Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-02-2023

‘Children’s Mash’ returns bigger and better

By Cassandra Khan

THOUSANDS of Guyanese descended on the Everest Cricket Ground on Saturday to savour the grand return of the Children’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resplendent in their colourful and creatively put together costumes, children from across all education districts of Guyana proudly represented their schools as they made their way northeast to the Cricket Ground on Carifesta Avenue, all the way from the Parade Ground in downtown Georgetown.

The Ministry of Education, when launching this year’s Mashramani Band under the theme, “Wheels of Progress – Creating and Promoting Diversity and Inclusion for all”, did not exaggerate when they declared that the event was going to be bigger and better.

As while thousands flooded the event’s location, not many had the privilege of finding a seat. Parents, performers, and other citizens were so dedicated to having the full experience of this year’s return of the celebrations, that they even stood in the rain to watch the performances by the children.

In total, there were 38 ‘Mash’ bands from the various Primary, Secondary and other schools, all of which did an excellent job in

keeping with the theme.

The children managed to impress the crowd with every performance, as cheers were louder than the music at times.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said she was glad they were able to resume Mashramani celebrations for the children.

“COVID brought really harsh consequences, one of which was the shutdown of not only academic activities as we know it in the classroom, but also the extracurricular things that make children rounded beings, including the ‘Mash’ competitions across the regions,” the Education Minister said.

She noted that next year, the ministry hopes to take the celebrations to another region, so that other children can get to have the amazing experience of Children’s Mash.

She said that it is a good lesson in various Social-Studies topics and practical lessons about the way Guyana became a Republic, when Guyana became a Republic, and how Guyana can achieve and promote unity and diversity of ethnicity along with culture.

The children’s floats and costumes demonstrated how sport, music, and other activities tie into education, according to Minister Manickchand.

The Sunday Chronicle spoke to a few

See page 4

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Hinterland Scholarship Division’s float, under the theme ‘Showcasing One Guyana through Art and Culture (Adrian Narine photo)

President Ali introduces new plan to boost food security in CARICOM

… receives full support from regional leaders

By Tamica Garnett

HEADS of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have fully endorsed a new project proposal entitled “Building Food Security through Innovation, Resilience, Sustainability and Empowerment” introduced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during the 44 Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held from February 15-17 in Nassau, Bahamas.

Guyana has pledged US$2M towards financing and implementing the project; this project will also benefit from the US$100M line of credit under the CAR-

ICOM Sustainability Agriculture Credit Facility, which uses Republic Bank Limited as a lender and the US$28 million in financing that United States government pledged to Caribbean countries last year.

The plan was introduced as the regional leaders received an update on the progress made by the CARICOM Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security (MTF). This task force will also oversee the mobilisation of resources for the project and its implementation.

The lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture and Agriculture Development in the

Quasi-Cabinet, Dr. Ali, was commended by CARICOM leaders for his leadership on the agri-food systems agenda.

His new plan includes the expansion of hydroponics, the process of growing plants in sand, gravel, or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil. This is according to CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis, as he gave an update on the progress made on the CARICOM 25 by 25 initiative, during a press conference on Friday, in The Bahamas.

Twenty-five by 25 is the regional pledge by CARICOM Heads to increase food security by reducing

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana Ministry of Public Works INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

The Ministry of Public Works invites sealed bids for the following: PROCUREMENT OF AGGREGATES

1. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

2. Interested Bidders may obtain further information and receive the necessary documentation at the Ministry of Public Works (Address (1) below) from Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Documents can be uplifted from 09:00hrs to 16:30hrs, Mondays to Thursdays, and on Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 hours.

3. A complete set of the bidding documents, in English, may be purchased by interested Bidders at address (1) below upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Guyana Dollars (GY$5,000). The method of payment will be cash.

4. Deadline for the submission of Bids is March 22, 2023, at 09:00hrs at Address (2) below

5. Prices quoted shall be valid during One Hundred and Twenty (120) days from the deadline of submission date.

6. Bids shall be valid during One Hundred and Twenty (120) days of the date of bid opening.

7. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of 1% of their Bid Price in an acceptable form as outlined in the Bid Data Sheet.

8. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address (2) below on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 09:00hrs

Address (1) - Purchase and Inspection of Document:

The Accounts Department, Flat Building, Ministry of Public Works

Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: (592) 223 1847

(592) 223 6070

E-mail: procurementwsg@gmail.com

Address (2) - Submission and Opening of Bids:

The Chairman, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main & Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, Guyana.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali met with the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Mario Lubetkin and his delegation at the sidelines of the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in The Bahamas

the regional food importation value by at least 25 percent by 2025. Research has shown that the region imports, from out of the region, approximately 80 per cent of the food that it consumes, which amounts to approximately US$4 billion.

Also speaking on the issue at the press conference, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, noted that serious progress has been made in addressing sanitary and phytosanitary barriers to regional trade, which had been seen as an impediment to achieving 25 by 25.

She noted however, that advancing 25 by 25 remains a work in progress.

“We are conscious that there are some things that still remain to be done with sanitary and phytosanitary barriers in order to allow for the efficient movement of agricultural products across the region. This has been one of the areas with serious progress over the last year to 18 months within the community. We anticipate that we will see more,” Mottley said.

During the 104th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), trade policies for animal and animal products, a regional agricultural health and food safety policy, Special Sanitary and

Phytosanitary (SPS) guidelines for 19 commodities, and alternative SPS settlement mechanisms were approved.

“The reality is that it will take probably until 2025 to come to full fruition and for us to get the benefit of it. There is a lot of hurting by our people in the region because of the increases in food prices and fertiliser, over the course of the last year in particular, since the Ukraine war. There is good progress being made but we are not yet there. But we hope that our voices can continue to encourage Caribbean people. Ensuring that we play our part is absolutely vital for us going forward in this world,” Mottley related.

According to a Communique issued at the end of the conference, the Heads of Government have requested that the CARICOM Secretariat accelerate its efforts in the mobilisation of resources towards the achievement of the 25 by 2025 initiative.

They also requested the CARICOM Private Sector Organization Inc. (CPSO) to hasten the pace of implementation of its various agricultural investment projects.

It was just earlier this month that the MTF had informed that CARICOM members have collectively achieved 57 per cent of its

‘Vision 25 by 2025’ target thus far.

This was after countries submitted reports detailing their production data for 2022 for targetted commodities, as CARICOM moves towards lowering the regional import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

Products such as cocoa, dairy, meat, root crops, fruits, and poultry have already reached 96.13%, 84.36%, 72.28%, 70.91%, 70.77%, and 70.19%, respectively, for the targetted production volume set for the year 2025.

Countries such as Guyana, Belize, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Dominica, and Jamaica have made significant advances in the production of commodities such as ginger, turmeric, corn, soya bean, root crops, fruits, cocoa, poultry, meat, fish, table eggs, and dairy.

Several priority areas have been identified for 2023, among them agriculture insurance and financing, trade and E-agriculture, resource mobilisation, and trade support.

These, he explained, will help to advance the efforts of the MTF and CARICOM as together they work towards achieving ‘Vision 25 by 2025’.

Venezuelan national injured in boat collision with GDF

A COLLISION between a boat belonging to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and another vessel on Friday morning in the Cuyuni River, near Eteringbang Landing, has resulted in a Venezuelan national being hospitalised.

According to the police, the injured man has been identified as 35-year-old gold miner Vergil Brown, of San Martin, Venezuela. Brown, who is the owner of the civilian vessel, was at the

helm at the time the accident occurred. The army vessel, on the other hand, was being captained by a Corporal.

According to the police, the latter vessel was taking ranks and a Commanding Officer back to base at Eteringbang after buying ration at Eteringbang Landing when it collided with Brown’s.

Reports are that though Brown was injured and initially had to be taken to the Eteringbang Medical Centre

and later a medical facility in Venezuela for treatment, his two passengers were unhurt. His vessel, however, did not fare well, as not only was

it severely damaged, but it also sank.

A probe into the incident is reportedly underway.

Guyana’s Moment

THE recently concluded Energy Conference in Georgetown, from all indications, was an unqualified success. The conference, which built on the successes of the previous conferences, has now cemented Guyana’s place as a regional energy powerhouse.

