Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 18-08-2023

President Ali reassigns six Permanent Secretaries

- appoints new persons to Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Legal Affairs Ministry

Land being assessed for cultivation of black-eye peas

Guyanese given first preference to fill existing labour gap

- VP Jagdeo says, rejects opposition’s false narrative about plans to import labour

Technical Working Group activated to address spread of Dengue

- as Health Ministry records over 2,000 cases with 239 hospitalisations and 11 deaths this year

VP Jagdeo: Afro-Guyanese contractors were starved of opportunities during APNU+AFC tenure

35 Afro-Guyanese groups receive $1.8M each for empowerment projects

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, led a technical team to several communities along the Berbice River, where several areas were assessed for the large-scale production of black eye beans and red beans. The team visited Tacama, Kimbia, Mara, and Moleson Creek (Office of the President photos)

Eccles and Great Diamond are connected by a $13.3 billion four-lane highway. New roads and bridges have shortened travel times, and improved traffic flow

President Ali reassigns six Permanent Secretaries

- appoints new persons to Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Legal Affairs Ministry

SIX Permanent Secretaries have been reshuffled, while new persons have been appointed to two ministries.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali appointed two new Permanent Secretaries, namely Ms. Adele Diane Tricia Cole-Clarke to the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Mr. Miguel Shaun ChooKang, former Head of Regional Planning in the State Planning Unit

of the Ministry of Finance, to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

Further, Mr. Alfred Roland King, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister; Ms. Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, has

been reassigned to the Ministry of Education, and Ms. Prema Anastasia Roopnarine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, will now serve in the same capacity at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Additionally, Mr. Bishram Kuppen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry

of Labour, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Housing and Water; Mr. Andre Inshan Ally, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, was reassigned to the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas-Meerabux will now serve as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Labour.

New Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ms. Adele Diane Tricia Cole-Clarke

New Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Miguel Shaun Choo-Kang

Land being assessed for cultivation of black-eye peas

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, lead a technical team to several communities along the Berbice River, where assessments were done for the large-scale production of black eye beans and red beans.

“We visited Tacama, Kimbia, Mara, and Moleson Creek. The aim is to bring at least 1,000 acres into cultivation before the end of the year,” the President wrote on his Facebook page.

In a previous interview, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

said the initiative is part of the government’s vision to position Guyana as a hub for food

production.

“We can produce all the needs for the Caribbean [and so] we are looking to start some cultivation. First of all, we’ll look at the areas in Region One. We are looking to build

facilities in Region One as long as the soil type is good there and hopefully, we can start large-scale production of black-eye peas, coming out of Region One,” Minister Mustapha said.

He added that Guyanese investors have already signalled an interest in making investments in this large-scale production.

The government is making major investments in large-scale

agricultural production so that Guyana and the Caribbean can produce its own food and reduce the large food importation bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Thursday, lead a technical team to several communities along the Berbice River, where assessments were done for the large-scale production of black eye beans and red beans (Office of the President photos)

The aim is to bring at least 1,000 acres of land into cultivation before the end of the year

Norton called out for ‘changing script’ on ‘Dutch Disease’

- Dr. Jagdeo describes him as ‘a master at creating smokescreens’

By Trina Williams

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has called out Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and his colleagues for attempting to mislead Guyanese by saying that the Dutch Disease (resource curse) is a “hoax”.

During a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo criticised the Opposition for doubling down on its original stance on the resource curse in order to attain their own personal agenda.

“We need to respond to the Opposition Leader formally, given that he has raised a number of issues regarding the government, and the government’s poli-

cies in various sectors,” Dr. Jagdeo said, adding:

“Mr. Norton, today at the press conference demonstrated once again that he is a master at creating smokescreens.”

Although several members of the Opposition are on record as saying that the Dutch Disease is real, and is prevalent here in Guyana, APNU members, during a press conference on Thursday, changed the script and said that the Dutch Disease, along with inflation is nothing but “a hoax”.

During their press conference, they referred to the Dutch Disease as a “bogeyman” that is being used by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government to scare Guyanese, which is actually in contradiction

to their stance regarding previous matters, such as their scrutiny of the government’s mid-year report

in 2022.

Dr. Jagdeo said that Norton, along with his comrades, have shown that they

Afro-Guyanese contractors were starved of opportunities during APNU+AFC tenure

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, lambasted the opposition for positions it took while in office from 2015-2020, which saw Afro-Guyanese contractors being deprived of opportunities they had prior to the APNU+AFC’s tenure in office

Dr Jagdeo made those remarks during his press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Thursday.

He said that in 2015, when the APNU+AFC coalition entered office, several contractors lost contracts that they previously had.

Dr. Jagdeo referenced one contractor, Courtney Benn Contracting Services that was at the time tendering for contracts and doing well in the Guyana up until 2015.

He said: “This is a black contractor complaining, imagine all of the bids only two companies bid; Af -

ro-Guyanese companies… and the one that bid twice said after APNU came into office, I stopped getting work at GWI.”

The Vice-President said that the contractors related that they stopped getting work totally at that company. Courtney Benn Contracting Services is now working on a government contract which entails building a wharf.

He said that contractors indicated that under APNU’s tenure, most of them went bankrupt, so he challenged the party’s rhetoric of claiming to love afro-Guyanese.

“More [Afro-Guyanese] companies went bankrupt in the five years of APNU than any period in our history,” Dr. Jagdeo remarked.

Meanwhile, he added that under the previous administration, some 50 acres of land which Courtney Benn Contracting Services had procured was taken away and the owner of the company had not received

any funds he paid for the land until the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) took office.

Against this backdrop, he added that while Afro-Guyanese businesses went bankrupt, many Indian businessmen were forced to carry bribes to the offices of min-

isters to receive contracts.

The Vice-President lamented that more was taken away from Afro-Guyanese and the people of Guyana than was given to them during the APNU+AFC’s stint in office.

lack policy-making abilities, especially given their history in governmental positions.

While addressing Norton along with APNU members, Elson Lowe and Ganesh Mahipaul, on their scrutiny of governmental policies made by the PPP, Jagdeo said: “…All three of them don’t have any authority or any experience to talk about complex issues, particularly financial issues.”

Underscoring the complexities of an economy, and how to develop a country in an evolving world, the Vice-President said that his government has spent a substantial amount of time understanding and being very nimble with decision-making processes.

“They would not under-

stand that, and that is why at today’s press conference, they basically said that the Dutch Disease is not a real concept,” he said, adding: “For us [in the government], we take this seriously, because we are hell bent on ensuring that we do not make the same mistakes that other oil-producing countries have made, in terms of change in relevant prices.”

Noting that Guyana has a strong fiscal policy and other safeguards to ensure the diversification of the country’s economy, the Vice-President said that his government will continue making strategic decisions to ensure that Guyana remains progressive.

- Vice-President Jagdeo says

Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Japheth Savory Photo)

R ECENTLY, distasteful comments about Islamic women were uttered by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member Rhonda Layne. No one should rush to summarily dismiss them, but should, rather, assess the far-reaching implications these women can have for those who make up this section of the Guyanese society.

The mixing of religion and politics has always been a highly controversial issue. Many who have held high office have stayed on the side of caution, and main-

tained that there is a need for the two issues to be separate.

According to Millard Fillmore, who served as the 13th President of the United States from 1850–1853, “Church and State should be separate, not only in form, but fact; religion and politics should not be mingled.” In other words, he is saying that religion should be kept out of politics. The recent happenings in Guyana have confirmed that there is some wisdom in what Fillmore has said.

People see religion as their peace; their safe space.

They follow the principles as part of their efforts to elevate their spirituality, and to live life on earth the way God wants or expects them to.

The WPA is treading in dangerous waters; they have been doing so for some time now, and it has, seemingly, gotten worse.

People’s religion and their religious values are not fair game, especially in the political realm. In fact, these are off-limits, and should never be degraded in political commentary.

Politicians are the glue that holds society together.

As such, they have a responsibility to their supporters to engage in responsible behaviour through their actions and words. Anything outside of that will cause conflict and division.

During her remarks at the Cuffy 250 Committee Forum, Layne disparaged Islamic women, implying that their religion oppresses them.

“In a Muslim’s life, a woman is only there to be a home-maker, a child bearer, and everything that is against the women,” she said.

She speaks as an outsid-

er, and is clearly unaware of the principles that the believers of Islam follow. On this basis, she has no authority to give such views; she has clearly crossed the line, and should be compelled to apologise first and foremost to our Muslim brothers and sisters, and then to all Guyanese.

This dangerous and misinformed narrative about Muslim women and their religion should not be ignored or buried. If not addressed now, it is likely to happen again, and when it does, it will cause greater harm.

Guyana is a multi-reli-

gious society, where every religion and their followers ought to be respected. While our laws give one the right to freely express themselves, it must not be abused. We must never use this right to belittle, intimidate or ridicule anyone; it is not right.

The WPA’s members continue to dig a deeper hole for themselves. All right-thinking Guyanese should condemn the Party’s continuous attempts to dismantle the efforts of the Dr. Irfaan Ali government to heal and bring this nation together.

Digging a deeper hole The Opposition must stop misleading sugar workers

Dear Editor, I WOULD like to bring to the attention of those who are misleading the sugar workers by giving them false information and failed promises yet again, that your tactics for political gains won’t work.

