Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 24-05-2023

Student suspected to have set the deadly Mahdia fire

POLICE investigations so far into Sunday night’s deadly Mahdia fire, which claimed the

lives of 19 persons, have revealed that a female student is suspected to have set the fire be-

cause her cellular phone was taken away by the dorm ’ s mother and a teacher.

–– Police file to be sent to DPP today

At the time of the fire, there were 57 female students in the dormitory, a one-flat concrete building measuring about 100 feet by 40 feet, with several windows, all grilled, and five doors

According to the female students, they were asleep and were awakened by screams Upon checking, they saw fire/ smoke in the bathroom area , which quickly spread around the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and smoke inhalation, whilst several managed to escape

The injured students were taken to the Mahdia District Hospital , seen , examined and admitted patients by doctors . At the hospital, five of the female students were pronounced dead

A search was carried out in the building, which was completely destroyed by the fire, and 14 burnt remains of human beings were found

On Monday , between 09:30 hours and 11:30 hours , Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh performed post - mortem examinations with dissections on six of the bodies: Nicholeen Robinson , Shorlin Bellarmine, Eulanda Carter , Subrina John , Martha D’ Andrade and

cause of death was given as smoke inhalation and burns

The bodies were identified by relatives and handed over to them for burials On the said date, 13 of the burnt bodies were taken to Georgetown and are presently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for storage and DNA purposes

Some 17 of the female students were medevac to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical treatment

They are in stable / critical condition, while 11 of the female students are presently in stable condition at the Mahdia District Hospital.

Several of the students were interviewed in the presence of a probation officer , and statements were taken The scene is presently secured and guarded by ranks as investigations continue

The police file will be sent to the DPP today

Adonijah Jerome at the Mahdia District Hospital ’ s mortuary and the

President Ali pledges ‘full unconditional support’ to grieving relatives

IN a national address on Tuesday , President Dr . Irfaan Ali, reaffirmed his commitment to providing extensive assistance to the families affected by the tragic incident at the Mahdia Secondary School ’ s female dormitory.

The President assured the nation that the government would spare no effort in supporting the victims ’ relatives during this difficult time

“I want to assure all of you that no effort will be spared Every conceivable help, every conceivable assistance, every conceivable action that is required of the government, we will do, we will support , and we will ensure that we are with you not only this day but through this difficult time,” he said

In line with this commitment, President Ali has assigned a government minister to each affected family to ensure that the government’s mandate of providing support is carried out effectively

This measure aims to establish direct channels of communication and assistance for the families , ensuring that their needs are addressed promptly

Acknowledging the outpouring of support from various quarters, President Ali expressed gratitude while assuring the affected families and all Guyanese that the government would fully support them

“ Whilst we appreciate all the offers for support, I want to assure all the families and all Guyanese that the government will support

–– says minister assigned to each family to promptly address needs

port their colleagues here

A team is also posted at the Kanuku Hotel , where we have family members and parents of those in hospitals and those who came out to identify the bodies of their children,” he said

President Ali also announced that DNA samples extracted from the 13 bodies that were burnt beyond recognition, will be sent to the renowned Mount Sinai Laboratory in New York Barbadian Forensic Pathologist Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul arrived in Guyana on Tuesday to assist local authorities in this crucial endeavour

Dr Paul is expected to travel to Mahdia today to collect the outstanding samples from relatives

all the families and these children… We will provide all that is necessary…”

Dr Ali said that some families have requested financial compensation and he has assured them that that will be dealt with as they move from the immediate task at hand

“

As I said before , full and unconditional support will be given to every sin-

Norton faces backlash after calling for ministers to resign over Mahdia fire

OPPOSITION Leader , Aubrey Norton is facing significant backlash from members of the public after he called for the resignation of Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony and Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill following Monday’s tragic fire at the Mahdia.

Across social media platforms, members of the public took to the comment section and called out Norton for these remarks

Some persons voiced their support and questioned how such an action would help the situation even as they called Norton out for

playing politics with such a delicate situation

In one comment , one person stated , “ Why does everything have to be political? These leaders have no dignity and jump at every opportunity to defame the other.”

Others commented that while the opposition leader called for the ministers to resign , he too should step down

The fire at the dorm started late Sunday night and a team of ministers including the education minister, home affairs minister and even President , Dr Irfaan Ali , made their way to the Region Eight town to have a hands-

on approach to the situation

The opposition leader called for the ministers to resign during an interview with Trinidad and Tobago’s CCNTV6

During that interview he stated that there should be “Three resignations.”

gle family and every single child affected. This support is not only medical, immediate, financial, transportation, accommodation and meals It will go far beyond this,” he said

Additionally, a full team of psychiatrists, psychological counsellors and social workers have been assembled to provide counselling for all students, their fami-

lies, teachers and members of their community.

“ We have four teams working every day out of Mahdia and we ’ re going to ensure that these teams remain in place for the next three months We also have a high - level team of additional doctors that will be posted to Mahdia for the next three months to provide specialised care and to sup-

President Ali highlighted the importance of swift action, stating, “The team is in the process of collecting all samples from the remains and from the parents, after which those samples will be packaged and transferred sometime tomorrow [Wednesday] to Mount Sinai They will be flown to Mount Sinai labs in New York because this lab provides the shortest return time in terms of the results,” he said

He also said that that the funeral for Sabrina John , one of the victims of the tragic fire, will take place on Thursday in her hometown Karisparu, which is also located in Region Eight.

“ I continue to pray that the mercy, love, patience of God be with all these families and be with us as a nation,” he said

Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton

President Ali comforts a grieving mother as he engages Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand during his visit to Mahdia on Monday (Department of Public Information photo)

Social justice must be a priority focus for labour leaders - President Ali

By Cassandra Khan

GIVEN the labour challenges and other issues facing the world today, the Caribbean’s labour leaders must use social justice to promote socioeconomic development for the benefit of the people in the region.

This point was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali, while delivering his address at the opening of the Twelfth Subregional ILO Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers, at the Guyana Marriot Hotel on Tuesday

The three-day event is a collaboration between the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean and Guyana’s Ministry of Labour, and is being held under the theme, “Social justice- the foundation for sustainable Caribbean transformation.”

President Ali in his address said that social justice cannot be an event or target, but a culture

“That is what we have allowed social justice to be, a set of measurable targets that we aim to achieve Social justice must be a culture through which societies are built, through which nations are built, through which policies are built It cannot be a set of targets,” President Ali said He explained that for this to work for the countries, it must be a culture that they all adhere to and adopt

“Too many times as countries we are asked to manage for targets and manage for outcomes and manage for situations and manage for benchmarks and manage for statistics, but are we managing for people? Are we building systems that allow people to be the centre of the policy?” he said before emphasising that “it is time we wake up as a world…”

He questioned how the disparity that exists and the proportionate responsibility of what is required should be calculated

“Would the system allow us to have that conversation or would we ensure that the system allows that conversation We may be too small individually but collectively we have enough to question the system,” he said

President Ali, in stating the three confronting crises of the world: energy security, food security and climate security, questioned where in those areas social justice exists

He noted that with the first global challenge the world faced, social justice was erased

“We must not forget that those who could not have afforded the vaccines are still waiting for the vaccines and those who could have

afforded the vaccines were told you are not priority in the line,” the head of state explained

He said that they cannot continue in a world where they know that the three crises would affect them the worst without having answers now

President Ali related that social justice for workers is accessibility to financing to ensure future generations have access to education, healthcare, and equal opportunity

He pointed out that it is not about creating the framework for existing workers alone

“It is about how globally we are taking collective responsibility for the workforce now and in the future and what is happening,” he stated

REGIONAL AGENDA

President Ali said that these conferences must not be bound only by externalities, but must be shaped by their own realities and they must pose the questions and advance the agenda in the region.

“In this region, we too have priorities We too have an agenda We too have citizens and realities and circumstances It is time for us to use these forums to advance our cause as a people of this region,” he related

President Ali added: “The ILO must not escape this symposium without providing answers or without assuring us in this region that our priorities will be on the agenda for

See page 5

President Dr Irfaan Ali; Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; CARICOM’s Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, Alison Drayton; Barbados’ Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Colin Jordan; UN Resident Coordinator, Guyana, Yeshim Oruc; Director of ILO DWT and Office for the Caribbean, Dennis Zulu and others

Social justice must be a priority focus ...

answers to be provided.”

Additionally, he noted that they have to craft their minds around a labour policy that will allow them to fill the needs and gaps that the region has

“As the world faces its own labour challenges, we in the Caribbean find ourselves in a position that we are investing for those who can pay higher There is freedom of movement of labour We cannot afford the salaries so is affordability a component of social justice?” he related

President Ali noted that he sees special migration programmes and policies developed every day to target the highly skilled workers of the region and they cannot afford the type of salaries that will keep them

Given that the region’s circumstances are different, the labour framework in the region should be different, according to President Ali

“ Unless we can build our programmes and policies around this frame, we will be doing a great injustice to policymaking,” he said.

GLOBAL TARGET

Further, President Ali stated that 53 per cent or four billion persons in the global population are not covered in a social protection programme

“Studies have shown that 1 per cent of GDP investment of social protection policies can have a multiplier effect on GDP between 0.7 per cent and 1.9 per cent,” he said

Acknowledging that this is a theoretical study, he called on the attendees to imagine if one per cent of Global GDP was deployed to help developing countries.

“If the ILO spends so much money on this study that shows the multiplier effects of one per cent if national investment on GDP, you have proven it What are you going to do to ensure the globe commits to one per cent to developing countries of GDP? One per cent of the developed world’s GDP, imagine the multiplier effect,” he said

Additionally, he said that just utilising the outcome of the ILO’s study to push for a target, that should be a global target, it was found that poverty was reduced between four per cent and 1.3 per cent with an increase of one per cent GDP in social protection investment

“So if it is an investment of one per cent of GDP, you can reduce poverty, by four and 13 per cent,” he said

In continuing, he said that in the interest of social justice, he would like to see from the symposium, a strong statement that pushes global commitment on the one per cent

Moreover, President Ali shared more statistics

He said that in the Caribbean, when the population covered by at least one social protection benefit in 2020 is examined in most of the region’s countries, they are below the 60 per cent mark

“We are below the 60 per cent mark,

because when COVID hit us, we had to take money that was programmed for education, health [and] social protection, to ensure people stayed alive and that quantum of resources, we cannot catch up for the next five or 10 years because our debt to GDP ratio will not allow us,” he said before emphasising that this is the reality of the world we live in.

