Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 22-04-2023

City Hall’s ‘negligence’ causes flooding in Georgetown

–– Gov’t forced to find operators for sluices, implement 24-hour monitoring system, Minister Mustapha

laments

–– CDC says residents have not reported household impacts

By Cassandra Khan

NEGLIGENCE at City Hall resulted in flooding across the City on Friday, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

In an invited comment, the minister said a number of sluices were without operators, since the Georgetown City Council did not

have operators.

“There were a number of sluices; two or three main sluices in the city that the Georgetown City Council did not have operators to operate those sluices. We had to go with NDIA (National Drainage and Irrigation Authority) to find operators to operate those sluices, and, once again, is the same

thing; rain start to fall, and City Council started to get problems,” Minister Mustapha said.

He related that he has since asked the NDIA to monitor it on a 24-hour basis, and that they have already ensured that all sluices are operable.

“We have had continuous heavy downpour; that is why we had the build-

up of water. And also, the forecast is showing that we might have some more rain,” the Agriculture Minister said.

On a more national level, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said it has received several reports of flood impacts along the country’s coastland.

Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) were significantly affected with an average of four inches of floodwaters.

“Wakenaam and Leguan, in the Essequibo River, and Parika and Vergenoegen on the Eastern Bank of the Essequibo

River have reported rising water levels in trenches and drains. That resulted in over-topping onto roadways, and into the Parika Market area,” the CDC said.

Residents in the communities, however, have not reported any household impacts, and the authorities on the ground have indicated that all kokers and sluices are currently operational.

Along the Western Coast of Demerara, areas such as Stewartville, Hague, and Pouderoyen have reported flooding in many residential streets due to the heavy rainfall.

At the time of this report, no water had seeped into households. Irrigation measures are in place in several communities in the region and authorities will continue to monitor the developing situation.

In Region Four, the Better Hope/LBI communities have also reported flooding. Persons there have said that if the heavy rains continue, the water

levels can rise even further.

Additionally, there was a report of a high wind impact along Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown. No injuries were reported and the CDC liaised with the City Engineer’s Department of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown to rectify the issue.

The CDC urged all residents to take the necessary precautions during this time and to report all impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time.

It was announced in Budget 2023, by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh that $19.7 billion would be expended on drainage and irrigation works.

There will be upgrades to drainage and irrigation systems across the country, as well as new pump stations which will be constructed at Meten-Meer-Zorg, Jimbo Grove, Belle Vue and Letter Kenny.

A vehicle navigates through a flooded street in Georgetown (Adrian Narine photo)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

THE month of Ramadan teaches and reinforces in Muslims that they all have the capacity to be contented with what they have, as has been taught in the virtues of patience, obedience, and acceptance, according to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Friday at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration held in the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) Building, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, on Friday.

“We all have the ability to be thankful for what we have. We all have the ability to love each other,” he said.

The Head of State stated that Muslims had been instructed in the virtues of endurance, submission, and acceptance over the previous month.

President Ali said that as they celebrate Eid, one in three persons in the world does not have access to safe drinking water; 10 per cent of the world’s population goes to bed hungry; 25 per cent of the world lives in conflict, and of the world’s 2 billion youths, 1/3 are unemployed, not in school or in any

Contentment, love, kindness essential to ‘One Guyana’ initiative

–– President Ali says as Muslims observe Eid-ul-Fitr

formal form of training.

“This is the reality of the world we live in…400 million people have no access to health care. More than a billion people live on less than US $1 per day, and half of the world’s population lives on less than GYD $1300 per day,” he said. “ But I mention these realities because sometimes, even as Muslims, we are not thankful and grateful for the way we are blessed and what we have.”

Further, he explained: “The world we live in today is very different. One of the important teachings of Islam, and in all the recommended supplication of Prophet Muhammad alayhi s-sal?m. He speaks about contentment. If you go through all the recommended duas, contentment is an important part of Islam.”

The President continued: “The moment we are not content with our blessings, we are not content with what Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has blessed us with; then it leads to all sorts of destruction because our desires and

what we believe to be good for us and more for us will get out of control and lead to all sorts of behaviours.”

He noted that the Quran acknowledges that everyone was created differently by design, not so that they hate each other or compete against each other, but so that we may know each other.

“We cannot know each other if you do not share; if you do not communicate; if you do not reach out; if you do not respect; and if you do not have tolerance. Muslims should understand that this verse of the Quran did not say [only] Muslims. It says all humanity, which means that reaching out and togetherness and coming together are not confined only to the Ummah,” he said.

President Ali stated, “Those in Guyana who formed part of the Ummah, who believe that divisiveness and being part of the action do not promote ‘One Guyana’ is acceptable, I’m afraid…this is not part of Islam.”

He noted that they must be part of what

reflects the true values of Islam: love, kindness, and contentment, and even for those who seek charity, there is a responsibility for them to have contentment too.

“Charity is important, but those who seek charity must not use that as a job every day. It’s a rough message, but it’s an important message. Charity is free giving, and it’s Islamic, but people must not make a business out of it. That becomes un-Islamic,” he said.

The head-of-state said there are enough opportunities for people to actively involve themselves in work, contributing to their families, communities, and society.

“It is un-Islamic if you have those opportunities and you can work and you don’t take them. We need as a country, all of us as Guyanese, to get our act together,” he said.

President Ali continued: “This Ramadan must re-enforce in us that we have the ability to be better. We have the ability to do better. We have the ability to be better individually and collectively.

Let us not waste it.”

Guyana’s economic prospects remain positive

–– ECLAC projects 37.2 per cent economic growth for this year

GUYANA remains on course to recording double digit Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by the end of this year, as the country continues to be resilient against global and regional challenges, and chart its own path with strategic policies and measures implemented by the government.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), in its latest report, projected 37.2 per cent economic growth for this year. This is the case while other regions are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and recording low economic growth.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had reported too that Guyana is on course to record economic growth of 37.2 per cent by the end of this year.

Driven by prudent fiscal management and growing sectors, including the burgeoning oil and gas sector, Guyana is on course to record significant economic growth and to persevere through global and domestic challenges.

The IMF in its latest publication, the World Economic

Outlook: A rocky recovery, reported that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth could be even higher next year, reaching 45.3 per cent.

Recently, the World Bank projected that this year is going to be “substantially bleaker” for the Latin American and Caribbean region than it was last year, but Guyana is yet again expected to stand out among its counterparts with economic growth projected to hover above 20 per cent over the next three years.

The international financial institution in its latest report on Latin America and the Caribbean - “The Promise of Integration Opportunities in a Changing Global Economy,” related: “The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region has proved to be relatively resilient in the face of increased debt stress, stubborn inflation, and uncertainty arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Income and employment have largely recovered from the pandemic, poverty has receded, and markets remain guardedly optimistic about the near future. However, headwinds have picked up,

and the 2023 outlook is substantially bleaker than 2022.”

Guyana is the only country on course to record double-digit growth this year and in the near future. The country, according to the World Bank, is set to record real gross domestic product

(GDP) growth of 25.2 per cent this year, 21.2 per cent next year and 28.2 per cent in 2025.

Consistent growth is expected even as the IMF has reported that tentative signs in early 2023 that the world economy could achieve a

soft landing—with inflation coming down and growth steady—have receded amid stubbornly high inflation and recent financial-sector turmoil.

