Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 21-04-2024

‘We cannot limit ourselves’

- President Ali says local content participation, enhancement extend beyond Guyana’s shores

- Guyanese should have capacity to be competitive anywhere in the world

First Son raises $6M for animal welfare

‘We can’t rely on this City Council’ – VP Jagdeo

CHI performs first successful valve-replacement surgery in Guyana

Appeal of ruling in GTU case will not hinder commitment to teachers - gov’t affirms

First Lady Arya Ali and her two sons, Zayd and Ilan, hand over a cheque for $1M to the representative of Fureva Hope Alive Animal Rescue Sanctuary after yesterday’s lemonade sale

‘We cannot limit ourselves’

- President Ali says local content participation, enhancement extend beyond Guyana’s shores

- Guyanese should have capacity to be competitive anywhere in the world

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has urged Guyanese not to look at local content as a way of accelerating their growth in the local economy alone, but also in the region and beyond.

With Guyana’s transition, Dr Ali said it requires an “all hands on deck” approach.

While delivering his feature address at the second annual Local Content Summit at the Pegasus Suites

and Corporate Centre last Tuesday, the President underscored that the nation’s transition requires a change in “our” mindset and repositioning for growth.

“Because if we believe local content is about achieving local things or participating only in the local economy, then we will be, limiting ourselves and our growth,” he said, while highlighting that local content is aimed

at building local capacity to compete anywhere else in the world while positioning local companies to be number one in the region.

"But how do we position every sector to be number one?" the Head of State asked hypothetically.

With Local Content, Dr Ali stated that this paves the way for this goal while bolstering local growth and development to meet regional

A section of the gathering at the Local Content Summit

and international needs.

Dr Ali put forth the stance that he does not hold the view that any discussion on local content should be around what the local opportunities are, but instead how the country moves forward with what it has now.

“When you look at, 2024, and compare the period between 2022 and 2024, you will see that there was a 20 per cent increase in value through local participation that came to local companies. That is an increase of US$84 million in 2024,” he said.

According to him, it is estimated that 6,000 jobs were created as a result of the Local Content legislation. On December 31, 2021, the Government of Guyana passed the Local Content Act 2021.

Subsequently, it published several related guidelines that were designed to maximise the participation of Guyanese companies wherever they have the skills and capacity to get involved, beginning with services such as office space rental, janitorial services, laundry and catering services, pest control services, insurance services, supply of food and accounting services and extending through long-term

involvement in highly skilled subsectors like subsea installation, geophysical analysis and engineering.

President Ali noted, “To build capacity, it requires us to change our model. So, there are a number of things that go hand in hand with building out capacity, scale modelling, value creation, those are things that go hand in hand.”

But how does Guyana ensure that it has value creation?

Dr Ali stated that this can be done through business modelling and through the scale at which “we” operate and build capacity.

“When we started on this local content journey, we realised that the scale of what was required was so

large, that no single company or capital formation could match the scale of what was required. But slowly we saw companies coming together. We saw consortiums being built,” the Head of State said.

While noting that the scale of operation is changing, he said that Guyana has to ensure that its business model is also reflecting that change in scale.

“And this is where summits like these and seminars like these are important because [they] allow a level of networking that allows you to bring capital together, to bring human assets together, to integrate companies and to build the scale that is required to address the opportunities ahead of us,” he stated.

‘We can’t rely on this City Council’ – VP Jagdeo

VICE President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has committed to the residents of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, that the government will work with them to improve their community given its current state which is largely due to the neglect of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-led Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

The Vice President, during a community outreach last Tuesday, highlighted the deplorable state of Sophia and other communities that are under the control of the APNU-led M&CC.

While underscoring that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has a clear plan to fully develop the country, Jagdeo noted that residents also have to step up to the task.

The Vice President took note of the canal between Cummings Lodge and the University of Guyana that is swamped with vegetation. “We can’t rely on the city council for anything...” he said.

new pumps, we're building a pump at Liliendaal that would drain south Georgetown and places like Sophia, doubling the pumping capacity in the rainy season,” he noted.

“We’re now fixing all the roads, we put in stoplights, we are fixing the recreational [facilities]. They [APNU-led M&CC] only collect taxes and spend the taxes; they don't even collect the garbage now. So we can’t rely on this city council,” Dr Jagdeo added.

and re-strategise the M&CC into an institution that caters for the needs of the people.

During an impromptu community outreach in Kitty, Georgetown, dozens of residents flocked to President Ali to inform him of the deplorable state of the area.

what we have to look at, how do we ensure that the institution of the City Council is rebuilt, restructured and reorganised, re-strategised, realigned, to the needs of the people.”

the APNU-controlled City council countless times and it is now up to the people to decide.

Dr Ali also pointed to how engaged the PPP/C Councillors are with the citizens.

“...APNU has controlled the city forever from independence to now, they run the city...When you run the city, you're supposed to fix roads, collect the garbage, deal with the drainage [and] you have to manage the market. That's your responsibility,” Dr Jagdeo said.

However, City Hall has placed their responsibilities on the shoulders of central government.

“We have taken over; we built a garbage dump site for nearly $15 million for the City Council. We are putting in

Although the PPP/C now has 11 councillors on the M&CC, the capital city is still controlled by APNU.

“...I want a project to start. I see heaps of garbage, heaps of earth, everything else; if the community is going to look better, we have to keep it maintained and clean too. But we wouldn't get the city council to work with us on that. So we might as well do it ourselves. But it depends also on the residents here; you have to also work with us to ensure that this happens. If the initial investment is made to clear the place, then you maintain it,” the Vice President told the residents.

Earlier this year, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, said that an analysis needs to be done on how to rebuild, restructure,

President Ali remarked: “One thing about good countries and democracy is that when people fail you, the institutions never fail you and we [need to] build our institutions in such a way that the institutions never fail.”

He added: “And that is

“I hope that they [APNU Councillors] take an example from the work that our councillors are doing and work the way they’re working,” the Head of State underscored.

He further said that he has expressed his views on

“…When we went to the Local Government Elections, we explained the consequences of not having good leadership, so this is in the hands of people. Sometimes we have to stop speaking and let the work continue… I hope people are seeing…,” President Ali said while adding that he is hoping that Guyanese have opened their eyes and recognise the reality.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Residents of Sophia raise their concerns during a meeting with Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Scores flock women entrepreneurs’ exhibition to celebrate innovation, empowerment

SCORES of persons flocked the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Saturday for the We LIFT 4 (Women Empowerment - Leading, Innovating, Flourishing Together) exhibition, which is a demonstration of innovation and empowerment.

The event, which concludes today, highlights the unique talents and initiatives led by women entrepreneurs from various industries and backgrounds.

From start-ups to established businesses, the expo provided an exciting opportunity for female entrepreneurs to network, promote their

goods, and share their stories of resilience and success.

With over 250 women-owned businesses represented, attendees were treated to a diverse range of offerings, including art, crafts, construction, design, decor, beauty enhancement, catering, agro-processing, and much more.

While delivering remarks at Saturday’s opening, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, hailed the event as a resounding success, emphasising that WE LIFT continues to expand every year. She said that WE LIFT holds a significant place in her heart

as it is her brainchild. According to her, the event was inaugurated four years ago at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), welcoming 75 businesswomen initially.

She pledged that her ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to offering opportunities that empower women.

“At the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, we continue to lift women up, to celebrate them, to engage them, to invest in them and to empower them.

“It is important to influence and inspire generations of women everyday so that they can see their own selfworth, their potential. And not leave it there but utilise it in the many ways you are seeing it unfold this [Saturday] afternoon in such a

creative way,” said Minister Persaud.

She highlighted that initiatives like We LIFT have a tangible impact on the lives of women, helping them recognise their role as beacons of inspiration and influence for their daughters and the next generation of women. While offering advice to the numerous entrepreneurs, Dr. Persaud encouraged them to "think outside the box" in their endeavours, stressing the importance of creative packaging and marketing their products. She said: “They need to be marketed well, they need to be creatively presented and they need to be in such a way, that they are on par with anything on the international market. That’s what I see for you.” Moreover, attendees were

treated to interactive demonstrations and discussions, providing valuable insights into the creative processes behind these innovative ventures.

In addition to showcasing products and services, the exhibition also served as a forum for thought-provoking discussions on topics ranging from leadership

and mentorship to overcoming challenges in business. Panels comprised of industry experts and successful entrepreneurs offered invaluable advice and inspiration to aspiring businesswomen in attendance.

Admission to WE LIFT 4 is free and gates open from 14:00 hours to 20:00 hours.

Scores of people at ‘We Lift’ 4

THE decomposing body of a gold miner, who was reported missing by family members, was fished out from the Essequibo River at around 17:50 hours on Friday. Dead is Exley Boyal, a 40-year-old from Batavia Village, Cuyuni River.

Body of missing gold miner fished out of Essequibo River Motorcyclists die in accident; pillion rider critically injured

travelling from Bartica to Burn Bush, Essequibo River.

On the aforementioned date at around 10:45 hours, a boat captain from Falmouth Essequibo River called the Bartica Police Station and reported that he saw a small wooden boat called "Balla-

Police Headquarters said that examinations were done on his body by a crime scene technician and no marks of violence were seen.

However, a 'blood-like' substance was seen oozing from his nostrils. Boyal’s body was then taken to the Bartica Hospital’s mortuary for storage as it awaits a post-mortem examination.

According to reports, the miner went missing on Thursday last between 8:30 hours and 10:45 hours while

hoo" with a 15 hp Yamaha outboard engine drifting in the vicinity of Byderabo, Essequibo River.

He also stated that the engine was on, but no one was in the boat.

The scene was visited by a police rank, and the said boat was seen. The boat was then searched, and a ZTE Cellular phone and four five-gallon pails were found. Thereafter, the boat was taken to the Bartica Police Station, where it was

lodged. A telephone number for the wife of the deceased was obtained, and she was contacted shortly after by the police and told of the discovery.

The woman confirmed that Boyal was her husband and identified the boat as their property.

She told the police that on April 18 at 8:30 hours, she, along with her husband and a 59-year-old chainsaw operator from Batavia Village, travelled to Bartica.

She further disclosed that she disembarked at Bartica Market, while her husband and the chainsaw operator proceeded to Burn Bush, Essequibo River.