POSITIVE OUTOMES

Meanwhile , Minister of Labour , Joseph Hamilton said that he is looking forward to positive outcomes and expects to have exchange programmes with other ministries

He said that this forum is seen as the beginning of a process of collaboration and coordination

Additionally, Dennis Zulu, Director at the ILO DWT and Office for the Caribbean Office said that the meeting is designed to provide them with a platform to prioritise and discuss social justice as a foundation for sustainable Caribbean transformation

“We can all agree that the extraordinary challenges faced by our region and planet have been compiled into overlapping crisis The impacts of COVID-19, climate change [ and ] global conflicts have worsened preexisting weaknesses such as unemployment levels poverty and inequalities,” he said

Zulu noted that they now have no other choice but to rethink how they ap-

proach the socioeconomic development challenges

Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector, Barbados, Colin Jordan, said that the theme chosen for the meeting is both appropriate and timely as there will be much to unpack during the sessions of the meeting

“Social justice is, and must remain the foundation for all we do in nation and region building and in all we do for workers who are a critical part of the construction of nations and region that we want,” he said

Minister Jordon added that Barbados concurs with the Director General of ILO, Gilbert Houngbo, when he spoke on World Day for Social Justice and said: “What the world needs now is a strong and sustained dose of social justice which is key to fair peaceful societies.”

Jordan said in that vein, they support strongly, the creation of a global coalition for social justice and Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Motley, is set to be in Geneva next month to add to her voice and support to the call and to the necessary institution that needs to be created

Among those participating in the meeting are Ministers of Labour and senior officials from 13 ILO member states and nine non-metropolitan territories in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean Representatives from regional workers’ organisations and employers’ organisations will also be in attendance.

Moving Forward

EVEN as Guyanese are about to observe the 57th anniversary since the granting of political independence, the mood of the country is sombre due to the tragic deaths of 19 of our children, whose lives were snuffed out by a fire at a dormitory at Mahdia

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning and flying of the national flag at half-staff at all public buildings as the country pays its respects to the fallen angels

This year’s flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for Lethem, Region Nine; this is an indication of the recognition of the critical role played by our Amerindian peoples in the process of national development

Without a doubt, the deaths of the children have impacted on the national mood

In the words of President Ali: “Today is one of the saddest days of my life as Pres-

ident It is a day I wished never occurred.”

He said this to the grieving parents, guardians and relatives of those children who perished in the flames

The President spoke for the entire nation who are still in a state of mourning

The President, along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn wasted no time in making their way to the site of the disaster, where a commitment was made that there will be “ full , unconditional and unhindered support” to the families and those children affected by the incident

This is yet another manifestation of the caring and compassionate nature of President Ali who has demonstrated that he is indeed a President for all, someone who feels the pain of the nation in times of pain and distress

But painful as the situation is, life must move on The country is on the forward move This year’s independence observances have seen Guyana experiencing one of its best economic moments due in part to our petroleum resources, but also to forward-looking and visionary leadership by President Ali and the PPP/C administration

The road to independence was not without its fair share of political intrigues by foreign vested interests in collaboration with local reactionary forces which saw the installation of the PNC-UF coalition government in the 1964 elections For nearly three decades the country suffered from PNC dictatorial rule which resulted in prolonged periods of economic and social decline

It was not until the restoration of democratic rule on October 5, 1992, that Guy-

anese began to experience the fresh air of democracy which was denied them by the then PNC regime It is fair to say that the full meaning and benefits of independence became much more pronounced and meaningful after the restoration of democratic rule on October 5, 1992

The above notwithstanding , we are today a proud and sovereign nation Guyana is now a respected nation in the international community. No longer are we considered a “pariah” state as was the case under PNC dictatorial rule

In all of this credit is due to our leaders, both past and present, who contributed to the struggle for a free, democratic and prosperous Guyana

We owe a special debt of gratitude to the late President, Dr Cheddi Jagan who is generally regarded as the main architect of our independence struggle

Alexander failed to address complaints of major irregularities, hijacking of IDPADA-G

Dear Editor,

PLEASE allow me a response to Mr Vincent Alexander’s recent tirade against me that was carried in an editorial of the Stabroek News on Sunday May 21, 2023, in which he made several spurious objections to the contents of a letter that I drafted and circulated among members of the African Guyanese cluster of organisations that participated in the Parliamentary process that elected me as their official representative on the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

Firstly, Mr Alexander’s claim that the cluster of seven main Afro-Guyanese organisations, that were agreed upon by both major parliamentary parties to which I referred in the letter, is a figment of my mind, has no standing and is not a real group, is misleading

He is fully aware that I made a promise to the cluster that once elected, I would operate in a consultative manner in representing our issues.

When I was sworn in by H E President Irfaan Ali on March 21, 2023, I immediately called a first meeting of the cluster and requested of them to begin work on a comprehensive document of perceived areas of inequality and discrimination that would be submitted to the ERC and which would serve as the standard to measure the effectiveness of my tenure

The cluster met in the ERC’s boardroom about five times between March 21 and May 21 , 2023 Though Mr Alexander has not come to any meetings, representatives of the coordinating council of IDPADA-G, whether to help or to subvert, have been in attendance

So, when Mr Alexander says that “Khafra has reconstituted the group unilaterally; designated himself as leader…,” he exposes his malicious intent to impugn my character and to subvert my efforts not just as leader, but also as the duly elected Afro-Guyanese commissioner on the ERC

Secondly, Mr Alexander in his attempt to refute my claim that the government’s intervention into the affairs of IDPADA-G was at the request of many of the organisations within IDPADA-G, states that “the organisations in the contrived cluster, such as Pan African Movement Guyana, ACDA and ironically IDPADA-G, among others have not invited such intervention.”

This is another attempt to mislead The truth is that those organisations, inclusive of the Guyana Rastafari Council, took a step back after major irregularities were observed and it was perceived that the entity was being hijacked by political operatives to be used in the battle between the major political parties Subsequent to that, almost 30 of the 50+ organisations of IDPADA-G, at that time, drafted, signed and submitted a letter of griev-

ances and irregularities to Mr Alexander requesting a meeting to address their concerns

He failed to address their demands and a subset of that larger group decided to send the letter to the Minister of Culture for his intervention The minister’s response was to stop the subvention and the rest is as they say, history

Thirdly , Mr Alexander asserts that their accusations of ethnic inequality and government discrimination at the UN last year “was not an act of protestation,” but that IDPADA-G merely “reports to these UN mechanisms as is provided for in their modus operandi,” however, it can be construed as an act to make the government look bad and not as any real attempt to have the issues reported or addressed , since IDPADA-G has failed to exhaust all available national or local avenues to seek redress

IDPADA-G should know that the UN is an international body that deals with protocol and though it may be inclined to listen, would be hard pressed to do more since they have failed to follow protocol

To date, IDPADA-G has not made any attempt to submit to the ERC a report of the perceived inequalities and discrimination that people of African descent in Guyana face If the ERC fails in its mandate to address those concerns then IDPADA-G would be justified

and validated in its recourse to the UN

The African Guyanese community does not deserve to be held at ransom and used by any political party as a shield in their war against their political opponent

African Guyanese cannot continue to be collateral damage I, as Rastafari, will not squander the opportunity that has been given to me by the officially recognised representatives of the African Guyanese community to ensure that the members of our community are not discriminated against, and that they are provided with an equal share of the rich resources that we have been blessed with as a country

I am encouraged that the government has shown a willingness to engage with the official representatives of the African Guyanese community within a context of mutual respect, trust and confidence and to begin a process to address the perceived needs of the community

Consequently, I will continue to utilise the office of commissioner of African Guyanese to ensure that the community is effectively represented within the context of my mandate.

Yours truly, Ras Khafra Commissioner Ethnic Relations Commission

Editor Navendra Seoraj

The use of a national tragedy to score political points is unconscionable

Dear Editor,

THE reprehensible behaviour and statements of members of the People’s National Congress-led opposition have been atrocious.

These political jesters who masquerade as leaders are regularly out of place and exhibit gross political immaturity

The dormitory fire in Mahdia has traumatised many Guyanese The sympathies of this letter writer go out to all those who suffered or have lost a loved one or friend

In this tragic moment in our history, we stand as One Guyana as our country has

lost There is no winner in these tragic situations

This day, May 22, ought to be dedicated as an annual day of mourning for the lives of those lost at the peak of their educational zeal and youthfulness

Ministers of the Government flew to Mahdia to assess the situation and offer condolences and other services to the region

Mobilisation of various government agencies and assistance from the private sector were all lauded efforts in this tragic time

The tragedy that took the lives of 20

young Guyanese and injured many others has saddened the nation Guyanese have expressed their sympathies and condolences whilst unfortunately, some members of the political opposition wasted no time in politicising this tragedy

They clearly have an embedded intent to politicise and contextualise everything along the line of race as well.

The absurdities of the statements of opposition - aligned members have left much to be desired I was appalled at these utterances

This stupendous posturing is unimpressive and further exemplifies the petty

and uncaring nature of the PNC-led opposition and its politics of division Their intent to sow discord among Guyanese irrespective of the circumstance is as clear as day

Those opposition members who sought to score points; political or otherwise, have no place in our country and displayed no leadership quality or consideration for the affected and their loved ones

Yours truly, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region 10

Guyana - On the verge of uneasiness?

Dear Editor,

MARVIN Gaye asked , “ What ’ s going on?” Quite a pertinent question to ponder given the recent spate of dangerous, damaging, and deadly incidents which have occurred throughout Guyana

The country is on the verge of uneasiness as some troubling incidents occurred to leave a distasteful taste in the mouth and a sense of uneasiness, as Guyanese recall a troubled past

Is it an accident that the “Mother of all calamities” in the past, when “The Famous Five” staged a daring shoot out at the Camp Street Prison and killed two prison officers in an escape bid for freedom during a time when Guyana was celebrating Mashramani?

