Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18-07-2023

Troops nail airborne military operations — as part of Tradewinds 2023 exercise

By Trina Williams

AIMED at enhancing security and preparing local troops to face various challenges, Tradewinds 2023 has returned with vigorous and detailed training to ensure that Guyana and other Caribbean nations’ security personnel are always “on target.”

Day one of the military exercise, which took place on Monday at Air Station London, Timehri, included a number of airborne military operations, using a C-130 helicopter nicknamed the “Black Hawk,” owing to its extraordinary abilities,

Dozens of security personnel from several countries such as the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana, to name a few, received hands-on training on how

to prepare when disaster strikes.

According to Major Kittleson from the United States military, the airborne exercise was aimed

at showing how the helicopter can be utilised to maximise its full potential and how soldiers should respond when they’re in compromising situations.

“We’re here supporting the Guyana Defence Force with our logistical support,” he told media personnel.

Among the several diverse and detailed exercises that were taught to soldiers, much emphasis was placed on fast-roping.

While 10-15 feet above the ground, soldiers had to deploy from the helicopter swiftly, using a thick rope in partnership with keen precision.

The objective of this was to demonstrate how to act when air transpor-

tation, in this case, the helicopter, cannot land but they need to infiltrate an area.

In addition to this, Kittleson, went on to explain how the helicopter could assist in dire situations.

He said: “So, the way we’re going to use this [the helicopter] during exercise is, we will have a medic onboard, in the rear [so] if there’s a [injury] at any one of the exercise at any point… we will land, our medic will get out and assist in evaluating the [injury] on the ground,” underscoring that this is just a peak of the packed agenda for Tradewinds 2023.

Additionally, a US army captain had related

to the media that the exercise will be a learning experience for all security personnel regardless of which nation they are from.

Pointing out that Guyana has unique terrain when compared to countries like the US, the captain also reflected on a few slight differences not only in the training styles, but also on how aircraft are utilised in the nation’s densely populated forests.

According to him: “The biggest thing we learn from our [partnerships], especially in Guyana, is about the terrain and how they employ helicopters in different jungle environments.”

The captain also touched on the preparations leading up to the airborne military operations.

“We have been training for the last 24 hours to make sure that all our partnering nations are prepared to conduct this operation and we’ll be working jointly together,” the captain remarked.

Meanwhile, Kameisha Brown, a member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, lauded the exercise and the number of opportunities that she has and will receive because of Tradewinds 2023.

Brown who was bubbling with excitement, related: “[I am] very grateful for having the opportunity to come to such a beautiful country.”

The female marine said that the fast roping exercise for her was nerve-wracking at first; however, given the fact that she was able to share the space with fellow security personnel helped to relieve the anxiety.

Brown said that the Bahamas does not do fast-roping and thus, after being trained to do it, she is elated to carry it back home with hopes of contributing to the Bahamas Defence Force.

As a woman in a predominately male populated profession, Brown also related how great she felt being able to aid in breaking that barrier.

Rubinia Joseph of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force was overflowing with happiness and according to her, after fast-roping she felt “pumped up.”

“I just had the best experience of my life, that is fast-roping,” Joseph gleefully remarked.

Noting that Saint Lucia is in a hurricane belt, she said: “Well I’ll be taking back the skills I’ve just learnt [because] as you know St. Lucia is in a hurricane belt and every year we have to go through search and rescue missions and I think that skill [fast roping] is paramount to us,” underscoring that the newly-learnt technique can play a key role in how her country’s Police Force carries out its duties.

Scenes from the Tradewinds 2023 exercise at Air Station London, Timehri (Delano Williams photos)

Right balance needed to address critical global issues

— President Ali advocates for stakeholder-based solutions to address financial gaps in various areas at EU-CELAC Summit

EU commits €45B for tangible investments in the green-energy sector, health and education in Caribbean, Latin American countries

CLIMATE, energy and food security are among the major issues facing nations across the globe and Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is hoping that these issues will be brought to the forefront of discussions at the ongoing European Union (EU)-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit in Brussels, Belgium.

“There are three important issues facing the world today, that is climate security, energy security and food security, so I expect the summit to focus heavily on these three areas in ensuring that we find the right balance on these three critical global issues,” the Guyanese Head of State told the Belgium press on Monday.

President Ali further said that he hopes the outcome of discussions will see stakeholder-based solutions being established to address financial gaps in the various areas.

He added that officials must not “lock stakeholders out,” but have them on the energy, climate and food security front; he believes this will be the way in finding solutions to the problems that are affecting the people.

Meanwhile, the Europe-

an Union has committed to investing €45 billion in both Caribbean and Latin American states by 2027.

This is according to the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, who, in her address to the various government officials, said that the money will see tangible investments being made in the green-energy sector, health and education.

"What we want to discuss today [Monday] is how to further connect our people and our businesses, how to reduce risks and strengthen and diversify our supply chains, and how to modernise our economies in a way that

reduces inequalities and benefits all,” she said.

She further committed to resolving any differences among the nations and rekindling relationships with long-lost partners.

“The world has certainly changed …so we need our close friends to be at our side in these uncertain times,” von der Leyen said.

This year’s meeting which is being held after eight years sees the leaders of 60 countries from the EU and CELAC coming together.

This year’s summit is being co-chaired by President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, in his current role as CELAC pro tempore president.

Along with President Michel, the European Union is being represented by President of the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

According to the Euro -

Father of two dies in fire at Paradise/Jibb

he would not get sufficient catch to offset his expenses, which resulted in him being frustrated.

The woman said that he was her eldest son.

“I can’t believe my eyes. My son was in that house and I couldn’t help him. Everything went up in flames. We are now homeless; all the sofa, everything went up in flames,” the grief-stricken woman said.

pean Council, the summit is expected to give leaders the opportunity to re-invigorate bi-regional relations and reiterate the commitments of both parties to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation between them to jointly tackle the main global challenges: climate change, green and digital transition, global peace and prosperity, trade and investments, and multilateralism.

The CELAC and EU together represent 14 per cent of the world’s population and 21 per cent of global GDP. The EU-LAC relations as a strategic partnership date back to 1999, when the first bi-regional EU-LAC summit was held in Rio de Janeiro. Since the creation of CELAC in 2010, two EU-CELAC summits were held, in 2013 and 2015.

The deceased Terry Lallo

THE Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has launched an investigation into a fire at Paradise/Jibb, Region Two, which destroyed a house and claimed the life of a fisherman.

Dead is 38-year-old Terry Lallo.

Lallo’s remains were removed from the burnt structure and taken to the Suddie Mortuary where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Residents called the Anna Regina Fire station after noticing the fire. However, the firefighters were unable to save the structure from destruction.

The fire occurred on Sunday around 21:00 hours shortly after he had returned from a lake trip with his friends.

Lallo had separated from his wife two years ago and was living alone ever since. The man’s mother told this publication that he would venture to sea and sometimes

The remains of the ravaged house

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali said that he hopes the outcome of the EU-CELAC discussions will see stakeholder-based solutions being established to address the financial gaps in the various areas (Office of the President photos)

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is among several Caribbean and Latin American leaders who are attending the ongoing European Union-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Summit in Brussels, Belgium

Norton stands by offensive statement against First Lady

— dismisses ERC’s concerns, says he would repeat his statement again

LEADER of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, during a public meeting held at the Stabroek Market Square on Sunday, unleashed a scathing attack against the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) for summoning him to address comments he made against the First Lady, Arya Ali.

Norton branded the commission as a "political tool" and stood by his earlier re-

marks, expressing defiance and dismissing the ERC's concerns.

“What I said at the meeting, I will repeat that, and I will tell the Ethnic Relation Commission to go where paddy put it nut where the sun doesn’t shine,” Norton said.

Unfazed by the ERC's reprimand, Norton openly dismissed the commission's concerns, declaring that he

did not care about their opinion.

Earlier this month, the ERC said that it reviewed a video recording of a recent public meeting during which Norton addressed a gathering and made comments referring to the First Lady.

“The ERC is of the firm view that the context and explicit reference were unnecessary, demeaning, provoking and not in keeping

with the esteemed Office of the Opposition leader.

“It outlined in its letter that it was necessary to advance an atmosphere of respect and responsible behaviour during public discourses which are tenets vital to the promotion of peace and harmony,” the ERC said in a release.

The ERC, as an independent body established to promote harmony and peaceful

coexistence, is responsible for addressing matters related to ethnic relations within Guyana. Its mandate includes fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding among diverse ethnic groups. The commission's role is vital in maintaining a harmonious social fabric and promoting inclusivity throughout the nation.

Educating public about fire safety, prevention priority for GFS – Wickham

persons have lost their lives while being trapped in some of the burning buildings.

These fires occurred at

the Charity Market, on the Essequibo Coast; at a Chinese supermarket near the La Penitence Market; at Patentia in Region Three

(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara; at Mahaica; at Charlestown; and at Mahdia in May 2023, just days before Independence Day.

According to the Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is currently performing regular fire prevention inspections, and providing hints on fire safety and fire prevention.

Additionally, the fire service is also conducting outreaches, which he said have been completed at several markets throughout the country up to this point.

He said, too, that they

are striving to empower people, so that they may be able to prevent future fires. He noted that prevention of these fires is what the GFS wants.

“If the fires do come, well then, we have to do firefighting. But we prefer to educate members of the public; educate users of fire.”

While noting that all fires are different, Wickham said that most of them that have occurred thus far were caused by electrical issues, and persons trying to dispose of their garbage, or rubbish as we would call it.

Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton

Most of the recent fires were caused by the unsupervised burning of garbage and electrical trips (Guyana Fire Service photo)

Trotman’s book is an ocean of alternative facts

I COMPLETED reading Raphael Trotman’s, “From Destiny to Prosperity” and it has nothing of value to add to Guyana’s historiography. The book has 50 pages of Trotman’s own thoughts, 19 pages of photographs and 118 pages of reports. Trotman’s book then is really 50 pages of what he has to say. In those 50 pages, Trotman proved to be a poor intellectual.

When you are writing a book as a politician you have to remember the potent and revealing things you said and wrote over the years. Because of the sensitive nature of these emanations, they must be part of your book. Trotman’s 50 pages are a journey into alternative facts and forgetfulness. The rest of the review here are about these two dimensions.

1 –There is no account of him being part of a team with Debra Backer to oust Desmond Hoyte as leader of the PNC. The panegyrics of Hoyte in the book are crocodile tears.

2- There is no account of why he wanted to be the presidential candidate in the 2011 elections, when

he told Khemraj Ramjattan that he would give way to him. In my last installment in my ongoing series on the Mulatto/Creole Class, I told readers why he had to contest the presidency in 2011, thereby creating a permanent chasm that will last forever between him and Ramjattan.

3- After a bruising leadership battle between him and Ramjattan for the leader role of the Alliance For Change at the 2016 congress of the AFC at Vreeden-Hoop, Trotman held a press conference in February in his capacity as new leader at the AFC head office. He told the media that the AFC did not offer Cabinet positions to him, Dominic Gaskin and Noel Holder. He went on to reveal that it was President Granger who assigned the Natural Resources portfolio to him after relieving Rupert Roopnaraine of that role; Agriculture Ministry to Holder and Business Ministry to Gaskin. He has a section titled, “On Becoming a Minister,” but there is no mention of how he become one.

4- Trotman writes romantically of David Grang-

er, but faulty memory or forgetfulness can cause people to ridicule you or see you as a nasty person who distorts history. In December 2021, Trotman published a letter in the Stabroek News in which he said that the ethnic divide is so great that when there was a PNC government from 1968 to 1992 and from 2015 to 2000, Indian people felt left out. And when there was a PPP government from 1957 to 1964 and 1993 to 2015, African people were not satisfied. At no point in those 50 pages, he told us why his and the presence of the AFC in government did not attempt a reaching out to the other side. In fact, this

columnist is contending that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is doing more to dilute racial awareness than Trotman and his APNU+AFC government ever did.

5- In high praise of Granger, he said Guyanese were not ready for Granger’s changes. This is what is called the methodology of alternative facts that the politics of Trumpism gave the world. Mr. Granger has been accused by his own political marriage partner, the AFC, of hogging power. So in 2017, the AFC held a special retreat at the Convention Centre with one item on the agenda – reduce the enormous portfolio of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Man dies after tree limb falls on him

car and escorted him to Port Kaituma District Hospital, where Doctor Alexander pronounced him dead on arrival.

The police were informed and detectives examined the deceased body and observed abrasions to the chest area.

The body was photographed and placed in the mortuary for identification and a post-mortem examination (PME).

Investigations are ongoing.

In that retreat, whatever happened, Nigel Hughes resigned as chairman the next day. Guyana still does not know what happened, but it would have been a valuable insertion into Guyana’s historiography if Trotman had explained why the retreat collapsed and what role he played.

6- In the acknowledgement page, Trotman names a personal friend. It was that lady that Trotman nominated to be Minister of

the Environment when the AFC met at its head office to select its ministers. None of the second-tier leaders ever heard of the woman. All the second-tier leaders in that room rejected her name, nominating instead, Leonard Craig or Rajendra Bissesar. All the middle-class elites in the AFC leadership went for the woman. She cited poor ministerial pay for her refusal. It was that issue that caused the PNC and AFC the next week to raise ministerial salaries by over 50 per cent. In conclusion, Trotman’s book is not about facts but evasions and alternative facts. I unapologetically say – do not buy it. Columnist’s note: My column in the printed paper did not appear yesterday. But it was carried in the online edition. I apologise to the readers of the print edition who looked for it. Please go online and read it.

AN unidentified man of Amerindian descent, on Monday, died after he was hit by a falling tree limb, at 42 Miles Backdam, North West District (NWD).

According to a press release, enquiries revealed that the now deceased man was employed with a dredging operation owned by Diane David, a 34-year-old businesswoman residing at Falls Top, NWD, who was establishing a mining operation at

42 Miles Backdam, (NWD).

According to Dwayne Fredericks, an employee, at about 08:30hrs this morning, he, and his now-deceased co-worker, were clearing an area to set up a camp when a limb broke off from a tree and fell and hit the now-deceased man in his chest causing him to receive injuries.

Fredericks said he immediately sought assistance from his boss Diane David, who placed the man in a

The arduous battle for democracy

AS the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) third year in office approaches, it is opportune to reflect on the arduous battle to preserve democracy during the fivemonth impasse following the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections.

Democracy was essentially rescued after the five months of varied attempts by the APNU+AFC to hijack the elections. Democracy was threatened.

Three years ago today, the world watched as Guyanese voted under the control of the PNC-led coalition and queried whether the ruling party would accept defeat were it to lose the election.

The PNC rigged every election from 1964 onwards, and the sole referendum (1978) in independent Guyana till 1992 to remain in office.

As it were, as Guyanese and the world feared, the then PNC-led coalition government attempted to influence the results of the March 2, 2020 election. It was all caught on camera, but the PNC was not embarrassed.

The party was not embarrassed by earlier electoral riggings. But one expected that party’s political culture and its lack of respect for democracy would have changed some 28 years later (from 1992 when it was forced out of office by threats from the Carter Centre-led team of international observers) in March 2020, when democratic elections were being accepted globally.

After the 23-year experience with democratic practices (October 1992 to May 2015) in Guyana, one would have thought that the PNC would have embraced democratic concepts like respecting the outcome of a parliamentary no-confidence vote and democratically held free and fair elections. Everyone had hoped for a turning of the page of the PNC of the past. It was not to be.

On December 21, 2018, the PNC led coalition lost a no-confidence motion that it urged the then PPP/C opposition “to bring it on if they have 33 votes.”

Some 33 members of parliament (32 from the opposition

and one person from the ruling coalition) did vote to bring down the government.

The coalition announced to the world that it had accepted defeat and that it would follow the Constitution that mandated elections within 90 days.

Weeks later, the coalition backtracked, challenging the no-confidence vote. There was one delaying tactic after another resulting in judicial intervention.

The country’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice, ruled that the government had fallen and urged it to follow the Constitution and call an election. An election was not scheduled until March 2020, some 15 months after the defeat in the no-confidence motion. Voters were displeased with the various attempts to delay the holding of an election.

It took days to officially finalise the vote count when unofficial results were in the hands of every party and observer, as well as the media and GECOM.

The coalition claimed victory but could not provide legitimate numbers from state-

ments of polls to back the claim. Spokespersons for the administration began refusing to accept the outcome, which was a victory for the PPP/C.

All international and domestic observers as well as several parties that contested the elections stated that it was free and fair. They also stated that the outcome, as reflected in the publicly displayed statements of poll, were an accurate reflection of the vote. The PNC refused to accept defeat.

The numbers showed the coalition trailing after the SOPs of nine of 10 regions were certified. The SOPs of Region Four, a PNC stronghold, was last to be certified. The Returning Officer for Region Four mysteriously became ill and had to be taken to the hospital. There was a black out and bomb threat.

The vote count on SOPs for Region Four were magically changed. There were other attempted skullduggery including a failed attempt to change numbers on the computer that was used to officially store and tally the overall count.

All of this was being done under public glare – presence

Colossal collapse

Dear Editor,

The recent failure of the West Indies cricket team to qualify for the 2023 ICC ODI world cup in India later this year is a major disappointment for Caribbean fans and cricket enthusiasts around the world.

From the winners of the inaugural tournament in 1975 then 1979 and runners up in 1983, the West Indies cricket team has sunk to a new low after missing qualifications for the T20 world cup in 2022 and the recently concluded qualifier in Zimbabwe.

The recent failures have exposed the imminent dangers of poor organisation and player management only to be rivaled by the advent of franchise cricket.

Many have felt that the West Indies Cricket Board over the years has not displayed its competence at managing the affairs of cricket.

The current structure of island nations and Guyana having a representative on the board who votes on a President has given rise to nepotism and incompetence. Selection of captains and coaches has not been about the personnel with the qualification and capability but what is the “best fit” for the board. It has borne disappointing and shameful results as in the 2016 ICC T20 tournament; the team was without uniforms in the initial part of the tournament and eventually victors of a cliffhanger against England. The players

who represent the maroon are without innocence on the downward spiral of calypso cricket.

In the early 2000s, it became evident that player and board relations were becoming more contentious. Players took to the media on numerous occasions criticising the inadequacies of management.

This is coupled with periodic strikes, most notably during the tour of India when a majority of players led by Captain, Dwayne Bravo, went on strike for fair compensation for players on tour of India in 2014.

The longstanding rifts between the players and the board have caught the attention of past players and Caribbean leaders, who have called on numerous occa -

of witnesses and cameras. Observers were there as were diplomats of the ABCE countries. Former Jamaican Prime Minister, Bruce Golding who led a team of OAS observers described the attempted fraud “as the most transparent attempt he had ever seen to rig an election.”

