Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24-03-2023

By Tamica Garnett

CONFIDENT of its track record, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is promising a robust campaign, and a determined fight at this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE), for which the party plans to contest in all of the 80

‘We will fight a hard campaign’

announces

as uncertainty looms in opposition’s camp

Local Authority Areas (LAA) across the country.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Freedom House, on Thursday, PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo said that the party is in the final stages of putting together its list of candidates for the LGE, with plans to launch its campaign early next

month.

According to Jagdeo, the party has been seeing a huge influx of persons wanting to join ahead of the LGE, and as such, is not only confident of its chances in its customary strongholds, but is optimistic of even making inroads in some of the opposition’s hotspots.

“We will fight a hard campaign in every

Housing, infrastructural developments increasing along East

Coast

single one of these areas. There are some areas where we have never won, and we are hoping, politically, that the people will give us an opportunity to prove we can,” Jagdeo said.

Exciting times are ahead for residents along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), as it is being transformed through infrastructural and housing developments (Ministry of Housing and Water photos)

Barbados Coalition of Service Industries

Housing, infrastructural developments increasing along ECD

EXCITING times are ahead for residents along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), as it is being transformed through infrastructural and housing developments to mirror that of the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

On Thursday afternoon, Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water conducted a site visit to the developing schemes of Non Pariel/Enterprise, Enmore/Foulis and Hope, ECD, where persons were allocated plots of land. Upon completion of the infrastructural works in those areas, allottees will enjoy wholesome schemes with

access to roads and bridges, and culverts and drainage networks.

Minister Rodrigues said that the government’s vision for Region Four (Demer -

ara-Mahaica) will see communities on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara

connected through major road linkages such as the Ogle, ECD to Eccles EBD Bypass Road, and the Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

The infrastructural growth will improve the socio-economic conditions of the residents, and unlock new commercial zones.

From 2020 to the present, Minister Rodrigues said that the Housing Ministry has allocated 5,900 house lots along the East Coast Demerara out of the more than 12,000 house lots distributed in Region Four.

Additionally, the minister said that over $24 billion was expended on infrastructural development along the East

Coast of Demerara.

In terms of the ministry’s turn-key housing programme, the first batch of young professional homes will be constructed at La Bonne Intention (LBI).

In February 2023, the ministry also inked contracts for infrastructural works in areas such as De Engrat, La Ressouvenir, Success, and Good Hope.

Minister Rodrigues also said that the agency’s first ‘Dream Realised’ Housing Drive for 2023 is slated to take place in April, and will see land allocations on the East Coast of Demerara. (Ministry of Housing and Water)

Exciting times are ahead for residents along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), as it is being transformed through infrastructural and housing developments to mirror those of the East Bank of Demerara

‘We will fight a hard campaign’

–– as uncertainty looms in opposition’s camp

By Tamica Garnett

CONFIDENT of its track record, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is promising a robust campaign, and a determined fight at this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE), for which the party plans to contest in all of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAA) across the country.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters, Freedom House, on Thursday, PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo said that the party is in the final stages of putting together its list of candidates for the LGE, with plans to launch its campaign early next month.

According to Jagdeo, the party has been seeing a huge influx of persons wanting to join ahead of the LGE, and as such, is not only confident of its chances in its customary strongholds, but is optimistic of even making inroads in some of the opposition’s hotspots.

“We will fight a hard campaign in every single one of these areas. There are some areas where we have never won, and we are hoping, politically, that the people will give us an opportunity to prove we can,” Jagdeo said.

He highlighted that Georgetown is one local

government organ that the party has its eyes on.

Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council (MCC) has historically been controlled by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), and is currently under the control of the PNCR’s cognate, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). However, the state of the city under the PNCR’s unbroken management continues to get called into question time and time again, as Georgetown continues to descend into an increasingly deplorable state.

Over the years, the garbage situation in Georgetown has worsened, reaching crisis levels in numerous instances, while the Council has also failed to deliver in line with its responsibility of taking care of the city’s roadways and drainage systems.

Mismanagement of the municipality’s funds has become commonplace, with the lack of accountability and transparency at City Hall making it impractical for Central Government to be able to continue to directly hand over money to the municipality.

The city’s citizenry continues to become increasingly disenchanted with the PNCR’s management, which has seen the PPP/C increasing its members on the municipality’s 30-seat Council.

According to Jagdeo, should Georgetown citizens put their trust in the PPP/C, they can expect greater accountability at the City Council, and better stewardship of the municipality’s funds, which would support an increased flow of revenue.

“Right now there’s no accountability there; you give them money for one thing, and they spend it on something else,” Jagdeo lamented.

With the PPP/C having gained increasing support at successive LGEs since 2016, Jagdeo was very upbeat on Thursday as he discussed his party’s chances at this year’s LGE.

The party, despite its confidence, will not be taking an easy win for granted, and is still looking to hit the ground running during this campaign season.

“We are not one to gloat about what likely outcomes will be; we believe in working hard for all of these communities. Our biggest concern is complacency in the party. People believe that we will win the elections already, [there are] some areas where there is no other party contesting. But turnout at Local Government Elections has always been a factor in the elections.

But no doubt the PPP will do well in these elections,” Jagdeo said.

UNCERTAINTY

The PPP/C’s optimism is also supported by the continued state of un -

certainty brewing over the PNCR’s plans for the LGE. Earlier on Thursday, at a virtual press conference held by Leader of the PNCR, Aubrey Norton, the party continued to be cryptic about its plans.

“Norton said they’re working on a dual approach. The ambiguity is not because it’s a strategic thing it’s because of the difficulty they’re facing on the ground to put together their lists. In 2018, they spent tons of state money, had entire state media at their disposal, and still couldn’t contest every part. We contested in every single local government body [in 2018] and we intend to do the same again,” Jagdeo affirmed.

He sees this as the PNCR clutching at straws to gain support for the upcoming polls, and has turned to old tactics of resuscitating the party’s oldest members to rally support.

“If you go back and look at the history of Guyana around elections season they all become active. They live in a historical era of being not just complainers, but a history of anti-national sentiments. They are jealous of young people inheriting this country because they live life in bitterness, they don’t want to see the progress. They lack integrity,” Jagdeo said.

The LGE has been set for June 12, with Nominations Day, the day the parties officially catalogue their candidates, being set for April 12. The LGEs are open to all political parties as well

as independent candidates who can contest individual constituencies within LAAs.

According to Jagdeo, similar to the PPP/C’s 2018 approach in as much as possible, the party will be looking to source 50 per cent of its candidates from the party’s civic component.

“A lot of ppl want to be part of the civic component. They can be accommodated… our model is a big model,” Jagdeo said.

The civic component of the party refers to persons who do not have membership cards with the party, but believes in the party’s principles, align with what they stand for and they want to contribute to the communities.

The PPP/C has over 80 clusters or groups across the country, which are fielding the suggestions of candidates that will be submitted by the party for the respec-

tive LAAs.

Jagdeo said that some names are still being finalised; however, the clusters were already given specific criteria to guide what to look for in determining who will be the candidate.

He highlighted that one instruction that has been given is that persons looking to contest will be barred from bidding for contracts in their LAA.

“We gave each of the clusters a list of criteria that the party would like to see in the candidates. One of the criteria is that they will not be able to tender for contracts in the area in which they are councilors.

We’ve had instances in the past where we found councilors tendering for contracts in their own NDC or municipalities so that is a prohibition now. But you can tender anywhere else,” Jagdeo said.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Bharrat Jagdeo

–– PPP/C plans to contest in all Local Authority Areas; confident of track record of progress, delivering betterment, Jagdeo announces

Brands2Go owner gets 14 months for assaulting daughter

MAGISTRATE Rhondel

Weever on Thursday sentenced Devanand Singh, the owner of Brands2Go, to 14 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting his adult daughter and threatening her with a gun.

“No longer should women be treated as if they are a ball to be tossed around,”

Magistrate Weever said in her sentencing remarks.

Last month, Singh who resides in Kitty, Georgetown, was found guilty of assaulting the 25-year-old woman on March 28, 2023, so as to cause her actual bodily harm.

He was also found guilty

of using threatening language to the victim.

Magistrate Weever sentenced Singh to 14 months in jail for the assault charge and four months on the threatening charge.

However, the sentences will run concurrently, and Singh will serve only 14 months.

During Thursday’s hearing, Singh’s probation report was read in court by a social worker.

The court heard that Singh’s father was an alcoholic who verbally and physically abused her.

The businessman’s attor-

ney Nigel Hughes told court that his client is remorseful and had offered his daughter compensation to the tune of $2 million, but she rejected it.

Magistrate Weever in her sentencing remarks, stressed that the defendant’s actions towards his daughter were not impulsive since he has a history of abusing her.

She described his actions as “reprehensible” and “distasteful.”

Last year, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly had granted a lifetime protection order against Singh to stay 1,000 feet from his daughter.

The investigation was

launched following the circulation of a video on social media where the businessman was seen assaulting his daughter at his Kitty business place. He also allegedly threatened to shoot her.

The young lady during a video interview which was aired on Facebook, revealed that her father had been brutalising her for years. Her stepmother and other siblings who reside with him were also abused, she had claimed.

The young woman related that she was forced to come forward because the

latest beating was captured on CCTV cameras inside the store and she was able to secure a copy.

Further, after the beating, she claimed that she was locked inside her home for two days. She was later able to call the 914 hotline to report the incident and was later relocated to a safe place.