The 59-year-old man was contacted and questioned by police ranks. He indicated that after Boyal's wife disembarked at Bartica Market, he and her husband went to Sherry's Saw Mill at Burn Bush Essequibo River. But before proceeding there, he said they stopped at Dass's Liquor Store at First Avenue, Bartica, purchased half a bottle of High Wine and started imbibing.

He stated that he and Boyal arrived safely at Sherry' Saw Mill, and after a while, Boyal left Burn Bush, to return to Bartica in the boat. Investigations are ongoing.

Dead:

TWO young motorcyclists lost their lives in a tragic head-on collision that occurred on Friday night at Williamsburg Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Police have identified the deceased as 21-yearold Vekash Tulsi of Lot 90 South First Street Letter Kenny, Corentyne, Berbice and Rondy Emmanuel, 22, a labourer, of Lot 167 Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice.

Investigations revealed that Tulsi was riding his motorcycle, CM 2969 while Rondy was riding motorcycle CM 50, which is owned by Mark Emmanuel. Tulsi was proceeding west while Rondy

was proceeding east, both allegedly at a fast rate of speed.

Rondy lost control of the motorcycle and ended up south into the path of the other motorcycle, resulting in a headon collision. As a result, both motorcyclists and the pillion rider, Veeram Seecharran, who was on Rondy’s motorcycle, fell onto the roadway.

All of them received injuries on their bodies and were picked up in an unconscious state and

rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where Tulsi was pronounced dead on arrival.

Rondy succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Seecharran was treated for a fractured skull and transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was further examined and admitted as a patient. His condition is regarded as critical.

Investigations are continuing.

Exley Boyal’s boat

Rondy Emmanuel

Dead: Vekash Tulsi

False and baseless

MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Oneidge Waldron has debunked allegations made by IDPADA-G of discrimination against the Afro-Guyanese segment of our population. The Minister made those remarks during an address to the Third Session of the Permanent Forum on Peoples of African descent in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to Minister Waldron who led the Guyana delegation to the Forum, such allegations are not only false but baseless.

Minister Waldron must be commended for the calm and spirited manner in which she defended the current PPP/C administration against the unfounded

allegations of discriminatory practices against Afro-Guyanese.

No one can deny the fact that historically, Africans were the victims of all manner of victimisation and marginalisation. This was especially so during the period of slavery when our African brothers and sisters were subjected to some of the worst forms of discrimination and indignity. The horrors of the Slave Trade and the wholesale uprooting of Africans from their ancestral lands to provide free labour in the plantations have been well documented in the writings of several historians and writers. We have, however, come a long way since those sordid years. In

our case, the influence of the planter class waned significantly since the emergence of nationalist leaders such as Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and Dr. Cheddi Jagan, both of whom championed the cause of the poor and the marginalised.

Indeed, in a real sense, it was the formation of the first mass-based poltical party, the People's Progressive Party (PPP) under the leadership of Dr. Jagan, Forbes Burnham and Janet Jagan that broke the back of colonial rule and fostered a heightened sense of nationalism and identity.

The PPP from its very inception as a political party embraced a policy of inclusivity. It had and

continues to have in its leadership persons of all ethnic groups and religious persuasions. Indeed, it is fair to say that the PPP/C is today the largest multi-ethnic party in Guyana having both its leadership and its membership of people of all races. Policies and programmes of the administration are reflective of our diversity and there is no privileged group as is being argued by the political opposition. There is no discrimination in terms of access to economic or social goods.

This is why it is so important to guard against those who may seek to exploit historical injustices of the past to promote their own agendas. The UN Forum does provide a

voice to every individual and group but such voices must be based on the truth and objective realities.

As noted by Minister Oneidge, “As the Government of Guyana, our truth is that we reject entirely as false and baseless the allegations made at this session by representatives of IDPADA-G.”

The facts are that IDPADA-G received approximately $500 million of state funds during the period 2018 to 2020. In the year 2020, the organisation received $100 million of which approximately $42 million was spent on salaries and allowances and a mere $ 343, 000 was disbursed by way of grants to ordinary Afro-Guyanese.

Not surprisingly, there were numerous complaints from persons in Afro-Guyanese communities regarding their inability to access funds from IDPADA-G and their exclusion from the decision-making process regarding the use and allocation of the money it obtained.

One is left to wonder whether the IDPADA-G has become a tool of the political opposition which is seeking to project a false narrative of discrimination and victimisation of Afro-Guyanese. Such allegations are far removed from the truth. In this regard, we must be reminded of the importance of speaking the truth, for it is the truth that will set us free.

David Patterson breached Procurement Act when he was Public Infrastructure Minister

Dear Editor, MR. David Patterson, then Minister of Public Infrastructure under the APNU+AFC Government, was found by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to be directly in breach of the Procurement Act when, in or about 2016, he took an “unsolicited proposal” procurement request directly to Cabinet, bypassing the open tendering process mandated by law.

On the approval by the Cabinet, he instructed the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation to sign the contract. At Page 8 of the Report of the PPC:

“Rawlston Adams, General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) signed the contract with LIEVENSE CSO ENGINEERING CONTRACTING BV on December 9, 2016. Mr. Adams informed the PPC that the Board of the DHBC was not a party to the decision to use these funds for this purpose, as approved by CABINET, and further stated that he had not signed the contract on behalf of the DHBC, but only because he was requested to do so by the Minister of Public Infrastructure [Mr. David Patterson]”.

At Page 11 of the Re-

port, the PPC stated: “…the submission by the Minister of Public Infrastructure directly to Cabinet was in breach of the Procurement Act.”

Mr. Patterson remains, to this day, with the distinction of being the only sitting Minister to be cited for a breach of the procurement law of this country.

However, although Mr. Patterson was found to be directly in breach of the Procurement Act, the PPC did not direct that the contract entered into on that breach be rescinded. The decisions of the then and current PPC are consistent with each other and the law.

Is it, therefore, that

Mr. Patterson and the Alliance For Change (AFC), by their public statements yesterday (April 19, 2024), are now saying that that decision of the then PPC was wrong, and that the contract directed by Mr. Patterson to be entered into on the flawed procurement process should have been directed to be rescinded?

There was no penalty imposed against Mr. Patterson, either, for directly breaching the procurement law. Is he and the AFC now saying that that was wrong, and he should have been penalised, and he should have resigned? Did they object to the Report of the

then PPC as they are doing now, demanding that the contract should have been rescinded and Mr. Patterson be penalised?

Of course, this clear inconsistency by the AFC and Mr. Patterson has not all been addressed by certain media houses who have dutifully carried their propaganda.

Of note, this PPC on which I proudly sit as a member under the astute Chairmanship of Ms. Pauline Chase, has gone further than its predecessor in that it expressly addressed the deficiency in the law of not providing for penalties for the breach of the procurement laws and recom -

mended at Paragraph 152(X) of its report that legislation be enacted to provide for penalties.

Will the AFC and Mr. Patterson who are part of the Legislature take up this cause that they are now so openly passionate and vocal about and ensure that the law is amended to provide for penalties for breach of the procurement law. And will they so passionately demand that it be applied retroactively? Perhaps the AFC ought to stay quiet and not shoot itself in the foot.

Sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin Commissioner, PPC

Some commentators have to stop pretending to be morally upright

Dear Editor,

THE Public Procurement Commission's publication of the report has sparked a deluge of commentaries from politicians, media personalities, and social media commentators. Based on their comments, I am convinced that most did not read the report. For instance, these individuals queried the PPC's decision not to annul the tender proceeding when paragraph 22 of the report states the rationale for the decision.

In simple and easyto-follow English, the PPC stated in the said paragraph that it was not permitted to ‘revoke, rescind or recall and or in any way alter, suspend the contract’ because of the doctrine of privity of contract. It is also noteworthy that the position taken by the current PPC is not new, but consistent with the stance adopted by the previous Commission which conducted several investigations in the past but did not annul the procurement proceedings or penalise anyone.

A well-known example is the unsolicited tender taken by Mr. David Patterson, former Minister of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, to Cabinet for approval. In this case, the Minister and the entire Cabinet unlawfully entertained and awarded a contract to a consultant who

was not invited to do so, in clear breach of the Procurement Act 2003 and Procurement Regulations 2004.

Notwithstanding the unlawful award of the contract, it was not annulled, and the PPC did not recommend penalties for anyone, since the Procurement Act and Regulations do not offer any mechanism to discipline persons involved in procurement proceedings for wrongdoing, except as provided for under Section 55 of the Act. Indeed, the Act lacks a dedicated section on offences that can be used by the PPC or any other authority to sanction persons for wrongdoing, except as set out in the section of the Act mentioned earlier.

We should also easily recall the infamous emergency procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical suppliers by the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). In this case, the evaluation committee waivered the evaluation criteria to award the contract to the selected supplier. It was alleged that a Minister influenced the selection of the successful bidder. Again, the former PPC did not rescind the contract since it had no power to do so under the Act or Regulations. Like the forgoing example, no one was penalised by the former PPC.

Another case we should recall is where the Ministry of Public Health waived the eval-

uation criteria to procure drugs and medical supplies from HDM labs. The items were procured from HDM labs at prices significantly above those tendered by other bidders. Evidence in the procurement file also suggests a sitting Minister influenced the decision to select the preferred bidder. Again, the previous PPC did not rescind the contract or punish anyone for this misprocurement.

Editor, the harsh reality is that the current Act and Regulations do not empower the PPC to annul active procurement contracts, especially when these contracts are protested by individuals other than the bidders who participated in the procurement proceedings. Additionally, the Act and Regulations do not provide the PPC with any mechanism to penalise anyone who participated in tender proceedings, which may be flawed or unlawful.

I would like to offer some friendly advice to those who are attempting to use the Tepui contract for political gain. It's important to understand that unless the PPC is given the authority through the enabling legislation, it will not be able to cancel contracts that have been improperly awarded or hold individuals responsible for such actions.

In this regard, if the commentators genuinely want to empower the PPC to cancel contracts

that were not properly awarded, they should consider advocating for amendments to the relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, they should support the call to implement the recommendations in the PPC’s recently published report by the concerned agencies. I am incredibly pleased with the commitment of the National Procurement and Tender Administration and the Minister of Finance to implement the PPC’s recommendations. I am equally happy to hear about the establishment of the Bid Protest Committee that will afford

bidders another option for ensuring their bids or tenders are fairly considered.