While those criminals were on the streets, a leading newspaper noted, “The crime wave saw several execution-type murders, stabbings, robberies, attacks on police stations,

and other criminal activities which in essence, almost crippled Guyana and its economy.”

Is it a coincidence that, “Smallie” Williams , a convicted murderer sentenced to death , escaped from a maximum security Mazaruni prison with the aid of three armed accomplices, when Guyana is on the verge of celebrating her 57th Independence anniversary?

Will he be arrested or will he also pursue a warfare to form another gang to unleash a dose of the monstrosities as experienced during the 2000’s? Those nightmares are still fresh in the minds of many Once again, the PPP/C Government is faced with a dilemma of preventing a repetition of “The Famous Five,” this time by “The Infamous Four.”

As a trend setter, was it merely an incident that the PNC was evicted again from a Government building in Lethem, Rupununi? Or, was it laying a foundation for other things to follow? It will be recalled that earlier in

March 2023, they were removed from that building Godfrey Williams and Carl Parker, two senior PNC members, have been charged with malicious damage to property

Laying a trail of mischief, PNC Leader Aubrey Norton a few Sundays ago, urged vendors and the business community to vote for his party or risk being marginalised by the PPP at the upcoming Local Government Election

He openly apprised the audience that, “I want to warn the vendors They are out of power in Georgetown and every day they moving vendors Imagine them in power You are obligated to vote for the APNU so that you can continue to vend so to don’t vote for us is to give PPP the opportunity to take away your livelihood.”

Recently, a number of PNC supporters have crossed the bench willingly and have since joined the PPP/C team to contest the upcoming election A perturbed and worried PNC Party, is now scrambling to increase their propaganda campaign

Continuing a path of attempting to sabotage progress, the PNC Party went to the High Court to order the postponement or cancellation of the June 12 Local Government Election As noted by the AG, this Party had months to engage a legal process for any challenges but failed to do so and at the last moment, is now desperately trying to stall the holding of election

The PNC is quite aware that they will be the loser by a wide margin This dogma of a devious DNA, continues to materialise in different deportment

The PNC has lost its strangle - hold on

GECOM with the absence of Lowenfield, Mingo and Roxanne-Myers, as they are no longer occupying strategic positions The PNC is also infuriated with the appointment of Vishnu Persaud as Chief Election Officer

Since the angry , aggressive and annoyed PNC lost the March 2020 General and Regional Elections and were verbally asked to “step aside” after being sanctioned by the US Government for attempted election fraud, the PPP/C legally and legitimately was sworn into power after a five months impasse Since then, the country has witnessed a series of fire to government buildings, including, police stations and in particular, schools

Guyanese are left gasping and with eyes turned-up, fingers point in a particular direction Sadly, another devastating fire occurred Sunday at the dormitory at the Mahdia Secondary School

The death toll stands at 19, with serious injuries to others Many were lucky to escape this towering inferno which struck in the night The President and all officials have put a full-scale medical plan into action

This progression of events have certainly left Guyanese at home and abroad to wonder about an ultimate motive by some evil force in light of Independence celebration coming up this week to be followed by the Local Government Election on the June 12, 2023. Bob Dylan sang, “The answer is blowing in the wind.”

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Pleased with what the government has done

Dear Editor,

I AM appalled at the tragedy that took place in Mahdia on Sunday The sadness that engulfed the country and the grief felt was immense.

The President declared three days of national mourning for the loss of 19 young lives in a fire The nation mourns and all of Guyana has lost

As a mother of two girls, aged 15 and 13, I felt the pain of those parents who have lost their children My heartfelt sympathies go out to the parents, relatives and friends of those lost in the fire I had lost a child before and can say words cannot express that feeling of despair and sadness at such a permanent loss

Editor, the unfortunate loss of those young lives has awakened the empathy of the people of Guyana Unfortunately, I have seen some reckless and senseless statements from many individuals that are

worthy of condemnation There can be no profit from a tragedy. Disasters can occur at any time

It cannot be understated that in the face of this tragedy, politicians need to demonstrate some sense of responsibility and empathy and consideration for the grief of others It cannot be okay for elected officials to make this into anything other than a national loss

As parents and citizens alike, we ought to resist these efforts to politicise the grief of others. There is nothing that can be gained from this tragedy I urge that political personalities display compassion and respect for the lives that were lost and the survivors This is a moment of national sadness

I call on my fellow Guyanese to support the parents and people of Mahdia and the surrounding communities in this unfortunate chapter of our history I pray for a speedy recovery for the survivors, as I express my profound sympathy and

prayer as we all experience profound loss and pain

I am pleased with the efforts of the government which has been active since the tragedy They have pledged assistance to all those affected in various forms The efforts of the private sector and other agencies must be lauded

The many Guyanese that expressed sentiments of regret, disbelief and grief,

let’s pray for our country during this period of sadness

Every effort should be made to ensure such incidents never recur. May 22 annually should be commemorated in memory of those young girls whose lives were lost.

Sincerely

Yours, Attiya Baksh

Guyana: A significant voice in discourses on climate change, environmental protection on global scale

DURING his keynote address at the opening of the Guyana embassy in Qatar, the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said: "Guyana is leading on the issue of climate change globally. We are the first country to deploy large-scale carbon on the international market, the first country to sign an end-user agreement with Hess Corporation, and the first country to sign a bilateral agreement on the sale of carbon credits with the Kingdom of Norway. The forest, which is the second-largest forest cover globally, stores 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon.

So, as we discuss climate change and environmental services, those discus-

sions cannot be without Guyana as a main player and stakeholder."

While continuing the

work that was pioneered by Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in 2009, President Ali has made

it a priority to strengthen Guyana's climate security since he was elected in 2020. This includes the introduction of the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, an expanded version of the LCDS 2009, following consideration of several regional and global developments that centre on investments

in clean energy to promote low-carbon growth, defence against climate change, and preservation of biodiversity.

President Ali and his government finalised a sale agreement last December with Hess Corporation. Hess will buy high-quality carbon credits directly from the government for

at least US$750M between 2022 and 2032.

The agreement will contribute to advancing low-carbon development in Guyana, support the maintenance of the vast forest that covers 85 per cent of Guyana’s landmass, and provide financing for programmes that

Continued on page 11

Guyana: A significant voice in discourses on climate...

From page 10

would enhance the lives of villages and communities across the country.

In addition, Guyana has taken a proactive role in a number of international initiatives and accords addressing climate change.

The nation took part in the United Nations Framework talks and made a significant contribution to the cause of improving climate resilience. The country continues to uphold its commitment to safeguarding and preserving wildlife and biodiversity, and it participates in the global programme known as “30 by 30,” which calls on governments to protect 30 per cent of their land and ocean regions by the year 2030.

Recently, a group of youth leaders and young professionals from over

30 nations gathered in Casablanca, Morocco, to discuss and create neighbourhood-based solutions for global concerns. The Global Youth Convention (GYC) 2023, which was hosted by the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA), gave a lot of attention to energy and climate change this year.

Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 was significant among the topics of interest. Ravin Singh, the Director of Projects and Policy at the Office of the First Lady in Guyana and a member of the neighbourhood non-governmental organization (NGO) Guyana Environment Initiative (GEI), was Guyana’s representative at the event.

On the first day of the conference, Singh highlighted in his presentation that Guyana's LCDS 2030

is a strategy that outlines how the nation will advance economic growth and development in a non-polluting, low-carbon manner. He also emphasised that the policy strongly emphasises the environmentally responsible management of Guyana's forests, which are crucial for ecosystem services and carbon storage.

According to him, the LCDS 2030 measures for reducing and adapting to climate change effects were also mentioned, emphasising infrastructure, agriculture, and health.

In response to President Irfaan Ali's recent remarks in Qatar, in which he posited that Guyana is leading the world in combatting climate change, Singh said that Guyana’s story is an exemplary case of low-carbon development in action and an example that other countries can emulate.

"It was therefore important for me to tell our story and let our environmental credentials be known to youth leaders who are influencing policies around the globe," he noted.

The youth delegate also referred to the historic multi-year deal between Guyana and Hess Corporation to sell carbon credits. Since many nations have yet to be able to benefit from the provision of carbon services, Singh stated that the sale of carbon credits was an

area in which many of the delegates were interested.

He explained that with the second-largest forest cover in the world, Guyana's forest holds 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon.

About this, he explained that Guyana would maintain its net carbon sink status as it advances development in its oil and gas sector.

The attendees were also made aware of Guyana's goals and continuing initiatives to create a mix of energy sources focusing

on solar, wind, hydro, and natural gas.

The GYC connects youth leaders and young professionals with business leaders and officials worldwide to encourage and promote community-based solutions on a local, regional, and global scale. It also offers a forum for policy creation and reform.

(This is part of a weekly series on LCDS.) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@ gmail.com.)

Mahdia Fire: Two sets of evil people

IN my first column for the Chronicle which began last Monday , I began to look at the intention of the elite mulatto/Creole class to undermine the PPP government in what they perceive as permanent Indian rule in Guyana. In Monday ’ s column , I traced the evolution of this

class and had intended to conclude it the next day , but the Mahdia inferno took priority I will likely conclude Monday’s offering on Sunday For now, I look at another angle of the painful Mahdia tragedy

In this piece I will look at two sets of evil people that I believe are truly mentally

cruel people who have no redemptiveness about them I believe modern society in the world, not only in Guyana, should ostracize these people as an act of respect for civilized life

The first are those horrible elites of Guyanese extraction who live luxuriously in other countries benefitting

from the fossil fuel industry where they live yet want Guyana to shut down the oil industry on the ugly claim that Guyana must help save the climate integrity of the world

In a forthcoming column, I will write more on this dangerous species as I have done in previous columns elsewhere For now, I look at another set of evil humans

Last Monday, on the Freddie Kissoon / Gildarie show we had a call - in programme devoted to the deaths of the schoolchildren.