CARICOM intervened! An agreement was brokered to have a CARICOM-led audit (recount) of the ballots of all 10 regions. After agreeing to the recount, the coalition went to court to block it. The appeal court said the recount did not violate the Constitution.

Guardians of Democracy as watchmen to protect the ballot boxes, various people who fought against the attempted fraud, significant role of observer missions, and others who worked behind the scenes, and the US State Department intervened to save democracy.

The recount of ballots as reflected on new recount statements of poll (RSOPs) were almost the same as those on the original SOPS, recertifying a PPP/C victory. Several attempts were made by the then

CEO of GECOM to prevent the declaration of the numbers from the RSOPs. The coalition again tried to block the declaration of the winner by going to court. The Appeal Court ruled against it.

The US State department issued a warning statement urging the coalition to accept the recount. Eventually, the CEO did the right thing, declaring that the PPP/C won the elections and 33 seats; 31 seats went to the coalition and one seat to the joiner list of three parties. Dr. Irfaan Ali, the PPP Presidential nominee, was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020, five months after the election.

Democracy was rescued after a long-fought battle of five months to certify the outcome that was preceded by 12 months of struggle to force the coalition to honour long held democratic conventions to hold an election after a defeat in a no-confidence motion. Since August 2020, democracy has flourished and is being further consolidated with the passage of new laws in Guyana.

sions for players and board to come to a truce on the way forward to maximise the performance of the junior and senior teams.

It is evident that in the era of franchise cricket, players have found it more lucrative and are more enthusiastic to play for non-national teams while neglecting the investment made to them by Cricket West Indies.

With a packed international calendar alongside domestic games and franchise leagues, the modern-day player is busy and overwhelmed. The COVID-19 pandemic has had its effects on players’ mental stability due to being isolated for weeks and sometimes months on tour. Many cricket boards have offered support to the players’

services including sport psychologists and recreational activities to alleviate player exhaustion.

Cricket West Indies has been lacking the newer innovations in training, player support and management which become evident when players take the field. West Indies players themselves have not adapted to the demands of professional cricket by investing in their own wellbeing like some of their counterparts in Australia, England and India have.

The mental toughness is not a regular feature as it was where players would quickly assess the conditions and play accordingly instead of giving away their wickets, runs in the field due to sloppy fielding, poor line of bowling and field placements by the captain.

Players, unlike their counterparts from other parts of the world, have not priori -

tised playing for West Indies over domestic leagues for fast cash, which has led to bad cricketing habits that become a major hindrance to the longer formats and also international t20 cricket.

All is not lost for the once kings of cricket, but the board, players and administrators must all play a part in a renewed effort to create sustainable initiatives that will see the rise of a once dominant and successful team in sports history.

We welcome the past legends like Brian Lara, Carl Hooper and Darren Sammy’s involvement in the current setup and would hope for others like Curtly Ambrose and Shivnarine Chanderpaul to be given an opportunity to translate their experiences to the younger future of West Indies cricket.

Regards,

Huge Emancipation Day activity planned for Berbice

Dear Editor,

On Tuesday August 1, 2023, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a non-profitable organisation located at Eversham Village, East Corentyne, Berbice, will host a huge celebration to commemorate the abolition of slavery in 1834.

The commemoration of Emancipation Day on August 1, 1838, is an important day for Guyana, especially in Berbice where the first slave revolt, led by Cuffy Badu, began on February 23, 1763, and lasted until December.

So, when Guyana became a republic in 1970, the state declared February 2 as a day to commemorate the start of the

Berbice slave revolt.

To honour the slave revolt and our freedom, which Cuffy and the slaves fought and died for, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee has planned the largest Emancipation celebration that will ever be seen in Berbice to mark 189 years since slavery was abolished.

Like last year, this year’s celebration is expected to attract thousands of people in and out the region from as far as West Coast Berbice to Skeldon and elsewhere. It will be the only celebration of its kind in Berbice.

This year, Emancipation extravaganza will be an all-day gala family and friends’ festivity packed with entertainment activities to accommodate all ages.

It will start at 7:30 hrs with a one, two and threemiles road races respectively for pre-teens, teens, and adults both males and females. The races will start from No. 36 Village, Brighton Village and No 43 and will end at the Eversham Community Centre. Prizes will be awarded to the first three winners in each category.

This will be followed by a two-mile road march starting at 11:30 hrs from Brighton Village to Epsom Village and back to the Eversham Community Centre where lunch will be served and the day’s activities will commence.

Thousands of children and adults from the Macedonia Joppa district and elsewhere are expected to join the road march under the theme “Uplift-

ment.” Participants in the road march will be decked out in a dazzling array of colorful African attire of red, black, yellow, white, and green portraying the colors of the Arrowhead, and depicting Guyanese culture, lifestyle, and heritage.

Residents of all ages and from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or social status from the Macedonia Joppa villages of No. 35 and 36, Brighton, Kiltearn, Eversham, Epsom, Bengal and No 43 will line both sides of the roadways to view the colorful display of African costumes and the rich and gorgeous Afro-outfits as their fellow villagers dance to the rhythm of the lively and customary Soca music supplied by the dynamic

and popular Yard Vybz Entertainment Sound.

Following the serving of lunch, children of all ages as well as adults will participate in several cultural, social, and educational activities including the recital of poems, singing of folk songs, playing of games, dancing to a variety of African songs, a cooking competition of the African dish, metemgee, a display of African outfits, and an education quiz competition on slavery, and on the history and geography of Guyana.

Not to mention that there will be the traditional races of all sorts for all ages, such as “Buns Eating Race” “Needle and Thread Race” “Lime and Spoon Race” and “Bag Race.”

For the residents, Emancipation is much

more than partying, eating, drinking, and dancing in the streets, all of which are part of our culture and heritage, rather it is a celebration of our freedom, heritage, and the end of slavery.

Emancipation has become a celebration of our shared history, our diversity, our culture, and a testimony of our maturity as a nation. The Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee invites all in the district and elsewhere to join and participate in the celebration on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

Sincerely,

Dr. Asquith Rose, MJVC Chair Ms. Vanessa Ross-Albert, MJVC Public Relations Director

Ballot box martyrs remembered on 50th death anniversary

Dear Editor,

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), on Sunday commemorated the 50th death anniversary of two of the party’s exemplary comrades, Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar, who were brutally murdered.

These two young men were ruthlessly and brutally gunned down, as they were among their villagers who were struggling for free and fair elections in Guyana.

On that fatal day, July 16, 1973, 50 years ago, Permanand and Ramessar were shot and killed by a Guyana Defence Force Officer. Guyanese were fully aware of the People’s National Congress’ wicked approach to national elections, specifically, their heinous intentions to rig the elections.

Investigations by the Justice Dhanessar Jhappan Commission of Inquiry revealed the high likelihood of a PPP victory if the elections were run in a free and fair manner.

The Commission cited the massive public meetings held by the People’s Progressive Party,

and the overwhelming public display of support for Dr. Cheddi Jagan as evidence of this. The PNC, a desperate attempt to ensure their victory by any means necessary, deployed the security forces, both army and police, to all parts of the country.

In addition to the regular strength at the police stations in Berbice, a battalion was deployed from the Guyana Defence Force under Captain Johnson.

Captain Johnson had his headquarters in the compound of the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam. Captain Johnson’s men were further broken up into smaller groups and a platoon under the command of Lieutenant Henry was sent to the Upper Corentyne on June 7, 1973.

The section consisted of two sergeants, three corporals, five lance corporals and nine privates; that is 20 men in all, including Lieutenant Henry.

The platoon pitched camp at No. 51 Backdam and remained there until June 19, 1973. From there, they went to Plantation Skeldon, remaining there until June 27, 1973 when they moved on to No. 63 and bivouacked on the beach.

On June 14, 1973, they left No. 63 Beach and set up camp in the compound of the No. 51 Police Station. They had with them self-loading rifles, submachine guns, tear smoke grenades and steel helmets.

“Bholanauth Parmanand and 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar were shot by armed agents of the PNC dictatorship at No. 63 Village, Corentyne during the 1973 elections while peacefully protesting the illegal removal of the ballot boxes from the place of poll at the end of voting.”

Yours truly worked on that polling day in Pouderoyen, and as we were coming out at 5:30 hrs, I recalled seeing GDF soldiers crawling on the roadside with their guns.

A physical manifestation of the PNC’s heinous intention to terrorise the population was unleashed in the form of thugs, police and the army.

It is not by chance that Private London of the Guyana Defence Force was later known to Guyanese as “Blackie.” He was one of the masterminds among the criminal gangs that terrorised the Guyanese people. “Blackie” was killed in a shootout with the police and the PNC draped

his coffin with the national flag and gave him a PNC farewell funeral.

On July 16, 1973, with Corporal Collins, Privates Mc Kenzie, Layne and London (Blackie) of the Guyana Defence Force, Sergeant Ross and Police Constable Seecharran of the Police Force, Lieutenant Henry took along with him tear smoke grenades, respirators, steel helmets, two submachine guns, rifles and bayonets. He himself was armed with one of the submachine guns. Corporal Collins had the other.

The PNC thugs with all their armed might descended on the Corentyne with the clear intention to take full control of the ballot boxes, and remove the representatives of the other three political parties from around the ballot boxes.

Parmanand was killed and his dear wife and four children had to endure the death of the breadwinner of their home, as their loving husband and father was ripped from them in the most brutal manner possible.

Young Ramessar was shot and killed, and the army threw him in their vehicle and drove him around as he was kicked and stamped upon. He was paraded to send a message to the people in Berbice.