On Wednesday August 16, some sugar workers in Berbice called a strike because they were told by some destructive elements in the opposition (one was seen in a video) that they should be and must demand compensation from GuySuCo for being transferred once again to work at the Rose Hall, Canje Estate.

Those very destructive opposition, uneducated elements forgot or might be pretending not to remember that those very workers were employed by the very estate that they are now being transferred to.

Because of the closure of the said estate by PNC and AFC, many of those very workers opted and agreed to work at Albion and Blairmont Estates, which was facilitated by GuySuCo.

Those workers have to leave their homes much earlier in the morning to work at those estates they are presently working at.

The Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture, has announced that the Rose Hall will soon be operational once again. Therefore, GuySuCo has to ensure that those workers who were employed at the said estate return there to work.

I see nothing wrong with this because they will be close to their homes, and more so don’t have to wake early to travel the distance they are traveling on a daily basis.

The strike action which was organised by some destructive opposition elements on Wednesday, has no merit and is an unwanted or uncalled for.

I do not believe GuySuCo should give any compensation to those workers for sending or should I say taking them back to work again at the very estate they were employed at.

Those workers are the very ones who were crying foul when the PNC and AFC government closed the estate, and they wanted to continue working no matter where as long they can be able to provide for their families.

GuySuCo ensured that those workers continued to be employed at different estates, and the company took the burden of also ensuring they provide daily transportation for the workers.

It is my firm belief that GuySuCo has the right to transfer back those very workers to the Rose Hall Estate, where they were previously employed, knowing that the said estate will soon be operational without giving them any form of compensation.

I am calling on the workers to stop listening to and taking advice from those destructive opposition elements because all they wanted to see is an underdeveloped country, and to take bread and butter out of the mouths of you the sugar workers and your families like what they did after the 2015 elections.

Those very uneducated so-called opposition members fail to tell you or remind you the workers that it was the PNC and AFC (as I always say they are both sheltering under APNU

name when we all know they are PNC) that sent home thousands of you the sugar workers, taking bread and butter out of the mouth of your children and from your families’ tables.

They fail to remind you the workers that they are the very ones who didn’t think about you and your families’ survival when they were sending you packing, not knowing if you would be employed again or where your next meal would come from to feed your children and family.

Sugar workers don’t allow the opposition to put unwise ideas to you like what they are telling you now to demand compensation for being transferred once again to your previous place of employment.

That is a very senseless idea for a company to compensate you because

they are sending you back to your previous location where you were hired to work.

Brothers and sisters in the industry, this is the time for you to work handin-hand with GuySuCo to ensure that the Rose Hall Estate goes back to where it was, in terms of producing sugar and creating employment for those who wants to join the industry.

It is clear that the government is trying to ensure that the corporation survives because thousands depend on it for their livelihood.

Stop listening to the socalled uneducated destructive opposition elements that want to see you and your family suffer.

Let’s all work together for a better Guyana as we are all “One Guyana”.

Regards, Abel Seetaram

President Ali’s vision and leadership skills have transformed Guyana

Dear Editor, SINCE becoming an independent country 57 years ago, most of Guyana’s past presidents from the two major parties have, on numerous occasions, used different strategies to heal the racial divide, unite, and improve the lives of the people, but unlike President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, they have not succeeded.

And the reason being is that they did not have the vision and leadership skills and ability like His Excellency, who, since becoming President in August 2020, had the prudence, wisdom, and courage to initiate policies to unite the people and build a prosperous Guyana for all.

The One Guyana initiative is a classic example and the first of its kind to have ever been introduced in the country to unify the races. It represents a symbol of harmony and integrity of the state at home and abroad.

President Dr. Ali sound leadership and integrity have provided wide-ranging guidance in several regional matters in food security, nutrition and influence which has grown significantly as the country continues to become a global leader in food security, climate security, energy security, and human development.

Under His Excellency extraordinary and superb leadership, Guyana has risen to the challenge to become a leader in the Caribbean, and he has exerted his influence on the countries to grow more of their own food, increase trade among each other and reduce regional imports.

According to President Dr. Ali, if these efforts succeed, CARICOM will be able to reduce its more than US$4 billion annual food-importation bill by some 25 per cent by 2025.

The Caribbean heads of state have supported

President’s Ali’s agenda to reduce its food import bill, have also agreed to implement measures to boost agricultural production in their respective countries.

Such leadership, which is particularly evident among the CARICOM states, has perhaps made Guyana the most recognisable and influential country in the region.

This marked a milestone because it is the first time Guyana has been recognised in the same manner as Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

In the past these three countries have always been recognised by Europeans and North Americans as tourist destinations due mainly to their beautiful and picturesque beaches.

On the International scene, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has since taking office three years ago propelled Guyana into a global leader in several areas, including the environment, climate change, food security, renewable energy sources, and agriculture, among others.

It is true that His Excellency has worked tirelessly to position Guyana to contribute significantly to global leadership and to have a strong influence on the global decision-making process which was primarily the domain of the developed countries.

The move in this direction has been bolstered and fortified by the country being elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in June for the term 2024-2025.

Guyana’s candidacy was uncontested, being the sole candidate for a single seat available to Latin America and the Caribbean Region, where it garnered the highest vote count, at 191 out of 192 members of the

United Nations General Assembly.

It is important to mention that the UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the UN, and is charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN Charter.

Evidence of this superlative achievement has never been achieved before in Guyana since it became an independent in May 1966.

Today, under the stewardship of President Dr. Ali, Guyana has become one of the most recognised and respected developing countries in the Western Hemisphere and

has attracted an extensive list of more than 75 world leaders, inclusive of heads of governments from the world’s most influential and powerful nations such as the United States, Britain, Canada, China and the European Union that have either visited Guyana or have had direct bilateral engagements with it.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has indicated that his meeting with US President, Joe Biden and First Lady, Jill Biden at the 9th Summit of Americas, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of India, and China’s President Xi Jinping among others is rock-solid proof of Guyana’s success in achieving widespread

respect and influence in the international community.

This is a resounding endorsement of the importance and the reason why more world leaders are coming to Guyana as never seen before because they believe that we as a people can contribute to global leadership and a peaceful and economically stable world.

President Dr. Ali has made it clear that the government intends to live up to its expectations by ensuring that Guyana plays a major role in reshaping an international system that is fair, just and equitable and that the country will continue to seek alliances with other countries but will maintain an independent and principled

position by standing up for values established in the UN Charter and in international law. His Excellency alluded to the many economic co-operation agreements Guyana has with several countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The President intoned that these agreements would advance tourism, improve the export of goods and services, and increase investment in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. These achievements by the President will transform Guyana and move it from an underdeveloped status to a developed country.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

Petroleum Activities Bill and the ministerial powers

Dear Editor,

The Parliamentary Opposition along with other opposition aligned commentators and writers, have raised the concern that the Petroleum Activities Bill confers sweeping powers to the Minister.

Specifically, in the Peeping Tom column of the Kaieteur News edition of August 17, 2023, the author argued that the powers vested in the Minister therein, seems to conflict with the Constitution.

To this end, Peeping Tom cited Article 115 of the Constitution, and sought to make the argument that that Article 115 “limits the role of the Minister, responsible for any department of government, to exercising general direction and control, a euphemism for making policy. It is trite law that

parliament may limit the exercise of powers which are conferred on a Minister but cannot expand these beyond the boundaries provided by the Constitution”.

Editor, this statement prompted me to consult with Article 115 of the Guyana Constitution to confirm the correctness of Peeping Tom’s argument and citation. In so doing, it would appear that Peeping Tom’s interpretation, application and argument altogether were very poor.

Contrary to Peeping Tom’s interpretation, Article 115, based on my understanding, has nothing to do with limiting the powers of the Minister.

In fact, to understand the fullness of Article 115, one has to read, study, and comprehend Articles

99–122, which constitute Chapter X of the Constitution that speaks to the Executive arm of the State.

In so far as Article 115 is concerned, this Article establishes the function of permanent secretaries. In this regard, Article 115 states the following:

“Where the President or any Minister has been charged with the responsibility for any department of Government, he shall exercise general direction and control, the department shall be under the supervision of the permanent secretary, whose office shall be a public office:

Provided that two or more government departments may be placed under the supervision of one permanent secretary.”

My layman understanding of Article 115, there-

fore, is that it simply sets out the supervisory authority and / or function of permanent secretaries, and that the Minister has general direction and control for the ministry or department he/she has responsibility for under his/her portfolio. Further, the Minister’s responsibility of general direction and control are in respect of the administrative management of the ministry.

Having said that, Article 99 (1) of the Guyana Constitution establishes the Executive Authority of Guyana, which states that:

“The executive authority of Guyana shall be vested in the President and, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, may be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him”.

Additionally, Article 99 (2) goes onto state: “Nothing in this Article shall prevent Parliament from conferring functions on persons or authorities other than the President”

My non-legal interpretation of the above provisions in the Constitution is such that the Minister, who is a subordinate to the President, is part of the Executive authority, and according to Article 99 (2), Parliament has the authority to confer functions and authorities to persons other than the President. In this case, the Minister is regarded as such a person. Hence, the powers / authority vested in the Minister, viz-a-viz, the Petroleum Activities Bill, are well in order and in keeping with the Constitution.