A number of callers informed us that two members of the lunatic fringe based in New York and who are never coming back to Guyana, used the loss of lives at Mahdia to score political points

I am not going to name them for a simple reason that is pregnant with filth I just started writing for this newspaper and I don’t want to push it into the bosom of sick people who just want publicity so they can sue for

Frederick Kissoon

just the mentioning of their names I will look at their Facebook posts and name them in subsequent columns But these people are so depraved that even if you quote what they say, they will sue

But these are two members of the lunatic fringe to whom decent people pay no attention Of the other names cited on the show , one is a member of the National Assembly, who belonged to the Alliance For Change The other is a former Member of Parliament for the PNC who sits on the c Central Committee of the PNC and represents the PNC in Region Three

Here is the story of Mahdia that could happen in any country on Planet Earth ; worse tragedies have happened elsewhere in other

countries A student in a dormitory was enraged because she was disciplined for loose conduct She lit a fire and it spread and consumed the dormitory killing 19 kids with a few being treated for serious burns

What could be the connection between that act of arson and the rule of the government? How can any sane mind blame the government for an act of a human that shows how flawed is homo sapiens ? Only one type of psychology could be at work here – an evil mind

Let us leave out the two members of the lunatic fringe, both of whom have children , parents , family members and friends that

See page 13

Mahdia Fire: Two sets...

From page 12

have to be ashamed of them

How could two high-ranking members of the opposition use the death of 19 kids who lost their lives in a terrible tragedy to score political points?

What kind of humans are these people? Are they civilized? More importantly, what are their leaders going to tell the nation about the utterances of the misfits among their midst?

My point is, if the leaders of the PNC and AFC cannot expel these misfits then what kind of humans are they themselves? I have not used the word , “ expel ” lightly

In my column yesterday, I listed the Mahdia arson as the third deepest tragedy in modern Guyana For a list of my six worst tragedies, see

Joint Services to vote on June 2

my column yesterday

How can society tolerate and accept two practising politicians that show no conscience and reveal that they are evil people who would use the most painful tragedies to further their narrow political interests?

Every human would understand opposition members beating up on government over police brutality; GPL defects that cause terrible fires; GWI faults that flooded out an entire village and things like those These are the things opposition parties are good at and citizens show sympathy for their causes

But to use the deaths of 19 kids in a fire deliberately set by one of their friends and blame the government is simply an act of evil Such humans do not belong in this world

THE Guyana Elections Commission ( GECOM ) has announced that members of the Joint Services will be voting on June 2, 2023 , as part of the Local Government Elections (LGEs).

According to a GECOM advertisement , persons would have from 6:00 hours to 18:00 hours to cast their votes

In February , Minister of Local Government and Regional Development , Nigel Dharamlall wrote to GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, appointing June 12, 2023 as the date for conduct of the polls

The date was chosen based on the work plan that was submitted by GECOM to the minister Guyanese have been anticipating the hosting of

LGEs for some time now It is at the LGEs that Guyanese are given the opportunity to vote for the councillors that will constitute their Local Authority Areas ( LAAs ). Guyana has 70 NDCs and 10 municipalities, inclusive of Georgetown LGEs were legally due in 2021, and the funds were budgeted to facilitate this ; however , several issues facing GECOM at the time prevented the holding of the elections , including the non-appointment of a Chief Election Officer (CEO).

The LGEs could not be held in the absence of a CEO,

a position which was later filled by Vishnu Persaud in December 2021

With the appointment of a CEO, preparation for the conduct of LGEs had commenced in 2022, and last October, the GECOM Chair wrote Minister Dharamlall , naming March 13 as the earliest date for the holding of LGEs The minister subsequently appointed this date for LGEs , with Nomination Day set for December 12, 2022 This decision was , however , postponed after GECOM ratified a proposal submitted by Persaud for the hosting of another round of

“claims

and

objections” for a new register of voters to be produced

As part of the government ’ s commitment , some $2.9 billion has been allocated to GECOM for preparatory works to ensure the successful planning and execution of the elections

The local government system is an essential part of the country’s governance framework . The election is contested by political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who are desirous of winning seats on the councils of the NDC and municipalities

A nation mourns

— stakeholders call for unity, love as Guyanese recover from tragic loss of 19 young souls at Mahdia — survivors, families of victims assured of unwavering support

National Toshao’s Council:

Their untimely departure leaves an indelible void in our hearts

“With heavy hearts, we write to express our deepest condolences to the grieving families who lost their loved

ones in the tragic fire at the Mahdia Secondary School's female dormitory.

This devastating incident has left our nation in shock and mourning, and we stand together in solidarity with the affected families during this incredibly difficult time.

The loss of so many young lives is an unimaginable tragedy that has deeply impacted the entire community. We extend our sympathies to the parents, siblings, friends, and relatives who are experiencing immense grief and pain. May you find solace

and strength in the support of your loved ones, the community, and the nation as a whole.

The students who perished in this tragic event had dreams and aspirations, and their untimely departure leaves an indelible void in our hearts. As a nation, it is our responsibility to honour their memory by ensuring that such incidents never occur again. We must come together to identify the root causes of this tragedy and work towards implementing measures that prioritise the safety and well-being of our

students.

It is crucial that we extend our support to the survivors, who will carry the physical and emotional scars of this tragedy throughout their lives. We encourage the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to provide the necessary counselling, therapy, and support systems to help these young individuals heal and recover from this traumatic experience. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every person impacted by this heartbreaking incident.”

Amerindian Peoples Association:

Let us band together as one and pray for healing

“We at the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) are heartbroken to learn of the tragic fire that resulted in the death of 19 children and injuries to several others at the Mahdia Secondary School’s Female Dormitory, Region Eight.

We join all Guyanese in mourning the deaths of Adanye Jerome, Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha Dandrade, Loreen Evans, Belnisa Evans, Mary Dandrade, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Sherena Daniels, Eulander Carter, Andrea Roberts and Rita Jeffrey.

To their families, there is nothing we can say or do to ease the pain at this time, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. The short legacies of those young children will forever be etched in the memories of those they have impacted.

Guyana is now poorer owing to this devastating loss. To the survivors, we know the road to recovery will be a long one but know that the entire country is rooting for you and will support you.

We are aware that every effort is being made to bring relief to the bereaved families and support to those that are both traumatised and injured. We commend President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet for springing into action and addressing the tragedy.

The APA stands ready to assist the government and supporting agencies in whatever way it could. It is important to note that while the secondary school is located in the township of Mahdia, it also housed students from indigenous communities from the wider Region Eight area.

The dormitory housed students from villages outside of Mahdia and thus far, victims have been identified from the indigenous communities of Micobie, Chenapou and Karisparu.

We are continuously monitoring the situation on the ground. Additionally, the APA calls on persons to desist from sharing images of the children’s burnt bodies and ask that the privacy of the families be respected.

The sharing of images of the burnt bodies of the children does nothing but to further traumatise their families. Today, Guyana lost what could have been 19 future leaders, leaving behind a void that can never be filled.

Families are broken and all we can do is to pray for their healing. We hope that we use this tragedy to band together as one and pray for healing for the bereaved families and the safe recovery of those injured. We mourn with the rest of Guyana.”

Caribbean

Examinations Council: Our prayers are with Guyana

The Council, Executives, Management and Staff the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) offer heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on the passing of 19 students in a tragic blaze at the Mahdia Secondary School.

“The loss of these young people with such bright potential is

shocking and painful. We pray at this time for the survivors and family members of those students whose lives were lost,” said Dr. Wayne Wesley, Registrar and

Bar Association

of Guyana:

Pause, pray and reflect on the precious lives lost

“THE Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana expresses its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of 19 children who tragically lost their lives in a fire at their school dormitory in Mahdia on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Today and onwards, our prayers for strength and hope go out to the families, friends and loved ones of Adonijah Jerome, Andrea Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Ariana Edwards, Mary Dandrade, Martha Dandrade, Belnisa Evans, Sabrina John, Loreen Evans, Nathalie Bellarmine, Bibi Jeffrey, Eulanda Carter, Omerfia Edwin, Losa Roberts, Nickleen Robinson, Sherena Daniels, Cleoma Simon, Tracil Thomas and Lorita Williams, and the community of Mahdia.

We also remember all

Guyana Inter Religious Organization: We trust that the creator will help us through these trying times

“The members of Guyana Inter Religious Organization (IRO) join with the nation and our international friends and supporters, to extend our sincerest condolences to all the family and relatives of those who have suffered lost and are grieving at this time.

We do not always understand the realities of life, however, we continue to trust that the Creator will provide the comfort and togetherness that we need to get through these trying times.

We pray also for those who are recovering and we ask that God would grant them speedy and satisfying

recovery.

We pray for the leadership of Guyana, that God would show them how best to act in order to reduce the fallout of this tragedy.

We thank God for the wisdom, experience and willingness of the doctors, nurses, firemen, pilots, police, community members and all who were involved in the saving of lives.

Shalom. Namaste. Was Salaam.”

Strength in Unity: R3PSInc Stands with the Nation in Mourning Mahdia’s Loss

It is with deep sorrow that the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) stand alongside the parents and loved ones of the victims who tragically lost their lives in the Mahdia Secondary School Female Dormitory incident in Region Eight.

Our deepest sympathies go out to everyone impacted by this tragic incident. We would also like to commend President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his esteemed Cabinet colleagues for their unwavering commitment in responding to this crisis.

We would like to express our appreciation to the medical and security staff who bravely and quickly assisted the injured and provided com-

fort to those affected in this difficult time. Their commitment and rapid response are praiseworthy.

At R3PSInc, we strongly believe in working together with other organisations to offer comfort and support to those affected by the recent incident. We recognise the overwhelming sorrow that has impacted our country and are prepared to assist in any way possible to aid in the healing process. We offer our condolences to the families and community impacted by this tragedy. We hope they find the strength and support they need during this tough time. The entire nation shares in their grief and sadness.

Messages continued on page 16

those who were injured during this tragedy and are either recovering or require intense care. We pray for their full and speedy recovery.

We also wish to unreservedly commend the efforts of all first responders who immediately and fearlessly responded to this tragedy to reduce loss of life suffered by the people of Mahdia. In the coming days, we call on all Guyanese to pause, pray and reflect on the lives of some of our Nation’s brightest souls now lost by this tragedy.”

