–– with Wales water treatment plant
Goomatie, a vendor and resident of Patentia shared She washes, cooks and cleans without hesitation
At Wales the plant can be upscaled to treat 9.5 million litres of water, and in quality
US files complaint over smuggled aircraft it says benefitted Venezuela’s
Maduro
Caribbean
leaders seek clarity as US mulls sweeping travel bans
HERE are the words of former Prime Minister of Trinidad less than a day after he demitted office:
“What really rots my gut is that I have to also swallow that the highest court of this land is in London at the Privy Council and if you have to go to the Privy Council, you have to go there by way of some arrangements they make for you. Do you really feel independent? Where your highest court is in a foreign country …. We should get out of the Privy Council and get to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Trinidad and Tobago must complete its independence and get the hell out of the Privy Council”
Could you have any respect for a leader who made those words of Monday, March 17, 2025? You should
not. And he does not deserve even an ounce of admiration.
Here is why. Keith Rowley was Prime Minister of Trinidad for nine and a half years. And guess when Rowley discovered that Trinidad’s highest court is in the UK? – the day before he demitted office.
But there is more to know about Rowley that will rivet your soul. Guess what was the issue Rowley was ranting about when he denounced the Privy Council (PC)? The new travel restriction imposed by the UK on Trinidad – visa requirement. The logical and commonsensical question to ask is if there was no visa requirement would Rowley have discovered that the PC in the UK is Trinidad’s highest court.
I am going to be rude and say to you that you are a fool if you believe that Rowley
would have gravitated towards the CCJ if the visa restriction was not there. Why did Rowley not move out of the PC two years after he became PM? Five years after he became PM? Nine years after he became PM even though the head office of the CCJ is in Port-of-Spain? The answer is commonsensical. Rowley did not see the need to come out of the PC because he accepted that state of affairs.
Rowley has invited insults on himself by his sudden acceptance of the CCJ because people will ridicule him and ask why he didn’t pull out of the PC when he was PM for nine years. So the question is: does Rowley expect the new PM to do what he, Rowley, did not want to do for nine years?
Will the new PM, Mr. Stuart Young, pull out of the PC? The answer is no. The
main elites in the two major parties in Jamaica and Trinidad respectively, do not want their countries to come out of the PC. This is a remnant of the colonial mentality among the middle class in power in Caribbean society since Independence.
At the psychic level, the Caribbean middle class (with Guyana as an exception), believes that the British judges are of higher quality that their Caribbean counterparts. That is the answer for the retention of the PC. It is a serious colonial left-over in the country, Jamaica that gave us reggae and Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey, and Trinidad that gave us the steel pan, calypso and carnival.
How ironic, there is an image of Rowley back-balling during a carnival road march. He was Prime Minister then; he was participating
in an indigenous artistry that Trinidad gave the world. But after his bacchanalian abandonment was over, he went back to his office and didn’t recall that Trinidad’s highest court was outside of Trinidad and inside the former colonial power.
There are still some Eastern Caribbean islands within CARICOM that are happy with the PC. Now that Trinidad’s outgoing PM had made a huge noise against the PC, will CARICOM see a wave of movement towards the CCJ? It may happen if Trinidad and Jamaica go in that direction. If they don’t, then those islands will remain within the CCJ.
It is quite a sad reflection on the failure of 60 years of Independence in the CARICOM family. But what is tragic is something Rowley mentioned when he was de-
nouncing the PC. I quote him again: “If you think they have come around to treating us like equals, you have another thought coming, many of them still believe we are substandard. We are still inferior and they should treat us how they want to treat us.”
Poor Keith Rowley, he didn’t know this when he refused to accept the Russian COVID-19 vaccine for Trinidad because he thinks it was inferior to the American vaccine. We in Guyana took the Russian vaccine. My family took it and it saved our lives. Goodbye, Mr. Rowley, I hope I never hear about you again.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
as Public Works Ministry awards 42 contracts
Scenes from the protest
Volda Lawrence
Clairmont Mingo
Carol Smith-Joseph
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty
Roxanne Myers Rosalinda Rasul
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, recently met with an executive team from the Wilson Centre to explore opportunities for collaboration between Guyana and the renowned US-based think tank.
