First Lady Arya Ali, her sons Zayd and Ilan alongside Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva and other children at the commissioning of the Independence Park at Anna Regina (Office of the First Lady photo)
Citizens welcome universal healthcare voucher
THE universal healthcare voucher aims to empower individuals to take control of their health, according to the many citizens who have welcomed the initiative.
The Government of Guyana (GoG) officially launched the programme on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
This initiative provides every Guyanese with a $10,000 univer-
sal healthcare voucher. Additionally, the eye testing and spectacles programme, which continues this year, is designed to assist citizens by offering eye tests, screenings, and support for obtaining spectacles
if needed. The Sunday Chronicle spoke to numerous citizens who underscored the importance of the initiative and highlighted the other programmes they have benefitted from.
Philip Bourne, an el-
derly man, said: “I feel good about receiving help to assist me with my health problems.”
Bourne mentioned that he also benefitted from the eye testing and spectacles programme.
He commended the administration for its efforts to bolster the healthcare sector and even mentioned that he was looking forward to other programmes.
Additionally, Wendy Johnson, while express-
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Some of the beneficiaries of the Universal Healthcare voucher
Greater affordability, wider access to healthcare
- with launch of ‘universal healthcare vouchers’
By Trina Williams
CITIZENS
throughout Guyana are witnessing a transformation of the healthcare sector into a world-class system, with the recent launch of the universal healthcare voucher on Saturday, marking a significant step toward realising this ambitious vision.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali officially launched the initiative at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where he addressed citizens of all ages from across the country on the development taking place in Guyana, especially in the health sector.
to every Guyanese. The general screening blood tests include: haemoglobin (hb), lipid profile, liver function, kidney function, urinalysis and thyroid function tests, to name a few.
Additionally, citizens can get a 40 to 70 per cent discount from the initial costs of medical tests offered at hospitals and laboratories through a government partnership with more than 30 local facilities, including private labs and hospitals. And for the hinterland communities, specific programmes are being worked out to ensure citizens receive their vouchers. A sum of $5 billion was invested in the initiative, which forms part of the government's effort to achieve universal healthcare.
private labs and hospitals.”
Guyana’s health sector, since the government took office in 2020, has seen an upward trajectory.
on hard work and delivering results.
“We are not only going to build a world-class healthcare system but we are going to deliver worldclass healthcare services to every citizen of this country,” the President told the large gathering.
The Universal Healthcare Voucher caters for a number of tests that are essential in managing one’s health; it offers a GY$10,000 universal healthcare voucher
The President further noted: “The voucher that you see here and the prices on the voucher, there’s an added benefit, all of these prices would have in it, inherently a 40-70 per cent discount from what they were originally at the
As Dr. Ali emphasised, the government has bolstered its partnerships with international allies to further improve healthcare in Guyana. These partnerships didn’t develop overnight; rather, as he noted, they are the result of a strategic foreign policy and a government focused
“Our health foreign policy has brought tremendous goodwill and results for our country and we must applaud that,” the Head of State said.
Further, the President announced that because of the collaboration with one of the country’s international partners and the Men on Mission (MoM), there will soon be a nationwide prostate screen-
ing programme, aimed at reaching thousands of men.
This initiative will prioritise early detection and awareness. Already, the government has spent some time with Northwell Health on mapping a strategy for three prominent cancers- prostate, breast and colon.
The President said that they are planning to map an early detection strategy towards national screening and treatment.
“Not only are we building these partnerships but we are investing in the equipment and technology and the tools for treatment,” President Ali stated.
Notably, the President commended the private healthcare sector for improving its services to better serve the people. These positive results will support the government’s building out of the public healthcare sector and, according to the President, this will aid in ensuring that the healthcare ecosystem can work seamlessly. Notably, the eye testing and spectacles programme, which continues this year, was launched in June 2024 by the Ministry of Health, and is aimed at supporting Guyanese citizens by providing eye tests, screenings, and assistance with spectacles,
if necessary.
Similarly, the cervical cancer screening programme was also launched in June 2024, and is set to continue this year, a move that was part of a comprehensive plan for the elimination of cervical cancer. EARLY DETECTION Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his remarks, underscored the benefits of the healthcare voucher, especially for early detection. He reiterated that the government has been working to ensure that there are healthier children in the classroom.
“We also took the opportunity in this initiative to ensure we focus on our children and this is also complimenting a programme that we introduced about a year and a half ago, where we had started a school health programme -going into the schools, screening every child to ensure they’re healthy,” the Health Minister said.
Other leading health conditions are also being tackled by the ministry, Dr. Anthony highlighted. For instance, the ministry has been working with Mount Sinai to develop diabetes guidelines and a programme to tackle cardiovascular diseases.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali presents one of the universal healthcare vouchers to a school child (Yohan Savory photos)
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, presents one of the universal healthcare vouchers to a healthcare worker A
Trump administration weighs travel ban on dozens of countries
(Reuters) - The Trump administration is considering issuing sweeping travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as part of a new ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo seen by Reuters.
The memo lists a total of 41 countries divided into three separate groups. The first group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba and North Korea among others, would be set for a full visa suspension.
In the second group, five
countries -- Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar and South Sudan -would face partial suspensions that would impact tourist and student visas as well as other immigrant visas, with some exceptions.
In the third group, a total of 26 countries that includes Belarus, Pakistan and Turkmenistan among others would be considered for a partial suspension of U.S. visa issuance if their governments "do not make efforts to address deficiencies within 60 days", the memo said.
A U.S. official speaking
on the condition of anonymity cautioned there could be changes on the list and that it was yet to be approved by
the administration, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
reported on the list of countries. The move harkens back to President Donald Trump's first term ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Trump issued an executive order on January 20 requiring intensified security vetting of any foreigners seeking admission to the U.S. to detect national security threats.
That order directed several cabinet members to submit by March 21 a list of countries
from which travel should be partly or fully suspended because their "vetting and screening information is so deficient."
Trump's directive is part of an immigration crackdown that he launched at the start of his second term. He previewed his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and "anywhere else that threatens our security."
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Protesters flood Belgrade in one of biggest anti-government rallies
(Reuters)
- More than 100,000 protesters descended on Serbia’s capital Belgrade on Saturday in one of the largest rallies in decades, with students and workers facing riot police and supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic.
Serbia has seen months of anti-government rallies after 15 deaths from a railway sta-
tion roof collapse triggered accusations of widespread corruption and negligence.
The protests have swelled to include students, teachers and farmers in a major challenge to Vucic, a populist in power for 12 years as prime minister or president.
“We will not allow you to deprive us of our freedoms,” one student said in a series of
speeches from a stage.
A security source and witnesses estimated the crowd at well over 100,000 people. The government denies accusations of graft and incompetence and says Western intelligence agencies are backing a push to destabilise Serbia.
Though the protests have been largely peaceful, police said a car rammed a column of protesters, injuring three people, in a Belgrade suburb, while a group of men attacked and injured a student and university lecture in the centre.
Police said they appre -
hended 13 people in incidents overnight and early on Saturday, including three men after an attack on pro-Vucic farmers’ tractors parked in a ring around Pionirski Park where government supporters have been camping.
Across the street from the park, hundreds of veterans from elite military brigades in maroon berets and bikers, both allied with the students, lined up as the march proceeded between the parliament building and nearby Slavija square.
Students established their own security guards, clad in
fluorescent yellow vests, between police and protesters.
“Today we will demonstrate our dissent ... to show what we are striving for, a normal state, a state of law, without corruption, lying, media pressures, persecutions,” said Aleksa Cvetanovic, a 23 year-old student who has been attending demonstrations since December.Streets were choked as protesters kept up a festive mood, lighting flares and chanting their slogan “Pump it up.”
The students are demanding the release of documents about last year’s
railway station disaster in the city of Novi Sad, and accountability for those responsible. Prosecutors have charged 13 people over the Novi Sad disaster, and the government has announced an anti-corruption campaign. Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and two ministers have also resigned during the protests. Saturday’s protesters also called for a renewed general strike in coming days, though past appeals have failed to galvanise public service workers or many businesses.
The New York Times first
U.S. President Donald Trump
Advancing regional development
- President Ali, ministers engage regional authorities on government’s Public Sector Investment Programme
IN a significant step towards further advancing regional development, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and several senior Cabinet Ministers met with regional representatives from Regions Two to Six at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The meeting was centered on the implementation of the Government's Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) with an eye to-
wards its effective and impactful delivery across the regions.
The session was attended by a cross-section of ministers including Dr. Ashni Singh, Sonia Parag, Collin Croal, Dr. Frank Anthony, Robeson Benn, Deodat Indar, and Kwame McCoy.
The collaborative effort demonstrates the government's commitment to getting regional stakeholders on board with national development goals so that
investments are made in such a way that it addresses the specific needs of each region.
Through direct engagement with the region's representatives, the government aims to encourage a more inclusive and effective way of investing in the public sector, culminating in the overall development and prosperity of Guyana.
Unsubstantiated Criticisms
IN recent weeks, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been attacked by the Opposition for its poverty reduction efforts in Guyana. Not only are these charges unfounded, but they also reveal a distinct disconnect from reality.
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice-President of Guyana and PPP General Secretary, has rightly noted that budgets of the current government
have all always been centered on poverty alleviation through multidimensional interventions.
Poverty alleviation by the PPP/C is based on several pillars, including free tertiary education, health for all, housing for all at affordable prices, and diversification of the economy.
These initiatives have brought enormous positive transformation to the lives of Guya -
nese. For instance, the government's initiative of making university education free has opened doors for thousands of young individuals who could not otherwise have afforded tertiary education.
Investments in the healthcare sector have also expanded access to quality healthcare services, including universal health vouchers and specialised programmes like cervical cancer screening.
Furthermore, the government's economic policies have induced job creation, with over 60,000 jobs created since 2020; a far cry from the job losses experienced during the coalition government's term in office.
