Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 13-12-2022

Massive salary increases for healthcare workers

–– $1.5B more in annualised disposable income for over 5,000 persons, President Ali announces

Salaries for several categories of doctors:

* Medical interns will see their minimum salary adjusted from $151,347 to $200,000

* Medical officers employed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (and other facilities) will see their current minimum salary adjusted from $219,878 to $300,000

* Medical officers who have completed one-year post-employment experience will see their current minimum salary adjusted to $351,204, while those with two years of post-employment experience will see their minimum salaries adjusted to $414,032. Additionally, those with three years of post-employment experience will see their minimum salary adjusted to $446,160 in line with current practices at the GPHC.

* Specialist doctors (neurosurgeons, obstetricians, gynaecologists, etc…) will have their minimum salaries adjusted upwards to $276,536 to $450,000

* Nurse aides and Patient Care Assistants will see their salaries adjusted from $80,892 to $100,000

* Nursing assistants will have their salaries adjusted from $88,525 to $115,000

* Midwives will see their current minimum salary being adjusted from $96,974 to $169,438

* Staff nurses will have their current salary adjusted from $111,628 to $169,438

* Staff nurses/midwives will have their current salary adjusted upwards from $127,963 to $195,000

Salaries for allied health professionals:

* Pharmacy assistants will see their minimum salary adjusted upwards from $84,662 to $100,000

* Dental and lab aides will have their minimum salary adjusted upwards from as low as $80,892 to $100,000

* Community health workers will see their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $88,525 to $100,000

* Medex will now have their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $152,420 to $200,000

* Pharmacists will see their current minimum salaries adjusted from $127,963 to $215,000

VP Jagdeo: Afro-Guyanese are equal stakeholders in development

Reduced insurance risk, greater confidence

THE Ministry of Public Works through the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) on

Monday signed an agreement to embark on the clearance of submerged wrecks and obstructions

across the country.

The $1.38 billion contract was awarded to an international industrial and maritime service solution provider, Koole B.V. which specialises in industrial demolition, remediation, wreck removal and marine construction.

At the signing ceremony, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill highlighted the importance of the project, stating: “The country is advancing and it is therefore necessary for us to make our waterways safer for ships by removing these 17 wrecks quickly and efficiently.”

Additionally, MARAD’s Director General Captain Stephen Thomas said that some of the wrecks that are expected to be removed have existed since the mid1900s.

Thomas went on to say that Guyana’s ports were previously viewed as hazardous to seafarers; however, clearance of the wrecks along with three that were cleared earlier in the year by the same company, will allow Guyana’s ports to be

of international acclaim.

According to the Public Works Ministry, the signing of these contracts represents the government’s thrust in developing and maintaining the sustainable use of the oceanic and river resources for economic growth.

Further, it was noted that removal of the wrecks is key to port development in Guyana such as the Vreed-enHoop port and the gas-to-en-

ergy project.

Following completion of the removals, wreck-removal information will be submitted to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) for similar removal from the navigation charts.

The ministry in a release said that the efforts are expected to garner renewed confidence for mariners and vessels that it is now very

safe to navigate Guyana’s waters, while also significantly decreasing the insurance risk posed to vessels calling on Guyana’s ports.

The project is expected to be completed within eight months and will cover entrances to the Demerara, Berbice, Pomeroon, Waini and Essequibo Rivers, as well as off of the coast in general.

THE Board of Directors, as well as the Management of the Guyana Chronicle, wishes to express its sincere gratitude for the service of former Editor-in-Chief, Tajeram Mohabir, who resigned on October 28, 2022. With his resignation taking effect from December 13, 2022, we wish to extend best wishes to him in his future endeavours.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill (centre) along with MARAD Director General Captain Stephen Thomas (left) and a representative of Koole B.V (right)

Massive salary increases for healthcare workers

–– $1.5B more in annualised disposable income for over 5,000 persons, President Ali announces

IN keeping with the government’s promise to adjust the lower salary scales for specific workers in Guyana, President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday night announced significant increases in salaries for several categories of healthcare workers.

The Head of State in a live-streamed announcement said that the revisions to these salary scales will benefit over 5,000 healthcare workers and will increase their disposable income by over $1.5 billion annually.

“This represents a further instalment of my government’s unwavering commitment to continue the improvement of the working conditions of our employees in the public sector and indeed of all Guyanese,” President Ali said.

In relation to the increases in salaries for several categories of doctors:

* Medical interns will see their minimum salary adjusted from $151,347 to $200,000, which represents an additional 32.1 per cent increase on the current minimum salary

* Medical officers employed at the Georgetown

Public Hospital (and other facilities) will see their current minimum salary adjusted from $219,878 to $300,000 which represents an additional 36.4 per cent increase.

* Medical officers who have completed one-year post-employment experience will see their current minimum salary adjusted to $351,204, while those with two years of post-employment experience will see their minimum salaries adjusted to $414,032. Additionally, those with three years of post-employment experience will see their minimum salary adjusted to $446,160 in line with current practices at the GPHC.

* Specialist doctors (neurosurgeons, obstetricians, gynaecologists, etc…) will have their minimum salaries adjusted upwards of $276,536 to $450,000, which represents an additional increase of 62.7 per cent.

Several categories of nurses are also expected to benefit from adjustments according to the President:

* Nurse aides and Patient Care Assistants will see their salaries adjusted from $80,892 to $100,000 which

represents a 23.6 per cent

* Nursing assistants will have their salaries adjusted from $88,525 to $115,000 which represents a 29.9 per cent increase being paid to nursing assistants

* Midwives will see their current minimum salary being adjusted from $96,974 to $169,438 which represents an additional 74.4 per cent increase

* Staff nurses will have

their current salary adjusted from $111,628 to $169,438 which represents an additional 51.8 per cent increase on the current salary paid to staff nurses

* Staff nurses/midwives will have their current salary adjusted upwards from $127,963 to $195,000 which now represents an additional 52.4 per cent increase.

President Ali further said that to ensure the public healthcare system is supported by qualified technicians and allied health professionals, a number of these workers will see adjustments in their salaries:

* Pharmacy assistants will see their minimum salary adjusted upwards from $84,662 to $100,000 representing an 18.1 per cent increase

* Dental and lab aides will have their minimum salary adjusted upwards from as low as $80,892 to $100,000 representing a 23.6 per cent increase.

* Community health workers will see their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $88,525 to $100,000 which represents a 13 per cent increase

* Medex will now have

their current minimum salary adjusted upwards from $152,420 to $200,000, representing a 31.2 per cent increase

* Pharmacists will see their current minimum salaries adjusted from $127,963 to $215,000 representing a 68 per cent increase on their current minimum salary.

According to the Head of State, the salary adjustments will take effect from January 1, 2023, noting that the government remains committed to bringing prosperity and improving the livelihoods of every Guyanese in every village and every profession.

He added: “We are working day in and day out to make your lives better. Every day is getting better. Every year will get better.”

The President further urged those healthcare workers to deliver services at the highest level and repay the country with excellent care and customer service.

President Ali said that Guyana’s healthcare system is not only getting stronger from an infrastructural perspective, but also from a human resource, skill and medical perspective.

challenging legality of Local Gov’t

HIGH Court Judge Navindra Singh has thrown out an application filed by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), which challenged the legality of the Local Government Commission (LGC).

According to a release from the Attorney General (AG)’s Chambers, the ruling was handed down on December 9, 2022, at the Demerara High Court.

Justice Singh dismissed the application with cost awarded in the sum of $200,000 to the Attorney General and the LGC.

On March 3, 2022, the Councillors and Mayor of Georgetown moved to the

court seeking several declarations and orders against the Attorney General and the LGC.

The claimants were seeking a declaration that Articles 75 of the Constitution of Guyana and 78A of the Constitution of Guyana are irreconcilably inconsistent with each other.

They also contended that Article 75 is the leading provision and should prevail over Article 78A of the Constitution.

The parties also sought a declaration that establishment of the LGC by Parliament by the Local Government Commission Act #18 of 2013 is contrary to Article 75

of the Constitution of Guyana and was therefore void to the extent of its inconsistency.

However, the AG’s Chambers said that the fundamental issue raised by the M&CC in its application is that the establishment of a LGC, by Article 78A of the Constitution, and the vesting of it with a power to regulate and staff local government organs, and a power to resolve disputes within and between Local Democratic Organs is inconsistent with Article 75 of the Constitution which provides that Local Democratic Organs shall be autonomous.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs,

Anil Nandlall, S.C., in his submissions had contended that “ it was always the intent of Parliament to repose authority in a Local Government Commission to deal with all matters relating to the regulation and staffing of local government organs and the power to exercise disciplinary control over local government officers” as evidenced in Sections 13 and 120 of the LGC Act 2013 Sections 97, 114 (now repealed) and 118 of the Municipal and District Councils Act.

“The legislature in their wisdom to alleviate any ambiguity as to their intendment of the role and functions of

the Commission went a step further and enacted the Local Government Commission after the Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap 28:01, was updated in 2012.

“The Constitution itself is replete with examples of one organ that is ostensibly autonomous and independent being staffed by another organ, as well as its functions being in some way regulated by another agency. This holds true for many statutory agencies as well,” the statement from the AG’s Chambers said.

