Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15-03-2025

Guyanese unite for Holi

–– PM says such celebrations vital to nation’s social fabric. underscores unity in embracing all religions and cultures

–– thousands gather at GCC, Everest, National Stadium to partake in festivities; communities blanketed with coloured powder, excitement

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, joined thousands of Guyanese to celebrate Phagwah, the Hindu Festival of Colours. In addition to backyards and community streets, persons from all backgrounds gathered at venues such as the Guyana National Stadium at Providence powering each other with coloured power and partaking in the excitement (Photos: OP/DPI/Japheth Savory)

–– Jagdeo says; debunks their unsubstantiated claims

G7 Foreign Ministers denounce Venezuela’s incursion into Guyana’s EEZ

–– say act was unacceptable, an infringement of internationally recognised sovereign rights

FOREIGN Ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries, on Friday, denounced Venezuela’s recent incursion of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and reaffirmed respect for Guyana’s territorial integrity.

This was disclosed in the Joint Statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers which consists of foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union at the conclusion of their meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada.

The joint statement said: “We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognised sovereign rights.”

Against this backdrop, the

G7 Foreign Ministers added that they reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value. Meanwhile, the ministers

reiterated their call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who voted in July 2024 for change, the cessa-

tion of repression and arbitrary or unjust detentions of peaceful protesters including youth by the Maduro regime along with the unconditional and immediate release of all

political prisoners. A vessel identified as a Venezuelan coast guard patrol ship was said to have operated near Guyana’s offshore facilities, including the

Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

At that time, President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted that the action by Venezuela is not to be taken lightly as plans were underway to take the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

President Ali had said:

“Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognised under international law and this incursion is a matter of grave concern. However, I assure you that my government is not acting precipitously. We are addressing the situation with the seriousness and responsibility it requires.

Many of Guyana’s regional and international partners have condemned Venezuela’s last action calling for peace and respect for the ongoing case that is

See page 4

G7 Foreign Ministers at the meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada (U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy photo)

Celebrations such as Phagwah vital to nation’s social fabric – PM

–– highlights unity in embracing all religions, cultures

By Feona Morrison

THE celebration of Holi, locally known as Phagwah, turned the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours on Friday, as scores of people gathered to revel in the festival of colours.

The historic cricket venue was transformed into a lively canvas of powdered hues, music and rhythm, embodying the spirit of joy, unity, and cultural pride.

During his address to the huge crowd, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips reflected on the deep cultural significance of Holi in Guyana.

“Holi came to Guyana with our indentured ancestors from India, and over time, it has become a national festival. It signifies the beginning of spring, and the symbolism of it all talks about love, unity, renewal, new beginnings for all of us.” he remarked.

Against the background of classical Indian drumming and infectious chutney and Bollywood beats, celebrants—young and old— flung pink, yellow, blue, green, and purple powders into the air, showering the scene with a rainbow of colours and camaraderie.

As Prime Minister Phillips spoke of the government’s commitment to embracing all religious and cultural celebrations, he also noted the importance of national unity.

He said: “Holi is one of the festivals we lean on as a government to ensure and embrace the idea of ‘One Guyana’ as we develop our nation and bring improvements to all the people of Guyana through the celebration of all religious and cultural activities.”

Whether it is Holi, Eid, or Easter, he emphasised that the People’s Progressive

Some of the scenes captured by Delano Williams at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), where scores of persons, including government officials and special invitees celebrated Phagwah in love and unity and with lots of joy and laughter

Party/Civic (PPP/C) government recognises all these celebrations as essential to the nation’s social fabric. He expressed hope that Phagwah would continue to foster unity among the people.

Adding to the electric atmosphere was an electric performance by a visiting dance troupe from Rajasthan, India. Wearing flowing, elaborate,patterned garments, the dancers amazed the audience with their energetic routines, blending the new and the old.

“We are thankful for their vibrant and energetic performances, alongside our talented local performers who have benefitted from cultural exchanges between Guyana and the Indian government,” PM Phillips added, drawing loud cheers from the audience.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, echoed the sentiment of cultural harmony, emphasising Guyana’s strength in diversity. “This is a country that celebrates each other’s traditions, and that unity in diversity makes Guyanese stronger,” she said.

As she looked out at the sea of colourful faces, Miller expressed her admiration for the enthusiastic way in which Guyanese embrace Holi, making it a shared national celebration.

“I wish you a vibrant, harmonious and joyous Phagwah. May today’s celebration reminds [sic] us of the beauty, diversity and the power of unity,” the diplomat added. Members of the King’s Foundation—a United King-

dom-based charity—also attended the festivities.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang, emphasised that Holi is not limited to any one community but carries a deeper, universal significance.

Dr. Telang noted, “Both in India and Guyana, we have multi-religious, multi-ethnic societies, so Holi is an occasion where all of us come together and celebrate… [Holi] is a true celebration of the spirit of life. It is a celebration of those bright

colours, which is an indication of happiness, forgetting our differences, and coming together to join hands.”

He expressed hope that the strong friendship between India and Guyana continues to flourish, and that together, “we can help make the world” a place where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

The spirit of Phagwah was not just in the colours, however, but also in the infectious laughing, the splashy water fights, and the sharing

of traditional delicacies like gujiya, thandai and masala chai.

Families and friends danced with each other, showering themselves in powder, symbolising the breaking down of barriers and celebration of friendship and love.

“It’s not just a Hindu festival; it’s a Guyanese festival,” said Ravi, a reveller who has been attending Phagwah celebrations almost every year. “It’s about togetherness, about letting go of negativity and embracing positivity. Today, we are all one, no matter our background.”

“Another celebrant, Melissa, said: “Holi is about embracing love, spreading positivity, and celebrating togetherness. It’s a time to let go of everything and just enjoy the moment with everyone, no matter their background.”

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, his cabinet ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps, with great enthusiasm, participated in the Holi festivities, dipping into clouds of colourful powders and laughter.

The atmosphere continued to be heavy with laughter and music, a reflection of the ability of Holi to unite people.

With their clothes coloured and spirits high, individuals left the GCC with one conclusion—Holi is not only the festival of colours but the festival of life.

Friday’s event was hosted by the High Commission of India in Guyana in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.

G7 Foreign Ministers denounce...

before the International Court of Justice.

The following is the full joint statement issued by the foreign ministers on Friday:

“1. We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.

UKRAINE’S LONG-TERM PROSPEITY AND SECURITY

2. We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.

3. We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the U.S. and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line

with the Charter of the United Nations.

4. We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means. This includes the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets. We underlined the importance of confidence-building measures under a ceasefire including the release of prisoners of war and detainees— both military and civilian— and the return of Ukrainian children.

5. We emphasised that any ceasefire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.

6. We condemned the provision to Russia of military

assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces. We reiterated our intention to continue to take action against such third countries.

7. We expressed alarm about the impacts of the war, especially on civilians and on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed our commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous

REGIONAL PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

8. We called for the release of all hostages and for the hostages’ remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We reaffirmed our support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire. We underscored the imperative of a political horizon for the Palestinian people, achieved through a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples and advances comprehensive Middle East peace, stability and prosperity. We noted serious concern over the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank and calls for de-escalation.

9. We recognised Israel’s inherent right to defend itself consistent with international law. We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the harm inflicted on the hostages during their captivity and the violation of their dignity through the use of ‘handover ceremonies’ during their release. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

10. We expressed our support for the people of Syria and Lebanon, as both countries work towards peaceful and stable political futures. At this critical juncture, we reiterated the importance of Syria’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We called unequivocally for the rejection of terrorism

in Syria. We condemned strongly the recent escalation of violence in the coastal regions of Syria, and called for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. We stressed the critical importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. We welcomed the commitment by the Syrian interim government to work with the OPCW in eliminating all remaining chemical weapons.

11. We stressed that Iran is the principal source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop and acquire a nuclear weapon.

We emphasised that Iran must now change course, de-escalate and choose diplomacy. We underscored the threat of Iran’s growing use of arbitrary detention and foreign assassination attempts as a tool of coercion.

