Guyana Chronicle e-paper 12-05-2024

Bartica poised to become important development hub

- President Ali says; highlights series of improvements in Region Seven that benefits residents

- King’s Hotel and Residences investor affirms; says Quamina Street project on track for December completion ‘We will be able to compete with the

1,500 new jobs in mining for Region Seven

- President Ali says Guyana fortifies regulatory framework governing aviation operations

- with passage of crucial amendments to Civil Aviation Act

- Prime Minister Phillips says

The hospitality landscape is poised

transformation with

upcoming launch of

second King’s Hotel and Residences, at Quamina and Waterloo streets, later this year (Japheth Savory photo)

Bartica poised to become important development hub

- President Ali says; highlights series of improvements in Region Seven that benefits residents

By Trina Williams

AS Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) continues to stand as an important player in the expansion of a number of sectors, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that Bartica is poised to become an important development hub.

He made those remarks during an outreach in Agatash village on Friday, when he laid out the development plan that will take place in not only the community, but the region, overall.

As he outlined the government’s vision in continuing to enhance the various sectors such as health and education, in order to benefit the Guyanese people, the Head of State stated: “One of the priorities of the government is to create an environment in which the people are included in their own decision-making.

“The people are included in identifying their priorities and what can advance life in their community, because the most important thing for us in this government is to build prosperity to every single community, regardless of how small that community is and how large that community is.”

He added: “We have been working with every single community across the country to enhance productivity, build livelihood options, bring prosperity and advance the development of people all across our country.”

As he reflected on the lack of investments under the previous coalition government, Dr Ali, with evidence, showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is a government that fulfils its promises and even goes beyond, all in the name of bringing betterment to the citizens.

“Today, I could stand here and say with a clear conscience, we have fulfilled all our manifesto commitments and we are working on bonus now,” he told the scores of residents.

Since returning to office, the PPP/C government has not only restored the ‘Because We Care’ grant, but it has also invested heavily in agriculture, human services and health, among other things.

With that said, the President told the villagers that their children have gotten more than $25 million in the ‘Because We Care’ grant, which the APNU+AFC government had terminated.

Noting that the PPP/C government understood the difficulties in attaining learning materials, Dr Ali disclosed that $2.8 million was given to the schools within the village to support learning.

Additionally, close to $12 million was expended to improve drainage and irrigation and rehabilitate drainage networks within the village.

Notably, Dr Ali spent some time highlighting how the country’s landmark Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is directly benefiting the villages.

For Agatash, $24 million was transferred and this aided them in carrying out a number of community initiatives and projects, such as purchasing a school bus.

“This is not fairytale story. This is the real sto-

ry of development. This is the real story of your government developing and delivering to you,” the President said.

Further, as Guyana undergoes its rapid transformation, it is clear that the government is not leaving any community behind, as President Ali engaged the residents on not only the expansion of their village, but also how they can link food production into the township of Bartica among other critical elements in the chain of development.

He also said that in order for the village to enter into a new phase of development, they must

discuss how they can build a system to execute the upskilling of the human resources.

The Head of State also focused on the Timehri-Bartica road and the role it will play in boosting connectivity.

The cutting of the alignment of the road from Sand Hills to Bartica is a project that will improve the commute between the coast and the hinterland, by significantly reducing travel time.

With that in mind, he said: “So Bartica is going to become an important development hub, a tremendous investment will take place in this hub.”

Region Nine communities impacted by flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall

A flood advisory has been issued by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) detailing the impact of flooding on areas in Region Nine.

According to the Hydromet Service, the La Nina (rainy) season has begun, with low-lying areas in Region Nine being significantly affected by the continuous downpour and flooding.

tween Annai and Lethem.

The Karasabi Village was reported to be inaccessible by land as a result of high water levels in Yurora Creek due to flooding caused by the heavy rainfall. The road at Tiger Pond has also eroded in several sections and is impassible.

proaches to the bridge are flooded.

friends to share updates as they occur.

The advisory further lists that in the North Rupununi, a portion of the road between Toka and Massara has eroded due

It reported that villages such as Toka, Massara, Yakarinta, Arannaputa Valley, Karasabi, Tiger Pond, Sand Creek, Karaudaranu and Katoonarib continue to be flooded at several levels.

to the flash floods, while the Yakarinta Bridge is covered by water; and Aranaputa Valley is flooded in low sections with the main road completely cut off, making it unusable for commuters to traverse be-

Sand Creek cannot be accessed by vehicles, the Karaudaranu Village was flooded due to heavy rainfall and the Rupununi River crossing at Katoonarib is not accessible as sections of both ap -

As a result of this, persons residing in Region Nine, and those who intend to travel there are advised: Safety is priority and are urged to use protective rain gear, and to refrain from flooded areas; to pay attention to weather and flood advisories, and operate with caution; store potable water for drinking and everyday usage in a safe and sealed container; and to maintain communication with family members and

Further, residents nationwide are urged to be vigilant and remain cautious during this rainy season, as well as to report any impacts to their respective local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time.

Thus far, there have been no reports of flooding in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, or 10.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali during one of his outreaches in Region Seven

‘We will be able to compete with the other brands’

By Feona Morrison

THE hospitality landscape is poised for further transformation with the upcoming launch of a second King’s Hotel and Residences, at

Quamina and Waterloo streets, later this year.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Looknauth Persaud, the Director of LEHR Inc., the company behind the new venture,

expressed confidence that the new establishment will be competitive against established brands in the market.

When asked to share his views regarding the hotel's competition with

- King’s Hotel and Residences investor affirms; says Quamina Street project on track

for December completion

larger brands, Persaud replied confidently: "Fine! The more the merrier. We are going to leave our mark in Guyana. King’s

will be a household name at the end of it. We will be able to compete with the other brands.”

According to him, the project is estimated to cost between US$10 million and US$15 million. The nine-storey hotel will house 60 rooms, including 40 luxury suites. The remaining 20 rooms will consist of standard and activity rooms, equipped with connecting doors to accommodate families.

The King’s Hotel and Residences will also include an open-air bar, a private lawn, and a restaurant, offering visitors a panoramic 360-degree view of the capital city.

Additionally, Persaud said that the hotel’s three-storey parking lot will be situated approximately five lots away, with shuttle services provided to transport guests to and from the parking area.

He related that the area designated for the parking lot is currently serving as accommodations for construction workers. Persaud said that once the hotel

nears completion, construction will begin on the parking lot.

“We are working towards meeting the deadline but you never know… obstacles might come through. We are preparing to finish by December. We are in a good position. At this point, we are putting in the walls and finishing the columns on the building. We are on the sixth floor right now,” the businessman said.

The project, initiated

a year ago, is designed to accommodate both shortterm visitors and longterm residents, aiming to establish new standards in luxury and sustainability with cutting-edge amenities. With visible progress, the construction is already 50 per cent complete. The hotel is under construction on the site formerly occupied by the Water Chris Hotel.

Halfway through its construction phase, the second King’s Hotel and Residences situated at the junction of Quamina and Waterloo Streets remains on schedule for its anticipated completion by the conclusion of 2024

Looknauth Persaud, Director of LEHR Inc.

1,500 new jobs in mining for Region Seven - President Ali says

APPROXIMATELY

1,500 residents of Region Seven are poised to gain employment opportunities from two new large-scale mining operations set to commence construction shortly.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this disclosure, during a community engagement at the Bartica Community Centre Ground, on Friday.

He said each mining site is expected to employ around 700 workers, all of whom will undergo requisite training.

“The two new large mines that will come into operation before the end of this year will see training for fulltime employment of more than 700 persons. So, we have to find 700 persons to work in one of those mines,” President Ali said.

President Ali emphasised the ongoing discussions between Bartica’s mayor and regional stakeholders to facilitate these training programmes.

Approximately 1,500 residents of Region Seven are poised to gain employment opportunities from two new large-scale mining operations set to commence construction shortly

Furthermore, the government is exploring the feasibility of establishing a call centre within the region, offering additional employment prospects for young individuals. Meanwhile, in line with efforts to bolster agriculture in the hinterland, President Ali highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture’s initiatives to develop large-scale honey, cit-

rus, and sweet cassava production programmes.

These endeavours, he said, aim to enhance food sustainability and security within the region.

“In this region, you will have between 400 to 500 new hives when you look at all the communities we are going to support. We want to have large-scale citrus farming and we have

already identified areas for this. We are working now to expand the sweet cassava programme, looking at higher-yielding variety,” the Head of State related.

To promote sports activities among residents, plans are underway to rehabilitate six recreational facilities, complementing ongoing works on others.

Acknowledging the

continue to make these investments to ensure that the people of this region benefit, to ensure that lives are made easier and better the level of services that will be brought to the people,” the President said.

President Ali reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to realising these initiatives, emphasising that no effort will be spared to ensure the region’s residents benefit from improved services and opportunities.

significant investments made by the government in the region, President Ali underscored the allocation of over $4.2 billion in education, $13 billion in housing and water projects, and an additional $500 million in agriculture over the past three years.

“We are going to

For the past two days, President Ali led an outreach to Bartica and surrounding communities in Region Seven, actively listening to residents’ concerns and providing immediate interventions to address them. (DPI)

Bringing prosperity to every home

GUYANA'S developmental trajectory is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. There is an acceleration in the development trajectory which is touching every corner of the country. No region, district or community is left behind in this exciting process of national development.

Only recently on a visit to Region Seven, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his interaction with residents of the mining community of Issano, highlighted a series of developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life of residents of that community.

Without a doubt, the region has witnessed significant development in all facets of life, thanks to the PPP/C administration.

But, like any other region in Guyana, there are still a

number of challenges that needed to be addressed and President Ali wasted no time in assuring residents that the issues will be addressed through a multi-agency and a multi-sectorial approach.

Several agency heads who accompanied the President were instructed to take immediate action to resolve the issues raised by residents.

Development is all about people and the raising of their material and cultural well-being. It is against such a backdrop that President Ali has announced that government will roll out a series of developmental initiatives designed to boost the local economy and enhance the quality of life of residents along the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region.

He assured the residents that the government is com-

mitted to addressing key issues such as education, health, agriculture and solar energy.

No community, it has to be said, is problem-free. This is true both for hinterland and coastal regions. However, because of the geographic layout and the scattered nature of hinterland communities, there are a number of developmental challenges which continue to persist despite the best efforts of the PPP/C administration to address them.

