‘We are not about power; we are about responsibility’
- President Ali says, highlights PPP/C’s philosophy of freedom, democracy, unity
More cash grants, prosperity, inclusivity assured when PPP/C returns to office after upcoming elections – Jagdeo
- says Guyana being developed in all areas
- Charrandass Persaud says, accuses party leaders of being ‘greedy and hungry for power ‘
Tolls for three main bridges to be abolished from August 1 – President
Thousands gathered at Babu John, Berbice, on Monday to commemorate the life of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) founder and former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan. Prior to addresses by key officials including President Dr Ifraan Ali and the party’s General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, there was a wreath-laying ceremony (OP and Delano Willaims photos)
More cash grants, prosperity, inclusivity assured when PPP/C returns to office after upcoming elections – Jagdeo
By Bebi Shafeah Oosman
SPEAKING at Babu Jaan on Sunday, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and Guyana’s Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, emphasised the administration’s commitment to building a diversified economy.
He made this disclosure while addressing the mammoth crowd that had gathered to commemorate the life of the party’s founder and former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan.
Dr Jagdeo highlighted significant advancements in key sectors, including education, infrastructure, housing, job creation, the sugar
industry, mining, and rice, underscoring his government’s dedication to national development.
“Every group of Guyanese regardless of their race, has seen the PPP stand by their word. Our word is our bond, and when we make these promises that President Irfaan Ali spoke about for the next
- says Guyana being developed in all areas
term, you best believe they will be delivered,” he said.
He later assured the crowd that the investments presently being made in every sector will continue in
the new term when the PPP/C administration continues to focus on developing a diversified economy. "So even if the other sector does not contribute or oil prices fall, we will
maintain the prosperity [and] you will get your cash grant too.”
Stressing that there will be more cash grants to come in a next PPP/C term, Dr Jagdeo said
PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo addresses the crowd while party officials listen attentively (Delano Williams photo)
‘We are not about power; we are about responsibility’
- President Ali says, highlights PPP/C’s philosophy of freedom, democracy, unity
By Naomi Parris
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday reaffirmed the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s commitment to serving the people with a focus on responsibility rather than power.
Reflecting on the legacy of the party's founder and former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Dr. Ali emphasised the guiding principle of leadership that prioritises duty to the nation over the pursuit of personal or political gain.
"We are not about power; we are about responsibility," he told a mammoth crowd that had gathered at Babu John, Port Mourant, Berbice to commemorate Dr. Jagan’s legacy.
“We can never be bought or sold or traded; we are connected to the people of this country. This party is owned by the people of this country; this party is owned by the men and women and children of this country who embrace a philosophy of freedom, democracy, unity,” President Ali add-
progress, committed to ensuring that every sector of society benefits from development.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION:
DR. CHEDDI
JAGAN’S VISION
President Ali stressed that Dr. Jagan’s vision revolved around the development of the people.
“For Cheddi, development was about people. It was about ensuring that every child had their future, that every farmer had land to till, and every worker had dignity and labour, and that comrades is exactly what we are doing today,” he said.
The PPP/C, he noted, was built on this philosophy, and has grown stronger throughout the years, now leading Guyana along a path of unprecedented growth guided by the legacy and ideals of its founder.
“He taught us the meaning of development; not empty words or false promises, but tangible progress.”
“This party is owned by the men and women and children of this
ed before underscoring the enduring values of selflessness and service that continue to drive the party's vision.
He emphasised that the PPP/C continues to stand at the forefront as a steadfast partner in Guyana's
to further urge supporters present at the gathering to remain politically conscious, and be wary of figures who may try to appeal to their emotions with falsehoods and empty promises.
“We must be conscious about our political environment. We must be conscious about our future. We must be conscious at the values that we represent.”
He noted that those
movement, you are volunteering your labour of love to country and to party. This party cannot be bought or sold or traded. That is not the philosophy of this party,” he said.
UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Through strategic investments and targetted initiatives, the government has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of residents, ensuring a stronger foundation for sustainable progress in the region.
“We are your constant, we are your everyday, we are your reliable partner, and we are your relentless fighter, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic,” the President added.
This growth, he noted, is a clear reflection of greater disposable income, improved living standards, and a thriving economy for residents.
He pointed to the rehiring of 1,055 workers at the Rose Hall Sugar Estate, who were previously dismissed by the APNU+AFC government, and the creation of 4,000 new jobs through the Pathway programme, with many of the beneficiaries being women.
country who embrace a philosophy of freedom, democracy, and unity,” the President added.
REMAIN POLTICALLY CONSCIOUS
Meanwhile, President Ali used the opportunity
who wish to make a contribution to the PPP/C must be reminded of the party’s “labour of love to country and party” philosophy.
“That is why, fundamentally, when you become a member of this
President Ali highlighted that the government has strengthened its development philosophy, resulting in remarkable growth throughout the country.
While progress is being seen in all regions, he focused on Region Six, where the government has made concerted efforts to address and rectify the shortcomings of the previous administration.
“Development is not about a seasonal gift, it’s about hard tireless, work, it’s never opportunistic, it’s about full commitment.”
Dr. Ali also highlight-
P resident Ali also stressed the government’s commitment to agriculture, with over $219 billion invested in the sector in Region Six alone, and almost $20 billion annually directed towards enhancing drainage, irrigation, and land expansion to boost production.
“These are the developments that will enhance household and
ed the impressive strides made under the current government, citing a 72 per cent increase in deposits in commercial banks across Region Six, which have grown from $61.8 billion in 2019 to $106.2 billion today.
community prosperity. These are the things that are lifting our people out of poverty. We are not seasonal in our approach to development, we are your constant, everyday and reliable partners,” he told the gathering.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali (Delano Williams photo)
These Delano Williams photos were taken at Babu John on Sunday
Tolls for three main bridges to be abolished from August 1 – President Ali
AS of August 1, 2025, the tolls for the Berbice, Demerara, and Wismar bridges in Guyana are set to be abolished.
This was revealed on Sunday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his address to thousands of persons gathered at Babu John, Berbice, to commemorate the life of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) founder and former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
“This is investment, this is development,” the President said to welcoming applause from the mammoth crowd.
“We did not even commit this to you in the election but last year we said that we are going to make the crossing at the Wismar, Demerara and Berbice bridges free of cost…With effective from August 1, the crossing at the Demerara, Berbice and Wismar is free of cost.”
Currently, the toll to cross the Berbice River Bridge using a car is $1,900 while the toll to cross the Demerara River is $200. The cost for crossing the Wismar Bridge in Linden is $60.
The toll varies for motorcycles and lorries.
President Ali had first made the com - mitment last August at the opening of a new throughway in Region Three.
Currently several massive infrastructure projects are being pursued to create new
transportation links to help ease traffic woes and promote interregional trade.
These include the building of the New Demerara Bridge— which will span ap -
are progressing on the new Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden. The 220-metre-long edifice will have four lanes.
Aside from these two major bridges, works are ongoing on several new highways.
“We are your constant, we are your everyday, we are your reliable partner, and we are your relentless fighter; the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic,” the President said while highlighting the government’s commitment to improving lives.
proximately 2.65 kilometres with a driving surface width of around 23.6 metres. The bridge will also feature two carriageways and four lanes.
Additionally, works
He continued: “Life and development is not about a seasonal gift, it’s about hard, tireless work. It’s never opportunistic, it’s about full commitment.”
President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing a large gathering in Berbice on Sunday
More cash grants, prosperity...
FROM PAGE 2
that the government wants to design a financial instrument that citizens can use to get a guaranteed rate of return for their cash grant. He also spoke of “more and more support for local contractors,” noting that the current administration has almost completed all the community roads and is looking to start work on the drains.
Further, he said that a digital society is also being developed to ensure that the government can better deliver public services to the people.
Turning his attention to the boosting of the country’s intelligence-gathering capabilities, Dr Jagdeo said that the government is investing in this, to ensure that "we know who
are in our country so we can track criminals so you can live safely."
Further, he said, “Just imagine four and a half years we have delivered that, and we did it with COVID [so] just imagine the next term in office, how glorious that will be, how inclusive that will be.”
‘WE WILL WIN THE ELECTIONS’
Meanwhile, turning his attention to the elections slated to be held later this year, Dr Jagdeo confidently said that the PPP is strong, united and will win.
“This is a pivotal year for the future of the country. It is a year where the decision you make will either take us back to incompetence or divisiveness or a glorious future of prosperity, unity and progress,” he said, adding, “Elections are not won by
idle speeches; they are won by hard work and hardwork back in the communities that you have come from.”
He told those gathered that he is relying on everyone to leave with “the message you have lived and witnessed the commitment to fulfilling the promises [made] in 2020."
He told them to work every single day from now until the elections to ensure that the PPP has an overwhelming victory at the next elections.
"Often, it seems like fighting against an invisible enemy. While the opposition is not as prevalent as they were before, do not be deluded if you do not put in the hard work. There can be surprises", he warned.
He added that quietly, the opposition con-
tinues to spread the racist messages they have grown accustom[ed] to using while campaigning.