COOPERATION TO INCREASE SECURITY AND RESILIENCE ACROSS THE INDO-PACIFIC

12. We reiterated our commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.

13. We remain seriously concerned by the situations in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea and continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. We expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous manoeuvres and water cannons against Philippines and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law. We emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organisations.

14. We remain concerned with China’s military buildup and the continued, rapid increase in China’s nuclear weapons arsenal. We called on China to engage in strate-

gic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.

15. We emphasised that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.

16. We expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. We further called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. We reiterated that we are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic growth, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest.

17. We demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programmes in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We expressed our serious concerns over, and the need to address together, the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts. We called on DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

18. We denounced the brutal repression of the people of Myanmar by the military regime and called for an end to all violence and for unhindered humanitarian access.

BUILDING STABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN HAITI AND VENEZUELA

19. We strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government.

We reaffirmed our commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN. We expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialised anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.

20. We reiterated our call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who peacefully voted on July 28, 2024, for change, the cessation of repression and arbitrary or

unjust detentions of peaceful protesters including youth by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners.

We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognised sovereign rights.

We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.

SUPPORTING LASTING PEACE

IN SUDAN AND THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

21. We unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, which have led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the spread of famine.

We called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fuelling the conflict.

22. We condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resulting violence, displacement and grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard of the territorial integrity of the DRC. We reiterated our call for M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. We urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.

STRENGTHENING SANCTIONS AND COUNTERING HYBRID WARFARE AND SABOTAGE

23. We welcomed efforts to strengthen the Sanctions Working Group focused on listings and enforcement.

We also welcomed discussions on the establishment of a Hybrid Warfare and Sabotage Working Group, and of a Latin America Working Group.”

Everest Cricket Club bursts with colour, unity in grand Phagwah celebration

PEOPLE from diverse cultural backgrounds gathered at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown on Friday to celebrate Phagwah, also known as Holi.

The Guyana Hindu

displays by local artistes featured vibrant dances and songs, as delicious Indian sweets from food vendors also accompanied the cultural event.

Added to the festive atmosphere were spir -

Dharmic Sabha hosted the grand event, bringing individuals together through a cherished tradition that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.

The atmosphere was electric, with guests spraying one another with coloured powders and water.

Energetic classical music dominated the venue, blending beautifully with the merriment of the celebration. Traditional

on the importance of Holi.

“Holi reverberates with a very powerful, positive message of the triumph of good over evil,” she remarked.

Dr Persaud explained that Holi’s coloured pow-

world we live in today...”

She described the festival as a celebration of love, unity, fraternity, and all things good and wholesome.

The festival, commemorating the advent of

ited performances by a guest dance troupe from Rajasthan, India. Friends and families joined in the celebration, laughing and dancing with each other, totally swept up in the mood of camaraderie and celebration.

In her address to the energetic crowd, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sahba and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud reflected

ders convey a deeper message about equality and unity. “By covering our faces with these colours, we become unrecognisable by the end of the evening—a reminder that, in the eyes of God, we are all equal. We should see each other equally in the

spring, is based on Hindu tradition but has been embraced by the overall Guyanese population as a national festival.

Holi at the Everest Cricket Club was proof of the enduring spirit of unity and cultural pride that defines Guyana.

Celebrating Holi with colour, dance, music, and unity at Everest Cricket Club (Japheth Savory photos)

Sound Fiscal Policies

AS Guyana’s economy continues to boom, there are understandably rising expectations by Guyanese of a brighter and secure future.

Already the face of the country is changing with the labyrinth of new roads and streets. This is especially evident on the East and West Bank Demerara. Indeed, it is not uncommon for drivers to lose their way, especially those unfamiliar with the new road networks.

The political opposition faced with the reality of a new Guyana has resorted to the unfounded arguments that there is too much emphasis on infrastructural works. It is not uncommon to hear leading opposition elements saying ‘you cannot eat roads and bridges’ in an effort to minimise the impact these developments are having on the wider populace.

These arguments are at best specious and do not take into account the advanced state of physical and infrastructural decay inflicted on this nation by the nearly three decades of PNC dictatorial rule. After the return of the PPP to office on October 1992, the rebuilding of the economy literally had to start from scratch.

That neglect proved highly costly as huge sums of money which could have otherwise been spent on higher wages and salaries and other social services had to be spent on infrastructural works which were in a dilapidated state under the previous PNC regime.

The sad part of those sordid years was the high and unsustainable debt burden which the country experienced through excessive borrowing both from the local banking sys-

tem and international lending institutions. So bad was the situation that Guyana was declared ‘uncreditworthy’ by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The country was faced with a debilitating debt burden which consumed over 90 per cent of revenues. Despite the heavy borrowing, there was hardly anything of substance to show due to corruption, mismanagement and improper feasibility studies.

Thankfully, the situation today is markedly different due to generous debt write-offs and rescheduling initiated by the PPP/C administration. The country’s credibility was restored and Guyana was regarded by the international community as a model country which has successfully transitioned from a state of relative backwardness to middle income status.

With the PPP/C administration back in office after a brief hiatus, that development momentum has intensified due in part to greater revenues from oil but also as a result of fiscal discipline and prudent management of the economy which is now experiencing balanced growth. The different sectors work holistically and synergistically to consolidate and enhance the growth momentum. Guyana is today benefitting from both infrastructural and human development which is quite unlike what transpired under the PNC regime when there was neither infrastructural development nor human progress.

The PPP/C administration must be commended for its prudent economic management and fiscal policies which has catapulted Guyana to one of the fastest growing economy in the world.

Georgetown residents enjoy Phagwah

What is the role of Alston Stewart in the AFC?

I DON’T want Mr. Alston Stewart to sue me so in the discussion to follow I will not mention through which initiative he came to Guyana in 2015 to shape the strategy for the Alliance For Change (AFC).

I know his name was recommended to Sheila Holder and Raphael Trotman and they acted on the advice given. I campaigned for the AFC in 2015 and never had a word with Mr. Stewart; not even a hi or hello.

I had no respect for Mr. Stewart in 2015 because as a long-standing activist in Guyana, I never heard about Mr. Stewart and thus had no knowledge of what he knew about Guyanese politics. For me, his role in the AFC in 2015 was unnecessary and I don’t believe his advice to the AFC made a difference. The APNU+AFC won the 2015 election by less than 4,500 votes and the PPP would have won a parliamentary majority if GECOM had ordered a recount in Region Eight which the PPP lost by one ballot.

In January of this year, Vice-President Jagdeo made some formidable accusations against Mr. Stewart’s company and I believe the Government of Guyana in 2021 filed a writ against Mr. Stewart’s company for an alleged failed business transaction involving the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Mr. Stewart’s presence has returned to Guyana. He is once more a political strategist for the AFC under the new leadership of Nigel Hughes. Mr. Stewart would have failed in 2020 because the APNU+AFC ignominiously lost the general election in that year. So, what is Mr. Stewart doing in and with the AFC in 2025?

I have become disenchanted with Nigel, someone I once had some respect for his political thoughts. What is Nigel hoping to

get from the thinking of Stewart? What can Stewart tell Nigel that dozens of other educated, experienced Guyanese who are Nigel’s friends cannot tell him?

Stewart does not live in Guyana. He can only bring to bear on the AFC’s 2025 election campaign, a general strategy on political mobilisation based on theoretical formulas. But at the end of the day, a strategist has to be deeply familiar with the unique sociological and historical factors that separate each country from others on Planet Earth.

What political parties around the world do is employ foreign strategists that map out the local territory and use computer models to shape political campaigns but, in the end, victory is not guaranteed because these foreigners are not combining theory with knowledge of the local terrain.

David Granger by himself or the PNC by itself brought down a group of white consultants for the 2020 election. The lead operative for this group met the AFC executive at State House and offered his blueprint for the campaign. He advised that the APNU+AFC methodology must emphasise Granger the man rather than Granger and Ramjattan as a team.

This white consultant was a stupid, ignorant man who knew nothing about West Indian politics. In 2020, the face of the Guyana Government was Joseph Harmon, the minister of the presidency and not David Granger. After five years in power, Granger proved that he was not a West Indian politician and he turned out to be the most distant, elitist party head and head of government, the West Indies ever produced.

