Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 23-03-2023

Stabroek vendors complain about City Council’s negligence to improve market’s condition

— Minister Dharamlall commits to address concerns of lack of security, poor sanitation, leaking roofs, desilting of drains

MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Wednesday, visited the Stabroek Market, where he listened to the concerns of vendors

and committed to address issues which ideally should have been addressed by the Mayor and City Council.

According to the vendors, the Georgetown Mayor and City

Council has shown a lack of interest in improving the condition of the market to create a more comfortable environment for working and shopping.

The frustrated ven-

dors said that the lack of adequate security, poor sanitation, improper drainage, leaking roofs, blocked hydrants and inefficient facilities management are some of their pressing concerns.

According to Minister Dharamlall, he and his team plans to have a major clean-up exercise of the Stabroek Market on Sunday, March 26, 2023. He also said that he will seek redeployment of more city constabulary officers to supplement the mere five persons who were placed at the market.

Along with this,

Minister Dharamlall said that he will re-establish the vendors’ committee, fix the roof of the fish bay area, repair the washrooms which are woefully inadequate, desilt all drains in the market, ensure that the removal of garbage is done daily, strengthen facilities management and excavate the outlets which are clogged with garbage.

Minister Dharamlall also said that they will prosecute the vendors who do not comply with the rules of the market, including vendors who litter in the facility.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, on Wednesday, visited the Stabroek Market, where he listened to the concerns of vendors and committed to address issues which ideally should have been addressed by the Mayor and City Council

7,000 hinterland residents to get first-time access to water

— with plans to drill 40 new wells, extend 30 water supply systems this year

that residents can construct flush toilets, and bathroom showers, and enjoy water to their kitchen taps similar to residents on the coastland.

While 100 per cent access to water may not be a 24-hour/seven days per week supply, residents will be afforded sufficient distribution for usage and storage.

With the widening of access to water, GWI has taken several steps to

make every drop count.

On the coastland and hinterland regions, the company has been actively promoting water conservation through the use of various media platforms to get its message out.

Aside from improving access to water, significant attention is being paid to sanitation, waterresource management, operation and maintenance in the hinterland. The latter is vital to sus-

taining access to water.

The GWI continues to strengthen its partnership with the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs, Local Government, Health, Education, the Town Councils and the regional administrations in its endeavour to ensure a sustainable supply of water to hinterland communities. (The Guyana Water Incorporated)

BOSAI pledges full cooperation in investigation of miner’s

death

IN the remote hinterland of Guyana, the quest for potable water has been a long and arduous journey for many residents.

The daily routine of trekking miles to reach a water source had become a way of life. But hope is on the horizon as the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has announced the construction of 40 new wells and the extension of 30 water-supply systems across the hinterland.

According to the GWI, for years the residents had to endure the hardship of carrying water from faraway sources, often with long lines and hours of waiting.

The journey back home would be a difficult one, with the water weighing them down and sapping their energy. This task was particularly strenuous for the elderly and the young.

But with the announcement of the new wells and extension of the water-supply systems, the residents could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The prospect of clean, potable water just a few steps away from their homes was a dream come true. The new water sources

would mean better health outcomes for the residents, particularly for children.

The programme is funded by the Government of Guyana to the tune of $1.4 billion. According to GWI, once completed, these facilities will serve some 12,000 residents, with more than 7,000 receiving water for the first time in the comfort of their homes, free of cost.

Among the areas to benefit from the drilling of new wells are Manawarin, Waramuri, Haimakabra, Kamwatta, Koko, Parakeeis, Cabora, Karaburi, Wallaba, and Santa Rosa.

Additionally, new wells will be drilled in White Water, Yarakita, Kamwatta, Black Water Savannah, and Wauna in the Mabaruma sub-district.

“The government subsidises the supply of water to the hinterland regions.

The President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s administration has mandated GWI to provide 100 per cent access to water in the hinterland and coastland by 2025,” GWI said.

According to Hinterland Services Executive Director, Ramchand

Jailall, as of last year GWI has achieved 75 per cent coverage in the hinterland regions.

However, for 2023, the target is 89 per cent in keeping with Goal Six of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Jailall stated that the target of 100 per cent coverage by 2025 will see more wells being drilled in the hinterland at an estimated cost of $4 billion.

According to the United Nations (UN), better access to water is helping to create new possibilities for people in some of the world’s most remote communities.

“Our commitment in the past two years has been to ensure that residents in the hinterland have access to potable water. To this end, we are working judiciously to achieve the target set by the government,” Jailall said

He added that access to potable water means that people can have healthier families and improved lifestyles. It also means

THE Minister of Labour, on Wednesday, met with and informed BOSAI Minerals Group’s management team of a formal investigation into the recent fatal accident involving miner, Neptrid Hercules.

According to a release, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, sought the full co-operation of the BOSAI Minerals Group to conduct a “formal investigation” into the fatal workplace accident involving Hercules.

This follows the minister’s meeting with the team of investigators, on Monday, to brief them on the terms of reference and expectations for the investigation.

The formal investigation, which will commence on Monday, March 27, 2023, is set to last for six weeks.

It complies with Section 72 (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:06 Laws of Guyana.

The Act gives the minister the power to direct formal investigations into any accident arising out of and in the course of employment of any worker where he considers it expedient to so do.

The persons appointed

are referred to as “The court” and “shall hold the investigation in open court in such a manner and under such conditions as the court may think most effectual for ascertaining the causes and circumstances of the accident.”

Competent persons have been appointed to serve on the investigating team “to determine the cause(s) of the accident and make recommendations for the prevention of accidents generally and more in particular the recurrence of similar accidents.

Hercules went missing in the early hours of Saturday, March 11, 2023 along with the CAT D9T Dozer which he was operating at the time.

This was due to a failure experienced of the overburden dump in the East Montgomery Mine, where he was working, which caused him to be covered by the overburden material. The body of Hercules was found several days later after an extensive and painful search.

Minister Hamilton related that he is deeply concerned about this matter, and he holds the view that this accident should never have happened and he owes it to the family,

co-workers and the community to ensure that there are no recurrences.

Hence this meeting with representatives of the BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana to ensure that the investigation moves smoothly to provide answers to the numerous questions that abound and recommendations for implementation.

The BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana management team thanked the ministry for this opportunity and committed towards providing the necessary support needed to successfully conduct the investigation.

Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen; Occupational Safety and Health Consultant, Gwyneth King and Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine were also present for the ministry.

The BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana management team comprised of General Manager of BOSAI, Eric Yu; Major General Ret’d, Norman McLean, Director; Consultant, Peter Benny; Human Resources Manager, Truedel Marks; Mining Engineer, Orin Barnwell, and Public Relations Officer, Scherry Domer

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal examines the new well at Khan’s Hill, Region One

Woman released on $300,000 bail for allegedly killing reputed husband

AALIYAN Lewis called “Dacia” was, on Wednesday, released on $300,000 bail for allegedly fatally stabbing her reputed husband during a domestic altercation at their 57 Fourth Street, Alberttown home.

Lewis, 21, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for manslaughter.

The mother of three was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on March 18, 2023, she unlawfully killed 23-year-old Esan Hamilton.

Magistrate McLennan released Lewis on $300,000 on the condition that she stays away from the victim’s family and reports to the Alberttown Police Station every Friday. The matter is adjourned until April 13, 2023.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the couple shared a common-law relationship and were living in a family house. They occupied one of three bedrooms in the upper flat with their three children.

The woman told police that Hamilton was being abusive towards her which

resulted in a misunderstanding. Lewis told the police that she picked up a knife and stabbed Hamilton to his abdomen.

Hamilton’s aunt, Stacey Moses, had told police that on the day in question at 06:30 hours, she was in the kitchen, which is located on the southern side of the upper flat of the building, when she saw her nephew rush out of his bedroom holding his left side abdomen.

“The deceased said, ‘Look what Dacia did to me.’ Moses said she placed him to sit in a chair in the living room where she observed what appeared to be a stab wound to his left side lower abdomen. Whilst there she said she saw the

suspect Aaliyan Lewis exited the said room holding a silver knife in her hand,” the police said in a release.

According to the police, Moses said that she enquired from Lewis about what happened to Hamilton, but Lewis did not respond.

Moses raised an alarm and other family members responded. Hamilton was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he subsequently died while receiving treatment.

The police recovered two knives from the scene. The body of the deceased was examined, and what appeared to be a single stab wound was seen on the left side abdomen.

Dead: Esan Hamilton Aaliyan Lewis

US report on Bascom’s claims ‘erroneous’

says

THE chambers of the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has said that the claims that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) did not investigate allegations advanced by interdicted Sergeant Dion Bascom pertaining to the killing of Ricardo Fagundes called Paper Shorts, is “palpably erroneous.”

The United States (US) Department of State’s 2022 country report on human rights practices under the section “Corruption and Lack of Transparency in Government” specifically highlights an allegation made by interdicted Sergeant Dion Bascom in August 2022, claiming that a businessman bribed members of the Guyana Police Force to “foil” the investigation into the killing of Ricardo Fagundes.

The report stated that as of October 2022, police had not investigated interdicted Sergeant Bascom’s claims.

“It is a matter of public record that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in August 2022

conducted an investigation into the matter and a report of the same was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. Interestingly, Bascom had refused to participate in the probe or provide any evidence to support his allegations,” the chambers said.

Additionally, the Government of Guyana had requested assistance from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Regional Security System (RSS) to investigate the said allegation.

The investigative team was headed by a former Detective Chief Inspector of the

Metropolitan Police Service, Serious and Organised Crime Command (United Kingdom). Upon completion of the investigation, a report was issued and published in the media on September 10, 2022. The findings of the report include the following:

1. The bribery allegations made by Sergeant Bascom against the GPF, namely, that Detective Supt. Caesar and Inspector Stephens in an attempt to cover up the unlawful killing/homicide of Fagundes were hearsay having no provenance.

2. Bascom had alleged that the GPF had tried to

Temporary shelter activated for residents affected by sea-defence breach at Grove — relief supplies distributed, CDC reports

A TEMPORARY shelter has been set up to house a number of East Bank Demerara (EBD), residents following a sea damn breach, which occurred late Tuesday afternoon at Diamond/Grove Village.

According to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the emergency shelter will see residents who are unable to occupy their homes being housed at the Grove Seventh Day Adventist Church.

“There is a total of 30 household, comprising of 25 children between the ages of five to 18-years- old and 17 adults, who were directly affected by the breach,” the CDC said in a press release.

Meanwhile, to further provide support to residents affected by the disasters a needs assessment was conducted.

“A total of 80 hampers, inclusive of 50 cleaning supplies and 30 food packages were distributed to residents of the community. Additionally, the emergency shelter is being monitored and manned by staff of the Civil Defence Commission who remains dedicated and vigilant in the response to Disaster Pre -

paredness and Management throughout Guyana,” the CDC said.

The CDC reported that it is in communication with representatives of the Diamond/Grove National Democratic Council to ensure that all affected members

cover-up the unlawful killing/ homicide of Fagundes. However, there is evidence that the GPF has diligently sought regional and international assistance in solving this case.

3. Bascom had alleged that there was a device in the possession of the police which identified Mark Richmond’s cell phone as being at the scene of the unlawful killing/ homicide of Fagundes when it happened.

However, the GPF’s technical officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Rodwell Sarrabo had confirmed that the Police Force does not have any such technology and that Bascom was never at the crime scene with him.

The AG’s chambers stressed that its standard practice for the Department of State to issue questionnaires to various government agencies when conducting their research in preparation for their report. The questionnaires submitted to the State were returned in accordance with the stipulated deadline which was September 12, 2022.

“Significantly, the Guyana Police Force was not engaged

in respect of the death of Ricardo Fagundes or interdicted Sergeant Bascom’s allegation by those who prepared the report, as is the practice. It is unclear where the Department of State gathered its information from in relation to the allegation made by interdicted Sergeant Dion Bascom.

“However, what is clear is that the information published in relation thereto is patently false. The Government of Guyana will soon engage the Department of State in respect of the inaccuracies highlighted hereof as well as other matters contained in the said report with a view of having such falsehoods corrected,” the chambers said.

Bascom is currently on trial before a City Magistrate on three charges, allegedly accusing two senior officers of covering up the murder of Fagundes.

He had denied the three charges, which alleged that during August, he used a computer system to transmit electronic data with the intent to humiliate, harass or cause substantial emotional distress to Superintendents Mitchell

Caesar and Chabinauth Singh.

On August 8, 2022, Bascom was arrested during a Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) raid at a home in Norton Street, Georgetown. Bascom was eventually released.

He then posted a live video on social media, which he later deleted, naming businessman Azruddin Mohamed and several senior officers in allegations about the murder investigation.

A popular gold dealer and biker, 42-year-old Fagundes was gunned down on Main Street, Georgetown, on March 21, 2022. Fagundes was shot more than a dozen times.

In the now-deleted Facebook video, Bascom claimed that he believed his detention had to do with his work on the murder case.