Approximately five hours later, after his corpse was unspeakably desecrated, he was

taken to New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Ramessar, only 18 years old, was brutally murdered and his parents and other relatives are today still crying.

Parmanand’s immediate family and his comrades, 50 years later, still vividly recall the unbelievably brutal and monstrous debacle that was the 1973 elections.

My Dear Comrade Rishi Ram Motie and his friends tearfully recounted for me what they witnessed on that fatal day.

Motie suffered a broken nose. His body was black and blue as he was cuffed and kicked. Scores of persons were badly beaten and threatened. Families were humiliated and separated. Rishi Ram Mote was a genuine activist with the PPP.

During the campaign before July 16, it was clear that the People’s Progressive Party meetings attracted massive support while the PNC had a sprinkling of people. Motie, as he sobbed, told me that when the election results were announced and the PNC was the winning party, nobody accepted the results.

The PNC terrorists continued to terrorise the Berbicians as hundreds of people fled their homes and went across to Suriname, while others went into hiding for weeks and months. As a result, thousands of Berbicians and other Guyanese were forced

to leave Guyana.

Guyanese must never forget that many eminent persons such as Dr. Walter Rodney were assassinated and murdered during the dark days of the PNC rule. Today, we must draw strength, unite and work together for the maintenance and further development of the democracy we now enjoy.

We must ensure that the memories of Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar live on in us and let their sacrifice inspire us to rally with Comrade Cheddi Jagan’s People’s Progressive Party.

We must never forget that the Guyana Elections Commission was fully under Burnham PNC control. It was the then Chairman of GECOM who allowed the staff to rig the elections. However, in 2020, it was the astute leadership of Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and his powerful guidance that were able to unite this country and, with the help of the international observers, democracy triumphed in 2020. President Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” motto must continue to unite our people. The struggle of our heroes must motivate us to be united as ‘One People.’

Long live our martyrs! Regards, Neil Kumar

— fails to show up for official handing over ceremony; Town Clerk unsure of the outgoing Mayor’s status at City Hall

Narine abandons office keys at secretary’s desk

FOLLOWING a series of unfortunate events at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), outgoing Mayor Ubraj Narine has allegedly abandoned his keys at his secretary’s desk, and did not turn up at a ceremony last Friday to conduct the traditional handing over of keys and other customary items.

“Around 11:20 hrs this morning [Monday], it was brought to my attention by two of the staff who works in the Mayor’s secretariat that the mayor left the bunch of keys for his office on the secretary’s desk and walked out of

the office. The secretary is currently on vacation leave,” Town Clerk Candace Nelson said.

According to her, no prior discussion or meeting was held with the mayor,

and she is unsure whether he will return to the office during the interim of the swearing-in of the mayor-elect, Alfred Mentore and the new councillors.

“He did not discuss

anything with me, and he did not say anything. I have not heard from him since and the staff brought it to my attention,” the Town Clerk said.

Nelson has since asked the staff to submit written statements.

“I called the Chief Constable and informed him of what happened, so the Chief Constable, the internal auditors, the engineers, the treasurer, myself and the deputy town clerk, we went up to the office this afternoon and we started doing inventory checks to the office, but I have not heard from him (Narine) since,” she said.

Prior to Monday’s event, the Council had planned an official handing over ceremony of the mayor’s office last Friday, however, Narine did not to participate.

This, according to Nelson, has since delayed a number of scheduled works that were planned to accommodate the new mayor-elect.

“There were major works that had to be done to the roof of the building; the doors needed to be repaired, one of the side entrances had to be repaired,” the Town Clerk said, adding: “He sent me a nice correspondence,

telling me that he is willing to facilitate a smooth transition and everything and wanted to have a meeting with me and the mayor-elect as well. The day for the handover was set and everything and when I turned up for that handover, he decided that he wasn’t going to do the handover.”

Nelson said that while a portion of the works would have already commenced, the Mayor’s abrupt departure has left staff uncertain of his position and the scheduled works have since been stalled. Efforts to contact the Mayor proved futile.

Toyota Raize up for grabs in GBTI’s ‘Dream Big’ housing loans promotion

ownership. We recognise that a home is more than just a physical space; it is a place of comfort, and a foundation for families to thrive.”

“GBTI understands the importance of affordability, hence our carefully thought-out mortgage ceilings, competitive interest rates and low down-payment that are geared to match your budget in catering for the various sizes and preferences of houses, ensuring that there is something for every aspiring homeowner.

and your ambition, we can turn your dreams into reality.”

This prize, she said, represents the bank’s gratitude and appreciation for its customers’ trust in GBTI as their financial partner.

are 3.8 per cent up to $9 million, 5.50 per cent for loans between $9 million and $20 million; six per cent for persons acquiring the young professionals’ homes for $20 million to $25 million, and 6.99 per

cent for loans $25 million and above.

Customers are required to contribute as little as five per cent of the project cost and have up to 30 years to repay.

THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), on Monday, launched its home loan promotion, through which one customer will “drive home” with a brand new Toyota Raize vehicle at the end of the promotion.

The campaign “Dream Big – We’ll take care of the rest,” was launched at the “I Love Guyana Park” in Kingston, Georgetown, under the theme: “Bank on your dreams”.

According to GBTI’s Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings, the campaign is for anyone looking for finance to buy, build or complete a new home or for persons wishing to renovate or improve their home.

Rawattie Mohandeo, Business Development Manager, said: “Our Dream Big Housing Campaign aims to provide you with exceptional value and unprecedented advantages in your pursuit of home

“Imagine owning a home for $9 million and paying only $40,000 monthly, at an interest rate as low as 3.8 per cent. Isn’t that great news? We understand that buying a home is a significant life decision. It is a step towards building a better future for yourself and your loved ones. That is why our dedicated sales team across our branches is ready to walk you through every step of the way, by providing guidance and support to get you there,” she said.

Mohandeo added: “As we launch this housing campaign for the second time around, we are confident that with our expertise

Giovanni Browne, the winner of last year’s Drive Home promotion, shared his story of winning a Toyota Raize from GBTI. He said last year around this time, he was hunting for a house loan and settled at GBTI; he did not only get his new home, but he also won a brand-new Toyota SUV.

The bank’s revised rates

Outgoing Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine

GBTI CEO James Foster, BDU Manager Rawattie Mohandeo and other team members at the launch of the GBTI's Dream Big Housing Promotion

New Amsterdam prison inmates graduate from yoga programme

AS part of International Day of Yoga 2022 and 2023, the High Commission of India and Namaste Yoga Studio in collaboration with the New Amsterdam Prison facilitated a yoga programme for female prisoners.

According to a press release from the Indian High Commission, those sessions were conducted by the founder of Namaste Yoga Studio and Yoga instructor, Agnela Patil.

Since the commencement in June 2022, the third graduation ceremony was held on Friday, July 14, 2023 for inmates on their successful completion of the yoga programme.

During the ceremony, Patil said that she has seen notable changes in inmates; she saw people who are confident, more disciplined and prepared to embrace a positive mindset.

She said: “All the graduands should be proud of themselves that they started and completed a journey that was geared at empowering them to better control

themselves mentally and to be physically healthy— which are absolutely necessary for personal growth and to become meaningful contributors to society.”

The High Commission of India and Patil had held the first session with the prison inmates on June 21, 2022.

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. KJ Srinivasa, had addressed the benefits to one’s mental and physical well-being, and the efforts that are being made to make yoga popular among the prison population.

“Yoga is the art and science of well-being, which is a tradi-

tional practice from India. Over the years, efforts have been made to share yoga with people globally, since it is good for not only your mental well-being, but also physical well-being. It helps also in your spiritual upliftment,” he said.

“Yoga is a game chang -

$800M in road works underway in Region Three

er. Becoming the best version of one self, achieving balance between body and mind, embracing peace and harmony and working together for the better of humanity are among the central themes of yoga. Yoga could also become your game changer once you practise what you have

learnt in earnest,” Dr. Srinivasa said.

The High Commission of India and Namaste Yoga Studio have committed to continue to work with the New Amsterdam Prison and other public and private entities of Guyana to promote the holistic art of Yoga.

to finance APNU rally

NEWLY-MINTED Mayor-Elect of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, Alfred Mentore, is facing backlash from city businessmen who have levelled accusations of being intimated to finance the victory rally of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) at the Stabroek Market Square, on Sunday.

Leaked conversations between city businessmen show that the language used by the top city official against the businessmen appeared to be support the rally “or else.” One of the city businessmen explained that he ‘read between the lines and did not want any problems.’

Road projects are being executed in several Region Three communities

MAJOR road-transformation works which cover a total of 12.2 kilometres and cost some $800 million are currently underway in several Region Three communities.

According to a Facebook post made by the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, residents of La Parfaite Harmonie, Westminster, Onderneeming, and Recht-Door-Zee are witnessing the transformation of their neighbourhoods.

These projects are a fulfilment of promises made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali while engaging residents at a community outreach earlier in 2023.

Investments have also been made through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to build roads in the above-mentioned communities.

With massive private and public developmental projects ongoing across Region Three, the government is also looking to make the lives of residents easier.

One of these developmental projects would be the construction of the Schoonord-Crane four-lane highway which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Owing to the rapid pace of development, this highway will precede the planned construction of a four-lane highway from Schoonord to Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE).

The construction of this particular road is merely a component of a broader plan to modernise the country’s infrastructure and create myriad alternative and more convenient linkages.

Other projects include the US$300 million Vreed-en-Hoop shore-base facility, which is expected to play a major role in transforming Region Three into a major player in Guyana’s oiland-gas sector and a network of roads, all economically linked to the gas-to-energy project.