It is however the proactive and prompt manner in which the issues are being dealt with by the current administration that sets it apart from the previous APNU+AFC administration.

In this regard, President Ali and the PPP/C administration must be given credit. This is indeed an example

of a caring and responsive administration and a leadership approach to community development that has now become a defining characteristic of President Ali and the administration as a whole.

Such an approach to development has not gone unnoticed by the Guyanese people many of whom have not only embraced the government's plan for prosperity but there are also indications of a shift in political allegiance in favour of the PPP.

People all across the political and ethnic spectrum are now embracing the political platform of the ruling PPP/C administration. This explained the victory of the PPP/C in the recent general and regional elections as well as the local government elections which saw the PPP/C defeating the APNU-AFC in the town of

Bartica, once considered an opposition stronghold.

These are by no means episodic developments but resulted from the substantial economic and social gains made by the PPP/C which have impacted positively on the lives and well-being of the Guyanese people across the political, ethnic and geographical spectrum of the society. The rapid pace of growth, development and progress is evident in every community of Guyana.

One consequence of such developments is a higher level of acceptance and identification with the goals of national development. And this despite the attempts by the political opposition to sow the seeds of division on the basis of race and politics.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Guyanese people are much more discerning

and goal-oriented. Many are tired of the politics of divisiveness as promulgated by the opposition and want to move forward along a path of progress and prosperity.

The PPP/C administration, on its part, is pressing ahead in a determined and focused manner with its development agenda aimed at bringing prosperity to every home.

As noted by President Ali, no government has all the answers; hence the necessity of a social contract with all individuals and groups that share the objectives of the 'One Guyana' initiative, which in essence is about the creation of a society in which every Guyanese is accorded a dignified and happy life, with full and equal access to social goods and services provided by the State.

Another misleading comparison by Kaieteur News’ publisher

Dear Editor,

TRINIDAD & Tobago (TT) has recently launched their “natural gas audit results” for the year ended 2022.

In view of his, the publisher of Kaieteur News (KN), Glenn Lall, sought to sell a misleading story, viz-à-viz, a so-called comparison, suggesting that the Guyanese Government has failed to uphold a similar standard as

regards Guyana’s natural gas resources. The story by the KN publisher, however, lacked context.

According to TT’s “Gas Master Plan (2015), TT has been a commercial producer of natural gas since 1953 (71 years to date), and it has only started to conduct audits of this kind annually since 2001─that is, forty-eight (48) years later since becoming a commercial

producer of natural gas (1953).”

In the case of Guyana, natural gas has so far been established in the Liza-1 field that is sufficient to monetise. ExxonMobil is still conducting feasibility studies in other fields to determine whether those fields have natural gas that could be commercialised. In fact, the Government of Guyana is currently finalising a “Gas

Strategy” for the country. It is important to note that the natural gas resources from the Liza-1 field that is associated with the gas-to-energy (GtE) project, will be derived as a byproduct from the drilling of crude oil. As part of Guyana’s gas master plan, the Government has to consider whether natural gas production will be pursued as a separate development,

as in the case of TT.

Therefore, considering Guyana’s current state in terms of natural gas production, it is premature to conduct “gas audits” of a similar nature as in the case of TT. The natural gas resources in Guyana have not yet been fully explored and Guyana has not yet started to produce its gas resources. It is unfortunate and more so mischievous that

media entities are omitting context altogether when putting out these stories.

The omission of context and facts is becoming the norm of the day in some sections of the media fraternity. It is also improper to compare and contrast a 100+ years old industry with a four-year-old industry.

Yours sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

I really envy President Ali

THERE has always been a huge aperture in my marriage. I never danced with my wife. Dancing with my wife is one of the dearest requests I have made upon life, and at my age it doesn’t look like it will be fulfilled. I simply cannot dance; not even a few elementary steps. I look like a monkey and a donkey when I attempt a dance floor move.

One of the things I regret dearly in life is not dancing with my wife to Love’s Theme by the Love Unlimited Orchestra conducted by Barry White. This is my alltime favourite song beating out the Kishore Kumar and Bob Marley tunes I love. It is unique arrangement. The strings interlace with large guitars and it is fascinating how they alternate while resting on the disco rhythm. There is nothing I want more in this life than to

dance Barry White’s Love Theme with my wife.

When I saw the moves of President Ali at the PPP congress, I envied him. That gentleman can dance. I guessed it came easily to President Ali because he has a light personality as part of his persona. His rhythmic manoeuvres will always be remembered by the people of this country for a long time to come because it was unique and it came from a unique leader of this country.

I had no idea that President Ali would have danced for his party members at the congress when I wrote my Sunday article on him. I did mention in that column that he is a fun guy with a touch of lightness about him. And there it was; at the congress he showed his multi-dimensional personality. The same, “damn if you don’t, damn if you do.” Ir-

faan will have his detractors no matter what he does. It is life. Life is that. Once you know it is like that, then, you carry on with your life and ignore the haters. It is silly to criticise the president for doing a short dancing skit for delegates at his party congress.

In all seriousness, how can someone see that in a negative light? He was at a private function, enjoying a private moment. It went viral but that does not take away his right to retire his suit and tie, and exist outside the context of the presidency. He is entitled to that right.

Many presidents and prime ministers have danced the way President Ali did at private events like weddings and birthdays, and the attendees just stop and look at the leader of their country dancing. This is a common occurrence so

what is the fuss about the president dancing at his party congress?

The Prime Minister of Finland had a maddening escapade on the dance floor in which there was talk of drug use. The Finnish people could not have been bothered with what she did. She currently holds a big position in the institute run by former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

I met a gentleman on the seawall last Thursday evening. He identified himself as Professor Parboodyal Singh from York University. He didn’t take too lightly to people criticising the president for his dancing so he asked me what I thought. I simply said that we live in the West Indies and he agreed. When the West Indies won the World Cup, sections of the British press

wrote that the celebrations were too wild and over the top.

They do not say those things about soccer teams in Europe and basketball teams in the US. In that context, we should be careful in our criticism of the president’s dance moves because we could be pandering to the racial stereotyping Western media have of Third World people. Do you know there is a video of Nelson Mandela dancing and his gyrations were good?

Where did this criticism come from that something was wrong with the president doing a jig last Sunday? What went through the minds of people to arrive at such a thought? For me, when I saw it, I instantly said that this is Caribbean culture alright. But what is

irritating about it is because what President Ali did was not something unusual in world leadership.

Again, I stress that presidents and prime ministers have danced just like President Ali did at private functions and the examples are countless and cut across continents. I liked his performance last Sunday. He continues to show Guyanese that he is a man of the people. I end with a request to him. Teach me to dance. I want to dance Love’s Theme with my wife ASAP!

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.

President engaging with Christian churches a very good thing for Guyana

Dear Editor, A “village” news entity has lamented President Ali’s address at a function of the Assembly of God (AOG) Youth Group, dubbing it “worrying” (May 2, OPED, “President Ali’s coziness with Christian Churches worrying”).

As a founder member of an Assembly of God Church on the Corentyne, I want to rein in on this matter. You may not agree with the President or his Party, but we have to be fair in our commentary, giving credit where credit is due.

While the President’s appearance at the event does not need defending, everyone knows this President is

not a “sitting in the office” President.

He is always on the go, going everywhere, visiting many villages and solving problems, checking up on the progress of projects all over the country. He is energetic and is engaged locally as well as internationally. The President is President of all Guyana which he calls “One Guyana,” and can attend any event to which he is invited. It seems as if the real worry by the “Village” people is that this democratically-elected President is well received in all communities in Guyana, Brooklyn or elsewhere. They worry about the implications for the 2025 elections.

Those who are nervous about the warm welcome he receives are attacking their own people and calling for boycotts. People welcoming a President or Opposition Leader with politeness and warmth is a good “Christian” thing in our environment where some push a race card to polarise our people. But Churches are called to be healers within the community.

The AOG’s invitation to the youthful President at their Convention is a step in the right direction. Churches have been very silent and aloof at a time when we need them to engage with national development matters.

Not because people are

warm to the President means they will vote for him, but that can happen if they like his demonstration of caring and ongoing engagement. No party or group should tell us whom we should associate with or not associate with.

No one party owns us racially, religiously, or politically and think they can tell us who to talk to or not! In our politics, politeness has been absent. We have an Opposition Leader refusing to shake the President’s hand, but at the same time call for power sharing.

If you can’t shake hands, how will power sharing work? Gandhi said, “you can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.”

Because government controls so much resources, engagements with the government would be a smart thing for any church or community group. Engagement with the government does not mean you necessarily endorse and agree with their every policy or practice.

I remember during the five months of the PNC’s attempted rigging in full view of the world, the government released pictures of a top Assembly of God leader ushering President Granger into his birthday party.

While some may say that’s the right thing at the wrong time, and that subliminal messages were being sent, that leader was within

his right to do so. I don’t recall the “village” people objecting.

The government side needs to be commended for always reaching out. At Easter time, Government Ministers are seen attending and speaking at many Christian Churches. The Churches need to engage with the government, especially to make sure we don’t reverse generations of family values, as these are under organised attacks by deviant movements in and out of Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Jerry Jailall Civil Society Advocate

Berbice training college moving full speed ahead

FEBRUARY 9, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Guyana with the inauguration of the first phase of the Guyana Technical Training College Incorporated (GTTCI) in Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice.

This phase introduced a state-of-the-art facility simulator (FacTor), representing a US$13 million investment. FacTor enables participants to engage in practical operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities— critical skills for the safe and successful operations of offshore floating produc-

tion, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Now, just three months later, the second phase of GTTCI is well underway, underscoring the government’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of driving Guyana's unprecedented economic development.

President Ali emphasised that Phase Two heralds the establishment of a state-ofthe-art main campus capable of accommodating 150 students and equipped with essential administrative amenities. Additionally, Phase Two will introduce a Hospitality

and Tourism Institute, representing a US$100 million investment aimed at providing world-class education and upskilling opportunities for Guyanese citizens.

By offering targeted training programmes tailored to the sector's specific needs, the facility ensures that Guyanese workers are equipped to excel in the industry. Moreover, a welltrained local workforce enhances the overall competitiveness of both the oil sector as well as the non-oil sectors, reducing reliance on foreign labour and expertise. This move not only strengthens

the economy but also fosters a sense of national pride and ownership in developing the country's human resources.