Finally, in the interest of being fair to everyone, I would like to challenge those who are calling for sanctions and fair procurement also to demand (i) the submission of the accounting records for the Durban Park Development Project, which remains a mystery, (ii) the submission of the evaluation reports for tenders administered by the various regions during 2019; (iii) sanctions be im-

posed on all those who participated in the procurement breaches during the period 2015-2020 including cabinet and former Minister; and (iv) that the social commentators who participated in procurement breaches, including the illegally awarded forensic audits and Demerara River Bridge Feasibility Study, to stop being hypocritical by pretending to be morally upright when they would have committed similar sins in the past.

Regards, Kevin Persaud

Judges are not intellectually impeccable

IN giving testimony on behalf of an obnoxious, pompous, racist Guyanese citizen, Walter Ramsahoye (deceased) in a libel case Ramsahoye brought against me, Ramon Gaskin told the judge that I criticised everybody in Guyana including judges. Gaskin introduced my critiques of the judiciary to influence the judge.

Judges are not infallible and, from time to time, all over the world, judges make decisions that are not based on a meticulous reading of the complexities of the constitution and also the intricacies that reside in the laws of a country. All over the world, judges give decisions that should be left to the elected legislature and executive to make. In the United States, the judicial process is shapeless and it is getting worse. Space would not allow for examples from that country.

In Guyana, the episode in

the Court of Appeal (CoA) of what number constituted a majority of 65 was particularly alarming in that it embarrassed Caribbean jurisprudence and hardened the attitude of leaders in CARICOM who believe the Privy Council should be retained because English judges are not prone to political bias and are more intellectually profound.

In the case of the CoA, the embarrassing moment was the strange introduction of the one-half plus mechanism in arriving at what constitutes a majority of 65. Madam Chancellor argued that to pass a no-confidence motion, an absolute majority, not a simple majority, is needed. But there is no document in existence that defines what number makes up an absolute majority.

Madam Chancellor invented the one-half plus formula to arrive at an absolute majority. She reasoned that

half of 65 is 32.5. The rounding-off process must be done to arrive at a majority. When you do the round off it becomes 33. But the Madam Chancellor and CoA judge, Justice Gregory Barnes, noted that you have to add 1 to 32.5 which gives you 33.5 and you have to round off which will give you 34.

What was mysterious about the Chancellor’s ruling is if you need an absolute majority and 33 isn’t it, then, why is 34 an absolute majority? The two judges never explained why 34 and not 33 is an absolute majority. A more intellectually subtle approach that the two judges should have taken is to arrive at an arbitrary number of 40. Stick with 40 and assert that 40 is an absolute majority to have a no-confidence motion passed. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) would have thrown out the arbitrary arrival of 40 anyway but that

would have been less embarrassing than the jiggery-pokery, circuitous route of 32. 5 rounded off at 34. The decision of 34 being an absolute majority of 65 is the lowest moment in the jurisprudence of British Guiana and Guyana. When the CCJ upturned that decision, I feared that the status of the Privy Council in CARICOM was given a boost.

There are errors in decisions in the High Court of Guyana that will continue to embarrass Guyana’s jurisprudence because the CJ will strike them down, two of which came from the pen of Justice Kissoon. I am contending that no court of law can compel a company to take out unlimited insurance. Not having insurance is a physical threat to workers and is a violation of workers’ rights.

But to decide that a company must have unlimited insurance cannot hold. Even

Back to Basics from a Dose of Daylight Darkness!

IT is Back-to-Basics across the Americas and the Caribbean following the latest total eclipse of the sun by the moon last Monday, April 8, 2024, that left tens of millions experiencing the thrill of daylight darkness for just over four minutes, even if just watching could have affected their sight forever.

Millions crowded into special places in Mexico, the USA and Canada – and some parts of the northern Caribbean – to catch a rare glimpse of what’s always described as a ‘once-in-alifetime’ event each time it happens.

Like with everything else that really excites people everywhere, this strange meteorological phenomenon has become a thriving industry, starting with the sky-rising profitable sales margins from special ‘eclipse glasses’ that supposedly shield anxious viewers from possible harmful effects of the invisible rays.

In the states, towns and villages in Mexico, the US and Canada -- where the eclipse would best be seen – ‘Eclipse Tourism’ also kicked in. The 2024 eclipse was first seen in Mazatlan in Mexico, then a thousand

if the figure was astronomical and it compels the company to appeal, unlimited insurance cannot stand and I think the CCJ will reject it. I believe ExxonMobil should have a large insurance sum but the courts have limitations on its jurisdiction and when that jurisdiction is exceeded then society should engage in analytical debate.

For example, Justice Kissoon directed the EPA to withdraw the permit it awarded ExxonMobil if the unlimited insurance was not complied with. If ExxonMobil had disagreed, what that meant was that the largest investment in Guyana’s history and maybe the main fulcrum of the country’s economy would have collapsed. The judiciary here was erasing the separation of powers.

The second decision by Justice Kissoon is again explosive. The judge ruled that teachers must be paid for time that they were on strike. A cursory glance at that decision would reveal that it leaves the state helpless. It takes away the power of the executive in this context. But, more importantly, it undermines social stability and one suspects this reason will be part of the grounds for appeal.

What Justice Kissoon’s decision has done is to remove the power of the state to respond to what the state perceives as threats to the ability of an elected government to govern. If you can be paid for striking, then why not strike indefinitely?

miles away in Dallas, Texas, after which it plunged the state of Ohio into darkness.

Eclipse Tourism figures also zoomed skyward on both sides of Niagara Falls, where the eclipse crossed from the USA into Canada. The event was also observed in many different interesting ways, including a mass wedding.

According to a BBC Report, “In Russellville, Arkansas, 300 couples from across the country signed up, saying ‘I do’ just before the sky went black. And as the sky brightened, the group cut wedding cakes and danced -- all part of the aptly-named ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ festival.”

Unfortunately, however, the lunar and solar phenomenon also eclipsed attention across America and the Caribbean, even though (and thankfully) very briefly about everything else.

For example, as the millions spent four minutes slipping and staring into darkness on Monday, none remembered (or seemingly cared to) that on that same day 220 years earlier (April 8, 1804) Haiti made its historic Declaration of Independence, with the deadly theme ‘Freedom or Death’.

Nor did most seem to care that even as they stared into nothingness, an entire people -- in neighbouring Haiti – were and are still being treated like nothing in their own homes and homeland, no less than the Palestinians in Gaza.

Haitians aren’t being bombed from the skies, nor are they being ‘barbecued and eaten’ by ‘murderous gangs’ ‘raping and killing women and children’ and which now ‘want to take control’ of Haiti.

The myths about Haiti are many, but the lies and propaganda are worse than ever today, with Haitians still being largely seen and regarded among too many, as less-than-human beings, eternally ignorant and born to starve, from birth to death, in the forever-poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

But, as with all countries that have had genuine revolutions, not all that’s shown and heard about Haiti is always true – yes, not even all seen with bare eyes -- because what’s seen is usually what’s shown.

Last Monday, while the world stared at the total eclipse, the two leaders of the joint paramilitary forces in control of the Haitian capital,

Port au Prince, reminded the world that (after the eclipse) their attention will still have to return to the fact that his forces oppose any foreign intervention, whether by the USA, France or Canada, Kenya or CARICOM.

In the days since, more people everywhere, including Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda Gaston Brown, have been stating the obvious: that those planning Haiti’s future must speak to the armed groups controlling the city, the airports and all the capital’s infrastructure.

In the meantime, the outgoing government is playing cat-and-mouse with the incoming proposed transitional administrative administration, the former questioning the constitutionality of the latter -- and thus delaying the transition that’s a condition for activation of the March resignation by outgoing Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

CARICOM is united in leading the engagements with the Haitians associated with the proposed provisional council but divided in their levels of commitment to participation in the proposed Multinational Security Force (MSF).

Trinidad & Tobago has indicated it will not send

soldiers to Haiti, but Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas and Jamaica have been named as willing to participate in the MSF, while the majority of other CARIOM member-states are still biding time over whether or how-to.

In the meantime, while many are still talking about having safely watched the eclipse on TV, Canadian soldiers have started training Caribbean personnel at a special base in Jamaica, to participate in ‘peace-keeping’ in Haiti through the proposed MSF, increasingly funded by the USA.

The US is providing arms and other military/security support to Canada for the training, while some nations in South America also express willingness to join the MSF.

El Salvador, for example, says it will relocate its soldiers in Mali to Haiti; and Gambia is also willing to send troops. So, while CARICOM is talking about and planning a peaceful transition through free and fair elections in two years, other nations are not-so-secretly preparing to land boots and guns in Haiti once again,

with UN backing -- but without UN troops.

There are already unspecified numbers of American and Canadian troops in Haiti, dispatched to ‘protect’ US and Canadian ‘interests’ and ‘citizens’.

But all of that was completely ignored during Monday’s daylight darkness, leaving Haiti totally eclipsed from the hearts of millions in The Americas and The Caribbean who simply don’t know Haiti’s rich history!

Yet, it’s not only Haiti that was eclipsed. So was the end of the Holy Lenten and Ramadan seasons for Christians and Muslims, especially in Palestine, where neither could have broken their fasts in the usual manner, but rather in rubble, outside demolished churches and mosques, or in bare streets -- and all under relentless Israeli fire.

Clearly, while millions watched away, Israel’s slaughter continued -- and its backers continued delivering arms while talking about providing alms for the victims of its genocidal apartheid.

Guyana to enhance Local Content Legislation as revenue inflows set to increase

THE discussions around local content took hold when it became apparent that Guyana was destined to become a producer following the discovery of oil in 2015. This ultimately led to the introduction of the Local Content Act in December 2021, marking a key milestone and accomplishment by the government.

In passing this law, it was mandated that oil and gas companies operating in Guyana follow several related guidelines that were designed to maximise the participation of Guyanese companies in the industry. The Act carved out 40 areas at varying percentages exclusively for Guyanese participation. Those 40 sectors included 90 per cent accommodation services, 90 per cent janitorial services, 75 per cent local supply of

food, 90 per cent accounting services, 90 per cent legal services and 100 per cent customs brokerage services.

Additionally, the Local Content Secretariat was established within the Ministry of Natural Resources in 2022 as part of the Act. Its mandate is to ensure the effective implementation of the measures outlined in the legislation and the development and implementation of strategies that give preferences to or ensure equal treatment of Guyanese nationals and companies.

