Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18-04-2023

PPP/C dominates Nomination Day across Guyana

–– President Ali says Party’s lists across 80 LAAs represent a unified Guyana

General Secretary Jagdeo says APNU’s ‘mediocre showing’ a clear sign of its imminent demise –– Norton urges supporters to ‘stay focus’ as opposition continues to do the ‘political ground work’

Guyana is a ‘credible destination’

–– Walrond, Hamilton, International Center for Democracy condemn attacks on Afro-Guyanese who support the PPP/C

investors –– Dr. Singh affirms, says gov’t strengthening anti-corruption framework

(Adrian Narine and Leader of the Opposition photos)

PPP/C dominates Nomination Day across Guyana

— President Ali says Party’s lists across 80 LAAs represent a unified Guyana

— General Secretary Jagdeo says APNU’s ‘mediocre showing’ a clear sign of its imminent demise

— Norton urges supporters to ‘stay focused’ as the Opposition

WITH 20,000 candidates and 26,000 backers, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is confident of achieving a landslide victory at the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), thereby extending the path for development and progress in Guyana, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said during his address to a mammoth crowd of PPP/C supporters outside of Freedom House on Monday.

To contest elections, political parties, voluntary groups, and individual candidates were required to submit their lists of candidates to the Returning Officer’s office in their respective Local Authority Areas (LAA).

President Ali urged the PPP/ C’s supporters to vote for the party at the upcoming LGE, so as to push national development, since it is contesting in all of the LAA.

“This list is a demonstration of the People’s Progressive Party, which is a unified Guyana; a unified list that speaks about the unity of purpose, and unity of hope. And as we advance on this campaign in this Local Government Election, we are moving together as a people to uplift our communities; to uplift the lives of citizens all across our country,” President Ali said, adding:

“We are committed to a unified purpose, and that unified purpose is to bring prosperity to every single

home here in Guyana. So, we are going to come with you, community by community, in every single town, because our message is the message all across the country; that is a message that keeps the people at the centre of the purpose.”

Noting that the PPP/C’s only commitment is to the citizens of Guyana, and to its development and advancement, President Ali bade a warm welcome to the new faces to the fold, such as former Mayor of Georgetown Patricia ChaseGreene; former PNCR Councillor Trichria Richards; and a former Independent City Councillor for the Albouystown/Charlestown Constituency, popular radio announcer Malcolm Ferreira, and many others.

“We welcome you with open arms, and with love, and you are part of a group that is committed to national development. You are part of a movement that is committed to the upliftment of every single Guyanese; we can send an even stronger message that this is a national party representing every single stratum of the Guyanese society,” the Head of State said.

Warning the newcomers not to listen to the “propagandists” who will attempt to discredit their credibility to make them feel “insecure”, President Ali said to loud applause from Party supporters outside Freedom House:

“The only message for them must be that you have taken a stand,

and that stand is in the interest of your communities, the interest of Guyana, the interest of your fellow Guyanese.

“And in that stand, you cannot lose. In that stand for Guyana, in that stand for each other, in that stand in unity, in that standing of togetherness, we will never lose; Guyana will never lose, and the People’s Progressive Party will advance further and further.”

Vowing that the PPP/C will work in every township and every community, as it draws “one step closer to victory”, Dr Ali said:

“We don’t have a sinister strategy; we don’t have a private strategy. Our strategy is public, and that strategy is about bringing the people together on the banner of development, prosperity, progress, and advancement. That is the strategy the sea of red will demonstrate when that time comes.”

Meanwhile, PPP/C General-Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has called on supporters, especially the newcomers, to ignore the naysayers and instead position themselves on social media platforms to defeat the rapidly dying PNC/R, not only at the LGE, but also the 2025 Regional and General Elections.

Noting that unlike the PPP/C, the PNC/R is not contesting in all LAA, as it hopes to cling on to its strongholds at the LGE, Dr. Jagdeo said that the APNU’s showing on Monday was “mediocre”, since it

lacked representation.

“It was a very mediocre showing on the part of the PNC; the reason why it is mediocre is that they’re living with an old ideology, and we’re demonstrating in this party that the only way forward in a lasting wave of development in this country, is if all of our people work together, regardless of their race,” Dr Jagdeo said, adding:

“For a very, very long time, they [PNC/R] characterised the PPP/C as a racist party, but a few weeks ago, as I said, we’re the only multiracial party in this country. And once again, they have demonstrated this; and those that are new to us, you will see that once you become part of this family, we warmly embrace our family, not based on their race or their religion or their ideology, but because they’re part of our collective, which wants to move the country forward.”

He added that for 57 years, the PNC/R has controlled Georgetown, but that reign will soon be over.

NOTHING DONE

“Because for too long, you have APNU’s propaganda; they have done practically nothing to change the lives of people in the city. We the Central Government fix every road in the city; we take care of drainage, we take care of garbage collection, all responsibilities of the City Council.

“Just imagine, if we didn’t do

that, what would have happened. And every cent that we transfer to the City Hall, they find a way to spend it on themselves, and not development,” he said.

Now, with hopes of PPP/C taking over the City Hall, Dr. Jagdeo said citizens can rest assured that they will have representatives that will focus on making their lives and environs better.

Against this backdrop, he urged supporters not to listen to the naysayers, who have made attempts to disparage the party’s supporters, particularly Afro-Guyanese who have switched to PPP/C.

The General Secretary said PPP/C is the only “multi-racial” party, compared to the Opposition, which is currently in shambles over the recent racial comments. He accused the party of consistently using the “race card” to mislead its supporters.

“Now people see for themselves, and they’re smart enough to make choices, and today, you have a number of people who were campaigning with ANPU, who have crossed over to us, and we welcome them…If you believe in development in our country, then your place in the People’s Progressive Party. Do not worry about the naysayers!” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He urged supporters to fight the battle “aggressively” by using social media to protect the party’s record.

By using social media, the party hopes to connect with a diverse range of audiences and engage them in meaningful conversations about their policies, values, and vision for the country.

The PPP/C’s strategic use of social media is a promising move to engage with voters and counter opposition views.

“Do not engage in a very nasty fight. Don’t talk about people’s gender, or their race or their religion. But barring those three things, let’s fight them aggressively online. Let’s go on their pages and see if you’re a dying breed in Guyana. This is a time for bringing people together. And there is one party in this country that is doing that, and that’s the People’s Progressive Party,” the General Secretary said to thunderous cheers.

Meanwhile, flanked by a small group of supporters, Leader of the Opposition Aubrey Norton, despite witnessing the crossovers and the crowds of PPP/C supporters in the popular APNU stronghold, said: “I want to say to all our supporters across the country, we must stay focused. I said to my support base there, do not be misled; they are looking for incidents… Let us stay focused; we have been doing our political work on the ground, and we will continue to do our political work.”

Unity, progress, One Guyana motivates ChaseGreene to join PPP/C —

On Monday, former PNC/R member and Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Greene was part of the PPP/C’s group that submitted the party’s list of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Returning Officer at the Critchlow Labour College (Adrian Narine photo)

By Tamica Garnett

FORMER Mayor and longstanding supporter of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Patricia Chase-Greene, has joined the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) ahead of the Local Government Elections and credited her transition to a desire for “unity, progress and a One Guyana.”

Chase-Greene being unveiled as a candidate for the

PPP/C was a telling manifestation of continuing trouble in the camp of the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU), which is led by the PNC/R.