Despite the global situation, based on its economic performance over the past two years, Guyana has a solid foundation upon which to continue broadening its horizons

and advancing significantly, especially in the medium term.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, early this year said the government’s targeted expansion of the other economic sectors, and diversifying of the economic pillar is showing direct results due to the policy formulation and measures that have been implemented.

MV MA Lisha a ‘game changer’ in transportation, trade, tourism

THE new $2.5 billion (US$12.7M) MV MA Lisha was dubbed a game changer in water transportation in Guyana by Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, during an appreciation luncheon to mark the vessel’s arrival on Friday.

He emphasised that it is expected to play a critical role in enhancing transportation, trade, and tourism between Georgetown and the North West District.

“MV MA Lisha is a game changer in water transportation in Guyana. The

people in Region One would now be able to get home faster, since this boat is a faster boat. We will be reducing travel time sometime between six to eight hours that is the game changer,” Edghill said.

The ferry which will ply the Barima-Waini/ Georgetown route was built by Indian company Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited and has special features to mitigate challenges faced by travellers.

Minister Edghill highlighted that the vessel has 10 x 10 containers that can

carry a large quantity of produce, reducing the price of goods.

The boat can carry 276 passengers, 18 crew members, and 14 sedan-type ve-

hicles along with two trucks. Additionally, the 70-metre-long beam will have seating as comfortable as business class on an airline, with air conditioning and ample

leg room.

This will provide a comfortable and safe travel experience for women, senior citizens, pregnant mothers, and children.

The VIP cabins also provide an opportunity for persons to travel with their cars and SUVs to the North West District.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, also stressed that it is an American Bureau of Shipping Class vessel, which speaks to its quality, durability, and reliability.

“All of the vessels that you see moving up and down in the oil and gas sector are ABS… this vessel falls in that class; it tells you of the class of the vessel, it tells

you of the haul of the vessel, the quality of the vessel, it speaks to a whole host about the vessel…to maintain that quality we have to make sure that the captain and the crew that will be manning this vessel…treat it with care,” Minister Indar said.

Moreover, the MV MA Lisha is linked to improved services in every way, providing online booking for passengers with different needs and preferences. It is a major step towards modernising water transportation in Guyana.

Viewing of the vessel will be conducted on Sunday, April 23. Its name is from the native Warrau language meaning friendship.

Model of the MV MA Lisha vessel

Jagdeo calls on persons to report cases of intimidation by APNU/PNCR

–– says will ‘personally’ ensure matters are fully investigated by the relevant law enforcement agency

GENERAL Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has called on persons supportive of the party, particularly those of Afro-Guyanese descent, to report instances of intimidation by the A Partnership for National Unity/ People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

In a brief statement on the PPP/C’s official Facebook page, Jagdeo said: “I urge any individual who is supportive of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (particularly those of Afro-Guyanese ancestry), who has been threatened or faced acts of bullyism by operatives of the PNC/APNU on any matter related to local government election, to make contact via Tel: +592700-8117.”

The party’s General Secretary went on to say: “I will personally ensure that every case is fully investigated by the relevant law enforcement agency, and strong action is taken against those found

culpable.”

It was reported on Thursday that the party was notified by several residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) that operatives of the PNC/APNU, namely,

Banks DIH certified to use the GNBS Made in Guyana seal on all products

By Faith Greene

BANKS DIH on Friday achieved the rights to use the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) approved Made in Guyana Standards mark for its locally produced products.

In a short ceremony hosted at Banks DIH, the Made in Guyana Certificate was presented to the company’s Chairman Clifford Reis by John Edghill, Director of Business.

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to

products manufactured locally and made available to both local and international markets. The seal is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products.

Additionally, the Made in Guyana certification mark focuses on creating national competitiveness for authentic Guyanese products certified under the programme, while also creating and promoting brand recognition of locally manufactured Guyanese products.

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme will also pro -

Member of Parliament (MP) Vinceroy Jordan, Carol Smith-Joseph, and Darren Wade, have reportedly resorted to tactics of intimidation to influence persons to withdraw their names from lists submitted for the Local Government Elections (LGE).

According to a statement from the PPP/C, there are reports that PNC members are visiting the homes of persons whose names appear on the PPP/C’s Backers’ List and intimidating them, forcing them to withdraw their names by signing pre-prepared documents.

“Those persons related that they are now scared for their lives and that of their families,” the PPP/C said.

One of the Party’s Candidates for the Union\Naarstigheid LAA, Region Five, Rosaline Carmichael has issued a statement, testifying that the signatures were obtained voluntarily and lawfully.

“During the month of January 2023, I obtained, voluntarily, the requisite

signatures of residents in my community in support of my candidacy for the June 12, 2023 Local Government Elections. At no time did I engage in any unlawful conduct in obtaining the said signatures,” Carmichael said.

The PPP/C, in its statement in response to reports of intimidation, said: “We believe that these actions are being done to divert attention from the fact that the PNC/APNU is unable to compete in 55 per cent of the constituencies and 24 Local Authority Areas (LAA) across the country, and to the mask the glaring shortcomings of its lists, which include, among others, a lack of diversity in age and ethnicity.”

The party urged residents across the country to be vigilant, and to resist any such further attempts, as the matter will engage the attention of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Banks

vide a framework for the development of quality systems within the local market, thus enabling a quality revolution, pushing Guyanese businesses to the forefront of quality on a national, regional, and international level, according to the GNBS.

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme is voluntary and is available to all local manufacturers who are interested in being certified under this programme.

This programme is in keeping with the GNBS Act of 1984, which au-

thorises the GNBS to use its Made in Guyana Certification Mark on products with set cri -

teria that are in compliance with the terms and conditions of this programme.

DIH on Friday achieved the rights to use the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) approved Made in Guyana Standards mark for its locally produced products

PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

A Delusional Disorder

AS the opposition leader of the APNU/ PNC party, Aubrey Norton holds a significant position of power and influence. However, there have been growing concerns about the false belief that he enjoys the complete confidence of the party and the potential consequences that may result from this.

One of the critical consequences of this false belief is that it may lead to a lack of accountability and transparency within the party. If Norton is believed to be untouchable and beyond reproach, it may discourage party members from questioning his decisions or holding him accountable for any missteps or misjudgments.

Furthermore, the false belief in Norton’s infallibility may also lead to a lack of diversity of opinions and perspectives within the party. If members are afraid to challenge Norton’s views or offer alternative ideas, it could stifle healthy debate and prevent the party from fully considering all options.

In December, 2022, Geeta Chandan-Edmond resigned as General Secretary of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), while the party’s National Trea-

surer, Faaiz Mursalin, resigned because of frustration with purported instances of racial hostility and financial accountability. However, Mursaline was later begged by the party to rescind his resignation and resolve his issues with the party.

Another potential consequence of this false belief is that it may lead to a lack of public trust and support for the party. If Norton is seen as being above criticism or accountability, it could erode the public’s confidence in the party’s ability to govern and represent their interests effectively.

In order to address these concerns, the APNU/PNC party needs to foster a culture of openness, transparency, and accountability, something for which it is not known based on its historical track record.