Fast forward to 2024 where Guyana has seen significant wins in the area of local content, evident in the statistics being released by the Secretariat. In an interview with the Department of Public Information, the Director of the Secretariat, Dr. Martin Pertab, shared

that Guyanese sub-contractors and entrepreneurs have earned nearly US$1 billion from the oil and gas companies since the passage of the Act.

“We have seen how Guyanese are benefitting. We have seen how some have moved from owning one car to thirty cars...From owning one apartment and now they have apartments, all because of the preference that is given to them under the law for the provision of those goods and services that are listed under the First Schedule of the Act,” Dr. Pertab explained. These achievements in Guyana’s local content sphere were further highlighted by Dr. Pertab during the 2024 Local Content Summit which was hosted on April 16. Attendees were told that, as of April 2024, over 800

companies have been approved to be included in the Local Content Register. He further noted that the Secretariat anticipates business opportunities for locals to earn approximately US$550 million this year. It is important to note that, in 2022, registered companies earned some $440 million and, in 2023, an almost 20 per cent increase in earnings was recorded, ending the year with $524 million in profit.

On the heels of these achievements, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandall, who was also present at the Summit, announced that the country is expected to amend its Local Content law later this year. He noted that this amendment will target increasing the areas in which companies are mandated to

City Council’s excuses, lies and incompetence

LAST week, the roof of Stabroek Market's Wharf came tumbling down, injuring at least five persons.

The site of debris and waste was unbelievable. We saw the visits made by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Ministers of Home Affairs, Works, Local Government, and other government officials. There was also the visit by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, MPs and the Mayor.

There was a political tongue-lashing that took place about the incident, and criticism of the leadership of the City Council from government officials. But, the opposition-run Council would not take the blame, and insisted that it had done all it could with its limited resources, and very little financial support.

Fortunately, President Ali’s attitude was commendable at this moment. He listened to the concerns of vendors of Georgetown about the Wharf and City Council. He walked and talked with the people, finding a quick fix until a solid plan could be implemented for fixing

the wharf. He instructed his ministers to get into action and supervise the removal of debris. He then placed a stinging lash on the Council, telling it to get its house in order and act together.

Firstly, the public is sick and tired of the Georgetown City Council’s attitude towards issues. Every time something goes wrong, it blames the government and the PPP. It absolves itself from blame. It is “un-blameable” because it is always someone’s fault. It claims it is starved of resources and funds by Central Government. Its hands are tied.

But let’s call a spade exactly that; a spade. This whole situation, and many others, could have been avoided if the Georgetown Mayor and City Council had a robust plan for the maintenance of the city’s prime infrastructure. It could have been remedied years before if the Council was not playing the victim and petty puerile politics.

Did the wharf’s shed have to come tumbling down for the Council to have a discussion and start

to seriously engage citizens about vending in the city, much less the markets? Did the roof have to fall for the opposition-led Council to address the other environmental issues, condition and sanitisation problems that have been brewing in the markets for so long? Make it make sense! The city’s Clerk of Markets, City Engineer and Mayor should be all held accountable or fired. This situation is as embarrassing as it is unfortunate. It is shameful when you consider that it is the capital city of the world’s fastest-growing economy, Guyana.

Secondly, this situation with the collapsing of the shed of the Stabroek Market Wharf is a microcosm of all the ills of the city. Georgetown is crawling on its feet, and it's sick. The city’s buildings and drainage structures are in a shockingly poor state and some may be falling apart. The cemetery, never mind the roadworks that the government is doing at the front, is in a sad and appalling state. The restoration project is

utilise Guyanese goods and services, adding twenty services.

Importantly, this amendment will also cater for the inclusion of persons living with disabilities. Once implemented, Dr. Pertab expects that the addition of services will add $350 million for Guyanese companies.

As the government continues its push to increase benefits to Guyanese, oil and gas companies have also been expanding their efforts to increase the workforce and supplier base in the sector. These efforts, which even precede the introduction of the Act, has seen to date well over 6,000 Guyanese supporting oil and gas operations locally. This represents an impressive 70 per cent of the total employment within the sector. The sector is also pro-

jected to hire over 1,600 more Guyanese over the next three years, sending a clear indication that oil and gas companies are integrally involved in the success of Guyana’s local content mission.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product is expected to grow by 33.9 per cent in 2024. This growth is primarily attributed to the increasing oil production at the Stabroek Block. Notably, the Payara project achieved its first oil in November 2023 and, by January, it had already exceeded its target production of 220,000 barrels per day.

With more projects coming onstream, like the sixth development in the Stabroek Block – Whiptail – the benefits to Guyanese and Guyanese businesses will continue to accelerate.

having little impact on the aesthetics of Georgetown. City Hall’s building is still in the emergency room as years after it is still undergoing renovation.

The public is witnessing the death of urban planning and skilful city development because of politics, poor leadership and a lack of vision.

Thirdly, the City Council needs to heed the President’s advice and start to work feverishly on the people’s concerns, which are directly linked to solid waste management, drainage and irrigation, the maintenance of key city infrastructure and beautification of the city.

The City Council must be made to understand that, unlike the previous councils, the residents will not accept the bare minimum; it has to do better with its resources and monies, spending them on the things and areas where it matters the most. In this way, residents can appreciate the value of money spent.

Then, the Council must stop its political rants and manage the city. It must run

City Hall like a business with social, and environmental responsibilities. It must fix its debt issue itself, as it alone knows how much money is owed, and how many creditors have not paid it rates and taxes.

Finally, City Hall needs a wake-up call. In the modern Guyana that President Ali talks about, no one will be left behind but if the Cou ncil does not pull up its socks and tie its laces, it will be last, or left far behind. The City Council must take its responsibility seriously and discharge its mandate effectively to the citizens of Georgetown. Stop whining and crying. As is the saying, “God helps those who help themselves”. The Council should be open to the development that the government is bringing, instead of trying to fight it off. The Council should be engaged in discussions about the transformational project,

instead of idle and bitter politics.

The residents deserve much better from the opposition-led Council; they deserve better management, accountability, efficiency and transparency. They don’t deserve the excuses; constant lies and tales of the City Council’s incompetence.

Shifting the narrative to a council that can and will succeed at making Georgetown Greener and Great again in which its citizens could progress and enjoy a comfortable life requires political maturity and ceasing the political rivalry that we see now. It requires objectivity rather than subjectivity in assessing the development and change that will flow into the city. It requires vision and metal not rancor. Can the Council change under its current PNU+AFC leadership?

First Son raises $6M for animal welfare

SIX animal shelters and welfare groups, on Friday, received donations totalling $6 million from a fundraising activity hosted by the First Son Zayd Ali at State House, the official residence of the First Family.

The four-year-old son of President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali

hosted the third edition of his lemonade sale which brought the lawns of State House alive with a number of other attractions.

Hundreds of patrons who supported the event were treated to locally made lemonade, snacks and sweets; while the children enjoyed games, pony rides, and face paintings.

The event was designed to raise funds to support animal welfare activities undertaken by six animal shelters and welfare groups. Those groups are: Tails of Hope, Paws for a Cause, GSPCA, Rosewood Foundation, Hope for Animals Inc., Fureva Hope Alive Animal Rescue Sanctuary.

At the end of the event, each of the groups received a donation of $1 million to support animal welfare activities and services. The funds were raised through sales and donations by a number of individuals and companies.

“In a matter of hours, we were able to raise $6 million for our animals thanks to the support of the Guyanese people, and we cannot express how happy and thankful we are for this kind of support,” Mrs Ali said on behalf of her young son.

She explained that Zayd’s love for animals is a reflection of his upbringing which emphasises some of the core values of a good human being such as care and compassion.

“So, he has always been taught to care for people and animals just as he would want to be taken care of. His dad and I ensure we speak to him and teach him these values which are tenets of a good human being,” the First Lady added.

She said, too, that these activities which are held to raise funds for animals also help to teach the fouryear-old responsibility at a young age, and condition his mind to always see himself as being part of the solution to any kind of challenges.

The animal shelters and groups which received donations host vaccination, deworming, spay and neutering along with other veterinary services.

First Son, Zayd Ali, serving lemonade yesterday at his fundraiser

Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) supporting First Son Zayd’s lemonade sale at State House

Staff of AJM Enterprise at the lemonade sale

West Ruimveldt residents embrace gov’t community development role

RESIDENTS of West Ruimveldt, particularly those in ‘Back Circle’, are set to benefit from major transformation as enhancement works are poised to commence in their community.

The Community Enhancement Project was initiated by resident Raulex Adams, driven by his vision for a better community for youths and senior citizens.

Adams reached out to Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, known for his active involvement in various community development initiatives.

Upon recognising the scope of the project, Commissioner Hicken sought the collaboration and expertise of Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.

The minister promptly responded to the call of action by visiting the community on Friday, to assess the areas in need of improvement.

He also addressed any longstanding concerns residents may have. The outcome of the collaborative effort is poised to bring tangible benefits to the community, including upgraded drainage systems, a playground for children, and pavements for the elderly. The hands-on approach underscores the government’s commitment to responsive, inclusive, and sustain -

able development practices.

This sentiment is underscored by Orin Allen, who expressed his gratitude for the minister’s direct involvement. Allen told the Department of Public Information (DPI): “For long we in this situation here, the pavement is very low, the water can’t get no proper drainage or so. When the slightest rain falls, around here is be

flooded. So, I am glad to know he [minister] take the initiative and come to get it done.”

Loydia Ross shared similar sentiments. “Well, I can tell you that we don’t have to get a lot of rain for this place to flood soon as the rain wink so we get

have a playground to play instead of traversing on the road where cars does be coming steady…so I am happy for the development.”

Floyd Stewart, who has taken it upon himself to clean the community, expressed his satisfaction with the collabora-

flood. So, I am happy for this gesture because it is going to help us a lot. It will help the community, it will help the children most of all. They will

tive efforts between residents and government officials.

Stewart said, “I feel proud that Mr Hickens and Minister along with

Mr Raulex cooperate with us to get it to be done like this and I feel proud to know that my community is enhancing right now.”

Nadia Burrowes also highlighted the adverse effects of poor drainage on recreational activities and public health.

