Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14-04-2023

- President Ali, health officials engage representatives from Sinopharm International and Vikab Engineering Consultants

Plans progressing for six new regional hospitals

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Thursday met with representatives from Sinopharm International and Vikab Engineering Consultants— the companies contracted to construct six new regional hospitals across the country. During the meeting, President Ali was updated on the pace, progress and plans of the project. Last year, a contract was inked between the Government of Guyana and Sinopharm International for the construction of the hospitals in Little Diamond; No 75 Village; Enmore; De-Kindren; Bath Settlement and Ogle. Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy; Permanent Secretary, Malcolm Watkins and Director of Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma were also at the meeting. (Office of the President photo)

ExxonMobil’s Uaru project could get ‘green light’ soon

- environmental permit, production licence to be completed within weeks, VP Jagdeo says

THE environmental permit and production licence for ExxonMobil’s fifth project offshore Guyana, Uaru, will be completed within a few weeks’ time, VicePresident Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.

Dr. Jagdeo, during a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday, said that the review of the Uaru Project is practically

completed, both by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

“So, the Uaru Project, that is going through a final review with the Ministry [of Natural Resources] staff, and we expect the minister, within a short period, maybe a maximum of about two to three weeks, the field development plan would be completed.

“The EPA also has its permit, and I gather that is near completion. So, I think that within the same timeline, they should be ready for the Uaru; both the EPA permit and the licences for that project,” Dr. Jagdeo said in response to questions about the project.

Exxon Mobil’s fifth project at the Uaru-Mako Field, in the prolific Stabroek

Block offshore, is expected to be the largest yet in Guyana, with a proposed development cost of US$12.7 billion (G$2.6 trillion), according to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) compiled by Acorn International.

Preceding projects in the Stabroek Block are the Liza I, Liza II, Payara, and Yellowtail developments. The Uaru-Mako Field is estimated to hold over 1.3 billion barrels of oil, and could produce as much as 263,000 barrels per day. Overall, the Stabroek Block has an estimated 11 billion barrels of oil.

The Uaru-Mako development project would be a sizeable investment in Guyana that will see approximately 38-63 development wells, installation and operation of sub-sea umbilicals, risers, and flowlines (SURF) equipment;

installation and operation of a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel; and eventually, project decommissioning.

Exxon’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has already indicated plans to quickly move forward with the development of the project, once the necessary permits and licences are granted.

First oil for the Uaru-Mako Project is targetted for the end of 2026.

At peak, EEPGL will utilise approximately 1,200 personnel offshore during the stage where the wells are being drilled, and the offshore oil production facilities are being installed. This number, the company said, will decrease to less than 200 personnel during the production phase.

The Uaru Project is the fifth project in the Stabroek Block

APNU’s approach to LGEs a smokescreen for lack of concrete game plan

AS the main political opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), continues to uphold a need for secrecy on their plans surrounding the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) and other related issues, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has described the party’s approach as a smokescreen to distract from a lack of any concrete game plan.

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, on Thursday, had veiled responses about his party’s plans pertaining to the upcoming elections and concerns related to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Norton accused the media of asking questions at the press conference held by him, as an attempt to extract classified information on the party’s techniques in order

to aid the governing party.

According to Norton: “We are going to take whatever decisions we need and act on them, but at this stage we are not prepared to say to you what it is that we will do. If you observe what is happening an attempt is being made to use the press conferences to get an idea as to where the opposition is going so that the government could act.”

However, at a subsequent press conference, also held on Thursday, the VicePresident rubbished Norton’s claims as a distraction from the party’s attempts to hinder the hosting of the imminent LGEs.

“He makes it look like there’s some very big cerebral process going on here and it is complex. And it is shrouded in mystery. Its pure nonsense. Don’t let that, the gravity of a storm, a contrived one, fool you. It

is very hollow within. This is a simple matter, they don’t want Local Government Elections,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He went on to say: “Norton says, oh, I don’t want to let my strategy out in the public. I don’t know what strategy you would have with Local Government Elections, you got to go out and campaign and ask people for their votes and either you’re contesting or not.

“Simple question, what kind of big tactical thinking you have to put into that? Are you contesting or not? Yes, or no. And if you’re contesting, you have to go and ask people for their vote and you have to say what you going to do for them or what you’ve done for them, you have to convince them and then try to bring them out to vote.”

June 12 has been set for LGEs, during which residents across the various lo-

- VP Jagdeo says

the long run.

cal government organs will take to the polls to decide on the members to sit on the councils of the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and municipalities.

Even as preparations for the elections continue to move apace, the PNC/R has been maintaining cryptic responses on its participation at the upcoming polls.

With Nominations Day set for next Monday, parties and independents who plan

to participate in the elections have only days remaining to declare their candidates for the contested seats.

As General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr. Jagdeo had already noted weeks ago that his party plans to contest in all 80 of the Local Authority Areas (LAA).

He opined that Norton’s continued vacillating position on APNU’s participation will harm the party in

“He could be very straight with the country and say yes we’re contesting or we’re not. Who would want to even vote for a party that can’t still make up their minds up to now, less than one week away from Nomination Day, which is next Monday. Who wants to vote for a party like that? It’s not behaviour reflective of a major opposition party,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

In his view, the APNU is instead banking on hopes of blocking the plans to move forward with the elections.

“I have no doubts about this, they’re still trying to block the Local Government Elections. They have a court case and they’re hoping somehow that they get a ruling in your favour that will stop the Local Government Elections,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

All systems in place for Nomination Day - GECOM PRO confirms

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is set and ready for Nomination Day on Monday, with all the necessary systems in place to receive lists of candidates for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

This was according to GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle, on Thursday.

According to Ward, some 80 offices have been established for GECOM officers.

On Nomination Day, political parties, voluntary groups and individual candidates contesting in the elections, will be required to submit their list of candidates to the office of the returning officer in their respective local authority areas in which they wish to contest.

Those persons could submit those lists between 10:00 hours and 14:00 hours in the

various local authority areas they are contesting.

Ward said: “For example, if you’re contesting in the municipality of Georgetown, you cannot go to the municipality of Linden for example to submit your list

of candidates, you have to submit your list of candidates in the municipality or neighbourhood democratic council where you are contesting.”

Additionally, she said that all of the systems are set to receive those lists of candi-

dates on Monday.

After Nomination Day, the Public Relations Officer said that there are a series of statutory things that will be done which includes the examination of the lists of candidates to ensure that they all meet the set criteria according to the law.

However, she added that it is not a case where persons will be automatically disqualified if they don’t satisfy the criteria.

Persons will be given a timeframe to correct any defects that their list might have and resubmit it to the office of the returning officer.

She said: “In the end of it all, once all of the lists reach the required and stipulated criteria, those persons will receive notices of their approved list of candidates and so we will move to officially gazette those lists of candidates for publication.”

Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Woman gets bail for threatening to assassinate president, fined for racial remarks

ZALENA Ali called ‘Kim’, was, on Thursday, arraigned in court for attempting to incite racial and ethnic disunity in Guyana and threatening to assassinate President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Ali, 59 of Block ‘Y’ Golden Grove East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court for attempting to excite hostility on the grounds of race and threatening behaviour.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that Ali

on April 8, at Diamond Market Tarmac, made use of threatening language towards the President. She pleaded not guilty to this charge and was released on $25,000 bail.

It is further alleged that on the same date and location, Ali attempted to excite hostility or ill-will towards Raynard Sobers. Ali pleaded guilty and was fined $75,000. The matter was adjourned until May 18, 2023.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that ‘Kim’ used racial slurs

and made derogatory remarks against Sobers, who videoed the purported threats.

The video has attracted a lot of attention on social media, with over 2,000 views on Tik Tok alone.

In the video, ‘Kim’ said: “The President needs to be assassinated.” This incident had sparked conversations, and many have spoken out against her actions, noting that it is unacceptable and cannot be condoned.

This is not the first time such threats have been made.

In June 2022, amidst protest actions calling for justice for Quindon Bacchus who was purportedly killed by a police officer, one of the protestors was filmed threatening to harm the President.

Further, in December 2022, a Nigerian national stormed State House, which is the official residence of the President and his family, and attempted to murder a Presidential Guard, while discharging a loaded firearm during the brazen attack.

Bethel Ikena Chimezie is currently on remand for the crime.

Zalena Ali called ‘Kim’

GTT offers free fibre service to Hope Children’s Home

important role to play in that. It opens the door to many new opportunities, opportunities we are committed to ensuring that you have” the COO told the children during his remarks.

He added that more than 50 per cent of homes in the country now have access to GTT’s fibre service as the company continues to reliably

connect its customers.

Administrator of the institution, Kamal Samichand, said that the facility, which is managed by the Church of Christ, was established in 2001 and currently houses 24 children.

She expressed her appreciation to GTT for the donation that will keep the children reliably connected to the internet,

and said that it will have a positive impact on their education.

“Many of the children currently share tablets to do their research. The computer and printer are really going to help them with their assignments and we are thankful to GTT for that and all the other supplies that we received,” Samichand said.

Chief Operations Officer (COO) of GTT’s Home Solutions & Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin, recently donated one year of free fibre service, a desktop computer, printer, stationery and personal care items to the Hope Children’s Home in Enmore, East Coast Demerara

CHIEF Operations Officer (COO) of GTT’s Home Solutions & Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin, recently donated one year of free fibre service, a desktop computer, printer, stationery and personal care items to the Hope Children’s Home in Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

According to GTT, the

contribution came as a token to the community of Enmore after GTT completed its second phase of fibre roll-out in the area to benefit hundreds of households.