The fact that so many luminaries in the fields of energy, oil and gas were in attendance speak to the tremendous potential of Guyana as a major player in terms of energy security not only for Guyana but the region as a whole.

Cheap energy is critical for economic development. It is a fact that our competitiveness as a producer of manufactured goods were hampered by higher-than-average energy costs. Now, with the country poised to

be a major generator of clean and reliable energy from multiple sources including gas, hydropower, solar and wind, the prospects for Guyana are indeed bright.

The fact is that the demand for energy in Guyana has been increasing at an unprecedented pace especially in the context of the massive transformative projects currently underway.

As the economy further heats up, the energy demand will increase exponentially. At the global level, it is expected that by 2040 the world’s energy demand will double. Guyana is in a position to take advantage of global energy needs to the extent possible.

As pointed out by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, at the opening session of the conference, Guyana

is always open for business for both regional and international investors. The development trajectory of Guyana, he said, is being recalibrated towards increasing natural wealth building, creating economic resilience, expanding opportunities, enhancing social services and investing in Guyana.

“The wealth from our oil and gas will be used to achieve these objectives and broaden the economic platform that drives the current and future growth of our country. In this regard, agriculture, mining, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, information and communication technology, manufacturing, tourism, education and health services are key sectors of focus,” the President said.

In short, no sector will be

left behind in this developmental momentum triggered in large measure by the impact of oil and gas. And even though the revenues from oil and gas are significant from a developmental perspective, it does not follow from that that the government will abandon its commitment to climate mitigation measures.

As noted by President Ali, as the country develops, there will be a reduction in the dependence on fossil fuels. Guyana has in fact committed to reducing our dependency on fossil fuels by 70% by 2027 and 90% by 2030.

But even as the climate-change commitments are being observed and implemented through the revised Low Carbon Development Strategy, the developmental momentum and

the need to attract foreign investments are being encouraged.

President Ali took the opportunity at the conference to reinforce this point:

“We welcome every single investor, be it Exxon, be it the international investors, Hess, every single stakeholder whether you are regional, international, we welcome you, but all we are saying is that that space for technological transformation, collaboration, local growth and competitive and increased productivity must be built into the system to bring benefit to the people of the country.”

The fact is that the dialectics of development requires, on the one hand, the sustainable optimization of all available resources while, on the other hand,

ensuring that such exploitation is being done with due regard to environmental safety and protection. The end result is the creation and distribution of wealth for the benefit of all Guyanese.

This year’s International Energy Conference and Expo has seen the participation of close to 1000 persons with over 60 local and international speakers. The theme of the Conference was ‘Harnessing Energy for Development’.

The conference provided a good platform for stakeholders in the energy sector to share experiences and best practices on a range of topics especially as they pertain to the transition to an efficient, flexible and reliable energy mix.

Lincoln Lewis is mischievously misleading

Guyanese on Prime Minister’s portfolio

Dear Editor,

ALLOW me from the onset to state emphatically that the assertions surrounding my portfolio as Prime Minister of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana made by Mr. Lincoln Lewis in his recent ‘Eye On Guyana’ column are blatantly false and are meant to mislead Guyanese.

Similarly false are his claims that the Government of Guyana is somehow not demonstrating respect for the Constitution and laws

of Guyana. This edict that is masqueraded as an opinion piece on Government’s constitutional performance confirms the widely held view that the author is content to faithfully clutch at straws floated from his political masters in the opposition without first seeking the facts.

The irresponsible suggestion that I am not allowed to function within the constitutional powers afforded to the post of Prime Minister is irrational, even by Lewis’ standards. Nonetheless, the deliberate

attempt to distort the facts about the Office of the Prime Minister warrants a reminder, which I am happy to provide, that Lewis’ narrative best fits my immediate predecessor since the post of Prime Minister was denuded under the previous APNU+AFC administration.

Veteran regional journalist, Rickey Singh, in his Guyana Chronicle column of November 2015 succinctly pointed to the traditional enormous powers of an Executive President as Head of State as well as

the constitutional responsibilities allotted to the Prime Minister – normally the number two person in the Guyana Cabinet.

Singh wrote, “The President seems busily engaged in the further constitutional empowerment of his former army colleague, ex-Guyana Defence Force Colonel Joseph Harmon. According to Singh, “This leaves no doubt about the reality of a twosome power status quo – he and ‘comrade’ Joe.”

Following his analysis, Singh, was forced to de-

part the newspaper by the vindictive APNU+AFC regime for stating the facts on the sidelining of the then Prime Minister, whose duties were reduced to mere ceremonial appearances to deliver pep-talks, ribbon-cutting ceremonies and photo ops which were gleefully accepted because there was no meaningful portfolio offered.

As upholders of the Constitution, the PPP/C has always embraced the traditional posture to the Prime Minister’s portfolio where for instance, former

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had been in charge of energy and served as the head of government business in the National Assembly. This approach has not changed. Upon return to government in 2020, one of the first things President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali did was to ensure the independence of the Prime Minister’s Office by relocating the office from the same building as the Office of the President. The President then as-

Guyana’s prospects are looking good and will only get better

Dear Editor,

THE potential for Guyana to become a regional leader has been acknowledged by several world leaders, due in large measure to our oil and gas reserves.

The change in the country’s economic fortunes was recognised by several speakers at the

recent oil and gas summit held in Guyana. Yet there are those in our midst who continue to see, as it were, the glass as being half empty rather than half-filled. They continue to harp on the lopsided nature of the oil contracts without taking notice of the fact that the country stands to benefit enormously from the bil-

Lincoln Lewis is mischievously...

From page 6

signed meaningful duties to my office. Apart from my role as the leader of government’s business in the National Assembly, I also have responsibility for the telecommunications sector, which includes the Telecommunications Agency, National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

Additionally, I have been assigned the Civil Defence Commission and disaster preparedness activities in Guyana. My office also has responsibility for the energy sector, exercising oversight of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc, (HECI), as well as the Guyana National Broadcast Authority (GNBA). Further, my office is also tasked with oversight of the government information sector, which includes the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), and the National Communications Network (NCN).

The baseless and reck-

lions of dollars from oil revenues which otherwise would not have been possible.

Only recently at a meeting with Amerindian leaders, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo spoke of the billions of dollars that will be allocated to Amerindian development as a direct result of the sale of carbon credits. These

are substantial developments that will impact positively on the lives of our Indigenous Peoples and the Guyanese people as a whole.

This is not to suggest that we should not seek to get a better deal from our carbon resources. My own view is that the current contract is much too skewed in favour of the

oil companies operating, but there is not much to be gained from finding faults and engaging in the blame game.

The important thing now is to look ahead and learn from past mistakes, something which the current PPP/C administration is already doing.

The prospects for Guyana are looking good

and will only get better in the coming years. But it requires all Guyanese to exercise patience while remaining vigilant that we do not get the raw end of the stick in future negotiations with the oil companies.

Yours respectfully, Hydar Ally

less nature of the claims from Mr. Lincoln Lewis and his handlers in the opposition follow a now-familiar pattern of maligning state institutions, officials and public servants, and attempting to shake public confidence in the fundamental pillars of our democracy and governance. We are at an unprecedented moment of our cherished history.

Our democratic principles and rights have been solidly restored, the economy is strong to the point that we are once again able to attract foreign investors in significant numbers which is evidence of the vast potential that Guyana wields as a ‘head cornerstone’, leading the conversations on global issues as described by Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, at the recent opening of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023.

Sincerely, Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d)

Mark Phillips

Prime Minister of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Guyana urges Venezuela to respect Geneva Agreement

February 17, 2023 marks the 57th Anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement and invites its commemoration as a binding international agreement between the Parties.

Concluded on the eve of our country’s Independence between the United Kingdom, Venezuela and British Guiana, it governs the resolution of the controversy which had arisen

as a result of Venezuela’s baseless and ill-chosen contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is ‘null and void’. It removed the roadblock to Guyana’s independence that Venezuela had, with imperial ambition, sought to erect.

Under the Geneva Agreement, that controversy is now, with the approval of the international community, before the International Court of Justice in

whose impartial and independent upholding of the rule of international law Guyana has absolute confidence. Venezuela has sought over the years to undermine the Agreement and specifically to frustrate the resolution of the controversy by judicial process even when, as now, it is obliged to participate.