The discussion focused on key areas such as food and climate security, tourism, and financial technologies.
The meeting, led by Dr. Benjamin Gedan, the Director of the Latin America Programme at the Wilson Centre, also saw the participation of several high-ranking government officials.
Senior Minister within the Office of the President for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd; and Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, were all present for the talks.
The Wilson Centre, located in Washington, D.C., is a respected nonpartisan policy forum and research institution. It is dedicated to addressing global challenges through dialogue between scholars and policymakers, with a focus on fostering solutions to complex interna-
tional issues.
The discussions are expected to pave the way for deeper co-operation between Guyana and the Wilson Centre in areas that are vital to the country’s sustainable development.
Last December, Dr. Ali, who has been Guyana’s voice
on the international stage for this and other crucial issues, was awarded by Wilson Centre’s Latin America Programme for his efforts in environmental and biodiversity sustainability as well as climate action.
Guyana has been a vocal advocate for the estab-
lishment of a global market mechanism to enhance the value of carbon credits, and leverage them as a significant revenue source.
This call is rooted in the country’s proactive efforts to monetise its vast forest resources, which serve as vital carbon sinks, while
promoting sustainable development and combating climate change.
At international fora like COP28, Guyana had urged world leaders to advance discussions on Article Six of the Paris Agreement, which pertains to market mechanisms for carbon trading.
A robust global framework could stabilise carbon credit prices and incentivise greater participation from both buyers and sellers. This has been a recurring call by Guyana at different fora across the world.
Guyana is being guided by its Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which is an expanded and renewed framework for the country’s sustainable development through the year 2030. This strategy builds upon the original LCDS launched in 2009.
Nandkishore Rup Jnr, called ‘Niron,’ will be spending the next two years in jail after being found guilty of extortion
BENEFICIARIES of individuals who were eligible for the $100,000 cash grant but passed away before receiving the funds can now claim the grant on behalf of the deceased.
In a move to ensure that the deceased registrants' estates receive the assistance, eligible beneficiaries or executors can collect the funds without needing letters of administration or probate, as long as they meet specific documentation requirements, the Government of Guyana said in an advisory on Tuesday.
CLAIM PROCESS FOR INTESTATE BENEFICIARIES
For registrants who died without leaving a will (intestate), the surviving spouse, children, or other heirs are qualified to receive the grant. The process requires the following documents:
deceased registrant:Card or Passport) of the deceased registrant and of the person seeking to receive the cash grant on behalf of the estate of the deceased;son is a surviving spouse, evidence establishing the relationship with the deceased registrant, e.g. a marriage certificate or other evidence to support a common-law union, as the case may be; and
person is a child of the deceased or other heir on intestacy, evidence establishing the relationship with the deceased registrant e.g. birth certificate.
GRANT DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS AND DATES
The cash grants will be available for collection at various locations:villages
• National Gymnasium in Georgetown, beginning Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The distribution exercise will run until March 31, 2025, with locations open to the public from 9:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Malcolm Watkins (seated at the contract in the presence of IDB’s Country Representative, Lorena Solor-
(Delano Williams photo)
–– Minister Hamilton emphasises sector’s role in economic growth, job creation
Elford Liverpool, Mark Ram, and Eric Stoll from the University of Guyana at the Buxton Foreshore assisting in the rescue of a stranded whale
Over 300 house lots allocated at Hogstye, Moleson Creek
241 land titles, 20 steel & cement vouchers issued as gov’t expands homeownership access
AFTER years of anticipation, over 300 Berbicians can now celebrate as they receive their lands at Moleson Creek (Phases I and II) and Hogstye Housing Schemes in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Christopher Asregadoo praised the government’s efforts to expand homeownership opportunities and expressed his excitement at finally securing his land during the distribution exercise on Tuesday at the University of Guyana’s Berbice Campus, Tain.