The success stories emerging from the facility thus far are a testament to this. Notably, FacTor's inaugural cohort comprises students from various educational backgrounds, including the University of Guyana, technical institutes in New Amsterdam and Linden, and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre, demonstrating its inclusive approach to upskilling Guyanese across diverse sectors.

Families: Living together in peace

DURING this week, two very important, but little-known International Days will be observed. On Wednesday, the world will celebrate International

Day of Families and on Thursday, International Day of Living Together in Peace.

No one can miss the significance of these two days,

given the current state of crisis around the world, where both the family and world peace are constantly under threat.

Indeed, there is an interconnectedness between these two as wars and global conflict can devastate and separate families. The two major wars taking place right now - on the Gaza Strip and

generations, so instilling sustainable habits and climate awareness in families from an early age is important”, Families can be encouraged, through education, to change consumption habits, reduce pollution and minimise waste. We can all play our part through simple steps like choosing organic wrappings and bags and

in the Ukraine – are prime examples of how guns and bombs decimate families.

However, this year the ‘Day of Families’ theme, “Families and Climate Change” is intended to increase awareness of the adverse effects of climate change on families.

In a ripple effect, weather conditions exacerbated by climate change can displace families, negatively impact industries like agriculture and Fisheries, which in turn can lead to food shortages and hunger. Families become vulnerable as their health and well-being are challenged.

And as the UN says, “Families pass values across

Kester Tobin, a second-year Trainee Technician, shares his enthusiasm for learning within SBM Offshore Guyana's graduate trainee programme, underscoring the invaluable exposure the facility provides.

Tobin shared that, “Training has been going great so far because I have gotten a lot of exposure to things I have never worked with before.”

Ameisha Mohamed, a Mechanical Trainee Technician, echoes Tobin's sentiments, emphasising the industry's demand for determination and continuous learning.

“This industry is a lot of hard work and determination. You can come in with the experience and without the experience, but it's how you position yourself to learn the job. So, I would advise you to have determination and do not doubt yourself that you would not succeed,” she said.

As Phase Two gains momentum, it signifies not only the success of Phase One but also the continued commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for Guyana through education and skills development.

tween Israel and Hamas on the Gaza Strip. We see the horrific images on our television screens. Sadly, this has now overshadowed the Ukraine-Russia war, which began two years ago and is showing no signs of stopping.

These are not the only instances of global unrest.

particularly in this country, disposing of our waste in bins and receptacles instead of littering our streets and sidewalks.

On a national level, governments need to implement effective strategies to limit climate change. So far there has been more talk than action and several countries have fallen short of their targets for pollution control.

The UN warns, “Without drastic action, adaptation to, and mitigation of, the impacts of climate change will become increasingly difficult and costly”.

Every day on the news we hear about thousands dying in the recent war be-

Yemen, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Syria are among the many other countries listed as being involved in major conflicts.

Statistics tell us that there are more than 45 armed conflicts taking place in the Middle East and Africa, 21 armed conflicts in Asia and seven armed conflicts in Europe.

The International Day of Living Together in Peace should, therefore, be top priority in our war-torn world.

On this Day the UN invites countries to “…further promote reconciliation to help ensure peace and sustainable development”.

It is ironic that this Day

was initiated by the United Nations which was itself established following the devastation of the Second World War and intended “to save the succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.

Yet here we are, decades later, with the ‘succeeding generations’ embroiled in wars and conflict to an even greater degree than in the last century, with loss of life continuing to escalate.

It seems, therefore, that countries and governments of the world need to pay greater heed to the purpose of this Day, designed to “uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony”.

The Dalai Lama XIV puts it this way, “World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion.”

There are no winners in the impasse between GTU, Education Ministry, only losers

THE decision of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to take strike action for a second time this year will undoubtedly help it score cheap political points, but at what cost and to whom?

There are no winners in this impasse, only losers. Parents, many of whom are themselves teachers, and their children will end up holding the sharp end of the stick. A prolonged strike will eventually rob the next generation of their ability to reap the benefits from Guyana’s robust economic growth and development. Why steal that from them?

GTU and its political bedfellows in APNU-AFC say they have run out of patience with the Ministry of Education (MOE). And because patience, the one virtue that good teachers need the most of, has apparently evaporated, GTU’s only path forward is to launch a full-fledged strike?

Of the 50 US states, only 13 allow teachers to go on strike in the event of a bargaining impasse, a clear indication that for the majority of states, teachers are not allowed to take strike action because they are categorised as essential workers much like firefighters, doctors and police officers.

Instead of an out and out strike, GTU could have taken a page

from the playbook of the very experienced Argentine unions? On the same day that GTU teachers stayed home leaving anxious parents scrambling, unions in Argentina launched a 24-hour shutdown of major sectors of the economy to protest austerity measures imposed by President Javier Milei.

The streets of Buenos Aires went quiet. Flights were suspended, ports were paralysed and schools and universities were shuttered. A day’s pay was deducted. That obvious detail is meant for Justice Sandil Kissoon of Guyana’ Supreme Court of Judicature who issued a bizarre decision that as an employer, the Government of Guyana was required to pay the salaries of striking teachers.

Unions, collective bargaining and strikes have been a pervasive feature of the Argentinian labour market. Between 1983 and 2014 Argentina experienced 1,500 public service teacher strikes, amounting to 35 per cent of all strike action in the country.

In a 2018 study, researchers anaylsed data collected from adults ages 30-40 who experienced an average of three months of strike measures when they were students. The study found that adults who were affected by

industrial actions of 88 days or more - equivalent to half a year of schooling in Argentina - failed to complete a post-secondary education. Adults who were exposed to fewer strike days went on to complete a post-secondary degree or diploma.

The 30 to 40 years old who were exposed to three months of teacher strikes were more likely to be unemployed or stuck in low-paying jobs. Males and females saw reduced wages by 3.2 and 1.9 per cent respectively.

When researchers looked at 12-17 year olds who were exposed to strike action, they saw that negative education effects were visible immediately after students completed their primary education at the age of 12. The effects were concentrated among children who were from vulnerable households. This means that the poorer a student, the more adverse the impact of a teacher strike on their lives. According to the researchers they married less educated partners and ended up with a much lower per capita family income.

The prevalence of teacher strikes in Argentina had an effect on the economy as a whole. According to the authors of the study, a back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests

The Inquisitive Observer

By Nazim Baksh

an aggregate annual earnings loss of $2.34 billion.

The Government of Argentina would have had to increase the wages of all primary school teachers by 62.4 per cent to avert a loss of that magnitude. It is not in the interest of Guyana’s government to have teachers go on strike. By the admission of the union itself, the PPP/C has given teachers more than they’ve demanded from September 2020 to the current period. That includes substantial salary increases and a menu of benefits and

incentives that were never afforded to them by APNU-AFC.

A government cannot afford to acquiesce to every demand that unions make. It is bad fiscal policy and it makes no sense. Guyanese public school teachers happen to be the highest paid among all civil servants.

Please fact check it. I did. The PPP/C has done more to increase wages and benefits of teachers before oil and gas. Why would it now be contemptible with teachers and play Russian roulette with future generations of Guya -

nese when the state is evidently wealthier?

The PPP/C has raised teacher’s salaries by more than 20 per cent since taking office in 2020. And the MOE has stated that it is prepared to engage the Union on a MultiYear Agreement from 2024 onwards, but says it will not negotiate retroactively. But for impatient GTU executives, any future negotiations must go backward in order to go forward. Nothing is ever normal in APNU-AFC’s warped political clinic.

Rigging and the PNC Congress

THE words Hamilton Green deliberately spoke, back in February, may be serving as inspirations to some in the PNC party who are being accused of setting the stage to rig the internal elections at the 2024 PNC Congress.

Recall, he said: “… if they say he rig elections, I

say we should keep rigging to save us from these devils, these bastards, these demons that we have”. Recall also, that current party leader Aubrey Norton defended Hamilton shading the elder from the continued public tongue-lashing he was receiving. He said explicitly that Green had been “taken

out of context” since he was thought to use his language carefully and exceptionally. Eventually, the embattled former Mayor would come out and apologise for saying and defending rigging as a means to stay in power or to access power in a democratic society made up of laws and rules, such as Guyana, to

protect against the outdated practice.

Hamilton Green is fooling no one. His apology was only to save face. Norton’s defence may be linked to his own ideological outlook on rigging.

Now, Norton may be guilty of following his elder’s advice, as many of the PNC party members and executives believe he is creating and setting the stage to influence the outcome of the party’s elections for the leader. He allegedly wants to control Roysdale Forde’s influence over the voting party’s delegates and members.

Firstly, he appointed himself as the Congress Director even though he is a candidate for the upcoming elections in July or August this year.

This self-arrogated responsibility is not only a blistering conflict of interest but it is bad for the party as it does not seem to be a democratic institution. One would have thought that Norton knows how it feels to be “locked out” and have the party lists padded, given his experience with the 2014 Congress and concerns with the process in 2018.

Norton should not be anywhere close to the preparations for the Congress as the fear is that he will rig or put people in the right places to rig it if he feels that he would not get the people’s support against Forde. If he continues to flout the time-honoured PNC traditions and customs, there is no hope for Forde whose vision and dream of rebuilding and reforming the PNC will be in shambles.

There is no hope for anyone who is not on Norton’s team to survive. There is no place for dissenting voices in Norton’s PNC even as the Congress draws closer. Norton has allies on the Congress Committee and at every stage of the party that will ensure he is the Leader and the Presidential Candidate whether he is wanted by the party members or not.

For example, the fiasco with the missing CPU and Computer which was fetched out of the office without a trace. The executive knows when and how it was taken but will anyone

speak up to Norton who again defended the act? No, but they will sheepishly gossip at every chance they get.

Norton is consolidating his hold on the PNC and he is doing so like in the style of Forbes Burnham, Hamilton Green and Robert Corbin.

Secondly, Norton controls the party’s finances and has the Central Executive Committee within his tight grip. They have only met two times in over two years in breach of the party’s Constitution which states they are supposed to meet once every quarter. The General Council is made toothless and has even fewer meetings.