The Opposition's criticism of initiatives like the $100,000 cash grant to newborns loses the big picture of poverty reduction programmes, which include increased pensions, ed-
ucation grants, and conditional cash transfers.
The Opposition's track record in office from 2015 to 2020 was one of underinvestment in critical sectors such as education and healthcare, which heightened poverty and unemployment. The PPP/C has demonstrated a clear commitment to the betterment of the lives of all Guyanese through pragmatic policies and actions.
It is time now for
the Opposition to move from rhetoric and present concrete, viable options. As Guyana moves ahead, the PPP/C's record of poverty alleviation and economic development continues to be a model of good governance. The Opposition would do well to take notice of these achievements, and become a part of constructive discourse rather than issuing unsubstantiated criticisms.
Citizens welcome universal healthcare...
PAGE 2
ing happiness, said that she cannot wait to use her voucher. “As a citizen, I feel very happy and excited to have collected my voucher and I know that it will benefit me and all the persons who would have collected this voucher,” she told the Sunday Chronicle.
Odessa Debarros expressed similar sentiments. She highlighted the strides that the government has been making in the health sector.
“For me, in the health sector, health
has been doing a good job, yes, I know there is a bit of room for improvement but in all of it, they have been doing
a good job,” she said. Dawn Pearson, a student at the Health Science Division at the Kingston Annex, un -
derscored the importance of this voucher when it comes to monitoring one’s health and early detection of cer-
tain diseases.
She said: “It’s a great initiative by the government; it would help us to check up on our health… so whatever the result is, we are preventing diseases from happening.”
Clinton Softleigh-Jr said that apart from the financial relief, the voucher will teach the importance of monitoring one’s well-being.
“There’s a lot of people that are going to be reached, there’s a lot of impact that is going to be made. People are going to start taking into consideration how
important your health is and how to cherish it,” he stated, adding, “You don’t have to wait for something to happen to take your health seriously. You can actually take initiative.”
The Universal Healthcare Voucher caters for a number of tests that are essential in managing one’s health. The general screening blood tests include: hemoglobin (hb), lipid profile, liver function, kidney function, urinalysis and thyroid function tests, to name a few.
The question that will follow me for the rest of my life
MY daughter insists that I should write my memoir. She believes my life was interesting and so was my contribution to my country. But she thinks I will not do it and she will have to ghost-write it. What I have done in the dozens of thousands of columns I have published over a 36-year period is to include snippets of autobiography. This column here is another autobiographical note.
When I became a youthful political activist, at that early stage, I accepted that I would be an object for people to throw things at. Over 55 years of social activism, the throwing has not stopped. I shrug my shoulder and accept that it comes with the territory. Last year, I saw the throwing again at the wedding of the Editor-in-Chief at the Chronicle.
That incident motivated me to write a column titled, “The ghost that follows me.” Space will not permit an abbreviated repetition of its contents. What I
will do here is to offer another dimension of my political life which manifested itself three times in three consecutive days last week. Here then is another page from my unwritten autobiography.
Last Wednesday, at Mattai’s Supermarket, a customer behind me spoke to me as I was being attended to. He was African-Guyanese with a slight American accent. He said to me he would never believe I am a soup-drinker, but he asked me to discuss why the politics of Freddie Kissoon has changed so dramatically and he would like to hear my answer. It was not possible to discuss my transformation (I don’t know if my philosophical politics has been transformed) because I had to go but I left my cell number for us to have coffee. I never heard back from him. The next day, Thursday, Charrandass Persaud and I went to DEMICO to grab a bite. We walked over to the Stabroek Square.
Lots of people called
out to me and Charran. One particular person came up and spoke to me (the quote here may not be his identical words.) He said: “Maan Freddie, yuh must come back maan, why yuh left we.” I smiled at him and told him it was a long story but Charran and I got to go. I tapped him on the shoulder and said to him: “Hope I see you again and we will talk.”
So, while the service was going on at Jerrick’s Funeral Parlour in Paradise, I got out to escape the long sermon, and let the Atlantic breeze do to me what I have never done to myself – comb my hair. I always do that because I find those pastors get carried away and never stop.
I left Craig at the service and wandered around Paradise. As I was returning to Jerrick’s, walking on the parapet, this gentleman hailed out to me: “Freddie wuh yuh doing till up here, maan?” I told him it was a funeral service for an AFC activist that passed away.
You are not going to believe what he said
The next day, Friday, it was Phagwah. Chronicle columnist, Leonard Craig and I travelled up the East Coast to attend the funeral of deceased AFC activist, Nigel Ralph. I got along well with Nigel and after the AFC got into power and I began to denounce their betrayal of philosophical freedoms, Nigel would berate me whenever he saw me. His lament was always the same: “Freddie you belong with us.” After I started supporting the Ali presidency, Nigel would accost me, and loudly shout at me exclaiming: “Freddie duh is not you maan, Freddie how could turn so.”
to me. I swear on my parents’ grave it is the truth. He yelled out: “Suh yuh gaan back with the AFC, good.”
Before I could give him my response, he exclaimed again: “Freddie wuh you doing maan, why yuh change maan?”
So, in three consecutive days, the same question was put to me. It has been visiting me since May 2015 when I began to denounce the government of APNU+AFC. Here is my answer which is contained in many, many columns before this one. One day, I realised that what I believed in at the deepest philosophical levels about justice, liberty, class and racial equality, the WPA and AFC had no respect for and did not
believe in those priceless values. I was psychologically manipulated all my life by political animals I trusted. The WPA and AFC lacerated my soul. They killed the dreams I carried in my bosom since a teenager in Wortmanville. The WPA and AFC in power and civil society comrades I embraced since the 1970s, that supported rigged elections, was a world I never wanted to see again. That is where I stand today.
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.
Fighting the misinformation
GENERAL SECRE
-
TARY of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, recently signalled that he was thinking about having his press conference twice weekly. He expressed the view that it may have to be shorter and more concise. Dr. Jagdeo even said that this move could allow him a much quick-
er response time to many of the narratives and misinformation that are swirling around the media, particularly social media.
Firstly, this intended change would be most welcomed by the Guyanese public. It’s no secret that the PPP’s press conference is viewed in real-time by hundreds, if
not thousands of Guyanese at home and abroad. It is no secret also that a large portion of non-Guyanese flock to the internet, radio and television to catch a glimpse of the press conferences. It has become a masterclass in politics and policy, and there are many lessons on how a ruling party can reply effectively to an inept and crookish opposition.
So, it would be a pleasure to the minds of countless persons for the press conference to be done twice weekly. Perhaps, it could be done on Mondays and Thursdays, especially as the election draws closer this year.
The fact that Guyanese would get to hear another side of the political divide
with immediacy is also welcomed now more than ever. So, the idea of having the shorter and more concise approach is welcomed too.
Secondly, let’s make it clear that the PPP, like any other party, has a duty to every member and supporter to fight against the wave of alternative facts and lies that are spread about the party, politicians, and its supporters. The PPP must respond to the many damaging things that are deliberately placed in the public domain that could see the party’s image suffering from irreparable harm.
The press conference serves this purpose already. It is managing the big lies that are being told by the PNC, APNU, AFC, WPA and other opposition parties but it cannot do it alone. Dr. Jagdeo cannot carry on this fight alone.
And so, the other PPP leaders of party groups and clusters must fight back against this growing media culture to paint everything that the PPP does as corrupt, racist, lacking transparency and accountability. They must develop the testicular ability to answer the critics of the party with the same force, but must use truth and facts that are readily available to them when they are defending the PPP.
They cannot be complacent and must not be afraid of confronting these bullies big and small in any part of their community and country. The PPP must take up a social media presence and its membership must understand that they are fighting this social media evil that threatens the bedrock of the PPP’s future. While
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Dr. Jagdeo, Ministers and leaders are fighting against this growing threat of misinformation and opposition lies, the PPP membership must raise their voices at the community and other levels when the opposition comes to them and they will come bearing false promises and telling lies.
Thirdly, the PPP should not throw a punch and hide its hand just because it is the government. No, that is cowardly. That is how they must tackle this problem with the fake news media and misinformation. They must stand strong and fight back fairly. This is the only way that the cowards and PPP haters will get the message. They must know that the PPP has real faces and real people who are not afraid of standing to the front and saying all the right things in a way or language that the opposition would understand.
Finally, this fight is not for the faint of heart. This fight is for all right-thinking PPP members, supporters, and Guyanese who believe that the PPP must set the record straight in the face of the opposition’s misinformation, lies and misrepresentation of various issues. The PNC/R and AFC are bombarding the PPP every chance they get using the traditional media and now social media. They are even recruiting paid actors to institute chaos and confusion at various events, stirring up trouble across the country. They are using the social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to attack the PPP party and influence the public. They are changing the narratives each
day by releasing highly and negatively skewed information and lies about the PPP.
So, respond with pen and mouth accordingly. Dismantle the arguments and put them to shame. Present empirical evidence and data. They do not like it when a person is armed with the truth and facts. Normalise the writing of letters to the editors and avail yourselves at events to form part of the public and vox populi.
The party must ramp up their information campaign to deal with this new onslaught of new media and the traditional media. They must monitor the media and the gatekeepers that have to look out for the public’s interest. The PPP has to train the influx of recruits in politics, political ideology and economic policies of the PPP. They must be encouraged to read and understand information, deciphering the hidden political overtones. The PPP must encourage their members to proudly champion its causes, policies and developmental work on the social media platforms as influencers and rising stars. This approach will make their lives easier, closer to elections
As it is, the party must find a social media Zar who can steer the constant misinformation away from the public and combat the use of media to only paint the PPP as bad for Guyana.
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.
Don’t be fooled by the song and dance
AT the height of the nation’s Phagwah celebrations, Aubrey Norton and his PNC/R released a political ad that reeks of hypocrisy and deception. It’s a classic case of a negative political messaging that signals the kind of campaign the PNC/R+APNU+AFC intends to run when a date will be set for the upcoming 2025 national elections.
