Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15-03-2024

Region Six residents benefit from more recreational facilities

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with commissioning of parks at Brothers, Lonsdale as part of First Lady’s National Beautification Project

RESIDENTS of Brothers and Lonsdale in East Bank Berbice, Region Six, are now benefiting from recreational parks in their communities, following the commissioning of the two parks by First Lady Arya Ali, on Thursday.

The recreational parks, which fall under the National Beautification Project, are part of a collaborative effort between the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Public Works.

The National Beautifica-

tion Project aims to not only improve the aesthetics of Guyana, but also to raise awareness and appreciation for the natural environment.

The safe recreational spaces are equipped with play areas, lights and benches, among other amenities.

First Lady Ali highlighted that parks provide a sense of belonging to community members, since people of different ethnic groups, religious backgrounds and social classes converge to share their expe-

riences.

“Public parks, like these, fall under the category of essential public services. A robust ecosystem of public parks, followed by frequent recreational programmes for public participation can significantly elevate the status of the community and improve the lives of residents,” First Lady Ali told the residents.

Parks, she highlighted, also create additional employment

opportunities for the residents, since part-time workers will help to manage these parks.

She then pointed out that public parks help to improve one’s quality of life by promoting physical activities, while maintaining one’s mental health.

Apart from physical development, the First Lady underlined that the skills acquired in playgrounds contribute immensely to a child’s social and

psychological development.

“Playground activities enable children to learn problem-solving teamwork skills, which can only benefit them into their adulthood… This is your safe space. One which you must take great pride in and utilise exactly how it was meant to be utilised,” First Lady Ali stressed.

She also noted that a management committee will be set up to ensure that there is

proper management of the facilities.

Regional Chairman David Armogan emphasised the importance of increasing the standard of living of the population, as the country continues to undergo transformative development.

“But we need to create green spaces and proper activities and facilities for children and adults to come and have a time for recreation…As a country that is on a trajectory to develop, we also have a responsibility to ensure that we develop along those lines by creating parks and recreational facilities,” Armogan explained.

Recreation, Armogan said, is extremely important for a developing country as many developed countries have parks like these.

The construction of these amenities reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing communities’ aesthetics and the livelihoods of residents.

Regional Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain; Regional Engineer, Chandradeo Ghansham and other officials were present at the ceremonies.

Residents of Brothers and Lonsdale in East Bank Berbice, Region Six, are now benefiting from recreational parks in their communities, following the commissioning of the two parks by First Lady Arya Ali, on Thursday

China, Kuwait ready to build stronger ties with Guyana

- President Jinping, Prime Minister Al Sabah express commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships in separate letters to President Ali

IN a letter penned to Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, China’s President Xi Jinping has signalled plans to “promote the China-Guyana relations to achieve new development.”

The letter dated February 22, 2024 was recently received by the Guyanese Head of State.

“Guyana is China’s good partner and good friend. Based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China-Guyana traditional friendship has withstood the test of the changing international situation and delivered real benefits to the two peoples,”

the letter read.

Back in July, 2023, President Ali had visited China. President Ali had told President Xi and other foreign dignitaries that Guyana and China have maintained a sound relationship with strong political and mutual trust.

He added that Guyana regards China as a highly reliable partner, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Guyana.

China has played an important role in the economic and social development of Guyana and the Caribbean region, in terms of not only sharing its experiences, but

also in providing valuable assistance to Guyana and regional countries in areas of infrastructure, connectivity, medicine and health.

Prime Minister of the state of Kuwait, Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al Sabah, who also penned a letter to President Ali, signalled plans to strengthen bilateral ties.

“I take this opportunity to praise the strict bilateral relations that unite our two friendly countries and peoples, and to consolidate our commitment to developing them for mutual benefit,” the Prime Minister’s letter read.

The partnership between

Guyana and Kuwait has been characterised by strength and durability through a long history of brilliant diplomatic relations that began on August 17, 1995.

Since then bilateral relations have developed continu-

ously and remarkably because they are built on solid foundations of friendship, trust and mutual respect.

A Guyanese embassy was formally established on January 20, 2011 and it represents Guyana’s interests not only in the State of Ku-

wait, but also in the neighbouring countries including those of the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Retroactive increase demanded by GTU not feasible, unfair to others

By Trina Williams

WITH the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) once again abandoning talks with the Ministry of Education, Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said that its proposals cannot be accommodated within the fiscal framework.

During a press conference at Office of the President on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo said that despite having some misgivings about the court-ordered mediation, especially since it involved public policy, the government still agreed to talks with the GTU.

“There is a prohibition when there's public policy involved, that the court should really not order mediation. In fact, in the rules, it says that explicitly, and wages and salaries are public policy matters. Two, we believe that there are established grievance or dispute resolution mechanisms outlined in the labour law and in contracts, therefore, the court should yield to those,” he said, adding: “Nevertheless, out of respect for the court, we participated in the mediation exercise, because we would like to see an end to this matter, too. We want our teachers back in the classroom; we want our children to be taught, but we want to ensure that we also preserve the finances of this country in

a

manner

that don't harm us in the future.”

Additionally, addressing the proposals requested by the union, despite the known Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) conditions, he said this is not sustainable in the budget.

The Vice-President said: “What the union wants cannot be accommodated by the fiscal framework. They want us to sign a multi-year agreement retroactively; a multi-year agreement retroactive to 2019.

“So, if you reopen that for teachers, you have to, out of fairness; you have to ensure that every other category would get the same retroactive increase.”

The Vice-President said that although the government cannot provide a retroactive increase, they are prepared to sign a three-year agreement,

beginning from 2024.

With that being said, the Union was asked to prepare a multi-year agreement within this framework, in order to start negotiations. However, according to the Vice-President, GTU had “walked out.”

Although schools were closed in March 2020, and teachers were away from the classrooms owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GTU, after resuming negotiations with the Education Ministry, called for a 20 per cent wage hike from March 2020-2022.

The Union proposed an across-the-board increase of 20 per cent for 2019, and 25 per cent each for every other year, despite this being the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when a majority of teachers were not in classrooms. Reports show that in 2018, the union agreed

to less.

Teachers got 12 per cent (junior), and eight per cent (senior) retroactive increases for 2016, and an eight per cent retroactive increase for 2018.

Despite this, during a Facebook Live on Thursday, GTU President Mark Lyte called on the government to negotiate the multi-year agreement from 2019-2023, or else they will resume strike action.

“I am issuing here a verbal ultimatum that within the next few hours, if the government does not indicate their willingness to come to the table to discuss 2019 – 2023, or to negotiate around that period, there will be a resumption of a massive industrial action,” Lyte said. Lyte, during the broadcast, contradicted himself, since he previously agreed that the court should decide.

ABANDONING TALKS

The Education Ministry on Tuesday met with representatives of the GTU in the ministry’s boardroom to continue the collective bargaining process, which was ongoing, but had ended abruptly with the strike action in February, and which began again last week pursuant to a mediation agreement.

The MoE was represented by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Shannielle Hoosein-Outar; Chief Education Officer Mr. Sadd -

- VP Jagdeo says, outlines government’s willingness to sign multi-year agreement beginning 2024

am Hussain; Deputy Chief Education Officer- AHED, Mr. Marti DeSouza; Deputy Chief Education Officer, Admin, Ms. Tiffany Harvey; the Ministry’s Human Resource Manager Ms. Jacqueline Simon; and Mr. Kerwin Jacobs, Senior Education Officer.

The GTU was represented by GTU President, Dr. Mark Lyte; GTU General Secretary Ms Coretta McDonald; Ms Mariska Williams, Mr. Heathcliff Peters, Ms. Sumanta Alleyne, Mr. Collis Nicholson, Ms. Donnette D’Andrade, Mr. Rabindrauth Boodram, and Mr. Colin Bynoe, along with three General Council members, Mr. Deoraj Nauth, Mr. Sergio Joseph, and Ms. Vanessa Kissoon.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Hoosein-Outar, who upheld the government’s position that discussions surrounding salary increases should be from 2024 onwards.

According to the Education Ministry, she explained that increases for the prior years would have financial implications, and that the 2024 budget does not have the fiscal space to accommodate the retroactive payment of salaries for teachers during the period 2019 – 2023.

Mrs. Hoosein-Outar asked the Union’s representatives to submit to the ministry a proposal which would capture their request

for a multiyear agreement commencing 2024.

Tuesday’s meeting reached an impasse after the GTU indicated that they are interested in discussing only salaries, particularly between the period 2019 and 2023, and nothing else.

The GTU maintained its determination to only discuss salary matters in relation to the prior years and refused to address the other 25 matters which were identified by both the Ministry of Education and the union for discussion.

This resulted in the representatives of the union abandoning the process and walking out of the meeting.

“It should be noted that during the prior years, teachers have benefited from salary increases, salary adjustments that reflect teachers’ qualifications and incorrect calculations of salaries. Additionally, there were initiatives which were rolled out to the benefit of teachers across the country and which added to their disposable income as well as their welfare,” the Education Ministry said.

The Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to dialogue with the Guyana Teachers’ Union; this is a process which has been ongoing and which has produced several noteworthy results that will benefit teachers, children, and the system as a whole.

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (Delano Williams Photo)

GBTI nets $3B profit in 2023

THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) last year continued along its growth trajectory, marking increased financial profitability.