The state was also represented by Solicitor-General Nigel Hawke and state counsel Saabira Ali Hydaralie.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

The M&CC was represented by attorney Brendan Glasford, while the LGC was unrepresented.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Partnerships necessary to capitalise on emerging opportunities

By Naomi Parris

OIL and gas companies rely on various businesses to provide goods and services that support their operations across the supply chain, and Guyanese businesses, particularly medium and small-scale operators, have been urged to take advantage of those existing and potential opportunities as the economy continues to advance rapidly.

At a press conference on

Monday, senior representatives of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said with the auction of 14 new oil blocks offshore Guyana underway, businesses must be “bold and confident,” and create partnerships to capitalise on the opportunities that will emerge from the sector.

“I want to see businesses come forward and bring your ideas, challenge us at the GMSA to see how you can play a greater role, but you

must put your businesses in order, you must come with confidence, you must prepare to leverage your assets, you must be prepared to leverage your time and prepared to take risks,” President of the GMSA, Rafeek Khan, said.

Earlier this month, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced the launch of an open, transparent auction for 14 new oil blocks.

According to Khan, while the GMSA has been playing somewhat of a silent role in

the oil and gas economy, the new development will see the body positioning itself to explore the possibilities.

“The encouragement here about the new and the recent announcement is that this will now give us the catalyst to prepare even further as new explorations are coming on board.

“Manufacturing is essential. Our regional exports is [sic] essential. We represent a great portion of negotiations when it comes to trade with our organization. And now that we have this new opportunity, it will see Guyana as becoming more vibrant than before,” Khan added.

However, he said that capacity-building will be required to ensure that standards are maintained.

“We need to prepare ourselves and we need to prepare ourselves not just for the opportunities to come, but [to] also keep pushing forward stronger and stronger with regard to standards with regard to quality. With regard to building capacity, it gives us, the manufacturers, level [sic] to go into stronger negotiations,” Khan said.

On this note, he said the GMSA will provide support to small businesses.

“So as we look forward

to engagements with the government, we would like to also encourage manufacturers, encourage our companies, and especially our small businesses, medium- sized businesses who think that they would have been left out of the opportunity… the Manufacturers Association is here to listen to the voices of those who felt that they did not get an opportunity during the last previous blocks,” Khan related.

Meanwhile, Executive Member of GMSA, Ramesh Dookhoo, said that while there is a huge opportunity for businesses, more collaboration is needed among those small businesses.

He noted that it is in the nature of businesses to compete with each other; however, collaboration is needed to capitalise on large investments and big opportunities.

“There is a culture that needs to change… We compete, but I believe when all of us that feel the squeeze from foreign investment, that is when we’re going to wake up and we’re going to smell the roses or cheese,” Dookhoo cautioned.

He added: “We need to start competing as a country and do the things and push the things that we do well.”

–– GMSA urges private sector amid ongoing auction of 14 oil blocks offshore Guyana

President of GMSA, Rafeek Khan and executive member Ramesh Dookhoo (left)

Efforts to stop illicit vending opposite GPHC stymied by APNU+AFC interference

LEADER of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton; Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and other officials of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) influenced efforts to obstruct the removal of carts, stalls and other encumbrances belonging to vendors who ply their trade illegally along New Market Street, opposite the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The Guyana Chronicle on Monday evening visited the scene where persons accompanied by APNU+AFC representatives, confronted officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other officials who were attempting to remove the encumbrances in accordance with a final notice issued to vendors by the Ministry of Public Works on Monday.

In its final notice to

vendors, the ministry advised persons to remove all erected makeshift stalls, sheds, carts, caravans, motor vehicles, and other receptacles used for vending.

Those vendors have been impeding the smooth flow of traffic in the vicinity of the GPHC, the main public health institution in the country, the Public Works Ministry said.

The ministry had served “Violation Notices” prior to this, giving the vendors seven days to vacate the area.

Vendors were reminded on Monday that the seven-day period has expired and teams from the ministry will begin the removal process immediately.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, reiterated that this type of illicit activity can no longer be tolerated as vending in this area is a hazard and it is causing serious traffic congestion.

“Health and safety must be a priority for all Guyanese; we have to try harder and we have to be conscious of what is [a]

right practice and what is a wrong practice… there are times ambulances and other emergency vehicles will be trying to enter the gates at GPHC and from the vehicles parking indiscriminately, to these vending stalls taking up the parapets in its way, we cannot allow this to continue,” Minister Edghill said.

The New Market

Street vendors were urged to remove all makeshift stalls, sheds, carts, caravans, or other receptacles used for vending or have those removed by the ministry’s team.

With the latter

choice, the Public Works Ministry reported that it will not be responsible for any damage or loss when these encumbrances are removed.

Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton engages vendors on Monday evening (Leader of the Opposition photo)

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine in conversation with vendors on Monday evening (Leader of the Opposition photo)

Equal Opportunities

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been implementing strategies and policies that promote and support the development of every Guyanese, regardless of their ethnicity, religion, creed, political persuasion, or any other personal features or preferences. This is done with inclusion as its guiding principle.

As evidenced throughout the previous two years, the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration’s goal has been to fulfil both the short-term and long-term requirements of each person by creating an inclusive system and agenda, all under the banner of “One Guyana.”

The PPP/C’s efforts to promote unity in society have gone beyond rhetoric, as indicated by its investment in programmes like the education cash grant, the GOAL scholarship programme, and the creation of part-time jobs, among many other things that target the entire Guyanese people and not just one section of society. This contrasts with the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration’s fruitless attempts at fostering “social cohesion”.

In fact, according to President Ali, the main objectives of the “One-Guyana” initiative are to increase social equality,

guarantee that everyone has the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives, and reduce inequalities in access to the legal system, employment opportunities, healthcare, and educational opportunities.

The Head of State has stated that the “One-Guyana vision” aspires to ensure that every citizen is given a dignified existence, with due respect for their rights and equality before the law.

The development that is taking place in front of us and the government’s intentions are obviously very different from the portrayal and the lies that some social groups are spreading in an effort to polarise the Guyanese society and destabalise

the nation.

President Ali has repeatedly said that the approach of his administration to decision-making is one of stakeholder engagement, which could pave the way for the realisation of the One-Guyana vision.

“Together, we are going to embark on the journey of prosperity with all of you; the achievement of peace and prosperity; this is a golden opportunity to attain that objective. We will succeed and make proud all those whose struggles were important in achieving our independence.

“The future belongs to us. The naysayers wish to break our stride, but the evidence is overwhelm -

ingly clear that Guyana is surely… on a fast track to peace and prosperity. Let us keep it that way under the umbrella of One-Guyana,” the Head of State had said during his address to the nation on Independence Day.

The government has already removed the VAT on water, energy, and data in addition to allocating billions of dollars in the form of various grants to ease the economic conditions impacted by COVID-19 and other economic factors.

Furthermore, 6,000 Guyanese participated in distant learning in 187 programmes provided by eight universities in 2021 through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

Additionally, over 9,000 people applied to be a part of the programme, which is available to all Guyanese, this year.

The government has also conducted outreaches in various communities to meet Guyanese directly in order to determine what problems exist and how it could be properly addressed in the event that the existing programmes do not directly address the requirements of citizens.

To date, the government has travelled to every region and held discussions with residents in places like Buxton and Linden, which are well known APNU+AFC strongholds.

Jamaica: study shows 53 per cent of men suffered post-COVID depression

MORE than half (53 per cent) of men in Jamaica have been experiencing varying levels of depression during the postCOVID-19 period, according to a study conducted by Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in October and November 2022.

The levels of depression recorded were 41 per cent mild, eight per cent moderate and four per cent severe, according to a release from NCU.

The study, titled ‘Assessing Depression in Jamaican Males: Post-COVID-19’, further revealed that nearly 10 per cent of 1,066 adult males surveyed attempted suicide or had suicidal thoughts or wished they were dead. Another 25 per cent felt their life was not worth living. The survey findings have a plus/ minus three per cent margin of error.

According to the NCU study, depression can be defined as a mood disorder which is associated with feelings of sadness and loss of interest, which negatively affects how one feels, thinks, and behaves. Depression results in a disruption of various aspects of daily living and may present itself in times of stress, crises, or conflicting events and, if not treated promptly, it can affect one’s functioning.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that depression affects approximately 3.8 per cent of the world’s population (280 million people), noting that 75 per cent of people in low- and middle-income nations go untreated for this mental health disorder.

Further analysis of the NCU research findings revealed that the desire to be dead was more pronounced among younger men (eight per cent of the 18-21 years old cohort along with eight per cent of men 22 -25 years of age). Nearly six per cent of men aged 26-29 years, and five per cent of those ages 30+ years old expressed that sentiment.

These finding reflected the view of the WHO that “the pandemic has affected the mental health of young people and that they are disproportionally at risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviours.”

Paul Bourne, interim director of institutional research at the Mandeville-based university, said the study “has brought a preview of the mental health challenges experienced by Jamaican males, and this speaks to a silent killer that is being nurtured in the minds of these individuals”.

He suggested that the prolonged lockdown of the Ja -

maican economy had aided in deteriorating the mental health condition of men. “Hence, it is understandable why health professionals had recommended that policymakers bolster mental health outreach during the pandemic.”

Said Bourne: “This study goes further to recommend that those outreaches be extended to the post-COVID-19 period, as difficulties experienced during the pandemic have not dissipated with the declaration of the end of the epidemic.”

The NCU research team noted that the current study has

unearthed the mental health status of Jamaican males, yet there are no empirical studies post-COVID-19 on their healthcare-seeking behaviour.

