Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-04-2023

President Ali urges development institutions to step up efforts to address regional food insecurity

AS the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) progresses in its 25 per cent reduction of the food import bill by 2025 initiative, international developmental entities can play a more active role in implementing policy initiatives to address the issue of food insecurity.

In his virtual address at the CAWI’s Caribbean Leaders’ Open Dialogue on Tuesday, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali stressed that institutions such as the World Bank could offer more technical support.

“The adaptation cost for the developing world annually is estimated at US$150 million to US$ 300 million. We are not asking you to meet any adaptation costs. But, if you are talking about food security in a climate resilient environment, then how are you going to help us to acquire the technology and to modernise the agricultural system to address the very issues we have raised?” the president questioned.

He said issues such as labour shortages, climate change and the development

of new planting materials require an aggressive, collaborative effort.

The head of state explained, “We don’t want the World Bank to tell us that they are going to do studies. We have enough studies on the table. We have enough data. The development agencies need to get out of this initial reaction of being study-oriented organisations. I see a great role for the World Bank, but that must not be an evaluation role or a report production role. That role has to be one that fits into the solution.”

The Head of State added that while government encourages further involvement of these entities in the CARICOM 25 by 2025 initiative, Guyana will continue to recognise and utilise its capabilities in advancing this agenda, instead of relying on assistance or coaching from external parties.

“We have to use the solutions available to make it work for us,” he added.

Technology is necessary to enhance productivity, and this is something that the

government is committed to advancing.

“We’re working on many different initiatives to see how we can advance this agenda in a very rapid way,” the president remarked while noting that the region is committed to playing its part in finding solutions to the issues of food insecurity.

To this end, the country has seen an aggressive approach being taken to strengthen and build capacity in the agriculture sector and incorporate technology in its

processes.

Earlier this year, President Ali announced that the bilateral relationship between India and Guyana would see the development of a regional agri-tech campus to support the regional food hub. This campus is expected to deal with the technological aspect, research and development, training and improvement in policies that will lead to greater yields and productivity.

Recognising the transient nature of the oil resource,

the PPP/C Government has remained steadfast in its charge to achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability, meticulously crafting policies that are geared towards strengthening and preserving the country’s non-oil sectors to promote diversity.

The Caribbean Association of the World Bank Group and IMF Staff (CAWI) Caribbean Lead-

ers Open Dialogue consisted of a panel of Caribbean leaders and experts in the field addressing issues relating to food insecurity in the Caribbean, such as the management of accelerating food prices, food production adaptation amid climate change, and the role of policymakers in addressing the food insecurity crisis.

Contractors in Mahdia road project could face termination –– as deadline approaches

SEVERAL projects in the township of Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), need to catch up and are facing termination.

This is according to a Facebook post on the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar’s page, where during a community consultation and road inspections, he updated residents on the progress of various road projects in the township.

One of the road projects on the chopping block at Mahdia is the incomplete construction project on the concrete road at Danjah Street, which the minister said will be cancelled since it is well beyond its completion date.

“Only 42 per cent of the $60.5M concrete road project was executed,” the Facebook post read.

Another $87 million concrete road project at Mahdia, with nearly three years of delays with excuses ranging from poor weather patterns and stone shortage to equipment malfunction, was called for to be terminated by Minister Indar.

“This is no longer a project with K&P [Project Management] and the Government of Guyana. I am instructing the Permanent Secretary to cancel it,” Minister Indar said on an inspection visit.

Minister Indar dispelled the weather excuse by showing the contractor the tan on his skin and that of residents as indicative of the scorching heat.

In addition to the road project being behind its extended September 2022 deadline, the completed portion of the road is laced with structural issues.

Meanwhile, Minister Deodat Indar upbraided the contractor responsible for completing a $108.6M concrete road (500 metres) within the Mahdia township.

When questioned by Minister Indar on why preparatory works were not done, the foreman blamed the weather.

This attracted a sharp rebuke from Minister Indar and the residents, who claim the weather has been mostly favourable.

“At the strike of one month from now, if this road isn’t done, consider your contract done,” Minister Indar stated.

Minister Indar said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration intends to build capacity in the township to execute infrastructural works.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and other local leaders at Mahdia accompanied him.

His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his address at the CAWI’s Caribbean Leaders’ Open Dialogue

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar during the Mahdia Road inspections

Guyana could see increased trade, travel to DR, Canada, Houston

SET to commence operations in Guyana from June 1, 2023, Sky Cana Airlines will create opportunities for increased trade and travel to the Dominican Republic, Canada, and later, to Houston.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that a high-level officials from the airline, including owner Frank Diaz, and a local team of private sector representatives, engaged President, Dr. Irfaan Ali on the company’s impending launch.

The intention is to have three routes via Punta Cana (Dominica Republic) starting with Toronto, Canada, and then expanding to Houston.

Local Content Partner, Gerry Gouveia Jnr, who is also the Director of Aviation Services at Roraima Airways, said: “We are very enthusiastic to bring our airline to Guyana. Our engagement with His Excellency was very positive. He is a dynamic leader with a strong vision for Guyana.”

Further, Diaz said: “We are excited to enter into a strategic partnership with the Government of Guyana to further develop and stim-

ulate trade and travel for the Guyanese people. We will be offering cargo services to our destinations in North America and Caribbean region. We are ready to invest into Guyana and stand committed as a long-term partner.”

According to its website, Sky Cana, which is strategically located in the number one tourist destination in the Caribbean, utilises advanced technology and an innovative brand to fuel continued growth in the region.

“As a hybrid airline that takes best practices from both traditional network airlines and low-cost carriers, for us the sky is the limit. We are in constant negotiations with other airlines to provide greater connectivity on new routes with operations at more airports and destinations.

“Our disruptive new business model is changing the airline industry and with a superior customer experience, we will continue to fly at higher altitudes for the excellence of our service commitment,” the company said.

Sky Cana was established by a group of re -

nowned professionals from all areas of the aviation industry, who provide clients with a unique aviation experience.

“We are also pleased to recognise our commitment to achieving climate efficiency in the face of the challenge of climate change, generating more awareness among the other sister airlines as well as in each passenger, both on the ground and in the air,” the company related.

It was reported recently that Guyana’s aviation sector continues to soar as the country boasts 12 passenger airlines with the addition of British Airways, and as more carriers engage authorities to enter the local market.

In February, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) had reported that there have been significant increases in air travel to Guyana over the past two years.

Increases in air travel to Guyana reflect the transformational work being undertaken by the government under the visionary leadership of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. The influx of visitors and investors coming to Guyana

is attributed to the massive growth in the housing, tourism, transportation and agricultural sectors.

Minister Edghill said that Guyana is on its way to achieving one million arrivals by 2025, as predicted by President Ali.

According to an airport document, Guyana recorded a 32 per cent increase in passenger arrivals for January 2023 compared to the previous year.

It was also stated that during the month of January, the airport processed

25,005 arriving passengers compared to 18,874 in 2022.

Based on the airport’s records, the country’s main port of entry continues to experience significant increases in passenger arrivals since the Cricket Carnival in September 2022.

Earlier this year, President Ali via a Facebook livestream, said that the number of people handled at three of Guyana’s major ports of entry – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri, Ogle’s Eugene F.

Correia Airport and Moleson Creek in Corentyne –saw a significant increase in travel with a total of 717,822 passengers in 2022, an increase of 82.6 per cent over 2021.

President Ali also mentioned that Guyana has gained recognition as a result of the government’s investments in the tourism sector which has catapulted the country into a position to showcase its ecotourism destinations, as well as an events-based destination.

Gov’t extends deadline for oil block auction

GOVERNMENT has extended the submission deadline for 14 offshore oil exploration blocks to July 15, 2023, due to industry feedback and regulatory framework modernisation to support the country’s first competitive offshore oil- andgas licensing round.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced the extension of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round’s bid submission deadline.