Added to that, the General Secretary, Dawn Hasting-Williams, is a round peg in a square hole and does not have a voice for herself. While this is the unfortunate affair of the party’s leadership, Norton is gallivanting in all parts of the country meeting select groups. Some say he is coercing the groups into supporting his reelection bid while others say he is promising them jobs if he is the candidate and wins.

A classic case has to do with the PNC meetings in Lethem, Region Nine and the other hinterland meetings in which Amerindians have made allegations against Norton and Mervyn Williams that border on internal electoral fraud or rigging.

Further, he defended the opposition politicians facing the Courts charged with trying to rig the 2020 elections in the APNU+AFC’s favour. He said the charges are trumped up and politically motivated, but no one is coming to his rescue or defence because they know what is going down with the party’s finances and internal politics quietly behind the veil.

Where are the men and women of the PNC who believe in party democracy and who are staunchly against this rigging syndrome that is gripping Norton and the team? What does the PNC want to stand for in 2024?

What happened to high levels of transparency, accountability and clean cam-

paigning that ought to be a part of this road to Congress? Why is the CC and GC not in unity? Where is the party equipment – CPU? Did anyone get reprimanded for its removal? Is Norton seeking to become a dictator masquerading as a democrat? Who selected the Congress Committee?

Thirdly, another party stalwart and long-standing senior member, Amna Ally said that she would not “lift a finger” because of Norton’s poor and bad management of the affairs.

Ally, a former General Secretary, has been resolute in criticising, publicly, the leadership flaws of Norton and has urged other party members to do the same internally. Ally said she favours Forde and is backing him to win or create an upset in July.

Now, the former MP is part of a wider plan to get back the PNC from Norton. That plan has the diaspora support, but Norton knows this very well and has allegedly planned to fight it with internal rigging. The two factions are still fighting and the membership does not know which side to back.

Finally, this is the brutish race of PNC politics practised internally. Norton will not go until the last fat lady sings and the new challenger, who is gaining party support in the race, does not have a clue of what tricks Norton has hidden for him. They will fight each other and cut down deep, beneath the flesh.

This is the PNC 2024. This is the only thing they will ever be doing. Rig elections and say the party supports democratic values when its actions are that of a dictator. Norton has already been exposed as a leader who cannot deliver, cannot be trusted and has a worn political past. His contender has allegations thrown at him about seeking to allegedly extort money from businesses for casino licences and gambling permits, and he too has lost many political suits. Which will win?

36-megawatt power ship connected to national grid

IN a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s energy stability, the newly connected power ship has started supplying electricity to the national grid.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) announced on

36 megawatts of electricity, powered predominantly by heavy fuel oil (HFO).

According to the power company, the remaining 18 MW will be added to the grid incrementally during the course of the coming week.

initiative. The company has also thanked its customers for having patience and understanding.

The power ship arrived in Guyana on May 1. This addition is expected to alleviate the pressure on the national grid, particularly

Saturday that 18 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation from the vessel is now being integrated into the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) at Everton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

This marine-based energy solution boasts the capacity to generate up to

GPL thanked the government, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), E-Net, GAICO Construction Incorporated and its dedicated Transmission and Distribution and Protection and Instrumentation employees for their invaluable contribution towards realising this timely

ity, and is integrated into GPL’s grid at 69 kilovolts (kV).

On April 13, GPL signed a contract with Urbacon Concessions Investments, W.L.L (UCI) to charter the power ship for a period of two years, with

during peak consumption hours, and reduce the frequent power outages that have plagued various regions across the country.

The vessel last operated in Cuba and has two engines which produce 18.5 megawatts each. Moreover, it will operate at a remarkable 96 per cent availabil-

CXC begins standardisation process for marking of NGSA 2024

THE Director of Operations at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Dr. Nicole Manning and team commenced the standardisation process for marking of the National Grade Six Assessment 2024 scripts.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Education, this follows other processes such as batching which started last week.

The standardisation process that is led by Dr. Manning, along with Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Examiners (Table Leaders) and markers is a thorough part of the marking process.

During the standardisation process, the examiners will be marking sample scripts and discussing to ensure all plausible responses are included in the mark scheme in order to guarantee that each child is given the best possible opportunity to be marked fairly and accurately.

Dr. Manning stressed on the importance of standardisation as this process eliminates any possible subjectivity and other hazards and gives reassurance that all markers are marking at the same level. The marking process continues next week.

powership International, a Turkish company.

Under the terms of the agreement, GPL will pay a monthly charter fee of 6.62 US cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the power ship, along with a 0.98 US cents per kWh operation and maintenance fee based on electricity generation.

US$1 million paid as a mobilisation fee.

The contract includes the provision of operational and maintenance services as part of the agreement.

UCI is a subsidiary of UCC Holdings, a company incorporated in the State of Qatar. UCC Holdings has a strategic alliance with Kar-

The utility company is also responsible for the supply of heavy fuel oil for operation of the generators of the vessel.

The persistent power outages, attributed to various factors including aging infrastructure and increased demand, have underscored the urgent

need for infrastructural upgrades within GPL’s network. In response, GPL is actively exploring renewable-energy options, and is poised to embrace the government’s gas-to-energy project, which aims to supply around 300 megawatts of power by the last quarter of 2024.

Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has reassured citizens that energy costs will not escalate because of the rental of the power supply ship, highlighting the government’s commitment to stable and affordable energy solutions.

The 36-megawatt power ship

Engineers have been working ‘around the clock’ to ensure that the power ship is up and running

- Prime Minister Phillips says

Guyana looks forward to strengthening trade ties with Europe

CITING that the European Union has been an important trading partner, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has said that Guyana looks forward to strengthening the relationship.

The Prime Minister was, at the time, delivering remarks at a Europe Day celebration, hosted by the European Union (EU) Delegation in Guyana and the European Chamber of Commerce (Guyana) at the Herdmanston Lodge.

“The European Union has been a valued friend and developmental partner for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The relationship between Guyana and the European Union is predicated on the respect for democracy, human rights, the environment and the pro-

motion of sustainable development,” Phillips said.

The cooperation and collaboration over the years, he added, have advanced across many sectors, thus resulting in beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade,

investment, coastal zone management and climate change initiatives.

Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister said that Guyana looks forward to strengthening trade and investment ties with Europe on the

EU-CARIFORUM economic partnership agreement.

With the tremendous growth in Guyana’s local economy, Phillips indicated that the country is heartened by the growing interest being shown by

Guyana fortifies regulatory framework governing aviation operations

- with passage of crucial amendments to Civil Aviation Act

THE government’s commitment to ensuring safety, security, and compliance within its aviation sector took a significant step forward with the passage of the Civil Aviation Act 2024.

Approved during the 81st sitting of the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, (ACCC), the legislation introduces crucial amend-

ments geared at fortifying the regulatory framework governing aviation operations.

The 16 amendments introduced in the Act are a result of identified deficiencies in the 2018 Civil Aviation Act following a recent comprehensive review.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, lauded the biparti-

san cooperation witnessed during the passage of the bill, emphasising the collective dedication to safeguarding aviation interests as Guyana prepares to undergo an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit.

“When it comes to aviation safety and security, the National Assembly is united…It is sending a very clear message in our grow-

ing and expanding industry and we are going to work together. This amendment bill that is before us is necessary at this time because Guyana is about to face an ICAO audit,” he stated.

Underscoring the multifaceted nature of the impending audit, Minister Edghill highlighted a series of critical areas under scrutiny, including legal frameworks, organisation-

European investors in Guyana’s economy.

He said: “Moreover the European Union continues to play a significant role in supporting Guyana's development priority through assistance that has bolstered improvements in critical sectors such as health and forestry.”

Continuing along the lines of the fruitful partnership that the EU and Guyana share, Prime Minister Phillips said that the union’s support has been vital to Guyana’s effort to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

The EU Ambassador to Guyana, René Van Nes, in his address, said that, specifically, over the last year more partnerships have been established within the EU and Guyana.

He said that just last

year, the first EU global trade mission with 25 companies from nine different countries visited Guyana.

As a result, the Ambassador indicated that a follow-up mission is expected soon as many businesses that participated in the mission are interested in doing business in Guyana.

Further, he said that there is more to come under the investment agenda, as the EU, under the global gateway initiative, will partner with Guyana, CARICOM and the Caribbean Export Development Agency to stage the Caribbean Investment Forum.

Against this backdrop, collaborations with Guyana and the EU are expected to continue and expand in various sectors.

al structures, personnel licensing, operational procedures, and accident investigation protocols.

Further, the minister disclosed that the government has engaged the expertise of the ICAO and regional aviation authorities in preparation for the audit. It also strengthened the aviation sector’s infrastructure and operational capabilities, particularly in areas such as aerodrome management and aircraft certification.

Alluding to the significance of the audit on the country, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, described the upcoming audit as a comprehensive

recertification process with the entire civil aviation apparatus of Guyana under scrutiny.

He said adherence to international standards is most important to ensure a successful outcome.

“This audit is a recertification… is not the usual run of the mill yearly surveillance audit. This is a total recertification they are looking from the group up, the entire civil aviation apparatus in Guyana is being audited in May going into June. Canada has just been through one of these and the report that came out is that they barely passed this audit,” Minister Indar emphasised.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill

Citing that the European Union has been an important trading partner, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that Guyana looks forward to strengthening the relationship

EPA’s capacity being enhanced to monitor oil, gas sector - Dr Jagdeo says

GENERAL Secretary (GS) of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has assured that the government is working to build capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency to better monitor the activities within the oil and gas sector.

Dr. Jagdeo acknowledged the need for significant improvement in integrating more technology into the sector. According to the GS, the government has already made headway in this regard.

“We have independent satellite monitoring now to detect any sheen in the water so that even small quantities of oil

leaks can be detected because of high resolution satellite imaging and monitoring,” he told reporters at his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday.

Through its Monitoring Recording Verification System (MRVS), the EPA, in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources, also has the capacity for real-time monitoring and reporting of environmental discharges aboard the Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading Vessels (FPSOs). This technology also allows them to monitor how much oil is being extracted by ExxonMobil and its partners from the Stabroek Block.

Added to this, Dr Jagdeo said that independent thermal imaging systems are in place to detect any flaring.

Flaring is the controlled burning of excess natural gas, preventing dangerous buildups that

could lead to explosions. This process occurs during oil production, where natural gas is often extracted alongside crude oil.