A study to examine the healthcare-seeking behaviour of Jamaican males post-COVID-19 is needed as this will provide invaluable insight into this silent pandemic, depression after the pandemic. Despite the absence of objective inquiries into the healthcare-seeking behaviour of Jamaican males, they will continue to ‘hurt in silence’ without statewide psychosocial interventions geared towards

coping and depression.

MEN MASK DEPRESSION

According to the NCU study, depression among men can be masked and, instead, appear as atypical signs and symptoms such as aggressive behaviour, participating in risky activities, substance abuse and suicidal ideations.

Such behaviours negatively affect their ability to keep relationships with their family and friends and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “Many mistake these symptoms for other mental disorders, leading to the under-diagnosis of depression in men,” the NCU researchers noted.

Additionally, the researchers said the idea of masculinity and the ideal ways to express emotions as a male are contributing factors in the general manifestation of depression. “The masculinity culture compounds the issue of depression-seeking care among men.”

According to the study, the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated the issue of depression among women more than men. Nevertheless, there has been an increase in depression among men.

The study cited an online survey done by Cleveland Clinic which revealed that 77 per

cent of males in the United States reported increased stress levels during the pandemic. In addition, 45 per cent of males felt that their emotional/mental health had also declined; and 59 per cent of men felt isolated during the pandemic.

A previous study done by the NCU research team also found a positive statistical relationship between psychological well-being and social isolation, suggesting that COVID-19 is creating mental changes among Jamaicans. Unfortunately for Jamaica, sufficient research has not been done to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on depression, and whether Jamaican men have become more depressed post-pandemic.

The NCU research team used the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to assess the level of depression in Jamaican males, postCOVID-19, in seeking to understand the vulnerability of males. Using the HDRS, there is evidence of moderately high depression among Jamaican males. Such findings should solicit immediate social intervention, medical intervention, and hotlines to deal with depressed males, the NCU study recommended. (Jamaica Observer)

Doctor Hazmat or protective suit helping to wear ventilation oxygen mask to COVID-infected difficulty in breathing to patient at hospital - Concept of dyspnea due to coronavirus lung infection

UN SG: Gender parity the only path to gender equality

GENDER equality remains essentially a question of power, said the UN chief on Monday, but to change the culture of male domination and bring balance, we need equality in terms of leadership, decision-making and participation at all levels.

Secretary-General António Guterres was speaking at a meeting of the UN Group of Friends on Gender Parity Marking the Fifth Anniversary of his Gender Parity Strategy – a key priority of his first term in office, that remains so now.

He said it was “vital for the United Nations to represent the values it stands for – the values enshrined in the Charter – and to lead by example. Gender parity in our personnel is the only way to achieve gender equality in our work.”

SOLID PROGRESS

He added that overall, “we have come a long way”, and achieved some notable firsts such as reaching parity within the senior leadership group, for the first time in UN history, two years ago.

That’s also true now among heads and deputy heads of peace operations. Five years ago, the proportion of women in those roles was just 25 percent, he noted.

Parity was reached

in 2018, among the 130 Resident Coordinators, and the representation of women at headquarters locations has now reached parity, while the number of UN entities with at least 50 percent women staff, has risen from five to 26.

GAPS REMAIN

“At the same time, gaps remain”, he cautioned.

Away from the main offices, in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, he said “progress has been slow, and in some cases, we have gone backwards. We should be particularly concerned by a decrease in women recruited into entry-level Secretariat positions in the field. This could have a serious impact on prospects for parity in the future.”

Secretariat staff overall should be close to parity among “professional” grades, in 2025, which is three

years before the deadline, but that figure disguises the fact that it will take until 2028 for there to be parity in the field.

That means that the overall strategy, must now focus on sustaining progress in the field, he said.

TALENT PIPELINE

“We will continue to support the Senior Women Talent Pipeline, which has led to the appointment of nearly 60 senior women, mostly in the field, since 2014”, and facilitate the transition of general-service staff and national officers, to the professional work categories.

“And this is an area that requires the approval of the General Assembly and I count on this group of friends to be very active in that regard, because it is a key instrument to get women in professional positions in the field”,

said Mr. Guterres.

Workplace culture also needs to advance, he said. And if stereotypes and workplace bias is [sic] left unchecked, sexism and racism tolerated, “we

will fail the people we serve.”

He said he was determined to move forward with steps to end all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

The UN chief outlined three areas for improvement. First, a focus on gender and geographical diversity as complementary goals. “Just 36 percent of professional staff from the Africa region in the Secretariat are women, and this must change.”

Second, we will strengthen efforts to recruit women to

field missions, he said, and third, the UN must double down on our policies and tools, to make it a more attractive employer for women.

“We will continue to work closely with member states and civil society, particularly from the Global South, to ensure that we reflect all countries and communities, at all levels of our organization.”

He reiterated that gender parity was essential, “to meet the expectations of the people we serve, and to build a more sustainable, just, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world for all.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Persons vending opposite GPHC get final notice of removal

THE Ministry of Public Works has issued its final notice to vendors who are occupying the spaces along New Market Street between Thomas and East Streets, opposite the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Persons were advised to remove all erected makeshift stalls, sheds, carts, caravans, motor vehicles, and other receptacles used for vending.

Those vendors have been impeding the smooth flow of traf -

fic in the vicinity of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the main public health institution in the country, the Public Works Minister said.

The ministry had served “Violation Notices” prior to this, giving the vendors seven days to vacate the area.

Vendors were reminded that the seven-day period has expired and teams from the ministry will begin the removal process immediately.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan

Edghill, has reiterated that this type of illicit activity can no longer be

tolerated, as vending in this area is a hazard and it is causing serious traffic

congestion.

“Health and safety must be a priority for all Guyanese, we have to try harder and we have to be conscious of what is [a] right practice and what is a wrong practice… there are times ambulances and other emergency vehicles will be trying to enter the gates at GPHC and from the vehicles parking indiscriminately, to these vending stalls taking up the parapets in its way, we cannot allow this to continue,” Minister Edghill said.

The New Market

Street vendors were urged to remove all makeshift stalls, sheds, carts, caravans, or other receptacles used for vending or have those removed by the ministry’s team.

With the latter choice, the Public Works Ministry will not be responsible for any damage or loss when these encumbrances are removed.

The Minister of Public Works, and by extension the Government of Guyana has urged full compliance with the order to ensure an uninterrupted process.

Guyanese get greater opportunity to participate in upstream activities

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Oil & Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad, has congratulated President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on his recent announcement that the government has launched the competitive bidding process for 14 oil blocks offshore Guyana.

According to a press release, GOGEC is pleased with the open and transparent process in this regard and also welcomes the opportunity for local companies to

participate in the bidding process – an important, favourable consideration on the part of the government.

“GOGEC believes that in this way, Guy -

anese have the opportunity to be part of the upstream activities in a more meaningful and tangible manner, as the local private sector continues to build capacity through formation of consortiums and strategic partnerships with foreign companies,” the chamber said.

To this end, GOGEC urged local companies and Guyanese in general to take advantage of this unique opportunity made possible by the Government of Guyana.

President

of GOGEC, Manniram Prashad

— with government’s launch of open, transparent bidding rounds for 14 oil blocks, GOGEC says

Afro-Guyanese are equal stakeholders in development

— VP Jagdeo says in response to APNU+AFC’s perpetual claims of racism

By Cindy Parkinson

GUYANESE from all walks of life have been able to benefit significantly from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s unbiased developmental agenda, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said in response to continuous efforts by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to propagate untruths that Afro-Guyanese are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to development.

The Vice-President, during a press briefing last Friday, said that racism is the sole strategy which the coalition is clinging to, despite it reaching to a point where

the opposition’s actions are only considered “vile” by Guyanese and persons the world over.

Dr Jagdeo, in an effort to further dismiss the APNU+AFC’s claims, went as far as to say that he is ready to use the available facts to

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

argue the point of how Afro-Guyanese have benefitted from the PPP/C government.

A clear example, as outlined by the Vice-President, is: “Seven Afro-Guyanese hold significant portfolios in the PPP/C Government... they are involved in policy-

CDC prepared to deliver relief supplies as flooding persists

making.”

Additionally, there have been initiatives such as the $30,000 education cash grant, the COVID-19 cash grant and other grants; the massive housing drive; removal of the value added tax from utilities and other key items; the consistent increase in salaries for public sector employees; the part-time job initiative; the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships, among many others which have benefitted persons regardless of their race, religion, creed and any other individual feature.

Contrary to the government’s positive drive, the for-

mer coalition administration did not only imposed heavy taxes on the population, it also “carelessly” shuttered four sugar estates, causing some 7,000 persons to be laid off.

To further highlight the PPP/C government’s successes, Dr Jagdeo said there are a lot of Afro-Guyanese who have benefitted from government contracts and more persons will benefit as initiatives are rolled out.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali had said in September: “We are building ‘One Guyana’ that must bring social prosperity, economic prosperity, food security, energy security

to every single one, to every single environment.

“There is no difference in ethnicity. There is no difference in communities. There is no difference between rich or poor. The difference comes when you do things that… destroy peace.”

He went on to say: “We are all part of a bigger family, even bigger than the Guyanese family. We are part of the family of humanity.

“And when we start understanding that we are all part of a singular family, then we all know that life must be enjoyed by all of us equally, as far as possible.”

WITH flooding confirmed in six of the 10 administrative regions, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has mobilised teams to provide relief to residents in the affected areas.

