Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 19-05-2023

Real Estate Bill expected to be finalised in two months

Guyana draws inspiration from Qatar’s leadership in economic diversification

-President Ali says, urges Guyanese diaspora in Arab nation to invest in local transformation

GUYANA’S Embassy in Doha, Qatar marks a significant milestone in the enhanced bilateral relationship between the two nations, focusing on promoting peace, stability, and sustainability, as well as tackling crucial global challenges, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

While delivering his address at the embassy's recent inauguration, the Head of State highlighted the partnership's key areas of cooperation and expressed gratitude for Qatar's support.

“Qatar has been an example in investing resources to diversify its economy and expand its influence, demonstrating sound leadership,” President Ali remarked.

“We are on a path of converting revenues from the oil and gas sector to advance our economy and make it one of the most competitive globally. Qatar provides a good example for us to learn from,” the President said.

The partnership also extends to the energy sector, where Guyana aims to leverage Qatar's experience to achieve energy security. He acknowledged Guyana's evolution in developing its energy platform while seeking inspiration from Qatar's accomplishments.

He explained that the partnership between the two countries is underpinned by a shared commitment to addressing pressing global issues.

President Ali emphasised the importance of food security, climate security, and energy security for advancing humanity.

“Guyana is leading on the issue of climate change globally,” President Ali proudly announced. “As we discuss climate change and environmental services, those discussions cannot be without Guyana as a main player and stakeholder.”

He added that Guyana, as the first country to deploy large-scale carbon on the international market, holds significant potential for combating climate change.

Recognised as the food basket of the CARICOM region, Guyana's expertise in ensuring food security adds another crucial dimension to the partnership.

President Ali stressed prioritising food security discussions involving Guyana's perspective and contributions.

President Ali expressed gratitude to Qatar for its unwavering support and commitment to establishing the embassy, emphasising that the partnership goes beyond mere words.

“We’re truly grateful and, as a nation, we pray for the continued prosperity and good health of the government, leadership, and the people of Qatar,” he concluded, invoking blessings upon both nations.

The president also thanked Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his support to Guyana.

The embassy inauguration was attended by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, and ambassadors of other countries in the Gulf state.

During his official visit,

President Ali met with the Guyanese diaspora living in Qatar and updated them about Guyana's exciting development drive and its ambitious leadership quest in climate action, energy security, and food security.

He invited the diaspora to become a part of the developmental process.

“We are at a very critical stage of the development of our country and every single Guyanese, whether you are in Qatar or any other part of the world, we want you to be an active participant in this transformation.”

He also shared plans to position Guyana as a glob-

al provider of education and health services. He emphasised the importance of preserving the country's standing forests and implementing measures to protect them.

He highlighted the country's vast arable land for agriculture and the partnerships being forged with neighbouring countries, particularly northern Brazil, to create an energy corridor.

According to President Ali, Guyana is advancing its global reach, and its relationship with Qatar has been bolstered. He said that, very soon, there will be a “great deal of activism”

from the private sector in Qatar in the areas of hospitality, eco-tourism, energy services, and infrastructure. The union will also ta ke part at a government-to-government level.

The inauguration of Guyana's embassy in Doha signifies a new chapter in the partnership between these two countries. With shared values, a commitment to sustainability, and the determination to tackle global challenges, this partnership promises to be a beacon of hope and progress on the world stage.

President Irfaan Ali meeting with Guyanese living in Qatar

PM urges international community to fulfil climate-financing commitments

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Thursday called for international commitments on climate financing to be fulfilled to address disaster risk reduction and resilience building.

The senior government official made the call during a high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the mid-term review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (HLM) in New York.

Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that the meeting is taking place at a critical time for Latin America and the Caribbean, in that it is the second most disaster-prone region in the world.

He noted that climate change is exacerbating the impacts of natural hazards, with rising sea levels and more frequent and intense weather events. In the circumstances, he called for international financing commitments to be fulfilled, including the US$100B that was promised to developing countries to address the impacts of climate change.

The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of increased international cooperation and support to reduce vulnerability to disasters, inter alia going beyond GDP in determining access to concessional financing, which is critical for overall development, including resilience building.

He underscored Guyana’s call for the early

completion of the United Nations Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, and the speedy establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, which will be

critical for objectively determining vulnerability and resilience, and the provision of resources to those most vulnerable and impacted by the effects of

climate change.

In highlighting efforts being made to implement the Sendai Framework, the Prime Minister spoke about Guyana’s policies

to build resilience against disaster risk that form part of Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

He also highlighted the importance of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to further enhance advanced disaster risk management and resilience across the region.

In attendance at the high-level meeting are several CARICOM Ministers, who met in a CARICOM breakfast strategic meeting to discuss, among other things, the region’s main positions and messages.

The meeting was coordinated by the Permanent Mission of Barbados, in collaboration with CDEMA.

Jagdeo raises concerns over GPA ownership, accountability - questions legitimacy

GENERAL Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has raised serious concerns about the Guyana Press Association (GPA) being registered in the name of its president, Nazima Raghubir.

During a press conference on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo revealed that he had believed the GPA to be a legally constituted body, either incorporated under the Companies Act or the Friendly Society Act, and expected it to comply with certain rules.

However, he discovered that there was no corporate body or society registered as the Guyana Press Association, and as such has expressed worry that the organisation being registered under a trade name owned by Nazima could potentially result in her walking away with it, thereby rendering the body non-representative.

According to the registration seen by this publication, the business name is listed as “Guyana Press Association".

Business No.:216005: Status: NEW. The two addresses associated with the registration are a private residence and a business entity.

Dr. Jagdeo also raised questions about the GPA's acceptance of grants from overseas agencies, as it is unclear whose account these funds are deposited into.

He emphasised the need to clarify whether tax returns have been filed under the business name, and whether information regarding membership fees and foreign aid has been disclosed to everyone.

Given that the Association is registered under a private individual's name, he found this arrangement highly unusual.

“This is all in a private person's name; I find this very unusual,” Dr Jagdeo explained.

Recently, Chief Justice Roxane George threw out an application filed by social media commentator Mikhail Rodrigues, better known as ‘The Guyanese Critic’, for processing the membership application.

In her ruling, Justice George said that having perused the GPA’s Constitution, it is not “a corporate or any kind of registered entity that has personality that can sue or be sued.”

Jadgeo said that Rodrigues’ application was

PPP/C General Secretary

Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo (Adrian Narine photo)

misconceived because of this issue.

“I wonder when all of these statements are made on behalf of journalists here, whether the international bodies are aware of the state of affairs of this organisation,” he added.

Following the GPA’s elections last Sunday, the entity has found itself in a deepening crisis, as more accusations of election rigging and a disregard for principles of decency, transparency, accountability, and fairness emerged.

“It’s unbelievable what happened! From what I read, the state of the rigging that took place! Plain and simple. This would never be toler-

ated anywhere in the world. This is something that is shameful,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Neil Marks, a former GPA President and a presidential candidate, expressed his disappointment in an open letter highlighting the absence of a challenger in previous elections, and the lack of transparency in the recent election process.

Marks requested access to a list of eligible voters, but was met with dismissive responses from Raghubir, and the GPA's then Secretary, Svetlana Marshall-Abrams.

Suspicions arose regarding a padded voter list, and selective membership applications, raising doubts about

the integrity of the electoral process. Despite pleas for transparency, the release of the voters' list was rejected. Marks proposed options to ensure fairness, but the GPA executive met his efforts with silence.

During the Annual General Meeting, Marks took photographs of the list, revealing multiple individuals who did not meet the constitutional requirements for GPA membership and voting.

Marks stressed that the GPA elections were rigged, severely damaging the organisation's reputation as a champion of democracy and accountability.

“Under the constitutional

provisions, their jobs make them ineligible for voting under the GPA’s Constitution. With the photos of the list now with me, I quickly could see others who do not qualify: A taxi driver, a farmer, and a handyman. On the list, too, were former editors and media workers who no longer work or contribute to news gathering or dissemination in any way. There were certainly many who recently started working in the media, and did not meet the threeyear requirement to vote.

“So, there is no other way to say it: The GPA elections were rigged,” Marks said.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, with Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett during the High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly

Jagdeo calls out Norton’s ‘ridiculous’ commentary on imported chicken ban

- says 18,000 earn livelihoods in industry, advocates for expansion

GENERAL SECRETARY

of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has called out Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton for his ridiculous commentary on the imported chicken ban and his lack of understanding of the local poultry sector.

On Thursday at his weekly press conference, Dr Jagdeo said that the narrative being peddled by Norton shows that he is not interested in the development of the local industry.

He also disclosed that before the ban, farmers had contacted him and complained about the surge in imported poultry and how it was affecting their livelihoods.

Moreover, the General Secretary said Guyana produces about 140 million pounds of chicken.

“We have about 18,000 people now who earn a livelihood in this industry, so Norton wants to take that away from them to allow the imported chicken to come

in again, or the chicken to be smuggled in to kill the livelihood of all of these farmers and people who are employed in this sector; kill local production,” Dr Jagdeo voiced.