Many PNC/R diehards have publicly denounced Norton as a “do nothing leader” who lacks what it takes to engage the masses. One of those long-standing members - Amna Ally - quit the party after 54 years, citing Norton's misogynistic behaviour towards women in the PNC/R.
Norton brushed off Ally’s criticism and said she had been inactive in the party for the last three years. In one sweep of his hand, he dismissed half a century of civil service by the most prominent woman in his party, displaying even further evidence of misogynistic behaviour.
If nothing, Norton is a survivor. A long list of PNC bigwigs that included Desmond Hoyte, Robert Corbin, Joseph Harmon, Basil Williams and David Granger have tried to cut him down to size and failed.
And now, as leader, he is facing a wave of internal dissent from at least half a dozen aspiring leaders who believe he is bad for the political life of their party. And now, here comes an ad synced to some arrhythmic lyrics of slogans bereft of a vision that seeks to portray Norton as the leader that will save Guyana.
It takes a lot more than a photo-op of a politician glad-handing with Guyanese at Parika mar-
ket to sway the people of this country even when it contains lyrics of a soundtrack that says “Aubrey likes us, he fights for us, he’s one of us, he’ll lead for us.”
Talking about leadership, hours before the television ad dropped, the PNC/R issued a press release calling on the PPP/C government “to explain its role in the Melissa Ann Atwell affair.” Incredulously, the PNC/R’s demand for transparency is based on “speculation that her detention is linked to complaints made by the government of Guyana.” Speculation? What can be said to the leaders of the PNC/R that believe U.S. law enforcement agencies will detain a Guyanese living in New York at the behest of the PPP/C government without me using words like stupid, and ignorant?
And who amplifies this idiotic release on the New Source social media platform? None other than Gordon Moseley. In his signature breathless style, Moseley refers to Atwell, a.k.a. “Melly Mel” as a “social media activist” six times in a single report. Surprisingly, News Room also refers to Atwell as an activist. In what world is “Melly Mel” an activist?
Can Moseley please highlight the cause that Atwell is championing? What social, political or environmental campaigns is she heading? When I hear the word activist, the first person that comes to my mind is Greta Thunberg, followed by the organisers of the Black Lives Matter movement which gained wide-spread momentum after the horrific murder of George Floyd.
“Melly Mel” is no Thunberg, the Swedish
climate change activist, nor is she in the same league as Shaun King, founder of BLM who recently converted to the religion of Islam. Atwell doesn’t use her Facebook page to advocate for anything other than to peddle malicious lies and concoct misinformation for no apparent reason but to stir up social mischief.
I am not celebrating the misfortune of anyone, but as Moseley has shown in his recent TV report, it appears Atwell has a solid team of American lawyers pouring over their computers and making frantic phone calls on her behalf. And if those lawyers aren’t enough, Atwell can always lean on the love and support that Rickford Burke has graciously offered her.
Meanwhile, the people of Guyana are aware that a PNC/R ad does little to obscure the reality of what Norton really stands for. Addressing APNU+AFC in January 2024, Norton hinted at potential repercussions for those who voted for the PPP/C. When called upon to clarify whether he was advocating violence in the 2025 elections, Norton was numb.
In February this year, Norton said he would make the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant conditional upon school attendance. That’s how much confidence and regard that Norton and his PNC/R have in Guyanese parents. In numerous public statements, Norton has repeatedly demonstrated his allegiance to Forbes Burnham, an allegiance that gives me the heebie-jeebies.
In his address at the PNC/R's 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress on June 28, 2024, Norton outlined the party's en -
during commitment to Burnham's vision and leadership. He has even critiqued policies that, in his view, deviate from Burnham’s errant economic policies that literally bankrupted the country. Just two months ago, during the Budget 2025 debate, Norton expressed pride in Burnham’s decision to ban certain imported food items. He stated, “We restricted items in the 1970s and we
are proud of it.”
This cruel PNC policy restricted Guyanese from importing essential items such as flour, split peas, potatoes, sardines, and corned beef. It went further, anyone caught possessing the banned items could be imprisoned. To avoid detection, many families resorted to burying banned items in their backyards.
There is one thing I am certain about,
Norton’s PNC/R+APNU+AFC are deceiving you when they tell you that they have embraced a “People’s First” agenda. Don’t be fooled by the song and dance.
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.
Empowering future energy leaders: University of Guyana’s career day and job fair
THE University of Guyana recently hosted its Career Day and Job Fair at the University’s Turkeyen and Tain Campuses on March 7-8 and 12, respectively. This event provided current and prospective students with invaluable exposure to career and training opportunities within the oil-and-gas sector and beyond.
This year’s theme, ‘Explore. Connect. Evolve.’ brought together a diverse range of companies, offering students a holistic view of the professional landscape and equipping them with the knowledge and connections necessary to advance their careers.
A significant highlight
of this year’s fair was the strong presence of several oil-and-gas companies, providing attendees with insights into this rapidly expanding industry that continues to drive Guyana’s economic growth. Company representatives engaged directly with students, sharing information on internships, job opportunities, training programmes, and career pathways. For many students, the Career and Job Fair was a crucial step in their career journey, offering firsthand interactions with industry professionals and potential employers.
ExxonMobil Guyana and several other oil-andgas companies played a key role in supporting the
fair, reaffirming their commitment to educational development in Guyana.
Beyond the career fair, ExxonMobil Guyana is also actively involved in mentoring students through the University’s Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Student Chapter, established in January 2024. This student-led organisation provides Petroleum Engineering students with critical networking opportunities, mentorship, and technical development.
One of the chapter’s most exciting initiatives is participating in the Regional PetroBowl competition. In this academic contest, university students across South America and the Caribbean compete in
areas such as the history of the oil-and-gas industry, energy transitions, economic significance, the low-carbon development strategy and much more. This year, UG’s SPE team is preparing to compete in Brazil to showcase their knowledge and skills on an international stage. The team is currently being trained and mentored by ExxonMobil Guyana engineers, who provide expert guidance and technical coaching to help them excel in the competition. While the energy sector was a focal point in the job fair, the event also featured booths from finance, government, manufacturing, telecommunications and service industries, broad -
As Guyana’s oil-andgas industry continues to expand, events like the Career Day and Job Fair help to bridge the gap between students and the workforce. By fostering meaningful connections and providing exposure to diverse career paths, these initiatives empower the next generation of professionals to seize opportunities and contribute to the nation’s development.
The resounding success of this year’s event sets a strong foundation for future editions, ensuring that students remain well-prepared to navigate the evolving job market.
ening student opportunities. The presence of organisations such as SLB, Republic Bank, Banks DIH, El Dorado, the Guyana Defence Force, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security underscored the importance of a diversified workforce in Guyana. This multi-faceted approach ensured that students from all disciplines could obtain relevant and valuable career information. Notably, some companies were accepting job applications on-site, giving attendees a direct opportunity to apply for positions. This aspect of the fair emphasised the event's practical value, not only as an educational experience, but also as a steppingstone to real employment opportunities.
Some 500 house lots to be distributed at Moleson Creek
AT least 500 lots in Moleson Creek, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will be allocated to citizens on Tuesday, according to Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal.
In an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, the minister revealed that the first set of allocations took place last year, and the distribution will continue on Tuesday. He noted that the lots being allocated cater to different income levels.
The housing minister also emphasised the government's efforts to develop the housing sector in Region Six.
“We have on our system approximately 6,000 pending applicants for Region Six, and since we came into office, we allocated just under 2,000 in this first period. We couldn't do any more than we had wanted, because we didn't get the land,” Minister Croal said.
Minister Croal highlighted that the developments in
Region Six have turned it into a hub for economic activity, and the government’s ambitious housing drive complements its broader national development plan.
“Home ownership is something we've committed to as a government, and, obviously, we talk about home ownership then it starts with developing the land, as well as allocating.
“In Region Six’s, case, we've had a hybrid; we've built some houses, and we've
also allocated land,” he said. With the projected allocation of three times the initial 10,000 house-lot allocation target this year alone, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government is well on its way to surpassing its overall target of 50,000 house lots before the end of its first term in office.
“In keeping with our Manifesto commitment, we have 10,000 house lots remaining [to be allocated]. But we can do more, and we are going to do more. And we will triple this; we will do this by 300 per cent. As a result, we have been able to move beyond the 10,000. In our engagements with the various regions, we have been able to come up with our target…,” Minister Croal posited.
According to the minis-
ter, this achievement is as a result of strategic planning, infrastructural development, and increased investments in the housing sector. He said house lots will be distributed in all 10 administrative regions.
Providing a breakdown of allocations, Minister Croal stated that in 2020, 2759 house lots were distributed, followed by 6,989 in 2021, 10,695 in 2022, and 9,056 in 2023. A record-breaking 10,797 house lots were distributed in 2024.
Already, for this year, 512 were distributed. To date, a total of 40,808 residential house lots have been allocated under the PPP/C government.
Since taking office, the government has prioritised homeownership opportunities for citizens, particular-
ly low-and middle-income families. Several initiatives have been undertaken to ensure an increase in the rate of housing development throughout the country. These cover the expansion of housing schemes, putting up the necessary infrastructures like roads, bridges, and drainage, and partnering with financial institutions for easy mortgage accessibility.
The ‘Dream Realised’ events and housing drives have played a crucial role in streaming the allocation process, ensuring that individuals access lots in a timely manner. Notably, the Ministry of Housing has introduced programmes to facilitate homeownership for single-parents, other vulnerable groups, and young professionals.
Gov’t working with AI, robotics providers to have doctors trained in AI-guided surgical treatment
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, revealed that the government was collaborating with top Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics providers to implement a national panel of doctors specialised and expertly trained in AI-guided surgical treatments. He made the announcement during the launch of the Universal Healthcare Voucher at the Arthur Chung Conference
Centre (ACCC).