Moreover, Article 106 of the Constitution establishes the Cabinet which shall consist of the President, Prime Minister, the Vice Presidents, and such other Ministers as may be appointed to it by the President. Article 106 (2) states that –

“The Cabinet shall aid and advise the President in the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana and shall be collectively responsible therefor to Parliament”.

Emphasis on Article 106 (2) which establishes that the Government of Guyana, comprising the

Cabinet shall be collectively responsible to Parliament.

This means that the Minister, despite the powers imposed in him by the Act, is not solely responsible or he does not operate in isolation from the collective Executive arm of Government and the Cabinet.

In other words, the powers vested in the Minister through the Act, the exercise of those powers rest with the collective responsibility of the Executive Authority of the State or the Cabinet.

The last point I wish to make is in relation to the sector being managed, inter alia, an a-political framework.

That framework is being described as the need for a Petroleum Commission to be designed in such a manner. However, it is important to distinguish the management functions of the sector versus the regulatory functions.

The Petroleum Commission, which once established will function as a regulatory body. Indeed, the composition of the Petroleum Commission should be independent of political inference or the Executive. However, the management responsibility for the sector is a function of the Executive.

Yours respectfully,

Joel Bhagwandin

Dear Editor,

I HAVE observed the comments made Ms. Rhonda Layne on Muslims, during her address at the Cuffy 250 Committee Forum.

I have concluded that these comments have no place in a diverse and plural society.

Guyana remains a secular society that enjoys relatively peaceful co-existence between the various religions. We must celebrate our diversity and de-

sist from public statements that may stir excitement among our populace.

The fragile peace that we enjoy must not be taken for granted; it can all disappear in the blink of an eye if we are not vigilant. The people of Rwanda would be first to say that this is absolutely true.

I cannot stay silent in the face of such reckless utterances.

Yours sincerely, Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond

The fragile peace we enjoy must not be taken for granted

This woman said oil will make Guyana poorer

ON the disturbing side of Guyanese society, there is the ethereal dimension. On Wednesday night, Swami Asksharanda was the guest on the Gildarie-Freddie Kissoon Show. The morning of the same day, I received a video clip of a speech Melinda Janki gave at Moray House owned and administered by Stabroek News co-owner, Isabelle DeCaires.

What I heard on that tape was ghoulish, Faustian and incredibly sickening. So, I was upset the Wednesday afternoon and spent that afternoon trying to get the angles to my reply to Ms. Janki.

The evening had its redemption moments. The Swami explained that there is an orphanage in Cornelia Ida where, in that same West Coast district, he runs one of Guyana’s most successful private high school – Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN).

The swami said that SVN takes 15 students from the orphanage each year into the school without payment.

The Swami went on to explain that, as a policy, the school selects a quota of its most successful students to go to UG at the expense of SVN and that SVN also, as a policy, sends its brightest that went to UG to foreign universities at the expense of the school. Now contrast this kind of contribution to Guyana with what Ms. Janki had to say.

In May 2018, at a symposium moderated by Ms. DeCaires, Ms. Janki, in a deep Brit -

ish accent (I know Ms. Janki lived a long time and still does in the UK, as to if she is a British citizen, I don’t know).

She asked the following question, and I am quoting her exact words; “What will oil do for Guyana? The answer is oil will make Guyana poorer not richer.”

If you don’t believe that, in today’s world, a person can say that then please contact me at fredkissoon@yahoo or call at 614-5927. I’ll send you the clip. Those were the words of Ms. Janki.

But if you think Ms. Janki was unimaginative to make such an utterance, wait until you hear the reason she offered. For want of a more moderate word, I would say the reason stood on incredible ignorance, ignorance that in my estimation you will not find even in a 16-year-old.

Guyana should not engage in oil production because the disaster accruing from an exploded well or oil spill will wipe out any gains and will make Guyana a crippled economy (my two words) because recovery from such a disaster will not be an easy one. Ms. Janki said this explains why we will not be richer but poorer

What is the ignorance in that adumbration? As I wrote above, not even a schoolboy would use this kind of corrugated perspective in assessing life. Here is the philosophical flaw in Ms. Janki’s ideological output.

She is saying life is about uncertainties. You cannot predict the future and since you cannot predict life, then there are things individuals, people and countries must not do.

Civilization has never paid any attention to such gloom and doom in looking at life for the reverse reason. If you cannot predict what life will bring then how can you abstain from building and inventing and acting?

Crazy drivers kill people on the roads, then why travel in a car.

Trains derail and people die, then why travel in a train? Untold numbers have died in plane crashes; why countries continue to manufacture planes? Millions over the past hundred years have been robbed while shopping, why go out and shop then?

I advise you to listen to Ms. Janki if you want to see with graphic potency what society in Guyana has to contend with. It has to contend with people like Dr. Janet Bulkan who appeared in front of the OAS asking that body

to intervene to stop oil production in Guyana because Guyana is ill equipped to handle oil exploration at this time.

Obviously, the question is; since May 2018, when Ms. Janki delivered her talk, has Guyana become poorer? The answer is no of course.

We have become richer. Professor Clive Thomas in an interview with David Hinds said in the coming years there is going to be so much oil revenues that the government of the day will not know how

to handle it.

African rights activists in Guyana believe that oil production will bring wealth so they are demanding that African people share the wealth. So, how is it Guyana that will be poorer? Well, don’t miss the core of Ms. Janki’s reasoning.

The wealth we now have and will get will disappear in a second should there be an environmental disaster, so it is best to avoid oil exploration. This lady is funny; very much so.

Guyanese given first preference to fill existing labour gap

- VP Jagdeo says, rejects opposition’s false narrative about plans to import labour

By Shamar Meusa

VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, said that the government, through various methods, is working to bring more Guyanese into the local labour force and fill the gaps that exist.

Dr. Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday, responded to claims made by the opposition that the government is looking to import some 100,000 persons to address Guyana’s labour shortage.

He clarified that when this statement was made, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud was at the time quoting a report by the International Organisation for Migration, which stated: “It is estimated that Guyana will

need approximately 160,000 workers; it can be concluded that there will be need for a minimum of 100,000 workers in Guyana to realise its full growth potential.”

That report further added that if Guyana was to harness all of its unemployed, underemployed and discouraged workers, the potential supply of labour would be only 63,500 in the medium term.

The Vice-President, however, told the conference that the government believes that it can increase the supply of domestic labour by bringing in more than 63,500 persons.

He said: “That is why we are working on special projects to get more women; we think if we can get more women and more rural women maybe hinterland women and some urban women by providing daycare for their

kids then we could add probably just in female labour participation maybe 100,000 of our people to the labour force.”

Against this backdrop, he said that the government has not been moving at a full pace to import labour, as they are being judicious so as to ensure that Guyanese are brought into the labour force first.

“We are trying to bring more people into the labour force through training programmes. We have an aggressive training programme in the Ministry of Labour; we have about 17,000 people on scholarship through the GOAL programme, there are lots of these activities going on now to bring our own people into the labour force,” the Vice-President said.

Vice-president, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday, said that the government, through various methods, is working to bring more Guyanese into the local labour force and fill the gaps that currently exist

35 Afro-Guyanese groups receive $1.8M each for empowerment projects

SOME 35 organisations representing Afro-Guyanese communities across the country received funding totalling just over $1.8 million each for a range of projects.

The cheques were handed over by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in the presence of Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson, during a simple ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Thursday.

Among the projects presented and approved by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport for funding are: Agriculture ventures, including shade houses; cash crops, and livestock.

Other projects include training in areas such as drumming, craft, garment construction, culinary arts, and women’s empowerment, while educational initiatives focused on the teaching of history and literacy.

In December 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/237, by which it proclaimed the years 2015 to 2024 to be the International

Decade for People of African Descent.

Funding was allocated within national budgets to support this initiative. In 2018, the sum of $68.4 million was allocated to the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly –Guyana (IDPADA-G). Subsequently, funding was increased to $100 million annually, for 2019 through 2022.

This year, the government allocated another $100 million to support a total of 55 groups, a part of which is IDPADA-G. Out of these groups, only 35 submitted project proposals to access funding.

Prime Minister Phillips explained that after a thorough review of how the funds were distributed, the government made the decision to directly disburse the monies to the groups in order to achieve the objectives set out by the UN.

He noted that in the previous arrangement, a significant portion of the funds was allocated to administrative costs, resulting in only a few groups receiving the funds. This approach aims to ensure that all

groups representing Afro-Guyanese interests equally benefit from the designated funding.

“What we are doing here today represents an important decision to ensure that you the people of African descent and the organisation you represent benefit from the prosperity of this country,” Prime Minister Phillips underscored.

The Prime Minister emphasised that regardless of one’s location or political orientation, the government’s policies are aimed at fostering development for all citizens of Guyana, in alignment with President Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ agenda.

While congratulating the groups, Minister Ramson commended them for the well-crafted projects that align with the goals of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

“We are going to continue to engage; you have my personal commitment in relation to the government’s interest to continue to engage in seeing the success of your projects,” he assured the groups.

One of the groups receiving their cheque from Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips in the presence of Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson;, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond; and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Anand Persaud

Guyanese selected for Fulbright Scholarship Award in Forensic Science

THE US Embassy has announced that Renea Douglas, tutor within the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Guyana, is the recipient of 2023 Fulbright Scholarship Award.

Douglas, according to a press release from the US Embassy, will pursue a Master of Science in Forensic Studies at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York through the Fulbright Foreign Student Programme.