The CDC in a press release on Monday confirmed reports of flooding in Regions Two, Four, Five, Seven, Eight and Nine.

“Assessments are still underway, so an accurate number of houses impacted is not yet available. The flooding is caused by heavy and consistent rainfall, which facilitates the over-topping of waterways,” the release

stated.

Further, the release said parts of Region Two are experiencing an average of six inches of floodwaters, while Regions Four and Five have an average of three inches of water.

Region Seven is currently experiencing rising river levels between seven and 20 feet in some parts.

Region Eight, however, has seen water levels receding and Region Nine has reported mild flooding around Lethem.

“So far there have been no reports of structural damage, no power outages due to

flooding and no shelters have been established to house persons.

“The CDC has teams and relief supplies at the ready to be dispatched to any part of the country. We also have supplies prepositioned at our warehouses in Lethem and Timehri,” the commission said.

Meanwhile, residents countrywide are urged to take precautions where necessary and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

Vice-President,

A flooded section of the Upper Mazaruni (Kenneth Williams photo)

‘Rickey Scrawley’ gets 14 years for killing Skull City resident

A 55-year-old cane harvester was on Monday sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for the 2016 fatal stabbing of Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara resident, Dellon Bradford called ‘Chicken.’

Hemraj Bramdeo called ‘Rickey Scrawley,’ formerly of Back Street,

Patentia, was sentenced by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Demerara High Court.

Last month, Bramdeo appeared before the court for the capital offence of murder but he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

He admitted that on

March 23, 2016, at Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara, he unlawfully killed Bradford.

During the presentation of his probation report, the court was informed that Bramdeo was previously charged with wounding. He was convicted of the offence and had served

time behind bars.

Judge Morris-Ramlall took into consideration the aggravating factors of the case, which included the loss of a life, and the weapon used during commission of the crime.

She also considered his previous conviction, his

early plea and his background.

After announcing the 14-year sentence, the judge ordered prison authorities to deduct the time he spent on remand.

He was represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas, while the state

was represented by attorney-at-law Muntaz Ali.

According to the facts of the case, on the evening in question, Bramdeo and Bradford were consuming alcohol at different homes in the same street at Patentia.

Bradford left where he was drinking around 18:00hrs and was later seen arguing with Bramdeo’s daughter on a dam in the village. This led to a physical altercation and Bramdeo intervened and stabbed Bradford three times.

After being chased for some distance, Bradford eventually fell to the ground and uttered to witnesses nearby “is Scrawley juk me.” He was then taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to the post-mortem report, Bradford died from “perforation of spleen and kidney as a result of stab wounds.”

Silvie’s donates to Christmas give-away programmes

SILVIE’S Industrial Solutions is doing its part to spread the Christmas Cheer this season, as the company recently made a donation to the RyRy’s Restaurant for its Toy and Hamper Drive, as well as to the Love and Laughter team for its annual Christmas give-away programme.

“It is our expectation that everyone should have a memorable Christmas, especially our Guyanese brothers and sisters that need our support,” Silvie’s Industrial Solutions noted.

Ryan Fredericks (at right), CEO of RyRy’s Restaurant, receiving his donation from a representative of Silvie’s

Hemraj Bramdeo called ‘Rickey Scrawley’

Quarrie to get $35M well and water-distribution system

AS government works to ensure that potable water is available in remote parts of the country, some 52 households in Quarrie, a small Amerindian community located in Central Rupununi, Region Nine, will soon benefit from a $35 million well and water- distribution network.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) newsletter, the contract for the project, which has a January 2023 completion date, was awarded to R. Kissoon Construction Company.

Minister within the

Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, during a visit to the community over the weekend, told

residents that the government is committed to ensuring hinterland communities have access to potable water.

“We want everybody to be receiving water because we have a goal. Our objective is that everybody, by

2025, must have 100 per cent access to potable water in your homes. So, we are working towards that”, she was quoted as saying.

Currently, only 20 per cent of the community has access to water and a limited amount is supplied to the school and health post.

The DPI added that the new well will increase water coverage from 20 to 95 per cent.

Additionally, Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Hinterland Co-ordinator, Ramchand Jailall, said the contractor will employ persons from the com-

munity to build the well.

He said the well will provide immediate relief to the community.

According to the DPI, the drilling of the new well also forms part of the government’s five-year strategic plan to achieve 100 per cent access to potable water across the country by 2025.

The minister was accompanied by Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock, Senior Councillor Martin Anthony, contractors and staff of the ministry and GWI.

Sports gears were also handed over to children in the village.

Convicted child rapist loses appeal

THE Guyana Court of Appeal on Monday threw out the appeal of rape convict Colvin Norton and upheld his 28-year jail sentence for raping a six-year-old girl.

In 2018, Norton was found guilty by a 12-member jury on two counts of rape committed against a child under the age of 16. The incidents occurred

on August 1 and August 6, 2013, in the county of Demerara.

Trial judge Jo-Ann Barlow sentenced Norton to serve 24 years for the first count and 28 years for the second count. She had also ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

In his application which was filed by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd and Dexter

Smartt, Norton had contended that the trial judge erred in law in imposing such an unduly severe sentence.

Another ground stated was that the verdict was unsafe and unsatisfactory, since the jury was left to speculate about the evidence of the doctor who had vaginally examined the child.

He also contended that the judge erred in law and

misdirected the jury.

The appeal was heard by acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

While delivering the ruling, the acting Chancellor rejected arguments made on behalf of the appellant and said the court did not find that the trial judge erred in

her sentencing. As such, the appeal was dismissed.

“We reiterate that each case will turn on its own particular facts… sentence is a matter for the trial judge, who would have seen and heard witnesses including the accused person,” Cummings-Edwards said as she affirmed Norton’s sentence.

Brazilians missing after Mazaruni River accident

TWO Brazilians are reported missing following a river mishap that occurred around 07:00hrs on Sunday along the Mazaruni River, in the vicinity of ‘Looking Glass Falls’

The only names given for the two missing Brazilian nationals are ‘Japow’ and ‘Bartolomeu’.

Reports are that around 16:20hrs, on Sunday December 11, 27-year-old Assardo Adrian Savory, a boat captain of Lot 31 Five Miles Bartica, went to the Bartica Police Station in the com-

pany of 52-year-old Juarez De Morais, a Brazilian businessman of Providence, East Bank Demerara; 61-year-old Carlos Santos of Regent Street, Georgetown; and 21-year-old Dillon Perreira of Parika Village, East Bank Demerara.

Savory told Police that he was the captain of a boat that left Bartica Stelling, Essequibo River, on Sunday morning and was en route to Poppy Show, Mazaruni River.

Savory said that with him in the boat at the time were

Juarez De Morais, Carlos Santos, Dillon Perreira and the now missing Brazilians — ‘Japow’ and ‘Bartolomeu’.

He stated that whilst navigating the river in the vicinity of the Looking Glass Falls, the boat came in contact with a strong wave which caused the boat’s bow to break off. As a result, all the occupants were tossed overboard. After being flung overboard, ‘Japow’ and ‘Bartolomeu’ were not seen again.

The captain further told the police that he, Dillon

Perreira, Juarez De Morais, and Carlos Santos swam to safety and were rescued some two hours later by a passing boat.

Efforts were made to locate the missing men, but such had proven futile. The survivors received bodily injuries and were escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital where they were all seen, examined, and later sent away.

The boat captain is presently in custody at the Bartica Police Station, assisting with investigations.

Colvin Norton

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, interacts with a resident during her recent visit to Quarrie, Region Nine (DPI photo)

Over 170 Region Three residents regularised

— to receive land titles by year-end

OVER 170 residents at regularised sections of Greenwich Park (Railway Embankment), Tuschen (Railway Embankment); Plantation Uitvlugt and Stewartville Sideline Dam; and De Kinderen (Railway Embankment), Region Three are expected to start receiving their Certificates of Title before the end of the year.

A team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), including Director of Community Development, Gladwin Charles and Head of the Conveyance Unit, Esther Stephens, processed Agreements of Sale for some of the residents on Saturday and Sunday (December 10-11, 2022) at the Greenwich Park Primary School.

In addition to this, the

residents also registered for their Certificates of Title.

The two-day exercise was in keeping with a commitment made by the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during a meeting in September.

Minister Croal was present at the exercise on Sunday and handed over several of the Agreements of Sale as he interacted with the residents. The Minister further committed that the Titles would be ready for distribution by the

end of the year.

Suresh Sookul, a resident of Tuschen Railway Embankment for over 18 years, was elated to receive his Agreement of Sale, as he stated he can now move forward with plans to extend his house.

“The Minister was here

one time and he promised that he was gonna get these documents fixed, the documents for the land, and fuh know he stood to his word and he came back […] I am real happy and real comfortable,” said Mr. Sookul.

Meanwhile, Mohamed

Amin Bassir and his wife, who have been residing at Uitvlugt for over three decades expressed, “we happy that we own something […] we waiting long”.

Another resident, Amin Ali also noted that he was pleased with the work of the Ministry and was excited to receive his Certificate of Title.

Residents have been occupying various areas for 30-50 years. The block and occupational survey were completed by CH&PA, documenting some 82 persons residing at Plantation Uitvlugt and Stewartville Sideline Dam and more than 40 persons at Tuschen Railway Embankment. Around 40 persons have also been recorded at Greenwich Park Railway Embankment and 17 at De Kinderen.