Additionally, he squashed Norton’s baseless presumption that the administration does not have a comprehensive policy and then reflected on the myriad of works being done by the PPP/C to enhance the poultry sector.

Some of these works include granting access to land for five additional large poultry farms, the allowance of hatcheries and everything to

come in duty-free, and all of the poultry inputs and veterinary supplies for the industry being zero-rated.

The General Secretary also said that upon the PPP/C returning to office, they noticed that the local poultry industry was facing a considerable constraint, during the pandemic, for inputs into feed production since there is a lot of corn and soy used.

“So we met with all the poultry farmers, the President convened a meeting. I was there with all the large poultry farmers and we said we have to work together to produce the corn and soy

here,” Dr Jagdeo remarked, adding, "They have started that project. It's growing now and within three years we'd be self-sufficient with corn and soy.”

He said, “We're trying to break down the phytosanitary barriers across the Caribbean. So we can

now have our poultry products go into those markets that are highly regulated, and then also we can open up export markets or industry,” explaining that Norton’s complaint on the ban is trying to destroy the local industry.

PPP/C General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Task Force launched to address social ills in Baramita

THE One Guyana mantra of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is much more than equitable access to opportunities, and improvement of infrastructure, healthcare, and education. It extends far beyond, including the improvement of social welfare, and the eradication of social issues.

The government has heightened its efforts to evaluate social ills, nationwide, and has made significant moves to address them.

As the monitoring of livelihoods continues, specifically in remote areas, the administration has now formulated a high-level task force to address the multiplicity of social issues in Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini).

The announcement was made by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal during a visit with the Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai to the community on Thursday.

“The community of Baramita, some of the burning issues on the social front, the livelihoods, and the existence of the people is of concern to the Government of Guyana. This community has one of the highest suicidal rates in Guyana, and it is of concern to us, so the President [Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali] has set up a ministerial task force that will pay special attention to this community,” Minister Croal stated.

The committee will comprise the Amerindian Affairs Minister; the Minister of Human Services and Social Security

Dr. Vindhya Persaud; Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag; Minister of Education Priya Manickchand; Minister

of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat; and the Housing and Water Minister.

The team will discuss the implementation of educational programmes and agriculture production, as an immediate solution to provide opportunities to the villagers. Healthcare will also be prioritised.

Minister Croal said, “There will be a consolidated area for medical services after school in one cluster, so there will be easier access. So, even when you bring your child to school, you can get medical attention right in the area.”

Meanwhile, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, since 2020, a welfare officer has been employed specifically for Baramita, while

a Community Development Officer (CDO) in the sub-region has been designated to keenly monitor vulnerable communities, including Baramita.

Minister Sukhai noted that the government

will be relentless in its efforts to ensure that social ills are removed from all corners of the

country.

“We are prepared to continue providing the level of support to allow

Baramita to grow with the rest of the country,” Minister Sukhai said.

Residents of Baramita raising their concerns with Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, and Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai

Hydroponics and Climate-Smart Agriculture

GUYANA has committed to reducing CARICOM’s food-import bill by 25 per cent by 2025. Many would call this an arduous task, but this country has vast fertile lands and once held the title, ‘food basket of the Caribbean.’

As it stands, fresh fruits and vegetables (also referred to as “greens”) are readily available in markets and shops. There are instances where the prices are higher than normal, but many uncontrollable factors, including unpredictable weather fuel this.

The Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies have been supporting farmers to help boost their crop production in the wake of those uncontrollable factors, so that the abovementioned target can be met. Land, farming equipment and tools, seeds,

and fertilisers are some of the items farmers have received at no cost to help boost their production.

In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on utilising modern technology. The focus is predominantly on hydroponics and shade houses, which are both climate-smart agriculture techniques.

Hydroponics has been around for some time, but its use is now receiving a stronger push, given that the pros outweigh the cons.

With this type of technology, plants are grown without soil. The roots of the plants are submerged in a water-based nutrient solution, and oftentimes it is paired with aquaculture, where fish waste is converted into plant nutrients by bacteria. Last year, the University of Guyana, at

an exhibition held at the National Library, had this 2-in-1 system on display.

Among the significant benefits of using a hydroponic system are rapid growth, more robust yields, and superior quality crops. Additionally, such a system gives the grower more control, uses fewer chemicals and allows for less water utilisation, continuous production, and most importantly, facilitates the growth of food in any space. Hydroponic systems can be set up in homes, gardens, greenhouses and desert-like places such as Egypt and the Middle East.

In Guyana, hydroponic technology is being used to grow high-value crops such as cauliflower, pak choy, and lettuce. This successful venture is by no means limited to the three mentioned crops.

Spinach, kale, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, can also flourish under these conditions.

In March, the Ministry of Agriculture disclosed that the cultivation of fresh herbs, leafy vegetables, and lettuce will be part of a US$15.7 million hydroponics project being executed at Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara by Israeli company, Karligo Inc.

The use of shade houses has also attracted success. Aside from farmers, the government is working to use this method of crop production to attract youth and schoolchildren.

Within the last two years, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), in collaboration with the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), has constructed 24 shade houses

Corentyne to host largest independence celebrations

Dear Editor,

ON Friday May 26, 2023, the Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee (MJVC), a non-profitable organization on the Corentyne, will mark Guyana’s 57th independence anniversary with the largest celebrations ever seen in Region Six. Last year’s independence celebrations, which were organized and sponsored by the MJVC group, was well attended by residents from across the region, but this year’s celebrations are expected to attract hundreds if not thousands of people in and out of the region, from as far as West Coast Berbice and elsewhere.

With weather permitting, this year’s independence celebrations are expected to attract thousands and will be the only celebration of its kind in East Corentyne. It will be an all-day gala family celebration starting at 7:30 AM with a two-and-a-half-

mile male and female foot race from No. 36 Village to the Eversham Community Centre. Prizes will be awarded to the first three winners. This will be followed by a two-mile road march starting at 11:30 AM from Brighton Village to Epsom Village and then back to the Eversham Primary School, where there will be a day of fun for all, especially for the children who will participate in several cultural, social, and educational activities, including the recital of poems, singing of folk songs, playing of games and dancing to a variety of songs, and an educational quiz competition on the history and geography of the country.

Thousands of children and adults from the Macedonia Joppa district and elsewhere are expected to join the road march under the theme, “UPLIFTING THE PEOPLE AND CELEBRATING ONE GUYANA.” Participants in the road march will be decked out in a daz-

zling array of colourful attire of gold, blue, white, black, yellow, red, and orange, portraying the colours of the Golden Arrowhead, and depicting Guyanese culture, lifestyle, and heritage.

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

For the residents, independence is much more than partying, eating, drinking and dancing in the streets, all of which are part of our culture and heritage; rather, it is a celebration of Guyana becoming an independent

in schools across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven. The involvement of youth is seem as a key element in achieving the 2025 target.

Technical assistance, seeds, seedlings, and tools are made available to ensure the success of the shade houses which help to control the crops’ exposure to harsh or unfavourable climatic conditions.

The Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme which the President conceptualised, Dr Irfaan Ali was one of the first initiatives launched by the government to promote youth involvement in agriculture and has attracted over 100 persons.

The participants have earned over $10 million from selling high-value crops such as broccoli and

cauliflower.

Everyone should consider themselves a farmer as crops can be grown in very small spaces as was outlined above. With government pumping millions of dollars into using climate-smart technology to grow high-quality crops, there is no doubt that the local and regional consumption levels will increase.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a major contributor to a healthy life. By making the necessary resources available and advancing the use of modern technology, the Government of Guyana is showing the Region and the rest of the world that its heart is in the right place, that it is not only serious about food security, but also the future of its population.

nation on May 26, 1966, to manage its own affairs. It was the end of colonial rule and Britain’s domination of our land, people and resources. Independence became a symbol of unity and togetherness and a time for all Guyana near and far to put aside their differences and biases and come together to celebrate as one people, one nation with one destiny. Independence is a true celebration of our diversity, culture, elegance and maturity of the nation and the power and strength of Guyanese in every community. It is a testimony to our enriched social and shared heritage as a nation. The Macedonia Joppa Voluntary Committee invites all in the district and elsewhere to join and participate in the celebration on Friday, May 26, 2023.

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose, MJVC Chair

Ms Vanessa Ross-Albert, MJVC Public Relations Director

I WISH to endorse a letter that was published in the Stabroek News edition of April 17, 2023, with the caption, “Freedom of the press is lopsided in favour of critics of the government,” authored by Dr Randolph Persaud.

The contents of Dr. Persaud’s letter is 100% accurate, because I can attest to this. This is a matter that I contemplated writing about a while ago but opted not to do so. However, since Dr Persaud was spot on, and I can also relate, coupled with the fact that I am in a position to do a comparison, I will now reveal the following.