She added that threats were made to her life and she was living in fear.

As a result of the video, the police said ranks visited the businessman’s home and seized his licensed 9mm pistol and a shotgun, as well as matching ammunition

Devanand Singh

Today set for ruling in challenge to President’s suspension of PSC

HIGH Court Judge, Justice Gino Persaud, is expected to hand down his ruling today in the constitutional action filed by the former Police Service Commission (PSC) challenging its suspension by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, in 2021.

The PSC’s application was filed in July 2021 after President Ali, based on advice from the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, and in accordance with Article 225 of the Constitution of Guyana, suspended the PSC Chairman and its members, pending the findings of a tribunal that was to be established.

The PSC is praying that the court grants a declaration that the purported June 16, 2021 suspension of its Chairman, Paul Slowe and commissioners, Michael Somersall, Claire Alexis Jarvis, Vesta Adams, and Clinton Conway, from performing the functions of their respective offices in the commission, were in violation of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Ar -

ticles 225(6) and 210(3), and therefore of no force or effect.

Additionally, the applicant is seeking a further declaration from the court that the Prime Minister’s recommendations to the President for the removal of the PSC Chairman and its members from their respective offices at the commission were in violation of, and ultra vires, the Constitution and, in particular, Article 225(2), being made on grounds other than inability to discharge the functions of office or misbehaviour.

In March 2021, Justice Persaud had dismissed the application made by the Attorney General, to strike out the matter.

Justice Persaud, during his ruling, had said that the PSC case should be heard and determined, on its merits since the matter is of public importance and interest.

According to the judge, hearing the PSC’s case would bring clarity on the role of the President’s executive power, and the issue of the legality of the

President’s suspension of the PSC.

The judge, in his ruling, also said that from the outset, the suspended commissioners were not properly advised to institute the proceedings which were filed on July 16, 2021, in the name of the PSC given the fact that they were suspended, and they were also obviously aware that the end of their three-year term was imminent.

As such, the judge said former PSC chairman Slowe, has sufficient interest and locus standi to continue the proceedings and be substituted as the applicant in the place of the PSC.

Last year, Justice Persaud threw out an application for a stay of the proceedings which was filed by attorney Darshan Ramdhani KC, who is representing the

interest of the reconstituted PSC and the AG.

The two parties had called for a stay of the sub-

stantive case pending the outcome of appeals filed against the rulings made by the Chief Justice (ag)

Roxane George, S.C., in cases which touched on the subject of the action before Justice Persaud.

Investing In Human Resources

THE Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has opened the doors for every Guyanese, regardless of race, sex or economic standing, to make themselves marketable.

The focus seems to be on the oil and gas, construction, agricultural and manufacturing industries, all of which require persons with a specific skill set.

Since the start of the year, BIT has been pushing its training programmes. Dozens of soft and hard-skill courses are being offered to anyone 15 years and older.

The frequent graduation exercises have confirmed that thousands of persons from across the country are recognising the benefits of technical and vocational training and have decided to dedicate four to six months of their time, even if they are working or studying, to completing courses which could boost their qualifications or provide an immediate source of income.

What is noteworthy about these exercises is the number of women who are acquiring certification in non-conventional skills. Based on history and cultural norms, one would hardly expect

a woman to take up training in tractor maintenance or heavy-duty machine operation. These are considered part of a man’s world, given their gruelling nature and the safety risks that are involved.

The pay for these types of skills are said to be reasonable and would no doubt be higher than those given to persons with desk jobs. They are particularly needed in the agricultural and oil and gas industries which are paths many are now deciding to take.

Guyanese are looking for avenues where they can earn more. In so doing, they are looking to develop skills that are in high demand.

The numbers coming out of the BIT programmes speak for themselves. Women are taking a firm stand and are showing the world that they can do anything; they can do any job, irrespective of the difficulties or the risks involved.

Their participation in these vocational training programmes are setting the stage for more women who long to be in the fields, who long to be more than just a housewife or a mother, to actually pursue careers that they are interested

in without having to deal with negative reactions from their male counterparts.

“I witnessed the same amount of ladies as guys taking training in this particular programme, and it brought tears to my eyes because that indicates how far we, as women, have come to be a part of a male-dominated profession.

I also hope that other ladies will make us proud,” were the words of Dionne Stoll, a certified heavy-duty equipment operator.

She recently graduated from the programme and what is even more commendable is that she is currently an engineering student at the University of Guyana. She plans to use her new knowledge to enhance her ability and expertise in the engineering field.

This is perhaps one of the smartest things someone can do. Many skills are intertwined, they complement each other. To make yourself more marketable, it is advisable that you have a variety of skills and this is what the BIT seeks to do for free.

There are other women who completed hard-skills programmes who have told stories similar to Dionne’s. While

they were overcome with fear in the beginning, they said they were equally determined to complete their respective programmes.

Another noteworthy fact is the police’s appreciation of the training opportunity. In March, several ranks based in Bartica graduated from the heavy-duty machine operation programme. Some would question why someone trained to serve and protect would want to venture into such a field. However, for some of the ranks, it was part of fulfilling a childhood dream, while for other the focus was on learning a new talent and becoming well-rounded individuals.

In less than three years, the BIT has trained close to 8,000 persons across the country. Given the current trajectory, thousands more will be trained before the end of the year.

The government through BIT is demonstrating its commitment to building a skilled labour force to benefit from the country’s emerging industries and has signalled its intention to continue investing in human resources, so as to provide life-changing opportunities to every citizen.

Barbados experts see ‘passion for growth’ in local tourism industry

set to help stakeholders prepare for opportunities to come, after THAG signs MoU with Barbados Coalition of Service Industries

THE Tourism and Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG), on Thursday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI), which will see the organisation benefitting from capacity building and collaborations to improve the country’s tourism sector.

The MoU was signed in the boardroom of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) by THAG’s President, Harrinand Persaud and BCSI Executive Director, Michelle Smith-Mayers.

In brief remarks, Smith-Mayers said that the BCSI is an organisation that works to build capacity in the services sector of which tourism constitutes a large part.

She said that while the organisation is charged with building capacity in associations in Barbados, they are

cognisant of the trajectory of growth in Guyana’s tourism sector.

“We are happy to be able to assist THAG wherever we can particularly coming out of the fact that our Prime Minister and the President of Guyana have formed an alliance and made it possible for us to work with THAG wherever possible,” she said.

The Executive Director said that since coming to Guyana, she has met with several stakeholders within the sector and indicated that she has seen nothing but passion for the sector and its growth along with anticipation and enthusiasm for what is to come.

However, she added that the BCSI is aware that there are issues concerning standards in the services sector as well as the management in the hotel and restaurant sectors. These businesses,

Smith-Mayers said, that supply the tourism sector must see an increase in the level of service and increase in the skills within the sector.

She related: “So we would be working over the rest of this year and as long as THAG needs us to help, to put some new structures in place to be able to address the needs of the sector and the needs of its members directly.”

Further, the Executive Director related that as part of this MoU, the BCSI is trying to do an analysis of the needs within the sector and further be able to assist.

In this regard, she said that Guyana has the benefit of not having to struggle and fight its way in the dark and further drawing on the experiences that Barbados has had so far.

Meanwhile, THAG Executive Officer, Oslyn Kirton, said that this collaboration

comes at a time when Guyana is experiencing huge growth in tourism, as there are some 2,000 to 2,500 new hotel rooms expected to come on board within the next two years. She said that the collaboration between the two BCSI

and THAG will assist players in the sector to be prepared for the expected growth.

Kirton added that this MoU is an agreement of service between the two organisations which will see BCSI offering assistance where necessary and stated that the

partnership will continue through the end of the year.

Further, Persaud expressed gratitude to the BCSI and added that THAG looks forward to partnering with the organisation and gaining from the experiences to be shared.

Editor Navendra Seoraj

From left: THAG Executive Officer, Oslyn Kirton (left); President of THAG, Harrinand Persaud (centre) and BCSI Executive Director, Michelle Smith-Mayers (Delano Williams photo)

Greater exchange of technologies, policies needed to address world’s water woes –– Guyana’s

GUYANA has called on several world leaders to establish a collaborative approach to address water woes affecting many vulnerable nations.

In his address at the 2023 Conference for the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the United Nations (UN) Decade for Action on Water and Sanitation on Tuesday, Guyana’s Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal said that a co-operative global water information system is needed to strengthen policy developments as well promote evidence-based decision making to support

Housing

and

Water

Minister tells UN conference

climate-smart water management and promote investments in sustainable water infrastructure.

Croal further called on world leaders to create a passage for greater exchange of technology and innovation between developed countries, small islands developing states, landlocked and least developed countries.

“Financing for water reuse, desalination and water waste treatment remains a major challenge for small states which must be a high priority to access clean drinking water for all,” Croal said, adding: “It is clear that more

concerted action must be taken to restore, manage and preserve the integrity of water resources; we must combine all of our knowledge and best practices to find urgent solutions to our water woes.”

Referencing a recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Croal said that a staggering two billion persons are still living in water-stressed countries, which have faced challenges exacerbated by climate change and man-made crises.

Simultaneously, the over-exploitation of water resources causes dire risks to the environment, including

biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation.

Guyana, he said, has recognised the need to have a balance between these competing concerns and has established its Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which includes more Integrated Water Resources Management in tandem with other national priorities such as energy and food security.

“Climate change represents a foremost change threat to water resources on our planet, with deleterious impacts and unavailability.