During a simple handing over ceremony at the home, Thakurdin encouraged the children to continue to put their

best foot forward.

He said that the internet is an integral part of youth development in the 21st century, and that GTT is doing its utmost to ensure that more communities have access to a reliable and modern internet solution.

“We are committed to building stronger communities and the internet has a very

How much is enough?

THE question of how much is enough has been asked time and again, often in relation to the insatiable appetite of those who already have most and always want, even thirst for, more.

Be it money, property, or fame, some just can’t ever have enough after becoming addicted to the powers they bring, investing in fastest rates-of-return on investments in whatever field, legal or illegal, because in their lives, the maxim is ‘The more the merrier!’

Of late, there have been questions on matters closer to heart and home, this time having to do with money and compromises, new or changed positions, all relating to estimating the inestimable.

Be it about environmental and developmental clashes and contradictions, religious, socio-political or philosophical/ ideological positions, compromises have always been in short supply for some – and same with CARICOM’s 2013 call for reparations from the UK and Europe for Slavery and Native Genocide, which has got to the stage of ‘talking money…’

King Charles says he’s ready to translate his mother’s

expressions of royal sorrow over slavery into elements sounding or looking like elements of apology and atonement.

But many of the initial responses from friends and colleagues on both sides of The Atlantic and in the US, has been to find words to also say it’s ‘not enough’, with suggestions he should instead ‘Apologise to us’, to ‘instruct the UK Government to fall in line…’ to ‘Tell Downing Street to not only apologise, but also join the Royal Family to paying us…’

Fortunately, it would seem more have welcomed than thrown cold water on Charles’ words, but such situations can (and do most times) end-up in consequential stalemates that could have been avoided, with preparedness to listen more and talk less, to give-and-take and not just wanting to take all, or insisting on all or nothing!

Even British entities are saying what Charles has said was ‘not enough...’

The owners of The Guardian newspaper, for example, recently published a document proving royal slavery connections and called on

Buckingham Palace to dig-up and publicly share information about royal enslavement.

But King Charles would reveal that six months earlier he’d started doing just that by commissioning the research since last October; and said was not only willing to go where the findings sent him, but also to consider reparations.

But the king was not the first to be rebuffed that way this year…

A veteran US-based BBC journalist and international news presenter of UK origin, who traced her family’s involvement in slavery in the Caribbean, quit her job in February after 30 long years becoming a reparations ambassador between the UK and the Caribbean, also dedicating her entire pension earnings to opening a reparations account in her family’s name in Grenada, where the family owned over 1,000 slaves -- but here too, there were (and still are) those who’ve said it’s ‘not enough…’

An Irish entrepreneur who built a 20th Century fortune in the Caribbean says he’s ready to dip into his deep pockets

to help repair the generational damage done by UK enslavers in the region -- but here again, some feel that’s ‘not enough…’

Pope Francis announced, ahead of Easter 2023 observances that the Vatican had rescinded the “Doctrine of Discovery” used by European states to justify genocide and territorial conquest in the name of God, but here too, some said The Vatican hadn’t gone ‘far enough...’

Same with the Apology for Slavery by The Netherlands last December, in which the Prime Minister indicated an intent to compensate Surinam – no sum has been mentioned, but critics have already said it’s ‘not enough…’

Examples abound, but more aren’t needed to say that agitators, advocates and strong proponents for change need to re-examine approaches to such incremental, even unwilling adjustments by leaders and political directorates, often under pressure, that may offer an inch of compromise, only to be rejected with demands for a mile -- not even 100 yards.

Politicians in elected governments, often torn between right and left or right and wing,

most-often keep their eyes on the next general elections and settle for the lowest denominator in the offers they make.

Like in any negotiation, the hope is always that the initial offer is accepted, but those offering also always expect fightback, especially where the opposition -- be they parties or trade unions – are divided.

Advocates will always be contacted for comment when newsworthy statements are made, but initial automatic kneejerk responses without waiting for details can be more harmful than helpful, as engagement always trumps disengagement.

Take the difference between an ‘apology’ and expressions of ‘sorrow’ and/or ‘regret’: Reparations advocates demand the former, but European governments of nations that built empires off slavery (with eyes always on elections) prefer the latter, mindful of legal interpretation as admissions of guilt (as if they aren’t guilty).

However, time and history are always on the side of those who support CARICOM’s historic and unprecedented call on the UK and European

governments that built empires on slavery to apologise, amend and atone.

A decade ago, no one anywhere even dreamed that universities, companies, families and institutions linked to slavery would have been going heads-over-heels like now, to belatedly make admissions and amends.

However, these snowballing elements of surprise should not be met with automatic outdated responses based more on historical suspicion and mistrust than a will to discuss possibilities that always exist to turn challenges into opportunities.

Instead, it’s always better determine how much (of anything) is enough; and if nothing is -- as many feel about a quantum figure for reparations for Slavery and Native Genocide -- the word should be avoided, with more emphasis on thinking and talking about what is possible now, to advance the process and keep it going forward.

Like the fight against climate change and the global struggle for racial equity and justice, every drop counts and every action adds.

Hinds and Co. embracing the dangerous doctrine of political division, confrontation in our multiracial country

Dear Editor,

MR. David Hinds, to his credit, has come out from hiding behind his desk at Arizona State University and his Online radio programme, Politics 101, protected by his US citizenship, to respond in the Kaieteur News of Monday, April 10, 2023, to my letter of April 4, 2023.

In that letter, I questioned Ogunseye’s freedom to importune our Security Forces to join in an attempt to overthrow our duly elected government. Mr. Hinds now seeks to claim that Ogunseye “never uttered those words”, and that this is my interpretation of what he said.

I have taken the trouble to listen to every word of Ogunseye’s speech at Buxton, recorded and played on KAMS TV on March 9, 2023. First, Ogunseye dedicates the major part of his speech

to pursuing a false narrative of exploitation of African Guyanese by an Indian-led government, campaigning solely on the basis of race and racial division in a multiracial country.

He accuses, for instance, without a shred of evidence, the PPP government in the past of “executing Africans, using the Police Force, and then the Phantom Force”. His entire speech is devoted, not to building and developing a united multi-racial country, but rather one of division between Guyanese of African descent and the rest of the population.

“Our first objective is to get the African community in a state of battle readiness; you cannot have freedom unless you fight for it… We come here tonight … to unite Buxton with the wider community of African people again, and prepare you for your coming battle, as there will be a battle”.

Ogunseye’s entire speech seeks to divide and pursue confrontation between African Guyanese and Indian Guyanese.

Here is a sample: “Come hell or high water, the African people of this country; the children of Cuffy and Accra who have liberated this country from the swamps, who have built every important structure in the country, who have built the roads and the plantations before any indentured workers arrived in Guyana”.

He goes on: “And today, those who come after us and their leadership ‘is’ seeking to build a system of political domination, which is intended to keep Africans at the bottom of the social ladder.”

So, I say to Mr. David Hinds, is he, too, not embracing this language of racial division, racial resentment and, ultimately, race hate?

According to Mr. Hinds, I

have misinterpreted Ogunseye’s Buxton call as an attempt “to overthrow the government”. Hinds argues that Ogunseye “never uttered those words”. Really? Verbatim, this is what Ogunseye had to say:

“Today, Guyana has become a hostile place for African and African people. Time is not on our side; we are asking our African brothers and sisters to rise up and get our share of the oil wealth. We cannot wait on the election cycle to address this matter. Sometimes people tell me the struggle to remove the PPP would be hard and long; I don’t necessarily agree with that, because, sisters and brothers, at the end of the day, no government can survive if they don’t have the support of the military, and those who carry weapons for the State. And the PPP is in a funny situation.

“The reality is that the Army and the Police are the majority

African Guyanese. And, sisters and brothers, once we organise our people, and once we begin to fight, we will ensure that our brothers and sisters in uniform will do the right thing. And the matter will be over in days; not weeks”.

The WPA leader goes on to advise his followers, “Fortunately for Guyana, you can almost count them on the fingers of one hand, that the “Local Government Elections are not an opportunity to start a resistance… Instead of mobilising to participate in elections on election day, we mobilise, instead, to turn whatever is the day to a day of national resistance and African uprising”.

And then the closing message from Ogunseye: “We come to tell you that our brothers and sisters in uniform would do the right thing, and this thing will be over quickly.”

What, might I ask, Mr. Hinds,

is Ogunseye advocating, if not, as I have said: “That our Security Forces turn their guns against a duly elected government to support a mass uprising to overthrow the government?”

Mr. Hinds has a penchant for quoting my uncle Peter D’Aguiar’s dictum that the role of an opposition is “to oppose, expose and depose the government”.

He made those remarks in Parliament to describe the opposition’s job in Parliament, and not, as Ogunseye and, it appears, Hinds advocate in the streets with the support of the Security Forces.

As for Mr. Hinds’ buy local explanation to explain away his unvarnished condemnation of Guyanese Africans for buying products produced and sold by Guyanese Indians, it’s laughable, if not pitiable.

Mr. Hinds’ response to me,

Congratulations to Professor Mark Kirton

Dear Editor,

I READ with interest the launch of Professor Kirton’s most recent publication, ti-

tled, “Building bridges in the Amazon-Guyana Brazil Relations into the 21st Century”.