Like Dr Persaud, my letters are published selectively by Stabroek News, and when they do, often-times about 50%–80% of the contents are rejected. Conversely, I saw a letter by Dr Vincent Adams published in both Stabroek

freedom

News and Kaieteur News.

Interestingly, I also happened to be privy to the original letter submitted, which is 1564 words long, and the SN version, which is 1546 words long. An inconsequential 1% was edited as it has not distorted the author's fundamental argument. Whereas, omitting 80% usually distorts the thrust of the original argument.

In the case of Kaieteur News, they do not publish any of my letters. Yet, they publish criticisms of my articles that appear elsewhere in other writers' print and online media platforms. And they do not even have the decency to allow me to respond to those criticisms. Quite an unethical practice by that particular media house.

Yours sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin Public Policy and Financial Analyst

Bhagwandin supports Dr Persaud’s perspective on press

High Court ruling and its negative impact on Caribbean offshore drilling

Dear Editor,

MY attention was drawn to an article published by “the Guardian” with the caption, “Could Guyana’s Exxon ruling scare big oil off risky exploration?” The article is an interesting read, and the thrust of it is spot on. It is precisely for this reason that the Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, in his press conference following the High Court’s ruling, put forward the following contentions:

That Guyana is playing in the big league now and that the High Court’s ruling will not be without ramifications for Guyana.

Indeed, the ruling will certainly have an adverse impact on current and future investment prospects, as it sends a worrying signal to investors.

That “investors must be assured of predictable policies when they invest in Guyana and reasoned that the recent ruling may be anthetical to that.”

“It’s important that institutions act in a professional manner―because we are attracting large volumes of capital from around the world and what could have passed in the past as some sort of nationalism or economic nationalism will not hold water in the new dispensation.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in a statement noted that the Environmental Act states that an “amount” must be specified.

The Vice-President, as well as this author, has argued that there is no such thing as an “unlimited” guarantee in the industry. I also demonstrated that the GAAP reporting guidelines in respect of guarantees, there is no such provision for an “unlimited guarantee” per se, save and except for the terms and conditions where a guarantee does not include a stated cap, an estimate is nonetheless required reflecting a reasonable estimation of the maximum potential exposure.

And where it is not possible to reasonably estimate

the maximum potential exposure, future performance is expected to be either immaterial or have only a remote chance of occurrence, based on a risk assessment (and the same applies to (f) above).

In addition to the foregoing, I would like to address commentaries by one commentator associated with the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN). In a letter to the media earlier this week, the OGGN author contended that the government should not challenge the High Court’s ruling and should allow ExxonMobil to walk away. Because many other oil companies are waiting for that to happen, in this light, the OGGN network is advocating for the suspension of oil-andgas production, exploration, and development without any concern for the ramifications. In fact, the ramifications have not been acknowledged by the OGGN.

With this in mind, I am inclined to put into perspective, for the readers’ benefit, what those ramifications referred to would effectively translate to and how they would impact the economy, the business sector, and by extension, the Guyanese population.

Let’s start with local content and in-country spending. The annual local content spend is now pegged at US$700 million or G$146.3 billion. This amount represents 19% of the 2023 national budget, 14% of non-oil GDP, and 5% of overall GDP. With the ongoing strengthening of the local content framework and continuous improvement in capacity-building, the local content annual spend is projected to reach US$1 billion or G$200 billion annually. Therefore, any suspension of oil-and-gas activities would immediately translate to a loss of $146b - $200b annually. Further, this would mean that hundreds of companies that collectively employ thousands of Guyanese workers will have to halt operations, thereby placing thousands of ordinary Guyanese workers and professionals on the

breadline.

Further, a cessation of production activities would result in a loss of the annual earnings in profit oil and royalty, approximating about US$1.6 billion, based on current production rates and the prevailing market price for crude. And so, the national budget will revert to its pre-oil levels and all of the capital development projects in infrastructure etc., currently ongoing across the country, partially funded by the oil revenues, will be jeopardized. This situation could result in a loss of income for thousands of households across the country.

Now, to understand the ripple effect on the economy and how this situation will affect household incomes, the business sector and government spending, we can use a conservative multiplier of 2x-- the local content spend plus the annual earnings in profit oil and royalty (US$2.6b X 2 = US$5.2b). The resulting effect is an adverse impact on the economy equivalent to an estimated US$5.2 billion, annually, representing 100% of non-oil GDP (2022), 37% of overall GDP (2022) and 144% of the 2023 national budget. The oil-and-gas value chain employs an estimated 20,000+ persons. Multiplying this across all the other sectors that will be affected, is an estimated 40,000-100,000 (conservatively) families that will be affected, inter alia, a loss of household income.

Then, there is the geopolitical ramification. The OGGN’s proposition to ‘let go of Exxon or forcefully push Exxon out of the country,’ this is precisely the mistake Venezuela made more than a decade ago―that largely contributed to the state that country has now found itself in―from one of the richest countries in the world, to one of the poorest. ExxonMobil and another oil company had taken legal action against the Venezuelan Government for compensation, which resulted in Venezuela being ordered to pay Exxon and joint-venture partner a total sum of US$40

billion in compensation. If the government acts in a manner as the OGGN oil and experts are proposing, Exxon and its Co-Venture partners will be well placed to undertake similar action as it did in the Venezuela case. Bearing in mind that Exxon and its partners have already committed over US$30 billion investment in Guyana already. This sum is equivalent to 2.1 times overall GDP, six times non-oil GDP and 33 times the country’s international reserve held at the Bank of

Guyana.

Altogether, we are looking at a potential US$35 billion or G$7.3 trillion (minimum) in economic costs to the country in a worst-case scenario, if this situation turns out a certain way. Guyana doesn’t have this kind of funds in the bank. The sum total of the country’s international reserves, the funds in the government deposit accounts and the funds in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) represent no more than 6%

of the potential economic costs. In other words, this would be the outcome of the actions by a certain newspaper publisher and others, OGGN included, and if the government is to act in such a manner based on their proposals. Simply put, it will be detrimental, bearing in mind that the hypothetic scenario presented herein is not an exaggeration.

Yours sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin Public Policy and Financial Analyst

17 Opposition MPs fail to submit declarations to Integrity Commission – says Jagdeo

- calls for release of defaulters’ names

SEVENTEEN Members of Parliament (MPs) have failed to submit their declarations to the Integrity Commission, and General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharat Jagdeo, has expressed his concern.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo emphasized that this is the highest number of delinquencies in the past five years. In comparison, he pointed out that during the previous three years under the former APNU+AFC government no declarations were submitted at all.

“We are not here to

defend any public officer who does not submit their returns to the Integrity Commission. That is a law of our country and we fully support the publication of all the names of the people who are in default,” Jagdeo stated.

He explained that based on reports, the 17 individuals who had not submitted their declarations to the commission were not PPP/C Members of Parliament, as all of them had already submitted their documents.

“The 17 must be from the other side,” he remarked, calling on the Opposition to organize themselves and fulfil their obligations.

On February 21, 2021, the previous board of the Integrity Commission reached the end of its term.

Subsequently, a new board consisting of Dr

Opposition MPs

Kim Kyte-Thomas, Mohamed Ispahani Haniff, Hardesh Tewari, and Wayne Bowman, with Chandra Gajraj serving as the Chair of the Commission, was inaugurated

in May 2022. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Office of the President, located on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown, officiated by Prin-

cipal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The Integrity Commission recently issued a warning to public officers who have not submitted their 2022 declarations.

"As of February 2023, the commission has sent out notices to several specified public officers for failure to file their declarations. The next step is that defaulters will have their names published in the local press and the official gazette. If declarations are still not received, the final step would be to seek prosecution of the defaulters," the commission said in a statement.

Last December, the commission extended the submission deadline for declarations by persons in public life.

Women in maritime industry defy stereotypes, excel in leadership roles

By Cindy Parkinson

THE maritime industry was once seen as a male-dominated culture, but now more women are taking on leadership roles and gaining visibility.

In honour of the second International Day for Women in Maritime, which was celebrated on Wednesday, women worldwide, including Guyana, are recognised for their integral roles in the maritime sector. The day, which was celebrated under the theme "Mobilising networks for gender equality," also promoted gender equality and diversity in the marine sector, which has been receiving more attention as a result of the ongoing global scarcity of seafarers.

The day's purpose also stresses the value of networking and co-operation in attaining gender equality in the maritime industry.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, explained that the maritime sector "must be expanded" because of its importance. According to the Minister, most of the goods used by consumers worldwide are moved through

"our" oceans.

Minister Edghill said that "our countries depend upon this, and women in this sector were largely looked upon as the outcast because it was once a man-dominated world. Over the years, we have seen a change because we needed an expanded workforce and we needed to see diverse skills, some of which our women bring to the table by being engaged to provide the relevant services."