Questioned by the press on whether the change of her political alliance was motivated by discord within the APNU party, Chase-Greene would only say: “You put the pieces of the puzzle together, all I will say to the press is that I support One Guyana, unity and progress.” Chase-Greene has been

involved in politics since the early 1990s, when she contested in the LGEs as a member of the “Good and Green Environmental Group” run by PNC/R stalwart, Hamilton Green.

In the 2016 LGE, she ran as an APNU Candidate for Constituency #12, where she won by a landslide; this was repeated at the subsequent 2018 LGE.

On Monday, ChaseGreene was part of the PPP/ C’s group that submitted the party’s list of candidates to the Guyana Elections Com-

mission (GECOM) Returning Officer at the Critchlow Labour College.

After the submission, Chase-Greene joined handin-hand with PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo as the party and its massive group of supporters left the location.

The former Mayor was not alone in her shift to the PPP/C, as she was joined by former APNU member Trichria Richards, who said she has lost all confidence in her former party.

Patricia Chase-Greene, Trichria Richards, Malcolm Ferreira and others with General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Adrian Narine photo)

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton and a group of supporters on Monday (Leader of the Opposition photo)

continues to do the ‘political groundwork’

‘People are free to choose’ ––

Walrond, Hamilton, International Center for Democracy condemn attacks on Afro-Guyanese who support the PPP/C

RESPONDING to many disparaging comments from Opposition members and known commentators, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) members and Ministers of Government, Oneidge Walrond and Joseph Hamilton say

people have a constitutional right to choose whichever party they want to support.

Agitated by the “sea of red” across the country on Nomination Day, known Opposition elements sought to cast aspersion on Afro-Guy-

anese who supported and endorsed the philosophy of the PPP/C.

Walrond expressed how heartwarming and emotional it was to see the faces of supporters from all walks of life, and sees it as testimony to what her and her party’s vi-

sion is and what it represents.

Addressing the issue of the diversity of the PPP/C’s supporters, Walrond said: “As an Afro-Guyanese, I got attacked from the Opposition when I joined the PPP/C, and

they claimed that I was joining a racist party, which is a lie. But today, I see more; so it is seen that those type of remarks were not and aren’t true. And this crowd is a testimony of a melting pot of what Guyana looks like, and the PPP/C looks like.

“And, for me personally, it is giving me vindication that I made the right decision. I would want to call on every Afro-Guyanese like myself, who has been fed the lies of racism by the Opposition to look at the faces that are out here today, and know that my government is here for us all.”

Hamilton couldn’t agree more. “Guyanese who are paying attention,” he said, “must recognise that the Opposition cannot present anything constructive, and anything important to your and your children’s lives, or anything important for this country.”

Addressing comments from the Opposition and its associates that Afro-Guyanese were paid to join the PPP/C on Monday, Minister Hamilton said: “… is so presumptuous and disrespectful; that is why all of us must call out [Aubrey] Norton [Leader of the Opposition] and others, and put them to their place, and indicate to all Guyana that those people don’t speak for us. We can speak for ourselves; that is why we have made this fundamental decision, one

that the Constitution allows us to make.”

The International Center for Democracy (ICD), too, sought to encourage Guyanese to exercise their democratic rights to support the political party of their choice, regardless of their race, religious beliefs, among other things.

“The ICD has been monitoring the ‘Nomination Day’ parade, and noted that there were several individuals that once belonged to a prominent political party openly and boldly showed their support for another political party,” the body said, adding: “Many of those individuals that switched their political party support were quickly labeled on social media by known political activists as ‘House Slaves’, ‘Soup Drinkers’, ‘Traitors’ etc., and were further labeled as selling their souls.”

The ICD condemns those political activists and politicians who are attempting to create racial division, threaten, destabilise and deprive Guyanese their freedom to exercise their democratic rights.

“The ICD will continue to monitor the political situation in Guyana, to ensure that Guyanese democratic rights are not trampled upon, to ensure democracy prevails and that elections are free, fair and transparent,” the Centre said.

Supporters of the PPP/C (in red) and supporters of the APNU (in green) (Adrian Narine photos)

Minister of Tourism Oneidge Walrond (right) with Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud

Scores of persons rally behind PPP/C in Linden, Soesdyke —

APNU says unfazed by massive crowds in traditional strongholds

den Town Council, said the people of Linden have been longing for a change.

While somewhat new to politics, Henry believes he can change the township’s historical political landscape.

In the hope of building community awareness, as it relates to local government procedures, Henry intends to lead several campaigns to interact with the youths in and around Linden.

“In my judgment, I think there should be a little bit more awareness about Local Government Elections. I hope a wider cross-section of the community will be coming out. If you have an area where there are 100 people, and only ten people are coming out, then you don’t have a good sampling or turning out, and I want to build that awareness,” the aspiring politician said.

Meanwhile, along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, several PPP/C and APNU

supporters also showed up in their numbers, rallying behind the candidates of their respective communities.

Chairman of the APNU Yarrowkabra group, Derrick Boyce, who led a small contingent of supporters, said

that while the group is small in number, they intend to work to further advance their community. Their numbers, similar to that of Linden, paled in comparison to the crowd drawn by the PPP/C.

SIGNS of changing times were evident on Monday when scores of persons decked in their red teeshirts took to the streets of Linden to march alongside People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) representatives, who submitted their list of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s office for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

In a massive show of support, PPP/C supporters dominated the roadways while sporting the party’s paraphernalia, and chanting and blowing horns as they outnumbered the opposing parties’ supporters.

Leading the PPP/C’s contingent was Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, who said that “the proof” is in the numbers.

“We have more than 300 people out here supporting, so that shows, number one, that these candidates that are being put forward are authentic candidates that find support from their various communities,” the minister said.

By the show of supporters, backers and candidates, the PPP/C, he said, is optimistic that it will gain ground in the ‘mining town’,

which has been historically dominated by the opposing party, the People’s National Congress PNC/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU).

“We said it very clearly, we are taking over Linden, New Amsterdam, Georgetown and Bartica, traditional strongholds of the PNC,” Minister Edghill said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Parliamentarian and Linden resident, Jermaine Figueira said the APNU’s candidates remain unfazed, and are not intimidated by large crowds.

“The PNC is here, very confident that we will maintain the majority of both the municipality and NDC (Neighbourhood Democratic Council). The noise in the market don’t determine the sale,” Figueira said.

With a list of senior and young candidates, Figueira is confident that Linden will remain a stronghold for the PNC.

“We have a mix of senior representatives in PNC, along with some very intelligent and talented young people. We are confident that we will win; Linden will remain a bedrock of support for the PNC,” he said.

However, Darren Henry, a PPP/C candidate who is vying for a seat in the Lin-

In a massive show of support, PPP/C supporters dominated the roadways in Linden

A Clear Choice?

THE long-awaited Nomination Day for the Local Government Elections (LGE) is now over as several political parties and individual candidates gathered nationwide to submit their List of Candidates to the Returning Officers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

This event marks a significant milestone for the democratic process, as citizens will have a direct say in who will represent them and make decisions on their behalf at the local level.

GECOM has reported that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was the first party to submit its List of Candidates for the Georgetown municipality.

The PPP/C is contesting all 610 constituencies in Guyana, with over 2,000 candidates

and 26,000 backers representing people of every race, religion, and gender, and focusing on development.

There is a clear indication that persons are leaning towards the PPP/C to lead Georgetown, as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has been running the city for some 57 years since independence. The PPP/C can show residents how the city should be led, and their List of Candidates is ready to make that happen.