The professor argues that Guyana should consider “ne-

gotiating with Brazil for an oil block, as a country, especially in the changing geopolitical and geo-economic landscape in which we find ourselves.”

No definition of grassroots fits Red Thread

Dear Editor,

ALLOW me to respond to Red Thread’s opinion piece, “Mr. Persaud should understand that the term grassroots is not restricted to his limited interpretation”, published on April 7, 2023. The letter, signed by Wintress White, Halima Khan, Joy Marcus, Shirley Ault, Susan Collymore, Vanessa Ross, Maeve Ramsay, Jonel Perreira, and Michelle

John, is further confirmation that Red Thread is a rudderless outfit, excepting for its commitments to the wild ambitions of the WPA.

In its response to my original critique of Red Thread’s conspicuous political biases, the signatories to “Mr. Persaud should understand…” boldly declared that one of

their fundamental principles is that they stand against “all forms of violence”.

I read this entry and framing of it a few times to make sure I have it right. You may recall I specifically critiqued Red Thread for remaining silent on Tacuma Ogunseye’s racially-motivated call for the violent overthrow of the democratically-elected government of this country.

And here they are now, with the most blatant, brazen, and barefaced claim that they are against “all forms of violence”.

Editor, what is equally troubling about this little bourgeois group is concealment of their association with the WPA and other regressive social forces in Guyana.

They embrace a particularly sinister kind of cultural

nationalism; one that is in sync with the central tenets of Ogunseye’s warped idea of what would constitute a just political economy.

Let me repeat what I argued in the first instance. The original letter signed by the nine persons above, was a call for protesters. Red Thread’s declared purpose in that letter was to schedule protests at the Office of the President.

The use of the label, “grassroots”, was the usual ploy employed to cover up the decidedly political commitments of this overwhelmingly urban group with a long history of antiPPP/C activities. No definition of grassroots fits Red Thread.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Randolph Persaud

Hinds and Co. embracing the...

FROM PAGE 6

also, carefully avoids an explanation for having labelled the Indian Guyanese members of the PNC “traitors” and “slave catchers”, for criticising Ogunseye’s radical rant, which Mr. Hinds, unbelievably, describes as advocacy “for racial pride, self-love, selfreliance, dignity and equality”.

Mr. Hinds, of course, omits entirely to explain the fact that he was a candidate of the APNU+AFC government, which was actively involved, for many months, in refusing to recognise the results of a free and fair election, and attempting to rig the ballot count in order to illegally remain in government.

In his two-hour rant against me on his Politics 101 radio programme from his desk in Arizona, to which I have already responded, Hinds complains that I describe him and his colleague in New York, Rickford Burke, as dangerous men.

I did so, and do so, as I have already said, not because I believe them to be, in themselves, dangerous, but because they continue to embrace, espouse and defend the dangerous doctrine of political division and confrontation in our multi-racial country.

Hinds concludes his letter by setting out premises for banishing racism with four points: Comprehending its origins and

its consequences, being humanely anti-racist, and being willing to banish the social privileges which flow from, and accrued from racism and, finally, remove the obstacles to racial inequality and inequity.

I agree with him, and I ask him to look again, open his eyes, cast aside his inherited biases and join those who truly believe that we are one Guyana, one nation and a people with one shared destiny.

Particularly, the professor contends that “Brazil could serve to counter-balance any aggressive intent in the immediate regional neighbourhood, and serve as an important player in the stability of the new sector.”

Indeed, I concur with Prof. Kirton’s argument, and wish to commend him for his academic work, through his latest publication.

That aside, I rather suspect that it is precisely for this reason; the geopolitical risk surrounding the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, that is, that the Guyana Government has shrewdly adopted a policy stance to reserve a few of the oil blocks to explore country-

to-country partnerships.

While I do agree that Brazil should be the preferred option for such a partnership, and for obvious reasons, if this doesn’t work out, I am of the view that India, Nigeria, or the United Kingdom would be the strategic alternative options for Guyana.

This is the kind of discourse that we need to have more of at the national level, which is deeply lacking in our society. There are a few notable persons who contribute to the national policy discussions and debate in a meaningful and scholarly manner, and who are often drowned out in the mainstream media by the noise-makers.

I wish to acknowledge, for

instance, Dr. Terrence Blackman, who is an Associate Professor of Mathematics in the Diaspora. Dr. Blackman consistently facilitates a weekly policy discussion forum on topical issues in Guyana, but, unfortunately, the mainstream media does not publish his work.

Nonetheless, let me once again extend my commendations to both Professor Kirton and the likes of Professor Blackman for their scholarly contributions to the public discourse in Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Joel

Bhagwandin Public Policy and Financial Analyst

Jeffries under fire for unearthed college editorial defending anti-semite uncle

UNITED STATES of America (USA) Democrat leader, Hakeem Jeffries, is currently making headlines for defending his antisemite uncle who accused Jews of aiding the slave trade and conspiring against Af-

ro-Americans in Hollywood.

According to CNN, the 1992 editorial under the headline: “The Back Conservative Phenomenon,” Jeffries defended his uncle who was accused of being an antisemite for claiming that

Jews helped finance the slave trade and were involved in a plot to keep Black actors out of Hollywood.

The editorial has sparked controversy as many believe it is inappropriate for a public figure to defend some-

one who holds such views.

Some are also questioning Jeffries’ own views on the matter and whether he may hold similar beliefs. This controversy highlights the complexities and sensitivities surrounding issues of race and religion, and the importance of public figures being careful with their words and associations.

Jeffries was quick to issue a statement denouncing his uncle’s views and distancing himself from the controversial views.

His Spokesperson, Christina Stephenson, in a comment said: “Leader Jeffries has consistently been clear that he does not share the controversial views espoused by his uncle over thirty years ago.”

However, some are calling for stronger action, such as Jeffries apologising for the editorial or even resigning from his position as Democratic leader.

Others are defending Jeffries, pointing out that the editorial was written when he was in college and that people’s views can change over time.

This controversy comes at a time of heightened awareness around issues of race

and discrimination in the United States, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that swept the country following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

It also highlights the importance of understanding and confronting anti-semitism, which has been on the rise in recent years.

Last year, Jeffries was called out by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali after he failed to respond to an invitation to meet with him during his visit to Washington DC.

The President had said that Jeffries, who represents parts of Brooklyn and Queens, appears to have close relations with New York-based Guyanese Rickford Burke who has persistently accused

the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration of racial discrimination against Afro Guyanese, despite no evidence.

The government has repeatedly rubbished those claims.

“Let me be clear on this. This President asked the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Ambassador Hinds [Guyana’s ambassador to the US) to write him [Congressman Jeffries] inviting him to a meeting.”

Jeffries however, according to the President, never replied to the invitation.

“He has not responded to the ambassador’s invitation. Ask yourself why? If you have all these concerns why you haven’t attended a meeting, you were invited to?” the President questioned.

“Stop playing politics with the future of a country. This President will not allow it. I will speak about it and in stronger terms I’ll speak about it,” he said.

Other Congressional members had lauded the President for his visionary leadership. During his visit to the US, the President was bestowed with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Ann’s Grove man denies killing ex-soldier

A MIXED 12-member jury was, on Thursday, empanelled before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court for the trial of Rawle Munroe, who is accused of fatally stabbing an ex-soldier in 2018.

Munroe of Two Friends, Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the indictment which alleged that, on May 26, 2018, at Beterverwagting ECD, he murdered Edward Bev -

Rawle Munroe

aney.

He is being represented by attorney-atlaw Teriq Mohammed, while the State is rep-

A total of eight witnesses are expected to testify during the trial.

According to reports, Munroe and Bevaney were involved in a fight over a bicycle. Both men attacked each other but, in the end, Bevaney was killed.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Munroe died as a result of perforation of the lungs due to multiple stab wounds.

resented by Prosecutor Taneisha Saygon.

USA Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries

Guyana secures Latin America, Caribbean’s support for spot on UN Security Council

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd, on Wednesday, met with Permanent Representatives of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean States (GRULAC) at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

According to a press release, the minister took the opportunity to present to the group Guyana’s candidature for a non-per-

manent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term and to outline Guyana’s vision and priorities once

successful.

Minister Todd also expressed Guyana’s appreciation to the Permanent Representatives for their

respective governments’ support of Guyana’s candidacy. The election is scheduled to be held on June 6, 2023 in New

York.

During his presentation, Minister Todd underscored the fact that the Latin America and Carib-

bean family have made significant contributions to international peace and security, including through the establishment of the region as a zone of peace.

Additionally, countries from the region, big and small, that have served and are currently serving on the council, have proven that the region punches above its weight in this regard.

Minister Todd identi-

TURN TO PAGE 11

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd, on Wednesday, met with Permanent Representatives of the Group of Latin America and Caribbean States (GRULAC) at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York

Couple builds thriving agroprocessing business after being discouraged by spoilage

By Cassandra Khan

FACING the challenges that came with farming, such as not having enough market, a couple, Oscar Richmond and Michellina Richmond ventured into agro-processing, initially as a means of reducing spoilage.

soon helped them to begin manufacturing the products that they produce so well today.

“My wife was taking part in the agro-processing training at the GSA, where she got training in packaging and so on…that basically helped us to start packaging and manufacturing on the farm,” he said.

“People from far are benefitting from what I have started, so I feel very happy and proud to know that I am contributing and helping a lot,” Oscar said.