“I applied three times. Now that I got through, I am quite happy about it. I am paying rent. It’s hard to pay rent. Because people are on your case to come out of their place,” Asregadoo told the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Another beneficiary, Mohan Samaro applied for a plot of land four years ago and plans to use a portion of it for cattle rearing and crop cultivation.
“I feel excellent knowing that I have my own land. I will have more space for my wife and four children,” he added.
Samlall Rabindranauth and his wife have been waiting for their lands since 2017.
“We feel very happy now that we finally got our own land. It is something I’ve always wanted to accomplish. As a man, you need your own place. It’s a feeling of accomplishment [for us because] we have a nineyear-old and another [child] on the way,” he said. This is a proud moment for Renata Johnson, who now has the opportunity to provide a secure future for
TURN TO PAGE 19
FROM PAGE 18
her three children.
“And this is what I’ve wanted for a long time. I am living at my great grandmother [house] at the moment. I am filled with gratitude since I got through with this so fast,” the young mother expressed.
Father of five, Shimwell Sinclair, expressed his excitement about starting construction on his home.
With the recent signing of contracts, infrastructure work will soon commence at Moleson Creek and Hogstye, allowing allottees to access their lands.
In October 2024, the first 1,000 house lots were allocated at Moleson Creek Housing Development Phases I and II.
Minister Croal noted that Moleson Creek is poised to become a hub for future de-
He explained, “I am feeling happy because I applied 8 eight years ago. I left my work today to come here today to get my land. I feel great to get my land [since] I am renting.”
Some 241 land titles and 20 steel and cement vouchers were also distributed during the housing drive.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who led the housing drive, highlighted the government’s $15.3 billion investment in infrastructure development at several housing schemes in the region, including No. 75 and 76, Palmyra, Fort Ordnance, and Williamsburg/ Hampshire.
constructing homes in the region, with 200 low-income housing units completed at Fort Ordnance and Williams-
burg/Hampshire. The first batch of 100 three-bedroom houses is also underway at Palmyra.
Since taking office, the government has prioritised homeownership opportunities nationwide, allocating
over 43,200 house lots to Guyanese families across various income brackets. (DPI)
velopment due to its strategic location near the planned bridge connecting Guyana and Suriname. This, he added, will unlock numerous opportunities in the region.
These housing developments form part of the government’s broader strategy to address housing demand, with the region currently having approximately 6,000 pending applications.
The minister assured the gathering that the government remains committed to acquiring more land for housing development despite competing interests from other sectors.
In addition to land allocations, the government is
On Monday March 17, the Guyana team met with the Governor of the State of Roraima, Antonio Denarium, to exchange views on areas of interest of both sides and explore possible areas of cooperation
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand
A preview of Project Map (Delano Williams photos)
FROM PAGE 24
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during his outreach in Charity, Essequibo Coast
Government expands Hinterland Programme to improve lives
Technology Sprint Competition 2025
(1) Marcus Stoinis-124* (LSG vs CSK) (2) Sandeep Sharma-5/18 (RR vs MI)
(1) How many centuries were recorded in IPL 2024? (2) How many -wickethaulswereclaimed?
FM Drayton wins 2025 National Rapid Chess Championships
FIDE Master Anthony Drayton easily edged out his opponents last Saturday, March 15th, 2025, at the Exhibition Centre of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre to win the Banks DIH ICEE Soft Drinks-sponsored National Rapid Chess Championship title.
Drayton, Guyana’s only FIDE Master, played unbeaten in the nine-round exhilarating Swiss format competition to secure first place with 8.5 points with his only draw against National Junior Champion Ricardo Narine.
Almost forty chess players of all ages competed for a chance to win in the Open division with a time control of 15 minutes plus 5-second increments after each move per player.