Dr Jagdeo told the crowd that the party’s officials are in communities saying that the PPP is a racist party and are trying to shame Afro Guyanese by calling them names. He used the opportunity to remind Guyanese that the PPP is growing stronger in every community and has become even more invincible than before.
He said that when one looks at the heart of the PPP and listens to Cheddi Jagan and all that happened in 1964, which was one of the worst years in the history of the country, they would hear Jagan talking about national unity and the need to bring people together.
“Cheddi Jagan spoke of that in 1964. They [the opposition] are working up to now with the same play book. It’s predictable what they are doing. He [Jagan] fought to bring people
together,” Dr Jagdeo said.
He then told those gathered that the PPP/C continues to grow stronger because of the hard work they have done. “Everyone has seen this, every Guyanese,” he added.
As he continued to emphasise that the PPP is the best party for Guyana, he said, “This is a different PPP now. We have grown strong over the years and we are battle tested.”
General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, pays homage to the late former President and party founder, Dr. Cheddi Jagan
More Relief, Opportunities
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali's announcement of tollfree access on the Berbice, Demerara, and Wismar bridges in Guyana by August 1, 2025, is a significant milestone in the country's development towards economic and social progress.
The action, which was greeted with enthusiastic applause at a celebration of
the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, further indicates that the government is committed to improving the quality of life of Guyanese citizens and fostering a more cohesive society.
By eliminating the tolls on these critical bridges, the government seeks to relax the economic burden on commuters, boost economic
activity and make the nation more integrated and accessible.
This move is aligned with the overall push for economic development and social equity, as it will facilitate the free flow of people and commodities between strategic economic clusters.
The abolition of tolls is expected to boost local econ-
Donald Trump had nothing to do with these violations
IT is commonplace today in the American and European press to criticise President Trump as moving in the direction of authoritarianism.
When other presidents and the European prime minister went straight into the authoritarian sea, there were no cacophonous reverberations in the American and European press and in Western academia.
We are witnessing the spectacle of the American media, Western academia and European leaders focusing on every policy decision of Mr. Trump and the emotional and academic outcry are about things Mr Trump is doing that have been done before right in the US and in Europe.
Let’s start with Greenland: Mr Trump says he wants that Danish territory. There is a mountainous exclamation against that. But previous US presidents said they wanted a piece of Cuba named Guantanamo and they took it. Guantanamo is
part of Cuba. Then previous American presidents set up a huge prison on Guantanamo where the accused have been languishing in those jails for over 20 years without charges in violation of international laws. It was not Mr Trump who started that.
Mr Trump is getting roasted for deporting illegal immigrants. The British Prime Minister Theresa May did worse than Trump. So far there is no evidence that Trump has deported any America-born citizen. In what has now gone down in history as the Windrush Scandal, Ms May began mass deportation of Caribbean citizens of which a large number were in fact British citizens.
It was not Mr Trump that invented two foreign policy decisions of which one is “rendition,” the other is “black sites.” In the former, American and European governments, secretly kidnapped terror suspects from around the world. This was called “rendition.” The
suspects were then held in unknown sites in various European countries where they were tortured and ended up in Guantanamo. These present and past European leaders are now berating Mr Trump, conveniently forgetting the cruel things they did that no democracy should have tolerated, much less accept.
In 2013, under President Obama, the plane carrying the Bolivian President was intercepted and forced to land in Austria where the governments of Spain, Portugal and France refused permission for the plane to land. These governments did not recognise that a plane carrying the president of a country is bound by international law governing diplomatic immunity. Mr Obama ordered the plane to be intercepted because he believed that it was carrying Edward Snowden.
Mr Trump spent four years as president and did not deport the number of persons that President
omies through reductions in transportation costs, inducing more travel and trade and enhancing the nation's connectivity.
Making these bridges toll free is a policy action that shows concern for the public interest and ensuring equitable access to the country's growing infrastructural complex.
President Ali's statement, "This is investment, this is development," sums up the vision for this undertaking.
It reiterates the government's pro-active stance in terms of public infrastructure and determination to address the people's issue on the expense of transportation.
With sustained, high investments from Guyana to-
wards the development of its infrastructure, removed tolls will provide immediate financial relief to citizens and ensure more seamless transfer of goods and people, hence boosting commerce and trade.
This is an unprecedented step towards economic and societal advancement in Guyana.
Obama did. Under President Obama, more whistleblowers were arrested than all the combined presidents before Obama’s presidency. Under previous presidents, the US invaded Iraq and Afghanistan and was involved in the overthrow of the Libyan president, Muammar Kaddafi.
The US remained in those countries under President Obama and Biden. It was under President Trump that the decision to pull out of Afghanistan was made. Mr Biden later pulled out of that country after a stay of 20 years. In his first tenure, Mr Trump did not invade any country around the globe.
In his first term in power, Mr Trump was greeted with widespread protest action spearheaded by the Black Lives Matter movement. There were no life-threatening injuries received by any of the protesters. Across the ocean, President Macron faced similar demonstrations. Police action against
the French protestors resulted in widespread injuries, including loss of sight and limbs among the demonstrators.
Mr Trump is being lampooned as a dictator by the American and European media, but the European Union has a strict criterion for entry into the union –free and fair elections. Yet in this so-called bastion of democracy, one of the EU countries – Romania – has banned a candidate from contesting the upcoming election after the first round of voting showed he was the front-runner.
The reason for the ejection was because he was a pro-Russia candidate. If that scandal had occurred in any Third World country, that nation would have been put on a sanction list. Vice-President Vance went to Europe and pointed out to EU leaders that what Romania did was undemocratic. Yet these very EU leaders are pointing to President Trump as a nascent autocrat.
Finally, in which country anti-Israeli protestors and university students denouncing genocide in Gaza were arrested and expelled from their universities? It was the US of course, but Trump was not the president.
In the UK, Canada and Germany, the slogan, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” was made illegal. Germany went on a rampage victimising anti-Israeli protestors that caused Guyanese columnist, Ashma John who lives in Germany, to refer to Nazi-like secret deportations. Come to think of it – which politician from the Biden administration and which European politician has the moral authority to criticise President Trump?
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
African Representation, Part One
THERE are a number of characters parading on our cyber spaces and occasionally, they spill over into mainstream media. They attempt to pass themselves off as African freedom fighters. In the process, they coronate APNU as the superior liberator, the only real representative and salvation for Afro-Guyanese political interests. In the course of their outpourings, they paint the PPP/C as the supreme evil supervillain who pounce on Afro-Guyanese and enslave them politically and economically.
These cyber characters, many of whose ordinary residences are not in Guyana, have been making some aberrant statements that can be described using the kindest terminology, severe delusion. In summary, their message essentially makes the following claims: only Afro-Guyanese can speak on matters affecting Afro-Guyanese. Seething with extreme delusions of grandeur, this group has arrogated and anointed themselves as the only legitimate spokespersons for Afro-Guyanese. From their overseas perch, they know and are the most accurate orators of what Africans want; no one else dare utter an alternative.
They also say that only political organisations led by Afro-Guyanese bear any legitimate claim to lead Afro-Guyanese or require their vote. I can recall a certain fringe personality expressing vehement displeasure that some people were speculating that Team Mohamed’s leader would be the presidential candidate to lead a joint coalition slate with Nigel Hughes as the prime ministerial candidate. The only reason why this is a misfit and political non-starter is that the Leader of Team Mohamed is not an African. Then there was a recent utterance that the only purpose both Nagamootoo and Ramjattan served in the coalition was to attempt to attract votes from Indo Guyanese and not to lead “black people.”
They paint Afro-Guyanese as a unitary group of people who ought to share identical social and political preferences, including support for the PNC and its formations. If Africans express another preference, those persons cannot escape derogatory labels designed to name and shame them into conforming to the unitary box designed for them.
Any African who supports or seeks membership
in an organisation such as the PPP, (not led by Africans) is a slave. Actions and utterances attempting to persuade other Africans to join or be sympathetic to the PPP are deemed as slave-catching. For them, it is presumptuous and utterly disrespectful for the PPP to seek to reach out to Afro-Guyanese, both to address their concerns and seek their participation in political activities or simply to ask for their vote.
In the past, I thought that the PNCR was not broadbased enough to reach across the racial divide with any significant effect, even though the opportunities existed. I also thought that the PPP/C was careless in the way they managed Afro relations. This dual conundrum presented many opportunities for the AFC to grow as fast as it did, while being widely regarded as having true multiracial credentials.
One of the successes that the AFC stamped on the body politic of Guyana during its hey day was that it contributed to pushing these extremists to the fringe. As APNU took power, these extremists by default had ample reach to spread fear among Africans owing also to the APNU itself being even more careless with Indo-Guyanese relations than the PPP were with Africans. The coalition grew unpopular, and the AFCs lack of comprehensive response eroded its own multiethnic goodwill, further giving fringe messengers traction to spread their ethnic poison among the PNC majority African support base.
The insidious success of the fringe led to heightened fear of a PPP return. In fact, it became a contagion that helped to sustain that entire post-2020 election fiasco.
I believe that the PPP understood that given the level of racial clamour, if (on its part) it had made any (even slight) strategic political blunder, it could have ended up back in opposition despite winning the elections.