However, the gas needs to be separated and treated before it can

be used as a fuel source. It requires processing and infrastructure for transport, which may not be available or economically feasible in all locations. While flaring offers a safety measure, it’s not an ideal solution.

To hold the contractor accountable for maintaining an environmentally acceptable state, the government has put in place a fine of US$30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent for flaring on the FPSOs.

Although existing systems effectively monitor offshore activities, the GS highlighted the government’s commitment to continuously strengthen its capabilities in this area.

“We need to continue building capacity at the EPA and in government itself, independent capacity and with government itself to do greater monitoring. We are working on it, but we do have some capacity to deal with this issue,” he said. (DPI)

“There is a live feed for discharge water, and they do independent samples of the water to be discharged. They test it to ensure that the water meets the standards that are outlined in the environmental permits they received. We have strengthened those standards, and they are international standards,” the General Secretary added.

Sheriff General Hospital adds more specialists, cutting-edge technology to its list of services

- aims to establish smaller facilities in Regions One, Two, Nine and 10

By Cindy Parkinson

IN just over a year of operation, the Sheriff General Hospital at Leonora in Region Three continues to deliver on its commitments towards changing the way the healthcare system is seen in Guyana by bringing cutting-edge services to Guyanese at an affordable cost.

One of the proprietors of the Sheriff Group of Companies and the new managing partner of Sheriff General Hospital, Ameir Ahmad, gave this newspaper an exclusive interview in which he credited Guyanese for inspiring them to make investments to introduce “redefined beauty” services to Guyana and elevate healthcare to new heights.

The managing partner said: “I am grateful and proud of what we have been doing and what we have accomplished in just a year at the Sheriff Gen-

eral Hospital, but we could not have done it without the people of Guyana. Their trust and belief in us continue to motivate us to want to do better and offer the best services to them.”

Acknowledging Guyana's revolutionary path and the evolution of Guyanese culture and worldview, Ameir said that making healthcare more widely accessible and providing plastic surgery operations at their facility are game changers for the expanding economy.

According to him: “We have recognised that there is no longer a stigma attached to plastic surgeries as much as it once was. In this present era, people are spending their money travelling to countries such as the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Brazil to have treatments like buttock implants, liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast lifts, just because they may be less expensive than in the United States.

“So, at Sheriff, we have decided to invest in some of the best surgeons from Cuba and Colombia to perform any type of plastic surgery at a safe and affordable price.”

While Sheriff Group of Companies aims to advance in every sector of their business, Ameir related that their ultimate aim is to boost the country’s economy.

“In everything that we do as a company, obviously we are aiming at making money; however, we also take pride and joy in knowing that we are contributing to our country’s economy. This is a huge accomplishment for us, but as a country, we are further motivated to ensure that Guyana becomes the hub for plastic surgeries,” he said.

Ameir also shared that the construction work on another ultra-modern specialty hospital at Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown (New

Four Lane Highway) is moving apace.

According to him: “Because of the type of service that we are planning to offer at this facility, a state-of-the-art structure is required. Right now, we are looking at the various sectors that are flourishing in Guyana, and we know that this type of competition, even though it is good for the country, also pushes us to bring our A game.”

Reflecting on what he shared with this publication sometime last year, Ameir said: “For us, medical tourism refers to the recognition of Guyana, and we are going above and beyond to ensure that the Sheriff Hospitals provide a less expensive option for healthcare for Guyanese as well as people from the Caribbean and other nations.

“Having to remove a tumour or doing brain surgery may cost you an arm and a leg abroad; however,

we are working with you to ensure that the cost is only one-third of what you were going to pay, and to make it even simpler, we are also accepting insurance from all around the world,” he said.

Among the services offered, Ameir said that the new facility will also offer cardiac surgery, organ transplants, cancer screening and treatment, bone reconstruction surgery, surgeries related to the retina and eyes, neurology, dialysis, urology, psychotherapy and coun-

selling, plastic surgery, dental services, internal medicine, and myriad laboratory tests, including biopsies and culture tests. Sharing his plans for the healthcare sector, Ameir said that their intentions are to open smaller medical facilities in Region One (Barima-Waini) and Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), a medical centre in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

Proprietor of the Sheriff Group of Companies and the new managing partner of the Sheriff General Hospital, Ameir Ahmad

Search intensifies for Guyana’s top

‘youth environmental speaker 2024’

- as ‘Shout 2.0’ concludes first phase of competition

AFTER over one month of being open for entries, Shout 2.0 has concluded its first phase, which involved students preparing a one-minute video detailing the sustainable changes they would make to their school’s environment if given $1 million to do so.

According to a press release from Recover Guyana, entries were received from grades nine to ten students from secondary schools across the length and breadth of Guyana, all in the hope of competing for the title of “Top National Youth Environmental Speaker.”

Recover Guyana, the environment focused non-governmental organisation behind the initiative, revealed that over 70 secondary schools, both private and

public, submitted entries which were scored according to set criteria focused on the students’ knowledge and application of environmental concepts, basic budgeting, and public speaking prowess.

From this scoring process, the top 30 schools which will be moving into the next phase of the competition were determined. They are as follows: Abram Zuil Secondary School, Anna Regina Secondary School, Apex Academy Inc., Brickdam Secondary School, De Willem Secondary School, Endeavors and the Commons Secondary School, Friendship Secondary School, Good Hope Secondary School, ISA Islamic School, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School, Johanna Cecilia Secondary

School, La Bonne Intention Secondary School, Leguan Secondary School, Leonora Secondary School, Mackenzie High School, Marian Academy, New Silvercity Secondary School, President's College, Qayyim Academy, Queen’s College, Richard Ishmael Secondary School, Skeldon Line Path Secondary, St. Joseph High School, St. Roses High School, and St. Stanislaus College.

The other schools are:

The New Central High School, The New Guyana School, Vergenoegen Secondary School, Vreed-enHoop Secondary School, and West Demerara Secondary School

“After a series of capacity building sessions, the representatives of these schools will move into Phase Two

of the competition which will take the form of a 90 seconds speech prepared and presented to an audience based on a predetermined environmental topic,” Recover Guyana said.

The organisation added: “From there, a selection panel will score and determine the top ten which will move into the impromptu speech segment, held on the same day and then the top three which will move into a standard question segment.”

Shout 2.0 is supported by ExxonMobil Guyana and is a collaborative effort between Recover Guyana and the Ministry of Education.

The LIVE competition will be held on World Environment Day, June 05, 2025 at 09:00 hrs at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.

FAO focuses on importance of technology for International Day of Plant Health

- how innovation contributes to safeguarding the health of plants

THE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is marking this year’s International Day of Plant Health by shining a light on the importance of leveraging innovation to protect plants, which are indispensable for sustaining life on earth.

This year’s observance on May 12 focuses on the many innovations that cut across areas where plant health is crucial – such as plant pest monitoring to protect agricultural production – and digital systems to ensure the safe international trade in plants.

“We have no option but to leverage innovation, technological advancements and tools to protect plants,” says FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol.

“The unprecedented global challenges we face, such as the unrelenting climate crisis, demand innovative approaches

and digital technologies to support countries with stronger pest surveillance and early warning systems,” she added.

The UN-designated International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) is a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020.

Ever since then it has been raising global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hun-

ger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.

This year’s celebrations at FAO includes a high-level event on May 13.

Plant health should be prioritised given up to 40 percent of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases every year. This affects global food security and agriculture,

the main source of income for many vulnerable rural communities. Climate change and weather extremes are also impacting plant health and altering ecosystems, while creating new niches for pests to thrive.

International travel and trade, which has tripled in volume in the last decade, has led to increased interconnectedness among countries and regions. This underlines the importance of ensuring that people, goods and commodities crossing borders do not carry pests and diseases affecting plants, animals and humans.

TECHNOLOGIES TO SAFEGUARD PLANTS

FAO’s work on plant production and protection involves scientific approaches, innovation, and the latest technologies. It includes supporting governments to conserve plant genetic resources

and develop viable seeds and stress-resistant crop varieties to increase crop productivity. It also involves working towards sustainable pest and disease management, by closely collaborating with individual countries and communities such as the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

Through the IPPC, FAO is implementing the Africa Phytosanitary Programme to build capacities and supporting countries in using the latest scientific evidence and digital technology in detecting plant pests. Key to detecting plant pests, such as Desert Locust, is the ability to transmit real-time data to national locust centres by using Geographic Information Systems to collect and manage data on pests, as well as a suite of smartphone apps. Early detection of these pests enables FAO to provide

timely support for farmers, resulting in reduced losses to crops.

In Ecuador, FAO has also been promoting the use of biotechnology in crop production and protection, through the successful implementation of a fruit fly pest control system that uses the sterile insect technique. This involves rearing and sterilisation of large numbers of male insects to mate with wild females, producing no offspring and thus reducing the insect population.

Meanwhile the adoption of the IPPC ePhyto Solution, providing for electronic plant health certificates, is making international trade in agricultural products faster, safer and more efficient. More than 120 countries have adopted the Solution and more than three million ePhyto certificates have been exchanged. (FAO)

FAO’s work involves scientific approaches, innovation, and the latest technologies

‘No fairytales, only real stories of your development’

- President Ali tells Agatash residents; announces plans for shade houses, beekeeping training in the community

THE village of Agatash in Region Seven is poised to benefit from more agricultural interventions, as President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has com -

tion.

“The ministry of Agriculture will identify ten women, create a woman group that is going to get 25 hives with all the protective

to tourism, infrastructure and healthcare.

In response, the president committed to exploring additional avenues for development in these sectors.

mitted to constructing two shade houses to promote production of high-value crops.

The president made the announcement during a meeting with residents on Thursday.

He charged the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NAREI) with identifying viable plots of land for the establishment of these shade houses.

“I want NAREI and the Ministry of Agriculture to see whether in those shade houses we can do carrots and high value crops. So they are going to do the assessment next week,” the president said.

In addition to this, the agriculture ministry will be training ten women in beekeeping, providing them with hives, protective gear, and market access to promote honey produc-

gears and be trained so that you could produce honey here, and we have a market that can buy the honey from you,” the president explained.

Throughout his outreach in the region, the president has been encouraging each village to explore and expand honey production, touting it as a lucrative venture.