Party members should feel empowered to question their leaders and offer alternative perspectives without fear of retribution. By promoting a diverse range of opinions and engaging in healthy debate, the party can ensure that it is fully considering all options and making informed decisions.

However, Norton is from an era of fascism and party paramountcy, and ulti-

mately, the consequences of the false belief that Norton enjoys the full confidence of the APNU/PNC party are significant and far-reaching.

By addressing these concerns head on and promoting a culture of openness and accountability, the party can better represent the interests of its members and the wider public. However, all and sundry knows this is impossible, based on Norton’s leadership’s actions or lack thereof.

In order to survive, political parties need to evolve with the times and adapt to the changing needs and values of their constituents. However, the PNC/R has stayed true to its poor and incompetent ideologies while maintaining its racist views.

Norton has been the Leader of the Opposition for over a year, and already the party has changed two Indo-Guyanese general secretaries and a treasurer.

Further, he has supported executive member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), David Hinds, who disparaged a number of PNC/R Indo-Guyanese members for speaking out against racist and incendiary remarks made by the WPA.

Hinds had said that the PNC/R In -

do-Guyanese members were only there to attract Indo-Guyanese voters.

Further, Hinds referred to Indo-Guyanese PNC/R member Geeta Chandan-Edmond as a “slaver catcher,” for having condemned remarks made by WPA member Tacuma Ogunseye, who made racially charged remarks against East Indians at a public meeting in Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Hinds had also directed comments at PNC/R Parliamentarians Ganesh Mahipaul, and Natasha Singh-Lewis; Regional Chairman Daniel Seeram, and Mayor Ubraj Narine who had issued a joint statement condemning the remarks of another WPA Member, Rhonda Layne.

Such a philosophy is not in line with the values of a modern, democratic society and the PNC/R needs to embrace a more inclusive and progressive approach if it hopes to remain relevant in the political landscape.

It is important for political leaders to prioritise the well-being of the country and its people, rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric that only serves to further polarise the nation.

Caring and sharing with persons in Canal #1

Dear Editor,

LAST Sunday, April 16, 2023, it was a beautiful day to visit the countryside of good, old Guyana and see and admire the beauty of Mother Nature.

The day was pampered with brilliant sunshine but also blessed with the cool breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, blowing across the Demerara River. Dr Tara Singh from New York (former Senior Lecturer at UG), lead a bunch of men on a “Men On Mission” project to distribute food hampers in No. 1 Canal, West Bank Demerara, his birth place.

Over 50 vulnerable people of all ages and from different ethnicities, including Amerindians and Venezuelans, were the recipients of hampers containing, rice, split peas, salt, sugar, oil, marmite, tofu, chowmein, flour, baking powder and sanitation products.

It was overwhelming to meet and greet so many needy families, more so, gratifying to embrace five senior citizens over the age of 90.

This programme was well received and the villagers were very thankful and

appreciative of the gifts. As sociologist Dr Singh opinioned: “Preaching about humanitarian service [seva] is all well and good.

“But, teaching about service to society is better when you can actually reach out to the individuals by visiting them and giving them something for sustenance with your own hands. It leaves an indelible impression on the donor to see the joy and satisfaction on the face of the done.”

Such assistance has a far-reaching

effect as a two-way street. Dr Singh philosophised by telling the beneficiaries, “It is a person’s duty to help and assist the needy whenever and wherever possible and not to look forward to anything in return.”

While the level of poverty is projected to decline from 38 per cent to 32 per cent by 2024, this reduction must not obscure the reality that there are several pockets of poverty in Guyana.

And poverty reduction is not the responsibility of just government but also individuals and NGOs. In the US for example, the poverty rate is 11 per cent. It is being addressed by both the government and private individuals and NGOs.

The food hamper distribution was organised through the initiative of Dr Tara Singh and family and ably supported by friends and the following well-w-ishers from NY, Toronto and Guyana: Arbin, Baby and children, Khublall and family, Halima and family, Anthony Edwards and family, Chandra Bhagoutie and family, Rohan Rai and family, Turks Mohabir and family, Aptee Samaroo and family, Rishiram Persaud, John Amin,

Shawn Bacchus, Jai Lall and all the other guys who helped in the preparation and distribution, including one village councillor.

Special thanks to Paul Cheong, former Chairman of the PSC, for his input and appearance and also, Jeewan and family for hosting the party for lunch.

As Toni Edwards, one of the contributors remarked, “Kudos to Dr Tara Singh/New York Guyana Mission-Food Hamper Drive for this great service to humanity. We are thrilled to have supported this organization and it citizenry in which it serves.

“Through your unselfish donations to NYGM-this organization was able to accomplish its goals and continue working towards helping those less fortunate in Canal #1. You all truly make the difference and I am extremely grateful to have supported this mission!”

It is anticipated that the next food hamper distribution will be in another four months.

Yours respectfully.

Editor Navendra Seoraj

OP-ED Philanthropy is not the ultimate solution to poverty

By Shaquawn Gill

GUYANA is in a very unique place in its history and among its counterparts in the Western Hemisphere.

In the process of what seems to be monumental transformation, the government has to contend with demands from sections of society to apparently make all the country’s issues disappear immediately. One of those issues, though not isolated to Guyana, is poverty reduction and eradication.

However, the path that Guyana should take to erad-

icate poverty is usually up for debate. China, a new global powerhouse, also has the issue of poverty but has made significant strides in addressing the scourge.

The World Bank reported in 1990 that more than 750 million people lived below the international poverty line, which stood at US$1.90 a day. This accounted for, at the time, 66 per cent of the country’s population.

By 2012, Professor Wang Sangui from the College of Agriculture and Rural Development at the Renmin University of China, noted that

the number stood at 98.99 million people, a humongous decrease.

These figures were also confirmed by the World Bank. But what is responsible for China’s success in poverty reduction?

At the publication of this article, I would have spent some eight weeks in the People’s Republic of China, interacting with high-level professors, politicians, business moguls and diplomats. With Guyana’s ability to implement mechanisms to reduce poverty, I thought it would be remiss of me not

Civil Society must also be held accountable

–Minister Teixeira says

IN strengthening Guyana’s anti-corruption framework and ensuring that these measures are enforced nationwide, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, said civil society groups must be held to the same standards as everyone else.

Minister Teixeira was at the time responding to a question on the challenges faced by lawmakers in holding civil society accountable, on day two of the 9th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies.

“One of the things we are sensitive to in Guyana is that we are not trying to knock out civil society [groups] or make them unable to function, or in any way limit their rights… However, we are unapologetic in saying that they must be held accountable, like everybody else,” the minister said.

The parliamentary affairs minister highlighted that the integrity commission is responsible for the pursuit of transparency and honesty in public office or public life. Guyana has the Friendly Societies Act which governs the operations of NGOs.

The Friendly Societies Act enables the Director of Friendly Societies, who falls under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, to support the smooth functioning of those organisations through enhanced accountability to the public.

“We have to look at how do we amend those to deal with the reality today, and how do we look at the audited

reports which are required by the civil society, once they’re registered,” she said.

Further, another challenge in amending anti-corruption legislation to include civil society groups, is that many of these organisations are not registered, but continue to receive foreign funding.

This, in many cases, allows them to dodge many of the accountability measures required of civil society organisations.