As Guyana’s lawful development of its resources proceeds, it is

pertinent today to emphasise that the Geneva Agreement imposes no obligation on Guyana to refrain from economic development activities in any portion of its territory, or any appurtenant maritime areas.

Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights will be wholly inconsistent with the Geneva Agreement and the rule

of international law.

On this Anniversary Day of that historic Agreement, Guyana considers that no greater homage can be paid to it by our sister Republic than full compliance with its terms, including Article IV paragraph 2, pursuant to which the Secretary General of the United Nations has chosen the International Court of Justice as the means for final and binding settlement of

the controversy.

Guyana looks forward to Venezuela’s return to the judicial processes of the Geneva Agreement in abandonment of its earlier imperial goal. There could be no greater mark of respect for the Agreement by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. (Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)

Firearm, ‘ammo’ found at Barakat backdam

POLICE ranks from Regional Division #7, on Friday, found a 12-gauge shotgun along with 10 matching cartridges at an abandoned camp in Barakat backdam.

According to a police press release, at about 11:25 hours, on Friday, the ranks received a ‘tip off’ and went to the location when they made the discovery in a salt bag ‘stashed’ inside a PVC pipe. There was no serial number or maker’s name visible on the weapon. Police said signs of recent activities were observed about the area but no arrest was made.

The illegal firearm and ammunition found by the Police ranks

(Guyana Police Force photo)

Institute review to evaluate continuous use of Proton Pump Inhibitors

PROTON Pump Inhibitors referred to as PPIs are a very popular class of drugs because of its high efficacy to reduce acid production in gastrointestinal ailments.

According to the U.S. Pharmacists in the December 2019 edition, over 25 per cent of the world’s population is affected by some acid-related condition that translates to PPI sales worldwide of US$11B annually.

Prior to COVID-19, PPIs were ranked as the third most dispensed drug in New Zealand and in the top 10 in other parts of the world.

Proton Pump Inhibitors are indicated for GERD (gastro-esophageal

reflux disease), esophagitis, peptic ulcer, gastric bleeding associated with long term use of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and blood thinners especially in the elderly and also as an adjunct treatment in H. Pylori infections.

In Guyana those proton pump inhibitors which are available are omeprazole (Lomac), pantoprazole, esomeprazole (Nexium) and lansoprazole. This category of drugs has been approved since 1989 by the FDA (Foods and Drugs Authority) with specific dosage and duration protocols established for its optimum use in mild, moderate and severe disease classification. However, by

2003, the FDA approved OTC (Over the Counter) versions of omeprazole and lansoprazole called Prilosec and Prevacid respectively, which are available to the general public without a prescrip-

tion.

This meant that now these products were readily available to the general public who may not be equipped with the knowledge of its consequential long-term effects, side

effects and contraindications due to its indiscriminate use.

Apart from the increasing pill burden and its associated unnecessary additional costs, there have been incidences

from observational studies which are cause for concerns.

The Brazilian Journal of Nephrology highlighted a study done in 2017,

Continued on page 10

Institute review to evaluate...

From page 9

which suggested that prolonged use of PPI causes oxidative stress which is associated with renal interstitial tubular injury, resulting in the decline of the renal function. Hence for users of PPIs, kidney health must be reviewed annually since continuous use at unrevised dosage may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Evidence based research to establish this hypothesis has not been done.

Generally, side effects from short term use are mild and rare but there is a growing concern of other infrequent associated effects from observational studies such as dementia, pneumonia, bone fractures and hypomagnesemia.

For enhanced bioavailability, you are advised to take PPIs on an empty stomach one hour before meals. If taken just prior meals, then the time for the drug to dissolve and absorb would have been longer when compared to the time acid production commences after chewed food reaches the stomach. Hence, food decreases its bioavailability resulting in a lower blood concentration of the PPI.

In Asians and the elderly populations, PPI tend to have an increased bioavailability. When patient charts were reviewed, some persons including elderly patients, who are high risk at diminished renal function, were not taken off PPIs or their dose was not reduced. The American Geriatric Society in 2015 cited concerns about such incidents which were included their review of inappropriate use of PPIs in the elderly.

In the American Gastroenterology Association publication, volume 162 of Clinical Practice Update dated April 2022, an expert reviewed study considered the de-prescribing of Proton Pump Inhibitors. Specialists’ consensus endorsed by the American Gastroenterological Association, reiterated that an annual review is required to evaluate the continuous indicated use is of PPI.

Several best practice advice for primary care physicians followed:

• Patients without a definitive indication for chronic use of PPI should be de-prescribed

• Twice daily dose for chronic PPI use should step down to once daily

• Do not discontinue PPI in the following patients: complicated GERD or peptic stricture

• De-prescription should not be considered for certain conditions (Barrett’s esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis)

• Evidence based protocol instituted before de-prescribing patients with upper GI bleed

• Transient rebound effect can occur after discontinuing long term use of PI

• Consider downward dose readjustment or abrupt discontinuation when de-prescribing

• Only use lack of indication as a consideration for de-prescribing and not PPI associated adverse effect

Pharmacists are entrusted to educate patients and make de-prescribing recommendations to the primary care physicians as stated in the December 2019 issue of U.S. Pharmacist so as to ensure appropriate use and stewardship of PPIs. The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology has alerted both physicians and patients to question the need for PPI and to choose wisely.

Endorsed and implemented protocols will target optimum treatment of various indicated conditions in a structured manner.

For further discussion, contact the pharmacist of Medicine

Express PHARMACY located at 223 Camp Street, between Lamaha and New Market Streets. If you have any queries, comments or further information on the above topic kindly forward them to medicine.express@gmail. com or send them to 223 Camp Street, N/burg. Tel #225-5142.

ON Thursday, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton repeated what seems to be his mantra that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration was allegedly racist, discriminatory

and denying half of Guyana’s population real development.

Apart from his usual murky and puerile politics, Norton sought to drag the Guyana Police Force (GPF) into the fray of public

criticism, stating that the wanted bulletins that were issued earlier in the week, for several persons who were part of the violent protest, were politically motivated.

Norton used the sordid affairs

surrounding the death of Quindon Bacchus again, to covertly appeal to his supporters’ race, telling them that the Police “charge people with terrorism is clearly an abuse of power”.

He said that the “people” are “innocent” and this is why “we’ll support them”. In fact, the Leader of the Opposition is on record, stating “it is clearly another attempt to harass people, it is a clear case of trumped-up charges.”

Norton vowed to “do everything to deal with it”.

Firstly, these are serious and dangerous statements that should not be taken lightly by law enforcement bodies, and those manning the system of justice in Guyana and elsewhere.

The GPF should be up in arms over those statements which seek to bring every single officer conducting the investigations into disrepute during the lawful execution of their duties.

It matters not if the men were yellow, brown, white, green, or black, the Police have reasons to believe they were involved in a crime either directly or indirectly and acted in accordance with the Police Act by the issuance of the wanted bulletins.

Surely, Norton should be prepared to take full responsibility if anything happens to any of the Police Officers who are conducting those specific investigations.

The Police Commissioner and other senior officers should take note of what Norton said as it is being interpreted by the public as a veiled and indirect threat.

Secondly, Norton exposed himself because he appears not to be concerned about crimes committed, losses suffered, and the livelihoods interrupted by the unprovoked episodes.

Norton cannot bother himself with the facts and case in point because perhaps all he can see is the race of the men in question, and the geographic location, all from the PNC/APNU strongholds, presumably.

How did a presumably intelligent man, who has his eyes locked on the presidency of Guyana, make the kind of deductions or inductions that Norton made about the innocence of the men and that charges are trumped-up?

The public only hopes that they are innocent and that the Police will conduct themselves professionally in the course of the investigations.

Was Norton just saying this to people to make his presentation emotive or was he deliberate in his will to spread misinformation and lies, particularly aimed at weakening the Police Force in the public’s eyes?

Thirdly, Norton should tread cautiously, because the party he represents and APNU+AFC are known for their role as the sympathizers of criminals who wreak havoc on innocent Guyanese.

Moreso, the ‘Blackie’ and ‘Fineman’ episode has not escaped the public’s mind and their deliberate links to the criminal enterprise in Buxton, Agricola, Sophia and Albouystown during the crime spree of the 2000s.