Guyana wishes to highlight the value of nature-based

solutions in integrated water resources management strategies to address the challenges,” Minister Croal said.

Guyana has taken a series of steps to boost access to water, increase the efficiency of water use and mitigate threats to water quality and availability, such as the improvements to the infrastructure to provide equitable access to safe drinking water for women, children, Indigenous communities, persons living with disabilities and migrants.

Meanwhile, Guyana is collaborating with other member states of the Amazon Co-operation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) on transboundary initiatives to promote the harmonious use of the Amazon basin.

Further, Minister Croal reiterated Guyana’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (Six) and called on the international community to work together to address the challenges facing the water

Housing and Water Minster, Collin Croal and sanitation sector.

“It plays a crucial role in climate regulation and cycles 20 per cent of the world’s fresh water, Guyana in collaboration with the other member states of the amazon co-operation treaty organisation continues to work on transboundary initiatives to monitor the quality and quantity of water while promoting harmonious use of its vast resources,” the minister said.

Norton feigns ignorance over Hinds’ criticism of party members

–– says WPA ‘free to say what they want’

LEADER of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton hung his party members out to dry, and feigned ignorance over criticisms of his party members by Working People Alliance (WPA) Executive member David Hinds.

During his weekly virtual press conference, Norton was asked about the way his comrade, Hinds, had disparaged a number of PNCR Indo-Guyanese members for speaking out against racist and incendiary remarks made by WPA members.

In response, Norton simply said that WPA members are free to say what they want, and he considered the matter closed.

“I didn’t hear the statement [that Dr. Hinds made], but on this issue of what the WPA say and what they don’t say the WPA is entitled to say what they want to say as a political party, we will deal with what we think we need to deal with, which we have done in the last press conference and for us it is time to move on,” Norton said.

On his weekly virtual programme “Politics 101” last week, Hinds referred to the Indo-Guyanese PNCR member Geeta Chandan-Edmond as a “slaver catcher” for having condemned remarks made by WPA Executive Tacuma Ogunseye, who had made racial inciting remarks against Indo-Guyanese at a public meeting.

He also directed comments at PNCR 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 Ogunseye and another WPA Member Rhonda Layne.

According to Hinds, by refusing to remain silent and standing up against what has been described as hateful and racist remarks made by Ogunseye, the Indo-Guyanese members of the opposition have fed into the belief that they are traitors.

Inaugural Local Content Summit set for April 4

AS local entities continue to create platforms to build capacity for participation in the local oil and gas sector, a Local Content Summit hosted by MBW Energy Support Services Inc., is set for April 4 at the Pegasus Suites, with the aim of creating discussions on the success and challenges of the local content systems.

The event is being held under the theme: “Sustaining Supplier Development through Local Content Partnerships.”

According to the organisers, the summit is striving to bring together government officials and industry leaders to have robust discussions on the development and structure of Guyana’s Local Content Certification process; address the advantages and risks of strategic partnerships between local companies; hold talks about local capacity development with a focus on and the impact of training locals, small and medium-sized businesses, and dialogues on the myths and realities of local-content best practices through an international lens, among other topics.

The Local Content Summit will join a number of

extant oil and gas platforms that have emerged in Guyana over the past few years, including the annual International Energy Conference and Expo held in February, and the Guyana Basin Summit.

“I am hopeful that the Local Content Summit will provide local companies like mine with a working road map for successful local-content participation in Guyana’s emerging energy sector,” MBW Energy Chief Executive Officer, Abbigale Loncke-Watson said.

The MBW Energy Support Services Inc is a Guyanese, female-owned and managed oil and gas support services company, established with the goal to support companies and individuals moving to Guyana. The company has been in operation for the past three years.

A number of prominent individuals in Guyana’s oil and gas industry are expected to address the forum, including Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who will be a keynote speaker at the opening plenary.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat will also be a featured speaker along with Martin Pertab, Chief Executive Officer

GBTI’s 2022 profit tops $2.3B

THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has announced an exceptional performance in 2022 with total assets of $175 billion, net income after tax of $2.3 billion and an exponential improvement in its asset quality.

According to a press release from GBTI, against the background of a rapidly expanding economy, loans grew by 33 per cent for the year to $65 billion, while deposits grew by 20 per cent to $148 billion.

Based on this performance, a dividend of $20 per share has been recommended, $12 of which has already been paid to shareholders. This dividend represents a 25 per cent increase over that of 2021.

“GBTI sees encouraging portents for continued positive growth in 2023. We anticipate a continuing growth trajectory and strengthening of our position in the local market,” CEO James Foster said.

Undoubtedly, a highlight

(CEO) of the Local Content Secretariat.

Additional speakers are President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Timothy Tucker; Director of SphereX Professional Services, Joel Bhagwandin; Vice-President of Women in Energy Guy-

ana, Dr. Melissa Varswyk; President of the Women’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Rowena Elliott; Country Manager for Subsea 7 (Guyana), Michael Gow; CEO of Sagacity Media, Christopher Chapwanya, and Director of Global Eureka Business Solutions Inc.,

Georgia Inniss.

“It is so important for us to have speakers who understand the need, who relate to the sector(s) and who are directly involved in the road ahead,” Loncke-Watson said.

Registration for the summit will run until April 4.

of this performance is the transformative digital drive, through upgraded software, computer systems overall, and “Go- Banking” in the last quarter of 2022 without negative impact to its increasingly digital-savvy customers.

The upgrade process is ongoing, staff training is continuous, and clients are sharing expressions of support and greater confidence in the bank and Guyana’s economy, the bank said.

“GBTI’s competitive performance in 2022 was fuelled further by an empowered team conversant with, and committed to, achieving its strategic priorities,” GBTI related.

This year, GBTI is poised for continued growth and more regular engagement with stakeholders and the communities served country-wide.

MBW Energy Chief Executive Officer, Abbigale Loncke-Watson

Petroleum management, fighting corruption paramount

SINCE assuming office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has been working to transform the governance framework and management of the petroleum sector by effectively developing and implementing various policies and programmes, which allow for the adherence to international best practices and principles.

In a statement issued by Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) on Tuesday, the government further reiterated its commitment to enhancing the country’s petroleum management through the

–– Natural Resources Ministry affirms

and chances of the resource curse occurring.

However, Dr. King’s remarks comes just a few months after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had commended local authorities for the progress made in strengthening Guyana’s anti-corruption framework and fiscal transparency. The IMF assessment was made in a report documenting the conclusions of its Article IV Consultation with local authorities.

The IMF had said that several pillars of the anti-corruption framework in Guyana had been strengthened, including the Integrity and

view and modernising of the legislative framework for the oil and gas sector.

The government also plans to update the 1986 Petroleum and Exploration Act, develop offshore safety regulations, and pursue the development of Hydrocarbon Environmental Management Regulations and inter-agency collaboration to improve monitoring capabilities.

REMEDYING DEFICIENCIES

The ministry pointed to the government having remedied the deficiencies of the Natural Resource Fund

implementation of measures to mitigate risks of corruption and occurrence of the resource curse, which are common in some oil and gas or resource rich countries across the world.

“Guyana is labelled by leading market participants as the most successful frontier to early-stage production country in recent oil and gas history. Our nation’s exemplary environmental credentials and dynamic policy-making to facilitate expeditious offshore exploration and development activities underscore Guyana’s role-model status for oil and gas development strategy in the energy transition environment,” the statement said.

The statement was issued to address recent remarks made by University of the West Indies lecture and Jamaican Economist, Dr. Damien King, who sought to undermine the progress made towards the prudent management of the Guyanese economy and the shared development vision of the government and its people.

According to a story published in the Jamaican Observer based on an interview, Dr. King opined that Guyana lacks strong enough institutions to prevent corruption,

Public Procurement Commissions and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

The MNR said that the government remains committed to even further strengthening of anti-corruption measures.

“The government remains committed to a strategic development path reinforced by the establishment of a pragmatic legal and fiscal Petroleum Management Framework, and is confident that the country’s practical, academic and industrial intelligence will ensure that policies and programmes are implemented to avoid the resource curse syndrome to our multi-sectoral economy,” the statement said.

The ministry pointed to a list of measures that have been taken by the government that has seen the country crafting a strong global energy reputation, including an update of the principles and conditions of all new petroleum production licences, the revision the Natural Resource Fund Law to provide greater oversight and management of revenue, new environmental permitting conditions and fees, the conducting of cost recovery audits, and continuous re -

Act 2019 with the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021, noting that it is an important element in safeguarding against the resource curse, ensuring fiscal smoothing and advancing the quest of intergenerational wealth while utilising petroleum wealth to finance national development priorities.

“The PPP/C administration scaled back the excessive power of the Minister of Finance — removing the possibility of ministerial direction in determining the ceiling on withdrawals, established a Board of Directors — vesting the Board with powers previously concentrated in the hands of the minister and removed the possibility of any expenditure from the Fund being met without prior parliamentary approval,” the statement noted.

Moreover, to maximise value extraction from Guyana’s petroleum resources and remedy pressing issues, Local Content Legislation was enacted in 2021.

“Today we see the growth of the Guyanese economy driven by a vibrant local private sector.

The Model Production Sharing Agreements for

Petroleum management, fighting...

both the deepwater and shallow water are being developed with a public review period, and work has commenced on overhauling the 1986 Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act and regulations to modern and effective legal framework,” the statement said.

In another statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Natural Resources also

addressed recent report in the media that questions the government’s responsibility in managing the audit of costs proffered by the Stabroek Block operator.