“Anti-corruption requires all of us to be equal in the fight against corruption. It can’t be that we set the standards for government but no standards for civil society or other people.

The mechanism for civil society accountability has to be done.

I believe by looking at what other laws or models in other countries look at regulating their civil society,” Minister Teixeira added. (DPI)

to ask for salient advice on this issue.

Visiting the Party School of the Communist Party of China, I asked the question every Guyanese would pay to get the answer to – What advice would you give to Guyana to reduce poverty?

The response was mind-boggling: “Poverty reduction is not philanthropy,” one senior lecturer at the school posited.

This made me think of Guyana, where persons in authority are aware of this critical piece of advice.

Human resource development (education), urbanisation, industrialisation, and employment opportunities were the specific mechanisms pinpointed by the experts, shunning the doling out of direct cash transfers or “handouts” and immediate salary spikes.

Though clear evidence exists on how the standard of living can be improved through these targeted mechanisms, a motion emanated from the Parliamentary

opposition requesting that the government gives every Guyanese citizen over the age of 18 a payment of $200,000 every quarter. I shudder to think that such a proposal would make its way to the floor of the National Assembly.

Fortunately, the investments we have actually seen since we drew first oil have been in the direction of what we have seen brought and continues to bring China great success (President Xi Jinping announced in 2021 that they saw some 100 million people lifted out of poverty in eight years).

In terms of human and economic development, more than 13,000 scholarships have been awarded for Guyanese to attain higher education, 7,000 people were trained in technical and vocational areas in 2022 according to the Board of Industrial Training, agro-processing and local manufacturing have increased significantly with an ambitious goal of making manufacturing more lucra-

tive through the gas-to-shore project, among many others. Following some aspects of the Chinese model, this may be the exact answer to the woes of poverty in our country. I must conclude that I am excited to see what happens next.

Shaquawn Gill

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

Dr. Randolph Persaud responds to Nigel Westmaas

Dear Editor, PLEASE afford me the space to respond to a missive by Nigel Westmaas which was published in the press under the title “Randy Persaud, the new… Czar at OP…” (KN April 21, 2023).

Mr. Westmaas is correct that I have responded to several individuals, groups, and organisations regarding the economic and political situation in our country.

I tried my best to decipher Westmaas’ concerns but did not find anything of substance except that he is

concerned with my effectiveness in critiquing and exposing the repeated falsehoods peddled against the current PPP/C administration. He also posed some questions regarding Freddie Kissoon, which I shall soon address.

Westmaas should understand that I write of my

own free will. I can now state boldly and without apologies that I will not stand down and watch the Georgetown elite and their overseas friends attached to the PNC/R and WPA attack the democratically elected PPP/C without challenging them.

Note that my writing is always based on two central principles. Firstly, I write to push back against the abuses that come from the mouths and pens of the usual suspects as delineated and described by Freddie Kissoon.

I have no problem in exposing the fundamental flaws in the arguments, claims, and propositions of the Group of 26 that have been trying their best to sink Guyana, albeit under the guise of patriotism. I have no problem pointing out the duplicity of Red Thread, GHRA, and an amalgam of garden variety civil society groups that are in politics for the mere pleasure (jouissance) of it. I challenge Mr. Westmaas, or any of his comrades, to point to a single factual error or misrepresentation I have made to date.

Secondly, I am keen on clarifying issues of public policy and public interest for those who do not have

as much time to follow the issues as closely as they might like.

At times it is necessary for me to resort to the use of political, social, and economic theory. On other occasions, I concern myself with decoding the analyses of several APNU/WPA/AFC linked intellectuals. I do not see these engagements as unproductive.

Debating is a good thing. I suspect that Mr. Westmaas was moved to do his bit against me precisely because, unlike loudmouths, I am prepared to deal with the intellectuals sponsored by the APNU, WPA, and AFC, on their own territory.

Westmaas should know that I have no reservations exposing the half-truths of those like MP Annette Ferguson who claimed LFS Burnham was sent by God. Nor do I have any second thoughts about demonstrating the fallacies and tactical patriotism of one of the Peeping Toms in KN.

Regarding Freddie Kissoon, I can say, yes, we have had differences in the past. Westmaas wants to know what has changed. Well, Freddie already cleared that up – the sustained effort to rig the 2020 National and Regional elections in Guy-

ana wounded him in a way and he vowed to stand forever in defense of the democratic rights of all Guyanese. Westmaas should know that humans do not come into this world with prefabricated social, cultural, and political identities.

These are acquired through experience. Freddie Kissoon has been open-minded enough and courageous enough to make a stand, and to be strong enough to withstand the consequences. But make no mistake, Freddie will be back.

Like Freddie, numerous previous supporters of the PNCR have crossed over to the PPP as we saw just days ago with the LGE nominations. I doubt that Westmaas seriously believes people are born with fixed political identities.

Unlike Freddie, the same cannot be said for any number of the people who will no doubt be the beneficiaries of Westmaas’ diatribe.

Might I remind you that the top WPA activist, Dr David Hinds, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, called for the 2020 elections to be thrown out.

Should I stay silent on that? Should I or anyone else stay silent on Ogunseye’s filiopietistic proclivities that descend into world-class race-baiting? Should I stay silent on Amanza Walton-Desir’s despicable characterisation of the Government of Guyana as approaching totalitarianism?

Should I stay silent of Melinda Janki’s trashing of Guyana’s oil and gas industry when, in fact, she was on the payroll of the same oil companies she has all but declared war against today?

I am a citizen of this country, and I can assure you my voice will be heard.

I will continue to expose the unsubstantiated innuendos, the half-truths, the outright lies, and certainly, the propaganda of the intellectual, highfalutin personalities from Georgetown, Brooklyn, Toronto, London, British Columbia, Arizona, Germany, or wherever else they may be.

Yours sincerely, Dr.

Randolph Persaud

DEMTOCO revenue soars to $7.7B in 2022 –– despite threat of illegal trade

DEMERARA Tobacco Company Limited (DEMTOCO) has announced a strong operational performance for the second consecutive year, achieving 3.6 percent volume growth compared to the previous year.

The company’s revenue growth increased by 5.8 percent to $7.7 billion in 2022, mainly because of improvements in the portfolio mix and volume increases, resulting

in a 2.5 percent increase in earnings per share.

The Managing Director of DEMTOCO, Vijay Singh, also highlighted that “share price at the close of the financial year stood proudly at G$3,000 representing a 50 percent increase which solidifies the confidence of our shareholders and commitment of management to deliver on expectations.”

Singh, in his report at the company’s 89th Annual General Meeting, high-

lighted the threat of illicit trade as the greatest risk to their business and the wider business community. The company believes that the rapid increase and far-reaching presence of illegal cigarettes will

negatively impact their business, government revenues and further incentivise criminal activities in the communities.

He noted that if things continue as they are, the company stands to see this illegal trade grow by a further 10 percent by 2024, which will be at unmanageable levels in the market. The company has seen a similar situation play out in neighbouring

Suriname in which the trade, left unchecked, ruined the revenue streams for the government and the legitimate industry.

In Guyana, DEMTOCO has been receiving support from the various law enforcement agencies and this is noteworthy. However, the Managing Director stated that much more has to be done and at an accelerated and urgent pace as the illicit traders are increasing their market share on a daily basis. He said the company remains committed to raising awareness of this issue through active engagement with regulators, government, and the private sector.