The PNC, on the other hand, saw how the voices of the fringe grew loud when it was in crisis. They knew that the racial clarion call was largely responsible for keeping the coalition floating in government for five months after losing an election. Given one or two different conditions, the coalition could have ended up back in government. This gave the PNC fillip to bring the message of the fringe into mainstream, to the extent where the opposition is consumed by it. So much so, it is a one-horse
pony of political meandering. The only sensible post2020 response was for the PPP/C to be more careful and thoughtful in its approach to African relations. I believe the PPP has been doing so, to the extent that it is more inclusive today than it has been at any time in its history since its founding. Afro-Guyanese are coming to this realisation and are
responding positively to the PPP. However, because the PNC based its political strategy on consolidating its Afro support base while doing little to reach out to other ethnic groups, it has limited its own growth. So, every African who expresses affinity and hopefulness in the PPP’s endeavours will result in an irreplaceable political loss to the combined
opposition. Because of this, a new level of opposition desperation is evident.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are
solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
A look at the dialysis centre located on the ground floor of Farrington Luxury Suites
WHEN we noticed construction beginning on a building behind our home, on the eastern side of the main road in Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, we were curious about what it would be.
As it began to take shape, we realised it was going to be something big and then we began to speculate about the owner.
However, little did I know that less than two years after Farrington Luxury Suites and Dialysis Centre opened its doors, I would meet and talk to the person behind this impressive four-storey building, Paulett Mercurius.
Elegant and well-spoken, with a low afro, this woman spoke with passion, not about the luxury suites, but about the stateof-the-art dialysis centre on the ground floor.
Her family owns the land on which the building was erected, and Paulett
and her mother grew up there.
"There was an old house there that my great aunt used to live in," she recalls. Upon the death of the old lady, the property was passed on to Paulett and her siblings -- an older brother and sister -- and the Luxury Suites and Dialysis Centre was born. When I asked her 'why a dialysis centre?', she was quick to reply that there was a need in the country for such services, as she had a friend who died because of the lack of such facilities.
And so, the building opened in 2023, with the first event being the celebration of Paulett's 60th birthday.
Resident in the United States (US), she travels to Guyana regularly to oversee the operation of the centre -- one of the largest
advise them to go elsewhere, either to centres they themselves run or those owned by friends.
This is troubling because the Farrington Dialysis Centre is not only the cheapest, but is also one of the best in the country, with 12 machines.
The proud owner spoke of some of the negative comments coming her way, such as, “They'll never be able to finish duh building...it too big."
"Grove is near and dear to me," she said with a smile.
in the country -- which became functional in May of last year.
At a cost OF $12,000 per session, the Farrington Dialysis Centre is the cheapest in the country.
Ms Mercurius said, "Nowhere else in the country has a $12,000 fee for dialysis treatment."
However, she expressed concern over the fact that, while patients are referred to the centre by social workers, their personal physicians often
Patients, many from low-income families, endure financial strain when they have to use more costly services, because dialysis is usually required two or three times per week.
The Farrington Dialysis Centre has on board a nephrologist (an expert in kidney diseases) as well as registered nurses and dialysis technicians. A doctor is also available for consultation twice a month.
The luxury suites are well-appointed and the building also boasts a lounge and roof garden with views of the surrounding area.
She grew up there and sought to give back to her community by establishing the centre. And she herself studied practical nursing just to be able to function at the centre if necessary.
"I wanted to come back and contribute in some shape or form...in the medical field".
Considering that once a person begins dialysis treatment, they have to continue it for the rest of their lives, the Farrington Dialysis Centre and its owner Paulett Mercurius, are doing an admirable job and providing a much-needed service.
Fitz George at the Centre
The inside of the dialysis centre at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara
AFC ‘self-destructed,’ never kept campaign promises
- Charrandass Persaud says, accuses party leaders of being ‘greedy and hungry for power’
FORMER Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, has said that the Alliance For Change (AFC), a party he once represented in the National Assembly, has self-destructed as promises were made but were never kept.
Persaud stated this in a video posted to his official Facebook page which he captioned, “Would you vote for the AFC???”
In the video, he said that when he was part of the AFC, the party campaigned and made promises that they did not keep and as such people felt cheated.
He said that this occurred because party leaders were part of a team that was hungry for power and entered the coalition with, “all kinds of dreams.”
“What did we do as AFC? We made promises that were not kept, we closed the sugar estates,” he said, while addressing several issues.
He reminded his viewers that the closure of all the estates in the country placed 30,000 persons on the breadline and affected approximately 120,000 more.
To this end, he said that he did not forget and did not want the people of the country to forget what the AFC did to Guyana.
The AFC he said, in the past had support from both sides of the aisle and could have been the political party that the people of Guyana loved.
“But greed stepped into the arena and overcame some of the decision-makers in the party…” he added.
Speaking on the current leadership of the party, Persaud indicated that the people of Guyana need to press for answers from leader Nigel Hughes about his relationship with Exxon Mobil.
“Now he’s literally hoping that he can be made leader of the APNU and so they will have a coalition… if the AFC runs
by itself as a party, they are not even going to get half a seat,” Persaud said, while adding that the party has lost the confidence of the people.
Against this backdrop, he said that while the party and the APNU have lied to its supporters, the
first thing they should do is apologise to the people of the country, admit they lied and start afresh.
Persaud went on to add that he will continue to post as he sees fit, emphasising that the AFC “should never continue to be in politics.”
Outspoken former AFC parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud
Guyana presents ground-breaking gender equality initiatives at UN CSW69
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security recently participated in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York, USA.
At the session, which was held from March 10 to March 21, 2025, the ministry was represented by its Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) Arianna Beharry, who echoed the remarks of Minister of Hu-
man Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting participation, accountability, and the establishment of gender-responsive institutions, and its implementation of a number of policies and initiatives aimed at ensuring gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls.
DPS Beharry noted that while women hold 40 per cent of representation in
Guyana’s National Assembly, there are still many obstacles being faced, such as cyberbullying, violence against women in politics, and personal attacks, which she says often deters women from entering or even remaining in the political arena.
According to the DPS, while Guyana has made significant progress in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration Platform for Action, the country is cognisant of the challenges that still exist.
She called for targetted and concrete actions to reduce inequality and advance the rights of women and girls, noting that empowering women empowers generations.
Guyana has implemented several policies aimed at reducing violence against women, including legal reforms.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has ongoing support services for victims of gender-based violence.
DPS Beharry stated that over the years, multiple stakeholders' collaboration has played a crucial role in shaping women's participation in public life, noting that the collaborative efforts between governmental agencies, civil society organisations, international bodies, UN agencies, and the private sector have resulted in more inclusive policies that promote gender equality.
She highlighted that programmes such as the Women's Investment and Innovation Network have benefitted from strong partnerships, where women's empowerment programs are designed with inputs from multiple stakeholders, ensuring that they are holistic and impactful.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cona Husbands, Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU) at the ministry added that in Guyana, there are still deep-rooted gender stereotypes and harmful social norms based on our diversity and culture.
She noted that the government is committed to dismantling these practices and works with citizens, including men and boys through empowerment forums and targetted campaigns focused on men and rehabilitation of perpetrators.
According to SO&DVPU’s Manager, Guyana will continue to implement gender-sensitive policies and programmes which advance gender equality and empower women and girls.
Dr. Husbands remarked: “The response to gender-based violence needs to be a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach. Guyana's national task force on sexual violence comprising of governmental and non-governmental organisations has implemented a national action plan which guides the work
of our response to gender-based violence.”
Moreover, she pointed out that Guyana has developed a comprehensive model to tackle violence against women and girls, including national training and sensitization campaigns, which target key gender-based violence stakeholders, including the police, judiciary, media, and civil society organisations.
Dr. Husbands said there is an expansion of national gender-based violence case management services which is inclusive of a hotline, more shelters, dedicated case workers, and safe spaces for women experiencing violence.
Furthermore, a digitised case management register is currently being developed to improve follow-up, data analysis, and overall case management. The new Family Violence Act of 2024 provides robust protection for (0:41) more persons and recognises more types of violence.
It acts as the combating trafficking in Person Act, Juvenile Justice Act, and the sexual offenses act, which were all recently amended.
“There is also a draft sexual harassment bill. Guyana also has a gender-based violence policy framework and a comprehensive multi-agency referral pathway to address violence against women and girls,” she said.
Dr. Cona Husbands, Manager of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU)
Agencies unite for Earth Hour, World Water Day 2025
- GWI highlights expanded water conservation, renewable energy efforts
THE National Park tarmac stood still and dark from 20:30hrs to 21:30 hrs on Saturday as Guyana marked its 11th annual Earth Hour.
Hosted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Guyana, the event saw support from the Protected Areas Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and various other organisations.
There was also an impressive turnout as families and young people came out in their numbers to enjoy the event’s scavenger hunt, presentations and various booths, which hosted games and giveaways.
Country Director of WWF, Aisha Williams, underscored the significance of Earth Hour, stating, “Earth Hour is meant to take at least one hour, just one hour. Take at least one hour of your time today, and as you go along
in life, take one hour to embrace preserving nature, preserving wildlife, taking action that relates to the sustainability of our planet,” she stated.