The ministry said that the Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who plays a leading role in the judicious management of Guyana’s oil and gas sector, has repeatedly, by way of numerous press con-

ferences, articulated updates relating to the management of the oil and gas sector, more particularly the conduct of audits.

Moreover, the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, in his presentation as part of Budget 2023, indicated publicly to the House that a preliminary audit of the 2018 to 2020 costs submitted by the Stabroek Block operator had

been prepared, kick-starting the sixty day reply period that the operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is entitled to.

During those 60 days, the operator is given an opportunity to review and issue a reply to the government following the receipt of the report. It is the ministry’s understanding that this period is yet to elapse.

“Pursuant to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the contractor and the government, specifically under the Auditing and Inspection Rights of the Government, the minister has a legal right to carry out further investigation within sixty days of the contractor’s reply, should the report or reply require further investigation,” the statement noted.

The ministry said too:

“The Ministry of Natural Resources will remain steadfast in achieving its goals in the expansion of the hydrocarbon sector, its sustainability, environmental soundness and lucrativeness, and will not be distracted by characters aimed at misinforming, misguiding and sensationalising matters.”

No evidence of discrimination in access to opportunities –– business persons say

EVERY Guyanese has a fair chance to benefit from the opportunities that would accrue to Guyana as a result of its consistent economic advancement across all sectors.

This is the firm belief of prominent businessmen, Peter Pompey, Managing Director of Brass, Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry Ltd (BACIF) and Ryan Alexander, President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

Both Pompey and Alexander shared the view that the government has created policies that allow for the equitable distribution of opportunities, particularly in housing, education, business and employment sectors.

During a panel discussion on the National Communications Network (NCN), Alexander said that with the

sheer vastness of opportunities being made available to Guyanese by the government, there is not any room for inequity.

“There’s too much going on at one time. There’s housing opportunities, scholarships, and opportunities to start up your own business. It’s just unprecedented development, and opportunities across the board.

“Across the ethnic divide, age, religious divide, persons are given opportunity to elevate their standard of living through education, opportunity to own their own home, open their own businesses. There’s a lot going on and everybody is trying to digest it,” Alexander related.

Pompey outrightly established that there has not been evidence to support discrimination in Guyana, particularly as it pertains to policies

and programmes implemented by the government.

“I have not seen any evidence of any discriminatory practices. When those allegations are made they must be

substantiated with facts. The government made open scholarships for Guyanese to apply and persons are applying. If I’m addressing the matter I try to look at things objectively. It’s

really difficult to say there is discrimination. I have not seen any evidence or fact as a business person,” Pompey noted. However, as the pair further discussed issues being faced in the business sector, they pointed out that Guyana’s business landscape has understandably been going through vast changes over the past few years, and as such, many entrepreneurs are still catching up to many of the changes.

“There are challenges. The business environment has changed drastically. We came from a culture where we were more lenient with how to go about legitimizing businesses. Persons are enthusiastic about entering business because they would’ve seen the outcries of the pres-ent administration saying get yourself in a space to earn meaningfully.

“Persons are optimistic about going out and getting

themselves legitimised to get a business started, however we haven’t grown accustomed to that type of system. But you are now operating in a space where business has [been] transformed,” Alexander noted.

Both businessmen agreed that there is still room for much more to be done, particularly as it pertains to access to financing and the need for banks to also revolutionize themselves to catch up with the changing business landscape as well.

“Since Guyana became an oil producer the acceleration of the environment is substantial, but elements of our environment are still lacking in developing a system parallel to the pace of development.

We need a concerted effort to enhance policy decisions that will help in that direction,” Pompey explained.

Managing Director of Brass, Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry Ltd (BACIF), Peter Pompey

President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Ryan Alexander

May 12 set for ruling in challenge to NRF Bill

JUSTICE Navindra Singh has set May 12, 2023, to deliver his ruling in the case challenging the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill, which was filed by Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, and trade unionist Norris Witter.

The duo moved to the court in April, claiming that the Bill was not properly passed in the National Assembly in December 2021, due to the absence of the Parliamentary Mace.

The Attorney-General, Parliament Office, the Minister of Finance, the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly are all listed as respondents.

Initially, Justice Singh had set March 17 for his ruling, but later changed it to May 12, 2023, at 09:00 hours.

The Guyana Chronicle had previously reported that on December 29, 2021, in a

bid to defend the landmark Bill, which has since been assented to by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, was interrupted by what was referred to as the unparliamentary actions of members of the Opposition.

The second reading of the Bill was objected to by Jones, who requested that it be sent to a special select committee.

However, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir indicated his preference for listening to the arguments from both sides before determin-

ing whether or not the Bill should be sent to a select committee.

Minister Singh then took to the podium, but his presentation was interrupted by members of the APNU+AFC Opposition, who kept banging their desks and chanting demeaning words about the Bill.

After they failed to prevent Minister Singh from speaking, Opposition Parliamentarian Annette Ferguson attempted to remove the Mace, but was unsuccessful.

This unprecedented act was foiled by Nadir’s personal assistant, who held the instrument tightly as he laid

on the floor of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Jones, and Witter, who is the President of the General Workers Union, through their attorneys Roysdale Forde, S.C, and Selwyn Pieters, are seeking judicial review and relief under the Constitution.

Nandlall and Minister Singh had asked the High Court to throw out the case.

In their affidavit of defence, which was submitted to Justice Singh, they claimed that the NRF Bill was “lawfully, validly and properly” passed in the National Assembly on December 29, 2021.

The pair verily believe that insufficient evidence was furnished by Jones and Witter to support the challenge.

In the circumstances, they have asked the court to refuse all the orders being sought and challenged, with substantial costs.

Two GDF corporals travel to India under scholarship

CORPORAL Colin Harris and Corporal Dominique

Sabola of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have been selected to study in India under a military scholarship scheme, which is under the umbrella of the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) scheme for friendly foreign countries.

The scholarship was pro-

vided by the Government of India to strengthen India-Guyana defence collaboration.

Corporal Harris, of the Intelligence Corps of GDF, will be travelling to Maharashtra to commence a six-week Investigator and Vigilance Course at the Military Intelligence Training School and Depot.

Corporal Sabola, who works in the Medical Corps

of the GDF, will be studying a Medical Advance course at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) in Bakloh for three- and-a-half months. During their interaction with Indian High Commissioner Dr. KJ Srinivasa, both officers expressed their excitement and gratitude for the scholarships, and the opportunity to be a part of the promotion of India-Guyana collaboration.

The High Commissioner congratulated and briefed the officers on the ongoing

collaboration between India and Guyana. So far, seven officers from the GDF have

gone to India in 2021; 19 in 2022; and three in 2023 under this scholarship scheme.

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Trade Unionist Norris Witter

Justice Navindra Singh

Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones

Vanilla remains committed to music despite ‘frustrations’

By Faith Greene

RENOWNED local songstress, Melissa Roberts, popularly known as ‘Vanilla’, has endured her fair share of battles, and while she often gets frustrated, her love for music has kept her going

She believes that the problems plaguing the local music industry are the direct result of the lack of cohesion among artistes and the public’s preference for international music.

However, the nine-time Road March Queen says this could all change if musicians work together.

During a recent interview with the Buzz, she reflected on her career, touched on some of the challenges she has endured and offered advice to those who want to get into the industry.

Vanilla never intended to be in the limelight. In fact, she was very comfortable in the background.

“Before I became an artiste I was involved in music but I was mostly involved in the background production aspect in terms of the music videos (and) artiste grooming. I still do all of that, but then I decided to test out being an artiste, and this was encouraged mostly by Big Red,” she recalled.

Years later, she can proudly boast of the many accolades she has received. She has also attracted a sizeable following abroad, thanks to catchy hits such as “I am 592”.

She told the Buzz that these accomplishments did not come without challenges.

“Sometimes the challenges of not being able to earn the way you should from your craft, and I’m speaking in the context of music, it can be frustrating. It can be frustrating when you still have to reach out to radio stations to have your music played when it should be played.”

Vanilla pointed out that when new songs are released by international artistes, they consume local airwaves almost instantly.

With regards to fixing some of the existing challenges, she said that in order to be heard, teamwork is necessary.

“I will say we have to take some responsibility for the fact that we’re not able to work together to achieve the common goal that we all need,” she said adding that if artistes were to work together, under one body,

— says local entertainers must ‘hold one head’, strive for betterment

Vanilla

Miss Bartica Regatta delegates to be sashed tomorrow night

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE highly anticipated and well-loved Bartica Regatta will kick off tomorrow with a launching ceremony and the sashing of the delegates in the Miss Bartica Regatta pageant.

Rumoured to be the oldest pageant in Guyana, it continues to attract thousands of people from the mining community and surrounding locations. The pageant was originally launched sometime in the 1980s.

This year, eight beautiful young ladies will be vying for the crown which will be awarded on Easter Monday when the pageant is held.

Tomorrow, the sashing ceremony will take place along with the judging of two segments, namely the Intelligence segment and the Costume Extravaganza.

The delegates will subsequently visit President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and pay other courtesy calls on April 5 and 6 in Georgetown.

Pageant Coordinator Angelica Fredericks, who won the crown in 2003, is busy at the moment putting things together, especially as the pageant has not been held for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pageant will be held at the Basketball Tarmac, Community Centre Ground, and Fredericks told Buzz this week that there is a lot of excitement in the air.