According to the bank, this performance was driven by prudent cost management and a focus on improving operational efficiency.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Robin Stoby, said the report on the financial performance of the

bank and its subsidiary for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, was approved by the board on February 16, 2024.

He said he is pleased to report that the bank has shown resilience and achieved significant milestones over the year.

“In 2023, the bank and its subsidiary recorded a total asset base of G$201 billion, reflecting an increase of 15 per cent from

the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a strong performance in our lending portfolio, which saw an 18 per cent increase in overall loans and overdraft portfolio compared to the previous year. Our depos -

it base also grew by 17 per cent, reaching G$168 billion, indicating a high level of trust and confidence from our customers,” Stoby said. He added that the bank was able to produce financial perfor-

continues to grow at a rapid pace, we believe that our strong financial position, coupled with our focus on innovation and customer service, will enable us to leverage through these opportunities and continue to deliver value to our shareholders.

mance, reporting a net profit of G$3 billion for the year 2023, a 30 per cent increase from the previous year, driven by prudent cost management and a focus on improving operational efficiency.

“Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic about the future. As the local economy

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers, shareholders, and employees for their continued support and dedication. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Board of Directors for their guidance and oversight throughout the year.

“I am confident that with the collective effort and commitment of all stakeholders, the bank will continue to grow and succeed in the years to come,” Stoby said.

‘Fictitious, utterly ridiculous’

- VP Jagdeo rubbishes Patterson’s ‘spurious’ allegations on gas-to-energy project

VICE-PRESIDENT,

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has again shut down claims that Guyana’s multibillion-dollar gas-to-energy plant under development is just a cover for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to pocket kickbacks through a 20-year maintenance contract.

Dr Jagdeo, during a media briefing at the Of-

fice of the President on Thursday, was quick to clarify that these claims are “fictitious” and “utterly ridiculous.”

Expanding further on the matter, the Vice-President related that Guyanese companies simply do not have the capability to manage a plant of this nature, and, therefore, it is more than likely that any operation and main-

tenance (O&M) expense will be handled by an international company.

“We’re building the plant. We still have to go out to tender for a company to operate the plant, and manage the plant because it will be an international company … this technology there, using gas, we don’t have the capability in Guyana Power & Light (GPL) at

this stage to manage a new plant of that nature,” Dr Jagdeo reasoned.

He added: “The facts are that we have not, there’s no such contract, there’s no such company. He [Patterson] already concluded that this will benefit PPP boys and he calculated how much money too … it’s all fictitious, fictitious.”

This is not the first

time the government has had to navigate through mischievous misrepresentation and distortion of the truth, especially through published articles in the local newspapers.

And Dr Jagdeo has expressed concern that such claims are taking away from time that can be spent addressing serious issues, relative to

social welfare and the various policies being implemented.

“This is the sort of environment we live in and the lies that are told on a daily basis by the Kaieteur News in bold headlines. Once you say anything remotely against the government, you get a headline, but it’s a lie,” he lamented.

Conviction Quashed: Privy Council sends Kartel case back to local Appeal Court

THE Privy Council has ordered that incarcerated dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel and his three co-accused have their convictions quashed for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.

“The judicial committee of the Privy Council has unanimously concluded that the appeals should be allowed and the appellants convictions should be quashed on the grounds of juror misconduct and that the case should be remitted to the Court of Appeal to decide whether to order a retrial of the appellants for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams,” the Privy Council stated.

The UK-based Privy Council, the highest tier of the court system in Jamaica, handed down its decision on Thursday to

have the convictions of Vybz Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, fellow entertainer Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St John, quashed based on the arguments presented last month.

On February 14 and 15, the appellants presented arguments on whether trial judge Lennox Campbell should have allowed telecommunication evidence, which was obtained in a manner that allegedly breached Palmer’s constitutional rights to privacy, into the trial.

Another ground cited for appeal was the judge’s decision to not discharge the jury or the accused juror following allegations of bribery attempts.

The appellants also argued that there was an apparent rush placed on

the jury to return a verdict, even after the forewoman had told the judge earlier in the day that the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.

In April 2014, Kartel was sentenced to life in prison with the eligibility of parole after serving 35 years of his sentence. His co-accused were also handed life sentences –

with Shawn Storm and Jones being eligible for parole after serving 25 years, and St John being eligible after serving 15 years.

The four men first attempted to appeal their sentences in the Court of Appeal but they were upheld. (Jamaica Observer)

Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel

Time to change minibus culture

EARLIER this week, a letter was carried in this publication highlighting the vulgar, degrading and unsafe nature of Guyana’s minibus culture. Its focus centred on how it puts the life of commuters and other road users at risk, erodes moral values especially among learners and young people, and has become a public nuisance.

Unfortunately, the observations raised are not new, but given the country’s rapid development and the influx of foreigners whose interest is tourism or business, it makes for an interesting read. It also serves as a reminder that there must be robust action that involves all stakeholders.

In the opening paragraph, the letter writer asks:

“When is it going to stop?

When are we, the citizens who care about the future of this country and the safety of our loved ones going to see a change?”

Some would argue that the government, the legislature, the judicial system and the police traffic department must bear the brunt of the blame for what has grown into something so catastrophic, that it may take a herculean effort to remedy.

But, doesn’t it all come down to personal choice and one’s responsibility for their own physical and mental health and of course, safety?

Passengers get into minibuses with loud, degrading music by choice.

The vulgar writings and what looks like scenes from a comic book printed

both inside and out, sends the wrong message to our young people, whose minds are still developing. The minibus system in some of the Caribbean islands which survives mainly on tourism, has been criticised. But, it can safely be said that they are not as bad as what happens in Guyana.

Imagine being pulled and tugged on the ‘hotplate’ by touts whose sole purpose is to full the fancy buses whose drivers have total disregard for the line system. The loud music rocks your brain and you have to hold on for dear life as the drivers swerve in and out of traffic or does the unimaginable to avoid traffic lights or the waiting line of vehicles.

Our citizens and tourists

should not be subjected to this. One of them may want to join a minibus to get from the bus park to the Botanical Gardens where they can enjoy the serenity of nature, the chirping of birds and the sweet smell of blooming flowers. Why must they be subjected to such an unsafe experience and put their lives in the hands of selfish, uncaring, money hungry minibus drivers?

More often than not, it’s a race to get as many trips as possible, even if it means breaking traffic laws and endangering passengers and other members of the public including themselves.

Interestingly in July 2019, President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews, had called for a complete restructuring

of the country’s minibus culture as to him, it was a hindrance to the hospitality sector.

Andrews has always been outspoken. He must be commended for speaking the truth.

At one point, the union had implemented the wearing of colour-coded jerseys for mini drivers but that was short-lived because many did not want to participate.

Then the Ministry of Tourism initiated several consistent sessions with minibus operators but again many opted not to participate. Therein lies the problem; non-participation is a sign of indiscipline and while minibus operators provide a private service there must be some sort of uniformity and oversight.

Another issue of grave concern is the behaviour of schoolchildren who use minibuses as their mode of transportation. Many can be seen standing in groups waiting on special buses. Not only are they subjected to the loud, vulgar music but are being packed up like sardines. Oftentimes, the conductor puts a passenger in his seat and is contented with standing and sticking part of his body though the window exposing his underwear.

The minibus culture in this country is worrying. And unless, we act now, there will many more serious accidents and an unamendable deterioration of our social morals and values.

Aubrey’s stoking his lost relevance through the re-negotiation cry

Dear Editor, THE Opposition Leader has lost all relevance in the eyes of his supporters.

Rather than being the biggest critique of this government by identifying potential flaws and shortcomings among policy decisions, etc..., it is evident that he, as the leader, is completely

oblivious to and ignorant of how to keep this government in check. His recent call for the Vice-President to use the newly introduced PSA as the foundation of the re-negotiation strategy is ludicrous and insulting to every right-thinking Guyanese. We all know that one cannot

simply retrospectively apply a newly introduced piece of legislation.

The new PSA is for all future arrangements and not the past. The VP's reluctance to re-negotiate is not because he "has no intention to defend the interest of the people of Guyana," but because it would be ludicrous to force

re-negotiation when there is no ground to do so. A re-negotiation cannot simply occur because one party of the agreement suddenly decides they need a larger share of the pie. These arrangements/ contracts are governed by international law.

Guyana, as a sovereign

state, can force re-negotiation, but it would be detrimental to our well-being. Not only will he have to go through an extensive bureaucratic arbitration process that would likely result in us compensating the operator for all their investments with interest, but no other international

company would want to do business with us. A collapse in FDI would lead to a decline in foreign revenue and jobs and possibly bring forth sanctions. With this, no amount of oil can save us.

Thank you,

Denis Williams

The main responsibilities of government: Protect, provide, and invest

Dear Editor,

Recent reports on the (1) murders of a popular gold miner Mr. Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff and his worker Mr. Donavan Washington at Arimu Backdam, Region Seven, while they were transporting gold; (2) the brutal killings (chopping) of Mr David Gomes and his mother Elizabeth Gomes at Saxacalli, Region Three; and (3) the killing of a security guard Paul Waterman in a supermarket at Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara during a robbery attack on March 11, have all provided another opportunity for the Ministry of Home Affairs to elevate crime to the centre of the political radar.