“Industry feedback and the advanced pace of modernising the oil-and-gas regulatory framework underscore the extended bidding period for the nation’s first competitive offshore oil-and-gas licensing round. The round, officially launched on December 9, 2022, continues to receive strong global interest and the government has benefitted from insightful feedback during the consultation periods of the indicative terms and guidelines and the draft model production sharing agreements (PSAs),” the Natural Resources Ministry noted in a press statement.

The government recognises the need for a modern regulatory framework to govern the new oil-and-gas development era. They have been working on finalising the model production sharing agreements and overhauling the 1986 Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, as promised

in their manifesto.

Additionally, agreements have been concluded with PGS Exploration (UK) Limited and CGG Data Services to reprocess 2D seismic data relevant to the blocks for tender. Participants in the licensing round can benefit from this additional seismic data, which can be licensed to inform their bids better.

“The Government of Guyana remains committed to the successful execution of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round and the strengthening of the nation’s fiscal and legal petroleum management frameworks,” the release said.

Thus far, Guyana’s upcoming auction of oil blocks has lured at least 10 companies, including Shell, Petrobras, and Chevron, to consider the decade’s hottest oil region.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres), with its gross recoverable resource now estimated to be more than 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels, including Liza and other successful exploration wells.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali last year announced that the government hopes to award the contracts by the end of May. Guyana is among 65 countries that will launch the auction of oil blocks.

The blocks being put up for auction range in acreages from 1,000 sq. km to 3,000 sq. km, with 11 in shallow water, and the other three in

deep water.

The bidders’ work programmes, financial offers, and

local-content commitments will be evaluated. There won’t be any re -

strictions on the number of bids a company can submit, but a successful bidder will be limited to an award of no more than three blocks.

There is a participation fee of US$20,000 for the bidding process for each block.

The winning bidders of the shallow-water exploration blocks must pay a minimum of US$10 million signing bonus and twice that amount for the deep-water blocks.

Bidders will also be required to provide a development plan and financial bids for consideration.

Under the new fiscal terms and other conditions for future Production Sharing Agree -

ments (PSAs), successful companies will be subjected to 50 per cent profit sharing, a royalty rate of 10 per cent, and corporate tax of 10 per cent, among other things.

President Ali had previously said that Guyana’s offshore basin had captured the attention of global oil market participants and has been called a gateway to the world’s fastest-growing super basin over the last few years.

“Guyana’s offshore [fields] are estimated to have potential resources of in excess of 25 billion barrels, and estimated reserves of in excess of 11 billion barrels,” President Ali had said.

Oil blocks offshore Guyana

Set to commence operations in Guyana from June 1, 2023, Sky Cana Airlines will create opportunities for increased trade and travel to the Dominican Republic, Canada, and later, to Houston

Contractors ramping up works to complete Ogle-Eccles road link

CONTRACTORS conducting works on the US$106.4 Million East Coast to East Bank De-

By Clestine Juan

THE children of Daniel Singh, who had been grieving for 23 years, finally received justice when their father’s killer was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 30 years.

merara road link project have ramped up works to ensure that it is finished within the

Deonarine Bhikari, a 56-year-old cane harvester from Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow of the Demerara High Court on Wednesday.

A 12-member jury had found him guilty of murdering his 49-year-old neighbour, Daniel Singh, on May

stipulated time frame.

This was according to President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during a visit to the site

21, 2000.

Back in 2000, Bhikari allegedly hacked Singh to death after the latter refused to allow him to continue a relationship with his young daughter.

After the incident, which the dead man’s young children witnessed, Bhikari packed his things and fled the jurisdiction to Venezuela, where he remained in hiding until he returned home to Guyana in 2018.

During the sentencing

where the construction works are underway.

President Ali said that it is important for citizens to be able to see what the area that is being cleared for the bypass road looks like before it is transformed into a four-lane highway.

hearing, a social worker read Bhikari’s probation report, which stated that he maintained his innocence and claimed that the charges were a “conspiracy” against him.

taken into consideration.”

While there, one of the engineers on site related that the land-clearing exercise commenced last year and thus far they have completed about 6.5 kilometres of the intended-

ed.

Man receives life sentence 23 years after killing neighbour

He told the Head of State that as land-clearing continues, teams are working at both ends of the road link to have this done.

The report also highlighted the importance of providing support and resources to victims’ families in the aftermath of such tragedies.

The victim’s children also provided a statement expressing their hurt and pain, although they did not hate the defendant.

One notable aspect of the story is the social worker’s report on the impact of the murder on Singh’s

He said: “This is why we have to work 24 hours, we have a number of difficulties with [the] construction of these roads, not only are we below sea level…in some areas, our drainage system in the backlands; and most of the development is coming in the backlands, is far different, so all of that has to be

gineer said, in the space of two years, is going to be transformed into asphaltic

“So, it’s a significant development and we are going to be pushing the contractor to have this project delivered on time and of course within the budget,” the engineer add-

family.

The fact that Singh’s children were forced to “suffer and struggle” due to financial difficulties and were unable to complete their academic studies is a stark reminder of the ripple effects that violent crime can have on a family’s future.

Along the alignment, it was noted that there will be just around 48 small structures or bridges with one major structure.

Special Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford-Holder, read the children’s impact statement in court.

The engineer mentioned that contractors are a little behind schedule, but they have ramped up work slightly to have the project completed on time. Essentially, work will be ongoing even into the nights.

Additionally, it was stated that by the end of this month, the entire embankment should be cleared and sand-filled.

“My siblings and I have learned several lessons from this incident. Firstly, I once believed that once a person seemed to have contacts the victim could not get justice in Guyana. But through this case, with my family pushing for justice and never giving up, my dad’s attacker was finally arrested 18 years later. “And we the children of Daniel Singh have proven that even after 23 years, once there is evidence, you can get justice in Guyana, and we say thank you to everyone who participated

Continued on page 5

The contract for the first phase of the construction of the East Coast to East Bank Demerara road linkage was signed in June 2022 with India-based company, Ashoka Buildcon.

This phase is expected to be a four-lane highway that stretches some 7.8km from Ogle to Eccles (Haags Bosch).

This new thoroughfare will develop the country’s infrastructure, as well as open up land to meet the needs of the agricultural, housing and oil and gas sectors, significantly complementing the government’s masterplan for the country.

The project was first conceptualised in 2014 by a previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration and was one of the first projects discussed after the party returned to office in 2020.

Deonarine Bhikari

Great Diamond low-income house construction progressing smoothly

THE Ministry of Housing and Water is constructing 100 low-income houses in Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Construction of the hous-

es, which began in February and is expected to be completed in May this year, is progressing in the new housing community.

Speaking with the Guy-

ana Chronicle on Tuesday, officials indicated that several homes are expected to be completed by the end of April and the remaining ones by the end of May.

According to previous reports, the 50 houses to be constructed are made of modern materials such as metal sheets and concrete.

On a visit to the site, several

of these homes were nearing completion.

Meanwhile, the remaining 50 houses being constructed are made of recycled plastic made into blocks, re-

inforced concrete, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Furthermore, each unit costs about $5.5 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

Man receives life sentence 23...

From page 4

in seeing this case true[sic],” the statement read.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice Barlow considered that on the day in question, Bhikari attacked Singh with a cutlass, killing three of the family’s dogs and injuring both Nalini and another dog in the process, suggesting a high level of violence and aggression on his part.

This, she explained, coupled with his attempts to evade authorities by fleeing to Venezuela and going into hiding for over a decade,

raises further questions about his culpability in the murder.

The judge also considered that the impact statement provided by Singh’s children also offers a powerful perspective on the lasting effects of the murder on their family.

In her remarks, she pointed out that the statement highlights the kindness and generosity of their father and the significant role he played in their lives.

The judge added that it is clear that the loss of such a beloved family member has had a profound impact on their emotional well-being

and has left a hole in their lives that can never be filled. Justice Barlow stressed that the tragic event highlighted the dangers of unchecked violence and the importance of upholding justice in a community.