She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Guyana and was awarded the Vice-Chancellor special award and best graduating student, Bachelor of Science biology programme 2021.

A mystery and investigative stories enthusiast, Douglas’s passion for forensic studies is fuelled by her desire to support Guyana’s judicial services by delivering justice to families of victims.

During a luncheon held on August 10, 2023, in honour of the Fulbright Programme, Public Affairs Officer, Kelly McCray said that the US Government is pleased to support Guyana’s development by building local capacity through higher education and contribute to improving the lives of Guyanese citizens.

The Fulbright Programme is the US government’s flagship international educational exchange programme, and is designed to build lasting connections be -

tween the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

Public Affairs Officer, Kelly McCray with 2023 Fulbright Student, Renea Douglas

Technical Working Group activated to address spread of Dengue

The following is the full statement from the Ministry of Health on the Dengue situation in Guyana:

“Dengue is endemic to Guyana and the Region of the Americas. Every few years there is a cyclical increase in dengue cases due to seasonal and climatic conditions amongst other factors.

The Region of the Americas has recorded a significant increase in dengue cases in the last few months. They have recorded 2,102, 848 cases from January to June 2023, of which 3210 were classified as severe dengue with 876 deaths. The highest number of cases within this region were observed in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recorded a total of 2,169 confirmed cases, with 239 patients hospitalised and 11 dengue related deaths for this year.

Dengue is an acute febrile disease that is caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. There are four serotypes of the dengue virus known as DENV 1-4, each of which can cause an infection. Re-infection with a different serotype from that of a previous infection can result in a more severe form of the disease.

Persons with dengue may experience fever, eye pain (back of the

eye), muscle/joint pain, skin rash, and headache and generalised weakness. Persons affected by severe dengue (haemorrhagic dengue) may develop complications that are associated with bleeding and clotting disorders.

To ensure the adequate prevention, diagnosis and management of dengue, the Ministry has undertaken several actions to ease the burden of the disease in Guyana. The Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony has activated a Technical Working Group responsible for assessing, recommending and implementing actions to mitigate this public health event.

As recommended by the Technical Working Group, Several of these measures include, a heightened public awareness campaign to promote environmental sanitation and hygienic practices, and, public awareness on the prevention of dengue and other mosquito borne diseases.

These include several appearances on radio and television stations and frequent messages on the Ministry’s social media platforms.

To ensure prevention and a curb in transmission, several environmental and entomological measures have been increased across Guyana such as fogging (fumigation), residual spraying, home inspections and dis

-

as Health Ministry records over 2,000 cases with 239 hospitalisations and 11 deaths this year

19-year-old found dead at her Lusignan home

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is investigating the death of 19-year-old Malinda Fiona Niewenkirk.

She was found dead between 01:14 hours and 04:00 hours at her home

at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday.

Enquiries disclose that the teen resided in a two-storey apartment building. The concrete building consists of six apartments, and all are

occupied.

According to police reports, around 22:00 hours on Wednesday, a 36-yearold man, who was reportedly in a relationship with the teen, went to the apartment and reported -

ly ended the relationship with Niewenkirk.

Around 01:30 hours on Thursday, the man left the apartment and went to his home located a few villages away. Niewenkirk reportedly contacted him via

messages on WhatsApp, and threatened to take her life.

The two communicated for a while, and the man told investigators he tried to comfort and encourage her not to do that, and the teen stopped replying to his text.

The 36-year-old man tried calling and texting the 19-year-old but got no answer. He became suspicious and went to the Vigilance Police Station and made a report.

Thereafter, a Police patrol went with him to the apartment building and Niewenkirk was discovered lifeless.

EMT from Melanie was summoned and the teen was examined by a doctor who pronounced her dead.

The body is presently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination, as investigations continue.

Technical...

FROM PAGE 16

tribution of larvicidal chemicals to communities through the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NCDs). Notably, a second cycle of fogging (fumigation) has commenced in most regions.

The Ministry of Health has increased the procurement and distribution of rapid diagnostic test kits and other laboratory supplies and equipment to ensure adequate diagnostic capacity. Considering this disease does not have a cure, medication and medical supplies have been distributed in adequate quantity to all regions to ensure symptomatic treatment of all patients throughout the health care system in keeping with a revised national treatment guideline.

The Ministry of Health’s Technical Working Group will continue to assess the epidemiological situation and the progress of the implemented measures.

All Guyanese are encouraged to do source reduction otherwise known as the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, especially around homes,

schools and their surroundings. Importantly, containers such as bottles, buckets and old tyres should be inspected to ensure that they are covered, punctured or removed from your homes and community. Open water tanks are known breeding sites for mosquitoes. Always secure water tanks by covering them with a net or a cover and ensure that all extra openings are sealed. Remember to clean your tanks and prevent water from laying stagnant for too long.

For those persons residing in and around mining camps where malaria cases are more prevalent, the Ministry of Health advises that you sleep under treated mosquito nets which are being provided free of cost through the Vector Control Services Unit. Personal protection measures include the use of long sleeve clothing and mosquito repellents.

For more information on dengue, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases, please contact the Vector Control Services of the Ministry of Health on Tel: +(592) 225-8973.

New Zara computer centre commissioned at Charity

By Indrawattie Natram

THE Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Zara Group of Companies and the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation, on Thursday, commissioned a state-ofthe-art information technology (IT) laboratory in the compound of the Charity Police Station, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The laboratory which has approximately 32 computers, will provide information technology training to persons in the Charity and Pomeroon communities.

The commissioning of the IT centre adds to the 12 other facilities opened to the public by Zara Group of companies.

According to Coordinator of the Guyana Police Force Academy, Zara Computer Centre, Assistant Superintendent Gladwin Hanover, the partnership with the Zara Group of Companies started approximately 12 years ago with the main intention of fostering amicable relationships between the Guyana Police Force and citizens.

Superintendent Hanover said that the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation wanted to contribute to their homeland in a tangible way.

He said that the IT centres in the various regions are offering free IT training to members of the public.

“These centres were built strategically in police compounds so that members of the public could come to the police environment, interface with the police

and be able to receive this free training,” Hanover said, adding that so far, the Guyana Police Force has seen an overwhelming interest from members of the public in other parts of the country.

Due to the large turnout and demand for the courses, He said that a centre was built at Suddie.

Similar centres were built at Coven John on the East Coast of Demerara; New Amsterdam, Blairmont; Wismar, Linden; Bartica; Kwakwani; Leonora, and Parika.

Hanover said Zara has been providing information technology training from the foundation level all the way to computer repairs and maintenance, and web designing. The training offered at the IT centres is accredited by the Guyana National Accreditation Council.

Region Two Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit, said that the commissioning is significant and residents living in close proximity will benefit.

Oodit said the venture is worthwhile and he commended the Zara Group of Companies for considering a centre for Charity.

Oodit said the centre will boost the ICT sector in Region Two, as youths from even the Pomeroon River and other neighbouring communities will benefit.

Jay Sobhraj said that Zara Group of Companies will continue to work closely with the Guyana Police Force to provide free training to residents in various communities in the region.

Sobhraj said that he hopes that the

farmers in Region Two could also utilise the technology to enhance their cultivation.

The Zara Computer Centre commissioned at Charity

Gavin Mendonca, Ukrainian musician link-up in Central Park

ONE of Guyana’s most popular musicians and a Director of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival, Gavin Mendonca, was in New York recently, and had the pleasure of reuniting with one of the festival’s favourite performers, Iryna Muha.

Iryna is Ukrainian, and has performed at the festival twice, at the inaugural event at The Rock View in 2014, and at the last show before the COVID-19 lockdown in 2019 at the Theatre Guild in Georgetown.

"I’m in the company of my talented friend from Guyana, Gavin, a passionate ambassador of Guyanese folk music, and we are both in New York! We exchanged loads of musical ideas, and Gavin shared his recent re-

cording with Chucky in the rainforest at Iwokrama,”

Iryna recently expressed, adding, “We ventured into Central Park, New York, for a special field recording session. Having lived in New York, myself, for many years, the city still feels like a home to me today, just as it does for Gavin, who's a seasoned traveller, and knows all the hidden music gems and quirky music venues in the Big Apple.”

Both Gavin and Iryna have been leading workshops, and performing across the UK and USA, and Iryna recently participated in Eurovision 2023, which took place in Liverpool, England.

“My collaborations with Gavin began in February 2014, during my visit to Georgetown, Guyana. I was

invited to perform at the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival by Bob Ramdhanie, a revered figure in Birmingham's arts community in the UK, and one of the co-founders of the festival. After the show, Gavin approached me, and the very next day, we jammed together at a local rooftop bar, and also at another venue outside of Georgetown. The experience was

magical, surrounded by music, tropical birds, rainforest sounds, crickets, and flowing creeks. However, amidst this paradise, my heart weighed heavy, as I learned of the violent events unfolding in my homeland, Ukraine.”

“As the world knows today, the conflict in Ukraine has escalated into war, and when I met Gavin in New York recently, it was both a sad but joyous occasion. Given his recent recording experiences, we embarked on a field recording adventure in New York. Despite the turmoil, I felt compelled to sing a Ukrainian folk song,

as New York, Guyana, and Ukraine each hold significant memories for me. The song is a Ukrainian folk song, Tuman Yarom, and it’s about longing for love,” Iryna added. Gavin and Iryna were “instinctively” drawn to the tranquillity and beauty of the woods and a creek in the depths of Central Park, and during their time there, they reflected on their shared love for nature and folk traditions.