A review of official reports on serious crimes (covering the decades of 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s) shows a fluctuating pattern. For example, the average

annual incidence of crime in the 1990s was 4,844; for 2000s it declined by 36.3 per cent to 3,085; and it rose by 89.9 per cent in 2010s to 5,860.

In 2022, the incidence of crime was 4,151. However, there was a significant anomaly during 2014 when there was an astronomical increase in crime which more than doubled (2.6 times) compared with the previous year, 2013.

Larceny accounted for most (80 per cent) of this super steep rise in 2014. It was the first time ever that the incidence of larceny exceeded “burglary and break and enter” offenses.

The fashionable thing that policymakers and law enforcers say is: “The level of crime in this first quarter is lower than the previous year’s first quarter.”

While this statement might be accurate that would not, however, give any comfort to

victims’ families, nor does it improve the public’s confidence in the law enforcement capability to protect them.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) states that the three most important responsibilities of a government are to “protect, provide and invest.”

People’s nerves have been rattled when several men armed with high powered rifles opened fire on a group of people at Mandela Avenue and Princess Street, Georgetown. And the public’s confidence was further shaken when a Police sergeant Alex Vaugh was shot in the pursuit of prison escapee Akeem Wong, a prime suspect in the Gomes double murder.

What is also critical to note is that the public‘s reaction to crime varies according to the modus operandi, who are the perpetrators, who are the victims, and the gravity of the

offense. To put it simply; one ‘crime’ could have greater negative impact on society than several others combined. So, any assessment on the incidence of crime must take into consideration the varying societal impact.

The murders referred to above were in relation to the theft of property. Other murders are driven by jealousy, revenge, turf battle (drugs), anger (rage), or mental incapacity. Social adaptation has failed to tame the instinctual desires and negative emotions (generated by alienation and relative deprivation) of people who are further tempted by the growing opportunities associated with an expanding economy.

Murders and other crimes committed could be classified as either impulsive or planned. The former category (e.g., rage and jealousy) by their very na-

ture (unplanned) has a higher rate of detection and successful prosecution. The latter category (e.g., property, revenge, turf battle) being planned, has a lower rate of detection and prosecution.

The disparity in sentencing is well known and the government is moving to reduce this through the implementation of Sentencing Guidelines. Other reforms like ‘alternative dispute resolution’ (arbitration) and ‘plea bargaining’ as part of the Criminal Procedures Bill was tabled in Parliament in 2023.

Apart from improving the administration of justice, would these measures also reduce the level of crime? Would the death penalty be the subject of ongoing law reform? There has been no judicial execution since August 1997. If a law exists, why not enforce it? If not, discard it!

Both sides of the death penalty debate have good points.

While re-socialisation or rehabilitation is a long-term solution, for the short-term what is needed is firm enforcement. The logical question is: “Would firm law enforcement conflict with the notion of restorative justice?”

For now, my basic contention is that since the government alone cannot control crime, they must also reach out to various stakeholders to get their inputs.

One such powerful medium is to tap into the proceedings of a National Conference on Crime and the Penal System where opinions and facts could be disseminated and crystallized, and then incorporated into crime fighting policies/strategies.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

The last nationality to be xenophobic should be Guyanese

WHAT is allowed to pass in this country cannot be described as incredible or surreal. These words do not adequately capture signs of philosophical failure in a country named Guyana.

Can you imagine a man who is the head of the Trade Union Congress, an important civil society group, made a public demand that the charges against the accused in the Mahdia fire that cost the lives of 20 persons be withdrawn?

Now a lawyer can make that request because that is his raison d’être. Not one trade union in the TUC made an objection to what their head asked for. How can any trade union accept such leadership? Can you imagine a group of educated people has publicly called for the stoppage of oil production? And those who demand that oil money be used for the elevation of the low-income classes and for fair ethnic distribution of oil wealth to date has not issued one word in rejection.

I was deeply disappointed in Mr. Christopher Ram when he interviewed

Lincoln Lewis, the TUC Generally Secretary on television with regard to my condemnation of a xenophobic utterance by Mr. Lewis. Instead of chastising Mr. Lewis, Mr. Ram shaped his take on my criticism of Lewis when he smilingly told Lewis in reference to me: “But he is yuh friend nuh.”

Here is what Lewis wrote about people coming to this land to seek life’s existence for them and their families, and as you read it remember these words are coming from a Guyanese: “We are a small nation in population size and the only English-speaking country in South America. Unplanned immigration brings with it consequences such as stress on the education and health services, housing overrun, the creation of slums, and our resources exploited by others willing to undersell their labour.

“We also face a crisis of submerging our culture further. This threat comes from others who do not speak our language and share a common culture... we also face a crisis of submerging our culture…

we are facing a pending catastrophe which we must seek to avoid at all cost.”

Interestingly, Mr. Ram holds citizenship of another country and both he and Mr. Lewis have close family members who live in other lands. Perhaps, all of the leaders of the individual trade unions that make up the TUC have family members and relatives who live in other countries. They have never condemned Mr. Lewis for his vocabulary that has tones of xenophobia.

Now in the newspapers last Monday, we saw snippets of thoughts that resemble Mr. Lewis ramblings. Here is what PNC parliamentarian, Annette Ferguson wrote: “The landscape has since changed drastically. We now have hardware, clothing and general stores along with restaurants, all run by Chinese.

“Familiar stores along Regent Street have also been replaced by businesses run by Chinese. Supermarkets have als o sprung up in almost every village along the East Coast of Demerara. South Georgetown is no excep-

tion. Chinese-owned companies have also been awarded many huge contracts to build the airport, at least one hotel, roads, and bridges. They are also in forestry and mining in a few regions”

Can you imagine that is coming from a Guyanese parliamentarian when Forbes magazine list the diaspora from Guyana as per capita the largest in the world. If you do not understand what Forbes meant, here is an explanation. Of all the countries in the world, when you take into consideration the numbers

in the population of the countries that send people abroad, Guyana has the largest numbers that have left the country.

When Venezuela announced its referendum to annex the Essequibo region, the government did a fan-out exercise which took the form of speakers going to public institutions to explain the falsity of Venezuela’s claim.

Speaking to a gathering of high school kids, one child asked Mr. Carl Greenidge about the too many Venezuelans in Guyana. Mr. Greenidge, without any emotional

twist on his visage just politely told her “In every part of the world you go, you will see a Guyanese.”

In New York, an entire district is nicknamed, “Little Guyana.” What problem Ms. Ferguson has with Chinese coming to invest in Guyana in both the retail trade and large industries. The Guyanese authorities need to monitor Chinese to ensure they observe the laws of Guyana. They appear delinquent in many areas. The small Guyanese businesses that they have displaced should be given state assistance.

Historic $600M project

initiated for Amerindian village planning, implementation

AN initiative worth $600 million (US$3 million) has been launched to provide support to residents and leaders of Amerindian villages. This initiative, facilitated by the National Toshaos Council (NTC), aims to develop and implement effective, sustainable plans aligned with national development priorities and global climate goals.

The multi-year project was initiated in February at the NTC’s Secretariat Headquarters, with the presence of NTC Chairman Toshao Derrick John, Ambassador OddMagne Ruud of the Kingdom

of Norway to Guyana, and Permanent Secretary Ryan Toolsiram of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

By prioritising robust environmental management, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering sustainable livelihoods, this project will empower the NTC to provide villages with technical support for the formulation of their 10-year Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs).

Through training programmes and seminars, the knowledge and skills of village leaders, community members, and NTC staff on pertinent themes would be

strengthened. Furthermore, it will promote engagement, including field visits a the NTC level, between villages, pertinent government departments, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, and other parties.

Moreover, a framework will be established to monitor, evaluate, and improve the implementation of VSPs through educational programmes and information sharing. The project holds great importance as it aims to enhance the institutional capacity of both the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the NTC in order to facilitate

effective planning, execution, and oversight of VSPs.

Villages are urged to establish Village Savings and Loan Programmes through a participatory and self-governing approach in order to access and allocate these funds, as well as select initiatives aimed at enhancing village livelihoods.

In an interview with Melina Pollard, the Toshao from Rivers View, she explained that her village was the most far-flung village in region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice.

the people. We try to put our ideas together so that we can achieve a vision of what you hope your village will look like in the future,” Toshao Pollard explained.

Senior Director, Pradeepa Bholanath, of the Ministry of Natural Resources, who has been guiding the project since its inception, stated, in a media interview that “We look forward to the successful implementation of this project. Government has strongly supported building capabilities at the village

Norway has enabled indigenous groups to develop plans for the village with assistance.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Guyana, Odd-Magne Ruud, said, “For Norway, a top priority in this new phase of Guyana’s REDD+ journey is securing a transparent and effective project implementation of ongoing projects funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund, the GRIF. That includes delivering for indigenous peoples and recognis-

According to her, “this project is going to really benefit the villages that would need support in preparing their village plans. The village plan is supposed to be for 10 years, and villages will receive support to build on the work they started last year in completing their annual plans and to scale that up to 10-year plans. So, this project is going to directly benefit those villages, so that they can have a longer term vision of what they want their village to be like and how they are going to achieve it.”

Toshao Pollard also added that she recognises the strong leadership of President Ali and Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, for ensuring that the ‘First Peoples’ benefit financially. “I want to also say that on behalf of all the Toshaos, we are grateful to President Irfaan Ali and Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo for all that they are doing for our people. These opportunities are not for one person or village; they are for all the Amerindian villages, all of us are benefitting, and we recognise this tremendous effort and leadership that have gone into making this programme such a success.”