Yet this white consultant advised the PNC and AFC they must forget about team

Ganger/Ramjattan and concentrate on the personality of the man, Granger. It was logical that with such mumbo jumbo advice, the APNU+AFC would lose the 2020 election. To think that up to this day, no one from the AFC and PNC has accepted their obligation to their supporters to tell them who was this consultancy firm.

These are the very people that tell the nation day in, day out that the government is not accountable to the Guyanese public. So, we return to Alston Stewart. He came in 2015, the AFC barely won. He came in 2020, the AFC lost. What I would like to hear from the AFC leadership is what special skills he brings to the AFC for its 2025 campaign that it cannot find right here in Guyana.

In the current AFC leadership are people who were in parliament for five years and in power for five years. Are Nigel and his colleagues telling the nation that with all that experience, it is necessary to bring in Stewart once more? It is possible that Nigel and his executive believe that there is a special genius that Stewart possesses that the AFC needs.

Or maybe the AFC executive is too ignorant and stupid to understand Guyanese politics.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Reject bigotry and discrimination, UN chief says, urges everyone to combat Islamophobia

THE UN Secretary-General has urged everyone to speak out against xenophobia and discrimination to combat a “disturbing rise” in anti-Muslim bigotry.

In a message marking Saturday’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia, Secretary-General, António Guterres, warned of racial profiling and discriminatory policies that violate human rights and dignity, to outright violence against individuals and places of worship.

“This is part of a wider scourge of intolerance, extremist ideologies, and attacks against religious groups and vulnerable populations,” he said, adding that when one group is attacked, “the rights and freedoms of all are at risk”.

He urged everyone around the world to reject

and eradicate bigotry, and to speak out against xenophobia and discrimination. He also called on governments to foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom, and for online platforms to curb hate speech and harassment.

“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us work together to uphold equality, human rights and dignity, and build inclusive societies where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and harmony.”

GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMEMORATION

Meanwhile on Friday, UN Member States gathered in the General Assembly to call attention to the worrying rise in anti-Muslim sentiment.

The world body established the International Day

Peace doves fly on the grounds of the historic Hazrat-i-Ali mosque, in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. (UN Photo/Helena Mulkerns)

in 2022, unanimously adopting through a resolution in which it also called for strengthened international efforts to promote a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and for the diversity of religions and beliefs.

of the General Assembly, drew attention to the role of extremist ideologies in fuelling hatred.

“We cannot accept the misuse of Islam for malicious intentions,” Mr. Yang stated, condemning the narrative of violence associated with the religion.

“Islamophobia is not an isolated issue,” he continued. “Rather, it is connected to xenophobia, intolerance, racism, sexism and the rampant spread of hate speech.”

It also “strongly deplored” all acts of violence against persons on the basis of their religion or belief and attacks against places of worship.

A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Philémon

Yang, President

STOP UNJUST PORTRAYAL OF WOMEN

He also emphasised that combatting Islamophobia required a broader commitment to tolerance, particularly regarding the portrayal of Muslim women.

“Muslim women, in

particular, face added hostility, due to deeply unjust portrayals of them as oppressed by their religion,” he remarked.

He underscored the need for inclusive policies that celebrate diversity and ensure equal rights for all.

THE PATH FORWARD

As part of the broader call to combat Islamophobia, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, echoed the importance of unity and mutual understanding.

“We must all stand up against all forms of hatred and discrimination,” he said, stressing the need for governments to create environments that foster peaceful dialogue and respect among all religious and cultural communities. (UN)

Opposition ‘divorced from reality’

Jagdeo says; debunks their unsubstantiated claims that poverty eradication is not being properly tackled

–– highlights increase in employment, strides in housing, health care, education, public sector wages

By Trina Williams

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has accused the Opposition of being “divorced from reality,” given their unsubstantiated claim that the government is not properly tackling poverty eradication.

Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, emphasised that successive budgets have consistently targeted poverty alleviation, dismissing opposition claims.

“They are very good at criticising the PPP on poverty, saying – ‘you are not doing enough on poverty. We did not do anything [about] poverty but you are not doing enough.’ Bypassing all that we have done…” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition’s subpar management of Guyana while it was in office from 2015-2020 was also focused on by Jagdeo.

The General Secretary, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice-President, pointed out that thousands of Guyanese were put on the breadline under the APNU+AFC coalition government because of their policies and this figure exacerbated when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. However, when the PPP assumed office in 2020, as Jagdeo highlighted, it got to work on re-employing all of those persons.

He then said: “Now, if more people are working, it means more people are coming out of poverty. We have supported the 15,000 part time workers , t hey were not working under APNU, now they are working across the country. The 3 , 000 Amerindian s who are CSOs, they never had a job under APNU , they have a job now. “ So, if you’re talking about poverty, the key way of getting

out of poverty is not by giving handouts. [But] , first of all, ensuring that people have a job.”

Guyana’s unemployment rate has seen a significant decline since the current government took office in 2020.

Over 60,000 new jobs have been created, a stark contrast to the previous administration’s five-year term, which saw a significant loss in employment.

Jagdeo said: “B y any standard, any metric, any assessment that is done today in 2025 compared to 2020 when we took office, will find that tens of thousands of Guyanese now are working, more are working both in the public sector and in the private sector.”

He stated that this is a result of the government re-engineering the fiscal environment to stimulate investments.

“B ecause of this, we saw massive investments coming into the country and in every sector. And that is why you have so many people working today,” the Vice-President said.

He also criticised the Opposition for its comments on a number of government initiatives, especially given that when they were in office, they

[cannot] craft a plan.”

He then said: “ You tell me, if you’re talking honestly, today, as an ordinary citizen of this country which political party or aspirants into politics now has a plan for the oil and gas sector, as we do for monetising gas, for taking health care and education to a different level, for expanding infrastruc-

ture, for diversification of the economy, for adaptation to climate change.

“I can go down the long list. I can tell you what our plans are right here now Not a single other party can do that and we are in election year already.”

However, what the Opposition will do, according to Jagdeo, is, come to -

gether and “cut and paste” concepts and present it as a manifesto.

“ That’s not how it works.

Any one small party, political aspirants, etc, you can’t just go around posting nice images of yourself. You have to have some substance…,” he firmly stated.

did not implement policies to bolster the quality of life for citizens.

He responded to the Opposition’s criticisms of the $100,000 newborn cash grant, a landmark initiative aimed at securing the well-being of the nation’s youngest citizens and underscored that there are a plethora of initiatives in the budget that are aimed at enhancing the lives of all.

Jagdeo pointed to the universal health voucher, eye testing, cervical cancer screening as some of the initiatives in the health sector that the PPP government has rolled out.

As for public servants, he said they would have gotten US $500 million more per year since the PPP assumed office in 2020. 40,000 Guyanese would have gotten a house lot, 50,000 persons would have benefitted from government paid scholarships and he pointed out that now, university education is free.

The Vice-President then firmly stated: “They did zero in housing, practically zero in all these areas, no plan for healthcare, they increased the UG fees by 35 per cent when they were in office, but they have a lot of criticisms. They

PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

GPF must tread path of continuous improvement

––

Benn says

MINISTER of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has encouraged members of the Guyana Police Force to continue to improve services continuously as Guyana undergoes massive transformation.

The minister stated this while delivering remarks at the recently held Inspectors and Sergeants Conference.

He said: “You have to tread the path of continuous improvement. The development we are seeing, which we have to assure at the most important times, can only be protected by the security forces.”

Minister Benn added that the Guyana Police Force is at the tip of the spear in assuring that this development is

protected.

Speaking directly to the inspectors and sergeants, he indicated that as the leaders in the middle ground who instruct ranks on how to approach danger and how to be respectful to taxpayers, they have to ensure that development is protected, and peace is maintained.

To this end, he said that at this stage it is not the physical aspect, that is buildings and infrastructure, that is truly critical, but it is the

improvement of administrative processes and the quality and delivery of services that are critical.

Against this backdrop, he congratulated the Guyana Police Force on the improvements made in relation to the reduction in serious crimes, reduction in road deaths though he noted that there is more room for improvement.