Fredericks served in an assistant capacity for 10 years, before she was appointed coordinator. She has been performing that role for three years and it includes organising all of the segments, music, concerts and other events.

Even though quite a lot of

work is involved in planning the pageant, it’s easy for her owing to the amount of experience she has gained over the years.

As for the girls who will be vying for the crown, Fredericks shared that most of them were born and raised in Bartica. This year, there will be three delegates who are originally from Venezuela, but who have been living in Bartica for some time now.

“We have never included girls who are speaking different languages. We will have an interpreter, like the international pageants. That would bring a different crowd to the show,” Fredericks said.

Showtime tomorrow is 20:00 hours and tickets for adults cost $2,000, while those for children are going for $1,000.

Delegate # 1, Jelena DaSilva

Delegate # 3, Paola Carpio

Delegate # 5, Shanae Heber

Delegate # 7, Paula Paez

Delegate # 2, Lorez Holder

Delegate # 4, Andrena Stoby

Delegate # 6, Lilly Williams

Delegate # 8, Alejandra Barcelo

Guyanese folk musicians set to attend Bridgetown International Arts Festival

LOCAL folk musicians

Gavin Mendonca and Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams are yet again on a mission - this time they’re taking Guyanese folk music across the

Caribbean Sea. They are embarking on their first international gig together at the Bridgetown International Arts Festival in Barbados.

Tomorrow, at the Barbados Museum in Bridgetown, the duo will join a number of musicians and cultural practitioners from around the world to exchange cultures

through song and dance. Their trip to Barbados is being supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Courtesy Garage Limited in Barbados.

Marlon, who is the leader of the Buxton Fusion School of Music, is excited to be able to travel with Gavin for the first time. They have been playing music together here in Guyana since 2015 when they met at the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival.

Gavin, who has been taking Guyanese folk music and culture to new forums such as Folk Alliance International in the US and the Ethno World Organisation, is also very excited to finally be able to travel with Chucky.

They were initially billed to perform in Trinidad at the

New Fire Festival in 2020 but that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, they continued to meet up and learn new folk songs and even write original music, including the catchy ‘Everything Gon Be Alright’ which can be streamed via Spotify.

In 2021, they produced a series of live performances in the Rupununi, promoting Iwokrama River Lodge, Turtle Mountain, the Canopy Walkways and Rock View Lodge as must-see destinations for both Guyanese and tourists to visit.

The videos were released on YouTube and on www. creolerock.com and are being broadcasted by National Communication Network (NCN) in Guyana and by the CBC Network to various

parts of the Caribbean.

Since 2019, the two have been working on a project to record all of Guyana’s folk songs in a series of albums. ‘Folk It Up Vol. 1’ was released in 2019, while Vol. 2 was released last Christmas, and Vol. 3 will be recorded this April live in the Iwokrama Rainforest.

“So, people listening to Gavin and Chucky’s upcoming album will feel immersed in the rainforest and the ambience of nature will be captured in the album’s recording,” Gavin shared with Buzz this week.

The project is being supported by Iwokrama, Guyana Tourism Authority, University of Guyana, Kross Kolor Records, Sankar’s Auto Works and Ricks & Sari.

Gavin Mendonca (left) and Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams

Gavin and Chucky will be on show at the Bridgetown International Arts Festival in Barbados tomorrow

Gayle bats for more Asian ‘collabs’

RETIRED cricketer-turned-recording artiste, Chris Gayle, spends much of his time in the Middle East for the sole purpose of promoting Jamaican culture. This is a practice he is encouraging his compatriots to adopt in order to broaden their fan base.

“I run into Sean Paul and Shaggy a lot on my travels between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and they are doing a great job promoting the Jamaican culture. I think more Jamaican entertainers can market their music in these territories so they can travel there for shows and do collabs with their artistes. However, the music must be clean and uplifting,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Gayle recently ‘wrapped up’ shooting a music video with Indian singer Arko for a track called Fatima set to be released in April.

Back in 2021, the renowned batsman collaborated with Indian rap artiste, Emiway Bantai, on the track Jamaica To India, which has accumulated over 68 million views on YouTube.

Arko is a singer-song -

writer and music composer who has worked in the Bollywood film industry since 2012. Jism 2 was his debut film as a music composer and lyricist.

According to Gayle, their collaboration came about after the Indian artiste saw the strides he was making in his career.

“Because of my social media posts of the success of the album I headlined, Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica: The Asian Edition, a lot of artistes and producers are reaching out to me. When Arko reached out to me I checked out his exten-

Vanilla remains...

From page 16

or work towards a common goal, things would be different.

“People always say that we have this welcoming hospitality and a regular Guyanese person would give somebody their bed to sleep on and to me it’s the same thing with music. They would prefer to play the other person’s music than to play the Guyanese song. It’s like it’s something that was traditionally embedded in us which we need to pay attention to. We have to make a conscious effort to change that.”

Vanilla noted that she has seen firsthand the effects of not working together.

“I think the biggest lesson that I would have learnt over the years is not being able to work together. We need to work together, and …even though I get frustrated and I say ‘I’m not doing this thing anymore’, I still put that aside and I realise the bigger picture. The bigger aspect of it or the bigger picture is working together to achieve a common goal. It’s not that different from the President wanting to work towards that One Guyana goal,” Vanilla said.

ROAD QUEEN

This year, Vanilla was named ‘Road March Queen’ for the ninth time. This was also her third consecutive year winning the title which is awarded to the male and female artistes whose song is played the most during the road parade on Mashramani Day.

She explained that because there has never been a break in Mashramani before, this year’s celebration was different. There was a sort of making up for missing last year.

“I think because it was missing for two years, this is the year I enjoyed it the most. If you were to check me from my first road march song, ‘Queen of the Band,’ and if you were to listen to my song then and listen to the artiste I’ve developed into, it was definitely different. Different in terms of vocal delivery. Different in terms of the level at which our music is being produced in Guyana… So, I would say it’s definitely different and improved.”

WEARING OTHER HATS

Vanilla is not only a singer. She is a songwriter and has also written three feature films and five short films. In 2012, she was the production manager for the film, ‘A Bitter Lime.’

“I’m always working on scripts or films. The last set that I worked on was a HBO series called, ‘Full Circle’, through Reel Guyana. I’m also a part of the Timehri Film Festival. I’m just behind the scenes.”

She is currently working on new music and other productions.

Vanilla used the opportunity to encourage youths to try to understand the music industry, before venturing into it, since there are many times when the focus is on the end product and not what happens before the end.

sive work in Bollywood and I moved at the opportunity to record the song and video with him,” he explained.

Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica: The Asian Edition was released in December 2022 and also featured Lauryn Hill, Capleton, Sizzla, Morgan Heritage, Shav A, Camar, Backpack Shawty, Stamma Kid, Cyanide OFTM, All Star, Melodiq, and 10th Wonder.

Last year, Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, lauded Gayle for championing the Jamaican culture in Asia.

“Chris Gayle is certainly a huge asset to Jamaica and a central figure in the engagement of Asians, particularly Indians,” Bartlett said.

“When you call his name in India it is magic, so whatever important values he brings to this engagement... it can enhance Jamaica’s presence in that market; that is something we are not about to pass on. I want to say that Asia is the next frontier for us, and we have already started working in India, and we have an agent in India. We

will be calling on Chris, as we know that he is an icon in the cricket space in that beautiful country,” he added.

In the meantime, Gayle has his eyes set on some big prizes for the rest of this year.

“This year I will be completing my solo album and looking to record with Sean Paul and Shaggy. I also want to push this album I headlined for Contractor Music to the Grammys,” he said. (Jamaica Observer)

Chris Gayle

Smith (5-39) & unbeaten...

From page 28

not to enforce the follow-on, were 138-4 at stumps on a day in which 15 wickets tumbled.

When Jamaica began their reply, a fair size gathering watched in delight as Smith, steaming in from the northern end, left them wobbling on the ropes on 18-4.

Tevin Gilzene was bowled for a duck at 5-1 before Nkrumah Bonner (4), Jermaine Blackwood (0) and Paul Palmer (0) all fell with

the score on 18 while Beaton got rid of Leroy Lugg (16) and Aldaine Thomas for a duck and Jamaica were 24-6.

Back in 1985, at the Sabina Park in Jamaica, Guyana were blown away for 41 by Jamaica and the fans in the stands old enough will remember the humiliation they felt and was maybe hoping for a similar total for the lads from the land of Wood and Water.

Abhijai Mansingh (8) and Green ensured their team passed Guyana’s lowest First-Class total by posting the 50 from 76 balls before Permaul, who broke Nakita Millers’ record for most regional First-Class wickets in the last round in Trinidad, removed Mansingh at 54-5.

Permaul, watched by Miller who is a part of the Jamaica ‘Think tank’ quickly removed Shields (7) and Mindley (3) to leave Jamaica on 64-9, thirty minutes before the scheduled Lunch break.

But Green and Gordon, in a frustrating last wicket stand, not only batted time but together they hit eight boundaries in their stand which resulted in 30 minutes being added to first session since the last pair were at the crease and by lunch, in sweltering heat, Jamaica were 103-9.

After Lunch, Test spinners Permaul and Gudakesh Motie, bowling in tandem, could not end the innings, prompting the ‘old stagers’ present to remark that this would have never happened with Clive Lloyd’s team of the 80s which possessed the killer instinct which was missing from the Guyanese yesterday.