The couple, in 2016, opened their business, Green Diamond Foods, which now supplies local and foreign supermarkets with teas and other products.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, 39-year-old Oscar related that the decision to seek out another form of income, began because their crops were not making it on the market and the market value was not satisfactory for them.

Faced with the dilemma of having lush fields but limited markets, the couple decided that it was time to look at a venture that would reduce their loss of income.

Oscar said his wife joined an agro-processing training programme at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), which

Oscar related that they began to produce plantain flour at first because they had this abundantly with no market.

“So, we start basically grinding the plantain with hand mills because it didn’t have any motorised mill at that time,” he said.

From this, they went on to produce carambola fruit mix, lemon grass tea, capadulla tea, and ginger tea as well as cassava cassareep and cassava biscuit.

Oscar said that he is proud of himself and his wife, as they have achieved a lot since they began agro-processing.

He related that other businesses in Guyana are benefitting from his business as well, because they source some things from them, such as eddoes from Linden.

Additionally, he related that the government supports their work and works with them to address drainage issues, among other things.

Despite the challenge of marketing their products because of the many players in the field, he said that their products are some of the cheapest and have the best quality.

Currently, Green Diamond Food employs persons part-time, but as they expand shortly, they expect to hire persons to work full-time.

On a mission to expand internationally, some of their products are currently being sold in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and St. Martin.

There are more products on the cards for manufacturing but for now, they intend to continue with their current products and seek out a wider market.

Oscar Richmond (right) and Michellina Richmond (left) at the launch of Agro fest 2022

Some of the products of Green Diamond Foods

Lift 3’ to feature over 200 women entrepreneurs

By Cindy Parkinson

OVER 200 womenowned businesses will be on display this Saturday, when the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security opens its third Women Empowering, Leading, Innovative, and Flourishing Together (We Lift 3) exhibition at the MovieTowne parking lot.

The two-day exhibi -

exhibition, but because of the huge success from the two previous years, they have outgrown the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and opted for the MovieTowne parking lot so that they could accommodate more businesses as well as shoppers and onlookers.

Minister Persaud said: “We are expecting 200 plus women to be here, and they are showcasing their diverse busi-

The minister related that she has always championed women’s independence for as long as she can remember, but according to her, the tagline of everything that she has done since being the Minister of Human Services is moving women from a state of dependence to one of independence.

“Independence can be from a financial standpoint to a personal state of

“So, I believe that women have taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the Government of Guy -

ana and this ministry in particular in that all our training programmes are free, they are accessible to high-

income individuals, and there is no prerequisite to entering,” Dr. Persaud said.

tion will commence at 11:00 hours and run until 18:30 hours on Saturday and Sunday.

The aim of this initiative is to discover, support, and give the hundreds of women who will be showcasing their unique businesses and talents, the opportunity to be seen on the local and international stage.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, in an invited comment, said that “We Lift” is one of the largest exhibitions in the country and it focuses primarily on women.

She said that this will be the third year for the

nesses, from food to services. In between those fashionable accessories, and everything else that you can think of, it will be here this weekend.

“We will be making some very exciting announcements that will be coming out of my ministry. We are also creating new opportunities and delivering new areas of expertise to the Guyanese public, one of which also complements our service.”

She went on to say that admission is free on both days, and she encouraged everyone to come out and support, and motivate women from across Guyana.

independence because it varies, but I want women to realise that nothing is impossible, and the support is forthcoming from my ministry. We started this momentum with the first ‘We Lift’ two years ago, and that was driven by the WIN Programme which six thousand plus women accessed in two years, and that is not something that should ever be underemphasised,” Dr. Persaud said.

That is because it also contributed to moving Guyana up 18 spots on the index, which speaks to the narrowing of the gender gap from the World Economic Forum report.

Guyana secures Latin...

FROM PAGE 9

fied several priority areas that would engage Guyana’s attention as a non-permanent member of the Security Council including climate change, food insecurity and conflict; children in armed conflict; youth, peace and security; women, peace and security and; peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

Thanking the members of GRULAC that offered to share their experiences on the Coun -

cil, the minister said that Guyana’s term will not be a national flag waving moment but a continuity of GRULAC’s contribution to peace and security.

He emphasised the primacy of the United Nations Charter and the importance of multilateralism in safeguarding the independence and security of states, especially for small states like Guyana.

The GRULAC is allocated two of the 10 nonpermanent seats on the Council, currently held

by Brazil and Ecuador. Guyana submitted its candidacy to GRULAC in 2011 and is the region’s sole candidate for the one vacant seat. It has received the confirmed support of all 32 members of GRULAC.

Minister Todd’s remarks were well received by the GRULAC Group and Member States concurred that Guyana’s successful bid will contribute to the continued success of GRULAC as a whole.

We Lift 3 this weekend at MovieTowne’s parking lot

Close to 2,000 CT scans being done by GPHC monthly

SOME 2,000 Computed Tomography (CT) scans are being conducted monthly at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This is a drastic increase from the mere hundreds that were previously conducted, according to Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, during his recent appearance on the televised programme, “The Guyana Dialogue.”

“Up to last year, we were doing a couple of hundred CT scans per month. We are now doing close to 2,000 CTs per month at the GPHC,” he said.

The increase comes after the government implemented a policy last November, which saw all CT scans at the facility being conducted at no cost to the patient and admin-

istered based on the urgency of the issue.

The monumental move by the government was met with praise, with multiple patients stating that the removal of

the fee would greatly assist in lifting the financial burden of healthcare.

Before November 2022, the cost of a CT scan ranged from around $15,000 to over $50,000 in some instances.

The government’s intervention assisted in removing

financial constraints as well as expedited the treatment and care of patients, as there was no delay for patients who face difficulty in covering the cost of their CT scans.

The Government of Guyana is currently working to modernise and transform the

health sector.

A slew of new measures that are being implemented will see every person in Guyana receiving access to high-quality and affordable healthcare over the next few years.

Datadin highlights APNU’s horrid record of mishandling the City’s coffers

“A City controlled by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) or any of its offspring— even at the level of local government—will always be stymied. That would

be the case despite the best efforts of the Central Government.”

This is the firm opinion held by Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member, Sanjeev Datadin. During

a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Datadin highlighted the continued uncertainty surrounding the participation of “PNCR, APNU, APNU+AFC or whatever they choose to

call themselves tomorrow,” in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

He said that it is of little consequence whether that party participates because,

“speaking frankly, their supporters deserve much better than what is being given in their strongholds.”

Datadin noted the inability of PNCR/APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) to manage finances in keeping with the law.

In this regard, the prominent attorney pointed to the most recent report of the PAC, which states that the committee was concerned about the expenditure for the Georgetown Restoration Programme, valued at $300 million. For that programme, no documents were presented for verification.

Datadin described the Georgetown Restoration Programme as another sham. He said that it was a naked attempt to trick the people of Georgetown with grand plans of development. “What was the reality, they wasted money and cannot account for it.”

He continued: “If you look at the report, it says that the committee acknowledged ‘a systemic problem with payment vouchers at the M&CC (Mayor and City Council).’

I am not condescending here, but I want to stress the PAC’s use of the word ‘systemic’; it means that this problem prevails at M&CC as a whole. The problem was not considered by the PAC to be unique to the Georgetown Restoration Programme.”

Datadin recalled that there were some 167 instances where payment vouchers were cashed without the authorised officer’s certification and pointed as well to the 140 payment vouchers that did not have the City Treasurer’s approval.

The Member of Parliament (MP) pointed out that the M&CC also failed to submit documents required by the Audit Office, which is a violation of the law.

He said that voters ought to note that this issue

was ventilated before the PAC since 2018 and recommendations were made. Yet still today, the problem with proper documentation prevails at City Hall.

In this regard, Datadin pointed to the most recent Auditor General’s Report, in which the Auditor General highlighted the Mayor and City Council’s continued inability to provide documentation.

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma said that back in November 2017, the APNU+AFC Cabinet gave its approval for a grant of $475.635 million to be disbursed to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council through the Ministry of Communities.

The money was disbursed, but the City Council has been unable to provide the necessary documents to prove how it spent the sum.

The Auditor General reported that his office was still unable to verify the completeness, accuracy and validity of amounts totaling $374.545 million.

Datadin said that PNC/R has proven a burden to the people of Georgetown, noting:

“They cannot manage money, they cannot account properly for even that which was spent, the city is always dirty and due maintenance is hardly done. Whether they contest or not, it is time PNC/R’s grip on Georgetown be removed.”

He said that the people of Georgetown must now be vigilant; they must demand accountability.

“It is time we move away from electing people who make empty promises. Look at the Irfaan Ali led PPP/C and how many of the manifesto promises have already been delivered and we are only halfway into the presidential term,” Datadin said.

A Star on the rise

17-year-old singer/songwriter to release first Reggae album

father at the tender age of 12 recently shared her journey of becoming a well-rounded artist with this week’s Buzz.

Further, with plans to release her very first album ‘‘Come on the Universe”, she hopes to capture the attention of many with her positive lyrics and unique voice.

“I was supposed to release it a while back but there was a bit of a setback so I’m still working on that and I will be releasing it very soon,” the teen said, adding:

“When I do music, I try to sing what I can relate to, my Jamaican background… it wasn’t the best but I tried to sing music pertaining to how I grew up and what I want my life to be like. I want it to be better than how it was before.”

While her sound gravitates towards the eccentric Reggae genre, Divine says that she is versatile and sings a mixture of ‘cross over music’.