The Public Works Minister continued by stating that some of the most senior people in the maritime sector are women here in Guyana. According to him, "the current General Manager of the Transport and Harbor’s Department is a female, Ms. Marcelene Merchant, the director of legal services at MARAD, which is the Defacto deputy director of MARAD, is a woman, Ms. Thandi Mcallister; and the director of ports and harbour is a woman, Ms. Louise Williams."

Minister Edghill said that he can go on and continue to give the names of women who are in the top sectors of the work force that men once ruled. "Traditionally, men would have been occupying these roles, but in

the expanded workforce where women are entitled to equal rights, equal pay, and equal employment, this sector is no different," the Minister related.

According to Minister Edghill, in Guyana, women have been allowed to grow, participate, and have engagement in the maritime sector to the point where they were once more than just cleaners or cooks at the lower levels.

Now, the minister said, they are in management at the top.

As a source of motivation for the women in the maritime sector and all the sectors across Guyana, Minister Edghill said, "We have confidence in you;

you are not a little person because you are a female; you can shine; you can do your best; you can reach for the stars; and you can continue to show your worth. It is not a competition between men and women; it is just a compliment that women can do exactly what men can do in every sector, and we as a government are making way for that. It is no longer a man’s world."

The Public Communication Officer of the Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Public Works, Thalissa McClure, said that the importance of International Day for Women in Maritime means that "we are breaking down structural barriers that limit women from achieving their full potential and knowing that we can participate in all sectors of the maritime industry. It is a proud feeling to know that our contribution is needed and appreciated. It has been and continues to be a challenge for us, but with persistence and dedication, we are making progress."

The communication officer continued by saying that women feel a sense of pride knowing that organisations such as the

Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC), Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), Maritime SheEO,and others are coming on board and are promoting the advancement of women.

Ms. McClure also added that the support they are giving, is helping to push the women forward.

According to her, women in the maritime sector get their

reward from knowing that they can contribute tangibly to the growth and development of the industry.

McClure said, "Knowing that we are or can become role models to young women and girls in society, [we know] that they can see that there are successful female leaders in the maritime sector. They can also see that we, as women, are not limited just to the traditional roles of administration; we can hold our own in many of the other areas of the work field as well."

Finally, McClure said that there are approximately 79 women in the Maritime Administration Department. However, that number does not include the women at the Transport and Harbours Department and those who function offshore.

McClure took the opportunity to wish all the women who work in the maritime sector a "Happy International Day for Women in Maritime." She hopes they continue to inspire little girls and women to be confident and brave and be the best they can be. She also wants them to know they can become anything they put their minds to.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

Public Communication Officer of the Maritime Administration Department and the Ministry of Public Works, Thalissa McClure

State to appeal case against Winston Jordan – Jagdeo says

- cites precedent from higher court

THE State will soon be initiating legal proceedings to appeal the Senior Magistrate's decision to dismiss the case against the former Finance Minister, despite a bind-

ing precedent from a higher court.

This was disclosed by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, during a weekly

press conference on Thursday.

On Tuesday, during the paper committal hearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Daly upheld the argument of

Jordan’s lawyers that their client did not meet the definition of a ‘Public Officer,’ which was a crucial element of the indictment.

It was alleged that, while serving as Finance Minister under the APNU+AFC coalition government, Jordan committed willful misconduct by acting recklessly when he signed the NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order, No. 50 of 2020. NICIL, the government’s holding company, fell under Jordan’s ministerial portfolio.

The substantive matter relates to Jordan transferring and vesting to BK Marine Inc. all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms, and further appurtenances at Mud Lots One and Two, F of Mud Lot Three, A, B and D, being over 2.553 acres.

In that transaction, it was reported that $20,260,276 was paid for a property initially valued at over $5,000,000,000. The selling price was reportedly grossly below the actual value of the assets sold.

The prosecution argued that amounted to abusing the public’s trust without reasonable excuse or justification. Jordan’s lawyers had contested that their client was not a ‘Public Officer’.

However, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor, Neville Jeffers, previously submitted that Chief Justice Roxane George addressed the precedent in the case of Winston Brassington and Dr. Ashni Singh versus the Chief Magistrate.

In that case, Dr. Singh, who was also a finance minister, was considered to be a Public Officer, and Article 232 of the Constitution of Guyana provides that a ‘Public Officer’ means the holder of any public office and includes any person appointed to act in such an office.

Nevertheless, Magistrate Daly, after going through the evidence in the case upheld the lawyer’s submission and found that the state had failed to present sufficient evidence to establish that Jordan met the criteria of a ‘Public Officer.’

She concluded that Jordan’s role was that of a ‘Minister’ and not a ‘Public Officer.’

Jagdeo, however, said that he finds it odd that the Magistrate stayed away from the ruling despite the Chief Justice ruled-in keeping with the constitution- finding that the Minister of Finance is a ‘public officer.’

He added that the two cases are almost identical in both facts and law and clearly, the learned Magistrate erred in law by refusing to follow the decision of the learned Chief Justice.

“…the law courts have to abide by prec-

edent set by higher courts. And so, it seems as-I don't want to say anything that may seem disparaging of any person in the judiciary- but it seems as though there are two sets of criteria on which you judge and that shouldn’t be,” Dr Jagdeo said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall had said that the learned Magistrate predicated her ruling on a finding in law that as Minister of Finance, Mr Jordan was not a Public Officer, an important ingredient in the offence.

“Such an elementary, egregious error” Nandlall said has excited great public concern and might shake the public confidence in the administration of justice.

“For to the public, it appears that there are different standards being applied to different persons by the administration of justice.

Needless to say that by this decision of the Magistrate, this accused walks free after vesting title of a state asset valued at over US $40 million to a private company for which the State received a mere US $100,000; worse yet, this was done months after the government of which he was part, had already lost the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, but remained in government for five months thereafter,” Nandlall had said.

PPP/C General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Suspect in Linden double murder remanded

charged and remanded to prison on Thursday. Semple was charged with the offence of Murder in the course or furtherance of a robbery, contrary to Section 100 1 (c) (i) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01.

He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ester Sam, who read the charge to him.

SHADWIN Semple, one of the alleged suspects in the murder of two Linden men, Johnson Bow-

en and Emmanuel Dos Santos, which occurred at Block 22 Wismar on May 13, 2023, was

The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was subsequently remanded to prison until June 8, 2023.

Albouystown man arrested with $2.5M in ‘weed’

THE Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), on Wednesday, discovered 18 pounds (8.2 kilograms) of cannabis with a street value of approximately GY$2.5 million at 101 Hunter Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

On the said day, CANU Officers conducted an operation at 101 Hunter Street, along with a subsequent search of a shop located at the same address, which led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis and the arrest of a male suspect.

Anthony Oscar Wilson, a 41-year-old of the above address, was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters with the suspected narcotic, which tested positive. Investigations are ongoing.

Shadwin Semple

Guyana LGBTQ coalition launches Pride Festival

By Shamar Meusa

AS the world celebrated International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the Guyana LGBTQ coalition launched its official calendar of events for the Guyana Pride Festival 2023.

At the launch on Wednesday, which was held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence, Managing Director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), Joel Simpson, stated that the festival features several events where LGBTQ people and allies participate in visibility and campaigning activities to raise awareness of the struggles and resilience of LGBTQ+ people in Guyana and the Caribbean.

The Pride Festival is set to kick off on June 1, 2023, and run until June 11, 2023, with daily events planned over that period.

According to Simpson, the 2023 festival is being held under the theme, “Decriminalise Sex Guyana!” which draws attention to the fact that Guyana is now part of a minority of six Caribbean countries that still criminalise same-sex intimacy.

He added, “These laws are a relic of British colonialism and have long been repealed by parliaments in the United Kingdom and The Bahamas, and struck down as unconstitutional by Caribbean courts in independent CARICOM countries, such

as Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, and most recently, Barbados.”

Also speaking during the launch was British High Commissioner Jane Miller, who stated that the United Kingdom is committed to championing these rights worldwide and noted that they would continue to work with partners to encourage tolerance, non-discrimination and changes in policy.

She said, “In our view, everyone, everywhere should be free to love who they love and express themselves without fear or discrimination or violence and pride events matter; it’s a time to celebrate that diversity, it’s a time to recognise that discrimination damages societies and holds back economies, it’s time to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community and have some fun.”

Meanwhile, the festival

opens on June 1 with an interfaith forum, which will be hosted by the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Guyana, followed by a Pride Games Night on June 2.

Subsequently, on June 3, a pride party is set to be held, followed by the first-ever rainbow paintball contest at the Police Sports Club on June 4. Simpson said this event had been added to the Pride calendar in partnership with Kendallz Extreme Sports.

On the evening of June 4, the Pride Film Night will be held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

Additionally, there will be a Rainbow Mixer on June 5, followed by the Pride stage and Open mic on June 6, where attendees will be invited to take the stage and perform to support equal rights for all in Guyana.

Also, part of the line-up, Simpson indicated was SASOD Guyana’s 20th anniversary on June 7, with which a pride symposium will be held to critically examine the state of LGBTQ+ rights in Guyana.