Mohamed has filed a $200 million lawsuit against Bascom in relation to the claims he made. The businessman is contending that the allegations made by Bascom are false. Richmond had filed a $50 million lawsuit against Bascom.

of the community were attended to and their needs cared for.

— interdicted cop had refused to co-operate with investigation, Attorney-General

Police Sergeant Dion Bascom

Ricardo Fagundes

Unity and Tolerance

THE United Nations designated March 21 as the Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day was set aside to focus attention on discrimination and discriminatory policies following the Sharpeville massacre in 1960 during the period of apartheid rule in South Africa.

Speaking to mark the occasion, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips reiterated Guyana’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that promote equality and jus-

tice. According to the Prime Minister: “Your government is committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote equality and justice, including increasing access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities and ensuring that all Guyanese are part of a national development agenda.”

As observed by the Prime Minister, this is a good time to reflect on the progress made in the fight against racial discrimination and to recommit ourselves to

the ongoing task of the achievement of equality, tolerance and unity within the framework of the One Guyana vision as articulated by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

The fact is that we have as a society come a long way since the turbulent 1960’s when attempts were made by the then PNC, in collaboration with vested interests, to remove the democratically elected PPP by force.

The aim, as openly stated by the political opposition, was “to oppose and depose” the PPP government. One

unfortunate development which resulted out of such misguided actions was the fostering of a climate of racial and political animosity and bitterness, the likes of which the country has never experienced before. People were harassed, beaten and in some cases killed, their homes destroyed simply because of the colour of their skin.

Thankfully, we have moved past that sordid period and the country today is evolving to a much higher level of ethnic tolerance and racial unity.

There is absolutely

no discrimination in the manner in which economic and social goods of the country are distributed by the PPP/C administration. In fact, the government has been extremely even-handed in its dealings with the Guyanese people. This is manifested, among other ways, in the housing programme of the government and access to employment opportunities in the public sector.

Regrettably, there are still some opposition elements in our society who seem bent on sowing the seeds of

division in our society. These persons, however, are destined to fail. Guyanese are today much wiser and more matured politically to fall prey to such nefarious designs.

Discrimination, regardless of the form it takes -- political, economic, racial, ethnic, religious or gender -is an abomination and must be condemned. And even though there has been some progress globally to suppress this scourge, it is still rearing its ugly head in several parts of the world.

Ramadan is a reminder of the mercies, grace of God

USHERING in the observance of Ramadan, 2023, President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday evening reiterated the significance of the auspicious celebration.

“Ramadan is a reminder of the mercies and grace of God almighty, but importantly it is our own ability to forgive, be merciful, humble, prayerful, generous and gracious that is being tested, examined and reinforced for the pleasure of God almighty,” the Head of State said during a video broadcast to his Facebook platform.

In sending well wishes to fellow Muslims and Guyanese, he added: “I pray Allah bless all of us, as a country, a single family, strengthen us in faith and open our hearts with mercy, knowing through faith [that] all things are possible. May this Ramadan bring tremendous blessings to all our homes, open mercy, forgiveness and grace and help us all.”

GHRA is an unaccountable one-man show

Dear Editor,

LET me begin with a little story. In 1997, the then Chaplin of American University, Washington DC, asked if I knew one by the name of Mike McCormack. I replied in the affirmative and informed the good gentleman that Mike was the head of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA).

Chaplin X was pleased because he knew Mike as a human rights guy. In 2022, the same person asked – how is Mike doing? I replied that he is still the head of GHRA. No need to betray further details of that conversation, but the Chaplin did exclaim – 25 years; a quarter of a century!

Well yes, not only that long, but much longer because Mike has been the real headman of the GHRA since 1979. His reign is closing in on half a century, with no sign of any change. Some wider context is needed here, something the philosopher Martin Heidegger called “worlding.” By worlding, Heddiger meant that it is important to situate things in the larger life-world in which specific phenomena develop.

In the worlding of the GHRA, we must insist that few things, if any, are more important than human rights. It is not farfetched to say that without the full, unconditional, and unobstructed practise of political, economic, and socio-cultural rights, we are less than human.

The most generalised way of actualising rights is through democratic governance at all levels, namely, at the level of world order, the state, and national.

In light of the above, the Guyanese people should have deep concerns with the institutional norms and general practices of the GHRA. The

crux of the problem with the GHRA is that since its founding in 1979, Mike McCormack has been the “top dog” with no signs of change.

Transparency and accountability are key ingredients of any organisation that operates in the name of the public interest. Regular, open, free, and fair elections are non-negotiable elements of any civil-society group, not least for one that claims to be the leading voice of human rights in the country.

The GHRA has failed the test of transparency and accountability because of its clear political biases. The GHRA is always on the side of the current political opposition and has a distinct urban bias.

It is never concerned with the lives of people in the sugar and rice districts and villages of the country. Sometimes, however, the GHRA throws in a few sentences for the Indigenous Peoples of this country. Its main constituency is Georgetown, “wine-andcheese class.”

The blatant political and cultural bias of the GHRA was recently revealed when McCormack stood down from condemning the violent, racist rant of a top WPA official, all this in the presence of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Aubrey Norton.

Further, on March 20, 2023, the Attorney General’s Chambers (headed by the Hon Anil Nandlall) revealed what appears to amount to financial malfeasance by the GHRA.

A press release from the AG Chambers states the following – “…records prove that the organisation, [GHRA] which was incorporated on the 27th of September 1979, is not in Good Standing for failing to file its Annual Returns since incorporation. The company has failed to apply for continuance under Part IV, Division B of the

Companies Act and therefore owes the State some $38,649,600.”

A human rights organisation should always obey the law. If it does not, it should be disbanded

forthwith.

Mr McCormack should do the right thing and resign from his current position, and he should also be pleased to honour and

put into practice the basic principles of human rights conduct. To return to Heidegger, the GHRA needs to wrench itself from its enclosure with the WPA and

PNCR. It needs to step into the world of global human rights, to reworld itself.

Yours sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

Toddler dies from hemorrhaging, compression to the neck

A POST-MORTEM report has confirmed that a seven-month-old baby, Oriyah Gravesande, died due to a hemorrhaging and compression to the neck.

The infant died on Tuesday after her mother, Shavannie Gravesande, dropped her off at a “day-

— post-mortem shows; parents plead for justice

care” in Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

A post-mortem was done by government pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Mortuary, on Wednesday. The body was handed over to the relatives for burial, as

investigations continue.