Despite the challenges posed by the illicit trade, the company’s premium brand Dunhill grew significantly by 11 percent, driven by continuous innovation that the brand offers which consumers embraced, and its Pall Mall brand experienced a seven percent growth.

DEMTOCO’s Managing Director urged shareholders to highlight this plight to ensure public awareness is at its peak.

The company remains committed to ensuring sustainable growth through continuous improvements in their portfolio, distribution, and retention of the best talent in the market.

Guyana, Costa Rica strengthen partnership to boost tourism sector

By Cindy Parkinson

IN order to strengthen mutual tourism co-operation, Guyana’s Minister

of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond and Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism William Rodriguez

Lopez, signed a letter of intent and collaboration on Friday.

The signing took place at the Costa Rican Tour-

ism Board Building in San Jose, in the minister’s office, where the agreement covers institutional structures, a plan of action, and additional areas of partnership like knowledge sharing and technical support.

Over the next three days, Minister Walrond and Kamrul Baskh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), will travel to the Central American nation for a series of meetings.

These meetings will include talks with the tourism management and certification department directors of the Costa Rican Tourism Board and the Marketing Director of the Costa Rican Tourism Board.

The programme also includes possible areas of co-operation between the Tourism and Hospitability Association of Guyana (THAG) and the National Chamber of Tourism of Costa Rica (Canatur). It will also feature tourism investment opportunities in both Guyana and Costa Rica.

Director of GTA Kamrul Baskh told Guyana Chronicle that the trip and engagement with between the two countries are essential for many reasons. He said: “For one, we are doing a series of meetings with government and non-government entities to get a sense of how Costa Rica has developed a world-class tourism experience and industry.”

He also stated that he and Minister Walrond had meetings with the National Learning Institute in the country, giving them first-hand experience of how Guyana can develop

its hospitality institute. The director also said they had meetings with Canatur to see how they could develop partnerships there.

“We have had meetings also with the investment arm here, and we have also met with the Director of Marketing and the Director of Tourism Management, in addition to meeting with the Minister of Tourism and formalising that relationship with Costa Rica,” he said.

Kamrul said, “We are here to observe as much as possible, and we are looking forward to strengthening the relationship between the two countries. We are going to be engaging in mutual areas of interest in co-operation in the coming weeks and months, and a strategic action plan is currently being devised to flush out all the areas of co-operation between Guyana and Costa Rica. This is inclusive of investments, product development, marketing, tourism education and capacity building, exchange programmes and more.”

According to Baksh, all of the initiatives are geared towards accelerating development for Guyana’s tourism industry, which President Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana lead.

He noted that the Costa Ricans have been “incredibly supportive of Guyana’s tourism sector and have welcomed us wholeheartedly.”

They were very forthcoming with information and best practices in the industry, and Guyana looks forward to being in partnership with them.”

Costa Rican Tourism Minister William Rodriguez Lopez and Guyana Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Oneidge Walrond sign the letter of intent and collaboration between the two countries.

Plantation York identified as new location for Linden 1,000 homes project

THE Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, on Friday announced that the government has found a new location to accelerate the government’s 1000 homes project in Linden.

The newly identified housing area is situated at Plantation York along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Region 10.

Initially, the government had started developing an area at Millie’s Hideout to construct the houses as part of a commitment by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to build

1,000 homes to meet the housing needs in the mining town.

Greaves explained that the project was halted after it was discovered that a significant bauxite reserve was present in the area.

“Because you can imagine the benefits that will come to Linden from that bauxite reserve, the number of jobs that will be created when they start working there,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

As a result, Greaves stated that the government was able to identify a new location for the project, spanning over 500 acres of land, thanks to the efforts of President Ali.

The CEO expressed his confidence that the new location will prove suitable for the 1000 homes project, and work will commence shortly.

The development will include a residential area as well as commercial and industrial zones. All necessary amenities including roads, bridges, drainage, culverts, electricity, and water will be included.

“This is a larger location…the other things that come with it are creeks running through it. And so, we thought it best that we will put some commercial activity…if persons see the area, I am sure they will want to build hotels and resorts there,” he said.

Currently, 20 of the 40 elevated and flat units in Amelia’s Ward have been completed as part of the first phase of the project.

According to Greaves, these houses will be delivered to the respective allottees within a month.

The initiative is a key component of the government’s affordable housing programme, aimed at providing opportunities for Guyanese citizens to become homeowners.

It is also aligned with the government’s manifesto commitment to allocate 50,000 house lots by the year 2025.

Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Chief Executive Officer, Sherwyn Greaves

China’s story is one of endurance and inspiration

–– John Thornton says China needs to utilise global English language communication channels

By Suelle Findlay-Williams in China

CHINA has undertaken a unique path to modernisation, underscoring common pros-

ment around the world because the country does not utilise global English communication channels.

Thornton said that because the English language dominates the

ry via the global English communication channels since the absence of the Chinese voice in these channels is damaging.

Thornton related:

“The single most important thing that Chi -

perity for all; cooperation, harmony and peace among people.

John Thornton, Cochair of the Board of Trustees of the Asia Society, said the concept of Chinese modernisation is “very compelling,” and that China’s story is one of endurance and inspiration.

Thornton made those remarks during a panel discussion on “new developments of China, new opportunities for the world,” where he joined several other experts to highlight developments and opportunities in China. The forum was part of the Lanting Forum on Chinese Modernisation and the World held in Shanghai on Friday.

According to Thornton, not enough positive stories are being told about China’s develop-

international communication channels, once a negative narrative about China gets going, it’s almost impossible to turn it around.

“The English language dominates the global communication channels. And once a narrative gets going in those channels, it’s almost impossible to turn it around,” he related.

Thornton said that, in general, China does not participate in those channels at all, and as a result, all the information about China comes from someone who is not Chinese.

“And guess what? The narrative is never accurate and never as positive as it should [be]. And that is simply unacceptable,” he related.

He added that the Chinese leadership must tell its modernisation sto-

na can do in respect of Chinese modernisation or any other topic…is to figure out how to get the content communicated in a compelling way in the global communication channels, so that everybody hears the same message.”

Chinese globalisation, according to officials, offers solutions to many challenges facing human development. It creates a new form of human advancement and provides an important source of inspiration for the world, especially developing countries.

Officials have emphasised that China’s success in economic and social advancement proves that every country has the right and the ability to choose its path and hold its future firmly in hand.

Co-chair of the Board of Trustees of the Asia Society, John Thornton

Guyana on track to achieve self sufficiency in corn, soya bean –– aims to become major supplier in the region

GUYANA is making remarkable strides towards achieving self-sufficiency in the production of corn and soya bean.

On Tuesday, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that Guyana is well on its way to achieving this goal and becoming a major supplier of these crops in the region.

“We started off two years ago and we said we are going to be self-sufficient for all the corn and soya as input for feed in Guyana, and I am convinced now,” the Head of State said while addressing the Private Sector Commis-

sion’s (PSC) annual general meeting at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

The 1,000 acres of soya bean planted in the Tacama Savannah will soon be harvested. This venture, which started in 2021, is being done through a public-private partnership.