While he noted that there are still some major issues, the minister added that they need to take a look at the statistics in these cases, identify the direction in which these statistics are going, and formulate plans for improvement.

“All of those issues we need to take a hard look at

our statistics, we need to identify for each month, each year, period, each quarter, where the direction in which these statistics should be moving, and they should be moving along improvement paths. We need to pay attention to what’s happening,”

he said.

Further to this, Benn told the conference that there needs to be more victim support mechanisms in place even as the force needs to become more empathetic, learned and informed.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn (Radio Eve Leary photo)

One Guyana Phagwah Festival highlights culture, national pride, cohesion

GT communities blanketed with coloured powder, excitement

By Shaniya Harding

THE streets of Georgetown and surrounding communities came alive on Friday as people from all backgrounds came together to celebrate Phagwah, the Hindu Festival of Colours.

As coloured powders

At the heart of this year’s grand celebrations was the One Guyana Phagwah Festival 2025, held at the National Stadium, Providence. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport and showcased some of the country’s most talented performers.

filled the air, joyous laughter echoing through neighbourhoods, and music filling the streets, Phagwah 2025 was a true representation of unity, love, and community spirit.

Hundreds gathered at major venues like the Providence National Stadium, Everest Cricket Ground and the Guyana Cricket Club, while streets in La Penitence, Albouystown, Kitty, and other communities were packed with celebrators. In every corner, people—young and old—could be seen smearing each other with colourful powders, embracing the tradition of spreading joy and goodwill. Some residents took the opportunity to host their own backyard celebrations, welcoming friends, neighbours, and even strangers into their homes for food, music, and fun.

shad from Cummings Lodge, Georgetown, arrived early at the stadium with a group of friends. Though the crowd was smaller at first, it quickly grew as the performances began. She shared that this is something they do annually.

Phagwah celebrations were not just limited to Guy-

The event which kicked off at noon, featured performances from Vicadi Singh, Steve Ramphal, and Sonia Singh, who energised the crowd with their lively music.

The Berbice Delight Dancers mesmerised the audience with traditional and modern dance performances, capturing the vibrancy of Guyanese culture. As the afternoon progressed, the stadium became a sea of colour, with festivalgoers gleefully throwing powdered dye into the air. The festival was not just about entertainment—it was a place for families to bond.

Vanessa Ram and her family travelled all the way from Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, so her children could fully experience the joy of Phagwah. “I love this time of year because we see so much happiness among people. It doesn’t matter where you’re from— everyone comes together,” she shared.

Similarly, Bratinna Par-

–– brings thousands together at National Stadium

crowd control and assistance where needed. Vendors lined the streets, selling traditional Hindu sweets like gulab jamun and pera, while others provided cool beverages to keep the crowd refreshed and hydrated.

While the One Guyana Phagwah Festival was the centrepiece of the celebrations, the spirit of Phagwah was felt throughout George-

town’s communities. The streets of Albouystown, La Penitence, Kitty, and beyond were transformed into impromptu celebration zones, where music blasted from speakers, and groups of people danced and played together. Some residents took the initiative to organise their own local events, turning their yards into gathering spots for families and friends.

More than just a religious holiday, Phagwah in Guyana is a symbol of unity and togetherness, bringing people from all backgrounds together. Whether celebrated in grand venues or within close-knit communities, the festival once again reinforced the spirit of One Guyana—a nation that takes pride in its diversity and cultural harmony.

anese. International visitors, including Brad and Payton Tally from Texas, were also part of the festivities. Brad, who planned his trip around Phagwah after researching holidays in Guyana, was amazed by the energy and warmth of the event.

“This is great. The event fully met my expectations. I like the colours. Even outside on the road there are people playing,” he said. His nephew Payton, visiting Guyana during his school break, called it a trip he would never forget.

A SAFE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY CELEBRATION

With large crowds gathering across the city, security personnel were stationed at key locations to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Officers from the Guyana Police Force were present at the stadium and along the busiest streets, providing

Bratinna Parshad from Cummings Lodge (centre) along with a few of her friends while at the National Stadium, Providence (Shaniya Harding photo)

Vanessa Ram and her family travelled all the way from Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara, so her children could fully experience the joy of Phagwah (Shaniya Harding photo)

Foreigners, including Brad and Payton Tally from Texas, were also part of the festivities (Shaniya Harding photo)

Some of the dancers who performed at the Phagwah Festival (Delano Williams photo)

Tens of thousands of families displaced by fighting in DR Congo’s South Kivu as UNICEF scales up humanitarian response

–– children face killings, recruitment by armed groups, sexual violence as conflict cripples schools, health services, access to clean water

THE following is the full press release issued by UNICEF on Friday:

“The resurgence of conflict in the province of South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has forced more than 850,000 people—nearly half of them children—to flee their homes. Many are living in precarious conditions, taking shelter in schools, churches, or in the open, with limited access to clean water and sanitation, healthcare, and education.

The ongoing violence in the province has led to a sharp rise in grave violations against children. Verified cases have surged since January 2025, marking an approximately 150 per cent increase compared to December 2024. These violations include sexual violence, killings, maiming, and the recruitment and use of children by armed groups.

UNICEF’s Representative in the DRC visited the eastern region earlier in March to witness, firsthand, the impact of the crisis in Bukavu and to assess UNICEF’s intensified response.

“I met unaccompanied children seeking refuge at the University Clinics— children who have lost everything. Their distress is immense, and every day without a stronger humanitarian response worsens their suffering,” warns Jean François Basse, UNICEF’s Acting Representative in the DRC. “We are facing an unprecedented protection crisis. Children are being targeted. They are being killed, recruited, torn from their families, and exposed to horrific sexual and physical violence.”

Fighting has also significantly limited humanitarian operations. The closure of Kavumu airport, located 25 kilometres north of Bukavu—a vital entry point for the delivery of essential supplies—and the closure of banks have disrupted field operations and delayed payments and distributions.

The health sector is overwhelmed, with overcrowded hospitals and shortages of medicine and equipment. More than 15 health facilities have been partially destroyed, while outbreaks of cholera, measles, and mpox are spreading. Since January 2025, 377 cholera cases have been reported, with a concerning spike of 146 new infections in late February, particularly affecting displacement sites and health zones in Minova and Uvira.

Education has also been impacted, with the closure of more than 1,000

schools in the province, disrupting the education of over 300,000 students. In Bukavu alone, 19 schools have turned into makeshift shelters for displaced families, highlighting the urgent need for alternative solutions to support both education and humanitarian needs.

In response to this critical situation, UNICEF and its partners are scaling up life-saving support for children and families. Efforts to reunite unaccompanied children with their families are underway, with 40 per cent already supported. Four operational “listening points” now provide psychosocial support and referrals to services to affected children and families.

Access to clean water and sanitation is also improving, with three purification stations supplying 180,000 litres of clean water daily. Meanwhile, UNICEF mobile teams are working in cholera-affected areas on disinfection, awareness-raising, and medical referrals.

UNICEF and its partners are also working to reopen schools, advocate for demining, and assess damaged facilities for rapid rehabilitation. Finally, UNICEF is reinforcing support for health centres to tackle mpox and cholera outbreaks, particularly through medical treatment, nutritional care, and mental health support.

“We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, protect children, respect international humanitarian law, and guarantee rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access,” said Basse.” (UNICEF)

Adverse climatic conditions drive coffee prices to highest level in years

––– new FAO study notes a nearly 40% price surge in 2024 due to supply-side disruptions, primarily from unfavourable weather

WORLD coffee prices

reached a multi-year high in 2024 - increasing 38.8 per cent on the previous year’s average – mostly driven by inclement weather affecting key producing countries, the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said on Friday.

According to an FAO note on global coffee market trends, in December 2024, Arabica, the higher quality coffee favoured in the roast and ground coffee market, was selling at 58 percent up on a year ago, while Robusta, used mainly for instant coffee and blending, saw a price surge of 70 percent in real terms.

ing of the price differential between the two varieties for the first time since the mid-1990s.

RISES IN 2025 POSSIBLE

This marked a narrow -

FAO said that coffee ex-

port prices may rise further in 2025 if major growing regions experience further significant supply reductions.