In an invited comment to reporters at the hospital, the baby’s distraught father, Odysseus Clement said that the family is seeking answers for what happened to his daughter.

“The results are that haemorrhage to the head and compression to the neck... So, therefore, the baby fall off of the bed on the right side and the baby was strangled…. It [Oriyah] couldn’t get to breathe,” the father said.

He added: “We check

out the place [the day care] but when time meet fuh go inside, they block my wife from going inside and they convince we that people pop up any time to see if it in standard.”

Clement said that they are still trying to piece everything together since the day-care is still not forthcoming about the child’s death.

“I need justice… I don’t want other parents to go through this pain because, it ain’t easy,” the grieving father said.

Little Oriyah Gravesande

Shavannie Gravesande and Odysseus Clement

The day-care facility (Joseph Allen Photo)

Appeal Court reserves judgement on election petition case

THE Court of Appeal will soon hand down its ruling in the case filed by the APNU+AFC concerning dismissed Election Petition 88 of 2020, which was thrown out by the High Court two years ago.

The case was filed to challenge the ruling of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, S.C., who had dismissed the petition due to serious non-compliance with the Constitution of Guyana, electoral law and other infringements.

The applicants, Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick, filed an appeal some 18 months after the CJ had handed down her decision.

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, who represented the petitioners, had contended that the Chief Justice erred in law and misdirected herself when she misapplied the doctrine of strict com-

pliance.

Another claim is that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself when she failed to consider the objective of the petition in making her decision based on the content of the Affidavit of Service.

Following the hearing, the court led by Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, announced that notices

would be sent to the parties when the decision is ready.

Previously, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., in his oral submissions, said that in addition to the absence of material facts, no foundation has been laid in the petition to establish any grounds upon which the elections can be vitiated.

“The appellants’ sub -

missions are quite narrow in their compass when compared to those which they canvassed in the court below. They seem to have abandoned their frontal challenge to Order 60, redirecting their focus to challenging Parliament’s delegated power expressed in Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act.

“No doubt, their implicit reasoning is, if the

delegation is improper, then everything which flows therefrom would fall away,” the Attorney-General said.

Nandlall further highlighted that there is absolutely no evidence contained in the petition to suggest that the results produced by the recount process is different from that of the original results derived from the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

It is against this background that Nandlall asked the court to dismiss the appeal with an appropriate order in respect of costs.

In the notice of appeal, the applicants indicated that they are challenging the Chief Justice’s April 2021 decision to dismiss the petition.

When the matter was filed at the High Court, Thorne and Bostwick, in their documents, had asked

the court to determine the legality of the March 2 elections, and the results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National Assembly.

They sought an order directing the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, to declare former President David Granger the winner. Election Petition 99 of 2020, which was filed on behalf of petitioners, Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse, was thrown out by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in October 2022.

The CCJ ruled that the CoA does not have the jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal filed to challenge the dismissal of that petition. In January 2021, it was dismissed by the Chief Justice due to late service, non-service, or improper service.

Ogunseye must be held accountable for his divisive comments — Heal Guyana says

HEAL Guyana has called for Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member Tacuma Ogunseye to be held accountable for his “divisive and racist” remarks during a public meeting held in Buxton.

In addition to threatening to wage war on the Afro-Guyanese members of the armed forces, he advocated a day of national resistance and

African uprising.

“It has been nearly two weeks since reports of Mr Tacuma Ogunseye’s heinous public utterances shocked the nation. Countless messages of condemnation have since been published from concerned organisations and private individuals across the country,” Founder and Chairperson of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard said in a

statement.

These individuals, she said, include Chairman of Guyana’s Joint Services, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, who has unequivocally reaffirmed the force’s commitment to remaining apolitical and upholding peace in the service of all Guyanese.

“How has the unapologetic Tacuma Ogunseye not been held accountable?” Lalljee-Richard questioned.

She added: “No politician or person who genuinely cares about you would encourage you to do something illegal that would jeopardise your liberty. Look for and follow those who positively advocate for the development of your children and community. They are the ones who truly care about your well-being.”

Since its inception in December 2017, Heal Guyana has been active-

ly involved in peacebuilding efforts aimed at promoting ethnic unity. During the previous general election, the organisation worked with the presidential candidates and executive members of several political parties which were contesting the elections to issue statements that called for a peaceful and violence-free election.

Senior GDF officer completes defence, diplomacy training

INSPECTOR General

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Denzil Carmichael recently returned from Switzerland after completing training in Defence Diplomacy and Defence Attache.

The instruction was held at Geneva’s Centre for Security Policy.

Lt. Col. Carmichael’s specialised training comes against the backdrop of His Excellency, President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s declaration that his government intends to make defence diplomacy a crucial component of the country’s foreign policy and national architecture.

According to the President, one of the goals of this development is to prepare GDF members to continue contributing to the country’s growth. “It is the training and experience that will be converted into an “additional knowledge set” in order to position the force to produce men and women who will be part of the country’s defence policy. So, as you embark on this journey, know that we will expect you to make a more significant contribution,” the President recently told a group of promoted Senior Officers.

Lt. Col. Carmicheal said he welcomed the training opportunity. “In a world where finding a solution to threats

are complex and uncertain, our security and leadership depends on all elements of national power - including strong and principled diplomacy,” he said.

To complement his future contributions, Lt. Col. Carmichael also recently completed a one-year Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies at the National Defence University, Washington DC, USA.

This training was designed to educate and prepare civilian and military national security professionals and future leaders from the United States and partner nations for the strategic challenges of the contemporary security environment.

Inspector General, Lt. Col. Denzil Carmichael

Founder of Heal Guyana, Sharon Lalljee-Richard

Minister Benn chairs Regional Security System Council

MINISTER of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, accompanied by Colonel Omar Khan and the acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, attended the Regional Security System Council of Ministers’ Meeting 2023 hosted in Grenada, on Wednesday.

In September 2022, Guyana formally joined the Regional Security System (RSS) after President, Dr Irfaan Ali signed the Instrument of Accession.

According to a press release, Minister Benn, Khan and Hicken are attending the meeting for the first time since joining the RSS. During the meeting, Minister Benn was appointed Chairman of the

RSS Council of Ministers.

The RSS was established in the early 1970s and 1980s in response to the necessity for a coordinated response to security challenges that were threatening regional stability.

In order to establish “mutual assistance on request,” four Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barbados in October 1982.

St Kitts and Nevis joined after gaining independence in September 1983, and Grenada joined

in January 1985.

The MoU was revised in 1992, and the treaty, which was signed in St George’s, Grenada, gave the RSS legal standing in March 1996.