With $9.7 billion set aside in Budget 2023 to transform the Region Three landscape, residents can expect a significant improvement in public works, health, and education.

Notably, a whopping $259 million was allocated to public works in the region. The key projects the budget caters for are the construction of bridges at Leonora, Leguan, Uitvlugt, Wakenaam, Crane and Belle Vue.

Moreover, to improve access and living conditions for the residents of Region Three,

the construction and rehabilitation of roads in several communities are ongoing.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the education sector, a total of $372 million was budgeted to assist with education delivery. In particular, completing Zeelugt Primary and Hydronie Nursery Schools are essential projects to execute.

Moreover, $243.7 million was allocated for health services in Region Three. Projects include rehabilitation of the health centre at Metenmeer-Zorg, the reconstruction of the health post at Verna Luke and landing at Upper Bonasika, the provision for a ramp and furnace at the Aliki Health Post and upgrading of the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

He claimed to have provided $200,000 towards the APNU rally which started with a motorcade and ended with various leaders addressing a relatively small crowd across from the Stabroek Market.

Another businessman accused the city official of also contacting other businessmen via phone seeking donations. The APNU has alluded to on several occasions being unable to effectively raise funds for the just concluded Local Government Elections (LGE); this was a sign of the party’s growing loss of popularity among the business community which was burdened by heavy-handed taxation measures during the APNU’s tenure in Government.

The party has faced cashflow problems, prompting staff to be paid late on several occasions. Former party treasurer Faaiz Mursaline had resigned earlier this year pointing to several internal financial irregularities including being forced to sign blank cheques without proper supporting documents. When contacted, Mentore sought to distance himself from being an organiser for the victory rally.

“I had nothing to do with organising the rally,” he said. He further added that ‘he had nothing to do with soliciting any funds,’ and threatened legal action while calling for supporting evidence to be provided of his involvement.

Several businessmen have expressed fear that there may be attempts by the current APNU-led City Hall to strong-arm city businesses into providing funding to support other events.

As part of International Day of Yoga 2022 and 2023, the High Commission of India and Namaste Yoga Studio in collaboration with the New Amsterdam Prison, facilitated a yoga programme for female prisoners

City businessmen claim they were intimidated

Significant financial support for families of Mahdia fire victims

THE government has announced a comprehensive financial support package for the families affected by the devastating fire at the Mahdia Secondary School's female dormitory in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The Attorney-General’s Chambers has affirmed the government's commitment to assist the victims and their families during this challenging time.

According to a statement released by the Attorney-General’s Chambers on Monday, the government has been proactive in extending various forms of aid to those affected by the tragedy.

The support includes medical treatment, transportation, accommodation, coverage of funeral expenses, replacement of personal belongings, and psychosocial assistance, including counselling.

The government's decision to offer financial assistance to the families was in direct response to their expressed needs.

The statement noted: “Many

family members requested cash which they could use to make purchases that would enhance their ability to continue to provide for their families.”

To ensure transparency and accountability, the government requested that the families sign an agreement after receiving independent legal advice. These agreements also acknowledged the government's commitment to providing ongoing support as necessary.

"All the affected families engaged have signed agreements," the press statement outlined, highlighting the families' cooperation and the progress made in the distribution of financial aid.

The government emphasised its intention to continue supporting the affected families through various means, such as helping them cope with and recover from the tragedy. A full report of all expenditures related to this tragedy will be made public to ensure transparency, and proper use of public funds.

In addition to the immediate relief efforts, the government remains committed to establishing a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to thoroughly investigate the incident. The Commission will review all facts and circumstances surrounding the fire, in accordance with its Terms of Reference.

Contrary to speculation going the rounds, the government has clarified that its ongoing assistance to the victims and their families does not impede the mandate of the intended CoI.

"The Government’s pledge to continue to offer assistance to the victims and their families in no way affects the mandate of this intended CoI," the Attorney-General’s Chambers affirmed.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers is urging all parties to treat the issue with the seriousness and dignity it deserves.

“The government hopes that the wishes and welfare of the victims of this tragedy are neither exploited nor politicised,

and expects that this issue will be accorded the solemnity and dignity which it rightly deserves,” the statement noted.

On May 22, the country was plunged into mourning after a fire, which the authorities have since determined was maliciously set, ravaged a secondary school’s girls’ dormitory in Mahdia.

At the time of the fire, 56 of

the girls were present, as three had gone home to their families for the weekend.

The children housed at the ‘dorms’ came from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapao.

Initially, 18 girls from the ‘dorm’ and a five-year-old boy, who was the son of the ‘Dorm Mother’, perished in the fire, but a 19th student who was injured in the fire, passed away a few

days later.

Several of the survivors were airlifted to the capital city for emergency care. One critically injured girl was since medevacked to a New York health facility for further treatment, and is said to be recovering well.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old student has been remanded to a juvenile facility on 20 counts of murder.

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday, reiterated Guyana’s firm commitment to Agenda 2030, while also outlining Guyana’s progress in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ philosophy being the umbrella under which the government’s targets are set, as well as its efforts regionally and globally.

“Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has committed to a philosophy of One Guyana to guide all public policy, with a firm commitment that our country’s recently enhanced economic fortunes be deployed to improve the lives of every single Guyanese.

“The One Guyana philosophy is also grounded in a recognition of Guyana’s role in regional and global outcomes. Examples include Guyana’s leadership on the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM’s) goal of improving food security by reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, as well as our Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 which harnesses Guyana’s forests in the global fight against climate change,” Dr. Singh said during the forum at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. He alluded to the past few

years which saw countries grappling with COVID-19, increased geopolitical tensions, disruption to the global supply chain, and inflationary pressures not seen for nearly two decades.

“This was driven by rising energy and food prices, which hurt the vulnerable most. Meanwhile, the past eight years were also the warmest on record globally, as the onslaught of climate change continues unabated, while we continue to lose the battle to limit our own damage to the world which we plan to leave for our children and grandchildren.

“These realities lay bare the oneness of the planet on which we live, and the interdependence of our wellbeing. This interdependence provides the most compelling argument in favour of a shared global responsibility for eradicating poverty worldwide and reaffirms the very foundation on

which the SDGs are based,” the Finance Minister said.

Dr. Singh noted, however, that Guyana will continue to work aggressively to advance its progress toward the SDGs as he referenced the country’s second Voluntary National Review.

The Senior Finance Minister indicated to the officials gathered that national commitment alone will, however, not be enough to achieve the SDGs in many of our countries, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.

It was on this note that he reminded the forum that in 1970 “our predecessors met in this very hall and resolved that the developed world should deliver official development assistance of no less that 0.7 per cent of Gross National Product by 1975.”

“Fifty years later, five advanced economies have achieved this target. The others have mostly gone quiet, while

the developing world has been embarrassed into minimising mention of this missed target,” Dr. Singh said.

UNDELIVERED COMMITMENTS

He, therefore, used the opportunity at the forum to also repeat Guyana’s previous call for this and other long-standing undelivered commitments be honoured, including the adoption of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, while also endorsing measures such as the ones proposed under the Bridgetown Initiative to support the most vulnerable countries.

“No less is required, if we are to have even a remote chance of achieving the lofty but necessary goals we set ourselves in Agenda 2030,” Dr. Singh concluded.

The 2023 High Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development currently ongoing in New York is

being held under the theme: “Accelerating the Recovery from the Corona Virus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels.”

It is assessing comprehensively the impacts of the interlinked crises on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and on all SDGs.

The forum is placing particular emphasis on trends and policies related to SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy, SDG 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals and their interlinkages to other goals.

Participants discussed policies and transformations needed to overcome the crises, make up lost ground on the SDGs, and shift the world on a path to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

During the forum, Dr. Singh presented on Guyana’s Second Voluntary National Review of the SDGs under the theme “One Guyana: Achieving Low-Carbon, Sustainable Development for All,” reflecting on the alignment of the country’s national development strategy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, with Agenda 2030.

Minister Singh highlighted that Guyana has been making significant progress on attaining the SDGs with government working aggressively on all of the core development areas targeted.

He further said that achieving resilience and full implementation of Agenda 2030, requires immediate mobilisation and deployment of adequate levels of affordable financing, especially for the most vulnerable countries. This can only be realised with redoubled national and global commitment.

In 2015, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) published the first SDG Index which ranked countries regarding their initial status on the 17 SDGs. In 2023, Guyana recorded an improved score of 67.4 compared with 61.9 in 2018.

This improvement in the score facilitated upward movement in the ranking to 96 out of 166 countries in 2023 up from 104 out of 156 countries in 2018. The SDG index score signifies a country’s position between the worst (0) and best (100) outcomes and can be interpreted as the percentage of achievement.

Guyana’s overall index score of 67.4 suggests that the country is on average 67 per cent of the way to best possible outcomes across the 17 SDGs.

‘One Guyana’ philosophy guiding efforts to achieve global goals

— Finance Minister tells stakeholders at high-level political forum on sustainable development — reiterates Guyana’s firm commitment to Agenda 2030

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Monday, reiterated Guyana’s firm commitment to Agenda 2030

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali is representing Guyana at the ongoing EU-CELAC Summit in Brussels, Belgium While there, the President will also be engaging various European and Caribbean leaders with the intention of cementing ties with those diplomatic and economic partners. (Office of the President photos)

Cementing ties with European, Caribbean partners

Two-week Malteenoes Academy launched Minister Ramson tells students not to be afraid to pursue their dreams

By Sean Devers

IN 1993 , the Malteenoes Sports Club which was founded in 1902 by a Bajan Tailor , launched the first ever cricket Academy in the Caribbean , and yesterday at its Thomas Road facility, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson officially declared the 2023 Academy open.