“We are working with the best AI and robotics providers in the healthcare system and we are going to identify a national panel of doctors that will be specialised and specifically trained in AI-guided surgical treatment,” the President said. It is expected that there will be a panel of local doctors, assisted by an external panel of doctors that will support the healthcare sys-
tem. This plan is already at the negotiation stage and will come into operation early next year, the President said.
The Head of State told the large gathering of parents, medical professionals, children and teachers that the government was working assiduously to build out a world-class healthcare sector for all. However, this prime healthcare sector will not only offer state-of-the art services to Guyanese but also
the Caribbean region.
“Our healthcare system is meant to support healthcare within the region but [also] importantly to deliver global health services here in Guyana. We see Guyana as an attractive destination for global healthcare services and that is what we’re building for.”
Further, the incorporation of AI will be present in other areas, as the President highlighted that AI will be used to analyse the symptoms of a person and then conduct an assessment to detect the level of urgency.
This, according to the President, will remove human bias. He also underscored the importance of having reliable data in the healthcare system.
“The best healthcare system must be supported by good reliable, strong, efficient data,” the President said while underscoring that soon, every child, from the time they are born, will have access to their medical record until death.
The game-changing electronic health records (EHR)
system is set to be rolled out later this month. The initiative will pave the way for medical professionals to store and manage patients’ data more efficiently.
Guyana’s healthcare sector is undergoing significant improvements, with the government leveraging technology to digitise medical records. The Ministry of Health contracted UKbased company RioMed Limited at a cost of US$3.3 million to design, supply and install the electronic records system
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali addresses the gathering at the ACCC
Cuban medical workers conform to local, int’l labour laws
- President Ali says; ready to work with U.S. Gov’t to address any lingering issues
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has affirmed that Cuban medical workers in Guyana are in strict conformity with local and international labour laws and that his government has written the United States (U.S.) on its recent VISA restriction policy which targets Cuban officials.
According to the President, the U.S government has been notified that no laws have been breached.
“Every country develops their own policy. We have already responded to the U.S. through our official channels,” the President told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
He stated that Cuban medical workers, like the healthcare professionals from other countries, fall under Guyana’s and international labour laws.
“Whatever workers we have here, whether it’s from Cuba, Africa, India, they fall under the same labour laws, local labour laws.”
Dr. Ali underscored that the U.S. is an important partner to Guyana and therefore, the Guyana Government is willing to work with them on any issue.
“We already said to the U.S., if there’s any particular information or any specific issue that they wish for us to address, we are more than willing to work with them because the U.S. is a very important partner for Guyana and we work closely on many issues.
“We are very confident that they are working in strict conformity with international labour laws and local labour laws,” Dr. Ali said.
In February, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the country’s plans to expand a visa restriction policy targeting Cuban officials that are believed to be affiliated with a labour programme that sends Cuban workers overseas, especially those in the health sector. The US administration believes that Cubans may be part of a forced labour programme.
The announcement further went on to state that all who are involved would be deemed complicit in the “exploitation and forced labour of Cuban workers.”
“This expanded policy applies to current or former Cuban government officials, and other individuals, including foreign government
officials, who are believed to be responsible for, or involved in, the Cuban labour export programme, particularly Cuba’s overseas medical missions. This policy also applies to the immediate family of such persons. The Department has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this expanded policy,” the U.S. said.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali speaking with reporters
‘One Guyana’ iftaar held at the Guyana Embassy in Qatar
THE Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in the State of Qatar hosted a memorable ‘One Guyana’ iftaar on Thursday last,
under the patronage of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The event aimed to foster unity and celebrate the cultural richness of Guyana while observing the traditions of the holy month of Ramadan.
Ambassador Safraaz Ahmad Shadood, in brief remarks, conveyed Ramadan greetings from President Ali and highlighted the ongoing transformative development in Guyana. He also emphasised the strong sense of unity among Guyanese, which is evident in their dedication to cultural preservation. One of the key aspects of Guyanese culture is the tradition of sharing Iftaar meals with both Muslims and Non-Muslims in communal settings.
The Iftaar gathering,
The event saw the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, the diplomatic corps, and members of the Guyanese diaspora
The event was held at Guyana’s Embassy in Qatar
There were a number of traditional Guyanese dishes served
Elections 2025: PPP/C gov’t will not go
‘a single day beyond its
constitutional
mandate’- President Ali says
UNLIKE the previous coalition government, which sought to undermine the will of the Guyanese people, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has assured that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government will adhere to its constitutional mandate in holding General and Regional elections this year.
“What you can be assured of, is that this government will not go a single day beyond its constitutional mandate, unlike what you would have been exposed to after the No-Confidence Motion.
“You can be assured that we will be in our constitutional mandate and, confidently, we’ll be marching
into elections and I’ll see you after that,” President Ali told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
The PPP/C, in December 2018, while in Opposition, successfully passed a No-Confidence Motion against the sitting APNU+AFC coalition government, triggering the holding of elections which should have been three months after, in keeping with the country’s constitution. However, the APNU+AFC mounted a plethora of court cases against the successful passage of the motion and delayed the elections until March 2020 when they attempted to rig the results.
Elections are constitutionally due at the end of this year and the Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, previously revealed that it will be sometime in November. Monies have already been catered for in the 2025 budget for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to commence preparations.
As previously highlighted by the Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, S.C. over 100 governments from around the world condemned the attempts by the APNU+AFC to derail the will of the people; the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections further exposed the blatant actions of the coalition.
The Minister of Legal Affairs stressed: “We must never endure that again.”
The people, in 2020, went to the polls and peacefully gave a mandate to the PPP/C to govern.
Guyanese, after casting their votes, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections as they witnessed unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.
It was only after the legal challenges and inter-
national intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the PPP/C received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes.
‘One Guyana’ iftaar held at the Guyana Embassy...
FROM PAGE 14
hel d under the theme ‘togetherness,’ sought to create a wholesome family atmosphere while maintaining the religious sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. The vibrant event featured a blend of Qatari and Guyanese traditions, including the Middle Eastern festivity of Garangao, which infused the occasion with local Qatari flair. Attendees en-
joyed a variety of activities, including prayers, games, and crafts, creating a lively and inclusive environment.
Guests were treated to a wide selection of Guyanese dishes for the breaking of the fast, including the nostalgic Guyanese ‘School Biscuits’ alongside dates. Sweet treats made by the Queenstown Masjid in Georgetown, as well as delicacies prepared by the Embassy staff and
the Guyanese diaspora, added a special touch to the occasion.
The One Guyana Iftaar was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, the diplomatic corps, and members of the Guyanese diaspora, including medical professionals, educators, and students, making it a truly multicultural and meaningful celebration.
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali
Scores unite in early morning walk demanding justice for Kenesha Vaughn
By Feona Morrison
JUST a few hours after the break of dawn of Saturday, March 15, 2025, scores of people gathered to participate in a solemn walk, calling for justice for the late Kenesha Vaughn.
The 27-year-old mother of one was gunned down on February 22, 2025, allegedly
by her partner, businessman Marlan DaSilva, 32, who shot her 12 times with his licensed firearm. The incident took place at the couple’s Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home.
The walk began at approximately 07:15 hrs from the Georgetown Seawall Bandstand, passing through
several key streets before pausing at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security on Lamaha Street and returning to its starting point. Participants wore red T-shirts emblazoned with Vaughn's image and the words "Women’s rights are human rights. Break the silence, stop the violence.” Many carried placards bear-
ing messages such as “Justice for Kenesha."
Among the attendees were the couple’s toddler son, family members, friends, rights activists, and concerned citizens, all united in their demand for justice and systemic change. The atmosphere was one of grief, solidarity, and a collective call for action against domestic violence.
Vaughn was a vibrant young woman and a devoted mother to her three-year-old son. Her life was abruptly ended in a violent incident that shocked the nation.
Police said that on the night of February 22, an argument ensued between Vaughn and DaSilva after she requested he return home from socialising with friends.
According to the police, the confrontation intensified when Da Silva slapped Vaughn, prompting her to grab a knife and advance toward him. Da Silva reportedly pulled out his firearm from his pants waist and discharged several rounds in the victim’s direction, hitting her about the body.
A post-mortem examination revealed she suffered 12 gunshot wounds.
After allegedly riddling his spouse with bullets, Da Silva, who contacted the police, was later arrested. The police responded and transported Vaughn to the Diamond Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police stated that Da Silva
was highly intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Following the incident, Da Silva was arrested and charged with Vaughn's murder. He appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts on February 25, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge.
Da Silva, represented by attorneys-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, Latchmie Rahamat, and Everton Singh-Lammy, was remanded to prison, with the case adjourned to March 21, 2025.
Da Silva’s lawyers maintain that he acted in self-defence, claiming that Vaughn was the aggressor.
During the peaceful walk, participants shared memories of Vaughn and expressed their outrage over the prevalence of domestic violence. Many of them emphasised the need for comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable.
The early morning walk ended with Vaughn’s parents thanking everyone for their support and urging them to keep their family in their prayers. The grieving parents pledged to continue their advocacy, organising future events to raise awareness and seek justice for their child. Another protest is scheduled for this Friday outside the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts
Scenes from Saturday’s walk
Kenesha Vaughn
Marlan DaSilva
‘Every effort will be made to honour our fallen hero’ – Fire Chief
By Shaniya Harding
ON the morning of March 5, 2025, a fire shook Georgetown to its core. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was called into action at Mae's School, a historical building that flames would soon consume. While firefighters scrambled to control the blaze, one young firefighter paid the ultimate price—losing his life while saving others. The tragic loss of 27-year-old firefighter, Voshuan Manbodh, during this intense mission has left an indelible mark on the hearts of his colleagues as
tenders to assist with firefighting efforts.
Yet, the fire was relentless.