As part of government’s support to the industry, over $1.2 billion was allocated in this year’s budget for infrastructural development in Tacama.

The administration is also investing in the construction of three 3,000-tonne silos and

one 80-tonne-per-hour drying tower at the Tacama Landing.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha recently announced that the drying and storage facilities will be completed within the next two to three months.

Additionally, work has commenced on an agricultural venture at Moco Moco village, Region Nine, which involves the cultivation of corn and soya bean.

The government had invested some $3 million in this

mega project.

“I received an update on the second mega agriculture project in Region Nine on corn and soya, the integrated farm. When that farm is finished its going to be amazing,” President Ali stated.

The initiative is a key component of the government’s concerted efforts to boost agricultural productivity, and reduce the nation’s dependence on imports of these commodities, which stands at $60 million annually.

It also aligns with the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) quest to reduce the region’s food- importation

bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025. This effort is being spearheaded by President Ali.

“We are not talking this leadership in food security alone, we are building the infrastructure, creating the vehicle through which we are going to achieve this,” the head of state affirmed.

President Ali said among other new agricultural ventures being pursued is the establishment of a laboratory in Guyana with the capacity to grow more than four million plants annually.

This, he said, is being discussed with an international partner. (DPI)

Silvie’s boosts garment-construction programme with over $4M in sewing machines

THE garment-construction programme under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security received a sizeable donation on Thursday from Silvie’s Industrial Solutions.

At a simple ceremony at the ministry’s head office on Lamaha and East Streets, 106 sewing machines valuing over $4M were handed over to the ministry.

Silvie’s Chief Executive Officer Bramanand Persaud indicated that the company was proud of the initiative taken by the ministry to empower young women in communities.

The company’s Quality Management System Manager Deepawattie Persaud noted that the company was happy to be associated with the ministry and was highly impressed by

the work it has been doing to help improve the lives of vulnerable persons in Guyana, particularly through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute and the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN).

“The ministry is doing so great a job helping those in need and after Minister Persaud spoke at an event recently, we jumped at the opportunity to come on board and play our part. We would like to continue to help in whatever way possible,” the manager said.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud said, “We are setting up the top floor of the GWLI as a sewing lab, we express our thanks, this will go a long way in assisting our sewing programme. We have

received positive countrywide feedback and we will be taking this to the people there in order to fulfil our promise of making them entrepreneurs.”

With nearly 300 persons, including persons living with permanent disabilities already trained in garment construction through the WIIN programme, WIIN Coordinator Sanjay Pooran highlighted that the programme is expected to train 500 persons in this area over the course of 2023.

“We are aiming to train about 500 persons in garment construction this year. Since the programme was introduced, we have consistently had a high demand for it to be offered and with this boost in equipment, we will be better able to surpass our target,” Pooran said.

–– to aid Human Services Ministry in empowering young women

Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud (centre), along with WIIN coordinator Sanjay Pooran receives over 100 sewing machines from Silvie’s Industrial Solutions’ Quality Management System Manager, Deepawattie Persaud

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday April 22, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Murali Vijay (CSK)

(2) Chris Gayle (RCB) Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who scored most runs in IPL 2011?

(2) What was the highest individual score made in IPL 2011?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

American Racing Tips

Keenland

Race 1 Risata

Race 2 Deck Of Cards

Race 3 Off The Cuff

Race 4 Gun It

Race 5 Mise En Scene

Race 6 Cigarette Boat

Race 7 Socially Selective

Race 8 Verstappen

Race 9 Skippylongstocking

Aqueduct

Race 1 Nuance

Race 2 Ride Up

Race 3 Inflation Nation

Race 4 Master Of The Tunes

Race 5 Lohengrin Two

Race 6 Over The Cap

Race 7 Splendid Summer

Race 8 Lifetime Of Chance

Canadian Racing Tips

Woodbine

Race 1 Take It Easy

Race 2 My Final Trick

Race 3 Canadiansweetheart

Race 4 Mendeljohn

Race 5 Hekla’s Aura

Race 6 Botta Swing

Race 7 Allen Diggs

Race 8 Speedy River

Race 9 Too Much Vino

South

Conway’s form helps Chennai past Sunrisers

(ESPNCRICINFO)

Devon Conway's third half-century in a row helped Chennai Super Kings chip away at the target of 135 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on a slow, gripping pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Earlier, Ravindra Jadeja grabbed three wickets - and combined with Maheesh Theekshana to bowl eight overs for only 4 for 49 - to stem Sunrisers' momentum after a bright start.

first over went for seven, and next over, Moeen went for eight; Sunrisers were 70 for 1 after nine overs.

Then came the timeout, and the match changed tracks; the track itself seemed to have become rugged. Some deliveries turned, some didn't. A few held on to the pitch, while some others came on higher than anticipated. Second ball after the break, Jadeja got one to bounce nicely at Abhishek Sharma, with

Sunrisers' slide from 71 for 1 to 95 for 5 turned out to be match defining.

Conway found the boundary three times off the first ten balls he faced, lofting, flaying and punching away at the ball. Yet, he was on 18 off 19 deliveries when Super Kings were at 37 without loss after five overs. That is when Marco Jansen got some treatment: Ruturaj Gaikwad took a single to start the sixth over, and Conway went 4, 4, 6, 4, 4. All of those shots had

Brook and Agarwal can open together, and one game later, Abhishek returned, but in the middle order. They stuck with that one more time, before pushing Abhishek back and Agarwal down to No. 6 against Super Kings.

Alas, it didn't work. Agarwal departed for his third single-digit score in six innings, though Sunrisers would take heart from Abhishek's effort at the top. But time is running out for Sunrisers, who find themselves ninth

just one game away from the halfway stage. Batting first, two out of three times they have been restricted below 135, and they haven't always been competitive while chasing either. Something must click. Soon.

The visitors had three spinners in their side, including the left-arm spin of Impact Sub Mayank Dagar. But even as Dagar, Washington Sundar and Mayank Markande were economical, and even got two wickets, they didn't particularly cause any trouble to the opposition batters. Thus, as a result of the seven-wicket win, Super Kings stay third on the points table, but only on net run rate, level on points with Royals and Super Giants.

Jadeja was introduced in the eighth over after Harry Brook had helped Sunrisers to 34 from the first four overs, and then Theekshana and Moeen went for ten each. His

the batter playing for the turn. But he pulled and found long-on as the ball just went on straight after pitching. An innings of 34, which had sparkled briefly, came to an end.

Then, second ball of the 12th over, Jadeja bowled full and outside off to Rahul Tripathi, who tried to fetch it for a slog sweep but top-edged to short fine leg. On that occasion, the ball seemed to have stopped before coming on, as Tripathi fell for a run-a-ball 21. And if that was not enough, Mayank Agarwal - demoted to No. 6 - lost patience and skipped out to Jadeja in the 14th over. MS Dhoni had him stumped, and

variety: it started with the ramp; then came the scoop; a lucky, top-edged pull followed, and a deft touch past the wicketkeeper later, Conway ended the over by bisecting the short third and the point fielders. It took all of that for Sunrisers to introduce spin, but it was a bit too late. Conway raised his fifty from 33 balls in the tenth over, and ended unbeaten on 77, including 12 fours and a six.