“I do strictly positive music and there are a lot of people out there that love to hear clean music…not everyone likes, the vulgar music and negativity. So, I think I can inspire people with kind-

ness and a lot of people love listening to my music. I think that is one of the things that is different about me.”

While the teen has previously released other projects, she hopes that the album will garner her much more traction on a larger stage.

“I want to go places. I want everyone to know my music, hear my music and get inspiration from what I sing,” the young girl said.

She admitted however, that her journey was not without its challenges but she will continue to work towards bettering herself not only as an artist but also an individual.

She intends to further her studies in Business and advises young people like herself who wish to start a career in music, to believe in themselves.

“If you know you’re good enough, if you think to yourself that you’re good enough, don’t doubt yourself. You need to push and get yourself out there regardless of what people say; it is always about what you want… nobody can tell you that you can’t do it,” she said.

FROM pen to paper, layering lyrics over harmonies, 17-year-old Imeeka Divine is confident that she will be an artiste that will leave a ‘star’ impression on Guyana. The Jamaican born, who moved to Guyana with her

17-year-old Imeeka Divine

Guyana returns to Miss Universe stage

— Renowned pageant director, Teri Brown-Walker new franchise holder

FOLLOWING a five-year suspension, Guyana will return to the prestigious Miss Universe competition as a new licence holder was recently announced.

US-based talent acquisition leader and award-winning pageant director, Teri Brown-Walker, was revealed as the new director over the weekend.

Brown-Walker, has received many awards for her involvement with several pageant systems including Miss Earth USA and Miss United States. She has an extensive track record in mastering recruitment fundamentals.

Brown-Walker’s describes herself a leader who thrives on the energy required to drive, sustain and lead a successful recruitment team to exceptional results.

“My heart is filled with so much gratitude. I am pleased to announce my first season as the National Director for Miss Universe Guyana. Being a part of this organisation is a dream come true,” the new

director wrote in an Instagram post.

Guyana debuted at Miss Universe in 1956 before gaining independence as British Guiana with Rosalind Iva Joan Fung. Since then, Guyana competed a total of 22

Local Calypsonian Association gets new life after 20-year hiatus

By Telesha Ramnarine

CALYPSONIAN Lassell Duke, popularly known as ‘The Mighty Duke,’ has shared his take on what makes a ‘true’ calypsonian — an entertainer who is more than a singer or writer of Calypso music.

“You have Calypso writers and singers and you have the calypsonian that sees it in his own perspective, writes it and sings or performs it - that’s a calypsonian,” he said during a chat with Buzz.

Duke, a calypsonian for some 36 years now, was speaking in the context of a meeting that was held recently, during which an interim body was elected to manage the affairs of calypso and calypsonians until statutory protocols regarding the legality of the association are observed for duly appointed elections.

times.

The country had last participated in the competition in 2017 following a myriad of controversies with the previous franchise holder.

Ariana Grande calls for fans to stop body shaming

SINGING sensation, Ariana Grande, has called on fans to be “gentler and less comfortable” about remarking on her and other people’s bodies, after recent scrutiny of her appearance on social media.

In a TikTok video, she said she had a body that is “paid such close attention to”, so she wanted to address those concerns.

It comes after some users commented on her apparent recent weight loss.

Grande said they were “comparing my current body” to “the unhealthiest version of my body”.

The 29-year-old US star explained: “I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly and at the lowest point of my life when I looked the way you consider my healthiest, but that in fact wasn’t my healthiest.

“I know I shouldn’t have to explain that, but I do feel like maybe having an openness and some sort of vulnerability here will [mean] something good might come from it. I don’t know but that’s the first thing. Healthy can look different.”

She continued: “The second thing is, you never know what someone is going through. Even if you are coming from a loving place and a caring place, that person probably is working on it or has a support system that they are working on it with.

“You never know. So be gentle with each other and with yourselves.”

‘MANY DIFFERENT KINDS

U, Next, is also an actress and is set to star as Glinda Upland in the forthcoming Wicked film, based on the musical of the same name.

Stressing that “there are many different kinds of beautiful,” she suggested fans should avoid making even “well-intentioned” remarks about how “healthy, unhealthy, big, small, this, that, sexy, non-sexy” people may look.

“There are ways to compliment someone or to ignore something that you see that you don’t like; that I think we should help each other work towards,” she said, adding: “We should aim toward being safer, and keeping each other safer.”

She had previously opened up about her “anxiety” and mental health issues, especially following the Manchester Arena attack, when

While the Calypsonian Association has been inactive for the past 20 years or so, Duke is now the Vice President of the Steering Committee that has started the process of getting the body resuscitated.

Once an association is in

a suicide bomber killed 22 people after her concert in May 2017.

And she is not the only star to find her weight being widely discussed. Last month, Selena Gomez said there were reasons why someone’s body size and shape might change. In her case, lupus medication causes her to retain water.

“I just want people to know that you’re beautiful and you’re wonderful,” the 30-year-old singer and actress told her TikTok followers.

She said too: “And yeah we have days where maybe we feel like [rubbish] but I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself, and my medications are important and I believe they are what helps me. So, yeah, [I’m] not a model, never will be.”

On Tuesday, some social media users criticised the body-shaming culture that prompted the videos from Gomez and Grande.

“Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande shouldn’t have to go on a public platform to explain their weight gain/loss because of abhorrent criticism,” posted one, adding: “It’s nasty, cruel and unfair especially today.”

In 2021, singer Adele told Vogue she was “disappointed” with the “brutal conversations” about her weight loss.

Around the same time, a similarly slimmed-down Jonah Hill urged his followers to refrain from commenting about his appearance.

“I know you mean well but I kindly ask that you do not comment on my body good or bad,” wrote the actor. “I want to politely let you know it’s not helpful and doesn’t feel good.”

Duke has been a calypsonian since 1987

place, there are certain respected bargaining powers that will become available to those calypsonians who are still around, Duke pointed out. It will also make way for the younger generation to become fully informed about

the history and other information pertinent to artistes wanting to pursue calypso.

“Most of the calypsonians have left the country; only a few of us are left, so we are trying to resuscitate it so we can teach and have a [group] of people who know about calypso,” Duke shared, adding: “Calypso is not sometimes what you hear people sing at competitions; Calypso mainly is social commentary, but it also goes with specific details and it’s about how you put it over.”

Calypso, Duke said, has played an integral role in Guyana from the days of slavery to now. “It is really the background, or I could say, the ‘father of Caribbean music’ because all the music - from Reggae, everything came from calypso. It’s the first, and it’s what the Slaves in the Caribbean used to revolt against the Slave trade. Remember they were muzzled and couldn’t say certain things, but they used music to send messages and the like.”

Meanwhile, the persons chosen for the Interim committee

Continued on page 18

Teri Brown-Walker (PageantDirectorTerri@Instagram)

Ariana Grande (Getty Images)

A Natural Mystic: Bob Marley’s granddaughter releases ‘Energy’

FOLLOWING up on her debut in 2021, Mystic Marley released her new single “Energy” on March 31. The granddaughter of the late Reggae legend, Bob Marley and the daughter of Stephen Marley, she described her new track as an “energetic exchange, almost a form of currency”.

“How we connect or disconnect is through our energy. It’s sacred in that sense. This song is talking about the energy between a man and a woman, and she’s reminding him like yo, I dig you, but don’t (play) around because (I am watching you and I see what’s going on).”

Born in Miami, Marley told Sunday Express Kitcharee her father played a big part in her career choice.

“I’d say naturally if you grow up seeing your parents doing something, it’ll spark interest; or in some cases you’d do the complete opposite. My dad is such a force, and I’m constantly inspired by his work. I watch videos of him in the studio, when he was my age, and sometimes I have to text him like yo dad, you’re really a general in dis ting. Nobody cya touch you.”

“Daddy reminds me to stay tapped in and zone in on the craft. Work haffi put in.”

Although Marley didn’t get the chance to meet her famous grandfather, her father’s memories about Bob, and listening to his music, make her feel as though she did.

“We hear a lot about grandpa’s humility and at the same time, his militancy.”

Asked if she had a favourite song from his playlist, she said “I don’t like to pick favourites; every day is a new day. ‘One drop’, to start up the morning hours never steered me wrong.”

Growing up, Marley was no different to any young woman with another last name, she said.

“(There’s) probably more pressure just being a human being than a “Marley”.

“Life doesn’t miss anyone so we all go through our expe-

riences. Our family is massive; lots of siblings and cousins. It’s a joy. As far as pressure though, I think that would come in if you’re trying to replicate something that’s not you.”

“People’s ideas of how things should or shouldn’t look, because of their perception of ‘Marley’, is what’s exciting about my journey, because there’s not just one face nor side to anything.”

Marley, who called herself a nomad, because she spends time between Miami, Los Angeles and Jamaica, described her style of music as “rooted in the Caribbean heartbeat”.

“But it’s important for the music to travel; to collaborate with writers and producers who come from different backgrounds. I like to keep the box open, but no matter where we go, you’re going to hear Caribbean or African influence.”

When it comes to her songwriting, Marley said she believes in duality.

“I believe life is about experiencing the physical and being aware of the spiritual, therefore some songs will be very worldly and up to the times and culture,

and other times it’s all derived from an internal personal place.”

Currently, Marley said she is “all over the place” with the music she listens to.

“Most of the time it’s Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Alice Smith. I love distinct or odd voices. If I’m not listening to soul music, me a go inna some dutty dancehall, or like 2000s hip hop.”