“Indeed, the more explosions of these international collaborations, the better the world will be,” Gavin told Buzz.

Local rock/folk musician Gavin Mendonca and Ukrainian musician Iryna Muha enjoy a happy moment in New York’s Central Park

Gavin and Iryna share a mutual love for folk/rock music

Shenseea strikes 'gold' in the US with Kanye West’s 'Pure Souls'

‘PURE Souls’, a 2021 single by American rapper and producer Kanye West, which features vocals by American rapper Roddy Ricch, and Jamaican dancehall artiste Shenseea, has been certified gold in the United States.

The certification was issued on August 15 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), after the song reached the streaming and sales equivalent of 500,000 units sold in America.

'Pure Souls', produced by West and BoogzDaBeast, is featured on West’s 2021 album, 'Donda' (GOOD Music/Def Jam Recordings). Shenseea is also featured on another of the album’s tracks, 'Ok Ok Pt 2'.

'Pure Souls' was first previewed during a listening party at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 22, 2021.

At the August 5 listening party, West changed part of

his verse, removing lines that alluded to his relationship with Barack Obama, such as, "44 telling me I'm still not folks".

At the August 26 listening party at Soldier Field, West added Shenseea to the track.

The collaboration came about after he had watched her freestyle at Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex, which was uploaded on July 28, 2021.

At the listening event, Shenseea joined West on the stairs of his remade childhood home along with artistes such as Travis

Grenada drafts policy for selecting cultural ambassadors

Scott, Marilyn Manson, and DaBaby.

'Pure Souls' was a commercial success, charting in several European territories and in the US. It peaked at Number 10 on US Gospel Songs, Number 25 on Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs, Number 12 on US Christian Songs, Number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100, Number 83 in Sweden, Number 37 in Australia, Number 26 in South Africa, and Number 46 in Canada.

(Loop News)

MINISTER of State with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture, Ron Redhead has shared some good news for Grenadians. He announced, Online, that for the first time, the Government, through For-

eign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, has drafted a policy for selecting cultural ambassadors, which includes an official passport among other initiatives.

Shem Bernard, Terra D Governor, in addition to others short-listed by

the Cultural Foundation, should receive it in time for the 50th Independence Anniversary celebration.

Terra D Governor was crowned the 2023 winner of the Power Soca Monarch competition. (Loop News)

Shenseea

Terra D Governor (Photo credit: Spicemas Corporation)

Jamaica meets Japan via St. Vincent

WHAT began as an Online joke from young Vincentian filmmaker, Tolga Akcayli, has turned into his passion project, Jamaica No Dup-

py: Rise of the Conqueror, a comic book and animated feature that is a cultural mash-up, to say the least.

"It all started as a joke

that I uploaded on TikTok," Akcayli told the Jamaica Observer.

That joke came about as Akcayli noted how Jamai -

can patois could be voicematched to that of many modern Japanese animation. And, 1.35 million views later, the concept had captured the regional zeitgeist. Over time, what was a joke somehow solidified itself as a promise to his social media following, and Akcayli decided to take the plunge to bring things to fruition.

"I looked at all the comments, and they were saying the same thing to each video; Tolga you're funny, but not that funny, where is the Jamaican anime you promised us? And I thought to myself, hold on a second, I didn't promise anybody an anime, so what on Earth are you all talking about," he said. He further explained to his audience, that while he was familiar with Jamaican culture, he was not a Jamaican, and the whole thing was a joke. That still wasn't

enough of a deterrent, and the fans continued to demand his idea be brought to life.

"That video of me saying, 'I don't think I should,' got 820,000 views of people saying Jamaica needs this," he said.

The attention made him recognise that there was a potential market for such a series.

In 2021, he quietly began what would become Jamaica No Duppy: Rise of the Conqueror. Wanting to make sure it was as authentic as possible, Akcayli did as much research as he could into Jamaican and Caribbean folklore. The story itself surrounds a group of Jamaican heroes brought together to save the country from mystical colonial British elements.

Self-funded to this date, Akcayli paid Jamaican artists to design the characters, which he took to a Japanese

animation studio for them to harmonise all the artwork into a production-ready anime style.

The trailer for Jamaica No Duppy: Rise of the Conqueror made its premiere at AnimeCom Fest in Jamaica on July 29. On July 31, it made its worldwide debut as part of a GoFundMe campaign to get a pilot episode done in 2024. The manga itself will be available sooner, December 2023, with a limited run of 5,000. 1,000 Founder's Edition books will also be available, offering behind-the-scenes content.

Once the pilot is done, Akcayli plans to take Jamaica No Duppy: Rise of the Conqueror to several streaming services to see if they would be interested in further funding and developing the anime. (Jamaica Observer)

Bosnian girl creates 'folklore Barbie' as film wins doll new fans worldwide

A BOSNIAN girl is making traditional Balkan costumes with headdresses and decorative aprons for Barbie dolls, hoping to create interest in her folklore Barbie as the new "Barbie" movie wins fans worldwide.

Eleven-year-old Esma Gljiva, from Sarajevo, started her project more than a month ago after seeing poor quality figures in a souvenir shop. Souvenir figures are typically not proper moving dolls, and their clothes are just glued on.

"These were some plastic dolls dressed in folklore costumes. They were not even the real dolls; they were not properly dressed at all," Esma told Reuters, showing new dolls from her collection.

"I tried to do it in a better way, and I think that I succeeded," she said.

Esma has yet to see the

Barbie movie, but her friends and family say she embodies

Continued on page 23

Tolga Akcayli, creator of Jamaica No Duppy: Rise of the Conqueror, a Jamaican-infused Japanese animated series currently in production (Rory Daley photo)

Esma Gljiva, an 11-year-old Bosnian girl, shows dolls that she dresses in traditional Bosnian costumes, hoping that her folklore Barbie will reach many, as the frenzy surrounding the launch of the "Barbie" movie spreads across the world, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (REUTERS/Amel Emric)

Algeria bans ‘Barbie’ almost a month after movie’s local release

“temporarily” suspend all programming by private TV channel, Es Salam, for allegedly broadcasting “in an irresponsible and unprofessional manner, a programme

containing scenes contrary to the precepts of Islam, and the way of life of Algerian society.”

“Barbie” contains no overt sexuality or referenc-

es to LGBTQ+ rights, but it seems to have drawn fire because of its sheer flamboyance and broad message of inclusion and gender equality in a region where homosexu-

ality is widely seen as taboo. The Warner Bros. film has grossed over $1 billion, worldwide, since its release.

THE “Barbie” movie was pulled from theatres in Algeria this week, almost one month after its release in the North African country.

Online news outlet, 24H Algerie, said Algeria’s Ministry of Culture and Arts notified cinemas in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine to “immediately” pull the movie.

Neither the ministry nor the Algerian Audiovisual Regulatory Authority commented on the reported directive, or provided a rationale for it.

“Barbie” opened in some Algerian cinemas last month. The film’s distributors removed the Hollywood blockbuster from their screening schedules, starting this week.

The move comes after authorities in Kuwait and Lebanon banned the live action movie based on the American fashion dolls for allegedly threatening conservative values.

Some people in Algeria protested the cancellation on social media, posting their complaints along with the

hashtag “#IAmBarbie”. Others denounced it as “censorship” and “bigotry.”

“The ‘Barbie’ film ‘is a threat to morality,’ they say,” writer Leila Belkacem posted on her Facebook page. “What morality are they talking about, when the censors gorge on porn films at home? Aren’t you tired of dragging the country into your dark delusions?”

Fatima Ait Kaci, a retired teacher, told The Associated Press she had promised to take her two granddaughters, who were visiting from Canada, to see the movie. Ait Kaci said she heard what had happened to “Barbie” only when they arrived at the Riadh El Feth cinema in Algiers and discovered another film showing in the 3 p.m.-5 p.m. time slot.

Algerian authorities

“don’t have the courage to take responsibility for this shameful act of censorship,” she said.

Last week, the Audiovisual Regulatory Authority announced its decision to

Bosnian girl creates 'folklore...

the spirit of female independence and entrepreneurship that dominates the film.

Raised in a family of devoted amateur folklore dancers, Esma has learned a lot about Bosnia's multi-religious traditions, and is herself a member of a local folklore group.

She is very precise when making dolls dressed in traditional Muslim, Christian Orthodox and Catholic costumes, and takes care over hairstyles and miniature jewellery.

She says she would name

From page 22

her dolls the "Bosnian Barbie dolls", and she is planning costumes for a Bosnian folklore Ken.

Esma receives orders for her dolls daily, and she has sent them to Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Turkmenistan, Norway, Britain and other countries.

"We are so proud that she embraced this project with such devotion, and spent her summer holiday days doing this," said Esma's mother, Adana Gljiva. "She also earned her pocket money." (Reuters)

Ryan Gosling (left) and Margot Robbie pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film, ‘Barbie’, on July 12, 2023, in London. “Barbie” was set to open across the Middle East on August 10, but moves by Kuwait and Lebanon to ban the film, apparently over its alleged LGBTQ themes, has raised questions over how widely it will be released (Scott Garfitt/ Invision/AP, File)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday August 18, 2023)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Jamaica Tallawahs defeated SLK by 11 runs

(2) Brandon King (JT)

Today’s Quiz

(1) Who scored most runs in CPL 2022?