The PNC/R and the APNU can ill-afford to have a leader who talks about crime and security matters so loosely as if he perhaps does not have sense.

What was the motive behind the statements coming from the Opposition Leader?

Will the PNCR/APNU really be footing the expenses of these individuals who are wanted for questioning by the Police?

What support will the APNU have to offer them?

These answers must be given at once because the public wants to know if the PNC/APNU is in bed with the would-be criminals, and is anti-police.

Former President David Granger may be turning in his bed right now to see and hear Norton’s irresponsible and damning political statements made just before Guyana goes into the polls again, this time for the local government elections.

Also, Joseph Harmon, Winston Felix and Gary Best must be appalled and shocked at what is seen as Norton’s public endearment or endorsement of criminals and suspects. If the blank cheque scenario was not enough, and the diatribe against Norton was not enough, then this surely is enough to cause pause politically.

Finally, Norton hopefully knows what he is doing to some of the Afro-Guyanese supporters because they left the North Ruimveldt rally fuelled up with lies, misinformation and hate from the stories he told them.

He did not arm some of them with the truth or narrative to make them sound intelligent or ask for answers from the PPP/C Government. He continued to use his academic and practical knowledge to twist the story, telling a different narrative and a different story.

He did not empower his supporters about their rights and the electoral fight ahead. Seemingly, Norton wants to keep some of the Afro-Guyanese population in darkness, perpetual ignorance and dumbfounded so he can use them each time they vote.

Enlightenment, truth and facts are the only way to break the chains of discrimination, racism and political inferiority, not clandestinely supporting the criminals by appealing to race so as to cause mayhem, confusion and distrust. Crime and criminality must not be politicised, at least not in this way!

Supporting the police’s fight against crime and criminals must not be politicised

What women wear

SINCE damaged denim swept the world of fashion in the last decade, the notion of what constitutes appropriate dress has been upturned.

Those who grew up in the 50s and 60s, now referred to as the baby boomers, know of a standard of dress that required clothing worn outside the home to be neat, unfaded and certainly not shabby.

What we wore was placed in categories – formal, casual, work, church and even what some of us referred to as ‘home clothes.’

Now this is all changing and ‘ripped’ denim has become the ‘order of the day’, worn to every occasion but the strictly formal.

Invariably any discussion on clothing and fashion leads to talk about women and what they wear. Certain religions and groups require women to dress in a particular way, often in full-length dresses or long skirts and head coverings, like the Muslim hijab.

But in the wider international community, where there are no such strictures regarding dress, women generally wear what they please.

However, there have always been broad guidelines on what is appropriate dress for certain places and occasions. Now, many argue that these lines have become blurred and, in many instances, simply ignored.

And this applies even to the somewhat sober advice given to women by Fibre2Fashion, “As a woman it is advisable you understand your body shape have a consciousness of what you wear and how it makes you feel”.

In a recently aired Dr. Phil television programme, there was lively debate on what was considered proper dress for women, depending on the occasion.

Opinions were many and varied and centred around provocative dress, with some arguing that revealing clothing is now becoming too prevalent and should not be encouraged because of its effect on men.

It was felt that this type of clothing invited the lecherous attention of men and could even lead to sexual assault.

Others roundly criticized this view saying that women should be free to wear whatever they chose and the choice should not be determined by how it would affect men.

Certainly, over the years, women’s clothing has become more daring and what

was worn only by celebrities and international models on fashion catwalks is now being ‘sported’ by women of all shapes and sizes throughout society.

Perhaps one of the most significant changes to women’s clothing came in 1964 when British designer, Mary Quant, created the mini-skirt.

When it first appeared, controversy followed as many objected to hemlines moving from knee-length or below the knee to mid-thigh and even shorter with the advent of the micro-mini.

Contrado UK says, “The iconic history of the miniskirt is anything but short and sweet, with rebellion, sex and sixties hedonism at its core”. While the shock waves of the ‘mini’ have long since dissipated, other revealing forms of dress are now raising eyebrows and causing consternation.

But it strikes me that much of this scanty dressing is similarly fuelled by rebellion and deliberately intended to shock, as women assert their independence of thought, which naturally extends to what we wear.

While I feel that, particularly in the work place and places of worship, women should dress appropriately as a mark of respect for their colleagues and fellow worshippers, I certainly do not agree that a woman’s mode of dress should be determined by its effect on men.

And Chloe Gray, a writer for Life magazine asked the question, “Why is women’s clothing still being policed?” giving several examples of countries where this is still happening.

At the root of it all seems to be how men react to certain styles worn by women. This is a ‘slippery slope’ that can actually lead to women being blamed for sexual assault.

What we, in all societies, should be teaching our male children is how to control their urges and how to behave around women, regardless of how they dress.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on

Guyana today:‘The stone that the builder

THE Prime Minister of Saint Vincent & The Grenadines was introduced at the opening ceremony of this week’s Guyana International Energy Conference and Expo as “the venerable, indomitable and inimitable Dr Ralph Gonsalves…” – and not for nothing!

The longest-serving Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leader is a former lecturer in Government and Politics at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) in Barbados, but also President of the Students Council at The UWI’s Mona, Jamaica campus when Guyana’s Dr Walter Rodney was banned from entering the island.

Soon after being awarded Guyana’s highest national

award, Dr Gonsalves was last month elected Chairman of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) – and when he talks, it’s with the acquired wisdom of a long life of eternal dedication to Caribbean’s causes.

So, it wasn’t surprising to those who know him wellenough that ‘The Comrade’ (as he’s affectionately called in his multi-island Caribbean home-nation) waxed warmly in biblical and philosophical terms during his presentation.

Addressing the conference’s theme ‘Harnessing Energy for Development’, PM Gonsalves said, “Energy is to be harnessed, not only to make our countries grow but also to harness our devel-

opment…”

He said Guyana was able to harness its energy for development because it “is at a crossroads,” but added it had to be seen against the background of achieving that mission as a classic example of the truth of the age-old saying: “The stone that the builder refused has become the head cornerstone!”

Recalling the way Guyanese were treated like rejected stones, he said, “Not too long ago, there was a special bench at every airport for Guyanese women travelling and teaching Caribbean people how to trade and make a life and a living out of struggle…”

“Before Guyana grew,” he continued, “people hardly

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refused has become the head cornerstone!’

used to come here from the Caribbean; and now it is sprouting again by people flowing to their bodies’ edge at the unbounded elements of their bodies…”, the situation has changed.

He said Guyana’s new oil wealth has allowed it to “embark on the building of a competitive, one-sided economy that is local, national, regional and global, with implications for the world, and also for a large group of atomized individuals who see themselves as separate and distinct from every other…”

But he pointed out, “such an individualistic society is not possible, so we have to replace and avoid that with the idea of a social individual…”

On the relationship between The State, The Market and Natural Resources, the Prime Minister also noted that “The market is important for production of goods and services,” but has shown itself “in many senses,” unable to sustain itself.

Yet, he added, “While the state cannot create families… it can interface with the market to do things for the market that the market cannot do for itself…

“Oil in some countries has been a blessing and a curse in others, but to avoid it being a curse, the market must recognise the role of the state and distribution of Reparative Justice…”

Dr Gonsalves noted that at this point in its growth and development, “The region is vital for Guyana.”

He said “Successive Guyana governments have made regional integration a realisation, but this government has shown great promise for our region…

“And for Guyana to play a leading role for that organic integration it proposes, it’s important that the strength and weaknesses, limitations and possibilities, will all dissolve into the whole, so they are no longer individual parts…”

“Not all units will advance at same pace or extent,” he warned, “but it must not be one where one advances at expense of others; and I feel that with the approach of Guyana with leadership of the quest for regional Food Security, we have great promise.”

Still waxing philosophical, Dr Gonsalves said: “Men and women make history, but only as circumstances permit them and

not those chosen by themselves… But part of those circumstances are ideas in the heads of men and women that sometimes weigh like a nightmare on the brain; and the nightmare of those who control the global economy today is how to maintain hegemony.”

Switching to the Bible, the PM said he’d quoted from the ‘Book of Chronicles’ on the matter of leadership in an exchange with President Ali, with a lesson about “what each of the leaders of the 12 Tribes of Israel had to do at the time; and one of the lesser-known leaders, Issachar, knew the times and acted accordingly.”