Having already worked with her father Stephen, Marley said she’d one day love to collaborate with one of her famous uncles or aunts.

“Uncle D (Damian Jr Gong Marley) on a record; need I say more?

“I have very talented cousins and siblings so the teaming up nah no end.”

What’s next for this talented young woman?

“More Life. More music,” she told us.

“God willing I’m on tour soon and watching my thing grow. Me is a vibes girl yuh zimmi. I rather make the energy do the chattings.”

(Story and photo courtesy Trinidad Express)

Local Calypsonian...

From page 17

are Duke, Bonny Alves, Eze Baird, Kenroy Fraser, Roger Hinds, and Charmaine Blackman, with committee members being Dawn Edwards, Pearl Lewis and Lisa Bantan.

A statement from the Association following the meeting recently, referenced the inactivity of calypsonians throughout the year, and voiced their dissatisfaction of not having enough exposure during and after Mashramani.

“Of the many cultural programmes that are held, calypsonians are rarely invited to perform; even Monarchs have been left out,” the body lamented.

The Association also pointed out in the statement that calypso is not meant to be a partisan thing, even though the perception is that calypsonians are anti-government.

Duke has been a calypsonian since 1987.

In fact, it argued calypsonians sang against Forbes Burnham and his government, Desmond Hoyte and his government, David Granger and his government and even

Robert Corbin who was the Leader of the Opposition. Furthermore, they’ve also sang against Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, Juan Edghill, Clement Rohee and others.

Mystic Marley

Several artistes on board for ‘Genesis’ band launch

A LINEUP of riveting performers has already been announced to be part of “Genesis The Band’s” Independence Weekend, as part of the lead up to Cricket Carnival 2023.

Hits and Jams Entertainment, the parent company of Genesis The Band, is set to take over Independence weekend from May 25, 2023 to May 28, 2023 with one major event for each day.

On May 25, the most anticipated event for Soca lovers in Guyana, ‘Stingin Nettles,’ will make a return after the COVID-19-induced hiatus. This event since its advent some years

ago, has been headlined by international award-winning Soca sensation, Kes The Band.

Genesis is yet to officially announce that Kes will return this year to headline the concert, but there have been several hints in promotions via various social media outlets.

The weekend of events would continue with the themed ‘Stink X Dutty’ Festival of Jouverts, which is set to be two jouverts in one.

Meanwhile, one of the events which patrons called for a return of is the ‘Baderation’ stage show. This will be hosted on

May 27 and is listed as the ultimate concert for lovers of dancehall music.

Two artistes have already been announced as part of the lineup for this show: Rising dancehall star out of St Kitts & Nevis, Byron Messia and popular Jamaican star, Jada Kingdom.

Another act is expected to be added to the lineup for the Baderation concert and will be announced soon, leaving an element of suspense for fans of dancehall. The Genesis Independence weekend will then conclude with its Soca & Wine event on May 28.

Byron Messia (Instagram: @byron.messia)

Jada Kindgom (Instagram: @jadakingdom)

Kes during last year’s Stingin Nettles concert (Shamar Meusa photo)

Titans edge Kings after composed 67 from Shubman Gill

SHUBMAN Gill ’ s composed 67 helped Gujarat Titans to a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League on Thursday , but not before some late jitters.

The Titans looked to be strolling to a win before Gill fell in the final over, with Gujarat needing all but one ball of their 20 overs to reach the target of 154

Punjab ’ s innings got off to a poor start when Prabhsimran Singh was out for a second-ball duck after inadvertently lobbing Mohammed Shami to Rashid Khan, before captain Shikhar Dhawan was dismissed by Josh Little for just eight

Matt Short was going well on 36 from 24 balls before a superb delivery from Rashid bowled the Australian

Jitesh Sharma helped steady things with 25 from 23 before edging

Mohit Sharma to Wriddhiman Saha , but Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sam Curran played some riskfree cricket to make sure the Kings had some wickets in hand for the closing overs

Rajapaksa fell for 20 with three overs left, with Curran following soon after for 22, though a quickfire 22 from Shahrukh Khan helped them to a final total of 153-8

Saha and Gill put on an opening partnership of 48 inside the first five overs

before the former picked out Short at deep square leg off the bowling of Kagiso Rabada for 30

Sai Sudharsan added 19 before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh, while Hardik Pandya matched his fellow captain by also only managing eight runs before departing.

Gill was dramatically bowled by Curran in the final over as the Titans were left needing six from the final four balls , and then four from two, but Rahul Tewatia swept a four with the penultimate delivery to seal the win for Gujarat

Gill dethrones Kings again

It was a superb effort from Gill , who hit four fours and one six as his 67 from 49 balls took the Titans to victory

This was his fifth 50 against the Kings, his highest tally against any single opponent in the IPL, while no player has logged more scores of 50+ runs against Punjab than Gill since his IPL debut in 2018

Dhawan cannot find the power Shikhar Dhawan was unable to produce a much-needed captain’s innings for the Kings, trying to loft Little’s delivery over mid - on , but only finding the safe hands of Alzarri Joseph

He has been dismissed 85 times during powerplay overs in the IPL , the most of any player and at least 15 more times than any other in the competition’s history (Parthiv Patel second on 70).(Sportsmax)

Shubhman Gill hit a composed 67 for Gujarat Titans

Petra organisation teams up with Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc.

THE Petra Organisation has joined forces with Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc. (AMSI ), Located a Lot “ C ” Public Road Eccles East Bank Demerara , Georgetown, Guyana

AMSI has made a monetary donation to the Petra Organisation which made it possible to construct two (2) new goals to be used on the Ministry of Education Ground for our school’s

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday April 14, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) CSK

(2) MI Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the 2010 IPL final?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Tournament in IPL 2010?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

football tournaments. This gesture , along with others , has made it possible for us now to enjoy use of both the Ministry of Education

( MoE ) and the nearby National Insurance Scheme ( NIS ) grounds to host our programmes

In a release, the Petra organisation expressed

heartfelt thanks and appreciation to AMSI , all the other companies , supporters , and well-wishers, who made the completion of this

project possible. They also expressed special thanks to Brentnol Bourne, the designers and fabricator of the goals.

In photo, Mr, Lancelot Gordon, Operation’s Manager of AMSI, presents his company’s support to Petra’s representative, Mr Mark Alleyne

Bulls and Thunder stay in hunt for NBA play-offs

THE Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder remain in the hunt for a place in the NBA play - offs after winning their first play-in games on Wednesday

Zach LaVine hit a game-high 39 points as the Bulls came from 19 points down to win 109-105 at the Toronto Raptors

Josh Giddey had 31 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds as the Thunder won 123-118 at the New Orleans Pelicans

The Bulls and Thunder play again today for the chance to claim the final

play-off spot in each Conference Chicago, who had a 4042 record in the regular season, visit the Miami Heat (44-38), with the winners to face the Milwaukee Bucks, the Eastern Conference ’ s top seed, in the first round of the play-offs Oklahoma City ( 4042) travel to the Minnesota Timberwolves (42-40) for the right to take on the Denver Nuggets, the top seed in the Western Conference.

The Raptors, the 2019 champions , and the Pelicans are now eliminated

from play-off contention Toronto led by 19 in the third quarter but the Bulls did not relinquish the lead after going 96-93 up with just over five minutes remaining , with DeMar DeRozan finishing with 23 points

The Pelicans led by six at half - time but Oklahoma City ’ s Shai Gilgeous - Alexander scored 25 of his gamehigh 32 points in the second half and Gilgeous-Alexander ’ s basket with 28.3 seconds left gave them the game - winning lead. (BBC Sport)

National Under-15 fast bowler benefits from Project ‘Cricket Gear’

CURRENT National Under - 15 cricketer Shane Prince is the latest to benefit from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana,” the joint initiative of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Executive Member Anil Beharry and Kishan Das of the USA.

The St John ’ s College 14-year-old fast bowler was the recipient of one pair of cricket shoes Prince represents the famous Georgetown-based Demerara Cricket Club (DCC). At a simple ceremony held recently, he thanked the donors while Beharry pledged to continue to support young and talented cricketers in Guyana

Total cricket - related items received / purchased so far: 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 17 pairs of cricket boots, 30 pairs of batting pads , 31 cricket bats , 28 pairs of batting gloves , 21 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, four arm guards , two boxes , nine cricket bags, six bat rubbers and six helmets. $330,000 in cash was also raised as well In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by former National wicket - keeper / batsman Sheik Mohamed

To date, 53 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from three junior gear bags , two trophies , four arm guards , 21 bats , two

boxes , four helmets , 20 pairs of cricket shoes , 13 pairs of batting pads, two thigh pads, one bat rubber and 19 pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received two used bats Pomeroon , Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also collected one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC received two, 15 white cricket shirts , one pair of junior batting pads , one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board and the Town of Lethem also

benefited

Cricket - related items , used or new , are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients.

Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit Distribution will continue Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or

718

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 32 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory

Shane Prince (left) receives a pair of cricket shoes from Anil Beharry

Trinidad & Tobago crowned West Indies Rising Stars Under-15 champions

LED by a brilliant half-century from Christian Lall , Trinidad and Tobago were crowned champions of the West Indies Rising Stars Under 15 Championship, as they defeated the Leeward Islands by six wickets at the Coolidge Cricket ground on Wednesday.