The meeting of the Council is attended by the minister responsible for National Security in each member state or a delegate with authority to vote on matters before the Council.

The RSS member states are Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Guyana, and Barbados. The RSS is currently headquartered in Barbados.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, accompanied by Colonel Omar Khan and the acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, attended the Regional Security System Council of Ministers’ Meeting 2023 hosted in Grenada, on Wednesday

Silica City will be a marvel — Minister

Rodrigues

tells Soesdyke/Linden Highway residents

SCORES of residents from Kuru Kururu village, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, and other surrounding communities participated in the first-ever public consultation on Tuesday, as plans are progressing for developing the new Silica City. The meeting, which was

held at the Kuru Kururu Youth Choice Centre, was facilitated by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally; and Chief Executive Officer of

the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves.

Also in attendance were Lamaha/Yarrowkabra NDC Chairman, Floyd Smith and representatives from several sister agencies, including the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and the Guyana Water Inc.

The consultation was geared at bringing residents up to date on the new smart city’s plans, which will transform some 3000 acres of land upon completion. It will be a self-sustainable city with commercial and industrial zones, housing, medical and educational facilities and recreational and open spaces.

“Silica City will be a vibrant, sustainable, resilient and modern city based on the principles of sustainable

urban land use and management. But more importantly, Silica City will be a marvel,” said Minister Rodrigues.

CEO Sherwyn Greaves added that close to $2 billion will be expended during the first phase for infrastructural works such as constructing access roads, bridges, and reinforced concrete drains and culverts.

After presentations from the Ministers and Mr. Greaves, residents were al-

lowed to raise questions, make suggestions, and have their say in the development plans.

The establishment of Silica City was proposed in 2013 by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his tenure as Minister of Housing and Water. It is in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals, the New Urban Agenda, the Housing Act 36:20 and other guidelines.

Shipping Association takes aim at security threats

— one-day port facility, shipping security awareness training programme held

SECURITY threats posed to shipping and port facilities came into focus when the Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG), in collaboration with the MATPAL Marine Institute, hosted a one-day port facility and shipping security awareness training programme for members of the SAG recently at the Institute’s Training Centre in Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown.

The programme was declared open by Major (ret’d.) Dwain Nurse, Chief Port Security Officer of the Maritime Administration Department

(MARAD).

MARAD is the designated local authority for the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).

The ISPS code provides a framework through which ships and port facilities can co-operate to detect and deter acts that threaten maritime security.

Major Nurse told participants that many serious threats are prevalent, but cyber threats are one of the emerging risks to port security worldwide.

“Security risks are always new and emerging, the newest of them being Cyber threats. We must

Chief Port Security Officer of MARAD, Major (ret’d.) Dwain Nurse

be aware of those emerging threats because, while some might be around for a while, some of these

threats might be new to your environment. It is our job to mitigate and minimize these dangers and threats,” he added.

He encouraged the security officers to be aware of their environment, their role and what is expected of them.

Philip Fernandes, Chairman of the SAG said the course is timely and essential at this time of heightened focus on Guyana.

“The security of our shipping terminals is not only the concern of the businesses in the industry or the owners of cargo. It is of national importance

that everyone plays a part to ensure the safety and integrity of our port facilities to uphold the reputation of our country as a safe and secure destination,” Mr. Fernandes said.

Ian Hutson, Senior Lecturer of the MATAL Marine Institute, who conducted the training, outlined the threats to shipping and port facilities. These include terrorism, piracy, stowaways, drug trafficking, sabotage, civil unrest, kidnapping, and human trafficking.

Andrew Astwood, Trustee of the SAG, also made brief opening remarks at the programme.

The participants were Shane Kendell, Alton Sauers (Muneshwers Ltd.); Colin Henry (GNSC), Tracy Miller, Onika Duncan (John Fernandes Ltd.); Paul DeFreitas, Enroy Bobb (NAMILCO); Amechi Chiawa (GNIC) and Vidianand Sandhu.

The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) is a non-governmental organization that advocates for the entire shipping industry in Guyana, representing ship owners, shipping agents, terminal operators, cargo haulers and transporters (road, air, and river).

A section of the gathering at the public consultation held at Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke-Linden

Ministers Susan Rodrigues and Kwame McCoy meet with residents from the Soesdyke-Linden Highway during a meeting at Kuru Kururu

32 bridges between Kurupukari, Lethem 60 per cent complete

Construction works on the 32 bridges between Kurupukari and Lethem, Region Nine, slated to be completed next year, are progressing well.

The contracts for the ongoing works were signed in April 2022 between the Ministry of Public Works and six contractors to the tune of

$3.19 billion.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) was informed on Wednesday that approximately 60 per cent of rehabilitation works are completed to date.

According to the Ministry of Public Works, “The bridges being built from Kurupukari to Lethem are currently

about 60 per cent completed, with some being further along. Works are progressing well.”

The works form part of the government’s strategy to advance hinterland development through enhanced interconnectivity as a direct result of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s

vision to ensure Guyana’s infrastructural transformation is spread across all communities.

The areas where the bridges will be rehabilitated include Iwokrama, Surama, Carmudi, Massara Junction, Annai, Yakarinta, Gunip Landing, Point Ranch, Hunt Oil, and Pirata.

The bridges will be built

to international standards, upgrading from wood to concrete. It also forms part of a bigger plan that will link with the construction of the Linden to Mabura road.

Additionally, as work advances on the US $190 million Linden to Mabura Road project, work will also commence on upgrading all the bridges to concrete

structures since this is the first phase of the Linden to Lethem project.

Meanwhile, the government is discussing the construction of a bridge from the Kurupukari River (Essequibo River) with various interested parties, which will create 24-hour access between Linden to Lethem. (DPI)

One of the 32 Bridges being built connecting Kurupukari and Lethem

ITEC Scholarship recipients, journalists visit India

TWO young Guyanese were selected to travel to India to participate in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.

The ITEC programme began in 1964 as part of the Government of India’s development experiences with fellow developing countries based on partnership and cooperation for mutual benefit.

Selected was Ria Bisnauth, a Special Project Officer with the Guyana Forestry Commission. Hailing from Cummings Lodge, Georgetown, she will be travelling to Indiranagar, Bengaluru to commence a two-week Climate Change Policy Development and Financing Course at the Environment Protection Training and Research Institute.

Kumar Kissoon, a Finance Manager with Teleperformance Guyana from Campbellville, Georgetown, will begin his two-week course on Dynamics of High Performing Team in Small and Medium at the Jaipuria Institute of Manage-

ment in Lucknow.