He advised: “We have to know the times too, in terms of what are some the immediate developmental challenges the Caribbean faces…”

PM Gonsalves identified one such problem as “Crime and Citizen Insecurity, which affects every country of the CARICOM region.”

“So,” he asked, “how can we harness energy to deal with that? Because, resources alone cannot solve that problem…

“Oil will help provide the money, but you also need support services as the State can and must do certain things, including knowing the times and acting accordingly.”

According to Dr Gonsalves, “Schools have their role to play, most teachers are doing okay, but are somehow not building critical faculties for making students’ minds ready to process facts…”

He also noted that “Latin American and Caribbean Food Security and Nutrition reports say that throughout the two regions there’s been a slippage of nourishment, but the real problem is obesity – including child obesity – because we eating the wrong foods.”

“But,” he added, “try closing down a KFC outlet…”

Returning to the theme of Harnessing Energy for Development, Dr Gonsalves concluded with a quiet philosophical warning.

He said, “In this development, everyone in the society – from churches to media to communities -have a role to play.

“But like I said earlier, the State can create Redistributive Justice, but cannot create Families, which are important for Development!”

Bartender nabbed with firearm, ‘ammo’

TWENTY-ONEYEAR-OLD Marville Barker, called ‘Kellon’, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, was, on Friday night, arrested for the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.

According to a Police press release, at about 22:10 hours on Friday, acting on information received, ranks of Regional Division #3 headed to Pouderoyen Tarmac, West Bank Demerara, where they arrested Barker.

Police said that after informing the bartender that they received information he had a firearm and ammunition on his

person, and they would like to search him, the bartender did not object.

Moreover, the release said one black suspected 9mm pistol was found in the front of the waist of his pants.

Police removed the magazine, where nine 9mm ammunition was found. Barker was asked if he was the holder of a firearm licence, and he replied in the negative.

He was arrested and escorted to Parfaite Harmonie Police Station along with the suspected firearm and ammunition.

The suspect is in custody and is slated to be charged.

Marville Barker (Guyana Police Force photo)

The illegal firearm and ammunition seized by the Police

Banakari, Circuitville women’s groups to receive black giant chicks

every single group and resident in this community to develop the agriculture sector… We are not only developing the crop sector. We are trying to develop all of the sectors within the agriculture sector,” he noted.

He said the ministry has facilities to assist the communities with boosting poultry production.

“We will work with the community immediately. You produce the eggs when we give you the birds and we will hatch it back for you with our incubator free of cost,” Minister Mustapha disclosed.

AS part of the PPP/C Government’s efforts to expand poultry rearing in Region Ten, the Banakari and Circuitville women’s groups will soon receive

100 black giant chickens each.

Banakari women’s group consists of 29 persons, while Circuitville has 33 persons. Minister of Ag-

riculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Friday, reaffirmed that every Guyanese will benefit from the country’s vast resources.

“We will work with

develop the sector. The President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Administration has been leading CARICOM’s food security agenda to reduce the large food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

In addition, free seed-

lings and acoushi ants’ bait will be distributed to each of the visited communities, as requested. Single parents and vulnerable groups of Christianburg will also receive black giant chickens. (DPI)

The government continues to invest in the agriculture sector by implementing several agricultural measures to expand and

GPF invites civilians to join Mash Band

IN KEEPING with the theme for Mashramani, “Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana,” the Guyana Police Force has invited members of the general public to join their troupe for the road parade on February 23, 2023.

The Force is working assiduously with the participants of the public to ensure that their performance is flawless on Mash Day. While at the Police Sports Club

Ground on Saturday, the Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, took it upon himself to instruct and direct the large troupe as they were practising and making the final touches and adjustments for the big day.

The Top Cop told the Sunday Chronicle that they have decided, as part of their partnership approach, to integrate members of the public into their troupe. According to him, it is

important for the members of the force and the public to interact and build relations with each other.

“The police and the public will be interacting throughout the mash celebration and through a float, I believe that it will create cohesion between the police and the public,” said Hicken.

He also noted he was happy that the initiative will also help everyone, especially the youths, build a relationship with

the officers. He noted that such will also allow them to showcase their individual and unique talents on a recognisable platform.

Roxanne (the only name given), a member of the public who is a part of the GPF troupe, said, “I am happy to be a part of the police mash band. I like that they put the regular people with the police officers. This

is how we must live every day; we feel really good about it, and the welcome that they give us is really nice. We feel safe and comfortable and that is what is important.”

The energetic citizen said that she will be happy for all Guyanese to be a part of the road parade. “This is a different time in Guyana, this is a new and better

Guyana, so come on out and bring the kids too,” said Roxanne.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports launched its official calendar for Mashramani 2023 in celebration of Guyana’s 53rd anniversary.

The much-anticipated event will be the country’s first since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken, in all white and some of the troopers at the Police Sports Club Ground

Officers and members of the public practise for their road parade

Black giant chickens

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, with some of the women from Circuitville and Banakari, Region Ten

Scenes from Children’s Costume

Scores of children descended on the streets of Georgetown on Saturday to participate in the Ministry

Costume and Mash Parade

Ministry of Education’s 2023 Mash Parade (Photos by Adrian Narine and Ministry of Education)

SBM Offshore committed to developing local content in Guyana

IN the midst of the largescale development stemming from the oil and gas sector, the government has taken steps to ensure that Guyanese and Guyaneseowned companies benefit from investments and other opportunities.

The Local Content Act is one example of this commitment and ensures that contractors include locals in their development projects. One such contractor is SBM Offshore Guyana, which highlighted its procurement and compliance policies and requirements, during a vendor forum at the International Energy Conference and Expo on Friday.

SBM Offshore is the builder of Guyana’s floating, production, storage and offloading vessels operating in the Stabroek Block.

The company was the first major Exxon contractor to receive approval for its local content master plan.

This was in early September of 2022, following the modification of payment terms for the Local Content Secretariat. This modification allows for contractors and sub-contractors operating in the nation’s petroleum sector to issue payments to Guyanese suppliers within 30 to 45 days following the receipt of a correct invoice.

Providing an overview of the company’s local con-

tent development agenda, General Manager, Martin Cheong, highlighted a number of initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development throughout Guyana.

The Green Farm initiative is how the company lends support to Guyana’s Plympton Farms along the Soesdyke/Linden highway.

It allows the company to reduce its dependence on imports by utilising local operations to supply food to persons working aboard the FPSOs. This goes hand in hand with the company’s investments in the Hubu Aquafarm, based in Region Three, which supplies shrimp and prawns to FPSOs in the Stabroek Block.

Another initiative is the Enhancing Livelihoods Youth Literacy Project, which is a collaboration between SBM Offshore and the National Coordinating Coalition Incorporated, and targets youths in the Sophia/Cummings Lodge area between the ages of seven and 25.

The programme offers paid mentorship, tutorship opportunities and educational materials.

“These projects are all aimed at contributing to the educational, sustainable and economic development of Guyana.

“We believe that this engagement provides a unique platform for productive

conversation and opportunities for the businesses present. We are keen on building the capacity of Guyanese businesses to meet the growing needs of the oil and gas industry and more so our operation as we expand our footprint in Guyana,” he noted.

Cheong, who is the first Guyanese to hold a position in this capacity at the com pany, said these initiatives represent the company’s agenda of merging local content development with its efforts at achieving sustainable development goals.

Further, he noted that some 60 per cent of the SBM Offshore workforce are locals, in keeping with the government’s local content act. On the combinative onshore and offshore front, he said approximately 40-45 per cent of the workforce is local.

He added that a sizeable portion of the vendors the company seeks out is local.

Supply Chain Support Manager, Flavia Werneck, explained that the company’s commitment to local content development extends into the educational arena, as the company works to ensure that their local vendors are qualified and regularly upskilled to improve the quality and safety of the operations.

General Manager, SBM Offshore, Martin Cheong

Supply Chain Support Manager, SBM Offshore, Flavia Werneck

Young driver dies in Corentyne accident

A hire-car driver, Ezekiel Kampadoo, 24, died on Saturday morning after losing control of his vehicle and colliding with a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) pole on the Auchlyne Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

The accident occurred at about 01:55 hrs.

Police Headquarters reported that Kampadoo of Tain, Corentyne was driving hire car #HD 2939 and had an 18-year-old occupant.