Scoreboard

O/N 268-9

The ball was eventually tossed to Smith who induced Green to edge a catch to first slip where Johnson, enjoying the best period in his recent career, gleefully took his third catch of the day for Smith, who plays for Tucber Park in Berbice to capture his fourth five-wicket haul in 15th outing at this level.

Guyana, with a lead of 163, had an inauspicious start to their second innings as Mindley bowled Matthew Nandu for a duck before Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kevlon Anderson, (22) who hit four fours including a sublime cover drive followed by an elegant ondrive for boundaries in the same over from Mindley, took the score to 27.

A beauty from Mindley moved away from Anderson’s forward defensive push to rattle the stumps. Mindley then trapped Kemol Savory (1) at 31-1 before first innings centurion, Johnson (2) was caught by the keeper off a rebound from the shoes of the fielder at second slip and, by tea, Guyana were 37-4

After the break, Imlach joined Chanderpaul and the pair orchestrated ‘operation re-build’ with Chanderpaul stroking the ball past cover with a scintillating drive before effortlessly caressing Blackwood for a glorious four while hitting Shields for consecutive fours. Chanderpaul reached his 50 from 127 balls with seven fours while Imlach got to his fifty from 92 balls with four boundaries Today is the third day and play is scheduled to start at 10:00hrs.

Leon Johnson not out 150

Nial Smith b Mindley 0

Extras 25 (b-8, lb-9, nb-8)

Total 278

FoW: 1, 4, 26, 55, 181, 199, 206, 223, 268, 278

Bowling Mindley 14.1-4-34-3, Gordon 13-4-40-1, Green 17-1-43-2, Shields 15-1-66-2, Blackwood 8-2-19-1, Mansingh 22-0-59-1

Jamaica 1st Inns

Leroy Lugg c wkp Bramble b Beaton 16

Tevin Gilzene b Smith 0

Nkrumah Bonner b Smith 4

Jermaine Blackwood c Johnson b Smith 0

Paul Palmer c Johnson b Smith 0

Abhijai Mansingh wkp Imlach b Permaul 8

Aldane Thomas c wkp Bramble b Beaton 0

Derval Green c Johnson b Smith 42

Ojay Shields c wkp Imlach b Permaul 7

Marquino Mindley c Anderson b Permaul 3

Nicolson Gordon not out 2

Extras 16 (lb-8, nb-8)

Total 115 in 35.5 overs

FoW: 5, 18, 18, 18, 24, 54, 64, 64, 115, Bowling

Beaton 7-1-22-2, Smith 7.5-5-39-5, Permaul 11-3-22-3, Motie 10-0-24-0

Guyana 2nd inns

Mathew Nandu b Mindley 0

Tagenarine Chanderpaul not out

Kevlon Anderson b Mindley

Kemol Savory LBW b Mindley 1

Leon Johnson c wkp Thomas 2

Tevin Imlach not out

Extras 3 (b-2, lb-1)

Total 138-4

FoW: 0, 27, 31, 33,

Mindley 11-1-30-4, Gordon 9-4-14-0 Green 10-0-31-0, Shields 2-0-13-1, Mansingh 9-2-19-0, Blackwood 10-0-9-0

Amelia Kerr, Daryl Mitchell win top NZC awards

Bates was named the women's ODI Player of the Year, Bracewell for men's ODIs, Glenn Phillips the men's T20I Player of the Year and Blundell for Tests

Allrounders Amelia Kerr and Daryl Mitchell have won New Zealand Cricket's flagship annual awards for being the outstanding women's and men's cricketers of the year. Kerr won the inaugural Debbie Hockley Medal whereas Mitchell took home the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the NZC awards ceremony in Auckland on Thursday.

Mitchell also won the Redpath Cup for batting in first-class cricket and was recognised for his standout performances in the year, especially in Test cricket. He scored four Test centuries, played a crucial role with scores of 102 and 81 in the last-ball win against Sri Lanka in Christchurch and went up to eighth in the Test batting rankings.

Mitchell ended the season with 913 runs at an average of 70.23 with five half-centuries in 16 innings.

Kerr also won the women's T20I Player of the Year award, alongside the Hockley Medal. She was New Zealand's second-highest T20I scorer in the season, behind Suzie Bates, with a tally of 423 runs at an average of 32.53 and strike rate of 112.20. She was also the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 17 scalps, along with Eden Carson, and an economy rate of 5.52.

Bates was named the ODI Player of the Year for scoring 222 runs, the most in the season by a distance, with three half-centuries at an average of 55.50.

Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell was named the Test Player of the Year for his "continued improvement" in the format, according to the NZC release.

He scored 849 runs at 60.64 and effected 38 dismissals behind the stumps, including nine stumpings and the catch of James Anderson down the leg side off Neil Wagner at the Basin Reserve that sealed New Zealand's one-run win.

Tim Southee won the Winsor Cup for his first-class bowling that saw him take 32 Test wickets and overtake Daniel Vettori to become New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker with a tally of 370.

Glenn Phillips was named the men's T20I Player of the Year for scoring 740 runs in the season at a strike rate of nearly 149 and average of 38.94.

Michael Bracewell was named the men's ODI Player of the Year after he scored over 500 runs that included two centuries: an unbeaten 127 off 82 balls against Ireland, and 140 off 78 balls against India in Hyderabad. His offspin earned him 14 wickets at an economy rate of 5.32.

The domestic awards were won by the following players:

· Kate Anderson of Canterbury won the Ruth Martin Cup for domestic women's batting, the Super Smash Player-of-the-Year award and was named the women's domestic Player of the Year

· Gabby Sullivan, also of Canterbury, was awarded the Phyl Blackler Cup for women's domestic bowling

· Otago allrounder Dean Foxcroft won the Super Smash Player-of-the-Year award and the men's domestic Player-ofthe-Year award for his contributions with both bat and ball

· Chris Brown was named the Umpire of the Year

· Heath Mills, the NZCPA long-standing chief executive, was awarded the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding service to cricket.

Daryl Mitchell scored four Test centuries in the season • AFP/ Getty Images

By Nagraj Gollapud

CAPTAINS in IPL

2023 will walk out for the toss with two

toss

different team sheets, and hand in their final XIs after the toss.

That is one of the significant tweaks to the IPL's playing condi -

tions, which will soon be shared with the teams. The change, the IPL said in an internal note listing the various changes to play -

ing conditions, will allow franchises to pick their best XIs based on whether they end up batting or bowling, the appropriate impact player included.

"Currently, the captains have to exchange the teams before the toss," the note, seen by ESPNcricinfo, said. "This has been changed to exchange of teams immediately post the toss, to enable teams to choose the best XI depending on whether they are batting or bowling first. It will also assist the teams to plan for the impact player."

The IPL becomes the second T20 franchise league after the SA20 to allow teams to announce their XIs after the toss. In the SA20, which staged its inaugural season earlier this year, teams put 13 names on the team sheets initially before announcing their final XIs after the toss.

Graeme Smith, the

SA20 tournament director, had said then that the move was designed to "lessen the impact of the toss" and allow a level-playing field based on the conditions. The numbers at the end of the SA20 season were pretty even: out of the 33 matches, teams winning the toss won 15 times and lost 16 (two no results)

The IPL has adopted a similar thought process now, with another key factor being neutralising the effect of dew somewhat -- dew has traditionally had a big impact at some venues in India, with teams bowling second adversely impacted.

The numbers from 2019 -- the previous time the IPL was played in India in a home-andaway format -- illustrate that teams winning the toss went on to win more often than not: across 60 games, teams won 34 and lost 23 after winning the toss (not including Super Overs

and no results).

While the toss will still matter, with the new rule it should not be a case of "win toss, win match" in certain conditions, with teams allowed to tweak their teams accordingly. For example, if a team that wanted to bat and then defend a total on a slow track in turning conditions is forced to bowl first, it can play an extra spinner in the starting XI, and then replace a specialist bowler with a batter in the second innings to help with the run chase.

Other tweaks to the IPL playing conditions

Over-rate penalty of only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle for every over not completed in the allocated time.

Unfair movement of the wicketkeeper will result in a dead ball and five penalty runs.

Unfair movement by a fielder will result in a dead ball and five penalty runs.

This will allow teams to pick their best XIs and impact player based on whether they are batting or bowling

IPL 2023 rule change: teams will name their playing XIs after the

IPL captains this year will walk out to the toss with two XIs handy (BCCI)

World Athletics bans transgender women from ranking competitions

WORLD ATHLETICS has banned transgender women from competing in female world ranking competitions beginning March 31, the sport’s governing body announced Thursday.

Organisation president Sebastian Coe said that the ban will prevent any transgender woman athlete that went through puberty before transitioning from competing in the elite female competitions. He added in a press conference Thursday that the decision was “guided by the overarching principle which is to protect the female category,” according to BBC Sport.

“Decisions are always difficult when they involve conflicting needs and rights between different groups, but we continue to take the view that we must maintain fairness for female athletes above all other considerations,” Coe said in a statement. “We will be guided in this by the science around physical performance and male advantage which will inevitably develop over the coming years. As more evidence becomes available, we will review our position, but we believe the integrity of the female category in athletics is paramount.”

Coe also announced the creation of a “working group” for the next 12 months to “further consider the issue of transgender inclusion.”

Thursday’s decision runs counter to the previous stance of World Athletics, which said as recently as January that its “preferred option” was to allow transgender women to continue competing in the female category but to use stricter limits on testosterone levels as a basis to compete. However, the governing body claimed in its statement Thursday that there was “little support” for such a decision among stakeholders, which in-

cludes member federations as well as the International Olympic Committee.