“The drainage are really affecting us because normally when we was teenagers we use to run in the gutter, play gamp, play on the field, now we can’t do those stuff. The garbage around, the gutter fulling up, everybody building high over the gutter so you can’t get to dig properly over the gutter so it is affecting us. So, I surely thank the minister for coming out to be a part of West Ruimveldt now,” Burrowes stated.

Engineers from the Ministry of Public Works will be executing assessment works during the course of the week to identify the way forward. (DPI)

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken engaging residents

Residents identifying areas for improvement to Minister Edghill

‘You will actively shape the future of healthcare in Guyana’ —PM tells medicine graduates

PRIME MINISTER

Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips, congratulated the 2024 graduating class of Texila American University (TAU) and emphasised their important role in Guyana's rapidly growing healthcare sector, fuelled by the country's economic boom.

He did so during his feature address at the university's 14th graduation ceremony, held Friday night at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

"Young men and

backdrop of Guyana's rapid growth…Your journey begins at an exciting time, and, with your passion and commitment, you will actively shape the future of healthcare in Guyana,” PM Phillips told the graduating class.

He said that medicine offers diverse pathways for professional growth and fulfilment, from research and innovation to clinical practice and public health leadership.

“I, therefore, urge that you stay commit-

ities of healthcare and contribute to positive change in your communities and beyond.”

In providing an overview of the Government’s plan to further invest in the comprehensive development of the healthcare sector, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted several projects, including establishing six new regional hospitals and upgrading the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). He also commended the uni-

women of the medical field, your contribution to the overall development of Guyana's health sector is further emphasised against the

ted to staying informed, remaining adaptable, and embracing lifelong learning to effectively navigate the complex-

versity for providing quality education and its positive impact on higher education in Guyana.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and university officials with the graduating class

Staff unharmed after syringe with alcohol found in water dispenser bottle at Campbellville Health Centre

- Police probe underway

A SYRINGE was discovered in a water dispenser bottle at the Campbellville Health Centre in Georgetown, and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has refuted reports that staff members fell ill and had to be rushed for medical attention.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the GPHC confirmed that, around 14:00 hours on Friday, a security personnel assigned to the health centre made the concerning discovery of a syringe lodged into a water dispenser bottle in the staff lunchroom.

Upon this discovery, the GPHC said the clinic’s administration promptly alerted both GPHC's administration and the Chief Internal Security Officer.

“In response, GPHC's Chief Internal Security Officer promptly contacted the Guyana Police Force and accompanied police officers to the health centre. Contrary to the misinformation circulating on

The

social media, at the time of discovery, no staff reported any adverse health effects,” the statement added.

According to the hospital, in adherence to established protocols, all staff members were immediately transported to the Accident and Emergency Department at GPHC for precautionary screening for any potential toxicological concerns.

Following thorough assessments, it said all staff were discharged and remain in good health, under continued monitoring. Samples from the syringe and water dispenser were

swiftly sent to an external laboratory for testing. The results revealed traces of alcohol present in the samples.

In light of this, the GPHC refuted the incorrect information spreading on social media platforms and advised people to take caution and verify all information before sharing potentially misleading content.

The GPHC noted that the health and well-being of its staff and patients are of paramount importance. The incident is currently under probe by the Police and GPHC.

Fugitive arrested in connection with 2013 murder

AFTER years of eluding law enforcement, a fugitive wanted in connection with a 2013 murder case has been apprehended. The suspect, whose name has been given as Timothy Charles De Jonge, also known as Leon De Jonge, of Baracara, Canje Creek, Berbice, was arrested on Saturday.

The arrest follows an intelligence-led operation which led Police ranks to De Jonge’s residence.

In 2014, the police issued a wanted bulletin for him in connection with the murder

of Titus Sutton, also known as 'Frankie,' 53, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to reports, the now-deceased man was shot in the chest on November 8, 2013, near Baracara, Canje Creek, Berbice. His business partner, Sherwin McAlmont, also known as 'Shirt', also of Melanie Damishana, ECD, was shot and wounded in the right thigh.

According to a police release, Sutton was in an altercation with another man, who was reportedly his busi-

ness partner, over money when he was shot in the chest with a shotgun around 15:30 hours. The perpetrator fled after the shooting. Meanwhile, during the operation at the suspect's house, police discovered a 12-gauge cartridge in a bag hanging on the bedroom wall.

As a result, Dejonge was escorted to the Central Police Station with the suspected cartridge, which was marked, sealed, and lodged in his presence. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Arrested: Leon De Jonge

Dead: Titus Sutton

Campbellville Health Centre

CHI performs first successful valve replacement surgery in Guyana

THE Caribbean Heart Institute (CHI), on Saturday, performed the first successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), also known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), in Guyana.

TAVI offers a mini-

mally invasive approach to repairing the aortic valve. During the procedure, an artificial valve is implanted into the heart. Without the removal of the old, damaged valve, the new valve is inserted on the interior of the diseased valve.

Two patients underwent this procedure: a 67-year-old diagnosed with Severe Aortic Stenosis, and a 65-year-old diagnosed with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Coronary Artery Disease. Aortic Stenosis, characterised by the narrowing of the aortic valve,

From right: Dr. Terrence Haynes, CHI’s own Advanced Interventional Cardiologist, alongside his colleagues, Dr. Tahira Redwood and Dr. Raquel Gordon

restricts normal blood flow, while Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) intensifies this condition by causing plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.

The surgical team was led by Dr. Terrence Haynes, CHI's own Advanced Interventional Cardiologist, alongside his colleagues Dr. Tahira Redwood and Dr. Raquel Gordon, fellow Interventional Cardiologists from Jamaica. Both surgeries were successful.

of nurses, radiologists, cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, and interventional cardiologists.

According to CHI’s CEO, Dr. Gary Stephens, "TAVI is a game-changer" He explained, "We use a catheter to deliver a crimped valve made from animal tissue; this allows us to insert it through an

CHI continues to celebrate its partnership with the Government of Guyana, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and international colleagues within the medical fraternity. Special thanks were extended to Asahi Pompey- Goldman

CHI’s Multi-Disciplinary Team

This favourable outcome reflects the expertise of CHI’s multi-disciplinary team, inclusive

artery in the leg and navigate it up to the heart. Once in place, it expands to push aside the old valve. This minimally invasive approach avoids a heart-lung bypass machine and ventilator, enabling a faster recovery compared to traditional open-heart surgery."

Sachs Gives and the Goldman Sachs Foundation for their generous donation. Located within the Georgetown Public Hospital, CHI has treated over 25,000 patients and remains a leader in cardiovascular care and research in Guyana.

Appeal of ruling in GTU case will not hinder commitment to teachers - gov't affirms

GUYANA’S industrial climate is at risk of being jeopardised owing to the recent decision handed down by High Court judge, Sandil Kissoon, in the case of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

As such, the government has sought to restore the law to its proper course by appealing the decision, a statement from the government noted on Friday night.

public is very much aware of these struggles endured in pursuit of justice.

“In the ruling, the High Court has completely dismantled a salutary principle which has struck a vital balance between the employer and the employee in industrial relations for centuries.

wages, salaries, allowances, and other benefits for teachers. The strike was eventually called off on March 4 following court-ordered mediation conducted by two Senior Counsel, Edward Luckhoo and Robin Stoby.

the Remote Areas Incentive (RAI) for teachers residing in the hinterland.

Justice Kissoon, on Friday, ruled that teachers’ salaries should not be deducted following their participation in the five-week strike organised by the GTU; he ruled that teachers were involved in “legal and legitimate” industrial action since collective bargaining between the Ministry of Education and the Union was not properly held.

The Court ruled that the ‘no work no pay’ principle no longer applies to Guyana - a position that does not obtain either in the Commonwealth Caribbean or indeed this hemisphere,” the press statement read.

The government further outlined the repercussions that will arise from the ruling and stated that the court is depriving the employer of his property (wages) and by this ruling, the employer will have to pay for work not

The teachers went on strike despite the fact the Ministry of Education satisfied more than half of the 41 proposals made by the GTU for better working conditions in just three years.

Government officials had also challenged the union’s claims by highlighting that discussions were ongoing to satisfy the other requests. Since the requirements for conducting a strike were not satisfied, the government declared that the strike action was illegal.

‘WORK WITH US’

In the ruling, he also noted that the government acted “arbitrarily” when it halted the automatic deduction and transferral of union dues from teachers’ salaries.

In response, the government plans to appeal but empahsised that this appeal will not affect its unwavering support for the needs and concerns of teachers.

The government noted that the law has been “turned upside’ by the judge’s ruling.

“The law, and indeed industrial relations in Guyana, in both the public and private sector, have been turned upside by a decision of High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon, in the GTU case. This ruling is reminiscent of the decision that thirty-three (33) is not a majority of sixty-five (65). No doubt, like that decision, it will be appealed to the CCJ, if necessary, where that decision was reversed. The

done and value not received.

The government argued that the Court failed to recognise the difference between freedom to strike, which is provided for by the Constitution, and the right to strike, which is not provided for.

While maintaining that every right is subject to the rights of others, the government noted, “In short, the Court has not only ignored existing legislation but has trespassed upon the lawmaking power of Parliament by making new law rather than interpreting existing law, violating the essence of the separation of powers doctrine.”

Teachers began nationwide industrial action for better wages and salaries and other benefits on February 5, 2024. Teachers were on strike, according to the GTU, because the government would not meet with the union on several issues, including negotiations on

elor’s Degree will receive an education allowance of $10,000 monthly amounting to $120,000 annually. Holders of a Master’s Degree will also receive $20,000, amounting to $240,000 annually and a teacher who holds a doctorate will receive $30,000 amounting to $360,000.

Salary increases were also announced for Graduate Senior Mistress/Heads of Department, and Graduate Senior Assistant Mistresses working in the hinterland, in addition to increases in

Further, the Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has been calling on teachers to “work” with the government as major plans are in store for the education sector.

Some $135.2 billion is set aside in Budget 2024 to realise the government’s vision of having a world-class education system here. In 2023 some $105 billion was spent in the sector in various areas.

Under the PPP/C Administration, the wages and

salaries have grown by 61 per cent. Moreover, the education sector’s budget was significantly increased, from 51 billion dollars in 2020 to 135 billion dollars in the current year, marking a substantial increase of about 162 per cent.

This funding has enabled a series of improvements in the sector, including infrastructural development and the erection of several state-of-the-art education facilities across Guyana.