Kwakwani youths evolve with vocational, technical programmes

A RESIDENT of Kwakwani in Region Ten, Trevis Clarke, said that being certified in electrical installation had changed his life and that of his family, thanks to the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The young man told BIT officials that he used to hang out with the wrong crowd and assumed that culture was his way of life, but that all changed when he learned about BIT.

Once registered, he set aside such distractions and concentrated on attending every session offered while at school.

Following his remarks, Pam Rambaran, BIT Technical Officer, described this trait as admirable because it

demonstrated his determination and passion for the craft.

The eager youth, now equipped with the skills and abilities to be marketable, mentioned the possibility of starting his own business.

Clarke was one of 65 Kwakwani graduates who earned certification in disciplines such as Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation, Joinery, Commercial Food Preparation, Plumbing, and Information Technology.

The presentations were done in the presence of the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Board of Industrial Training Senior Technical Officer, Leon Greaves and Technical Officer responsible for Kwakwani, Ms. Rambaran, among other officials.

Roylam Welcome, like Clarke, is certified in electrical installation while still in secondary school.

His story, however, began with his uncle who, having had the opportunity to witness the journeys of other BIT graduates, influenced his decision.

Those stories, he said, inspired him to take a leap of faith to achieve similar goals, for which he was grateful.

As such, the young man thanked BIT for opening its doors to all Guyanese, particularly those his age, who were interested in becoming skilled individuals to contribute to their country.

Further, Renisha Mittelholzer, another graduate, enrolled in BIT’s Joinery

Programme while in secondary school, after being encouraged by her relatives. A decision she said she did not regret because it allowed her to learn about the craft and create beautiful items for herself and others.

However, the young woman’s journey does not end with the ceremony; she intends to further her education at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI). To that end, she urged others to follow in her footsteps, stating that it was the right time for persons to learn a life skill that will help them improve their livelihood.

“Do not let any difficulty define who you are because only you can make those decisions,” Ms. Mittelholzer

said. “Get involved in BIT and become the best version of yourself.”

Minister Hamilton, in brief remarks, thanked the graduates for recognising the importance of acquiring life skills to play a pivotal role in Guyana’s development and stated that the agency would continue in its efforts to build the nation’s human resources.

The ceremony also celebrated the rebirth of a dying art form, joinery, and increased female participation, a step forward for which he was grateful, as it demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing gender inequality while also developing a skilled labour force.

The ministry intends to push beyond that barrier to empower women, retirees, and physically challenged people with the skills to become employable.

Mr. Greaves, senior technical officer, congratulated the graduates on finishing their respective vocations despite any challenges they might have faced. As a result, he charged them with continuing on the path to improve their chances of gaining employment in desirable industries.

He also encouraged them to share their knowledge with others who wanted to help develop their communities and the region.

Trevis Clarke is certified in electrical installation

Renisha Mittelholzer plans to attend the Linden Technical Institute (LTI)

Roylam Welcome is certified in electrical installation

Mohamed Amin Bassir (centre) and his wife (left) being presented their Agreement of Sale by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

The registration process that occurred at the Greenwich Primary School

E-Networks rebrands to ENet in preparation for new, ‘major’ initiatives

LOCAL telecommunications company E-Networks has announced that it has rebranded to ENet as part of preparations for major steps in the telecommunications sector.

According to a press release from the company, the rebranding was

an important step in its business strategy as a company committed to constant improvement and its fearlessness in terms of innovation.

“Now branded as “Your Everything Network,” ENet’s new branding is in keeping with the company’s

emerging reputation as Guyana’s premier full-service telecoms provider, following the announcement of the country’s first 5G mobile network,” ENet said.

The company added: “Many customers already refer to them by this new name. ENet is

Guyana’s only 100 per cent Guyanese telecoms provider and has been responsible for changing the landscape of telecommunications in the country.”

Since its formation, and particularly since the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector,

the company has consistently raised the bar by introducing innovative, world-class services at affordable prices.

The company also stated that the new, improved look is a precursor to the announcement of new services in the coming weeks.

The company also reassured its customers that it remains committed to its core values of integrity, performance, and excellence, and that it is proud to be a Guyanese company that continually impacts the market, using Guyanese skills.

Over 300 Moraikobai residents treated by Chinese Medical Brigade

MORAIKOBAI, Region Five, was ‘served’ by the eighteenth Chinese Medical Brigade on Sunday, when six specialists offered free medical services at the regional clinic.

The medical team included medical officials from the departments of general internal medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

The medical team also distributed free health leaflets on diabetes, hypertension and AIDS prevention and provided free blood glucose, blood pressure and B-scan ultrasonography examination services to the villagers.

The Chinese doctors

gave each patient a complete physical examination, answered questions, and provided medication and treatment.

Some patients with neck, shoulder and back pain were treated with traditional Chinese medicine osteopath and cupping by Dr Li Ming, an acupuncturist from China.

“The pain relief was remarkable and the Guyanese were amazed by the miraculous effects of traditional Chinese medicine,” Dr. Li Ming noted.

The Chinese medical team treated nearly 300 patients from 11:00 hours to 14:00 hours and were warmly welcomed and praised by locals.

According to the Captain

of the 18th Chinese Medical Brigade, Dr Chu, in the New Year, the medical team will provide more free health services in remote and poor areas to help more Guyanese.

The Chinese medical teams, over the years, have combined the efforts and expertise of more than 160 Chinese medical experts.

“Guyanese have benefitted from the expertise of professionals in specialised areas such as: acupuncture, anaesthetics, gynaecology, nephrology, oncology, ophthalmology, pathology, radiology, urology, obstetrics, paediatrics, general surgery, plastic surgery and osteopathy,” Dr. Chu underscored.

Resident of Moraikobai, Region Five, being screened before seeing a Chinese Medical Brigade specialist, on Sunday, when free medical services were provided

World Relay Championships set to return to Bahamas for 2024 edition

THE World Athletics Championships will return to the Bahamas for the fourth time in six years after successfully winning the rights.

The next edition of the championships is due to be in 2024, and once again the

Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium has been earmarked as the venue for the team championship.

The Bahamas hosted the first three editions of the tournament, which took place between 2014-2017. The event them moved to Yoko-

homa, Japan in 2019 and then Chorzow, Poland last year.

With the team’s track record of successfully hosting previous events, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations Sebastian Coe is confident the country will be able to deliver

another exciting event.

“We have had three wonderful editions of the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, which established this event on the global calendar, so we know we are in safe hands for what will be an important Olympic qualifier for all our

Modric and Croatia stand between Messi...

are no more dogged or durable opponents than Croatia.

After all, any sense of relief at avoiding having to play Brazil in the last four will be tempered by the prospect of facing a Croatian side who knocked out the favourites on penalties and never know when they are beaten.

"They are a great team who matched up to Brazil and at times were much better," admitted Messi.

"They have good players across the whole midfield and they have been working with the same coach since the last World Cup, so they all know each other very well."

'Safer than money in the bank' -

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni switched to a five-

man defence against the Netherlands as he brought Lisandro Martinez into his line-up.

But the midfield is always key against Croatia, with Modric still controlling games at 37 and Marcelo Brozovic and Mateo Kovacic completing a formidable trio.

After reaching the final four years ago, Croatia have beaten Japan and Brazil on penalties to make the semis here.

They have gone to extra time in eight of their last nine major tournament knockout matches and the nation of just four million people has nothing to lose as they eye a place in the final against France or Morocco.

And in Modric they have a master, the 2018 Ballon

Pat back as Smith zeroes...

33-year-old.

"South Africa are the one team that have bowled pretty well to me in the past, my record's probably not as good against them as some of the others.

"Some of the bowlers I'm going to come up against (have been challenging when) I've come up against (them) previously. I'm really looking forward to the series like everyone else.

"I feel in a good place, I feel like I'm batting nicely. I'm looking forward to it."

t is not only colour of the ball that will change this week. The speed at which it is delivered to Smith and the rest of the Australian top order will also be markedly different.

South Africa boast one of the quickest pace attacks in world cricket with Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen all capable of hitting speeds of 140kph, a mark a depleted

Windies bowling group rarely reached.

But Smith suggested that could actually play into his hands.

"You just play what is in front of you," he said.

"Sometimes when you're facing faster bowlers, that can be easier to score than when you are facing 130 (km/h) and nibbling them around.

d'Or winner who starred as Croatia beat Argentina 3-0 in the group stage four years ago.

"I think Mateo, Luka and Marcelo are the best midfield in history. When you pass them the ball, it is safer than having your money in the bank," said Josip Juranovic, another standout at rightback.

"We are so lucky to have them in the team."

Modric's history with Argentina goes back to 2006, when he made his international debut for Croatia aged 20 in a friendly between the teams.

Messi scored in that game but Croatia won 3-2. Zlatko Dalic's team will not be afraid of Argentina or their number 10 when the

(From page 23)

"That's the key to any attack, is having that variety so you're never getting into a real rhythm as a batter.

"South Africa provide that, they have Nortje bowling 150 (km/h), Rabada 140 to 150 bowling slightly different, then a left-armer in Jansen as well, and then a spinner in (Keshav) Maharaj.

relay events,” Coe said.

“We are confident that The Bahamas will offer the best conditions for the athletes and a brilliant atmosphere for both athletes and fans as we mark a key milestone on the road to the Paris Olympic Games.”

(From back page)

sides meet again at Lusail Stadium.

Asked about how they would handle Messi, Croatia forward Bruno Petkovic responded: "We don't have

a specific plan, at least not yet, for stopping Messi and usually we don't concentrate on one player, but Argentina is not only Messi."

