes of teammates Trevon McRae,

Quacy Mattheson and Keon Tanner who had 9, 9 and 6 points respectively in the victory.

They would combine to ease to a win in the second set 25-15.

Ball Blasters third set effort was largely thanks to the effort of Meshack Roberts who scored a team high 4 points in an overall underwhelming performance for his side.

The win puts Premier Eagles for now at the top of the standing after their third win in four (one loss).

Institute (LTI), and Harmony Secondary School.

Group ‘B’ will see Wisburg Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Linden Foundation Secondary, and Kwakwani Secondary battling it out.

Teams will compete in a round-robin format during the group stage, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

In addition to today’s doubleheader, matches are also scheduled for April 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, and 21. The highly anticipated finals will take place on April 26.

ExxonMobil’s substantial investment of $5M in this year’s championship underscores their commitment to community development through sports.

Ryan Hoppie, ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Adviser for Public and Government Affairs, highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting the community and youth, highlighting these as key areas of investment.

Premier Eagles’ McRae also moved to 45 points in the League to hold the joint top spot with the Guyana Defence Force’s

Omari Joseph. Eagles’ Matheson also moved up the individual standing to third with 35 points in the league.

GDF got displaced to second place on the table with two wins with Alpha’s Volleyball Club third.

GCB Male Under 19 super50 to commence Friday

THE Guyana Cricket Board male under 19 Super50 tournament is scheduled to commence today (April 12) at two venues in Georgetown.

In round 1, Berbice play Essequibo at Malteenoes while Demerara battle GCB Select XI at Lusignan.

GCB Select XI U19-Deonarain Dindyal, Anthony Khan, Justin Doobay, Amos Charles, Shiloh Adams, Nityanand Mathura, Avishkar Persaud, Andres Fra-

ser, Avishkar Beharry, Stephon Sankar, Natron Gill, Jayden Dowlin, Jerimah Hohenkirk, Rajikar, Ari Kadir, Yueraj Khemraj (Manager), Kumar Bishundial (Coach) Berbice U19- Rampertab Ramnauth (Captain), Matthew Pottya M (V/C), Rampersaud Ramnauth, Salim Khan, Kevin Kristen, Damion Cecil, Sanjay Algoo, Kumar Deopersaud, Afraz Budhoo, Romesh Bharrat, Rashad Gaffur, Ayhinde Roger, Devon Wharton and

Okasie Boyce. Shamar Angel (Manager), Seon Hetmyer (Coach) Essequibo U19 - Myhim Khan, Jadon Campbell, Navindra Sankar, Gulcharran Chulai, Thaddeus Lovell (Captain), Joash Charles, Benny Persaud, Shahid Viera, Rajendra Ramballi, Bruce Vincent, Darwin Joseph, Renaldo Jeffery, Justin Sutton, Shaziff Mohammed, Nazeer Mohamed (Manager), Anthony Adams (Coach).

Demerara U19 - Romeo Deonarain, Vikash Wilkinson, Sachin Balgobin, Mavindra Dindyal (Captain), Alvin Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Johnathan Van Lange, Anthony Lim, Kelvin Raymond, Wavell Allen, Krsna Singh, Neeran Bani, Riyad Latiff and Riyan Latiff, Arun Gainda, Dave Mohabir, Zahid Mohamed, John Persaud and Udesh Seetaram, Puneeth Jaigopaul (Manager), Quasen Nedd (Coach)

Team captains from seven of the eight participating schools, along with the championship trophy for this year’s ExxonMobil Linden Inter-school football tournament.

Premier Eagles #8 Quacy Matheson (Grey and black) going up against #7 David Blair (orange) from Classic Ball Blasters

GMRSC Circuit Championship Opener…

Ramchand to debut Renault Sport Megane Trophy

seestory onpage26

seestory onpage24

Community Relations Advisor, Ryan Hoppie, hands over the sponsorship to FL Sport’s Romario Samaroo (far left) and Yusuf Ali (centre) at ExxonMobil Guyana’s Office on Duke Street, Kingston

Permaul steer Jaguars in sight of win seestory onpage25

Anand Ramchand and his Renault Sport Megane Trophy