Williams also emphasised the importance of valuing Guyana’s abundant freshwater resources.
“While Guyana is fortunate to have the amount of fresh water
that we do, emphasis still needs to be placed on preserving it as it is a lifeline to thousands of people. In many areas, people depend on freshwater resources, but in other areas, like islands, they don’t have as much fresh water as we have in Guyana, so we should really value what exists in our land—the land of many waters.”
WATER MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
This year’s Earth Hour coincided with World Water Day, allowing agencies like GWI to highlight their ongoing efforts in water conservation.
Delivering remarks on behalf of GWI, hydrologist Angela Franklin highlighted the agency’s ongoing projects aimed at improving water management, distribution, and quality across the country.
One such initiative is the study of Guyana’s coastal aquifer system. "We have been carrying out studies on the coastal aquifer system specifically because we believe that you cannot manage what you do not understand and what you do not know. And so we've been in collaboration with ACTO and climate projects to better understand how our coastal aquifer systems respond to various factors—climate change, increased demand, and rapid development," Franklin explained.
In addition to groundwater studies, GWI is actively exploring alternative water sources. Franklin noted that surface water sources, such as the East Demerara Water Conservancy, are being tapped for major treatment plants, including those at Hope on the East Coast and Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.
Further inland, GWI has been assessing the potential of Dakoura Creek in Linden as an alternative water source to reduce reliance on the Demerara River, which presents water quality challenges. “We're not just intending to use this source; we’re also looking to understand it and help manage it through the development of a watershed management plan,” she said.
Another critical aspect of GWI’s work is the drilling of new wells while phasing out underperforming ones. “Ninety per cent of our water resources come from groundwater, making it vulnerable to climate change, sea-level rise, and over-abstraction. While we are commission-
Country Director of World Wildlife Fund in Guyana Aisha Williams, addressing the crowd
timally,” the GWI official added.
ing new wells to meet growing demand, we are also removing wells that are not operating op-
In line with Guyana’s renewable energy goals, GWI is also taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. “Just this January, we commissioned a 300-kilowatt solar system at one of our treatment plants. While it is a grid-tied system, meaning we are not using batteries due to cost, the system
offsets our energy demand and reduces our carbon footprint,” she said.
The event not only reinforced the importance of preserving the environment but also showcased the strides being made by agencies like GWI in ensuring a sustainable water future for Guyana.
Story and photos by Shaniya Harding
The booth set up by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) at Earth Hour 2025
Delivering remarks on behalf of GWI was hydrologist Angela Franklin
The event also featured a pageant, spoken-word performances and a musical number by Gavin Mendonca and Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams
Gov’t considering approval for new airstrip at Charity
- upgrades being done to Anna Regina Aerodrome, Minister Edghill says
MINISTER
of Pub -
lic Works Bishop Juan Edghill has announced that the government is considering granting approval for the construction of a new airstrip at Charity.
The minister made this disclosure during a meeting with residents at Charity on Friday.
He said that this consideration is part of a broader plan to improve nationwide transportation connectivity.
Minister Edghill emphasised that while a private company has submitted the proposal for the airstrip, the facility must be accessible to the public.
“The government’s policy is that even if a private company builds the airstrip, it must be open to the public for all to benefit,” he told the gathering.
He highlighted the significant role the airstrip could play in the region’s development, particularly in medical emergencies and tourism. Once completed, the facility will help to reduce travel time for residents and visitors.
“Once that airstrip is completed, you won’t have to fly to Hampton Court and then drive here. You will be able to fly directly from Ogle to Charity and back,” Minister Edghill explained.
Additionally, the government is focused on upgrading the Anna Regina Aerodrome to enhance its functionality. Planned renovations include a waiting area and other features to improve passenger convenience. The aerodrome, located near the popular Lake Mainstay Resort, is expected to further support the growing tourism sector and economic activity along the Essequibo Coast.
Minister Edghill also noted that infrastructure improvements would extend beyond the airstrip itself.
“Of course, once we do the airstrip, we also have to do the road, because we can’t get to the airstrip if we don’t have a road,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva said she is happy for the many developments that are happening in the region.
DeSilva said the projects will transform Charity. She is happy for the airstrip and said it will boost tourism.
Since returning to office, the PPP/C government has been fulfilling its commitments and exceeding expectations, particularly in the public works sector.
Minister Edghill speaking at the meeting. Also pictured is Region Two Chairperson Vilma DeSilva
Former NCN news anchor, reporter releases two books
By Faith Greene
GUYANESE-CANADI -
AN author Kezia Hinds is the author of two uplifting books - 111 Positive Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace, and Ladybug and Spider.
Before moving to Canada in 2008, Kezia was a
thoughts in the book would have a new beginning in their mindset.”
Kezia, who was a student of the Mackenzie High School in Linden, recalled having to recite a “positive thought” at the school’s general assembly one week.
“So, they asked me
seasoned news anchor and reporter at the National Communications Network (NCN) in Georgetown.
Although she had a background in communications, Kezia realized that moving to Canada meant she had to be open to a career change.
She returned to school where she completed her studies and was awarded a Diploma in Media Communications and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism at Humber College.
Her first book, 111 Positive Thoughts: Give Yourself Grace, was published in 2023.
She told this publication that as human beings going through this journey of life, there are periods when our thoughts are scattered and that there are almost always negative thoughts.
Kezia used positive thoughts instead of negatives ones as the basis for writing the book. “And I choose the number 111 because I've gone on a path of like understanding myself more on a spiritual journey. And 111 is a spiritual number for a new beginning, so, it is my hope that people who read the book and indulge in the
that time, she didn’t know what kind of children's book to write.
The author compared society’s perception of ladybugs and spiders, noting that ladybugs are often treated gently, while spiders evoke panic, fear and often aggression.
This led her to reflect on the unfair way persons of African descent are often
treated, noting that they are viewed in the same way as the spider, while the ladybug is a representation of persons with a “lighter complexion”.
In writing the book, she realised that she can sometimes have the gentleness of a ladybug while also embracing the strength and resilience of a spider.
The book is meant to
inspire children and teach them to love everyone regardless of where they may be from, or what they look like.
“If we can influence their mindset to want to embrace people regardless of what they look like, then we are creating a better tomorrow. At least give people the chance to be your friend rather
than just shunning them based off of what our own biases or the things that we've learned along the way about that person. So, just giving them a chance to know who we are,” she remarked.
Both books can be found for purchase by searching for the book titles or Kezia Liane Hinds on Amazon.
to do the thought for the week, and in front of the whole school, I stood up, forgot the thought, but eventually something just came to my head and I said the thought for the week,” Kezia said, adding, “Even in my diary and stuff, I would always write down positive thoughts in it. And I never really knew what effects that would have had until I was a little more grown and realised that one positive thought can suppress so much negative thoughts.”
Her second book, Ladybug and Spider was published in 2024. It was inspired by her eldest son who was being bullied by his peers. She drew from their experiences as a minority group in Canada, channeling it to write a compelling story about inclusivity.
“So, after being at Humber, I started working with the federal government in Canada, and I would say about three years ago, or maybe more, I just had this vision to write a book about a ladybug and a spider,” she said.
She continued to say that initially, she knew that she wanted to write a children's book, however, at
Guyanese-Canadian author, Kezia Hinds
Region Two RHO expresses gratitude to PPP/C gov’t for
‘life-changing’ scholarships
- says system is designed to give young people chances to succeed
By Indrawattie Natram
DR.
RANJEEV
Singh, a dedicated physician from Perseverance Village, Region Two, has expressed
his heartfelt gratitude to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government
for giving him the opportunity to realise his dream of becoming a doctor.
Speaking at a public meeting at the Golden Fleece ballfield last Thursday afternoon, Dr. Singh reflected on how a scholarship to study medicine in 2007 in Cuba changed the course of his life.
Dr. Singh highlighted how the opportunity paved the way for him to now live his dream of being a doctor.
Coming from a humble background, Dr. Singh shared that his father, a farmer, could not have afforded to send him to medical school.
Without financial support, his dream of becoming a doctor would have been impossible. “Had it not been for this scholarship, I would have never had the chance to study medicine. My family simply could not afford the tuition and expenses,” he said before adding, “For that, I will forever be thankful.”
He acknowledged that without the government’s support, pursuing higher education would have been nearly impossible.
Dr. Singh emphasised that he is not alone in this journey as many young Guyanese have been given similar opportunities to pursue higher education and fulfill their dreams because of the PPP/C government’s investment in youth development and education.
He used the opportunity to credit the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) for allowing him to further his studies, expressing deep appreciation for the continued support.
Now serving as the Regional Health Officer for Region Two, Dr. Singh is proud to give back to his community.
He noted that over 100 young people have already been trained to be nurses, pharmacy assistants, and medical laboratory technologists, thanks to the Ministry of Health’s commitment to education and training.
Dr. Singh described the hybrid training programme through which students can study from home and complete practicals at hospitals, as a groundbreaking initiative that has made medical education more accessible than ever.
“This kind of opportunity never existed before, and I am so grateful to be part of a system that is giving young people a chance to succeed,” he said.