Nineteen-year-old Narine, no stranger to the podium in rapid chess, earned the second spot with 7 points after losing to Aravinda Singh in the second round. Narine bounced back with continuous victories and two draws with Sachin Pitamber and the tournament champion.
Candidate Master Taffin Khan placed third with 6.5
points after drawing with Keron Sandiford and losing his matches with Saeed Ali and Drayton.
Sandiford also gained 6.5 points, earning him the fifth-place prize.
A free month’s member-
Ali, a chess player for many years, came in fourth with 6.5 points. His losses came against Drayton and young CM Sachin Pitamber and a draw with Singh.
ship at the Pegasus Chess Club was awarded to CM Loris Nathoo and Leslie Campbell, who each gained 6 points to place sixth and seventh, and to Aravinda
Singh, who finished eighth with 5.5 points.
Notable performances in the tournament came from Pitamber, Kyle Couchman, and Krishna Singh, who finished the tournament with 5.5 points each.
FIDE Arbiter and Technical Manager John Lee conducted the FIDE-rated tournament and was instrumental in producing the live feed for the top twelve boards.
Cash prizes amounting to $185,000 were distributed to the top five players. President of the Guyana Chess Federation Anand Raghunauth was on hand to present the cash prizes and trophy, compliments of Banks DIH ICEE Soft Drinks. Raghunauth expressed gratitude to BANKS DIH I-CEE Soft Drinks for their generous support and the Guyana Pegasus Hotel for graciously providing the tournament venue.
The National Women’s Chess Championships, commencing on March 22nd, 2025, will see the top nine qualifiers compete against WCM Jessica Callender for the 2025 Women’s title.
Harpy Eagles remain in the lead of CWI Championships
CMC – AS the West Indies Championship heads into a two-week break, defending champions, Guyana Harpy Eagles, still sit on the top of the table following the completion of the fifth round of matches last week.
The unbeaten Harpy Eagles romped to a dominant 10-wicket victory over the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the last round to register their fourth win and move to 102.6 points.
Not far behind in second are the also unbeaten Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on 101 points.
The Red Force cut into the Harpy Eagles’ lead after demolishing the Barbados Pride by an innings and 56 runs inside two days.
In third position are the Leeward Islands Hurricanes on 79.6 points, who leapfrogged the Pride by crushing the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) by 373 runs
to claim their third win of the competition.
Despite their demoralising loss to the Red Force, the Pride still remain in the hunt for a playoff position and are fourth on 78 points.
The Jamaica Scorpions
boosted their chances of finishing in the top four with a much-needed win over the West Indies Academy and currently lie in fifth position on 59.8 points, while the Volcanoes occupy the sixth spot on 45.8 points.
Both the CCC and the WI Academy are yet to win a game, and sit in seventh and eighth respectively on 26.6 points and 25 points.
Following the break, the sixth round of matches resume on April 2.
THE Guyana Police Force Officers whipped the Presidential Guards by 48 runs as the Annual Commissioner of Police T20 cup took place yesterday at Police Sports Club ground.
Winning the toss, the boys in blue, under the stewardship of Deputy Commander Ravindradat Budhram, opted to bat first and posted 142/9 in their 20 overs.
Kemol Savory scored a run a ball 25 at the top of the order with 34 from Stephan Harris and 23 from Ivor Trotz getting the GPF to the final total.
Three wickets for Gavin Jagnarine (12 runs, 2 overs) and two from Mark Jeffers (31 runs, 4 overs) along with single strikes from Karim Naughton and Riyad Lattif lead the bowling attack.
In response, the Presidential Guards fell 48 runs short at 94 all out in 16.2 overs.
27 from Jeffers, Keston Harcourt’s 18, 15 extras and Jagnarine’s 14 were the top scores.
Harris returned overs for six runs with two wickets while Trevor Benn and Troy Benn also had two wickets each.
There was one apiece for Trotz, Gravesande, and Savory.