The Leewards batting first posted 162 all out in 48 overs, with a half-century for skipper Matthew Miller He shared in a 63-run partnership with Jaheem Clarke as the pair showed resistance to the spin of Yasir Deen and Alejandro Kassiram Deen and Kassiram finished with figures of 3/34 and 3/9 respectively

Lall and Dimitri Ramjattan then posted a 77-run opening partnership before Ramjattan was caught for 19 Trinidad and Tobago lost three more wickets in pursuit of victory, but Yasir Deen nudged the ball for the winning single in the last ball of the 35th over

In the end, the champions reached 163-4 with Lall making 52 and Zane Maraj 28*. Kunal Tilokani finished with figures of 2/45.

The Windward Islands took home a four-wicket win over Jamaica at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to close of their championship on a winning note Batting first , Jamaica posted 146 all out in 42.3 overs, thanks to a top score of 39 from Demarco Scott and 36 from Odane Binns Theo Edward was the pick of the Windward bowlers with figures of 4/27

Edward then starred with the bat as well with 59 as the Windwards reached 149-6 off 35.5 overs Nicoli McKenzie, Geovanni Gray and Joel Williams all ended with two wickets for Jamaica

In the third match, Guyana beat last year’s winners Barbados by seven wickets at Liberta Sports Ground. Batting first, Barbados was

all out for 69 in 20.5 overs Oliver Gooding top-scored for the Bajans with 23 Arun Gainda 3/10, skipper Dave Mohabir 3/13 and Jonathan Mentore 3/14 were the leading bowlers for Guyana.

Mentore then returned to score 17 runs and 14 from Romario Ramdeholl , but it was the 25 runs that came via extras that took Guyana home to a comfortable win at 70-3 in 23 overs Akobi Crichlow-Byer was the best Barbados bowler with figures of 2/18

Earsinho Fontaine of the Windward Islands finished as the leading run - scorer with 197 runs while T&T’s Yasir Deen ended with 14 wickets to lead the tournament In the field, T&T teammates Christiano Ramanan ( 9 ) and Scyon Charles ( 6 ) led the tournament in dismissals and catches, respectively.(Sportsmax).

ECB talking to England Test coach Brendon McCullum over betting adverts

discussions with Brendon around his relationship with 22Bet,” said the ECB

“We have rules in place around gambling and will always seek to ensure these are followed.”

McCullum posted a video on his own Facebook page on 27 March promoting 22Bet’s markets on the Indian Premier League

The ECB ’ s anti - discrimination code says “directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging, facilitating or authorising any other party to enter into a bet in relation to the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any match or competition” is an offence.

The code suggests such an offence would carry a minimum one-year period of “ineligibility”.

The ECB clarified that McCullum is not currently under investigation.

The former New Zealand captain took over as England Test coach at the start of last summer and, in conjunction with captain Ben Stokes, sparked a dramatic upturn in results.(BBC Sport).

The victorious Trinidad and Tobago Under-15 cricketers celebrate

THE England and Wales Cricket Board is talking to England Test coach Brendon McCullum over his involvement with betting organisation 22Bet.

The New Zealander joined the company as an ambassador in January and has appeared in

online “We are exploring the matter and are

Brendon McCullum played 101 Tests for New Zealand.

Team Mohamed on board DCB

‘Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund’

TEAM Mohamed , of 29 Lombard Street , Werken - Rust , Georgetown , is the latest sponsor of the Demerara Cricket Board’s initiative “Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund ”. This new initiative was launched recently

Team Mohamed is the fourth business entity to provide support , following Gafoors of Guyana, KW Logistics and Bus Services and Sunita Travel Agency

The DCB will use the funds raised to cushion the cost of its junior Inter Association Cricket tournaments Funds will also be used to assist in fulfilling its mandate to develop the game

The DCB is aggressively embarking on playing cricket competitions at all levels , from Under - 13 to Senior males and females Training programmes for coaches

and cricketers, seminars for managers, book, board and electronic scorers and match referees will be done Academies for junior cricketers will also be held across the five Sub Associations

At a simple but significant ceremony, held recently , Azruddin Mohamed , owner of the business, presented the cheque to DCB’s First Vice-president Puneet Jaigopaul, in the presence of other Executive Members of the Board . Mohamed disclosed that he was happy to contribute to cricket, particularly to young players.

Jaigopaul , in response , expressed his gratitude and indicated that the funds would be well accounted for He added that the funds would be used to cover some of the cost of the DCB Inter Association Under - 17

Cricket Tournament as requested by the sponsor That tournament is expected to commence shortly The DCB urges Guyanese to support Team Mohamed so that they can continue to contribute to the development of cricket in Demerara, Guyana and the West Indies

Now that Team Mohamed is on board, the sponsorship has risen to $660,000

The DCB, while in negotiations with several sponsors, some of whose approvals have already been secured, recognises the limited sponsorship dollars available resulting in this innovation

The DCB encourages private individuals, private businesses , and Corporate Guyana to support this initiative and place Demerara cricket back to its former glory. According to the DCB, “we assure accountability for the funds

Anandjit. with widespread print and electronic media coverage It should be noted that sponsorship for sports and charitable organisations can enjoy tax breaks which the law allows

The DCB release said that anyone willing to support this project can contact Bissoondyal Singh , club president, at 623 0055; Davteerth Anandjit , Sec -

GUMDAC Badminton Tournament 2023

retary, at 617 8502; Vicky Bharosay , Treasurer , at 652 0947 ; Anil Beharry , Marketing Manager, at 623 6875 or any other Executive Member of the DCB

Night two features intense action

DAY two of the GUMDAC Badminton Tournament 2023 was exhilarating as players competed in both singles and doubles matches.

The energy in the National Gymnasium was high as scores of patrons turned out to show support

The Boys Under 19 quarter finals between Raah Russell and Frank Waddell was an intense match going to three games, with Frank Waddell emerging the winner 9-21, 21-11, 21-15

Another crowd thriller was the Boys Under-19 match with Jonathan Robinson versus Jedidiah Uwagboe , with Jonathan coming out victorious

19-21, 21-11, 21-9 Another nail-biting match was the Men’s Doubles Quarter Finals with Colin Bowry/Viraj Singh of Berbice vs. Joanathan Debidin/Jason Stephney of Georgetown . The Berbicians came out victorious, winning 21-12, 19-21, 21- 13.

The mixed doubles quarter finals match with Chet Bowling and Ayanna Watson competing against Shivannie Persaud and Marlon Chung had spectators gripping their seats in anticipation as they battled it out on the court.

The tournament continues with semifinals matches in the main draw and consolation matches on Thursday at 5:00pm at the National Gymnasium The Finals are slated for Friday, April 14, 2023 at

the same venue

Below are the full results from Day Two

Men’s Doubles: Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey defeated Onayi Andrews/Amaan Khan 21-2, 21-1

Under 19 Boys: Joanathan Debidin def Gabriel Felix 21-5, 21-4

Under 19 Boys: Mohamed Farouk def. Haresh Persaud 21-10, 21-11

Under 19 Boys Consolation: Renako Bender def Matthew Foo 21-13, 21-14

Men’s Doubles: Chet Bowling/Matthew Beharry def Jahiem Carmichael/ Osafa Dos Santos 21-5,21-4

Under 19 Boys : Raah Russell def

Nathan Morrison 21-6, 21-11

Under 19 Boys: Jedidiah Uwagboe def Jonathan Caesar 21-11, 21-10

Under 19 Boys : Juan Ferreira def Jonathan Robinson 21-17, 21-14

Men’s Doubles: Joanathan Debidin/ Jason Stephney def Mohamed Farouk/ Matthew Foo 21-8, 21-5

Under 19 Boys: Matthew Spooner def

Lennox Morrison 9-21, 21-14, 19-21

Under 19 Boys: Xavio Alexander def

Nathan Vanbrook 21-10, 13-21, 21-6

Under 19 Boys: Frank Waddell def

Nikolas Pollard 21-10, 21-5

Men’s Doubles: Andrew Browne/ Andrew Browne def Lenox Morrison/ Nathan Vanbrook 21-6, 21-18

Under 19 Girls: Navaeh Eastman vs

Sarah Lewis 21-11, 21-8

Mixed Doubles: Frank Waddell/Malia Haley def Jaquan Nedd/Gabrielle Felix 21-16, 21-17

Mixed Doubles : Marlon Chung / Shivannie Persaud def Nikolas Pollard/ Genvieve Bookram 21-9, 21-8

Mixed Doubles Quarter Finals: Tyrese Jeffrey/Ambika Ramraj def. Viraj Singh/ Jefina James 21-15, 21-16

Under 19 Boys Quarter Finals: Joanathan Debidin vs Haresh Persaud 21-12 21-9

Under 19 Boys Quarter Finals: Jonathan Robinson vs. Jedidiah Uwagboe 19-21, 21-11, 21-9

Under 19 Boys Quarter Finals: Frank Waddell vs Raah Russell 9-21, 21-11, 21-15

Mens Doubles Quarter Finals: Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey vs Xavio Alexander/Jamal Sinclair 21-8, 21-7

Men’s Doubles Quarter Finals: Colin Bowry / Viraj Singh vs Joanathan Debidin/Jason Stephney 21-12, 19-21, 21- 13

Under 19 Boys Quarter Finals: Xavio Alexander vs Lennox Morrison 21-15, 21-17

Men’s Doubles Quarter Finals: Raah Russel/Frank Waddell vs Matthew Beharry/Chet Bowling 21-9, 21-11