Expressing his deepest appreciation to the government, Dr. Singh concluded, “Because of the PPP/C, my future is bright. I have achieved my dream, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
Dr Singh believes that the investments in education and training have increased the opportunities that are available to young people, ensuring that many more can pursue careers in healthcare and other fields.
He encouraged young Guyanese to take advantage of the free educational programmes and expressed his deep appreciation for the government's commitment to youth development.
Dr Ranjeev Singh speaks at a public meeting held at Golden Fleece ballfield in Region Two
Fish vendors elated over Meadow Bank wharf upgrades
VENDORS at the Meadow Bank wharf, Greater Georgetown, have lauded the Government of Guyana for their support in upgrading the facility.
The government has invested a whopping $200 million for the infrastructural improvements of the wharf.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha in speaking exclusively to the Guyana Chronicle earlier this month, had emphasised the government’s commitment to revitalising critical infrastructure to improve livelihoods.
These efforts, he had said, included the construction of a modern wharf, multiple new sheds, a reconstructed tarmac, and the removal of dilapidated structures. To maintain cleanliness and hygiene, the government has employed washroom attendants to ensure that the facilities remain in optimal condition for public use
The upgrades are a fulfillment of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s commitment to create a more comfortable, safe, and sanitary business environment for fishermen
and vendors. The President during a visit to the wharf had inspected the facility and spent some time listening to the concerns of the vendors.
In a video recording, one vendor said, “This place look real nice. It elevate, and everything very beautiful right now.”
The vendors who spoke, lauded the government with one saying, “We seeing progress. We never get nothing like this done before. So, we looking to go again.”
Another vendor related that she sells with her husband, and her sister assists her in cleaning fish sometimes. She thanked the Dr. Ali-led administration for this advancement.
“First time, we couldn’t get to work comfortable like this. Sometimes when the rainfall, we can’t get to stand up comfortable like this,” a vendor stated. He said that with this upgrade, more money is being put back into their pockets because there is no need to pay for shelter from the rain.
Alongside this, the vendors commended the government for inserting a police
outpost at the wharf. “The police outpost they put to help the crime. The lights them also. We never had no lights on the wharf,” another vendor said while expressing gratitude for the upgrades.
ing those persons who may go missing while at sea. They confirmed that everything the Head-of-State has promised to do for them has been fulfilled, adding that everything is in pristine condition.
The vendors who spoke noted that the police would often visit them to ensure that they were okay and that no crimes were committed.
The vendors recalled numerous instances where customers, vendors and boat owners were robbed while at the wharf.
With the tracking devices installed on boats, the vendors said this will aid in find-
The vendors said that while more has to be done, they are grateful for all advancements made to the wharf thus far.
The Meadow Bank wharf is set to become a more secure and welcoming space for vendors and consumers alike, reinforcing the government’s ongoing commitment to national development and economic sustainability.
Some of the upgrades at the Meadow Bank wharf (Ministry of Agriculture photos)
Digital health strategy being developed
THE Ministry of Health is advancing efforts to modernise healthcare delivery through the development of a comprehensive digital health strategy.
This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who made
this disclosure following the contract-signing for the implementation of the electronic health records system.
Dr. Anthony noted that
officials have come up with a digital health strategy for the ministry and this has been drafted.
The initiative he said is being supported with resources from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through which the establishment of a digital health department was facilitated within the ministry.
“We have started to build a digital health department within the ministry, and we have a number of consultants that we've been able to hire, working with us,” Dr Anthony said.
He added, “So they would be able to oversee some of the things and how it's being rolled out.”
According to the minister, the transition towards a more digital and efficient health system is a crucial step in improving healthcare services.
“We hope that with the partners having gone through this very lengthy process, that our partners will be able to deliver [a] quality product and make sure that we are able to do this in a timely manner.”
The government he added has also been collaborating with the British government on various initiatives related to digital health.
Further, he noted that there now exists a roadmap of where they want to go in relation to digitisation over the next few years.
Look ing ahead, the ministry is also focusing on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the health sector and work is ongoing to develop an AI health strategy for the country.
The development of the digital health strategy marks a significant step toward the modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare system, ensuring improved service delivery and efficiency.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony
‘Speeding’ motorcyclist dies after colliding with car
POLICE are investigating an accident which occurred at about 03:11hrs on Sunday at the corner of Sheriff and Dadanawa Streets, which resulted in the death of motorcyclist Akilo Johnson, a 27-year-old South Ruimveldt resident.
According to a press release, the fatal accident in -
Motorcyclist Akilo Johnson who died in an early morning accident on Sunday
volved Johnson’s motorcycle and a motor car driven by Viola Mittelholzer, 34, of South Road, Lacytown.
Police said that investigations have revealed that the motorcyclist was speeding at the time of the collision and was not wearing a safety helmet.
“ The preliminary investigations revealed that the car was proceeding North along the Eastern drive lane of Sheriff Street and, upon the approach to the intersection of Sheriff and Dadanawa Streets, the car adopted the turning lane to turn East onto Dadanawa Street.
“In that process, the motorcycle which was proceeding South along Sheriff Street at a fast rate alongside another motorcycle, ended up in the path of the car. The motorcyclist collided head-on with the car.
“At the time of the accident, the motorcyclist was not wearing a safety helmet. As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist was flung some distance and then landed on the road surface where he sustained injuries to his body”, the police said.
He was picked up by public-spirited citizens and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation's Accident and Emergency Unit where he was seen by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead on arrival.
According to the police, a notice of intended prosecution was prepared in duplicate and served on Mittelholzer. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of the car and two readings of 0.16 and 0.10 micrograms were found in her breath.
She is in custody, assisting with the investigation.
Minister Edghill engages Supenaam speedboat operators on safety, fare regulations, service improvements
MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Friday afternoon, met speedboat operators at Supenaam, Region Two, to address several pressing concerns regarding the Supenaam to Parika route.
The discussion focused on operational challenges, including mechanical failures, unauthorised fare hikes, and the overall safety
ments must be regulated and approved by the authorities to protect passengers from unfair pricing.
He emphasised the need for transparency in fare structures which will ensure that all operators comply with the established rates.
Further, he assured the gathering that the government remains committed to balancing the interests
of passengers and operators.
During the meeting, speedboat operators raised concerns about engines cutting out mid-river, a recurring issue that poses significant safety risks for commuters.
Minister Edghill acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and stressed the importance of proper boat maintenance, adherence to safety regulations, and routine engine inspections to prevent such incidents.
He urged operators to take proactive measures to ensure their vessels remain in good working condition, reducing the likelihood of mid-river breakdowns that could endanger lives.
Another major issue discussed was the unauthorised fare increases by some operators.
The minister made it clear that fare adjust-
representatives, who provided technical insights and reinforced the government’s commitment to enhancing water transportation in Region Two.
Also in attendance were Regional
Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit; Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva; Prime Minister Representative, Arnold Adams and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Susanah Saywack.
of both operators and passengers to maintain an affordable and sustainable river transport system.
In addition to these concerns, the minister engaged operators on broader efforts to enhance efficiency and service quality in the sector.
He encouraged them to work closely with regulatory bodies such as the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) to ensure compliance with maritime laws and safety standards. The discussion also touched on improving boarding and disembarking procedures, enforcing the use of life jackets, and ensuring that speedboat operations align with national transportation policies.
Minister Edghill was joined by Captain Stephen Thomas, Director General of MARAD, and regional
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, speaks at the meeting. Also pictured is Region Two Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit
Boat operators at the meeting with Minister Edghill and other officials
Man allegedly caught with loaded firearm in pants waist
POLICE ranks are investigating the alleged discovery of a loaded firearm in a man’s pants waist, shortly after they heard a suspected gunshot near Leopold and Cross Streets, Werk-en-Rust, early Sunday morning.
According to the police, at about 01:30hrs, a cadet officer and a team of policemen from the Anti-Terrorism Unit from Police Headquarters were on mobile patrol duties in three GPF motor vehicles and whilst in the vicinity of Leopold and Cross Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, they heard a
loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot.
“The ranks saw an identifiable male of African descent dressed in long blue jeans and a coloured hoodie, running with what appeared to be a firearm in his hand and heading in a southern direction and into a fenced
yard,” the police said, adding that ranks gave chase and managed to apprehend him.
“The suspect was searched and police found one 9MM Beretta pistol in his pants waist. The suspect was asked if he was the holder of a valid firearm licence and he said 'no.' He was told
The suspect who refused to identify himself to ranks is in police custody
of the offence committed and cautioned, but he remained silent.
“The identifiable male was then arrested but he refused to give his name and particulars to the ranks.
“The suspect along with the firearm (and a magazine with 10 matching rounds of 9mm ammunition were escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station where the firearm was dusted for fingerprints by crime scene ranks,” the police further said.
The suspect was later taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters where his hands were swabbed for gunpowder residue. He was later placed in custody pending further investigation.
The firearm and matching rounds of ammunition that were allegedly found in a man’s pants waist after a police chase
Queen’s Park Cricket Club power to T20 title
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) clinched their seventh Premiership 1 T20 title with a dominant 92-run win over Clarke Road United in the CPL/TKR T20 Festival final here Saturday at Queen’s Park Oval.