FIDE Master Anthony Drayton (left) collects his trophy
The Guyana Harpy Eagles remain at the top of the West Indies Championship table
Maloney Pacers set sights on FIBA 3x3 World Tour qualifiers in Guyana
THE Maloney Pacers, one of the most experienced squads in the Caribbean, will represent Trinidad and Tobago at the One Guyana 3x3 tournament, where they will be among 20 teams from 16 countries competing for a chance to qualify for the FIBA 3x3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada.
Trinidad and Tobago’s top-ranked 3x3 player, Tyrese Fields, will join forces with history-makers Moriba De Freitas, Chike Augustine, and Ahkeel Boyd at the tournament, set for April 5–6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Maloney Pacers will face fierce competition in Guyana from teams representing Ecuador, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, the USA, the Cayman Islands, Grenada, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and Suriname.
The One Guyana 3x3 Quest marks the first time
First Lady hands out over $500,000 in sports gear to Reliance Hustlers Sports Club
FIRST Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, continued to champion youth and community development with her recent donation of over $500,000 in sports gear to the Reliance Hustlers Sports Club from the Essequibo Coast.
The official handover took place on Saturday last at State House in Anna Regina, Region Two, where representatives of the club received the equipment.
The donation included a range of essential cricket gear such as bats, batting pads, helmets, gloves, and balls. These items will significantly enhance the club’s training programme, providing young athletes with the necessary resources to develop their skills and excel in the sport.
During the handing over, Mrs. Ali reiterated the importance of investing in community sports teams, emphasising that such initiatives play a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals, fostering discipline, and instilling teamwork among youth.
She noted that sports not only contribute to individual physical and mental well-being but also serve as a catalyst for community and national development by uniting people and creating opportunities for young talents to thrive.
Representatives of the Reliance Hustlers Sports Club expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting that it will go a long way in supporting their sports programme for youth development.
They noted that access to quality sports equipment will enable aspiring young cricketers to train more effectively and participate in competitive tournaments with the correct gears.
The First Lady’s ongoing commitment to youth and sports development aligns with national efforts to promote grassroots participation in athletics, recognising sports as a tool for empowerment and positive social change.
RIYADLatif, thepromisingleg-spinningall-rounder, isafreshfaceamongthe GuyanaRainforestRangers’ sevenprotectedplayers fortheinauguralWestIndiesBreakoutT20League.
The17-year-oldLatif’sselectionadherestothe league’smandatethateach franchisemustincludea leg-spinner, emphasisingthe importanceofthisskillsetin theT20format.
CricketWestIndies (CWI) confirmedtheprotectedlistsforallsixfranchises onTuesday, outliningthe rulesgoverningtheselection process. Eachteamcould protectsevenplayers, witha maximumofthreebetween 27and29.
Theremainingseven squadmembers, all26or younger, willbechosenin theupcomingdraft.
TheRangers’ protected listalsofeaturesNialSmith (29), KemolSavory (28), RonaldoAlimohamed (26), KevinSinclair (25), andAshmeadNedd (24).
TheBreakoutT20 League, designedtoshowcaseemergingCaribbean talent, willrunfromApril25 toMay10, 2025, withall17
matchesplayedattheBrian LaraCricketAcademyin Trinidad.
Tomaintaintheleague’s focusondevelopingyoung cricketers, playersmusthave limitedprofessionalexperience: fewerthan40ListA T20matchesandfewerthan 10internationalT20s.
Theleaguefeaturesteams representingthesixCWI territorialboards: Barbados Pelicans, GuyanaRainforest
--20 teams from 16 countries registered for One Guyana 3x3 Quest
an English-speaking Caribbean nation is hosting a 3x3 Quest event with World Tour implications.
With some of the world’s best 3x3 talent heading to Guyana, the Trinidadian ballers are no strangers to this level of competition.
De Freitas, Augustine, and Boyd made history at the 2023 Pan American Games where they finished third place to pick up the first-ever podium finish by an English-speaking Caribbean team since 3x3 was added to the Pan Am Games in 2019.