“For me personally, it is going to assist my village also, although I have been around and helping the other villages with their plans, we only did a one-year plan. We were able to complete it in just one year, even though we had the information for ten years. This is something that we are working on too, with

level and at the NTC. This project will help to boost efforts in planning, project implementation and programme monitoring at the village level, at the national level through the NTC.”

She asserted that “this monumental project… will help us to take village planning forward in a way that will accelerate village capabilities to advance sustainable livelihoods and bring direct benefits to people.”

While the decisions about what initiatives to take on in their communities ultimately rest with the villagers, Pradeepa Bholanath said, “the way that funds are going to be invested would be determined by a village, expressed by a village, decided by villages in keeping with the Amerindian Act, and then implemented and monitored by villages themselves. This reflects true village leadership in development of plans and village ownership in the execution of projects. ”

The establishment of a bilateral partnership with the Kingdom of Norway facilitated the provision of funding for the initial stage of the LCDS, leading to the establishment of the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). The United Nations system, commonly referred to as REDD+, enables nations with substantial forest coverage to receive compensation for the climate-related advantages provided by their forests.

The funding acquired through the agreement with

ing their crucial role in forest management.”

The funds generated from the sale of the carbon stored in the forests will be allocated to finance the second phase of the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

The estimated amount of carbon in those trees is over 19 gigatons. It is crucial to keep the trees standing because if they were to be cut down, the carbon would be released into the atmosphere, exacerbating the climate crisis since gases like carbon dioxide are what are raising global temperatures and causing extreme weather events like destructive floods and wildfires.

As per the government’s statement, a portion of 15% of the revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits will be allocated towards supporting indigenous communities via the village plan. The total amount allocated to Amerindian villages for the year 2023 equates to $4.7 billion. The Chair of the National Toshaos Council, Derrick John, attaches great importance to this financing.

Derrick John related that “this money means a lot for helping to develop plans, and then putting plans into action, and through this, building the capabilities of the NTC. We can see ideas transformed into reality.”

(This is part of a weekly series on LCDS.) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@gmail. com

Senior Director of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Pradeepa Bholanath (second from left), with members of the head table at the launch of the $600 million programme, on Wednesday evening

Guyanese to benefit from more training opportunities

- as Labour Ministry, BIT, George Brown College explore avenues for partnership

MINISTER of Labour

Joseph Hamilton, and Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Richard Maughn on Thursday met with representatives of George Brown College (GBC) from Canada at the ministry's Brickdam head office to discuss expanding skills training opportunities in Guyana in an effort to create a more skilled workforce.

President Dr. Gervan Fearon, and Dean Dr. Adel Esayed, at the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies at the Canadian College, were among officials in attendance.

According to the Labour Ministry, the areas of discussion included es-

tablishing a partnership between the two parties to reinforce the ministry's continuous efforts to generate a skilled workforce by equipping young people with the essential skillset to be employable, as well as expanding the “trainthe-trainer” training programmes.

Minister Hamilton highlighted the ministry’s accomplishments, including a significant increase in training opportunities for over 11,000 persons nationwide within three years when compared to the previous administration.

The minister noted that this achievement will be enhanced, as his ministry through BIT, plans to develop new training courses

aimed at equipping persons with the knowledge and expertise necessary to execute their duties more efficiently throughout 2024.

He emphasised that this plan will bring the ministry one step closer to realising its goal of making vocational training programmes well-known

as it is in Guyana's education system.

Following the meeting, officials from both parties will meet once more at a later date to

deliberate and build a framework plan that will benefit persons interested in skills training while also aligning with both parties' priorities.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton (right) and CEO of BIT Richard Maughn during the meeting with George Brown College Representatives

Education on HIV prevention pivotal to successful implementation, scale-up of prevention programmes

- Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony says ahead of eighth meeting of NAPs managers, key partners in Trinidad and Tobago

THE Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), the mechanism that provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, will be hosting the eighth meeting of National AIDS Programme (NAP) Managers and key partners from March 19 – 20, 2024 in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

This strategic platform aims to foster greater partnerships, facilitating and support-

ing the overarching agenda of PANCAP at the national level.

The meeting will update programme managers and partners on regional commitments, of 95-95-95 progress, global strategies to achieve the end of AIDS and identify innovative ways to address gaps and strengthen the regional HIV response.

“As we continue to provide support to our regional partners and stakeholders in accelerating HIV prevention to end the AIDS epidemic and prepare for future pandemics in the region, this forum is timely and relevant

for our NAP managers and key partners to discuss best practices on how to achieve the UNAIDS 2030 HIV prevention targets with greater efficiency,” Dr Wendy Telgt Emanuelson stated. She also said: “Countries can also share critical successes, gaps, and priorities to advance the achievement of the UNAIDS prevention targets, and discuss the need for greater urgency in identifying high-level solutions for overcoming slow progress within the region.”

Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony, Knowledge Management Coordinator for the PCU emphasised that education on HIV prevention is pivotal to the successful implementation and scale-up of combined

prevention programmes at the national and regional levels.

She said: “This meeting of NAP managers and key partners will facilitate the exchange of progressive knowledge in the fields of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection. It will also foster the building and strengthening of a community of regional practitioners and other key stakeholders, by discussing the best strategies for implementing effective local solutions for the management of patients living with HIV and for the prevention of HIV infection and transmission.”

Regional technical partners will share their areas of support, aligned to the Caribbean Regional Strategic

Framework 2019-2025 and the global HIV targets.

The meeting will be attended by policymakers, programme managers and representatives of civil society organisations, the community of people living with HIV and those at highest risk for HIV.

A Share Fair and capacity-building forum will also be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, on designing multi-disease strategic plans for an integrated approach with enhanced coordination, and greater efficiency in addressing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitis. The Pan American Health Organisation is providing technical support to this event.

PANCAP Coordinating Unit (PCU), Dr. Wendy Telgt Emanuelson Knowledge Management Coordinator – PCU, Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony

‘These are our people, they have our blood’

- Dr Jagdeo says majority of Venezuelan migrants have Guyanese heritage

- blasts Opposition for ‘narrow’ political view

By Trina Williams

WITH majority of Venezuelan migrants having Guyanese lineage, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has flayed the Opposition for its rejection of the government’s plan to integrate these migrants into the Guyanese society.

During a press conference at Office of the President on Thursday, he responded to a recent press release by Opposition Parliamentarian, Amanza Walton-Desir, who expressed her disproval for the integration plan. Walton-Desir said: “It would be important for Mr. Todd to explain to the Guyanese people how this objective was formulated because it certainly was not in consultation with the

people of Guyana or their duly elected representatives in the National Assembly.”

According to Dr Jagdeo, the release exposes the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU)’s position.

He said: “Venezuelan migrants is a misnomer for most of those people... they’re Guyanese. When we say

‘Venezuelan migrants’, it's just a few people of the lot that came back home. These are our people, they have our blood.”

The PPP General Secretary explained that persons are coming back to Guyana because, unlike the past, the nation is no longer experiencing economic hardships, and people

could now benefit from immense opportunities.

He said: “We have to extend some help to our own people...”

Dr Jagdeo went on to say: “This kind of racist view that somehow we must not do this because they're foreign or something like that; I think it's part of what we've spoken about that APNU has a too narrow political view. It's too caught up in this kind of elitist approach to development...that makes them unsuitable to govern a country like ours that is multi-ethnic and multi-religious. You have to have a broadbased approach.”

He added: “They’re our people, and, therefore, they have to enjoy benefits equally and so we must condemn this [APNU’s comments].”

Additionally, Dr Jagdeo further supported his statements by explaining that government ministries and entities have been recording information when services are offered to the migrants.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Hilton Todd, on March 8, 2024, chaired a meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee to address the influx of migrants from Venezuela into Guyana.

According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first committee meeting for the year was attended by the relevant government stakeholders and international partners who collectively set the agenda in principle for the committee to

continue its work with regards to providing the necessary humanitarian assistance to those migrants, inclusive of returning Guyanese fleeing the economic hardships in Venezuela.

The minister, in his opening remarks, reminded the committee that the policy of the government remains intact as it relates to support for the migrants from Venezuela.

He noted that the long-term objective is to integrate them into Guyanese society but in the meantime, the respective agencies are tasked with combining resources to provide services in key areas such as healthcare, education, labour, sanitation, shelter, food and clothing for the most vulnerable.

PPP General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo (Delano Williams photo)

Western Logistics Guyana, Pandora

Energy hosts joint job fair - Commences tomorrow at Leonora track and field tarmac

IN an effort to bolster local employment opportunities and meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the maritime and logistics sectors, Western Logistics Guyana Inc. has announced a joint job fair with Pandora Energy Inc., according to Head of Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSi), Halim Khan.

The event is scheduled to take place on March 16, 2024, from 10:00 hours to 15:00 hours at the Leonora track and field tarmac, located in West Coast Demerara, Region Three.