It should be noted that since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government assumed office in 2020, they have continued to fulfil their manifesto commitment of improving remuneration and conditions of service for teachers and offering incentives to teachers and opportunities for training and skills development.

Last year, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced $1.9 billion in salary adjustments and duty-free concessions, following engagements with teachers across the country, as well as representatives of the GTU and other unions.

As part of this slew of interventions, all Graduate Teachers who are holders of a relevant Bachelor’s Degree (University of Guyana, GOAL Programme) will benefit from $1 billion in salary adjustments, benefitting 4,000 teachers.

Teachers with a Bach -

Guyanese urged to care the environment, protect green spaces

THE Protected Areas Commission (PAC), on Friday, launched the National Park Zoning Plan to engage stakeholders to contribute towards the development of the National Park as a place that promotes family recreation, fitness, health, and wellness.

The consultation was

Guyana can save almost US$60 million annually if corn, soya are grown twice per year

Members of the public and partners of the PAC commented on the Commission’s vision to sustainably develop the National Park not only as a green space but also as a vibrant hub to build community and enhance well-being.

With Earth Day 2024 set for April 22, Persaud

part of Earth Day observances under the theme Planet vs. Plastics, where the work of the PAC was highlighted by the Commissioner of the PAC, Ja-

son Fraser, while Chairman of the PAC Board of Directors and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, outlined the government's vision to develop green spaces and the need for a change in culture towards respecting the environment and facilities for use by all Guyanese.

an end to El Nino; but we will see how some citizens recklessly and irresponsibly dispose of their plastic items, but also generally their garbage,” he said.

Persaud added, “We do hope that this World Earth Day will again bring the spotlight and the need for us not to be polluters; not for us to be dumping our waste in all sorts of places and in all sorts of manner, contributing to health havoc, environmental damage, but also economic damage, because, when our waterways, when our drainage system is clogged and cannot function to its full capacity, it creates a strain on the economy, creates a strain on the country.

MINISTER of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, has emphasised that Guyana stands to save almost US$60 million annually if corn and soya beans are grown twice per year.

During Thursday night’s episode of Guyana Dialogue, Minister Mustapha underscored that Guyana is poised to become self-sufficient to produce all of its livestock feed by the end of 2025 while reducing its dependency on imports.

Close to 10,000 acres of corn and soya beans were produced in 2023.

Some 41 kilometres of roads were constructed in the Tacama area. The agriculture minister further revealed that the 12,000-tonne silo which was built will be extended to an 18,000-tonne silo to process the corn and soya.

Currently, the access wharf in the Tacama area is under construction, with completion expected in 2024.

said that after Easter Monday celebrations at the National Park, approximately 700 garbage bags were used and filled with discarded trash, most of which

“It costs taxpayers, the same polluters, much more, because the government will have to find resources in terms of how does it repair, compensate [and] manage if there’s loss of livestock, crops, property damages and so forth.”

Moreover, he underscored the significant development in the last 10 years in the trade and im-

he said was plastic.

“We thought that perhaps we would twin the observance right here, to give, as it were, a national emphasis of how it is that we should manage our plastic. And we’ve seen the rainy season would soon be upon us; hopefully it will bring

port of plastic and waste to different countries.

Persaud charged Guyanese to be more responsible in how they manage and handle plastic waste so that Guyana can continue to be a model for the international community.

“By the end of this year, we will move corn and soya production roughly to about 12,000 acres. If we do that two times per year, we will produce all the livestock feed and we will save approximately US$60 million annually. At the same time, we will be a net exporter,” he further divulged.

Minister Mustapha continued, “We are now going into large-scale production of corn and soya…We are hoping that, by the end of next year, we can cultivate 25,000 acres of corn and soya.”

Also, the cost of meat especially poultry will be reduced significantly.

The government’s collaboration with the private

sector to implement the development of corn and soya beans has been very successful. Over the last three years, more than $1.4 billion was spent to develop the infrastructure within the Tacama area to meet the region’s production and cultivation goals.

The sum of $967.8 million has been budgeted in 2024 to increase the capacity of the Tacama facility which will include the installation of a conveyor system. Guyana is continuously diversifying its robust agriculture sector with the introduction of new crops to achieve food security. (DPI)

One of the booths at the National Park

Chairman of PAC and Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud

The production of corn and soya in the Tacama area

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha

Guyana making progress at ending malnutrition

-

GUYANA has been making steady progress in ending all forms of malnutrition, according to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

The report is titled, ‘The Challenge of Accelerating the 2030 Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean. Transitions towards Sustainability.’ It is the

ECLAC report

not only Guyana’s economic growth but also its achievements in reducing the number of chronically undernourished children.

In keeping with the sustainable development goal # 2, ‘end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture,’ the report stated that achieving it requires a 40 per cent reduction in the number of chronically undernourished

Dr. Otero, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines of the 38th Session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC) last month, said there have been notable investments in the country’s agriculture sector.

Dr. Otero noted that every country is unique, and their approach to ad -

seventh report on regional progress and challenges about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean and outlines

children under 5 years of age by 2025 and a prevalence of less than 2.5 per cent by 2030.

Official data indicate that by 2022, the number of chronically undernourished children—as determined by the condition's most prevalent symptom, stunting—had decreased by 43.6 per cent since 2000.

The most significant achievement, among the five countries, was Guyana, where the reduction reached 58 per cent in 2022.

It should be noted that Guyana has crafted a model to transform its agriculture and food production systems, seeking out newer technologies and innovative programmes to meet the nutritional needs of the region.

Lauding the country’s approach to achieving regional food security targets, such as reducing import expenditure on food, and implementing programmes to address malnutrition and hunger, the Director of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Dr. Manuel Otero, said the nation has been playing a proactive role.

dressing the challenges faced within the production sector may vary, but in Guyana’s case, what has been notable is the government’s persistent and public-private partnerships to not only increase food production but also the investments being made in innovation.

Guyana, he said, has a special responsibility, with the country’s natural resources such as its arable land and tropical eco-system, food production can thrive.

And one such example is the ongoing cultivation of a new high-yielding variety of rice, which is being done in partnership with IICA.

The new bio-fortified rice variety, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) IICA 17), contains 17 to 20mg per kilogramme of zinc, providing a healthy option to consumers.

While these investments are notable, the IICA Director highlighted there is a need for greater involvement of the private sector and access to financing, not only in Guyana but regionally as well.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday, April 21, 2024)

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 26-Glen Maxwell (Kings XI Punjab) & David Warner (SRH)

(2) 15-Kieron Pollard (MI)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who effected most wicketkeeping dismissals in IPL 2017?

(2) What was the highest partnership for any wicket in IPL 2017?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack critical of distribution of ICC finances

INDIA’S financial stranglehold on world cricket is the top target in the latest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, as it once again ponders the health of a sport held down by a global postcode lottery.

The 161st edition of the beloved yellow book takes a typically sober look at the state of the game, majoring on the distorting effects of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s latest grab of the purse strings.

In his 13th year at the helm, Lawrence Booth uses the influential platform of his editor’s notes to rail against last year’s decision to increase India’s share of central ICC funds from an already swollen 25 per cent to a bloated to 38.5 per cent.

He brands the latest settlement “all the harder to stomach” when pitted against the money troubles of others like the West Indies, whose own take represents just 4.58 per cent. Booth concludes that fear of upsetting those behind cricket’s biggest commercial market is poison-

ing the well that all nations drink from and calls for an urgent rethink.

“This is where cricket finds itself, in dreary thrall to the notion that market forces must be obeyed,” he writes.

“Is it really beyond the wit of the administrators to distribute it (cash) accord-

ing to need, not greed?”

Wisden is critical of the BCCI’s conduct as hosts of the recent men’s World Cup, deeming the politicisation of the tournament “faintly Orwellian” and an example of “insidious nationalism”. Booth touches on the delay in granting England’s Shoaib Bashir a visa for the new year Test tour, the latest hold up to impact a player of Pakistani heritage, and the fact that a principled boycott by his team-mates never got off the ground.

On the field, there was a full-throated reprisal of the previous volume’s support for ‘Bazball’ and the revitalising effects of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum as stewards of the red-ball format.

Reflecting on the thrills

Late Silva goal sends Man City into FA Cup final

MANCHESTER City bounced back from the disappointment of the Champions League quarter-final

Chelsea will regret missing a host of chances, nearly all falling to striker Nicolas Jackson, as they suffered an-

no offence had taken place. City remain on course for another double of Premier League and FA Cup, and will

exit to Real Madrid, as Bernardo Silva's late goal sunk Chelsea at Wembley to seal a place in the FA Cup final.

It was redemption for Silva after his poor spot-kick played a key role in City's loss on penalties to Real. The Portuguese midfielder turned in the winner at the far post from Kevin de Bruyne's cross six minutes from time.

other agonising Wembley experience after the extra-time defeat on penalties against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

And Chelsea also feel they were victims of an injustice, as they were infuriated that they were not awarded a second-half penalty when Cole Palmer's freekick struck Jack Grealish's hand in the wall, only for the video assistant referee to rule

now face either arch-rivals Manchester United or Championship side Coventry City in the final.

City manager Pep Guardiola asked his side, who suffered such bitter disappointed as their hold on the Champions League trophy was wrestled away by Spanish giants Real, to go to the well once more against a highly-motivated Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at

and spills of a vintage Ashes summer, Booth decides: “For the first time since English cricket vanished behind a paywall, it felt like the people’s sport.”

The comparison with England’s fading fortunes in the white-ball arena is predictably grisly following the defending champions’ World Cup wipeout. There is an opportunity to right some of those wrongs close at hand, but Wisden’s warning over the stakes for the captain and coach is cold and clear: “(Jos) Buttler and (Matthew) Mott must mount a better defence of this year’s T20 World Cup if they are to keep their jobs.”

There is a joint tribute to two more departing greats of English seam bowling, with Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Anya Shrubsole receiving a send off from former team-mate Ebony Rainford-Brent.

Wembley.

And, at times, it looked like the quest for victory might be beyond them, as they looked jaded and leggy, only for their pedigree and muscle memory keeping them in contention until they could shake off the lethargy.

City did not even have a shot on target in the first half, but slowly came into the game before, as the great sides do, they found a way to win.

The holders are always capable of moments of quality, and it was no surprise that it was De Bruyne who unlocked Chelsea when they switched off fatally late on, the Belgian picking out Silva at the far post for the winner.