Guyana Public Service Union:

Time for corrective measures to ensure this never happens again

“It is with great sadness that the Guyana Public Service Union learnt of the unfortunate loss of 19 budding scholars of our nation. The trauma on the families, relatives and friends of the deceased is shared by us all.

The ill-fated circumstances leading to the demise of these children is a lesson that would ensure that there should never, ever again, be a recurrence of this kind. A small nation in need of its peoples, but carelessly surrendering the lives of so many is but an abomination.

Guyana can ill afford this wonton loss of life, especially so many of these promising souls

snatched by death at such tender ages. May their souls rest in peace and rise in glory.

The Guyana Public Service Union conveys its condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, friends, and the entire Mahdia community.

The GPSU prays that the Government of Guyana, Regional Administrations, Education Departments, among others, use the circumstances of this horrific loss as a tool for future corrective measures, to ensure that there is never a recurrence.”

“The Liberty and Justice Party extends its most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. There is no greater tragedy than to have your child leave this world before you.

Such a tragic loss hits the heart of the nation and most notably, the Indigenous community. Indigenous peoples work tirelessly and against great odds to send their children to obtain a different education and such a loss is inexplicable.

Education and Health as the most important issues in indigenous communities were discussed extensively through our stint in Parliament with the Government, and many of those

have found very receptive ears in His Excellency and his team.

We are aware that prior to this tragedy, there was significant planning in process to inspect and upgrade all facilities to bring them all in line with the dorms located in Georgetown inclusive of equipment, fire drills, evacuation plans and emergency contingencies, and it is most unfortunate that those plans could not have rolled out soon enough to prevent this heart wrenching tragedy.

We call on the government to swiftly investigate this matter and ensure the perpetrator(s) be brought to justice in the swiftest of manners. We also call on the government to take the imme-

diate action to ensure that this never occurs again by expeditiously implementing their plans to inspect all dormitories across the country and upgrading them with the utmost urgency.

We would like to commend His Excellency in mandating that the Golden Arrowhead be flown at half-mast in recognition of this tragic loss to the First Peoples and the nation, and extend our gratitude for the support the government has committed to helping the bereaved families and those affected by this tragedy.

We ask that the public respect the families’ right to privacy and give them room to grieve. We reiterate our sincere condolences.”

Gov’t building 100 homes for vulnerable Region Nine families

AS part of the housing hinterland programme, the government has announced plans to construct 100 homes for vulnerable families in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, made this announcement during a recent outreach in Lethem.

Minister Croal said 10 homes each will be built in the communities of Crash Water, Yakarinta, Quatata, Nappi, Shiriri, Rupunau, Parabara, Shea, Yurong Paru, and Tiger Pond.

The programme is being executed by the ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

He noted that the initiative aims to provide adequate housing solutions for residents in these remote communities, ensuring better living conditions and promoting sustainable de-

velopment.

The ministry has already begun the consultation process with the respective village councils to identify the beneficiaries.

“We are not involved in identifying the beneficiaries…we consult with the villages and the village councils and the village will identify those persons most needed within the respective villages,” he clarified.

The homes will be provided to beneficiaries at no cost, with a requirement for them to contribute labour.

Minister Croal said materials necessary for constructing the homes will be sourced and purchased locally within the respective villages.

He has assured that villages not included in the initial programme will be taken into consideration for future initiatives.

“We have to start somewhere. And as I said this is coming from the Government of Guyana resources and it is coming from taxpayers’ dollars. So, there’s only so much we can invest at the time,” he said.

The programme will be modelled after the Sustainable Housing for the Hinterland Programme, which was previously implemented by the Central Housing and Planning Authority, under the leadership of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during his tenure as Housing Minister. That programme was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Approximately 300 families of hinterland communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine are expected to benefit from the initiative.

Agencies collaborate with Diaspora Unit to serve Guyanese abroad

GUYANESE in the diaspora continue to receive support from key agencies in Guyana , especially regarding the application for and processing of key documents , among other matters

During its quarterly stakeholders meeting held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co - operation engaged representatives of several agencies on how to enhance the services provided to the Guyanese diaspora

While giving an update on Diaspora engagements for 2022, Head of the Diaspora Unit Rosalinda Rasul reported that there were approximately 1,000 successful engagements with the diaspora last year

“And by 1,000, we don’t mean inquiries These are actual things that people wanted to get done such as medical missions, investments, guidance on employment and we were able to engage people who want to come back with their skills,” Rasul informed

She applauded the agencies for their firm collaboration and support while also raising concerns from the diaspora pertaining to accessing services in Guyana, where certain transactions are difficult to complete due to the absence of digitisation

In this regard, Chief Financial Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest ), Christian Tebogah underscored that systems , polices and processes have been adjusted by Go-Invest to be more accommodating

According to Tebogah :

“We’re looking at the online chatbot as well so people engagement can be facilitated, and we just started to use the CRM tool so we’re now able to manage projects digitally We still have our manual system because we’re trying to do a hybrid system.”

The round table discussion saw recommendations from the Guyana Revenue Authority relating to concessions Manager for the Tax Exemption Processing and Verification Division, Roopnarine Singh advised against

shipping items to Guyana before approval is granted Director of Operations , Central Housing and Planning Authority, Denise King Tudor contributed to the conversation by emphasising that the Guyanese diaspora, when applying for house lots or young professional homes, essentially must have an understanding that they must satisfy all requirements

“

Once an application is submitted, they must produce a letter form the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation proving that they have remigrated and the next step, to have an interview done,” Tudor said Directives for parties desirous of being married were illustrated by Registrar General, Raymon Cummings He posited that persons living overseas for more than six months must be in Guyana 15 days prior and a minimum of four days if one party resides here

In order to focus strategically on the diaspora, Head of the Diaspora Unit pledged continued partnership with key agencies to implement

and guide the Guyanese diaspora, using the initiatives and suggestions to facilitate seamless, efficient and quality services

Other representatives who participated and offered recommendations in Tuesday ’ s meeting were Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Kamrul Baksh; Marcia Sealey of Immigration Support Services ; Dianne Jordan of the Remigration Unit ; Stephen Telford of Central Immigration and Passport Office, and Tavia Rodney of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission

Guyanese in the diaspora continue to receive support from key agencies in Guyana, especially regarding the application for and processing of key documents, among other matters

Speaker Nadir, regional leaders join thousands in expressing sympathy over Mahdia tragedy

The following is the full press release from the Parliament of Guyana: Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, Manzoor Nadir: It is with profound sadness that I, as Speaker of the National Assembly, on behalf of the Members, Clerk and staff of the Parliament of Guyana, extend our deepest condolences to the family, relatives, friends and other loved ones of the children who perished in the fire which engulfed the Mahdia Secondary School Dormitory in Region Eight of Guyana on Monday, May 22, 2023.

The Parliament of Guyana mourns with the people of Mahdia and our nation in this tragic and heartbreaking time Our prayers and thoughts are with the families of the deceased and every Guyanese at home and abroad

To this end, we postponed all activities to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of our Parliament in solidarity with the agony felt by our nation In addition, we have received many messages of sympathies from the international community:

Hon Bridgid Annisette-George, Speaker of the House, Parliament of the Republic of

Trinidad and Tobago: “Heartfelt sympathy to Speaker Nadir and the people of Guyana on the loss of those 19 young promising souls who were lost in the horrific dorm fire at Mahdia.”

Hon Philip Brave Davis, Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas: “I am deeply saddened by the devastating news of the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory in Guyana On behalf of the people of the Bahamas, I extend our heartfelt condolences to President Irfaan Ali, the people of Guyana, and especially to the families who have lost their precious children in this tragic incident

As fellow members of CARICOM, we share not only common goals and aspirations but also the pain and suffering of one another We stand united with you in mourning, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking incident.”

Hon Claudius Francis , Speaker of the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia: “My deepest sympathies, Speaker Nadir.”

Hon Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, M P.,

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Jamaica: “I am so sad & distressed May the good Lord grant strength & comfort during this trying period.”

Ms Dessima Williams, President of the Senate of Grenada: “Oh dear oh dear oh dear, what a great loss of these dear little ones Indeed our heartfelt sympathy to you, Speaker, and to the nation May God comfort all the families and may their souls rest in perfect and heavenly peace.”

Hon Valerie Woods , Speaker of the House of Representatives, National Assembly of Belize: “Just getting the news, Speaker Nadir Very tragic and sad news Our thoughts are with you and the people of Guyana.”

Hon Gordon J Burton, Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands: “Our deepest sympathies, Speaker Nadir, on your country’s loss.”

Hon Lanein Blanchette, Speaker of the National Assembly of St Kitts & Nevis : “Deepest sympathies to you, Speaker Nadir, and your country I will continue to pray for you all.”

Hon Rochelle Forde , Speaker of the

House of Assembly of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: “Deepest sympathy to you, Speaker , and your country Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Guyana.”

Hon Pia Glover-Rolle, Bahamas Minister of State for the Public Service: “Sending prayers and love for your country.”

Mr Mouhamed Khouraichi Niass, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC): “Excellency, I have received with utmost sadness the news concerning the fire which engulfed a school dormitory on early Monday, May 22, 2023, in the town of Mahdia, South of the Capital, Georgetown and resulted in the death of at least 19 students Offering to your Excellency and the brotherly Guyana people our heartfelt condolences and sincere consolation for this distressing catastrophe, we pray to Almighty God to shower His plentiful mercy on the dead students, wish speedy recovery to the wounded, and preserve your country as well as the entire Muslim countries from all misfortune God is the Protector and All- Powerful.” May God bless us all.

Rihanna stands in solidarity with Guyana after Mahdia tragedy

GLOBAL icon and singing sensation, Robyn Fenty, better known as Rihanna, has joined thousands of persons locally, regionally and internationally, in expressing sympathy over the tragic death of 19 children as a result of a destructive fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory.

Rihanna, who has Guyanese parentage, expressed her sympathy by sharing a message of condolences from Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

“The news of the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School in Guyana, which claimed the lives of 19 children late last night, is truly a tragedy beyond words. To [President] Dr Mohamed

Irfaan Ali and the people of Guyana, I offer my sincere condolences and offer my support during this difficult time,” Mottley said.