The importance of LGEs cannot be overstated, as local democratic organs like municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) provide a link between the central government and communities.

They are responsible for assessing the needs of residents, enforcing local laws, maintaining

public spaces, and ensuring waste management, among others. By participating in LGEs, citizens can shape the policies and priorities of their community and hold local government officials accountable to their constituents.

The start of LGEs across the country signifies the importance of democracy and citizens’ participation in decision-making processes. As Guyana moves forward, it is imperative that we continue to promote and uphold these fundamental values.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C has been promoting inclusiveness and reducing racial tension since being re-elected to government in 2020. This is even as the Opposition continues to rely on divisive tactics to stay relevant, especially during election periods. However, the PPP/C is committed

to improving citizens’ well-being and promoting inclusiveness over racial division.

As the elections approach, the PPP/C is targeting citizens’ national conscience and development focus to support its recommended teams of candidates.

A diverse blend of potential councillors, including prominent businesspeople and community leaders, have put themselves forward for the elections, promising greater inclusiveness and stronger grassroots participation.

The PPP/C’s criteria and focus on developing Guyana and uniting its people is embodied in President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ motto, which aims to end corruption and improve the lives of citizens.

Conversely, the Opposition is accused of promoting racial hostil-

ity and using politics as an “any means necessary game.” The PPP/C calls for the PNC’s favored practices, including election rigging and promoting racial hostility, to be dispelled. The PPP/C emphasizes the need for togetherness and quality leadership to achieve plural gains as ‘One Guyana.’ The root causes of petty corruption and slow progress at the NDCs can be removed with solid councillors willing to put the community’s development ahead of personal interests.

However, the PNC/ APNU Commissioners have been making irrational attempts to derail the progress of GECOM. They have attacked Chairwoman Retired Justice Claudette Singh, and their strategic placement of a controversial Region Four Registration Officer has raised alarms.

GECOM must never consider employing someone of questionable character. In the past, this officer was involved in broadsheet issues, refused a recount requested by the PPP/C, and was sheltered from public scrutiny through substitution.

As the LGEs draw near, the PPP/C has urged all parties to collaborate for free and fair elections.

The party’s focus on development and inclusiveness is critical, but there has been efforts by the Opposition parties to hinder this progress with divisive tactics.

GECOM must remain vigilant in preparing for the LGEs to ensure free and fair elections. Only then can Guyana move forward with a united and constructive approach to development.

Congratulations to Bharrat Jagdeo, the PPP/C for their spectacular showing on Nomination Day

2023

inclusive leader, as has been demonstrated

by the PPP/C’s organising and team selection for the upcoming Local Government Elections. His ability to lead his party and galvanise supporters and leaders from all sectors of society is most impressive.

To have motivated and

inspired so many hardcore former PNC and APNU members such as the former Mayor Chase-Green to be part of his party list speaks volumes on what was always suspected as the destruction of the PNC by its clueless

and uninspiring leader, Aubrey Norton, and his inability to keep his core membership together.

Mr. Norton’s PNC party’s nominations continue to show a lack of diversity, are unimpressive, and prove that he does

not have what it takes to build a team or to even be a national leader.

Norton’s party needs to re-examine his leadership as he does not have what it takes to play in the big leagues as he continues to carry the party

backward.

Congratulations to Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/C for their spectacular showing on Nomination’s Day 2023.

Yours truly, Brian Azore

GECOM records ‘smooth, satisfactory’ Nomination Day

By Tamica Garnett

WITH minimal reports of challenges, hiccups or disruptions, on Monday, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud described Nomination Day as “very smooth and satisfactory,” as Guyana moves one step closer to the hosting of its next Local Government Elections (LGE), which is set for June 12.

In a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday evening, hours after the

deadline for submissions, Persaud said that Returning Officers across the country have already began the process of vetting the lists of candidates submitted by the various political parties, groups and individual candidates.

“In a nutshell, all in all, we had a very smooth and satisfactory day into the submission of list of candidates. Going forward, what is required of us is to follow the statutory procedure in terms of determining the accept-

ability of those lists.

“If there are defects we have to give the stakeholders the opportunity to correct them. When the lists are corrected, then the lists are approved and we can proceed to the preparation of ballots going towards the election,” Persaud related.

Entities wishing to participate in the upcoming LGEs and contest for a seat on any of the councils with the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAA) across Guyana were required to submit their list

Unity, progress, One Guyana motivates...

From page 3

Representing the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) as a Georgetown Councillor for Constituency #13 since 2018, Richards says that her move was based on what she believes is best for her community.

“Personally, I’ve lost confidence in the APNU party and I decided to make this move because I’m concerned about my constituency and I want to see progress, and I want to see development for my area and I believe this is the best move that I could make,” Richards related in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

With 25 candidates, the PPP/C is contesting in all 15 constituencies within Georgetown. Chase-Greene is a candidate on the PPP/C Proportional Representation (PR) list.

Richards and ChaseGreene were the most striking of a list of several politicians revealed to have shifted political alliance and joined the PPP/C party for the local government polls.

Some of the other persons were popular radio announcer and former Georgetown councillor, Malcolm Ferreira, commonly known

as “Mr. Wickedee,” and former The Citizen’s Initiative (TCI) member, and businessman, Alfonso De Armas.

The party’s list also included former Alliance For Change (AFC) candidate, Jewula Ceasar, and former independent candidate, Jainarine Singh.

Ferreira contested in the 2016 LGE and won a seat on the 30-member council as councillor for Constituency #10. He related that his motivation for joining the PPP/C is his yearning to “work with people who really want to develop communities.”

“It’s an opportunity to do work for the people of Georgetown, specifically for Constituency 10. I’ve noticed that the government has invested a lot of money in infrastructure, so that gave me an indication that they are persons willing to work with others.

“So here I am. Had I not been opened to working with anyone, I would not have been here with the PPP, and if the PPP was not opened to working with others I would not have been here,” Ferreira said.

He related that he will be leaning on his previous experience and track record

of candidates on Monday at the respective offices of the Returning Officers under which their LAA fall. Submissions were allowed between 10:00 hours to 14:00 hours.

With submissions completed, a preliminary record of the various list of candidates could be made available as soon as Tuesday, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Yolanda Ward said.

She, however, reminded that candidates would

only be able to make it on to the ballot for the elections if they satisfy all statutory requirements set out in the legislations governing the elections.

Each list must be reviewed by the respective Returning Officers (RO) over the next few hours to ensure they satisfy necessary criteria, and it would be some time before the approved candidates can be made public.

“It doesn’t mean that because a list was submitted means that it would be approved. It

has to go through a vetting process. And as of today immediately after we received the list the ROs commenced that examination process,” Ward said.

Should any defects be discovered on any list, the submitting entity will be notified and given a statutory period of time to correct the defect and resubmit their list.

“They have to meet all the statutory requirements and there is a timeline for that,” Ward said.

as a candidate as he sets out and campaigns for the votes of his fellow residents in the Albouystown community.

“I believe not in blowing my own trumpet, but I have a track record already as a councillor and the residents of constituency 10 could point to the things that I’ve done.

“In terms of building the largest youth group, looking after the infrastructure and ensuring that single parents, school dropouts get the type of investments and the level of love that they need. I still live in my community so I’m able to assess and interact with the residents and know exactly what it is that they need,” Ferreira said.

Flanked by a small group of supporters, Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, despite witnessing the crossovers and the crowd of PPP/C supporters in the popular APNU stronghold, said: “I want to say to all our supporters across the country, we must stay focused… I said to my support base there do not be misled, they are looking for incidents….let us stay focused, we have been doing our political work on the ground, and we will continue to do our political work.”