Key factors behind the recent price increase include limited export quantities from Vietnam, reduced output in Indonesia, and adverse weather impacting coffee production in Brazil.

In Vietnam, prolonged dry weather caused a 20 percent drop in coffee production in the 2023/24, with exports falling by 10 per cent for the second consecutive year. Similarly, in Indonesia, coffee production in 2023/24 declined by 16.5 per cent year-on-year on the back of excessive rains in April-May 2023 that damaged coffee cherries. Exports dropped by 23 per cent.

In Brazil, dry and hot weather conditions prompted successive downward revisions to the 2023/24 production forecast, with official estimates shifting from an anticipated 5.5 per cent year-on-year increase to a 1.6 percent decline.

SHIPPING COSTS A FACTOR

Higher shipping costs were also found to be one of the factors contributing to the increase in world coffee prices.

Early data indicates that in December 2024, the increase in world prices translated into consumers paying 6.6 per cent more for their coffee in the United States and 3.75 per cent more in the European Union, compared to the same period in 2023.

“The high prices should provide incentives to invest more in technology and research and development in the coffee sector - which

relies largely on smallholder farmers - to increase climate resilience,” said Boubaker Ben-Belhassen, Director of FAO’s Markets and Trade Division, adding that climate change is impacting coffee production in the longer term. FAO supports many of the coffee-producing countries to help farmers adopt climate-resilient techniques that also contribute to restoring biodiversity loss.

FAO highlights the importance of market transparency and encourages cooperation among all actors of the value chain to support sustainable growth in the global coffee sector and protect the livelihoods of millions of smallholder producers worldwide.

KEY FIGURES

Brazil and Vietnam together account for nearly 50 percent of world coffee production.

Smallholder farmers play a vital role in the coffee industry, accounting for 80 per cent of global coffee production.

Global coffee production amounts to over $20 billion annually.

The value of total coffee trade is estimated at over $25 billion per year.

In 2023, world coffee production reached 11 million tonnes.

In 2023, coffee export earnings accounted for 33.8 percent of total merchandise exports in Ethiopia, 22.6 per cent in Burundi, and 15.4 per cent in Uganda.

In 2023, the largest coffee importers were the European Union and the United States of America.

The global coffee industry generates over $200 billion in annual revenues.

Smallholder farmers account for 80 per cent of global coffee production

UN Commission approves WHO recommendations to place psychoactive substances under international control

THE following is the full release recently issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning psychoactive substances:

“Following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has decided to place five new psychoactive substances and one medicine under international control.

The recommendations were developed by WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence--ECDD, which consists of global experts analysing health risks and benefits of psychoactive substances circulating on global markets and alerting to include them under international control if evidence found that their use can cause harm for population health in countries.

“These substances have been brought to WHO’s attention for being clandestinely manufactured, posing serious risk to public health and society without any recognised therapeutic use,” said Dr Deus Mubangizi, WHO Director for Health Product Policy and Standards. “We are pleased that the Commission (on Narcotic Drugs) has accepted the full set of WHO recommendations and added these substances to relevant schedules in the 1961 or 1971 Conventions. We hope countries and communities will increase vigilance and take necessary actions to protect vulnerable groups particularly youth from these substances.”

Four substances placed in Schedule I of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), as amended by the 1972 Protocol are:

N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene, also referred to as protonitazepyne, is a synthetic opioid. It has been described as a beige powder or a white colourless or crystalline solid and has been identified in falsified pharmaceutical opioid tablets. It is reported to be administered by various routes, including smoking, snorting and by injection. It can cause substantial harm, including death. It has no known therapeutic use.

N-Pyrrolidino metonitazene, also referred to

as metonitazepyne, is a synthetic opioid. It has been described as a beige powder and is reported to be administered by injection. There is evidence that its use causes substantial harm, including death. It has no known therapeutic use.

Etonitazepipne, also referred to as N-piperidinyl etonitazene, is a synthetic opioid. It has been described as a crystalline solid and a yellowish-white or yellow powder. There is evidence that use of this substance causes substantial harm, including death. It has no known therapeutic use.

N-Desethyl isotonitazene, also referred to as norisotonitazene, is a synthetic opioid that has been described as a crystalline solid. It has been identified in falsified pharmaceuticals. Multiple deaths and hospital admissions have been reported in at least two regions. There is evidence that its use causes substantial harm, including death. It has no known therapeutic use.

Substance placed in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971): Hexahydrocannabinol, also known as HHC, is a semi-synthetic cannabinoid described as a colourless viscous oil or resin. Products such as THC cannabis flowers and resins infused or sprayed with the substance, e-liquids and cartridges for electronic cigarettes, edible products such as gummies and marshmallows, tinctures resembling dietary supplements and distillate oils can include HHC. There is sufficient evidence that HHC is used in ways to constitute a public health and social problem, warranting placement under international control.

Substance placed in Schedule IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971): Carisoprodol is a centrally acting skeletal muscle

relaxant sold as a single-ingredient preparation and in combination products. Carisoprodol is available as a pharmaceutical product in tablet form, has been detected in falsified pharmaceuticals and is also found as a white powder. There is increasing evidence that nonmedical use of carisoprodol in a number of countries constitutes a significant

risk to public health.

WHO has been convening the ECDD as a scientific advisory body for over 70 years with the mission to protect populations from harmful substances and to ensure that psychoactive substances are available where needed for medical and scientific purposes.

The ECDD conducts scientific reviews at the request

of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and is the only treaty-mandated body to provide health recommendations to the Commission to inform decisions in drug policy.

With the ongoing emergence of more harmful substances, including clandestinely manufactured synthetic opioids with no medical use such as fentan-

yl and nitazenes, Member States expressed interest in more scientific reviews of these substances by WHO in the coming period.

The above-mentioned decisions were announced at the 68th regular session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which took place in Vienna, Austria, from 10-14 March 2025.

Mother, son among 74 trainees in

IN a significant move to bolster workforce development, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), under the Ministry of Labour, has launched the Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator (HDEO) Training Programme at Critchlow Labour College. This initiative is set to certify 74 participants—56 males and 18 females—over a 16-week period, equipping them with essential skills for the industry. Notably, among the trainees is a mother and son duo, exemplifying the programme’s broad appeal and its transformative impact across generations. The training is designed to not only provide certification but also ensure participants obtain a heavy-duty machine operation licence, addressing a longstanding employment barrier in the field.

The launch event saw the presence of several key officials, including Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Board of Industrial Training Technical Officer for Region 4, Mr. Rohan Bishop; Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Ms. Marcel David-Watson; Principal of the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), Mr. Dexter Cornette; and HDEO Instructor, Mr. Alvin Jack.

Among the trainees is a mother ing the programme’s broad appeal impact across generations

Minister of Labour, Joseph dresses the 56 males and 18 in the programme over a 16-week with essential skills for the industry

in Heavy-Duty Equipment Training

Minister Hamilton, in his address, encouraged participants to approach the training with dedication and enthusiasm. He highlighted the importance of obtaining proper certification, noting that many experienced operators have been unable to secure jobs due to the lack of licensing. “We will ensure that every person being trained has a licence to operate. When I became minister, there were a lot of people around the country who had experience operating heavy machinery but lacked licences. Many companies would not and could not employ them. We have started to change that,” he stated.

The $3.9 million initiative will provide practical training, life skills development, safety gear, and a monthly stipend for trainees. Supporting remarks were also delivered by Mr. Dexter Cornette and Mr. Alvin Jack, both of whom emphasised the significance of the training in creating new opportunities and enhancing employability.

This latest initiative by BIT reflects the government’s commitment to skills development and economic empowerment, ensuring a more qualified workforce for Guyana’s growing industries.

mother and son duo, exemplifyappeal and its transformative

Hamilton, at the podium adfemales who will participate 16-week period, equipping them industry

Conflict, hunger, poverty impede children’s early development: Türk

GOVERNMENTS everywhere are “letting children down instead of lifting them up” as con-

flict, hunger, poverty and climate change hold back child development, UN rights chief Volker Türk

told Member States in Geneva on Thursday.