The festival continues with Drag Night on June 8 and the Pride Karaoke. Further, on June 10, the most popular event for the season, the Pride Parade will take revellers on a route around the capital city, followed by the Pride Parade after party.

Simpson noted that the festival then ends on June 11 with the first-ever “Taste the Rainbow” brunch party.

Managing Director, SASOD, Joel Simpson

The Guyana Pride Festival calendar of events

Minister Indar: Enhanced community engagements drive progress, development

THE People's Progressive Party/Civic Administration will always prioritise community development, and Minister Deodat Indar of the Ministry of Public Works has stated that there will be more community engagements this year for the benefit of Guyanese.

He said the government had been increasing the public engagements, as part of its commitment of consulting with citizens, ensuring their quality of life is improved.

The minister was at the time speaking on a virtual programme Wednesday evening.

“The kind of funds that we have now, because of the advent of oil, enable us to do more for communities.

If you come to Guyana and you visit any community you will see that work is happening. What we’ve been doing in 2023 is making sure that the promises that we made in the manifesto are kept. We are going community by community, and meeting with people, which brings significant value in the manner in which you govern,” Minister Indar said.

He also stressed the importance of these community engagements, as they highlight areas in need of attention, allowing the government to promptly address the concerns of citizens.

“You have to be con-

Real Estate Bill expected to be finalised in two months

THE first-of-its-kind Real Estate Bill is expected to be completed in two months and tabled in the National Assembly subsequently, paving the way for the regulation of the local real estate industry.

Consultations are continuing among real estate agents, interested stakeholders, and the government on the draft bill that was circulated over the past few weeks.

ministerial outreach in Mocha/Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, which will see residents benefitting from road upgrades and agricultural interventions.

Similarly, Enmore, East Coast Demerara farmers will soon benefit from farmlands and implements, following an outreach led by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha.

“Consultations will continue and, hopefully, within the next two months, we should be able to complete this important piece of legislation to take to the National Assembly,” Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said during his weekly programme ‘Issues in the News’, Tuesday evening.

The comprehensive legislation is integral to Guyana, as it will regulate the local industry for the first time since the real estate sector has been identified as one of the areas where a regulatory

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

framework is needed.

“A lot of money passes through here and Guyana’s AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism) fiscal structure has been flagged for non-regulation

of this important sector,” he pointed out.

While the bill allows the sector to be as self-regulatory as possible, it incorporates a structure that brings together the government, the private sector, and real estate operators.

“It’s a very comprehensive bill that will deal with qualifications, registration of real estate agents, disciplining real estate agents, and their ethical rules and principles by which they will be bound,” Minister Nandlall added.

The bill will also address the training of persons involved in the industry. Guyana’s AML/CFT framework is slated to undergo its fourth round of mutual evaluation in September 2023 by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and Financial Action Task Force (FTAF).

Enactment of the real estate bill is essential to Guyana’s fourth round of mutual evaluation by the CFATF and FTAF.

stantly in contact with people, you have to visit communities to listen to issues, and we have to solve those issues. So, that is what we have been doing,” Minister Indar underscored.

Several outreaches have been conducted this year, with government officials engaging residents in all corners of the country on issues affecting them, offering on-the-spot and longterm interventions to improve their lives.

Communities around Georgetown, especially, have seen the presence of government officials, which prompted infrastructural works in areas such as East and West Ruimveldt, Tucville, North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt, Lamaha Park, Sophia, Guyhoc, Stevedore Housing Scheme, and Rasville.

Recently, the government conducted a

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar

Expect plenty swag, glitz and glamour at Keisha Edwards’ upcoming gala

By Shaniya Harding

LOCAL designer, Keisha Edwards, through her award-winning fashion brand, Shasha Designs, will be unveiling Moonlight Stories: The Lost City, on June 3 at the Marriott Hotel.

Dubbed the biggest gala and runway show in Guyana, Keisha promises a magical night filled with not only fashion and live entertainment, but also gold, glitter, glasses of wine, giveaways and endless fun.

The Buzz recently sat down with Keisha, who spoke about the upcoming annual event, which has created a lot of excitement in the fashion industry.

“Moonlight Stories will look at if we had a lost city, what it would look like,” she said as she encouraged Guyanese to come out dressed in black and gold to support

Guyanese art and fashion.

A gold carpet instead of the usual red one, persons doing interviews and having their photographs taken and live music are among the new additions this year.

Moonlight Stories is one large collection split into two, and this year, Keisha’s collection will tell the story visually and from a historic point of

view.

“The first part will be visually telling the story of having a unique people, having the invasion and how that invasion has slowly changed how they dress,” she excitedly related.

Moonlight Stories is a stand out show owing to the fact that it is uniquely Guyanese and Caribbean. And although this year’s theme is an old one, it holds a lot of

significance in our modern society.

“It is also the old El Dorado versus the new because we have stories of people coming here for the pursuit of gold and wealth, and now we have oil. Some will argue that that is the new El Dorado,” she explained.

Keisha in pointing out the significance of Moonlight Stories to Guyana said: “It

is Guyanese because we’re telling Guyanese stories, but it is also Caribbean because we share similar colonial pasts, we share people and we share history.”

With an impressive lineup of musical talent, a total of 14 designers including Randy

Madray, House of Pearson, Olympia Eniola Small-Sonaram, Derek Moore, Sidney L Francois, Esther Samuels, Hashim Alli, Dexter Gardener and Roberto Teekah and sculptures done by fine artist Pikenya James, Moonlight Stories will be an exhibition

put on by Guyanese for Guyanese and those foreigners who have eyes for fashion and the arts.

In keeping with the aim of being Guyanese, Keisha sees Moonlight Stories as an event that will benefit the country as a whole.

“Moonlight stories has the potential to diversify Guyana's tourism,” she said.

Apart from the jobs it has supplied and the attention it has drawn to the country’s art and fashion industries, Moonlight Stories also aims to change the narrative and enhance people’s appreciation for Guyanese creatives.

As it relates to her fashion career, Keisha has managed to secure a foothold not only in Guyana but across the region and other parts of the world.

In February 2018, she was among several dozen designers and artisans who participated in the first ever Commonwealth Fashion Exchange programme. Her design was unveiled at a special reception at Buckingham Palace for London Fashion Week.

After completing fashion design studies in Trinidad and Tobago in 2020, Keisha returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. She wanted to not only recreate the atmosphere she had experienced first-hand, but she also wanted to increase exposure and support for Guyanese fashion designers and brands.

In her comments to Buzz she related that initially fashion wasn’t what she thought she would be doing as a career.

Like many who are blinded by public perception, she considered the traditional career paths. However, upon graduating from the University of Guyana, she found it hard to get a job and decided to use her talent as a way of creating a name for herself.

It all worked out, as today, Keisha has made a name for herself and is recognised as one of Guyana’s elite fashion designers. Her work has been displayed in London, the Unites States and St. Vincent.

Guyanese fashion designer, Keisha Edwards

A sneak peek of a piece from Shasha Designs that will be displayed as Moonlight Stories: The Lost City (Photos courtesy of Keisha Edwards)

Pieces from one of Keisha’s collections

This outfit was created as part of the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange Programme in 2018. It was unveiled at a special reception at Buckingham Palace for London Fashion Week and was later displayed in other parts of the country

‘Makantali’ this time around will be nothing like you’ve seen before –Director

Godfrey Naughton

Rupee, Timeka Marshall added to ‘Stinging Nettles’ line-up

EVEN though the story of Makantali has been told and featured in shows several times over the years, veteran actor/director/producer Godfrey Naughton is doing it again – this time, with a little more ‘colour’ to capture the attention of the younger folks.

Naughton, who started acting from his childhood days, about six decades ago, believes that “patience is the key to learning anything” and he’s big on doing all he can to pass on his knowledge and skills to young and upcoming artistes.

“In Makantali… this was a play on old people done before, but I worked out how to get it a little more colourful….our younger generation has a shorter attention span,” he told Buzz in an interview this week as he and his team gear up to put on the show on May 28 at the National Cultural Centre.

It’s actually a treat for the country’s independence celebrations, and Naughton said it will be something that those attending would never have experienced before.

“They can expect something they’ve never seen before; reality like they’ve never seen before. It’s an experience that you can take everywhere with you. This version is very deep and insightful. You would understand things about your country that you never knew existed”, Naughton, who is the director and production designer, expressed. With a cast and crew of about 40 persons, he shared that the make-up and costuming will be extraordinary. Because “it’s a very deep, exotic, spiritual, symbolic, colourful representation of the story,” Naughton said a number of different talents are needed for the show.

Apart from the de-

signs and costumes, though, Naughton said the story aims to send a powerful message to all those who see the show.

“Makantali is one of the stories taken from Guyanese folklore. Makantali was the guy who found enormous gold; he had a knack for finding gold. When a poor person is given riches, they tend to live like how they think rich people live.