Two players who will

The 2024 World Athletics Relays will serve as the main qualifier for teams participating in the men’s and women’s 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 and mixed 4 x 400m metre relays for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

(Sportsmax)

not feature for Argentina, however, are defenders Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna, both of whom are suspended. (ABS/CBN News)

England seal series win after epic Multan contest

(REUTERS)-England have snatched a thrilling 26-run victory against Pakistan in the second Test in Multan to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing 355 for victory, Pakistan looked in the hunt before being all out for 328 in the second session on day four of an epic contest.

Saud Shakeel topscored for Pakistan with a valiant 94, while Imam-ulHaq made 60 but it was not enough in the end.

Mark Wood was pick of the England bowlers, claiming 4-65 as England registered their first series win in Pakistan since 2000-01.

"Things happened quickly this week compared to last week," England captain Ben Stokes said, referring to their victory in the opener in Rawalpindi.

"Going down to the wire again, (it's a) good game to

be a part of."

"It was a tricky wicket for slower bowling. We were fortunate that with the cracks opening up our seamers became effective."

Harry Brook was adjudged player of the match for scoring the only hundred of the low-scoring affair.

"To be honest, we were not up to the mark in the

first innings," Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

"There were a couple of soft dismissals and ... in the second innings we fought well but could not finish."

England will conclude their first Test tour of Pakistan since 2005 with the third and final match beginning in Karachi on Saturday.

Proteas tour match drawn as quicks get final tune-up

SOUTH Africa pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi fired a warning shot to Australia ahead of the first Test by taking early wickets against a Cricket Australia XI top order for the second time in their tour warm-up match.

The Proteas had set Cricket Australia 426 runs to win at Allan Border Field on day four, but both sides agreed on an early finish just before tea with the hosts 6-184 in their second innings.

South Africa play Australia in the first match of a three-Test series at the Gabba from December 17 and derived plenty from the hit-out.

One thing was clear: Australia will not have it as easy as they did against the West Indies when the top order goes out to bat.

Rabada, who has 257 Test wickets, was at his lethal best in the second innings and dismissed Sam Whiteman (one) and Jack Clayton (three) early in his spell.

Ngidi, who took three early wickets in the first innings, chimed in with the wicket of Bryce Street (six) to have Cricket Australia 3-34.

In the first innings, Rabada also picked up an early wicket in support of Ngidi as their opponents slumped to 4-25.

The Proteas pair enjoyed bowling in tandem and it was their pace and lines that will have pleased captain Dean

Elgar the most.

Elgar (109) also found form in the first innings alongside wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne (80). In the visitors' second outing it was the turn of Rassie van der Dussen (95) and Theunis de Bruyn (88) to make some pre-Test run

Throw in the return of middle-order stalwart Temba Bavuma in the second dig from an elbow injury that prevented him batting in the first innings and it was an almost perfect preparation for the Proteas.

Cricket Australia skipper Peter Handscomb (48 retired out) and Teague Wyllie (44) both made runs on the final day.

The display of 20-yearold left-hander Campbell Kellaway was the highlight for the future of Australian cricket

He appeared as comfortable as a seasoned veteran in his unbeaten 109 in the first innings and was going along nicely at 34no in the second when the match was called off. (AAP)

Double Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha survives plane crash in Kenya

Babar

FORMER double Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha was unharmed after a plane he was flying in crash-landed.

The plane - carrying Rudisha and five others - came down in Kajiado county in south-east Kenya on Saturday. Photos show it upside down in a field.

Kenyan Rudisha, 33, described it as a "scary episode".

"All was well close to seven or eight minutes into the flight when the engine of

the plane suddenly went quiet," he told the Daily Nation.

"He (the pilot) saw some clear space where he tried to land the plane, but one of its wings hit a tree as the plane started to spin before landing on the rocky field.

"The pilot did an incredible job to keep the plane afloat and stable for long

Rudisha, who won gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016, is unharmed. One of the other occupants, Stephen Ole Marai, was being treated in hospital for rib injuries, while

others were taken to hospital with minor injuries but later discharged.

Rudisha was returning from the annual Maasai Olympics at Kimana Wildlife Sanctuary in Kajiado county.

Now retired from top-level athletics, he has suggested that he is considering moving into coaching.

He survived a car accident on the Nairobi-Kisumu highway in August 2019 when a tyre burst and his SUV collided head on with a bus.(BBC Sport)

Mark Wood's six wickets included a priceless two-wicket burst before lunch on the final day (Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi

Rudisha's time of one minute 40.91 seconds at London 2012 remains the 800m world record

Good on David Warner for telling Cricket Australia where to get off

…The Australian board is operating from a position where all it is looking to do is protect itself

By Ian Chappell

I couldn't be happier that David Warner told Cricket Australia the equivalent of "go and get stuffed" when he went public about his decision to withdraw his request for a review of his captaincy ban.

This indicated Warner - who had been advised by CA against a public outburst - didn't trust the authorities to be mindful of his interests. It was a wise decision by Warner as CA is renowned for only protecting their own interests, not those of players.

I doubt Warner was expecting to gain a leadership position in the Australia set-up even with a successful review of the ban he received after the ball-tampering debacle in South Africa in 2018. He's too old to be considered for a captaincy position in the Australian regime despite the fact that he has always had great leadership instincts.

However, I think Warner had hoped he might be able to lead his BBL team, Sydney Thunder, at some point.

A pity because he would have been the ideal person to guide younger players on their cricketing path. Not to worry CA, because he'll still be a leader and be listened to by any cricketer who wants to get ahead.

Young players should be thankful Warner has exposed CA's tendencies for back-side protecting. They need to keep it in mind for the future. Most importantly, though, Warner's withdrawal of his review highlights how appalling the original decision to award him a lifetime leadership ban was.

Warner and Steve Smith should have received the same leadership punishment after the Cape Town incident.

Cheating is indefensible but so also is Smith as Australia captain saying "I don't want to know" when he walked past Warner and Cameron Bancroft, who were deep in discussion in the dressing room before the went ahead with the plan to tamper with the ball.

As a captain it was Smith's job to know what

his players were up to. If their motive was illegal, he needed to put a quick stop to any shenanigans. Smith's crime was greater than Warner's. So it was no wonder Warner was incensed by his stiff original punishment while others were treated far more leniently. No wonder also that Warner's manager, James Erskine, incensed at CA's recent behaviour said: "You'd have to be a blind black Labrador to not realise there was far more than three people involved in this thing."

Warner won't be bullied. He'll have his say and if he does reveal all later in a book, it'll be worth reading

In the lead-up to the events in South Africa and in the aftermath, CA has erred regularly because self-protection is a high priority for them. The lop-sided punishments, the botched integrity review in South Africa, and then the absurd decision to not allow an appeal by the Australian players - their list of failures goes on. No wonder Warner had a gut full, but he chose the right target

to attack.

The fact that he was subject to stronger punishment than anyone else over the sandpaper affair smacked of a resentment being repaid. The current CA board has washed their hands off the matter saying they weren't involved.

Sure, they weren't on the board at the time but they have since done nothing to dispel the idea they are still in self-protection mode.

Whether Warner was dis-

liked by an administrator or it was because he was prepared to speak out during the feisty pay wrangle is unknown and likely to remain that way. What is known is Warner won't be bullied.

He'll have his say and if he does reveal all later in a book, it'll be worth reading. It may take some work to get his book published because there'll be a lot of red faces around if it does reach the public.

Warner was wrong to do

what he did in Cape Town and he was punished. Cheating on the cricket field is not something that should be accepted and the Australian team were vilified by a disbelieving public.

What is indisputable is that integrity is a valued quality. Integrity needs to be on display at all times by all levels of Australian cricket and there's no better person to lead the charge than the captain.

(Cricinfo)

Losing trend continues for Windies Women with defeat in T20I opener

NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies Women’s woes seeped into the Twenty20 International series, the hosts going down by eight wickets in the opening game of the five-match series here Sunday night.

Fresh from a whitewash in the three-match ODI series last week, West Indies Women’s batting issues continued as they mustered only 105 for seven from their 20 overs.

Rashada Williams (23) and Chinelle Henry (21 not out) were two of only three batsmen to reach double figures as 21-year-old seamer Lauren Bell ran through the order with three for 26 from her four overs.

In reply, Danni Wyatt lashed an unbeaten 59 from 34 deliveries as England Women hardly broke a sweat in overhauling their target with a whopping 44 deliveries remaining.

The victory was underpinned by Wyatt’s knock, the right-hander striking seven fours and two sixes in a 40run first-wicket stand with Sophia Dunkley (25) and then in a 45-run, second-wicket partnership with Lauren Winfield-Hill (15).

“To be three, four wickets down in the first 10 overs with no kind of runs on the board, that is where we fell short,” Henry said afterwards.

“Since the ODI series we’ve been struggling with

the bat. We just have to pick ourselves up and keep going.”

Sent in at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, West Indies Women endured a nightmare start, slumping to 19 for three in the fifth over with Aaliyah Alleyne (2), Kycia Knight (0) and captain Hayley Matthews (7) all perishing cheaply.

Alleyne missed a drive at Bell and had her stumps rattled in the second over, Knight backed away and hoisted seamer Nat Sciver to mid-on in the next over while Matthews’ search for a score continued when she bungled a scoop off new-ball pacer Katherine Brunt and lost her off-stump in the fifth over.