Sunrisers had started the season with Abhishek and Mayank Agarwal as openers, with Brook in the middle order; next match, there was no Abhishek. Then they realised

Devon Conway is on the reverse sweep•Apr 21, 2023•Associated Press

New Era/ExxonMobil U-18 Schools Semi-finals on today

- LTI face Mackenzie High, CWSS ‘Multi’ Challenge New Silvercity

THE semifinals of the New Era-organised ExxonMobil--sponsored Linden Secondary Schools Under-18 football championship will take place at the Wisburg Secondary School ground, today.

After topping Group A with three wins, the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary ‘Multi’ side will face second placed Group B team, Mackenzie High School, in one semifinal while the other semifinal pits Group B winners, Linden Technical Institute, who faces New Silvercity Secondary, who placed

second in Group A.

The ‘Multi’ team accumulated nine points from their perfect record while New Silvercity Secondary, in gaining second place, had won twice and lost once for six points.

The Group B points leaders were Linden technical institute, who won two and drew the other for seven points while second were Mackenzie High, who ended with four points from one win, one loss and one draw.

Group A’s Linden Foundation Secondary and Harmony Secondary still have one game to play but

Five players banned over NFL Gambling policy

cannot change the seeding, having lost their two games played.

Wisburg and Kwakwani Secondary finished third and fourth in Group B.

The outstanding game between Linden Foundation Secondary and Harmony Secondary will be played at 12.00hrs while the first semifinal between the ‘Multi’ boys and Mackenzie High will be at 14.00hrs and the other semifinal between New Silvercity Secondary and Linden Technical Institute will kick off at 16.00hrs. (Joe Chapman)

Young, Pitman set up West Indies Academy win

CMC – Destructive bursts from their captain, Nyeem Young, and hometown, pace bowling prospect Kelvin Pitman set up West Indies Academy for a seven-wicket win against Team Headley in the opening match of the Headley-Weekes Tri-Series on Friday in Antigua.

Young was the pick of the Academy bowlers with three for 17 from 10 overs, and Pitman supported with three for 27 from seven overs – and Team Headley were bowled out for 122 in their second innings on the third day of the fourday, first-class match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Justin Greaves led the way for Team Headley with 30 not out, Akeem Jordan made 28, and Test left-handed opener Kieran Powell got 20 – but an inexplicable batting collapse that has become endemic in West Indies cricket returned to undermine their side and leave the Academy to chase

59 to win.

Barbados Pride

off-spinner Chaim Holder

scalped three for 22 from eight overs to add a bit of drama to the chase, but Trinidad & Tobago Red Force opener Keagan Simmons ushered the Academy over the finish line about 20 minutes after tea with 31 not out.

The result meant the Academy ended the match with a haul of 18 points and put them in a favourable position to strongly challenge for the title in the three-team tournament that also features Team Weekes, led by Windward Islands Volcanoes captain, Alick Athanaze.

Team Headley finished with only five points, and they will hope that Team Weekes can slow the roll of the Academy when those two sides meet in the second match of the tournament, starting next Wednesday at the same venue.

Team Headley started

the day on 27 for one, and ran into immediate trouble, slumping to 61 for six inside the first hour with Young and Pitman carving up their top order.

Young bowled Windward Islands Volcanoes pair of makeshift opener Sunil Ambris 12 and Kavem Hodge for eight in the span of 25 balls in the first half-hour.

Pitman tightened the grip of the Academy when he got Volcanoes wicketkeeper-batsman Tevyn Walcott caught behind, bowled Team Headley captain and West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva for three, and got Powell caught behind all in successive overs.

Jordan came to the crease and shared 50 with Greaves to get Team Headley past 100, but Barbadian left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop finished with two for 18 from 12 overs to bring a swift end to the resistance.

(BBC) - Five NFL players, including 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams, have been banned for violating gambling policy.

Williams and fellow Detroit Lions receiver, Stanley Berryhill, are suspended for the first six regular season games in 2023.

Fellow Lions receiver, Quintez Cephus, and safety CJ Moore are banned indefinitely, along with Washington Commanders' defensive end, Shaka Toney.

The trio, who bet on the 2022 NFL season, will miss the 2023 campaign.

They can petition for reinstatement at the con-

clusion of the season.

Williams and Berryhill, who will be allowed to take part in off-season and pre-season activities, were suspended for betting from an NFL facility on non-NFL games.

"A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way," said an NFL statement.

"The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue,

including the practice facility."

Cephus and Moore have been released by Lions, with executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes saying: "These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organisational values and violates league rules.

"We are disappointed by the decision-making demonstrated by Stanley and Jameson and will work with both players to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward."

Jameson Williams played one regular-season game for Detroit Lions in 2022

St Kitts to host CWI Women’s Super50 and T20 Blaze

THE best women’s cricketers in the West Indies will be back in action as Cricket West Indies (CWI) hosts the CG United Super50 Cup and the T20 Blaze regional tournaments in St. Kitts.

The CG United Super50 Cup matches will be played at three venues – Warner Park, the

Conaree Cricket Centre, and St. Paul’s Sports Complex from 8 to 17 May with the 50 over matches starting at 10:00am local time.

The T20 Blaze will feature five full days of entertainment for the fans from the 20th to 27th May at Warner Park. There will be three matches per day –

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

CG United Super50 Cup – play starts at 10:00am

Round 1: Monday 8th May

Windward Islands vs Guyana – Conaree Cricket Centre

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – St. Paul’s Sports Complex

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Barbados – Warner Park

Round 2: Wednesday 10th May

Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – St. Paul’s Sports Complex

Guyana vs Barbados – Conaree Cricket Centre

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Warner Park

Round 3: Friday 12th May

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Windward Islands – St. Paul’s Sports Complex

Jamaica vs Barbados – Conaree Cricket Centre

Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Warner Park

Round 4: Monday 15th May

Jamaica vs Guyana – Warner Park

Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – Conaree Cricket Centre

Barbados vs Windward Islands – St. Paul’s Sports Complex

Round 5: Wednesday 17th May

Leeward Islands vs Barbados – Warner Park

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Guyana – St. Paul’s Sporting Complex

Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Conaree Cricket Centre

CWI T20 Blaze (all matches played at Warner Park)

Round 1: Saturday 20th May

Windward Islands vs Guyana – 10:00am

Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – 2:30:pm

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Barbados – 7:00pm

Round 2: Sunday 21st May

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – 10:00am

Guyana vs Barbados – 2:30pm

Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – 7:00pm

Round 3: Tuesday 23rd May

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Windward Islands – 10:00am

Jamaica vs Barbados – 2:30pm

Guyana vs Leeward Islands – 7:00pm

Round 4: Thursday 25th May

Jamaica vs Guyana – 10:00am

Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago Divas – 2:30pm

Barbados vs Windward Islands – 7:00pm

Round 5: Saturday 27th May

Leeward Islands vs Barbados – 10:00am

Trinidad & Tobago Divas vs Guyana – 2:30pm

Jamaica vs Windward Islands – 7:00pm

starting at 10:00am, 2:30pm and 7:00 pm (under lights).

Barbados are defending champions in the CG United Super50 Cup and Jamaica the defending champions of the T20 Blaze. The other teams are the newly renamed Trinidad & Tobago Divas, Guyana, Windward Islands and hosts, the Leeward Islands.