“Such conduct must be met with a very strong rebuke from the court. Grown men in any community must assist in maintaining law and order and not behave like brutish beasts,” she said.

A preview of houses built with modern materials (Adrian Narine photo)

Ongoing construction of houses made of recycled plastic (Adrian Narine photo)

Consistent Development

THE careful management of the economy by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has not only lifted Guyana out of a worrying state created by the APNU+AFC from 20152020, but it has now set the country on a path to immense prosperity and consistent development.

This is evidenced by successive reports produced by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other international financial institutions and United Nations (UN) organisations.

In its latest publication, the World Economic Outlook: A rocky recov-

ery, the IMF reported that Guyana is on course to record economic growth of 37.2 per cent by the end of this year, and achieve an even higher level of real gross domestic product growth in 2024.

The World Bank also projected recently that this year is going to be “substantially bleaker” for the Latin American and Caribbean region than it was last year, but Guyana is yet again expected to stand out among its counterparts with economic growth projected to hover above 20 per cent over the next three years.

Guyana is the only country on course to record double-digit growth

this year and in the near future. The country, according to the World Bank, is set to record real gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 25.2 per cent this year, 21.2 per cent next year and 28.2 per cent in 2025.

Although GDP growth is not the sole indicator of a country’s advancement, it is a noteworthy sign that there are continuous investments and increasing output in a nation’s economy.

As the revenue stream of the government expands, more resources will be available for national development and also to enhance the quality of life of the Guyanese people. Investment in the

productive sector is key to realising an enhanced revenue stream.

The PPP/C administration must be commended for creating a supportive and enabling investment climate while at the same time ensuring that the environmental standards are not compromised.

Like any investment, there will always be some element of risk but risk-taking is part of the investment culture. It is the extent to which the benefits and opportunities outweigh the potential for risks that is the decisive factor.

Guyana is already making waves at the regional and international

levels as an attractive place for investment.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, early this year said the government’s targeted expansion of the other economic sectors, and diversifying of the economic pillar is showing direct results due to the policy formulation and measures that have been implemented.

“If you look at what is happening in different sectors, we see that there is renewed energy. There is renewed optimism; renewed investment in the manufacturing and constructive sectors, extractive sector, productive sector, agriculture, agriculture processing,” the Head of State said.

He added: “The last two years was really spent on rebuilding the architecture and framework that supports the upliftment and development of these sectors. In the coming years, we’ll see, in a greater sense, the impact of the investments we are making in different sectors.”

The government was able to reduce the impact of inflation, the cost of living and food crises and keep prices relatively stable. And based on the direction of the country, there is no doubt that there will continue to be stability and consistent development.

Dr Jagan - The true Father of the Nation

Dear Editor,

Almost instantaneously after the celebration of the birth and life of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan on March 22 at Babu John, a ridiculously small number of letter writers and columnists took umbrage to the honorific title of the ‘Father of the Nation’ which is bestowed upon him by the Guyanese masses.

These misanthropists are so full of hate that they have failed to recognise the great struggles which both Dr Jagan and Janet Jagan had to endure although being relentlessly persecuted for the stance which they took against the colonial masters to liberate the Guyanese people.

These bitter and envious people should read Jagan’s ‘The West on Trial’ to fully

appreciate the daily struggles which the Jagans and the members of the PPP had to bravely tolerate. They were beaten, tortured and jailed for what they believed in: Dignity, self-respect, democracy and freedom.

One columnist seemed to believe that this title should be shared between Dr Jagan and LFS Burnham, but then he did not stop there. He insulted, vilified and poured scorn on Guyanese by asking two rhetorical questions:

“Who would want children like these? Which father in his right senses, with some residual dignity, would own up to be the ancestor of Guyanese, both of yesterday and especially today?”

The writer being a US citizen by naturalisation has bluntly declared that Guya-

nese are not worthy of being the “children” of the Father of the Nation. If his argument holds true then the question must be asked: Are Trinidadians worthy of the late Dr Eric Williams; are Indians worthy of Mahatma Gandhi; are Americans worthy of the Founding Fathers (George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, et al); and the list goes on. However, the most relevant question the columnist should ask: Are we worthy of our Father who is in Heaven?

It is a historical fact that whilst Dr Jagan struggled against the horrors of the colonial system, Burnham supported the oppression against the Guyanese people and orchestrated the first division of the Guyanese people which his Party, the PNC has kept

alive even today. Even when Guyana’s Independence was achieved, he began a dictatorial rule which saw the continued deprivations and sufferings of the Guyanese masses.

Life became worse than under the colonial rule, and the exodus of Guyanese to all parts of the globe began in earnest.

I am positive that some of these malcontents fled to the US under the PNC only to return and glorify the very evil monster which continued on its destructive path, spewing racial disharmony and acrimony in its bid to get into government.

It is also a historical fact that during the 28 years of the PNC dictatorial rule, Guyana became worse when compared to Haiti. However, after

the PPP/C took office in 1992 under Dr Jagan, socio-economic development began with great intensity and even after his demise, his successors never flinched or strayed from the Jaganite ideals and took the PPP and Guyana to greater heights.

There are so many great achievements by this great man, but one which I truly admired was his job-like patience and perseverance in putting up with the rigged elections from 1968 onwards, but kept his Gandhi-like ideals aloft in fighting the PNC dictatorship.

I recall a famous quote from Gandhi, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

Dr Jagan was the rightful Prime Minister/President but

kept out of Office by a nefarious tyrant whose band of corruptors wants to now label as the Father of the Nation.

This is a gross insult to all that a father stands for. Which father would assassinate, impoverish and deprive his children of basic food and medicines? A father must be assessed on the life he provided for his children and Dr Jagan and the PPP always strove to bring the better life for all Guyanese. Not the elusive ‘good life’ preached by the PNC dominated coalition.

Dr Jagan never wanted to be in government for the sake of power but for the uplifting of his people, unlike Burnham. They were complete opposites.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

His Excellency is a downto-earth President

Dear Editor, Guyana is developing at a rapid pace never seen or experienced before and President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is doing everything possible to improve the lives of the people, especially the poor and downtrodden.

And, he is doing so outside of party politics, but as President for all the people in our Cooperative Republic. However, there are some in society who are bent on opposing him because they are from an earlier era, and, as a result, they have and continue to use party politics and race to promote their narrow interests in the hope of stalling the development of the country. They will not succeed because of President Ali’s firm commitment to move the country forward.

No one can dispute the fact that race-baiting politics which predates independence is still prevalent in the country and remains a major issue, but both President Dr. Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips have stated several times, at many of their outreaches, that they intend to reconcile the racial differences between the two major races in the country.

According to Prime Minister Phillips, President Ali’s One Guyana vision means that all in society, regardless of race, ethnicity or party affiliation will be included in the development of Guyana and will benefit from the anticipated huge amount of oil resources and that no one will be left out.

His Excellency Dr. Ali is considered by many to be a “down to earth” President because he is practical, reasonable, friendly, open, and honest with no pretensions and

no vindictive or spiteful behaviour.

Since taking office almost three years ago, he has visited several communities including many predominantly Afro-Guyanese communities such as Agricola, Buxton, South Ruimveldt, Albouystown, among others and has pledged to do his utmost to solve their problems and provide jobs for many of the residents in those villages.

After weathering the storm for five months when the Granger led coalition attempted to derail the democratic process in the country, President Dr. Ali remained resolute as he assured the nation of his desire and firm commitment to build Guyana for all Guyanese and that there should be no need to fear by anyone based on their political persuasion, race, or ethnicity; rich or poor.

He emphasised that the mission of his government is to make sure that all Guyanese are treated fairly and equally and appreciated.

Despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural disasters, and the refusal by the APNU+AFC opposition coalition to recognize the legitimacy of the PPP/C administration, the wheels of progress continue to turn at an accelerated pace as the country’s GDP climbed to an all-time high.