When debutant Djenaba Joseph was stumped for eight off off-spinner Heather Knight at the end of the eighth over, the hosts were declining even further at 38 for four.

The home side were then bailed out by two small partnerships – Williams putting on 22 with Shemaine Campbelle (10) for the fifth wicket and Henry adding 29 for the seventh wicket with Shabika Gajnabi (13).

The series now moves to the Kensington Oval, where the teams will meet for the remaining four matches on December 14, 17, 18 and 22. All matches start at 6:00pm Eastern Caribbean/ 5:00pm Jamaica time.

Young cricketers should be thankful Warner has exposed CA's tendencies for back-side protecting, and they should remember it (Getty Images)

Danni Wyatt's unbeaten 59 led England to a comfortable victory in the first of five T20s v West Indies

FIFA accused of failing to adhere to its own human rights commitments

FIFA has been accused of failing to adhere to its own human rights commitments after it chose not to create a remedy fund for migrant workers injured or killed in Qatar.

An umbrella group comprising, among others, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch has spoken out as the World Cup enters its final stages in Doha. It says plans announced by FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, to create a legacy fund that “helps people most in need all across the world” falls short of Fifa’s obligations, and undercuts assurances made before the tournament.

It has called on the game’s governing body to change direction and help victims by using some of the $7.5bn (£6.1bn) of revenue generated from taking the World Cup to Qatar to provide compensation.

“FIFA” can still do the right thing by channelling the legacy fund towards workers and their families, supporting a genuinely independent workers’ centre and working with Qatar to ensure that every worker can access the compensation that they deserve,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of economic and social justice.

“By changing course, FIFA could make a lasting difference to the lives of

the true heroes behind this World Cup. Refusing to do so would be a terrible indictment on its commitment to workers’ rights.”

In 2017 FIFA published its first human rights policy after criticism over the decision to award Qatar the World Cup. At its heart was a commitment to protecting human rights and remedying failures when they occurred, in accordance with the United Nations’ Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

This is a World Cup like no other. For the last 12 years the Guardian has been reporting on the issues surrounding Qatar 2022, from corruption and human rights abuses to the treatment of migrant workers and discriminatory laws. The best of our journalism is gathered on our dedicated Qatar: Beyond the Football home page for those

who want to go deeper into the issues beyond the pitch.

Guardian reporting goes far beyond what happens on the pitch. Support our investigative journalism today.

To date, however, FIFA has made no express promise to remedy workers hurt or killed during the years of construction leading to the World Cup. A Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund run by the Qatari government claims to have paid out $350m to workers, but public evidence suggests it has so far been used to reimburse workers who have had wages stolen. Fifa’s obligations exist above and beyond any government action.

NGOs and charities, like European Football Associations who hoped to extract some form of legacy commitment, had extensive meetings with Fifa before the tournament and received encouragement only to be blindsided by a series of vague commitments in Infantino’s bizarre speech that launched the tournament last month. Sources suggest there have been no further meetings since that date.

Nick McGeehan, the founding director of FairSquare, another member of the umbrella group, denounced Fifa’s actions. “Instead of ensuring protection of migrant workers who built and delivered the World Cup infrastructure in Qatar, Fifa has benefited from their exploitation and parroted Qatari authorities’ talking points, showing their complicity to all the misleading claims and deflections on abuses of migrant workers,” he said.

“FIFA has tuned out genuine demands for remedy for migrant workers, including from the football industry, and ignored evidence of widespread uncompensated abuses and the inadequacies of the current compensation systems in Qatar.”

FIFA has been approached for comment. It has previously said it would publish details of the finances of the legacy fund once the World Cup has finished “in keeping with previous tournament.

LUIS Enrique acknowledged Spain's failings at the World Cup against Morocco in which "everything went to hell" as La Roja exited in Qatar.

Morocco, the surprise packing of the tournament, dumped Spain out on penalties after a goalless draw in Tuesday's last-16 clash.

Enrique was subsequently dismissed from his role as head coach on Thursday, with former Spain youth boss Luis de la Fuente named as his replacement.

While pointing to the lasting legacy his Spain side may leave on future generations, Enrique suggested it only takes 90 minutes for years of planning to derail.

"In 90 minutes, everything went to hell. It is clear that we did not play a good game against Morocco," he said on Twitch.

"I saw it positively. Right now I am calm and satisfied with what we have done. We generated enthu-

siasm and desire to see the national team.

"We have seen it. Many young people and children came to see us at the hotel. We could do better, I am aware, but I tried to take the best players and those who embodied my ideas."

The former Barcelona boss came under scrutiny for his squad selection ahead of FIFA's top tournament, with questions over his preference to play Ferran Torres and not call up a traditional striker option.

The inclusion of Sergio Roberto and Eric Garcia led to further debates over the La Roja squad, though Enrique has no regrets over his decisions.

"It consoles me that the same thing happens to others. I don't enter the debate. I respect it," he continued.

"I make the decisions with my staff. Nobody makes recommendations to me, nobody from the press has dedicated even 10 per cent of the hours that my staff and I have dedicated."

Manchester United, now managed by Erik ten Hag, were previously reportedly interested in Enrique, who will wait for the new season before considering his next move.

"I want to continue training at a club to develop what I did in the national team," he added.

"That has been a dream. This stage is over. I'll wait for the start of next season.

THE bad news we all know; the West Indies’ batting is dreadful!

The good news is that help might just be a few years away in the form of a 15-year-old all-rounder from St Lucia.

Theo Edward on Monday scored his second century in two days while helping his country’s U15 team to a massive 403-run victory over Grenada in the Windward Islands WINLOTT Inc. U15 Tournament currently underway at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia.

Team captain Edward, who turned 15 in October, scored 101 from 81 balls as St Lucia scored a mammoth 482-8 from their 50 overs. Meanwhile, his vice-captain Johnathan Daniel raced to 142 from just 91 deliveries and smashed 17 fours and eight sixes.

St Lucia also got half centuries from Aaron St Clair and Codi Fontinelle, who scored 68 and 60, respectively, to set up the massive total.

Xzavian Rock was the best of the Grenadian bowlers with 4-90 from his 10 overs.

Faced with incredible scoreboard pressure, Grenada folded for just 79.

Captain Jayon Henry led from the front with 25 but Rock’s 11 was the only other score in double figures against Leon Alexander, who snared 3-14 and Edward 2-5 to complete the comprehensive victory.

On Sunday, Edward scored 198 in St Lucia’s 435-6 on their way to a 298run thrashing of Dominica at the same venue. His knock included 30 fours and six sixes that came from 143

balls.

Alexander (58) and Daniel (54) also contributed half-centuries to the match-winning total.

Lybird Tharoux was the best of the Dominican bowlers with 4-53 from eight overs.

With the exception of Earsinho Fontaine’s 53 and Kenneth Valmon (21), Dominica’s batters had no answer for Alexander (5-23) and Edward (2-13) as their side crumbled to 137 all out in just 27 overs. No other batter made double figures while four failed to score in the lopsided affair.

Edward harbours ambitions of playing for the West Indies and lists Johnson Charles as his hero. On his current path, he just might be the hero the West Indies needs in just a few years’ time.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Luis Enrique was dismissed from his role as Head coach last Thursday

GCA president wants to improve success of 2022

By Sean Devers

Regarded as the hub of Demerara’s cricket, apart from the Berbice Cricket Board, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) produced the most National cricketers at all levels this year, including Guyana senior team skipper, Leon Johnson, and both youth captains from among the Mohabir siblings: Alvin and Dave.

But the GCA’s success story has not been without challenges as GCA’s president, Neil Barry, explains.

“The return to cricket after the COVID-19 pandemic. The GCA was tasked with ensuring that all protocols were followed to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce the possibility of infection and even loss of life.

The impact of adverse weather conditions hindered the smooth running and completion of the tournaments in Georgetown as ground availability was severely affected” added Barry, a former Demerara and Guyana youth and senior wicketkeeper/ batter.

“The GCA is most pleased with successful participation of GCA youth teams (U15, U17 & U19) in DCB inter-association competitions.

The GCA played undefeated in matches at all lev-

els, winning all competitions. However, the players are yet to receive their trophies and prizes” noted the 56-year-old right-hander.

Barry, whose highest score is 71 from nine firstclass games, said he is also happy with the number of youth players from the GCA that were selected to represent Demerara and Guyana at all the age levels.

“GCA had 29 players who represented Demerara at all youth levels: 10 players who were selected to the GCB President IX that participated as the 4th team in the Inter-County youth competitions; 14 players that represented Guyana at the various youth levels including the Mohabir brothers -- Alvin and Dave -- who

made history in becoming the first siblings to captain all of Guyana’s youth teams in the same year.

GCA player Mavindra Dindyal was selected to represent the West Indies at U-19 level in 2022,” informed the ex-Malteenoes captain.

Barry, who also played 12 limited overs games for Guyana, is pleased with the launching of the Smalta Female youth programme which is ongoing, the successful implementation of the GCA Koolkids Next-Gen Cricket coaching programme, which exposed over 400 pupils drawn from grades Three to Five, drawn from eight primary schools in Georgetown being exposed to eight weeks of cricket coaching and the implementation of the Cricclubs digital scoring platform that carries live scores of all GCA matches to a global audience.

Asked what are his plans for 2023, Barry said improving on and sustaining the successes of 2022, providing more opportunities for young talents to emerge from within the boundaries of the GCA, implementing more development programmes, especially targeting female and youth cricketers and to further digitize and professionalize the administration of cricket within the GCA.