Batting first, QPCC posted 185 for five, powered by Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten 81. Khary Pierre then starred with a hat-trick, supported by Jyd Goolie’s three wickets, as Clarke Road crumbled to 93 all out in 16.2 overs. Akeal Hosein and Terrance
Hinds also weighed in two wickets each.
QPCC lost an early wicket but accelerated with Kyle Ramdoo’s 33 and Jangoo’s aggressive 81, which included three sixes. Despite Clarke Road’s mid-innings fightback, QPCC surged in the final overs, with Terrance Hinds contributing a quickfire 19.
In reply, Clarke Road struggled against QPCC’s spin attack, collapsing after Pierre’s hat-trick left them reeling at 65 for eight. This marked Clarke Road’s second final defeat to QPCC.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Monday, March 24, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Yuzvendra Chahal - 205 wickets (2) Alzarri Joseph - 6/12 (MI vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2019)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has compiled the most runs in an IPL season?
(2) Who has claimed the most wickets in a single season?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
RACING TIPS
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Australia seal series with commanding 82-run victory over New Zealand
AUSTRALIA sealed the T20I series against New Zealand with a commanding 82-run victory in the second T20I, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.
This win adds to their dominant form, having crushed England 16-0 in the Women's Ashes earlier this year. Annabel Sutherland, who finished as the Player of the Match in Mount Maunganui, puts Australia's recent success down to embodying the “no limits” ethos they have aimed for.
“I think we're sort of showing a bit more of the way we want to play," Sutherland told reporters after Australia's win.
"Certainly in the way we're speaking about our cricket, most conversations are...I guess, we're putting value on that type of cricket, which is cool. And, yeah, celebrating the little moments along the way which go towards that style of play.”
Batting first, Australia posted a massive total of 204 in the second T20I, thanks to a blistering knock of 70 off 42 balls by Beth Mooneyher fourth 70-plus score in her last five T20I knocks.
"Yeah, that is crazy. In T20 cricket, which is a hard game, she's, yeah, she looks so good out there and tough to bowl to," Sutherland said of Mooney's consistent run with the bat.
The all-rounder then played a pivotal role in Australia's win, claiming a four-wicket haul in just 2.1 overs while conceding only eight runs - her best career figures in T20Is.
"It felt pretty good. There was a bit of pace and bounce in the wicket, which suited me," said Sutherland.
“I thought Darcie Brown as well did a really good job and then our spinners too.So
All-round New... (From page 28)
thrown at them.
The former dominated the opening stand of 59 before falling to a sharp catch at deep square leg. Allen then took over as the home side raced to 79 in the first six overs.
Mark Chapman also started well, but was castled by Haris Rauf to give Pakistan some respite. However, Allen's assault had New Zealand breathing fire at 134/1, with a total of 250 looking a realistic possibility. But the opener fell, first ball after the drinks break, and Pakistan then put on the squeeze for the next few overs, like they had done at Eden Park.
After being very expensive early on, Abrar Ahmed struck twice with the scalps of Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Hay as the Black Caps endured a slight wobble.
Daryl Mitchell (29 off 23) and Bracewell, however, ensured that the innings didn't fall off the cliff with a measured stand. The southpaw batted deep, and smashed the ball around a fair bit to get
that was a good [all] round performance,” she added.
The win over the reigning T20 World Cup champions marked Australia's first-ever T20I series win in New Zea-
New Zealand to 220. It was a very challenging score, given the lively nature of the pitch. The bigger dimensions meant that mishits wouldn't carry for boundaries either and Pakistan's chase was virtually over even before it could get off the blocks. William O'Rourke got rid of Mohammad Haris in the very first over while last game's centurion Hasan Nawaz fell next over to Jacob Duffy.
Duffy struck again in the same over to get rid of skipper Salman as Pakistan fell to 9/3 in a jiffy. Irfan Khan (24 off 16) and Abdul Samad (44 off 30) were the only batters to get into double digits. They were also the only batters who managed to counter the pace and bounce offered by the pitch. Wickets kept falling at regular intervals and if not for the duo's resistance, the margin of defeat would have been far more embarrassing.
Duffy picked up a four-fer while Zakary Foulkes picked up three wickets to have Pakistan in shambles.
land. However, Sutherland stated, the focus remains on maintaining a clinical approach with both bat and ball, regardless of the opposition.
"Oh, more so just for us
in the way that we want to play, not really comparing to other teams. It's just, we know sort of where we can get to.
"We're not really put-
ting a limit on that. So, yeah, nice to hit that 200 mark today with a bat on a pretty good deck. And, like I said, clinical with the ball." (ICC Media)
Anabel Sutherland was named Player of the Match
NALICO/NAFICO provides cash support to ‘Project Cricket Gear’
INSURANCE giant, NALICO/NAFICO, a subsidiary of Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited, is the first major financial institution to come on board with “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana, the joint initiative of Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.
At a simple but significant ceremony, held recently, the cheque was presented to Beharry by an employee who stated that her com -
pany is impressed with the work of the noble venture, hence the donation. She also indicated that her company continues to give back to the communities through sports and other forms.
NALICO/NAFICO has 19 branches across the length and breadth of Guyana, providing a service of excellence with unbeatable rates. The enterprise is very thankful for the timely intervention from the major insurance company. The cash will be used to pur -
chase cricket gear for young and talented cricketers in Berbice.
Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $610,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 33 pairs of cricket shoes, 67 pairs of batting pads, 46 cricket bats, 40 pairs of batting gloves, 28 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 13 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, seven helmets,
A representative of NALICO/NAFICO hands over cheque to Anil Beharry
one fibre glass bat, one pair of floppy hat, 16 boxes and four of white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and 28 footballs. In addition to the above, gear valued over $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former National
wicket-keeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time.
To date, 94 players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, seven gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 33 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 35 pairs of cricket shoes, 21 pairs of batting pads, 24 thigh pads, one bat grip, 37 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and three pairs of wicketkeeping gloves.
A representative of NALICO/NAFICO hands over cheque to Anil Beharry.
Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
One Guyana Basketball Premier League
Block 22 Flames, Stabroek Eagles and Royals win as
BLOCK 22 Flames, Stabroek Eagles and Royals picked up wins on Saturday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the One Guyana Basketball Premier League.
Linden’s Block 22 Flames picked up a threepoint win over Berbice Renegades 72-69.
The contest saw Flames taking the lead earl,17-13, after the first quarter but Berbice flipped the script in the second quarter to lead 29-25 at the half.
Marvin Mars 10, Stephen Peters 17 and Avion Kesney with 16 showed their worth for Berbice as they sought to close it out leading by five points at the end of the third quarter 50-45.
Flames’ Lerone Joseph 19 and Shamar Savory hit a
playoff round looms
game-high 28 points with 10 buckets from Shawn Cameron as they surged back to eclipse Berbice Renegades in the fourth period to narrowly win 72-69.
Last year’s finalist Eagles were led by top scorer Zion Grey with 20 points as they outlasted Panthers 59-48.
Panthers started slowly as they trailed 30-10 at the break; however, Anish Ramlall, who ended with 23 points stepped up after the half to give his team a fighting chance.
Eagles’ Travis Belgrave scored 10 crucial points along with seven each from Timothy Richmond and Mortimer Robinson as they fought off Panthers Fourth-quarter rally to win it 59-48.
Also in the winner’s circle was Royals who defeated
Bounty Colts 61-47.
Royals led for all four quarters with Yannick Tappin dropping 16 points, with 14 from Harold Adams and 11 from Kobe Tappin.
Jaden Simon scored 12 and Shayne Webster 11 points in a losing effort as they were outplayed on the offensive and defensive ends as Royals picked up an easy win.
The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission(NSC) and is set to conclude in May and features 22 teams evenly split in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country and battling for bragging rights, top dollars and the coveted trophy.
All-round New Zealand decimate Pakistan to clinch series
NEW Zealand produced a ruthless all-round performance to seal a series-clinching 115-run win against Pakistan in the fourth T20I. Put in to bat, the Black Caps rode on explosive knocks from Finn Allen (50 off 20) and Tim Seifert (44 off 22), while Michael Bracewell (46* off 26) fired at the back end
to power the hosts to a strong total of 220.
Unlike the previous game, Pakistan's chase never got going at all, as they were bowled out for 105, with New Zealand's pacers ripping Pakistan's inexperienced batting unit apart. The dimensions at Mount Maunganui are bigger than
Eden Park, but it was another lovely batting surface with lot of pace and bounce in it. Salman Ali Agha opted to bowl, hoping for a repeat of the previous game, but once again, New Zealand got off to a fiery start in the PowerPlay. Seifert and Allen went bonkers, taking down everything that was
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Guyana-born Daniel Singh surprised by Emerging Umpire of the Year award
WEST Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) qualified umpire, Guyanese-born Daniel Singh, who was named Emerging Umpire of the Year at the Toronto Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association (TCU&SA) 2024 awards ceremony, told Chronicle Sport that the accolade came as a complete surprise to him.