Rice farmers record higher yields despite lower acreages sown

–– national average yield stands at over six tonnes per hectare

ALTHOUGH for the past two years, farmers were adversely affected due to climate change resulting in shortened opportunities for sowing and harvesting, collaborative efforts between farmers and the govern -

ment through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) have seen the national yield for the second crop of 2022 averaging over six tonnes per hectare.

This was according to

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, during his weekly sector update programme. The minister said that the improvements were a result of farmers applying the correct agronomic practices as well as the government’s

intervention to ensure farmers had the necessary support throughout the production cycle.

“Over the last two years, the weather conditions were very unfavourable. Although we’ve experienced this and what the pandemic has done with other input costs associated with rice production, we persevered, achieving higher production figures and

While acknowledging that input costs continue to pose challenges to farmers, Minister Mustapha said that the government has been working to lower the cost of production, improve yields, and offer support to farmers across the country.

“The government is cognisant of the fact that input cost for production has increased tremendously. How-

Exporters Association), has traveled to Brazil to gain technical knowledge on how Guyana’s seed-producing facility and production could be enhanced in order to have higher-yielding seeds.

With this, Mustapha said the national average can be moved from over six tonnes to close to eight to ten tonnes per hectare.

GRDB’s Deputy General Manager, Kuldip Ragnauth said that to date harvesting is just about 56 per cent complete, and lower-yielding farmers have seen increases in their yields as a result of the support of the Board and its training sessions on better agronomic practices.

“The yields have been exceedingly good despite the challenges faced during the crop. Those challenges were overcome in the sense that the less acreage sown was compensated in some way by the higher yields that we received for this crop.

yields than we did last year. When you compare 2021 production figures to that of 2022, because we are indeed harvesting the last crop of 2022, we’ve surpassed those levels. If we didn’t have the issues we had, we would’ve had a bumper crop,” Mustapha said.

He added: “With the crop that we are currently reaping, we’ve seen that yields have increased tremendously to over six tonnes per hectare. That shows a marked improvement where the weather condition is concerned. So far, we’ve had favourable weather conditions for reaping and generally for the entire crop. I am hoping that for the second crop of 2023, we’ll have a bumper crop; a record-breaking production.”

ever, we’ve made resources available to assist with this.

As you know, we assisted farmers with fertiliser subsidies for the last crop in 2022. We’ve been giving seed paddy to farmers. We’ve expended hundreds of millions of dollars to rehabilitate dams as well as drainage and irrigation structures.

“Immediately, when we returned to office, land rental and D&I charges were reduced to bring down the cost. We’ve implemented measures to make other input costs more affordable and we’ve been working with the farmers to improve yields,” the Agriculture Minister said.

He added that a joint team comprising scientists from the GRDB and GRMEA (Guyana Rice Millers and

“These yields were achieved because the Board would’ve aggressively pursued its programme of training for farmers in terms of the improved technologies that are available. We also worked with the lower-yielding farmers; those farmers who were achieving 25 bags per acre or less; they were targeted and given special attention, assistance, and support from the Board in order for them to increase their level of performance and ultimately their yields,” Ragnauth said.

He related that some 85 per cent of the acreage sown in Region Four has been harvested, followed by Region Six with 61 per cent, Region Five with 58 per cent, Region Three with 45 per cent, and Region Two with 39 per cent.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha gets a first-hand look at one of the affected fields

Rice harvesting activities

Vigilant citizens essential in anti-corruption framework –Min. Teixeira

ANTI-CORRUPTION legislation is integral to building a democratic framework and fostering sustainable development.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, said on Monday that the ‘eyes and ears’ concept is important in building the anti-corruption framework.

The concept refers to a strategy that involves encouraging members of society to act as vigilant citizens and report any suspicious or corrupt activities they may observe.

Minister Teixeira was the keynote speaker on day one of the 9th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of

Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) being hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

She pointed to establishing the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) in 2021 to manage reporting and monitoring in accordance with international anti-corruption policies and its role in fostering greater participation in the reporting process.

However, there is still a need to involve people at the grassroots level to strengthen the anti-corruption structure.

“In every community in Guyana, there is a senior citizen who is watching like a hawk from their veranda or backstep what is happening

in the community, what they are doing with the road, how much sand they are using, how much gravel, how long they work…we have to give credence to these persons who do recognise the value of money,” the minister noted.

She stressed that people need to be encouraged to become the eyes and ears of anti-corruption.

“We are to look at what kind of interactions, interventions [and] innovations to reward and to recognise the community reporters. I think we need citizen anti-corruption reporters to actually give that credibility and importance,” the governance minister added.

The minister also high-

Guyana is a ‘credible destination’ for international investors

GUYANA now prides itself as a nation built on the foundation of democratic principles, further highlighting the importance of an efficient anti-corruption legislative framework.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, emphasised this point at the opening ceremony of the Ninth Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies.

“It took a lot of work, including with the support of our international partners, first of all, to restore democracy, to start to progressively rebuild the institutions of the State, an independent judiciary, other independent watchdogs, including those for the purpose of accountability and such.

“There was a time when no international company would have come to do business with Guyana, and it took hard work to make us able to present ourselves once again as a credible destination for international investors,” he said.

Those efforts did not go in vain as Guyana is a hub for investment activity. Guyana also has a government that places priority on formulating the framework to ensure transparency and accountability.

This work has encompassed every aspect of the

governance landscape, seeing constitutional reform having a ripple effect, with the establishment of several constitutional commissions, a public procurement commission, and sectoral committees within the parliament to provide parliamentary oversight in areas of government operations.

Additionally, the public and media can access annual public reports of constitutional bodies and state boards, as well as the Auditor General’s annual report.

These policies are all part of the administration’s efforts to eradicate corruption in all sectors across Guyana.

This is work that will continue, as government plans

lighted the value of citizen reporters in holding government and private sector agencies accountable.

She noted that people must get value for their money, resources must be utilised strategically, and transparency and integrity must permeate every transaction done in the interest of development.

Another critical aspect of strengthening the democratic framework is ensuring that the country’s legislative and judicial systems are fully functional and effective.

“All this is part of building trust. If our people don’t trust the institutions, they’re not going to share information with you. No matter how much whistleblower legislation you pass, they’re just not going to. So, part of what we do is to build trust that the institutions work fairly and

transparently. And this is an important challenge for us,” Minister Teixeira stated.

Established by the Commonwealth Secretariat in 2015, the annual event brings together regulatory bodies, policymakers, heads of anti-corruption bodies, government officials, and development partners to assess national and regional anti-corruption efforts and facilitate interaction among association members.

The conference is sponsored by the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC) and is hosted by a different delegate every year. It enables each country to get a fresh perspective on the impact of its anti-corruption legislation.

The first three days of the conference will see a combination of presenta-

tions and panel discussions by experts in anti-corruption fields, and networking events, while a day will be reserved for sightseeing to enjoy the pristine beauty of Guyana.

to institute a second wave of constitutional reform, and is on the brink of launching the work of the constitutional reform commission, which will see further revisions.

“We are reinforced in our conviction that what we have achieved thus far represents a work in progress. We continue to be committed to further strengthening this legal framework.