Coupled with several other unique factors, the flames were particularly challenging. As Fire Chief Wickham stated,
“Some of the challenges we faced were the structure itself, the construction material, the level and amount of combustion within the building, and the age of the structure. Other neighbouring buildings were in such close proximity. The fire was also very close to our seawalls, with the wind blowing in from the Atlantic. It was very, very challenging, but we
Firefighter Sub-Officer Dwayne Waldron, who was injured in the devastating Mae’s School fire, received a visit from Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham
condolences and support to his family.”
Manbodh’s death is a heart-wrenching reminder of the risks faced by first responders who work tirelessly to protect lives and property. In the aftermath of the tragic fire at Mae’s School, ensuring the well-being of the other injured firefighters—Sub-Officer Ian Burnett, Sub-Officer Dwayne Waldron, and fireman Morrison—has become a priority for the GFS. The emotional and physical toll of losing a colleague while battling an intense blaze cannot be understated. Counselling and psychological support have been made available to firefighters who were on the scene, recognising the mental strain such incidents impose. Additionally, frequent medical evaluations and necessary treatments are being provided to those who sustained injuries during the operation.
the GFS has vowed to honour Manbodh’s memory. “Every effort will be made—and is being made—to honour our fallen hero. A firefighter leaves home every day not knowing if they will return whole. We put our lives at risk for people because we are people-oriented. Fireman Manbodh will be hon-
well as the nation.
It was a typical day when the call came through, but, for GFS, it would soon become a day marked by heroism and heartbreak. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Chronicle, Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, who has been with the fire service for over three decades, recalled that day, stating, “The fire at Mae’s School should go down on record as one of the most dreadful days in the life of the fire service, and by extension, every firefighter and member of the fire service.”
The fire service was quick to respond, deploying multiple appliances to the scene. Support also came from Banks DIH and Sheriff's Security, who provided additional water
managed, through our experience over the years, to combat and extinguish the fire.”
As the teams battled to prevent the fire from spreading further, disaster struck when firefighter Manbodh and three other colleagues were injured after a portion of a wall and roof collapsed. A few days later, Manbodh succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Further recounting the events of the day, Wickham shared, “Sadly, we had firefighters who were injured on account of firefighting, and that led to us losing one of our firefighters, Voshuan Manbodh. We are very saddened by this fact. We have reached out to his relatives, sending our
The battle to extinguish the fire was a test of physical endurance and a valuable learning opportunity for the GFS. As the Chief Fire Officer noted, “Every fire we go to, we always use the opportunity to learn. There are never two same fires—it might be at the same address, but it will never be the same fire. Each opportunity we have, we learn from them and build on them, so as to make our service better to the people of this nation.”
Despite the immense challenges, the fire was eventually brought under control with no other casualties. The ability to learn and grow from each experience has been a guiding principle within the GFS. With their ongoing commitment to ensuring safety, the service continues to improve its firefighting capabilities through better training and the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, such as the Bronto Skylifts—devices that have significantly enhanced their firefighting efforts.
In the wake of this tragedy,
oured—not just today, but for a lifetime,” the Fire Chief said.
In the face of adversity, the GFS continues to forge ahead, ensuring that their heroic efforts are not in vain.
With a collective commitment to training, innovation, and above all, public safety, the GFS presses on to protect and serve in memory of their fallen brother and the countless others who risk their lives each day.
Voshuan Manbodh will be remembered and honoured as a hero for the role he played in containing the Mae’s School fire
Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham (Samuel Maughn photo)
Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, visited SubOfficer Ian Burnett and fireman Morrison, two of the firefighters who sustained injuries
GPL optimistic about stable power supply in 2025
THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is confident that the utility company will be able to deliver stable electricity to its thousands of consumers in 2025. On Thursday last, during its review of GPL’s 2024 operating standards and performance targets, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
was assured by Kesh Nandlall, Team Lead of GPL’s Management Committee, that critical maintenance work will be undertaken in the first half of 2025.
This work is intended to ensure the generators are prepared to meet the projected peak demand later this year. The team leader acknowl -
edged that the power company encountered numerous challenges in 2024, as it was unable to meet the electricity demand due to unprecedented growth.
“As you are all aware, the country has been experiencing significant growth over the past years and it has really impacted GPL. Exist-
ing customers have been demanding much more power and new customers are coming on…,” he told the PUC, headed by Dr Nanda Gopaul. During the review, the GPL official acknowledged that the increase in demand, largely driven by industrial activity and a lack of maintenance, led to intermittent power outages for consumers. In 2024, he explained that the utility company experienced the highest peak at 207 megawatts (MW), up from 186 megawatts the previous year.
Due to the rising demand, Nandlall stated that GPL "had to react quickly”, adding 124 megawatts of generation to the national grid last year. Nandlall informed the PUC that GPL sourced the additional power from a new plant in Colombia and two power ships, which together contributed 124 megawatts to the Demerara-Berbice In-
sufficient power to reach the demand,” he assured the PUC.
By the end of 2024, the company's generation capacity increased to 267 megawatts.
“In 2025, our expectations are that we will have stable generating capacity to meet the expected demand. However, the challenges move beyond generation. These include other infrastructure, such as transmission and distribution,” Nandlall reported to the Commission.
In the long term, the
terconnected System (DBIS).
He said, “Adding the new generation to the grid gave us the opportunity to carry out maintenance to the generators and to have reasonable amount of ‘spinning reserves’.”
Nandlall explained that the current installed capacity of spinning reserves is 27 MW, which serves as a backup power supply that can be used if part of the DBIS needs to be taken offline for maintenance.
“We are not having many outages now. We do have planned outages for maintenance work and the construction work that is happening in the country. We have a maintenance plan. We have
power company expects that meeting power demand will become easier and that it will be able to generate a profit with the upcoming 300-megawatt power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD). This power plant, which will utilise natural gas produced offshore Guyana, is considered the largest public project undertaken in the country, aiming to reduce electricity costs by 50 per cent. The government’s focus has been on modernising, expanding, and improving the efficiency of the national grid. The government has been, among other things, investing heavily in upgrading the infrastructure to address issues.
Team Lead of GPL’s Management Committee, Kesh Nandlall
‘We are fortunate to live in such a diverse country’
- Dr Singh tells Region Six residents
SENIOR Minister with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, traversed the Corentyne Coast, visiting Mandirs in celebration of Phagwah where he told those gathered that the opportunities available to the current generation have not been experienced by any other generation in the country’s history.
Bringing Phagwah greetings to the resi -
other.”
He noted that such diversity must be cherished always and those who try to cause division must be “rejected.”
At the Bushlot Mandir filled with young adults, Dr. Singh told them, “We live in a Guyana where there are more opportunities that have been enjoyed by any generation before us.
“Opportunities for education, opportunities for training,
Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, participates in Phagwah celebrations in Region Six
dents of Region Six at the Bushlot Mandir, on Friday, Dr. Singh said that while the celebration of Holi is ongoing it is important to reflect on how fortunate “we are to live in such a beautifully diverse country.”
Pointing out that Muslims were observing Ramadan and Christians in Lent, Dr Singh added, “You have all places of worship happily co-existing in this beautiful diverse Guyana and we smoothly and seamlessly respect each other’s cultures, respect each other’s traditions, celebrate each other’s practices, share each other’s food, live with each other and learn with each other and work with each
opportunities for employment, opportunities for entrepreneur activities… If you look at the young people today there is no reason why every single young child of school-going age should not be able to complete a high school education, and I want to say to you and to appeal to you, the leadership of this Mandir, the parents in our community, I want to say to you that we have an obligation to ensure that our young people take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them and that they equip themselves to live better lives than the generation that came before them.”
ENGLISH RACING TIPS CHEPSTOW
10:02 hrs Jena D’oudaires 10:32 hrs Newton Tornado 11:02 hrs Militaire 11:37 hrs Blue Las 12:12 hrs Torneo 12:47 hrs Palawan Du Mazet 13:17 hrs Karonacho
MARKET RASEN
09:52 hrs Star Of Guitine 10:22 hrs Groovy Blue 10:52 hrs Smart Casual 11:22 hrs Hardy Buck 11:57 hrs Springs A Girl 12:32 hrs Lagonda 13:07 hrs Constantinian
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS KENILWORTH
08:25 hrsTenango 09:05 hrs Imfula 09:40 hrs Triple Time 10:15 hrs One Stripe 10:50 hrs Promettere 11:25 hrs Green Garnet
IRISH RACING TIPS CURRAGH
09:40 hrs Power Blue 10:10 hrs Clever And Cute
10:40 hrs Big Gosses 11:10 hrs Win Me Over 11:45 hrs Raadobarg
12:20 hrs First Wave 12:55 hrs Pandion Power 13:25 hrs Chester Nimitz
Red Force coach Emrit unfazed by break and loss of key seamers Seales, Phillip
TRINIDAD and Tobago Red Force head coach Rayad Emrit isn’t losing sleep over the two-week break in the West Indies Championship or the impending departure of key seamers Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip, who are set to join the English County Championship. Instead, Emrit is focused on maintaining his team’s momentum as they push to end a two-decade title drought.
their business, and they are reaping the rewards for their hard work. They deserve every single credit for what they have achieved so far,” he added.
Seales, Phillip, and Joshua James have spearheaded the Red Force pace attack all season, as they wreaked havoc on opposing lineups. But with Seales and Phillip soon to be off to England, Emrit is confident that others will rise to the challenge.
“They’ve led the attack from game two, and the sort of effort they put in, in the last game, was great to see. Even the Bajans acknowledged the quality of our attack. It’s going to be a big gap to fill, but we have promising fast bowlers coming through. They’re young and inexperienced, but we’ll try to integrate them into the squad and find the best combination when we play Jamaica and Guyana,” Emrit noted
The Red Force have been in red-hot form this season, as they won four of their five matches and claimed first-innings points in the other. Their most recent triumph—a 56-run demolition of Barbados Pride at Kensington Oval—came in just two days, a performance that bolstered their status as title contenders.