During a discussion on early childhood devel-

opment, the High Commissioner for Human Rights underscored that 80 per cent of the human

brain is formed in the first three years of life, as he appealed for a reset in youth-centred policy.

“Investments in early childhood are one of the smartest ways to achieve sustainable economic development; studies indicate that the economic return can be up to 13 times the amount invested,” he insisted.

Citing South Africa’s Child Support Grant and the Bolsa Familia programme in Brazil, the High Commissioner pointed out that they “help to ensure that children born into the toughest circumstances can still have the most essential needs covered”.

Today’s threats to children are also virtual, and youngsters everywhere lack the tools to stay safe online, Mr. Türk continued, before warning that children’s access to food, basic sanitation and drinking water remains unequal across the world; two in five lack access even to basic sanitation.

CHILDREN SUFFERING EXTREME

HEAT TO RISE

EIGHT-FOLD

Climate change is also likely to make children and future generations more vulnerable, Mr. Türk told the Council, noting that in the next 30 years, eight times as many children could be exposed to extreme heat waves and twice as many to extreme wildfires.

Emphasising the wider

benefit to society of early childhood development, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on violence against children, said that “even the very youngest and those in the most vulnerable situations have rights, including rights to development, protection and participation”, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

BRAIN DRAIN

More than one million new neural connections form every second in the first few years of life, the practicing paediatrician explained, as she warned of the long-term impacts on very young children’s health, learning and behaviour when caregivers are unable to provide nurturing and safe care.

Many children with disabilities or from minorities have no access to supportive early child development services, along with others in poor or emergency settings, Dr. M’jid noted.

“Given the unprecedented humanitarian crisis - due to conflict and forced displacement - we must ensure that [early child development] programmes are embedded in the humanitarian response,” she insisted.

ONE CHANCE AT PARENTING

Also taking part in the debate at the Human

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights Council/Marie Bambi)

Conflict, hunger, poverty impede...

Rights Council was 13-year-old child rights advocate, Vlad.

“Raising a child is not a maths test that you can retake it if you haven’t done it right the first time,” said the young Moldovan, noting that parents, family and the community form the pillars of a child’s first year of life.

“But what happens when a child is born with a disability or into a family that doesn’t have enough resource to rise them? Do we step aside because this is not our problem or - on the contrary - do we help the child and the family to develop and overcome those difficulties?” he asked.

Vlad, who volunteers at a free centre for children with disabilities and developmental difficulties run by NGO Lumos Foundation, stressed “how important it is to intervene early in child development, because the earlier we react, the more chances we give to the child to develop harmoniously … a child’s difficulties, however great they may be, can be overcome or,

at least, minimised.”

‘I MISS MY HOME, MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS’

Ten-year-old Joyce, who was forced to flee Syria’s civil war, told the Council precisely what children needed in her home country, so that other youngsters just like her could stay there in safety: “Education, safety and child friendly spaces –not shootings, missiles, bombs or kidnappings,” she said.

Speaking via videolink, Joyce addressed world leaders directly, asking them to understand that for children to live happily and safely, “you need to stop the wars”.

She added: “We need to go to school, to play, to have food and water and most importantly, not to live in fear.”

Admitting that one can’t really argue with Joyce’s statements, Mr. Philip Jaffé, Member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child said, that it wasn’t needed to be verbose, “when what is being said, is essential.”

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

calls on all countries “to ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child”.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee on the

Rights of the Child which assesses the progress that countries make in adhering to the Convention, Philip Jaffé insisted that for children to thrive in their early years, gov -

ernments should implement comprehensive and rights-based, coordinated strategies and across departments and at central and local levels.

In addition, “there must be special consideration and social support given to the early childhood needs of children with disabilities and their families,” Mr. Jaffé said. (UN)

Aretea expects Chelsea to be ‘contenders’

(BBC) - ARSENAL

boss Mikel Arteta says he expected Chelsea to be “contenders” to win the Premier League this season.

The teams meet at Emirates Stadium on Sunday (13:30 GMT) with the Gunners currently second in the table and the Blues six points behind them in fourth.

However, the prospect of either catching runaway leaders Liverpool, who are 15 points clear at the top having played a game more, appears remote.

The realistic aim now for Arsenal and Chelsea appears to be ensuring their place in next season’s Champions League, with fifth spot now looking likely to be sufficient. The Gunners will also face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition this season.

But Arteta suggested he had anticipated greater things from Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this term.

“From the moment I watched them play in pre-season, understanding how Enzo works and the talent they have in the squad, they were contenders to even win it from the beginning,” said the Spaniard.

“They have so much there. The moment that everything lies together and they find that connection , energy and consistency, I think they can compete with any team.”

Chelsea had briefly looked like being the closest challengers to Liverpool in December when they moved to

within two points of top spot following a fivegame winning run

Yet they have managed just four victories in 12 games since, with a number of frailties, particularly in defence, exposed

While Chelsea’s style of play and recurring problems have drawn criticism from their own supporters, Arteta has backed former Leicester manager Maresca to get it right.

“He’s a magnificent coach,” Arteta added.

“He’s very clear what he wants to do, he’s been very clear what he wants and how he does it. I really like the way his team plays.”

Meanwhile, Arteta said defender Myles Lewis -Skelly, who received his first England call-up on Friday in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad, showed his potential on the club’s pre-season United States tour.

“You see the talent,” he said of the 18-yearold, who only made his senior debut in September.

“You see how they react to certain stimulus or challenges. Then you start to think we’ve got a player here - but then you have to do it. I was very impressed with him in the States when he came on against Liverpool as a sub.

“His consistency, his habits and the way he trains every single day, give you the right reasons all the time to consider him. The best way to talk is on the pitch, for any player.”

Bumrah to miss first few IPL games

JASPRIT Bumrah is set to miss the first few IPL 2025 matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) as he continues to recover from the back injury that has kept him out of action since January. It has been learnt that Bumrah is expected to join the squad by early AprilMI have three games scheduled in Marchsubject to clearance from the medical team at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence

in Bengaluru. Bumrah has been recuperating from the stress-related injury in his lower back, which he suffered on the second day of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney on

January 4. Bumrah was subsequently ruled out of the Champions Trophy, which India won earlier this month. This is the first time Bumrah has gone down with a back injury since undergoing surgery in March 2023. While announcing the squad for Champions Trophy in January, Ajit Agarkar, India’s chief selector, had said that Bumrah had been asked by the BCCI medical team to offload for at least five

starting their campaign in Chennai against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, they play Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI’s first home match is two days later, when they host Kolkata Knight

weeks (from the SCG Test). Since the Champions Trophy only started on February 19, Bumrah had been included in India’s provisional squad. He travelled to Bengaluru for fresh scans in early February, but continued to feel discomfort and was not named in the final squad. It could not be confirmed exactly how many matches Bumrah would miss and if there was a definite date of return.

MI’s first two IPL 2025 fixtures are away: after

Riders (KKR) on March 31. They then play two matches in the first week of April: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on April 4 and at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.

His unique action has made Bumrah susceptible to back issues, forcing the BCCI medical team, the selectors, and the team think tank to balance his workload and ensure that he is given optimal rest between series/tournaments.

Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t played since the Sydney Test in early January•Getty Images

Team Lausanne confirmed for One Guyana 3x3 Quest

brated

stops on the 3x3 World Tour.

After a seventh-place finish at the 2024 World Tour in Ed - monton,

players of the squad is Carlos tinez, Spain’s ranked 3x3 player and prominent figure in the global 3x3 scene. Known sharp strategic play sure under pressure, Martinez tial asset in Lausanne’s cure a spot in Edmon ton.

Joining Martinez is Gilles Martin, a dynamic and flamboyant player from Switzerland, currently ranked fourth in his country by FIBA.

seventh and sixth, respectively, Zamojski adds further depth to the Lausanne lineup.

Together, the worldclass quartet brings a blend of experience, flair, and international pedigree to Lausanne, making them a formidable contender in the One Guyana 3x3 Quest.

The One Guyana 3x3 Quest is not only a major milestone for the participat-

ing teams but also a historic event for the Caribbean.

It will be the first-ever 3x3 Quest held in the English-speaking Caribbean, and it promises to shine a well- deserved spotlight on basketball in Guyana and the broader Caribbean region.