The job fair, Khan said, aims to fill various positions within both companies, catering to individuals with diverse skill sets and experiences. Notably, Pandora Energy Inc. is seeking candidates for positions such as Coordinators, Captains, Chief Officers (Deck), Deck Officers, Deck Ratings, Ordinary Seafarers (OS), Chief Engineer, Engineers, and Engine Room Ratings. Meanwhile, Western Logistics (Guyana) Inc. is offering

opportunities for Lorry/Canter Drivers, Administrative Staff, and Warehouse Clerks (with expertise in point of sale systems).

“This collaborative job fair presents an excellent opportunity for job seekers to explore career options in two dynamic industries," Khan stated, “Both companies are committed to fostering local talent and providing rewarding employment op-

portunities.”

He explained that prospective applicants are encouraged to come prepared with their resumes and any relevant documentation. Representatives from both Western Logistics Guyana Inc. and Pandora Energy Inc. will be available to discuss job openings, company culture, and career advancement opportunities.

For those seeking more information, inquiries can be directed to Western Logistics Guyana Inc. via email at info@westernlogistics.gy or Pandora Energy Inc. at hr@ pandoraenergy.gy.

“The upcoming job fair signifies a concerted effort by these companies to contribute to the economic growth of Guyana while addressing the need for skilled personnel within the logistics and maritime sectors. Job seekers are advised to mark their calendars and seize this opportunity to explore promising career paths within these industries,” the R3PSi Head noted.

POLICE in Regional Division #10 conducted yet another successful narcotics eradication exercise at Ebini Backdam, Berbice River, between 07:30hrs and 17:00hrs on Wednesday.

According to information from the police, two cannabis farms spanning seven acres and a quantity of marijuana with a street value of $151,480,323 were found and destroyed.

The first farm was approximately five acres in

size; it had 50 beds, each having 460 plants ranging between one foot and two feet in height.

There were a total of 23,000 plants, with an average weight of 25,300kg, and with a street value of $3,896,200.

A make-shift camp, which had kitchen utensils, a quantity of groceries and 90.71kg of dried cannabis, with a street value of $81,639,000, were also found.

The second farm was

THE government has set aside approximately $311 million to strengthen sea and river defence structures in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Bids have been opened for these works, which have been divided into 25 lots. In Region Three, several areas on Leguan Island will see maintenance works on the earthen embankments, including Windsor Estate, Cornelia, Blenheim, Henrietta, Richmond Hill, Maryville, Success and Enterprise.

The aggregated estimated cost of these works is $137 million. This will provide much-needed security for farmers who rely on these protected lands for their livelihoods.

Similar upgrades are slated for Region Six, in areas such as Borlam, Caracas, Lochaber, No. 67 Village Orealla, Siparuta, Plegt Anker and Moleson Creek, at an

estimated $141.6 million.

Communities in Region Five will also benefit from these upgrades, specifically in Weldaad, Jacoba, No.28 Village, and Farm.

Some $31.8 million is estimated to cover these works.

Given the importance of sturdy sea defence structures to safeguard homes and farmlands, the government has taken an aggressive approach to monitoring and upgrading existing structures, in addition to erecting new ones.

As a result of this rigorous approach and the volume of work that was completed, there were no reports of major sea or river defence breaches in 2023.

During his end-of-year press conference last year, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said that some 5.5 kilometres (km) of new flood defence structures were completed, while 65 km of existing structures were rehabilitated and maintained

in 2023.

“When we build sea and river defences, it means that we have more lands that are available for people to plant. It means we have more families that can go into poultry, we have more for people to develop their houses. So, what we do in sea and river defences keep the water out, but link that with what happens to people’s lives and the confidence that they can have now to invest, build and develop,” the minister had said.

Additionally, this year the Sea and River Defence Board is boosting its efforts to enhance coastal monitoring and data management capabilities.

Drones have been employed to improve the surveillance ability, in addition to the regular deployment of rangers to inspect the structures. Bids for these works will be opened at the ministry’s Wight Lane office on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. (DPI)

two acres in size, with 3,728 plants, ranging from one foot to three feet in height with an average weight of 4,100kg and with a street value of $631, 523.

There was also a makeshift camp made of wooden posts and white plastic, which had 72.57kg of dried cannabis with a street value of $65,313,000. Photographs were taken and both farms were set on fire and destroyed. No arrests were made.

POLICE, on Wednesday, discovered over 3,000 grammes of marijuana in an abandoned house at Grove, East Bank Demerara.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), a mobile patrol received information about narcotics being stored in an abandoned building at Lot 110 Grove, East Bank Demerara.

On arrival at the location, the ranks observed the building to be an unpainted two-storey concrete building. They searched the lower flat of the building and found two plastic barrels, one blue and the other light green in colour.

Inside the barrels were nine bulky transparent plastic parcels containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) among several bed sheets.

The mentioned barrels with the parcels of suspect cannabis sativa and bedsheets were removed and taken to Grove Police Station. The leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis were

weighed and amounted to 3,730.4 grammes. Several persons were questioned, but no useful information was received. Investigations are ongoing, the GPF said.

Police

R3PSi Head, Halim Khan

The government has set aside approximately $311 million to strengthen sea and river defence structures in Regions Three, Five and Six

GSA obtains first-ever greenhouse for climate-smart farming

By Cindy Parkinson

GLOBAL Affairs Canada (GAC) made a recent donation of a cutting-edge greenhouse equipped with hydroponic and aquaculture systems to the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) in Mon Repos, located on the East Coast of Demerara. The purpose of this donation is to support the empowerment of women and youth by promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, explained that the initiative is significant in furthering Guyana’s strategic aim to achieve regional food security while empowering women and youth.

In accordance with his assertion, the government expresses its desire for the recipients to make use of the opportunities given to them and fully exploit the greenhouse’s potential.

“Like I mentioned on Wednesday at the opening ceremony, in addition to raising fish, we are also growing close to 5,000 plantlets. We are examining that kind of training in order to train the farmers. I also want to mention that I have requested that the (National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) bring them to the institute so that they can become familiar with the best practices that we desire, and this is how precision agriculture should be discussed,” Minister Mustapha stated.

He also revealed that the black belly sheep, cut rose, and hydroponics programmes are just a few of the agricultural initiatives that Guyana has put in place to empower women and young people.

Furthermore, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and other partners, along with the United Nations Development Programme’s innovative project Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate, and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean (EnGenDER), have made this regional initiative possible.

The EnGenDER project is in complete accordance with the

The Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha

national priorities outlined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The project is crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner, Mark Berman, underscored Canada’s commitment to promoting the efficiency and climate resilience of agriculture to enhance food security and significantly reduce the industry’s environmental and agricultural impacts.

Berman argues that the utilisa-

tion of climate-smart agricultural methods is of utmost importance in safeguarding global food security and fostering a sustainable future.

The Canadian High Commissioner stated that Canada is committed to climate finance for climate-smart agriculture and food systems. It continues to implement programmes that prioritise smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, to enhance their economic resilience and livelihoods through sustainable practices and improved resource accessibility.

The project has also worked to address the impact of climate change on agriculture, fisheries, health, tourism, water availability, energy, women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Representative in Guyana, Wilmot Garnett, explained, “We are training the students because agriculture is a business…This is the place for us to make sure that we do it. The second component is that we are using precision agriculture. The project we are building has special metres. We will be testing the water and plants regularly so that the students can understand the importance of precision and agriculture.”

The ceremony was attended by Gavin Ramnarain, the Chief Executive Officer of GSA, Sharon Peake, the Executive Direc-

tor of the Caribbean Regional Development Programme at Global Affairs Canada, Dr. Gillian Smith, the United Nations

Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Guyana, and various other officials.

‘New Hayven’ secures US$25M financing for Vreed-en-Hoop ‘shore base’

- continues to support growth of Guyana’s oil, gas sector

NEW Hayven Merchant Bank, a leading financial institution committed to fostering economic development, has successfully arranged, acted as collateral, and served as administrative agent for a US$25 million financing facility extended to Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc. (VEHSI).

According to a press release, this financing marks a significant milestone in facilitating VEHSI's first-of-akind oil and gas infrastructure project in Guyana.

“Collaborating closely with an external financial entity, New Hayven Merchant Bank spearheaded the structuring and deployment of this financing arrangement, tailored specifically to meet the unique requirements of VEHSI's project,” the bank said, adding: “The collaboration underscores New Hayven's dedication to providing innovative financial solutions and supporting transformative initiatives that drive economic progress.”

Guyana's emergence as a

pivotal player in the global energy landscape presents unparalleled strategic investment and development opportunities.

New Hayven Merchant Bank has recognised the immense potential of the Guyanese economy, and remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering businesses operating within the region.

“Our partnership with VEHSI in this landmark project exemplifies our commitment to fueling growth and fostering sustainable development,” Floyd Haynes, Founder and Chairman at New Hayven Merchant Bank said.

He added: “As Guyana undergoes profound transformation, we are proud to serve as a trusted financial partner, providing tailored financing solutions and expertise to enable businesses to thrive in this dynamic environment.”

New Hayven Merchant Bank's commitment, according to the institution, extends beyond this collaboration, as it continues to actively

Police investigating suspected murder of Chinese national at Eteringbang

POLICE are investigating the suspected murder of Yang Lisong, a Chinese national of Guizhou China, who resided at Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the victim operated a supermarket at Eteringbang Landing along with his reputed wife Wen Shuping of Fujian, China and of Eteringbang Landing

“Around 14:00hrs on Thursday, Sergeant Schultz, the S/O in charge of Eteringbang Police Station received a phone call from one ‘Vanlang’, the owner of the building that houses the supermarket, who reported to him that there was an incident occurring at the building,” the GPF said.