A similar training was recently facilitated for farmers swine production and poultry rearing. Within the next two weeks, Agatash is set to begin production in these areas.

The president noted that the village has already seen tremendous investments in agriculture.

Additionally, close to $12 million expended on enhancing drainage and irrigation to date.

Residents also expressed concerns related

ed out that the Agatash village has benefitted from a series of initiatives spanning various sectors such as education and infrastructure.

He pointed to the recent rehabilitation of the Agatash health post, which benefitted over 800 persons at a cost of $10.6 million.

Moreover, in 2023, approximately $49 million was spent on roads, enhancing connectivity

and bringing an ease to travellers and residents.

In the renewable energy and electricity sector, the village has received 97 solar home systems through the government’s Solar Home Systems project, while 15.5 kilowatts of new energy capacity were also installed for enhanced generation.

This amounts to almost $6 million in solar power and energy inter-

vention for Agatash.

“These are not fairytale stories. These are the real stories of development, of your government delivering to you. You have our full commitment that as we confront the future, we will continue to work with you on the development and advancement of all of Guyana,” the president underscored. (DPI)

Head of the Lands and Surveys, Enrique Monize, will also return to the village in the new week to address all land issues.

The Ministry of Health will also conduct a medical outreach in the area to launch its cervical cancer programme and a special dental programme for children and the elderly.

“They will have a screening for all those who need spectacles: children, the elderly, everybody. Once you need a spectacle, we are going to pay for that for you. If you need cataract surgery, we are going to take you to the hospital at Port Mourant and get that surgery completed,” the president said.

Notably, in a few days, work will also begin on a playground in the village, as per the request made by residents.

The president point-

Residents at the outreach organised on Thursday in Region Seven

Public Works Ministry partners with BOSAI for works on Washer Pond Road

The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Public Works:

“Please be advised, that the Ministry of Public Works (MOPW), in collaboration with BOSAI MINERALS

GROUP (GUYANA) INC. will be executing works at the South-East entrance of the Bauxite Plant on the Washer Pond Road, Linden, on Sunday May 12, 2024, between 06:00 hrs and 07:00 hrs.

A Bypass Road is constructed for the continuous flow of passengers’ vehicles. Large trucks and articulated vehicles will not be allowed to traverse this section of roadway during this onehour period.

We urge all road users to adhere to all safety measures in place as we strive to maintain the safety of everyone involved. The Ministry of Public Works apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Faster emergency response expected in New Amsterdam

- with launch of EMT service

RESIDENTS within New Amsterdam, Region Six are poised to see swifter responses to accidents and any other situation requiring immediate attention, with the launch of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) service on Friday.

The service was launched at the New Amsterdam Fire Station, where 15 persons are now equipped with advanced knowledge in rendering medical assistance after they were required to undergo a six-month training.

Fire Chief (ag) Gregory Wickham stressed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been working aggressively to ensure the service is brought to citizens all across the country.

“Members of the public, I want to implore you that when there is an emergency within the confines of New Amsterdam you must feel free to call because we will respond. The persons who are responding to those in need are well trained, and so you can expect a service that will be exceptional,” Wickham said.

He emphasised that such service will ensure that many lives are saved. He is also positive that the death toll by way of accident or unfortunate circumstances will decrease.

Additionally, Wickham noted that another goal of the fire service is to further roll out the programme to Rose Hall

and Corriverton sometime later in the year.

Meanwhile, Regional Health Officer Dr Vishalya Sharma said that the patient flow numbers within New Amsterdam are at almost 100.

However, she noted, that with this new EMT service, the region’s health system is will become better, decreasing the number of persons within the emergency rooms.

“We all know that EMTs are important because they save lives, they save the outcome of the patient, the prognosis and they help to determine how well a patient can reintegrate back into society after their accident,” Dr Sharma stated.

The RHO welcomed the additional medical help and pledged to work in co-operation with the EMTs.

The new set of EMTs have since been equipped with their medical gear and have been presented with an ambulance to execute their duties in the most efficient manner possible.

They will deliver services to residents on the East Bank of Berbice in villages such as Mara, West Canje and Bolan Turn.

This year the Guyana Fire Service received $4.3 billion to bolster its system as it pertains to infrastructure, firefighting equipment, and training.

The EMTs received an ambulance to execute their duties

Holder 100, Seales’ ‘five-fer’ steal headlines

LONDON, (CMC) – Former West Indies Test captain Jason Holder returned to form with a sublime fourth first-class 100 for Worcestershire while rookie speedster Jayden Seales snatched his second straight five-wicket haul for Sussex, on day two of the latest round of County Championship matches here Saturday.

The 32-year-old Holder, who had scraped 63 runs from his previous five innings, struck an up tempo, unbeaten 123 off only 110 balls as the visitors dominated Kent’s attack to pile up 618 for seven declared in their first innings of the Division One contest at St Lawrence Ground.

Recently named in West Indies’ squad for the Twenty20 World Cup, Holder belted seven fours and half-dozen sixes in just under 2-½ hours at the crease, and posted 225

in an unbroken eighth wicket partnership with Matthew Waite whose 100 not out required 126 balls.

Resuming the morning on 308 for five, Worcestershire flourished, courtesy of Adam Hose (90) and Rob Jones (27), who extended their overnight sixth-wicket stand to 74 before being separated within 12 runs of each other.

Holder then took control of the innings, racing to his

first fifty off 61 deliveries before bringing up three figures off just 97 balls.

In reply, Kent found themselves tottering on 15 for two in the fifth over before recovering to reach 111 without further loss, thanks to an unbroken third wicket stand of 96 between captain Daniel Bell-Drummond (54 not out) and Jack Leaning (43 not out).

At Cardiff, Seales con -

Real Madrid cruise past Granada to continue unbeaten run

Newly crowned Spanish champions Real Madrid cruised past Granada thanks to goals from Fran Garcia, Arda Guler and a double from Brahim Diaz.

After a first half of few chances, young full-back Garcia opened the scoring after 40 minutes, latching onto a low cross at the back post to slam home his first goal for the club.

Fellow youngster Guler doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time. Garcia turned provider

this time, cutting a cross back to the penalty spot for the Turkey international to steer into the bottom corner.

Four minutes into the second half Diaz added the third, intercepting a stray pass near the halfway line before before racing up field and firing in from the edge of the box.

He got his second just nine minutes later, slotting home a low finish after a sweeping passing move.

Despite a flurry of chances for both teams neither

tinued his domination of Division Two when he finished with five for 101 as Glamorgan reached 411 for nine in reply to Sussex’s first innings of 278.

The 22-year-old Seales, who played the last of his 10 Tests 18 months ago, produced a three wicket burst early in the opening session to reduce the hosts to 41 for four after they resumed the morning on 21 for one.

Glamorgan recovered well, however, Colin Ingram top-scoring with 170 and Kiran Carlson striking 148, the pair putting on a club-record 315 for the fifth wicket. Seales eventually broke the stand when he removed Carlson, before adding the scalp of number 10 Andy Gorvin (1) near the close, to take his tally for the Division Two season to a league-leading 23 wickets.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

TURFFONTEIN

08:20 hrs Rosy Lemon

08:55 hrs Dimako's Jet

09:30 hrs Presley

10:05 hrs Vix Princess

10:40 hrs Ceuta

IRISH RACING TIPS

LEOPARDSTOWN

08:15 hrs Apricot

could add to the scoresheet in the remaining half hour.

Granada’s demotion to the second tier was confirmed with relegation rivals Mallorca securing a 1-0 home win over Las Palmas in the lunchtime kick-off.

The victory for Carlo Ancelotti's side stretched their unbeaten league run to 29 matches, surpassing the previous club record in a single campaign of 28 matches set during the tenure of John Toshack in the 1989/90 season.

Jayden seales natched his second five-wicket haul for Sussex

Former West Indies Test skipper Jason Holder

Real's victory in Granada set a new club record of matches unbeaten in a single league campaign (29)

Manchester City edge closer to title with Fulham win

JOSKO Gvardiol scored twice as Manchester City put the pressure on Arsenal in the title race by beating Fulham to move two points clear at the top of the Premier League.

In a game they dominated from start to finish, the visitors opened the scoring early on when defender Gvardiol produced a clinical finish after a good move opened up the Fulham defence.

Phil Foden then continued his excellent form this season with a second after the break, sending a first-time finish past Bernd Leno.

Erling Haaland should

have added a third midway through the second half but the Premier League’s top scorer somehow drove high

stabbed in at the far post to put the result beyond Fulham.

Issa Diop was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time as he brought down Julain Alvarez inside the box, and the Manchester City substitute then duly converted the penalty.

The result means the Gunners head to Manchester United on Sunday needing to win to be certain of taking the title race to the final day of the season.

over when through on goal.

But Manchester City did not have to wait long for another goal as Gvardiol

Jokic-inspired Nuggets win to peg back Timberwolves

NIKOLA Jokic starred as the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-90 to reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the Western Conference play-off semi-finals.

Jokic, who won his third Most Valuable Player award on Thursday, scored 24 points for the defending NBA champions while recording 14 rebounds and nine assists.

The Serb's efforts in Minneapolis were complemented by Canadian Jamal Murray's 24 points.

"I think we played much simpler. We were more aggressive than

them," said Jokic. "I think that's definitely the thing that changed the game."

The Nuggets, who led by as many as 34 points at one stage, dominated the Timberwolves, with all five starters scoring double figures.

Game four of the bestof-seven series takes place tomorrow in Minneapolis.

In Friday's other game, American Tyrese Haliburton scored 35 points as the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 111-106 to avoid going 3-0 down in their Eastern Conference semi-final.

Canada's Andrew

Nembhard emerged as an unlikely hero for the Pacers, scoring a three-pointer with 17 seconds left to put his side in the lead in Indianapolis.

"Everybody knows what it looks like when you go down 3-0," said Haliburton.

"We had to come out, play desperate, play hard."

American Donte DiVincenzo top-scored for the Knicks with 35 points.

The Pacers will attempt to level the series in game four in Indianapolis today.(BBC Sport)

Manchester City are at Tottenham on Tuesday and if Arsenal fail to get a positive result at Old Trafford then victory will seal a fourth con-

secutive Premier League title for Guardiola's side.

City showing no sign of nerves at crucial time

Arsenal’s capitulation in the crucial stages of last season’s title race meant it was ultimately a pretty comfortable win for Manchester City.