“He went out and found gold and started throwing the money around like confetti and, very soon, he was poor. He went to hide in Leonora, and found his way back into the interior. It’s a lesson in false self-worth,” he shared.

The temporary affluence that Makantali developed, and the way in which he and others were affected by his behaviour, will serve as an object lesson for anyone who wants to get wealthy; who throws away their wealth and becomes somebody else after

they get rich.

The show, which will be for about two and a half hours long, starts at 18:00 hours. With rehearsals coming along good so far, Naughton said the show will feature many moving parts.

“We are giving Independence the kind of recognition it deserves, because if we didn’t have Independence, we could not have been a Republic. Independence is a very important thing for me. The Ministry decided to do so much for Independence, so I decided we are going to give them something they haven’t seen for like 30 years. Come early. This is the occasion to dress up, elegantly casual,” Naughton urged.

AS Genesis the Band’s Independence weekend events approach, a few more stars have been added to the line-up for one of the signature shows, ‘Stinging Nettles’.

The concert has become popular over the years with the main headliner being international Soca sensation, Kes the Band.

Added to this, Hits and Jams Entertainment (HJ), the parent company for Genesis the Band, has added Barbadian singer Rupee, famously known for hits such as “Tempted to Touch” to the line-up for this year’s show.

In a press release, HJ stated that the artiste who has Guyanese roots is promising to put on a performance that will “light afire the stage with energy and vibes.”

Additionally Guyanese songstress, Timeka Marshall is also set to perform at the show. HJ noted that her inclusion is a highlight which adds to the already impressive line-up that fans are anticipating.

Meanwhile, Director of HJ, Rawle Ferguson, was quoted as saying, “What better way to usher in Guyana’s 56th Independence than with El Dorado Stinging Nettles. True to its name, Stinging Nettles is an event that is guaranteed to have everyone moving all night. The event is all about celebrating our love for Soca as a people.”

He added that the performances for this show have always been electrifying and this year they plan on making it bigger and better.

The El Dorado Stinging Nettles concert is set for May 25th and will be hosted at the Marriott Parking Lot in Georgetown.

With a cast and crew of about 40 persons, the make-up and costuming are expected to be extraordinary

Timeka Marshall

17 selected as quarter-finalists for Miss Jamzone 2023 — nine will advance to semi-finals

THE highly anticipated Miss Jamzone pageant has returned and 17 delegates are currently in the running for a chance to enter the semi-final round. This was revealed by Hits and Jams Entertainment (HJ) in a press release, on Wednesday, where they

noted that the pageant is expected to take place during the annual Jamzone summer break and promises to be a spectacular event.

It was noted that 17 young women were selected from almost 80 applicants.

The quarter-finalists are Aliya Wong, Ariel Tross,

Ashanti Corlette, Carolann Correia, Clendolita Lashley, Delanna Thomas, Jasmine Callendar, Jelena DaSilva, Judell Price, Laquana Johnson, Rayshana Gillis, Samya Goodman, Shanae Heber, Shania Haynes, Shequana Holder, Tiseena Harry and Trevlind Harry.

when voting closes

Following the official announcement of the quarter-finalists on Monday, HJ opened the polls for fans to vote for their favourite delegate by liking their photo which can be viewed on the Miss Jamzone Pageant Instagram page.

According to the press

release, the delegates with the highest scores will advance to the semi-finals. The announcement of the nine semi-finalists will be made on May 28 at the Genesis the Band’s Soca and Wine event.

The voting for delegates to advance to the semi-finals will close on May 24, 2023.

The 17 Miss Jamzone quarter-finalists

HJ stated that the winner of this year’s competition will be crowned queen and drive away with a brand-new car, while the first and second runnersup will receive cash prizes amounting to over $3 million.

July 5 set for ‘rebirth’ of the Kross Kolor School Show

— 20 Guyanese artistes will be providing entertainment, says Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts

and our own thing.”

Because it’s a school show, the dress code is very specific.

“The idea is for students to come with their school clothes, or games’ clothes. The most we would push is if you come with jeans, you have to wear your school shirt and badge or school jersey,” Roberts explained.

The target audience is usually ages 10 to 18 and this time around, teachers and parents will be allowed in.

THE Kross Kolor School Show will soon be returning after a number of years. The popular show for school children, which was hosted at the ‘Sports Hall’ for 11 years, will feature performances from about 20 of the biggest artistes in Guyana.

The ‘KKR School Show’ started in 2005 with the aim of highlighting the work of the artistes under the Kross Kolor label and it continued successfully on an annual basis until the promoters decided to take a break.

“I like to call it the rebirth of the Kross Kolor School Show,” President of the show committee and events co-ordinator Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts told Buzz this week.

“The aim is to provide entertainment to school children; what they would not be able to experience just because they cannot get to go to certain events,” she informed, adding,

“We tailored the school show for school children while still creating the atmosphere of a show.”

While the event is open to any school across the country, the promoters have found that the majority of children who turned up in the past were from Georgetown, the East Coast and the East Bank of Demerara. This time around, though, children from other out of town areas will be given an opportunity to attend.

“I mentioned it to Berbice this time and they want to bring down two bus-loads,” Roberts shared.

Billed for the National Park in Georgetown on July 5, the ticketed show (prices will be announced later) will feature Guyanese acts only; no foreigners are involved.

“It’s really highlighting whom we have, who’s doing what. We want to create an excitement about our own people

“But you can’t get in without a student. It’s really for school children but we’re allowing it this time; they’re going to be supervised.”

The promoting team is trying to get a diverse group of Guyanese creatives to be a part of the show.

“We have at least 20 of the biggest Guyanese artistes that will be on the show. We’re really trying to make it a big event for Guyanese artistes and for school children,” Roberts shared.

With 11 years of experience hosting the show, the promoters know just what they need to do to make it a success, in terms of the content, rules at the venue, and safety of the children, especially since the show is usually sanctioned by the Ministry of Education.

“We have both the police and private security. For the 11 years, we’ve never had an incident but we understand that the children now are different,” Roberts noted.

Trinidadian soca artiste Destra Garcia will soon drop a new album, ‘Unchained’

She is very excited at the new material and hopes fans will enjoy it.

"It has been a span of three years since the release of my previous album. I am elated to announce the upcoming release of my 16th album, ‘Unchained’, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of my first album, Red, White and Black," she shared.

The artiste in explaining the road to this drop said: "The pandemic caused me to be unable to tour after just dropping my Queendom album, leaving me feeling oppressed and depressed. However, through music and creative expression, I discovered a sense of freedom. With pen to paper and voice to mic, I poured my pent-up emotions into this

Destra

album."

Unchained features Caribbean energy, carnival rhythms, and hypnotic island melodies.

"I had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented individuals in the industry to create this

musical masterpiece. I am proud and delighted to share this work... and I hope that it provides you with the same sense of freedom that I feel. May you too be Unchained," said the queen of bachannal.

(Jamaica Observer)

‘Vanilla’ signs an autograph for a fan

Children as young as 10 could attend the show

Adrian Dutchin with his young fans

“Format and structure of first-class cricket going to be reviewed”

he added.

As stated by Adams, the Headley Weekes Tri-Series was introduced this year, with the West Indies Academy coming out victorious.

“A” team series, home and away, for the next cycle which is about three to four years,” Adams said.

“It’s not something that you can put on

paper and get a signoff immediately, it’s ongoing negotiations with board to find windows where we can see teams or send teams away. Again, we are

CWI Director of cricket

conscious of building up First-Class cricket but the priority is to make sure the standard of it is as high as possible,” he added.

(Sportsmax). Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, fans of regional cricket were used to a first-class season consisting of each team playing ten games in a home and away format.

Since the return of the West Indies Championship in 2021, the format has been changed drastically.

Now, teams play each other only once, significantly reducing the amount of first-class cricket players around the region are getting to play.

CWI director of cricket, Jimmy Adams

RACING TIPS

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is aware of the concerns raised about the amount of first-class cricket being played in the West Indies in comparison to the rest of the world.

“The format and structure of the FirstClass regional tournament is something that is going to be reviewed coming out of this year,” said the former West Indies batsman.

“We do want to play more First-Class cricket but we also made a commitment to try to play as much higher standard first-class cricket as possible, which is the reason behind the Headley/ Weekes concept,”

“We will be reviewing that addition to the season to see if there’s merit in continuing with it. We’re also considering whether we can add more teams to our regional tournament based on the performance of the Academy team in that tournament,” Adams said.

Another solution Adams offered up was the increase in the number of “A” team tours in the future. The West Indies “A” team are currently touring Bangladesh.