According to Singh, who also worked as a journalist at the Guyana Chronicle, “in my first year with the TCU&SA in 2023, I was surprised to have been selected to officiate in the national women’s tournament. Then, in 2024, to have been given the award of Emerging Umpire of the Year, was a complete sur -
prise. So, receiving such an award not only gave me a sense of recognition for my efforts, but also reminded me that someone is always watching, even when you don’t think so.”
Singh however pointed out that he remains grateful to the management of the TCU&SA and the experienced umpires who have helped him along the way.
Singh alluded to the fact that as an umpire, one makes a tremendous sacrifice to be away from home all weekend and sometimes late nights on weekdays to officiate in games.
Commenting on his umpiring journey, Singh said is started in 2009 after he decided to cease playing compet-
itive cricket. “Representing the BVI in the now defunct Stanford tournament was perhaps the highlight of my playing days. I progressed to completing the oral and practical exams of the WICUA in 2011, while still living in the BVI.
“However, in the years ensuing, umpiring experience was limited because not much cricket was being played in the BVI and I was always in a full-time job.”
Singh disclosed that after moving to Canada in 2021, he joined the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) and had the opportunity of officiating in games with very experienced umpires. (Frederick Halley)
Kishan’s unbeaten 106 ensures Sunrisers ease to win after posting 286
IN IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) took batting to dizzying heights. With Ishan Kishan’s addition to an already power-packed line-up, everyone wondered if they might be the first team to hit 300 in the IPL.
In their opening fixture of IPL 2025, they seriously threatened to get there, thanks to Kishan’s 45-ball hundred on franchise debut, and Travishek’s opening salvo.
They eventually fell 14 short of 300, and just one short of the IPL record they had set last season, but it was another emphatic statement of their high intent and power.
Kishan is an upgrade over their previous No. 3, Rahul Tripathi. He seamlessly slotted into SRH’s line-up, clattering an unbeaten 106 off 47 balls, his first IPL ton.
After Travis Head and
BCCI expands the role of fourth umpire in IPL
THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has broadened the role, duties, and responsibilities of the fourth umpire in the IPL matches.
During the recent Captains' Meeting at the Cricket Centre, the BCCI clearly emphasised that the fourth umpire should not be disturbed or distracted by teams, as they play a crucial role throughout the match. Additionally, the BCCI has clarified specific instances when a batsman can overrule his captain's call.
Among other responsibilities, the fourth umpire -- who majorly operates from outside the boundary line -- is authorised to randomly check the size of bats, not just on match days but also during practice sessions. Further, the umpire will monitor players retiring to the dugout, with particular attention to bowlers who leave the field after completing their quota of overs.
"The 4th Umpire is an important member of the team, the voice of the PCT at the boundary. Players are requested not to approach the 4th Umpire for any grievance against a decision. The 4th Umpire is empowered to check bats at any time on matchdays & practice days.
T They will be monitoring those bowlers who have left the field after finishing their bowling quota and those players who are habitual offenders of leaving the field to take rest," a BCCI note, on the minutes of the Captains' Meet, specified. Among other things, the fourth umpire shall also act as the emergency third umpire. He shall take a box containing at least six new balls to the dressing room, supervise the selection of the ball. He shall also ensure that, prior to the start of play and during any intervals, only authorised staff, the IPL match officials, players,
team coaches and authorised television personnel shall be allowed access to the pitch area.
Following are some of the other decisions taken at the meeting (as stated in the minutes):
20th Over: The entire innings has to be completed within the allocated time which will include the completion of 20 overs, this is different from ICC playing conditions which only takes into account the time till the 20th over begins.
Retired Out: Super Over & DLS: In an interrupted match the retired batter will be considered as a wicket down for DLS calculations.
Abhishek Sharma had helped SRH take 94 in the first six overs, the fifth-highest powerplay total, Kishan launched from there.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) made a decent fist of the chase, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel matching the intent and power of SRH’s batters with half-centuries.
Late blows from Shimron Hetmyer, the only overseas batter in RR’s squad, contributed to a match aggregate of 528, the second highest in the IPL, but such a mammoth target was always going to unchaseable. (ESPNcficinfo)
Concussion Replacement: A like-for-like replacement may be taken from the nominated substitutes. In case of wicketkeeper getting concussion, replacement will be permissible from the available squad. In case of an overseas player getting a concussion, the team can get a replacement from the nominated Indian substitute players, if a team has already started with four overseas players.
Notification for Time Out: The notification only to be given by either Captain or the batsmen at the wicket (for the batting time out). Should the batsmen at the wicket request the time out, this will take precedence over any advice from the batting Captain off the field. Coaches can also request a Time Out to the fourth umpire in the event the captain is not available.
Team Sheets: Team sheets to be distributed after the toss. Captains carry one sheet each of the batting & bowling playing side. After the outcome of the toss, captains hand over the team sheet to the match referee. Both the team managers will exchange with each other and hand over the remaining 10 copies to the Assistant Venue Manager. (Cricbuzz)
CSK beat Mumbai Indians for winning start to IPL
CHENNAI Super Kings’ bowling acquisitions during the off-season has paid immediate dividends.
Their four new bowlers took nine wickets between them to restrict Mumbai Indians to 155 for 9, a total that they ultimately chased down with ease but not without a hiccup against debutant left-arm wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur, who is yet to represent his state side in senior cricket.
However, the other leftarm wrist spinner, younger than Puthur but a veteran by comparison, made the telling impact.
Noor Ahmad registered his best IPL figures and
the best figures for a CSK spinner against MI, 4 for 18, to capitalise on the inroads made by Khaleel Ahmed, whose CSK debut was not too shabby either: wickets of openers and analysis of 4-0-29-3.
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad made the chase look like a walk in the park with 53 off 26, bringing the requirement down to a run a ball in the ninth over, but this is when they started losing wickets to Puthur, struggling to impart power into his slow wristspin. Three of them holed out in the deep, but Rachin Ravindra anchored the chase with 65 off 45 to see them home. (ESPNcricinfo)
Ishan Kishan slammed his first IPL hundred (BCCI photo)
Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrates his half-century (AFP/Getty Images)
As per the new BCCI guidelines, the fourth umpire is set to play a bigger role
Massy/Milo Schools Football Championship
Bartica, Chase Academy and Santa Rosa continue dominance in round two
BARTICA, Chase Academy and Santa Rosa Secondary schools continued to impress on Saturday last in round two of the Milo Schools Football Championship at the Ministry of Education and Queen’s College grounds.
Defending champions Chase continued to flex their footballing muscle with a 11-nil win over West Demerara Secondary at the MoE ground.
Isaiah Ifill was the chief architect with a quadruple coming in the 10 th , 14 th ,37 th and 45 th minutes.
The ever dependable Bryan Wharton also contributed as he recorded a hat- trick, Mark Glasgow registered a double with Emmanuel Campbell and Jashan Haynes scoring the other goals.
Bartica Secondary started things off in the opening clash with a 4-2 stoppage of
Carmel Secondary. Arvel Smith scored a pair of goals which came after Halzer Lyken had given them the early advantage 10 minutes into the match-up 3-nil the scores read. Carmel’s Marcus Layne came to the fore in the 23rd and 55th minutes to make it 3-2 before Bartica’s Reizer
Reed’s late goal made it 4-2 to give Bartica a comfortable win.
Santa Rosa Secondary then dismissed New Central High 4-1 in the final clash on the CARIFESTA Avenue ground.
Santa Rosa’s goal scorers were Daren Williams, Enrique Williams, Rupee Nor-
ton and Randy Chappelle.
Trevor Gordon scored New Central High’s consolation goal as the match ended 4-1.
Over at the Queen’s College ground Three Miles edged Hope Secondary 3-2, compliments of goals by Amare Caesar, Meshack Williamson and Travin Ben-
jamin.
Then South Ruimveldt Secondary drew with New Amsterdam Secondary 1- 1. Charlestown Secondary closed off the day’s action with a 2-nil victory over Brickdam Secondary at the same venue.
It took Omari Cassius in the 38th and Dequan Cox in the 56th minute to ensure Charlestown’s victory. The schools are playing for bragging rights, a championship trophy and the $300,000 cash prize which will be used for a school project of their choice with $200,000 and $100,000 for the second and third-placed schools.
George Foreman vowed to kill Muhammad Ali in the ring before a friendship bloomed
UPON learning Friday night
George Foreman had died at 76, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Rasheda AliWalsh said she sent a text message to George Foreman Jr., the oldest son of the former heavyweight champion.
“Please know that we’re here for you, sending much love and support,’’ Rasheda Ali-Walsh told USA TODAY Sports she texted, followed by, “Your dad is sparring with my dad in heaven.’’
Probably wearing not only boxing gloves but smiles. AliWalsh agreed.
In one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, Ali and Foreman went from bitter rivals who clashed in “The Rumble in the Jungle’’ to something altogether different.
“He and my dad became really good friends, and if I'm not mistaken, [Foreman] inspired my dad into being a pastor and a spiritual adviser,'' Ali-Walsh said.
Foreman attended Ali's memorial and funeral service when Ali died in 2016. But the relationship got off to a rocky start in 1974 leading up to "The Rumble in the Jungle,'' their fight in Zaire.