While Fields wasn’t part of that historic run in Santiago, Chile, his 3x3 resume speaks for itself. He joined Augustine, Boyd, and De Freitas at the Central American and Caribbean Games, showcasing their chemistry on the court.
The quartet has also represented Trinidad and Tobago at the FIBA AmeriCup 3x3 in 2022, 2023, and 2024, among other notableinternational tournaments.
Their fourth-place finish at the 2022 AmeriCup in Miami set another milestone, making them the first English-speaking Caribbean team to crack the top four at the tournament.
Ranked as Trinidad and Tobago’s top four 3x3 players, they are key members of Maloney Pacers, a club led by legendary coach Christopher Jackson.
Coach Jackson praised the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) for organising a much-needed event in the region.
He’s eager to see his team match up against familiar foes from Central America, having battled many of them in past tournaments.
Confident in his squad’s ability, Jackson believes Maloney Pacers have what it takes to book their ticket to their first-ever FIBA 3x3 World Tour; an achievement that would be monumental for Trinidad and Tobago.
Rangers, JamaicaTitans, LeewardIslandsThunder, Trinidad & TobagoLegions, andWindwardIslandsInfernos.
Eachteamisaffiliated withaCaribbeanPremier League (CPL) franchise, whichprovidesapathwayfor playerstoprogressintheir
hamed (26), KevinSinclair (25), andAshmeadNedd (24), RiyadLatif (17) Trinidad & TobagoLegions: KamilPooran (28,) AmirJangoo (27), JydGoolie (27), CrystianThurton (24), NavinBidassie (24), Mikkel Govia (23), JoshuaJames (23).
LeewardIslandsThunder: JeremiahLouis (28), KeacyCarty(27), KofiJames (27), KarimaGore (26), MikyleLouis (24), Jewel Andrew (18), MicahMcKenzie (18).
WindwardIslandsInfernos: DarelCyrus (28), ShadrackDescarte (27), ShamarSpringer (27), Alick Athanaze (26), DillonDouglas (26), TeddyBishop (22), AckeemAuguste (21).
BarbadosPelicans: LenikoBoucher (27), Kadeem Alleyne (24), JoshuaBishop (24), NyeemYoung (24), ShaqkereParris (21), KevinWickham (21), Zishan Motara (18).
careers.
GuyanaRainforestRangers:NialSmith (29), Kemol Savory (28), RonaldoAlimo-
JamaicaTitans: DeethmarAnderson (29), Leroy Lugg (28), RamaalLewis (28), JeavorRoyal (26), KirkMcKenzie (24), Jordan Johnson (19), Tamarie Redwood (18).
Promising leg-spinner Riyad Latif (PHOTO: News Room)
(L-R) Tyrese Fields, Chike Augustine, Ahkeel Boyd, and Moriba DeFreitas at FIBA AmeriCup 2024 in Puerto Rico
National Schools Secondary School Championship well received by athletes
THE newly-elected executive of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., at his office on Tuesday.
The Minister pledged the government’s full support to the new body and wished them the best in their endeavours.
Noting that the government believes Track and Field can deliver the country’s next Olympic medal, Ramson Jr. indicated they are more than willing to make “sensible investments” in a bid to turn dreams into reality.
they had to be elected, they maintain that vigour throughout the execution of their duties.
Sheryl Hermonstine, the new AAG President, said they are already pooling resources to devise plans to move the sport forward.
The other elected officials are Mark Scott (First Vice President), Mayfield Taylor-Trim (Second Vice President), Dwayne Carter (Treasurer), and Niall Stanton (Assistant Treasurer).
Minor issues can be resolved
– Nicholas Fraser
AFTER more than six decades, a reformatted National Schools Track and Field Championship, featuring only secondary schools and only fifteen events at a time more suited to student athlete’s growth and development and preparation for the CARIFTA games was held here.
The ‘nationals’ which was traditionally held in November and December, was moved to March to be more aligned with the regional and international athletics calendar.