Enquires disclosed that the car was proceeding west along the southern lane of the road at a fast rate when the driver failed to negotiate a right turn (bend) and lost control of the vehicle, which swerved onto the southern grass parapet and collided with a GPL Pole.

As a result of the collision, the said car flipped and ended up in a trench on the southern side of the road. The driver and teenage occupant were picked up in a conscious condition and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital.

The occupant, who had abrasions all over his body, was admitted for observation.

The driver was treated and transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he succumbed at about 03:30hrs on Saturday while receiving medical attention.

Kampadoo’s body is presently lying at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital’s Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Dead: Ezekiel Kampadoo

The state of the car following the accident

Opportunities available for small contractors in all sectors

Minister Edghill tells Black Entrepreneurs Association

opportunities exist in all sectors for small contractors.

The minister was speaking during a procurement training for members of the Black Entrepreneurs Association, on Saturday, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

PUBLIC Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, has reiterated that numerous

“Small contractors are not only weeding and cleaning, civil works building of a fence, building of guard huts, building of sanitary blocks in our ministry, building of roads because there are some roads that

fall under the $15 million margin that could be given to small contracts and then on the maintenance side of the budget, you have maintenance of buildings, plumbing, guttering, electrical, air conditioning, a whole host of other fields that could be involved… sea defence maintenance,” Minister Edghill noted.

He said the training was the fulfillment of a commitment made at a previous engagement with the association.

“At that meeting I did make an offer that we will provide an opportunity where we will be able to bring our technical people who are involved in the procurement and management of contracts to interface with you to be able to share with you all of the necessary know how, wherewith all, that you would be able to submit winning bids and when you win a bid, ensuring that you fulfil your obligations in keeping with the terms and conditions of your contract.”

The minister highlighted the importance of meeting the criteria to secure contracts.

“It is still in some people’s heads that a minister or some government official could pick up the phone and

call a friend and say that I have a job for you to do… maybe that happened a long time ago, our country is governed by laws, the procurement act of 2003.”

He added that the act requires that notice must be given before government projects can be executed.

“It not who know you and who you know, it’s following the system because when you throw that bid in the tender box and the evaluators are evaluating, your photograph is not on it, nobody knows who you are, they are looking at the documentation that is presented and getting your documentation right is what is important,” Minister Edghill emphasised.

The public works minister said the government also changed certain criteria, like the requirement of three to five years’ experience, to enable new contractors to benefit from these opportunities.

“And that was to facilitate and help people to enter into the market and be able to show forth their talent and their skill and get the necessary experience to climb the ladder,” he stated. (DPI)

Members of the Black Entrepreneurs Association engaged in procurement training

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill

West Indies face must-win challenge

CMC – West Indies face yet another must-win game in the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup when they take on a confident Pakistan in their final group stage game today.

After losing their first two encounters to England and India, West Indies were confronted with the prospect of having to win their remaining games in order to keep alive their already narrow hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the campaign.

They edged Ireland with a ball to spare in Cape Town on Friday and must now conjure up another positive result at Boland Park, if they are to avoid an early exit.

“Obviously, we’re not going to think about that much to add any pressure on ourselves,” vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle told media here.

“It’s just to go out and play the brand of cricket that we can play and just do the basic thing right and just play the cricket that we know we can play, and the end of the day the results will come.”

She continued: “I think they come in with a win, we also have a win, so I think both teams get that confidence, but it’s just for us to go out and apply ourselves tomorrow and just play the brand of cricket that we know that we can play.”

The win against Ireland not only gave West Indies their first of the World Cup but more crucially, broke a wretched run of 15 defeats in T20 Internationals for the Ca-

ribbean side dating back to last September.

And Campbelle said the victory had served as a morale booster following on from the negative results.

“That’s a big plus for us because we were on a losing track for a period of time but breaking that shackle [on Friday], I think is a good experience for us,” the 30-yearold explained.

“And also it builds our confidence and we just get that momentum we’re going to take into tomorrow’s game, so I think that’s a big plus for all the girls.”

The Ireland victory was masterminded by captain Hayley Matthews who struck a joint career-best unbeaten 66 as West Indies chased down 138.

Her contribution was even more important in light of the West Indies’ injury crisis which saw leading batter and former captain Stafanie Taylor ruled out again with back issues.

Campbelle, who has gotten a couple of solid starts in the tournament, said it was important the batting group played their

role in contributing to West Indies’ efforts.

“It’s good to see the other players stepping up not just depending on one or two people alone but Hayley played a fantastic innings [on Friday],” she said.

“It’s good to see her back with that form and capitalise and take it right down for the team … so I think that was a big plus for us as well.”

SQUADS:

PAKISTAN – Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Tuba Hassan.

WEST INDIES –Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Britney Cooper, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday February 19, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Gudakesh Motie -19 wickets

(2) Brandon Mavuta - 8 wickets

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What were Gudakesh Motie’s match figures in the recent WI/ZIM second Test?

(2) What are the best bowling figures by a WI bowler in a single Test match to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Tiger Rentals Under-13 football

G/Town and East Coast top of standings

East Coast Demerara defeated West Berbice 6-1, led by a brace from Isaiah Williams and one goal each from Tyrell Walcott, Sheneil Callender, Mark Glasgow and Malaki Washington.

Meanwhile, it took two late, unanswered goals from Georgetown to get past the resilient West Demerara team.

FOLLOWING the last match day(day #4) of the Tiger Rentals Guyana- sponsored Guyana Football Federation under-13 development football

tournament; Inter-ATC/Club

In the other two matches that were contested on matchday four, Upper Demerara had a similar 2-0 victory with one goal each from Trayvon Collymore and Jamal Scott against East Bank. And, the youngsters from Bartica smashed six unanswered goals past East Berbice to move to six points from four games.

Broad rips through New Zealand

(ESPNCRICINFO) - They call him the Nighthawk, and sure enough, Stuart Broad was England's agent of chaos under the Mount Maunganui floodlights … not, as had been hyped, with the bat, but instead in his more familiar guise, an irresistible display of throwback fast bowling that tore the lid clean off New Zealand's second innings, and set his team up for an inevitable tenth win in 11 Tests.

Four wickets, four bowled, all four through the gate in the space of 27 balls. For a time it seemed inevitable that Broad was about to surge to a five-wicket haul in the space of a single spell for the eighth time in his remarkable career. Instead, New Zealand regrouped to a degree by the close, to limp to 63 for 5 but with their dimand-distant target of 394 little

more than a pipe-dream.

Ironically, the only New Zealander to get the better of Broad on a memorable third day was the same man whose bowling figures went down in history for a very different reason. After his comic antics with the bat on the second evening, Broad was quickly bombed out by a bouncer in Neil Wagner's second over of the day - a rare personal high spot for Wagner, who bore the brunt of England's subsequent batting onslaught with the eye-watering figures of 13-0-110-2, the second-most expensive economy rate in Test history.

Wagner's indefatigability has been a defining feature of New Zealand's World Test Championship-winning teambut this was a beasting like few others. After resuming with an overnight lead of 98, England

clattered a remarkable 158 runs in the morning session, but leaked four wickets in the process - leading the team to apply a relative hand-brake throughout the afternoon, eventually landing their innings on an imposing 374, 20 minutes after the dinner break, like a glider pilot on a bombed-out runway. With the floodlights just kicking in as they did so, it meant New Zealand were faced with batting through the twilight, just as they had done on the first day. Broad made it his mission to ensure that they couldn't.

From the outset of his spell, Broad's length was full going on fuller, with his round-thewicket angle initially straying into the pads of New Zealand's left-handers, particularly Tom Latham, who clipped his second ball through midwicket for four. But England under Ben

Stokes have no interest in the odd leaked boundary - just ask Jasprit Bumrah. Broad's only interest in this passage of play was to keep the stumps in play.

And crikey, how he delivered. With the final ball of his second over, Broad got his angles spot on. Devon Conway, so steadfast in New Zealand's first

innings, drove without due care as the ball kept shaping back in through his defence, rattling the top of middle to depart for 2. In the process, Broad put the seal on his ascent, with James Anderson, to the top of the partnership pile - it was their 1002nd wicket in 15 years as a Test-match pairing, surpassing the mighty Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

And if, throughout their 133 matches in tandem, there's always been the sense that Anderson is the deliverer of relentless excellence, then Broad is the man whose hot spells are the most irresistible. When, five balls later, he claimed New Zealand's kingpin, Kane Williamson, with another wicked seamer, you just knew he was back on one of those rolls.