Yet Emrit knows the job isn’t done. They head into the break in second position on 101 points, just behind Guyana Harpy Eagles on 102.6 points.
“It was really an emphatic win. Words can’t really express how the celebrations were and how the guys reacted to the victory because everyone knew how important the game was. Turning up and seeing the sort of pitch they prepared, we knew they were wary of what we could do with our fast bowlers, but we were also a bit concerned with the type of pitch, which was a grassy track. In the past, our batters really didn’t do well on these types of surfaces,” Emrit shared.
“I think the guys showed a lot of character throughout the season, and it is good to see the way they went about
Still, Emrit said the Red Force’s bowling depth extends beyond their pace attack, as he highlighted the contributions of spinners Khary Pierre, Yannic Cariah, and Bryan Charles, all of whom have played key roles throughout the season.
“Pierre remains our leading bowler, Cariah is performing well , and Charles got six wickets prior to the Barbados game. We haven’t finalised our bowling attack yet, but we have a couple of bowlers who can step up. We’ll assess conditions and make that decision when the time comes,” the coach
stated.
In the meantime, Emrit pointed out that despite the two-week break, he is intent on ensuring that the team remain sharp as they will use the time to finetune their plans for the final two matches.
“We have a two-week break, but that doesn’t mean we’re taking a break,”
Emrit declared
“We have a job to do, and we want to stay focused and stay in form as much as possible. Hopefully, we can get some good outdoor practice and game simulations. If we can keep the momentum going, I think we’ll have a good chance now,” he shared. With Jamaica next
on the schedule in a day/ night match, Emrit knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but he believes in his squad.
“A break is always a setback when you have momentum, but hopefully, we can stay on course and continue to do the right things ,” he ended. ( Sportsmax )
T&T Red Force Pacer Jaden Seales celebrates the fall of another wicket.
Slingerz FC to face East Coast All-Stars tonight in preparation for Elite League campaign
AS part of their strategic preparation for the ongoing Guyana Football Federation (GFF ) Elite League, Slingerz Football Club is set to take on the East Coast All-Star team tonight at 19:00 hours at the Golden Grove Community Centre Ground.
The evening’s action will kick off at 17:00 hours with a clash between Victoria Kings and Golden Stars, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting night of football on the East Coast.
Slingerz FC commenced their Elite League campaign last weekend with a commanding 4-1 victory over Monedderlust.
The win was spearheaded by Jamaican striker, Kemar Beckford, who netted an impressive hat-trick, while Golden Jaguars defender, Jeremy Garrett, added the fourth goal.
With the next Elite League fixture scheduled for March 28 against Mainstay Goldstars FC, Slingerz FC Head Coach, Jamaal Shaba-
zz, emphasised the importance of staying match-fit and maintaining team cohesion during the nearly three-week break.
“We have an almost
three-week downtime between our first and second game of the league , and, for us, match fitness is very important, and we only have that if we play. The league is
FC will play East Coast All-Stars, today, at 19:00 hours at the
Mindley bowls Jamaica Scorpions to victory over WI Academy
ST JOHN’s, Antigua, (CMC) – A decisive spell of fast bowling by fast bowler Marquino Mindley carried the Jamaica Scorpions to an exciting 40-run win over the West Indies
only 18 games long for the clubs, so these matches, like the one against East Coast tonight, will be very important in what we’re trying to achieve this season,” Shabazz
explained. Shabazz further noted that with several Slingerz FC players in contention for selection to the Golden Jaguars squad for the upcoming
Gold Cup Qualification, it is essential to keep the rest of the squad actively engaged. He added, “ We have a squad of very talented players and this match gives our other players a chance to play. They’re all very important to what we are trying to achieve as a club.”
According to Shabazz,
“The East Coast Team will be full of talent and the kind of test we need to build a winning momentum. Playing on a community ground against a partisan home crowd will be the ideal atmosphere to test our crew”.
Slingerz FC is determined to build on their strong start this season after finishing second in the previous Elite League campaign behind the Guyana Defence Force, despite maintaining an unbeaten record.
With the East Coast All-Stars poised to provide a solid challenge, Slingerz FC will be looking towards matches against similar opponents like Linden and the East Bank All Star teams.
Mbappe double returns Real Madrid to La Liga summit
Academy on the final day of their fifth-round clash in the West Indies Championship.
The WI Academy would have been favourites to win
their first match of the tournament, having resumed the day on 256 for five, requiring 100 more runs for a come-from-behind victory. Their hopes rested on Carlon Bowen-Tuckett and Joshua Bishop, who began the day on 46 and 25 respectively, and they batted positively to carry the WI Academy to 296 without further loss.
However, with Bishop one run away from a well-deserved half century, Mindley made the breakthrough by having him caught behind by wicketkeeper Aldaine Thomas to break their 87-run partnership.
Soon after, Mindley struck again by dismissing Bowen-Tuckett for the top score of 70, to leave the WI Academy 301 for seven, still requiring another 54 runs.
With their departures, the end came swiftly for the WI Academy with Mindley accounting for the wicket of Johann Layne for a second-ball duck without a run being added, and leftarm spinner Jeavor Royal wrapped up the match by dismissing Jediah Blades and Nathan Edward for the addition of just six runs. Mindley finished with 3-46, while Ojay Shields (2-51), Royal (2-77) and Brad Barnes (2-80) lent good support.
KYLIAN Mbappe fired Real Madrid back to the top of La Liga as he scored twice in a comeback victory at Villarreal.
Juan Foyth opened the scoring for the hosts but two Mbappe strikes in six first-half minutes earned the points for Madrid.
It puts Los Blancos three points clear of previous leaders Barcelona, who visit third-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday night.
Villarreal remain fifth in La Liga, five points off the Champions League qualification places after back-to-back league defeats.
They started the stronger, with top scorer Ayoze Perez twice denied by Thibaut Courtois in the opening seven minutes.
After Courtois tipped a low curling Perez effort behind, Villarreal scored from the resulting corner when captain Foyth slammed home amid a goalmouth scramble.
Mbappe played a through ball to Brahim Diaz and, when his shot was saved by Diego Conde, the Frenchman was on hand to score the rebound.
After netting, Mbappe ran straight back to the centre-circle without celebrating. He meant business and showed it again on 23 minutes.
Following a cutback from the byline, Mbappe was given too much space on the edge of the Villarreal box and used it to curl a shot unstoppably past Conde.
Liga and Champions League success.
He took centre stage here, with usual attacking partner Vinicius Junior starting on the bench following a below-par showing against Atletico in midweek.
Villarreal did push Madrid hard in a fixture which ended 4-4 last season and proved
It moves Mbappe to 20 league goals this season, just one behind La Liga top scorer Robert Lewandowski.
Having endured a tough start to life in Madrid, Mbappe has firmly found his feet and will be essential to Real’s push for both La
entertaining again here.Courtois had to go full stretch shortly before half-time to keep out a long-range effort from Nicholas Pepe and again to deny Alex Baena after the break. ( BBC Sport )
Slingerz
Golden Grove Community Centre Ground
Jamaican Kemar Beckford scored a hat-trick against Monedderlust in Slingerz FC’s opening night win in the Elite League
Fast bowler Marquino Mindley
Kylian Mbappe is now just one goal behind Robert Lewandowski in the La Liga top scorer charts.
Windies Masters edge Sri Lanka in thriller to set up final clash with India today
THE West Indies Masters held their nerve in a pulsating contest to defeat Sri Lanka Masters by six runs in the semi-final of the International Masters T20 League, securing their place in the final against India Masters today, Sunday, March 16.
The victory was a measure of revenge for the Caribbean side, who had lost to Sri Lanka by 21 runs in the group stage. This time, Denesh Ramdin’s unbeaten 50 and a crucial four-wicket haul from Tino Best ensured that the Windies averted a dramatic Sri Lankan comeback, setting up a rematch with India Masters, who had beaten them by seven runs earlier in the competition.
Batting first after Sri Lan-
ka won the toss and opted to bowl, the West Indies suffered an early setback, losing Dwayne Smith for a duck in the opening over. Lendl Simmons (17 off 12) and William Perkins (24 off 30) then put together a 44-run stand, steadying the innings before both fell in quick succession. At 48-3 in the eighth over, West Indies needed a stabilising presence, and Brian Lara provided just that.
The legendary left-hander, who retired out on 41 off 33 balls, played a vintage innings filled with elegant strokes, ensuring that West Indies did not lose momentum.
Ramdin then took over, crafting a crucial 50 off just 22 balls, anchoring a 49-run stand with Chadwick Walton
(31 off 20) before finishing the innings strongly alongside Ashley Nurse (2 off 4).
overs, setting Sri Lanka a daunting chase.
Sri Lanka’s chase began
The final push from Ramdin, which included four boundaries and two sixes, propelled West Indies to a competitive 179-5 in 20
Puerto Rico’s Carolina heading to Georgetown for historic One Guyana 3x3
BASKETBALL fans are in for a treat, as some of the world’s best 3x3 teams make their way to Guyana for the high ly anticipated One Guyana 3x3 Quest, set for April 5-6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The ultimate prize? A co veted spot in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada, in August
Leading the pack is Puerto Rico’s team Caroli na, ranked 14th globally by FIBA and the third-highestranked team in the Americas.
Carolina’s presence at the tournament is expected to elevate the event’s profile, as they join elite teams from Switzerland, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname , Bermuda, St. Kitts & Nevis, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, the USA, Ecuador, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Grenada.
aggressively, with Upul Tharanga (30 off 22) and Lahiru Thirimanne (9 off 7) adding 31 runs for the first wicket. However, Ashley Nurse
made the key breakthrough, dismissing Kumar Sangakkara (17 off 15) in the fifth over.