On March 14, 2023, Bisnath and Kissoon met and interacted with Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Dr. KJ Srinivasa, before travelling to India to commence their respective training.

reached India.

The programme will give the participants a wide range of experience and interaction

with the political, economic, cultural, and educational and media sectoral leadership, as well as exposure

to modern India as a whole.

The High Commission of India urges all Guyanese to use the

opportunity and begin their training at some of the most prestigious universities in India in various sectors.

During their discussion, the High Commissioner congratulated and briefed both participants while they expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity.

On the same day, Vishani Ragobeer, a journalist with News Room Inc. hailing from East Coast Demerara - now in India on an invitation from the Government of India for a one-week familiarization tour for LAC Journalists - met the High Commissioner.

Apart from Ragobeer, Theresa Gordon, a journalist and news producer from NEWSCO Limited (OBSERVER Group), Antigua & Barbuda and Adelcia Connor-Ferlance, Press Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, were also selected for the programme and have

Johnson hits magnificent...

FROM PAGE 23

5 as the scorpions, whose sting has been neutralised by the fifth wicket pair’s century stand, finally struck at 181-5 before Kevin Sinclair (10) edged a catch to the ‘keeper’ to give Shields his second wicket with the score 199-6.

Veerasammy Permaul was bowled by Mansingh for a duck at 206-7 and Johnson, who began as at this level as a 16-year-old schoolboy in 2004, was in danger of not reaching his century.

However, Gudakesh

Motie (8) shared in a 23-run stand as Johnson reached his ton with a pull off Mansingh

from 203 balls with 10 fours before Motie was caught behind off Gordon at 223-8. Johnson found a useful ally in Ronsford Beaton as the very positive Johnson unleashed a majestic straight drive off Gordon before hammering Green for four as he galloped to eight short of 150.

Beaton (1) was LBW to Blackwood, bowling medium pace, off the last ball of the day and when play resumes today at 10:00hrs, Johnson will be hoping that Nial Smith can stay with him while he (Johnson) tries to eclipse his highest first class score of 189 not out.

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday March 23, 2023)

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Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Johannesburg, 2007

(2) Ramnaresh Sarwan, Graeme Smith

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which WI player has contested most T20 Internationals against SA to date?

(2) Which SA has played most T20 Int’ls against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Australia snatches ODI top spot from India with series win

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Australia snatched the No. 1 ODI ranking and snapped India’s four-year unbeaten series streak at home with a thrilling win in the defence of 269 in Chennai. Australia went all in from the moment they won the toss and gambled against the dew by choosing to bat on a dry and soft surface. They attacked the new ball in the powerplay, but

kept attacking, which resulted in quite a few starts but no fifty.

The bowlers then hung in despite a quick start from India, their two spinners, Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar took six wickets between them to drag India back from 65 for 0 and 146 for 2. The defence was all the more remarkable because Cameron Green’s illness left Aus-

Minister Ramson welcomes visiting teams, challenges Guyana to be good hosts

By Clifton Ross

THE historic opening of the 63rd Caribbean Senior Table Tennis Championships was marked by Minister Charles Ramson Jr. declaring the series of tournaments officially open.

The National Gymnasium is the venue for this year’s CAC games, with the qualification games played from March 16-19 2023,with teams hoping to earn spots for the CAC games in San Salvador for which eight countries will qualify.

Two teams will qualify for the Pan American Games and three teams will qualify for the 2023 Pan American Championships.

The next competition will be the Caribbean Youth and Cadet Championships, Pan Am Table Tennis Championships, which tees off from March 27- April 1.

According to the Minister, Guyana is on an amazing trajectory as it pertains to the upward spiral movement and the country being a home for all sports in the Caribbean.

“I’m happy to hear for the first time we will host all the tournaments at the same time. We are serious about making Guyana a home for sports in the region”. He said.

To the numerous overseas participants set to be on show, Minister Ramson urged the young players to “Experience Guyana, not just to visit facilities, but to experience the country and embrace its culture.

Minister Ramson further challenged the host, Guyana, to take on the responsibility of being a good host for their visiting guests, wishing them all the best for the tournament.

The tournament will see hosts Guyana battling the likes of Puerto Rico, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, St Lucia, Aruba, Colombia and Venezuela, among others.

tralia with Marcus Stoinis as the fifth bowler. Stoinis was a revelation, though, bowling 9.1 overs for just 43 runs and a wicket.

Both the innings progressed similarly: a quick start to maximise the powerplay and the new ball followed by the pitch playing tricks, and some aggressive options taken by batters resulting in soft-looking dismissals. The most uncharacteristic perhaps was Virat Kohli holing out to longoff in Ashton Agar’ s last over after scoring the only half-century of the match,

with Hardik Pandya scoring quickly at the other end, and the requirement under a run a ball.

Kohli’ s dismissal, followed by a third straight golden duck for Suryakumar Yadav, left India needing 85 off 88 with four wickets in hand. It seemed Pandya, who had earlier dragged Australia back from a rapid start with figures of 8-0-443, would see India through, but he, too, chose the big shot over taking the game deep. His slog off Zampa with 52 required off 39 brought in the tail. Needing to do all the scoring himself, even Ravindra Jadeja slogged at a Zampa wrong’un, leaving the tail

an improbable 45 to get off 29.

These risks were uncharacteristic largely of India, in that they came from both ends and at times when India had got the asking rate under control.

When Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma got off to a flier, scoring 65 in 9.1 overs, it looked like the pitch had hurried up under the lights. The first two wickets didn’t have much to do with the pitch. Rohit fell trying to maximise the last powerplay over, and Gill got his pad in the way of a drifting half-volley from Zampa.

After that, though, Kohli batted beautifully to go at a run a ball without taking

any risks even when Agar turned some balls alarmingly across the right-hand batters. Even when Kohli and KL Rahul went eight overs without a boundary, there was no panic around. Rahul then pushed India ahead with a burst of a six and two fours and a six off Zampa and Mitchell Starc. It seemed now that the plan was for Kohli to anchor the chase and the other end to go for big hits. One such hit came off the toe of Rahul’s bat and settled with long-on. Axar Patel was promoted and was immediately run out thanks to brilliant fielding from Steve Smith and keeping from Alex Carey.

THE Nexgen Golf Academy, an official LPGA Foundation/USGA Girls Site, has received an opportunity to nominate female players to participate in “All In at The Hay”, an exclusive event held at the 78th U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, benefiting girls golf.