Patel and India’s lower order fire after Lyons five-for

(ESPNCRICINFO) - India's formidable lower order, led by Axar Patel, again played a crucial role after Nathan Lyon had taken five wickets to turn what looked like being a significant deficit on a tricky Delhi pitch into a one-innings shootout of a Test with Australia holding the advantage of bowling last.

The home side had slipped to 139 for 7, with Lyon doing the majority of the damage in the first two sessions, as Australia's opening-day 263 took on imposing proportions. But Axar and R Ashwin then added 114 for the eighth wicket to leave the difference just one run.

Australia had extended that briskly to 62 by the close. Travis Head, opening in place of the subbed-out David Warner, made

a very punchy start although they lost Usman Khawaja to a brilliant catch at leg slip from a paddle-sweep. However, Marnus Labuschagne signalled his, and Australia's intent, by taking three fours in an over off Ravindra Jadeja.

The game would likely have already gone from India, though, if it wasn't for Axar. He produced a magnificent innings during which some of his off-side strokeplay was the highlight, particularly a flat cover-drive six against Todd Murphy, and it needed a reflex catch at mid-on from Pat Cummins to end things when he was looking to cut loose following the departure of R. Ashwin.

Ashwin had enjoyed milk -

ing his promotion to No. 3 as night-watchman in Nagpur, but neither he nor Axar would look out of place higher up the order.

Ashwin took the role of senior player seriously, constantly encouraging Axar although he did not appear to be having many concerns as he backed up the 84 he made in the first Test.

Things had looked much different for the first half of the day. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul had formed a solid opening stand, but once Australia got their first inroad the game took on another complexion.

Lyon made the opening incision when he trapped the under-pressure Rahul with one which straightened from around

the wicket. He then produced a brilliant piece of bowling to defeat Rohit with a delivery that skidded on into the stumps.

Cheteshwar Pujara had been cheered to the crease in his 100th Test but was unsettled throughout a brief stay before he was trapped lbw for a duck by Lyon with a brave DRS call, instigated by Alex Carey, after Australia had burned their first two reviews very early with poor, speculative requests. They had used them all by the 25th over.

This time the replays showed that the ball had brushed Pujara's front pad first, it was smashing halfway up middle and India were 54 for 3.

leg, the Georgetown Academy Training Center (ATC) and East Coast remain top of the points standings.

Stuart Broad castles Tom Blundell - like three other New Zealand batters on the night before him • AFP/Getty Images

Five talking points for drag wars 1.0

By Stephan Sookram

•‘J-stang’ under new ownership

PROBABLY the hottest news surrounding the race weekend of Drag Wars

1.0 is the recent acquisi -

will be running an all-female class of drag racing. Yup! Only females. And while it’s a step in the right direction for encouraging female participation in the sport, the administration of the class will be closely watched. Still, I’m sure the

Could you ask for better fun?

•The return of the Typhoon

Ask any new comer what the most memorable rivalry of drag racing was and you’d get the run-of-the-mill answer: either Team Mohameds GTR vs The Suriname Chevy Nova or the Team Mohameds GTR vs the Trinidad Rail Car. But any die-hard drag racing fan know the real war happened over a decade ago when an SUV hunted the quickest thing out of GT and almost beat it.

tion of the Toyota J-Z powered Ford Mustang nick named ‘J-stang.’Previously owned by Rondell Daby and acquired late last week by Rameez Mohamed and the B.M. Soat team, the ‘stang’ is no slouch. When the car debuted last year, fans were left awestruck at its ability to stand erectly on its rear wheels for the full length of the launch pad. Even more endearing is the fact that it is a two-decade old Japanese motor producing the torque to keep not only the rev-limiter lively, but the entire front end of the car defying gravity quite effortlessly. Even early last week, team principal Rameez Mohamed showed no inclination that talks were even in place for the acquisition of the crowd-pleasing beast and even downplayed his personal chances. Could his silence ring true to the old Guyanese saying ‘quiet snakes biting hard?” Today will tell.

•Ladies, yes please!

For the first time as far as memory permits, the club

encouragement of female participants in any form of motorsport is a welcome addition to an event often times classed as a ‘man’s sport.’ With the final registration number close to

The year was 2009. The then ‘drag strip’ was a quarter mile shootout between the exit of the ‘goose neck’ down to the club house. Back then, there wasn’t the glossy black finished rubber-laid track with a fully prepped launch pad that people have come to know, no intricate timing system with sensors and mile-per-hour readings nor anyone opting to choose which lane they wanted because it offered an advantage. There were no fancy light countdowns to anticipate

ent could have afforded. Ahh yes, the age of four-bangers; back then, the quarter mile belonged to the Mitsubishi Evolution. There was one in particular that ruled the roost - the HKS monster Evo VII of Rondel Daby. So naturally, it was the fan favorite. And everyone was on its side come drag day. So normally, the finale race would be that Evo against something quick, Raymond ‘Strech’ Ali’s Mitsubishi Evo was the main contender at the time. There was also San-

the end of the strip, fans had learnt never to judge a GMC by its boxy shape. Fitting that the event it made its name at, Drag wars, is the same event it returns to Guyana to participate in, over a decade later.

•A Prancing Horse vs a Raging bull?

Off topic in the world of purpose built drag cars is something a lot of fans will definitely be looking forward to: the exotic battle of Businessman Azrudin Mohamed. His first ‘head-turning’ pur-

ror-free day. Factors like weather and light are obviously beyond the control of those ‘running the day’ but at the same time, organization and having a structured ‘game-plan’ for how events are run off is important. Keeping fans entertained is of paramount importance because for the paying audience, even if it means watching two coins roll down the strip, once its close, its entertainment. Another buck-bearer has

10 according to organisers, it is sure to encourage a larger turnout of females for the next event and only add to the spice on track. Added to that is the fact that organizers will allow these females to enter the ‘timed-bracket’ section of the event if they so desire to test their skills against the males, all in the interest of learning.

or time brackets to abide by. Just the drop of a hand and the man with the most testicular fortitude to keep it on the black stuff. Back then, the strip ruling GTRs of Team Mohameds probably hadn’t rolled off the production line yet and the ‘big-bore’ 2JZ motors that dominate now were just things that came in cars only the afflu-

jay Persaud’s Turbo Charged RX7, or Peter Daby’s RX7. But No. Up rolls this grocery getting, out-of-place looking, aerodynamic nightmare SUV. Now at first, we thought this was a joke; a novelty run. I mean, no way in hell would this mom van SUV run against the fully built, all-wheel drive, 2.0L turbo-charged track monster EVO, right! Oh, but it did. And it gave that EVO the run of its life. Of course the EVO’s all-wheel drive system had it out of the box faster but the GMC Typhoon started eating the tarmac in chase; defying physics laws left and right. Jaws dropped with the agility of which this grocery getting sleeper hunted the fully built, top of the line EVO, and by

chase was that of the Lamborghini SVJ just over two years ago and fans were enthralled to watch it run down the strip, albeit against cars out of its class. This time around, he has a new horse in the stable. That’s right, the Ferrari 448 Pista Spyder is no slouch. With a 2.8 second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 211 miles per hour from its Twin-Turbo 3.9L V8; its sure to be competition for its super-car brother. And whatever the outcome, fans are sure to be grateful to watch these two super-car royalty brands go down the strip.

•Error free day

The Achilles heel of drag racing locally has been the organizers ability or rather inability to pull off an er-

been the timing system which sits at the core of the event, more often than not failing at times one could only akin to ‘murphy’s law.’ Though to be fair, no matter how good a system is, maintenance and often upgrade of equipment is a must. Word is that the club has begun the upgrading of its equipment and must be commended if this is so. Spectator control is also something that leaves a lot to be desired, especially as the sun begins to fall over the strip. How organisers deal with this will be the real litmus test come today and their ability to keep fans entertained and racers happy will determine if the pass grade is A+ or and D-.