Mixed Doubles: Quarter Finals: Akili Haynes / Priyanna Ramdhani vs Frank

Waddell/Malia Haley 21-5, 21-4

Men ’ s Doubles Quarter Finals : Wenyuan Chen/Marlon Chung vs Lennox Morrison / Nathan Vanbrook 21-8 , 21-12

Member of: Guyana Olympic Committee (GOA) | Badminton World Federation (BWF)

Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Badminton Panam Confederation ( BPAC ) | South American Badminton Confederation (COSUBA)

Central America & Caribbean Badminton Association (CONCECABA)

Mixed Doubles: Quarter Finals: Chet Bowling/Ayanna Watson vs Marlon Chung/ Shivannie Persaud 21-12, 18-21, 21-16

Under 19 Girls Semi-Finals: Mishka Beharry vs Genvieve Bookram 21-5 , 21-4

Under 19 Boys consolation: Jaquan Nedd vs Renako Bender 21-5, 21-12

Under 19 Girls Consolation: Aaliyah Bacchus vs Gabrielle Felix 21-7, 21-7

Women’s Doubles Consolation: Navaeh Eastman/Malia Haley vs Aaliyah Bacchus/Gabrielle Felix 21-17, 21-11

Mixed Doubles consolation: Gabriel Felix/Navaeh Eastman vs Nikolas Pollard/Genvieve Bookram 21-9, 21-5

Mixed Doubles Consolation : Navaeh Eastman/Gabriel Felix vs. Jaquan Nedd/Gabrielle Felix 21-15, 21-12

Puneet Jaigopaul (left) receives sponsorship from Azruddin Mohamed Others in picture from left are Clarence Brotherson, Kavita Yadram and Davteerth

Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze appointed team captains for Headley Weekes Tri-Series

WEST INDIES wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva and Alick Athanaze , the top scorer in the recently concluded West Indies Championship, have been appointed captains for Team Headley and Team Weekes, respectively for the upcoming Headley Weeks Tri-Series.

The two teams have been drawn from the leading performers in the 2023 West Indies Championship and those deemed to be on the fringe of the Test team

The series aims to provide further first - class opportunities to the best performers from the West Indies Championship in a competitive and intense setting, as well as opportunities for players who the selectors believe would benefit from playing red-ball cricket as West Indies prepare for the upcoming “A” Team tour of Bangladesh and the two-Test Series against India at home Team Headley and Team Weekes will play against each other and against the West Indies Academy in the three -

match series running from 19 April to 6 May, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua All three matches have been awarded first-class status. The West Indies Academy was unveiled last year and played CG United Super50 tournament last November Team Weekes will feature Athanaze who was the leading batter in the West Indies Championship with 647 runs,

which included two centuries; left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul the second-highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets; as well as Jahmar Hamilton who was the joint leading keeper with 19 dismissals

Team Headley will feature experienced left-hander Darren Bravo, who was the second highest run - scorer in the West Indies Championship with 446 runs which included two centuries; fast

bowler Akeem Jordan who was third highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets in four matches ; as well as Tevyn Walcott, who was the joint leading keeper with 19 dismissals “ Following the conclusion of the West Indies Championship , we are pleased to have more firstclass matches on the calendar ,” said CWI Lead Selector Desmond Haynes

“This is a great initiative and will provide our players with more opportunities as we look ahead to the very important Test Series against India later in the year as well as ‘A’ Team matches We looked at everyone who was available, and we came up with teams who will be very competitive and push each other.”

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

Team Headley : Joshua Da Silva ( captain ), Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Chaim Holder, Akeem Jordan , Marquino Mindley , Shayne Moseley, Gudakesh Motie , Anderson Phillip , Kieran Powell and Tevyn Walcott.

Team Weekes : Alick

Athanaze ( captain ), Tagenarine Chanderpaul , Keacy Carty , Dominic Drakes , Jahmar Hamilton , Brandon King, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Veerasammy

NSC 'Learn to Swim Programme'-a success

THE National Sports Commission ( NSC ) ‘ Learn to Swim ’ Easter vacation programme concludes tomorrow and thus far, the public consensus has been one of extreme satisfaction with the execution and usefulness of the initiative that has seen over 2000 children benefitting.

During an update that was facilitated by the organisers yesterday at the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Camp Street; one of five venues for the two - week programme , coordinator and head coach of the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme, Paul Mahaica, revealed that he was pleased how smoothly the event has been running despite the large number of entries

He praised the 40 coaches that work multiple sessions a day for their patience and perseverance, while also giving kudos to the dedicated parents that ensured their children came out in their numbers and on time.

Leota King , a parent , said that the event has been a huge success She noted that most kids, like her daughter, begin the swim programme without a lot of knowledge and learn so much in a short time period She continued, “My

daughter, at seven years, is well on her way to mastering the extremely important life skill of swimming She has learnt how to float and manage herself well in the water and I am proud.”

“ I think the (‘ Learn to Swim ’) programme has been excellent and it is something that we definitely need to be continued in the future.”

Meanwhile, Director of Sport; Steve Ninvalle , during a brief comment stated that the annual initiative is indicative of the government ’ s resolute commitment to the development of the sports

landscape via an encompassing approach

He explained , “ The growth of the programme , which has witnessed a 200 per cent increase from the previous iteration of 600 participants, underscores the government’s modus operandi in that the development of the sports sector should entail and be guided by a comprehensive blueprint.”

According to Ninvalle , the overwhelming success of this edition, will certainly serve as a clarion call for expansion of the annual initiative, declaring, “The expectation is that the programme

will eventually serve as a catalyst and conduit for the emergence of many Raekwon Noels , who historically clinched five gold medals at the recently concluded Junior CARIFTA Aquatics in the Curacao.”

He further said, “An adults’ variant of the present programme has also been conceptualised and will be conducted during the month of June which further demonstrates the government’s exhaustive and extensive policy for the advancement and overall evolution of the sports ecosystem.”

Permaul , Raymon Reifer , Kevin Sinclair , Nial Smith and Devon Thomas West Indies Academy: Kevlon Anderson , Ackeem Auguste , Joshua Bishop , Teddy Bishop , McKenny Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Joshua James , Johann Layne , Kirk McKenzie , Ashmead Nedd, Kelvin Pitman, Keagan Simmons, Ramon Simmonds, Kevin Wickham and Nyeem Young

According to Cricket West Indies Shai Hope was selected but was given permission to represent Yorkshire in the English County Championship while Rahkeem Cornwall and Shane Dowrich made themselves unavailable for selection . (Sportsmax)

MATCH SCHEDULE

All matches to be played at CCG, Antigua

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

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

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

Guyana beat Barbados to secure second place in CWI Rising Stars Under-15 tourney

THE Guyana Under - 15 team trounced Barbados by seven wickets in their final round match of the CWI Rising Star Under - 15 tournament.

The victory, which was their third of the tournament, secured the second-place position behind champions Trinidad and Tobago, who finished the tournament unbeaten.

Guyana dismissed Barbados for a paltry 69 in 20.5 overs Arun Gainda (3-10), Dave Mohabir (3-13) and Jonathan Mentore (3-14) led the Barbados batter’s demise

In reply, Guyana made 70-3 off 23 overs with Mentore returning with the bat to top score with 17 Richard Ramdeholl (14) and Trilok Nanan (12 not out) were the other batsmen to contribute to the successful run chase

The Guyana team returns home 13:25 hours today, at Ogle airport

Joshua Da Silva (leftl) will lead Team Headley while Athanaze will be at the helm for Team Weekes.

The participants took time out to be photographed by Delano Williams yesterday

2023

CARIFTA Games…

Sports Ministry, NSC and Athletics Guyana welcome home athletes

By Calvin Chapman

DESPITE various challenges, the 24-member contingent that represented Guyana at the historic 50th Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games in the Bahamas last weekend managed to capture eight medals, inclusive of three Golds, two Silvers and three Bronzes.

And, the team returned home to a colourful ceremony at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday afternoon, and a welcoming delegation that consisted

of the Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, and head of Athletics Guyana (AG) Aubrey Hutson.

Under-17 boys’ Gold medalist Javon Roberts shed tears of joy when he celebrated with his mom, just before ‘Drum 4 Life 592’ provided an upbeat welcoming rendition, followed by ‘Riverside Angels’ rhythmic dance tribute.

Roberts shared with Chronicle Sport that he was very thrilled with his performance in the Bahamas, and that the victory was extra sweet when he factored in the challenges that

arose over the weekend.

His mom, Sharon, however, was confident that her son would have done Guyana proud. She posited, “I’m very happy and proud of him; words cannot express it. He has performed excellently, and his family cannot be more honoured. The work doesn’t stop here; next year he will be open, so we will have to train harder.”

Meanwhile, Tianna Springer said she is overjoyed, because she “trained very hard for this.” The Police Progressive Youth Club

(PPYC) athlete’s parents were also present at the ceremony, and according to her mom, Michelle: “This was expected; she said she was going to get Gold, and I believed in her. I am really proud of my daughter.”

During his address, Minister Ramson pledged that the difficulties the athletes encountered this Easter weekend will never happen again under his stewardship of the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports.

And, he thanked all stakeholders for their involvement in helping the athletes get to the Bahamas, and back to Guyana.

Tiana Springer flanked by her mom, Michelle (left), and dad, Delroy Javon Roberts and his mom, Sharon (Delano Williams photos)

Team Guyana taking a photo-op upon arrival at the CJIA on Thursday