The tournament will feature teams from across the globe, including representatives from Guyana, Puerto

Rico, the Dominican Republic, the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Bermuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Guatemala, Suriname, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and the Cayman Islands.

Rawle Toney, Vice President of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) and Coordinator of the tournament, noted that “having Team Lausanne

compete at the One Guyana Quest adds quality to the tournament that’s on par with any of the top 3x3 events globally. Lausanne is a formidable team, and being one of the top teams in the world, playing in Guyana adds tremendous value and recognition to what we’ re trying to achieve in the Caribbean.”

Carlos

Jonathan Dubas, ranked is an important member of

Peilz, Dubas has represented Switzerland on the national ally in Sweden, bringing to

Rounding out the Przemyslaw from Poland, a seasoned 3x3 star

land’s top-ranked and lades, including bronze medals 2019 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, the 2023 European Games, the 2021

both the 2020 and 2024 Games, where he finished

Gilles Martin, one of Switzerland’s top 3x3 players, is heading to Guyana with Lausanne for the One Guyana 3x3 Quest

Martinez, Spain’s number one 3x3 player, forms part of Team Lausanne and will compete in the One Guyana 3x3 Quest

Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana…

Universal Construction and Contracting becomes latest doner

SURENDRA Hiralal, former president of the Gandhi Youth Organisation cricket club and current chairman of senior selectors of the Demerara Cricket Board, donated one cricket helmet to this joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.

Hiralal was also the captain of the Everest Cricket club for fourteen years and is still regarded as one of the most successful in the history of the camp road-based club. He also served on the executive of ECC.

He indicated that he is following the initiative and is impressed the wide reach it has and the number of players and clubs that have benefitted over the years.

This initiative will continue to strive to make every community a safer and better place.

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $560,000 in cash, thirteen colored cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, thirty three pairs of cricket shoes, thirty seven pairs of batting pads, forty six cricket bats, forty pairs of batting gloves, twenty eight thigh

pads, three pairs of wicket keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, thirteen gear bags, thirteen bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fiber glass bat, one pair of floppy hat, sixteen boxes and four of white cricket balls, thirteen boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and twenty eight footballs.

Surendra Hiralal of Universal Construction and Contracting

In addition to the above, gear with value of over $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National wicket keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used

to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.

To date, ninety four players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, thirty three bats, four boxes, six helmets, thirty five pairs of cricket shoes, twenty one pairs of batting pads, twenty four thigh pads, one bat grip, thirty seven pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicketkeeping pads and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves. Many others benefited indirectly. In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard also received one box of red cricket balls each, Cold Fusion Cricket Club thirteen color uniforms while RHCCCC received six boxes of balls, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket keeping gloves, two sets of stumps and bails. Other beneficiaries are The Essequibo Cricket Board, the Town of Lethem, youth coach Travis Persaud (one box of red

cricket balls), male and female teams playing the traditional hardball and softball in the Upper Corentyne area, No. 65 Young Titans with 30 T-Shirts, youths of Just Try Cricket Club, Wakenaam Cricket Academy (one box of white balls), Shamar Joseph, Nehemiah Hohenkirk, Shamar Apple, Leguan Cricket Committee, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Malteenoes Sports Club (nine cricket balls each), Kendall’s Union cricket club with twelve red balls, Lower Corentyne, Corentyne Comprehensive and JC Chandisingh Secondary Schools with twelve red balls each, Thaddeus Lovell with one pair of cricket shoes, GCC, two boxes of white cricket balls and Bush Lot United Sports Club, one box of red balls.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme, will also

benefit.

The success of this initiative would have never been possible without the support of Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo of Cricket Zone, USA, Kelvin Brijlall, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru and Dennis Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies, Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Gajanand Singh, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Chin Singh, Denesh Chandrapaul, Davo Naraine of UK, Dr Cecil Beharry, Raj Mathura, Raj Bharrat, Latch Mohabir and family, Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Nagamootoo, Moses Nagamootoo

Jnr, Regal Sports Store, Onkar Singh, Parmanand Dhaniram, Reshma Mathura, Booman Singh, Krishna Rengensamy, Ishwar Singh, Ricky Deonarain of 4R Bearings, Terry Mathura of TDMJ Inc., Kennard Verapen and NY Pioneer CC, Anita and Derek Kallicharran, Subhas Powan Persaud of DX Sports, Ramjit Singh, Vishnu Dudnauth, Johnno Persaud, Bob Harrischan, Kumar Dindial, Shazam Hussain, Ravi Lutchman of JIS&L, NY, Muhammad Afzal of Cyber Trading, Kaieteur CC of Canada, Randolph Soobrian of the USA, Charrandass Persaud, Rockaway Group of Companies, Raymond Haniff of Diversity Investments Inc., Realtor Mahadeo Ajodhi and Surendra Hiralal of Universal Construction and Contracting. We also thank the media for the role they have played so far in promoting this venture. Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

Inaugural West Indies Breakout league set for April 25 start

CWI - Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are jointly launching the inaugural West Indies Breakout League, a new cricket tournament designed to spotlight emerging talent across the region. The competition is scheduled to take place from 25 April to 10 May 2025, featuring six teams and 17 matches. All the games will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

The six teams taking part will be Barbados Pelicans, Guyana Rainforest Rangers, Jamaica Titans, Leeward Islands Thunder, Trinidad & Tobago Legions and the Windward Islands Infernos. Players eligible to participate must be under 30 years old or at the start of the 2025 event, with limited professional experience—fewer than 40 List A T20 matches and fewer than 10 International T20s.

This initiative aims to bridge the gap between domestic, CPL and international cricket, with each team closely associated with their local territorial board and a CPL franchise.

The tournament will provide a crucial platform for the next generation of T20 stars, allowing them to showcase their skills and

take significant steps in their careers.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating:

“This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for the next wave of players to get the game time they need to push through to the next level and add depth in our T20 talent pool. We are delighted to collaborate with the CPL on this initiative, which promises to provide a strong platform for upand-coming talent in the West Indies.”

Pete Russell, CEO of Republic Bank CPL, echoed these sentiments, saying:

“We are excited to join forces with Cricket West Indies to deliver a world-class and sustainable tournament. This initiative is not only an investment in the future of West Indies cricket but also a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to witness exceptional talent and great cricket.”

The West Indies Breakout League is poised to become a key element in the region’ s cricketing calendar, offering fans, players, and franchises a chance to play their part nurturing the next wave of cricketing stars.

SCHEDULE:-

25 Apr 25, 2pm

25 Apr 25, 7pm

26 Apr 25, 2pm Jamaica Titans v Leeward Islands Thunder

26 Apr 25, 7pm

29 Apr 25, 2pm

29 Apr 25, 7pm

30 Apr 25, 2pm Trinidad & Tobago Legions v Jamaica Titans

30 Apr 25, 7pm Barbados Pelicans v Leeward Islands Thunder

2 May 25, 2pm Jamaica Titans v Barbados Pelicans

2 May 25, 7pm Leeward Islands Thunder v Trinidad & Tobago Legions

4 May 25, 2pm Windward Islands Infernos v Trinidad &Tobago Legions

4 May 25, 7pm Guyana Rainforest Rangers v Leeward Islands

6 May 25, 2pm Barbados Pelicans v Guyana Rainforest Rangers

6 May 25, 7pm Jamaica Titans v Windward Islands Infernos

7 May 25, 7pm Leeward Islands Thunder v Windward Islands Infernos

9 May 25, 7pm

10 May 25, 7pm

Guyana Women edge Trinidad

THE country’s women U21

Junior Pan American Challenge side picked up their third win of the ongoing Junior Pan American Challenge in Barbados

They axed neighbors from the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey, St. Michael.

Rebecca Ferreira scored a first half goal which they held on to take the 1-nil victory.

Guyana started the tournament with a 4-nil win over Guatemala but then had losses to Mexico and Puerto Rico 6-nil and 3-nil respectively.

On Wednesday when they clashed with Caribbean counterparts Barbados, they narrowly defeated them 1-nil with the solitary strike coming off the stick of Ferreira.