The Ciara Lionel Foundation, founded by Rihanna, also posted on Twitter:

“Words cannot express the

Mahdia School Fire Victims:

16 girls now receiving care at GPHC

heartbreak we felt when learning of the tragic school fire in Guyana. Our deepest love and sorrow go out to the families of the children who left this world far too soon.”

In the wake of the deadly fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has declared three days of national mourning and said that the

national flag will be flown at half-staff at all public buildings in honour of the children who lost their lives.

“Today is one of the saddest days of my life as President. It is a day that I wished never occurred,” the Head of State said after speaking with parents, guardians, and relatives of the 19 victims.

During a live update to

the nation on Monday, President Ali said that government is fully committed to assisting those affected by this heartbreaking incident and will work tirelessly to ensure that they receive the necessary care and assistance during this difficult time.

“I’m committing, as I have done to the family members already, our full,

unconditional, unhindered support for the families and these children; whether it be medical, social, counselling, financial, transportation, accommodationwhatever the form of support required, the state will provide that support to the families, to the children,” the President said while in Mahdia.

SIXTEEN girls who were victims of the tragic fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory in Region Eight are currently patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) receiving treatment for injuries sustained.

This is according to GPHC’s Public Relations Officer, Jai Lall, who told the Guyana Chronicle that the young girls who were victims of the fire are still at the hospital receiving care.

Lall stated that of the nine girls who were transported there on Monday, two patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and are being monitored.

Further, in relation to the other patients, he noted that their condition is still listed as serious but stable, and they too are being monitored by nurses and doctors at the institution.

On Tuesday, another seven were admitted to the GPHC.

On Monday, following the fire, nine girls were transported to the GPHC as their condition

was listed as more serious, based on their injuries.

The girls were medically evacuated on three separate flights in threes to the GPHC. Early on Monday, Dr Vickita Nandan provided an update on the six patients who were at the hospital by Monday morning.

During that briefing, she noted that those six patients had varying degrees of burns that ranged from approximately 30 per cent of the total surface area to about five per cent.

She noted that one of those patients had to be taken to the operating theatre to have limb-saving surgery done due to the injuries received, while three others were admitted to the hospital’s Paediatric High Dependency Unit.

Later on Monday afternoon, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar who went to Mahdia with a team of doctors in the wee hours of Monday morning, brought three additional patients to the GPHC for further treatment based on their condition.

Relatives of some of the injured girls at the GPHC on Monday

Children pay tribute to Mahdia fire victims

Children across the country on Tuesday paid tribute to the students who lost their lives and those who were injured in the Mahdia Secondary School’s dormitory fire on Sunday night

Cocoa production to increase with establishment of nurseries

THE cocoa industry is currently being reengineered as the government aims to cultivate this crop locally and subsequently market it as a tourism product to the world

During his address at the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Annual Awards Gala and Auction, President, Dr Irfaan Ali revealed that the government is receiving assistance from an advisor who has immense knowledge of the industry

The administration is also in talks with international scientists to aid in the establishment of cocoa nurseries here

The cocoa industry is currently being reengineered as the government aims to cultivate this crop locally and subsequently, market it as a tourism product to the world

“We’re speaking with scientists out of Brazil (and) India to come in and to establish the nurseries here so we can go on massive large-scale production because that must be part of a model,” the Head of State said

This forms part of a health and wellness tourism product that President Ali has charged tourism stakeholders to explore locally

“Only two per cent of the world market comprise of Liberica coffee So, we are now on a journey to rebuild the coffee industry,” Dr Ali said

Meanwhile, Dr Ali said that persons in Amerindian communities will have to be trained as brand ambassadors for products

The Head of State earlier this month held a meeting with farmers of Region Two, where they were informed that the Pomeroon has the potential to establish a largescale coffee industry

Additionally, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during an outreach in Region Two last year said the government will be testing cocoa and coffee production in the lower Pomeroon

The Pomeroon region is home to the Liberica cocoa which is one of the rarest cocoa seeds in the world

The Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) to restart the cultivation of coffee and cocoa there

“We’ll make those plants available for free, and we’ll work with the farmers to develop the plots so that farmers in the Pomeroon can once again be the producers of coffee and cocoa in Guyana.

This programme should commence within another month,” the minister was quoted as saying in a Ministry of Agriculture press release

LGE: Region Three police gear up with preparedness lecture

IN anticipation of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs), the ranks of Regional Police Division #3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara ) gathered on Monday for a crucial lecture on ‘E-Day’ preparedness.

Assistant Superintendent Delon Fraser , a lawyer attached to the Director of Public Prosecution ( DPP ) chambers, led the informative session, focusing on key topics to ensure a smooth and lawful electoral process

The lecture provided a valuable opportunity for Fraser to meet and interact with the ranks to ensure they were well - informed about their crucial roles, functions, and responsibilities during the election process

The main focus of the lecture was to equip the police ranks with the necessary knowledge and understanding of various key topics related to Election Day

The lecture covered five key topics essential for maintaining order and upholding

the law during the election Fraser emphasised the importance of identifying and addressing any misconduct in polling places Ranks were provided with the necessary knowledge and strategies to ensure a secure and fair environment for voters

The lecture also shed light on potential offences that could take place within polling places Ranks were educated on the types of violations and the urgency of taking immediate action to preserve the integrity of the electoral process

The senior officer also highlighted the significance of detecting and preventing attempts to forge official election documents. Ranks were trained to identify signs of forgery and take appropriate measures to safeguard the authenticity of electoral materials

The ranks also received detailed information on proxy voting and the necessary precautions to ensure its proper usage By understanding the regulations and

Chief Prison Officer dies in ‘sand heap’ crash

A 36-year-old Chief Prison Officer is now dead after crashing into a sand heap along the Melanie Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Monday night

Dead is Patrick Perry of Victoria Road, Plaisance, ECD attached to the Guyana Prison Service and based at Prison Headquarters, Georgetown

According to police , Perry was proceeding West along the southern side of Melanie Public Road at a fast rate of speed, and he lost control of the vehicle PAC 6465 when negotiating a left bend on the road

As a result, the vehicle collided with a heap of sand on the southern parapet and toppled several times.

“The driver was flung out of the vehicle and landed on the road surface, where he received injuries on his body He was seen and examined by the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) at Melanie, where he was pronounced dead,” police noted in a press release

His body was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination Sergeant Stewart and a party of police ranks, as well as the Acting Director of Prison, Nicklon Elliot, visited the scene at about 00:10 hours Tuesday morning as the investigation continued

potential misuse of proxy papers, the ranks are better equipped to detect and prevent any fraudulent activities associated with this process.

The lecture also covered minor offences that may occur during the electoral process Ranks were reminded to promptly address these infractions, maintaining law and order while ensuring a fair and transparent election

“ Ranks were reminded of their roles, functions and responsibilities on E-Day to ensure that persons are able to cast their ballots in an orderly manner and to ensure the maintenance of law and order,” police said Eligible members of the Joint Services will vote in the LGE on Friday, June 2, 2023, while citizens will vote on June 12, 2023.

Assistant Superintendent Delon Fraser during the lecture with police ranks

Dead: Patrick Perry

ECO Canada expands partnership opportunities to Guyana, Trinidad

ECO Canada , a leading environmental certification and training organisation, has recently announced its plans to explore opportunities internationally.

With over 30 years of experience providing environmental workforce development solutions, ECO Canada aims to bring its expertise

and knowledge to global markets The organisation is establishing partnerships with governments, academia, NGOs and other key stakeholders to deliver training, certification, and accreditation in various countries

Kevin Nilsen, President and CEO of ECO Canada , will be travelling to Guy -

ana and Trinidad on May 20-27, 2023, to discuss the expansion of ECO Canada’s international presence

Nilsen brings more than 20 years of experience in developing and implementing sustainability initiatives and is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and workforce develop -

ment Under his leadership, ECO Canada has continued to expand its programmes and services , including its international partnerships Most recently the Canadian University Dubai ( CUD ) announced that the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Management programme was awarded Accreditation Status from ECO Canada

Travelling with Nilsen to the Caribbean is Dr Yogendra Chaudhry, Vice President of Professional Services at ECO Canada.

Chaudhry oversees the development and delivery of professional services while providing strategic insight and technical support for environment and sustainability programmes He works closely with various stakeholders , including government , industry and professionals With more than two decades of experience in Environment and Sustainability, he has worked in numerous countries in Asia , Africa , Europe and North America Chaudhry holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and supports several Canadian and international academic institutions, standard-setting organisations, and industry associations

ECO Canada’s expansion is driven by the growing demand for sustainability and environmental stewardship, and it aims to provide the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to create a sustainable future

The organisation’s international expansion is expected to benefit the environment, economy, and workforce by creating new job opportunities and promoting sustain-

able business practices

The Caribbean region is facing significant environmental challenges, including those related to climate change and unsustainable use of natural resources ECO Canada is exploring joining efforts to address these challenges and ensure sustainable social and economic growth in the region. ECO Canada offers many services , including its Environmental Professional ( EP ) Certification , Environmental Education Curriculum Accreditation through university education, BEAHR Programme and other Training Services International efforts will enhance the organisation ’ s reputation and increase its credibility as a leader in environmental workforce development.

CDC receives more support for Mahdia fire victims

The

Kevin Nilsen, President and CEO of ECO Canada

THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and the Lions and Leos Club of Bel Air, on Monday, donated items to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for distribution to persons affected by the destructive Mahdia fire, which claimed the lives of 19 children.

Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association provided a cheque worth $250,000 while the Lions and Leos Club of Bel Air donated a quantity of clothing items and other personal care supplies Both entities said that they felt the need to help as the country mourns the loss of 19 children who perished in a dormitory fire recently The Commission remains ready and willing to provide any support that is necessary to the town of Mahdia.