According to the Guyana Golf Association (GGA), eventual travel, lodging and event access for the selected members and one chaperone will be covered and provided by the LPGA Foundation

The invitation to participate states that applications are now open for active girls golf members, ages 9-18 with a handicap under 15, to apply for a unique experience to participate in the “All In at The Hay” Pro-Am, a one-day, 12-hole tournament set to take place on Wednesday, July 5th at The Hay Short Course.

Eight (8) selected Girls Golf members will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play alongside a U S Women’s Open Past Champion and four amateur golfers

Unfortunately, owing to lack of access to a golf course for training, it is unlikely that the body will be able to take advantage of this opportunity

The GGA faced a similar issue when we were invited to send two juniors to represent the country at the World Junior Championship in Mexico this month

Fortunately, that invitation was extended to the next 4 years so the body is preparing to send representatives next March, whilst rapidly working to resolve the issues faced by lack of facilities

Since the massive push by the Guyana Golf Association to develop the sport began over the past few years, Guyana has become increasingly recognised by international golfing bodies and magazines.

Nexgen Golf and the GGA have been collaborating with the Ministry of Education Unit of Allied Arts to ensure that adequate facilities, training for PE Teachers and equipment are made available as the sport increases in popularity, especially amongst female players.

Guyanese Girl Golfers receive invitation to Pebble Beach Kings

‘Dawn of a new era in sports’-Says

Minister

Ramson,

- newly elected GOA executives pay courtesy call on Sport Minister

By Clifton Ross

MINISTER of Culture, Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. has described the new Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) executive’s election as the “Dawn of a new era in sports”, with the potential to be the beginning of a Golden Age.

A courtesy call was paid in full during Thursday’s visit to the Ministry’s Main Street office

Newly-elected GOA president, Godfrey Munroe, alongside his executive team, immediately sat down with Minister Ramson and National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Kashif Muhammed, with an aim to mapping a way forward for the development of all sports in Guyana

Potential to be golden era in sports

Ramson told the new executives that the move was decades in the making. He noted that with a strong, seasoned team which boasts individually and solid, transparent track-records as federation leaders, has the potential to kick-start this Golden Age of sports, where athletes can fly the Golden Arrowhead proudly and stand at podiums, being champions and ambassadors of Guyana.

“I’m very happy to meet with everyone (GOA executives). I can assure the committee of having a strong relationship with the Government of Guyana, one where we are all aligned. We are looking for our athletes to fly our flag high in best possible ways, because they are representing a nation of proud Guyanese People”.

“When we compete we don’t want to just attend, but we want our athletes to fly our flag and wear medals too”. “If you don’t have a strong collaborative relationship it will not work . Good relationships with the Government of Guyana, Ministry and NSC, is what is important,” Ramson outlined.

Transparency and accountability by Federations and Associations

On the topic of finances and the accountability which goes hand-in-hand, Minister Ramson was firm on the clarity needed going forward, not only to the government but to the Guyanese public, on how funds are used by these entities for the inevitable development of athletes and the sport sector, holistically.

He spoke on the importance of identifying plans and measures that the new GOA, with help from Government, will need to address going forward. He said identifying such plans are essential as he wants nothing more than the new team to successfully hit the ground running as soon as possible.

The minister further noted that the Government of Guyana is in a position to help all Guyanese and this includes its sport sector. Ramson outlined that the athletes will need the support of all stakeholders as it relates to them being fully-prepared and equipped when heading overseas as representatives.

The Sports Minister said he has never seen any financial records from the previous GOA body, but stressed that transparency is paramount and although it wasn’t a practice by Feder-

ations to make finances public things, that will soon change.

“Those financial statements required all form a part of a governance framework of accountability. It’s extremely important now that you have taken over the GOA that you hit the ground running. A lot of things align so it’s very important and they are opportunities for success.” said the Minister.

He went on to laud Munroe for his new role and wished him the best going forward. “You (Godfrey Munroe) deserve every bit of congratulations and I do so by extension of the Government of Guyana and the people. This comes with extremely important responsibility and there’s a lot of expectations now, having created a dawn of a new era”. The Minister stated.

Meanwhile, the NSC Chairman, Kashif Muhammed, had this to say, “Congratulations, the country has been looking forward to this for a long time. We have extremely competent people and we can take this to the next level and it’s your responsibility now. I think combining it with the government is great, this is the first time I’m seeing the government and GOA getting together along with NSC, and I think we can now help to unlock our athlete’s true potential.”

Wrapping up the courtesy call, Mr Munroe, on behalf of his new executive committee, thanked the Minister and the NSC Chairman for meeting with the new team while admitting that sports could truly be entering the dawn of a new era.

4 X 4 basketball tournament Untouchables crowned champions

Untouchables, out of Kwakwani, are winners of the inaugural Kings Basketball Club’s 4 x 4

Under-17 basketball tournament which concluded last Saturday at the Retrieve Hard Court.

Led by a top score of eight points by Travis Lewis, the Kwakwani unit won 12-9 against hosts Kings in the final.

Earlier, Untouchables had defeated Victory Valley Royals B and Kings beat Kidrock in their semifinal clashes.

The winning Kwakwani side, as required by the organisers, comprised both

male and female players, with one female player being on the court at all times. This rule was to push the involvement of females in the sport from the youth level.

The Untouchables’ squad comprised Lewis, Cordel Hoyte, Aaron Logan, Dequan Blair, Natalia Clarke, and Petal Leacock. Kidrock took third place defeating Royals 9-4. This tournament was sponsored by United States-based Gary Stephens and the Brusches Basketball Foundation.

(Joe Chapman)

Shallow talks strong finances in bid for CWI Presidency

CMC – Cricket West Indies president designate, Dr Kishore Shallow said long-lasting success on the field in the sport in the Caribbean is strongly linked to finding financial resources to fund development programmes.

Shallow, a former president of the St Vincent & the Grenadines Cricket Board and the current president of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control, will be confirmed in the post of CWI president at the 24th annual general meeting on Saturday in Antigua.

He is unchallenged for the position after Jamaica Cricket Association president and fellow CWI director, Wilford “Billy” Heaven withdrew from the contest last Friday, clearing the way for Shallow to replace incumbent Ricky Skerritt, who did not seek a third term.

Shallow said all the presidents of CWI of the recent past tried to invest in the grassroots of the sport in the Caribbean, but they have had limited success because financing development was costly.

“The challenge is always the finance,” he said during a TV

West

interview with the hosts of the SportsMax Zone on the Caribbean cable TV channel, SportsMax.

“In my manifesto where you see commercial and marketing, I really believe that greater emphasis must be placed on that. Once we can generate more revenue, it can be injected almost directly into our cricket development programmes.”