Ferreira’s goal came 2 minutes and 47 seconds into the first half as the ladies

who have held their own in the regional competitions, took the larger share of the possession but failed to convert their 7 penalty corners.

The men’s side will battle Barbados today.

They are 5th place in the six teams standing with 1 win in four matches with three losses.

The men started with a win over Guatemala but suffered subsequent losses to Trinidad 2-1, Venezuela 1- nil and Brazil 2-1.

The Challenge is the regional qualifier for the second ever Junior Pan American Games scheduled for 9th to 22nd August in Asuncion, Paraguay with the top two teams in the men and women advancing.

The local teams are sponsored by the Ministry of Sport and Guyana Olympic Association, Sabor café, C&V Shipping, Kestrel, Acado, King Ocean Line, and John Fernandes Ltd.

Matches continue this weekend at CASH

HARPY Eagles Conference

leaders Wortmanville Pacesetters are set to get back on the courts this evening aiming to keep their unbeaten record intact when they suit up against debutants East Coast All-Stars in the ongoing One Guyana basketball Premier League

The clash is one of several set for this weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Pacesetters have six wins in six games to lead the conference while East Coast have registered one win in eight outings and are one from bottom on the table.

Reigning champions North Ruimveldt Raven are second on the table with six wins in seven games with Block 22 flames out of Linden Boasting four wins and two losses in six matches.

Saturday also sees the champion Ravens meeting Berbice Renegades and Plaisance Guardians lining up against Panthers.

Meanwhile, on Sunday in the Jaguar Conference Guyana Defence Force, aiming to pick up their third win in their five outings, plays the winless Black Caiman. The Soldiers have had a

lukewarm campaign this year and are seeking to find some momentum to gain a spot in the playoffs starting in May.

Bounty Colts who have four wins and a loss in five clashes then meet bottom ranked Guardians in the Jaguar Conference which is led by University of Guyana Trojans followed by Royals and Stabroek Eagles.

The final fixture on Sunday features Kwakwani Untouchables playing Kobras.

Untouchables have a flawless record in their two games played while Kobras record sits at four wins and

Milo Schools Football Championship Main Draw kicks off at MOE ground today

AFTER the elimination rounds, the dust has settled and 24 teams from around the country will now duel it out over the next few weeks at two grounds in Georgetown for the 2025 Milo U18 Schools Football Championship.

The grounds, Queens College and Ministry of Education ground will see the Round Robin games begin today and continue on Sunday at both venues.

Defending champions Chase Academic Foundation will open their 2025 campaign against Hope Secondary before Dolphin Clash with Tutorial High.

Next Region one’s Waramuri Secondary School meets the region’s six top side which was determined late last evening when New Amsterdam Technical Institute met Berbice Educational Institute.

Over at QC ground Linden’s Three Mile secondary first locks horns with West Demarara, followed by a match-up between Ann’s Grove and Carmel.

Charlestown Secondary also lined up against New Central at the CARFESTA avenue Ground.

Sunday also will witness six match-ups at the QC and MOE grounds.

South Ruimveldt face-off with Vreed En Hoop in the opener, with West Ruimveldt set to tackle Westminster then Santa Rosa Secondary playing Brickdam Secondary.

Over at the QC ground Bartica will meet region five’s top school

Bush Lot School which beat Belladrum Secondary yesterday 3-1 to be the regional champions.

Essequibo’s Abram Zuil are also scheduled to take on St John’s Secondary and President College meets Yaracabra.

The schools are playing for bragging rights, championship trophy and the 300,000-dollar cash prize which will be used for a school project of their choice with 200,000 and 100,000 for the second and third place schools.

The teams will be divided in six groups of four, with the top two teams along with the best four third place teams advancing to the knock-out stage.

The main draw of the 11th edition will feature the round robin before the knock-out, quarter final, semifinal and grand finale on May 9th.

Goordial stars in Canada’s victory over Argentina

FORMER Guyana and West Indies women’s player Indomatie Goordial, who is currently representing Canada in the ongoing T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifiers, starred with a fine 42 versus Argentina in a recent match, played in Buenos Aires, Brazil.

four losses in eight encounters.

The League is set to conclude in May and features 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conferences.

The teams are drawn from all across the country and are battling for bragging rights, top dollars and the coveted trophy.

This year sees the top side collecting a million for first place, half a million for the second-place team with third and fourth place also collecting cash prizes along with trophies.

Goordial, who hit a solitary boundary in her top score, before she went via the run out route, shared in a 62run third wicket partnership with Amarpal Kaur who was left unbeaten on 33 as Canada reached 110 for three in their allotted 20 overs.

Goordial also returned to capture one for 10 in 2.2 overs as Argentina were restricted to 74 all out in 19.2 overs which saw Canada winning by 36 runs. Krima Kapada grabbed two for five in her two overs while Kaur

retuned to claim two for 15 off four overs.

Goordial brings an extraordinary cricketing pedigree to the Canadian team, having represented the West Indies in Test and ODI cricket and achieving the rare feat of also playing for the USA. She also served as the head coach of the USA national team.

Apart from representing Guyana, Goordial appeared in one Test match and 10 One-day Internationals for the West Indies between 2003 and 2005. In 2010, she appeared in five T20 matches for the United States before migrating to Canada. Meanwhile, the team is also managed by Guyana-born Praim Persaud who serves as President of the Cricket Ontario and executive of Cricket Canada.

U21 Junior Pan American Challenge…

Guyana Men U21 hockey team in Barbados

One Guyana Basketball Premier League

UG Trojans Player going for a lay-up in the One Guyana basketball Premier League

By Sean Devers

THE Guyana Harpy Eagles registered an emphatic three - day 10 - wicket victory over the Windwards Volcanoes yesterday in the fifth round of the Regional First-Class Championship at the Providence Stadium to remain at the top of the points table

This was the fourth win by the defending champions as they remained unbeaten with four wins and a draw Set 25 to win after dis-

missing the Windwards for 135 in their second innings, Guyana reached 28 without loss in 4.3 overs with Matthew Nandu hitting four boundaries in his 14 - ball 18 , while Raymond Perez finished on 10 from 13 balls

Once Kavem Hodge was dismissed for 40 from 70 balls , decorated with four fours and a six and 19-yearold Stephon Pascal hit a shot - filled 22 reaching the ropes four times, nobody else got to 20 Pascal fell to Renaldo

Ali-Mohamed after sharing in a 43 - run opening stand with Jeremy Solozano, who was LBW to Gudakesh Motie for 17 at 47-2

Skipper Alick Athanaze (18) was LBW to Veerasammy Permaul at 93-3 and when Hodge was caught and bowled by Motie 102-4, Windwards lost their last six wickets for 33 runs.

Test left-arm spinner Motie had 6-38 to register his five-wicket haul

Permaul , in his 149th first - class game , had 3-46

to take his first-class tally to 662 and extended his regional first-class record to 584

Earlier, Guyana resumed the penultimate day in brilliant sunshine on 159-3 with Imlach on 40 and Kemol Savory on 46 However, once Savory, who fell for 99 in this tournament, had added three to his overnight score and was LBW to fast bowler Gilon Tyson for 49 from 85 balls with four fours at 1674, the Windwards began to sneak back into the match

When he arrived from

Pakistan , Imlach scored a century in the second round and he and Kevin Sinclair took their team to 208 before Sinclair, who hit four fours in 20, fell to off-spinner Kenneth Dember, while Keemo Paul (0) hit Shadrack Descarte to mid-off at 213-6

Renaldo Ali-Mohammed was taken on the mid-wicket boundary by Darel Sylus but stepped over the ropes as the pugnacious Ali-Mohammed opened his account with a six Ali-Mohammed hit two

sixes and four in a quick-fire 20 before he was caught and bowled by leggie Sylus at 249-7

Motie hit four boundaries in his 32, was removed by Sylus at 301-8 , while Permaul (4) was caught and bowled by Dember at 316-9

Imlach reached his second ton in this tournament and his fifth overall, with a reverse sweep off Dember before being last out at 319. Sylus had 3-82, Dember 3-92 and Tyson 2-51 were the main wicket-takers.

Action in the main draw of the 2025 Milo U18 Schools Football Championship begins today