This government is firmly committed to putting in place an institutional architecture for good governance that will be done ultimately to the benefit and wellbeing of all of the Guyanese people,” Minister Singh assured. (DPI)

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

–– Dr. Singh affirms, says gov’t strengthening anti-corruption framework

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

Tradewinds exercise to include oil spill, flood scenarios

By Cassandra Khan

TRADEWINDS 2023, a Caribbean security exercise sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command, will be conducted for the third time in Guyana, from July 14 to 28, 2023.

This time, instead of focusing solely on traditional security type training, this year’s exercise will include two humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, according to Major Jaime Castello of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), during a press briefing at the Ramada Princess Hotel, on Monday. The two operations, he said, will be an oil spill scenario led by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and a flood scenario in Kwakwani.

For the oil spill, the focus

will be on the Berbice River, where they intend to have practical exercises during those operations.

Military representatives from the United States and 23 partner nations are participating in the final planning conference for the Tradewinds exercise.

Each of the training exercises at the various locations will provide opportunities to conduct joint, inter-agency capacity building opportunities for the partner nations, with a focus on regional co-operation, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations.

Major Castello said there is no doubt that the exercise will be fruitful, since Guyana, in 2021, hosted a successful Tradewinds exercise amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Not only did the security forces benefit from training covering the areas in terms of land, sea and air training, Guyana also benefitted economically because part of Tradewinds is using the local economy for the supplies and resources required for the exercise,” he related.

Major Castello said that for Tradewinds 2023, they anticipate that it will have more than 1,000 troops involving Guyanese and other nations.

“I can say that GDF stands strong to support working with South Command and all nations involved in this exercise to ensure that Tradewinds 2023 is beneficial and successful,” Castello said.

Held annually since 1984, the Tradewinds exercise is designed to expand the re-

gion’s capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); enhance the ability to defend Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ); increase readiness; promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into the force; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.

The regional organisations scheduled to participate in Tradewinds are Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Regional Security System (RSS), the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

The Regional Security Cooperation, according to US Army Major, Benjamin Leger, is a foreign military interaction exercise focused on maritime interdiction,

ground security, and multinational staff training which supports SOUTHCOM’s campaign plan.

“TW23 scenarios include countering Transnational Criminal Organisations (CO) and Violent Extremist Organisations (VEO) to increase interoperability, help finalise the Caribbean Community SOPs, enhance regional collaboration and stability, and increase response effectiveness to security threats common to the region,” he said.

Four more telemedicine sites to benefit Region Nine residents

PERSONS residing in communities in Region

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are set to benefit from four more telemedicine sites this year, which will help transform the delivery of healthcare services.

Georgetown-based doctors and specialists can provide real-time care to needy residents through technologically advanced facilities.

During the launch of the biomedical programme on Friday, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised that the programme will be expanded this year due to its successes and the advantages of integrating technology into health services.

“We’re adding 15 more sites. We’ll be putting four in Region One, four in Region Seven, four in Region Eight, four more in Region Nine so that we’re increasing that complement,” Dr Anthony highlighted.

In December 2022, telemedicine sites were launched in four remote communities in Region Nine. These communities were

Masakenari (Gunns Village), Nappi, Parikwarinau, and Yupukari.

Stressing the importance of providing training programmes for persons to maintain medical equipment,

different course that we will have to run and we will have to look for suitable partners who can help us in doing that.”

For the purpose of implementing the telemedi -

the health minister said, “To maintain the computers, the connectivity, and some of the internet-enabled devices, we need people who understand how to fix these things and maintain them.”

Additionally, Dr Anthony noted, “We will need some technicians in the area of digital health. That’s a

cine programme in remote hinterland communities, the government has set aside about $1.8 billion in this year’s budget.

This is in keeping with President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision of developing a world-class healthcare system in the country, while utilising technology.

Military representatives from the United States and several partner nations are gathered in Georgetown for the Final Planning Conference (FPC) for Exercise Tradewinds 2023 (GDF photo)

Health worker assisting a patient at the telemedicine site in Region Nine

PPP/C dominates Region Two on Nomination Day — after

supporters, representatives commence mobilisation before sunrise

THE atmosphere was calm in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region as supporters of the political parties and groups gathered at locations close to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to submit their lists of candidates for GECOM upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

Before Nomination Day the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) put all systems in place within the region for the smooth conduct of Nomination Day.

As the clock ticked past 10:00 hours, political parties, voluntary groups, and individual candidates contesting the LGE 2023 gathered in

front of the municipality and NDCs to submit their lists.

The Pomeroon-Supenaam Region has seven Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and one municipality. The names are Good Hope/Pomona. Annandale/ Riverstown, Aberdeen Zorgen-Vlygt, the Municipality of Anna Regina, Evergreen Paradise, Charity Ursara, Nile Cozier and Moruka Providence in the Pomeroon River.

A drive around the coast revealed that party supporters from the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) were seen holding spots as early as 06:00 hours around the NDC areas. It was also evident that they all had marches leading

to the NDC areas.

At Annandale Riverstown NDC, the list for the PPP/C was submitted by Charran Sarabjeet and Parmanand Singh. This group of supporters had tassa drumming and persons holding the flags in support.

At Aberdeen Zorg-enVlught, Javshree Persaud was one of the people who submitted the list for PPP/C. She said she was happy to participate in the process and could not wait to cast her vote.

At Charity/Ursara NDC, many youths gathered to submit the list for the PPP party. At Charity, the United Party went as a group along with the APNU party.

At Anna Regina, within the township also, many persons gathered to witness the submission of the list.

It was observed that the

other parties and groups that submitted did not have a large group supporting them. The PPP/C party supporters outnumbered

the others in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. The process was calm in the Region.

supporters

party

An APNU representative submitting the party’s list of candidates in Annandale Riverstown NDC

PPP/C Party supporters on Nomination Day

Scenes from Nomination

(Adrian Narine, Delano Williams, PPP/C and APNU photos)

Nomination Day

Mega ‘Entrepreneurial Village, Arts Festival’ for Linden Town Week

— activities organised by Region 10 Youth Entrepreneur Association aims to empower, uplift and create opportunities

THE Region 10 Youth Entrepreneur Association (RYEA) officially launched its inaugural “Entrepreneurial Village and Arts Festival,” one of Linden Town Week’s highly anticipated events, on Thursday April 13, 2023 at the Re -

gional Democratic Council, Region 10.

The mega Entrepreneurial Village and Arts Festival will be held from April 28 to April 30, 2023 at the Linden Technical Institute Ground and is expected to attract thousands of persons.

According to the President of the Region 10 Youth Entrepreneur Association, Vanessa Moore, the aim of the event is to create an avenue to provide exposure for entrepreneurs, in, but not limited to, Region 10, relative to investment, networking, mar-

keting and empowerment.

She highlighted that the event also seeks to provide a space for “family and clean fun” during the Linden Town Week festivities.

Moore related that the ‘Entrepreneurial Village and Arts Festival’ will comprise

five “villages,” namely, Arts and Fashion, STEM and Robotics, Agriculture and Agro-processing, Tourism, and the Culinary Village.

The villages will feature entrepreneurs and organisations that will be exhibiting and offering their products and services to the thousands of persons who are expected to attend the three-day event.

Moore said: “Apart from those five villages, there will be side attractions such as the Kids Fest which will contain trampolines, cartoon characters, and games, among others; a cocktail bar, a fashion show, farmers market day and the street food festival.”

Over 100 exhibits will be participating in the event ranging from governmental

organisations, small businesses, mega companies, farmers and agro processors. Registration for booths will be open until April 21, 2023.