West Indies turned the screws in the middle overs as Tino Best removed Tharanga and Thirimanne in quick succession, reducing Sri Lanka to 57-3 in the eighth over.
Asela Gunaratne (64 off 42) then staged a brilliant fightback, forming a 41-run partnership with Seekkuge Prasanna (9 off 10) and later adding a 39-run stand with Isuru Udana (21 off 10). The required run rate remained manageable, but West Indies kept striking at crucial intervals.
With Sri Lanka eyeing a remarkable victory in the final over, the game was on a knife’s edge. However, Best delivered when it mattered
most, dismissing Dilruwan Perera (11 off 6) in the penultimate ball, before conceding just one run off the final delivery, as Sri Lanka fell agonizingly short at 173-9.
The West Indies Masters will now face India Masters in the final on Sunday, March 16, looking to avenge their seven-run loss in the group stage. With both teams having found their rhythm in the tournament, the final promises to be an exciting battle between two cricketing powerhouses.
Can the West Indies claim the title, or will India complete a perfect campaign? Fans won’t want to miss the grand finale of the International Masters T20 League 2025. ( Sportsmax )
Fruta Conquerors ‘scores’ G$2.5M sponsorship deal with Guyana Beverages Inc.
Carolina is spearheaded by Antonio Ralat, who led Puerto Rico to gold at the 2023 AmeriCup and a runner-up finish in the 2024 edition, falling just short against the USA.
Ralat, ranked 47th globally and the top player in Puerto Rico, is renowned for his skill and experience on the international stage. Notably, he
in Puerto Rico. Cuascut, also a key figure in Puerto Rico’s AmeriCup triumph, is eager to return to Edmonton after a fourth-place finish in 2024.
The formidable duo is joined by Bryan Colon and Nathaniel Butler, completing a squad rich in experience and talent.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) expressed excitement over hosting the first-ever 3x3 Quest in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The federation, in a that Carolina’s participation,like Lausanne from Switzerland,
The GBF pointed out, that the One Guyana Quest is the biggest 3x3 tournament to ever hit the Caribbean, and Guyana is ready to deliver an unforgettable event.
For Carolina, the One Guyana 3x3 Quest is a crucial step toward reclaiming glory on the world stage, however, the competition will be fierce, with teams from across the Americas and the Caribbean eager to make history.
FRUTA Conquerors Football Club just received a significant boost. Guyana Beverages Inc. has invested G$2.5 million in the club, extending a long-standing partnership and fuelling its ambitious plans for the future.
According to Fruta Conquerors’ President, Martin Massiah, the deal includes cold, hard cash and crucial product support. It is a “game-changer” and a key step in their journey to become a fully licensed CONCACAF club.
“This is more than finan-
cial backing,” Massiah said at the signing ceremony.
“It’s a shared commitment to taking football in Guyana to the next level.”
Guyana Beverages Inc. General Manager, Samuel Arjoon, echoed that sentiment, emphasising their focus on youth development and professional football.
“Fruta Conquerors FC is a movement,” Arjoon declared. “We’re proud to support a club that embodies discipline, excellence, and leadership.”
Remember Shivnarine Chanderpaul? Guyana Bev-
erages Inc. played a role in his early development, and now they’re looking to build the next generation of Guyanese stars on the football pitch.
“ We are determined to help build the future stars of Guyanese football,” Arjoon added.
Massiah has big plans for Fruta Conquerors and is calling on “visionary partners” to join the revolution. “Football in Guyana is on the rise,” he said. We invite those who believe in the sport’s future to join us in shaping it.”
Denesh Ramdin stroked a crucial 50 off just 22 balls.
Luis Cuascut one of the faces of 3x3 basketball for Puerto Rico will be in Guyana for the One Guyana 3x3 tournament
Executives of Fruta Conquerors Football Club and Guyana Beverages Inc. signify the partnership.
‘Ballerina’ Curry reaches 4,000 three-pointers
GOLDEN State Warriors head coach, Steve Kerr, compared Stephen Curry to a “ballerina” after he became the first player to reach 4,000 three-pointers.
Curry, who already held the record for most career three-pointers, required just two more to hit the milestone figure when he stepped on to court to face the Sacramento Kings.
The American, 37, achieved the feat in the third quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco
“It’s just such an obscene number,” Kerr told ESPN. “It’s hard to even comprehend and who knows, maybe it’ll be broken someday.
“It’s beyond the numbers. It’s the fluidity and the grace. Yes, it’s the audacity [to take some of the Curry threes], but it’s also the emotion and the beauty of it all.
“It’s mesmerising. You see his movement on the floor. He’s like a ballerina out there. You’re not just watching sports, you’re watching
Curry became the alltime leading scorer for three-pointers in 2021 when he surpassed Ray Allen’s record of 2,973 at Madison
Square Garden.
His achievement in the 130-104 win against the Kings was celebrated with a tribute on the big screen during a timeout shortly after
the basket landed
“It’s a clear milestone threshold,” Curry told ESPN.
“A number that I didn’t think about, that it was realistic even from 2,974, which is a number that means the most because that was the record at the time.
“It’s beyond my wildest dreams to push a record that far.”
The Warriors sit sixth in the Western Conference after recording a sixth successive win, with the Kings in ninth.
Curry ended the game, which took place a day before his 37th birthday, with 11 points and five assists.
The four-time NBA champion boasts several three-point records, including the two longest streaks for most consecutive regular-season games with at least one three-pointer made (268 and 157).
Los Angeles Clippers guard, James Harden, is second on the list of most three-pointers with 3,120 (BBC Sport)
Axar Patel named Delhi Capitals captain ahead of IPL 2025
AXAR Patel, the left-handed all-rounder, has been named the captain of the Delhi Capitals team ahead of IPL 2025. Axar, who has featured in 82 matches for the Capitals since joining the team in 2019, takes over from Rishabh Pant who moved to Lucknow Super Giants in the mega auction.
Axar captained DC for a solitary game during the 2024 season (against RCB which they lost), when Pant had to sit out due to a ban for slow over-rate. In terms of T20 captaincy experience, Axar has led Gujarat in 16 matches, while he was also elevated to T20I vice-captaincy earlier this year.
Pant wasn’t among the DC’s retentions, as the wicketkeeper-batter chose to go into the auction where he was eventually picked up for a record sum of INR 27 Crore by LSG.
Axar, DC’s top retention for INR 16.5 Crore, brings to the table an experience of 274 T20 matches since his debut in the shortest format 12 years back. He has scored 3088 runs, with 8 fifties , and has bagged 239 wickets, including a hat-trick in 2016
playing for the Punjab team in the IPL.
Speaking about his appointment, Axar said: “It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me. I’ve grown as a cricketer and
the Delhi Capitals captain. He has been an integral part of the Capitals family since 2019 and embodies the values that this team is built on. This decision reflects the natural progression for him as a leader - from being our vice-captain for two seasons to now leading the team, he
a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward.
Commenting on the new captain, DC chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi said: We are delighted to appoint Axar as
has always stepped up to the occasion for us
“Axar has the full support of our coaching staff and the experienced leadership group, and I wish him the very best for this new role which I am confident he will excel in.”
Parth Jindal, the co-own-
Jamaica names squad for CONCACAF Gold Cup
JAMAICA has announced a 23-man squad for their upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers against St Vincent and the Grenadines, set for March 21 in St Vincent and March 25 in Kingston. The squad, a mix of experienced internationals and promising local players, will look to secure qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup while continuing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Goalkeepers Andre Blake, Shaquan Davis, and Jahmali Waite have been selected, with Blake’s leadership and experience expected to be crucial. The defensive unit includes Ethan Pinnock, Amar’i Bell, Dexter Lembikisa, Richard King, Kyle Ming, Christopher Ainsworth, Joel Latibeaudiere, and Fitzroy Cummings, providing a blend of top-tier experience and emerging local talent.
er of DC, added: Having personally picked Axar in 2019, my relationship with him is one that goes beyond cricket. Having seen him as the Vice Captain of the team over the last two years, it is safe to say that he is a much-loved character in the dressing room and is someone who I am sure will motivate the players in the squad.
From being an economical spinner who had an immediate impact when he came onto bowl, Axar has blossomed into a brilliant, mature cricketer whose allround prowess was on full display in India’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy winning campaigns recently.
“I wish him good luck as he starts a new innings in his cricketing journey. With seniors like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis and Mitchell Starc being part of our leadership group, I believe this is the start of something special for the Delhi Capitals.”
DC begin their IPL 2025 campaign with a home-match in Visakhapatnam on March 24 against LSG, a team that will be captained by their former skipper Pant. (Cricbuzz)
friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago.
“The work we did in camp gave me confidence that these players can step up. We have enough experience with the likes of Blake, Pinnock, Bell, Hayden, Palmer, Reid, Bailey, and Nicholson to guide the squad forward,” he said.
McLaren and his coaching staff have extensively analysed St Vincent and the Grenadines, studying their performances against Bonaire, Montserrat, and El Salvador. He warned against complacency, pointing out their team chemistry, spirit, and attacking threats.
“This won’t be an easy game. They’ve got a great attitude and players in their front four who can cause problems. Our first job is to ensure we approach the game with the right mindset and focus,” the Reggae Boyz head coach warned.
Jamaica’s coaching staff has seen recent changes, with goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis taking up a role at Beşiktaş in Turkey, alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjær. However, Hartis remains committed to helping Jamaica qualify for both the Gold Cup and World Cup.
In midfield, Isaac Hayden, Jahshaun Anglin, Bobby Reid, Sue-Lae McCalla, Casey Palmer, and Tyreke MaGee will be tasked with controlling possession and dictating the tempo.
Up front, Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Shamar Nicholson, Kaheim Dixon, Ronaldo Cephas, and Warren Brown will provide attacking firepower, with Bailey and Gray expected to be the focal points of the attack.