(2) Who took most wickets?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS

South

Irish Racing Tips Cork

11:15 hrs She’s Quality

11:50 hrs Never Shout Never

12:20 hrs Tarawa

12:52 hrs Library

13:27 hrs Erato

14:02 hrs Helpmeout

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15:12 hrs Han Solo

American Racing Tips

Saratoga

Race 1 Vivid Dreams

Race 2 Accel Rose

Race 3 Miss San Gabriel

Race 4 Stunningly Race 5 Danzigwiththestars

Race 6 Frozen Four Race 7 Speed Bids

Canadian Racing Tips

Woodbine

11:20 hrs Be Prepared

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Newmarket 12:10 hrs North View

12:45 hrs Epic Express

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Race 1 Hip To Your Tricks

Race 2 Trigger’s Bay Race 3 Alicia’s Kid Race 4 Golden Suzie

Race 5 Grande Bella

Race 6 Admissable Race 7 Malaga

Russian & Belarusian track and field athletes

'unlikely' to be at Paris Olympics - Lord Coe

RUSSIAN and Belarusian track and field athletes are "unlikely" to be able to compete at the 2024 Olympics, says World Athletics president, Lord Coe.

World Athletics has banned competitors from the two countries from its events, including under a neutral flag, because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) has said athletes should be able to compete as neutrals.

However, Lord Coe said World Athletics' position was "very clear".

He was speaking in Budapest before the World Athletics Championships which start on Saturday, having been re-elected for a third and final term as head of track and field's governing body alongside a new council.

The IOC has not made a final call for the Olympics, and can only give broad recommendationsmeaning individual sports can still choose to enforce

bans.

"The new council, and I'm not going to speak for them in advance, but I would be very surprised if there is any shift in that position," Lord Coe said.

The two-time British Olympic champion, 66, has led World Athletics, formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations, since 2015.

When World Athletics announced its ban in March, he said "unprecedented sanctions" on Russia and Belarus by "countries and industries"

US coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns after earliest Women's World Cup exit

US head coach Vlatko Andonovski has resigned after the team's worst performance at a Women's World Cup.

The four-time winners were knocked out by Sweden in the last 16 on penalties at this year's tournament.

It was the team's earliest exit from a World Cup - they had finished at least third at every other edition.

"Vlatko worked tirelessly for this team and has been a strong and positive leader for our women's programme," sporting director Matt Crocker said.

"We're grateful for everything he has contributed to US Soccer and know he has a bright future in the sport."

Andonovski added: "While we are all disappointed by the outcome at this year's World Cup, I am immensely proud of the progress this team has made, the support they've shown for each other, and the inspiration they've provided for players around the world."

Twila Kilgore, a current assistant coach of the national team, has been named interim head coach.

Andonovski's record with the team was 51 wins, five draws and nine losses, while

at major tournaments he oversaw three wins, two draws and five defeats.

He took charge of the team in October 2019 after Jill Ellis, the coach who led the team to back-to-back World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019, stood down.

Andonovski's reign started well as he set a record for the best start for a US coach with 11 wins on the bounce.

But an underwhelming outing at the Tokyo Olympics, where the US won bronze, saw Andonovski under pressure.

The scrutiny intensified when the US lost three consecutive matches in 2022 to England, Spain and Germany - the team's worst losing streak in 29 years.

In the World Cup the US started with a 3-0 win

are the "only way to restore peace".

Speaking on Thursday, Lord Coe added: "I don't have a crystal ball, I follow world events in the same way that you all do.

"We have risk committees, we have working groups that will always be wanting to be across that and what might the circumstances look like if there's any shift in the situation, but I have to say that looks unlikely at the moment with where we are with events in Ukraine."

The IOC has been criticised for saying it is "exploring a pathway" for Russian and Belarusians to compete, with the United Kingdom among more than 30 countries to pledge support for a ban.

It updated its stance last month, saying it was still fine-tuning plans for the Olympics next summer.

Lord Coe's third term in charge of World Athletics will run until 2027 after he was re-elected unopposed, while he has refused to rule out a bid

for the IOC presidency in 2025.

"I genuinely haven't ruled it in or certainly haven't ruled it out," he said.

"My primary objective was to make sure we had the best possible council, the strongest executive board to complete the work that I set out in 2015."

He said over his term he wanted to lead a "really significant shift" in the way the sport is presented to keep up with changing audiences. (BBC Sport).

over Vietnam but a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and a goalless draw with Portugal meant they finished second in their group. It was the first time ever they had failed to win at least two group games.

The US were criticised for their performances in the group stage but put in an improved display against Sweden.

However, they were repelled by an impressive performance from keeper Zecira Musovic, who made 11 saves over 120 minutes, to send the match to penalties.

During the shootout US veterans Megan Rapinoe and Kelley O'Hara were among those to miss, while Lina Hurtig's winning penalty for Sweden was awarded after a video assistant referee check.(BBC Sport).

Vlatko Andonovski took charge of the US in October 2019

Andrews scores lone ton as GDF beat TSC

AT the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, Leon Andrews produced a magnificent all-round performance to almost single handily power the GDF to an emphatic 114 runs victory against Transport Sports Club (TSC).

The right-handed Andrews captured 4-23 as TSC struggled to get the ball away to eventually be restricted to 109-6 off 20 overs.

Riyad Latif limped

to 33 from 50 balls although he hit three fours and six while Alvin Mohabir tried to break the shackles with a 13-ball 18 with 3 sixes but faced 10 dot balls.

Rafeal Singh, who made an unbeaten 23 from 29 balls with three boundaries, and Dave Mohabir, who made 13 shared in an unbroken 40-run seventh wicket stand in the last 24 balls.

Earlier, Andrews, using heavy artillery, came out with all guns blazing

and decimated the hapless TSC bowling attack to all parts of the ground and shared in a 143run opening partnership with Shamal Angel as GDF scored 225-2 in 20 overs.

Andrews hit eight fours 12 sixes in his destructive 123 for just 64 balls while off-spinner Singh broke the century stand when removed Angel for 86 from 54 ball as he reached the boundary five times and cleared it on nine occa-

sions.

Randy Lindore joined Andrews who played an array of brutal shots to reach the first ton of the tournament from 51 balls.

But with the score on 201, Lindore, on 27, was trapped LBW by Akeem Redman in the 19th over before Randy McPherson, not out on nought, watched as Andrews took 24 from the last over to set up the win. (Sean Devers)

Afghan opener Hazratullah

Zazai joins Guyana Amazon Warriors

AFGHANISTAN

opener Hazratullah Zazai has joined the Guyana Amazon Warriors, replacing Pakistani Muhammad Haris. Initially, Haris was covering for another Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, but Haris now has international commitments.

Gurbaz has to prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup, which is from August 30 to September 17, co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The 11th edition of the Caribbean Premier League runs from August 16 to September 24.

According to Amazon Warriors’ Manager, Leon Johnson, four players -- Zazai, captain Imran Tahir, Pakistan batter Saim Ayub and all-rounder Odean Smith

-- will arrive in St. Lucia by Thursday evening to link up with the remainder of the squad.

The 25-year-old Zazai has played in 101 Twenty20 matches and has a strike rate of 140.54 with a highest score of 162*.

Amazon Warriors play their first match on August 19 against St. Lucia Kings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground from 19:00hrs. They have been encamped in St. Lucia since August 12.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Imran Tahir (Captain), Romario Shepherd (Vice-captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Hazratullah Zazai, Azam Khan, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Dwaine Pretorius, Kevin Sinclair, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ronsford Beaton, Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Junior Sinclair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Saim Ayub.

Leon Andrews followed up his unbeaten 123 with 4-23 as GDF beat TSC

Hazratullah Zazai has played in 101 Twenty20 matches and has a strike rate of 140.54 with a highest score of 162*

No love lost, as Ricketts welcomes challenge from vice-president Anderson for JFF presidency

WHIE his administration has had its fair share of negative highlights over the years, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts believes they have done enough to retain power, as he welcomes the challenge from current vice-president Raymond Anderson for the top job.

In fact, Ricketts, who has been in power since 2017, promised to not only build on the Reggae Girlz tremendous success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and, by extension, their legacy, but also sustained growth going forward, if re-elected.

Still, the strained relationship between his administration and various coaches and players of both the senior Reggae Boyz and Reggae Girlz team, in particular, cannot escape them and Ricketts knows he will have to convince more delegates than is customary, to vote in his favour.

Last year's changes to the JFF's constitutional reform will result in an increase in delegates from 13 –previously consisted solely of parish confederation presidents –to 56, comprising more stake-

holders.

“The challenge from vice-president Anderson comes at a time when the JFF is doing so very well to the point where for the first time it has its own Tax Compliance Certificate which is among a number of significant strides that we have made over the years. We are very well current with our tax payments and that's something we haven't been able to do or say for so many years,” Ricketts told Sportsmax.tv.

“I would also refer to

the success from the technical component of the programmes and the success from a financial standpoint. So, we really are on a track for greatness, especially having had Adidas, arguably one of the finest apparel manufacturers on board as our main sponsor. This is no ordinary feat to achieve this,” he added.

With elections due by November, Ricketts pledged to make inroads in areas where there have been shortfalls, namely a proper grassroots

Briana Williams renews

programme to ensure sustained development, as well as to iron out payment issues with the history-making Reggae Girlz, until then.