But this time they have been pushed harder by Mikel Arteta’s men, and Guardiola stressed earlier this week that there could be no margin for error in their pursuit of another league trophy.

Against a Fulham side with nothing to play for, coupled with an impressive run of 15 straight wins against the

Cottagers, a slip-up always looked unlikely at Craven Cottage.

And so it proved as they dominated throughout to make it seven successive wins in the Premier League, scoring four goals or more in six of those victories.

Arsenal are still very much in the title race, and a win against Manchester United today would put the pressure back on City, but the manner of this comfortable win indicates that Guardiola’s side are showing very little sign of nerves when it matters.

(BBC Sport)

Josko Gvardiol has scored four goals in his last five Premier League games for Manchester City

Nikola Jokic stars as Nuggets get back against Timberwolves

Arnos Vale returns to frontline in busy Windies home campaign

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC )– Arnos Vale Stadium will host men’s senior international matches for the first time in over a decade, as part of a busy upcoming home itinerary for West Indies across all three formats.

West Indies will clash with Bangladesh in three Twenty20 Internationals in December, ending an 11-year absence of top flight international cricket in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

That series will also comprise two Tests – in Antigua and Jamaica – and three OneDay Internationals in St Kitts, and will bring the curtain down on three home tours for 2024.

England, and Bangladesh to eight of our host countries in the West Indies, including St Vincent & the Grenadines for the first time since 2012,” said Cricket West Indies chief executive, Johnny Grave.

Arnos Vale last hosted a men’s top flight international fixture when Pakistan toured in the summer of 2013, the visitors winning both T20 Internationals to take the series 2-0.

National Stadium in Grenada and Windsor Park in Dominica, we were unable to host International cricket there this year,” Grave explained.

“However, we are already looking forward to returning to both venues in 2025.”

Following a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, West Indies will renew rivalries with England in three ODIs and five T20Is across Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia from October 31 to November 17.

Bangladesh will cap off the home campaign in a tour that runs from November 22 to December 19.

South Africa kick off the home campaign when they arrive later this month for three pre-World Cup T20 Internationals, before returning in August for two Tests and three T20Is, while England follow in October and November for a whiteball series.

“We are delighted to announce our West Indies men’s home series for the remainder of the year, which will welcome South Africa,

While matches will also be played in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and St Lucia, Dominica and Grenada have missed out, and Grave said CWI anticipated hosting matches at the two venues next year.

“While significant improvements were made to the

West Indies will warm up for their hosting of the June 1-29 T20 World Cup with the three-match series against the Proteas at Sabina Park from May 23-26, and then welcome them again in an August 7-27 series, following a Test tour of England in July.

Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain and the Guyana National Stadium at Providence will stage the two Tests while the Brian Lara Stadium will be the venue for the threematch T20I series.

“We urge fans to rally behind our men in maroon as we strive for a historic third T20 World Cup title and seek to secure all important points in the ICC World Test Championship,” Grave said. West Indies, champions in 2012 and 2016, will be looking to turn the page on disastrous outings in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup.

West Indies Home Series schedule 2024

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC )– Following is the itinerary of the 2024 West Indies Home Series.

ITINERARY:

vs South Africa

May 23 – 1st T20I @ Sabina Park, Jamaica – 3 pm (Eastern Caribbean time)

May 25 – 2nd T20I @ Sabina Park, Jamaica – 3 pm

May 26 – 3rd T20I @ Sabina Park, Jamaica – 3 pm

July 31-August 4 – FourDay warm-up @ Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad – 10 am

August 7-11 – 1st Test @ Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad – 10 am

August 15-19 – 2nd Test

Match @ Guyana National Stadium – 10 am

August 23 – 1st T20I @ Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad – 3 pm

August 25 – 2nd T20I @ Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad – 3 pm

August 27 – 3rd T20I @

Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad – 3 pm

vs England

October 31 – 1st ODI @ Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Antigua – 2 pm November 2 – 2nd ODI @ Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Antigua – 9.30 am

November 6 – 3rd ODI @ Kensington Oval, Barba-

dos – 2 pm

November 9 – 1st T20I @ Kensington Oval, Barbados – 4 pm

November 10 – 2nd T20I

@ Kensington Oval, Barbados – 4 pm

November 14 – 3rd T20I

@ Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia – 4 pm November 16 – 4th T20I

@ Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia – 4 pm November 17 – 5th T20I

@ Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia – 4 pm

vs Bangladesh

November 15-18 – FourDay warm-up @ Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua – 10 am

November 22-26 – 1st Test

@ Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Antigua – 10 am

November 30-December 4 – 2nd Test @ Sabina Park, Jamaica – 11 am (ECT)

December 8 – 1st ODI @ Warner Park, St. Kitts –9.30 am

December 10 – 2nd ODI

@ Warner Park, St. Kitts 9.30 am

December 12 – 3rd ODI

@ Warner Park, St. Kitts – 9.30am

December 15 – 1st T20I

@ Arnos Vale, St Vincent – 8 pm

December 17 – 2nd T20I @ Arnos Vale, St Vincent – 8 pm

December 19 – 3rd T20I @ Arnos Vale, St Vincent – 8 pm

Veteran Angelo Mathews picked for Caribbean showpiece

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews will feature in his sixth Twenty20 World Cup after being named in Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad for next month’s showpiece in the Caribbean and United States. The stalwart, who turns 37 on the second day of the tournament and was only recalled to the shortest format at the start of the year following a threeyear absence, was a member of the Sri Lanka side which captured the title at the 2014 edition of the

tournament in Bangladesh, when they edged West Indies in a rain-affected semi-final in Dhaka.

Mathews has played 87 T20 Internationals and 207 T20s overall, and will be the most experienced

member of the side which will be led by leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga.

Former T20 captain Dasun Shanaka has also been included along with One-Day International

skipper Kusal Mendis and Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva.

Rookie speedster Matheesha Pathirana, 21, who has played only six T20Is but is currently campaigning in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings, will form part of an impressive pace attack that includes Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera and left-armer Dilshan Madhushanka.

Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, also 21, and 23-year-old off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana will join Hasaranga to form the spin attack.

Sri Lanka will compete in Group D of the June 1-29 tournament, alongside the likes of South Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Netherlands.

They open their campaign on June 3 against South Africa at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York before travelling to Dallas for their second game against Bangladesh four days later.

They will then clash with Nepal in Florida on June 11 before playing their only fixture in the Caribbean when they take

on the Netherlands in St Lucia on June 16.

Sri Lanka will leave for the World Cup next Tuesday.

SQUAD – Sri Lanka squad: Wanindu Hasaranga (captain), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka.

Cricket returns to Arnos Vale Stadium following a lengthy break

Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews

Reggae Boys begin quest for World Cup against DR

MIAMI, United States, (CMC) – Caribbean powerhouses Jamaica will host Dominican Republic in the second round of matches in the CONCACAF phase of FIFA World Cup qualifiers which get underway next month, as they begin their bid to reach the 2026 edition of the showpiece.

The Reggae Boys, the top-ranked side in the Caribbean Football Union and currently sixth in the confederation charts, will clash with the Spanish-speaking side at the National Stadium in Kingston on June 6, CONCACAF announced on Friday with the release of the schedule for the first five match days.

Three days later, Jamaica travel to Roseau to face Dominica at Windsor Park, their last fixture of the qualifying window.

For Jamaica, the outing

comes just days before they turn out in the Copa América from June 20 to July 14 in the United States, where they have been installed in Group B with Mexico, Ecuador and

Venezuela.

Haiti, ranked second in the CFU, take on St Lucia at a neutral venue in Bridgetown also on June 6 while Guyana have a difficult trip to Panama to face last year’s Gold Cup finalists in Panama City on the same date.

The French Caribbean side will head to Bridgetown to do battle with Barbados in their second game on June 9 while Guyana lock horns with Belize at the same venue two days later.

High-flying Curacao, ranked 91st in the FIFA charts and lying third in the CFU, host Barbados in Willemstad on June 5 while resurgent Trinidad and Tobago do battle with Grenada at the

Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

Curacao then travel to Oranjestad on June 8 to face Aruba while T&T, who missed out on a spot in Copa América last March, visit Basseterre for a meeting with the Bahamas.

For the second round, being played in the official FIFA windows of June 2024 and June 2025, each team will play four matches in home and away legs.

The winners and runners-up from the six groups will advance to the final round scheduled for September, October and November next year, while the three group winners from the final round will gain direct qual-

ification for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

The two best runners-up from the final round will enter a FIFA playoff for another chance at reaching the World Cup finals being hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, all three of whom have automatic berths.

Opening round action in the CONCACAF phase of World Cup qualifiers last March saw the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla advance to the second round from a four-team playoff involving Turks and Caicos Islands and the US Virgin Islands. They were the four lowest-ranked teams based on the FIFA rankings.

KKR qualify for playoffs as Chakravarthy, Narine strangle Mumbai in rain-hit game

— Given their high net run rate, they are almost certain of a top-two finish in the league stage

ON an evening that started with the ball swinging around like a boomerang following plenty of rain in Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders' spin twins - Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine - stifled Mumbai Indians' chase to seal a playoffs berth for their side, with an almost-certain finish in the top two as well.

After MI were set 158 overs in 16 overs, Chakravarthy and Narine started the strangle that saw MI score just 22 runs in the five overs after the powerplay for two wickets that mounted the pressure on the visitors.

Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 157 for 7 (Venkatesh 42, Rana 33, Chawla 2-28, Bumrah 2-39) beat Mumbai Indians 139 for 8 (Kishan 40, Tilak 32, Chakravarthy 2-17, Russell 2-34, Harshit 2-34) by 18 runs)

Suryakumar Yadav and Tim David had no choice but to go after the quicks and fell to Andre Russell's variations that saw MI stumble to 92 for 5 and there was no coming back from there, barring a

cameo from Tilak Varma. He reduced the equation to 22 required from the six balls, but his wicket early in the last over eventually handed MI their ninth loss in 13 matches. After rain had delayed the start of the game by an hour and 45 minutes, the match was reduced to 16 overs a side. Even though KKR lost their openers early, Venkatesh Iyer and some lower-order hitting powered them to 157, which may have seemed short early on but proved to be enough.