Indeed, the progress made in the country by the President and his administration is nothing short of monumental and that the developmental growth and expansion has touched every part of Guyana, and more importantly the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of race or political affiliation.

Guyana has undoubt-

edly had an amazing two and a half years with President Ali at the helm as the country is projected to be one of the major oil producers in the world and there is no doubt that greater accomplishments are yet to come. And while Dr. Ali tries to make life comfortable at home for the citizens, he is also trying for them to have access to the international community.

He has convinced the United Kingdom to remove its decades-long visa restrictions for Guyanese, thus allowing them to spend up to six months in that country. He has also asked Canadian officials to remove the tourist visa restrictions for Guyanese who want to visit their friends and relatives in Canada.

At the international level, it was always easy for heads of state from countries like the U.S., Canada, and other western developed countries to recognise the Caribbean leaders from the more prominent islands like Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

However, in the last two years, President Dr. Irfaan Ali stood tall as he made some epic announcements on climate change, food security, renewable energy, and fair-trade practices which made Guyana recognisable and ranked it among the top countries in the international system.

Not only did President Ali advance Guyana’s interest globally, but he has also done a remarkable job at the regional level, especially among the country’s CARICOM and Latin American neighbours. All Guyanese should be proud of him.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose.

Lethem Housing Support Programme: Housing Minister inspects homes

OVER the last weekend, Minister of Housing and Water Collin

Croal inspected the housing units being constructed through the Lethem Housing Support Programme in Region Nine.

During this programme phase, the first 48 homes are being built at the New Culvert City Housing Scheme and the Tabatinga Housing Scheme. Each clay-brick low-income unit measures approximately 550 square feet and features two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a sanitary facility at the cost of $3 million.

The Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) will provide $1 million in support

for the construction; and will also be partnering with commercial banks, as they will be offering

loans to landowners for the remaining $2 million, at a rate of 3.5 per cent.

Six hundred Lethem

residents are targeted to benefit from the initiative, which is in keeping with a commitment of

His Excellency, President

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Minister Croal noted that 400 residents have

registered for the programme to date, with 258 having been prequalified by banking institutions thus far. He further stated that $54 million in contracts were awarded for the procurement of clay bricks from communities in the region such as St. Ignatius, Kwatamang, Shulinab and Shea. Timber is also being sourced from Moco-Moco and Surama.

“We want to see the further growth and development of this region being done by the people of Region Nine,” said Minister Croal.

The Minister added that the government would continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that Region Nine and other hinterland regions have easier access to housing.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal inspected housing units being constructed through the Lethem Housing Support Programme

The Caribbean - A Gangsters’ Paradise? Part 3: Don Gorgon!

EVERY ultimate boss has a gangland name, starting with the original Italian ‘Mafia’, whose ‘Boss of All Bosses’ is called ‘Capo Di Tutti Capi’.

In ‘The Godfather,’ that role went to Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), and Al Pacino played the role as Tony Montana in ‘Scarface’ – both box-office breakers putting crime on a more admirable and acceptable pedestal internationally than ever because of the ways the stories are told and presented, idolising criminal characters and presenting murder as an acceptable part of gangland life that can be more than worth the risk.

The Godfather (1972) and Scarface (1983) sufficiently well-perfumed gangsterism as to make it admirable enough to be adopted and adapted by individuals leading small community gangs in their bids to graduate in gangland popularity, respect by rivals and instill fear in neighbourhoods.

The Caribbean equivalents were first known in Jamaica, where anyone better than most at anything was/is described as a ‘Don’, including the island’s top musical dancehall reggae music performers.

But even musical Dons end up living and dying as gangster victims, including Bob Marley (shot and badly wounded in 1980), Peter Tosh (shot dead in 1987) and South Africa’s Lucky Dube (killed in 2007) - or Ninjaman, the Jamaican dancehall artiste and actor sometimes called “Don Gorgon”, known for his pro-gun lyrics, sentenced to jail for life in 2017 for murder.

The Jamaican slang for the Big Boss or Kingpin is also used as a compliment or expression of admiration, out of respect for one’s talents, like being “the best of the best…”

A ‘Don Gorgon’, therefore – no matter where – is seen and treated as one who is to be either feared or respected.

These localized versions of fictional male mafia bosses -- also referred to

by Caribbean admirers and beneficiaries as “the man that runs things” are usually described as “well-respected persons” by persons who know better -- including in the press, where their negative images are usually partly laundered by portrayal of their supposed “good deeds”.

In every Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member-state (and indeed every country worldwide) there are always local ‘Dons’ aiming (and trying hard, even dying trying) to be a ‘Capo’.

But while some of their bad (and good) deeds may be known by those with reason to (be they police, relatives or foot-soldiers), it’s only after the Don is arrested and jailed for long terms, including life – or after they also die by the gun – that the stories start flowing from now open mouths about those aspects of their lives known to many, but spoken by none.

Most (if not all) Dons killed by rivals in clear but hard-to-detect acts would have instilled different degrees of fear in their native or adopted neighbourhood communities, which they treated as “turf” -- and where they classified (and treated) almost everyone as (by their measure) being either “for or against” them.

Most Dons flash their wealth without reservation, but some also tone down their visibility after too many encounters with the law or the courts, even though still remaining known and feared just the same in the communities they operate, fearless of the fearful ever also becoming fearless.

Caribbean gang leaders with access to wealth also target government ministers and public officers (irrespective of administrations) for befriending or opposing; and never seem afraid to publicly and loudly praise or condemn any government, prime minister or president, of any race or political colour, depending on their association levels.

Gangland terror is only understood when exacted, especially execution-style,

including a new element of vengeful killing of relatives of rivals through executions by day or night, in private or public, not excluding drive-by shootings or motorcycle ambushes, some expertly-executed, others simply straight from the ‘The Godfather’, ‘Scarface’, or ‘The Sopranos’.

Most Dons live expecting everyone else to “show respect due” by bowing to their any and every need; and some even invest in steeling their deadly reputation by actually saying the number of persons they have “disappeared” -- a recent one also reportedly claiming to “have a photograph of every single one” of his over two dozen alleged victims.

Indeed, gangsters have also adopted imported copycat tactics targeting rivals at funerals, rendering affected cemeteries -- especially in areas frequented by police, ambulances and undertakers – out of bounds for many.

Caribbean gangland violence, like everywhere else, features skills and sophistication that only differ in levels of velocity and societal impact.

Gang leaders (in all cases known to The Police) have mainly adopted the ‘Don’ lifestyle, some not hiding anything to demonstrate their access to wealth – and sophisticated guns.

But temporary eases in violence, whether from increased rapid responses or tactical moves by gang leaders without giving up on control of ‘turf’, should never be treated as the end or even the beginning of the end of the violence problem as gangsterism, by its very nature, doesn’t allow gangsters to sleep peacefully or walk carefree, none ever guaranteed of waking up tomorrow.

Turf wars also leave permanent scars after the funerals that follow gangland battles, foot soldiers usually left to face and dance the expected music, while the leaders hide, hike or hightail a ride of disappearance without address.

Saint Lucia and other examples have shown that the proliferation of illegal

firearms continues unabated and is actually on the increase across CARICOM, with illegal guns recently intercepted in Duty Free ‘Christmas Barrels’ on one island designed to have been handled by other Customs officers on the take.

US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Al-

cohol, Firearms & Tobacco (ATF) agencies have intensified their surveillance actions, but (for reasons never explained) most of those operations are treated as internal to the US and not all intelligence gathered is shared with CARICOM national and/ or regional crime fighting

entities. For the region to triumph in its war against those who see and treat the region as a Gangsters Paradise, CARICOM will therefore have to “Wheel and Come Again” - to use a popular Jamaican phrase that’s now fully-Caribbean.

Army commences Grade Three Finance Course training

TWENTY-SIX

ranks drawn from various units across the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have commenced training on the Grade Three Finance Course.