In addition to the competition ban on transgender women, the World Athletics council voted to implement tighter restrictions on athletes with intersex variations. Such athletes will now be required to lower their testosterone levels to 2.5 nanomoles per liter, down from five, and must maintain that level for two years to compete in the female category of any track and field event.

Previously, such athletes were required to limit their testosterone levels only in events that ranged between 400 meters

and a mile.

The latter decision could affect athletes such as twotime Olympic 800-meter gold medalist Caster Semenya and Christine Mboma, who won the silver medal in the 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics.

“We are beyond devastated to see World Athletics succumbing to political pressure instead of core principles of inclusion, fairness and non-discrimination for transgender athletes and athletes with intersex variations,” Hudson Taylor, founder and executive director of Athlete Ally, said in a statement. “The guidelines announced today go against inclusive guidelines from the International Olympic Committee as well as extensive research showing that transgender women do not have an inherent advantage in sport.

“We will continue to push for World Athletics to look at the science, to center inclusion, and to speak directly with athletes affected by these criteria in order to develop a policy that allows all athletes access to the sport they love.”(Sports Illustrated).

ICC raises Afghanistan budget but no update on women

REGAL Stationery and Computer Centre, of Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown is the latest entity to contribute to “ Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana, an initiative of Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) executive member, Anil Beharry, and Kishan Das of the USA.

At a simple ceremony, held recently at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) ground, owner and Managing Director, Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal was high in praise of the project, stating that he was following the initiative and is impressed with its spread across Guyana. He also pledged his continued support.

Beharry was very grateful for the gesture and promised to continue to help young, promising cricketers in Guyana. Hardyal, who is also the owner of Regal softball cricket teams, handed over two pairs of wicket-keeping pads, three cricket bags, six bat rub-

bers, two helmets, six pairs of batting pads, four bats, three pairs of cricket shoes and seven pairs of batting gloves.

Total cricket-related items received so far: $310,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, two trophies, 17 pairs of cricket boots, 29 pairs of batting pads, 31 cricket bats, 27 pairs of batting gloves, 21 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, four arm guards, two boxes, nine cricket bags, six bat rubbers and six helmets. In addition

to the above, former Guyana wicket-keeper/batsman, Skeik Mohamed, donated $600,000 worth in cricket gear.

To date, 52 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted from three junior gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 21 bats, two boxes, four helmets, 19 pairs of cricket shoes, 13 pairs of batting pads, two thigh pads, one bat rubber and 19 pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area received

two used bats. The Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenam Cricket Committees and Cotton Tree Die Hard Club also collected one box of red cricket balls each while RHCCCC got two, 15 white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails. The Essequibo Cricket Board and the Town of Lethem also benefitted.

Cricket-related items, used and new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit. Distribution will continue. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

CRICKET chiefs have "significantly" raised the Afghanistan Cricket Board's (ACB) budget but provided no update on the women's team.

The ACB said the International Cricket Council (ICC) will give "technical assistance" and "capacity-building opportunities" to the body.

The women's team say there has been no contact from the ICC since they fled to Australia after the Taliban's takeover.

ACB chair Mirwais Ashraf called it a "good meeting for Afghanistan".

"We will receive a significantly greater budget compared to today," he said.

A new course to develop Afghan coaches will also be started while the ACB says the ICC will work with its staff to help it become "technically self-sufficient".

Earlier this month, the Afghanistan women's cricket team said they were hopeful the board meeting would result in a positive decision on their future.

The ICC was expected to discuss the international status of Afghanistan, who should have a women's set up in place as a full member nation, at a meeting on Monday.

After taking power, the Taliban has banned women from universities, parks and sports and raided the homes of female athletes.

The Afghanistan team want the ICC to take action to enable them to represent their country from Australia and wrote to the global governing body in December, only for the ICC to say it is an issue for the ACB.

Speaking to the BBC Stumped Podcast, Afghanistan player Firooza Afghan said: "For the first time it's possible they will make a fair decision for us because it's our right to play for our country.

"It doesn't matter where we live, the important thing is that we are still fighting to have a team here.

"Cricket is very important to me. I grew up with it and I hope one day I can play for Afghanistan."(BBC Sport)

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe

Regal Stationery and Computer Centre contributes to ‘Project Cricket Gear”

Regal’s Ian John, along with owner and Managing Director of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Mahendra Hardyal and Anil Beharry at the presentation ceremony

The Taliban has banned women from universities, parks and sports

Kane breaks record as 10-man England beat Italy

HARRY Kane became England's all-time record goalscorer as they opened their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a first victory in Italy since 1961.

Kane wrote his name into the history books in the 44th minute when he beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from the penalty spot for his 54th goal, overtaking previous record holder Wayne Rooney.

Declan Rice gave England an early lead when he scored from close range after Kane's shot was blocked before the captain put memories of his penalty miss against France in the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar aside with an emphatic spot-kick.

Italy, whistled off at half-time in their first international in Naples for a decade, improved as

England became sloppy.

Debutant Mateo Retegui was the beneficiary of poor work from Harry Maguire, whose failed attempt to close down the danger on the edge of the box allowed the Italians to shift the ball to the 23-year-old to drill an unerring finish past Jordan Pickford after 56 minutes.

England's drop in performance was com-

pounded by Luke Shaw's second yellow card with 10 minutes left but they hung on for a vital win.

England show two sides

England's first-half display was consummate in its control, Italy made to look decidedly average as Rice and Jude Bellingham controlled affairs and Kane made history.

The only blot was a

Kares CrossFit Caribbean Championship

dreadful miss by Jack Grealish that would have made it 3-0 and surely avoided the anxious second-half showing that followed.

Italy were still in the hunt, just, and after what would surely have been some choice halftime words from coach Roberto Mancini they came out fighting in the second half.(BBC Sport).

Yellow Mines Hydraulics support sealed

ANOTHER corporate entity has partnered with the organisers of next month’s Kares C1rossFit Caribbean Championship to ensure that it’s a satisfying experience for athletes and supporters.

The principals of Yellow Mines Hydraulics, located at 223, Anaida Avenue, Eccleston Gardens, East Bank Demerara, through their representative, Ms. Sandra Prashad, handed over a cheque to Kares CrossFit Organising Committee Member, Mary Fung-A-Fat.

Ms. Prashad, in a

brief comment, said that the company was elated to be on board with this internationally flavoured event which would see athletes from six nations competing for supremacy on April 15-16, at the

National Aquatic Centre and the National Park.

“We at Yellow Mines Hydraulics see this support as part and parcel of giving back to the community and what better way than to support our

Tiger Rentals under-13 football

Inter-association action continues at Providence Saturday

athletes. We encourage fans and supporters of the sport to come out in their numbers and cheer the athletes on.”

Fung-A-Fat thanked Prashad and her company for partnering with them for an event that, she boasted, would be the best of its kind in Guyana.

Meanwhile, over 5 million in cash and prizes would be up for grabs in the Individual showdown while weightlifting equipment will be at stake for the top-performing teams at this year’s competition.

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/Tiger Rentals under-13 developmental programme continues tomorrow at the National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, with the final round of play in the inter-association tournament, which is being led by the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA).

East Coast are currently tied with Georgetown on 16 points after both played a total of six (6) matches winning five and drawing once. However, East Coast betters Georgetown’s in goal difference by seven goals.

Upper Demerara are third with 9 points albeit they have played only five games. East Bank Football Association (EBFA) are fourth with 9 points from six matches played. Bartica are fifth with 6 points, West Berbice stand in sixth with 6 points while West Demerara are seventh with four points and East Berbice close off the table, having secured just one point.

This Saturday, there will be a total of five matches instead of the usual four. This is the case because Bartica and Upper Demerara will have to complete a match that was missed.

Play kicks off at 10:30hrs and will feature two games being played simultaneously. The first two matches will see Bartica matching skills with West Berbice while West Demerara will be pitted with Upper Demerara in the second game.

In the second set of games, which will have their first whistle at 12:00hrs, Georgetown will lock horns with East Bank in match three of the day while East Coast will play East Berbice in game four before the Bartica and Upper Demerara fixture (13:30hrs) closes off the day’s play.

Tiger Rentals Guyana has invested over $10m into this historic under-13 development football initiative. In addition to this inter-association tournament, intra-association play has commenced in Georgetown, West Demerara, Bartica, Linden and Rupununi.

Harry Kane scored a penalty in the first half against Italy to become England's record scorer

Ms. Sandra Prashad of Yellow Mines Hydraulics (left) hands over contribution to Ms. Fung-A-Fat

Senior Photographer, Delano Williams, captures some of the action between West Demerara and East Berbice at Providence during the last match day

Tiger Rentals under-13 Inter-association points table

Hardyal’s benevolence goes beyond the boundaries of Guyana

OWNER and Managing Director of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal, who is well known for his benevolence in Guyana and his role in the formation of the Regal cricket teams, has also taken his charitable work outside of Guyana.

While in Orlando, Florida last weekend when his team, Regal Legends, were participating in the Orlando Cricket Super League (OCSL) threeday softball tournament, Hardyal’s attention was drawn to a group in the same park where Regal Legends were playing.

Upon enquiring, he found out that they were members of Who We Play For, a non-profit organisation actively involved in the screening of young high school athletes for any abnormal heart condition.