“Registration for booths are open and we have attractive booth packages for interested budding and established entrepreneurs and businesses. Our three-day package includes table, chair, tent, electricity and free advertising for only $15,000 for small businesses,” Moore said.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond and other government ministers and members of the diplomatic corps will attend the opening ceremony slated for Friday, April 28.

Guyanese trained as bio-medical engineer in Cuba returns home

ALMOST two weeks ago, Ms Lotaya Ward, who hails from Linden, Region Ten, returned to Guyana, having graduated as a bio-medical engineer from the Centro Universitario Jose Antonio Echeverria (CUJAE), Cuba’s top Engineering University.

Before leaving Guyana for Cuba, she attended Mackenzie High School and later worked at the Biomedical Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Ms. Ward, a self-financing student for the academic year 2022-2023, now joins the growing contingent of health professionals in Guyana who have graduated from various Cuban universities.

President of the Region 10 Youth Entrepreneur Association, Vanessa Moore

Bio-medical engineer Lotaya Ward on Graduation Day at CUJAE

RACING TIPS

Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs to battle St Lucia Kings in 2023 Republic Bank CPL season opener in St Lucia August 16

The venues and fixtures for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have been confirmed with the tournament taking place from 16 August to 24 September in Saint Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana.

The tournament gets underway in Saint Lucia with six matches at the Daren Sammy Cricket ground between 16 August and 20 August with home side the Saint Lucia Kings appearing in four of those fixtures.

From there the tournament moves on the St Kitts & Nevis with six matches at Warner Park between 23 August and 27 August with four games for the home team, the Patriots.

The next leg of the tournament will take place in Barbados with the CPL returning to the country for the first time since 2019. With six matches scheduled for the iconic Kensington Oval, and four home games for the Barbados Royals, there will be lots of excitement about the tournament’s return. The matches will take place in Barbados

from 30 August to 3 September.

From 5 September to 10 September the tournament will be in Trinidad & Tobago. There will be four home games for the Trinbago Knight Riders and six matches in total.

The final leg of the tournament will take place in Guyana with the matches running from 13 September to 24 September. The knockout stages will be in Guyana again in 2023, with excitement already building after the successful running of the final last season.

“We are very pleased that the tournament will be staged in five countries in 2023,” said Pete Russell, Republic Bank CPL’s CEO. “As ever, the CPL is a chance for fans across the region and around the world to enjoy world class cricket. And for the players from the Caribbean it is an opportunity to showcase their skills and further their careers.”

Men’s Caribbean Premier League 2023 Fixtures

Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, St Lucia

Weds 16 August, 7pm - Saint Lucia Kings vs Jamaica Tallawahs

Thurs 17 August, 7pm - Saint Lucia Kings vs Barbados Royals

Sat 19 August, 10am -Trinbago Knight Riders vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

7pm - Saint Lucia Kings vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

Sun 20 August, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs vs Barbados Royals

7:00pm - Saint Lucia Kings vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

Warner Park, St Kitts and Nevis

Wed 23 August, 7pm - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Jamaica Tallawahs

Thurs 24 August, 7pm- St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

Sat 26 August, 10am - Saint Lucia Kings vs Trinbago Knight

Riders

7pm -St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Barbados Royals

Sun 27 August, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

7pm - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Trinbago Knight Riders

Kensington Oval, Barbados

Wed 30 August, 7pm - Barbados Royals vs Trinbago Knight

Riders

Thurs 31 August, 7pm -Barbados Royals vs Jamaica Tallawahs

Sat 2 September, 10am - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Jamaica Tallawahs

8pm - Barbados Royals vs Saint Lucia Kings

Sun 3 September, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs vs Trinbago Knight

Riders

8pm - Barbados Royals vs St

Kitts & Nevis Patriots

Trinidad and Tobago – Venues to be decided

Tues 5 September, 7pm - Trinbago Knight Riders vs Barbados Royals

Wed 6 September, 7pm - Trinbago Knight Riders vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

Sat 9 September, 10am - St Kitts & Nevis Patriots vs Saint Lucia Kings

8pm - Trinbago Knight Riders vs Jamaica Tallawahs

Sun 10 September, 10am - Barbados Royals vs Guyana Amazon Warriors

8pm- Trinbago Knight Riders vs Saint Lucia Kings

Guyana National Stadium, Providence

Wed 13 September, 7pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

Thurs 14 September, 7pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Saint Lucia Kings

Sat 16 September, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs vs St Kitts & Nevis Patriots

7pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Trinbago Knight Riders

Sun 17 September, 10am - Jamaica Tallawahs vs Saint Lucia Kings

7pm - Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Barbados Royals

Tues 19 September, 7pm - Eliminator – 3rd place vs 4th place

Wed 19 September, 7pm - Qualifier 1 – 1st place vs 2nd place

Fri 22 September, 7pm - Qualifier 2 – Winner of Eliminator vs Loser Qualifier 1

Sun 24 September, 7pm - Final – Winner Qualifier 1 vs Winner Qualifier 2

Guyana maul Dominica 10-0 in second CONCACAF Under-20 qualifier

SIX goals from Se-hanna Mars, two from Jalade Trim and one each from Heike Clarke and Glendy Lewis secured Guyana’s Under-20 Women's National Team second victory on yesterday in the CON-

CACAF Under-20 Qualifiers in the Dominican Republic.

Displaying confidence from the start of the match, the young Lady Jags defeated Dominica 10 - 0 in the Felix Sanchez Stadium in

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday April 18, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Adam Gilchrist: 13 – 9 catches; 4 stumping (DC)

(2) 152 for the third wicket: Murali Vijay & Albie Morkel (CSK vs DC)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many preliminary games are scheduled for this season’s IPL?

(2) How many teams are taking part in this season’s IPL?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Santo Domingo.

It was forward Trim who struck quickly after the starting whistle, scoring the first goal just five minutes into the game, followed by Mars’ thrilling five goals in the 14th, 16th, 19th, 31st and

37th minutes.

Defender Clarke made the seventh goal at the 48th minute mark.

While forward Mars scored her sixth goal in the 66th; Lewis at the 78th minute and Trim finishing the

Bishop, Nedd anxiously...

From page 24

Silva and including Darren Bravo, Kieran Powell and Sheyne Moseley who have already campaigned at Test level.

Team Weekes, the other side in the Tri-Series, will be captained by the in-form Alick Athanaze and comprise experienced players like Devon Thomas, Veerasammy Permaul and Raymon Reifer.

West Indies Academy will clash with Team Weekes in their second game beginning March 26.

“There are a few players that we know keenly well [from the other teams] … so it’s just for us to do our homework and share it with the rest of the team,” Nedd said.

game scoring at the 92nd minute.

It was a sensational performance by Guyana’s Under-20 Women’s National Team. Their victory was due to their high energy level, quality of play and sound decision making on the pitch.

Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde congratulated the team and coaching staff on a solid win and noted that the players showed discipline throughout the game.

“I would like to join the rest of Guyana in congratulating our girls and the Coaching staff for yet another solid performance. The team remained disciplined throughout the game and worked really hard to amass as many goals as possible. We have made tremendous progress over the past seven years in female

football development, and we will continue to invest heavily in more leagues and competitions at all levels.”

Last Saturday, the young Lady Jaguars defeated Suriname 6 - 0 in their opening match. Guyana is in Group C with host nation Dominican Republic, Suriname and Dominica.

A record 32 teams are in six groups - two groups have six teams and four groups have five teams each - competing between April 14 and 23. The winner of each group will advance to the May 2023 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship in the Dominican Republic, joining topranked teams United States and Mexico.