Head coach Steve McLaren emphasised the significance of these matches, not just for Gold Cup qualification, but for maintaining Jamaica’s FIFA ranking, which will be crucial for future tournament seeding.
Several key players were unavailable due to injury, including Di’Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh and Mason Holgate, with Holgate set to undergo surgery for a persistent toe injury. Michail Antonio, who is still recovering, remains optimistic about returning for the summer fixtures. Romario Williams is awaiting surgery and is unavailable, while Damion Lowe has been excused due to personal matters but remains on standby for the second match.
Despite these absences, McLaren expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, particularly the nine locally based players, who earned their spots after impressing in the recent training camp and
To fill the gap, McLaren has appointed Paul Simpson as his assistant coach. Simpson, who has previously worked with McLaren at Derby County and Newcastle United, brings valuable tournament experience, having led England’s U-20 team to a World Cup title in 2017.
Concluding, McLaren stressed the importance of unity, preparation, and sacrifice, reminding everyone of the opportunity ahead.
“This is a World Cup year, and we have a chance to qualify for the biggest stage in football. Since 1998, Jamaica hasn’t been there, and this is a rare opportunity. Everyone— from the JFF to the players, staff, and fans—must be fully committed,” he asserted.
He also called on fans to rally behind the team, pointing to the 35,000-strong crowd at the National Stadium for the Inter Miami vs Cavalier match on Thursday night.
“We had a near full house against the USA, and a packed stadium for Messi. We want that same energy for the Reggae Boyz,” he declared. “The road to the World Cup is long, but with the right support, we can make history.”
The two matches against St Vincent and the Grenadines will provide a crucial test ahead of the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers, as Jamaica fine-tunes tactics and builds momentum for a year that could define the nation’s footballing future. ( Sportsmax )
Stephen Curry was named NBA Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2016.
Left-Handed all-rounder Axar Patel
Head coach
Steve McLaren
Dave’s West Indies Inc 50-overs first-division cricket
DCC beat Eldorado and TSC defeat MSC in latest action
AN impressive bowling performance from Manof-the- Match Nehemiah Hohenkirk and unbeaten 79 from Jadon Campbell spurred Transport Sports Club (TSC) to six-wicket victory
Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC)
At MSC, the home team batted first in sweltering heat and despite a shot-filled 49 from former Guyana first-class opener Shemroy Barrington, who reached the boundary four times and cleared it thrice, Shaquille Williams who hit four fours in 26 and Jerimiah Scott (17) offered some resistance to Nehemiah Hohenkirk who captured 5-35 from 8.7 overs
Led by an entertaining
Windies Women to face Scotland in opening match of World Cup Qualifiers
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – The West Indies Women will begin their bid to qualify for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup when they take on Scotland in their opening match of next month’s Qualifiers in Pakistan.
The schedule for the round-robin tournament, which will be played in Lahore from April 9-19, was released on Friday by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The West Indies along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Thailand and Scot-
land, will vie for the final two spots in the Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, scheduled to be played in October and November this year.
West Indies Women will feature in a double header on April 9, with Pakistan also set to take on Ireland.
The Hayley Matthews-led outfit will play Ireland in their second match (April 11), before taking on Pakistan in a crucial match on April 14.
They will then play Bangladesh on April 17 before facing off against Thailand in their final match on April
19.
ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice said he expects a highly competitive tournament.
“The six teams are just one step away from the Women’s Cricket World Cup and I am sure they would be all geared up for the competition,” Allardice said.
“On behalf of the ICC, I would like to wish all the participating teams the very best of luck and hope to see some competitive cricket in Lahore as a build-up to the World Cup in India.”
unbeaten 79 from Jadon Campbell, which lasted 90 balls and was decorated by eight fours and a six, TSC rattled up 174-4, in reply to MSC’s 171 all out.
Campbell was supported by Myheim Khan who hit a four and four sixes in a cameo 17-ball 37. Opener Riyad Latiff (19) and his younger brother ended on 10 not out when victory was achieved.
Over in Queenstown at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) the home team, spearheaded by a century from Brandon Jaikarran beat Diplomats in a match in which national captain Tevin Imlach and former West Indies T20 all-rounder played in. Up to press time no details were available. (Sean Devers)
Hutson faces stern challenge today to retain AAG Presidency
AUBREY Hutson’s quest for a fourth consecutive term as president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) faces a formidable challenge, setting the stage for a potentially transformative Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, March 16 at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, The AAG’s leadership is under intense scrutiny. First Vice-President Sheryl Hermonstine and Com -
mittee Member Niall Stanton are mounting serious campaigns to unseat Hutson, signaling a potential power shift within the organsation.
Adding further intrigue, seasoned track and field coach Mark Scott has also entered the fray, creating a four-way contest for the top job.
It is understood that additional nominations may have been submitted, further intensifying the competition. It was reported that
Attorney-at-Law Eimly Dodson, the designated returning officer, will ratify the list of the eligible clubs.
The upcoming elections come at heightened scrutiny, fueled by public disagreements among the current AAG executive.
These disagreements have cast a shadow over the governance of athletics in Guyana and led to concerns about transparency and accountability within the association.
Jadon Campbell made 79 not out
Fast bowler Nehemiah Hohenkirk captured 5-35 for TSC.
West Indies Women will be eyeing one of the two spots up for grabs at the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers.
AAG President Aubrey Huton
First Vice-President\ Sheryl Hermonstine
Committee Memver \Niall Stanton
Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet seal second WPL title for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians (MI) won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title for the second time in three seasons, successfully defending 149 for 7 to consign Delhi Capitals (DC) to a runner’s-up finish for a third season in a row.
Nat Sciver-Brunt, who became the first to 1000 runs in WPL, and Harmanpreet Kaur, who tallied 300 runs in a season for the first time, were central to MI’s batting even on Saturday, adding 89 for the third wicket to lift them from 14 for 2. Harmanpreet continued her fine
striking form to hit a 36-ball fifty that dragged MI to a respectable total (Scores: Mumbai Indians 149 for 7 (Harmanpreet 66, Sciver-Brunt 30, Kapp 2-11, Jonassen 2-26) beat Delhi Capitals 141 for 9 (Kapp 40, Rodrigues 30, Sciver-Brunt 3-30) by eight runs) DC crumbled early in response to their 150- run chase but sprung back to life thanks to Marizanne Kapp’s late, smart hitting. She hit 40 off just 26 balls and added 40 off 29 balls with Niki Prasad for the seventh wicket. That assault
brought down DC’s equation to 23 off 12 balls and then 14 off 6 when Prasad hit Hayley Matthews for a six. But there was Sciver-Brunt at the end, like she was there at the start. As a result, DC came out to be second-best again, their eight-run loss likely to sting them the most. It was the fifth game in a row - fourth at the Brabourne Stadium this season - that a team batting first won. It was only the fourth time in the WPL that a sub-150 target was successfully defended, three of them have seen DC on the losing side.
A Kapp-ital act, almost!
Sciver-Brunt celebrated vociferously after clean bowling DC captain Meg Lanning. Shabnim Ismail couldn’t be stopped after she trapped Shafali Verma, DC’s leading run-getter this season. Amelia Kerr outfoxed Jess Jonassen, Saika Ishaque got the better of Annabel Sutherland. DC were in all sorts at 4 for 44 and soon, Jemimah Rodrigues fell after a sprightly knock, leaving them 66 for 5. Sarah Bryce’s run-out left them
at 83 for 6 inside 13 overs. Surely it was curtains for DC?
Not until Kapp was in the middle. She was not going to let her frugal spell of 2 for 11 off four overs to waste. She blasted a Sciver-Brunt half-tracker over deep midwicket for half a dozen before bringing her wrists into play to clip one behind square on the leg side. She then hit two fours off successive balls off Hayley Matthews before going 4, 6, 4 off Ishaque to leave DC needing a getta -
ble 35 off 24 balls. When Prasad, batting at No. 8, scythed Ismail through backward point to end the 17th over, the equation came down to 29 off 18.
The partisan crowd at the Brabourne Stadium suddenly cheered every Kapp boundary. But Sciver-Brunt earned the loudest cheer when she had Kapp flat-bat one straight to Matthews at long-off. Nothing quite stings like a dashed hope; Lanning’s blank expression said it all. ( ESPN Cricinfo )
President’s College surges to title at National Schools Secondary Championships
PANDEMONIUM erupted at the National Track and Field Centre as President’s College (PC) etched its name into history by clinching the championship title on Thursday at the inaugural National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships.
After three days of pulsating action, PC emerged victorious, racking up 257 points. Their triumph, however, was anything but a cakewalk
A fierce battle unfolded, with MacKenzie High School pushing them to the brink. Ultimately, they finished a razor-thin second with 253.50 points. Christianburg Wismar Secondary rounded out the top three, securing 197.33 points.
The championships, marking the debut of the remodelled National Schools programme,
showcased Guyana’s burgeoning athletic talent.
This revamped format, now heavily prioritising track and field for secondary students, serves as a direct pipeline to the prestigious CARIFTA Games.
“This event was a resounding success,” declared Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical).
“The Ministry of Education is committed to the holistic development of our students, and this championship is a testament to that commitment.”
President’s College, defying pre-tournament predictions, demonstrated remarkable resilience and consistency.
The championship, designed to provide a platform for young athletes, wit -
President’s College formed the core of District 4 (East Coast Demerara)
nessed countless standout performances.
The event’s emphasis on school participation and the focus on track and field highlighted the depth of athletic talent within Guyana’s secondary schools. With the CARIFTA Games in mind, the championships provided invaluable competitive experience for these aspiring athletes.
“The three days of thrilling competition showcased the incredible potential of Guyana’ s student-athletes,” Dr. Tularam added. “We are confident that this remodelled programme will produce future champions who [will] proudly represent Guyana on the international stage.”
Nat Sciver-Brunt got the job done for Mumbai Indians • (BCCI photo)