The course was officially declared open on Wednesday at a simple ceremony held at the Lecture Hall, Base Camp Ayanganna (BCA), Thomas

Lands.

It aims to prepare ranks to function in any junior clerk and pay clerk position within the Finance Department and the Force according to the Grade Three Finance Manual and the Guyana Defence Force Financial Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

According to the

GDF, the successful students will be able to accurately and efficiently process imprest transactions, complete bank reconciliations, process public revenue transactions, examine payment vouchers,

compute superannuation benefits, carry out National Insurance Scheme and salary computations, and record and process central bank transactions.

In brief remarks, Base Commander, Lieutenant Colonel,

Hubbard Rodney charged the students to absorb the knowledge being delivered so they can successfully complete the course and become assets to the Force’s Finance Department.

(Seated) Senior GDF ranks flanked by the 26 ranks drawn from various units across the Force have commenced the Grade Three Finance Course

Agriculture in schools - 24 shade houses constructed across six regions — Over $20M expended since 2022

THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has been working assiduously to promote youth involvement in the agriculture sector.

Since assuming office, the government has been aggressive and steadfast in its efforts to ensure more young people were given the resources to get involved in agriculture at all levels. New and emerging techniques like the use of climate-smart practices are now being encouraged among farmers and introduced in schools and other tertiary institutions. One such method has been the use of shade houses as a means of controlling exposure to harsh or unfavourable climatic conditions.

Over the past 15 months, the ministry’s National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), in collaboration with the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), has constructed 24 shade houses in schools across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven.

While speaking on the initiative, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that Guyana is now leading the agriculture agenda in CARICOM as countries in the region work collaboratively to lower the Food Import Bill by 25 percent by the year 2025. For this to be accomplished, he said more youths have to get involved in the sector.

“We know we have to get our youths involved in agriculture to ensure longevity, sustainability, and food security. We have to build that interest and show how exciting agriculture is by establishing a solid foundation while they are in school. This is why we’ve been working to develop the Agriculture Science departments in secondary schools across the country. To date, we’ve worked with 23 secondary schools to construct shade houses to assist students who are doing SBAs for CSEC. We also built one at the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus. We did 14 last year and already

for 2023, we’ve completed an additional 10,” the minister explained.

He further stated that in addition to the shade houses, many schools were also given technical assistance, seeds, seedlings, and tools to complement their crop science efforts while some received ducklings and chicks with feed to assist with the livestock aspect.

In 2022, NAREI expended some $10,690,000 to construct shade houses and outfit them with planting materials, irrigation systems, and tools while to date for 2023, some $20,870,000 has been spent on the initiative. Some of the schools that benefited from the initiative were 8th of May Secondary School and Cottonfield Secondary School (Region Two), Leguan Secondary School and West Demerara Secondary School (Region Three), Cummings Lodge Secondary School (Region Four), Woodley Park Secondary School (Region Five), New Amsterdam Multilateral School (Region Six),

and St Michael School (Region Seven).

Of the 14 shade houses erected in 2022, seven were constructed through funding from the BNTF.

The Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme which was conceptualized by His Excellency, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

was one of the first initiatives launched by the government to promote youth involvement in agriculture.

Sighting the fact that many young persons who are qualified to work in the sector are operating from offices, the Head of State developed the programme which targets graduates

from both the Guyana School of Agriculture as well as the University of Guyana. To date, approximately 100 persons are a part of the programme and have earned over $10 million from the sale of high-value crops such as broccoli and cauliflower.

Students and technical officers from NAREI in one of the shade houses that was constructed

Workers during the construction of the shade house at a school in Georgetown

Small, large businesses reap great benefits at Bartica Regatta

By Cindy Parkinson

THE much-anticipated 2023 Bartica Easter Regatta did not disappoint as tourists and locals flocked to the “Red Earth” region and participated in the events unveiled by the region’s organising committee and stakeholders.

Speaking with this publication, Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams who also chaired the organising committee for the regatta said that it was a huge success for all the businesses and the people of Bartica.

He noted that small or large businesses couldn’t complain about not having

money in their pockets.

“Any event in tourism is another primary source of income for every single person that is involved. The transportation industry, whether cars or boats; the hotel industry, the entertainment industry, and the small vendors, along with other people, greatly benefited

from this regatta weekend in one way or another. We have a number of resorts and entertainment spots that we as Barticians are proud of, and they were all part of the attractions for last weekend,” the Regional Chairman noted.

He continued: “As much as we have some way to go as a country, I am one of those who are very, very happy that the government has started the tourism drive because we recognise how important it is in terms of augmenting or supporting our industries and the benefits it has for our economy.”

The Regional Chairman went on to say that it is wonderful that Guyana is not dependent on one sector or industry but noted that he is

pleased to see that they are all performing well and Guyanese are benefiting from them.

One of the best attractions and a “proud addition” to the 2023 regatta was the “day tours,” which, according to Williams were held on Saturday, and deemed highly successful.

He explained that persons were taken to five resort-like facilities, “the backyard resort, Tiperu Falls, the Golden Beach Boulevard, and Marshalls Falls,” which he noted gave them a first-hand experience of the wonders of Bartica and a chance to “hang out” at a very affordable cost of $3,000.

He added that because of its great success and how people responded to it, they

intend to improve and make it better so that more places can be visited.

He said, “I must express satisfaction in how the government is crafting things for the country, but I will also say that we are asking for much more support from the government and various industries. We need all hands on deck for Bartica and the country as a whole, especially in the tourism sector.”

Williams also related that Bartica has several resorts, entertainment spots, and tourist facilities such as Marshalls Falls that he is hoping can be further developed.

The key objectives of the organising committee included prioritising the safety of all involved during the boat races, outlining the maritime alternatives, choosing an alternate path for river users during the boat races, making arrangements for the placement of buoys, and outlining the emergency plans and responses, among other areas.

Captain Courtney McDonald agreed with the requirements and helped with the requested process. The Mariners were also notified and required to alert the public of modifications to regular routes to accommodate the boat races.

In an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle, the clerk in charge of the boat course, Michael DeSantos said that there was a minor mishap with one of the Formula One boats on the tracks but that there was no bodily harm to anyone.

Mr. DeSantos also said that the Easter Regatta was a “major success with minor mishaps.” He encourages others to participate in next year’s regatta, especially in the Formula One race.

Scenes from the 2023 Bartica Easter Regatta (Sean Charles photos)

Draft Real Estate Legislation complete

THE Attorney General’s Chambers has completed drafting the Real Estate legislation following aggressive engagement with stakeholders and other key parties.

Anil Nandlall, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, made the announcement on Tuesday during his weekly televised programme, “Issues in the News.”

“The Real Estate Bill is completed, and I will be circulating it to the stakeholders in a matter of days, and the consultative process will continue. Consultation is an important part of our governance and is an important part of our legislative agen- da,” the AG assured.

Key components of the legislation will include a code of conduct for real estate agents and brokers, the formalisation of the current transaction process with enhancements, and greater protection for buyers, sellers, agents, and brokers.

He said the real estate sector is one that Guyana must regulate through legis-

lation under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) law.

Last year, the Attorney-General met with real estate agents on numerous occasions to discuss the enactment of legislation for this sector, which is expanding rapidly due to the massive transformation taking place

in Guyana.

“Guyana, as is known, is scheduled to undergo a mutual assessment later this year, and one of the deficiencies identified in our AML/ CFT structure is the absence of legislation governing real estate transactions,” the AG said.

The government continues modernising its legal

architecture while developing new legislation to regulate rapidly expanding industries due to Guyana’s economic transformation.

This forms part of the government’s legislative agenda, aiming to revamp many outdated laws and lay the foundation for anticipated economic development.

RECOGNISING that contributors still face challenges when accessing services from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said the government is working to ensure they receive better services.

Minister Nandlall underscored that this would be done through drastic changes, allowing contributors to receive their benefits through a simplified process.