One of the key figures behind the shift, head of the Unit of Allied Arts, Nicholas Fraser, said that while they pulled off the event, they recognised
some areas for improvement.
“There were a number of instances where we had to ensure everybody understood exactly what the format of the meet was. I think they were some teething problems. We had some issues in terms of communication and understanding of the new format, but generally it was well received and we will definitely be looking towards improving in the years to come.”
Fraser was adamant that while it was a major change, it was a technical decision that was necessary in the interest of the sport and the results were evident.
‘We had a number of qualifying times and distances made at nationals… We had one particular athlete that didn’t qualify otherwise but
qualified during the school’s championship, the others were already qualified, so in terms of that objective, the programme that the schools have to put these athlete through in order for them to peak at the right time of the year in terms of that objective we did very well.”
He said that the challenge remains with the timeliness of results which will make the meet more transparent and is something that still needs attention along with some minor teething issues in the organisation at the regional level but believes the schools have bought into the new format by and large.
“The mindset is not a bit different from the level
of the children, student athletes as well as the teachers and all other sports administrators along the way, who are trying to ensure we get the best national team.”
This year’s three-day championship held at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium saw, for the first time, schools winning instead of districts.
President College emerged as the top school after grabbing 257 points with Mackenzie High School second with 253 points and Christianburg Wismar Secondary school third with 197 points.
Fourth place went to St. Ignatius Secondary (129 points), and Mahaicony Secondary School (100 points) for fifth.
Guyana’s lone Olympic medal, a bronze, came in at 1980 Russia Games, from bantamweight boxer Michael Parris.
He further challenged the AAG that through their various programmes they raise Guyana’s Track and Field to higher heights with an increased presence at regional and international competitions, and to see more junior athletes are in a position to secure scholarships.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvallle and President of the Guyana Olympic Association, Godfrey Munroe, echoed the words of the Minister and asked that the same passion
The Committee Members are Dr. Ariane Mangar, Thelson Williams, Tyrone Smith, Osafo Dos Santos, and Towanna McCalmon.
The new executive also appointed James Cole as General Secretary and Kenisha Headley as the Assistant General Secretary.
Hermonstine noted that the immediate focus will be on preparing the team for the CARIFTA Games from April 19-21 in Trinidad and Tobago.
On March 22 and 23, they will hold their final trials before finalising the squad on March 24.
The government will again play a lead role in financing the team for the Caribbean’s premier junior track and field event.
Club basketball outfits
Bounty Colts and the Guyana Defense Force played well to come out on top when they battled in the One Guyana Basketball Premier League on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Former club basketball powerhouses Bounty Colts battled against Plaisance Guardians.
Charles Williams led Colts with 17 points as they took a 13-11 point lead in the first quarter which they extended to 32-28 at the break.
Guardians skipper Trenton Woolford was their best scorer with 15 buckets with 12 from Joel McPhoy and 11 from Kwame Fox but they could put
up a good enough challenge. They trailed at the end of the third 44-41 before losing by 13 points 57-54. Meanwhile the Guyana Defense Force had superb shooting night from Ronaldo Rowe who dropped 30 points as they overwhelmed Black Caiman 76-43.
Troy Glasgow also chipped in with 12 points as he dominated the offensive black board.
GDF led 16-14 in the first period and made it 34-23 at half before having a monster third period where they outscored Caiman 51-34 to take a runaway lead.
Quivon Bourne played some good minutes for caiman
to end with 24 points with 16 from Ronald Kisson and 15 from Akeem Miggins.
However Caiman combined effort proved not enough as GDF’s Ronaldo Niles and Raffon Griffith scored 11 points each making all the difference as they took the three point victory.
The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, and National Sports Commission.
The League is set to conclude in May and features 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country battling for bragging rights, top dollars and the coveted trophy.
Skylar Charles won both the 100m and 200m races in the U-20 category
Colts Dexter Walcott scoring for his team
Head of the Unit of Allied Arts, Nicholas Fraser
First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, poses