“So, things are progressing, we've been getting a number of sponsors in recent times which shows that the JFF is doing something right. So, for vice-president Anderson to contest for the position of President, I am not sure the timing is right.

“But I welcome whatever challenges there are. I know that the work has been done

and I want to assure every single stakeholder that this is just the start of a number of initiatives that will impact the total well-being of every single boy or girl in this country,” Ricketts declared.

Anderson, who has served in previous administrations has the likes of former Cricket West Indies President Dave Cameron, Marketing Strategist Cecile Dennis, Kingston and St Andrew Football Association President, Mark Bennett, and St Thomas Football Association President, Wayne Thompson, on his campaign team.

“Let's see what the outcome will be, I have the greatest respect for him [Anderson], I just hope that the people around him will maintain a level of professionalism and respect and not make derogatory comments. But there are no ill-feelings, just that the political battle lines have been drawn. So, again, let's see what will happen from here on,” Ricketts stated.

That said, Ricketts heaped praises on the Lorne Donaldson-coached Reggae Girlz, who became the first Caribbean team – male or fe-

male – to make the knockout round of a World Cup since Cuba’s feat in 1938.

The Girlz held powerhouses France and Brazil to goalless stalemates and defeated Panama on their way to the Round of 16.

“This year certainly must go down as one of the most significant years in the history of football in this country. The achievements were absolutely wonderful and we must credit or technical staff or technical committees for the positive results that we got. The Girlz and more recently the Under-15 boys, really have done so very well,” the president noted.

“We are just very, very delighted and we must now put things in place to ensure that the legacy continues. I know this must provide some kind of a catalyst for every little girl or boy, who now really wants to play the sport of football. Congratulations and a big thank you again to all the stakeholders and all the sponsors, who contributed in so many ways to make the Reggae Girlz campaign the success that it was,” he ended. (Sportsmax).

deals with Digicel and Grace Foods ahead of 2023 World Champs

Olympic and World Championship medallist, Briana Williams, has renewed her sponsorship deals with both GraceKennedy Ltd and Digicel, her management agency, Leep Marketing, announced on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Williams, who is currently in Budapest as a member of Jamaica’s team to the 2023 World Athletics Championships that get underway on Saturday, August 19, is Jamaica’s youngest ever Olympic gold medallist.

William expressed her delight at the renewed partnerships.

“I am thrilled to extend my partnership with Digicel and Grace Foods. Jamaica has many accomplished athletes in the sprints, so I don’t

sponsorship

take for granted how special it is to have the continued support of not one, but two of the most iconic brands in Jamaica,” she shared.

“This motivates me to continue to give my best, and I look forward to helping in any way I can at the upcoming World Championships, and of course, for next season, making Jamaica’s team in an individual event for the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

Williams signed sponsorship deals with Jamaican brands at the start of her professional career in 2020 at just 18 years old. The rising star was the 2018 World U-20 sprint double champion, and the Austin Sealy awardee at the CARIFTA Games in 2018 and then 2019 for her records set and gold medals earned in

the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 4 × 100 metres relay in both editions. She is the only Jamaican to win the award two years in a row since Usain Bolt in 2004.

At 19 in 2021, Briana became Jamaica’s youngest Olympic Gold medallist as part of the 4x100m relay team at the Tokyo Olympics.

She also helped Jamaica to 4x100m silver at the World Championships in Oregon.

Tanya Lee Perkins, Head of Leep Marketing and Jamaica sponsorship, managers for Briana Williams, lauded both brands for their renewed partnerships, stating, “There is always a bit of a gamble involved when brands sign

athletes at the start of their professional careers, and both Digicel and GraceKennedy did so during the pandemic. Briana has delivered two medals for Jamaica since then, and most importantly, she continues to give back through her philanthropic efforts. The partnerships have been mutually beneficial.”

GraceKennedy (GK)

Group CEO, Don Wehby, commented, “Briana is a talented and focused young athlete with a strong determination to succeed. We are happy to support her scholarship for student-athletes and proud to be a part of her journey."

Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Murad, shared similar sentiments saying, “Briana has been

an exceptional ambassador over the past three years. We appreciate her collaborative spirit, fun-loving personality, and her commitment to giving back to her athletic community, which truly exemplifies her character and aligns with Digicel’s core values. Digicel has a great “track” record of building great partnerships in Sport and Briana is a shining example for Jamaica’s athletes of today and tomorrow.”

Despite an injury-plagued start to her 2023 season, Williams has made Jamaica’s team to the World Championships in Budapest as a 100m alternative and part of women’s 4x100m relay pool.

JFF President Michael Ricketts (left) and current vice-president Raymond Anderson

Olympic and World Championship medallist, Brian Williams

King fifty trumps Chase all-round fireworks in Tallawahs win

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – Opener Brandon King struck a precious half-century in his first game as Jamaica Tallawahs captain to repel a gutsy all-rounder effort from Roston Chase, as the reigning champions held their nerve to beat St Lucia Kings by 11 runs here late Wednesday night.

In the first game of the new Caribbean Premier League season, the right-handed King carved out 81 from 55 balls to help dig Tallawahs out of trouble at 63 for three in the ninth over, and lift them to 187 all out off their 20 overs, after off-spinner Chase had triggered a wobble with his three for 39.

In reply, Kings were floundering at 104 for five at the end of the 14th over before Chase countered with a top score of 53 off 31 deliveries, an effort which made the finish closer than anticipated in the end, with help from Roshon Primus who blasted 37 from 20 balls.

“I’m just relieved to get the first win, to be honest. Obviously, I’ve got an important role at the top of the innings for my team, so I’m just glad I could contribute in that way in the first game of the CPL,” said King, who lashed an unbeaten half-century last weekend for West Indies against India in Florida.

“At a certain point, you have to play the situation, so you know if wickets are falling like that in a small period of time you have to try and build a partnership

Team support makes job easier, says new skipper King

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – New Jamaica Tallawahs captain Brandon King has praised his players for their support, after overseeing an 11-run victory over St Lucia Kings in the opening game of the 2023 Caribbean Premier League here Wednesday night.Tallawahs won the showpiece last year under the leadership of Rovman Powell, but King was handed the reins of the side after the West Indies Twenty20 skipper moved on to Barbados Royals for the new campaign.

39) wisely, the Pakistani speedster sending down the last over and grabbing two wickets with Kings requiring 19 runs for victory.

“The guys that we have bowling for us are very experienced so they feed me information about their thinking … what lengths are good on the pitch and then I make my decisions along with their information,” King explained.

and get some momentum. That’s all I tried to do and it worked out.”

Sent in at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Tallawahs were handed a solid start by King and rookie Test left-hander, Kirk McKenzie (20); the pair posting a rapid 44 from 31 deliveries.

Once McKenzie holed out to mid-on off the first ball of Chase’s spell, wickets tumbled with Shamarh Brooks (12) and Amir Jangoo (0) going cheaply.

King rebuilt the innings, however, punching nine fours and three sixes and dominating a 77-run, fourth wicket stand with Raymon Reifer (16), before a clatter of wickets towards

the end saw the last seven wickets tumble for 47 runs.

“If you look at the ground, [a total of] 186, 187 felt ten, 15 runs too many,” said Kings skipper Faf du Plessis.

“Obviously, you have to give credit to Brandon King the way he played, it was a great innings. He was that one batsman that you could see that if one guy just stuck in a little bit, it was a little bit easier [to score].”

Johnson Charles then struck a chancy 24 from 22 balls, first in a 25-run, opening stand with du Plessis (9) and then in a 22-run, second wicket partnership with Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams (22).

Both du Plessis and Charles holed out in the deep attempting to hasten the scoring, leaving Williams to add 33 for the third wicket with Chase before he too perished, miscuing off-spinner Chris Green (2-28) to short third man.

Williams was part of a cluster of three wickets to fall for just 14 runs thanks to left-arm spinner Imad Wasim (3-27) but Chase led a daring recovery, belting four fours and three sixes, and inspiring a 61-run, sixth wicket stand with Primus who counted four fours and two sixes.

Rosignol swamp Ithaca 8-1

HOME side Rosignol

United maintained their unbeaten run after making light work of Ithaca FC in Wednesday's lone fixture of the Berbice FA Senior Men's League(SML) played at the Rosignol Community Center ground. Double-strikes by An-

thony Alexander(20' and 33') and Mark Galloway (67' and 73') accounted for half of team's tally.

Rayon Rose opened the scoring in the 6th minute while Terique Benn added another in the 33rd minute for a half time lead of 4-0. A minute after the re-

sumption Jaheim Elgin got Ithaca's sole conversion. The other scorers for Rosignol were, Royan Solomon(59') and La Shawn Myles(78').

The Berbice FA's SML will continue on Sunday with a double-header at the Rosignol Community Center ground. Hopetown

Rangers meet NA United at 5 pm and at 7 pm it will be Monedderlust FC versus Fyrish FC.

The Guyana Football Federation through its Members-Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) has provided funding for the 8-team competition.

King top-scored with 81 and then made inspired changes in the field to stall Kings’ run chase at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

“This is a new challenge for me. Going out in the field, I have to give credit to the guys that are out there, as well,” King said.

“We have a lot of experienced bowlers in our line-up as well so it makes my job much easier. It’s then really about managing and giving them information to go out there and execute.”