On Tuesday’s weekly televised programme ‘Issues in the News,’ the Attorney General pointed out that the administration has acknowledged that matters are still unresolved.

“More changes are going to be made to ensure that persons who qualify for NIS, receive the benefits to which they are entitled under the NIS Act. NIS is a law, and once you comply with that law, then, as far as possible, you ought to benefit in accordance with the law.

“Whatever hurdles, administrative and otherwise, that are preventing that objective from being realised, we are uprooting them as we go along and making the process more accessible to a wider cross-section of Guyanese entitled under the scheme,” the AG noted.

Over the past two years, administrative changes have been made by the government to intensify

efforts to clear the backlog of matters that were pending and improve services to contributors.

“For example, many times persons go to the NIS and their documents cannot be found. We have said that once a person has worked in the public sector and that can be established, there is no need for documents. And there are many little rules like that that have been implemented to ensure that persons are not unfairly denied or deprived of their entitlements under the NIS,” he stated.

NIS, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Finance, has conducted several outreaches over the past two years. Last month, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Singh revealed that NIS has resolved some 6,000 issues through its outreaches countrywide.

In October 2022, Minister Singh made it clear that the government expects to see more improvements in the services offered by the scheme.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

NIS hurdles being uprooted, public accessibility essentialAttorney General says

— consultations ongoing, AG says

Four new telemedicine sites for Region Eight – Health Minister

RESIDENTS of Region

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) will soon benefit from better access to quality healthcare services with the introduction of four new telemedicine sites this year.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, announced the commissioning of the Paramakatoi Smart Hospital last Saturday.

He said technology has supported efforts to provide quality healthcare in several remote communities countrywide.

“We intend to have these sites operational within the next two months. So, that is what we are currently working on,” Dr Anthony noted.

The new feature will allow medical personnel in the

hinterland to get real-time assistance from specialists stationed in Georgetown, bridging the gap between the hinterland and coastland.

“The healthcare worker at a remote centre would have a computer which is connected to the internet via satellite technology, and they can easily…call up someone in Georgetown or the nearest

regional hospital and get guidance,” Minister Anthony explained.

The clinics will also be furnished with a digital stethoscope, a pulse oximeter, an infrared thermometer,

a blood pressure monitor, mobile ultrasonography, exam cameras, and other equipment.

The government has set aside some $1.8 billion to implement the telemedicine

programme in isolated Amerindian communities.

The National Telemedicine Programme, a pilot project, was officially launched in December 2022 in Masakenari ‘Gunns Village’ and is being carried out in other remote communities including Nappi, Yupukari and Parikwarinau in Region Nine.

“Since we have implemented this system there, we saved quite a number of lives because we were able to review patients in real-time and the doctors then made a decision that some of these patients needed to get out to Georgetown. We organised a medical evac to make sure that they get to Georgetown on time,” the health minister stated.

Telemedicine enables video or phone appointments between a patient and their health care practitioner

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday April 13, 2023) COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS

ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 60 games

(2) KKR & Deccan Chargers

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the 2010 IPL champions?

(2) Who were the losing finalist in IPL 2010?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Guyana girls make light work of Barbados

ON Tuesday, Guyana’s under-21 boys earned the Golden Arrowhead their first group stage win in the Junior Pan Am hockey championships since 1992 with a needling victory against Barbados, and the girls managed to emulate that success as well, yesterday.

The under- 21 ladies, led by Makeda Harding, thumped the home side 3-0 in their second group B game at the Wildey Sports Center in St. Michael, Barbados.

Abosaide Cadogan was prolific with a brace in the historic win for Guyanese, scoring a Penalty Stroke (PS) in the first minute of the game before adding a Field Goal (FG) in the fourth quarter (46th minute). Georgina Fernandes had double Guyana’s lead 13 minutes into the first half, putting tremendous pressure on the women from ‘The Land of the Flying Fish’.

Despite losing 13-0 to powerhouses Canada, Guyana’s under-21 women will be looking to end the group stage positively when they clash with USA tomorrow.

Today, the men will play Canada in their final group B class following a 3-0 loss to USA and a 1-0 win against Barbados.

Hetmyer and co help RR past CSK

(ESPNCRICINFO) - It was set up perfectly. The whistles at Chepauk were getting louder with each moment as MS Dhoni took strike with 21 needed off six balls. Two wides later, Sandeep Sharma nailed a yorker, before erring in length and seeing Dhoni wallop back-to-back leg-side sixes.

Dhoni was leading Chennai Super Kings for the 200th time in the IPL and he had the chance to script another fairytale, and the perfect finish loomed even after Sandeep went around the wicket and pulled things back, bringing the equation down to five needed off the last ball. This was still Dhoni’s territory, but Sandeep nailed another perfect yorker from around the stumps and Rajasthan Royals eked out a three-run win to go top of the table after four games

Super Kings needed an improbable 54 off 18 balls with Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni still new to the crease. Dhoni began the assault with a four and a six in Adam Zampa’s last over before Jadeja took over in a 19-run penultimate over bowled by Jason Holder, hitting him for a four and two sixes.

Sandeep, however, just about kept his calm and Royals became the first side to defend a sub-190 total this season.

Chasing 176 , Super Kings lost the prolific Ruturaj Gaikwad in the third over. But Devon Conway and Ajinkya Rahane added 68 in 43 balls to keep the chase on track. Rahane, who had scored a blazing half-century against Mumbai Indians in his last outing, was quick off the blocks again, pulling Jason Holder through midwicket and slinking down the track to deposit R. Ashwin over the long-off boundary while rushing to a 19-ball 31.

In Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal and Impact Player

Adam Zampa, however, Royals had a spin attack made for Chepauk conditions, and they extracted plenty of purchase even with dew starting to kick in. Ashwin’s dismissal of Rahane turned the tide for Royals.

From 78 for 1 in the 10th over, Super Kings slumped to 122 for 6 at the end of the 17th.

Zampa conceded 14 in the 18th over, when Dhoni went after him, but even including that, Royals’ spinners conceded just 95 in 12 overs while taking five wickets, while their Super Kings counterparts went for 84 in 10 while taking three.

Buttler and Padikkal set the tone

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in red-hot form for Royals this season, and he threatened to go on another boundary spree in the powerplay when he hit two fours off the leftarm quick Akash Singh in the first over, after Super Kings elected to bowl. But Tushar Deshpande, Super Kings’ goto bowler in Deepak Chahar’s absence, prised Jaiswal out in the next over. Royals kept the left-right combination going by promoting Devdutt Padikkal, who sat out the match against Delhi Capitals, to No. 3.

Padikkal and Jos Buttler went after Maheesh Theekshana - who was playing his first game of the seasonhitting him for four fours and a six in his first two overs, both inside the powerplay. That got them into groove for a 77-run second-wicket partnership off just 41 balls, which took Royals to a formidable 88 for 1 in the ninth over.

over

Impact Player Strategy

Royals brought in Zampa as their Impact Player: he walked out to bat at No. 10 to face the last ball of their innings, replacing Buttler. The finger injury Buttler picked up earlier in the competition could have played a part in his removal. Super Kings, meanwhile, yanked off Sisanda Magala, whose two overs went for 14, after he injured a finger in his right hand while taking the catch to dismiss Ashwin. Super Kings subbed in Ambati Rayudu, who batted at No. 6 and lasted just two balls. Shimron Hetmyer

the game

Jadeja helped Super Kings claw back with the wickets of Padikkal and Sanju Samson in the space of three balls, and Royals responded with the now familiar tactic of promoting Ashwin up the order. The scoring rate dipped for a while, with Royals failing to find the boundary in five successive overs, before Ashwin broke the drought with a slashed four off Theekshana in the 14th. He then swatted Akash for successive sixes in the 15th, before falling later in the over for a 22-ball 30

Buttler, who had been on 34 off 17 at the time he lost Padikkal, didn’t hit another boundary, and eventually fell for 52 off 36 balls. In the process he also crossed 3000 runs in the IPL, becoming the third-quickest to the mark in terms of innings taken

The ostensible intent behind the Ashwin promotion was to delay Shimron Hetmyer’s entry, and he came in at roughly his preferred time, with five overs remaining. He did his bit at the finish, smacking an unbeaten 30 off 18, but there was little support from the other end during his time in the middle, as Royals only managed 40 in their last five overs.