“We are conscious of building up more FirstClass cricket. A large part of that is also going to revolve around “A” team tours and we have a commitment from CWI to adding regular

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Race 2 Outkissed

Race 3 Caroline Krystyna

Race 4 Interstatedaydream

Race 5 American Starlet

Race 6 Royal Whisper

Race 7 You Must Chill

Race 8 Johnyz From Albany

Race 9 Train To Artemus

Race 10 MapleLeaf Mel

CWI Director of cricket, Jimmy Adams

CWI announces new travel arrangements for women’s team

(CWI Release)Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday announced a significant change in the travel and accommodation policy for the West Indies Senior Women’s team. With immediate effect, the members of the West Indies Wom-

en’s squad will travel business-class for all long-haul international flights and be accommodated in single rooms for all international assignments, bringing it in line with the policy for West Indies Senior Men’s tours.

These decisions were made at the first CWI Board of Directors meeting following the election of the new President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, in March.

Dr. Shallow said the decision represented more progress for the wom -

en’s game in the region as the organisation continues its investment to ensure further growth and development. Achieving equality in women’s cricket is a key initiative in CWI’s strategic plan, and this new investment will contribute to increasing the appeal of the women’s game. CWI has worked closely with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) to put the new policy in place.

Dr. Shallow said: “On International Women’s Day earlier this year, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley and I, among other things, deliberated over the inequalities in sports. Today, it is pleasing to support champions like Prime Minister Mottley to tilt the scales in levelling the playing field.”

Dr. Shallow added: “The women’s game in international cricket continues to evolve,

and CWI must keep apace and, where possible, lead. Introducing these policies and adding a second female to the board as an independent director are monumental strides in the right direction.”

Wavell Hinds, President and CEO of WIPA said: “We welcome this move by CWI in the quest to achieve greater equality within our work environment among our cricketers. We look forward to achieving similar goals in our ongoing negotiations on the renewal of our MoU for another four-year period.”

As part of the commitment towards achieving equality for Women’s players, a new committee has also been approved by the CWI Board of Directors – the Women's Cricket Transformation Committee. This Committee will act in an advisory capacity to CWI’s Director of

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday May 19, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Mumbai Indians

(2) CSK

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who was voted Man of the Match in the 2015 IPL final?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Tournament in IPL 2015?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Cricket and the wider organisation.

The Committee’s remit will include, but not be limited to, recommending strategies geared towards increasing the interest and participation of women and girls in the sport, as well as proposing cricket competitions, events, and pathways that foster competitive women’s and girls’ cricket.

The West Indies Women will be playing their next international fixtures against Ireland in June and July, with the schedule to be announced shortly. Following this, they will have a tour of Australia in October when they will play three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals.

In recent years, CWI has committed significant resources towards the development of women’s cricket at all levels and especially the High-Performance pathway. CWI has also hosted several skill-specific camps to develop the women’s talent pool and is due to launch the Women’s Academy later this year to ensure the next generation of players have a world-class system in place to aid their professional development on and off the field.

Bust of boxer Mike Parris unveiled on Merriman Mall

will be overlooking another outstanding servant of Guyana’s sports, cricketer Shiv Chanderpaul.

GNOA resident, Harry, who competed in track events in the 1996 Olympics, said the Association plans to do similar events to hon -

our outstanding Guyanese sprinters James Wren-Gilkes, June Griffith and Jennifer Innis, while congratulating Parris for winning Guyana’s only Olympic medal.

Harry also praised Sankies for his role in yesterday’s event and informed that he (Sankies)

died a day after the ceremony was confirmed. Parris, who asked for a minute’s silence in memory of the late Sankies, spoke of the hard work he put in on his path to success and encouraged young boxers to do the same.

By Sean Devers

Michael Anthony Parris, Guyana’s only Olympic Medallist, was yesterday honoured having a monument unveiled at the Merriman Mall at the junction of North Road, Church Street and New Garden Street.

The bust, made by Keith Agard, was unveiled by Parris himself who won Bronze at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and is the only pugilist from the English-speaking Caribbean to win an Olympic medal.

With the 65-year-old Parris to share the moment with the diminutive boxer was his family, officials from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), National Sports Commission (NSC), Government of Guyana and several school children.

This was the first ever event staged by Nation-

al Olympians Association of Guyana, which was founded in 2021 and was the brainchild of its late president, Jeffery Sankies, who passed away last February. Sankies represented British Guiana in Judo at the 1956 Olympics.

The Bust, which is the only one of its kind for boxing in the Caribbean, is a fitting monument for Parris who beat Nureni Gbadamosi (Nigeria), Fayez Zaghloul (Syria) and Daniel Zaragoza (Mexico) before losing 0-5 in the semi-final to Juan Hernandez (Cuba).

The master of Ceremonies was GDF lieutenant, former swimmer and General Secretary of the GNOA, Britney Van Lang, while Director of Sport and president of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, member of the NSC and the GOA and president of the GTTA, Godfery Munroe, GNOA President Andrew Harry

and Parris himself also made speeches.

Ninvalle told the fairly small gathering, which included GOA’s former President K. Juman Yassin and others, that Parris’ feat 43 years was a rare one, especially for boxing in the Caribbean.

“The NSC has started something to honour the Champ and we [will] complete it this year. I am sure that Keevin Allicock will join Mr Parris in getting a medal for Guyana,” posited Ninvalle.

“On behalf of the government, the Sports Ministry and the NSC, I say congratulations to Mr Parris and his family, especially his wife who has played a big role in his achievements,” continued the Director of Sportswho was once a boxing reporter.

Ninvalle added that it was fitting where the location was for the ‘Mike Parris Bust’ since Parris

Parris (4th from left) and his family in front the Bust honouring him (Sean Devers photo)

BFA Namilco ‘Flour Power’ under-17 football —

Rosignol unbeaten after three rounds

THE Berbice Football Association’s (BFA) Namilco under-17 football league continued last weekend with round three action at the Scott School ground, New Amsterdam, where Rosignol Secondary racked up their third win in as many matches to go top of the points standings.

Rosignol continued their dominance in the league with a 4-1 drubbing of Corriverton Links. The winners had four different players etching their name in the scoresheet: Tyrone Delph (48th), Quacy Fraser (58th), Luke Langevine (63rd) and Winton Hartman (76th). Mhichah Gordin scored the consolation for Corriverton Links.

A total of three games were played on Saturday with Ithaca FC making light work of Hopetown Rangers 3-0 and Cougars FC playing

to an exciting 3-3 draw with New Amsterdam United FC in the other two games. On the scoresheet for Cougars in the thrilling

draw were David Fraser (16th), Tyrese Tim (65th) and Sayeed King (90th). For N.A. United, it was Kymani Spellen (68th) and a brace from Hakeem Hosannah in the 78th and 87th minutes that accounted for the three goals.

Play continues today at the Scott School ground from 14:00hrs with another triple header. In the opening match, Paradise Invaders will match skills with Corriverton Links. Game two will pit Ithaca FC against New Amsterdam United at 16:00hrs while the feature game that kicks off at 18:00hrs will see Cougars FC battling with league leaders, Rosignol.

Sparta Boss, Bent St ready for OneGuyana Futsal final

FANS are in for the fight between two of the best street football teams when Bent Street and Sparta Boss collide for the finals of the One-Guyana Futsal Championship.

The two captains met at a press conference yesterday with not much love lost, especially with $1M dollars, courtesy of KFC Guyana, up for grabs in Saturday night’s final at the national park.

Akel Clarke, captain of Bent Street, and Curtez Kellman, captain of Sparta Boss, both members of the country's National team, the Golden Jaguars, are looking forward to the highly anticipated match.

Despite their camaraderie off the court, the two captains will put their friendship aside to focus on winning the Mohamed's Enterprise trophy and the coveted first-place prize.

Kellman acknowledges that while Sparta Boss emerged victorious in their previous meeting in the finals of the GFF/Kashif and Shanghai Futsal championship at the Cliff Anderson

Sports Hall, Bent Street's attacking prowess, led by Daniel Wilson, Sheldon Holder and Clive Nobrega, cannot be underestimated.

On the other hand, Clarke believes that Bent Street's exceptional goalkeeping and attacking skill set displayed throughout the tournament will lead them to victory.

With Jermaine Junor, Kellman, and Ryan Hackett leading the scoring for Sparta Boss, it remains to be seen

who will come out on top in this exciting final.

Nazar Mohamed, owner of Mohamed's Enterprise and a long-time friend of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, expressed his excitement for the final and reiterated his support for the One-Guyana Futsal tournament.

Apart from the grand prize of $1 million, the second-placed team will receive $500,000, while the third

PPP/C Linden One-Guyana $1M Beach Football…

Good Fellas impress with 5-1 drubbing of V Side

and fourth-placed finishers will take home $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.

While the focus is on the thrilling futsal action, fans can also look forward to entertainment options.

Jamaican DJ and dancehall artiste, Noah Power, will headline a range of local acts expected to entertain the crowd when the curtains come down on the final.

Good Fellas hammered V Side 5-1 on day two of the People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C)

Linden One-Guyana

$1M Beach Football tournament which continued outside the party’s ground in Industrial Area in Linden on Wednesday.

On a night when there was also a bonus female exhibition game, Good Fellas showed their class, demonstrating fine techniques in the shorter format to dispose of V Side.