The strangle from Narine and Chakravarthy Rohit Sharma was struggling for runs and scored at under run a ball in the first six overs. So the onus of hitting was on Ishan Kishan who flat-batted his way to 37 off 17 in the powerplay (which was five overs for this game). He largely peppered the square boundaries, the highlight being a four with a reverse hit followed by a six with a pull at the end of the powerplay to take MI to 59.

But Narine was ready with his riposte in his next

over and had Kishan hole out for 40. With the spin on from both ends that featured a lot of stump-to-stump bowling and 17 consecutive boundary-less balls, Rohit's struggle ended on 19. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak also hardly attacked the spinners and the equation soon became 77 required from 36. Russell then got the ball. His scrambled seam snared Suryakumar and the slower ball removed David.

In between, Chakravarthy had Hardik Pandya caught for 2 to add to MI's woes. The equations like 57

needed from 18 have become all the more achievable in this IPL, and Tilak kept MI's flame burning when he took on Harshit Rana in the 14th over for 16 runs by dispatching his slower ones to the ropes. No. 8 Naman Dhir took inspiration from Tilak to smash Russell for a couple of sixes and a four for a 19-run over that brought MI back in the game. With 22 needed from six, Dhir and Tilak fell in the first three deliveries of the last over, which sealed MI's fate.

There's always some Bumrah magic

You didn't have to guess that the KKR openers would come out all guns blazing in this shortened game. Phil Salt kicked off the innings with a first-ball six against Nuwan Thushara but fell in the same over. From the other end, Bumrah showed some magic Narine had no answer for.

Bumrah's first ball was a yorker that tailed in just a bit at the end from outside off. Narine, who had shouldered arms to it, was flabbergasted by the late movement that took the base of the off stump. It was Narine's first duck of this IPL.

Proactive Venkatesh takes charge

The ball was swinging and troubling the batters in overcast conditions. After the hard-hitting openers were dismissed back and Russell was yet to walk out, Venkatesh took charge of the innings. He went down the track, rocked back to pull the short balls, and used his reach to score 25 off 10 in the powerplay. It also included 14 off five balls against Bumrah.

Venkatesh enjoyed some

luck too, as edges evaded the fielders and his proactive approach helped KKR collect 77 in the first eight overs, all bowled by fast bowlers.

Chawla vs Russell hogs the limelight

But spin struck first ball when Piyush Chawla had Venkatesh hole out for 42 off 21. Out walked Russell and smoked Chawla over his head for a six and a four in his next two overs, along with a drill through the covers. Chawla moved his field around, stationed a fielder at the rope right behind the umpire for the straight hit and varied his pace even beyond 110kph while Russell took KKR past 100. After being hit for another six in the 13th over, this time by Rinku Singh, Chawla had the last laugh as Russell skied a 117kph thunderbolt to deep midwicket.

Thushara and Bumrah then sent down a flurry of yorkers in the last two overs and it was only because of a six each from Rinku and Ramandeep Singh that KKR crossed 150. (Cricinfo)

Jamaica’s Reggae Boys

late

Varun Chakravarthy celebrates after getting Rohit Sharma out • (AFP/ Getty Images)

CONCACAF Qualifiers | FIFA World Cup 2026

Golden Jags Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz impressed with local squad ahead of T&T friendlies

GUYANA Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz says the twenty-four players selected for the Trinidad and Tobago's international friendlies on May 13 and 15 impressed him during the KFC Elite League Season Six Round One and the rigorous training sessions this week.

Shabazz shared that the three goalkeepers, six defenders, eleven midfielders, and four forwards were drawn from clubs including Guyana Defence Force FC, Slingerz FC, Guyana Police Force FC and Santos FC because they “showed they can do well locally, so now we’re going to give them a taste of international football.”

Both matches will be played at 7 p.m. at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

The players are all aiming

to secure their spots in the final squad for the upcoming Concacaf Qualifiers for the World Cup 2026.

“These matches are going to answer some questions for some of these boys, if they

are ready for international football or not, or if they need a little more time. In my judgement, the fact that we’ve selected them, I think they are. So questions are going to be answered in terms of their performance.”

The head coach noted that the team has a solid blend of players with prior international experience who will provide a firm foundation, alongside newcomers eager to leave their imprint on the team.

Among the roster are some recognisable figures, such as defenders Jeremy Garret and Curtez Kellman; midfielders Daniel Wilson and Leo Lovell, and forward Kelsey Benjamin.

Their contributions were integral to the Golden Jaguars' undefeated campaign in the Concacaf National League 2023\2024, which led to a historic promotion

to League A, achieved alongside Trinidad and Tobago.

Joining the home-based players are four fresh talents with Guyanese heritage from Canada, France and the United States who are making their debut appearances with the Golden Jaguars.

“We had four sessions so it has gone well. They guys have been very enthusiastic.

They have worked hard, they been on time, they have been disciplined. I can’t ask much more of them other than now to go to Trinidad to carry the courage and confidence that they have shown in the training.”

Goalkeepers: Jamaine Cumberbatch, Amari Thompson and Simon Emmanuel Defenders: Jeremy Garret, Curtez Kellman, Quincy Adams, Colin Nelson, Kevin Layne and Cedric Osborn.

Midfielders: Leo Lovell, Bevan Baker, Terique Mohammed, Amos Ramsay, Nicolai Andrews, Ryan Hackett, Simeon Moore, Daniel Wilson, Chris Macey, Darron Niles and Solomon Austin.

Forwards: Kelsey Benjamin, Marcus Tudor, Anthony Smith and Stephen McDonald The Golden Jaguars face a daunting path in the Concacaf Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Second Round from June 2024 to 2025 in Group D alongside Panama, Nicaragua, Montserrat and Belize.

The qualification process has three stages, involving thirty-two FIFA-affiliated Concacaf Member Associations. The first round featured the lowest-ranked Member Associations—Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands, United States Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

In the Second Round, which includes the winners of the first round and the remaining twenty-eight participating Member Associations, Guyana will engage in a series of four matches, split evenly between home and away fixtures.

Only the group winners and runners-up will progress to the third and final round of Qualifiers.

During the Final Round, second-round group winners and runners-up—totalling twelve teams—will be segregated into three groups of four teams each. These teams will vie in six homeand-away matches across the FIFA international match windows of September, October and November 2025.

The winning trio from these groups will secure their slots in the prestigious World Cup.

Anderson to retire after Lord's Test against West Indies

He will call curtains on a legendary career at the ground where it all began for him 21 years ago

JAMES Anderson has announced he will retire from international cricket after England's first Test of the summer at Lord's, against West Indies, bringing the curtain down on a legendary career where it all began 21 years ago.

Anderson, who turns 42 in July, made his Test debut at Lord's in 2003 against Zimbabwe. He has gone on to take 700 wickets - the most by any pace bowler in Test history. His eventual tally of 188 caps will be the second most in Test history, with just Sachin Tendulkar ahead of him on 200.

In a personal statement released on Instagram, Anderson confirmed he would represent England one last time, although speaking later to the BBC's Tailenders podcast, he did not rule out the possibility of extending his playing career with Lancashire.

"Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord's will be my last Test," Anderson wrote on Instagram.

"It's been an incredible 20 years representing my country, playing the game I've loved since I was a kid. I'm going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let

others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling."

"I couldn't have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and my parents. A huge thank you to them. Also, thank you to the players and coaches who have made this the best job in the world.

"I'm excited for the new challenges that lie ahead, as well as filling my days with even more golf. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it's

always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn't show it.

"See you at the Test,

"Go well

"Jimmy x"

Anderson had previously harboured ambitions to play England's six Tests this summer against West Indies and Sri Lanka and even refused to rule out being around for the 2025-26 Ashes, by which point he would be 43. However, following a face-to-face meeting on the golf course with Test head coach Bren-

don McCullum in April, and further conversations involving managing director Rob Key, Anderson was informed the team needed to look beyond him this summer with a view to building to that tour of Australia.

The news of that meeting, initially reported in The Guardian on Friday, ultimately brought confirmation from Anderson 24 hours later. He was due to feature as part of the BBC's live coverage of England Women's first match of the summer against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday but has subsequently pulled out.

Speaking to Tailenders, Anderson confirmed that his discussions with McCullum had come up as part of his annual appraisal, at the sixmonth mark of his one-year contract.

"I feel like I have talked about it for ten years with every coach I have had, asking 'how long you going to play for'," Anderson said. "Looking ahead, could a 43-year-old me make the Ashes in 18 months time? I sort of came to the decision 'probably not'. From my point of view it feels like a stretch at this point in my career, and from their point of view there are 15 or so Tests before the Ashes so it gives them time to get

other guys Tests and experience before that Ashes series.

"I feel good about it, I have had an amazing career. Stuff about retirement has been hanging around for years now, ever since I turned 30 and grown even more since I turned 40. I just feel really lucky that I have managed to get to this stage, still playing at this very high level."

Anderson reached the 700 Test-wicket mark earlier this year in the fifth and final Test of England's tour of India. Though he has long been the lynchpin of the English attack, he bowled just 110 overs in seven innings in that series after a tough Ashes campaign last summer in which he took just five wickets at 85.40 in four Tests. Anderson is currently on a one-year central contract which expires at the end of the summer.

Regarding his county career, however, Anderson admitted he was "not 100 per cent set" on hanging up his boots and could yet feature in the latter half of Lancashire's Championship campaign.

"There are games at the end of the season that I'm not ruling out at this moment," he said. "That's a

conversation I've got to have with Lancashire and see what they want to do.

"It is part of the thought process. I'm not 100% set on what I'm going to do next. That will be a conversation further down the line with Lancashire and see what they want to do, see if I've actually got the desire and willingness to do that as well. Again, that will be later in the year."

In a statement released by the ECB alongside Anderson's, chair Richard Thompson said:

"I don't think we'll ever see a bowler to match Jimmy again. It has been an honour as an England fan to watch him, and to marvel at his skill with the ball.

"To still be bowling at the top of his game at 41 is remarkable, and he is a true inspiration and role model for peers and younger generations alike.

"His final Test promises to be an emotional one, and having been there for his first Test in 2003, it will be an honour to watch his final one at Lord's in July.

"English cricket owes Jimmy Anderson a send-off like no other."(Espn Cricinfo)

James Anderson is set to finish his career with 188 Tests to his name • (Getty Images)

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamal Shabbaz