And it was a sweet moment for Silva, who chose to loft a dreadful penalty straight at Real keeper Andriy Lunin in a decisive moment in the shootout against Real as City's attempt to win a second Champions League failed.

Here, as he has done so often, the Portuguese arrived with perfect timing to send City into another FA Cup Final.

City will be exhausted after another mammoth effort but will be refreshed for battles ahead by a hugely significant victory.

from both ends of spectrum of seriousness.

Michael Collins, one of the co-authors of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report, contributes a thoughtful and scholarly update covering the thorniest matters of discrimination. In it he reiterates many of the most difficult findings – chiefly the lingering presence of ingrained racism, classism and sexism within the sport at large – but strikes an optimistic tone about the chances of renewal.

“History need not make us prisoners of the past,” he writes.

“Recognising and understanding the weight of what has gone before is also a route to creating a new and different future.”

The wider historical context of game is served by pieces on England’s 100th women’s Test, the first nation to reach the milestone, and a look back on 250 years of the lbw law, and there are entries

At the opposite pole is a healthy slice of playfulness, from Emma John’s appraisal of Wisden’s history on Desert Island Discs to the pleasingly irreverent social media review of the year and the enduring ‘index of unusual occurrences’.

The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack 2024 is published by Bloomsbur on April 18.

Stuart Law played one Test and 54 one-day internationals for Australia

FORMER Australia batter Stuart Law has been appointed head coach of the USA men's national team.

Law will be in charge for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which is being held in the USA and West Indies in June.

The 55-year-old has previously coached Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies and Afghanistan.

“It is an exciting opportunity to join USA cricket at this time,” said Law, who also played county cricket for Essex and Lancashire.

“The USA are one of the strongest associate na-

tions in the sport, and I believe we can mould a formidable squad.

“The first task will be to prepare the team for a series against Bangladesh, and then set our sights on our home World Cup, which will be huge.”

USA will host Bangladesh for three T20s on 21, 23 and 25 May in Houston, Texas.

They kick off the World Cup when they face Canada in the tournament's opening match in Dallas on 2 June (01:30 BST).

They will also face Pakistan, India and Ireland in the initial group stage.

Bernardo Silva scored late on as Manchester City made their second consecutive FA Cup final

Exciting GFF-Blue Water Shipping U-15 Girls Secondary School Championship kicks off May 4

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Over 1,000 females from 60 schools to compete

THE debut edition of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls’ National Secondary School Championship is scheduled to kick off on May 4, with 60 schools registered to participate and over 1,000 aspiring young female athletes competing for top honours.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Education, the tournament will be the largest girls’ competition in Guyana, taking place across nine of the 10 administrative regions. Schools in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) will not participate in this years’ edition.

It is a progression from the GFF-Blue Water Girls

National Secondary School Championship, upcoming talents will compete in three distinct stages: The preliminary round-robin matches will be played at the regional level, followed by the Round-of-16 and eight group-stage matches to be hosted at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, and at the GFF National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

According to GFF President Wayne Forde, the championship is “a significant milestone in our ongoing endeavours to expand women’s football in Guyana”.

“This tournament is the beginning of our implementation of the competition

introducing additional competitions and festivals for Boys and Girls at the nursery, primary and secondary school levels. The long-term goal of the GFF is to work closely with the Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders in establishing a well streamlined schools football programme and yearly competition season.

“This tournament is groundbreaking as it stands as the largest girls’ tournament in Guyana’s history set to be played in nine administrative regions and featuring 60 schools. Over 1,000 enthusiastic young girls are eager to exhibit their talents on a national stage, a pathway for numerous promising players to earn selection into the junior

Senior Vice-President of Sales and Development, Richard DeNobrega noted: “BWS Guyana Inc. is extremely excited about the launch of the U-15 Girls Tournament. We continue to see this tournament grow from strength to strength and we are happy to collaborate with the GFF on its continued success. The lives of these young ladies will be enhanced, and we will surely see the talent pool for female football increase exponentially directly as a result of these tournaments. This tournament comes on the heels of other massive strides by the GFF and all stakeholders including the Ministry of Education to ensure that Guyana’s sporting talent in the world stage is

GFF

Waramuri Primary.

REGION 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam): Abram Zuil Secondary

REGION 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara): Uitvlugt Secondary, Vreed en Hoop Secondary, Westminster Se condary, West Demerara Secondary and L’Aventure Secondary

REGION 4 (EAST BANK) (Demerara-Mahaica): Covent Garden Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Soesdyke Secondary and Yarrowkabra Secondary

REGION 4 (EAST COAST): Ann’s Grove Secondary, Beterverwagting Secondary, Bladen Hall Secondary, Bygeval Secondary, Hope Secondary, Lancaster Secondary, Plaisance Secondary and President’s College

GEORGETOWN (North): Chase Academic Foundation, New Campbellville Secondary, North Georgetown Secondary, Queen’s College, St. John’s College and the Institute of Academic Excellence

ondary, Fort Wellington Secondary, No. 8 Secondary, Rosignol Secondary and Woodley Park Secondary

REGION 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne): Berbice Educational Institute, Canje Secondary, New Amsterdam Secondary, Tutorial Academy and Vryman’s Erven

REGION 7 (CuyuniMazaruni): Bartica Secondary and Three Miles Secondary

REGION 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo): Aishalton Secondary, Annai Secondary, Karasabai Secondary, Nappi Primary, Sand Creek Secondary and St. Ignatius Secondary

REGION 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice): Harmony Secondary, Linden Foundation, Mackenzie High, New Silver City, Wisburg Secondary and Wismar Christianburg

Under-15 Development League and festivals, which were launched in 2022.

The 2022 programme played an integral role in stimulating interest in football among young girls and schools across Guyana.

For the GFF-Blue Water Shipping Under-15 Girls’

phase of the FIFA Football For School (F4S) programme, which was signed into being by FIFA, the GFF and the Government of Guyana on May 12th, 2022,” he said, adding: “We will be establishing a Schools football Secretariat later this year, and will be

national team programme.”

The GFF will be establishing a network of trained tournament coordinators across the regions to administer the matches. Child safeguarding workshops will also be conducted throughout the competition.

Blue Water Shipping

further improved and recognized. Congratulations to all the young ladies and best of luck!”

See below the list of participating schools:

REGION 1 (Barima-Waini): Kamwatta Primary; Kwebanna Primary; Santa Rosa Secondary and

GEORGETOWN (South): Carmel Secondary, East Ruimveldt Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, South Ruimveldt, The New Central High, Tucville Secondary and West Ruimveldt

REGION 5 (Mahaica-Berbice): Belladrum Secondary, Bush Lot Sec-

The format of the tournament was designed to ensure adequate playing time for the players. Each player is assured a minimum of six matches and can participate in a maximum of 16.

Promising players will earn opportunities to train for positions within the national team programme. (Press Release from Guyans Football Federation (GFF).

President Wayne Forde thanked Blue Water Shipping “for their ongoing commitment to investing in the youth of our nation”

The tournament will bring into sharp focus the development of female football in Guyana

Penn Relays to posthumously honour renowned track-and-field analyst Hubert Lawrence with Jesse Abramson Award

THE prestigious Penn Relays, set to take place at Franklin Field in Philadelphia from April 25-27, 2024, will pay tribute to the late journalist, author, and track-and-field analyst Hubert Lawrence, by presenting him, posthumously, with the esteemed Jesse Abramson Award.

Lawrence, who passed away suddenly at the age of 63 on February 23, 2024,

had been a significant figure in track-and-field journalism for more than three decades, covering the Penn Relays from 1995 to 2023.

The Jesse Abramson Award recognises an active member of the media who has consistently demonstrated a devotion to the Penn Relays.

Aaron Robison, the Meet Director of the Penn Relays since 2021, when he was ap-

Sunrisers Hyderabad hit 22 sixes in win over Delhi Capitals

Sunrisers equalled the 22 sixes they hit in their previous match, when they smashed a record total of 287-3 in a win over Royal Challengers

Bengaluru

SUNRISERS Hyderabad

equalled their own Indian Premier League record for sixes in an innings with 22 in a 67-run victory at Delhi Capitals.

Australia's Travis Head (89) and fellow opener Abhishek Sharma (46) cleared the ropes six times, while Shahbaz Ahmed managed five sixes in his 59 not out.

The hosts' Jake Fraser-McGurk threatened to usurp Sunrisers with seven sixes in his 65 from 18 balls.

(Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 266-7 (20 overs): Head 89 (32), Shahbaz 59 (29); Kuldeep 4-55 Delhi Capitals 199 (19.1 overs): Fraser-McGurk 65 (18); Natarajan 4-19

Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 67 runs).

But Delhi fell well short after losing their last eight wickets for 90 runs.

Sunrisers had already broken the IPL record for an innings score twice this season, with totals of 277

pointed Associate Director at the University of Pennsylvania, expressed enthusiasm for honouring Lawrence with the Abramson Award this year, acknowledging Lawrence's profound impact on the sport.

He highlighted the significance of this tribute, noting that Lawrence will be only the third recipient from Jamaica to receive the award.

Jamaica Observer writer Paul Reid was the first-ever Jamaican recipient in 2010, while broadcast journalist Ed Barnes received the award in 2018.

"We're very excited to be able to honour him with the Abramson Award this year," said Robison. "With his untimely passing, we just felt that this was an extremely appropriate time to be able to do something like this for someone that has had such a huge impact on the world of track-and-field within

Jamaica, and then also here at the Penn Relays. And last week, I was touching base with Irwin Clare of Team Jamaica Bickle, and he made the recommendation, and we thought, what a perfect tribute, and what a perfect opportunity to honour Mr. Lawrence."

There's the really well respected, all the athletes, all the coaches, all the media really likes the person or nobody likes the person. Hubert is absolutely on the end of everyone has just incredible things to say about him," Robison remarked. "What is an incredible tribute for a journalist is when the athletes that they cover have only beautiful things to say about them. That tells you all you need to know about the person."

The Abramson Award will be presented twice during the Penn Relays

weekend. The first presentation will occur during the acknowledgement ceremony before the television broadcast window on Saturday afternoon at 1:25 p.m. in front of the whole crowd. The second presentation will take place during the officials' reception after the meet at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Robison reflected on Lawrence's impact on the Penn Relays and the wider track-and-field community, underscoring his professionalism and rapport with athletes. "To be able to have that class and that dignity, to be respected by those that you're reporting on, that's a

real, real skill and an incredible tribute to him," Robison concluded.