Friendship resident perishes in Hill Foot crash

lorry driver in custody

A 23-year-old man died on Monday after he reportedly ran into the path of a motor lorry in the vicinity of Hill Foot on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway

Dead is Joel Alexander, a Lot 145 Wilkins Street , Friendship, East Coast Demerara resident

According to police, Alexander was involved in a collision between his motor car PKK 475 and a motor lorry GAD 5905 owned by Alabama Equipment Rental and Transportation Service

The lorry driver, Sudesh Rohit, 32, hailing from Leguan Island, is currently in custody, assisting police with their investigation

Police said the incident occurred at approximately 16:50 hrs According to initial enquiries , the lorry was travelling east along the northern side of the road when the driver claimed that Alexander’s motor car, PKK 475, attempted to overtake a white car of unknown registration

However , Alexander ’ s vehicle ended up in the path of the oncoming lorry In an attempt to avoid a collision, Rohit told police that he veered to the left, but the two vehicles ultimately collided despite his efforts

As a result of the impact , Alexander sustained severe head and body injuries Emergency services arrived promptly, and he was found unconscious inside his vehicle

The Police quickly extricated him from the wreckage and rushed him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre , where he was pronounced dead on arrival

His body was transferred to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for a post-mortem examination

The lorry driver was given a Breathalyzer test, and the results showed no trace of alcohol on his breath

The driver of motor lorry GAD 5905 is in custody , assisting with the investigation

Wakenaam Hospital to undergo major rehabilitation

RESIDENTS of Wakenaam Island, Region Three, will soon be provided with an advanced medical facility, as the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital will undergo major rehabilitation works.

With rehabilitation, residents can expect a more comfortable environment, along with adequate supplies to enhance service delivery

The hospital will also see the presence of additional health workers, which will improve its efficiency Rehabilitation works will commence following the tendering process

The Ministry of Health has since opened bids at the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the project

As per normal, bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure, specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

Persons can uplift the bidding documents at the Accounts Department of the Ministry of Health compound, at Brickdam, Georgetown, between Monday to Thursday from 09:00 hours to 16:30 hours, and on Friday from 09:00 hours to 15:30 hours

Bids are required to be submitted at the NPTAB at lot 49 Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, no later than Tuesday, June 13, 2023

The rehabilitation and construction of hospitals and health facilities are just one of the many ways in which the government is modernising the health sector. (DPI)

Alexander’s mangled motorcar

Joel Alexander

53 persons equipped with knowledge to address gender-based violence

— after completing Training-of-Trainers programme

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in collaboration with United Nations Women through the Spotlight Initiative, recently hosted its maiden Foundations Trainer-of-Trainers pro-

gramme in Region Six. Some 53 persons from a wide cross-section of society including both government and non-governmental organisations, completed the training which focused on strengthening

prevention approaches to address gender-based violence.

The programme, which was hosted at the Little Rock Hotel, featured integral presentations from the ministry’s Gender Affairs

Bureau.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said: “This programme targets 13- to 25-year-olds from across the country, where they understand the nu -

ances of gender-based violence, but more than understanding gender-based violence, they are aware of the support mechanisms, they are aware of the legislation and they are aware of how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.”

Minister Persaud added: “This training will lead into a number of very important areas for the Ministry so Region Six, you have started something that every region will be able to follow and have more inclusivity in the kind of training we are offering. It is openings like these that persons are equipped with the skills and information and knowledge to deal with issues of violence, and it means that this information will be disseminated widely.”

Ameer Rahaman, a cricket administrator, said: “This workshop, for me, has been a big boost. It has helped me so much that I can go back now and teach my kids, both boys and girls, I would be able to handle certain situations, listen to them and be able to advise them. This workshop is something I wish we can have more of it, especially towards the sports end and this has helped me to the point that I know on a day-by-day basis I will be able to help my kids in most of the situations they are going through.”

Detective Sergeant Dean-Smith, who is the officer in charge of crime at the number Two sub-division, noted, “I am priv-

ileged to be part of these sessions. As a law-enforcement officer, we encounter reports of these particular nature, of these gender roles, gender equality, sexual violence and so on and this training now will help the several officers among the batch to impart knowledge to a person who is coming at the station to report these crimes and also we will be able to go into the communities and impart the knowledge to those affected by violence and abuse.”

The officer added: “Personally, the training was excellent, it was well put together and so simple that in a case that a layman can understand the concept of the training and put it out there.”

Shinelle Maxine-Jaffarally, Chair of the Gender Affairs Committee in Region Six, reckoned: “I am very privileged to be part of this training session, it was very informative, very timely I should say also because some of the issues raised and dealt with in this training, we see very prevalent in our society as we address gender issues, sexual harassment and so forth. I think all the information that was dispensed, it was very good and there are so many things we can do to help women and young people. I will now go back to my office and develop programmes to help in different areas, especially in the depressed communities.”

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud is joined by the graduating batch of trainers and lecturers

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday May 24, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Suresh Raina

(2) Sachin Tendulkar (78 IPL matches; 2334 runs)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which two teams contested Qualifier 1 in IPL 2023?

(2) Which two teams are scheduled to play the Eliminator game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

RACING TIPS

Belle

Devon Thomas suspended, charged under ICC anti-corruption code

ECB code for failing to disclose details of an approach made to indulge in corrupt conduct during the 2021 edition of Abu Dhabi T10, when he was a part of the Pune Devils team.

The remaining two charges are from the last two editions of the CPL when he played for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Barbados Royals,

respectively. One of the charges concerns, again, failing to disclose an approach. The second charge is about failing to report the "receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or benefit (a) that he knew or should have known was made in order to procure a breach of the CPL Code, or (b) could have brought the player or the game of

cricket into disrepute".

Thomas last played for West Indies in the day-night Adelaide Test against Australia in December 2022, his only appearance in the format. He has also turned out for West Indies in 21 ODIs and 12 T20Is since his international debut in 2009.

(ESPNCRICINFO) The ICC has suspended West Indies batter Devon Thomas, slapping seven charges under its anti-corruption code on him including "contriving to fix" matches. Thomas, who was named in the West Indies squad for the forthcoming three-ODI series against the UAE in Dubai, has 14 days to respond.

The charges against 33-year-old Thomas are with regard to his conduct while playing in three franchise-based tournaments: the Lanka Premier League (LPL), the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

In a media statement on Tuesday, the ICC said Thomas had breached the

anti-corruption codes at all three tournaments and its anti-corruption unit had been authorised by all three boards in question - Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) - to conduct the investigation on their behalf. In a media statement, CWI said it would fully support the ACU investigation and that it was resolute about "denouncing corruption" in cricket.

The most serious charge against Thomas - of attempting to fix a match - is from the 2021 edition of the LPL when he played for Kandy Warriors. Incidentally, Thomas played just one game in that edition of the LPL.

Overall, Thomas faces four charges under the SLC anti-corruption code on his conduct in that tournament. The four charges are of "contriving or being party to an agreement to fix or attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspects of matches", "failing to disclose […] full details of an approach" to the ACU, "failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to co-operate" in an ACU investigation, and "obstructing or delaying" the investigation by "concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information".

Thomas also faced a single charge under the

CWI remains steadfast to ICC ACU amid Devon Thomas charges

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been made aware that charges have been laid by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), involving West Indies player Devon Thomas. CWI is not directly

involved in the process but remains firm in denouncing corruption in cricket, and fully supports the ICC ACU in its efforts to uphold the integrity of the sport.

While the matter continues, CWI will not make any further comments in

respect of these charges. In collaboration with ICC and the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA), CWI remains committed to sensitizing and educating our players and officials on anti-corruption in sports.

Devon Thomas last played internationally in the Adelaide Test of December 2022, his only Test appearance (Getty image)

Basil Persaud first Essequibian to represent West Indies over 40 in South Africa

By Indrawattie Natram

Basil Persaud, of Devonshire Castle, Region Two, a former Essequibo Inter-County player, recently represented West Indies in the over-50 team at their recent world cup in South Africa.

Persaud shared his experience with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) councillors at their last statutory meeting and said that despite his side not winning, the experience was memorable.

Persaud was chosen to represent West Indies in a five-match series with both bat and ball.

During his match against Wales, he managed to bowl eight overs for 28 runs and snapped a wicket. In that 14-team tournament, there were two groups with the two teams contesting in the final. England came out victorious having defeated the host

country.

Speaking to councillors at the Region’s RDC, Persaud said he was honoured to represent the West Indies.

“When I heard I got selected I have to ensure that my mind and body was in order. I started to ensure I exercise regularly and stay fit for the tournament. I started

playing cricket in my young days and I am glad that even in my ageing I can still represent cricket in Guyana” Persaud said.

Persaud, who is a rightarm seamer, said that the tournament had many skillful players and, in his mind, everyone was victorious having met so far in the game.

In Group A, New Zealand led the points table while West Indies finished at number 5 with three victories and three defeats.

In Group, B, England led the standing. The other 11 participating countries were: Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, the United States of America, Pakistan, India, Wales, the United Arab Emirates and Namibia.

The West Indies was captained by former Guyana youth player, the left-arm orthodox spinner Zamin Amin while the team was made up of several former first-class

players including Jamaican Delroy Morgan, Canada-based Guyanese, Sunil Dhaniram, among others.

Persaud expressed gratitude to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), his club, the Everest Cricket Club (Georgetown) and Reliance Sports Club (Essequibo Coast) for making his trip a reality.

He also thanked Raj Singh, the Manager of the team, His Excellency,President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali, Cabinet Minister Nigel Dharamlall, members of Everest Club and Bridgelall Lall of the Reliance Sports Club.

Region Two Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, during the RDC, expressed congratulations to Persaud for making Region Two proud and for being the first Essequibians to do so.

GAPLF Intermediates/Masters Championships…

Fitness Express continues its long-standing support

Powerlifters who made their mark at the Novices competition earlier this year will be aiming to take their careers a step closer to seniors when they step on the platform for this year’s edition of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Intermediates and Masters Championships.

This year’s competition will take place for the first time at the Chase Academy Auditorium, Parade Street Kingston, just opposite the Theater Guild. Yesterday, a longtime supporter of the Federation, Mr. Jamie McDonald, Owner and Manager of Fitness Express, located at John and Sheriff Street, Campbellville, made a monetary contribution towards this Sunday’s event.

McDonald, in handing over the contribution to GAPLF president, Franklin Wilson, said that he was very pleased to be maintaining a proud tradition of supporting sports development.