Consequently, ranks, who were at Eteringbang Landing at the time, responded and on arrival at the supermarket found the entrance locked. Upon venturing to the back, the ranks found an individual attempting to exit the building. The

engage with other providers of risk capital to deliver bespoke financing solutions and deploy capital across diverse sectors within Guyana.

By facilitating access to capital and fostering strategic partnerships, New Hayven aims to catalyse growth and drive economic prosperity throughout the region.

person was arrested. Upon further investigations inside the supermarket, the ranks found Lisong, clad in a grey jersey and dark grey trousers, lying against a wall in a dark room.

A wound about 13cm in length was observed on his neck. His reputed wife was found in another room, alive, with two small lacerations to her right jaw area. In addition to Adelph, one other suspect has been held, as investigations continue.

Dead: Yang Lisong

New Hayven Merchant Bank, a leading financial institution committed to fostering economic development, has successfully arranged, acted as collateral, and served as administrative agent for a US$25 million financing facility extended to Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc. (VEHSI)

The story of how Esther started dancing at age four

By Telesha Ramnarine

ESTHER Hamer has been dancing since she was the age of four. The old, dreary death announcement songs on television would not be spared her attention, and she can still remember the times she’d shoot out of the room and start dancing to them.

‘Alright, you want to dance! As soon as you’re of age, you will go to dance school’ is what her mom, Patricia, would say to her. And so said, so done. When Esther was just four years old, she was signed up for classes at the National School of Dance.

Esther gives all of the credit to her mom who thought that it was a good idea to have her children engage in some form of the arts. Her dad, Terrence, was a self-trained artist who taught her how to draw and paint.

After signing up, she was placed in a ballet class, while her sister was placed in gymnastics. “I had a blessed opportunity to be trained by the Cubans because, at the time, Guyana had an exchange programme at the National School of Dance.”

Thanks to such early support and nurturing of her skills, Esther, now 42, is the co-director of Kreative Arts, a dance school that she runs with her husband, Jonathan, teaching not only dance, but music and drama as well.

Esther and Jonathan, and their four children - Ezekiel, Emmanuel, Justine and Jasmine – are all into dancing and acting, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Esther, who works on the Radio Serial and Street Theatre Section of Merundoi, remembers her childhood days of choreographing with her sister and cousins.

“We had a yard full of children, so that was one of our activities; to perform for our little yard community. This was in Kitty where I grew up,” she shared in an interview with Buzz.

Esther, who dabbles in spoken word poetry and is

also a first aid instructor, had to reduce the amount of time she would spend dancing because of a serious minibus accident that left her with injuries. Now she does more teaching than dancing.

At her dance school, she tells her students, who range from age three to 55, that they should make good use of their favourable circumstances to dance. “I used to be very adventurous and try a lot of stuff; new things. I try to push and encourage people because you never know what life holds for you.

Sometimes you can be playing with your ability, your gift, your skills because you think I have all the time,” she reflected.

Whenever she is dancing now, she does it most times with her husband who understands her injury and knows how to support her.

Esther, an award-winning actress, represented Guyana at the 2013 Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) in Suriname as well as other international locations.

Dancer and Co-director of Kreative Arts, Esther Hamer

Esther and Jonathan with their four children, who all dance and act

Esther has been dancing from a tender age

Winners for 2024 Mashramani Costume and Float Parade Competition revealed

NOW that the Mashramani season had ended and some are already brainstorming ideas for next year’s celebrations, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport earlier this week revealed the results of the 2024 Costume and Float Parade Competition, which showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Guyana.

The judges had a challenging task of selecting winners from the 25 bands that competed.

The results are as follows:

Full Costume Bands

Large Bands

1st - Muneshwers/GYSBI (Neilson Nurse)

2nd - Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (Randy Madray)

3rd - Ministry of Natural Resource (Neilson Nurse)

4th - Ministry of Public Works (Olympia Small-Sonaram)

Medium Bands

1st - Ministry of Housing & Water - CHPA (Jermaine Brooms)

2nd - Ministry of Education (Neilson Nurse)

3rd - Ministry of Health (Sean Thomas)

Small Bands

1st - Heritage Band

(Neilson Nurse)

2nd - Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (Neilson Nurse)

3rd - Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (Maxi Williams)

Semi-Costume Bands

Large Bands

1st - Ministry of Agriculture (Olympia SmallSonaram)

Medium Bands

1st - Office of The Prime Minister (Olympia Small-Sonaram)

2nd - Regional Democratic Council 6 (Maurice Richards)

Small Bands

1st - Ministry of Labour (Neilson Nurse)

Queen of the Band

1st - Ministry of Public Works (Olympia Small-Sonaram)

2nd - Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (Maxi Williams)

3rd - GYSBI/Muneshwers (Neilson Nurse)

King of the Band

1st - Ministry of Public Works (Olympia Small-Sonaram)

2nd - Ministry of Agriculture (Olympia Small-Sonaram)

3rd - Ministry of Educa-

tion (Neilson Nurse)

Female Individual

1st - Ministry of Public Works (Olympia Small-Sonaram)

2nd - Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (Maxi Williams)

3rd - Ministry of Home Affairs (Maxi Williams)

Male Individual

1st - Ministry of Human Service and Social Security (Maxi Williams)

2nd - Ministry of Natural Resources (Neilson Nurse)

3rd - Ministry of Health (Sean Thomas)

Float Non-Commercial

1st - Ministry of Health (Sean Thomas}

2nd - Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (Neilson Nurse)

3rd - Ministry of Public Works (Olympia Small-Sonaram)

Float Commercial

1st - Muneshwers/GYSBI (Neilson Nurse)

2nd - Guyoil (Roger Evelyn)

Road March

1st - Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts

Designer of the year: Olympia Small-Sonaram

Get your groove on at Latin Heat Entertainment

WHEN Elvis Solomon started to dance 18 years ago, he did so because it was something he greatly enjoyed as a hobby. Little did he know that some years later, he’d be a dance instructor at his booming dance school, Latin Heat Entertainment.

Located at the top floor of the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown, the dance school, which was birthed some 15 years ago, offers classes for both Latin and ballroom dancing, with Elvis, aided by his fiancé and fellow dance instructor, Alyssa Rohoman.

In an interview with Buzz this week, Elvis reflected on his early days of dancing and how he was absolutely smitten by the couple’s dancing

he saw in the 1987 American romantic drama dance film Dirty Dancing. Starting with waltz, a

ballroom dance and salsa, Elvis showcased his skills while a member of the Bryan Nobrega Dance Troupe.

“Dancing was something I always wanted to do,” Elvis shared, especially after look-

ing at that dance movie. At his school, the dances they do include salsa, bacha-

ta, meringue, waltz, cha cha, fox trot, Cuban salsa, and rhumba.

“We are making it a fun and exciting class for everyone. We take in people who don’t know anything whatsoever about dancing and we make them into dancers. We keep it as active and fun as possible,” Elvis said.

The school offers dances at both beginners’ and advanced levels and takes in students from age 13. “We also get a lot of responses from the older crowd. We have a student as old as 65 right now and she’s enjoying it. It’s very diverse.”

Elvis and Alyssa also host Latin Heat Entertainment parties, a Latino carnival annually, Halloween parties, among other things.

Elvis and Alyssa aim to make their classes fun and exciting

Dance instructors Elvis Solomon and Alyssa Rohoman

One of Olympia Small- Sonaram’s Mashramani costume designs (Ministry of Public Works photo)

Five years on…

`What’s Happening Guyana’ announces imminent launch of app

By Faith Greene

IN honour of its fifth anniversary, ‘What’s Happening Guyana’, the country’s premier online source for entertainment, dining, hangout spots and all other information relevant to entertainment has announced that it will be soon launching an app.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, Kwame Mentor, What’s Happening Guyana will be providing an app for its growing audience that not only tells them what events they can go to or what they can do, but will serve as a general entertainment guide which will showcase all the latest events and restaurants happenings across the country. This includes sports and family-related events.

He shared briefly that the app will be done in such a way that promoters can upload their event information, allowing it to reach a wide audience instantly.

Restaurants as well, will be able to utilise this service which will allow for the uploading of menus for the next day.

Over the past five years, What’s Happening Guyana has provided an invaluable service for those seeking a night out, promoters and other key stakeholders in the entertainment sector.

This service not only helps locals who want to be a part of major events but tourists and persons visiting

Guyana, after some time abroad, who are interested in unwinding during their stay in Guyana.

Guyana has a lot happening on the entertainment scene, from parties during national festivals like Mashramani, to sports events such as horse racing, car racing, cricket carnival and family-themed parties.

Although many may attend, not everyone may know when these events are happening. This is where websites and companies like What’s Happening Guyana can step in.

What’s Happening Guyana, like the name says, provides information on what’s happening in and around Guyana and it aims to ‘keep you informed.’

The CEO said that he has created a space for promoters, and those persons wanting to go out and experience local fetes to have access to the necessary information regarding entertainment spots.

He explained that this is what What’s Happening Guyana is about. “We just wanted to provide a space where you can find ‘what’s happening’ in Guyana,” Mentor explained.