Verwey lose in quarter-final action at Canadian jnr squash

Nicholas Verwey lost in the quarter-finals at the 2022 Canadian Junior Open Squash Tournament on Sunday night at the Niagara on the Lake in White Oaks, Canada.

Night two action was again watched by a goodsized gathering as Guyanese Mohryan Baksh and Kirsten Gomes won their matches after Verwey had defeated Canada’s Jack Jones 11-8, 11-2, 11-9 to qualify for the quarter-finals.

In the other encounter also on Sunday night, Guy-

Ex-county player Wilson quits BCB role

HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) – Elliott Wilson, an Englishman who played for county side Worcestershire, has resigned as Bermuda’s part-time director of cricket after a little more than three months.

A former opening batsman, Wilson, 46, had big plans for the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) role and was instrumental in the hiring of Niraj Odedra, an Indian, as the new national coach.

But in the week in which the BCB announced that the island had been chosen as the venue for the ICCT20 World Cup Americas Regional Final and the impending return of Odedra with the aim of World Cup qualification, it has been revealed it has lost one of its senior officials.

In a statement to the Royal Gazette newspaper, Wilson, who works in finance and is married to a Bermudian, cited differences of opinion on the direction of Bermuda cricket and possible personality clashes as the main factors behind his decision.

Wilson’s statement read: “I joined the coaching staff of the national men’s team at the start of the 2022 summer and then took on the role of part-time director of cricket a couple of months after that. I stepped down from all roles in mid-October.

“During this time, I obviously got a privileged insight into on-the-field and offthe-field matters as well as attending an entire domestic cricket summer (except when on tour with the national side). I have relayed all of my ideas on how Bermuda cricket should move for -

ward to the president, Arnold Manders.

“Outside of cricket, I have a full-time job and a very young family. Being involved both at training and administration was too much (but very interesting). I have a strong personality, which is a good and bad thing! and how I think things should be structured differed on a couple of fronts.

“I certainly don’t want to burn any bridges with the BCB and cricket, or anyone on the island.”

In response, BCB executive director Cal Blankendal was keen to thank Wilson for his efforts.

“We want to thank Elliott for the time that he served on the Bermuda Cricket Board.

“He did three and a half months of a six-month contract that was due to be reviewed at the end of the year. During this time he was passionate and gave a lot

of feedback on our current strategic plan and about how we can achieve our goals and objectives in a practical manner.

“It’s sad that it ended prematurely,” he added.

Odedra’s initial contract of two and a half months expired in September, during which time he presided over the island’s involvement in the third leg of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B, which was held in Jersey.

Odedra, 47, is now waiting for his work permit to be processed by immigration with the terms of his deal for a return to the island still to be announced.

“We have talked with immigration and are all fine with it,” Allan Douglas, the BCB’s high-performance chairman, said.

“We are happy with what we have to do and sign off on. It’s just a matter of the legal stuff, that’s all.”

Bermuda will launch their 2024 T20 World Cup qualifying campaign when they compete against Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Islands, Panama, Suriname and hosts Argentina in an ICC Sub-Regional Qualifier from February 25 to March 4 next year.

The top-three teams will then be joined by Canada for the Americas Region Qualifier Finals to be held in Bermuda from September 28 to October 8, 2023.

The eventual winner will clinch the last World Cup qualifying spot in the Americas region. The tournament proper will be staged in the West Indies and the United States.

Pat back as Smith zeroes in on Proteas

WHILE Australia's attack looks certain to regain its leading bowler in Pat Cummins at the Gabba, their leading batter Steve Smith is zeroing in on a South African pace brigade he admits has had his measure.

The Aussies are confident Cummins will be right for the first NRMA Insurance Test against the Proteas after the fast bowler bowled and ran at full intensity having sat out last week’s clash with West Indies due to a quad injury.

he sent down six overs in an empty net at Adelaide Oval.

The right-armer is expected to be passed fit for the match beginning Saturday in Brisbane, pending a final fitness test later this week.

"Everything is on track, we're comfortable with where we he's at," said team physiotherapist Nick Jones. "No more pain, strength's in a good place, he's functioning at a high level. So he's good to go, all going to plan."

series even before the end of the two-Test campaign against the Windies.

The star batter had been in the Adelaide Oval nets a day earlier than Cummins, facing red balls a few hours before Australia went out to bowl with a pink one.

Smith is aware his batting average of 41.53 from nine Tests against the Proteas is his lowest for any side he has played at least three matches against.

ana’s Samuel Ince-Carvalhal lost 11-8, 11-9, 11-5

in the Boy’s U-19 Singles. (Sean Devers)

While Josh Hazlewood will not be available again until the Melbourne or Sydney Tests, Cummins moved well on Monday morning as

Smith, who will hand back the captaincy reins to Cummins after leading the 419-run rout in Adelaide, had also already turned his attention to the South Africa

"They're a really good attack so it will be a really good challenge for our batters. Hopefully we can continue the way we've started the summer," said the

GCA president, Neil Barry

Nicholas Verwey (right) defeated Canada’s Jack Jones before losing in the quarter-finals

Elliott Wilson has resigned as Bermuda’s part-time director of cricket

DOHA, Qatar -- Lionel Messi and Argentina's World Cup dream remains alive but an indefatigable Croatia side inspired by the enduring brilliance of Luka Modric stands in their way in today’s semi-final in Doha.

Argentina have recovered from the shock of losing their opening game in Qatar to Saudi Arabia and made the last four with an exhaust-

ing win on penalties against the Netherlands at the end of a fractious quarter-final on Friday.

Having been 2-0 up and cruising after 83 minutes, with Messi setting up one goal in sublime fashion and netting a penalty, they conceded twice late on and had to survive extra time before triumphing 4-3 in a shoot-out.

Backed by an enormous contin-

gent of travelling supporters who have brought the passion, noise and colour of Argentina's own stadiums to this World Cup, Messi and his teammates are starting to believe this really could be their year.

"We have balls, passion, heart and we are doing this for 45 million people," said goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, and Argentina's optimism now has only increased after seeing

Modric and Croatia stand between Messi and World Cup final

great rivals Brazil go out in the last round.

Now aged 35, this has been billed as Messi's last chance to win a World Cup, eight years on from Argentina's defeat in the final to Germany in Rio de Janeiro.

He is determined to seize the chance and has already scored his first two goals in the knockout rounds of any World Cup, netting

against Australia in the last 16 before his penalty against the Dutch.

World Cup glory would complete a wonderful career for the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who is possibly the greatest club player ever.

After years of being unfulfilled at international level he inspired Argentina to victory at last year's Copa America, but he knows there

CWI lauds Sir Clive Lloyd on receipt of honorary doctorate from University of Guyana

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has congratulated Sir Clive Lloyd on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Guyana.

The legendary former West Indies captain received the honour for being an exemplar in the field of sport, management and leadership during the university’s graduation ceremony in Georgetown on Friday.

“We want to congratulate Sir Clive on this well-deserved honor bestowed on him by the University of Guyana,” said CWI President, Ricky Skerritt.

“Sir Clive’s leadership style brought unity and pride to his team. His vision and passion on the game and his respect and trust for his colleagues were the driving forces behind his immense success as he drove the West Indies to become a sporting dynasty. We celebrate with Sir Clive as he receives this valued award for his service to Guyana and West Indies cricket.”

Sir Clive Lloyd was captain of the West Indies team during a period of unprecedented dominance, which included winning the Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979.

He played 110 Test matches between 1966 and 1985, scoring 7,515 runs with 19 centuries. He also played 87 ODIs and made 1,977 runs with a best score of 102 in the 1975 World Cup final against Australia at Lord's.

Hooper says Windies’ latest loss another embarrassment, calls for changes at top

ADELAIDE, Australia, (CMC) –Expressing embarrassment at West Indies’ historic loss in the Test series against Australia and warning that the side’s decline in the longest format of the game could further worsen, former captain Carl Hooper has called for changes at the top.

Hooper, who captained West Indies in 22 Tests and played more than 100, said nothing else had worked to deliver results.

“Since 1993 we’ve struggled and certainly judging from the results, there’s no policies or systems that have been implemented that is changing the downwards course we’re on,” he told ABC Sport.

“We’ve changed captains, we’ve changed personnel, we’ve changed coaches — [it] hasn’t worked. So maybe let’s go a little bit higher and get people in these positions that can lead us in the right direction,” added Hooper who

scored more than 5,000 runs and took more than 100 wickets and 100 catches in both Tests and ODIs during his 16year career.

West Indies lost both matches in their two-match series against Australia – the second on Sunday by 419 runs at

Adelaide Oval. Not only was that their worst-ever Test defeat but their second innings total of 77 all out equalled their seventh-lowest total in the history of red ball cricket.

Despite the demoralising defeat, Hooper said it might not be the worst the Caribbean side will face.

“I don’t think we’ve hit rock bottom because every time I think we have, we keep going lower. It’s getting more and more embarrassing. I’m hurt today. I’ve never played in a West Indies side that has been bowled out for under 100. Just never,” the former allrounder said.

“I mean your personal pride means you go out and fight. We’re not fighting to qualify in major tournaments. How much lower can we go?”

The series further extended the Caribbean side’s three-decade run without a series win against Australia and their 19-year wait for a Test match victory.

Lionel Messi of Argentina (left) and Luka Modric of Croatia

Former West Indies Test captain Carl Hooper