The two-week Academy will run until July 29 on Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 hours to 15:00 hours and so far, approximately 56 students have registered

The students will be exposed to the laws of cricket, etiquette , the skill sets required to play cricket , the mental attitude needed , the importance of fitness and good health among other topics

MSC ’ s vice - president , a former West Indies U - 19

Captain Steven Jacobs spoke about what the students (aged from 7-18) would expect at this Academy and told them that academics and sports create a balanced individual

Jacobs , who played in CPL and is now the proprietor of a business , told the gathering of eager youngsters that they should be motivated by past Academy attendees, who achieved success in their cricket career and in their personal lives Ramnaresh

Sarwan , Ryan Ramdas and Narsingh Deonarine all went on to play Test Cricket after attending the Academy

Malteenoes has produced Test players Colin Stuart and Indoomatie Goordial - John , who is the last Guyanese female to play Test Cricket in 2004 Berbican Clayton Lambert played at Test level while he was a member of Malteenoes

Deborah Mc Nichols , the only female President of a Club in the Caribbean that plays first division cricket , spoke about the rich history of the club and some of the players it has produced Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson , who told last year’s batch to develop a winning culture , called up four students and asked them two questions “ When was Malteenoes founded and who is the player to play Test cricket from Malteenoes” asked Minister Ramson

One of youngsters answered correctly to the first question and won CPL tickets for his family which has to be collected from the Sports Ministry The second lad said Kenneth Wong , which was incorrect

He also promised any player who makes the National U-17 team that they would receive gear

The Minister told the students to pay attention and be disciplined

“The world cannot function without order so discipline is important Also try to be the best in everything you do and when you make a mistake talk to your coaches,” Minister Ramson advised

The 39 - year - old Minister who played first division cricket for Everest as a leftarm spinner , told the large gathering not to ever be afraid or ashamed of being the best and showed the participants how to show confidence

“Always show confidence but you also have to justify that confidence by your work and performance ,” Minister Ramson added

Minister Ramson informed that the government is building an elite cricket Academy at Providence which should be ready for use by December

“While we (West Indies) have slipped back the other teams have made investments and have out ‘Scienced’ us For us to get back anywhere close to where we used to be means we have to make sensible investments,” Minister Ramson concluded

After the opening ceremony the rest of the first session dealt with the laws of cricket with Umpire Matthew Kissoon.

Reifer dropped, Sinclair in as West Indies name squad for second India Test

THE Cricket West Indies

(CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel today announced the squad for the second Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test

Match powered by YES

BANK against India

The Panel named 13 squad members and two traveling reserve players for the match which will be played at Queen’s Park Oval in Portof-Spain, Trinidad from 20 to 24 July

Kevin Sinclair , the off-spinning allrounder has replaced Raymon Reifer in the squad Reifer will however travel to Trinidad as cover in case of injury

Sinclair was among the leading players in the West Indies Championship fourday first-class competition

earlier this year . He also played a significant role with bat and ball in the recent West Indies “A” Team series win in Bangladesh.

Overall , he has so far played 18 first-class matches with 54 wickets including three five - wicket hauls at an average of 23.98 each With the bat he has scored 756 runs at an average of 29, including six half centuries

The upcoming second Cycle Pure Agarbathi Test

Match powered by YES

BANK will be historic – marking the 100th Test Match between West Indies and India, since the two teams first met at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi in 1948. Play starts daily at 10am (9am Jamaica/7:30pm India).

Fans can purchase tickets in their preferred viewing locations from the Windies Tickets service , presented by Mastercard , at tickets windiescricket com – where they will be able to download tickets securely to their mobile device, or print out their ticket to present for scanning at the entrance point SQUAD – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood ( Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican; Reserves: Tevin Imlach, Akeem Jordan.

Shakeel and Agha Salman hit attacking fifties to snatch the momentum back for Pakistan

A see - sawing day ended with Pakistan wresting back the momentum from Sri Lanka thanks to a counter - attacking partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman Half - centuries for the two in an unbeaten stand of 120 means Pakistan are now just 91 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 312, and might well have made a deeper dent into

that deficit if monsoon rains hadn’t brought the day to a premature close.

( Scores : Pakistan 221 for 5 (Shakeel 69*, Agha 61*, Jayasuriya 3-83) trail Sri Lanka 312 (Dhananjaya 122 , Mathews 64 , Abrar 3-68, Afridi 3-86, Naseem 3-90) by 91 runs)

But it was more the speed of the run - scoring than the accumulation which impressed Across 38 overs, Pakistan scored

at just a tick under five , spearheaded initially by Shan Masood But Agha and Shakeel, traditionally much more conservative in their approach in international cricket, took the baton and ran with it in a frenetic final hour that saw all of Sri Lanka’s bowlers put to the sword as Pakistan stormed back into the contest

Finding themselves

five wickets down with

a deficit greater than 200 and Nauman Ali to come in next , most Pakistan sides would have gone into their shell. But instead of waiting for Prabath Jayasuriya or Ramesh Mendis to invariably find a ball that breached their defences, the pair began to exploit gaps , rotate the strike , use their feet and find the boundary Shakeel’s drive over Jayasuriya ’ s head early on was a statement of intent and a couple of slogs over cow corner from Agha forced Sri Lanka’s best bowler out of the attack.

Both players brought up fifties, and as the runs continued to flow, Sri Lanka appeared to run out of ideas , turning to Kasun Rajitha’s pace

The middle session had moved the game along more than the entirety of the first day, with Sri Lanka’s spinners demonstrating clear superiority over their counterparts in these conditions Jayasuriya ’ s three wickets put Sri Lanka on top even as Pakistan took the attack to the bowlers Masood’s 30-ball 39 epitomised that approach as Pakistan moved along at 4.71 runs per over, though it did come with the loss of half the side

Abdullah Shafique survived an exceptionally close lbw shout in the first over before Imamul-Haq fell playing a rash cover drive in the second, spooning it into backward point’s lap Masood’s arrival heralded the start of the only passage in that phase where Pakistan were dominant Picking up from an impressive display in the two-day warm-up game in Hambantota , Masood continued in the same fash-

ion He was adept at carving the ball through the covers, exploiting gaps and getting the run rate ticking

His approach against the quicks necessitated Sri Lanka turning to Jayasuriya as early as in the ninth over, and Masood showed him enough respect to play out a maiden Ramesh was not afforded the same regard , Masood saving the shot of the innings so far for him, dancing down the track to clobber him over mid-on for a colossal six to get to 39

The very next delivery , though , had him pinned back on leg stump The umpire didn ’ t raise the finger but Sri Lanka reviewed , and Hawkeye flashed up three reds, sending a disbelieving Shan on his way

By now, Jayasuriya had already begun to work his magic , sending Shafique on his way with a hint of extra turn It would get better for Sri Lanka, when Babar Azam top-edged an arm ball straight up to the keeper, exposing Sarfaraz Ahmed and an inexperienced lower-middle order with Pakistan still 239 runs behind

Mastery against spin is considered one of Sarfaraz ’ s strengths , but a sweep too many off Jayasuriya found him struck adjacent enough to be given out lbw in the last halfhour before tea It left the two new men in Pakistan’s middle order , Agha and Shakeel, to hold Sri Lanka’s relentless spinners off Dhananjaya de Silva got to his century on the second morning

In the morning , Pakistan bowled Sri Lanka out for 312, but not before Sri Lanka had added a useful 70 runs with the last four wickets

Over the course of a slightly scrappy morning session, Dhananjaya de Silva stood out. Having been unbeaten overnight on 94, he was in no rush to snatch at the three - figure mark , taking about half an hour to get to the mark with a whip towards fine leg

Alongside Ramesh , who was offering doggedness but not many runs, de

Silva prioritised survival over quick run-scoring It was an arrangement Pakistan were content with as the spinners operated on autopilot while they awaited the new ball, and a slash from Ramesh off Abrar Ahmed soon brought the gritty partnership to an end Babar called up Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem

Shah for an extended spell with the new ball Afridi’s pace was up and he found more movement, but it was Naseem who ended up in the wickets, dispatching Jayasuriya with a short delivery the tailender got a feather to And when de Silva decided it was time to up the ante, he fell as soon as he played an attacking shot , a mistimed drive over backward point caught brilliantly by a scampering Masood By now, though, he had scored 122, rescuing an innings that badly needed salvaging after the first session yesterday

Sri Lanka’s Nos 10 and 11 held Pakistan off much longer than anticipated , though , and scored runs while doing it Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando added 29 runs for that last wicket, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed 300 , and perhaps edging the session in their favour Dhananjaya de Silva got to his century on the second morning

That dominance looked to have been underscored firmly through the afternoon , but Pakistan ’ s late onslaught means the Test remains finely balanced under Galle’s mercurial skies. (Cricinfo)

Prabath Jayasuriya gave the afternoon session to Sri Lanka.

Dhananjaya de Silva got to his century on the second morning

Mercenary retain 15-over crown in emphatic fashion

AIMING to repeat their feat from last year , and already assured of the regular season 20-over title, giant killers Mercenary cantered to the Ontario Softball Cricket League ( OSCL ) 15 - over tile last Saturday with an emphatic nine - wicket victory over Caribbean Sensation.

Playing at the Ellesmere Number 1 ground in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, Mercenary , who lost their regular season opener to the same opponents , ensured there were no hiccups this time around as they celebrated a resounding win.