Having at one stage seemed on course for 200, they finished on 175 for 8 , with Deshpande dismissing Holder and Zampa in the last

hammers a full toss over long-on

GCB/GOG/MCYS 50-over U-19 Inter-County

Rampersaud (5-28) & Ramnauth (41) spur B’ce to 6-wkt win over E’bo

By Sean Devers

IT took Defending Champions Berbice only 23.4 overs, an hour and 32 minutes to reach 98-4 to beat Essequibo by six wickets in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Government of Guyana (GOG) and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) 50-over U-19 Tournament at Bourda yesterday.

After Shaahid Viera, who made 14 from 27 balls and Rajendra Ramballi, who reached the boundary twice in 15 from 26 balls, had given Essequibo a fairly good 28-run start, before the lads from Guyana’s largest County were bowled out for 97 in 28.1 overs despite 14 each from lower order batters Quincy Sampson, who hit a six and a four in his 11-ball innings and Joash Charles, who faced 10 balls and cleared the boundary once.

National U-19 off-spinner Jonathon Rampersaud wreaked the batting line-up with 5-28 from 9.1 overs and got support from fellow off-spinner Salim Khan, who took 3-32 from six overs.

Berbice chased down the small target with controlled aggression, reaching 98-4 in 23.4 overs with West Indies U-19 batter Rampertab Ramnauth stroking six fours in attractive 60-ball 41 and Zeynul Rampersaud hitting a boundary in an unbeaten 14. Fast bowler Charles, who worked up a good head of steam in windy conditions and on a flat track, picked up 2-26 while Shaazif Mohamed captured 2-14.

Essequibo opted to bat on a slightly heavy outfield caused by overnight rain and the openers played positively against West Indies U- 19 pacer Isaiah Thorne

CWI names squads for Headley/Weekes tri series

(CWI) Cricket West Indies (CWI)

and Khan before Viera fell to Khan in 5.3 overs while Ramballi edged Thorne to the Keeper for Tomani Caesar to hold his second catch and leave Essequibo on 39-2.

Myhiem Khan (9) and skipper Aryan Persaud (8) had just brought up the 50 in the 15th overs when Rampersaud had a triple strike with the score on 52.

He first bowled Khan, then had Mohamed caught by Ramsammy for duck before having Thaddeus Lovell caught and bowled off of a full toss, also without scoring as Essequibo slumped to 52-5.

Rampersaud had Persaud caught and bowled at 62-6 before Leon Cecil had Renaldo Sohouten (7) caught in the deep without addition to the score to leave Essequibo wobbling on the ropes at 62-7.

Sampson and Charles counter-attacked before Khan removed them both while Rampersaud bowled last man Andreas Fraser (5) to capture his maiden five-wicket haul in 50-over U-19 inter-county cricket.

When Berbice began their run chase, Ramnauth dominated a 49-run opening stand with Hemendra Gurdyal, who hit a six and a four in 13 before the lively Charles struck in the seventh over.

Charles removed Mahendra Gorilall (0) three runs later but the left-handed Ramnauth, arguable the best U-19 batter in Guyana, played some enterprising shots on both sides of the wicket before Caesar, who hit a four and a six in 12, was dismissed by Mohamed at 78-3.

Mohamed got rid of Ramnauth at 81-4 when in sight of a fifty but by then most of the job had been done as Ramsammy (14) and Rampersaud (4) saw their team to victory.

Senior Men’s Selection Panel yesterday named the squads for the upcoming Headley/Weekes Tri-Series . Team Headley – named in honor of George Headley – will be captained by Joshua Da Silva, the wicket-keeper/batter. Team Weekes – named in honor of Sir Everton Weekes – will be led by Alick Athanaze, the left-handed top-order batter

The two teams have been drawn from the leading performers in the 2023 West Indies Championship and those deemed to be on the fringe of the Test team. Additionally, CWI named the teams to provide further first-class opportunities to the best performers from the West Indies Championship in a competitive and intense setting, as well as opportunities for players who the selectors believe would benefit from playing red-ball cricket as West Indies prepare for the upcoming “A” Team tour of Bangladesh and the two-Test Series against India at home.

Team Headley and Team Weekes will play against each other and against the West Indies Academy in the three-match series running from 19 April to 6 May, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua. All three matches have been awarded first-class status. The West Indies Academy was unveiled last year and played in the CG United Super50 tournament last November.

Team Weekes will feature

Athanaze who was the leading batter in the West Indies Championship with 647 runs, which included two centuries; left-arm spinner Veerasammy

Permaul the second-highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets; as well as Jahmar Hamilton who was the joint leading ‘keeper’ with 19 dismissals.

Team Headley will feature experienced left-hander Darren Bravo, who was the second highest run-scorer in the West Indies Championship with 446 runs which included two centuries; fast bowler Akeem Jordan who was third highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets in four matches; as well as Tevyn Walcott, who was the joint leading keeper with 19 dismissals.

Lead Selector, the Most Hon. Dr Desmond Haynes, said: “Following the conclusion of the West Indies Championship, we are pleased to have more first-class matches on the calendar. This is a great initiative and will provide our players with more opportunities as we look ahead to the very important Test Series against India later in the year as well as ‘A’ Team matches. We looked at everyone who was available, and we came up with teams who will be very competitive and push each other.”

All matches in the Headley/ Weekes Tri-Series will be streamed LIVE on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel with live scorecards and ball-by-ball scoring on the Windiescricket.com live match centre.

FULL SQUADS

Team Headley: Joshua Da Silva (captain), Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Chaim Holder, Akeem Jordan, Marquino Mindley, Shayne Moseley, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kieran Powell, Tevyn Walcott, Team Weekes: Alick Athanaze (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Jahmar Hamilton, Brandon King, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, and Devon Thomas West Indies Academy: Kevlon Anderson, Ackeem Auguste, Joshua Bishop, Teddy Bishop, McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Joshua James, Johann Layne, Kirk McKenzie, Ashmead Nedd, Kelvin Pitman, Keagan Simmons, Ramon Simmonds, Kevin Wickham, Nyeem Young, Meanwhile, in a note from selectors, Shai Hope was selected but was given permission to represent Yorkshire in the English County Championship while Rahkeem Cornwall and Shane Dowrich made themselves unavailable for selection.

MATCH SCHEDULE

All matches to be played at CCG, Antigua

Match 1: 19-22 April: Team Headley v West Indies Academy

Match 2: 26-29 April: Team Weekes v West Indies Academy

Match 3: 3-6 May: Team Weekes v Team Headley

GCB/GOG/MCYS 50-over U-19 Inter-County

Dindyal, Mohabir & bowlers gives Dem 150-run win at Everest

By Sean Devers

A 94-run stand between Mavindra Dindyal and Alvin Mohabir who both made half-centuries and excellent work from the bowlers led Demerara to an emphatic 150-run victory against a GCB Select X1 in one of two games in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Government of Guyana (GOG) and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) 50over U-19 Tournament at Everest yesterday.

The inform Dindyal who has scored a double century, a century and three ‘big’ fifties in his last five innings, stroked a majestic 83 from 99 balls and decorated with 12 classy boundaries.

The West Indies U-19 batter shared in a 94-run third wicket stand with National U-19 Skipper Alvin Mohabir who made a confident 56 with two boundaries from 68.

Lawrence Pellew with three fours in 28 and Sachin Balgobin (17) give their team a 35-run opening start in five overs, also contributed to Demerara reaching 241 all out in 49 overs.

Chanderpaul Ramraj had 2-50 and Matthew Pottoya took 2-35 for the Select X1 who were bundled out for 91 in 30.5 overs.