The Tournament comes on the cusp of CWI’s announcement to start a new Women’s Academy in July for the best U-23 players in the region. This will be a major boost for the development of Women’s Cricket in the West Indies and forms part of the overall strategic plan to commit more resources to improving the women’s game at all levels.

CWI’s Director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, said, "This year's CG United Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze will be a great opportunity for both talent identification and player development. We look forward to watching a healthy mix of experienced players along with some of the exciting talent we saw in last year's U-19 competition. With international tours at home to Ireland and away to Australia this year, these regional tournaments will provide players a chance to fight for places."

Matches will be streamed LIVE on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel with live scorecards and ball-by-ball scoring on the Windiescricket. com live match centre.

Barbados Powerade

Doubles C/Ship. Guyana’s De Nobrega teams up with St Lucian to take title

By Sean Devers

Their was plenty of celebration in the Guyana camp as 13 year-old Guyanese Nathan DeNobrega and St Lucian Alhil Cyril won the COTECC Barbados Powerade U-14 Doubles Championship.

The pair defeated the number 2 seed, Travis Licorish (BAR) and Thomas O'Neill (CAN) 7/5,7/5 at Wildly in Barbados on Thursday evening.

Cyril and De Nobrega had beaten the Barbadian pair of Dimitri Kirton and Ethan Warner in the semi-finals, 3/6,6/4,12/10, in a three-set thriller.

De Nobrega/Cyril trailed 9/6 in the decider before reeling off four consecutive points to move ahead 10/9. Kirton hit a crisp volley winner to level 10/10. The number four seeded pair held their nerves to take the next two points and the match in a dramatic super tie.

Head coach Andre Erskine said he was extremely proud of DeNobrega’s performances for the year so far.

“In January 2023 in the Inter-club Trinidad's COTECC U-14 Championships, Nathan was the finalist in Singles Main Draw and Semi-finalist is the Doubles while here (Barbados) in the Barbados’ COTECC U-14, Nathan reached the Quarter finals in Singles Main draw before winning in the Doubles,” Coach Erskine informed.

“Apart from Nathan being a discipline athlete, he is also consistent with his training. At age 13, he has a very strong fight and willing to always do well, both in his sport and academically,” continued Coach Erskine.

According to Erskine, all of their player’s weaknesses were exposed during the last four weeks and as a result the

coaches will be returning home and immediately work on them.

“We would not settle for less and that's the mind-set I try to instil in all of my players,” concluded the coach. The Guyanese are expected to return home today and will be participating in the Sheltez tournament which is scheduled to commence this afternoon.

CONCACAF Caribbean Shield to be played in St Kitts

CMC – Concacaf announced on Friday that 16 clubs from the Caribbean will play in the fifth edition of the Concacaf Caribbean Shield from August 3 to 13 in St Kitts & Nevis.

In addition, 10 clubs from the Caribbean will play in the five-month long Concacaf Caribbean Cup, which starts on August 22 and will qualify three teams for the new and expanded 2024 Concacaf Champions League.

According to a media release from Concacaf, the expanded Caribbean Shield tournament, and the inaugural Caribbean Cup are part of the confederation’s work towards a long-term vision to professionalise the club game across the region.

“The ongoing growth and development of Caribbean club football is a major priority for Concacaf, and we are extremely pleased to announce the structure and format of the Caribbean Shield, and the Con-

cacaf Caribbean Cup which will qualify three teams into the new expanded Concacaf Champions League,” Concacaf general secretary, Philippe Moggio said.

“We believe these competitions will elevate leagues and clubs across the Caribbean, and we look forward with great anticipation to them commencing in August this year.

“I also want to place on record our gratitude to the St Kitts and Nevis Football Association for offering to host the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield. We are very much looking forward to working with them to deliver this important competition.”

So far, 15 of the 16 clubs have been confirmed for the Caribbean Shield, with the final participating club, from Trinidad & Tobago, to be confirmed by May 28.

The tournament will kick off with a group stage comprising four groups of four clubs each, and the four group winners will advance to the semi-fi-

nals after round-robin play.

The semi-final winners will feature in the final and secure a berth in the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

The clubs that have been confirmed for the Shield are:

SV Dakota (Aruba), Scholars International SC (Cayman Islands), CRKSV Jong Holland (Curacao), Sagicor South East FC (Dominica), OyM FC (Dominican Republic), Solidarité Scolaire (Guadeloupe), AS Etoile De Matoury (French Guiana), Waterhouse FC (Jamaica), B1 Football Club (St Lucia), Golden Lion (Martinique), Metropolitan FA (Puerto Rico), St. Pauls United FC (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Junior Stars (Saint Martin), SV Robinhood (Suriname), and SWA Sharks FC (Turks and Caicos Islands).

The official draw for the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Shield will take place on June 8.

So far, six clubs have secured their participation in the Caribbean Cup, which will feature two groups of five clubs

each that will play each of the other clubs in their group once either at home or away.

They are: Cibao FC (Dominican Republic), Moca FC (Dominican Republic), Club Atletico Pantoja (Dominican Republic), Cavalier SC (Jamaica), Dunbeholden FC (Jamaica), and Harbour View FC (Jamaica).

The two best clubs in each group will advance to the knockout stage, which will comprise three rounds (semi-finals, consolation final, and grand final), with the champions, runners-up, and third place finishers advancing to the new and expanded Concacaf Champions League, which will be played in the spring of 2024.

The Caribbean Cup Champion will receive a bye to the Concacaf Champions League Round of 16.

The remaining four participants will be confirmed at a later date, and they will include two Trinidadian clubs, and the champions and runner-up of the Caribbean Shield.

Concacaf noted that Haitian clubs will not participate in the upcoming Concacaf club competitions because the domestic league in the island did not have any football activities last year and has not yet resumed play, so no teams have been able to qualify.

In addition, Concacaf said there were club licensing issues that needed to be settled.

As a result, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica have been awarded an additional berth in the competition based on the performance of clubs in the past five editions.

Concacaf indicated the Caribbean Cup schedule windows: Group Stage – August 22 to 24 (week 1), August 29 to 31 (week 2), September 19 to 21 (week 3), September 26 to 28 (week 4), and October 3 to 5 (week 5).

For the semi-finals, Concacaf have slated them for October 24 to 26 (first legs), and October 31 to November 2 (second legs).

For the consolation and grand finals, November 28 to

30 (first legs), and December 5 to 7 (second legs) have been earmarked.

The official draw for the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup will also take place on June 8.

The Concacaf media release also announced a format for the Champions League from next year that will feature 27 clubs.

The tournament will include five rounds (First Round, Second Round, Quarterfinals, Semi-finals, and Final) and will continue to be played in a direct elimination format.

Furthermore, there will be three regional cup competitions covering the three regions of the confederation – the Leagues Cup that will feature North American clubs, the Central American Cup for clubs out of that Latin American region, and the Caribbean Cup, all to be played in the fall of each year.

The three new Cup tournaments will qualify clubs for the expanded Champions League.

Guyana’s Nathan DeNobrega (right) and St Lucian Alhil Cyril won the U-14’s doubles in Barbados

COTECC

U-14