The Penn Relays' decision to honour Hubert Lawrence with the Abramson Award underscores Lawrence's enduring legacy and profound influence on the sport of track-and-field, both in Jamaica and on the international stage.

His contributions will be celebrated and remembered during this year's relay festival, ensuring that his impact continues to resonate within the trackand-field community.

Dinesh Karthik keen on T20 World Cup return for India

DINESH Karthik has thrown his hat in the ring to be considered for selection for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

and 287 - a game in which they also hit 22 sixes.

They did not quite reach that number of total runs, largely because of the leftarm spin of Kuldeep Yadav, who took 4-55, including the wickets of Head and Abhishek.

It was Head who set the tone for Sunrisers, reaching 50 in 16 balls as the visitors produced the fourth-highest total of the T20 tournament.

Left-arm quick Thangarasu Natarajan returned impressive figures of 4-19 as Delhi's reply faltered.

They looked to have recovered from the dismissal of David Warner for one when 22-year-old Australian all-rounder Fraser-McGurk opened up, but once he fell even a rearguard 44 from captain Rishabh Pant could not halt their slide to defeat.

The Sunrisers fifth win of the season moved them up to second in the table, while Delhi are seventh. (BBC Sport).

The 38-year-old keeper-bat has enjoyed an excellent first half of the IPL 2024 season with the bat in an underperforming RCB side with his performances, throwing himself into the selection consideration for a finisher's role in India's lower middle-order.

"I also feel there are three very, very stable, honest people who are at their helm to decide what should be the best Indian team for the World Cup. Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Ajit Agarkar. And I'm completely with them. I respect any decision that they take. But all I can say is I'm 100% ready. And you know I'll do everything I can to be on that flight to the World Cup," he added.

Karthik started the last T20 World Cup in Australia but was left out in India's final two games of the competition, including the semifinal, in favour of the left-handed Rishabh Pant. He has not featured for the national team since that tour-

nament and after an underwhelming campaign with the bat in IPL 2023 - 140 runs in 13 innings at 134.61 SRspeculation was rife that the stalwart from Tamil Nadu, who had also transitioned into broadcast, would bring the curtains down on a stellar career at the end of this 2024 season.

Playing in a familiar hyper-specialist role, Karthik has found a fresh lease of form in an otherwise forgettable campaign so far for RCB, scoring 226 runs from 6 innings at an outstanding strike-rate of 205.45. This included a 35-ball 83 in RCB's most recent game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.

Other options in front of India's team management for the keeper-bat's role include the returning Pant (210 runs at 156.71 SR), who has found his touch despite missing nearly 13 months of action while KL Rahul (286 runs at 143.00 SR), Sanju Samson (276 runs at 155.05 SR) and Ishan Kishan (192 runs at 172.97 SR) have shown good form at the top of order in the ongoing IPL.

Among keeper bats in the lower middle-order position, Jitesh Sharma, who featured in the last international T20 assignment for India, has had something of a downturn in batting fortunes with his seven trips to the crease bringing only 90 runs at 127.77 SR.

Karthik, who has a very specific training regimen with long-time coach Abhishek Nayar, opined that he was enjoying his role as a finisher for RCB. "Look, I think these days as a player, you need to understand your strengths. I'm not [Andre] Russell or [Kieron] Pollard who can mishit a ball and get a six for it. So I need to understand how I can beat gaps, what sort of balls I can hit for boundaries.

"And I realised there was a certain pattern in which bowlers were bowling to me. So, I needed to try and work out a solution for that. And hence, when I practice, I try to understand, okay, this is what they're going to bowl at me. How am I going to get a boundary visualizing a field that is going to be in place for me? So I worked like that, and I worked backwards, and that's helped me, you know, really learn a couple of shots more, you know, at the back end. It's been great to go out there and express myself, and it's been thoroughly enjoyable to do what I'm doing for RCB as a finisher." (Cricbuzz)

India-wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik

Hubert Lawrence passed away on February 23, 2024

T&T to host 2024 Women’s CPL; to be contested before men’s tourney for the first time

ORGANISERS have confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago will host the third staging of the Women's Caribbean Premier League when the tournament bowls off in August.

The inaugural tournament in 2022 was played in St Kitts and Nevis, while last year's showpiece was played in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. This year's edition scheduled for August 21-29, will see Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) and reigning champions Barbados Royals battling for top spot, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba.

“We would like to thank Trinidad and Tobago for agreeing to host this tournament and we are excited to be having the Massy WCPL taking place before we get the men’s tournament underway,” said CPL chief executive, Pete Russell.

“The commitment that the Trinidad & Tobago government has shown to women’s sport has been phenomenal and we are looking forward to another superb exhi-

bition of world class cricket over these seven matches from 21 to 29 August," he added.

The three teams will clash in six group games, with the top two teams featuring in the final.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis,

expressed joy that the twin island republic will be host to the women's tournament, which will for the first time be contested before the men's edition.

"We are delighted to host once again the Massy Women's CPL, where the extraordinary talent of women in sport from across the region will be showcased. This tournament highlights the incredible skills of our female cricketers and underscores Trinidad and Tobago's unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and fostering inclusivity in sport," she said.

"The Ministry of Sport and Community Development takes pride in spearheading the advancement of women's cricket and sport tourism in TT and we look forward to welcoming players and fans alike to our shores for an electrifying display of cricketing excellence," Cudjoe-Lewis noted. (Sportsmax)

Lat year’s winners Barbados Royals

Guyana Harpy Eagles regional title

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Openers Rashawn

Worrell and Kadeem Alleyne struck contrasting but critical half-centuries as West Indies Academy produced a clinical run chase to stun Barbados Pride by three wickets and return the regional firstclass title to Guyana Harpy Eagles here Saturday.

Set 219 to win on a dramatic final day of the final round of matches in the West Indies Championship, the Academy got over the line late in the final session at

Coolidge Cricket Ground, destroying Pride’s hopes of overtaking Harpy Eagles especially with previous leaders Windward Islands Volcanoes drawing with Leeward Islands Hurricanes in Port of Spain.

The defending champions, in third place at the start of the final round, had placed themselves in pole position for the title on Friday when they defeated Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners by eight wickets to end on 103.8 points. Pride had their chances

to make the game closer but failed to take them, Johann Layne (four not out) dropped at short mid-wicket off off-spinning captain Kraigg Brathwaite with three runs needed for victory.

Off the next delivery, Layne skied to long off and scampered a couple to level the scores before pulling a leg-side delivery behind square for a single, to give the Academy their third win of the campaign.

The victory was orchestrated by Worrell and Al -

leyne, the pair posting 85 for the first wicket to deny Pride any early success.

Worrell faced 137 deliveries and struck seven fours and a six in a patient 63 while Alleyne punched a near run-a-ball 52 off 53 deliveries, with three fours and three sixes, in an entertaining knock.

It meant the Academy reached lunch on 43 without loss and tea on 111 for two, as Pride struggled for wickets.

Alleyne was controversially given out caught down

the leg-side off fast bowler Shaquille Cumberbatch and Ackeem Auguste fell halfhour before tea for 14, recklessly holing out in the deep off left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican (3-62).

Left-hander Worrell then put on 31 for the third wicket with Teddy Bishop before he was fifth out, edging behind in Brathwaite’s (3-28) second over, with the Academy on 164 for five and still requiring a further 55 runs for victory.

When Joshua Bishop was lbw to Brathwaite for

Windies to top upcoming T20 World Cup Academy stun Pride to hand

five at 174 for six, the tide appeared to be turning in Pride’s favour but 20-yearold Carlon Bowen-Tuckett kept his nerves in an unbeaten 27 which served as the anchor of a 40-run, seventh wicket stand with Ashmead Nedd (20) to hold the chase together.

Earlier, Pride were dismissed for 308 after resuming their second innings on 228 for five, left-hander Raymon Reifer converting his overnight 43 into an unbeaten 82 off 160 balls with four fours and a six.

Vote of confidence: Sir Viv Richards backs

Legendary West Indian batsman Sir Vivian Richards is backing the regional side to go all the way and claim a third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title at the upcoming tournament.

The Darren Sammy-coached and Rovman Powell-captained West Indies will square off against some of the world's best teams at the June 1-29 showpiece, which will be jointly hosted in the Caribbean and United States.

West Indies won the 2012 and 2016 editions of the tournament.

Richards gave the team a rousing vote of confidence as he spoke during the ongoing global trophy tour, which touched down in his homeland Antigua earlier this week.

“It’s really exciting to see that one of the biggest sporting events on the global calendar will be coming to the West In-

dies and the USA and we will have matches right here in Antigua. For me, and my fellow Antiguans this is a tremendous event and we as absolutely delighted to host the world on

our shores," Richards shared. “As I look ahead to the matches, I’m backing my West Indies team to deliver on the big day. We have a very good team, and they look united

under Rovman Powell, so I’m throwing my full support behind my team. It would be great to win this ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on our home soil. We won twice before…

those were way (in Sri Lanka in 2012 and India in 2016), so a third title would be great, and where better, than at home in front of our great West Indian fans to celebrate," he added.

Richards was joined by former Antigua and West Indies greats Sir Andy Roberts, Sir Richie Ricardson, and Sir Curtly Ambrose as they posed for photos and videos at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. During the session, they also offered words of encouragement to several young cricketers who were specially selected to attend the event and were delighted to meet their heroes.

The trophy tour made several other stops at iconic locations – Shirley Heights, Nelson Dockyard; and Heritage Quay, and the Antigua Recreation Ground in St John’s. It was also hosted by Governor General Sir Rodney Wil-

liams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of Sports Daryll Matthew. ICC and CWI thanked the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for their tremendous support in hosting the trophy tour events and the upcoming tournament.

West Indies have been drawn alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand, Uganda and Papua New Guinea in the opening round. They bowl off their title hunt against PNG on June 2, at the Guyana National Stadium, followed by a clash with newcomers Uganda at the same venue on June 8. From there they travel to Trinidad to face New Zealand at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on June 12.

Their final preliminary contest will be against the Afghans on June 17 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia. (Sportsmax).

West Indies legends Sir Richie Richardson (left) and Sir Vivian Richards pose with the T20 World Cup Trophy