With no partnerships, Mentor was determined to ensure that the online entertainment platform was different from its competition when it was created in 2019.

After a website was built, the online platform was able to provide an entertainment guide for fam-

ilies and anyone in Guyana searching for places to hang out with friends or their family. Today the online platform has grown significantly with over 68,000 followers.

Reflecting, Mentor shared their days of having no cameras five years ago, to having four today, in addition to other equipment and more staff that help to make the job easier.

In addition to this, Mentor said they’ve also branched off to advertising media, where promoters can send them a flyer for their event, and they spread the word to the thousands of persons following them/ streaming events online.

To celebrate their an -

niversary, throughout the month of March, persons are invited to enjoy 25 per cent off all video, streaming and photography services; and to its fun day and barbecue on March 24, 2024.

If interested in utilising the services mentioned above, or just want to keep up with all events happening in Guyana, you can visit the What’s Happening Guyana’s website: whatshappeningguyana.com; or the Facebook page under the name What’s Happening Guyana. The platform is also available on TikTok and Instagram @ whatshappeningguyana.

Jamaica gov’t to implement entertainment and creative practitioners’ insurance programmes

THE Government will commence implementing the Jamaica entertainment and creative practitioners’ health and personal accident and life insurance programmes in fiscal year 2024/25.

Minister of Culture and Entertainment, Olivia Grange, made the disclosure during March 6’s meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, whose members are reviewing the 2024/25

Estimates of Expenditure.

“This is major. There’s a great need for this insurance plan for entertainment, culture and creative industries practitioners. I know the need. I’ve received the many calls for assistance and I want to ensure that we implement a solution. We have been losing a number of our pioneers in the music industry, and usually there’s an issue — how do we cover the cost of their funerals? So, we have addressed that in introducing

this insurance plan,” she said.

In preparation for the programme’s launch, Minister Grange urged practitioners to sign up on the e-registry on the ministry’s website. She emphasised that registration will be a requirement to access the benefits.

Grange pointed out that the programme is similar to the Jamaica Athletes’ Insurance Plan, which provides for national sports representatives.

“It covers a wide range;

it even includes maternity for our athletes. It covers diagnostic procedures, hospitalisation. It also covers artificial limbs, physiotherapy, speech therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy…It’s a long list of the areas that are covered.

So we have now covered our athletes, and we will now cover our creative people,” she detailed. (Jamaica Observer)

Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange (left), sports minister, in discussion with Debby Ann Brown-Salmon, chairperson of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

What’s Happening Guyana cuts its 5th anniversary cake (Delano Williams photos)

CEO of What’s Happening Guyana, Kwame Mentor

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024… Additional tickets to go on sale from Tuesday

AT 10am AST on Tuesday 19 March, 2024, additional tickets will be released for 51 of the 55 matches at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, including group stage matches, Super 8 matches, and the two semi-finals. This is an opportunity for all fans, and in particular West Indies fans, to secure tickets to games featuring the home side and for other matches fans have been eager to get their hands on.

Tickets for all West Indies Group Stage matches are available now. West Indies, who are in Group C alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea, play their four Group Stage games in three Caribbean locations: Guyana, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & To -

bago. Prices start at US$22, and are available now at tickets. t20worldcup.com.

Additional tickets will also be released for Super 8 matches in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Available tickets will also go on sale for the two semi-finals. The first will be played on Wednesday, 26 June at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago, and the second on Thursday, 27 June, at the Guyana National Stadium. The final will be played at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on Saturday 29 June, for which tickets are currently unavailable.

Prior to the additional tickets being released, fans can create an account at the official platform tickets. t20worldcup.com to purchase tickets for 37 matches today. From 10am AST on Tuesday 19 March, they can purchase tickets for an additional 14 games.

The fastest, easiest, and most secure way for fans to get the

tickets they want to the games they want is at tickets.t20worldcup.com. Payment can be made with Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards.

A limited number of tickets will be made available for locals at box offices across the Caribbean at a later date. However, fans are encouraged to buy online now to secure their seats to see the world's best players at venues across the Caribbean.

Fawwaz Baksh, Tournament Director, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 said:

“With less than 80 days to the start of the World Cup, this announcement is an emphatic response to the global call from fans to make additional tickets available for matches and we are thrilled to be able to do so.

“Whether you prefer the convenience of online transactions or the face-to-face interaction of securing your tickets in person, we've got you covered. Our online ticketing portal provides a hassle-free way to secure your tickets with just a

few clicks. Simply visit tickets.t20worldcup. com.

"In the Caribbean, there has always been a preference to purchase tickets over the counter at a box office and this has always been a part of our plans. By offering both online and box office ticketing options, we aim to accommodate the diverse preferences of our fan base, ensuring a memorable and inclusive experience for all."

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 hospitality programme will also be launched on Tuesday, 19 March at 10am AST where fans will be able to choose from a range of premium private suites and individual food and beverage packages across the West Indies and at Nassau County International Stadium in New York. Packages for fixtures at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas, and Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida, will be released at a later date.

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

AQUEDUCT

Race 1 Tooshay

Race 2 Disappearance

Race 3 To A T

Race 4 Icy Replay

Race 5 Poseidon’s Mist

Race 6 Time To Dream

SOUTH AFRICA RACING

TIPS

FAIRVIEW

08:10 hrs Trip To Barvetron

08:45 hrs Grazinginthegrass

09:20 hrs Public Benefit

10:00 hrs Eat Prey Love

10:40 hrs Fiery Duke

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

CHELTENHAM

09:30 hrs Salvator Mundi

10:10 hrs L’eau Du Sud

10:50 hrs Lecky Watson

11:30 hrs Galopin Des Champs

12:10 hrs Ferns Lock

12:50 hrs Dinoblue

13:30 hrs Waterford Whispers

NEWCASTLE

13:00 hrs Ravenscraig Castle

13:40 hrs Crown Estate

14:10 hrs Bedford Flyer

14:40 hrs Hurt You Never

15:10 hrs Trulie Good

15:40 hrs East Bank

16:10 hrs One More Dream

WOLVERHAMPTON

13:20 hrs Water Of Leith

14:00 hrs Firetat

14:30 hrs Prince Maxi

15:00 hrs Trois Blancs

15:30 hrs Completed

16:00 hrs Baileys Warrior

16:30 hrs Malacanne

IRISH RACING TIPS

DUNDALK

12:40 hrs Inishmot Prince

13:15 hrs Jaafel

13:50 hrs Emeric

14:20 hrs Wishes And Dreams

14:50 hrs Arbaawi

15:20 hrs I Bid You Ajoi

15:50 hrs She’s Quality

16:20 hrs Hezahunk

One Guyana Inter-Region Ten 10 Softball Cup…

Terminex Pest Control, Balgobin Electrical join list of sponsors

AS teams prepare for the Roraima Community Developers inaugural “ONE GUYANA Inter Region Ten10 Softball Cricket Cup” which will be bowled off on Sunday across various venues in Guyana, Terminex Pest Control and Balgobin Electrical and Construction Svs have joined the growing list of sponsors.

CEO of TermineX Narinedat Bhikam said that his entity is pleased to support the event and its part of social responsibility to be on board. Bhikam pointed out that almost all of Guyana’s administrative regions will be taking part and he is happy that youths and the elderly are coming

together to contest the glorious game of cricket in the softball format.

Bhikam disclosed that his entity wishes all the teams the very best and hope the game will be played in true sportsmanship.

General manager of Electrical and Construction, Balgobin is also very elated to support the tournament at the grassroots level where the young and old are going to mix together in playing. Balgobin declared that the players will not only be involve in playing but many are going to have the opportunity to support their teams but others will be on hand to cheer on

their teams at the various venues.

Balgobin believes that by supporting the, augurs for much closer relationships within the communities as sports plays an integral part in many Guyanese social lives.

Roraima Community Developers (RCD) thank both entities for coming on board and supporting the tournament. According to RCD, without the support of corporate Guyana it would have been impossible to host the tournament.

Some 64 teams across regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 have indicated their interest by registering and more are expected before Sunday’s opening.

The tournament is slated to concluded on Sunday, March 31 with all the regional winners meeting in the playoffs to battle for championship honours.

The tournament will see regional winners pocketing a cash prize of $80 000 and trophies, while there will also be incentive prizes for the runners-up, the best bowler/batsman and player of the final.

According to RCD, over $500 000 in cash and prizes will be given out in the playoffs to the winners, runners-up, third place, player of the series, player of the final, best bowler and best batsman, while player-of-the-match incentives will be given

out for each game.

The RCD pointed out that the tournament is a grassroot one and the aim is to return softball to the village level and to bring people together as one.

The regional coordinators are, Region 1-Sherlon 668-3657, Region 2-Basil Persaud 610-0842,Region 3 – Sadiek (WCD) 6986406, Surijpaul (Wakenaan) 673-7748, Frank Satnarine (WBD)6155343, Region 4 – Fazal Khan 670-8114 and Darmin 668-2783, Region 5- Mahase on 626-1869 and Chris on 706-7073, Region 6 Teka 667-4121 or Omesh Sirikishun on 677-2826 and Region 10 Niles on 697-8306.

WI Championship Round Four, Day Two…

Roraima Community Developers can also be contacted on telephone or Whatsapp on 657-5612, or via email developersroraima@gmail.com for further details.