After rebuilding the Tallawahs innings in a 53-ball knock which included nine fours and three sixes, King then marshalled his bowlers well to ensure his side successfully defended their 187.

He handed Imad Wasim the new ball and watched as the Pakistan left-arm spinner snared three for 27, and also used Salman Irshad (2-

“I think our spinners bowled very well. It was that kind of total that if you start well with the ball then [the required run rate] keeps going up so it’s going to be difficult for the batting team.

“I wouldn’t say [I was] worried. It did come down too close for my liking but I back our bowlers – Salman playing his first game and I think he was incredible.

“He executed his yorkers very well. He was very clear in his mind what he was going to bowl and I’m happy with that.”

King’s fifty came on the heels of an unbeaten 85 last Sunday which helped West Indies clinch a 3-2 series win over India in Florida, and the 28-year-old said he was “feeling good at the crease at the moment.”

“They say you’re only as good as your last performance so it’s good to have some consistency. I’m feeling good at the crease at the moment and I’m hoping for more runs.”

Brandon King was in fine form (Photo by Randy Brooks/CPL T20 via Getty Images)

West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 squad named for tour of Sri Lanka

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under 19 squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka starting on 25 August.

The Selection Panel named 15 players for the Rising Stars Under 19 Tour which will feature three 50over matches and two four-day matches against the Sri Lanka Under-19 team at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

Top-order batter, Stephan Pascal, will be captain for the white ball matches with Nathan Sealy, the left-handed slow bowling all-rounder, to lead the side for two red-ball matches which conclude the Tour.

The squad includes three players who played in the ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup in 2022 which was hosted in the West Indies. They are:

fast bowler Isaiah Thorne, all-rounder Nathan Edward and left-handed batter, Jordan Johnson.

Rohan Nurse, CWI’s Talent Pathway Manager is the Head Coach.

Robert Haynes, Lead Selector for the Rising Stars Men’s Under-19, said: “This is a very important tour to Sri Lanka for the development of this group of young cricketers.

We have some excellent players in the squad who did very well in the recent West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 Championships in St. Vincent, and we believe they will continue to grow and develop on this upcoming tour.”

Haynes added: “This is an integral part of the preparations for next year’s ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup which will also be played in Sri Lan-

Fruta Conquerers FC gets football gear from GFF M-FAP for Summer grassroots programme

FRUTA Conquerors Football

Club received a timely donation of football gear from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP) for its Summer Grassroots Programme.

The Tucville, Georgetown club received cones, balls, bibs and hurdles during a simple handing-over ceremony on Friday, August 10 at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

GFF Technical Director, Bryan Joseph, said the donation is part of the Federation's efforts to ensure its members' grassroots activities are successful.

"The support given to the Fruta Conquerors Summer Grassroots activity is all part of the continued efforts of the Federation to support its members in every way it can through M-FAP," Joseph said.

GFF President, Wayne Forde, in late July, launched the Federation’s much-anticipated nationwide Summer Grassroots Programme with the distribution of key equipment to the nine Regional Associations through M-FAP.

The kids summer training

programme, which kicked off in August in Georgetown, Linden, Essequibo and Berbice, is an integral part of President Forde's vision to increase the population of players across Guyana by ensuring young boys and girls have access to training programmes throughout the year.

Fruta Conquerors Football Club has partnered with Travel Foundation to execute their Summer programme in Georgetown.

The GFF’s pioneering M-FAP programme was launched in 2020 by Forde with the full approval of the GFF Congress to provide support to

ka. The players will get a firsthand look at the conditions and become acclimatised. We are also very happy that we will have the chance to play two four-day matches. We see the red-ball format as very important and vital to the development of our young players. We have not played a Youth Test in a long while and so this is a welcome return to the tour itinerary.”The next ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka in January and February 2024.

FULL SQUAD

Stephan Pascal (co-Captain) – right-handed bat; Nathan Sealy (co-Captain) – leftarm spin/right-handed bat; Jewel Andrew – right-handed bat/wicket-keeper; Mavendra Dindyal – right-handed bat;

Joshua Dorne – right-handed bat; Nathan Edward –left-handed bat/left-arm fast; Tarrique Edward – right-handed bat/right-arm off-spin; Reon Edwards – left-arm fast

Deshawn James – rightarm fast; Jordan Johnson –left-handed bat

Devonie Joseph –left-handed bat/wicket-keeper; Tamarie Redwood – right-arm leg-spin

Isaiah Thorne – right-arm fast; Steve Wedderburn –left-handed bat; Adrian Weir – right-handed bat

TEAM MANAGEMENT

Rohan Nurse (Head Coach); Rohan Clarke (Assistant Coach)

Nick Wilton (Assistant Coach); Gibbs Williams (Team Manager)

Dominic Angoy (Physiotherapist); Gregory Seale (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

MATCH SCHEDULE

25 August: 50-over warmup match at Colts Cricket Club, Colombo

27 August: 1st Youth ODI at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

30 August: 2nd Youth ODI at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

1 September: 3rd Youth ODI at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

5-8 September: 1st Youth Test at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

12-15 September: 2nd Youth Test at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

the Federation’s members under four pillars: Administration and Operations, Equipment and Material, Competition and Technical Development, and Infrastructure Development.

In three years, the entire football fraternity has seen the positive impact M-FAP has had on football development in Guyana with the distribution of equipment and millions of dollars to Regional Associations.

In June, a total of $12.4 million dollars were given to the Federation's Regional Associations to support the staging of the 2023 Senior Men’s League across Guyana.

Guyana’s right-arm fast bowler Isaiah Thorne

Fruta Conquerers members receiving their donation of football gear from the GFF- Members Financial Assistance Programme

National Squash team wings out today for Senior CASA

Guyana hopes to create history by winning 3 consecutive Titles

to Pepsi Sonics Basketball Club with

stylish new uniforms

By Sean Devers

GUYANA’s Squash

team wings out for the Cayman Islands today to compete in this year’s Senior CASA which starts on Sunday.

The two-time defending Champions are hoping for a history-making third consecutive team title which will give them legendary status as the first team to win three titles in a row in the history of the prestigious Championships.

Guyana women’s team will be led by the experienced World Masters over-35 Champion, Nicolette Fernandes, while Alex Arjoon will captain the Male team.

This year’s senior CASA individuals, Dou-

bles, Men's, Women's, and mixed teams Championships runs from August 20-27.

The team has been training at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts with USA-based Head Coach, Ramon Chana-Sue, who will coach the team in the Cayman Islands, spending some time with his charges before returning to the US. He will join the team today.

The Men’s Team reads: Alex Arjoon, Shomari Wiltshire, Jason-Ray Khalil, Daniel Ince, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal with Nicholas Verwey as the reserve player.

VETS: Ramon Chana-Sue and Jerazeno Bell.

The Women’s team,

led by Nicolette Fernandes, who missed last year’s tournament, is joined by Caribbean Singles Champion, Ashley Khalil, Mary Fung-AFat, Ashley DeGroot Khalil, Larissa Wiltshire and 18-year-old Kirsten Gomes, who will make her senior debut in this tournament.

VETs: Lydia Fraser and Indira Welligkar

Team Guyana has the sponsorship support from the GOA,

The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport; Ansa Mcal, Caribbean Gaming & Entertainment (Cage); E-Networks & Republic bank.

Team Manager Deje Dias performed the duties of MC and told the gathering that E-Net -

works has provided the team with three Streaming Cameras which will allow fans all over the globe to see the Guyana games live.

He spoke of the importance of corporate Guyana to any National team and thanked the sponsors for coming on board.

Dwayne Dodson, General Manager of CAGE Guyana Inc, said he was pleased to be a part of a winning team since their tag-line is ‘be a winner with CAGE.

Also giving short speeches were Danita Prowell, the Corporate Communication Officer of Ansa McAL, and Devon London, Head of Business at E-network.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), on Thurday, announced its continued support for the Pepsi Sonics Basketball Club for another year as they gear up for the upcoming competition season. This commitment was reaffirmed during a special uniform handing-over ceremony held at DDL's Diamond Office.

Larry Wills, Brands Manager at Demerara Distillers Ltd, had the honour of officially presenting the new uniforms to the President of the Pepsi Sonics Basketball Club, Merel Chalmers-Casey, a former national women's player.

Representatives from both the senior and junior teams accompanied Ms. Chalmers-Casey. This occasion demonstrated the enduring partnership between DDL and the basketball club.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Wills stated, "Our collaboration with the Pepsi Sonics Basketball Club spans two decades, and we are excited to stand by their side once again as they conquer new horizons."

The President of the Pepsi Sonics Basketball Club proudly accepted the uniforms and highlighted her gratitude for the existing partnership. "This gesture by DDL's Pepsi brand exemplifies the true spirit of teamwork," she added, "Corporate sponsorship is hard to find, but with DDL’s consistent support, we are prepared to continue our legacy of excellence on and off the court.”

The hand-over not only solidified DDL's commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering community engagement but also underscored the powerful role of sports in uniting communities.

The team is set to compete in the One-Guyana basketball premier league on August 19, 2023, at the National Gymnasium.

From Left: President of the Sonics Basketball Club, Merel Chalmers-Casey; DDL Brands Manager, Larry Wills, and members of the Pepsi Sonics Basketball Club

The Guyana Team with officials and Sponsors