Led by a brilliant undefeated 64 from left - handed opener Avish Rukhram, whose knock was laced with four fours and five sixes , Mercenary reached 115 for one in 12.1 overs after Caribbean Sensation, who were asked to take first strike , managed 113 for five in their allotted 15 overs

The consistent Rukhram shared an undefeated second wicket partnership of 97 with Riaz Kadir after Avinash Sookdeo (three) went caught by wicket-keeper Hemnarine Chattergoon in the second over with 18 on the board Kadir contributed 31 not out which included two fours and a six off 29 balls Faheer

Juman took the only wicket to fall, conceding 29 runs in his three overs

Earlier , opener Anand Balwant stood out for Caribbean Sensation with a defiant 41 off 41 balls, an innings which contained three fours and three sixes but received little support from the middle order Rabindra Diaram,

Amit Rukhram, Shaun Deonandan and Sookdeo took one wicket apiece

The semi-final saw Mercenary defeating Berbice Vipers also by nine wickets at the same venue the previous weekend while Caribbean Sensation drew a bye to the final

At the presentation cere-

mony, which followed Saturday’s final, the Most Valuable Players awards went to Avish Sukhram and Anand Balwant

Both the winners and runners - up were recipient of trophies OSCL President Shiv Persaud congratulated both teams for reaching the finals, pointing out that league is cognisant of their contributions to the grassroot sport

While regular season matches continue on Sunday, these will be preceded with

the commencement of the 10over knockout on Saturday

In Division One, Caribbean Sensation oppose Enmore at Dean Park, Mercenary take on Carr Tec at Ellesmere Number One and Berbice Vipers battle Better Hope at Ellesmere Number Two

Division Two will see Essequibo Coast taking on Bacchus Ruff Ryders at Ashtonbee Reservoir 2 and Malvern All Stars and Ramblers colliding at St Bede. (Frederick Halley).

cricket’s fight against racism- Moeen

Moeen Ali has called on Michael Vaughan to “ step up” in English cricket’s fight against racism, as he opens up publicly for the first time on a historic tweet from Vaughan that suggested Moeen should ask young Muslims if they are terrorists to help make society safer.

In a new documentary ‘Is Cricket Racist?’, to be aired on Channel 4 in the UK, Moeen was asked by the presenter Adil Ray what he thought of Vaughan’s tweets from 2017, in which Vaughan first endorsed a Daily Mail column by Piers Morgan arguing Muslims need to root out extremist elements from their communities themselves

At the time , Ray asked Vaughan on Twitter whether he expected Moeen to go around asking Muslims he didn ’ t know whether they knew terrorists in between matches Vaughan replied yes, if it helps “our kids future and environment become a safer place”.

“It was very silly,” Moeen tells in the documentary of Vaughan’s tweets. “Dumb really We need people like him

‘step up’

Yorkshire players of South Asian heritage before the start of a T20 game in 2009

Anderson replaces Robinson for fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford

ENGLAND have recalled James Anderson in place of Ollie Robinson for the must-win fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford

recreational cricket

Moeen Ali has responded to Michael Vaughan ’ s historic tweets in a new documentary • (AFP/Getty Images)

to step up for us As Muslims, or any other faith really And just be a bit smarter I think he has also realised that times are changing and he has to change.”

Vaughan has apologised for the historic tweets, most recently at the Cricket Discipline Commission ( CDC ) racism hearings in March At those hearings, Vaughan was eventually cleared of having made a racist comment to Azeem Rafiq and three other

But the Moeen tweet, as well as a few others, formed the central part of the ECB’s case against Vaughan , their lead prosecutor Jane Mulcahy KC arguing that they were “remarkably similar in tone” to the remarks Vaughan was alleged to have made that were at the centre of the hearings Six other players and support staff, as well as Yorkshire CCC itself,were found guilty in those hearings of having brought the game into disrepute through the use of racist and / or discriminatory language

Since then, a long-awaited independent report has found deep - rooted discrimination within the game in England, on grounds of race, class and gender The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) report “Holding Up a Mirror to Cricket”, published last month, was based on evidence from 4000 people within the game One of its areas of focus was the lack of representation of British South Asians in professional cricket, despite a much larger participation in

“ There ’ s [ British Asian ] players out there who are doing better than anyone else,” Moeen says in the documentary. “People won’t sign them for some reason The South Asian player has to be almost outstanding most of the time, especially as a triallist whereas sometimes a white player doesn’t have to be outstanding, and he is getting signed.”

Moeen said Rafiq’s allegations and the consequences since then were part of a “shake-up” the game needed

“ Obviously sad [ for Rafiq ’ s experiences ], but it also felt like the game needed a shake-up,” he said. “The greatest thing that has come out of it for me is that people have a voice now, whereas before people have been very afraid to say anything.”

“ Obviously sad [ for Rafiq ’ s experiences ], but it also felt like the game needed a shake-up,” he said “The greatest thing that has come out of it for me is that people have a voice now, whereas before people have been very afraid to say anything.”(Cricinfo).

Anderson, 40, comes in on his home ground after being rested for the third-Test victory at Headingley

Robinson struggled with back spasms in Leeds, but was considered fit to play in Manchester

Australia lead the series 2-1, so England must win to have a chance of regaining the Ashes

England: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Moeen Ali has been confirmed to bat at number three after being promoted up the order for the second innings of the dramatic three-wicket win at Headingley

Harry Brook, who batted at three in the first innings of that match, remains in the number-five position where he scored a match-winning 75 in the second innings

Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, struggled in the first two Tests of the series, both of which England lost

After returning from a groin injury suffered playing for Lancashire, he managed only three wickets against the Australians on unresponsive surfaces at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

Anderson now returns for what could be his last Test at Old Trafford, hoping to break a run that has seen him not play in a win against Australia since 2015

Indeed, England have not beaten Australia on this ground since 1981 - the visitors retained the Ashes with victory in Manchester four years ago

The weather could play an important role across the week. The forecast is mixed for the Test and England were forced to train indoors on Monday morning.

Australia are yet to name their team, with questions surrounding under-pressure opener David Warner and their all-rounder’s position Warner made 66 in the first innings of the second Test, but was out for four and one at Headingley, twice dismissed by old nemesis Stuart Broad Cameron Green missed the Leeds Test through injury, with his replacement Mitchell Marsh set to remain in the side after scoring a century at Headingley. (BBC Sport).

Avish Rukhram receives his award from OSCL Treasurer Natasha Sue

The victorious Mercenary players and OSCL executive members President Shiv Persaud is at extreme left

Vaughan must

in

... Former England captain’s remarks on British Muslims branded ‘very silly’ in new documentary

Pepsi Mike Parris U16 Boxing Championships

FYF wins Best Gym, VBG’s Keyon Britton adjudged best boxer

By Sean Devers

AFTER an almost twohour late start, the Pepsi Mike Parris U16 Boxing Championships at the Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis Boxing Gym in Albouystown, commenced on Sunday and when the dust had settled, Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) emerged winners while Rose Hall Jam -

mers ended in the second spot.

Vergenoegen Boxing Gym ’ s ( VBG ) Keyon

Britton looked very impressive in his victory over Nickoli Hinds from Pace & Power (P&P) and after the culmination of 11 bouts including a female contest, Britton had done enough to win the Best Boxer Award

Rafina Barker of P&P

TTCB wins legal battle with former players, administrators

DAREN Ganga, Dinanath Ramnarine, and a group of other cricket administrators were dealt a major blow on Tuesday when the Trinidad and Tobago High Court ordered them to pay over TT$1 million to the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB).

The administrators had been challenging the TTCB’s constitution, arguing that it was unfair to incumbent officers They specifically took issue with the fact that incumbent officers start with 12 votes in the election of executive officers , giving them a significant advantage over challengers

. However, the High Court ruled that the administrators’ arguments were “ fundamentally flawed” and that the TTCB’s constitution was “not unfair.” The court also ordered the administrators to pay the TTCB’s legal costs, which amounted to over TT$1 million

The defeat is a major setback for the administrators, who have been battling the TTCB for many years It is also a victory for the TTCB, which has been under fire for its governance in recent years The administrators have said that they will appeal the decision, but it is unclear if they will be successful The High Court’s ruling is a major victory for the TTCB, and it is likely to deter other challenges to the board’s constitution

The defeat is also a blow to Ganga and Ramnarine, who are both former West Indies cricketers. They had hoped to use their experience and influence to reform the TTCB, but the High Court’s ruling has made that task much more difficult.(Sportsmax).

defeated her Gym mate Ongeua Rogers in the female bout in a tournament which is being used as preparations for the sixth Edition of the annual Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Championships which is set for August 18-20 in Guyana

Watched by a large and noisy gathering of mainly youths in small gym, the Guyana Boxing

Association (GBA) began its selection process from Sunday

Based on the results from this tournament, boxers will be selected and encamped two weeks prior to the Regional championship, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean

The Caribbean U16 Boxing Championships , the brainchild of GBA’s President and Guyana ’ s

Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, will be staged at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue . The event first commenced in 2016 and has featured an expanding list of nations with each edition

There were wins for four pugilists from the forgotten Youth Foundation ( FYF ), three from Rose Hall Jammers ( RHJ ) while the

Best Boxer of the tournament

Keyon Britton

other competing gyms were ; Pace & Power ( P & P ) A / K as Timber Wolves, and the Guyana Police Force , coached professional Boxer Dexter ‘The Kid’ Marques, who were making their debut at this level.