Shallow gave the example of funding that has come into the territories of the Windwards through a series of internationally-sponsored Ten/10 tournaments.

“The revenues we have gen-

erated from that, all of the countries that have had a T10 tournament that has all been a part of the process of improving the territorial boards, and you would have seen our Under-17 team win,” he said.

“You have seen improvement in our senior team this year, that is because the national boards have found some money to invest in their development programmes, so when I say structure, I mean finding the funds, ensuring there is a framework that the countries understand, and they implement it simultaneously.”

Shallow, who has been on the CWI board for the past five

years and was elected to the post of vice president three years ago, said he has had the opportunity to observe West Indies cricket very close up and it has prepared him to ascend to the post of president.

“I am quite confident after the discussions I have had over the last few months especially with my colleagues on the board and other key stakeholders across the region. I think people, by and large, are ready to pool their resources together and get everyone on that same wavelength,” he said.

“We all have the common interest of wanting to see West Indies cricket improve, and I think that once we can approach the whole leadership and advancement in that way, whether it is ideas, finance, and other key components, and having that inclusive environment I think we will be well on the path of an improved West Indies team.”

Shallow said West Indies were about 10 to 20 years behind other teams in the world, and it was important for CWI to find modern, best practice methods to advance the sport in the Caribbean.

Joseph, Hosein attain career best ICC ODI rankings

CMC – West Indies duo of Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hosein have achieved career-best ratings in the ICC Men’s One-day Inter-

match was rained out).

The Antiguan has taken 93 wickets at 27 runs apiece in 56 ODIs for West Indies, and he enjoys a strike rate of a little

national player rankings announced on Wednesday.

under 31.

At the same time, left-arm spinner Hosein, the only other West Indies bowler in the top 20, took three for 59 and two for 49 in the two matches respectively.

Indies

Championships… Johnson hits magnificent ton as GHEs reaches 268-9

By Sean Devers

A magnificent unbeaten 142 from Guyana Harpy

Eagles captain, Leon Johnson, led his team to 268-9 against Jamaica Scorpions at stumps on the opening day of the fourth round of the West Indies fourday Championships at the Guyana National stadium,Providence, yesterday

The 35- year-old Johnson, who is set to retire at the end of this season, made an accomplished unbeaten 142,, his seventh in firstclass Cricket in 126th game and his first since his unbeaten 189 in February 2020 against the Windwards.

His innings has so far lasted 335 minutes from 248 balls and was decorated with 16 boundaries. The left-hander shared in a fifth wicket stand of 126 with Tevin Imlach who returned to form after an ordinary season , with a carefully

constructed 46 from 105 balls and 157 minutes with 10 fours.

Rookie Kevlon Anderson contributed 36 from 66 balls and 110 minutes with five fours as Marquino Mindley, Ojay Shields and Darel Green picked up two wickets each for the team from Reggae Country.

On a freshly cut outfield and a track with a tinge of green , Jamaica invited Guyana to bat in sunny conditions and once again the inconsistency of the top order was exposed with fast bowler Mindley striking a couple of early telling blows

The tall Jamaican, generating good pace with lateral movement, ripped out the stumps of returning Test batter, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, before he had scored with the score on 1-1.

Mindley soon produced one that moved away from

SCOREBOARD

Tagenarine Chanderpaul b Mindley 1

Matthew Nandu c Wkr Thomas b Mindley 0

Kevlon Anderson c Blackwood b Green 36

Kemol Savory lbw b Shields 1

Leon Johnson not out 142

Tevin Imlach c Wkp Thomas b Mindley 46

Kevin Sinclair c wkt Thomas b Shields 10

Veerasammy

Gudakesh

Ronsford Beaton lbw b Blackwood 1

To bat Nial Smith

Extras 23 (b-8, lb-7, nb-8)

Total 268-9

FoW: 1, 4, 26, 55, 181, 199, 206, 223, 268

Bowling:

Mindley 14-4-34-2, Gordon 13-4-40-1, Green 22-0-59-1, Shields 15-1-66-2, Blackwood 7.3-2-19-1, Mansingh 22-0-59-1

the left-handed Matthew Nandu (1) which he edged to the Keeper at 4-2 while Kemol Savory, who scored his maiden ton in the last match, was lbw to Ojay Shields for one at 26-3.

Kevlon Anderson, who favoured the cut, used the shot to hit pacer Shields for

a couple of boundaries in the same over but seemed a bit uncomfortable to balls that ‘nipped back’ into him.

Johnson, in his penultimate first-class match and with back-to- back fifties against the Red Force in Trinidad, got his rhythm going with a neat flick for

Joseph, 26, leapt eight places to 11th spot, and Hosein, 29, moved up one place to 20th in the rankings, which considered performances in two matches each of the India vs Australia, Bangladesh vs Ireland, and South Africa vs West Indies series.

The Trinidadian has captured 49 wickets at 27 each in 31 ODIs for the Caribbean side, and he has a strike rate of a little over 34.

Pacer Joseph grabbed three for 53 in the second ODI against the South Africans at Buffalo Park in East London that West Indies won, and three for 50 in the third and final ODI of the series at J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom that the Caribbean side lost to share the series 1-1 (the first

four off Shields while Anderson, in his second match at this level played some lovely cover drives before edging Green to Blackwood at second slip on the stroke of Lunch with Guyana on 55-4 and Johnson on 15.

After the interval, Imlach, who scored the second most runs for Guyana after Chanderpaul last season,

On the batting, new West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope moved up two places to 12th after he made a match-wining 128 not out – his 14th ODI hundred – in the second ODI – his first substantive match in charge of the Caribbean side.

joined his captain and the pair staged a recovery.

Johnson cut Blackwood for his seventh boundary to reach his third consecutive 50 from 111 balls with seven four while Imlach swivelled and pulled Abhijai Mansingh for four to take their team to Tea at 55-4.

After the break, Imlach was LBW to Green at 181-

CWI President hopeful Dr Kishore Shallow

Akeal Hosein

Alzarri Joseph

Johnson hits magnificent ton as GHEs reaches

Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. (centre) speaking with the new GOA executives following their

(Adrian Narine photo)

2023 63rd Caribbean Senior Table Tennis Championships… Minister Ramson welcomes visiting teams, challenges Guyana to be good hosts

Caribbean Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) president, Teddy Matthews (right) shakes hands with Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. (Adrian Narine photo)

Leon Johnson drives during his unbeaten 142 at Providnce yesterday (Sean Devers photo)

Tevin Imlach pulls for four during his 46 at Providence yesterday (Sean Devers Photo)