Impressed with their efforts, Hardyal was moved to make a substantial financial donation to the group. According to Pavan Dudella, a

volunteer of Who We Play For, the organisation is based out of Melbourne, Florida and was formed in 2002. He pointed out that 15 cardiolo-

GCB U19 inter-county 2023…

Usain Bolt is grateful for Manchester United boss, Erik ten Hag

gists, along with volunteers, are involved in screening students at different high schools in Florida.

The story of Who We Play For began with a group of lifelong best friends growing up and playing sports together in Cocoa Beach, Florida and who were completely unaware of their condition, until one of them suffered a cardiac arrest. After a few moments went by, he was the only person not standing up and ready to continue warm-ups. They quickly realized that he was unconscious and rushed to his side. Despite several attempts to save him, he subsequently passed away, just shy of his 16th birthday. That led to the start of the organisation. (Frederick Halley)

Draws to be held to determine first round `match-ups’

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) advises that there will be DRAWS held within the respective Counties from 14:00 hours on Monday, March 27, 2023, for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Government of Guyana (GOG)/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) Under-19 National Inter-Club Tournament 2023.

In Demerara, the draw will take place at the Guyana Cricket Board (Top Flat)

RACING TIPS

situated on Regent Road Bourda, for earmarked teams in Demerara.

In Berbice, the drawing will be held at the Hope Town Community Centre for earmarked teams in West Berbice, and at the Berbice Cricket Board situated on Cheddie Jagan Street, New Amsterdam, for the other teams in Berbice, that is, for those clubs participating in the tournament and are not located in West Berbice.

In Essequibo, activities to

confirm the fixtures for teams participating in Essequibo will be held at the Essequibo Cricket Board Hostel in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

The teams earmarked to participate in the tournament are required to have their representative Managers, Coaches and Captains attend the respective DRAW in Berbice and Demerara. Due to the geographic location of teams, the Essequibo Cricket Board will be implementing a slightly different approach to

that being done in Demerara and Berbice in determining the assignment of matches for the first round of the tournament.

The GCB and the affiliate County Boards will utilise this meeting of team members to clarify all matters of interest relating to the GCB/ GOG/MCYS Under-19 National Inter-Club tournament 2023.

LIFELONG Manchester United fan Usain Bolt couldn’t help but express his gratitude to Erik Ten Hag for making the Red Devils a competitive force in world football once more.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist was on hand at Old Trafford on Sunday when Manchester United rallied from a goal down to defeat Fulham 3-1 in their FA quarter-final match.

After the controversial match in which Fulham had Willian and Aleksander Mitrovic sent off in the 72nd minute, Bolt caught up for the former Ajax boss, who now has United competing on all fronts this season and defeating Newcastle 2-0 to win the EFL Cup in February.

“The first thing I said to him was ‘thank you’. That’s the first thing I said and he was like ‘thanks for what?’ I was like ‘for bringing the glory days

CRICKET

hrs Bertie B

12:55 hrs Lump Sum

Irish Racing Tips Dundalk

12:50 hrs Collective Power 13:25 hrs Lex Maxima 14:00 hrs Bowerman 14:30 hrs Hero Of The Hour 15:00 hrs Heartrate

15:30 hrs Magnanimous Mehmus

16:00 hrs Benavente

16:30 hrs Feature This

American Racing Tips

Aqueduct

Race 1 Thinkaboutit

Race 2 Long Term

Race 3 Bustinroxy

Race 4 Asymmetric

Race 5 Carly Hustle

Race 6 Mandatory

Race 7 Maple Leaf Mel

back’,” Bolt revealed to media about his conversation with Ten Hag.

“It feels good to watch Manchester now. The team is together, they’re as one. They’re working together, they’re working hard and you can see the purpose now, you can see the determination in the way they play.

“I was very happy with his progress and I can tell that he’s going to do a lot more. We have a lot more trophies in our future so I’m excited.”

As for the future, Bolt wanted to know who the boss wanted to bring in during the summer to continue transforming the club.

“I actually asked him about who we’re going to bring in in the summer and he was like ‘do you have any ideas?’. It was a nice, simple but fun conversation,” the 100 and 200m world record holder said.(Sportsmax)

QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 24, 2023)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Dwayne Bravo - 16 matches

(2) David Miller - 10 matches

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who has led the WI in most T20 International matches against SA to date?

(2) Who has captained SA in most T20 International games against the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal (right) hands over donation to volunteer, Pavan Dudella, in the presence of some members of Regal Legends and from the group, Who We Play For

Eight-time Olympic gold medallist (left) in conversation with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after the Red Devils 3-1 win over Fulham in Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal

Smith (5-39) & unbeaten fifties from Chanderpaul & Imlach give GHEs control

By Sean Devers

GUYANA Harpy Eagles were in the driver’s seat against Jamaica Scorpions at the end of the second day of their fourth round West Indies four-day Championships which ended yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium at

Providence.

An unfinished fifth wicket stand of 105 between Tagenarine Chanderpaul, unbeaten on 60 from 162 balls, 189 minutes with nine boundaries and Tevin Imlach, whose undefeated 50 has so far lasted 92 balls and 132 minutes and has included five fours, along with

McCaskie scores 92 to guide Pride to first-innings lead over Red Force

a fourth five-wicket haul from fast bowler Nial Smith has put leaders Guyana in control

Guyana resumed on 268-9 and were bowled out for 278 in 10 balls when Nial Smith was bowled for a duck by Marquino Mindley.

However, there was enough time for Johnson, overnight on 142

to reach 150 with a whip off his hip and a gorgeous cut for boundaries off Green.

His third 150 score (165 in 2018 & 189 in 2020) lasted 254 balls, 338 minutes and included 18 boundaries.

Mindley had 3-34 while Ojay Shields and Derval Green had two

wickets each for Jamaica who were dismissed for 115 after being 24-6 at one stage.

Jamaica were 64-9 before Green, who hit four fours in 42 from 89-balls, shared in a 51-run last wicket stand with Nicolas Gordon, who was not out on 22 with four fours; the 51-run partnership

lasted one hour as the Guyanese lacked the knock-out punch. Smith had 5-39, Veerasammy Permaul took 3-22 and Ronsford Beaton supported with 2-22 Guyana in their second innings, after surprisingly opting

Continued on page 23

Taylor eagerly eyeing return after fitness troubles

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Leading West Indies Women’s batsman Stafanie Taylor says she is pleased with her recovery following her recent fitness struggles, and believes she still has a major contribution to make to the Caribbean side.

Zachary McCaskie made 92 for the Barbados Pride OPENER Zachary McCaskie fell eight runs shy of a maiden first-class hundred as the Barbados Pride hold a 37-run lead over the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force after day two of their fourth-round fixture at the Queen’s Park Oval

At lunch, the Pride were 108-3 off 40 overs. Zachary McCaskie and Shane Dowrich were the batsmen at the crease on 71 and two, respectively.

McCaskie carried on after lunch and looked set for his maiden first-class ton before he fell for 92.

At tea, the Pride were 222-6 off 72 overs. Roshon Primus and Akeem Jordan were the batsmen at the crease on 38 and 22, respectively.

Shortly after tea, Primus brought up his fifty before being dismissed for a 71-ball 53.

Eventually, the Pride were bowled out for 271 in 85 overs, a first innings lead of 68 runs.

The Red Force were 31-2 in their second innings at stumps, trailing by 37 runs with Darren Bravo (20) and Brian Charles (5) at the crease.

Former captain Stafanie Taylor.has been one of the most prolific run-scorers in the global women’s game but has found herself sidelined by a worrisome back injury for the better part of the last 12 months.

Currently in Antigua undergoing assessment, Taylor said she was looking forward to making a full return to competitive action at some point.

“I feel really good given the procedure I’d done at the World Cup which would’ve given me some time to get some work in,” the Jamaican said.

“It’s not where I would like to be but I actually like

where I’m actually headed, so it’s just about putting in some more strength work to get the back strong again and we should be good.”

He continued: “I still have more to give. I know that last World Cup wasn’t something that most of them (team) would’ve liked to see and even for myself.

“So it’s about getting myself back when it comes to my health and that’s something I have to start with and if that’s not strong I can’t go out there and perform. So

that’s something I am trying to work myself back into.”

Taylor was limited to three Twenty20 Internationals in 2021, featured in none last year and managed only two this year – in the T20 World Cup in South Africa when she played under a fitness cloud.

The right-hander, who also bowls off-spin, has also not featured in a One-Day International for six months.

While she averages nearly 44 from 148 ODIs and 35 from 113 T20 Internationals,

the pinnacle of her career came when she guided West Indies to the capture of the T20 World Cup seven years ago in India.

And the former captain said adding a 50-over World Cup title would be a further boost for the Caribbean side.

“I would actually love to win a 50-over World Cup. I know that’s probably an area that we’re probably not so good [at] but if we could win a 50-over World Cup that would be really really good for us as a team,” Taylor explained.

“The 50-over [format] is something we’ve been working at really hard so to win a 50-over World Cup would be like ‘you’ve won it [all] now.’

“We don’t play Tests so we can’t say anything about Test Championship or anything like that so it’s T20 and 50-over, and given that most of us have won a T20 World Cup, I’m sure we would like to win a 50over as well.”

Pacer Nial Smith who took 5-38 about to have Paul Palmer caught at slip

Pacer Marquino Mindley was Scorpions best bowler with 4-30. (Sean Devers photo.)

Former captain Stafanie Taylor