Foreman, then 40-0 and
one of the hardest punchers in the sport, said multiple times he was going to kill Ali, a heavy underdog. Ali continuously mocked Foreman, such as when he told reporters, “George Foreman is nothing but a big mummy. I've officially named him, 'The Mummy.' ” Ali walked like a mummy, delighting the press, but not Foreman. Then their fight sent shockwaves around the world, not the least because Ali sent Foreman crashing to the canvas with an eighthround knockout.
“Daddy was always trying to get in his opponent's head,’’ Ali-Walsh said. “And I think he got in George's head.’’
George Foreman, Muhammad Ali form friendship
Three years after “The Rumble in the Jungle,’’ Foreman said he was hit by something more powerful than Ali.
He called it a religious experience that prompted him to quit boxing in 1977 at age 28.
Hana Ali, one of the boxer's seven daughters, said years later her father gave her 60 hours of taped phone conversations. One of her favourites, she told USA TODAY Sports in 2014, is an hour-long talk her father had
with Foreman in 1979. She said Foreman was preaching while Ali, then in his later 30s, still was fighting and, in retrospect, showing early signs of Parkinson's disease.
"George Foreman begins by warning my father not to do these boxing exhibitions that are going to lead him back to the ring," Hana Ali told USA TODAY Sports in 2014, "and he doesn't want him there. He said, 'I had a
dream,' and he's telling him, 'God doesn't want you in the ring. You need to stop.' My dad says, 'It's just a boxing exhibition.' And he goes, 'No, stop now because it's going to lead apparently to something else.' And then, of course, my father only follows his own mind."
Yet Foreman, after a decade-long absence from boxing, returned in 1987 at age 38. In 1994, at 45, Foreman
knocked out Michael Moorer, then 26, and became the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
In 2014, Foreman told USA TODAY Sports that he received a congratulatory letter from his old nemesis, the one who called him a mummy.
"Can you imagine that?" Foreman said. "Who would think almost 20 years later, there's Muhammad, my conqueror, congratulating me in fighting for the championship of the world and winning it."
In 2012, Foreman was at Ali’s 70th birthday party at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. It was a fundraiser spurred by Ali, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease.
“They always was [sic] supportive of each other in their endeavours,’’ Rasheda Ali-Walsh said.
In an Instagram post Friday, Hana Ali said she used to FaceTime Foreman so her father could talk with him. "They’d reminisce, share laughs, and lovingly debate who had it better—George with his sons, or Daddy with his daughters,'' Hana Ali wrote.
In December, Rasheda
Ali-Walsh said, she and her six sisters gathered in Houston. It was near the home of Foreman, and they were there to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Rumble in the Jungle.’’
The daughters of Ali celebrated with some of Foreman's children, Ali-Walsh said.
“It was like celebrating the lineage, legacy and the love between my dad and George Foreman,’’ she said. “There was, of course, the iconic fight. But just their relationship in general, how they had a deep love and respect for one another.’’
At the 50th celebration, according to d-mars.com, many of the children of both boxers gathered for a photo after which George Foreman Jr. said, "Our fathers spent so many years really talking about how much they cared for each other and loved each other. They passed that down to us. This was our first time as a group getting together for a picture and it was like we showed up to a family reunion with long-lost cousins. We didn’t skip a beat."
Rasheda Ali-Walsh said her father's old boxing rival-turned-friend was ailing then.
From left Daren Williams (1) Enrique Williams (1) Rupee Norton (1) Randy Chappelle (1)
Bartica Secondary goal scorers: From left HelserLyken(1), Arvel Smith(2) and Reizer Reid(1)
Former boxing champions George Foreman, left, and Muhammad Ali on stage at the 69th annual Academy Awards, in 1997
Dave’s West Indian Imports 50-Over First Division Cricket
Van Lange’s Man-of-the-Match 111 powers DCC to victory
By Sean Devers
A pugnacious century from Man-of-the-Match Johnathan Vanlange and an enterprising 83 from National Captain Tevin Imlach powered DCC 320-5 in 41 overs in a rain affected game at the DCC ground in Queenstown yesterday, while Dwayne Dick’s 5-8 spun Police to a seven-wicket win over GCC at Bourda.
At DCC, Vanlange, who turned 18 last December, brushed off the disappointment of not being picked for the CWI Breakout T20 League with an entertaining 111 from 73 balls decorated seven fours and seven sixes and got support from Imlach who reached the boundary
seven times and cleared it on seven occasions in a masterful 83 which lasted 75 balls.
Alypius Bookie hit an undefeated 49 from 23 balls with six fours and two sixes while Sachin Singh chipped in 32 from 31 balls with five boundaries.
Nickosie Barker took 2-71 for Malteenoes who were dismissed for 112 from just 23.4 over despite Barker’s 34 with two fours and a couple of sixes. Andrew Gibson (19) was the only the other batter to offer token resistance on the small ground as the sun returned in all its glory.
Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd (4-28) and off-spinner Ezekiel Wilson (4-37) conspired to disman-
…Dwayne Dick takes 5-for as Police beat GCC
Man-of the-Match Johnathan Van Lange (left) scored 111 and Tevin Imlach who made 83 for DCC yesterday
tled the Malteenoes batting.
At the historic Bourda, in the other match played yesterday, GCC were shot
Off-spinner Dwayne Dick had 5-8 as Police beat GCC
out for 77 after losing Test player Kevin Sinclair for first-ball duck.
The Berbican, in his first
match for the Caribbean’s oldest club after leaving Everes Club, edged Quinten Sampson to the keeper at 0-1
and GCC never recovered. First-Class all-rounder
Renaldo Ail-Mohamed (1) fell to Dick and only Nicolas Shiopersaud who hung around for 76 balls for his 25 before he removed by the frugal Troy Benn who conceded just 18 runs from 8.3 overs.
Martin Pestano-Bell (14) and Aryan Persaud (12) were the other batters to reach double figures as Dick spun webs around the batters. He was supported by Berbard Bailey (3-22).
Police reached 81-3 in 16.3 overs as Pernell London was unbeaten on 49 from 59 balls with three fours and three sixes. Benn was with him on 10 when victory was achieved.
Zulfikar Mustapha, Executive Secretary of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) presents the winner’s trophy to the victorious Briton John
BRITON John has triumphed in the 2025 Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race, delivering a dominant performance to claim victory.
John, a familiar competitor in the annual event, crossed the finish line in two hours, 32 minutes, and 37 seconds (2:32:37).
The race commenced outside Freedom House in New Amsterdam and took cyclists along the Corentyne.
Its turnaround point was Number 63 Village, and it concluded
Card,
at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant. Phillip Clark secured second place, followed by Jamal John in third. Christopher Griffith, Sequn Sandy, and Alexander Leung completed the top six.
Category Winners:
• Juniors: Alexander Leung emerged victorious, with Alex Newton and Sidwell Sandy finishing second and third, respectively.
• Veterans (Open): Phillip Clark claimed the title, followed by
Briton John cops Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race
Husband and Robin Persaud.
• Veterans (Over 50): Junior Niles took top honours, with Talim Shaw and Ian Jackson completing the podium.
• Juveniles: Chris Hector won the category, with Dickwan Rutherford finishing second.
Thirty-three riders participated in the event, which serves not only as a test of endurance but also as a tribute to the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
The race featured two route variations: veteran cyclists com -
pleted a shorter route to Babu Jaan, while others continued to Number 63 Village
Zulfikar Mustapha, Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), addressed the cyclists before the start, emphasising the race’s significance as a tribute to Dr. Jagan.
“Every turn of your wheels and every pedal of your cycle is a turn of the wheel and the pedal to progress,” Mustapha stated, highlighting Dr. Jagan’s dedication to
Guyana’s advancement. He reminded participants that the race was more than just a competition; it was a tribute to Dr. Jagan, whom he described as “the father of the nation.” He conveyed best wishes from President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and urged cyclists to adhere to the rules.
This year’s race marked the 28th anniversary of Dr. Jagan’s passing, whose legacy continues to inspire Guyanese.
Dockery lead strong Jamaica squad for CARIFTA Games in Trinidad & Tobago
SPRINTERS Gary Card and Sabrina Dockery headline a strong squad named by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to represent the nation at the 52nd staging of the CARIFTA Games scheduled for April 1921 in Trinidad & Tobago.
Wolmer’s Boys’ Card will compete in the Under-20 100m, where he will enter as a heavy favourite for gold, as well as the 4x100m while Dockery will compete in the Under-20 100m, 200m and 4x100m.
Joining Card in the Under-20 Boys 100m will be Calabar’s Shaquane Gordon while Muschette High star Shanoya Douglas will be competing alongside Dockery in the Under-20 Girls sprint double.
Gordon will also compete in the sprint hurdles alongside Kingston College’s Daniel Clarke who produced a brilliant 13.06 to win at the CARIFTA Trials.
The KC pair of Tajh-Marques White and Marcinho Rose have been selected for the Under-20 Boys 400m.
The Under-17 Boys group is led by Holmwood Technical’s sprint double winner at CARIFTA Trials, Jaydon Collins and also includes talented middle-distance runner Carvel Nooks.
Gary Card and Sabrina Dockery
The Girls Under-17 squad includes talented sprinter Adora Campbell and distance-runner Kevongaye Fowler.