Weigh-in completed ahead of tonight’s Patrick Forde memorial fight card

This year's tournament will see pugilists from a total of four nations including Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Lucia and Barbados trading fists for top honours from 19:00hrs at the Nation-

al Gymnasium, on Mandela Avenue.

Initially, Suriname were expected to participate with four boxers but due to the political climate and current curfew in that nation among

other challenges, they were not able to make the trip to Guyana.

Technical Director Terrence Poole, during his address at the weighing-in, announced that this is a good-

will event so there wont be a big issued if a boxer misses his weight marginally, "We will work with what we have."

Meanwhile, promoter Alford Robertson called for

the fighters to do their best.

"I want you guys to go out and put your best foot forward. Hopefully, in the future we can have as many as 10 nations", he posited.

The Ferrari Pista 488 Spyder vs the Lamborghini SVJ would surely be a sight to see. (Virtual Estate 360 photo)

2009 was when the GMC Typhoon burst onto the scene. (GTRidez/Rohindra Mahase photo)

THE weigh-in for the third Patrick Forde Memorial boxing card was conducted last evening at the Mirage Lounge on Albert Street ahead of tonight's anticipated action.

The j stang

Ronnie is back!

Former Guyanese batsman back as Chairman of selectors.

Ramnaresh Sarwan has replaced the Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Ravindranauth Seeram.

Sarwan had earlier signalled to the GCB his intention to once again serve in cricket administration. Consequently, Seeram has been re-assigned to the Cricket Development Unit of the GCB.

This decision was made at the GCB’s Executive

meeting held on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Ramnaresh Sarwan, during his previous tenure as Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee of the GCB, relinquished his role as he was promoted to the Senior Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies.

Sarwan brings with him a wealth of experience having amassed 5842 runs from 87 test matches at an average of 40.01 and a highest score of 291.

In ODIs, Sarwan had also surpassed the 5000run mark, scoring 5804 at

an average of 42.67 and a highest score of 120 not out.

These statistics along with his first-class record of 13405 runs at an average of 38.52 and his stint as National captain and West Indies captain are clearly exceptional.

The GCB expects that Sarwan will continue to build on the positive steps taken during his last tenure as Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee of the GCB.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

Ballerz Empire become first East Bank team to win East Bank/West Bank zone

Ballerz Empire became the new Champions of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Bank/West Demerara leg after getting past favourite, Showstoppers 2-1 last Saturday at the Pouderoyen tarmac.

This victory was thanks to goals from Solomon Austin (first goal) and Samuel Garnett, who netted the winner after Dexroy Adams had equalized for the runner-up.

The win saw Ballerz Em-

pire become the first team from the East Bank zone to win the coveted title. They walked away with $250,000, the championship trophy, and also sealed an automatic berth to the national championship later in the year. On the other, the loser received $150,000 and the runner-up trophy.

In the third place playoff, Jetty Gunners decimated Bagotstown Warriors 4-0 to receive $100,000 and a trophy. Bagotstown walked away with $70,000 and a trophy.

In the Plate final, Poude-

royen Brothers defeated Ramsay Clan 2-0. For their efforts, Pouderoyen Brothers copped $60,000 and a trophy.

In the earlier semifinal round, Ballerz Empire edged Bagotstown Warriors 1-0 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended scoreless. Also, Showstoppers downed Jetty Gunners 3-0. In the earlier Plate semifinal section, Pouderoyen Brothers defeated Team Antisocial 1-0 while Ramsay Clan edged Red Triangle by an identical score.

Jeoff Clement, Guinness Brand Manager, handing over the championship trophy to Ballerz Empire after winning the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ East Bank/West Demerara zone

Arjoon beat Da Silva in longest match of the night

By Sean Devers

FRIDAY night’s action in the GSA’s Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street was entertaining with defending champion, Alex Arjoon, beating the vastly improved Louis Da Silva in the longest match of the night.

Watched by another good turnout, the left-handed Arjoon, who played last year’s tournament with a handicap of 35, began Friday night’s match with a handicap of 28

needing to get 43 points for a win.

Da Silva, a talented junior player, coached by over-35 World Masters Champion, Nicolette Fernandes, reached 10 in the first game as he pushed the experienced Arjoon hard with some good quality drop shots and long rallies but it was Arjoon who won 15-10.

Da Silva continued to impress with good use of the court to put some pressure on his more accomplished opponent who won another 43 points to win the second

game 15-10.

In another entertaining match, Taylor Fernandes, who had to score 21 points to win since her handicap against Deje Dias, was six, won a very competitive match 2-1.

Taylor won the first game 15-14 while a determined Dias fought back to win the second game 13-15 before Fernandes took the deciding game 15-12 to win the match.

In the other matches, Javid Rahaman beat Dennis Dias 15-13, 0-15, 15-13; Justin Ten Pow beat Blake

GSA’s Bounty Farm Mash Handicap Squash Tournament Atlantic Marine Supplies INC Susuki Motor Cycles T20s

Edwards 15-4, 15-11; Noah Rahaman beat Kaylee Lowe 15-10, 15-10; Jnae Singh beat Emily Fung-a-Fat 15-5, 15-6; Rylee Rodridges beat Brenno Da Silva 15-9, 15-6; Malia Maikoo beat Avian Ward 1513, 15-12; Ethan Bulkan beat Zoey Mc Donald 15-13, 1511; and Shiloh Asregado beat Lydia Frazer 15-14, 15-12. Kirsten Gomes beat Lloyd Fung-a-Fat 15-13, 1514; Jonathan Antczak beat Josh Verwey 15-13, 15-9 and Jason Ray Khalil beat his sister, Ashley Khalil.

Andrews, Lyght tons highlights latest round

By Sean Devers

THE Police pair of Lennox Andrews and Andrew Lyght Jnr highlighted the latest round of the GCA’s Atlantic Marine Supplies

INC Susuki Motor Cycles 2nd Division T/20 Competition yesterday.

At the Queen’s College ground, undefeated Police produced a run fiest to beat Agricola by 192 runs.

Andrews joined Lyght at 37-1 when Troy Benn (23) was bowled by Joel Gilkes and they featured in a brutal second wicket stand of 210.

Lyght, the son of the late Guyana and West Indies ‘B’ team opener Andrew Lyght,

slammed 13 fours and four sixes in an explosive 54ball 100 while Andrews’ 116 lasted 55 balls and included eight fours and 10 sixes as Police made 275-3 off 20 overs.

Agricola were bowled out for 83 in 17.2 overs as no batter reached 14.

Dwane Dick followed up his five-wicket haul in the last round with 2-0. He was supported by Vishal Jaigobin (2-29) and Troy Benn (2-28)

At Malteenoes, the host remained unbeaten when they beat DCC by five wickets.

DCC, led by Jadon’s Campbell’s unbeaten 61 decorated with three fours and four sixes from 49 balls

and 29 from Sachin Singh who made 29 with a four and three sixes, reached 128-6 off-20 overs.

Left-arm spinner Trevon France took 2-9 in a frugal 4-over spell for MSC who replied with 133-5 with six balls to spare.

Former Guyana opener Shemroy Barrington made 48 from 29 balls with seven boundaries which included four sixes.

Jamal Norton (32) and Jeremiah Scott (16) were the other MSC batters to reach 15 as Kareem Whitney had 2-19 in a fruitless effort for the Queenstown team.

At Bourda, 4R Lions beat Diplomats by nine wickets.

Diplomats were dismissed for 100 in 18 overs with extras top scoring with 33, while Rayson Gill made 26 as Natron Gill had 3-16, Sanjay Algoo 3-17 and Romeo Deonarain (24) did the damage for the 4R Lions, which included West Indies youth pacer Isai Throne.

Deonarain returned with the bat to stroke an unbeaten 47 while Sachin Balgobin made 34 with three boundaries before he was caught and bowled by Michael McCalmont at 82-1. Rashad Gafur, 13 not out was with Deonarain when victory was achieved at 101-1 in 18.2 overs.

Taylor Fernandes (right) plays a backhand shot off the Glass as she beat Deje Dias on Friday night (Sean Devers photo)

Jadon Cambell cuts during his 61 at MSC yesterday (Sean Devers photo)

Shemroy Barrington helped MSC to a 5-wkt win at Malteenoes yesterday (Sean Devers photo)

Lennox Andrews (left) and Andrew Lyght both scored centuries for police yesterday