Guyana will play the Dominican Republic tomorrow at 18:00 hours at the Felix Sanchez Stadium.

Jayasuriya five-for stuns Ireland after SL post 591

Chandimal and Samarawickrama slammed unbeaten centuries before left-arm spinner took charge

SRI LANKA stampeded towards a big win in Galle on day two, with Dinesh Chandimal and Sadeera Samarawickrama hitting unbeaten centuries, before Prabath Jayasuriya claimed a five-wicket haul in the 19 overs he delivered before stumps.

The hosts' dominance was more-or-less unceasing through the course of the day, leaving Ireland in a woeful situation at stumps - they are still 474 runs behind, with three first-innings wickets in hand. The pitch has begun to take significant - if not unplayable - turn too. To challenge Sri Lanka in Galle in April's unrelenting heat was always going to be difficult for Ireland, who have never played a Test here, and are playing their first two-Test series ever. But they will likely need to battle hard on Tuesday to avoid a defeat inside three days.

It was Jayasuriya who did most to advance the match on day two, collecting five wickets for 42 runs, after Vishwa Fernando had removed two Ireland batters in the second over of the innings. Jayasuriya generated drift and dip, as well as biting turn on occasion - the ball frequently testing the outside edge of right-handed batters.

Harry Tector, who had put on a 70-run stand with James McCollum for the third wicket, and had clubbed Jayasuriya over midwicket for six, was Jayasuriya's first victim. The bowler drew Tector into a drive by looping it up, but collected his outside edge with dip and spin, the ball eventually finding its way to slip. Two balls later, he would get the tetchy Curtis Campher pushing one gently to cov.

He would later get Peter Moor caught behind, and George Dockrell lbw with a slider, but Jayasuriya's best dismissal was his third, and would have been fatal to many more experienced batters than McCollum. This was a tossed up ball, drifting in, pitching on middle and off, drawing the batter into a forward defence, before

Zalman and Mahadeo reign supreme in Kares Crossfit Championship

had begun strongly, hitting three boundaries behind square off the first eleven balls he faced. Though he did not quite manage to keep scoring boundaries that frequently, his strike rate never dipped too far beneath 90, as he found singles and twos square of the wicket, particularly on the offside, and particularly against the spinners.

His having hit a century in his first innings after being recalled will please the selectors. Niroshan Dickwella, the player he has essentially replaced in the XI, had not hit a hundred in 96 Test innings.

Chandimal's century - the 14th of his career - was the innings of an old pro. He'd begun the day on 18, and eased himself into the day, as the two early wickets fell at the other end. Ireland tried stacking the offside and bowling wide of off stump to Chandimal, to deny him his favoured legside strokes, but this did not bother Chandimal much, as he found boundaries through cover and deep third, and occasionally down the ground.

Chandimal could have been out on 55, had the umpire given him lbw against the legspin of Ben White. Although Ireland reviewed, the ball was not hitting enough of leg stump to reverse the on-field decision. Chandimal got to a hundred with a cover driven four in the second half of the middle session, before Samarawickrama struck two boundaries in succession to complete his own first trip to triple figures. Sri Lanka declared at the end of that over.

THE 2023 Kares Crossfit Championship concluded on Sunday evening after two days of intense workouts, with Guyana and Suriname sharing the winning honours.

Dillon Mahadeo, a fivetime national champion, added another trophy to his collection by winning this year's championship and maintaining Guyana's excellent reputation in Crossfit. Meanwhile, Ava Zalman, the Women's champion from Suriname, dominated the ladies' category, securing the top position with ease.

bouncing and beating the outside edge by a whisker, then clipping the top of off stump. McCollum was Ireland's highest scorer on day two, hitting 35 off 85. They went to stumps with wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker, and Andy McBrine at the crease.

Ireland had started the day nicely, with Campher dismissing nightwatcher Jayasuriya in the second over of the morning, before

McBrine trapped Dhananjaya de Silva in front not long after. But that was as good as it got for them. Samarawickrama and Chandimal then put on an unbeaten 183 runs together, the attack wilting in extremely hot and humid conditions Samarawickrama progressed with special alacrity to a maiden Test century, in his first Test in more than five years, as he preyed on the short lengths that Ireland continued to feed him. He

Ireland's bowling analysis was not pretty. Spinners McBrine, White, and Dockrell all claimed a wicket each, but conceded 393 runs between them. The seamers fared a little better - Campher taking 2 for 84 from his 21 overs, while Adair claimed 1 for 95. Adair had had to go off the field in the middle of an over in the first session, with a suspected intercostal injury. But he returned later to deliver more spells.(Cricinfo)

At the end of day one, Guyanese athletes were leading in both Male and Female categories. The events took place at the National Aquatic Centre and the National Park, showcasing some of the Caribbean's top endurance athletes and their desire to become the Crossfit king/queen of the year. The competition included several intense and vigorous workouts that tested the raw talents of the competitors.

Zalman continued her dominance on day two, scoring a total of 594 points and

outpacing her competition to win the Women's RX category. Delice Adonis from Guyana put up a top effort and secured the second spot with 553 points, while Aurelie Tian Soi Po from French Guiana finished in third place with 529 points.

The men's finals were a highlight of the event, with the top five RX males from Guyana and Trinidad competing for the victory. Mahadeo finished at the top of the Men's RX category with 651 points, outlasting his competitors to win yet another title.

Omissi Williams, another Guyanese athlete, finished in second place with 628 points, while Trinidad's Mikhail Ragoonanan secured the third spot with 589 points.

Guyanese Kellon Reid also put up an impressive performance, scoring 434 points and helping his country finish the event in a dominant fashion. Overall, the Kares Crossfit Championship proved to be a thrilling two-day event, displaying the talents and determination of the Caribbean's top endurance athletes.

Conway sets up derby win for CSK over RCB in thrilling run-fest

DEVON Conway made a blistering half-century as Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by eight runs in an Indian Premier League thriller on Monday.

Conway blasted atop score with 83 off 45 balls as CSK posted 226-6 in the southern derby at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Shivam Dube (52 from 27) also made a half-century.

A brutal onslaught from Glenn Maxwell (76 off 36) and Faf du Plessis (62 from 33) had RCB scenting an incredible victory, but they came up just short on

218-8 as CSK secured a third win. Conway and Ajinkya Rahane (37) laid the platform for CSK by putting on 74 for the second wicket in quick time before the latter was bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga.

The in-form Conway faced only 31 balls to make it back-toback half-centuries but missed out on three figures when he was cleaned up by Harshal Patel.

Dube and Moeen Ali ensured the runs continued to flow, before Virat Kohli fell in the first over of the run chase.

RCB were 15-2 when Maxwell joined Du Plessis in the middle and they produced an incredible exhibition of clean striking to put the game in the balance.

Their 126-run partnership was a franchise record for the third wicket and came in just over 10 overs, Maxwell blasting eight sixes and his skipper striking four.

Maheesh Theekshana was guilty of two of CSK's four dropped catches, but he removed Maxwell and Ali dismissed Du Plessis.

Dinesh Karthik (28) and Suyash Prabhudessai kept RCB in the hunt, but Tushar Deshpande took 3-45 as the Super Kings took the derby honours.

Conway leads the way New Zealand opener Conway took the RCB attack to all parts, following his 50 against Rajasthan Royals with another explosive knock.

The left-hander struck six sixes and as many fours, laying the platform for a big CSK total.

As many as 72 per cent of

Conway's runs came from boundaries in what was his fifth IPL half-century.