Akel Plass was on target twice, with the other goals coming from Tyler Lyte, Dwayne James and Salmon Austin.

The only strike for V Side came from Joel Allicock.

YMCA got a walkover win as Pacesetters failed to show in the first scheduled game.

Golden Star then took to the field and scored a 1-0 victory against Star Boys as Kenneth James netted

that lone goal of the game.

R9 advanced via the walkover route as Back Street Ballers did not turn up for their match.

Ballers Empire then took care of Shooters who failed to hit the target as Jamal Haynes nudged in the only goal of that game for Ballers Empire.

Blueberry Hill then outscored One Side with a 4-1 victory for which the scorers’ names were not available.

In the lone female encounter of the night, Speightland whipped the Nurse unit as National Under-20 football player, Sheneesa Cornelius led the way with a hat-trick of goals.

There were double strikes each by Tenacia Williams and Alia Venture.

The competition continues on Sunday with more preliminary round matches at the tournament venue in Mackenzie, Linden.

Rosignol goal scorers rom L-R, Luke Langevine, Tyrone Delph, Quacy Fraser and Winton Hartman

Mohamed’s Enterprise reassures of commitment to next tournament

Captains square off! Akel Clarke (L) Captain of Bent Street, and Sparta Boss’ captain, Curtez Kellman with the One Guyana Futsal championship trophy

Action in the PPP/C Linden OneGuyana $1M Beach Football between Good Fellas (on the ball) and V Side

Return of the Scorpion Boxing Card… Jackman siblings confident ahead of Sunday’s bouts

By Sean Devers

THE Jackman siblings, Alisha and Abiola, attended the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi, India, where they both said they gained tremendous exposure and experience.

However, their journey was a brief one with both losing their opening-round bouts.

On the first day, 20-yearold Abiola, the older of the two, went down against India's Nippur Sheoran in the heavyweight division (+81kg).

The 18-year-old Alesha (63kg) lost on the second day against Uzbekistan's Khadichabonu Abdullaeva when the fight was stopped in the second round.

The sisters became the first female boxers from Guyana to gain rankings from the International Boxing Association (IBA).

In the latest ranking list by IBA, Abiola is now ranked 27th in the world in the Elite Women 81 and over Kg (heavyweight division) while Alesha is ranked number 58th in the Elite Women’s 60-63 KG (junior welterweight division).

After returning from India, Alesha competed in the Champion of Champions tournament in St. Lucia while Abiola fought in Barbados where she beat her opponent.

Come Sunday at the National Gymnasium, on Mandela Avenue, Alisha will match gloves with Jamaican Britney Mc Farlane while Abiola, who, like her sister, hails from East Ruimveldt, will face Trinidadian Lee Ann Boodram in an International bouts.

“I fought Britney in 2019 in Trinidad, so I know her. She is a very good fighter and so am I. I plan to go out there and put my best foot forward and win the fight,” stated Alisha.

Alisha and her older sister, Abiola, are members of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) where they are both coached by Sebert Blake, the coach of Olympian Keevin Allicock.

“Turning Professional later in my career, all depends on my achievements as an Amateur… then I would think about moving on and…it all depends on my coach, Sebert Blake, because he play a big in our lives, not only in boxing but in our personal lives also,” stated Alisha.

“Well, where I grow up in Warlock, people think it’s a bad place but you don’t let where you come from define who you are or what you can become in life.

“I got into boxing because we had a cousin that used to box and coach who came by us to pick up our cousin and I told him that when I finish writing Common Entrance exams I want to join the Gym. When I finished my exams I did so and that’s how I got involved in the sport,” Alisha recounted.

Alesha, who won gold at the Ronald Wilson Memorial Tournament in Barbados and also won gold at the Caribbean Championships, played football and was a track athlete but realised that she loved boxing more than those other sports.

Abiola said that she learnt a lot from her sojourn

in India and added that the trip inspired her to come back and work harder. She has lost some weight and is aiming to be at 74kg.

“I gained a lot experience and confidence from my trip to India. I need a lot more sparring sessions with people in my weight category so that I can improve," informed Abiola, who took up the sport in 2016 after seeing her younger sister going to the gym.

She is confident that she will beat her Trinidad opponent on Sunday night.

“She is a good boxer; we went to the Women’s World Boxing Championships in India and I saw her fight at the Patrick Ford Championships, so I know what to expect from her. She is good but I intend to put on a good performance,” stated Abiola, who also played football and did track in primary school after being inspired by her sister to do the same.

“Anything my sister do, I would follow, and that’s how I got interested in boxing. I saw Alisha training and told coach I was coming back. In two weeks, I had joined the Gym and since then I am in boxing” explained Abiola, who informed that she trains in the mornings before doing ring work from 15:00hrs in the afternoon with Coach Blake.

West Indies A vs Bangladesh

A Jair McAllister on fire as West Indies in driver’s seat

CMC – Pace bowling prospect, Jair McAllister, defied half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Jaker Ali to end with career-best figures and enable West Indies “A” to take a healthy first innings lead against hosts Bangladesh “A” in the first “Test” on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Barbados Pride pacer bagged five for 60 from 15 overs, and the Bangladeshis were bowled out for 264 in their first innings about half an hour before the rescheduled close on the third day of the four-day, first-class match, conceding a lead of 163.

McAllister, playing in only his seventh firstclass match in only his first season at that level, disregarded the docile nature of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium pitch and worked over the home team’s batting with aggression, good control, and movement to put his side in a position to fight for a win on the final day.

The Caribbean side met resistance along the way from Saif, whose 95 at better than a run-a-ball, was the top score; Ali supported with 64 not out, Bangladesh “A” captain Afif Hossain made 45, and opener Zakir Khan got 30.

West Indies “A” enforced the follow on, and Zakir, not out on nought, and fellow opener Shadman Islam, not out on five, returned later, batted through two overs before stumps were drawn, and took the home team to five without loss in their second innings.

This all unfolded after the visitors briefly extended their first innings at the start of the day and declared on 427 for seven,

after their captain Joshua Da Silva fell to off-spinner Nayeem Hasan for 77, leaving Kevin Sinclair not out on 53.

West Indies “A” got an early breakthrough when Bangladesh “A” started their reply, and Pride and Test left-arm pacer Raymon Reifer got Shadman caught at third slip for three in his fourth over, but enterprising batting from Saif and Zakir enabled the hosts to reach 53 for one at lunch.

Akeem Jordan, another Pride pacer, got Khan caught behind for 30 in the second over after the interval, and McAllister started to make his presence felt in the next over when he got Test batsman Mahmudul Hasan Joy caught at second slip for two, and the hosts stumbled to 68 for three.

For the next hour, West Indies “A” came under siege when Afif came to the crease and, with Saif, dictated terms to put on 101 for the fourth wicket in a hurry.

When Da Silva introduced Gudakesh Motie for the first time, Afif greeted the Test left-arm spinner with aggression, slamming three fours and one six from an expensive first over.

Da Silva persisted with Motie, and Afif and Saif each took a six off an expensive third over from the Guyana Harpy Eagles spinner that cost 13 in a period where the scoring rate was better than seven runs an over.

Reifer ended the fun when he got Afif caught at cover off the leading edge, and this precipitated a good spell for the Caribbean side, and they reduced Bangladesh “A” to 190 for six at tea.

Da Silva brought back McAllister for another burst before the break, and the pacer held a return catch to dismiss Saif five short of an eighth first-class hundred in an innings that lasted a little over two hours and included 14 fours and two sixes from only 71 balls. Four overs later, McAllister got Nayeem caught at slip for four in the final act before tea.

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force leg-spinner Yannic Cariah tightened the grip of West Indies “A” in the third over after the break when he got Rishad Hossain caught at wide mid-off for two, but Rahman Rejaur Raja joined Ali and spent the next hour and a quarter putting on 41 for the eighth wicket.

McAllister was brought back for a third spell, and he struck in his third over when he bowled Rahman for 11, and got Ripon Mondol caught at mid-off four overs later for a duck.

Jordan brought the innings to a close when tail-ender Mushfik Hasan fended away a short ball and was caught at slip for a duck.

Reifer ended with two for 44 from 10 overs, and Jordan took two for 53 from 14.4 overs.

West Indies “A” arrived last Thursday in Bangladesh to play a series of three “Tests” – at the SICS – under Da Silva. The other two matches start on May 23 and May 30.

The series reciprocates the Bangladesh “A” Tour of the Caribbean last August, when the teams drew a series of two “Tests”, and three One-day, 50 overs-a-side matches.

From left: Abiola; GBA president, Steve Ninvalle, Coach Blake and Alisha before leaving for India

One-Guyana Futsal tournament organisers and two finalists, Bent Street and Sparta Boss, along with Mohamed’s Enterprise proprietor, Nazar Mohamed

From left: Godfrey Munroe, Parris, Andrew Harry, Steve Ninvalle, Karen Pilgrim & Keevin Alicock (Sean Devers photo)