Trinidad & Tobago secures West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship title

TRINIDAD & Tobago are champions of the West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 Women ’ s Championship after a 37 - run win over the Windward Islands in the final at the Sir Frank Worrell Ground in St. Augustine on Saturday.

The hosts were first bowled out for 106 in 28.5 overs Djenaba Joseph was the chief run-getter for T&T with 43 off 55 balls including two fours Aniaya Roberts was the next highest scorer with 11

Amiah Gilbert led the

way with the ball for the Windwards with 4-19 from 3.5 overs while Selena Ross took 2-12 from five overs.

The Windwards were then restricted to just 69 all out off 27 overs, confirming Trinidad & Tobago’s status as champions

Zaida James and Jannilea Glasgow were the only two Windwards batters to reach double figures with 25 and 12, respectively.

Shalini Samaroo took 3-11 from six overs while Samara Ramnath took 2-12 from six overs.

Women’s Ashes: Nat Sciver-Brunt’s century in vain as Australia retain urn

AUSTRALIA retained the Women’s Ashes with a dramatic three-run victory over England, who so nearly pulled off a remarkable victory through Nat Sciver-Brunt’s masterful unbeaten century Sciver-Brunt, who scored 111 off 99 balls, dragged England from 203-7 to a position where they needed 15 runs from the last over and five off the final ball

However , Australia and Jess Jonassen, who bowled the final over, held their nerve to retain the urn with one match

to spare by virtue of being the holders

The points - based series , which is now 8-6 in favour of Australia , concludes at Taunton on Tuesday

Australia owe plenty to number eight batter Georgia Wareham , who smashed 26 from the last over of the tourists’ innings, bowled by Lauren Bell, to drag them from 240-7 with three overs remaining While it was a match-defining over, England were also left to rue another sloppy performance in the field, dropping all-rounder Ellyse Perry three

times in her innings of 91

In the second ODI at Bristol, England levelled the series with their highest - ever run chase and were set the task of breaking that record again to keep their hopes alive once more England started positively, with opener Tammy Beaumont continuing her fine form with 60 from 62 balls before Australia ’ s spinners once again proved the difference

All seven England wickets fell to spin as leg-spinner Alana King and off-spinner Ash Gardner took three each to

unravel the middle order Sciver - Brunt stood firm with a chanceless knock, her third unbeaten century in her past four ODI innings against Australia, but she slumped to her knees in devastation as she could only manage a single from the final ball England can still draw the series with a win in the final ODI , but were visibly distraught by the defeat having dragged themselves back into contention after Australia initially raced into a 6-0 lead in the points-based series

The T&T players celebrate their Under-19 Women’s championship title

TTCB President Azim Bassarath

By Kunle Solaja

(REUTERS)-Novak Djokovic has experienced everything possible on a tennis court during his trophy-laden 23-year career but said he has never faced a player quite like Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz de-throned the 36-year-old Serb on Centre Court on Sunday, winning a riveting Wimbledon final with a gamestyle Djokovic later described as like facing a blend of the big three — himself, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer

Subduing it proved beyond even his powers as his quest for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and fifth in a row was thwarted, as was his bid to match Margaret Court’s record 24 Grand Slam titles

In winning his first Wimbledon, to go with his 2022 U S Open triumph against Casper Ruud , Alcaraz erased any doubts about his world number one status and avenged his cramp - affected loss to Djokovic in the French Open semi-final Djokovic , who had suffered only two Wimbledon defeats since losing to Andy Murray in the 2013 final , said he was surprised at how quickly the 20-year-old Alcaraz had mastered playing on all the sport’s surfaces

“I didn’t expect him to play so well this year on grass, but he’s proven he’s the best player in the world ,” Djokovic said after his 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 defeat

“I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest I think people have been talking in the past 12 months or so about his game consisting of certain elements from Roger, Rafa, and myself I would agree with that

“He’s got basically the best of all three worlds He’s got this Spanish bull mentality, fighting spirit and incredible defence that we’ve seen with Rafa I think he’s got some nice sliding backhands, some similarities with my backhands

Djokovic, who looked irritated at times with the pro-Alcaraz crowd, was magnanimous in defeat But he admitted there were some regrets after lacking his usual clinical ability to take chances when they came his way at crucial moments

After outplaying Alcaraz in a one-sided first set, Djokovic then slugged out an 85-minute second and had a point for a two-set lead in the tiebreak but dumped a backhand into the net

After battling back into the match and taking the fourth set, Djokovic then looked odds on to break serve for a 2-0 lead in the decider but made a hash of a high forehand volley

Minutes later he dropped his own serve and disintegrated his racket into the net post in frustration

“In the tiebreak in the second, the backhands kind of let me down,” he said. “Set point, I missed the backhand A little bit of a bad bounce, but I should not have missed that shot

“Then 6-6, another backhand from middle of the court in the net That’s it The match shifted to his side and I wasn’t myself for quite some time

“I managed to regroup and regain the momentum midway in the fourth I felt that the momentum shifted to my side That break point (in the fifth), I think I played a really good point, but it was very windy and the wind took it to an awkward place where I couldn’t hit the smash.”

Djokovic received a warning for his racket-smashing antics, having had one for taking too long to serve at the heart of the second-set tiebreak He was fortunate that the flying chunks of his racket did not make contact with an official or a fan

“There’s not much to talk about that It was frustration,” said Djokovic, who left a sizeable dent in the net post

'We need more clubs and rugby in schools'

says National U19s Manager

By Sean Devers

A VERY inexperienced Guyana U-19 Rugby team headed to Jamaica to compete in the Rugby America’s North ( Ran ) U - 19 competition which was held at UWI ’ s Mona Campus ground . Team Guyana, who returned

players quickly realised how huge the gap in youth rugby was between Guyana and other Caribbean countries Guyana were grouped with host Jamaica and Bermuda while Trinidad & Tobago, the Cayman Islands and the USA South were in the other group Guyana were mauled by

Sherlock ‘Soloman’ Sam, who added that RANs did a great job in hosting this tournament and keeping U-19s and women rugby 15s alive

But for a team with most of its players only getting interested in rugby this year and which began preparations just four months ago, it was not

“We now need to maintain and build organise more playing of games at second division level for a while” said Soloman as he is popularly known “

More clubs have to be involved at the local level while a schools programme is needed and we have to extend the sport into communities,” lamented Soloman, who was involved when Guyana dominated Rugby 7s for several consecutive years

home yesterday, lost every match they played without getting a point

Elisha Crawford was the only surviving member of the Guyana team which participated in a Ran tournament as a 16-year old in 2019, just before Covid - 19 Pandemic halted all sports

The team, which was led by Dakari Martindale, is the first team to play in this tournament since Covid and the

Bermuda 49-0 , Jamaica 390, Trinidad & Tobago 37-0, Jamaica 33-0 and Cayman Islands 42-0 to emphasise how far behind Guyana is in most sports at international level and, as in this case, Caribbean level in terms of facilities , coaching, exposure and mental toughness

“Our first game was a real eye opener for the youngsters,” said the team’s Manager, former National Rugby player,

all gloom and doom for the manager

“Our U-19 team was exposed to their first international tournament and the boys would have gained lots of experience from their trip to Jamaica.”

“As the tournament went on the confidence and performance increased but it was still not up to what was required at that level But once you see improvement, that all you can

The Manager said the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)needs a facility to call home and must find ways of spreading the sport and attracting females to the game “ Getting the sport in schools is very important since it develops an interest in rugby at a young age we could start with a non-contact game called ‘tag’ which is alot of fun and then take from there,” Soloman concluded.

Mexico clip Panama 1-0 to win ninth Gold Cup title

MEXICO are champions of the Concacaf Gold Cup for a ninth time, as Santiago Gimenez struck for a dramatic late winner to deliver Mexico a 1-0 victory over Panama in the 2023 Gold Cup Final on Sunday evening at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Just minutes into the match as second half substitute , Gimenez scored in the 88’ with a sensational strike to seal the title for Mexico

There were few chances for either side in the opening half hour Panama forward Ismael Diaz had an early look at goal in the second minute, but was

unable to get off a clean shot, while Mexico’s Uriel Antuna shot right at Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera in the 12’

As far as true scoring threats, the biggest one of the first 45 minutes for Mexico did not arrive until the 42’ when a Luis Romo cross from the right wing was dummied, allowing a clean, sweeping shot from Orbelin Pineda that was saved by Mosquera . Henry Martin was there for the follow up on the doorstep , but again Mosquera came up big.

As for Panama, a shot from Anibal Godoy that bounced wide past outstretched Mexico

goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in first half stoppage time served as the best opportunity for Los Canaleros

Panama stayed strong and almost found a goal late on when Edgar Barcenas swung a shot wide in the 87’.

The decisive moment would come a minute later in the 88’, as Gimenez, introduced into the game just minutes earlier , received a pass from Pineda with his back to goal, spun around the defender, charged toward net and slotted home a left-footed finish he’ll never forget, earning Mexico the dramatic 1-0 triumph. (Soprtsmax)

After a scoreless 87 minutes, Santiago Giménez came off the bench to score a worthy tournament-winning goal on a brilliant individual run from the midfield:

I’ve never faced a player like Alcaraz, says beaten Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz won his second grand slam before turning 21 with Sunday’s Wimbledon triumph

…

Team Captain Dakari Martindale ask for

The Guyanese in a scrum against Jamaica which they lost 39-nil

Young Boxers

U16 tournament at the ‘Six Head’ Gym (Sean Devers photo)

Minister Charles Ramson with the students and coaches after declaring the Academy open (Sean Devers photo)

Kevin Sinclair has received his maiden Test call-up