Du Plessis and Maxwell go berserk

They were certainly not queueing up to bowl when Du Plessis and Maxwell were cutting loose.

Du Plessis took over from Venkatesh Iyer as the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 259 at an average of 64.75, while Maxwell's explosive half-century was his second of the IPL season.(Sportsmax).

Suriname's Ava Zalman and Guyana's Dillon Mahadeo, female and male overall winners, respectively

Prabath Jayasuriya picked up a five-for to stun Ireland • AFP/ Getty Images

Both Dinesh Chandimal and Sadeera Samarawickrama scored centuries•AFP/Getty Images

Golden Jaguars play Grenada in Gold Cup opener

By Calvin Chapman

THE 2023 Gold Cup draw was held last weekend and it has been decided that the Golden Jaguars in their third consecutive outing, that the regional showpiece for football will face Grenada in their first preliminary match of the competition on June 16th.

If Guyana wins, they will play their second and final preliminary match against the winner of Trinidad & Tobago versus Guadeloupe.

Head of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, in an invited comment, shared with Chronicle Sport that, “It is a proud moment for the players, Coaching/technical and administration team of the GFF to once again punch a ticket to our third consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cup.”

“This outcome is the result of tremendous sacrifice, commitment and investment.

The final two games cost us $48 million and now we are focused on readying ourselves for the prelims and that too will require significant investment.”

“The Elite League and the Senior Men’s Regional Association Leagues will kick off in May, along with the Women’s league. This will al -

an international camp and a few pre-tournament friendlies. This will also require a huge investment.”

When quizzed about his

Round Robin COTECC Powerade in Barbados

Guyanese trio qualifies for Main Draw

low our players to have important game time which we hope to complement with

thoughts on Guyana’s chances of making it to the group stage, Forde mentioned that,

“Anyone that is familiar with the changes that have taken place within the CFU region would know that there are no weak teams or easy games. The Golden Jaguars will have to dig very deep and work exceptionally hard to make it into the round of 16.”

“With that said, I do have faith in my players along with the coaching staff and I believe that with the entire nation is behind our Golden Jaguars, sending them good positive vibes, we can prevail.”

“We have bigger goals ahead of us and these games will generate critical data that will inform how we manage the programme in the coming months.”

Forde concluded, “Our Male and Female National teams are registering solid results on the international stage consistently and I have to believe that this is a source of national pride.”

Historic 5th place finish for Guyana

Under-21 men in Junior PanAm hockey

By Calvin Chapman

GUYANA’s Under-21 men defeated Brazil 3-2 via penalties yesterday to finish fifth in the 2023 Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) junior outdoor hockey championships in Wildey, Barbados.

This year’s competition was the first instance that Guyana came out of a group stage since 1992 and this fifth-place finish is the highest ever placing in the competition for the Golden Arrowhead.

In the match, Guyana took the lead in the second quarter after Shaquon Favorite made no mistake in converting a Penalty Corner (PC) in the 26th minute but Lucas Varela kept the geographical neighbours in it with a Field Goal (FG) equaliser two minutes later.

The Robert Fernandes coached side then found themselves trailing early in the third quarter after Santoro Luiz converted a Penalty Corner (PC) for the Brazilians in the 33rd minute.

However, Guyana fought back and equalised right after in the 34th minute through Warren Williams’ Field Goal (FG) Guyana’s shotstopper Raoul

Whittaker was the hero of the shootout, saving three consecutive penalties while Williams, Oshazay Savory and Skipper Samuel Woodroofe converted for Guyana in the win.

In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, head coach Robert Fernandes mentioned that,” The win was a great win, especially how the match went, the boys showed character to pull it back and withstand the pressure after Brazil came from behind to lead.”

“I am very pleased with our overall performance in this

tournament, it shows that once we are exposed to high level play, we can compete. We have the personnel, the talent and the fitness, we just need a facility and exposure which brings experience.”

Fernandes continued stating that, “Back home we play on grass, much slower, no way to replicate rather than on an artificial surface. With this win, we need to keep the intensity and continue with our junior programme, which has been in full flow even before COVID when the Guyana Hockey Board

began preparations for this tournament.”

Meanwhile, Skipper Woodroffe, who scored the third penalty for Guyana, shared that,

“Our team was very inexperienced; it was the first international cap for many of us in this tournament but we kept improving with each game played and this means a lot for us. Our first game was against the USA and we didn’t have any practice matches but we reset after that 3-0 loss and kept working. I am proud of myself and the team.”

GUYANESE Nathan DeNobrega, Christin Richmond and Elwyn Levius have qualified for the U14 Main Draw of the COTECC Barbados Powerade which commenced last Saturday on the Island.

On Saturday night Guyana’s Nathan De Nobrega defeated Ammon Archer of Barbados 4/0,4/0.

Christin Richmond defeated Adriana Schalkwijk of the Netherlands 5/3,4/0 while Canadian Thomas O'Neill beat DeNobrega 5/3,4/1.

The competition was scheduled to continue last

evening with the Main Draw.

The U-14 players have just played in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago with Brandon Bridgewater of Curacao defeating Guyana’s Nathan De Nobrega 7/6, 6/2 in the COTECC Trinity Cup U14 final held at the National Racket Centre in Tacarigua.

Coach Andrew Erskine had said that he expected the level of the opposing in the Barbados tournament to be slightly higher than in Trinidad but was very confident that his charges will do well. (Sean Devers).

Guyanese trio that qualified for the COTEC Powerade U14 main draw

From left: Nathan DeNobrega, Christian Richmond Elwan Levius

‘Proud moment for Guyana’s football’ - Wayne Forde

Wayne Forde - President of GFF

Robert Fernandes - Head Coach Shaquon Favorite opened the scoring for Guyana

Samuel Woodroffe in action against Brazil yesterday

Guyana maul Dominica 10-0 in second CONCACAF Under-20 qualifier

See page 21

Bishop, Nedd anxiously eyeing first class debuts

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Left-arm spinners Joshua Bishop and Ashmead Nedd are both champing at the bit for their first taste of first class action, ahead of the Headley Weekes Tri-Series which gets underway here Wednesday.

Bishop, 24, and Nedd, 22, have been named in the West Indies Academy squad, carded to come up against Team Headley in the first of three matches at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

“We just look at it as an opportunity to put ourselves against more experienced players that have been around for quite a while and test out our -

selves,” Barbadian Bishop said.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it, from Super50 [last November]. We had a fairly decent tournament but I’m really looking forward to the four-day challenge.”

Bishop led the Academy’s attack during the Super50 with eight wickets at an economy rate of nearly runs per over, while Nedd finished with five wickets at an economy rate of just over four runs.

Overall, Bishop has taken 40 wickets in 28 List A games while Nedd has claimed 22 scalps from 17 appearances.

“I’m also looking for-

ward to the challenge,” said Guyanese Nedd.

“It will be the first time I’m playing a type of fourday cricket, so it’s a good feeling to be playing fourday cricket and first class cricket. It will be an enjoyable two weeks.”

Bishop and Nedd will be part of a unit which also includes the likes of Keagan Simmons, Ackeem Auguste, Teddy Bishop, Kevin Wickham and Ramon Simmons, all of whom have already played first class cricket.

And they will come up against a Team Headley side led by West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua Da

Continued on page 21

Joshua Bishop (left) watches as Ashmead Nedd sends down a delivery during a net session. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Goal scorers from left Glendy Lewis, Jalade Trim, Se-Hanna Mars, and Heike Clarke