Alleyne helps Barbados to nine-wicket win over Jamaica

(CMC) - AN unbeaten half-century from opener Aaliyah Alleyne propelled Barbados to a nine-wicket win against defending champions Jamaica in another low-scoring contest in the third round of the West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old West Indies Women’s pacer, opening the batting, struck eight fours in a run-aball top score of 55, and the Barbadians successfully chased 99 to win the second match of the day’s triple-header at Warner Park.

Alleyne shared 62 with left-handed opener and West Indies Women’s teammate Kycia Knight for the first wicket to set up things for Barbados before she and Kycia’s twin sister, Kyshona, another lefthander, ushered the team over the finish line with 19 balls remaining in an unbroken second wicket stand of 40.

It was the second win in three matches for the Barbadians, crowned West Indies Women’s Super50 champions for a third time in a row, in a tournament that preceded the T20 Blaze, and they now join the Jamaicans and the Windwards on eight points.

would like to applaud you for your committed partnership over the years. I recall covering so many presentations you’ve made to the various presidents and now I am at the helm of a sport which I’ve been associated with since its rebirth under Peter Green, over two decades ago.

On behalf of the executive and members of the Federation, I would like to express sincere thanks for your continued generosity which will go a long way in making this event a success.”

Earlier, former West Indies Women’s captain Stafanie Taylor defied the Barbados attack, comprising several of her international teammates, to lead the way for the Jamaicans with 34 not out and anchor them to a modest 98 for four.

The Jamaican batting failed to fire, and no other batsman reached 20, but they managed to bat out the full allocation of 20 overs.

Leg-spinner Keila Elliott was the pick of the Barbadian bowlers with two for nine from three overs.

“I am really happy to be once again throwing Fitness Express’ support behind this sport. I’ve known you for a very long time and am happy to see you now taking up the challenge to lead this sport. You can be assured of our unflinching support for our athletes and the strengthening of the sport. We wish every athlete and your Federation

every success on Sunday.”

Wilson, in responding to McDonald, noted that he was happy to take up the mantle and recalled that ever since Fitness Express opened its doors for business in Guyana, over a decade ago, they have been backing powerlifting every year.

“This current executive which I am proud to lead,

Meanwhile, Wilson has informed that McDonald and himself are in talks to pursue other avenues where athletes can benefit even more from Fitness Express. Details of the initiative will be forthcoming in the not-too-distant future.

The Federation will also, on Sunday, be hosting a fundraising bar-b-que at the competition with a view of raising much-needed funds.

In the opening match, Windward Islands defied an impactful spell from off-spinner Samara Ramnath to clinch a confidence-boosting seven-wicket win against Trinidad & Tobago.

Ramanth snared three for 12 from her allotted four overs, but all-rounder Qiana Joseph led the way with 18 not out and West Indies Women’s leg-spinner Afy Fletcher made 13, and the Windwards successfully chased 60 to win.

Hosts Leeward Islands faced Guyana in the last game of the night.

Basil Persaud

Owner of Fitness express, Jamie McDonald, hands over the sponsorship cheque to GAPLF president, Franklin Wilson

Guyanese athletes return home from Colombia

Guyana’s gold-medal winning contingent returned from the South American U-20 Championships, which was held in Bogota, Colombia from May 19-21, yesterday.

The outfit, which comprised seven athletes and three officials were received at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by representative of the National Sports Commission’s Assistant Director of Sport, Franklin Wilson.

Team Guyana finished with four medals -- two gold and two bronze medals -- from the spikes of Tianna Springer and Ezekiel Newton.

Springer, 15, broke the 400m meet record en route to finishing atop the podium and returned to earn a bronze medal in the 200m final.

Newton, 18, powered to victory in the men’s 200m final after snaring a bronze in the blue riband 100m event.

The team comprised Springer, Newton, Wesley Noble Jr, Kareese Lloyd, Jaheel Corvette,

Erin Leitch and Isiah Trim.

The unit is accompanied by Kenisha Headley (Manager), Johnny Greavesande (Coach), and Akeem Stewart (Massage Therapist).

The Athletic Association of

ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier…

Royals retain Holder, McCoy for 2023 season

The Barbados Royals have confirmed their Caribbean player retentions ahead of the 2023 Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The tournament gets underway on 16th August with the final taking place on 24 September. There will be matches in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Caribbean players the Royals have retained are Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Obed Mccoy, Rahkeem Cornwall, Justin Greaves, Joshua Bishop, Nyeem Young and Ramon Simmonds.

The Royals have also brought in Rovman Powell, who was transferred from the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Guyana

the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Guyana Olympic Association and T Shirt Hustle and Printing Services.

West Indies drawn in group A

West Indies have been drawn alongside the Netherlands, Nepal, United States, and hosts Zimbabwe in Group A of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament.

The ICC has unveiled the two groups, match schedules and venues for the 10-team tournament from 18th June to 9th July. All matches will start at 9:00am local time (3:00am Eastern Caribbean Time/2:00am Jamaica Time).

Group B features Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ten teams will be competing for the two remaining places at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup which will be played in India in October and November later this year.

West Indies face the USA in the opening Group

A fixture on Sunday 18th June at Takashinga Cricket Club, followed by Nepal on Thursday 22nd June at Harare Sports Club. West Indies meet hosts Zimbabwe on Saturday 24th June at Harare Sports Club. The fourth preliminary match will be against the Netherlands on Monday 26th June.

Each side will play the other teams in their group

West Indies have been drawn in group A

once with the top three from the groups progressing to the Super Six stage from Thursday 29th June to Friday 7th July. The teams each play three Super Six matches against the sides they did not meet in the group stage.

All points won in the groups will be carried over to the Super Six stage apart from those gained against the bottom two from each group. The final will be played at Harare Sports Club on Sunday 9th July. The two finalists will both progress to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

West Indies Head Coach

Daren Sammy said: “We know what’s at stake and the singular focus is to secure one of the two spots for the

ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. We trust in our preparation and, now that we know the match-ups, we will plan accordingly. These are exciting times ahead for this confident bunch of young men. Our duty is to also make our fans proud and we intend to do exactly that.”

FULL SQUAD: Shai Hope (captain), Rovman Powell (vice- captain), Shamarh Brooks, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd

Sunday 18th June Zimbabwe v Nepal, Harare Sports Club West Indies v USA,

Takashinga Cricket Club

Monday 19th June Sri Lanka v UAE, Queen’s Sports Club Ireland v Oman, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Tuesday 20th June Zimbabwe v Netherlands, Harare Sports Club Nepal v USA, Takashinga Cricket Club

Wednesday 21st June Ireland v Scotland, Queen’s Sports Club Oman v UAE, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Thursday 22nd June West Indies v Nepal, Harare Sports Club Netherlands v USA, Takashinga Cricket Club

Friday 23rd June Sri Lanka v Oman, Queen’s Sports Club Scotland v UAE, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Saturday 24th June Zimbabwe v West Indies, Harare Sports Club Netherlands v Nepal, Takashinga Cricket Club

Sunday 25th June Sri

Lanka v Ireland, Queen’s Sports Club Scotland v Oman, Bulawayo Athletic Club

Monday 26th June Zimbabwe v USA, Harare Sports Club West Indies v Netherlands, Takashinga Cricket Club

Tuesday 27th June Sri

Lanka v Scotland, Queen’s Sports Club Ireland v UAE,

The overseas players and draft picks will be announced during the Republic Bank CPL draft show which will be broadcast at the end of June.

King, Allen among retentions for Jamaica Tallawahs

THE Jamaica Tallawahs have confirmed their Caribbean player retentions ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The tournament gets underway on 16th August with the final taking place on 24 September. There will be matches in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Caribbean players the Tallawahs have retained are Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Shamarh Brooks, Raymon Reifer, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Springer, Nicholson Gordon, Kirk Mckenzie and Joshua James

The Tallawahs have also brought in Hayden Walsh Jr. who was transferred from the Barbados Royals. Krishna Persaud, owner of the Jamaica Tallawahs, said: “We are delighted to be the defending champions, but that was last year. Now we will focus on this year's team as we look forward to another great tournament. We are excited and our team will seek to defend the CPL championship.”

The overseas players and draft picks will be announced during the Republic Bank CPL draft show which will be broadcast at the end of June.

Bulawayo Athletic Club

Thursday 29th June Su-

per 6: A2 v B2, Queen’s Sports Club

Friday 30th June Su -

per 6: A3 v B1, Queen’s Sports Club Playoff: A5 v B4, Takashinga Cricket Club

Saturday 1st July Super

6: A1 v B3, Harare Sports Club

Sunday 2nd July Super

6: A2 v B1, Queen’s Sports Club Playoff: A4 v B5, Takashinga Cricket Club

Monday 3rd July Super

6: A3 v B2, Harare Sports

Club

Tuesday 4th July Super 6: A2 v B3, Queen’s Sports Club Playoff: 7th v 8th Takashinga Cricket Club

Wednesday 5th July Super Six: A1 v B2, Harare Sports Club

Thursday 6th July Super 6: A3 v B3, Queen’s Sports Club Playoff: 9th v 10th Takashinga Cricket Club

Friday 7th July Super 6: A1 v B1, Harare Sports Club

Sunday 9th July Final, Harare Sports Club

extends gratitude to

Guyana’s gold-medal winning contingent

Devon Thomas suspended, charged under ICC anti-corruption code

Jordan; Sinclair leave Bangladesh in tatters

(Sportsmax) - Bangladesh “A” reached 175-5 off 49 overs at stumps on a rain-affected day one of the second four day “Test” against West Indies “A” at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Afif Hossain and Saif Hassan have top-scored so far for the hosts with 37 and 31, respectively.

Akeem Jordan has taken 2-24 in his 11 overs, so far, while Kevin Sinclair, who has also bowled 11 overs, took 2-37.

The West Indies have made two changes to their XI from the first Test with Gudakesh Motie and Yannic Cariah being replaced by Keacy Carty and Anderson Phillip.

Devon Thomas last played internationally in the Adelaide Test of December 2022, his only Test appearance (Getty image)

Story on page 37

Bangladesh "A" captain Shadman Islam and West Indies "A" captain Joshua Da Silva at the toss ahead of day one of the second four-day "Test"