Skipper Ramraj reached the ropes twice on the fast outfield in his top score of 25 from 54 balls before he was bowled by Mohabir but the only other batters to reach double figures were Nehemiah Hohenkirk who hit four fours in 19 and Pottoya who hit a couple of

boundaries in 11.

Krisna Singh had a frugal 10over spell to bag 3-10, Rudranauth Kisson grabbed 3-10 from five overs and Mohabir returned with the ball to capture 3-23 the crown a good all-round performance.

The tournament continues tomorrow when Demerara face Berbice at Bourda and Essequibo clash with the GCB’s X1 at Everest.

Mavindra Dindyal drives during his 82 for Demerara at Everest yesterday (Sean Devers photo)

Royals, Raiders in winners’ row Kevin Joseph U-23 Basketball… GFF U-20

Victory Valley Royals won twice as Kings and Retrieve Raiders also were winners when the Kevin Joseph Under-23 basketball competition continued at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden over the weekend.

On Saturday, Kings won the first game when they handed the winless Sixers a lopsided 93-18 win as Carmelo Man-Son-Hing led their scoring with 26 points and Jamal Semple got 17.

The Sixers best scorer was Mica-

icah McLean with eight points.

The next game ended with Victory Valley Royals gaining a 72-42 victory against Block 22 Flames as Kobe Tappin registered a game high 35 points and Collin Phillips 24.

Jumane Reynolds netted 17 points for the Flames.

On Sunday, Royals drubbed the Sixers 109-15 with Tappin returning to record a tournament high 43 points and Collin Phillips this time notching

up 28 points.

Shemol Jackson was the top scorer for the hapless Sixers with 10 points.

In the other game on Sunday night, Retrieve Raiders were 59-40 winners over Kid Rock Blazers as Shemar Savoury finished with a game high 17 points, Neil Marks (Jr.) 15 and Rezia Retemeyer 14 being the best players.

The tournament continues this weekend with more play in the preliminary round of this six-team competition.

GUMDAC Badminton off to exciting start

Women’s team in Dominican Republic for first game

Guyana’s Under-20 Women’s National team is currently in the Dominican Republic preparing for their first match against Suriname in the Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship Qualifiers.

The match will be played on Saturday, April 15 in the Felix Sanchez Stadium in Santo Domingo from 3:00p.m.

The local team, along with Guyana Football Federation (GFF) officials, departed Guyana on April 10th and 11th.

A record 32 teams are in six groups - two groups have six teams and four groups have five teams each - competing between April 14th and 23rd. Guyana is in Group C with the Dominican Republic, Suriname and Dominica.

Head Coach Paul DeAbreu said the locally-based and overseas players are focusing on game strategies in training sessions.

“We are very thrilled to be competing in this tournament and to have the entire group together. The team had its first two training sessions yesterday, with the first session mainly focusing on skills through game scenarios practice and the second session focusing on game specific drills with moderate intensity. These sessions have proven to get the best out of the girls and have helped them to mesh as a group. The coaching staff will continue to work with the group in preparation for our first match on Saturday.”

The GUMDAC Badminton Tournament got off to an exciting start on Tuesday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The tournament saw players competing from the Nursery Badminton Academy, Yonex Badminton Club and the Berbice Badminton Clubs.

They competed in the Open Men Doubles, Women Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Under 19 Boys Singles and Under 19 Girls Singles categories. The Guyana Badminton Association was very happy and delighted with the participation and enthusiasm shown by the players. The competitiveness was evident in the games played. The persons who lost in the first round are given a chance to redeem themselves in the consolation draw

Below are the matches for Day One of the GUMDAC Tournament.

(Winners are highlighted for ease of reference)

Under 19 Boys: Yuvraj Singh vs. Gabriel Felix: 21-17, 21-10

Under 19 Boys: Mohamed Farouk vs. Jerome Williams: 21-10, 19-21, 21-16

Under 19 Boys: Frank Waddell vs. Marcus Samuel: 21-6, 21-1

Women’s Doubles: Himanshi Kumar/Sarah

Lewis vs. Mishka Beharry/Leshaunte Berkeley: 21-12, 21-6

Under 19 Boys: Nathan Morrison vs. Phillip Stephanas: 21-6, 21-12

Under 19 Boys: Jonathan Caesar vs. Jaquan Nedd: 21-9, 21-14

Under 19 Boys: Amaan Khan vs. Juan Ferreria: 21-6, 21-5

Mens Doubles: Gabriel Felix/Nikolas Pollard vs. Xavio Alexander/Jamal Sinclair: 21-12, 21-13

Under 19 Boys: Matthew Spooner vs. Renako Bender: 21-10, 22-20

Under 19 Boys: Lennox Morrison vs. Onayi Andrews: 21-2, 21-5

Under 19 Boys: Matthew Foo vs. Nathan Vanbrook: 21-12, 21-13

Mens Doubles: Nathan Morrison/Jaquan Nedd vs. Jahiem Carmicael/Osafa DosSantos: 21-10, 21-17

Under 19 Girls: Gabrielle Felix vs. Genvieve Bookram: 21-13, 21-17

Women Doubles: Navaeh Eastman/Malia Haley vs. Alima Eastman/Asiya Eastman: 2113, 21-15

Under 19 Girls: Mishka Beharry vs. Aaliyah Bacchus: 21-4, 21-3

Men’s Doubles: Marlon Chung/Wenyuan Chen vs. Amar Crawford/Andrew Williams:

21-10, 21-5

Men’s Doubles: Haresh Persaud/Matthew Spooner vs. Lennox Morrison/Nathan Vanbrook: 21-19, 22-20

Under 19 Boys Consolation: Yuvraj Singh vs. Jerome Williams: 16-21, 21-6, 21-7

Under 19 Boys: Marcus Samuel vs. Phillip Stephanas: 21-19, 21-11

Mixed Doubles: Avinash Odit/Anna Perreira vs. Jedidiah Uwagboe/Alima Eastman: 21-7, 21-16

Mens Doubles: Viraj Singh/Colin Bowry vs. Jedidiah Uwagboe/Juan Ferreria: 21-12, 21-17

Womens Doubles: Anna Perreira/Shivannie Persaud vs. Aaliyah Bacchus/Gabrielle Felix: 21-9, 21-9

Under 19 Boys Consolation: Jaquan Nedd vs. Amaan Khan: 22-20, 21-13

Under 19 Boys Consolation: Renako Bender vs. Onayi Andrews: 21-8, 21-10

Mens Doubles: Damon Dully/Raoul Wilson vs. Raah Russell/Frank Waddell: 21-9, 21-15

Under 19 Girls: Himanshi Kumar vs. Malia Haley: 21-5, 21-9

Mixed Doubles: Chet Bowling/Ayanna Watson vs. Gabriel Felix/Navaeh Eastman: 21-9, 21-9

Mixed Doubles: Viraj Singh/Jefina James vs. Raah Russell/Asiya Eastman: 21-15, 21-10

He added: “We have a very young and talented group and we believe a lot of good is to be expected. We encourage our fans to cheer us on wherever they may be.”

Women’s Football Association (WFA) president, Andrea Johnson, said she is confident the national team will perform exceedingly well in the qualifiers and advance to the next round.

“Congratulations to our players and staff on being selected to represent our beautiful country at the Concacaf U-20. I am confident that our team will perform exceedingly well as we have been drafted into a group that, I’m certain, we’ll advance out of. Over the past few years our Lady Jags have been performing magnificently and this time will be no different.”

She, too, encouraged Guyana to support the junior squad on their journey to the championship.

“As our team competes over the next few days. I want to encourage the entire Guyana and Guyanese in the diaspora to support them because Women’s football is the future,” Johnson added.

The winner of each group will advance to the May 2023 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship in the Dominican Republic, joining top-ranked teams such as the United States and Mexico.

Some of the participants of the GUMDAC Badminton Tournament