The tournament has so far received sponsorship from West Central Mall, Singh Brothers Contracting Services, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Balgobin Electrical and Construction Services, Blue Spring Water, Khan’s Transportation and Construction Svs, Terminex Pest Control, Amaya Milk Company and Money Tree Trading.

Permaul, Thorne underscore Harpy Eagles dominance

WEST Indies Under-19

pacer Isai Thorne struck twice in his opening spell and had Barbados Pride on the back foot after the spin bowling pair of Veerasammy Permaul and new West Indies Test recruit Kevin Sinclair led strong lower-order batting for defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Permaul was unbeaten on a career-best 90, and Sinclair gave further proof of his batting ability with 72 before the Harpy Eagles were bowled out for 436 in their first innings close to an hour after the scheduled tea break.

Thorne then removed opener Zachary McCaskie for eight, and newcomer Sian Brathwaite for a twoball duck before Pride and West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite was run out for 14 in the final halfhour, and his side ended a forgettable day 59 for three.

Permaul shared 103 for the seventh wicket with Sinclair, and he further frustrated the Pride when he added

another 92 for the eighth wicket with West Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie after the Harpy Eagles started the day on 231 for five.

Elsewhere, Tion Webster defied a destructive spell from off-spinner Kenneth Dember and hit his second first-class hundred to anchor hosts Trinidad & Tobago Red Force to a 103-run, first innings lead against leaders Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Similarly, discarded West Indies left-handed opener Kieran Powell overcame a damaging spell from Barbadian off-spinner Romario Greaves and cracked his 10th first-class hundred, but second-placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes conceded a 14-run, first innings lead to the Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners on the second day of the fourth round of matches.

Dember ended with five for 63 from 22 overs, but Webster resisted with an undefeated 107, and Red Force were bowled out for 294, replying to the Volcanoes first innings total of 191, in the

feature match at the Queen’s Park Oval in the T&T capital of Port of Spain.

The wickets in successive overs of opener Johann Jeremiah for 19 and West Indies left-handed batsman Alick Athanaze for a fiveball duck to left-arm spinner Khary Pierre and West Indies pacer Jayden Seales respectively, left Volcanoes reeling on 68 for two in their second innings at the close, still 35 adrift.

Earlier, Webster struck 13 fours and two sixes from 139 balls in almost four hours at the crease and led a recovery operation for the home team after three wickets – two to Under-19 World Cup-winning all-rounder Shamar Springer – fell in the first hour, and they were reeling on 136 for four.

Red Force started the day on 89 for one, and discarded Test pacer Shermon Lewis got Jyd Goolie for two in the third over of the day before Springer added the scalps of opener Vikash Mohan for 52, and Red Force captain and West Indies Test wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva for

four.

Webster came to the crease and shared 70 for the fifth wicket with Jason Mohammed either side of taking Red Force to 181 for four at lunch before Dember got stuck into his work after the interval to restrict the lead of the hosts.

After Dember removed the long-standing Mohammed for 56, no other Red Force batsman – other than Webster – reached 10, and the home team lost their last six wickets for 88 and were bowled out about halfhour after the scheduled tea break.

Springer ended with three for 76 from 23 overs.

Powell, playing in only his second match this season, led the way with 114, but Greaves ran through the Hurricanes batting to end with five for 63 from 19.2 overs, and the visitors were bowled out for 259, replying to the Marooners’ first innings total of 273, at Frank Worrell Field on the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies in Trinidad.

Two wickets in the final

hour – one apiece to Jeremiah Louis and fellow pacer Colin Archibald – kept the Hurricanes in the match, and Marooners limped to 76 for three when stumps were drawn for an overall lead of 90.

Powell, aged 34, had slammed 11 fours and three sixes from 152 balls in a little over 5-1/2 hours at the wicket and propped up the Hurricanes batting after they wobbled to 59 for three inside the first hour of the day.

Hurricanes resumed from their overnight total of 20 for one and left-arm pacer Jediah Blades removed Kacey Carty for six with the third ball of the day, before all-rounder Roshon Primus added the scalp of new West Indies Test recruit Justin Greaves for 29.

But Powell shared a series of tidy partnerships down the order, including a 54-run stand for the sixth wicket with Louis, before he was the last batsman dismissed about 20 minutes after the scheduled tea break.

Louis scored 31, Hurricanes captain Rahkeem Cornwall got 22, and Jahmar

Hamilton added 21; Blades and teenaged leg-spinner Zishan Motara ended with two wickets each for the hosts.

In the other match, West Indies white-ball batsman Brandon King led solid batting from hosts Jamaica Scorpions, and they finished the day with a two-run, first innings lead against the Cricket West Indies Academy at Sabina Park.

King, playing his first Championship match since May 2022 and the newly installed Scorpions captain, led the way with 77, Leroy Lugg supported with 64, and Peat Salmon was not out on 60, and the hosts were 326 for seven, replying to the CWI Academy first innings total of 324, at the close.

Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop was the most successful Academy bowler with three for 85 from 27 overs, and fellow Barbadian Kadeem Alleyne bagged two wickets with his medium-fast bowling after the Scorpions continued from their overnight total of 20 without loss.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ kicks off tonight

FINALLY, its back. The Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets Competition will make its return, after a four-year absence, with five matches this evening, at the National Park, starting at 19:00hrs.

Unrivalled in its appeal and popularity, thirty-two of the best teams in the format in the Georgetown Zone will square off for prize monies totalling more than $1.5 million along with trophies and an automatic spot in the national finals slated for July.

The winning team will take home $800,000 and the champion’s trophy, while second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

The winner of the Plate final will cart off $100,000.

The tournament which also has a sponsor, Colours Boutique, will see teams

decked out in uniforms compliments of the clothing and shoes store situated on Robb Street and Regent Street respectively.

As customary, it is anticipated that fans can expect riveting action from the first game right until the final day of competition as teams battle for the top prize and bragging rights as the greatest of the

streets. Teams such as backto-back champions Gold is Money, Sparta Boss, Back Circle, Broad Street, North Ruimveldt, Tiger Bay, Leopold Street, all previous title holders will have their work cut out with the new cadre of opponents eager to stamp their authority in the exciting format.

Among the teams leading this current list of new challengers are Stabroek ballers, already the winners of one of the two tournaments held this year, while the experience Bent Street, North East La Penitence, Albouystown, Sophia, California Square and Lodge All Stars will no doubt want to prove that they are no pushovers. Also, the

Guinness Skills Challenge will also make a return during this tournament.

What is promised and assured is that from kickoff there will be fireworks as teams battle for outright supremacy and a sizeable paycheck compliments of Banks DIH under its Guinness brand.

In addition to the predictable excitement on-field, fans will also benefit from giveaways as the organisers seek to make the experience a happy one for them.

Admission is free with musical entertainment and large sightscreens set up around the venue for viewing on the matches live.

Meanwhile, the first three nights of the competition will be played on a knockout basis with the winners advancing to the group phase, before the quarterfinals set for March 30.

Following are the fixtures for the first three nights:

On Friday March 15: Alexander Village versus Rising Stars; Sophia vs. Bent Street Young Gunners; Festival City vs. Laing Avenue Ballers; North East La Penitence vs. Ballers FC and Gold is Money vs Renegade All Stars.

On Saturday March 16: Broad Street vs. Make It Happen; California Square vs. Sophia B; North Ruimveldt vs. Street Ballers; Albouystown Airport Ballers and Back Circle vs. Stabroek Ballers B.

On Sunday March 17: Up Top Boss vs. Lodge All Stars; Tiger Bay vs. Middle Road Ballers; Bent Street vs. Tucville Rangers; Stabroek Ballers vs. Bad A Yard; Leopold Street vs. Unstoppable; Sparta Boss vs. Back Road Ballers.

GBBFF National Novice’s championship set for tomorrow

THE Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation will this weekend stage the long-awaited season opening National Novice Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship, along with the Mr. Linden Competition in the mining town of Linden.

The event is set to see the country’s budding bodybuilders, Men’s Physique and Bikini athlete’s strutting their stuff over the Lichas Hall stage from all corners of Guyana.

GBBFF head Keevon Bess says that 20 athletes

were registered days before the competition, with more expected on the day of the event itself.

According to Bess, those registered so far constitute a quality lineup to compete in the Classic Bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Bikini and Bikini Wellness categories.

Bess told the Guyana Chronicle that the drive is to recruit strong athletes as Guyana looks to field one of the largest and strongest national teams to ever grace the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) championship.

— Competitors to also vie for CAC spots

“We have already put most of the team together, using the senior’s competition, but the novice competition will give us an opportunity to have more athletes,” he added.

He says a proper novices’ competition will give them the right momentum, adding, “It’s very important and significant that we have a successful competition, so we can increase Guyana’s chances of medaling at CAC by putting more athletes on stage.”

The sport administrator says that gyms and

athletes have expressed their excitement at being part of the competition this year.

Guyana is set to host the Central American and Caribbean championship, where they will compete against the best from Latin America and the Caribbean at the National Cultural Centre.

The GBBFF is partnering with The Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Fitness Express and New GPC Inc to pull off the event.

Guinness action begins tonight

2023 Novice Miss Bikini winner Melitha Anderson at left, and runner-up Melissa Rickett at right

Isai Thorne

Veersammy Peramaul

Flashback to 2023 National Novice champion Anthony McClean